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The Cupid Dilemma
Not yet published
Expected 12 May 26In the new paranormal romance from bestselling author April Asher, a down-on-her-luck wedding planner demigoddess and a Muse-less rockstar agree to a fauxmance that quickly turns anything but…
A lover of love and a champion for happily ever after. Those were two of many things people expected from Aphrodite’s daughter. To Adalyn Whitlock, ‘love’ paid the bills, and currently, not well. Business was dropping at Happily Ever Forever, with her latest wedding planning catastrophe ending in a negative social media storm and her sister Maxi’s matchmaking ability on the fritz. To top it off, there’s an ex-boyfriend calling her ‘the Anti-Aphrodite’ and paparazzi pics linking Addie to her new client’s older brother.
Phoenix ‘Nix’ Cross—song writer and drummer of the hot new band, The Stone Talons—was no saint, but he was far from the womanizer the band’s image rep bestowed on him. If anything, he was a romantic, hopeful to find a love like the one in which his parents shared. With the band’s star quickly rising and the record label pressuring him to deliver the band’s next hit, Nix’s writer’s block couldn’t have come at a worse time. But when he opens his door to his irate new next-door neighbor, Nix feels the brief flash of inspiration for the first time in ages. And it just so happens that his new Muse is none other than his little sister’s new wedding planner.
With Addie needing an end to the public relations nightmare and the record label breathing down Nix’s neck, the pair agree to a fauxmance. But what happens when the emotions turned on for the cameras don't turn off?
A lover of love and a champion for happily ever after. Those were two of many things people expected from Aphrodite’s daughter. To Adalyn Whitlock, ‘love’ paid the bills, and currently, not well. Business was dropping at Happily Ever Forever, with her latest wedding planning catastrophe ending in a negative social media storm and her sister Maxi’s matchmaking ability on the fritz. To top it off, there’s an ex-boyfriend calling her ‘the Anti-Aphrodite’ and paparazzi pics linking Addie to her new client’s older brother.
Phoenix ‘Nix’ Cross—song writer and drummer of the hot new band, The Stone Talons—was no saint, but he was far from the womanizer the band’s image rep bestowed on him. If anything, he was a romantic, hopeful to find a love like the one in which his parents shared. With the band’s star quickly rising and the record label pressuring him to deliver the band’s next hit, Nix’s writer’s block couldn’t have come at a worse time. But when he opens his door to his irate new next-door neighbor, Nix feels the brief flash of inspiration for the first time in ages. And it just so happens that his new Muse is none other than his little sister’s new wedding planner.
With Addie needing an end to the public relations nightmare and the record label breathing down Nix’s neck, the pair agree to a fauxmance. But what happens when the emotions turned on for the cameras don't turn off?
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 12, 2026
9 people are currently reading
11927 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 10, 2026
As a romance reader who can never resist a good fake dating setup, The Cupid Dilemma was an easy book to enjoy. April Asher leans fully into the charm of the trope, delivering a light, playful story that knows exactly what kind of fun it wants to be. I also loved the setting of New York inhabited by descendants of Greek gods and supernatural creatures.
Addie Whitlock, daughter of Aphrodite, enters a fake dating agreement with Phoenix “Nix” Cross to salvage the tainted reputation of her wedding planning business. In exchange, she has agreed to become Nix’s muse to get him out of his song writing funk. The fake dating dynamic is the real highlight here. Watching the characters navigate their pretend relationship, complete with forced proximity and gradually blurring lines, was genuinely entertaining. Asher does a nice job building romantic tension, and there are plenty of moments that made me smile, especially when the characters start catching real feelings despite their best efforts to keep things “just an act.”
While the chemistry was solid, I occasionally wanted more complexity from the characters and higher emotional stakes to really elevate the romance. Overall, The Cupid Dilemma is a fun, cozy romance that delivers on its premise. If you’re a fan of romance—especially fake dating—you’ll likely have a good time with this one. A solid 3.5-star read that’s perfect when you’re in the mood for something sweet, familiar, and easy to enjoy.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Addie Whitlock, daughter of Aphrodite, enters a fake dating agreement with Phoenix “Nix” Cross to salvage the tainted reputation of her wedding planning business. In exchange, she has agreed to become Nix’s muse to get him out of his song writing funk. The fake dating dynamic is the real highlight here. Watching the characters navigate their pretend relationship, complete with forced proximity and gradually blurring lines, was genuinely entertaining. Asher does a nice job building romantic tension, and there are plenty of moments that made me smile, especially when the characters start catching real feelings despite their best efforts to keep things “just an act.”
While the chemistry was solid, I occasionally wanted more complexity from the characters and higher emotional stakes to really elevate the romance. Overall, The Cupid Dilemma is a fun, cozy romance that delivers on its premise. If you’re a fan of romance—especially fake dating—you’ll likely have a good time with this one. A solid 3.5-star read that’s perfect when you’re in the mood for something sweet, familiar, and easy to enjoy.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Publishing Group for the ARC.
The Cupid Dilemma was a perfect light hearted romance. I am a big fan of April Asher and got sucked into this book. I finished it in a day.
Our FMC, Addie is a wedding planner who has not been having the best of luck lately. Our MMC, Phoenix, is a musician that is struggling to write songs. When their paths cross a fake relationship/muse contract is put into place. Whatever could go wrong?
I love the paranormal setting and the sweet, yet steamy, novels that April puts together. This book is the perfect romance to add to your list. 5⭐️
The Cupid Dilemma was a perfect light hearted romance. I am a big fan of April Asher and got sucked into this book. I finished it in a day.
Our FMC, Addie is a wedding planner who has not been having the best of luck lately. Our MMC, Phoenix, is a musician that is struggling to write songs. When their paths cross a fake relationship/muse contract is put into place. Whatever could go wrong?
