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Duping Cupid
“Because sometimes, even Cupid needs a little help...”
Vivi Maxwell runs Cupid To Go, a unique dating service in New York. When wealthy client and former model, Ava Featherstone, seeks an escort for the winter season in Manhattan society, she sets her sights on Vivi's best friend, Sebastian “Bass” Lawrence.
Vivi and Bass have both been burned in their love lives and have never considered their relationship more than platonic. But Ava’s sudden intrusion makes Bass realize he’s in love with his best friend, Vivi. Now, with Ava’s help, he’ll try to dupe Vivi into seeing that the man she’s been waiting for has stood beside her all along.
Vivi Maxwell runs Cupid To Go, a unique dating service in New York. When wealthy client and former model, Ava Featherstone, seeks an escort for the winter season in Manhattan society, she sets her sights on Vivi's best friend, Sebastian “Bass” Lawrence.
Vivi and Bass have both been burned in their love lives and have never considered their relationship more than platonic. But Ava’s sudden intrusion makes Bass realize he’s in love with his best friend, Vivi. Now, with Ava’s help, he’ll try to dupe Vivi into seeing that the man she’s been waiting for has stood beside her all along.
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2013
About the author
Gina Ardito
48 books441 followersGina Ardito is the award-winning author of more than twenty romances in contemporary, historical, and paranormal sub-genres. In 2012, she launched her freelance editing business, Excellence in Editing, and now has a stable of award-winning clients, as well.
She’s hosted workshops around the world for writing conferences, author organization chapter meetings, and library events. To her everlasting shame, despite all her accomplishments, she’ll never be more famous than her dog, who starred in commercials for 2015’s Puppy Bowl.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GinaArditoAu...
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ginaardito/
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
She’s hosted workshops around the world for writing conferences, author organization chapter meetings, and library events. To her everlasting shame, despite all her accomplishments, she’ll never be more famous than her dog, who starred in commercials for 2015’s Puppy Bowl.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GinaArditoAu...
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ginaardito/
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 13, 2019
2.5 stars.
Sigh. It was going SO well.
The premise behind Duping Cupid is novel and fun. Vivi runs a dating service for people who have been screwed over and need a partner in a pinch. The writing was sharp and charming. And it was FUNNY. Case in point: when Vivi's jackass boyfriend told her to lose thirty pounds, Vivi "lost two hundred pounds by moving out of their shared apartment."
So where did it go wrong? The romance - or, more accurately, the lack of a romance. Vivi realizes that she has romantic feelings for her best friend and business partner, Bass, when he enters into a fake relationship with a scorned socialite. Vivi and Bass can no longer spend time together because it might blow Bass' cover, and they attempt to navigate their newfound feelings.
The problem is, they truly don't spend any time together in the story. There is no real relationship or friendship development. We don't even get proper flashbacks! Instead, the author alternates perspectives as both Vivi and Bass deal with jealousy, insecurity, and fear. Vivi very annoyingly ignores Bass' multiple desperate attempts to contact her. Then BAM. They are together. There is no steam.
Despite my disappointment, I would be willing to try another story by the author because there was promise in the writing and the characters. I just need more in a romance.
Read for SBTB January - March 2019 Quarterly Challenge: A book with a matchmaker.
Sigh. It was going SO well.
The premise behind Duping Cupid is novel and fun. Vivi runs a dating service for people who have been screwed over and need a partner in a pinch. The writing was sharp and charming. And it was FUNNY. Case in point: when Vivi's jackass boyfriend told her to lose thirty pounds, Vivi "lost two hundred pounds by moving out of their shared apartment."
So where did it go wrong? The romance - or, more accurately, the lack of a romance. Vivi realizes that she has romantic feelings for her best friend and business partner, Bass, when he enters into a fake relationship with a scorned socialite. Vivi and Bass can no longer spend time together because it might blow Bass' cover, and they attempt to navigate their newfound feelings.
The problem is, they truly don't spend any time together in the story. There is no real relationship or friendship development. We don't even get proper flashbacks! Instead, the author alternates perspectives as both Vivi and Bass deal with jealousy, insecurity, and fear. Vivi very annoyingly ignores Bass' multiple desperate attempts to contact her. Then BAM. They are together. There is no steam.
Despite my disappointment, I would be willing to try another story by the author because there was promise in the writing and the characters. I just need more in a romance.
Read for SBTB January - March 2019 Quarterly Challenge: A book with a matchmaker.
