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Heavenly Bites #3
Playing Cupid
Much as she loves her meddling matchmaker of a grandmother, free-spirited Aimee Beasley is tired of dodging the dull and downright tiresome dates the older woman keeps trying to arrange for her. So when she notices her beloved Gran preening in the presence of a distinguished elderly gentleman who’s been visiting their apartment building, Aimee is delighted at the prospect of turning the tables on her.
But her plans to match her grandmother up with the gentleman in time for Valentine’s Day hit a snag when Aimee realizes he’s the uncle of their downstairs neighbor, a stodgy thirty-something history professor named Doyle with whom she butts heads on a regular basis. She’ll need to find a way to make nice and enlist his help, or her plan to see her long-widowed Gran happily matched again will never work.
For Gran’s sake, she’s determined to find a way. In the process, she starts to realize that her cranky downstairs neighbor has a softer side she never suspected existed.
And when it comes to romantic heroes, history professors may not have gotten a fair shake…
But her plans to match her grandmother up with the gentleman in time for Valentine’s Day hit a snag when Aimee realizes he’s the uncle of their downstairs neighbor, a stodgy thirty-something history professor named Doyle with whom she butts heads on a regular basis. She’ll need to find a way to make nice and enlist his help, or her plan to see her long-widowed Gran happily matched again will never work.
For Gran’s sake, she’s determined to find a way. In the process, she starts to realize that her cranky downstairs neighbor has a softer side she never suspected existed.
And when it comes to romantic heroes, history professors may not have gotten a fair shake…
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
14 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Christine S. Feldman
24 books56 followersChristine S. Feldman writes both novels and feature-length screenplays, and she has placed in screenwriting competitions on both coasts. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her ballroom-dancing husband and their beagle.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
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February 19, 2015
Playing Cupid is the third book in the Heavenly Bites novella series by Christine S. Feldman and Elaina Lee.
It’s almost Valentine’s Day at the Heavenly Bites Bakery. Trish and Nadia both have someone special to spend it with but not Aimee, much to the dismay of her matchmaking Gram, Delia Beasley. Aimee has moved in with her Gram so that she could keep her independence but still be there if she was needed. But the most exciting thing Gram does, besides playing matchmaker, is to watch Wheel of Fortune with Aimee.
Much to Aimee’s surprise, though, she discovers that her Gram might have a crush of her own. She catches her actually flirting with the elderly Theodore Berkley! Did she just see her Gram blush?! The problem is that Theodore is the Uncle of the very grumpy History Professor that lives down stairs, Doyle Berkley. When she sees how happy her Gram is with Theodore, though, Aimee is dedicated to helping them be together.
What is it about Doyle? He aggravates her and intrigues her all at the same time. Aimee takes it upon herself to try to figure out what makes Professor Doyle Berkley tick. The deeper she looks, the more surprised she is to find out that there might be more to him than she thought.
Will Gram and Theodore get a second chance for happiness? Will Aimee be able to break through that rock hard shell Doyle has built around himself? This is the final book in this novella series and it is just as sweet and entertaining as the first two. Gram and Theodore together were so endearing. I loved Aimee’s adventurous personality and how hard she worked on Doyle to break through his shell. All three books in this series were completely entertaining and I enjoyed them so very much. Again, thank you to Christine Feldman for giving me the opportunity to read them. I so very much appreciate it. If you want to smile, sigh, and just be thoroughly entertained, I highly recommend this series.
It’s almost Valentine’s Day at the Heavenly Bites Bakery. Trish and Nadia both have someone special to spend it with but not Aimee, much to the dismay of her matchmaking Gram, Delia Beasley. Aimee has moved in with her Gram so that she could keep her independence but still be there if she was needed. But the most exciting thing Gram does, besides playing matchmaker, is to watch Wheel of Fortune with Aimee.
Much to Aimee’s surprise, though, she discovers that her Gram might have a crush of her own. She catches her actually flirting with the elderly Theodore Berkley! Did she just see her Gram blush?! The problem is that Theodore is the Uncle of the very grumpy History Professor that lives down stairs, Doyle Berkley. When she sees how happy her Gram is with Theodore, though, Aimee is dedicated to helping them be together.
