Rafaela

by Brooke May

Love should be drama free.
Matters of the heart should be flawless and easy to follow.
But that’s not the case … ever especially in this new assignment Cupid has handed over to Rafaela. Determined to get Rei out of her shell and back out into the pool of finding love, Rafaela stumbles upon more challenges that she thought possible with this job.
A little shop of horrors decorated with dressed squirrels and a woman with no sense of fashion, Rafaela feels she has her work cut out for her.
What she originally thought was a case of unrequited love, she quickly learns is a second chance romance.
Cupid and his six girls have been tasked as helping the human population of the world find their one and only. And in some cases, it takes a couple of tries to get there.
Can Rafaela quit comparing herself to what she perceives as perfection and help reunite two souls?

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2024

About the author

Brooke lives on the dangerous side.
Dangerous in that she had no fear walking into the dark woods alone.
When she isn’t venturing in the woods, creeping up on animals to photograph, or casting a line where she can, she’s busying her way through whatever random story has consumed her.
With an imagination that is far from limited; you’ll never know if you’re getting a werewolf or hunting guide, or something dark next.
Brooke lives in northern Wyoming that inspires almost everything she writes. You never know, she might have already unleashed your new favorite book boyfriend into the world.
She loves hearing from readers and anyone who feels like talking. Feel free to pay her a visit whenever.

Reviews

[Kelly - Words We Love By · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a first time reader of Brooke May, I was pleasantly surprised by the delightful spin she puts on the age old concept of cupid and love. Rafaela is the 5th book in A Heartstrings Series, is a charming exploration of romance that captures the essence of love while remaining light-hearted. Rafaela is tasked with helping Rei break free from her shell and embrace the world of love, finds herself navigating a series of unexpected challenges. With the backdrop of a quirky shop with dressed squirrels and a fashioned challenge owner adds fun and humor to the story. Rafaela's mission to help out Rei while highlighting the absurdities and unpredictabilities of love.
Brooke May's unique take on cupid and the challenges of matchmaking is refreshing and I can't wait to go back and read all the books in the series!

[Brandy Jo Rymer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading the Heartstrings book series, especially since each cupid has a unique way of working through their assignments and all have a lesson to learn from their humans. Rafaela is the group's animal lover, and she gets a surprise when she gets her newest assignment, with a taxidermist named Rei who is done with romance due to a jaded past. What a great story of second chances at love as well as the importance of having someone in your life you can lean on when tragedy strikes. This series truly is magical in the fact that it showcases what the true meaning of love is, and that it doesn't always come as easy as we may want it to. There are times when we all need that little extra help, or push, from someone who's watching out for us, like a cupid. I read this book in one sitting, it held my attention to the point I couldn't put it down, it's full of love, laughter, and a bit of tears. I highly recommend that if you decide to read this book, that you go back and read the other stories in the series as well, they are each such amazing stories as you get to see into the work of each of the other cupids. I'm excited for the next book to come out where we get to read about "mother's" story.
@Brandy Rymer
12/2024

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Rafaela is the fifth book in the Heartstrings series by Brooke May. This is a fun, sweet, light-hearted, paranormal romance with cupids, a little drama, connection, and emotion. It is a story of finding love again, being true to yourself, self-acceptance, and that it’s ok to be different and do things differently.
This book can be read as a standalone, if you wanted, so you don’t have to have read the other four books in order to enjoy this one. Each book in the series focuses on one of Cupid’s ‘chosen ones’- and we follow along as each one helps humans find love. But, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that each book in the series is a great read in its own right, and reading all the instalments really will help enhance your reading experience of the story/series.
Ms. May has a talent for crafting wonderfully quirky characters who each have their own unique personalities, quirks, and flaws. Rafaela had a lot more to offer than she first appears- which made this story even more interesting to follow.
Looking forward to ‘Briella’ (Book #6).

Thank you, Brooke May!

[Ashley Lape · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to heart matters, humans sometimes need a little push. Just a push to set them in the right direction or the right arms. Then when Cupid and Rafaela. Being a Fae in the form of a matchmaker, Rafaela is given a tough assignment with Rei, a taxidermist. It wouldn’t be so bad but Rafaela has a strong bond with animals. Once Rafaela can get over her new work assignment, she will be able to help Rei find her forever love. Or could Rei already have been married to her forever soulmate? When Rafaela sees the connection between Rei and her ex-husband Soba, there is no doubt in Rafaela's mind about whom Rei is meant to be with. Getting Rei’s mom on board with this match will be tough after their first marriage ends in Rei having a broken heart. Although on her death bed, Rei’s mom asks Soba to always look out for her girl. Rafaela had her work cut out for her with Rei and Soba at first but like all her other matches Rafaela has a high success rate!
This was a cute story. I had a bit of a struggle to get into the story but I could not put it down once I did get into the story. I have read a few books by this author and she does not disappoint each time!!

