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Cupid's Match #1
Cupid's Match
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 . . .
Adored by 50 million readers on Wattpad, Lauren Palphreyman's smash-hit book is now in print for the first time.
"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 . . .
Adored by 50 million readers on Wattpad, Lauren Palphreyman's smash-hit book is now in print for the first time.
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 2017
About the author
Lauren Palphreyman
9 books517 followersLauren Palphreyman is an author based in London. She writes books full of magic and romance. Cupid's Match, and Devils Inc. are out now.
Her next book, A Circus of Ink comes out spring 2021.
Her next book, A Circus of Ink comes out spring 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 678 reviews
July 13, 2019
This is so much more then a high school romance! The Roman mythology twist was so awesome!! When lila keeps receiving emails from the cupid's match making service that she's been matched she goes to straighten out the misunderstanding,she already has a boyfriend and never signed up to begin with. But once she arrives and speaks to Cal not only does she find out that Cupid's are real but Cupid himself is her match,and her world will never be the same. I loved bad boy cupid he is handsome and very devil may care and cal his brother was awesome as well. Their Was a good amount of action and the storyline was good as well. Also their were other mythological creatures which was a nice touch. And what good tale doesn't have a great villian or villianess in this case it's cal's and cupid's own mommy dearest the demented and very evil Venus goddess of love,who's anything but loving. Over all a very entertaining read. Until next time luv's💖💋
Thank you Netgallery for this read!😉
Thank you Netgallery for this read!😉
September 21, 2019
What I expected:
What I got:
When I read this book on Wattshit, I expected it to be a love story, but it wasn't.
If the author writes a book about greek mythology or just mythology in general, she should be careful not to write about things she doesn't know. This story was completely unrealistic in terms of everything. Cupid is the Roman counterpart of Eros, so saying "Hermes" is uncorrect, Mercury is. There were many other mistakes in this book.
By the way, it was extremely BORING. The characters felt like air, they had no personality and the events were stupid and made no fucking sense. (Venus was Cupid's mother!). The writing was really bad. I read until chapter 13 or something and skimmed the whole book to read the... Disappointing end.
What I got:
When I read this book on Wattshit, I expected it to be a love story, but it wasn't.
If the author writes a book about greek mythology or just mythology in general, she should be careful not to write about things she doesn't know. This story was completely unrealistic in terms of everything. Cupid is the Roman counterpart of Eros, so saying "Hermes" is uncorrect, Mercury is. There were many other mistakes in this book.
By the way, it was extremely BORING. The characters felt like air, they had no personality and the events were stupid and made no fucking sense. (Venus was Cupid's mother!). The writing was really bad. I read until chapter 13 or something and skimmed the whole book to read the... Disappointing end.
February 5, 2020
Fun way of bringing mythology into a contemporary setting!
I really enjoyed this book, though I think it could use some editing and it could be a bit shorter, since I read an advanced reader copy, the final publication may have the editing. Aside from that, I really liked the story. The premise of having a Cupid Matchmaking Corporation that employs thousands of Cupid’s to make sure people cross paths with their match is pretty cool.
Then to have the heroine be matched with the original Cupid (who was banished) is a great plot especially considering that there is a rule that says Cupid’s cannot be matched. The one thing I didn’t like is how long it took Cupid and Cal to tell the heroine, Lila why it was such a bad thing to break that rule.
Cal is the management agent from the Cupid Matchmaking Corp. who meets with Lila to let her know she matched with Cupid. They generally don’t tell humans about themselves, but in this case they had to warn her because Cupid knows he Matched someone and was starting school in her town for senior year to try to find her. It is certainly an interesting take on finding love. Also Lila has a boyfriend so she is not too worried about Cupid. After that Cal also shows up at her school as a student to watch and help her out.
The story reads at first almost like a high school romance but fairly quickly turns into more of a fantasy adventure. It ends up filled with some cameos from mythology which is awesome.
Overall I thought is was very good. I really liked the ending. The last few words were pretty spicy. Just my kind of ending.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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I really enjoyed this book, though I think it could use some editing and it could be a bit shorter, since I read an advanced reader copy, the final publication may have the editing. Aside from that, I really liked the story. The premise of having a Cupid Matchmaking Corporation that employs thousands of Cupid’s to make sure people cross paths with their match is pretty cool.
Then to have the heroine be matched with the original Cupid (who was banished) is a great plot especially considering that there is a rule that says Cupid’s cannot be matched. The one thing I didn’t like is how long it took Cupid and Cal to tell the heroine, Lila why it was such a bad thing to break that rule.
Cal is the management agent from the Cupid Matchmaking Corp. who meets with Lila to let her know she matched with Cupid. They generally don’t tell humans about themselves, but in this case they had to warn her because Cupid knows he Matched someone and was starting school in her town for senior year to try to find her. It is certainly an interesting take on finding love. Also Lila has a boyfriend so she is not too worried about Cupid. After that Cal also shows up at her school as a student to watch and help her out.
The story reads at first almost like a high school romance but fairly quickly turns into more of a fantasy adventure. It ends up filled with some cameos from mythology which is awesome.
I sigh with relief and take another sip of water. “Sorry I shot you.”
Cupid’s face cracks into a grin and he waves a dismissive hand. “Nah, don’t worry about it,” he says. “It was quite invigorating. I saw my whole life flash before my eyes, and I’m quite an interesting guy. It was like watching a movie.”
Overall I thought is was very good. I really liked the ending. The last few words were pretty spicy. Just my kind of ending.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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September 21, 2019
**I received an eARC of Cupid's Match through netgalley; opinions are my own.
I'm a bit torn about this book. Right from the start, we get thrown into the story, and I highly appreciate that. I wasn't bored once reading Cupid's Match and it's one of those titles that can easily be read in one sitting if that's your thing.
The writing flows nicely, something's always happening and you just don't have time to get bored with it.
However, especially as we near the ending, I felt like things switched from fast-paced to rushed. Everything falls into place a little too easily, an important character (or at least what should have been one) dies off screen and suddenly it's all over.
The story as a whole, even though I enjoyed it, was also just very predictable. Which saddens me, because the premise is interesting. I believe with some editing, more elaborate world building and incorporation of all the mythology that's really only brushed over as it stands, and some more character development for the side cast especially, this could be a favorite of mine. As it stands though, it's more so the concept of it that is.
If there is gonna be a follow up novel, I am definitely interested in picking it up though, in hopes that it'll fill in some gaps and simply allow itself some more time to develop everything. I instantly liked and sympathized with Lila and would like to see more of her and Cupid and especially Cal.
I'm a bit torn about this book. Right from the start, we get thrown into the story, and I highly appreciate that. I wasn't bored once reading Cupid's Match and it's one of those titles that can easily be read in one sitting if that's your thing.
The writing flows nicely, something's always happening and you just don't have time to get bored with it.
However, especially as we near the ending, I felt like things switched from fast-paced to rushed. Everything falls into place a little too easily, an important character (or at least what should have been one) dies off screen and suddenly it's all over.
The story as a whole, even though I enjoyed it, was also just very predictable. Which saddens me, because the premise is interesting. I believe with some editing, more elaborate world building and incorporation of all the mythology that's really only brushed over as it stands, and some more character development for the side cast especially, this could be a favorite of mine. As it stands though, it's more so the concept of it that is.
If there is gonna be a follow up novel, I am definitely interested in picking it up though, in hopes that it'll fill in some gaps and simply allow itself some more time to develop everything. I instantly liked and sympathized with Lila and would like to see more of her and Cupid and especially Cal.
