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The Cupid Caper
Sometimes you've got to take Cupid's bow and arrow into your own hands.
Amanda Marsh is in love with love. As a high school English teacher, she is surrounded by poetry and classic literature, including the love stories written by her favorite author, Shakespeare. She knows she’ll never find anything as romantic as the stories that have stood the test of time, so she’s settled on having a crush on chemistry teacher Luke Baker from a far.
Luke Baker left his career as a research chemist behind to share a love of science with students. And he’s about to make his pet project a reality as the curriculum lead for the district’s new specialized science and technology academy. When a poem shows up on his desk drawing him into The Cupid Caper, the Valentine’s Day-themed dance and fundraiser for Skyview High School’s Student Council, Luke dismisses the whole thing as a silly game. But when he realizes that winning the grand prize in The Cupid Caper is the one way he can help a star student attend the new STEM Academy, he decides to play along.
Paired together, the English teacher and the chemistry teacher both realize The Cupid Caper is more than a game, but neither can tell the other their feelings are no joke. When an education in happily ever after is on the line, will a man whose life has been ruled by the scientific method and a woman who quotes sonnets miss the mark, or will Cupid’s arrow finally ring true?
The Holiday Hearts Series: Heartwarming Stories of Finding Love on the Most Special Days of the Year
Please Note: The Cupid Caper is a sweet contemporary romance novella with a word count of 27,000 words.
Amanda Marsh is in love with love. As a high school English teacher, she is surrounded by poetry and classic literature, including the love stories written by her favorite author, Shakespeare. She knows she’ll never find anything as romantic as the stories that have stood the test of time, so she’s settled on having a crush on chemistry teacher Luke Baker from a far.
Luke Baker left his career as a research chemist behind to share a love of science with students. And he’s about to make his pet project a reality as the curriculum lead for the district’s new specialized science and technology academy. When a poem shows up on his desk drawing him into The Cupid Caper, the Valentine’s Day-themed dance and fundraiser for Skyview High School’s Student Council, Luke dismisses the whole thing as a silly game. But when he realizes that winning the grand prize in The Cupid Caper is the one way he can help a star student attend the new STEM Academy, he decides to play along.
Paired together, the English teacher and the chemistry teacher both realize The Cupid Caper is more than a game, but neither can tell the other their feelings are no joke. When an education in happily ever after is on the line, will a man whose life has been ruled by the scientific method and a woman who quotes sonnets miss the mark, or will Cupid’s arrow finally ring true?
The Holiday Hearts Series: Heartwarming Stories of Finding Love on the Most Special Days of the Year
Please Note: The Cupid Caper is a sweet contemporary romance novella with a word count of 27,000 words.
83 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2014
8 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Ethridge
53 books450 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Kristen Ethridge loves watching waves at the beach, eating the perfect taco, and reading books that leave her with a smile. Some would say her superpower is keeping alive one husband, three children, and six guinea pigs during their adventures across Texas--but that's not entirely true. She actually earned her sparkly cape for writing her signature style of Sweet Escape Romances--stories with hope, heart and happily-ever-after--for Harlequin's Love Inspired line, Hallmark Publishing, and Laurel Lock Publishing. One reader (who wasn't her mother) called Kristen's books "very good escape fiction" and that's pretty much the nicest thing anyone's ever said to her.
Kristen always wants to make new book best friends. Receive an exclusive free story by joining her mailing list at www.kristenethridge.com/newsletter. You can also follow her adventures in writing at www.facebook.com/kristenethridgebooks.
Kristen always wants to make new book best friends. Receive an exclusive free story by joining her mailing list at www.kristenethridge.com/newsletter. You can also follow her adventures in writing at www.facebook.com/kristenethridgebooks.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 16, 2019
Sweeter than Valentine's day candy
I absolutely loved this story!!
The premise sounded so sweet, and the turns kept me engaged. I loved how the romance budded and bloomed without getting too steamy. I was totally swooning a time or two, or three, or four. On a steaminess level I would rate this a delightful PG.