[Beverly Finnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Rafaela but it’s not necessarily my favorite book in this series. The author brings us back to the Heartstrings Series in this next installment. These shorter books though part of a series read really well as standalone novels. This particular one has more sorrow than romance.
Rafaela’s next task is to guide Rei to love. She’s previously been married and now it’s time she’s moved on. Enlisting the help of Rei’s sick mother Rafaela sets out on the daunting task. I say that way because Rei is not an easy client, to the extent Rafaela has to reveal her true nature right off the bat. What makes things easy for Rafaela is the immediate connection of Rei to Soba. Though she did realize he was her ex-husband. Determined to reconnect them is the mission at hand.
Unfortunately for Rei and Soba though they still care, life keeps working against them.
Will Rafaela succeed in reconnecting them?
This series is a light hearted romance series. If you haven’t read any of the previous books this is a good place to start. If you have well here’s another one to tickle your fancy.

[Beejai Bohls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another addition to the heartstrings series and it can be read as a stand alone. I highly suggest reading the rest of the series if you haven't done so yet. This book is really well written, there are so many descriptive words that really help you, as the reader, to form the mental pictures that you would want when reading. It allows for you to feel fully submersed in the book and invested in the characters. You will find that this is a really quick read not because of the length but because you won't want to put it down. You will become so invested in what is happening and what is going to happen that you will continue to turn pages and not want to do anything else but read this book. There is a little bit of everything in this book. There is love, sorrow, growth, inner conflict, match makers, family involvement, friends, and just good intentions all around. I have highly enjoyed other books in this series and was not disappointed in this one. If you want a quick read that will have you fully immersed in it, then this is the book for you. Well, this whole series would be for you.

[Kerry carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the 5th book in the Heartstring series. I have loved every book in this series. Even though it is part of a series these books can be read as a standalone as each book focuses on a different cupid and their couple they have to work to bring together, however I feel once you read one you will want to read them all.
In this story we meet Rafaela and join her on her quest to find love for a lady called Rei. However things won't be straight forward for Rafaela. For a start she has to deal with her unease with Rei's job. As a animal lover she struggled when she finds out Rei is a taxidermist.
As well as dealing with that Rei is not really wanting to find love despite her mother pushing her towards it. And the reason for her mother wanting that becomes clear.
As the story progresses and Rafaela sees Rei's Heartstring attaching to someone she doesn't expect can the past be worked through and old misunderstandings uncovered.
This story covers betrayal, lost love, grief and the power of connection when you meet your one in a million.
I loved the journey we have been on with Rafaela and Rei and I can't wait to read more.

[Jennifer P Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love reading another one of these stories in this series! I’ve read other books from Brooke May and just love each different story idea but keeps the same fun and romantic essence to each story told! In this series, each story centers over a different “cupid” who is responsible for finding their designated person’s one true love. Whether it is the human’s “cupid” or the humans themselves that get into a zany situation but somehow their motives of making sure that true love prevails makes the story so much fun and entertaining! In this story, Rafaela is helping Rei to overcome her shyness and put herself out there. After realizing her “soulmate” happens to be none other than her ex-husband, Rei thinks Rafaela is insane for thinking so and helping her match with him. Both Rafaela and Rei are at odds with each other but find ways to prevail to the final outcome. This book can be read as a stand alone. Previous characters from the series are mentioned but it doesn’t interfere with this story’s plot. Honestly if you enjoy this one, I would definitely suggest give other books in series a try.

[Angela Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rafaela is a cupid sent to the human world to help unsuspecting humans connect with their soul mates, but this one maybe tricky. Rei is heart broken and just living life but when a matchmaker comes into the picture and suggests that she may have already found her soulmate, Rei truly believes she is insane, as the soulmate is her ex-husband.

As both Rafaela and Rei negotiate through the ups and downs of relationships, in the end the result is a happy one.

This is the fifth book in this series and can be read as a stand alone story. Rei as a character was enjoyable to read and as always with this author her characters are always relatable and you just feel like they are your friends in life.

The story was well written and although this was not my favourite out of this series, it did not detract away from the beautiful written word and flow of the story. This is a quick read, coffee break story with the warmth of a hug, although this is a fantasy book do not let this distract you from the series.

I can't wait to read the next story.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
It’s been a while since we caught up with the Cupids, and I was excited to see what this instalment would bring. With just one click, I had the book ready and was prepared to escape into some fun and laughter.
Being one of Cupid's girls is not an easy task, but in this, the fifth book of the Heartstrings series, Rafaela needs to lower her expectations and help two hurt souls find a second chance at love.
Rafaela is a delightful romantic comedy with an original concept. The story drew me in from the beginning, and I found myself getting lost in it. You can't help but fall in love with this Cupid. She is as unique as she is meticulous, and I laughed out loud at her antics. She nearly cries when she sees who she is working with. I mean who wants to work for a taxidermist when you love all creatures great and small. Let the mayhem and madness begin!
You will fall in love with Rafaela and her charges!