August 1, 2016
When I came across this on Wattpad I expected a high school love story where it is a badboy who chases some good girl. However, this story doesn't even include that plot at all. It came as a surprise. This can't really be called a love story, it's more like a action/adventure/fantasy fiction, although it contents romance of course. I spent a whole day reading this whilst smiling like the Chesire Cat from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland".
In short, this story is about how the main character Lila who's a human, gets matched with this dangerous "guy" also known as Cupid. In the start Cupid doesn't know about this and therefore this other guy named Cal is trying to prevent that Cupid finds out that Lila is his match, because of how risky and bad the consequences of that will be. Although, Cal's mission fails and therefore along with Cupid, a lot of danger enters Lila's life and both of the guys tries to protect her.
There's more characters in this story and none of them are alike. I have never came across anything like this and I'm usually the person who doesn't read fantasy. BUT trust me I loved this. If you like cupids and mythical creatures GO ON WATTPAD AND READ THIS STORY! You'll love it, cos it differs from other stories and Lauren Palphreyman has a pretty amazing mind for making this.
In short, this story is about how the main character Lila who's a human, gets matched with this dangerous "guy" also known as Cupid. In the start Cupid doesn't know about this and therefore this other guy named Cal is trying to prevent that Cupid finds out that Lila is his match, because of how risky and bad the consequences of that will be. Although, Cal's mission fails and therefore along with Cupid, a lot of danger enters Lila's life and both of the guys tries to protect her.
There's more characters in this story and none of them are alike. I have never came across anything like this and I'm usually the person who doesn't read fantasy. BUT trust me I loved this. If you like cupids and mythical creatures GO ON WATTPAD AND READ THIS STORY! You'll love it, cos it differs from other stories and Lauren Palphreyman has a pretty amazing mind for making this.
March 29, 2016
Disclaimer:
Not sure if this is the official goodreads page for this wattpad story but it was the only one I could find.
After so many attempts to find good stories on wattpad, and after so many let downs, I'd lost hope. But, when this story came up on the Discover page, I was immediately drawn to it. I mean, it's about cupids who run a matchmaking service!! How often do you read something as quirky as that?!
Sure, it wasn't brilliant, but it was damn good and very entertaining! The characters were all very likable, the plot was original, there was always something happening and it never got boring. Staying up until 3 AM reading this was probably one of the best decisions I've made in a while because it got me out of a terrible reading slump and for that I am forever grateful.
Also, Cal... Sweet baby Cal! The cutest cinnamon roll who deserves all the happiness in the world.
After so many attempts to find good stories on wattpad, and after so many let downs, I'd lost hope. But, when this story came up on the Discover page, I was immediately drawn to it. I mean, it's about cupids who run a matchmaking service!! How often do you read something as quirky as that?!
Sure, it wasn't brilliant, but it was damn good and very entertaining! The characters were all very likable, the plot was original, there was always something happening and it never got boring. Staying up until 3 AM reading this was probably one of the best decisions I've made in a while because it got me out of a terrible reading slump and for that I am forever grateful.
Also, Cal... Sweet baby Cal! The cutest cinnamon roll who deserves all the happiness in the world.
February 5, 2023
Calling all Twilight fans! This one is super quick and cute. Definitely has that highschool, mythic creature, romance thing going on. I felt like the ending was super fast, but overall it was a really fun read!
February 19, 2021
Click here to see this review and others on my blog Reading With Daniella
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The synopsis of this book sounded promising and the story line had a lot of potential, but the execution left me disappointed.
If I had to describe this book in one single word, I would use 'rushed'. From the romance, to the plot, to the world building, to the conclusion, everything simply felt hurried.
The world building was weak. I was constantly filled with questions and confusion as to how the world of cupids worked. By the end of the story, I still had many questions left unanswered. Perhaps there will be a sequel that will fill in all of these gaps, but I think the first book should have wrapped itself up nicer on its own.
The ending as a whole was too abrupt. They were in the middle of a battle and then Lila suddenly blacks out as she makes an attack, and when she wakes up, everything is fixed. And then the book is just over. Again, perhaps leaving the reader hanging was intentional if there is a sequel coming out and the author wants us to be left with questions and curiosity to continue reading the series.
The romance between Lila and her boyfriend at the beginning of the story felt weird. She seemed to be in love with him, but within a couple of days of meeting Cupid, she never wants to see him again. It made sense to end their relationship based on the recent events, but ending their long-term friendship seemed unnecessary and unrealistic to me.
Cupid's character honestly felt a bit inconsistent to me. When we were first introduced to him near the beginning of the novel, I was certainly intrigued. He was hilarious, mysterious, and very attractive. He reminded me of the typical "bad boy" love interest from paranormal YA fiction, which I liked. I was so sure that I was going to fall in love with him and I began to, with dialogue like this:
“You didn’t sleep much?” he asks as he swaps in another mug and presses the button again. When I shake my head, he nods knowingly. “Too busy thinking about me, I’d guess,” he says. “I don’t blame you, I am pretty dreamy.”
Unfortunately, it didn't last all that long. His lines quickly became painfully cheesy and he somehow often felt like an entirely different character.
He looks at me intensely. “I’d battle a Roman legion to get to dance with you.”
Cupid and Lila definitely has some chemistry when they first met, but after that their relationship felt extremely rushed and unbelievable. I think that a few more scenes between the two of them could have added a lot to the story.
There was also a love triangle sort of thing in the book that felt really random to me. Lila suddenly seemed to have feelings for somebody other than Cupid, and it just didn't make sense, in my opinion.
However, all these things aside, the book was somewhat enjoyable. It was entertaining, even if confusing and rushed at times. The mythology aspect was interesting and there was some fun banter between characters. I think the premise was really cool, but it could have used another round of revisions for a stronger story.
If you're looking for a really well developed paranormal story, this probably isn't the one of you. If you simply want a a quick and entertaining story involving mythology and cupids, you might want to give this one a try.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The synopsis of this book sounded promising and the story line had a lot of potential, but the execution left me disappointed.
If I had to describe this book in one single word, I would use 'rushed'. From the romance, to the plot, to the world building, to the conclusion, everything simply felt hurried.
The world building was weak. I was constantly filled with questions and confusion as to how the world of cupids worked. By the end of the story, I still had many questions left unanswered. Perhaps there will be a sequel that will fill in all of these gaps, but I think the first book should have wrapped itself up nicer on its own.
The ending as a whole was too abrupt. They were in the middle of a battle and then Lila suddenly blacks out as she makes an attack, and when she wakes up, everything is fixed. And then the book is just over. Again, perhaps leaving the reader hanging was intentional if there is a sequel coming out and the author wants us to be left with questions and curiosity to continue reading the series.
The romance between Lila and her boyfriend at the beginning of the story felt weird. She seemed to be in love with him, but within a couple of days of meeting Cupid, she never wants to see him again. It made sense to end their relationship based on the recent events, but ending their long-term friendship seemed unnecessary and unrealistic to me.
Cupid's character honestly felt a bit inconsistent to me. When we were first introduced to him near the beginning of the novel, I was certainly intrigued. He was hilarious, mysterious, and very attractive. He reminded me of the typical "bad boy" love interest from paranormal YA fiction, which I liked. I was so sure that I was going to fall in love with him and I began to, with dialogue like this:
“You didn’t sleep much?” he asks as he swaps in another mug and presses the button again. When I shake my head, he nods knowingly. “Too busy thinking about me, I’d guess,” he says. “I don’t blame you, I am pretty dreamy.”
