Meant To Be

Meant To Be by J.H. Croix is a captivating holiday romance that kept my heart racing. The story is well-written, emotional, and provides entertaining moments that truly resonate. The author's ability to craft a swoony romance is evident, and the dynamic between the characters is engaging. The book effectively combines the allure of a pretend relationship with the charm of a small-town setting, making it a delightful read. J.H. Croix has truly outdone herself with this heartwarming tale, making it a must-read for fans of holiday romances.

Nicole Scarborough

673 reviews23 followers

I seriously just read another book with the same inn and band lol. This is a brothers best friend which I love. Dylan and Piper were perfect. The chemistry was great and it was well written.

Linda Stokes

498 reviews12 followers

Piper is in the airport with Kent who just broke up with her. Piper is embarrassed but she isn’t broken hearted because she was planning on moving to Alaska in a week. Sitting in the airport wondering what to do with the extra ticket for the concert that she had bought for Kent along with the room at Merry Falls Inn and the car rental when someone called her name. Piper looked up at the man she had a crush on. Dylan is shocked to see Piper in the airport, she is his best friend’s sister. Dylan has been attracted to Piper since meeting her while he was in college with her brother Wade. Dylan never made a move on Piper because of his friendship with Wade. Dylan is also moving to Alaska in a couple weeks. Piper is a veterinarian and she is going to be working with her friend Alice. Dylan is a hotshot firefighter and he is going to Alaska to work. Dylan saw the concert tickets and remarked that they were his favorite. Piper told Dylan about being dumped by Kent in the airport and offered the extra ticket to Dylan. They traveled to Merry Falls Inn on winding twisty roads. When Dylan and Piper got to the Inn they found out that there was only one bed. They figured they could handle being in the same bed but that was before they found out that they had each been crushing on the other one. The concert was really good and they ended up kissing. That night they ended up having sex. They woke up and found out they were snowed in. That gave Dylan and Piper a few more days to enjoy each other. Dylan had never believed in love because of his parents but he realized that he was in love with Piper. Piper fell in love with Dylan. They agreed to not tell Wade about their relationship until they were in Alaska. They were arriving in Alaska a week apart and they both had time to think. Wade told Piper that Dylan wasn’t a relationship type of guy and that his ex had been at the Inn where Wade worked at. Piper was upset and when Dylan contacted her she let him know that she knew about his ex and that were done. Will Dylan get the information straightened out between Wade and Piper? Will Piper give Dylan a chance? Will Dylan and Piper be able to work things out in Alaska? Will Dylan and Piper find love and happiness in Willow Brook, Alaska?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Bad Boy Update.

Exceptional Light My Fire romance!

Jean

3,250 reviews29 followers

This is book nine in The Light My Fire series and it is Piper and Dylan’s story. Piper had planned a weekend away with her boyfriend Kent only while at the airport he breaks up with her leaving her embarrassed along with concert tickets and a room at merry falls inn and not knowing what to do next until she heard her name being called only to find Dylan who is her brothers best friend and the man that she had a crush on for as long as she can remember. Dylan is surprised to see Piper alone at the airport and decided to find out what was happening so when he is told about her boyfriend and the weekend they decide to spend time together even though it is a bit dangerous for Dylan as he had been attracted to Piper for a long time but did nothing about it because of his best friend. Piper and Dylan are both moving to Alaska soon as Piper is a vet and due to start working with her friend and Dylan is a hotshot firefighter and while spending the weekend together the attraction and chemistry gets so strong that they don’t deny how they feel and end up having an explosive time together but with all the complications how do they keep moving forward together and then everything falls apart. Will Piper and Dylan be able to work things out by communicating giving them a chance of being together or is there relationship doomed before they are even given a chance to start. I absolutely love Piper and Dylan and even with there ups and downs along the way I was really hoping and pleased with the outcome. JH Croix is an amazing author and writer and her books are definitely worth reading and you will not be disappointed and I can’t wait to read more.

