[Portia’s Review]: Meant To Be (Twist of Fate #1) by Jennifer Probst

Two broken hearts discover an unpredictable path to healing in an emotional romance about fate and second chances by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

It’s been two years since Chiara Kennedy lost her dearest friend, Rory. Chiara misses everything about her. Rory’s widowed husband is another story. Sebastian Ryder is a man Chiara had secretly wanted, let slip away, and hoped to never see again. Then fate throws them together for an unexpected one-night stand and a morning after of new challenges.

Sebastian had a soul mate in Rory. Shutting down after his tragic loss, he kept a cool distance from everyone—including Chiara, with whom he once shared a deep if fleeting affection. That was over and done with a long time ago. But when they meet again, old emotions resurface along with a heart-wounding past that haunts them both.

As Chiara and Sebastian grow closer, finally getting to know each other, Chiara struggles with feelings of guilt even as she cherishes her second chance with Sebastian. Will fate allow them to overcome the past, or are they destined to always wonder if they are truly meant to be?

I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Meant to be is the first in a new series by Jennifer Probst that follows the lives of 3 best friends, with a book dedicated to each. This book called to me because I love a surprise/accidental pregnancy trope!

For the most part I think this book was fine. It was a quick, easy read. Plenty of lovable characters that showcased the found family trope that really stands out a lot in the story. A lot of women supporting women. But I find that I don’t have a ton more to say in regards to the story and what stood out to me. It didn’t necessarily leave a lasting mark.

I do have a few issues that kept me from loving or REALLY enjoying Meant To Be. First of all (and this is me being petty, it’s small things my brain attaches too) the word “jerked” was used too many times to describe people’s body reactions. It annoyed me. But I couldn’t help but notice it every time. I know, most people probably won’t notice or care.

Secondly, everyone was basically perfect all the time. No one questioned each other, or argued (aside from our MC’s), everyone fully supported everything… it was all just too easy. Aside from blaming himself for his wife’s death, Ryder was near perfection. Almost annoyingly so.

Then, the biggest conflict for the two MC’s both came down to not knowing if they would be enough for each other. Oh and the CONSTANT repetition of bringing up the dead best friend and comparing every little thing to her. I know that is a plot point, but I still feel like it was repeated far too often and made Chiara seem wishy washy every few pages.

Also sometimes it didn’t feel like this was happening in 2022, it felt strangely older. Weird, I know.

I also read a lot of other reviews after finishing this that did not like the way the BIG NIGHT went down, it could be considered non-consensual in the eyes of some people, and while I think it was super weird and unrealistic, I just accepted it as storyline and moved on. I am not easily triggered. This may not be the case for some so I encourage readers who may be affected to check reviews for Content and Trigger Warnings.

Not all was lost with this book and I don’t want it to sound so. This was a journey through grief, love, loss and acceptance. I love the strong female friendships (even if too perfect) and I think I would continue the series, I would love to see what happens with the other ladies love lives after getting to know them in this installment.

Portia

Hi, I’m Portia! I’ve been an obsessive reader and pop culture addict my entire life, with a particular passion for horror and thrillers. I love being a part of the book community and can regularly be found working various book events. I’m an admin here at Ideally Inspired Reviews!

When I am not binge reading or obsessing over true crime podcasts and shows, I am a bar manager by night and a mom and wife by day. If I find any time after that, I love to travel, spend time outdoors, and fit as much live music into my life as possible. You can find me on Instagram @Ideally.Portia or TikTok @itsportiabitch.