I loooooved this book! I've really enjoyed all of the books in the Meant to Be series, but this one is definitely my favorite. Ren was so cute and funny and Fitz was the perfect Flynn Rider.

Tangled Up In You is a modern day Rapunzel retelling!
Ren and Fitz both have guarded secrets and have never let anyone new in! This story is their adventure to truth and freedom!

This story does have a slow start and isn’t filled with sexy times but it’s packs such a punch with the original plot and twists that will shock you! I have come to truly appreciate the talent of these two authors because they create such original and emotionally gripping stories that keep me enticed and wanting more!

Ren has been sheltered her whole life but as she gets older she finally fights for a freedom she never thought possible. With that freedom comes a knowledge she didn’t know that would soon crush her world! By chance Ren embarks on a cross country trip with Fitz and we soon learn he has secrets tucked away and those secrets unlock who this gorgeous man truly is!

Take a chance on a fresh and fun adventure with two characters who will steal your heart!

Thank you to Hyperion Avenue and Netgalley for an ARC of this book! I’ve willingly read and reviewed it. All opinions are my own.

TANGLED UP IN YOU is the newest installment of the Meant To Be series that reimagines classic Disney movies into contemporary romance novels. When I heard Christina Lauren was going to be doing the book based on TANGLED, a movie I’ve seen probably hundreds of times thanks to my nieces, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it!

Ren Gylden is attending school for the first time. Having grown up on a homestead in Idaho with her parents, she’s been sheltered from the majority of the outside world. On her first day at Corona College, she meets the charming “big man on campus,” Fitz, who has been working hard for the past four years to be the top student. Ren, despite never attending any sort of educational institution, is super smart and is immediately a threat to Fitz’s position and GPA.

After taking a DNA test in one of her classes, something that would definitely go against the strict rules of her parents, Ren discovers an unknown match that sends her and a reluctant Fitz on a road trip to find out more information.

Filled with tons of Easter eggs and nods to the movie, TANGLED UP IN YOU was fun and just different enough to keep me engaged. Although the middle dragged a bit, I was absolutely riveted by the action at the end! I loved getting to see how much both Ren and Fitz grew and how their relationship evolved as they traveled the country.

I’ve read a few books in this series, but TANGLED UP IN YOU has definitely secured my top spot.

3.75 ⭐️s.

I loved this Tangled reimagining! The characters and pacing are so well done, nothing felt too rushed or drawn out. A very sweet romance

Christina Lauren can do no wrong. They write hit after hit after hit and Tangled Up In You was no different. When I read the blurb (a Tangled retelling? A roadtrip?? A leading man with a criminal past???), I couldn't have ran fast enough to request an advanced copy. And I'm SO happy I got to read it ahead of its release. This book has all the elements of a perfect romance, all wrapped up behind a pretty little cover. I loved the grumpy/sunshine vibes, the laugh-out-loud banter, the (spoiler alert) ONE BED TROPE. Really cannot say enough good things about this one, and was pleasantly surprised by the clean read of it. Perfect for fans of forced proximity, Disney retellings, and just enough suspense to keep you guessing!

🎧Song Pairing: When Will My Life Begin? - Mandy Moore (sung this a lot while reading)

💭What I thought would happen:

I seldomly drop everything I’m reading for any book but I did for this one. 🩷

📖What actually happens:

Ren has lived a nearly Amish existence her entire life, homeschooled - self taught, zero technology. Now her day has come. She gets to attend college on a full scholarship under strict rules with her parents.

When she is there she meets the charming and oh so cool character that is Fitz, enchanting everyone around her but him. She will only get in his way until they end up on a cross country journey together.

🗯Thoughts/sassy musings:

Christina Lauren x Tangled. SAY LESS! I looove Tangled. Frozen gets way too much hype when Rapunzel is my blonde home girl

The way Ren & Fitz were written…wow wow wow did they represent the characters well. Especially Ren. She was pure sunshine in just a likeable way.

The end! As a mother terrified me. But I crushed those last pages quick quick!

Anyways, this is going to be a favourite of Bookstagram. It’s a darling! If you like the Meant to Be books as much as I do you’ll get much joy from this read!

Every book that Christina Lauren has ever been has been my favorite, and this one is no exception. Can’t wait for the next book.

This book was such a fun and unexpected journey!

This is the first book from the Meant To Be series that I read and I am adding the others to my list!