What is it about Doyle? He aggravates her and intrigues her all at the same time. Aimee takes it upon herself to try to figure out what makes Professor Doyle Berkley tick. The deeper she looks, the more surprised she is to find out that there might be more to him than she thought.
Will Gram and Theodore get a second chance for happiness? Will Aimee be able to break through that rock hard shell Doyle has built around himself? This is the final book in this novella series and it is just as sweet and entertaining as the first two. Gram and Theodore together were so endearing. I loved Aimee’s adventurous personality and how hard she worked on Doyle to break through his shell. All three books in this series were completely entertaining and I enjoyed them so very much. Again, thank you to Christine Feldman for giving me the opportunity to read them. I so very much appreciate it. If you want to smile, sigh, and just be thoroughly entertained, I highly recommend this series.
March 5, 2022
4/5 estrellas
Me gustó mucho!!
Una historia aunque cortica, bonita y divertida para San Valentín... y con buenos personajes, tanto principales como secundarios.
Me hubiese gustado ver más de la relación de Aimee y Doyle, que hubiesen sido tan cortitos los últimos capítulos, pero estuvo muy bonita la historia
Me gustó mucho!!
Una historia aunque cortica, bonita y divertida para San Valentín... y con buenos personajes, tanto principales como secundarios.
Me hubiese gustado ver más de la relación de Aimee y Doyle, que hubiesen sido tan cortitos los últimos capítulos, pero estuvo muy bonita la historia
March 1, 2022
I loved it, cute, funny and so romantic :3
February 14, 2014
Happy Valentines Day! I have the perfect book to tell you about today! Playing Cupid is a short, sweet, romantic novella that is sure to put a smile on your face. Christine Feldman's Heavenly Bites Series is so fun and I've loved all of them. I'm so happy she lets me read and review for her. I always look forward to reading her books.
I particularly love the main character's first name. It has a sort of awesomeness about it. . . haha This is actually the second book I've read this week with my name (spelled exactly right) in it. Cool beans.
This book is all about pre-judging people. Doyle and Aimee are experts at it. It's a shame, really. So much time wasted. But somehow Aimee and Doyle find their way through the muddled mess of judging someone wrongly. Aimee is spirited and loving. She has no problem going for what she wants. She knows how to live and love. She's fun and I loved her.
And then there was the sweet romance of Gran and Uncle. So, so sweet. It made me smile. So, all in all, a perfectly sweet, clean romance for the holiday of LOVE.
I particularly love the main character's first name. It has a sort of awesomeness about it. . . haha This is actually the second book I've read this week with my name (spelled exactly right) in it. Cool beans.
This book is all about pre-judging people. Doyle and Aimee are experts at it. It's a shame, really. So much time wasted. But somehow Aimee and Doyle find their way through the muddled mess of judging someone wrongly. Aimee is spirited and loving. She has no problem going for what she wants. She knows how to live and love. She's fun and I loved her.
And then there was the sweet romance of Gran and Uncle. So, so sweet. It made me smile. So, all in all, a perfectly sweet, clean romance for the holiday of LOVE.
July 17, 2014
I'm jumping right in and saying that I LOVED Playing Cupid. Yes, it's true that I also loved the previous books, Pastels and Jingle Bells & Love Lessons but this one was probably my favorite. Either this or Pastels and Jingle Bells. I can't quite choose.
Anyway... I really enjoyed it!
I already liked Aimee in the previous book, Love Lessons. She's probably my favorite of the three girls that have been featured in the series. I also really like her grandmother and I loved how even though Aimee's Gran usually does the matchmaking, this time it was Aimee's turn to play cupid. I also loved Aimee's relationship with her neighbor Doyle and how they weren't exactly warm towards one another until they got to know each other more. Doyle was a great character. I really liked him. Especially together with Aimee. So adorable!
