Hello lovelies! Today, I have my review for Cupid’s Match by Lauren Palphreyman. Adored by 50 million readers on Wattpad, this hilarious smash-hit book is now in print for the first time.
Publisher: Wattpad Books
Expected Publication: October 1, 2019
Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology, Romance
Format: Paperback, 384 pages
AMAZON – BARNES AND NOBLE – INDIEBOUND
He’s mythologically hot, a little bit wicked, and almost 100% immortal. And he’ll hit you right in the heart . . .
“Miss Black, we have a big problem.”
Lila Black doesn’t believe in matchmaking, let alone soul mates. So then why is she constantly being hassled by the Cupids Matchmaking Service? But this gilded, cherub-bedecked dating agency isn’t exactly what it seems . . . and it’s about to turn Lila’s entire world upside down.
It turns out that Cupids Matchmaking is the real deal. As in, it’s run by actual cupids—who don’t look at all like they do in the paintings—and they have a serious problem with Lila’s “match.” Because this guy shouldn’t be in the system. He shouldn’t have a match. And while he’s irresistibly hot, he’s also incredibly dangerous. Because Lila’s true love match is Cupid. The original bad boy of love. And he wants her.
Now Lila’s once-normal teenaged world has exploded into a mythological nightmare overrun by crime-lord sirens, wrathful cupid hit men, magic arrows that cause no end of trouble, and a mischievous, not-so-angelic love god she can’t seem to stop herself from falling for . . .
Hilarious, Charming, and Surprisingly Delightful
Rating – 3.5 hearts 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.
Bio taken from Author’s Website and Photo from Facebook
LAUREN PALPHREYMAN is an author based in London.
She is best known for her supernatural teen romance series, Cupid’s Match, which has accumulated over 40 million reads online, has been developed into a pilot episode for CW Seed, and will be published by Wattpad Books (October 2019).
She is part of Wattpad’s social influencer programme, the Wattpad Stars, where she has written for brand campaigns, spoken on a panel at London Wattcon, and completed a chapter for Writer’s Digest’s ‘Writer’s Guide to Wattpad’. Her standalone fantasy romances, Thorn, and Ink, have both accumulated over half a million reads online to date.
Lauren previously worked as an insight analyst for Penguin Random House. Now she spends her days writing, drinking coffee, and deviously plotting for cupid world domination! As a huge fan of Marvel and big blockbuster franchises, her life’s ambition is to create a fictional, multimedia universe for fans to enjoy and explore.
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Thanks for stopping by loves. As always, happy reading and have a fantastic day!!
Had Anna been allowed to choose, she’d have become a professional time-traveller. As such a profession does not exist, she settled for second best and became a financial professional with two absorbing interests, namely history and writing. These days, Anna combines an exciting day-job with a large family and her writing endeavours. Plus she always finds the time to try out new recipes, chase down obscure rose bushes and initiate a home renovation scheme or two.
Sincerely Karen Jo 