July 27, 2013
This is the first work I've read by Gina Ardito, but it won't be the last. I completely enjoyed this sweet little novella, and would recommend it to those who enjoy romance without explicit sex or language.
After breaking up with a shallow ex-boyfriend, Vivi must attend a party...alone...at which her ex-boyfriend and his new (skinny) girlfriend are also in attendance; how humiliating! Sebastian "Bass" Lawrence, sees Vivi and is so intrigued by her that he steps in as her date. Bass has also been burned by romance, so he and Vivi, having both sworn off romance, become the best of friends. They even start a business, Cupid To Go, an escort service for people in need of a date. Vivi acts as Cupid, while Bass is a silent partner.
Enter Ava Featherstone, former super-model, soon-to-be-ex-wife of wealthy attorney Cecil Bannerman, and potential (demanding) client of Cupid To Go. When Bass comes to take Vivi to lunch -- as he often does -- Ava spots him and says HE is the one she wants to serve as her attentive boy toy, all to save face with the media. Vivi is surprised when Bass agrees.
After Vivi leaves her office, Ava points out to Bass that he's in love with his partner. Bass is shocked to realize she's right (this isn't a spoiler, I promise). He quickly agrees to Ava's plan to make Vivi realize she can't live without him. When he leaves Cupid To Go in Ava's company, Vivi realizes she's in love with Bass.
Here's where it gets painful -- but in a romantic-please-let-there-be-a-HEA kind of way. Ava's contract demands that Bass appear totally devoted to her, which means Vivi I suddenly spending a lot of time alone. Even the holidays, which she's always spent with Bass, are miserable affairs with her miserable family. Vivi is miserable, Bass is miserable -- the only people happy are Ava and the media, who are predicting wedding bells for "SebAva".
Vivi has the perfect Christmas gift for Bass. Bass has a great gift for her, too, but they can't see each other to exchange them. And now I'm getting close to spoilers, so I'm going to stop.
This truly was a sweet little romance. Part of me wanted to grab Bass and shake him and say, "Really? You're not this stupid!" Another part of me had to laugh at his cluelessness. I also enjoyed that we get both Vivi's and Bass' POV throughout the story. I highly recommend this novella as a short, sweet read!
After breaking up with a shallow ex-boyfriend, Vivi must attend a party...alone...at which her ex-boyfriend and his new (skinny) girlfriend are also in attendance; how humiliating! Sebastian "Bass" Lawrence, sees Vivi and is so intrigued by her that he steps in as her date. Bass has also been burned by romance, so he and Vivi, having both sworn off romance, become the best of friends. They even start a business, Cupid To Go, an escort service for people in need of a date. Vivi acts as Cupid, while Bass is a silent partner.
Enter Ava Featherstone, former super-model, soon-to-be-ex-wife of wealthy attorney Cecil Bannerman, and potential (demanding) client of Cupid To Go. When Bass comes to take Vivi to lunch -- as he often does -- Ava spots him and says HE is the one she wants to serve as her attentive boy toy, all to save face with the media. Vivi is surprised when Bass agrees.
After Vivi leaves her office, Ava points out to Bass that he's in love with his partner. Bass is shocked to realize she's right (this isn't a spoiler, I promise). He quickly agrees to Ava's plan to make Vivi realize she can't live without him. When he leaves Cupid To Go in Ava's company, Vivi realizes she's in love with Bass.
Here's where it gets painful -- but in a romantic-please-let-there-be-a-HEA kind of way. Ava's contract demands that Bass appear totally devoted to her, which means Vivi I suddenly spending a lot of time alone. Even the holidays, which she's always spent with Bass, are miserable affairs with her miserable family. Vivi is miserable, Bass is miserable -- the only people happy are Ava and the media, who are predicting wedding bells for "SebAva".
Vivi has the perfect Christmas gift for Bass. Bass has a great gift for her, too, but they can't see each other to exchange them. And now I'm getting close to spoilers, so I'm going to stop.
This truly was a sweet little romance. Part of me wanted to grab Bass and shake him and say, "Really? You're not this stupid!" Another part of me had to laugh at his cluelessness. I also enjoyed that we get both Vivi's and Bass' POV throughout the story. I highly recommend this novella as a short, sweet read!
September 4, 2014
Clean, well written, totally enjoyable.
