Member Reviews

This is the first Disney Princess retellings set in the modern world that I've read, and it leaves me wanting to read more. The creativity thrown in, while staying true to the original is so great. Definitely a fun and easy read!

Was this review helpful?

These Disney Princess retellings, the Meant To Be series, set in the modern world are just plain fantastic. IT is so creative how the authors stay true to the general idea of the story, even down to names, but make them feel fresh and modern. In this retelling of Tangled (Rapunzel for us old folks) focuses on Ren who after 24 years of being hidden away and home schooled by her off the grid parents on their homestead is going away to college. She learns more and more about herself and the way she wants to live in the world, and of course she finds love❤️. These are fun romances with lots of East eggs hidden for fans of the original movies and stories.

Was this review helpful?

<img src="https://c.tenor.com/BqKaDtmhWO0AAAAC/excited-rapunzel.gif" width="400" height="300" alt="description"/>

That was so cute!

This is the fourth book in the <i>Meant to Be</i> series of adult fairytale retellings, and obviously it is a retelling of <i>Tangled!</i>!

Christina Lauren did an excellent job of following the familiar story of the movie, but also with putting their own new spin on it and it was so much fun to read.

I loved the character of Ren from the moment she was introduced. Her sweetness, her kindness, her naivete, her excitement to discover the world around her. She was a delight. She had vibes enough of the character from the movie but also had enough of her own personality to feel like an original character as well.

<img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/7fc0c232e6257afbb5c16d524056ebd4/fd0e03888f0af673-91/s500x750/7c51aebe535c9e8f9e429686048999759eb72d7f.gifv" width="400" height="300" alt="description"/>

It took me longer to warm up to Fitz but in the end I loved him too. There were several references to him "smoldering" which were great. I also liked learning more about his backstory and why he acted the way he did.

<img src="https://31.media.tumblr.com/995abea3ce118d325eeb25592fbfc3d3/tumblr_mojvyfW1KR1r99fqvo1_500.gif" width="400" height="300" alt="description"/>

Just like in the movie, you can definitely see the bond between the two of them growing and it was so sweet. They had so many cute moments together.

<Img src="https://giffiles.alphacoders.com/207/207363.gif" width="500" height="300" alt="description"/>

Even though if you know the movie, you pretty much know the plot of the book, I still had a lot of fun getting there and truly enjoyed the ride. The whole book was absolutely chock full of references to the movie. Christina Lauren really hit this one out of the park. If you love the movie, you will absolutely enjoy this book!

Was this review helpful?

First, the book was not formatted correctly and it was distracting when reading. I understand this is an ARC but I would suggest making sure the book is formatted correctly before putting it on NetGalley. Aside from that, the book felt long. I usually like a slow burn but this was too slow. Thank you for the ARC but it was not a good book. I kept reading thinking it would get better. It didn’t get better until closer to the end.

Was this review helpful?

Now I’ll be honest and say Tangled has always been my favorite Disney movie so it’s not surprising that I couldn’t put this book down. I devoured it in a day. I loved the characters and how Fitz doesn’t like her at first, mostly due to his own issues that he must be perfect or he wont be able to start over. I loved the way that the scenes paralleled Tangled but had their own modern twist and felt inventive still. Even though I had an idea of what would happen, it kept me on my toes. I LOVED the slow burn of the romance. I loved the ending and just appreciated the way that the story came full circle. I loved the writing style and I loved the slow reveals throughout to give each character more depth. Such a fantastic read and cannot gush enough!

Was this review helpful?

I think that, for me, this book was cliche. I think a lot of that is rooted in the fact that it’s based on a cliche story along with all of the other Meant to Be books. Now, I love Christina Lauren’s writing. That’s unchanging. But for me, this one just fell a little flat because I had to keep myself from rolling my eyes. I liked the basic premise but wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to someone else.

Was this review helpful?

This is cute as pie! It’s the adult version of Tangled/Rapunzel but still a clean romance. Just kissing and thats the kind of romance I love. It was sweet! Set in college. There’s a road trip. My cup of tea for sure!

Thank you to the authors and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!

Was this review helpful?

This was fine? The writing is up to the authors' usual standard, but I guess I wanted this to be something it wasn't. The "Tangled" story breaks are not subtle.

I guess I wanted a bit more emotional depth from Ren? Fitz had goals, desires, burning rage. I got that, but Ren felt a lot more like she was relying on our memories of how charming Rapunzel is in "Tangled." We know she has an urge to learn, and is pretty brilliant, but aside from what she tells her parents about wanting to come back after school and improve the farm, we don't see her have any big "I wants" until Big Reveal #1.