I love the paranormal setting and the sweet, yet steamy, novels that April puts together. This book is the perfect romance to add to your list. 5⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Cupid Dilemma Book Review 🦇
What would you be the god or goddess of?❓
To Adalyn Whitlock, ‘love’ pays the bills, and currently, not well. Business is dropping at Happily Ever Forever, with her latest wedding planning catastrophe ending in a negative social media storm. With the world calling her 'the Anti-Aphrodite,' she turns to Phoenix "Nix" Cross—songwriter and drummer for the hot new band, The Stone Talons. Despite the womanizer image rep bestowed on him, Nix is a romantic. When Nix opens his door to an irate Addie, Nix feels the brief flash of inspiration for the first time in ages. And it just so happens that his new Muse is none other than his little sister’s new wedding planner. With Addie needing an end to her public-relations nightmare and the record label breathing down Nix’s neck, the pair agree to a fauxmance. But what happens when the emotions turned on for the cameras don't turn off? 🦇
Oh I am SQUEALING, I am SWOONING, I am ALL heart-eyed for Addie and Nix. Let's break it down. 🦇
I started my Bookstagram journey with a Supernatural Singles ARC, so I adore being able to read an April Asher romance every year. And honestly? They keep getting better and better. This is my favorite Asher supernatural romance by far! 💘
April Asher is the QUEEN of paranormal romances. Her worldbuilding is natural and easy to step into. 💘
I adored Adalyn's Anti-Aphrodite reputation versus bad boy Nix's romantic mindset (the dichotomy of an Aphrodite offspring not believing in love AND a rockstar with a womanizing reputation going all heart-eyed). 💘
He falls first and harder and it's SO good. 💘
The flirting. The flirting is SO good. 💘
The smut doesn't overshadow the main plot or character development, which has lately been a rarity. It's also not instant. There are little dates, moments that allow the chemistry to build naturally, scenes that get the tension to sizzle before it finally bursts -- romance done RIGHT. 💘
Asher excels at creating a cast that doesn't overshadow the lead couple, but still holds space and purpose to the story. I'm hoping we get to see every member of the band find love. 💘
Thank you for adding a non-binary character to a world with gods and shifters. And a background sapphic ship. THANK. YOU. 💘
April Asher! Two questions: Would you say all your supernatural books are in an interconnected world, AND will this story continue for Maxi and Gavin? Because I NEED the latter. I'm SO down for that story. 💘
Recommended for fans of Bride and Good Spirits. 🦇
The Vibes ✨
Paranormal Romance 💘
Grumpy / Sunshine 💘
Wedding Planner / Rockstar 💘
She's His Muse 💘
Touch Her & You Die 💘
Fauxmance / Fake Dating 💘
Forced Proximity / Neighbors 💘
True Love / Soulbonds 💘
Banter / Top Tier Flirting 💘
Dual POV 💘
He Falls First 💘
Curvy FMC / Tattooed + Pierced MMC 💘
Playlist 🎶
Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. # 🦇
Quotes 💬
“Am I to guess from the casual ensemble that you’re my neighbor? Did you stop by to ask for a cup of sugar? Because I’m sorry to say that I don’t usually keep the stuff on hand. I drink my coffee black as a starless night.” “I’m not here for sugar.” “Then what exactly are you here for?” His gaze slid down her body. “Unless that daydream I’ve been having since running into you at the wedding is finally coming true.”
"Since you’re asking me to give up my inspiration, I’ll need to find another. You up for the position?”
“Teach me, Master Yoda.” Addie pushed up the sleeves of his leather jacket. “Star Wars references, Miss Whitlock?” Phoenix teased. “You just may be my soulmate.”
"On a scale of one pearl to an entire string, how many pearls do we want people clutching when they see us?”
“If my girl wants to ride the unicorn, she’ll ride the unicorn.”
The kiss that had just tilted his world on its axis and quite literally knocked a sweet melody into his head.
"My demigoddess Muse.”
Addie stole the breath from Phoenix’s lungs and he wasn’t sure if he wanted her to give it back. He’d always thought this spot enchanted, too, but it paled in comparison to the magic emanating from the woman standing in front of him. She inspired feelings he’d never felt before.
"What's on your mind, rock star?” “Our first kiss.” A little, nearly inaudible gasp left Addie’s lips. “The kiss?” “As lovely as it was, all I’ve been able to think about since is how much I wished our first time had been just for us.” He gently tilted her chin up. “Not in front of a crowd of thousands. Not for the benefit of a cover story. And with no polite pearl limitations.” “An entire strand?” Addie asked on a whisper. “An entire strand.” His lips danced into a smirk. “A kiss that would imprint on us both for a damn long time if not forever.”
“Tell me you’re not the least bit curious what it would be like between us and I’ll back off right now. But if you can’t stop thinking about it, and want it more than you want your next breath— just like me . . . then say so. And then the next music genre that will be spilling from my apartment will be your pleasure-filled moans.”
"Want to experience some bad ideas with me?”
“If this is the end, I want to permanently etch every facet of you onto my soul,” Phoenix admitted unashamedly. “Adalyn Love Whitlock”— he slowly brushed his lips against hers in a whisper of a kiss—“ you will always and forever be my goddess of love.”
Imagery
Sir-Axe-A-Lot
Club Olympus
Coffee
Baby Cerberus
News Clip: “Naughty Nix or Knightly Nix: Who Is Nix’s Mystery Damsel?”
Fauxmance Arrangement and Muse Agreement (FAMA)
Angry Athena Artery
Warning label: The man should come with a warning label, one that read DANGER: WILL MAKE YOU FANTASIZE ABOUT HAPPILY EVER FOREVER.
The Stone Talons
What would you be the god or goddess of?❓
To Adalyn Whitlock, ‘love’ pays the bills, and currently, not well. Business is dropping at Happily Ever Forever, with her latest wedding planning catastrophe ending in a negative social media storm. With the world calling her 'the Anti-Aphrodite,' she turns to Phoenix "Nix" Cross—songwriter and drummer for the hot new band, The Stone Talons. Despite the womanizer image rep bestowed on him, Nix is a romantic. When Nix opens his door to an irate Addie, Nix feels the brief flash of inspiration for the first time in ages. And it just so happens that his new Muse is none other than his little sister’s new wedding planner. With Addie needing an end to her public-relations nightmare and the record label breathing down Nix’s neck, the pair agree to a fauxmance. But what happens when the emotions turned on for the cameras don't turn off? 🦇
Oh I am SQUEALING, I am SWOONING, I am ALL heart-eyed for Addie and Nix. Let's break it down. 🦇
I started my Bookstagram journey with a Supernatural Singles ARC, so I adore being able to read an April Asher romance every year. And honestly? They keep getting better and better. This is my favorite Asher supernatural romance by far! 💘
April Asher is the QUEEN of paranormal romances. Her worldbuilding is natural and easy to step into. 💘
I adored Adalyn's Anti-Aphrodite reputation versus bad boy Nix's romantic mindset (the dichotomy of an Aphrodite offspring not believing in love AND a rockstar with a womanizing reputation going all heart-eyed). 💘
He falls first and harder and it's SO good. 💘
The flirting. The flirting is SO good. 💘
The smut doesn't overshadow the main plot or character development, which has lately been a rarity. It's also not instant. There are little dates, moments that allow the chemistry to build naturally, scenes that get the tension to sizzle before it finally bursts -- romance done RIGHT. 💘
Asher excels at creating a cast that doesn't overshadow the lead couple, but still holds space and purpose to the story. I'm hoping we get to see every member of the band find love. 💘
Thank you for adding a non-binary character to a world with gods and shifters. And a background sapphic ship. THANK. YOU. 💘
April Asher! Two questions: Would you say all your supernatural books are in an interconnected world, AND will this story continue for Maxi and Gavin? Because I NEED the latter. I'm SO down for that story. 💘
Recommended for fans of Bride and Good Spirits. 🦇
The Vibes ✨
Paranormal Romance 💘
Grumpy / Sunshine 💘
Wedding Planner / Rockstar 💘
She's His Muse 💘
Touch Her & You Die 💘
Fauxmance / Fake Dating 💘
Forced Proximity / Neighbors 💘
True Love / Soulbonds 💘
Banter / Top Tier Flirting 💘
Dual POV 💘
He Falls First 💘
Curvy FMC / Tattooed + Pierced MMC 💘
Playlist 🎶
Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. # 🦇
Quotes 💬
“Am I to guess from the casual ensemble that you’re my neighbor? Did you stop by to ask for a cup of sugar? Because I’m sorry to say that I don’t usually keep the stuff on hand. I drink my coffee black as a starless night.” “I’m not here for sugar.” “Then what exactly are you here for?” His gaze slid down her body. “Unless that daydream I’ve been having since running into you at the wedding is finally coming true.”