Seriously, this book is a must read! Not just once, but it's a repeat worthy read.
I absolutely loved this story!!
The premise sounded so sweet, and the turns kept me engaged. I loved how the romance budded and bloomed without getting too steamy. I was totally swooning a time or two, or three, or four. On a steaminess level I would rate this a delightful PG.
Seriously, this book is a must read! Not just once, but it's a repeat worthy read.
March 9, 2021
Amanda Marsh is a high school English teacher. She has had a crush on Luke Baker since his first day on the job as the chemistry teacher at Provident High. Amanda’s well meaning friend Lisa tries to play matchmaker by setting the two of them up in a Student Council fundraiser called the Cupid Caper. Neither is too thrilled with the prospect of being in the contest until they learn the prize could help a well deserving student realize her dreams. Can what started out as a charade develop into something real?
I always love reading Kristen Eldridge’s books set on Provident Island. This story is no exception. She has an outstanding ability to incorporate humor into her stories without it being cheesy. Her characters are so realistic I feel as if they are old friends by the time I finish the story. I also appreciate that her books are clean and the fact that they are uplifting is an added bonus.
I have to admit that I was a little hesitant to read this book because of its setting. I was never one for high school drama and I thought this book might be loaded with it. I was very glad to find my fears unfounded. I loved the story.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good clean romance.
I always love reading Kristen Eldridge’s books set on Provident Island. This story is no exception. She has an outstanding ability to incorporate humor into her stories without it being cheesy. Her characters are so realistic I feel as if they are old friends by the time I finish the story. I also appreciate that her books are clean and the fact that they are uplifting is an added bonus.
I have to admit that I was a little hesitant to read this book because of its setting. I was never one for high school drama and I thought this book might be loaded with it. I was very glad to find my fears unfounded. I loved the story.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good clean romance.
March 12, 2021
A very refreshing light romance which was very relatable because I am a retired teacher. In the past I taught English like Amanda did. This was an ebook sent by Book Funnel and the author for an unbiased review. The story was short but fun to read because Cupid really did seem to throw love arrows at the couple. There were no swear words or controversy and that made it much better.
March 3, 2021
This is a sweet, clean romance about two seeming opposite individuals.
Amanda Marsh is the English teacher who loves Shakespeare and her students. She loves to teach and gets a great deal of joy when her students succeed in her class. She’s also had a secret crush on Luke.
Luke Baker is the school’s chemistry teacher, who previously worked in corporate America, but has discovered that his greatest pleasure is teaching. He has been at the HS for over 2 years and is now going to be part of the STEM school about to open. Clueless that the redheaded English teacher has been keeping am eye on him.
When a fundraiser brings these two individuals together, what was suppose to be a make believe relationship starts to mean more. Will they acknowledge the budding relationship as real, or will fears and concerns keep them apart?
The story was an entertaining novella for an afternoon of leisure.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Amanda Marsh is the English teacher who loves Shakespeare and her students. She loves to teach and gets a great deal of joy when her students succeed in her class. She’s also had a secret crush on Luke.
Luke Baker is the school’s chemistry teacher, who previously worked in corporate America, but has discovered that his greatest pleasure is teaching. He has been at the HS for over 2 years and is now going to be part of the STEM school about to open. Clueless that the redheaded English teacher has been keeping am eye on him.
When a fundraiser brings these two individuals together, what was suppose to be a make believe relationship starts to mean more. Will they acknowledge the budding relationship as real, or will fears and concerns keep them apart?
The story was an entertaining novella for an afternoon of leisure.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
March 5, 2021
This installment of the Port Provident: Holiday Hearts series is a well-written, fun story. It kept me engaged from beginning to end. The characters are charming and credible. As a teacher, I can relate to Amanda and Luke and their concern for their students. The premise of the story is somewhat unique and well-executed. Bits of humor and quotes from classic literature, especially Shakespeare, are delightful! If you are looking for a light, enjoyable read; I recommend choosing this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in e-book form from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in e-book form from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 10, 2021
Amanda March is an English teacher and has had a crush on Luke Baker since he started teaching at the school as a Chemistry teacher which was two years ago. He never noticed her until someone put their names in for The Cupid Caper which the winner got a car leased to them for a year. They decided to do it so if they won, a student they both had would have transportation after applying at The STEM Academy. What started out as acting turned into a connection but neither thought the other was serious.
