Love has overlooked Harper Hawthorne her entire life. As if every arrow Cupid shot veered off course, deterred by her longing to be wanted.
Despite the pressure of planning her small town’s approaching Cupid’s Ball, she takes a chance and accepts an exclusive invitation to a renowned sex club’s Masked Night. One night is all she wants, all she expects, until the man she meets, and only knows as Eros, asks to see her again. Except now, without the masks, she is face-to-face with her hard-to-please boss.
In a turn of events, Nolan Archer offers to keep teaching her everything she’s been eager to learn.
Will their lessons open a door to the deeper connection they both have been pining after? Or will Cupid’s arrow miss its mark again?
Brittney is a Northern California native who spends her nights crafting love stories. When she’s not writing you can find her amongst friends deciding what game to play next, performing Taylor Swift songs to her unsuspecting husband, and binge watching period romance movies.
3.75 stars!! Taken place in small town Cupid, Harper and Nolan find themselves boss and employee turned lovers + family drama, annoying sabotaging secretaries, and a Valentine’s day gala!! oh and did I mention.. top secret, invite only sex club called Midnights 🏹♥️
This novella held everything that I love in a book. The plot was absolutely perfect. I loved Harper and Nolan’s story (ofc!) but tying in Harper’s family and background as well as the shady plans and schemes behind the scenes due to Harper’s father made the novella 10x better.
Witnessing Harper grow more and more confident within herself and see herself for the person she truly is with the help from Nolan was such an amazing thing to read. Whether it was from lessons while between the sheets, trying on dresses for the gala, or sitting at family dinner Harper was finally able to open herself to the idea that she is enough and with the help of Nolan she was able to feel what she has always longed to feel, which was wanted. The overall connection between the two was nothing short but electric.
Just know Cupid is a piece of art that will never be able to escape my mind ♥️💋🏹
Huge thank you to @brittneylaurenwrites for the early copy ♥️♥️
10/10 no notes. If you've read a Brittney Lauren book this is not her typical story. This novella is a quick and spicy Valentines themed story centering around our FMC Harper and her dad's friend who is also her boss. They have one masked night together at a $exy club and we follow their story from there.
Aside from the spice the sweetness within the story is 100% what you would expect from a Brittney Lauren book. So many moments that have you cheering for the characters with a touch of 🥹
If you're looking for a spicy valentines read this is definitely it
Ahh what a short and sweet story! I could not put the book down. This is a very cute Valentine’s Day novella with low stakes and a very sweet MMC. Who wouldn’t enjoy a billionaire wanting to buy you the world? 🌶️ level was about a 3/5. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a Valentines, low stakes, high heat, age gap novella.
This novella hit me right in that soft, aching place reserved for stories about women who’ve never been truly seen and the men who look at them like they’re the only light in the room.
Harper has spent her whole life feeling invisible. Her family treats her like an afterthought, and she’s learned to shrink herself to survive it. She’s curvy, tender‑hearted, and so starved for affection that even the idea of being wanted feels foreign. Watching her step into Midnights, a local sex club, wasn’t as much about rebellion as it was about discovery. She wants to understand desire, pleasure, her own body… and for once, she wants to choose something just for herself.
Enter Nolan. Twenty‑two years older. Her father’s best friend and coworker. A man who grumbles at her across the office like she’s a walking inconvenience yet who can’t stop watching her when she isn’t looking. He’s a grump and a wall of tension wrapped in a filthy mouth. And the moment he sees her at Midnights, both masked and renamed Psyche, glowing with nervous curiosity, something in him snaps awake.
Their first encounter as Eros and Psyche is electric. He worships her body before he recognizes her face, and the way he responds to her is hungry, reverent, undone; it feels like the first time anyone has ever truly wanted her. Not despite her curves, but because of them. Nolan loves her softness. He worships the parts she’s been taught to hide.
And when the masks come off? The tension skyrockets. Nolan tries to fight his feelings but he’s already too far gone. Harper’s sweetness and eagerness disarms him. Her curiosity wrecks him. And her vulnerability, this quiet, aching desire to be loved pulls him under completely.
The spice between them is the kind that builds slow and then detonates. Nolan’s dominance comes through in every controlled touch, every low command spoken against her skin, every moment he teaches her how pleasure can feel when someone actually cares about her needs. Harper’s curiosity turns molten under his guidance; she wants to learn, to explore, to understand her own desire, and Nolan meets that hunger with steady hands and a filthy mouth that leaves her trembling.