Kara Quade

546 reviews4 followers

November 21, 2023

Piper is meeting her boyfriend at the airport to head to a weekend getaway to see her favorite band in concert. Piper is shocked when her boyfriend dumps her at the airport. While waiting for her flight, Piper sees her brother's best friend, Dylan. Piper has crushed on Dylan for years thinking Dylan regarded her as a little sister. For the longest time, Dylan has hidden his attraction to Piper. Dylan and Piper are both shocked to learn they will both be moving to Alaska where he will be a hotshot firefighter, and Piper will work with a local vet in her office. After Piper explains how her now ex dumped her at the airport, Dylan suggests going along with her to see their favorite band at the mountain resort, and Piper agrees. Piper and Dylan act on their attraction to each other after being snowed in at the resort and having to share a room. Can Dylan and Piper's new relationship survive when they reach Alaska? Will Piper's brother ruin her new relationship with Dylan unwittingly? Can Dylan prove to Piper that he didn't cheat on her with one of his exes? How will Piper react when she learns Dylan tells her brother about their relationship? Will Piper take a chance on a future with Dylan? I really enjoyed Meant To Be by J.H. Croix. Dylan and Piper are a great couple with amazing chemistry. I would definitely recommend getting Meant To Be and the other books in the Light My Fire series by J.H. Croix. I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

Ana Rita

1,711 reviews41 followers

J.H. Croix has been a constant in my reading life and I'm one lucky girl.
She has an amazing writing that will make you cry, laugh and so much more.
Just grab one of her books and get ready to be amazed.
Meant To Be is her latest release and it's the ninth book from the Light My Fire Series… and what a series this has been.
What's not to like when firefighters and in the mix???
This book explores the lives of Piper and Dylan.
These two have known each other for a while now, but despite the feelings they have for each other, nothing can happen between them because she's his brother's best friend little sister. A no-go in bro-code.
When they see each other locked in a hotel room with only one bead a time to waste…
Oh boy… How I missed J.H. writing.
This book was so freaking amazing and the characters melted my heart.
Despite their resistance, love speaks louder and you really need to listen.
It's not easy to break your best friend's trust but when your heart speaks…
I loved the chemistry these two shared and the hot stuff… lord have mercy.
They were perfect and you can see their love growing with each chapter.
Guys, once I started to read this book, I simply couldn't stop.
I've read and read and when I realized, one afternoon had gone by and I read it all.
It was an amazing read and I want more.
More right J.H. Croix?
We will have more?
Another amazing book hun. You nailed it.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Mary Long

23 reviews

Forbidden love! Fake Boyfriend! Secret Crush!

Meant to Be has it all; these great tropes, all packaged with the perfect amount of sizzle and spice. Piper isn’t sure how she feels when she buys tickets to a concert and pays for a trip with her boyfriend only to be left alone in the airport, dumped. She was more embarrassed than sad. When a chance meeting with her brother’s best friend, who she has had a secret crush on for years, leads to a wonderful, unexpected change of plans.

Dylan knows she is off limits. He would never risk his friendship with her brother. However, “Rules didn’t apply in the suspended moment where we resided.” These two have such a strong connection, you are rooting for them from the start!

This is my first read by J.H. Croix, but it will not be the last. Meant to Be is the 9th book in the Light My Fire Series. But it was great as a standalone. This book is more than a great story, it is great writing. Great character development, beautiful language and imagery fill the pages. I will be reaching for the first eight books in the series because I am anxious to meet her other characters and read their love stories.

Meant to Be by J.H. Croix a wonderful, quick read that leaves you with a story that lingers in your heart. Romance readers will love Piper and Dylan’s love story!

Heidi Sturgess

857 reviews11 followers

I just love this cover ! What lies in between the pages I loved even more 🥰

Alaska is one of my unattainable bucket list dreams but I just love dreaming so I live through others and I must thank Piper and Dylan for making this a memorable trip 🥰😉

So Piper is moving to Alaska to work with a friend at the veterinary clinic and on her way there she’s going to a music festival, her then waste of space boyfriend breaks up with her at the airport but good riddance to bad rubbish I say ! Anyhoo she meets up with Dylan , her brother’s best friend who she crushed on forever and a day back in the day and lo and behold he too is heading to Alaska , a hotshot firefighter !!!!

