I absolutely loved this book with its modern spin on Little Mermaid. I loved the diversity of the characters and how the author put family and chosen family on display.

omgggg! my fave of the series! 4.25 stars!

i’ve read the second of the series and i liked it okay so i had low expectations for this one and i just loved it SO much! it was such a fun retelling that wasn’t too on the nose or exactly the same story (which i find with some retellings). the change of scenery and plot was so cool and felt like a very original idea.

ariel and eric were so sweet, warm and flirty! i loved reading their chemistry and how they fell for one another. i also loved the musician/celebrity aspect to it. it made it so much more interesting to read. i especially loved the subplot with her family’s past.

cordova’s writing is so easy to get hooked on and added such fun qualities to characters and a story i thought i knew! so good and i would definitely get my own copy.

thank you netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this storyline and how well it was executed! All of the characters were so unique and had so many layers of depth, and the relationship between Eric and Ariel was portrayed really well. I didn’t love how the conflict between the two of them played out, but the build-up of their relationship and resolution to the conflict were very satisfying, especially alongside the sisters gaining autonomy and what was rightfully theirs in the end. This is my first Zoraida Córdova book, and I will definitely be reading her others!

"Kiss the Girl" by Zoraida Córdova is a sweet harmony of love and self-exploration that will resonate with romance readers. Follow Ariel del Mar, a famous singer longing for a taste of normalcy, as she embarks on a journey to find her own voice.

Amidst the glittering fame of her band Siren Seven, Ariel seeks more from life. As her farewell tour ends, a chance encounter with Eric Reyes, an alluring lead singer, leads to an invitation for an unforgettable summer tour. Ariel's decision to break free from expectations weaves a narrative of love, passion, and identity.

This modern-day Little Mermaid retelling navigates the melodies of Ariel and Eric's hearts as they find the courage to embrace their true selves.

Such a fun book! I'm not a Disney superfan, but have watched the movies and have really been enjoying the Meant to Be series. Kiss the Girl was my favorite, due to Ariel and Eric's on the road adventures and the personalities of all of the sisters. I immediately looked for more books by Zoraida Córdova and look forward to what they write next.

I’ve really enjoyed Disney’s ‘Meant to Be’ series, the adult reimagining of their classic tales. I think this reimagining of The Little Mermaid is the most unique of the series so far. I loved the sisters and their relationship, the interesting interpretation of the Arial/Eric romance and the music setting. It was so much fun, I hope they keep these adaptations going!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked Meant to Be (Cinderella) and By the Book (Beauty and the Beast) and I was looking forward to this contemporary take on The Little Mermaid but I have to admit that I didn't care for it as much as the other books in the series. I think part of the problem was that I just didn't connect with Ariel. She is supposed to be 25 but (perhaps because of the sheltered way she was raised), the character comes across as much younger. I liked the look at life as part of a band tour but the character of Ariel and romance (instalove) were lackluster for me. There are also a lot of characters to keep track of and they weren't all well developed. Overall I did like the book but didn't love it. I think Kiss the Girl would have a lot of crossover appeal to teens especially since the author writes teen fiction.

Full disclosure, I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher/author/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My reviews are always honest, but I want to be upfront about how I snagged a copy of this amazing book before others.

We all need to take a moment to worship this cute, adorable, wonderful, happy-ending filled little novel. I knew from the moment that I read the description AND saw that Zoraida Córdova would be the creative genius behind the plot that I was going to love this story. I mean, I'm a sucker for any Disney themed retelling, but The Little Mermaid has a very special place in my heart. So, going into this novel, I had some expectations and I have to say they were met! I was so, so happy by the time I finished this book!

In this contemporary retelling, Ariel and her sisters are part of a girl band. Now, I'm clearly of the generation of the Spice Girls... but this would definitely be something a lot more Latinx inspired and sparkly (even though, admittedly, the Spice Girls had a lot of sparkle). Again, right from the beginning I was in love with this premise. Ariel is the daughter that wants to take off her crazy red wig and costumes and live her life. She just wants to take a moment to explore who she is as an individual... to find her metaphorical voice, if you will. Sigh, such a sucker for this.

