Thank you Hyperion Avenue and Netgalley for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my gosh, why are more people not talking about this book? The execution of a Tangled retelling was flawless. I wasn't sure how they were going to tie in the modern world, but it was done SO well. Having watched Tangled, it was easy to picture Fitz and Ren in each scene. There were times when I was laughing out loud at the character's interactions. The authors did a good job of making the ending exciting, however, making it heartfelt and sad. This book alone makes me want to go back and read the previous books in the standalone series, each by a different author.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book.

It's Christina Lauren telling you a tale you've known since childhood, but in a new way. What's not to love? I love how the characters intersect and the journey they take. Each of them needing to learn something new, each of them able to teach the other. Did I mention it's written by Christina Lauren? You can't go wrong with this writing duo!

Tangled Up in You is part of the Meant to Be series where different authors reimagine Disney stories. This latest installment written by Christina Lauren is a Tangled retelling. I'm going to be strait up and say that I have never seen Tangled. I'm not up on my Disney movies, but I did grow up with fairy tales like Rapunzel, so I had no idea what I was going to get with this book.

Tangled Up in You begins with our heroine, 22-year-old Ren, going off to college. This is her first school experience of any kind because she has been living off the grid with her parents for as long as she can remember. While you would think she would be shy, she is anything but that. One of the first people she meets is Fitz who gives her her first campus tour. He is not sure how to take her, and as she becomes more infamous around campus, he is sure he doesn't want her around because he is no longer at the top of the class. I don't want to give too much away, but circumstances arise where Ren asks Fitz to take her along on his spring break road trip to Nashville. While he doesn't want to take her, she has a little something on him that makes him reluctantly agree. From there we get a fun road trip story, a little bit of suspense, and some complicated growing feelings.

After reading this, I'm not sure how this compares to the movie Tangled other than that Ren has long blonde hair. I should watch the movie sometime, but I really don't need to because I enjoyed the book without knowing. I especially enjoyed Fitz showing Ren new experiences on their road trip. Since I'm from South Dakota, I really liked their detour through the Black Hills to see Mount Rushmore and their stop at Wall Drug. There is an only one bed trope, but there is kissing only. My one critique is the quick ending. I wanted a little more to the epilogue, but I guess the abrupt "and they lived happily ever after" type ending was what was most like a Disney movie. Overall, I truly enjoyed the book and definitely recommend it to those who love a sweet romantic story.

My sincere thanks to Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read Tangled Up In You. I have given my unbiased opinion of it in this review.

Thank you to Hyperion Avenue and Netgalley for this arc!

This one is for the Rapunzel girlies!

I’ve had this arc for a while and was saving it for a rainy day. And it definitely helped me avoid a book slump! Christina Lauren is good at that!

I’ve read all the Meant to Be novels and enjoyed them. Especially If the Shoe Fits! But I was extra excited for this one because as previously stated I’m such a tangled/Rapunzel girlie!

I loved the academic set up between Ren and Fitz. A bit of rivals to lovers going on which is always a fun time.

Other tropes included were—
✨opposites attract
✨fish out of water
✨I hate how much I like you(Fitz lol)

I wonder what the next Meant to Be book will be…and who will write it!

This one is out later in June! Definitely recommend!

I really enjoyed this book and kept thinking about it while I was at work. I really liked the modern retelling spin on Tangled with a little bit of suspense and romance mixed together. Christina & Lauren did a great job on this story and all its twists and turns. The only thing that made it a little harder to read was that sometimes the dialogue was all put together in one paragraph and I had a hard time telling who was talking- that may be fixed in the final copy.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Very sweet retelling of Tangled/Rapunzel. Ren grew up very sheltered on a homestead, but she convinced her parents to allow her to attend Corona College at the age of 22, almost 23. On campus, she sticks out but once people get to know her, they love her. Fitz is in a class with Ren, and he carries his own secrets well hidden behind his attitude and demeanor.

For this shared class, Ren has to do a DNA swab, kind of like 23 and Me. She receives her results, and her father isn't listed as her father. It is a man located in Atlanta, GA. Ren is beside herself with this news. She rationalizes it, but her curiosity gets the better of her. Next thing you know, she's tagging along with Fitz over Spring Break. He's driving to Nashville for an interview. She has no clear plan and no money....but things have a way of working out.

Fitz and Ren are super, super sweet together. There's some implied closed-door romance here, so it surprised me being that way compared to other books by Christina Lauren. Definitely stayed true to the Disney version, which was okay by me as it's a favorite of mine. This is book 4 in the Meant to Be series but totally can be read as a standalone.