Why is it that we have difficulty seeing what is right in front of our eyes? Vivi and Bass both have this problem, until a client points out the obvious to Bass. This writer proves that you can write a romance that holds the reader's attention without heaving breasts, foul language, or sexual encounters. I love it that her characters have not crossed those lines. This is my first read from Gina Ardito, but most certainly, not my last. In fact, I just bought another of her books. IF you are looking for a clean, cute romance, this is a wonderful read. Thanks, Gina!
Why is it that we have difficulty seeing what is right in front of our eyes? Vivi and Bass both have this problem, until a client points out the obvious to Bass. This writer proves that you can write a romance that holds the reader's attention without heaving breasts, foul language, or sexual encounters. I love it that her characters have not crossed those lines. This is my first read from Gina Ardito, but most certainly, not my last. In fact, I just bought another of her books. IF you are looking for a clean, cute romance, this is a wonderful read. Thanks, Gina!
March 19, 2014
The characters, their motivations, their passions all came to life in this exceedingly clever little read. I NEVER reread a book, but I did with this one. I don't feel like summarizing the story, I just feel like expressing my happiness. I still have so many romances on my 'to read' list, and I am SO GLAD that I stumbled upon this one early. For every romance reader out there, you will comfortably fall into the warm, loving, savvy hands of Gina Ardito's 'Duping Cupid'. Best to read before Xmas - it'll warm you better than a toasty fire...
January 11, 2014
What can I say about Duping Cupid that hasn't already been said.... It is Fantastic? It is so lovingly sweet your heart will melt? It makes you (those who don't have your dream man/woman yet) long for those days you actually spend with your friend who you happen to be in love with? No all of those have been said before well then let's try this. I was amazed, awwed, I couldn't help but wonder at some points what would happen, would it be a happy ending? well that is for you to read and find out
July 20, 2015
Adorable!
This story is an amazing portrayal of romance. Regardless it is a fantastic story! a must have for hopeless romantics.
This story is an amazing portrayal of romance. Regardless it is a fantastic story! a must have for hopeless romantics.
July 8, 2013
Another example of how jealousy can backfire on you w/o warning. Very well crafted and written story!
June 29, 2017
Is a great book to read
February 12, 2014
To good for a short book. I wanted more,loved it!
May 6, 2015
Review in progress =D
June 29, 2019
Gina Ardito's Duping Cupid was an excellent story, written with the famous Gina Ardito touch. I couldn't put it down until the end.
August 14, 2013
Of late, I have been reading a great deal of books which are heavy dramas. So, I decided to take a day off and read something light and refreshing. As I was looking for something on Amazon to post on my Facebook page to list as 'Free today', I ran across one that fit the bill perfectly! Duping Cupid is only about 90 pages, so it is a quick read.
Unlike most romance novels I have read, Duping Cupid revolves around best friends. So many involve people that just meet, fall in love, and are married within a couple of months. Ugh! Personally, I prefer a more realism to my romances when I read them.
Vivian Maxwell, or Vivi to her friends, and Bass (Sebastian) Lawrence have been best friends for 8 years. They met shortly after both of them exited nightmare relationships of their own. Everything has been strictly platonic, and both think getting involved with the other would be too weird.
Vivi owns, along with Bass, a company called 'Cupid to go'. Due to her marketing campaigns, she is known to most of New York City as 'Cupid'. Most of their agents are actors, actresses or models in between paying gigs. There are also several university students working to help pay tuition. "Cupid To Go provides dates for women - and men - to steer them through an awkward social situation or to save face when packed into a corner by well-meaning matchmakers. Can't bear the idea of going to your high-school reunion because your wife's just left you? Call Cupid To Go and arrive with a gorgeous blonde on your arm. Trying to avoid social Siberia of the singles table at your cousin's wedding? Cupid To Go can provide a charming escort that will gain you the envy of all your relatives." And so on. In my opinion, I like the business plan!
Enter Ava Featherstone Bannerman. Ava is a former super model who gave up her career on the runway to marry Cecil Bannerman - New York financier and descendant of one of the country's oldest banking families. Ava informs Vivi that she requires a 'date' for the next 5 months. Cecil has just informed her that he's leaving her for his 'former' executive assistant, and Ava needs to socially 'beat him to the punch'. It's a day or two before thanksgiving, and most of the agents have been booked for events during the holiday season. In looking through the portfolios, Ava declares most of the men 'boys' and none will do. ...Then Bass shows up to take Vivi to lunch. Ava declares his perfect, and insists only he will do! Bass is already well known as the 'hunky doctor' from a TV series Our Small Town that was extremely popular several years. He has not lost any of his good looks or charm. Of course he'll do! And, he declares he's up for it.