Recap -
In a modern day retelling of Tangled, Christina Lauren created Ren, a sheltered 22 year old girl who is leaving her home to go to school for the first time. She has always been at her parent's farm, with no official education or access to any technology. Ren has taught herself everything from Calculus to Mandarin, and was admitted to college with a full scholarship. There, she meets Fitz - the charming guide appointed to show her around campus, who has a few secrets of his own. When a DNA test in one of their classes shows Ren something unexpected, they go on a journey that leads to a discovery of some secrets and a discovery of themselves.

Review -
I was not sure what to expect with a modern day fairy tale retelling, but this was so enjoyable! Ren was sheltered but never gave the impression of being a damsel in ANY distress. She was tough, brave, smart, charming, and curious. Fitz had no option but to fall for her because... who wouldn't? The twist at the end was unexpected and if I was enjoying my reading before the end, I was not able to put the book down until I knew how this ended! You will not be disappointed.

Read if you like:
Strangers to Lovers
Forced Proximity
School Rivals
Fairy Tale Retellings

Thank you net galley and publisher for this ARC. This as a cute and modern take on Tangled. I would recommend if you are a Disney fan.

The fourth romance in the Meant To Be series is a modern retelling of the Tangled/Rapunzel story. It's a delightful fairy tale featuring an almost too-charming-to-be-true heroine. Ren is accomplished at almost everything, having read all of the books in the town library, schooled herself in every possible subject, and turned herself into a capable auto mechanic, linguist, farm animal expert, and more. But because her rigid parents have kept her close to their homestead, not allowing her any liberties, she is definitely NOT schooled in the real world.

When she finally gets their grudging approval to go to college, having won a full scholarship, Ren starts to realize what she had been missing and sets out to experience everything she can, with the caveat that she must return home every weekend and complete her full weekly complement of chores. Early on, she strikes up a relationship with Fitz, a campus ladies' man who has secrets from his past and an action plan for the future that he won't share and that he can't risk anyone derailing. How they come together on a road trip for their mutual benefit is the crux of this very entertaining story.

I feel the character of Ren is unnecessarily over-the-top, but it's a fairy tale after all. Her romance with Fitz is slow going, as they learn to trust each other. And the ending sequence is unexpectedly suspenseful. It's my first read in the series, and I'm curious about the rest.

My thanks to Hyperion and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

This writing duo is amazing. They never lets me down. I cried after I finished reading this book. I was so sad that it was over, that’s the kind of hangover I’m currently experiencing. I loved getting to know the main characters, they were adorable. And, the flow of the writing was wonderful as always. It was absolutely one wonderful tale to read.

While this isn't my favorite Christina Lauren it was still super cute and fun! The fact that this is a retelling of Tangled is SO much fun!

I just wasn't as invested in this as I always seem to be in the author's books. It got a little boring in the middle and I could feel myself skimming at points. The beginning and end were great though!

If you're looking for a fun romance pick this up!

Thank you to the publisher for an eARC.

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Christina Lauren's "Tangled Up In You" is a charming and witty modern reimagining of Disney’s "Tangled", seamlessly blending romance, humor, and a dash of adventure. This novel, part of the Meant to Be collection, tells the story of Ren, a young woman raised off the grid and seeking to experience the world, and Fitz, a man with a meticulously planned future that Ren inadvertently throws into disarray.

The novel thrives on its character dynamics. Ren, with her insatiable curiosity and sheltered upbringing, is a delightful protagonist whose journey from isolation to the bustling life of Corona College is both heartwarming and humorous. Fitz, on the other hand, is a well-layered character whose facade of confidence and control masks deeper vulnerabilities. The chemistry between Ren and Fitz is electric, evolving from initial misunderstandings to a deep, genuine connection.

Lauren’s writing shines in its ability to infuse the story with both light-hearted banter and meaningful depth. The narrative is peppered with references to the classic tale of "Tangled", yet it stands on its own as a unique and contemporary love story. The authors skillfully navigate themes of self-discovery, dreams, and the courage to step into the unknown.

The road trip element of the story adds an exciting dimension, offering both characters a chance to break free from their past constraints and explore new possibilities. This journey not only propels the plot but also serves as a metaphor for their personal growth and the evolution of their relationship.