Eric, on the other hand, is an up-and-coming musician in a rock band. Now, I have a bit of an obsession with Daisy Jones and the Six so I got that type of heart-throb vibe from Eric. You know, a genuinely good guy (without all of the issues from Daisy Jones, of course, like Eric isn't doing drugs and cheating or anything... he's just got a good vibe). Eric also has those sultry South American vibes and speaks multiple languages. Like... seriously, he's just gorgeous from the get-go. Young Benicio del Toro anyone... no? Was it just me? I really cast these books oddly in my head when I read, so Hollywood, don't do what I do... unless you have a young Benicio del Toro up your sleeve... then do exactly what my brain says.

Ariel runs away from her overprotective and controlling (and really, he's a jerk) father and goes on tour with Eric's band to sell merch. Of course, enter a plot where she ends up on stage. Enter a plot where they are destined to be together and fall madly in love. Oh yeah, but she hasn't told Eric who she really is and... apparently he cannot look at her and recognize another super, super famous celebrity who honestly, come on, he should be able to recognize.

I mean, yeah, I want to tell Zoraida that I cannot believe that he never, not once, recognized her but... I'm going to allow it because of the mushy feelings I caught when this duo fell in love. It is okay Zoraida, I went on this plot with you even though I really had questions, and it turns out I just didn't care in the end -- sure, Eric is blind and dumb. But he's hot. And he loves her. Isn't that all that matters?

There are some serious drama filled moments. We find out that Ariel's father is a bad friend, bad father, and truly a naughty businessman. Now, I'm not going to say more. But I will say we do indeed get an "Ursula" figure in this story and she is wonderful. I love it when typical villains (she isn't a villain here, the opposite) get their story retold and we understand them as better, fuller human beings. This was perfect in this story. And Triton... I mean, Daddy Del Mar, is just such a butt face that I can't even.

Sigh. I just loved it. There is, of course, a happy ending and that's not spoiling anything because duh, we know what this kind of book is. But seriously, go out and make yourself happy. Grab a latte or a bottle of wine, grab this book, and cuddle up in your favorite reading position and read this one! The romance is even PG. Which... I mean... I could have gone for a higher rating but this was so sweet that I have a toothache and I just love it more than anything. So cute! So perfect! Seriously, are you still here... go buy this book!

I absolutely LOVED this book. It is a very good retelling of “The Little Mermaid” where the sisters are pop stars and Eric is a musician trying to make it in the business himself. It was a wild ride, and I loved both of the main characters and couldn’t wait for their HEA. Would definitely recommend to anyone who likes romance novels and Disney movies!

I just could not get into this book. I love the idea, but was not for me at the time. I will try again in the future though.

The meant to be Series combines two of my favorite things: disney stories and Rom-Coms. I was so excited to read the next installment in this series.

I am obsessed with how they were able to modernize one of my favorite disney movies. The way Ariel and Eric were able to bond over what they were passionate over was really touching.

Zoraida Cordova is not an author I was familiar with before this but I'm totally going to be going back to read more from her!

I love this series, I love "The Little Mermaid" in many incarnations, inc. both of Disney's films, and I am only sad that I can't listen to the music of the Siren Seven and Star Crossed for real as I snuggle with my Flotsam & Jetsam stuffies, sip Melody's cocktail, and reread my favorite moments.

This book was amazing.

I really loved Ariel.

So many cute moments.

I really felt for Ariel, how she was closed in from the world.

A nice touch was the headlines, articles, interviews and tweets in between the chapters.

This is a new to me author and I am blown away.

I will be going back for the other books in this series.

Ariel has quit her pop princess life for a taste of "the real world," becoming a merch girl and roadie for the band Star Crossed that is just getting out there.