August 20, 2023
Amanda Marsh, high school romantic English teacher has had a crush on the analytical science teacher, Dr. Luke Baker for the past two years. Her friend and drama teacher, Lisa enter both of them in the high school fund raiser called The Cupid Caper on Valentine's Day. Then the fun begins as Luke discovers how much Amanda cares for her students just like he does for his. Some of the fun includes Cupig, coffee after school, a run in with a little white mouse and a happy ending too.
March 4, 2021
The Cupid Caper is a very cute romance involving two high school teachers - Amanda and Luke - who will go to great lengths to see their students succeed. This book made for a very nice afternoon escape. I was interested from page one. In this extremely well written romance, "someone" enters Luke and Amanda into the school's Valentine fund raiser. Amanda and Luke are determined to win the grand prize for a special student. The book contains several swoony moments and some wise words from Mr. Shakespeare himself. I highly recommend this sweeet, heartwarming romance.
March 7, 2021
This is a short humorous story that Kristen Ethridge has set in our favorite town, Port Provident. I would imagine there are others secretly pining for someone that could benefit from a Cupid Caper. This was a fun book to read.
March 8, 2021
I love this book it was well written.
I love how Luke and Amanda, were doing the caper for a student and than really fell in love.
I would recommend this book to I everyone to read it.
Sincerely
Barbara R Cardin
I love how Luke and Amanda, were doing the caper for a student and than really fell in love.
I would recommend this book to I everyone to read it.
Sincerely
Barbara R Cardin
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2021
This was the perfect light-hearted, sweet romance novella for an afternoon at the beach. The likable characters prove once again that opposites attract. I was entrusted with a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 8, 2019
This book was really cute.
March 4, 2021
This is another good story in this series. I really liked Amanda and Luke together. They are both just so giving to their students. Loved Luke!
April 3, 2014
This author brings us a contemporary romance interlaced with humor. She introduces us to two high school teachers that will go to any lengths to help their students reach their goals. It is a wonderful story of a young English teacher. Amanda Marsh, who sees a handsome chemistry teacher, Luke Baker, but with their room being on opposite ends of the school has no time to really get to know him. Suddenly Luke has been offered the opportunity he's been wanting, to start the STEM Academy for girls from kindergarten to 12th grade. Amanda feels that her opportunity to get to know Luke better has all but ended until one afternoon he drops by her class to inquire is she would be will to help a student with a writing project.
This is a fun to read romance. I love how dedicated the characters were to their students no only in learning, but in achieving their dreams. Amanda teaches English and helps her students understand the deeper meaning of literature. Luke on the other hand left a high paying job to make a difference in someone's life and actually accomplishes this through his love of science. Who couldn't love these characters? I would recommend this book to anyone. A good clean romance.
This is a fun to read romance. I love how dedicated the characters were to their students no only in learning, but in achieving their dreams. Amanda teaches English and helps her students understand the deeper meaning of literature. Luke on the other hand left a high paying job to make a difference in someone's life and actually accomplishes this through his love of science. Who couldn't love these characters? I would recommend this book to anyone. A good clean romance.
March 2, 2014
This was a very sweet story and one of the better contemporary romance novels I've read recently. Yes, it is a novella, so it feels a little rushed (as all novellas do), but it is exceptionally well written and the concept was fairly new and different. Having the hero and heroine working together for a common (noble, of course!) goal and pretending at something until it was real - those are elements that are not in *every* story. While I agree with another review who said she didn't believe the level of love professed over the quick (4 days?) span of the novella, I think the hero and heroine could well be on their way. It would be nice to have had a little epilogue saying that they really had their HAE. Most of all, I enjoyed the literary and science references. You can tell that the author is well read and educated (Sic'em Bears!). I hope to read more of her books and will recommend them to others!
September 7, 2016
Secret Valentine Scavenger Hunt
High school English teacher Amanda Marsh is a romantic. She devours poetry and classic love stories.
For the past two years, she's had feelings for chemistry teacher Luke Baker. Since Luke is leaving the school soon, Amanda decides her passion will remain unrequited.
Now, her best friend Lisa, a drama teacher at the same school, is insisting Amanda participate in the Cupid Caper.
The Cupid Caper is a secret valentine scavenger hunt for the students. Amanda is afraid her students will find out if she participates.
But if she doesn't, will Amanda let the love of her life slip away from her?
The Cupid Caper is the second novella in the Holiday Hearts Contemporary Romance Series by Kristen Ethridge. The Cupid Caper is a heartwarming story. It offers a slice of high school life from the teachers' perspectives. At the end of the book, there's a preview of Lucky in Love, the third novella in the Holiday Hearts Series.
High school English teacher Amanda Marsh is a romantic. She devours poetry and classic love stories.
For the past two years, she's had feelings for chemistry teacher Luke Baker. Since Luke is leaving the school soon, Amanda decides her passion will remain unrequited.
Now, her best friend Lisa, a drama teacher at the same school, is insisting Amanda participate in the Cupid Caper.
The Cupid Caper is a secret valentine scavenger hunt for the students. Amanda is afraid her students will find out if she participates.
But if she doesn't, will Amanda let the love of her life slip away from her?
The Cupid Caper is the second novella in the Holiday Hearts Contemporary Romance Series by Kristen Ethridge. The Cupid Caper is a heartwarming story. It offers a slice of high school life from the teachers' perspectives. At the end of the book, there's a preview of Lucky in Love, the third novella in the Holiday Hearts Series.
March 4, 2014
The one star is for the premise. It had potential. The author's writing is what killed this book. This read like a first draft before she clarified the motivation, cleaned up her voice, and made the characters come off the page. Even the premise struggled against the "why are they really doing this" issues and the insta-love he feels once he "looks" at her.
I hope this author holds back her next work and pairs up with some hard core critique partners bc her premise was really smart and I'd like to see her writing get there. I really wish I could have connected with the characters - that would have gotten me a long way to forgiving a lot of the other stuff.
I hope this author holds back her next work and pairs up with some hard core critique partners bc her premise was really smart and I'd like to see her writing get there. I really wish I could have connected with the characters - that would have gotten me a long way to forgiving a lot of the other stuff.
March 18, 2014
This was cute. It was rather short but all the bases were covered, so I really can't think of anything that was left unsaid. There were some laugh-out-loud moments that I really enjoyed. I look forward to reading more by this author.
July 16, 2016
The premise was interesting but the delivery fell a little short. Regarding editing, I am not sure about every edition of this book but my kindle edition had no page breaks between scene changes and POVs. Makes it hard to really get into absorbed in the story.
January 14, 2015
3.5 stars. Cute and sweet novella. Nice piece of brain candy.
March 4, 2014
A cute and fluffy romance. Not a lot of depth but fun nonetheless.
Moral Note: Clean
Moral Note: Clean
March 6, 2014
The Cupid Caper
This was a wonderful love story, I was actually crying tears of. joy at the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an open mind and heart.
This was a wonderful love story, I was actually crying tears of. joy at the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an open mind and heart.
March 11, 2014
Sweet, funny novella with an interesting story arc. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
June 2, 2014
I loved it! This is the hopeless romantic 's story. The Shakespeare loving romantic teacher with a crush in the scientific chemistry teacher. The romance is cute and clean!
July 5, 2014
This was pretty cute, but it was super rushed, the whole thing takes place in a week so you don't have too much time to get emotionally invested. Overall it was a good quick light read
January 22, 2015
Luke and Amanda. Short story about high school teachers who pretend to like each other to win a prize for one of the students. Cute story.
March 4, 2014
This was a real yawner. The only reason I finished it was because it was so slow.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews