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Kiss the Girl

Part of Meant To Be

Paperback
$15.99 US
5.98"W x 8.98"H x 0.9"D   | 15 oz | 20 per carton
On sale Aug 01, 2023 | 352 Pages | 9781368053365
A modern tale of unexpectedly falling in love and finding your voice, Kiss the Girl is the highly anticipated third installment in the acclaimed and best-selling Meant to Be collection.

Ariel del Mar is one of the most famous singers in the world. She and her sisters—together, known as the band Siren Seven—have been a pop culture phenomenon since they were kids. On stage, wearing her iconic red wig and sequined costumes, staring out at a sea of fans, is where she shines. Anyone would think she’s the girl who has everything. 

But lately, she wants more. Siren Seven is wrapping up their farewell tour, and Ariel can’t wait to spend the summer just living a normal life—part of a world she’s only ever seen from the outside. But her father, the head of Atlantica Records, has other plans: begin her breakout solo career immediately, starting with a splashy announcement on a morning talk show. 

The night before, Ariel and her sisters sneak out of their Manhattan penthouse for a night of incognito fun at a rock concert in Brooklyn. It’s there that Ariel crosses paths with Eric Reyes, dreamy lead singer of an up-and-coming band. Unaware of her true identity, Eric spontaneously invites her on the road for the summer. And for the first time in her life, Ariel disobeys her father—and goes with him. 

Caught between the world she longs for and the one she’s left behind, can Ariel follow her dreams, fall in love, and, somehow, find her own voice?
Praise for Kiss the Girl
"Kiss the Girl is sheer delight. It’s full of joy and love and self discovery, and I smiled the whole time I read it. Zoraida Córdova wrote the rock star/pop princess romance of my dreams!" —Jasmine Guillory, New York Times bestselling author


"Zoraida Córdova brings everything we love about The Little Mermaid to this romantic tale. The Little Mermaid meets Daisy Jones and the Six in this immersive and romantic tale of two musicians chasing their dreams and falling in love along the way. You’ll want to be part of this world!" —Alexis Daria, international bestselling author of YOU HAD ME AT HOLA


“Irresistible! The adorable banter and undeniable chemistry in this reimagining of The Little Mermaid will have you falling in love with Ariel and Eric all over again.” —Farrah Rochon, New York Times best-selling author of THE HOOKUP PLAN


“Córdova puts her own clever, marvelously enchanting spin on The Little Mermaid, while at the same time gifting readers with a sweet love story with just a hint of spice that joyfully celebrates the power of love and music in our lives.”— John Charles, Booklist


“In the third MEANT TO BE novel, Córdova hits all the right notes with sweet characters and the interesting angle of a pop star who has never had control or choices.” — Library Journal


“Plentiful romance and humor make this worthwhile. Readers will have no trouble cheering on Ariel and Eric.” — Publishers Weekly


Praise for Tangled Up in You
“Christina Lauren smartly updates the Rapunzel story for a modern audience. Ren and Fitz have fairytale chemistry.” — Jillian Law, Booklist


"This is a delight." — Publishers Weekly


"I dare you to not fall wildly in love with Ren and Fitz! I wish I could give this book the biggest, tightest bear hug because reading it feels like drinking pure joy. Oh my gosh, I'm still buzzing from all the endorphins this book gave me! Christina Lauren as a writing duo is a national treasure." — Jesse Q. Sutanto, National Bestselling author of DIAL A FOR AUNTIES and VERA WONG'S UNSOLICITED ADVICE FOR MURDERERS


“Every book in this series makes me so incredibly happy. Tangled Up in You pays a beautiful tribute to the modern Disney classic. Christina Lauren clearly loves this couple and their tale as much as we do, breathing life into them as they do all their characters, with nuanced identities, grin-inducing banter, and giddy chemistry.” — Jenni Marchisotto, Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore


“This is my favorite entry in the MEANT TO BE universe yet! I loved all the little Easter eggs hidden in this book, and I was captivated by the way they retold this story in a contemporary setting.” — Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks Bookstore


“This is everything I could have asked for in a Tangled retelling.” —Margaret McCampbell, Reads & Company Bookstore


“This smart, funny take on the Rapunzel story was impossible to put down! I loved the brilliant, capable character of Ren and her take on the modern world. Fitz is the perfect, complicated, brooding hero. Such a fun and interesting read!” — Megan Fitzgerald, Bookery Cincy Bookstore


"Tangled Up in You is a tangled inspired romcom that had me in stitches. This book is honestly so adorable and the balance of tooth rotting romance and fun twisty adventure was true to form for anyone who picked it up due to the swooniness of Flynn Ryder. Fitz is all the charm and charisma of a Disney hero and Ren is just so sweet and honest, watching them grow and fall in love was such a beautiful and touching!” — Kahill Perkins, Raven Book Store


Praise for By the Book
"This fairytale rom-com mashup is total magic! Swoon-worthy from start to finish!" —Julie Murphy, New York Times best-selling author of IF THE SHOE FITS and DUMPLIN'


"This book is a delight from start to finish." —PopSugar.com


"My cheeks hurt from smiling through this delightful book for adults who haven’t outgrown fairy tales. And speaking of magic, how does Jasmine Guillory keep getting better and better?" —Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of WISH YOU WERE HERE


"By the Book is in my hands and I could not be any more excited to celebrate it! Jasmine is on a short list of my tried and true comfort-read authors. I don’t know how she manages to weave such depth into her characters while still making the whole reading experience feel SO GOOD AND NICE but she does, every single time." —Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author of PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION, BEACH READ, and BOOK LOVERS


"Endearing….A sweet read." —Kirkus


"For anyone who's ever possessed dreams of a literary romantic gesture, this will make you swoon." —EW


"You’ll be blushing and crushing until the very end." —TheSkimm


"Sure, you know what is going to happen and it's a tale as old as time, but that doesn't make it any less fun getting there. Oh, the power of Guillory's storytelling!?" —E! Online


Praise for If the Shoe Fits
"If The Shoe Fits encompasses everything I love about rom-coms. I laughed, I swooned, I smiled. Another hit for Julie Murphy!" —Colleen Hoover, #1 New York Times best-selling author of IT ENDS WITH US, UGLY LOVE, and VERITY


"If the Shoe Fits is so much more than a modern retelling of a classic tale. It’s a swoon-worthy slow burn romance that’s filled with heart and humor." —Farrah Rochon, USA Today best-selling author of THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT


"Forget the animated Cinderella! If the Shoe Fits brings a fresh, charming, and deeply empowering perspective to the classic fairy tale." —Katharine McGee, New York Times best-selling author of AMERICAN ROYALS


"In Murphy's breezy and fun rom-com, there's enough of Cinderella in the story to be charming, yet overall it sparkles like an exciting new tale. indy is immensely lovable, and readers will root for all her dreams to come true. Murphy brings the wit, sensitivity, and imagination that has made her a YA star to the start of her adult romance Meant to Be series." —Booklist


"[An] inventive Cinderella retelling, Murphy cleverly blends the conventions of fairy tales and reality TV to create an incisive commentary on both…readers interested in a smart exploration of the intersection of romance and reality TV will be overjoyed." —Publishers Weekly


"In this charming and modern retelling of Cinderella, Murphy hits the mark again with a body-positive novel that makes everyone feel included." —School Library Journal


"Murphy’s adult debut is a binge-worthy modern take on Cinderella. Readers will love Cindy and Henry’s back-and-forth banter; when the duo find ruses to sneak away for some time alone with each other, hearts will melt." —Library Journal


"An enchanting Cinderella-inspired story." —Culturess


"A refreshing take on the classic Cinderella story." —Forbes
Zoraida Córdova is the acclaimed author of more than two dozen novels and short stories, including the Brooklyn Brujas series, Star Wars: The High Republic: Convergence, and The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina. In addition to writing novels, she serves on the board of We Need Diverse Books, and is the co-editor of the bestselling anthology Vampires Never Get Old, as well as the cohost of the writing podcast, Deadline City. She writes romance novels as Zoey Castile. Zoraida was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and calls New York City home. When she’s not working, she’s roaming the world in search of magical stories. For more information, visit her at ZoraidaCordova.com.

