Cupid on Deck

by Nancy Scrofano

Louise "Lou" Riley agrees to tag along with her friends on a Valentine's Day cruise around Seattle's Lake Union. Donning their best 1920s attire, they board the old-fashioned paddle wheeler steamboat for an evening that's expected to be the bee's knees. Lou plans to shed her third wheel status onboard when she joins Nate, who she's been sweet on for months. But when a mishap sends the dashing (and single!) Landon Harper to her aid, Lou discovers that cupid may have other plans for her love life, and she and Landon share an unforgettable few hours together. Then, a surprise announcement sends everyone into a frenzy.

Will Lou and Landon live happily ever after? Or maybe Lou and Nate are meant to be? Find out where the cherub's arrow lands in Cupid on Deck, a roaring good time aboard a love boat reminiscent of the jazz age.

Audible Audio

First published February 5, 2013

About the author

Nancy Scrofano fell in love with romantic novels when she read the Sweet Valley High Senior Year series in high school. After college, she worked at an academic publisher where she formed a book club with her coworkers and delved into the wonderful world of Chick Lit. While in graduate school, Nancy wrote her debut novel, True Love Way. She is also the author of American Honey, novelette Cupid On Deck, and short stories Happenstance (in Sunlounger) and Ice Dating (in Merry & Bright). Additionally, Nancy is the founder and managing editor of Fictionella, a popular website that promotes and celebrates women’s fiction, chick lit, and romantic comedies. Nancy lives in southern California where she is at work on her next novel.

Reviews

[Laura Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy Scrofano's Cupid on Deck (read more about it here) is a quick and fun read for any of my fellow single gals looking to commiserate on Valentine's Day.

Lou boards a Valentine's evening 20s-themed party with her best friend in hopes at making a love connection with her longtime crush, Nate. According to latest reports, he has broken up with his girlfriend and is on the rebound. Unfortunately, luck proves not be on her side where Nate is concerned, and she's left the third wheel on a date with a couple totally into and all over each other. On top of that, she's looking to play a little rebound of her own after being jilted a couple of Valentine's Days before.

Enter Landon, a delish and understanding man that is almost too good to be true. Handsome and wonderful, he whisks in to help her. Also playing the part of a singleton on a couples holiday, he carries a sad romantic past like Lou.

In an accident-ridden night of dancing, drinks and discussion, Lou and Landon find that maybe cupid was on board their boat.

This was a super cute, short read worth the time spent enjoying it. I laughed out loud, sighed and found myself totally crushing on Landon while liking Lou. That's a pretty tall order and major accomplishment for a story that took less than an hour to read.

The story was unique and sweet. It managed to give enough background about the characters to have their story make sense while leaving enough mystery to build to the ending. Speaking of the happily ever after, this story's finale had me sighing with happiness and left a smile on my face long after reading it.

If you enjoyed Sophie Kinsella's Twenties Girl (read my review here), you'll certainly be a fan of the 20s party theme that came with this book. Carrying Scrofano's signature vintage feel, this was a great stand alone story while also melding well with the niche she has created for herself in her debut novel, True Love Way (read my review here).

I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking to spend a little bit of time watching two crazy kids find love on a boat.

rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Originally posted at www.change-the-word.blogspot.com.

[Meredith Schorr · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

Louise "Lou" Riley is single but she agrees to be dragged on a Valentine's Day cruise with her best friend Meg and Meg's boyfriend Max on the assumption that Max's friend (and Lou's crush) Nate will meet them there as her date. When Nate shows up with his ex-girlfriend who appears to be no longer his "ex" after all, Lou tries to escape the boat before it sets sail for the evening but she is unsuccessful (and a bit klutzy...) Lou thinks she's in for a long, lonely Valentine's Day as a third wheel, but Cupid might have other plans.

I really enjoyed Cupid on Deck! It was a very short read but it was packed with all of the sweetness and light that I have come to expect from author Nancy Scrofano, along with the trademark "retro/vintage" touch. Lou was a very likeable character as were all of the secondary characters, especially Landon. Lou and Landon (or shall I say "Charlie and Charles) had adorable chemistry. My favorite line was "Because it takes one to make a thing go right" - totally made me chuckle out loud.

Writing a short story is difficult because you have less time to develop the characters, the relationships etc., however, I thought the author did a really nice job. I wish it was a full-length novel because I would have liked more of Lou and her friends.

[Tracie Banister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a sucker for anything Valentine's-related and my favorite era is the Roaring Twenties, so the premise of Cupid On Deck instantly appealed to me. I really can't think of a better way to spend the most romantic night of the year than on a steamboat, wearing flapper finery! Lou Riley, the heroine of this story, isn't quite as jazzed about the possibility, mostly because she feels like a third wheel with her so-in-love-it's-a-bit-annoying friends Meg and Max. She is cherishing the hope that Nate, her supposed date for the evening, will make the cruise an outing to remember, but things don't go as planned for the twosome and she winds up in another man's arms for the big Charleston dance-off (Fun!)

I think what I appreciated most about Cupid On Desk was how well-developed the characters were. The reader gets interesting and relevant backstories on not just the heroine, but also her best friend and love interest. That's quite a feat within the confines of a novelette! Also, there was a nice character arc for Lou. She goes through some emotional highs and lows on that steamboat, and in the end, it's an experience that changes her life in a very positive way.

This charming tale is the perfect read for anyone who wants a quick shot of light romance. It definitely left me with a smile on my face!

I received a copy of Cupid on Deck from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Lucie Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's no secret that I love Nancy Scrofano's work. She has a unique style all her own that is equal parts sweet and funny. I really think her ability to create stories with richly textured characters, unexpected twists, and an overall sense of warmth and love is a true gift. And Cupid on Deck is no exception! This adorable little romantic comedy arrived just in time for Valentine's Day and was a pure joy to read. The lead character, Lou, a sassy, funny, and slightly accident-prone twenty-something falls (literally) head over heels for the handsomely mysterious Landon while on a Valentine's Day cruise and (honestly) hilarity ensues. I loved the roaring twenties theme, the playful dialogue and the comical scenarios. This is a charming little story with fun characters and a quick and entertaining plot. If you're looking for something cheery and romantic, this is the story for you!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the fashions of the past are cleverly worked into Nancy's novels.

[Donna Huber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute short story for true romantics. Read the full review at Girl Who Reads