So Dylan and Piper enjoy not only the music festival but each other as well 👏 it would seem their crush if way back when was mutual 😍 both are a little on edge about Wade’s reaction but I think at the end of the day he just wanted his sister happy and when the time came he made sure he put her first especially after he almost caused a break up before they even had a chamber to blossom but that’s all water under the bridge and alls well that ends well 🥰 Piper and a Dylan get the HEA and I got my Alaska fix 🥰

books-read-2023

Ann

1,422 reviews16 followers

*4 stars*
It was a short read but also was a bit into the Christmas spirit so that definitely puts you in the mood. I would've liked it to be a bit longer but that is always the case when enjoying a story. I loved the chemistry between Dylan & Piper but also the slightly forbidden romance between the two as Dylan is best friends with her brother. A great addition to this series and I'm looking forward to read some more.

As soon as she's landed at the airport, her boyfriend dumps her and leaves her behind but Piper wants to head toward the cabin she rented as she's always wanted to see one of her favorite bands play. Pure coincidence she sees Dylan there and he suggests to go with her. They've known each other for a long time and have always liked each other around as Dylan is best friends with Piper's brother. They have a great time and feelings are starting to show but both aren't really crossing the line. But sometimes the heart just wants what the heart wants :-) Will they find their way to one another or just let it end?...

Maggie Brundage

110 reviews3 followers

A book that throws Piper and Dylan together by chance at an airport when she gets dumped by her boyfriend and she still decides to go through with her plan and continue to go on to the concert for the weekend using an old flame by chance passing through the airport. Fate intervenes and the chemistry and attraction blossoms between these two when they realize they have had feelings for each other for years. They also realize that Dylan is Piper's brothers best friend and that they have to deal with Piper's overprotective brother. This book has angst, sweetness and all feelings in between the two as they deal with emotional, fiery passion. Love blooms quickly and true romance prevails. This is an intensely captivating book that is molten hot and messy as the characters navigate their feelings - hopefully to find themselves a happy ending. A great read that flows with the series and well worth the read as you root for Piper and Dylan and hopefully their happy ever after together. I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily choose to review.

Jade

271 reviews1 follower

November 9, 2023

Piper just got dumped by her boyfriend at the airport. She paid for the trip and the concert tickets. It looks like she is going to see her favorite band alone. While waiting for the connecting flight, she runs into her brother’s best friend Dylan. They have known each other for years. The crush is mutual. They find out Dylan like the same band and they both are taking a new job in a small Alaska town. Dylan agrees to go to the concert with Piper. Then there is only one bed in the hotel room and they got stuck in the snow storm. They have fun cross-country skiing and the band, and they fall in love. Dylan had a commitment issue because of his family history. But Piper changes things for him. It seems everyone knows everyone from Alaska to North Carolina. A small misunderstanding can ruin one’s reputation in their circle of friends. It is also heart-warming that no one is alone when they are down. This is a relatively short story.

World Of Books 65

2,571 reviews48 followers

J H Croix has done it again with "Meant to Be," weaving a delightful tale that seamlessly blends the excitement of a secret crush with the charm of a fake boyfriend scenario. This heartwarming must-read takes readers on a journey filled with unexpected encounters, genuine emotions, and a touch of sizzling chemistry.

The story revolves around Dylan, who finds himself in the tricky situation of being attracted to his best friend's sister, Piper. Despite knowing that pursuing her might be off-limits, fate has other plans. A chance meeting at an airport, coupled with Piper's recent heartbreak, sets the stage for a romantic adventure that keeps readers hooked from the first pageJ H Croix once again proves her prowess in delivering a captivating romance novel that leaves readers with a warm, fuzzy feeling and a desire for more. If you're a fan of heartwarming stories with a dash of excitement, this book is a definite must-read.

novella

Sharon in SF

875 reviews4 followers

November 22, 2023

Piper planned a fun weekend getaway with her on-again/off-again boyfriend until he dumps her at the airport. While sitting forlornly on the floor waiting for her flight to see one of her favorite bands perform in a small mountain inn, her brother Wade's best friend, Dylan recognizes her. Not one to set down roots for long, Dylan was flying through North Carolina to visit Wade before moving to Alaska for a hotshot firefighter's job. By coincidence, Piper is moving there herself the week following the show. Dylan offers to go see the band with Piper so she has someone to hang out with for the weekend. Of course, both have been harboring crushes ofor one another for awhile but have resisted crossing the line because of their respective relationship with Wade. Fate and Mother Nature have fun with these two over their fun weekend together. Quick and enjoyable read and fun cameos from the author's other stories!