What really made this novella shine to me was how their dynamic blends heat with healing. Harper explores; Nolan teaches. She opens; he steadies. She’s learning what it means to be wanted, and he’s learning what it means to finally let himself want something he can’t have.
This is the perfect Valentine’s Day novella! So much heart and heart packed in 150 pages!
A huge thank you to Brittney Lauren for the early copy!
ARC REVIEW I loved how this story evolved. For a novella, the pacing was done exceptionally well—it never dragged, yet it didn’t rush past important moments either. Despite its length, the emotional connection and development between the characters felt complete and believable. Harper is used to being overlooked, even by her own family, so she’s learned how to blend into the background. Though she dreams of leaving her hometown—one her family practically runs—circumstances force her to return. She begins working at city hall, where she meets Nolan, her father’s best friend, and unexpectedly finds herself drawn to him. Nolan comes from one of the founding families of the town and is a wealthy CEO who, for reasons not immediately clear, returns to Cupid to help his old friend run the city. Despite the age gap and his connection to her father, he finds himself deeply attracted to Harper—feelings that go beyond physical desire. Tired of being treated like an afterthought and craving the feeling of being wanted, Harper applies to visit Midnights, a BDSM club just outside of town where guests wear masks to remain anonymous. That night, she unknowingly meets Nolan. As a mystery submissive and dominant, they share an intimate, unforgettable experience. When their identities are revealed, Harper and Nolan begin navigating their connection outside the club—carefully, discreetly, and without defining what their relationship is becoming. The tension, the restraint, and the eventual confessions were incredibly well done. Overall, this was a beautifully paced novella that delivered emotion, chemistry, and depth in a short space—and it worked.
Wow…wow…wow I’m left in tears this is the happy ending I never knew I needed. From the moment I started reading I was already bursting into tears from the dedication. I related so much with Harper, I saw myself in her. Always overlooked, under appreciated, whatever is done is never enough. Harper holds a special special place in my heart. The healing this book brought to me and the message it has resonated so deeply. You’re beautiful just the way you are. How she relayed the body shaming Harper goes through, I felt for her so deeply. To find someone like Nolan her appreciated her completely and saw her for who she is. Being someone who was very skinny and now after being blessed with my little one I’m a curvy women myself, and the intrusive thoughts that come up “I’m too big, I’m not wanted, I’m not desired” I really understood Harper’s want and need to be desired, to be seen. “Cupid” gave all the feels and did not miss whatsoever. As Valentine’s Day slowly creeps up, I highly recommend you give this book a read.
Tropes: 💘Age Gap 💘Boss & Employee 💘Forbidden Romance 💘Small Town
Harper needs to be touched, fucked, and admired. It’s been years since someone caressed Harper, and she’s taking matters into her own hands. So what better way to meet her needs than to attend an upscale sex club’s open house? What she doesn’t expect is to be enamored by a masked man whose touch has set her on fire.
I really enjoyed the book’s plot. It was short and straight to the point, all while still grabbing my attention.
Harper was going to get what she needed and wanted one way or another. Kudos to you, girly, for going out of your comfort zone! I do wish that Harper would stand up for herself more, instead of expecting others to do it for her.
Nolan was super adoring and attentive to Harper. He did come across as younger than 52, and there was a part of the book where he came across as a predator. I’m sure this wasn’t the author’s intention, but the writing of the scene came off that way.
Lastly, Maxine was the hidden star of this story lol.
Cupid Arc review. Many thanks to Brittney Lauren for the ARC Copy of Cupid!
Harper Hawthorne has been treated as an after thought by her family. Her desire to be wanted led her to filling out a guest application to experience Midnights, a BDSM club just outside of the small town of Cupid, CA. Harper and all of the club guests wear masks during her visit to provide anonymity.
Nolan, her dad’s long time friend is at Midnights, and is attracted to the mystery guest. Together, Harper and Nolan enjoy an evening of giving and receiving pleasure.
After learning who the mystery guest and mystery dominant are Harper and Nolan begin to interact with each other outside of the club while being discreet and not establishing how far their relationship is going to go.
As Harper helps plan and organize the local Cupid Ball, someone works to undermine the ball’s success to damage Harper’s success.
Will Nolan stake his claim and profess his love for Harper to her and to her family. Join me at the ball to find out.
She’s got a lot to learn—and he’s going to teach it to her.
A spicy, age-gap, Valentine’s Day romance novella
💘Cupid💘 By Brittney Lauren 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Brittney Lauren delivers an appropriately paced, spicy, small town romance perfect for those looking for a fast, festive read that puts you into the Valentine’s Day spirit. I devoured this book in one night, I was hooked could not put it down!
Harper Hawthorne is tired of being overlooked by everyone, just this once she wants to feel wanted.
When she joins a $ex club she gets just that- a masked man that completely ravishes her.
Wanting more, they agree to meet up again- this time no disguises. No longer hiding behind the masks, Harper finds her self standing in front of Nolan Archer, her father’s childhood friend AND her boss.
If you like
💘Boss x Employee 🏹Soft dom x inexperienced FMC 💘Age Gap (22 years) 🏹Insta-Lust 💘Forbidden romance 🏹Spicy Lessons
Tropes: Boss/Employee Masked stranger “Lessons” / sensual mentorship He Falls first
Cupid by Brittney Lauren is a flirty, feel-good Valentine’s Day novella that delivers both heart and heat without overstaying its welcome. Harper Hawthorne has spent her life feeling overlooked by love, so watching her finally take a chance—on herself and on desire—was incredibly satisfying.
This story leans into its premise beautifully: a masked encounter, undeniable chemistry, and the delicious tension of realizing the man who awakened something in her is none other than her boss, Nolan Archer. And let me just say—Nolan was NOT playing when it came to Harper. His focus, patience, and intent made this such a swoony read.
It’s a perfect pick for readers who want a sweet yet spicy romance they can finish in one sitting. Thank you to the author for this ARC!
This was SO cute! Cupid was my first read by Brittney Lauren and I'm absolutely going to go back and start her Anything & Everything series.
I really loved Harper - she was such a great FMC. She starts off doing something incredibly out of her comfort zone, and after meeting masked Eros - who turns out to be her boss, Nolan - she grows SO MUCH and gains so much confidence and finally allows herself to be happy and take up space. It's such a great journey.
And NOLAN. 😍 The yearning, the teaching, the dirty mouth, his steadiness... he's really a great book boyfriend.
It's a little over 200 pages, so not TOO short but it goes quickly while still including plenty of sweetness & plenty of spice. I haven't read a ton of Valentine stories, but this one was a hit for me!
Thank you Brittney Lauren for allowing me to ARC read Cupid! I love an age gap and dad’s best friend was exactly what I needed!
This story follows Nolan and Harper, Harper works for Nolan and her father, who happens to be the Mayor of their small town of Cupid. Nolan and Harper end up crossing paths at a sex club and form an instant connection that follows them back home.
I thought this story was going to be a lot spicier than it actually was considering their “arrangement”. Overall, I enjoyed the story! I just wished the story was expanded upon because there was simply not enough Nolan and Harper!
Short, spicy, and ridiculously swoony—Cupid understood the Valentine’s Day assignment. Harper Hawthorne has always felt like love skipped over her, so seeing her step into her confidence (and her desires 👀) made this such a fun, satisfying read. The masked party setup? Elite. The chemistry? Immediate. And the moment she realizes her mystery man is her boss… the tension was tensioning. Nolan Archer came in focused, intentional, and fully locked in on Harper—and honestly? We love a man who knows what he wants. If you need a flirty, one-sitting romance to get you in the Valentine’s mood, add this to your list ASAP. 💘
Honestly, I’m not a HUGE fan of age-gap romances since I feel like more than half the time, it’s a 20 something year old with a 70 year old. I know a lot of readers enjoy this trope but it gives me the ick if it’s TOO much of an age gap. Thankfully, this book is not too much of an age gap (in my opinion) but definitely can make the argument that the MMC definitely knows more than the FMC 😉 This novella is pretty spicy, so just watch for trigger warnings. I also absolutely loved that the FMC was bigger lady as it was super relatable to be in her shoes (unfortunately the FMC’s family was super mean). I wish there was just a bit more spice but I really enjoyed the story!
This was a somewhat spicy read!! Harper works at her father's office with his best friend as her boss. All she really wants is someone to teach her what she likes in bed. Will she find that perfect fit? She sure does! This was a spicy short and sweet read. The tension, the lessons, everything was perfect for this story! I enjoyed getting to know Harper and Nolan through-out this book. This is an insta lust story, which you know I am a fan of especially in a short story! Overall, a spicy story to read before valentines day! I'd recommend picking it up 🤭
Cupid completely won me over. As my first Valentine’s romance, I didn’t know what to expect, but Brittany Lauren nailed it. The story is steamy 🥵, yes—but it’s also full of heart, emotion, and empowerment. I loved the FMC’s journey toward confidence and self-love, and the way desire, vulnerability, and strength are intertwined felt so real. The chemistry is electric, the tension delicious, and the romance is just the right mix of seductive and heartfelt. Consider me officially hooked on Valentine’s romance—Cupid has set the bar high! ❤️🔥
all her life harper has been over looked. her parents. her sister. for once she wants to be wanted. for someone to pick her. she gets an invitation. she gives in all her fears, desires. one night what possibly happened. she meets her boss. her fathers best friend. the man she has been secretly lusting after. things are about to change on both sides. he hates how her family treats her. she hates her family. just when things seems to crazy even for harper. he’s their bonding her and telling to go to hell.
A short, cute novella with lots of sweet spice. Nolan was the perfect book-boyfriend, defends her, would do anything for her, has been pining for her for the past six months. And Harper has been pining for him for the last six months, and when she does something drastic and out of her comfort zone, they finally find each other. A cute valentines novella I would definitely recommend!
Cupid is a fast paced book but does not feel like it at all! I adored this book and the characters as well. One of my favorite holidays is Valentine’s day so as soon as I heard that Cupid was V-day inspired I absolutely HAD to read it! I will say that the only thing that was confusing for me was the dinner at the FMC’s parent’s house and the argument that took place at her car when she left. That is the ONLY reason I am giving this 4 stars. Other than that the book was great and I enjoyed it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“The way she looks at me stirs my darker desires, the ones that want to own her completely. Steal her away from the world and selfishly keep her to myself.”
“I yearn for her obedience, but I need her more.”
Harper longs to be seen. Accepted. Desired. Loved. These things seem to be made for other people, but not for her. Summoning all her courage, she’s after just one night of being wanted. After that, she can fade into the background again.
Nolan is older, sexy, confident… and completely off limits. Harper’s boss and her father’s friend. He’s a man who could have any woman he wants. All he wants is Harper.
Could a masked encounter change everything for them both? You’ll have to grab your own copy of Cupid to find out! The good news is you only have to wait until 2 February to get it on Kindle Unlimited.
I really liked this one. A spicy novella that gets straight to the good stuff, without skimping on the sweet moments. Although it’s a shorter book, it doesn’t feel lacking because of it. The writer has carefully crafted the story for maximum enjoyment and an immersive read.
Harper and Nolan are both thoroughly enjoyable main characters, and Nolan is all about the book boyfriend vibes!
Read it if you love: - Novellas - Open door romance - Age gap - Soft dom x inexperienced - Boss x employee
Thank you to Brittney Lauren for the complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this view are my own.
This book took me completely by surprise! It was everything I could want from a quick little valentines day novella!
I loved Harper and Nolan together. He took so much care with her and really made her feel cherished. Definitely recommend this is you are looking for a quit hit to get you in the valentines day spirit!
4.5⭐ I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This book had me in a chokehold from start to finish! I could not tear my eyes away from it and even when I did I could only think about how I need to go back😌it was an amazing story and I loved every aspect of it! Part of me wanted it to never end but even though it did it was a perfect ending for me and brought me to tears🥹🫶🏽
Perfect read for Valentine’s Day! Short and sweet and steamy. I really liked the idea of Midnights and wish we could’ve seen more of Harper and Nolan in that space. Not sure what the hell is wrong with Harper’s family but I’m glad she has someone like Nolan in her life now who can help build her confidence back up and who can be there for her!
This was such a cute Valentine’s Day quick read! Has the age gap, boss/employee, dad’s best friend tropes to it.
Harper is trying to get out of her skin and try something new. Nolan is more experienced and is completely the right person to break her out her shell. I loved the writing and the storyline. Cute read with the spice!
4.5⭐️ ARC READER REVIEW: spicy open door forbidden age gap romance!! Im here for it!! I thoroughly enjoyed the novella; the setting where the main characters met made the quick connection between them super believable and I was giddy over the continued connection. I highly recommend!
Ok I ate this book up 🤣 I’m so different from everyone else in my family and I could totally relate to Harper which made reading it a breeze. Harper and Nolan have this connection that they shouldn’t, but they do and it brings them together in the best way. Love Nolan. Every Harper needs a Nolan
ARC REVIEW Omg Brittney this was the best valentine book I have read this year was a quick novel like I can’t wait to read more of your books in the future. I recommend others to give it a read cause this was perfect and a quick read in has the perfect plot.