"Since you’re asking me to give up my inspiration, I’ll need to find another. You up for the position?”
“Teach me, Master Yoda.” Addie pushed up the sleeves of his leather jacket. “Star Wars references, Miss Whitlock?” Phoenix teased. “You just may be my soulmate.”
"On a scale of one pearl to an entire string, how many pearls do we want people clutching when they see us?”
“If my girl wants to ride the unicorn, she’ll ride the unicorn.”
The kiss that had just tilted his world on its axis and quite literally knocked a sweet melody into his head.
"My demigoddess Muse.”
Addie stole the breath from Phoenix’s lungs and he wasn’t sure if he wanted her to give it back. He’d always thought this spot enchanted, too, but it paled in comparison to the magic emanating from the woman standing in front of him. She inspired feelings he’d never felt before.
"What's on your mind, rock star?” “Our first kiss.” A little, nearly inaudible gasp left Addie’s lips. “The kiss?” “As lovely as it was, all I’ve been able to think about since is how much I wished our first time had been just for us.” He gently tilted her chin up. “Not in front of a crowd of thousands. Not for the benefit of a cover story. And with no polite pearl limitations.” “An entire strand?” Addie asked on a whisper. “An entire strand.” His lips danced into a smirk. “A kiss that would imprint on us both for a damn long time if not forever.”
“Tell me you’re not the least bit curious what it would be like between us and I’ll back off right now. But if you can’t stop thinking about it, and want it more than you want your next breath— just like me . . . then say so. And then the next music genre that will be spilling from my apartment will be your pleasure-filled moans.”
"Want to experience some bad ideas with me?”
“If this is the end, I want to permanently etch every facet of you onto my soul,” Phoenix admitted unashamedly. “Adalyn Love Whitlock”— he slowly brushed his lips against hers in a whisper of a kiss—“ you will always and forever be my goddess of love.”
Imagery
Sir-Axe-A-Lot
Club Olympus
Coffee
Baby Cerberus
News Clip: “Naughty Nix or Knightly Nix: Who Is Nix’s Mystery Damsel?”
Fauxmance Arrangement and Muse Agreement (FAMA)
Angry Athena Artery
Warning label: The man should come with a warning label, one that read DANGER: WILL MAKE YOU FANTASIZE ABOUT HAPPILY EVER FOREVER.
The Stone Talons
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“The man should come with a warning label, one that read DANGER: WILL MAKE YOU FANTASIZE ABOUT HAPPILY EVER AFTER.”
Neighbors strike a fauxmance / Muse agreement in this dual POV, paranormal romantic comedy from April Asher—but y’all, this man has feelings for our FMC from the start. 👀
Wedding planner and daughter of Aphrodite Adalyn Whitlock could use some good press. Due to some recent mishaps and an ex dubbing her “Anti-Aphrodite,” the business she shares with her sister and cousin has seen better days. Although it’s true that she doesn’t believe lasting love is real, having that broadcast everywhere is bad for business.
Songwriter and indie band drummer Phoenix “Nix” Cross is struggling to pen new material for his band and is chafing against the “Naughty Nix” image his label wants him to portray. A fake dating situation with the demigoddess he has a crush on may just get those creative juices flowing again and help him to explore his softer side.
I’ve been watching Percy Jackson and the Olympians with my kids recently, so I picked up this Olympus-meets-paranormals living in NYC tale at just the right time. The fate of the world isn’t at stake in this one, but true love is on the line.
Read it for
- Their first date
- Three-headed Do-Re-Mi
- Adalyn’s relationship with both sides of her family
- And Nix’s family ties
- The wedding planning for Nix’s sister’s wedding
- The heat between Adalyn and Nix (“no strings” as if)
- The tender kisses, which are even better than the heated ones
- The scavenger hunt
- The caretaking
What I wasn’t so excited about
- The band’s manager and record label
- How the third act breakup comes about (Thankfully things resolve pretty quickly.)
Overall, it’s a fun romp and will appeal to fans of Asher’s Supernatural Singles trilogy.
I received an advance copy of the book from St. Martin’s Press. All review opinions are my own.
Neighbors strike a fauxmance / Muse agreement in this dual POV, paranormal romantic comedy from April Asher—but y’all, this man has feelings for our FMC from the start. 👀
Wedding planner and daughter of Aphrodite Adalyn Whitlock could use some good press. Due to some recent mishaps and an ex dubbing her “Anti-Aphrodite,” the business she shares with her sister and cousin has seen better days. Although it’s true that she doesn’t believe lasting love is real, having that broadcast everywhere is bad for business.
Songwriter and indie band drummer Phoenix “Nix” Cross is struggling to pen new material for his band and is chafing against the “Naughty Nix” image his label wants him to portray. A fake dating situation with the demigoddess he has a crush on may just get those creative juices flowing again and help him to explore his softer side.
I’ve been watching Percy Jackson and the Olympians with my kids recently, so I picked up this Olympus-meets-paranormals living in NYC tale at just the right time. The fate of the world isn’t at stake in this one, but true love is on the line.
Read it for
- Their first date
- Three-headed Do-Re-Mi
- Adalyn’s relationship with both sides of her family
- And Nix’s family ties
- The wedding planning for Nix’s sister’s wedding
- The heat between Adalyn and Nix (“no strings” as if)
- The tender kisses, which are even better than the heated ones
- The scavenger hunt
- The caretaking
What I wasn’t so excited about
- The band’s manager and record label
- How the third act breakup comes about (Thankfully things resolve pretty quickly.)
Overall, it’s a fun romp and will appeal to fans of Asher’s Supernatural Singles trilogy.
I received an advance copy of the book from St. Martin’s Press. All review opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Cupid Dilemma by April Asher
This was such a fun, flirty, low stress paranormal rom com and honestly exactly the kind of book I love picking up when I want to smile the whole time I’m reading.