Rhonda

920 reviews

October 28, 2023

Unexpected meeting
When Piper gets dumped at the airport by her boyfriend, she thinks her weekend plans are ruined. Then Dylan, a friend of her older brother, sees her in the airport. They both have had crushes on each other but haven't acted on them because of her brother. They decide to go ahead with her weekend plans of the concert of their favorite band. They get snowed in and their relationship begins. They find that they are both moving to Alaska. Will their relationship be able to survive being outside of the weekend bubble? Will it survive her brother finding out about them? I liked this book as an addition to the Light My Fire series and it was good seeing previous couples in Alaska. I received an early copy from Booksprout to read and I'm leaving my honest review. I already have my own copy ordered.

Sharon

1,779 reviews21 followers

November 12, 2023

Amazing story about falling for your brothers best friend! This series just gets better and better with each new story! 5 Alaskan stars for this one!
Piper is meeting her current boyfriend at the airport for an exciting trip to see her favorite group. Only problem is when he shows up, he dumps her. Wow what a jerk! When she hears someone call her name, it's Dylan, her brothers best friend, and he offers to spend the time with her. Only problem is, there is only one bed at the hotel, oh well they will make the best of it! Turns out he's moving to the same Alaskan town she is heading too! This should be interesting!
Read along and enjoy their story as they embark on a trip that could change their lives for the best! I loved this one, as with all the others in this series! It can be read as a standalone, but if you haven't read the series, your missing out on a great one! Grab it asap!

Donna

1,034 reviews11 followers

November 14, 2023

Light My Fire Series #9

Piper was headed to a weekend together including a concert with her boyfriend when he dumped her in the airport. Since she paid for the concert and the trip she is still going. She runs into Dylan Tayton who is one of her brother's best friends while she is at the airport waiting for her flight.

After chatting they realize they're both going to Alaska, he for a firefighting job on a hotshot crew and she's going to work in a vet office. But in the meantime he finds out she is going to the concert and offers to go with her for the weekend.

When they get to the inn it only has one bed and they get snowed in. They've both had crushes on each other but never acted on it till now.

What happens after this weekend? Will it continue in Alaska and what will her brother say if it does?

4 stars
It's a cute, steamy story.

Lori Porter

256 reviews2 followers

I absolutely love this author, her books are so real and touch on things in everyone’s lives. Piper is having a bad day, she was so excited about going on this trip with her boyfriend. Little did she know he had other plans. In walks Dylan, her secret crush and someone who also loves the band she’s going to see. Cue the snowstorm which makes cuddling very necessary and enjoyable. I loved the dynamic between these two, neither looking for love and both afraid to have it. Throw in Dylan being the bf of Pipers brother drama and you’ve got yourself a story. Every book marries so well with previous books in the series and this is actually a crossover with tow amazing series. Dylan and Piper have a lot of obstacles ahead of them but the journey is so worth it, this book is really great! I was given an ARC of this book and am happily leaving this review.

Sassy Southern Book Blog

4,666 reviews258 followers

Meant to Be was a fun, fast, forbidden romance/forced proximity story that I really enjoyed. Piper gets dumped at the airport, but luckily for her Dylan, a friend of her brother and someone she has always crushed on, happens to see her there. The two decide to spend the weekend together going to a concert and end up spending more time than planned when they get snowed in. Of course the chemistry is off the charts and the two realize that they both have feelings for the other one. The problem is that they don't know how Piper's brother is going to take it. Throw in a little drama and you have yourself one heck of a story. Will their relationship continue once they leave the hotel? Can they make things work in Alaska? Grab your copy and find out! This is a great must read book for sure!
By Alisa

Sally

1,527 reviews5 followers

This is a brilliant read.
When Piper is dumped at the airport by her boyfriend she decides to go on her weekend away to see her favourite band on her own. That is until her brothers best friend Dylan turns up at the airport.
Piper invites Dylan to go with her. Dylan has always had a crush on Piper and Piper on him but neither acted on it. Will they be able to keep a distance between them especially when there is only one bed in the room they are staying in. But when a snowstorm moves in they are stuck for longer.
The chemistry between them is off the charts and it soon heats up.
I loved how they were together but can they keep it from her brother.
Soon they are going to be living in the same place in Alaska so could their fling become something more.
A must read with a perfect ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