Enjoyed it for the fun read it is intended to be!

A modern rom-com retelling of Tangled?! Sign me up! I was so excited to receive this ARC from Hyperion Avenue and this book lived up to my expectations. I really enjoy Christina Lauren's books; they are fun, light, easy, and enjoyable. Tangles Up In You may have just jumped to the top of my Christina Lauren book rankings! It's a really quick read, my only regret was not saving it for vacation!

Just like Tangled, the plot could be silly, even ridiculous at times. But that's okay to me! In this version of the story, Ren has been very sheltered but leaves home when she finally goes to college. When she learns that she has a genetic match across the country due to a biology experiment, she coerces popular guy Fitz to take her on a road trip. Hijinks and a ton of cute moments between the two follow.

This is a trope-ridden, clichés filled story, but that's what I expect with a rom com! If you are down for a good time, pick up this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for providing an eARC of this book!

Tangled Up in You is a cute, modern retelling of Rapunzel/Tangled.

The plot is a little silly and ridiculous, but it worked. The modern take on Tangled included a road trip, hotels with only one bed, and a music festival. I thought there was a lot of chemistry between Ren and Fitz and I just wished there had been a liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiittle more romance. Even a little closed door moment would have been ok. Christina Lauren took these characters and kind of dialed them up to 11. I found they were kind of caricatures of the Disney movie. But with that said, I really did love Ren’s resourcefulness and positive attitude.

Overall, cute but I would rather just watch the movie?

A sweet and interesting love story between Ren and Fitz. Fitz is a charming young college student, who has a reputation and a bad boy history. Ren is a sheltered young woman, who has begged her parents to let her attend college and is excited about every new idea/thing/person that steps in her path. But when Fitz and Ren find themselves on a spring break trip, Ren realizes she may not be who she seems. But Fitz is right by her side, ready to support, love, and connect.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced copy of this book.

"Tangled Up in You" by Christina Lauren offers a charming yet somewhat predictable tale of two contrasting characters who embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected romance. Ren, a young woman who has spent her life off the grid, and Fitz, a seemingly perfect student with a hidden past, come together in a story that explores themes of identity, growth, and the transformative power of connection.

Ren Gylden is an intriguing protagonist. Raised on a remote homestead, she’s never used an iPhone, browsed the internet, or engaged in social media. Instead, her life has been filled with books, painting, and building practical systems like wind power from scratch. Her transition to college life at Corona College is fraught with challenges as she navigates the complexities of modern society for the first time. Ren’s innocence and raw intelligence make her a compelling character, though at times her naivety can feel exaggerated, stretching believability.

Fitz, on the other hand, presents a stark contrast to Ren. With his life meticulously planned out, Fitz aims to graduate at the top of his class, erase his criminal record, and maintain his polished facade. His initial portrayal as a stereotypical rich, handsome player gradually unfolds to reveal a deeper, more vulnerable side, especially as he interacts with Ren.

The plot kicks into high gear with an immunology seminar assignment, leading to a road trip filled with unexpected twists. This journey serves as the crucible for their developing relationship, challenging their preconceived notions and personal goals. The dynamic between Ren and Fitz is engaging, with their conversations and interactions providing moments of genuine warmth and humor.

However, while the premise and characters are engaging, the story occasionally falls into predictable patterns and clichés. The opposites-attract trope is well-trodden, and some plot developments can be seen from miles away. The road trip, intended to be a transformative experience, sometimes feels like a convenient plot device rather than an organic progression of their relationship.

Despite these shortcomings, Christina Lauren’s writing is undeniably captivating. The narrative is sprinkled with witty dialogue and vivid descriptions that bring Ren and Fitz’s journey to life. The emotional arcs of the characters are well-developed, even if the resolution feels a bit too neatly tied up.

In conclusion, "Tangled Up in You" is a pleasant read that blends romance and self-discovery in a familiar yet enjoyable package. While it may not break new ground in the genre, it offers a heartwarming story with likable characters and a touch of adventure. Fans of Christina Lauren and those looking for a light, feel-good read will likely find it a satisfying addition to their bookshelf.

4.5 stars!

Ren, a 22 year-old who gives new meaning to the term "sheltered," embarks on a college experience, encountering Fitz, a charming co-ed with skeletons in his closet. She looks at the world with wonder and optimism, while Fitz is decidedly cynical and calculating. They wind up on a road trip together, each with their own goals in mind. But as they experience life through one another's eyes, they begin to empathize, and then fall for, each other. But some serious villains could ruin everything before the big happily ever after!