However, readers expecting a direct retelling of "Tangled" may find "Tangled Up In You" veers significantly from the original tale, focusing more on character development and modern-day challenges. Additionally, the novel’s pacing can feel uneven at times, with some plot points resolved too swiftly.

Content warnings for themes of identity and confronting one's past are appropriate, and the book will likely appeal most to readers who enjoy contemporary romance with a fairy tale twist.

In conclusion, "Tangled Up In You" by Christina Lauren is a delightful, heartwarming novel that offers a fresh take on a beloved story. It’s a testament to the authors' ability to craft a narrative that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant, making it a must-read for fans of modern romance and fairy tale retellings.

Ren and Fitz - warms my heart! I think it followed the original story modern-style well. If I didn’t know it was based off Tangled / Disney, then I would be bummed how PG it was. Additionally, it has all the makings of a thriller (come to think of it) but it’s really a Disney story, haha. So, again, because I knew the original story and concept, it was cute for me! I would recommend it - especially if you’re a Tangled fan!

Thank you so much Netgalley for this opportunity: I jumped the SECOND I saw a Christina Lauren book. Especially one modeled after Tangled, easily top 5 Disney princess movies for me? Immediate click.
This was good. I wouldn't call it great. The setup for Ren and Fitz felt a bit off, and trying to modernize this story and set it in modern day was definitely not easy. It worked, but it was clear how hard it was to stay on the Tangled pathway. Particularly, for me, the biker bar scene.
That being said: this banter is perfection. The tension and chemistry is perfection. This is so PG / maybe PG-13, and yet the tension between the main characters was palpable. That's what makes it a Christina Lauren book: you are immediately bought into the chemistry between the leads. That saves this book for me and makes it a good read: I fell in love with these two and their love story, even if the plot felt like it was lacking.

This book was pulled out right from inside my brain. I've always loved CLo and when they announced they were doing a Tangled/Rapunzel inspired romcom I actually couldn't have picked a better combination for this story. I was hooked before I knew anything about it.

Ren and Fitz were such a great spin off Flynn and Rapunzel. I loved how they incorporated things from the movie in their own unique way and found an opportunity to make the story its own. It was fun to follow, well written, and a great nod to a favourite story.

Christina Lauren is an auto-buy author for me, and I was really excited to see what they’d do with a Tangled retelling. I had SO much fun with this book. Christina Lauren’s books are so compulsively readable — I’ll start reading and before I know it, I’ve inhaled 100 pages.

Going in, I wasn’t sure what to expect because I haven’t read any of the other Meant to Be books, but Christina Lauren provide a fresh twist on the Tangled storyline. I’m a sucker for a road trip romance, and this was a great one. Watching the development of Ren and Fitz’s relationship as they traveled across the county was a joy.

If you’re a fan of Christina Lauren, modern retellings, and Disney movies, I think you’ll love this!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

So sweet. A retelling of Tangled done right. If you have seen the Disney version of Rapunzle you will see the obvious similarities, but this story still unfolds in an original way. I absolutely loved the characters and the pacing was perfect.

Ah Christina Lauren are one of my favorite authors. I was so happy to receive this ARC. I did a little dance. I love retellings of favorite childhood stories. Tangled was never my favorite but I enjoyed this one version quite a bit.. Ren was the perfect heroine that didn’t need saving per se, but needed to know more about her history and her future. Gloria and Steve were not great people, very secretive and living off the grid. Yet, I wanted more information about them. They were also a bit creepy. Fitz was an amazing guy. He was caring, compassionate, smart, and all around good guy. He was perfect for Ren. Their road-trip to Nashville was filled with fun and interesting spots. And a great way to falling for each other. My only small issue was I needed more of the aftermath in regards to Gloria and the ending felt a bit rushed. Overall, it was a very sweet romance that I highly recommend and enjoyed. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I will read anything from Christina Lauren. I was so intrigued to see what would come of a Tangled retelling and I was not disappointed!! If you were a fan of the movie, you will be thrilled and if you didn’t see the movie you’re still going to get butterflies.

I loved Ren and Fitz as individual characters and as they grew together. There were many parts of this story where I laughed out loud (no saluting, now bowing.) Ren is truly one of my favorite FMCs I have read recently. Christina Lauren managed to capture the joy in her naïveté, she’s someone whose outlook I aspire to reach.

This was such a fun story and my favorite of The Meant to Be Series! Thank you to Hyperion and Net Galley for the advanced read!