[Heidi Eich Woodring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rafaela by Brooke May is the fifth book in the Heartstrings series, and another great read. This read brings you a little drama, second chance at love, some sadness, and emotions. There is a new task at hand and Rafaela must find love for Rei and she seems not be an easy client. With the help of her mother and of course with cupid and his six girls. Being that she was married before Rei is worried, was Soba her one chance at true love? Well on her death bed, Rei’s mom begs Soba to watch over Rei always? Was that the approval needed for them all? Can Soba and Rei find each other again?

This was a cute and fast read for me. I like that each book in the series can be read as a standalone and you will not be confused. I highly recommend this for anyone wanting a good, cute, romantic paranormal read!

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books by this author before, so I always pick up new work from them without hesitation. I didn’t realize this was part of a series though, but I feel like it did great as a standalone. I am quite interested in the rest of the books in the series now though! The author has a fantastic way of painting such vivid imagery with their words, allowing you to feel like you’re experiencing the stories instead of just reading words on a page. The characters are well-developed and have you rooting for them almost instantly. It’s on the shorter side, but that doesn’t mean that the author skimped on the details. I’m on my way to pick up the rest of the series as I can’t wait to see what the author has created. I highly recommend giving this a chance if you’re interested in a heartwarming, humorous romantic comedy about second-chance love.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in this series. All the books in this series can be read as a standalone but I highly suggest reading all of them. I enjoyed how the author used details to pull me into the story from the start. A well written story that is full of love and believing that there is someone for everyone out there. I enjoyed these characters and what they bring to the story. They are connectable and made the story easy to read. I enjoyed the growth of this story and how it kept me turning pages fast. This is a fast paced, engaging story that I really enjoyed reading. This is one of my favorites by this author. You don’t want to miss out on this one. I highly recommend this book.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this whole series and I am always excited when a new book is released. I love the whole premise of this series. Cupid and the different story lines are all so interesting and unique. This book is another great addition to the series. I loved the characters and the way their whole story played out. I found myself really connecting with them and desperately wanting to know more about what was going on with them.
The way this whole book is written made me feel like I was there in the story, with the characters. The author has such a fantastic writing style that you can’t help but be drawn in by what is going on. It felt real and so relatable, despite the original perspective of the book. This is a brilliant book, and an amazing series, that I would really recommend.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafaela (Heartstrings Book 5) by Brooke May. This is the 5th book in the Heartstrings series but it can be read as a standalone. I always recommend reading them in order though just to get a better read on the characters. Its the story of Rafaela who is tasked with finding Rei love. Rei is a tough cookie and very hard to find a match for so Rafaela enlists the help of Rei's mom. Rei was married once before to Soba and she is worried that she might have missed out on her one true love. Rei and Soba continue to have amazing chemistry and there is obviously still love there between the two. When Rei's mom asks Soba to watch over Rei when she passes Soba begins to look at Rei differently. Soba tells Rei's mom that he will always watch over her. This is a fun, short romance.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

How cute is this cover ?! Also this part of a series and this is book 5 but you can read each as a stand alone but rather read the series is my recommendation 😉

Rafaela, a Cupid , is sent to earth to help humans with matters of the heart and we all know love isn’t easy it’s messy , filled with drama, anxiety , lack of communication and all sorts of other thing and yes there’s also beautiful things about love but that’s why Cupid is there to help because let’s face it us humans need a little help ( alot of help who am I kidding 😆)


Rei is just surging life and going through the motions with her being heart broken and Rafael has quite the challenge on her hands …will Soba and Rei find their way back to one another 😍

[Brooke May]

When I wrote Aiko, I never knew these cupids would be my palate cleanser from writing more intense things. But don't be mistaken, there's always a deeper meaning behind each of these books.
I knew going in I needed to have Rafaela face things she might not be comfortable with. As the resident cupid who is an animal lover, what better person to match her with than a taxidermist?
Stuffed squirrels, a random EpiPen, and finding acceptance in doing things your own way of doing something rather than comparing yourself to how others do something. What better way to get some laughs in while enjoying a sweet romance?