Playing Cupid by Christine S. Feldman was cute as well as touching with not one but two relationships that were blossoming. A perfect Valentine's Day book that everyone should definitely read!
Anyway... I really enjoyed it!
I already liked Aimee in the previous book, Love Lessons. She's probably my favorite of the three girls that have been featured in the series. I also really like her grandmother and I loved how even though Aimee's Gran usually does the matchmaking, this time it was Aimee's turn to play cupid. I also loved Aimee's relationship with her neighbor Doyle and how they weren't exactly warm towards one another until they got to know each other more. Doyle was a great character. I really liked him. Especially together with Aimee. So adorable!
Playing Cupid by Christine S. Feldman was cute as well as touching with not one but two relationships that were blossoming. A perfect Valentine's Day book that everyone should definitely read!
October 11, 2014
4.5/5.0
Feldman’s novella doesn’t feel short with its limited pages, but unhurried and real in its plot and characterizations.
Read full review in the 2014 October issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Feldman’s novella doesn’t feel short with its limited pages, but unhurried and real in its plot and characterizations.
Read full review in the 2014 October issue of InD’tale Magazine.
June 12, 2020
Here’s what this book is about:”Much as she loves her meddling matchmaker of a grandmother, free-spirited Aimee Beasley is tired of dodging the dull and downright tiresome dates the older woman keeps trying to arrange for her. So when she notices her beloved Gran preening in the presence of a distinguished elderly gentleman who’s been visiting their apartment building, Aimee is delighted at the prospect of turning the tables on her. But her plans to match her grandmother up with the gentleman in time for Valentine’s Day hit a snag when Aimee realizes he’s the uncle of their downstairs neighbor, a stodgy thirty-something history professor named Doyle with whom she butts heads on a regular basis. She’ll need to find a way to make nice and enlist his help, or her plan to see her long-widowed Gran happily matched again will never work. For Gran’s sake, she’s determined to find a way. In the process, she starts to realize that her cranky downstairs neighbor has a softer side she never suspected existed. And when it comes to romantic heroes, history professors may not have gotten a fair shake…”
This book was so cute. I enjoyed this book series.
This book was so cute. I enjoyed this book series.
February 13, 2014
Meddling matchmaker, Gran, keeps trying to set Aimee Beasley up on blind dates with everyone she knows that is single. When Aimee sees her Gran catching the eye of the neighbor’s uncle, Theodore, she decides to step in and play matchmaker for her Gran. Making her plans she realizes that she will have to have the help of her neighbor, Doyle, to make this work. The problem? Doyle is a thirty something professor who Aimee does not get along with. For her Gran’s sake she is willing to put aside their differences and make nice with the neighbor.
My Review:
This is book three of the Heavenly Bites Series, having read each one, I have to say this is my favorite. As fun as it was watching Gran set up each of the girls with their perfect match, it was just as fun to see the tables turned on Gran and her set up. Although I have to believe that Gran knew what Aimee was up to and it was all part of Gran’s big plan. I am sure if I asked her she would tell me this.
Christine S. Feldman writes novellas that manage to tell the whole story in very few pages, but enough pages that you get to sink your teeth into the story and care what is going on. Playing Cupid is the perfect short story. I got to connect with the characters and learn their backgrounds, without a lot of the other information that authors sometimes include that leave you feeling that they need to get on with the story.
If you are looking for a short story I highly recommend this one. It can be read alone, although the whole series is really worth reading.
My Review:
This is book three of the Heavenly Bites Series, having read each one, I have to say this is my favorite. As fun as it was watching Gran set up each of the girls with their perfect match, it was just as fun to see the tables turned on Gran and her set up. Although I have to believe that Gran knew what Aimee was up to and it was all part of Gran’s big plan. I am sure if I asked her she would tell me this.
Christine S. Feldman writes novellas that manage to tell the whole story in very few pages, but enough pages that you get to sink your teeth into the story and care what is going on. Playing Cupid is the perfect short story. I got to connect with the characters and learn their backgrounds, without a lot of the other information that authors sometimes include that leave you feeling that they need to get on with the story.