Reva Parks

1,609 reviews10 followers

November 23, 2023

I love Croix's writings; she was a favorite author of mine way before she started this 'Light My Fire' series. This story combines folks from her North Carolina setting of Stolen Hearts Valley who have been invited to come earn their living in one of the author's Alaska settings. Willow Brook. It is the love story of Piper, a newly graduated veterinary, and Dylan, long time best friend of her brother Wade since childhood. Add even more co-incidents, they meet in an airport where Piper was to meet her boyfriend who had just dumped her, leaving her stuck with an extra ticket to listen to a popular group at a small exclusive inn in the Smokies. Turns out they're a fav of Dylan's too, who offers to accompany her to the show and winds up sharing a room with her for an extended weekend. Great set up for a fantastic story!

Penny Leidecker

2,501 reviews25 followers

I thought Piper and Dylan were perfect for each other. Unknown to each other, they’ve both been crushing on the other for years. It was meant to be that Dylan happens to be at the airport after Piper is dumped by her boyfriend. Luckily, he sees the concert tickets for the Lost Ridge Ramblers and offers to go with Piper. It’s a great coincidence that they’ll both be moving to Willow Brook, Alaska. Will this be the start of their happily ever after? I loved getting to catch up with all the characters we’ve gotten to know from previous books. Grab your copy and see what happens. I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

Kari Hansen

10.3k reviews85 followers

Piper was looking forward to a weekend with her long-distance boyfriend where they will be attending a concert only for him to back out at the last minute. It may have been fate that her brother’s best friend happened to be in the airport as well and since he is a fan of the band they decide to proceed with the plans and go together.

Dylan has had feelings for Piper for a while, but he has never acted on them due to his loyalty to her brother. Spending time together the sparks fly but will what they share be strong enough to overcome the challenges they may face when they return to Alaska?

Great chemistry, a heartwarming romance and a wonderful group of friends who are there to ensure their relationship doesn’t get derailed.

Melena

2,887 reviews71 followers

I have been in the mood for holiday romance reads, and Meant to Be fit the bill perfectly!

When Piper is dumped by her boyfriend at the airport the last thing she expects is to run into her brother's friend Dylan. After he offers to go with her to a music festival the two of them find it is hard to ignore their mutual attraction. The forced proximity of being snowed in together changes everything, and I couldn't wait to see how they got their HEA.

This was a great entry into the Light My Fire series from J.H. Croix, and I did like getting to see some characters from previous books. However, if you haven't read the rest of the series you can pick this one up as a standalone.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

Julie Booklover

1,430 reviews73 followers

A quick read: Piper has a fun weekend planned with her boyfriend, a Christmas themed Inn, and their favorite band. She did not anticipate him breaking things off in the airport. Plan B enjoying the weekend by herself.

Dylan, her brother’s friend, and Piper meet while at the airport. He offers to be her plus one for the weekend. He can visit her brother another time. They find out they are both headed to Alaska for their jobs, the same town coincidentally. A snowstorm then changed the course for these two as they only have one bed in their room. Will he stick to the friendship code, or will they give in to the heat between them?

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

2023 arc nov

Raecharmed

8,660 reviews62 followers

Piper's boyfriend breaks up with her in an airport and she's surprised that she isn't heartbroken as much as embarrassed by where he did it. Dylan sees Piper and is surprised to see her. When he hears what has just happened, he mentions that the band is his favorite, and she offers for him to go with her. Dylan has always been attracted to Piper but because her brother is his best friend never acted on it. However, everything changes between them during this trip. Will they get a chance to be together? Or will her brother come between them?

This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Bad Boy Update.

Kathleen

1,672 reviews6 followers

Read

November 18, 2023

Piper and Dylan have known each other gorgeous tears. He is her brother's best friend. They both have had mini crushes on the other but never thought they would act on it.
Then karma steps in and the meet up in an airport.
The go to an inn and a concert together and let everyone think they are a couple. But when their feelings come out and they find they are reciprocated everything changes.
When karma again steps in and they find them are both going yo live in the same town in Alaska. Somebody us telling them they were meant to be together.
This is a quick read. Piper and Dylan are wonderful characters who act on their feelings and while there was a little drama, they communicate well.
Great addition to the series.

Carolyne

195 reviews