About

A modern tale of unexpectedly falling in love and finding your voice, Kiss the Girl is the highly anticipated third installment in the acclaimed and best-selling Meant to Be collection.

Ariel del Mar is one of the most famous singers in the world. She and her sisters—together, known as the band Siren Seven—have been a pop culture phenomenon since they were kids. On stage, wearing her iconic red wig and sequined costumes, staring out at a sea of fans, is where she shines. Anyone would think she’s the girl who has everything. 

But lately, she wants more. Siren Seven is wrapping up their farewell tour, and Ariel can’t wait to spend the summer just living a normal life—part of a world she’s only ever seen from the outside. But her father, the head of Atlantica Records, has other plans: begin her breakout solo career immediately, starting with a splashy announcement on a morning talk show. 

The night before, Ariel and her sisters sneak out of their Manhattan penthouse for a night of incognito fun at a rock concert in Brooklyn. It’s there that Ariel crosses paths with Eric Reyes, dreamy lead singer of an up-and-coming band. Unaware of her true identity, Eric spontaneously invites her on the road for the summer. And for the first time in her life, Ariel disobeys her father—and goes with him. 

Caught between the world she longs for and the one she’s left behind, can Ariel follow her dreams, fall in love, and, somehow, find her own voice?

Praise

Praise for Kiss the Girl
"Kiss the Girl is sheer delight. It’s full of joy and love and self discovery, and I smiled the whole time I read it. Zoraida Córdova wrote the rock star/pop princess romance of my dreams!" —Jasmine Guillory, New York Times bestselling author


"Zoraida Córdova brings everything we love about The Little Mermaid to this romantic tale. The Little Mermaid meets Daisy Jones and the Six in this immersive and romantic tale of two musicians chasing their dreams and falling in love along the way. You’ll want to be part of this world!" —Alexis Daria, international bestselling author of YOU HAD ME AT HOLA


“Irresistible! The adorable banter and undeniable chemistry in this reimagining of The Little Mermaid will have you falling in love with Ariel and Eric all over again.” —Farrah Rochon, New York Times best-selling author of THE HOOKUP PLAN


“Córdova puts her own clever, marvelously enchanting spin on The Little Mermaid, while at the same time gifting readers with a sweet love story with just a hint of spice that joyfully celebrates the power of love and music in our lives.”— John Charles, Booklist


“In the third MEANT TO BE novel, Córdova hits all the right notes with sweet characters and the interesting angle of a pop star who has never had control or choices.” — Library Journal


“Plentiful romance and humor make this worthwhile. Readers will have no trouble cheering on Ariel and Eric.” — Publishers Weekly


Praise for Tangled Up in You
“Christina Lauren smartly updates the Rapunzel story for a modern audience. Ren and Fitz have fairytale chemistry.” — Jillian Law, Booklist


"This is a delight." — Publishers Weekly


"I dare you to not fall wildly in love with Ren and Fitz! I wish I could give this book the biggest, tightest bear hug because reading it feels like drinking pure joy. Oh my gosh, I'm still buzzing from all the endorphins this book gave me! Christina Lauren as a writing duo is a national treasure." — Jesse Q. Sutanto, National Bestselling author of DIAL A FOR AUNTIES and VERA WONG'S UNSOLICITED ADVICE FOR MURDERERS


“Every book in this series makes me so incredibly happy. Tangled Up in You pays a beautiful tribute to the modern Disney classic. Christina Lauren clearly loves this couple and their tale as much as we do, breathing life into them as they do all their characters, with nuanced identities, grin-inducing banter, and giddy chemistry.” — Jenni Marchisotto, Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore


“This is my favorite entry in the MEANT TO BE universe yet! I loved all the little Easter eggs hidden in this book, and I was captivated by the way they retold this story in a contemporary setting.” — Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks Bookstore


“This is everything I could have asked for in a Tangled retelling.” —Margaret McCampbell, Reads & Company Bookstore