Immediately, Ava realizes the relationship between Bass and Vivi is more than the platonic one they claim...and neither of them realizes it. She says as much to Bass, and it starts him really thinking about it. Ava tells him that by spending the next four months with her, they will dupe Cupid into realizing how she feels about him.
Because Vivi and Bass now need to cut off contact with each other due to Ava's demands - especially since the gossip-mongers and paparazzi are all over this new relationship like white on rice! Just how Ava wants it. Fortunately for Bass, he has not lost an ounce of his acting abilities...and every day he is grateful just to get through it! As he suffers at the shallowness of Ava's 'friends' and cronies, he misses Vivi more and more.
Vivi, whose family has high expectations for everyone in the family, continually belittles her about how she can't keep a guy long enough to marry her. Trust me, the way her family treats her - it's UGLY! If my family were like this, I doubt I would ever go back for the holidays.
Vivi is miserable without Bass, and misses him more and more each day. Bass is doing such a good job with his assignment with Ava, that even Vivi is fooled when the gossip websites publish a picture of Bass leaving Tiffany's with one of their signature bags. Bass knew going in that none of the employees will talk, but another customer tattles that they overheard a discussion around 'ring sizing'. Vivi, never considering the possibility, doesn't realize that while yes, he actually DID buy an engagement ring, it's for HER! Vivi assumes it's for Ava.
I could very easily keep going and tell you more about what happens, but you'll just have to read it for yourself!
Unlike most romance novels I have read, Duping Cupid revolves around best friends. So many involve people that just meet, fall in love, and are married within a couple of months. Ugh! Personally, I prefer a more realism to my romances when I read them.
Vivian Maxwell, or Vivi to her friends, and Bass (Sebastian) Lawrence have been best friends for 8 years. They met shortly after both of them exited nightmare relationships of their own. Everything has been strictly platonic, and both think getting involved with the other would be too weird.
Vivi owns, along with Bass, a company called 'Cupid to go'. Due to her marketing campaigns, she is known to most of New York City as 'Cupid'. Most of their agents are actors, actresses or models in between paying gigs. There are also several university students working to help pay tuition. "Cupid To Go provides dates for women - and men - to steer them through an awkward social situation or to save face when packed into a corner by well-meaning matchmakers. Can't bear the idea of going to your high-school reunion because your wife's just left you? Call Cupid To Go and arrive with a gorgeous blonde on your arm. Trying to avoid social Siberia of the singles table at your cousin's wedding? Cupid To Go can provide a charming escort that will gain you the envy of all your relatives." And so on. In my opinion, I like the business plan!
Enter Ava Featherstone Bannerman. Ava is a former super model who gave up her career on the runway to marry Cecil Bannerman - New York financier and descendant of one of the country's oldest banking families. Ava informs Vivi that she requires a 'date' for the next 5 months. Cecil has just informed her that he's leaving her for his 'former' executive assistant, and Ava needs to socially 'beat him to the punch'. It's a day or two before thanksgiving, and most of the agents have been booked for events during the holiday season. In looking through the portfolios, Ava declares most of the men 'boys' and none will do. ...Then Bass shows up to take Vivi to lunch. Ava declares his perfect, and insists only he will do! Bass is already well known as the 'hunky doctor' from a TV series Our Small Town that was extremely popular several years. He has not lost any of his good looks or charm. Of course he'll do! And, he declares he's up for it.
Immediately, Ava realizes the relationship between Bass and Vivi is more than the platonic one they claim...and neither of them realizes it. She says as much to Bass, and it starts him really thinking about it. Ava tells him that by spending the next four months with her, they will dupe Cupid into realizing how she feels about him.
Because Vivi and Bass now need to cut off contact with each other due to Ava's demands - especially since the gossip-mongers and paparazzi are all over this new relationship like white on rice! Just how Ava wants it. Fortunately for Bass, he has not lost an ounce of his acting abilities...and every day he is grateful just to get through it! As he suffers at the shallowness of Ava's 'friends' and cronies, he misses Vivi more and more.
Vivi, whose family has high expectations for everyone in the family, continually belittles her about how she can't keep a guy long enough to marry her. Trust me, the way her family treats her - it's UGLY! If my family were like this, I doubt I would ever go back for the holidays.