I feel like this could also have had another hundred pages? The resolution was a bit too fast for me, which befits a movie for children. In "Tangled,"it makes a lot of sense that after the story's climax the movie winds down with a brief epilogue, but the conclusion to this book felt a tad rushed, since the subject matter gets a tad emotionally heavy. I wanted more from Ren's perspective after she learns about her real father, and her connecting with his family. If Ren had had a driving desire to find her place in the world, there might have been a good resolution to her story there. I would have also liked a bit more about what she did for school or how they got on with their lives together, just personally.

I also wanted more motivation from Ren's parents, who did seem a bit underwritten to me. I liked a lot about the bio father revelation, and it made sense to adapt it this way.

Was this review helpful?

Tangled Up In You by Christina Lauren - A Delightful Modern Twist

Tangled Up In You, a modern-day version of Tangled by Christina Lauren, offers a refreshing take on the classic story. Having never seen Tangled, I approached the narrative with an open mind and was pleasantly surprised by the unique storyline and unexpected twists.

The characters in this novel are a standout element. Christina Lauren masterfully crafts complex and relatable characters, making it easy for readers to connect with their emotions and experiences. The depth of their personalities adds layers to the story, making it not just a romance but a journey of self-discovery and growth.

While I initially struggled with the shift to a third-person point of view, the engaging plot quickly overshadowed any reservations. Once the story picked up momentum, I found myself hooked and unable to put the book down. Their writing style effortlessly draws readers into the world they create, making it easy to immerse oneself in the lives and emotions of the characters.


Christina Lauren continues to showcase their storytelling prowess with Tangled Up In You. Their ability to capture the essence of modern romance while infusing it with unique twists sets them apart in the genre. Tangled Up In You is a testament to their talent, and I eagerly await their future releases.

Was this review helpful?

I’m not a die hard Disney fan but I picked this book up because I’ll read anything Christina Lauren writes. This book did not disappoint! I’m familiar with Tangled as I have 2 young daughters and it was fun to see how they loosely used it to inspire the plot. It didn’t take me long to get into the story and I really enjoyed my time reading. If you’re a Christina Lauren fan or just looking for an easy, comfort romance read check this one out!Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This book is sweet and funny and everything I wanted from them. I loved the FMC from the first chapter and couldn’t wait to see how the story was going to unfold. This was just the first amount of spice to romance and I loved it.

Was this review helpful?

Almost 4 stars

I'm in awe how many Tangled (the Movie) vibes I got from this book.

Disney's Tangled has always been one of my most favorite Disney movies of all times. Which made this book an instant MUST READ!

<b>Tangle Up in You</b> was a sweet read.

I adored Ren. She was written so well and gave me the best kind of Tangled feels. From her mannerism to how she spoke, or how amazed and curious she was about everything. The authors managed to capture the essence of Rapunzel perfectly.

It's a novel that focuses on friendship, on the blossoming of love. From mild interest, to annoyance, to resignation, to friends and then evil. far far in the future to lovers 🤣

The unplanned road trip, Fitz's rules and Ren's bottomless curiosity and knowledge was an entertaining combination.

The overall feel of the book reminds me of YA, partly because of Ren's innocence, the level of heat (just kissing) and most of all the short timeframe and ending.

Nevertheless it was a quick and enjoyable read for me. I had fun. And it made me more than once chuckle and smile. So, if you are searching for a cute and sweet novel that feels like a Disney movie - here is your chance.

Was this review helpful?

Super cute book and easy to read! Finished most of it in a 2 hour train ride :)

Thanks netgalley for an e arc in exchange for an honest review!

Was this review helpful?

I never would have thought that Christina Lauren and Disney would do a collaboration, but here we are! In this iteration of Tangled, Ren and Fitz meet at college. Fitz has a history, and Ren has been sheltered her whole life. After getting some unexpected news, Ren convinces Fitz to take her cross country. The two get closer on their road trip, but both of their history's come to get them at the end. If you've seen Tangled, one of the big plot points won't be a surprise, but it's still sweet, overall.

Was this review helpful?

"Tangled Up In You" is a delightful retelling of the Disney's classic Tangled. Authored by my favorite authors Christina Lauren.

The story revolves around Ren, a young woman raised on a homestead and off the grid, and Fitz, a determined young man with a meticulously planned future. Ren's journey from a secluded life to attending Corona College becomes a pivotal moment as her dreams collide with Fitz's carefully laid-out life plan. The clash of their worlds sets the stage for an unexpected adventure.

I loved the characters of Ren and Fitz, with their distinct personalities and quirks that make them both relatable and endearing. More fun was following as these two characters discovered and learned new things from one another. The dynamic between the characters evolves organically, and readers will find themselves rooting for them. The absence of smartphones and social media in Ren's life adds a unique charm, highlighting the clash between her unconventional background and Fitz's more modern worldview. This absence serves as a catalyst for self-discovery and personal growth for both characters.

The novel's strength lies in its ability to balance witty banter with moments of introspection, creating a story that is not only entertaining but also emotionally sound. The journey of self-discovery, the importance of embracing the unexpected are themes that carry this re-telling into the hearts of the reader.