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite series. These cupids always provide for a terrific story. There is usually a beautiful lesson learned among the cupids and also among the humans she is helping. This story did not disappoint me. I found it enlightening and entertaining. Bringing in mama to help get her mission done was a good idea. The story had a smooth flow. I really enjoy that somehow they smoothly flow from the previous book when it comes to the cupid's stories. The characters are always outstanding. They are relatable and unique personalities. This story just plays together so well. I loved how everything pulled together for such a beautiful story.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this story to be another enjoyable and engaging paranormal romance in this entertaining series. Having read and enjoyed the previous books in this series, where Cupids help humans find love, I was looking forward to reading this latest instalment. This time it is Rafaela’s turn to carry out an assignment from Cupid, but she faces many challenges in getting Rei back dating. She originally thinks it’s a case of unrequited love but soon realises it’s actually a second chance romance. This is a fun lighthearted read with wonderful characters and plenty of romance. I look forward to the next story in the series.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafaela is book 5 of the Heartstrings series by Brooke May. I came in a little late to the party as this was the first book of the series that I've read. I do believe that it works just fine as a standalone but would like to venture back through the rest of the series. I read through this book pretty quickly because I really enjoyed reading it. I felt like the characters were great and that you could really relate to them. I thought the book was really well written and really has a little bit of everything in it. I'm looking forward to reading the previous books in this series and will also be on the watch for more from this author in the future.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rafaela
By Brooke May

Ok so I normally absolutely love books by Brooke May, but for some reason it took me a while to get into the book. It is by no fault of this wonderful author. This book has been written brilliantly like all her other books I have read. It’s a second chance story. Cupid along with six of his girls are sent to help people of our world find their one true love. Rafaela is tasked to help a taxidermist Rei find her one and only. Is Rafaela able to help Rei find her one and only or has she been tasked a hard case?

[Jade Brunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what I was getting into here. I knew this was the fifth book in a series and I was a bit concerned it wouldn't make sense. I loved this book. I really loved the idea that we all have heartstrings and of course, that cupid's are real. This story was really cute. It touched on relationships; romantic, family and platonic. It highlighted how honesty and communication are the core of relationships and that love changes and grows when you're on borrowed time. This was a fast read and I would recommend it to anyone looking for something cute and romantic.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Heartstrings series, this book can easily be read as a standalone! Rafela works as a cupid to bring humans together, or back together in this light-hearted second-chance romance. Every cupid in the series comes up against different circumstances and each has their own quirks that make the novels fun to read and easy to follow. This book was entertaining and made me want to stay in this warm, heartfelt world the author has created. If you like paranormal romances with quirky characters, you'll love this book and the Heartstring series!

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a few books by this author and I have enjoyed them all and this one is no different. It is the 5th book in the Heartstrings series but can be read as a standalone! It was a cute & fast read that pulled on my heart and showed different sides of relationships. I enjoy this authors writing and I know when picking up one of their stories I'm gonna get something that'll be worth the read but not leave me in an emotional hole afterwards. Good lighthearted reads!
Looking forward to reading more by this author soon!
Happy Reading!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafaela
By Brooke May

Ok so I normally absolutely love books by Brooke May, but for some reason it took me a while to get into the book. It is by no fault of this wonderful author. This book has been written brilliantly like all her other books I have read. It’s a second chance story. Cupid along with six of his girls are sent to help people of our world find their one true love. Rafaela is tasked to help a taxidermist Rei find her one and only. Is Rafaela able to help Rei find her one and only or has she been tasked a hard case?

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so I’m going backwards here lol. A good friend of mine told me about this author. I just finished this arc for her. Now I have to go and read the other five to this series. Oh man this was such a good story. Rafaela is a Cupid and is assigned to Rei Tanaka she’s a taxidermist and Rafe ( that’s what Rei calls her ) is sent down to help her find true love again. This was so delightful , funny and heartwarming. I loved this book.

[Arianna Westmoreland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafaela is book #5 in the 5 book series Heartstrings by Brooke May. In this series, Cupid and his girls have been given the task of helping the human population of the world find their one and only.

This book turned out to be a second chance romance (my fave!) and had me enthralled from the start. I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars, highly recommended.

Genre: clean romance

Series: Heartstrings
#1 Aiko
#2 Faida
#3 Malayeka
#4 Seraphina
#5 Rafaela

[Rita White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the Heartstrings Series. This is Rafaelas' book. Rafaela is a cupid who loves nature, the forest, and animals. She is tasked to help Rei, who is a taxidermist. The irony.... She has to get through some of her own issues while helping Rei while in the taxidermy shop with all the dead animals. This is a second chance paranormal romance that can be read as a stand a lone with a little bit of drama and sorrow. As always with this author, it's a fantastic read.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun series to read and I'm already looking forward to the next book! These can be read as standalones but you'll find yourself wanting to read about the others working with Cupid to bring people together. Rafaela definitely has her work cut out for her in this assignment and she's going to have to bring in some other resources and reinforcements to make this successful.

A quick, light hearted read!

[Kelli Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is the first book in this series, it is the first one that I have read. I was not at all confused or lost in anything as the author did a great job of filling in any gaps that might have been noticed. This book is cute and fun and it has made me want to go read the rest of the series. Rafaela is one of Cupids six girls who go and help make love happen. Very fun and you can see the challenges the girls are up against.