Addie is a wedding planner demigoddess whose business is currently in full PR crisis mode. Nix is a rockstar with massive writer’s block and zero muse. Enter fake dating for optics, creative inspiration, and very inconvenient real feelings. The setup is ridiculous in the best way and the execution totally works.
The chemistry between Addie and Nix is immediate but not overwhelming. Their banter is playful, their fauxmance moments are peak rom com energy, and the slow shift from pretending to actually caring felt natural and earned. I also loved how much heart was underneath the humor. Both of them are dealing with expectations they didn’t ask for and trying to figure out who they’re allowed to be outside of other people’s narratives.
My favorite part was watching Nix fall first and hard. The muse element was adorable and the way his creativity comes back because of Addie was chef’s kiss. Also fake dating plus neighbors to lovers plus paranormal touches is a combo I will never get tired of.
This is perfect if you want romance that’s charming, funny, and just a little magical without being heavy or angsty.
Tropes and vibes
💘 Fake dating
🎸 Rockstar romance
✨ Paranormal rom com
🏛 Demigoddess FMC
🎶 Muse inspiration
😂 Banter and hijinks
If you liked The Ex Hex, Not the Witch You Wed, or rom coms with fake dating and light paranormal elements, you’ll absolutely want to read this one.
#TheCupidDilemma #AprilAsher #ParanormalRomance #FakeDatingRomance #STMartinsPress
This was such a fun, flirty, low stress paranormal rom com and honestly exactly the kind of book I love picking up when I want to smile the whole time I’m reading.
Addie is a wedding planner demigoddess whose business is currently in full PR crisis mode. Nix is a rockstar with massive writer’s block and zero muse. Enter fake dating for optics, creative inspiration, and very inconvenient real feelings. The setup is ridiculous in the best way and the execution totally works.
The chemistry between Addie and Nix is immediate but not overwhelming. Their banter is playful, their fauxmance moments are peak rom com energy, and the slow shift from pretending to actually caring felt natural and earned. I also loved how much heart was underneath the humor. Both of them are dealing with expectations they didn’t ask for and trying to figure out who they’re allowed to be outside of other people’s narratives.
My favorite part was watching Nix fall first and hard. The muse element was adorable and the way his creativity comes back because of Addie was chef’s kiss. Also fake dating plus neighbors to lovers plus paranormal touches is a combo I will never get tired of.
This is perfect if you want romance that’s charming, funny, and just a little magical without being heavy or angsty.
Tropes and vibes
💘 Fake dating
🎸 Rockstar romance
✨ Paranormal rom com
🏛 Demigoddess FMC
🎶 Muse inspiration
😂 Banter and hijinks
If you liked The Ex Hex, Not the Witch You Wed, or rom coms with fake dating and light paranormal elements, you’ll absolutely want to read this one.
#TheCupidDilemma #AprilAsher #ParanormalRomance #FakeDatingRomance #STMartinsPress
Read
January 20, 2026Wow, I really loved The Cupid Dilemma by April Asher. Such a fun and quick paced story, with a fake dating trope that combines modern dating issues with light paranormal elements.
Adalyn Whitlock is one of the daughters of Aphrodite. Yes, that Aphrodite the goddess of love. Adalyn is a wedding planner and part of the trio that runs the Happily Ever Forever event planners. The business has had a run of bad luck and even worse press. and much of the bad press lands on Adalyn. Adalyn needs help restoring her reputation and that of the wedding planning business. Along come Phoenix ‘Nix’ Cross, the bad boy drummer that has moved into the apartment next door.
Phoenix ‘Nix’— has run into a creative block in his song writing and he needs a muse and believes that he has found one in Adalyn, his next-door neighbor. He comes up with a fake dating plan that will help Adalyn’s business and in exchange she will help him as his muse. Their fauxmance is a fun romp and I really enjoyed the banter between the couple and their fake dates.
What I really loved about The Cupid Dilemma was the dating really felt like dates that anyone would enjoy going on and built the relationship between Adalyn and Nix in a way that rang true for me. The side characters are also engaging, and I can’t wait to see if Adalyn’s business partners or Nix’s bandmates get a happily-ever-after as well. Fun, colorful and very sexy The Cupid Dilemma is a very entertaining read.
If you are looking for a feel good romance with great characters, romantic settings and sexy fun times then The Cupid Dilemma is a must read.
Review copy from NetGalley
Adalyn Whitlock is one of the daughters of Aphrodite. Yes, that Aphrodite the goddess of love. Adalyn is a wedding planner and part of the trio that runs the Happily Ever Forever event planners. The business has had a run of bad luck and even worse press. and much of the bad press lands on Adalyn. Adalyn needs help restoring her reputation and that of the wedding planning business. Along come Phoenix ‘Nix’ Cross, the bad boy drummer that has moved into the apartment next door.
Phoenix ‘Nix’— has run into a creative block in his song writing and he needs a muse and believes that he has found one in Adalyn, his next-door neighbor. He comes up with a fake dating plan that will help Adalyn’s business and in exchange she will help him as his muse. Their fauxmance is a fun romp and I really enjoyed the banter between the couple and their fake dates.
What I really loved about The Cupid Dilemma was the dating really felt like dates that anyone would enjoy going on and built the relationship between Adalyn and Nix in a way that rang true for me. The side characters are also engaging, and I can’t wait to see if Adalyn’s business partners or Nix’s bandmates get a happily-ever-after as well. Fun, colorful and very sexy The Cupid Dilemma is a very entertaining read.
If you are looking for a feel good romance with great characters, romantic settings and sexy fun times then The Cupid Dilemma is a must read.
Review copy from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Cupid Dilemma is a really great low-angst, high-fun paranormal romance. Addie, a daughter of Aphrodite, needs to rehabilitate the reputation of her wedding planning/matchmaking business after a series of disasters, and Nix, her new neighbor, needs to find a source of inspiration for his musical career (he's the drummer of the hottest new rock band on the scene). The two sign a contract to engage in a fauxmance and ... well, you can guess how that goes.
Their first date is pure magic, and Nix really shines as an attentive, protective, yearning hero. Addie is a little more complicated. In some ways she's so smart and together, and in other ways, she's unbelievably silly. (For example, she starts seeing things that are entirely plausible for a daughter of Aphrodite -- things that seem VERY similar to what her sister sees!! -- and instead of thinking those things might be related, she goes to get an eye exam. And somehow the eye doctor doesn't refer her straight to a psychiatrist but just tells her to switch from contacts to glasses?!?)
Addie and Nix are also planning Nix's sister's wedding, and everything about that storyline was utterly lovely. Just pure sunshine.
The only real problem I had with this book was the reason for the third-act breakup, which made me roll my eyes A LOT. Even with that, if you're looking for a fun, funny, engaging, entertaining rom com, this one's a winner. I hope it's the start of a series because I would very much like to spend more time in this world.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC!
Their first date is pure magic, and Nix really shines as an attentive, protective, yearning hero. Addie is a little more complicated. In some ways she's so smart and together, and in other ways, she's unbelievably silly. (For example, she starts seeing things that are entirely plausible for a daughter of Aphrodite -- things that seem VERY similar to what her sister sees!! -- and instead of thinking those things might be related, she goes to get an eye exam. And somehow the eye doctor doesn't refer her straight to a psychiatrist but just tells her to switch from contacts to glasses?!?)
Addie and Nix are also planning Nix's sister's wedding, and everything about that storyline was utterly lovely. Just pure sunshine.
The only real problem I had with this book was the reason for the third-act breakup, which made me roll my eyes A LOT. Even with that, if you're looking for a fun, funny, engaging, entertaining rom com, this one's a winner. I hope it's the start of a series because I would very much like to spend more time in this world.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Set in a paranormal New York City, Adalyn "Addie" Whitlock is struggling as a wedding planner. Co-owning the business with her sister and cousin, the daughter of Aphrodite has had disaster after disaster. Her latest wedding has led to her being dubbed "Anti-Aphrodite" after her ex revels who her mother is. Indie band drummer Phoenix "Nix" Cross is hoping for a breakthrough in his songwriting after being stuck. When the two keep running into each other, they quickly realize that a fake relationship is just what they both need. Soon after, she is getting good press and he is writing songs again after finding his muse. But maybe the fauxmance is hiding some real feelings?
I loved the author's Supernatural Singles series and recent A Simple Twist of Fate and was so excited to jump back into her work. This was the perfect light read after a romantic suspense. I'm curious if we'll be back to see more of these characters, as I felt like a couple of things were left open. Hoping we do!
Read this romance for:
💘 Paranormal NYC
💘 True love and soul bonds
💘 Visiting her mom's side of the family
💘 A visit to a baseball game
💘 Riding on the back of his motorcycle
💘 Wedding planning for Nix's sister's wedding
💘 Scavenger hunt in Central Park
💘 BBQ with Nix's family
💘 "Sparkles"
💘 Three headed dog!
Open Door / Spicy!
4.25 / 5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC!
I loved the author's Supernatural Singles series and recent A Simple Twist of Fate and was so excited to jump back into her work. This was the perfect light read after a romantic suspense. I'm curious if we'll be back to see more of these characters, as I felt like a couple of things were left open. Hoping we do!
Read this romance for:
💘 Paranormal NYC
💘 True love and soul bonds
💘 Visiting her mom's side of the family
💘 A visit to a baseball game
💘 Riding on the back of his motorcycle
💘 Wedding planning for Nix's sister's wedding
💘 Scavenger hunt in Central Park
💘 BBQ with Nix's family
💘 "Sparkles"
💘 Three headed dog!
Open Door / Spicy!
4.25 / 5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Cupid Dilemma by April Asher was such a fun, cute read. I gave this one 3.5 stars and honestly had a great time with it. It’s funny, charming, and doesn’t take itself too seriously—in the best way. It’s a fun, low-stress paranormal rom-com that doesn’t ask too much of you and delivers exactly what it promises.
We’ve got a demigoddess wedding planner in PR chaos and a rockstar with zero creative spark. The solution? Fake dating, obviously. It’s silly, it’s chaotic, and it works way better than it has any right to. I loved how mythology was blended into a modern setting—it felt fresh without being complicated. The banter is easy, the rom-com moments are solid, and the magic elements add just enough sparkle without taking over the story.
Fake dating done right ✔️ (a win, because that trope can be hit or miss)
Modern romance with a mythological twist ✔️
Fun banter and easy chemistry ✔️
Big highlight for me: the MMC falling first. Watching Nix slowly catch feelings (and his muse) was genuinely adorable. Overall, this is the kind of book you pick up when you want something funny, light, and comforting—not angsty, not heavy, just a good time.
Perfect for rom-com lovers, fake dating fans, and anyone who enjoys a little mythology mixed into their modern romance.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for sharing an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.
We’ve got a demigoddess wedding planner in PR chaos and a rockstar with zero creative spark. The solution? Fake dating, obviously. It’s silly, it’s chaotic, and it works way better than it has any right to. I loved how mythology was blended into a modern setting—it felt fresh without being complicated. The banter is easy, the rom-com moments are solid, and the magic elements add just enough sparkle without taking over the story.
Fake dating done right ✔️ (a win, because that trope can be hit or miss)
Modern romance with a mythological twist ✔️
Fun banter and easy chemistry ✔️
Big highlight for me: the MMC falling first. Watching Nix slowly catch feelings (and his muse) was genuinely adorable. Overall, this is the kind of book you pick up when you want something funny, light, and comforting—not angsty, not heavy, just a good time.
Perfect for rom-com lovers, fake dating fans, and anyone who enjoys a little mythology mixed into their modern romance.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for sharing an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ve enjoyed all of April Asher’s lighthearted romantasy books and The Cupid Dilemma was no different. Her books always have fun supernatural creatures, whether they are witches, angels, demons, or shifters. I enjoyed getting her take on characters from Greek mythology. Adalyn is a demigoddess whose mother is Aphrodite. She runs Happily Ever Forever, a wedding planning business, with her sister and cousin. The business has had a few mishaps and needs a PR overhaul stat. Nix is a musician, whose rock band’s is on the rise, but is sorely in need of a muse to solve his writers block. The two have instant sparks when they meet but Adalyn does not believe true love really exists and is definitely a cynic. The two agree to a fake relationship to solve both their problems as long as they keep real feeling out of it. Obviously that is a struggle as they great chemistry and genuinely start to like each other when they actually get to know one another. There were a few steamy scenes, that were well done and added to the story. This book leaned into the campy humor, and classic romance tropes, like fake dating, forced proximity, and grumpy/sunshine. Sometimes the story veered a little over the top but overallI this was a fun, light and enjoyable read. I hope it’s the start of series, and we get Adalyn’s sister’s and cousin’s story next.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 22, 2026
I adored April Asher’s Supernatural Singles series, and last year’s release, A Simple Twist of Fate, so I was thrilled to receive a widget for The Cupid Dilemma from St. Martin's Griffin. This is the fourth eARC from April Asher that my booksta bestie @bellah.loves.books and I have read together, and my expectations for this book were high. Unfortunately, The Cupid Dilemma didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
The humor, pop culture references, and a cute three headed pup named Do-Re-Mi made for some light and laughter, but I was left wanting more from the characters and the plot. The world building felt very surface level with minimal explanation, and the details of how the Greek pantheon, and other magical creatures, fit into this magical New York wasn’t clearly defined.
Phoenix falls first and fast, making him an MMC that is easy to love with his determination to woo Addie through their fauxmance arrangement and muse agreement. However, I found Addie more difficult to connect with. For such a smart woman, she stubbornly held to her beliefs, even when evidence to the contrary is clearly visible, which made her easy to manipulate by someone trying to separate her from Phoenix.