Unfortunately, it didn't last all that long. His lines quickly became painfully cheesy and he somehow often felt like an entirely different character.
He looks at me intensely. “I’d battle a Roman legion to get to dance with you.”
Cupid and Lila definitely has some chemistry when they first met, but after that their relationship felt extremely rushed and unbelievable. I think that a few more scenes between the two of them could have added a lot to the story.
There was also a love triangle sort of thing in the book that felt really random to me. Lila suddenly seemed to have feelings for somebody other than Cupid, and it just didn't make sense, in my opinion.
However, all these things aside, the book was somewhat enjoyable. It was entertaining, even if confusing and rushed at times. The mythology aspect was interesting and there was some fun banter between characters. I think the premise was really cool, but it could have used another round of revisions for a stronger story.
If you're looking for a really well developed paranormal story, this probably isn't the one of you. If you simply want a a quick and entertaining story involving mythology and cupids, you might want to give this one a try.
January 3, 2022
Eigentlich agiert die Agentur "Everlasting Love" im Hintergrund und bringt unauffällig Seelenpartner zusammen, aber Lilas Match ist so ungewöhnlich, dass sie von der Dating-Agentur kontaktiert wird, ohne sich da jemals angemeldet zu haben. Ihr Seelenverwandter ist Liebesgott Cupid selbst, der schon vor lange Zeit zu einem gefährlichen Rebell geworden ist und nun an Lilas Schule kommt, um sie kennenzulernen. Doch die wichtigste Regel für die unsterblichen Cupids ist, dass sie sich niemals auf ein Match einlassen dürfen. Wenn nötig, bringt man sie mit Gewalt auseinander ...
Lila ist bereits in einer Beziehung und glaubt nicht daran, dass es ihr Schicksal ist, den Liebesgott zu lieben und hat auch nicht vor, sich darauf einzulassen. Trotzdem kommt auch Cal mit an ihre Schule, um Lila vor Cupids Charme zu beschützen und darauf zu achten, dass die Regeln der Cupids nicht gebrochen werden.
An den Namen "Cupid" habe ich mich schon recht schnell gewöhnt, aber ich fand es auch nicht so schlau, dass die Liebesboten, die für die Agentur arbeiten, ebenfalls als Cupids bezeichnet werden. Bei dem Klappentext habe ich nicht sehr viel erwartet und wurde auch nicht enttäuscht, eigentlich ist es schon genau das, was man auch erwarten würde. Die Geschichte ist meistens sehr vorhersehbar, aber locker und gut zu lesen. Lila, Cal und Cupid haben mich schon gut unterhalten, die Nebencharaktere konnten mich aber nicht unbedingt überzeugen. Die scheinbare Dating-Agentur hätte man auch etwas anders gestalten können und ich fand die magischen Pfeile sowie die Simulationen, die zum Training benutzt werden, nicht so ganz überzeugend.
Fazit
"Everlasting Love - Gefährliches Schicksal" bietet eine nette und teilweise sogar spannende Liebesgeschichte zwischen Seelenpartnern, die sich aber nicht auf diese Liebe einlassen dürfen.
Lila ist bereits in einer Beziehung und glaubt nicht daran, dass es ihr Schicksal ist, den Liebesgott zu lieben und hat auch nicht vor, sich darauf einzulassen. Trotzdem kommt auch Cal mit an ihre Schule, um Lila vor Cupids Charme zu beschützen und darauf zu achten, dass die Regeln der Cupids nicht gebrochen werden.
An den Namen "Cupid" habe ich mich schon recht schnell gewöhnt, aber ich fand es auch nicht so schlau, dass die Liebesboten, die für die Agentur arbeiten, ebenfalls als Cupids bezeichnet werden. Bei dem Klappentext habe ich nicht sehr viel erwartet und wurde auch nicht enttäuscht, eigentlich ist es schon genau das, was man auch erwarten würde. Die Geschichte ist meistens sehr vorhersehbar, aber locker und gut zu lesen. Lila, Cal und Cupid haben mich schon gut unterhalten, die Nebencharaktere konnten mich aber nicht unbedingt überzeugen. Die scheinbare Dating-Agentur hätte man auch etwas anders gestalten können und ich fand die magischen Pfeile sowie die Simulationen, die zum Training benutzt werden, nicht so ganz überzeugend.
Fazit
"Everlasting Love - Gefährliches Schicksal" bietet eine nette und teilweise sogar spannende Liebesgeschichte zwischen Seelenpartnern, die sich aber nicht auf diese Liebe einlassen dürfen.
August 13, 2016
Reading this book was like peyton telling bedtime story to joe Kingman-
"Once upon a time there was a princess and she had a lot of beautiful dresses.
She had a pink dress, a red dress, a blue dress, a green dress, a purple dress,- an orange dress, a yellow dress...So each dress had a secret power. The pink dress, which had pink sparkles all over it, could make her fly. And the blue dress, which had blue sparkles all over it, could make her tiny. And the green dress, which had green sparkles all over it, could make her sleep."
Different colors of dress is like different arrows in this book. capax, ardor etc. In short - It will just put you into sleep. Seriously Cupid, Cal, Lila are the worst characters you could ever imagine to put into any fiction. Why would they humiliate the mythological characters.
"Once upon a time there was a princess and she had a lot of beautiful dresses.
She had a pink dress, a red dress, a blue dress, a green dress, a purple dress,- an orange dress, a yellow dress...So each dress had a secret power. The pink dress, which had pink sparkles all over it, could make her fly. And the blue dress, which had blue sparkles all over it, could make her tiny. And the green dress, which had green sparkles all over it, could make her sleep."
Different colors of dress is like different arrows in this book. capax, ardor etc. In short - It will just put you into sleep. Seriously Cupid, Cal, Lila are the worst characters you could ever imagine to put into any fiction. Why would they humiliate the mythological characters.
January 30, 2023
Not the worst book I've read, but definitely not the best.
The plot was somewhat creative, but the mythological validity in this book was pretty much non-existent.
The main character was slow and a bimbo, basically. I didn't really feel the chemistry between Lila and Cupid. It seemed more forced than anything.
The plot was somewhat creative, but the mythological validity in this book was pretty much non-existent.
The main character was slow and a bimbo, basically. I didn't really feel the chemistry between Lila and Cupid. It seemed more forced than anything.
May 10, 2020
This book does an interesting take on mythology. I liked the way many fandoms were referenced. The female lead's constant questions and her stupidity reminded me of Tessa from Infernal Devices. The cardboard characters made me want to drop the book, but the suspense at the end of almost every chapter forced me to continue. Granted, there are flaws but it was a fun read and I won't complain.
May 11, 2018
FINALLY A GOOD WATTPAD BOOK
January 26, 2022
Sometimes, you just need a good old wattpad book.
September 22, 2019
This book was provided as an e-arc by NetGalley.
I loved the idea. It was unique at least for me.I liked the mythology and the way the author used it.
The story itself was a mixed bag.I liked part 1 and 3 but didn't like part 2 or 4.I loved the first 30% cause it was just fun and we didn't reach the death drama part.Part 3 was the action part and I liked it.Part 2 was a little boring and the last part aka the ending was okay but I think it was lacking.
I loveeed grumpy Cal.I shipped Cal and Lila and I know it was hard to happen but that's me 😀.I liked Cupid but he was just okay for me.
I needed more of the family aspects and I loved the friendship of lila and I really want to see it more.
I loved the idea. It was unique at least for me.I liked the mythology and the way the author used it.