If you are looking for a short story I highly recommend this one. It can be read alone, although the whole series is really worth reading.
August 1, 2014
This third novella in Christine’s wonderful Heavenly Bites Series centers on Aimee Beasley, the granddaughter of the meddling matchmaker –Gram—that we’ve grown to love in the previous novellas. In a change of roles, Aimee is determined to set Gram up with the uncle of their downstairs neighbor. However, the neighbor—Doyle—isn’t keen on the idea. Doyle is not only reluctant to setting up his uncle, but he isn’t fond of having much to do with Aimee either. This obstacle only makes Aimee work harder, with that goal of matchmaking in mind.
PLAYING CUPID is a delightful, quick read that will make you smile, laugh and have ‘aww’ moments. The author does a splendid job of painting the story, allowing you to watch it unfold, page after page.
Aimee has such a quirky spirit and Doyle starts off as the total opposite. We get to watch him come out of his shell, all thanks to Aimee and her relentlessness. Gram is such a sweet, yet amusing grandma. I loved seeing the table turned, especially after Gram’s many matchmaking attempts with the girls of the Heavenly Bites Series.
Overall, PLAYING CUPID is definitely a 5 star read. It’s a well-written story that contains both romance and humor, with lovable and entertaining characters. You can’t go wrong with Heavenly Bites!
PLAYING CUPID is a delightful, quick read that will make you smile, laugh and have ‘aww’ moments. The author does a splendid job of painting the story, allowing you to watch it unfold, page after page.
Aimee has such a quirky spirit and Doyle starts off as the total opposite. We get to watch him come out of his shell, all thanks to Aimee and her relentlessness. Gram is such a sweet, yet amusing grandma. I loved seeing the table turned, especially after Gram’s many matchmaking attempts with the girls of the Heavenly Bites Series.
Overall, PLAYING CUPID is definitely a 5 star read. It’s a well-written story that contains both romance and humor, with lovable and entertaining characters. You can’t go wrong with Heavenly Bites!
February 13, 2014
Reviewed by Kim
fore Read Your Writes Book Reviews
While this is the third novella in the Heavenly Bites Series, it is a stand alone story.
Playing Cupid could possibly be my favorite of the three books from the series. This story gives you not one but two romances. I think there’s something to be said about older individuals finding someone to share their lives with, after being without someone for so long. Watching Delia and Theodore date each other is truly sweet.
The relationship of Aimee, Delia’s granddaughter, and Doyle, Theodore’s nephew, is one that’s strained to say the least. As Aimee and Doyle watch their family member discover love and happiness, they realize that maybe, just maybe there is more to the other than meets the eye.
Playing Cupid is a sweet romance you are not going to want to end.
Source: Personal Purchase
fore Read Your Writes Book Reviews
While this is the third novella in the Heavenly Bites Series, it is a stand alone story.
Playing Cupid could possibly be my favorite of the three books from the series. This story gives you not one but two romances. I think there’s something to be said about older individuals finding someone to share their lives with, after being without someone for so long. Watching Delia and Theodore date each other is truly sweet.
The relationship of Aimee, Delia’s granddaughter, and Doyle, Theodore’s nephew, is one that’s strained to say the least. As Aimee and Doyle watch their family member discover love and happiness, they realize that maybe, just maybe there is more to the other than meets the eye.
Playing Cupid is a sweet romance you are not going to want to end.
Source: Personal Purchase
January 25, 2014
I don't read a lot of romance, hardly any actually. I enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. For me, there was just the right amount of 'romance' without getting too detailed. And oh, the humor. Awesome! I found myself laughing out loud several times. Well written, the story never lagged, holding my attention. Good flow and pace to a realistic, sweet story. I read it from start to finish in a couple of hours. Dialog from believable characters was cleverly crafted, allowing the reader into the hearts and minds of those characters. I picked this story up without having read the others. Now I plan on getting the first two, not because anything was missing, but because this was such an enjoyable read!