Phoenix and Addie share undeniable chemistry from the first, and the spicy scenes were well done, but the transition from attraction to true love felt abrupt, especially for Addie. I needed more build up and growth to explain her change of heart when it comes to love.
Overall, I found The Cupid Dilemma an okay read, but not up to the high standard set by April Asher’s previous books.
I had the opportunity to read an early copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
The humor, pop culture references, and a cute three headed pup named Do-Re-Mi made for some light and laughter, but I was left wanting more from the characters and the plot. The world building felt very surface level with minimal explanation, and the details of how the Greek pantheon, and other magical creatures, fit into this magical New York wasn’t clearly defined.
Phoenix falls first and fast, making him an MMC that is easy to love with his determination to woo Addie through their fauxmance arrangement and muse agreement. However, I found Addie more difficult to connect with. For such a smart woman, she stubbornly held to her beliefs, even when evidence to the contrary is clearly visible, which made her easy to manipulate by someone trying to separate her from Phoenix.
Phoenix and Addie share undeniable chemistry from the first, and the spicy scenes were well done, but the transition from attraction to true love felt abrupt, especially for Addie. I needed more build up and growth to explain her change of heart when it comes to love.
Overall, I found The Cupid Dilemma an okay read, but not up to the high standard set by April Asher’s previous books.
I had the opportunity to read an early copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoyed the fantasy touches in this fake-relationship romance story. Addie is one of Aphrodite’s daughters. Despite having closed-off, cynical theories about love, Addie is an event planner for a wedding planning company owned with her sister and cousin. Their company’s weddings have had a string of bad luck lately, and her sister’s match-making talent is on the fritz. In addition to various event disasters, they’ve been targeted in social media by a bridezilla influencer. Their company is losing business, and Addie has even been labeled the anti-Aphrodite. Meanwhile, Addie’s hot new neighbor is Phoenix (“Nix”), a songwriter and the drummer for a popular new band. After Addie complains about his loud music, Nix thinks his grumpy new neighbor can inspire the music he owes his band’s producer. Addie reluctantly agrees to try to be Nix’s muse, in exchange for faux dating to help her reputation and business. This book has several sub-plots and twists as Addie and Nix date and get to know each other while planning a romantic wedding for Nix’s bandmate and sister. Their fauxmance has engaging dual points of view, a 3-headed pet dog, enjoyable supporting characters (including a fast visit to Olympus by the sisters and quick appearances by a few gods and goddesses), some adult steam and a HEA. This is a very entertaining and romantic book! Recommended. I received an advance copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I needed something cute and light to lighten my mood and this delivered! I thought it was cute, spicy and a fun mix of a typical contemporary with the fun twist of having shifters and the greek pantheon!
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐨𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐞?
Book Blurb: Addie is a wedding planner who’s recent plans have fallen apart. So much so, she’s been given the name the Anti-Aphrodite, ironic as she’s the daughter of the real Aphrodite. In order to repair her image she is going to fauxmance the hell out of her neighbor, the hot famous drummer that loves to irritate her. But what happens when the fauxmance turns into a real romance…
“𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬?” 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝. “𝐘𝐞𝐩. 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐣𝐚𝐝𝐞.” “𝐀 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦?” “𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲.”
The romance in this was so cute and I absolutely love a man who’s down bad for his girl! Phoenix is a verryyy HOT man and I would snag him in a heartbeat. I also loved how there wasn’t a miscommunication trope thrown in to cause the third act break up, it felt more plausible!
𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐝𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝. 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞? 𝐀 𝐂𝐮𝐩𝐢𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐦𝐚.
If you like:
💘Fake Dating
🥁Paranormal Romance
💘Grumpy Sunshine
🥁DemiGoddess x Rockstar
💘Neighbors to Lovers
🥁Cerberus Puppies
Then this is the book for you! Thank you so much to SMP for the advance copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐨𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐞?
Book Blurb: Addie is a wedding planner who’s recent plans have fallen apart. So much so, she’s been given the name the Anti-Aphrodite, ironic as she’s the daughter of the real Aphrodite. In order to repair her image she is going to fauxmance the hell out of her neighbor, the hot famous drummer that loves to irritate her. But what happens when the fauxmance turns into a real romance…
“𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬?” 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝. “𝐘𝐞𝐩. 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐣𝐚𝐝𝐞.” “𝐀 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦?” “𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲.”
The romance in this was so cute and I absolutely love a man who’s down bad for his girl! Phoenix is a verryyy HOT man and I would snag him in a heartbeat. I also loved how there wasn’t a miscommunication trope thrown in to cause the third act break up, it felt more plausible!
𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐝𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝. 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞? 𝐀 𝐂𝐮𝐩𝐢𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐦𝐚.
If you like:
💘Fake Dating
🥁Paranormal Romance
💘Grumpy Sunshine
🥁DemiGoddess x Rockstar
💘Neighbors to Lovers
🥁Cerberus Puppies
Then this is the book for you! Thank you so much to SMP for the advance copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Net Galley for this ARC. I really enjoy April Asher's books and was excited to get this. This story follows Addie and Phoenix. Both Addie and Phoenix are having some bad luck when it comes to their careers. Addie is a wedding event planner who is having some bad wedding press and luck for pulling off a successful event recently. Phoenix is a musician who loves his bandmates, but isn't liking the direction the label wants to push him musically. Addie and Phoenix meet and strike a deal. They will fake date to help Addie prove the press wrong about being Anti Aphrodite and Phoenix to use Addie as his muse for new music. This leads to Addie and Phoenix starting to get to know each other and of course eventually blurring the lines of fake dating. I really enjoyed their romance, banter, and seeing their relationship evolve into something deep and true. Plus, I loved all the side characters as they provided lots of humor and heart. This was a fast and enjoyable read. I can't wait to see what April Asher writes next. :)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The premise of this book caught my attention and I was excited to receive a copy to read. Throughout reading I found myself going back and forth between liking the book and finding the book cheesy and a little novice at some points. I did enjoy the touch of mythology, however I felt the world building was a bit weak and the story could have stood on its own without the mention of Gods. The tension between the record label was mentioned throughout the whole book, but in the end there was no mention of the label or its response to the band. The characters also fell a little flat for me and there were moments where their personalities shown, but I found myself wanting more depth to the characters. While this book wasn’t for me, I am sure there are others who will love a mild enemies to lovers, fake dating romance with gods and rock stars. St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for providing an advanced reader copy.
January 29, 2026
3/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
Down on her luck, April, needs to turn it all around. As the daughter of the Goddess of Love, not believing in love, well, that presents a challenge. & now that her business is at risk, what’s a girl to do? Maybe start fake dating her hot rock star neighbor? 👀
This was cute. I liked that this wasn’t your typical rom-com and that we got some mystical creatures and gods in the mix. On the flip side, it was a bit surface level. The concept of a “Muse” and having an actual acdemy for that kind of through me off. Leading it to read a little YA at times. I did start to skim towards the end as I lost a bit of interest. However, I would read more from the author!
Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press/St. Martin's Griffin & Netgalley for the eARC!! 🫶🏻
What to Expect:
💘Dual POV
💘Gods, Mystical Creatures, etc.
💘Fake Dating
💘Grump/Sunshine
2/5 🌶️
Down on her luck, April, needs to turn it all around. As the daughter of the Goddess of Love, not believing in love, well, that presents a challenge. & now that her business is at risk, what’s a girl to do? Maybe start fake dating her hot rock star neighbor? 👀
This was cute. I liked that this wasn’t your typical rom-com and that we got some mystical creatures and gods in the mix. On the flip side, it was a bit surface level. The concept of a “Muse” and having an actual acdemy for that kind of through me off. Leading it to read a little YA at times. I did start to skim towards the end as I lost a bit of interest. However, I would read more from the author!
Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press/St. Martin's Griffin & Netgalley for the eARC!! 🫶🏻
What to Expect:
💘Dual POV
💘Gods, Mystical Creatures, etc.
💘Fake Dating
💘Grump/Sunshine
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was invited by the publisher to review this book. Addie, daughter of Aphrodite, is struggling to live up to her love-goddess legacy as her wedding planning business spirals into scandal and bad press. Meanwhile, Nix, a romantic drummer and songwriter for the rising band The Stone Talons, is battling writer’s block under intense industry pressure. When their worlds collide, the two start a fake-relationship deal to fix their public images. But as their fake romance turns real, Addie and Nix must face what happens when pretend feelings refuse to stay pretend.
This was such a fun romance to read. I felt immediately drawn to the connection between Addie and Nix, and I loved navigating their respective industries, as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a fun romance to read. I felt immediately drawn to the connection between Addie and Nix, and I loved navigating their respective industries, as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Cupid Dilemma was such a cute, feel good read and I absolutely loved the fantasy twist woven into the romance. Adalyn Whitlock, daughter of Aphrodite, is supposed to be a natural at love, but her wedding planning business, Happily Ever Forever, is in chaos. Between public scandals, family drama, and being branded the “Anti-Aphrodite,” Addie is barely keeping it together. Enter Phoenix “Nix” Cross, drummer for The Stone Talons, who’s battling writer’s block and a carefully crafted bad-boy image that doesn’t match his true romantic heart. Their fauxmance setup is fun, flirty, and full of chemistry and watching fake feelings blur into something real is always a win. I especially loved the light paranormal elements and the playful take on mythology; it adds charm without overpowering the romance. Sweet, swoony, and sprinkled with magic, this one was a delightful escape.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.25/5
The premise is of this sounded like so much fun (and a little bit messy), so I was very excited to read it.
This is a paranormal contemporary romance that follows a demigoddess and a rockstar. And it's set in New York City.
I just think the intermingling of supernatural and not supernatural leaves so mcuh room for fun chaos. (Just look at Greek mythology as a whole.)
And there's fake dating in this! I do love that. That's always fun and messy.
This does drop you right into the action and story, which usually helps to get me immediately invested, but it did take me a bit to get invested. I don't really know why. I guess the characters felt a little bit flat and stereotypical at the start.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
The premise is of this sounded like so much fun (and a little bit messy), so I was very excited to read it.
This is a paranormal contemporary romance that follows a demigoddess and a rockstar. And it's set in New York City.
I just think the intermingling of supernatural and not supernatural leaves so mcuh room for fun chaos. (Just look at Greek mythology as a whole.)
And there's fake dating in this! I do love that. That's always fun and messy.
This does drop you right into the action and story, which usually helps to get me immediately invested, but it did take me a bit to get invested. I don't really know why. I guess the characters felt a little bit flat and stereotypical at the start.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
February 22, 2026
I was thankful to receive an ARC copy!
I really enjoyed The Cupid Dilemma! Even though demigods and mythology-based characters aren’t a brand-new concept, the world still felt fresh and uniquely crafted. The author did a wonderful job making the setting stand out with its own charm and personality. One of my favorite parts was the male main character being completely smitten from the very beginning — it was such a sweet and refreshing dynamic. Their chemistry felt natural, and the romance unfolded in a way that was both heartwarming and engaging. The story was cute, creative, and consistently held my attention from start to finish. It struck a great balance between lighthearted moments and emotional depth. Overall, it was an entertaining and delightful read that I’d happily recommend to anyone who enjoys mythology-inspired romance Or romance in general!
I really enjoyed The Cupid Dilemma! Even though demigods and mythology-based characters aren’t a brand-new concept, the world still felt fresh and uniquely crafted. The author did a wonderful job making the setting stand out with its own charm and personality. One of my favorite parts was the male main character being completely smitten from the very beginning — it was such a sweet and refreshing dynamic. Their chemistry felt natural, and the romance unfolded in a way that was both heartwarming and engaging. The story was cute, creative, and consistently held my attention from start to finish. It struck a great balance between lighthearted moments and emotional depth. Overall, it was an entertaining and delightful read that I’d happily recommend to anyone who enjoys mythology-inspired romance Or romance in general!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a fun, breezy rom-com of the fake-dating variety. Addie's wedding planning business is in a PR quagmire thanks to some unplanned disasters and her annoying new neighbor turns out to be a burgeoning rockstar in need of a muse. Nix has moved into a new apartment hoping it helps his songwriting slump, but his next door neighbor keeps banging on the walls when he plays his music too loudly. She finally comes over and bangs on his door when he disturbs her relaxing bath. Hijinks ensue.
My one reservation is that the "paranormal" aspects of this book feel tacked on, as if to capitalize on the current popularity of paranormal romance. The story would not be changed significantly if her mother weren't Aphrodite and his drummer weren't a gargoyle.
Red via NetGalley
My one reservation is that the "paranormal" aspects of this book feel tacked on, as if to capitalize on the current popularity of paranormal romance. The story would not be changed significantly if her mother weren't Aphrodite and his drummer weren't a gargoyle.
Red via NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
April Asher spins a low-stakes, fun, summer-y read with this book, and it's a refreshing palate cleanser between more emotionally high-strung reads. There's some spice, so it's definitely not for kids, but a great read for adults! I love the dynamic between Nix and Adalyn, especially their grumpy x sunshine moments, the banter, the flirting -- ah! It was such a delight. I also love the original premise. I haven't read every book in the world, but this is the first of this plot line that I've encountered. Between the fake dating and the tension with "Are we still pretending? Is he still pretending? Am I still pretending?" I ate it up!