The story itself was a mixed bag.I liked part 1 and 3 but didn't like part 2 or 4.I loved the first 30% cause it was just fun and we didn't reach the death drama part.Part 3 was the action part and I liked it.Part 2 was a little boring and the last part aka the ending was okay but I think it was lacking.
I loveeed grumpy Cal.I shipped Cal and Lila and I know it was hard to happen but that's me 😀.I liked Cupid but he was just okay for me.
I needed more of the family aspects and I loved the friendship of lila and I really want to see it more.
October 1, 2019
Klappentext:
Eine packende Trilogie um ein normales Teenager-Mädchen und ihr Perfect Match, Liebesgott Cupid persönlich. Als Lila erfährt, dass es die griechischen Götter wirklich gibt und sie mittlerweile sexy, reich sowie hochtechnologisiert sind, reagiert sie erst ungläubig und dann ablehnend. Was sollen Götter auch mit ihr zu tun haben? Aber ausgerechnet Lila ist das Perfect Match von Cupid persönlich! Da die Verbindung der beiden das Ende der Welt bedeuten könnte, gerät Lila von einem Augenblick auf den anderen ins Visier fanatischer Liebesagenten, die sie töten wollen!
Meine Meinung:
Ich habe zuvor kein Buch der Autorin gelesen und war mächtig gespannt auf das Buch! Der Klappentext war wirklich vielversprechend und es ging um ein Thema, was ich so vorher noch nie gelesen habe!
Die Autorin hat einen leichten und lockeren Schreibstil, der einen wirklich durch die Seiten fliehen lässt. Es war super schön das Buch zu lesen und ich musste an vielen Stellen echt laut auflachen.
Lila war eine sehr sympathische Protagonisten. Ihre jungendliche, lockere und doch vernünftige Art hat sich mich wirklich ins Herz schließen lassen. Es war super spannend den Kampf ihrer Gefühle mitzuverfolgen und sie auf ihrer Reise zu begleiten. Sie hat die ganze Liebesagenten Geschichte zwar meiner Meinung nach etwas zu schnell geglaubt und überwunden aber das war für mich nicht weiter schlimm.
Cupid ist nicht das was ich erwartet habe. Er wahr am Anfang wirklich unnahbar und auch für mich schwer zu durchschauen. Ich hatte das Gefühl er versteckt seine wahren Gefühle oft hinter einem Grinsen. Doch mit der Zeit hat er seine Gefühle immer mehr nach außen gekehrt und es war einfach zuckersüß zu verfolgen, wie er sich seiner Gefühle für Lila klar wird.
Die Handlung war wirklich durchgehend spannend und ich war total fasziniert von der Welt, die die Autorin hier geschaffen hat. Für mich hätte die Sache mit Lilas Freund James etwas mehr im Vordergrund stehen können aber es gab so einige Wendung mit denen ich nicht gerechnet habe. Auch die Liebesbeziehung hat eine Richtung eingeschlagen, die ich so nicht erwartet hätte. Für Spannung war auf jeden Fall gesorgt.
Fazit:
Eine tolle Romantasy Geschichte mit einigen Überraschungen und tollen Charakteren. Super leicht und locker, gerade für jüngere Leser!
Eine packende Trilogie um ein normales Teenager-Mädchen und ihr Perfect Match, Liebesgott Cupid persönlich. Als Lila erfährt, dass es die griechischen Götter wirklich gibt und sie mittlerweile sexy, reich sowie hochtechnologisiert sind, reagiert sie erst ungläubig und dann ablehnend. Was sollen Götter auch mit ihr zu tun haben? Aber ausgerechnet Lila ist das Perfect Match von Cupid persönlich! Da die Verbindung der beiden das Ende der Welt bedeuten könnte, gerät Lila von einem Augenblick auf den anderen ins Visier fanatischer Liebesagenten, die sie töten wollen!
Meine Meinung:
Ich habe zuvor kein Buch der Autorin gelesen und war mächtig gespannt auf das Buch! Der Klappentext war wirklich vielversprechend und es ging um ein Thema, was ich so vorher noch nie gelesen habe!
Die Autorin hat einen leichten und lockeren Schreibstil, der einen wirklich durch die Seiten fliehen lässt. Es war super schön das Buch zu lesen und ich musste an vielen Stellen echt laut auflachen.
Lila war eine sehr sympathische Protagonisten. Ihre jungendliche, lockere und doch vernünftige Art hat sich mich wirklich ins Herz schließen lassen. Es war super spannend den Kampf ihrer Gefühle mitzuverfolgen und sie auf ihrer Reise zu begleiten. Sie hat die ganze Liebesagenten Geschichte zwar meiner Meinung nach etwas zu schnell geglaubt und überwunden aber das war für mich nicht weiter schlimm.
Cupid ist nicht das was ich erwartet habe. Er wahr am Anfang wirklich unnahbar und auch für mich schwer zu durchschauen. Ich hatte das Gefühl er versteckt seine wahren Gefühle oft hinter einem Grinsen. Doch mit der Zeit hat er seine Gefühle immer mehr nach außen gekehrt und es war einfach zuckersüß zu verfolgen, wie er sich seiner Gefühle für Lila klar wird.
Die Handlung war wirklich durchgehend spannend und ich war total fasziniert von der Welt, die die Autorin hier geschaffen hat. Für mich hätte die Sache mit Lilas Freund James etwas mehr im Vordergrund stehen können aber es gab so einige Wendung mit denen ich nicht gerechnet habe. Auch die Liebesbeziehung hat eine Richtung eingeschlagen, die ich so nicht erwartet hätte. Für Spannung war auf jeden Fall gesorgt.
Fazit:
Eine tolle Romantasy Geschichte mit einigen Überraschungen und tollen Charakteren. Super leicht und locker, gerade für jüngere Leser!
January 15, 2020
This is like some weird version of Twilight and I just didn’t like it at all. An immortal creature and a teenager, again? Really? (Yes I read and quite liked twilight when I was younger and maybe this would’ve been great when I was a teen but it’s a hard no now)
I’m so disappointed. I had high hopes for this YA. It’s a bit different from what I normally read when I read YA but it sounded promising. Unfortunately it fell flat.
I didn’t read the whole thing. I got about 50 pages in before I skimmed the rest of the book and read the ending. Nothing surprising.
I will say that I liked the character Cal a lot and am sad that I didn’t get to know him better. I just could not keep reading about Lila and Cupid and the drama drama drama. And the chapters were so short which works sometimes but seemed unnecessary in this story.
Oh, Apparently things get wild at some point and lots of mythological creatures come into play and it somehow all makes sense but I’m not convinced.
I’m so disappointed. I had high hopes for this YA. It’s a bit different from what I normally read when I read YA but it sounded promising. Unfortunately it fell flat.
I didn’t read the whole thing. I got about 50 pages in before I skimmed the rest of the book and read the ending. Nothing surprising.
I will say that I liked the character Cal a lot and am sad that I didn’t get to know him better. I just could not keep reading about Lila and Cupid and the drama drama drama. And the chapters were so short which works sometimes but seemed unnecessary in this story.
Oh, Apparently things get wild at some point and lots of mythological creatures come into play and it somehow all makes sense but I’m not convinced.
October 27, 2021
Its just ♡
Read
October 1, 2019Thank you Bookish First for providing me with a free review copy.
Unfortunately, this one was a DNF from me. I struggled for 2 weeks to finish this but had to give up at page 158.