I also loved the sisters bond, they got each others back.

A fun addition to this series- I enjoyed how it incorporated music into the plot, a perfect setting for a Little Mermaid retelling. There is a lot of heart and great development to the characters, and it's fun to see how this nods to the story in different ways. Like the others in this series, it's more on the sweet side than the steamy, but the chemistry is apparent.

Ariel and her six sisters are the band Siren Seven. After their last concert she goes to a concert incognito and meets lead singer Eric Reyes. Ends up touring with his band as the merchandiser. Can you see the seeds being sown for a retelling of The Little Mermaid? How long will it take him to kiss the girl? This is an entertaining, music-filled read. I still like the first one in the series best.

Thank you to Hyperion and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. .

Absolutely adored this book and addition to the Meant to Be romantic fairytale retelling series. It’s giving Selena without the trauma! I LOVED the character development - you’ve got Latinx musicians who gave everything for the love of music…and the corruption of fame. You got a diverse adorbs supporting cast and definitely the hope of more stories (hopefully) to expand the universe. It’s got the nostalgia of the perfect summer romance book/movie - definitely a classic vibe. Falling in love on the road and breaking out on your own to pursue your dreams, it’s the perfect American romance story we all need to survive.

Melody 🎶 aka Ariel finds herself and tries to find out who she is apart from family fame and an overbearing daughter. Definitely Little Mermaid and Daddy Triton vibes (and 6 sisters) make it cute… *ahem* Ariel! And love how dreamy and charming her boo is. I def think the friends/sisters made it so freaking funny. It was just a good time in a good book. Would recommend for YA and up - 100% entertaining for all.

I also equally adore #zoraidacordova and her books. She’s got an amazing way of drawing you in to every story and character. I’m always 100 percent invested from the start of each book no matter what story. Still reeling from The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina and this was a sweet surprise.

Special shot out to the insanely talented #ZoraidaCordova #NetGalley and #Disneypublishing for the advance reader copy in exchange for honest review.

I loved this book! I think this was my favorite of the Disney retellings so far. There were some moments where it read like a YA rather than adult, but I still really enjoyed the main relationship, and also the relationship between the entire band. It was such a clever twist on the original and I really enjoyed it!

This is book 3 in the Meant to Be series. Ariel del Mar is a singer and part of the band of she and her sisters. They are wrapping up their farewell tour and all she wants to do is be normal for a little while. She and her sisters decide to slip out and have a night of fun, with none of the Makeup and hair that makes them look like they do on the stage. She meets someone who can make her dreams of normality come true, but can she faces the consequences?

As a fan of the Little Mermaid story, I was eager to dive into this book. This story is about Ariel del Mar and her band Siren Seven. Ariel's desire for an everyday life resonated with me, and I loved how she met Eric Reyes, the charming lead singer of another band, during a secret night out. Their chemistry and shared passion for music made the story genuinely captivating. The author's clever story retelling added a magical touch, and I cheered for Ariel and Eric to find their happiness together. The book skillfully balanced romance, friendships, and humor, making reading an absolute delight. While some foreshadowing felt repetitive, and the ending was rushed, the witty writing style kept me engaged. This book is a must-read if you enjoy celebrity romance, music, and a modern fairy tale twist.

As a huge music fan, and especially live music, this book was a dream come true. I loved the exploration of life on tour; it felt like the reader was on the bus right along with the band. The romance between Eric and Ariel (aka Melody) was sweet, and had just the right amount of drama. And, the rest of the relationships in the book were a real highlight. Eric's relationship with his bandmates, who have become his found family, and Ariel's relationships with her extremely large group of sisters, were funny, heartwarming, and so very realistic. I wasn't sure what to expect from this third entry in the Meant to Be series, I really loved the first one, but the second was a bit of a let down. I'm so glad the third ended up being so great, it could have gone either way. Love, love, love this book, and I hope any additional entries into the series will continue the love!