Thank you to NetGalley and April Asher for this fun and sweet read
Thank you to NetGalley and April Asher for this fun and sweet read
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a cute and lighthearted rom-com, also a great palate cleanser between heavier books. The plot has a fun twist with Greek mythological gods in the mix, as the main character Adalyn is the daughter of Aphrodite.
Adalyn and Phoenix, both neighbors, end up getting into an agreement to fake date to boost their careers and reputations. Admittedly, Phoenix has ulterior motives because he's already intrigued by his hot neighbor. Overall, this was cute with no surprises. It hits many familiar beats on a fake romance. The one thing that set this story apart, it didn't take full advantage of - the Greek gods. There was a lot of potential here to do more.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Adalyn and Phoenix, both neighbors, end up getting into an agreement to fake date to boost their careers and reputations. Admittedly, Phoenix has ulterior motives because he's already intrigued by his hot neighbor. Overall, this was cute with no surprises. It hits many familiar beats on a fake romance. The one thing that set this story apart, it didn't take full advantage of - the Greek gods. There was a lot of potential here to do more.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I actually felt like this is written for a younger audience than myself (not that it’s YA or anything but I am in my 40s and felt like I was in a club surrounded by 20 year olds lol) I still thought it was cute but something to think about. The verbiage seems very ‘hip’ if you will “nipple piercings for the win” sticks out. The dialogue was actually kind of grating after a while.
The fake dating is well done and the mythology elements are fun but don’t expect it to reinvent the wheel. A quick, easy read if you’re looking for a nice palate cleanser.
Recommend if you identify more with the Gen Z than millennial
Thank you to Netgalley and the author/publisher for an early copy of this book in exhange for an honest review.
The fake dating is well done and the mythology elements are fun but don’t expect it to reinvent the wheel. A quick, easy read if you’re looking for a nice palate cleanser.
Recommend if you identify more with the Gen Z than millennial
Thank you to Netgalley and the author/publisher for an early copy of this book in exhange for an honest review.
February 19, 2026
3.5🌟
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway! This is my first book by April Asher and I enjoyed her writing style! There were so many parts that made me giggle, cry, blush. The spice was perfectly executed and it was just the right amount.
I think I really liked the fact that while this is considered a paranormal-ish romance, it was not heavy on the paranormal/fantasy bits. It was really interesting for the main character, Addie, to not believe in love and at the same time be Aphrodite’s daughter.
Little bit of Greek mythology mixed with a little bit of rockstar romance was the perfect combination for me lol. I liked the growth we saw in Addie specifically, too. The way that Phoenix didn’t push her even though he wanted to - Naughty Nix the unproblematic king 🩷
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway! This is my first book by April Asher and I enjoyed her writing style! There were so many parts that made me giggle, cry, blush. The spice was perfectly executed and it was just the right amount.
I think I really liked the fact that while this is considered a paranormal-ish romance, it was not heavy on the paranormal/fantasy bits. It was really interesting for the main character, Addie, to not believe in love and at the same time be Aphrodite’s daughter.
Little bit of Greek mythology mixed with a little bit of rockstar romance was the perfect combination for me lol. I liked the growth we saw in Addie specifically, too. The way that Phoenix didn’t push her even though he wanted to - Naughty Nix the unproblematic king 🩷
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a fun book. Really creative-- although it annoyed me that everyone was mythical and yet, the MMC was named Phoenix and he wasn't a phoenix? Also, why are the men always so adoring and in love while the women get to be messes?
But all that aside, cute book. Although it follows all the same tropes, it felt fun and different. I love everything April Asher does but this one felt lighter than the others. Good holiday reading!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. Since it was an ARC, I appreciated it was well edited with the only typos being during the sex scene! Like the editors averted their gaze cause it was hot!
But all that aside, cute book. Although it follows all the same tropes, it felt fun and different. I love everything April Asher does but this one felt lighter than the others. Good holiday reading!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. Since it was an ARC, I appreciated it was well edited with the only typos being during the sex scene! Like the editors averted their gaze cause it was hot!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
https://nextbookaroundthecorner.wordp...
What can I say? I love April’s romances, with a little bit of paranormal and strange. And of course the bad boy Nix and the mix with the gods. So after reading A Simple Twist of Fate, I was very happy to see The Cupid Dilemma popping up at Netgalley. And I could pre-read it! Well, I’ll not spoil all your fun, but I would really recommend that you read this one. It’s sweet, fun and cute. And with a little twist. So, thank you April and enjoy! Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
What can I say? I love April’s romances, with a little bit of paranormal and strange. And of course the bad boy Nix and the mix with the gods. So after reading A Simple Twist of Fate, I was very happy to see The Cupid Dilemma popping up at Netgalley. And I could pre-read it! Well, I’ll not spoil all your fun, but I would really recommend that you read this one. It’s sweet, fun and cute. And with a little twist. So, thank you April and enjoy! Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm so glad I got the chance to read this near Valentine's Day. It was the perfect read for this time of year! It is such a cute and fun rom com. I loved the mythological aspects in the book. It was different from anything I've read before. Adalyn's and Phoenix's banter was fun and flirty, and they were so cute together. I think the only thing I had a problem with was the song. I do not like songs in books, but that's just me. Read this if you're looking for the normal romance tropes but with a twist!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
January 30, 2026
Thank you St Martin's Press and Netgalley for the eARC!!!
4 stars
Oh I absolutely devoured this book!! The Cupid Dilemma is the perfect blend of paranormal and rockstar romance!! I loved the fake dating / muse aspect of this, and Adalyn and Phoenix totally had my heart!! The flirty banter & tension between them was so fun to read!! I loved getting to see them actually fall in love & see Adalyn work through her fears of falling/being in love!! Definitely recommend this book!!!
Out on May 12, 2026!
4 stars
Oh I absolutely devoured this book!! The Cupid Dilemma is the perfect blend of paranormal and rockstar romance!! I loved the fake dating / muse aspect of this, and Adalyn and Phoenix totally had my heart!! The flirty banter & tension between them was so fun to read!! I loved getting to see them actually fall in love & see Adalyn work through her fears of falling/being in love!! Definitely recommend this book!!!
Out on May 12, 2026!
February 8, 2026
Look I wanted to like this, I really did. I love a Greek mythology twist and paranormal romances. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get into this one.
Fake dating, contract, lots of family and friends, rock star, she doesn’t believe in love, he falls first. Low stakes, steamy.
Warning there is a third act breakup, while miscommunication doesn’t actually show up there are some annoying moments with the record label. I couldn’t get over the lack of tension or any meaningful conflict despite several aspects that could have presented as much bigger conflicts.
Fake dating, contract, lots of family and friends, rock star, she doesn’t believe in love, he falls first. Low stakes, steamy.
Warning there is a third act breakup, while miscommunication doesn’t actually show up there are some annoying moments with the record label. I couldn’t get over the lack of tension or any meaningful conflict despite several aspects that could have presented as much bigger conflicts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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