I initially wasn't sure if I even wanted to request a copy of this one. I couldn't decide whether the premise was super cool or super stupid. And as predicted it was both.
The reason that I ended up wanting to take a chance on this book is because I, too, write books on Wattpad and so, I thought it would be neat to see what it takes for the Wattpad dream to come true. That being said, I am not sure how this book made the cut as one of the very few out of the million books on Wattpad that actually got published, because I have read many, many better ones.
The book was definitely not bad just very shallow and mediocre. The writing was fine but nothing incredible. The characters were fine but none that I will remember or choose to cherish my heart until the end of time. The plot was all over the place.
Since the chapters were so, SO short, similar to a lot of Wattpad stories, you didn't really ever get much time spent on one scene before you are forcefully shoved into the next and then the next and the next and the next.
I didn't care for the bad guys. They were as generic as they come.
Overall, just, this story is exactly what you will expect it to be. A fun little whirlwind meant for young teenagers without a whole lot of substance behind it. It was fine but if you're on the fence, I'd say don't waste your time unless you are extremely interested in the premise.
Which, by the way, I gotta add the actual premise is wonderfully original. Where the hell else have you ever read about Cupids before? Nowhere. That's this books main appeal. Originality although when put into execution it was really just the same old YA story reminiscent of the early 2000s.
Unfortunately, this one was a DNF from me. I struggled for 2 weeks to finish this but had to give up at page 158.
I initially wasn't sure if I even wanted to request a copy of this one. I couldn't decide whether the premise was super cool or super stupid. And as predicted it was both.
The reason that I ended up wanting to take a chance on this book is because I, too, write books on Wattpad and so, I thought it would be neat to see what it takes for the Wattpad dream to come true. That being said, I am not sure how this book made the cut as one of the very few out of the million books on Wattpad that actually got published, because I have read many, many better ones.
The book was definitely not bad just very shallow and mediocre. The writing was fine but nothing incredible. The characters were fine but none that I will remember or choose to cherish my heart until the end of time. The plot was all over the place.
Since the chapters were so, SO short, similar to a lot of Wattpad stories, you didn't really ever get much time spent on one scene before you are forcefully shoved into the next and then the next and the next and the next.
I didn't care for the bad guys. They were as generic as they come.
Overall, just, this story is exactly what you will expect it to be. A fun little whirlwind meant for young teenagers without a whole lot of substance behind it. It was fine but if you're on the fence, I'd say don't waste your time unless you are extremely interested in the premise.
Which, by the way, I gotta add the actual premise is wonderfully original. Where the hell else have you ever read about Cupids before? Nowhere. That's this books main appeal. Originality although when put into execution it was really just the same old YA story reminiscent of the early 2000s.
August 12, 2019
I first read Lauren’s Book when I was on Wattpad, a few years ago and I fell irrevocably in love with all the characters.
You’ll never see anything like this anywhere, it’s diverse and unique to the point where you find yourself in a reading slump afterwards, wanting to read more stuff that’s somewhat similar but you just can’t because it can’t be found—it doesn’t exists! Lolol
The main characters had explosive chemistry and the heroine had such a charming personality. Firstly and strong!
Lauren creates a mythical world that in unmatched, not many can achieve such a glorious YA book making 50million readers fall in love, including me.
Can’t wait to get this in print.
You’ll never see anything like this anywhere, it’s diverse and unique to the point where you find yourself in a reading slump afterwards, wanting to read more stuff that’s somewhat similar but you just can’t because it can’t be found—it doesn’t exists! Lolol
The main characters had explosive chemistry and the heroine had such a charming personality. Firstly and strong!
Lauren creates a mythical world that in unmatched, not many can achieve such a glorious YA book making 50million readers fall in love, including me.
Can’t wait to get this in print.
December 21, 2020
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Although this was fun to read for one time, it is obvious that it came from Wattpad. The plot is cliché and the characters are quite childish... but, I think the story itself was original :-)
Although this was fun to read for one time, it is obvious that it came from Wattpad. The plot is cliché and the characters are quite childish... but, I think the story itself was original :-)
July 11, 2020
Este libro me llamó muchísimo la atención cuando lo vi anunciado, pero como podéis ver por la puntuación, ha sido una decepción absoluta. A ver, se supone que esto va de una chica con una vida totalmente normal que resulta ser el alma gemela de Cupido y esto pone en marcha un vorágine de problemas. Pues yo me imaginé que sería una historia de fantasía con mitología romana (por aquello de que el protagonista es Cupido, pero vamos, la autora mezcla las mitologías según le parece) mezclada con la realidad de la humanidad y sí, vale, es eso... pero de la forma más cutre en la que podía hacerse.
Los personajes no tienen mucha complicación, son bastante sosos en general. Hasta Cupido, que se supone que era el chico malo por excelencia es un personaje del montón. Y todos los cupidos (o agentes del amor) son tan estirados que llegan a ser rancios. El tema de la "agencia secreta" que menciona la sinopsis es básicamente que los cupidos son una empresa, literalmente son un oficina con sucursales por todo el mundo y que se dedican a juntar a la gente. ¿Mitología? Los nombres y vamos, nos presentan a cuatro o cinco personajes referidos a ella y a la mayoría los vemos entre poco y nada. ¿La villana? Se supone que es una diosa (que lo es) pero más bien parece una cría malcriada e histérica a la que podrían haber vencido bastante más rápido. Por que esa es otra, el libro es una serie de actos inconexos e ilógicos de los que sobran la mitad por que para lo que sirven, pues mirad, mejor abreviar creo yo. ¡Y no nos olvidemos de la historia de amor! No olvidemos que es prácticamente inexistente. Está ahí en plan "somos almas gemelas y ya, te lo crees, ¿vale?".
En fin, que no hay mucho que realmente me haya gustado. Es que siendo concisa me he aburrido muchísimo con este libro y por eso he tardado tanto en acabar, me costaba seguir de puro aburrimiento. Y es una pena por que la idea de base era genial y la autora podría haber sacado una historia increíble, pero se ha quedado en nada y me da mucha pena. Creo que este es el primero de una serie, pero no creo que siga por que no me llama nada la atención todo lo que tenga que ver con este intento de originalidad que se ha quedado por el camino.
Los personajes no tienen mucha complicación, son bastante sosos en general. Hasta Cupido, que se supone que era el chico malo por excelencia es un personaje del montón. Y todos los cupidos (o agentes del amor) son tan estirados que llegan a ser rancios. El tema de la "agencia secreta" que menciona la sinopsis es básicamente que los cupidos son una empresa, literalmente son un oficina con sucursales por todo el mundo y que se dedican a juntar a la gente. ¿Mitología? Los nombres y vamos, nos presentan a cuatro o cinco personajes referidos a ella y a la mayoría los vemos entre poco y nada. ¿La villana? Se supone que es una diosa (que lo es) pero más bien parece una cría malcriada e histérica a la que podrían haber vencido bastante más rápido. Por que esa es otra, el libro es una serie de actos inconexos e ilógicos de los que sobran la mitad por que para lo que sirven, pues mirad, mejor abreviar creo yo. ¡Y no nos olvidemos de la historia de amor! No olvidemos que es prácticamente inexistente. Está ahí en plan "somos almas gemelas y ya, te lo crees, ¿vale?".
En fin, que no hay mucho que realmente me haya gustado. Es que siendo concisa me he aburrido muchísimo con este libro y por eso he tardado tanto en acabar, me costaba seguir de puro aburrimiento. Y es una pena por que la idea de base era genial y la autora podría haber sacado una historia increíble, pero se ha quedado en nada y me da mucha pena. Creo que este es el primero de una serie, pero no creo que siga por que no me llama nada la atención todo lo que tenga que ver con este intento de originalidad que se ha quedado por el camino.