Vivi is miserable without Bass, and misses him more and more each day. Bass is doing such a good job with his assignment with Ava, that even Vivi is fooled when the gossip websites publish a picture of Bass leaving Tiffany's with one of their signature bags. Bass knew going in that none of the employees will talk, but another customer tattles that they overheard a discussion around 'ring sizing'. Vivi, never considering the possibility, doesn't realize that while yes, he actually DID buy an engagement ring, it's for HER! Vivi assumes it's for Ava.
I could very easily keep going and tell you more about what happens, but you'll just have to read it for yourself!
December 11, 2015
You never know what you've got until it's gone or at least until he starts dating someone else, is the basis for this light and romantic short story. Occasionally the couple in question brought me to the brink of wanting to shake some sense into them but over all a lovely story. Sebastian is that ultimate hunky sexy male friend we all could use in our lives unless you are already lucky enough to have one that is. Playing cupid is not easy but this author seems to take on the role with ease. A perfect story for Valentines. 3.5 stars
February 14, 2014
I really enjoyed this contemporary romance between Bass and Vivi set in NYC. Although the plot use of misinterpreted situations has often been used, it had a bit of twist through the use of the Cupid to Go business. I also liked how the main characters were good friends first.
May 10, 2013
Pretty good read
May 9, 2013
It's a good read, witty and romantic.
June 12, 2013
3.5 Stars
This was a free e-book at BN.
This was a cute, sweet short story. There was mild sexual content. I would consider it a clean read, but it wasn't squeaky clean.
This was a free e-book at BN.
This was a cute, sweet short story. There was mild sexual content. I would consider it a clean read, but it wasn't squeaky clean.
January 31, 2014
I enjoyed this sweet short story. My only real complaint is that the cover doesn't show the beautiful larger women depicted in the book.
February 13, 2014
I really enjoyed the book. Loved the cover, It really shows what the book is about. the one critique I have is that he should've guessed about Wulf.
February 19, 2014
This was an interesting premise. The characters had heart and depth. The heroine is sweet and predictable. The hero is silly. But the romance is clean.
March 9, 2013
Cute, short and free. Perfect for a lazy afternoon at home.
February 2, 2014
3.5 stars. Nice piece of brain candy.
January 23, 2022
This quick read novella was an enjoyable clean romantic romp that is definitely worth your time .Its a perfect Valentine's Day book ....just saying .The author certainly didn't dupe us with the catchy title ....its a good story with likeable main characters that will have you wondering just why can't they figure out that the person they love the most has been there all along .But you'll have fun finding out the details. So if you need a little shot of rom-com Duping Cupid will shoot its arrow straight into your heart .
January 28, 2023
It's technically almost a 3 --- but I didn't have enough things I disliked to knock a star off.
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, which this is, but handled in a very interesting way.
It's cute, clean. I was definitely rooting for them, but also frustrated by their lack of communication.
I thought it was a "valentine" read -- but really maybe more of a skirting Christmas read....
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, which this is, but handled in a very interesting way.
It's cute, clean. I was definitely rooting for them, but also frustrated by their lack of communication.
I thought it was a "valentine" read -- but really maybe more of a skirting Christmas read....
January 30, 2018
Patron
Meet cupid, you must meet cupid! Vivi is a woman who started over and she did it good too. Grab this book today and follow her thrilling journey to what is next. I'm certain you'll need a shot of tequila too. Bass yes like a fish is her best friend and I am also certain he will knock you off your socks too. Cheers.
Meet cupid, you must meet cupid! Vivi is a woman who started over and she did it good too. Grab this book today and follow her thrilling journey to what is next. I'm certain you'll need a shot of tequila too. Bass yes like a fish is her best friend and I am also certain he will knock you off your socks too. Cheers.
November 2, 2017
This was a fun read. Characters were fun and the situations were funny.
January 31, 2022
This story could have been great but really fell short for me. I felt that the language was sometimes crass and almost seemed juvenile. Not my favorite short story.
March 11, 2017
Nicely done
Vivi and Bass are sweet. The whole thing was a sweet lovely read. It was a bit short and I wished she'd stabbed Julian with a fork but she cost him
Vivi and Bass are sweet. The whole thing was a sweet lovely read. It was a bit short and I wished she'd stabbed Julian with a fork but she cost him
February 14, 2017
Cute short story-Gina and Bass are best friends and business partners. Its not until they sign a client that results in them being apart that they realize they love each other!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews