Cupid on the Loose!: A Valentine's Day Anthology of Short Stories

by Lisa Bambrick

*** NO LONGER ON SALE ***

A collection of ten contemporary chick lit short stories set around Valentine's Day.

Cupid is on the loose and anything could happen, as ten of his targets are about to find out. Will they find love or wave it goodbye? If their man goes down on one knee, will they say yes or no? If an old flame suddenly appears, will it start a fire or fizzle out? Read on and find out...

Stories included:
* All the World's a Page by Jennifer Gilby Roberts
* Miss Understanding in the Ballroom with the Wrench by Geralyn Corcillo
* The Wonder of India by Julie Farrell
* Vodka and Chocolate Hearts by Jean Oram
* Cupid, with a Eucalyptus Tree, in the Teachers’ Workroom by Amy Gettinger
* Sugar, It’s Cold Outside by Celia Kennedy
* Fly, Robin, Fly by Kathryn R. Biel
* Not Just for Valentine’s Day by Karen E. Martin
* Cupid’s Second Chance by Lisa Bambrick
* And The Winner Is… by CeCe Osgood

These short reads are perfect for a bit of me-time. So, pour a glass of wine, open a box of chocolates, put your feet up and indulge.

Genres: Short Stories, Anthologies, Romance, Holiday

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2015

Reviews

[Teresa Kander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of Valentine's Day, but I am most definitely a fan of this collection of short stories. They're all about people looking for love on Valentine's day, and they are all tied together with an appearance by Cupid in each one (although he's not your stereotypical Cupid by any means!). I'm a bigger fan of some stories than others, but overall it's a great read, and I would recommend it to everyone who is a fan of true love.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

[Elizabeth Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to rate a collection of short stories, since each one is different. This was a great idea to give readers a taste of new authors! It also put me in the Valentine's mood. I enjoy reading short stories because they're quick and easy, but you still get a glimpse into someone's life. Each one was different and they did not all end with finding true romance, but they all had happy endings. Each story features a Cupid sighting and I liked the continuity of having him in each story.

My favorite stories were:
* All the World's a Page by Jennifer Gilby (what a swoon-worthy love interest!)
* Miss Understanding in the Ballroom with the Wrench by Geralyn Corcillo (This was a unique premise with unique characters)
* Cupid, with a Eucalyptus Tree, in the Teachers’ Workroom by Amy Gettinger (I think I related, as a teacher)
* And The Winner Is… by CeCe Osgood (Good in every way and had a good life lesson)

My only complaint was that in a few of the stories, the couple had just met and the girl is already thinking, "This is the love of my life. We'll spend every Valentine's together from now on" and has fallen madly in love. I just don't believe true love happens that quickly and I worried about the characters falling so quickly.

Thanks for the fun Valentine's read, ladies!

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this collection of fun and flirty love stories. As a unifying theme, Cupid appears somewhere within each of the stories, and some stories are more successful than others, but overall this collection is a quick and easy read that will restore your faith in love. I enjoyed the stories and would definitely recommend this book to all readers who love romance stories.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

In each short story in this collection Cupid appears very briefly.
This Cupid is a large bald man with wings, often wearing leather, a vest, biker or cowboy boots, and has a "Mom" heart tattoo.

Stories range from loveless ladies to unhappy couples to finding true love for oneself. Several include life lessons.

We hear about love that didn't have a chance the first time but wants another chance. Misunderstanding causes obstacles to love when people are not open and truthful. We learn about gratitude and the importance of showing up. And how wonderful best friends can be.
Love is mysterious, unexpected, and can be accidental.
Even if it makes sense on paper, you may not be in love. Love accepts you as you are.
Love requires changing expectations, being open to opportunities.

[Sondra · Rating 5 out of 5]

good shorts

I'm not normally a short story person but I really enjoyed them they were well written and lots of fun I love the coupon at the Cupid and the angel wings in the tattoos and I love to the characters they were well done thank you

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute short stories

This is an anthology of short romance stories with a Valentine theme and an unusual Cupid running through each story. They are all fun and rated PG.

A definite fun read.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eight or nine of the ten short stories in this anthology were very entertaining; one or two were not as good.

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

If Valentine's day is one of your favorite holiday, then this book is for you. If you're looking for something light, short and romantic read, then this book is for you. If you want to discover new indie romance authors, then this book is for you. ( If you're annoyed at the ifs in every start of each previous sentence, I do apologize but I have to warn you, there's still incoming ifs) Or if you're simply a hopeless romantic, this book is for you. :)

The short stories all share the same "Cupid", a bald, muscular man wearing fairy wings and a heart tattoo with the word Mom on it. And of course, they also shared the valentine's day theme. All in all, the stories are good and enjoyable, and it's awesome to be introduced to new indie romance authors, each possessing their own style of storytelling. As with all other compilations of short stories, there are some that I favored more than the others so I'll tell something about each story.

1. All The World's A Page by Jennifer Gilby Roberts
- About reuniting with "The One That Got Away", fiction meeting non-fiction and taking chances.
* It's one of my favorites especially because I like the female lead charming in her own way and kinda remind me of Rebecca Bloomwood.
2. Miss Understanding in the Ballroom with the Wrench by Geralyn Corcillo
- About how simple misunderstandings can lead to funny but somehow dramatic and life changing moments.
* Also one of my favorites because the chemistry between the two leads in undeniable.
3. The Wonder of India by Julie Farrell
- About the real India and the India for tourists, appreciation and finding happiness in any situation, especially when you're with someone you love.
* This one do have some lessons to impart on readers.
4. Vodka and Chocolate Hearts by Jean Oram
- About adjustments, compromise, confusing feelings and hidden desire.
* The lover or the best friend?
5. Cupid, with a Eucalyptus Tree, in the Teacher's Workroom by Amy Gettinger
- About a teacher's adventure of finding her secret valentine
* One of my favorites, too, something to do with the "twinkle" :)
6. Sugar, It's Cold Outside by Celia Kennedy
- About how accidents can be a good thing that can lead to romance
* I like the male character for his no hesitation attitude in pursuing the girl he wants
7. Fly, Robin, Fly by Kathryn R. Biel
- About not settling for someone just because...
* This is the one that is most realistic among the rest and my favorite as well.
8. Not Just for Valentine's Day by Karen E. Martin
- About pet adoptions, instant spark and looking forward to getting someone
* A good mix of reality and fairy tale romance
9. Cupid's Second Chance by Lisa Bambrick
- About a modern day fairy tale romance
* The leading man here is too good to be true in reality but the closest thing to prince charming in fantasy, one of my favorites
10. And The Winner Is... by Cece Osgood
- About how things don't go the way you planned but gets better
* Looking forward to the novel sequel

So whether you're a fan of Valentine's day or someone wishing to enjoy Valentine's day with someone special someday, this book's for you. :)

P.S.
It's a quick read, feel good, romantic collection of short stories although there is one or two that doesn't have that typical happy ever after ending... :)

P.S.S.
I accidentally posted my review on my sister's account, just reposting this on my account. :)

Rating: 3.5

[Marianne Liwanag · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Valentine's day is one of your favorite holiday, then this book is for you. If you're looking for something light, short and romantic read, then this book is for you. If you want to discover new indie romance authors, then this book is for you. ( If you're annoyed at the ifs in every start of each previous sentence, I do apologize but I have to warn you, there's still incoming ifs) Or if you're simply a hopeless romantic, this book is for you. :)

The short stories all share the same "Cupid", a bald, muscular man wearing fairy wings and a heart tattoo with the word Mom on it. And of course, they also shared the valentine's day theme. All in all, the stories are good and enjoyable, and it's awesome to be introduced to new indie romance authors, each possessing their own style of storytelling. As with all other compilations of short stories, there are some that I favored more than the others so I'll tell something about each story.