June 23, 2021
Considering I've had a bad experience with Wattpad published books, this was a surprise. I actually enjoyed Cupid's Match haha!
The story is very cliche, no doubt. It has its romance and drama. But what I enjoyed the most were the twists and turns throughout the story that the author gave us. The drama, I felt, was so good haha!! And even though you know that the end of the book's gonna look like, you still root for the story to take its shape.
Lila and Cupid were adorable, tbh. Cliche, no doubt, but adorable no doubt. Towards the end, I really started shipping them.
Although I did feel the writing was a bit choppy at times and the ending felt a little rushed.
However, it was still a lovely story and I loved how strategic planning was done to win at the end!! Graceful eep!!
The story is very cliche, no doubt. It has its romance and drama. But what I enjoyed the most were the twists and turns throughout the story that the author gave us. The drama, I felt, was so good haha!! And even though you know that the end of the book's gonna look like, you still root for the story to take its shape.
Lila and Cupid were adorable, tbh. Cliche, no doubt, but adorable no doubt. Towards the end, I really started shipping them.
Although I did feel the writing was a bit choppy at times and the ending felt a little rushed.
However, it was still a lovely story and I loved how strategic planning was done to win at the end!! Graceful eep!!
December 15, 2017
Going into reading this book, I expected your typical cliche high school love story. Boy, was I wrong. This book had some many shocking twists and turns. The world Lauren Palphreyman built up for this story was based on Roman mythology. The way she adapted it to regular modern life was breathtaking. I did not expect to see into this world as much as the audience does. We see far more than just a love story. i recommended this story to my sister who also reads on Wattpad, and she loved it. This has easily become one of my favorite books, and I wish I could get a physical copy. I highly recommend this story to anyone who fancies magical love stories.
February 20, 2019
Je suis peut être un peu sévère avec mes 2 étoiles mais j’ai été assez frustrée par ce roman. L’idée de base est super original et a beaucoup de potentiel ! Il y a de l’action et c’est étrangement addictif. Par contre ça part clairement dans tous les sens et ça va beaucoup trop vite, ce qui m’a empêchée de m’attacher aux personnages. Ce n’était pas une mauvaise lecture mais ce n’était pas non plus super top. 🤗
August 1, 2019
Theme: A Greek Mythology high-school romance with a dark undertone of ruthless ancient beings.
Nature of Review: I was provided with an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review- all opinions expressed are my own.
Release Date: Cupid's Match is being published by Wattpad Books, a new publishing company from the online writing website Wattpad, and is set to release October 1, 2019!
Warnings: Violence, language, generally standard YA themes
Lila has been trying to have a stable life since her mother passed away, walking through life with her sweet boyfriend and childhood best friend by her side. The last thing she wants is to keep getting these creepy letters from Cupids Matchmaking Service, saying she has a potential match and needs to be seen by a cupid representative immediately. Except Lila didn't ask for the Cupids services, and their unsolicited opinions are getting excessive.
Little does Lila know that Cupids are real- yes, the little guys that fly around shooting soulmates with arrows, except they are anything but harmless. And Lila has been matched with the most dangerous of them all, the original Cupid himself.
Don't let the guise of a forbidden romance fool you- Cupid's Match is filled with so much more. Enter a world where mythology hides in the shadows of our own, filled with vengeful Gods (and demi-gods), meddling Cupids, addictive sirens, murdering monsters, action-packed battle scenes, puzzling quests, tested friendships, and the hardest lesson of all- what is the cost of true love?
I always automatically start with what I loved about a book, and this will be no different! I'm a sucker for paranormal romance (is mythology considered 'paranormal'?), so I was along for the ride from the first page, even when I thought that was all this novel had to offer. Surprise surprise (no sarcasm intended), much like all the best novels, the story just got more and more complex as the plot developed, taking the romance label by the hand and almost losing it in all the side-themes.
The characters were all fairly developed, and definitely unique in both personality and voice. You didn't love every character, and you didn't always love the heroes, either. The reactions that the characters had to plot lines and dialogue were natural and realistic, and although this is a magical story, I never once excused any part of the story to it simply because it was magic, and "anything can happen".
The way this story added more and more myths as it went on was so entertaining! It added a dark side to the story bringing deadly beings to life in the real world. It was super creative in all the plot twists, and no one can say that this book wasn't completely original and it kept you guessing at what happened next. There was hardly a dull moment, and the slow burn romance was nicely paced to allow these other elements to shine, although, I must go on to say...
There were some points that I disliked, and that kept it from a full five stars (for me, personally). I'll start on the romance topic, since we are here already. I wished there was more. Plain and simple. I wanted more of a tension-filled romance with more attraction, more steam, and I thought the romance was kind of just there sometimes.
There is a slight love triangle, but I was also confused as to why that happened, since the other love-interest had no real reason (that was explained) to care so much about Lila, even going so far as to having an awful experience with love in the past that didn't seem to affect his feelings at all. And, there was some eyerolling with the hero/happily ever after moments that I thought were ridiculous by the end of the story, since there is such a dark undertone most of the novel. One thing I found was super realistic, though, was the relationship between Lila and her boyfriend, and how the tension of the cupids affected them, and how it turned even more trouble into the romance plot..
Also, there were a few times I had a problem with Charlie's character (Lila's best friend). I loved the story arc she went through, and loved her as a side character, but I couldn't help but find some things just so irrigating about her. Mainly, how when certain things happen, and she is more worried about a cupid she just met as opposed to her lifelong best friend, despite the circumstances. At times, her behavior was justified. Other times, not so much.
I know there is more than one book, as I added them to my library on Wattpad, but I wish there was less than a happily ever after ending. There were so many characters, so many twists and turns introduced, that the whole storyline could have been extended into multiple books. There could have been a bigger build up, more suspense, a more difficult ending. Also, the ending was so open that it felt unfinished- but that could be because I'm a selfish reader and want all the answers, especially if this turns out to be a stand alone.
Overall, Cupid's Match was a perfect story to cozy up to and it was easy to go along for the ride. I was sucked in from the very beginning, and ended up being pleasantly surprised throughout nearly the entire story. I thought it could have been a but more of a mysterious, puzzling read with a satisfying ending, but I recommended this book none the less, just as a light read. Cupid's Match brought all the mythological nightmares to the table, and created a world where love is not so easily earned. If you enjoy myths, paranormal romance, and the idea of fighting for true love, Cupid's Match is for you.
Nature of Review: I was provided with an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review- all opinions expressed are my own.
Release Date: Cupid's Match is being published by Wattpad Books, a new publishing company from the online writing website Wattpad, and is set to release October 1, 2019!
Warnings: Violence, language, generally standard YA themes
Lila has been trying to have a stable life since her mother passed away, walking through life with her sweet boyfriend and childhood best friend by her side. The last thing she wants is to keep getting these creepy letters from Cupids Matchmaking Service, saying she has a potential match and needs to be seen by a cupid representative immediately. Except Lila didn't ask for the Cupids services, and their unsolicited opinions are getting excessive.
Little does Lila know that Cupids are real- yes, the little guys that fly around shooting soulmates with arrows, except they are anything but harmless. And Lila has been matched with the most dangerous of them all, the original Cupid himself.
Don't let the guise of a forbidden romance fool you- Cupid's Match is filled with so much more. Enter a world where mythology hides in the shadows of our own, filled with vengeful Gods (and demi-gods), meddling Cupids, addictive sirens, murdering monsters, action-packed battle scenes, puzzling quests, tested friendships, and the hardest lesson of all- what is the cost of true love?
I always automatically start with what I loved about a book, and this will be no different! I'm a sucker for paranormal romance (is mythology considered 'paranormal'?), so I was along for the ride from the first page, even when I thought that was all this novel had to offer. Surprise surprise (no sarcasm intended), much like all the best novels, the story just got more and more complex as the plot developed, taking the romance label by the hand and almost losing it in all the side-themes.
The characters were all fairly developed, and definitely unique in both personality and voice. You didn't love every character, and you didn't always love the heroes, either. The reactions that the characters had to plot lines and dialogue were natural and realistic, and although this is a magical story, I never once excused any part of the story to it simply because it was magic, and "anything can happen".
The way this story added more and more myths as it went on was so entertaining! It added a dark side to the story bringing deadly beings to life in the real world. It was super creative in all the plot twists, and no one can say that this book wasn't completely original and it kept you guessing at what happened next. There was hardly a dull moment, and the slow burn romance was nicely paced to allow these other elements to shine, although, I must go on to say...
There were some points that I disliked, and that kept it from a full five stars (for me, personally). I'll start on the romance topic, since we are here already. I wished there was more. Plain and simple. I wanted more of a tension-filled romance with more attraction, more steam, and I thought the romance was kind of just there sometimes.
There is a slight love triangle, but I was also confused as to why that happened, since the other love-interest had no real reason (that was explained) to care so much about Lila, even going so far as to having an awful experience with love in the past that didn't seem to affect his feelings at all. And, there was some eyerolling with the hero/happily ever after moments that I thought were ridiculous by the end of the story, since there is such a dark undertone most of the novel. One thing I found was super realistic, though, was the relationship between Lila and her boyfriend, and how the tension of the cupids affected them, and how it turned even more trouble into the romance plot..
Also, there were a few times I had a problem with Charlie's character (Lila's best friend). I loved the story arc she went through, and loved her as a side character, but I couldn't help but find some things just so irrigating about her. Mainly, how when certain things happen, and she is more worried about a cupid she just met as opposed to her lifelong best friend, despite the circumstances. At times, her behavior was justified. Other times, not so much.
I know there is more than one book, as I added them to my library on Wattpad, but I wish there was less than a happily ever after ending. There were so many characters, so many twists and turns introduced, that the whole storyline could have been extended into multiple books. There could have been a bigger build up, more suspense, a more difficult ending. Also, the ending was so open that it felt unfinished- but that could be because I'm a selfish reader and want all the answers, especially if this turns out to be a stand alone.
Overall, Cupid's Match was a perfect story to cozy up to and it was easy to go along for the ride. I was sucked in from the very beginning, and ended up being pleasantly surprised throughout nearly the entire story. I thought it could have been a but more of a mysterious, puzzling read with a satisfying ending, but I recommended this book none the less, just as a light read. Cupid's Match brought all the mythological nightmares to the table, and created a world where love is not so easily earned. If you enjoy myths, paranormal romance, and the idea of fighting for true love, Cupid's Match is for you.
January 10, 2020
Ein Buchcover bezweckt neben Erregung von Aufmerksamkeit potenzieller Käufer eine ungenaue Vorbereitung derselben auf den Inhalt des Werks; ein Klappentext soll einen kurzen Einblick in die Handlung, den Hauch einer Ahnung geben, was dich in der Lektüre erwarten wird. Hin und wieder gibt es aber Bücher, bei denen diese Zusammenfassungen scheitern. Wie etwa das Vorliegende: mit seinem Klappentext hat „Everlasting Love: Gefährliches Schicksal“ nämlich nur für die ersten etwa fünfzig Seiten etwas gemeinsam. Ob sich das Werk trotz seines fehlführenden Klappentexts lohnt, erfährst du in der folgenden Rezension.
Durch einen lockeren und leicht zu lesenden Schreibstil ohne große Anforderungen gewinnt Autorin Lauren Palphreyman ihre Leser*innen schnell für sich. Sie entspinnt auf über vierhundert Seiten Buchlänge eine unterhaltsame Geschichte, die niemals langweilt. Schnell stellt sich eine Wohlfühlatmosphäre ein, sodass man das Werk in einem Rutsch geradezu verschlingen möchte. Unterhalten kann der Auftakt zur Jugendbuchtrilogie zwar durchweg, dennoch trüben schwerwiegende erzähltechnische Schwächen, die ich im Folgenden unterbreiten möchte, den Gesamteindruck:
Nicht nur, dass der Klappentext eine ganz andere Handlung vermuten lässt – und allein deshalb die Leseerwartungen nicht erfüllt werden können, sondern verstärkt sich auch zunehmend der Eindruck, die Autorin verliere den Fokus: Sie stürzt sich in ein buntes, unüberschaubares Chaos aus einzelnen Handlungsfragmenten und Romangenres, die an sich zwar interessant sind, zusammen aber nicht funktionieren. Es ist ein an vielen Stellen aufeinander reibendes und quietschendes Konstrukt, das sich nie zu einer Einheit fügen will.
Auch zögert die Autorin die tatsächliche Ursache der bevorstehenden Bedrohung viel zu lange heraus: Dadurch, dass der Leser*in der Antagonist erst so spät vorgestellt wird, verschiebt sich die Aufklärung des zugrundeliegenden Szenarios bis auf zwei Drittel der gesamten Buchlänge. Die Etablierung der Welt, in der das Buch stattfindet, mit ihren eigenen Gesetzen und Werten gerät unzureichend. Ich fühlte mich durch den starken Mangel an Hintergrundinformationen nie hundertprozentig in die Geschichte involviert.
Die Figurenausarbeitung im vorliegenden Roman ist ebenfalls an einigen Stellen nicht zufriedenstellend. Wie Abfallprodukte werden Nebenfiguren ungeniert und lieblos aussortiert, falls sie für den Fortschritt der Handlung nicht länger relevant sind. In der Schilderung einiger Charaktere stützt sich die Autorin eindeutig zu stark auf vorhandene Klischees, anstatt eigenständige und liebenswerte Figuren zu erschaffen. Deren Motive sind teilweise nicht verständlich dargestellt. Wie bereits angeklungen, stößt die Ausleuchtung des Antagonisten bei mir auf besonders negative Resonanz. Die vorenthaltene Ursache für die Bedrohung und die unzureichende Einführung in den Handlungskosmos werte ich als fehlendes Interesse für die neu gewonnene Leserschaft. So kann aber kein spannender Roman funktionieren!
Am Ende bleibt ein wilder Haufen vieler guter Ideen und interessanter Ansätze, bei dem man viel gewollt und nur wenig gewonnen hat. Es bleibt ein im Gegensatz zu anderen Genrevertretern trotz seines hohen Unterhaltungswertes schwaches Buch, das ich so nicht uneingeschränkt weiterempfehlen kann. Dennoch übte die Lektüre, und das muss ich ihr zugutehalten, auf mich eine Suchtwirkung aus, die sie mich schnell beenden und direkt den Folgeband hat beginnen lassen.
„Everlasting Love: Gefährliches Schicksal“ ist ein unausgereiftes Werk, das zwar durchweg unterhaltsam ist, aber erhebliche erzähltechnische Schwächen aufweist.
Daher kann ich nur zwei von fünf möglichen Sternen vergeben.
Durch einen lockeren und leicht zu lesenden Schreibstil ohne große Anforderungen gewinnt Autorin Lauren Palphreyman ihre Leser*innen schnell für sich. Sie entspinnt auf über vierhundert Seiten Buchlänge eine unterhaltsame Geschichte, die niemals langweilt. Schnell stellt sich eine Wohlfühlatmosphäre ein, sodass man das Werk in einem Rutsch geradezu verschlingen möchte. Unterhalten kann der Auftakt zur Jugendbuchtrilogie zwar durchweg, dennoch trüben schwerwiegende erzähltechnische Schwächen, die ich im Folgenden unterbreiten möchte, den Gesamteindruck:
Nicht nur, dass der Klappentext eine ganz andere Handlung vermuten lässt – und allein deshalb die Leseerwartungen nicht erfüllt werden können, sondern verstärkt sich auch zunehmend der Eindruck, die Autorin verliere den Fokus: Sie stürzt sich in ein buntes, unüberschaubares Chaos aus einzelnen Handlungsfragmenten und Romangenres, die an sich zwar interessant sind, zusammen aber nicht funktionieren. Es ist ein an vielen Stellen aufeinander reibendes und quietschendes Konstrukt, das sich nie zu einer Einheit fügen will.
Auch zögert die Autorin die tatsächliche Ursache der bevorstehenden Bedrohung viel zu lange heraus: Dadurch, dass der Leser*in der Antagonist erst so spät vorgestellt wird, verschiebt sich die Aufklärung des zugrundeliegenden Szenarios bis auf zwei Drittel der gesamten Buchlänge. Die Etablierung der Welt, in der das Buch stattfindet, mit ihren eigenen Gesetzen und Werten gerät unzureichend. Ich fühlte mich durch den starken Mangel an Hintergrundinformationen nie hundertprozentig in die Geschichte involviert.
Die Figurenausarbeitung im vorliegenden Roman ist ebenfalls an einigen Stellen nicht zufriedenstellend. Wie Abfallprodukte werden Nebenfiguren ungeniert und lieblos aussortiert, falls sie für den Fortschritt der Handlung nicht länger relevant sind. In der Schilderung einiger Charaktere stützt sich die Autorin eindeutig zu stark auf vorhandene Klischees, anstatt eigenständige und liebenswerte Figuren zu erschaffen. Deren Motive sind teilweise nicht verständlich dargestellt. Wie bereits angeklungen, stößt die Ausleuchtung des Antagonisten bei mir auf besonders negative Resonanz. Die vorenthaltene Ursache für die Bedrohung und die unzureichende Einführung in den Handlungskosmos werte ich als fehlendes Interesse für die neu gewonnene Leserschaft. So kann aber kein spannender Roman funktionieren!
Am Ende bleibt ein wilder Haufen vieler guter Ideen und interessanter Ansätze, bei dem man viel gewollt und nur wenig gewonnen hat. Es bleibt ein im Gegensatz zu anderen Genrevertretern trotz seines hohen Unterhaltungswertes schwaches Buch, das ich so nicht uneingeschränkt weiterempfehlen kann. Dennoch übte die Lektüre, und das muss ich ihr zugutehalten, auf mich eine Suchtwirkung aus, die sie mich schnell beenden und direkt den Folgeband hat beginnen lassen.
„Everlasting Love: Gefährliches Schicksal“ ist ein unausgereiftes Werk, das zwar durchweg unterhaltsam ist, aber erhebliche erzähltechnische Schwächen aufweist.
Daher kann ich nur zwei von fünf möglichen Sternen vergeben.
August 15, 2019
Once a week I scroll through Netgalley to see what titles they're offering and then I allow myself to request one title. (Unless I still have books from Netgalley to review, of course.) And after scrolling past this title for a few times, I noticed that it kept on drawing my attention. So, last week I requested this book and a few days later I already got the e-mail telling me that I got it!
And this morning, when I started reading, it felt like love at first sight. I read half of the book in one go, then took a short break and then read the rest. That was partly possible because it's very nicely written. The English is easy, but never become childish, and flows nicely and the writing style really fits the characters.
But, it's mostly because the plot is just very amusing and well done. The main characters, Lila, Cal and Cupid, are very nicely written. They're flawed, have personalities and Palphreyman really takes the time to build their relationships, to connect them, to click their personalities. I would have loved to see a little more of Cal, but I guess that him being slightly reserved is a big part of his personality. With Cupid it was sort of love at first sight, especially because he has this little bad boy vibe, without actually being one.
And then there's the plot. The plot has a lovely pace. We enter the story straight into the action and just like Lila we discover bit by bit what's really going on and what's really happening. Every new piece of information gets the time to sink in, but Palphreyman keeps adding new twists and turns and has a nice mix of emotional and calm scenes and more action driven ones.
In the finale there's more mythology thrown into the mix. For me that could have come earlier, especially because it's very well done, and I would have loved to see way more of all those well known creatures and monsters and anti-heroes. But, there will be more books, so maybe those will satisfy that need! I can't wait to read them!
And this morning, when I started reading, it felt like love at first sight. I read half of the book in one go, then took a short break and then read the rest. That was partly possible because it's very nicely written. The English is easy, but never become childish, and flows nicely and the writing style really fits the characters.
But, it's mostly because the plot is just very amusing and well done. The main characters, Lila, Cal and Cupid, are very nicely written. They're flawed, have personalities and Palphreyman really takes the time to build their relationships, to connect them, to click their personalities. I would have loved to see a little more of Cal, but I guess that him being slightly reserved is a big part of his personality. With Cupid it was sort of love at first sight, especially because he has this little bad boy vibe, without actually being one.
And then there's the plot. The plot has a lovely pace. We enter the story straight into the action and just like Lila we discover bit by bit what's really going on and what's really happening. Every new piece of information gets the time to sink in, but Palphreyman keeps adding new twists and turns and has a nice mix of emotional and calm scenes and more action driven ones.
In the finale there's more mythology thrown into the mix. For me that could have come earlier, especially because it's very well done, and I would have loved to see way more of all those well known creatures and monsters and anti-heroes. But, there will be more books, so maybe those will satisfy that need! I can't wait to read them!
September 27, 2019
This was a very middle-of-the-pack read for me. Meaning it's not a bad book and I enjoyed reading it, but it's also not a great book as it suffers from clunky development.
The idea of a matchmaking service led by cupids, how bad-A those cupids are, and the big bad are just a few of the really cool ideas that are contained within. Unfortunately, they're joined by a whole bunch of tropes and cliches that I am so over. They brought down the entire average of the book.
Cupid and Cal are awesome. I can't express how much I want to know more about Crystal and her adventures. But Lila is the stereotypical average girl that turns out to be awesome that I'm really getting tired of. Maybe if there had been more pages to develop her...
Overall, I'm not mad I read this book and there are some fun elements that I'd actually love to explore in a second volume, but I'm not shouting about it from the rooftops.
The idea of a matchmaking service led by cupids, how bad-A those cupids are, and the big bad are just a few of the really cool ideas that are contained within. Unfortunately, they're joined by a whole bunch of tropes and cliches that I am so over. They brought down the entire average of the book.
Cupid and Cal are awesome. I can't express how much I want to know more about Crystal and her adventures. But Lila is the stereotypical average girl that turns out to be awesome that I'm really getting tired of. Maybe if there had been more pages to develop her...
Overall, I'm not mad I read this book and there are some fun elements that I'd actually love to explore in a second volume, but I'm not shouting about it from the rooftops.
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