Christina Lauren's clever and engaging modern reimagining of Disney's Tangled is sure to charm fans of fairy tale adaptations and contemporary romance alike.

Was this review helpful?

I have a certain expectation when it comes to Christina Lauren's books and this one did not quite hit the mark. I enjoyed the book and once I did a little research I realized that this is a multi-author series, which explained my confusion. I've read other titles in this series and once I had the correct context it made a lot more sense to me. This story is loosely based on Tangled, with Ren living off the grid with her parents until she's finally able to convince them to let her go to college after being homeschooled her entire life. She's never held an iPhone, has very little money, and doesn't understand social situations, but still becomes a phenomenon on campus. She's interviewed by the paper and everyone has a story of how wonderful she is, except Fitz. He's been at the top of the class and sees her as competition, especially in their immunology class. After a simple experiment Ren's life is thrown into a chaotic upheaval and the only one that can seem to help is Fitz. Ren convinces him to help her and of course, they end up having chemistry and we learn more about both of their lives. Overall I thought it was a great story and I look forward to more like this in this series. I'll also continue to read Christina Lauren's other books too, they're one of my favorite writing pairs!
Thank you to the authors, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to review this title in advance.

Was this review helpful?

Well, I've certainly never read another book that made we wonder: "Did someone write a rom-com based on Educated by Tara Westover?" But that initial premise is there--a homeschooled, isolated girl from Idaho goes to college. And then I had some flashbacks to The Waterboy and Legally Blonde as she charmed everyone on campus. Finally, there were some reminiscences of my childhood fave, The Face on the Milk Carton. But I won't give away more than that. I really liked the main characters, although I wish some of the supporting cast had been developed a little more. And the logistics of the last suspenseful sequence didn't quite make sense, but maybe I need to go back for a closer re-read. Anyway, after the last disappointing Christina Lauren book I read, this one was a pleasant surprise!

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

This is the fourth entry in the Meant to Be series, romantic retellings of favorite Disney films. Each title is completely unrelated to the others, and the "series" does not need to be read in order. I have enjoyed each book, and this new take on Tangled is no exception. (I did rewatch the movie to refresh my memory.)
So how does one represent living in a tower in the 21st century? Ren (our Rapunzel) has lived off the grid on an Idaho farm since she was a toddler. She's never gone to school or used--even held--a smartphone. No social media, no makeup, no dating. She has, however, read everything her local library has to offer, and she has a talent for fixing things. Her protective parents, Steve and Gloria, have grudgingly allowed her to go to college in neighboring Washington with some strict rules: she only leaves her dorm for classes, meals, or the library; no boys or booze; no internet; and every Friday, her parents will pick her up to return home for the weekend. They made it clear that they aren't paying for college (she has a scholarship) and her absence is hardship. Ren is excited to go out in the world and meet new people; her innocent exuberance is delightful.
Ren's introduction to campus life includes a tour from Fitz, a campus heartbreaker with chip on his shoulder. He's a senior with a plan to pursue law school so he can take down his wealthy father. He's not sure what to make of Ren, but he doesn't have time to encourage her curiosity or her friendship. They share an immunology class, and when the professor suggests everyone take a DNA test, Ren reluctantly participates, anonymously. She is stunned to find a match in her results, and when her quest to find answers intersects with Fitz's plans for spring break, they embark on a cross country road trip.
This enchanting retelling has fun fish out of water moments, romance, and plenty of cues to the Disney film. Highly recommended! Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!

Was this review helpful?

This is a new comfort read for me! When I heard this was a modern day Tangled retelling, I was sold!

The characters Ren, and Fitz were perfection! The way this story was modernized compared to the movie was so cool to me. This story was very fun, and Fitz absolutely had me giggling at times. (I adore Flynn Rider and Fitz was so perfect for this character!) The end had me so emotional! Also Max’s character modernization was so cute!
If you want an easy and fun YA fairytale retelling, this is for you! Especially my Tangled fans

Was this review helpful?

I'm torn about this book !


It is a retelling of Rapunzel. At first, Ren gave off major Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt vibes, which if you know the show could be a deal breaker. She is this quirky farm girl finally experiencing college, she seems too smart and too naive. You are just scared for her. Then things get wild when she does as part of one of her class a DNA test and discovers a match in Atlanta. She goes on a road trip with a guy she barely knows. A moody smart sexy bad boy which in typical grumpy meets sunshine trope warms up to her by the 2nd day of the roadtrip.

Turns out, she was kidnapped as a kid, and the book just ends abruptly without much closure with her fake dad dead her fake mom in prison, she becomes a brunette with short hair.

This feels like a bad review but I genuinely had a great time ! It's a fun read with a Disney twist, but it left me wanting more answers about Ren's past and what happens next and wondering who some of the Disney stories are sad 😅

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange of my honest review 🫶

Was this review helpful?