1. All The World's A Page by Jennifer Gilby Roberts
- About reuniting with "The One That Got Away", fiction meeting non-fiction and taking chances.
* It's one of my favorites especially because I like the female lead charming in her own way and kinda remind me of Rebecca Bloomwood.
2. Miss Understanding in the Ballroom with the Wrench by Geralyn Corcillo
- About how simple misunderstandings can lead to funny but somehow dramatic and life changing moments.
* Also one of my favorites because the chemistry between the two leads in undeniable.
3. The Wonder of India by Julie Farrell
- About the real India and the India for tourists, appreciation and finding happiness in any situation, especially when you're with someone you love.
* This one do have some lessons to impart on readers.
4. Vodka and Chocolate Hearts by Jean Oram
- About adjustments, compromise, confusing feelings and hidden desire.
* The lover or the best friend?
5. Cupid, with a Eucalyptus Tree, in the Teacher's Workroom by Amy Gettinger
- About a teacher's adventure of finding her secret valentine
* One of my favorites, too, something to do with the "twinkle" :)
6. Sugar, It's Cold Outside by Celia Kennedy
- About how accidents can be a good thing that can lead to romance
* I like the male character for his no hesitation attitude in pursuing the girl he wants
7. Fly, Robin, Fly by Kathryn R. Biel
- About not settling for someone just because...
* This is the one that is most realistic among the rest and my favorite as well.
8. Not Just for Valentine's Day by Karen E. Martin
- About pet adoptions, instant spark and looking forward to getting someone
* A good mix of reality and fairy tale romance
9. Cupid's Second Chance by Lisa Bambrick
- About a modern day fairy tale romance
* The leading man here is too good to be true in reality but the closest thing to prince charming in fantasy, one of my favorites
10. And The Winner Is... by Cece Osgood
- About how things don't go the way you planned but gets better
* Looking forward to the novel sequel

So whether you're a fan of Valentine's day or someone wishing to enjoy Valentine's day with someone special someday, this book's for you. :)

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Valentine’s Day was invented by men in an attempt to make single women desperate enough to accept clearly inferior males.” (LOC 268)

From a female plumber looking to score on V-Day to old lovers reuniting in a scene from a live reading at a bookstore, stories are a mix of cute and fun. Not all were that great or funny. Some were boring and dumb. Obviously, the thing that ties all these stories together is a stray cupid on the loose—some guy with wings and a diaper.

My favorite one had to be the story of Annabelle Lopez and her secret admirer. Another good one was the one with a strong, resilient woman realizing that her boyfriend is not the one for her and puts her own needs first.

[chloegirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was able to read all but 2 or 3 of these short, chick lit stories. They were okay, nothing really stood out except for Cupid, with a Eucalyptus Tree, in the Teachers’ Workroom by Amy Gettinger. I really enjoyed that one and it was my favorite in this collection. Others that held my interest were: Miss Understanding in the Ballroom with the Wrench by Geralyn Corcillo and All the World's a Page by Jennifer Gilby Roberts. I really was hoping for stories with a bit more heat and wow factor, but unfortunately this collection was not that. Still glad I was able to read the three stories I called out in my review. They made it worth it by putting more authors on my radar.

[Dianne]

Discover Chick-lit as written by Amy Gettinger!

Click on Banner to Enter to WIN 1 of 5 Gift Cards!INTL

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were ten stories and most were cute fun and happy. One of the stories had a negative but oddly funny ending.

Maybe I expected more from the book so I was a little disappointed.

The speed of each story made for a very quick read. It was cute for the most part.

[Barbara Tobis]

Read one short story. It wasn't interesting to me. Writing not bad, just not personally interesting for me.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably worth 3.5 stars. A good mix of stories, relatively well edited compared to some compilations that are out there.

[Silver · Rating 3 out of 5]

:)

[Francesca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book of short stories . Some of them where good some not so much. I particularly enjoyed the one by Geralyn Corcillo.

[Jenn Swanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this was a good anthology. Granted some of the stories were better than others. Overall it was a good read and I would recommend.

[kathy barras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the short stories

Would love to read on with some of the stories. Some were just silly but others made you want to continue reading

[Peni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please see individual stories for review.