“This smart, funny take on the Rapunzel story was impossible to put down! I loved the brilliant, capable character of Ren and her take on the modern world. Fitz is the perfect, complicated, brooding hero. Such a fun and interesting read!” — Megan Fitzgerald, Bookery Cincy Bookstore


"Tangled Up in You is a tangled inspired romcom that had me in stitches. This book is honestly so adorable and the balance of tooth rotting romance and fun twisty adventure was true to form for anyone who picked it up due to the swooniness of Flynn Ryder. Fitz is all the charm and charisma of a Disney hero and Ren is just so sweet and honest, watching them grow and fall in love was such a beautiful and touching!” — Kahill Perkins, Raven Book Store


Praise for By the Book
"This fairytale rom-com mashup is total magic! Swoon-worthy from start to finish!" —Julie Murphy, New York Times best-selling author of IF THE SHOE FITS and DUMPLIN'


"This book is a delight from start to finish." —PopSugar.com


"My cheeks hurt from smiling through this delightful book for adults who haven’t outgrown fairy tales. And speaking of magic, how does Jasmine Guillory keep getting better and better?" —Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of WISH YOU WERE HERE


"By the Book is in my hands and I could not be any more excited to celebrate it! Jasmine is on a short list of my tried and true comfort-read authors. I don’t know how she manages to weave such depth into her characters while still making the whole reading experience feel SO GOOD AND NICE but she does, every single time." —Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author of PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION, BEACH READ, and BOOK LOVERS


"Endearing….A sweet read." —Kirkus


"For anyone who's ever possessed dreams of a literary romantic gesture, this will make you swoon." —EW


"You’ll be blushing and crushing until the very end." —TheSkimm


"Sure, you know what is going to happen and it's a tale as old as time, but that doesn't make it any less fun getting there. Oh, the power of Guillory's storytelling!?" —E! Online


Praise for If the Shoe Fits
"If The Shoe Fits encompasses everything I love about rom-coms. I laughed, I swooned, I smiled. Another hit for Julie Murphy!" —Colleen Hoover, #1 New York Times best-selling author of IT ENDS WITH US, UGLY LOVE, and VERITY


"If the Shoe Fits is so much more than a modern retelling of a classic tale. It’s a swoon-worthy slow burn romance that’s filled with heart and humor." —Farrah Rochon, USA Today best-selling author of THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT


"Forget the animated Cinderella! If the Shoe Fits brings a fresh, charming, and deeply empowering perspective to the classic fairy tale." —Katharine McGee, New York Times best-selling author of AMERICAN ROYALS


"In Murphy's breezy and fun rom-com, there's enough of Cinderella in the story to be charming, yet overall it sparkles like an exciting new tale. indy is immensely lovable, and readers will root for all her dreams to come true. Murphy brings the wit, sensitivity, and imagination that has made her a YA star to the start of her adult romance Meant to Be series." —Booklist


"[An] inventive Cinderella retelling, Murphy cleverly blends the conventions of fairy tales and reality TV to create an incisive commentary on both…readers interested in a smart exploration of the intersection of romance and reality TV will be overjoyed." —Publishers Weekly


"In this charming and modern retelling of Cinderella, Murphy hits the mark again with a body-positive novel that makes everyone feel included." —School Library Journal


"Murphy’s adult debut is a binge-worthy modern take on Cinderella. Readers will love Cindy and Henry’s back-and-forth banter; when the duo find ruses to sneak away for some time alone with each other, hearts will melt." —Library Journal


"An enchanting Cinderella-inspired story." —Culturess


"A refreshing take on the classic Cinderella story." —Forbes

Author

Zoraida Córdova is the acclaimed author of more than two dozen novels and short stories, including the Brooklyn Brujas series, Star Wars: The High Republic: Convergence, and The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina. In addition to writing novels, she serves on the board of We Need Diverse Books, and is the co-editor of the bestselling anthology Vampires Never Get Old, as well as the cohost of the writing podcast, Deadline City. She writes romance novels as Zoey Castile. Zoraida was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and calls New York City home. When she’s not working, she’s roaming the world in search of magical stories. For more information, visit her at ZoraidaCordova.com.