January 21, 2014
So I got to visit one of my most favorite places in the fiction world called Heavenly Bites and spend some time with all my wonderful friends. Upsettingly it will be my last visit so I cherished it very much. This is my third stop called Playing Cupid and how I enjoyed it! I loved how this is based around valentines Day! I loved each Novella in this series and they will be ones that I read over and over again. Thank you again and again Christine S. Feldman, looking forward to more amazing stories!! All of the Novellas are on Amazon, must check out! Pastals and Jingle Bells, Love Lessons and Playing Cupid!.
April 10, 2014
The following review will be written for the entire Heavenly Bites Collection by Christine S. Feldman.
Delightful, witty, cute, funny, engaging, well-written... did I say delightful? Yes, I did. I've fallen in love with Ian, Benji, and Doyle, and the trio of ladies who fall for them. I love the character of Gran as well; her "meddling" was spot on and reminded me of one of my great-grannies, whom I was lucky enough to know. I hope Ms. Feldman considers doing sequels for each story, as I would be interested in knowing what happens next in their lives. Oh, and I ADORED the fact one of the heroes was a history professor. He is a treasure, Ms. Feldman. Five stars for this entire series!
Delightful, witty, cute, funny, engaging, well-written... did I say delightful? Yes, I did. I've fallen in love with Ian, Benji, and Doyle, and the trio of ladies who fall for them. I love the character of Gran as well; her "meddling" was spot on and reminded me of one of my great-grannies, whom I was lucky enough to know. I hope Ms. Feldman considers doing sequels for each story, as I would be interested in knowing what happens next in their lives. Oh, and I ADORED the fact one of the heroes was a history professor. He is a treasure, Ms. Feldman. Five stars for this entire series!
January 26, 2014
Christine has a knack for being able to draw out every possible emotion with this story. She does this quite well with all her books. This actually is a story about two budding romances, one obvious and the other not so much. It's a good reminder that romance is not just for the young but the young at heart.
I loved all three novellas and hated to see them come to an end but I look forward to reading more from Christine!
I loved all three novellas and hated to see them come to an end but I look forward to reading more from Christine!
February 18, 2015
This was really cute and perfect for Valentines day. I loved Aimee, she has a fun sense of humor. I loved Gram and Theodore, so cute! Doyle was just okay for me. I think I would have liked to see him open up a little more and definitely done some groveling. I get the reasons he is the way he is, but I wish the story had been longer so we could see him change a bit more. Overall, a really cute story!
Content: Clean
Content: Clean
July 19, 2022
Loved this short & sweet novella -- it definitely left me smiling! I loved the personality and humor of the heroine.
March 3, 2022
I really enjoyed watching Theodore and Abue's love story.
March 26, 2022
This was not romantic and the supposed love interests barely interacted at all.
March 30, 2024
Adorable read. These really do remind me of hallmark movies in book form. Cute, innocent, sweet, easy plots! This one may have been my favourite by a smidge.
February 14, 2025
Cute short story. I actually enjoyed Aimee's grandmother & Theodore's romance more than Aimee & Doyle's.
May 5, 2015
This book was provided to me by the author. This in no way influences my opinion or review. Promise!
Feldman's writing has been a go-to for me for over a year now. Her lighthearted stories always make me smile, and "Playing Cupid" was no exception. The tension of a quiet, stoic man and a impulsive, free-spirited woman mixed with Feldman's trademark romance makes "Playing Cupid" a clear winner every time.
Aimee is the dream best friend: she has that fun-loving, kind spirit that makes her simply a joy to be around, even in a novel. She has an inherent ability to believe the best in anyone...anyone but Doyle, that is.
Their relationship and romance is based on the "opposites attract" theme, but there's so much more to it. Instead of relying on the tried and true story line, Feldman uses it to push her characters farther, to make them uncomfortable, feel awkward, and at a loss for what to do. Forcing Doyle to confront his reserved nature and making Aimee realized that a quiet personality doesn't equal stodgy creates an opening in both characters, an opening to fall in love.
