3.5 Stars rounded to 4.
Cupid’s Match by Lauren Palphreyman is a charming, humorous, and entertaining romance fantasy with a fun mythological twist. I found myself laughing a few times, swooning a bit here and there, and just having a really good time. Definitely a quick and amusing tale that enamored me until the end.
The idea of actual cupids running a Matchmaking service hidden in the real world is really intriguing. I knew there’ll be plenty of silliness and humor in the story and I couldn’t wait. While I didn’t completely love this book, I do have to admit… it’s absolutely a unique, quirky and fun read. The pacing is fast and feels rushed from time to time, but it wasn’t bothersome. I thought the writing is easy to follow and engaging. The plot is a bit outrageous and a little predictable, but there’s a few surprises that made the story really enjoyable. I don’t fully understand how the magical system really works, but the world-building is quite fascinating and the mythology aspect is creative and interesting enough. The narrative does get a bit absurd once in a while, the dialogue is sometimes chessy and awkward, the characters are kind of a mess, and the ending seems too convenient. So yes, the execution isn’t always perfect and there are some parts of the storyline that are confusing, but if you allow yourself to just relax, not overanalyze everything, and really enjoy the story for what it is, then you’ll have an awesome time just like I did.
I didn’t feel a deep connection with any of the characters, but I thought they’re all quite adorable and such a fun group. Lila is not always likeable, but she’s interesting and I enjoyed her personality. Cupid is the typical “bad boy” love interest and he definitely charmed me. I don’t think I’m head over heels in love with him, but he’s funny, magnetic, and swoony. Cal is serious, strict, and stony for the most part, but there’s something alluring about him. I was actually more drawn to him than Cupid and I wanted to knock down his walls in order to get to know the real Cal who I think is really sweet, caring, and fun. I like the secondary characters and I thought it was cool how all the cupids have names that begins with the letter “C.” The other mythological creatures are nicely introduced and I’m excited to learn more about them in the other books.
I do like the romance. It is a bit cringy at times and there’s definitely an insta-love/soulmate thing going on between Lila and Cupid, but I enjoyed their chemistry. They made me swoon here and there and I do think they’re cute together. I’m not so sure about the love triangle though and I’m kind of confused as to why it’s even there. I just don’t really like love triangles cause I have to choose one love interest to root for and sometimes, I really do like both while other times I’m in love with the one that doesn’t get the girl/boy.
Hilarious, charming, and surprisingly delightful, Cupid’s Match by Lauren Palphreyman is a wonderfully fun fantasy romance that I'm sure will keep readers amused. While this didn't hit me in the heart with all the feels, I definitely enjoyed the action, the drama, the bantering, the mystery, the intriguing characters, and the over-the-top, but sweet romance. Overall, this is a satisfyingly entertaining book that left me smiling in the end.
If you're looking for some silly fun, a few good laughs, and a story that will lighten your mood, then this book might just be for you.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cupid’s Match by Lauren Palphreyman is a charming, humorous, and entertaining romance fantasy with a fun mythological twist. I found myself laughing a few times, swooning a bit here and there, and just having a really good time. Definitely a quick and amusing tale that enamored me until the end.
The idea of actual cupids running a Matchmaking service hidden in the real world is really intriguing. I knew there’ll be plenty of silliness and humor in the story and I couldn’t wait. While I didn’t completely love this book, I do have to admit… it’s absolutely a unique, quirky and fun read. The pacing is fast and feels rushed from time to time, but it wasn’t bothersome. I thought the writing is easy to follow and engaging. The plot is a bit outrageous and a little predictable, but there’s a few surprises that made the story really enjoyable. I don’t fully understand how the magical system really works, but the world-building is quite fascinating and the mythology aspect is creative and interesting enough. The narrative does get a bit absurd once in a while, the dialogue is sometimes chessy and awkward, the characters are kind of a mess, and the ending seems too convenient. So yes, the execution isn’t always perfect and there are some parts of the storyline that are confusing, but if you allow yourself to just relax, not overanalyze everything, and really enjoy the story for what it is, then you’ll have an awesome time just like I did.
I didn’t feel a deep connection with any of the characters, but I thought they’re all quite adorable and such a fun group. Lila is not always likeable, but she’s interesting and I enjoyed her personality. Cupid is the typical “bad boy” love interest and he definitely charmed me. I don’t think I’m head over heels in love with him, but he’s funny, magnetic, and swoony. Cal is serious, strict, and stony for the most part, but there’s something alluring about him. I was actually more drawn to him than Cupid and I wanted to knock down his walls in order to get to know the real Cal who I think is really sweet, caring, and fun. I like the secondary characters and I thought it was cool how all the cupids have names that begins with the letter “C.” The other mythological creatures are nicely introduced and I’m excited to learn more about them in the other books.
I do like the romance. It is a bit cringy at times and there’s definitely an insta-love/soulmate thing going on between Lila and Cupid, but I enjoyed their chemistry. They made me swoon here and there and I do think they’re cute together. I’m not so sure about the love triangle though and I’m kind of confused as to why it’s even there. I just don’t really like love triangles cause I have to choose one love interest to root for and sometimes, I really do like both while other times I’m in love with the one that doesn’t get the girl/boy.
Hilarious, charming, and surprisingly delightful, Cupid’s Match by Lauren Palphreyman is a wonderfully fun fantasy romance that I'm sure will keep readers amused. While this didn't hit me in the heart with all the feels, I definitely enjoyed the action, the drama, the bantering, the mystery, the intriguing characters, and the over-the-top, but sweet romance. Overall, this is a satisfyingly entertaining book that left me smiling in the end.
If you're looking for some silly fun, a few good laughs, and a story that will lighten your mood, then this book might just be for you.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.