I love a good road trip, and this one delivered! This book was SO MUCH FUN!!! If you couldn't tell from the cover or title, this novel is a grown-up version of Disney's "Tangled". There were so many Easter eggs in this book that relate to the movie. I had a blast from start to finish! I thought the slow-burn was incredibly yummy, but still left us wanting more. The story still felt fresh and had some surprises in store, which left me pleasantly surprised. I have't had the pleasure of reading the other books in the "Meant to Be" series, but they are now on my TBR!!

Trigger warnings: shooting/guns, violence, kidnapping of a child, child brought up the foster system, alienation of affection from a father figure, adolescent in juvenile detention

I'd like to thank Hyperion Avenue and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I just finished Tangled up in you by Christina Lauren and here are my thoughts.

When Ren finally convinces her parents to let her go to college, she cannot believe her luck! Her parents are so disconnected from the real world on their homestead that she has never held an iphone. She is so pure in the real world but she has skills most people don’t have.

When Fitz, a rich kid who's the big man on campus is asked to show Ren around, he wasn’t prepared for what she was bringing into his world. He has a plan and he is ready to go! That is, until Ren takes an immunology course and finds out that her dad isn't really her dad but a man in Atlanta might be. She blackmails Fitz into taking her with him on his road trip across the country and with each stop they make, they make a new connection to each other and beautiful experiences for Ren. Fitz begins to soften as he experiences these things through Ren’s eyes and it changes the landscape of his whole world.

What they have both been missing is now right next to each other.

Oh man this book was so cute! It’s loosely based on Rapunzel and they did a fabulous job of the grumpy sunshine fluffy romance and I was hella invested in it. One of the things I love about Christina Lauren books is the beautiful level of cheese that they bring. I need it. I crave it.

The book comes from both Ren and Fitz’s POV and I loved how high energy Ren is and that everything is magical. I loved seeing the world through her eyes. Watching Fitz thaw out was really something to connect to. You can’t help but feel a little heartbroken for him, even after the spectacular ending we get for Ren, it's Fitz I feel bad for.

It had more of a YA vibe even though the characters were in their 20s. It didn’t take away from the enjoyment for me, you can totally understand how Ren is like a clean slate with how little interaction she has had in the real world.

I really enjoyed it even though the beginning was a little slow off the mark. The romance was really subtle, it doesn’t move fast so if you are looking for romancy romance, you may be a bit disappointed. (I didn’t need that so it worked for me)

4 stars. It was really solid and really entertaining.

Thank you @netgalley and @hyperionavebooks for my gifted copy

Ren is the new kid on campus having finally convinced her parents to let her off of the homestead to attend college. She missed a lot of conventional milestones having lived a very sheltered life. Juggling classwork and going back to the homestead on weekendsand she has a lot to catch up on socially and with farm chores.

Fitz is the opposite in every way. He is popular on campus, well known for his track record with women. He also is well known for having a rich and powerful father. Never having stepped foot on a farm. When their two worlds collide on a spring break road trip, what could go wrong?

The author duo Christina Lauren are one of my all-time favorite authors. Tangled is high on my list of favorite Disney movies. It was such a disappointment that this was not one of my favorite books. For me, it did not really pick up speed until about 80% into the story. What really slowed down the pace was the Mary Sue character of Ren. Everyone fawned over her, school newspapers wrote articles on her and it was overwhelmingly boring. I almost gave up 70% in because it felt like a chore to read more. Especially since it closely follows the Disney’s Tangled plot line, it was very predictable. On the other hand, I do appreciate the fun nods to Tangled side characters such as Pascal and Max.

I will say that once I reached the ending, I was glad that I stuck it out. As far as romance, this is very tame and I feel that young adults and older teens would be a suitable audience.

At the time of this review, this book is set to be released on June 25, 2024. An electronic Advanced Reader Copy of this book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review. Thank you!

A charming retelling

Ren, a 23-year-old college freshman, has lived off the grid her entire life. An assignment for her immunology course turns her world upside down, leading her to blackmail Fitz, the campus lothario, into taking her on his spring break trip to Nashville. Their personalities clash, but as they spend more time together, they discover common ground and a romantic connection blossoms.

Chapters alternate between Ren and Fitz’s perspectives. Ren is a bit much to take, especially at the start. She has a lot of energy, and to highlight her secluded upbringing and nativity, she is portrayed as a bit childish. Her voice had a YA feel and grated on my nerves. But I was able to move past this as her character developed. Thankfully, her voice changes.

Ren and Fitz are not what they appear to be on the surface; they have compelling backstories and palpable chemistry. Ren might be a bit overwhelming initially, but she grows on you, while Fitz is likable from the start.

Though the beginning was rough for me, this fades as the characters and the plot develop. There is also a notable level of cheesiness. However, the mystery surrounding Ren’s childhood and Fitz’s upbringing kept me invested. As the plot and the characters grow more serious, the entire dynamic changes, and the tone shifts to match.

There is a dramatic turn of events in the last 20%, which elevated the plot and upped my rating from 3.5 to 4 stars.

I wasn't sure how I felt about this novel going in. I saw Tangled

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue in exchange for an honest review.

Christina Lauren's fans will likely agree that this offering is somewhat different from their previous romance novels, in that the steam level is greatly reduced, and they address some heavier themes than usual. But if a good romance is about the emotions, their fans won't be disappointed as all the feels you expect to find in their stories is evident on nearly every page.

Unfortunately, this book was a DNF for me even though I've like Christina Lauren books in the past. The tropes just weren't for me.

Oh boy. I love Christina Lauren, I love Disney, and I've loved every book in this series so far. I, however, did not like this one. I know the story of Rapunzel is dark, but I was not anticipating this much darkness in what I perceived to be a lighthearted romance novel. Ren was wonderful. Fitz...I did not care for until the very end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I loved this take on the story, Rapunzel. With just the right number of twists and turns, it’s easy to root for Fitz and Ren.
I can honestly say that I hated REN’s parents from the get go. I wanted to wrap Ren up in a giant hug every time they were brisk or condescending to her. I wanted to rush through this to make sure they got their just desserts in the end.
I would love for Christina to write more stories like this.
5 stars!!!

This story was very fun.

Ren has spent her whole life living on a homestead with her parents. She has never gone to school and does not have any friends her own age. When she’s 22, she finally convinces her parents to let her go to a nearby college. Their rule, however, is she needs to come home every weekend to the homestead and they will pick her up, she cannot use the internet for anything other than assignments, and no going off campus. She also does not have a phone. When she meets Fitz, who is assigned to give her the welcome tour, he immediately dislikes her optimistic attitude. She’s warned to stay away from his charm, but when she finds out her dad may not be who she thought he was, she joins him on a road trip.

What I liked most about this story is that even though it’s a modern retelling of Tangled/Rapunzel, it feels like it exists in its own world. I could see a lot of the nods from the movie but it didn’t feel like pandering or like the story was being told just to hit story points.

I really loved how optimistic and naïve Ren was, while also just being kind and genuine. Fitz was charming, yet also struggling with his own demons. His story actually confused me the most. There was a lot of backstory which I appreciated, but it unfolded slowly.

Christina Lauren always do a great job with slow burn romances and with chemistry and this book does not miss. It’s a little less spicy than their usual stories, which I think a lot of people will appreciate. I loved the banter and I also liked the road trip aspect where Ren got to experience a lot of things for the first time.

This book was a quick, easy, fun read. I pretty much read it in one go on the airplane. Even though I knew, essentially, how the story was going to end, I was excited to see it play out and see how the ends were tied up together. I loved that the story didn’t just end with Ren/Rapunzel finding out about her real parents too. We got a little after of dealing with some of the consequences and where it felt more like real life. If you like Disney and romance, I highly recommend checking this out. I might go back and read the other ones in this series!

⭐️: 4/5

Ren was raised off the grid on a homestead, so she’s excited to attend Corona College and live in the real world for the first time. Fitz has a plan for the rest of his life, and it doesn’t include falling in love. When an assignment in their immunology seminar sheds light on some hard truths, the course of both of their lives change when they find themselves on a road trip across the country together.

It’s funny, because you’d think that because this is clearly advertised as a Tangled retelling and thus, all the plot twists and the ending are known, that this wouldn’t be as exciting of a read, but then you’d be wrong! I loved Disney’s Tangled, and I don’t think I’m alone in that regard, so this modern adaptation of it was so cute. The way that Fitz slowly and begrudgingly falls for Ren is just off the charts adorable, and I definitely swooned for how much he was falling for her. The whole “I should tell her the truth but I can’t right now but I really want to share but words are hard the time just isn’t right” thing was a lot though, since it felt so miscommunication-y, which is objectively one of the worst tropes. I loved the relationship though, and devoured this book.

Thank you to @netgalley and @hyperionavebooks for this free eARC for my honest review!!