The narrative, told from Aimee's perspective, is cleverly written, forcing Aimee must open her mind to new possibilities, while all the while acknowledging the changes in Doyle. Sometimes I wonder if a dual narrative is the best way to tell a romance, but I love how Aimee's perspective allows for the slow revelation of events in both her own life and Doyle's.
"Playing Cupid" is a fun, cute romance, perfect for that chick-lit lover in your life. Feldman's collection of novellas has been so much fun to read. It's a collection I know I will return to again and again.
Feldman's writing has been a go-to for me for over a year now. Her lighthearted stories always make me smile, and "Playing Cupid" was no exception. The tension of a quiet, stoic man and a impulsive, free-spirited woman mixed with Feldman's trademark romance makes "Playing Cupid" a clear winner every time.
Aimee is the dream best friend: she has that fun-loving, kind spirit that makes her simply a joy to be around, even in a novel. She has an inherent ability to believe the best in anyone...anyone but Doyle, that is.
Their relationship and romance is based on the "opposites attract" theme, but there's so much more to it. Instead of relying on the tried and true story line, Feldman uses it to push her characters farther, to make them uncomfortable, feel awkward, and at a loss for what to do. Forcing Doyle to confront his reserved nature and making Aimee realized that a quiet personality doesn't equal stodgy creates an opening in both characters, an opening to fall in love.
The narrative, told from Aimee's perspective, is cleverly written, forcing Aimee must open her mind to new possibilities, while all the while acknowledging the changes in Doyle. Sometimes I wonder if a dual narrative is the best way to tell a romance, but I love how Aimee's perspective allows for the slow revelation of events in both her own life and Doyle's.
"Playing Cupid" is a fun, cute romance, perfect for that chick-lit lover in your life. Feldman's collection of novellas has been so much fun to read. It's a collection I know I will return to again and again.
February 2, 2016
"You're disruptive, Miss Beasley... Sound and fury don't necessarily mean substance."
"Neither does sitting on your butt with a book all day."
Aimee Beasley isn't the sort of woman interested in taking life sitting down, as it seems the serious professor Doyle Berkley is doing in Playing Cupid by author Christine S. Feldman. (A professor, Doyle is, but not Aimee's professor, just to make that clear.) This last Heavenly Bites novella wraps up the series nicely after the fashion of its predecessors, with a holiday theme—Valentine's Day, in this case—and a good mixture of "lighter and heavier" ingredients to make for a well-rounded read.
It's a two-for-one romance, really, and can easily be read in one sitting. Or maybe in two, if read in order with its delightful Christmas and New Year's counterparts.
"Neither does sitting on your butt with a book all day."
Aimee Beasley isn't the sort of woman interested in taking life sitting down, as it seems the serious professor Doyle Berkley is doing in Playing Cupid by author Christine S. Feldman. (A professor, Doyle is, but not Aimee's professor, just to make that clear.) This last Heavenly Bites novella wraps up the series nicely after the fashion of its predecessors, with a holiday theme—Valentine's Day, in this case—and a good mixture of "lighter and heavier" ingredients to make for a well-rounded read.
It's a two-for-one romance, really, and can easily be read in one sitting. Or maybe in two, if read in order with its delightful Christmas and New Year's counterparts.
August 23, 2014
I wasn't as excited about the relationship with Gran and Uncle...I don't know, it was sweet, just not gripping. Sweet little old people cuteness. But, I would have liked more interactions between Aimee and Doyle. I totally pictured this professor to be an old guy when the book began, so it was fun to find out who he actually was. The implied sex at the end made me a little uncomfortable. I wish that had just been left out.
February 21, 2015
This was a short cute read. I really liked it:} Both Characters were great and as the story unwound you just could not help but just laugh and then sigh. It was so well developed for a short story I was very impressed. I will be reading the other two in the series.
January 31, 2017
The ending implies that the two main characters not married but are in an intimate relationship with one another. Personally, it destroyed the story for me.
March 26, 2016
I adored this story! Funny, witty and charming! Christine S. Feldman has written another gem.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews