I thought I would love this but it is rubbing me all the wrong ways. Not sure what exactly it is that's rubbing badly but I have to end it now. The only thing I do know, is the so call heroine drove me nuts. I don't like her at all.
Cupid was a good read. A really really good read. I flew through it in no time. And I'm still a little reeling from the way it ended. My god, it was intense and I can't wait to find out what's going to happen next.
This story features the beautiful and intelligent Diana Carson. After the murders of her cheating husband and other rich men, Diana starts to investigate the homicides. With help from the seductive millionaire Asher Bishop she hopes to find the killer she nicknamed Cupid. But she soon finds out there's more to Asher than meets the eye.
The story really walked the fine line of disturbing and alluring. Sometimes it was even quite creepy. Even now I can't quite decide if I'm so fascinated by Asher because he was so ominous or because he was so enticing. It was probably a bit of both. There were a lot of times where I was thinking how crazy Asher seemed but then the next moment I'd be swooning for him.
I haven't entirely made up my mind about Diana. I mean, I like her. She's very smart, witty and pretty great to read about but I couldn't quite get a grasp on her yet. I hope to find out more about her in the next part.
Jade Eby and Kenya Wright are both new authors to me but I have to say I was really impressed by this book. The writing was amazing and really drew me in. Especially the "Cupid" points of view were interesting to read for me.
So would I recommend this book? Hell to the yes! It's a pretty dark story and I'm not sure if Cupid can be a redeemablecharacter but I'll absolutely keep following this story. The next book is so very much needed!
Cupid is a really hard book for me to rate. It's filled with "I'm going to love this," moments, but it also had its problems. It is written, in part, by author Kenya Wright who I honestly believe is currently one of the most creatively entertaining, out-of-the-box writers that's out there. This author is fearless and her books are always well thought out and well-written. Of course this doesn't mean that every book that she churns out is a winner, but there is raw talent there. I guess that's why I'm a bit disappointed with this book and why my review isn't easy for me. I hate spoilers so I'm going to try to pull this review off without giving away anything that will ruin the story for you.
What It's About There's a serial killer loose on Ovid Island, but no one seems to know or care. The island is a playground for self absorbed rich people with more wealth than decency. It is also the playground of a killer who eventually is dubbed "Cupid." We meet Cupid just as he's finished killing a man and his mistress. He is interrupted when his victim's wife enters the darkened room where the murder has taken place. As the power is out in the room she doesn't see anything, but she feels that something isn't right, assumes her husband is playing games, and leaves. This scene starts the basis for the rest of the book. A killer who becomes infatuated, an investigative reporter/widow whose relationship with her deceased husband was less than stellar, a wealthy man who takes an interest in the investigation, and a mother whose presence and bad deeds are at the heart of it all.
What I liked -The plot. A man killing men who hurt women. He's a vigilante, a superman who (on the cover at least) is bearing his superhero name on his chest like Superman and his super "S." Since he's not hurting innocent folks then he's not all bad right? Well yes... and no. This cupid is cray. He's got mommy issues times a thousand, murderer may as well be his last name, and speaking of those people he's murdered - they haven't always been bad. You have the heroine, Diana. She's smart and does her homework. You get the sense that no one pulls the wool over Diana's eyes and that she'll make a formidable foe for the killer. The core of Diana the character was awesome and the glimpse into her childhood was pure gold. It explains so much about her personality. Asher is Diana's wealthy benefactor. He approaches her following her husband's death and wants to fund her investigation of the island's killer. He's super wealthy and by all accounts super sexy. The scenes with Asher, his mother, and the cook are great! I also quite liked the fact that there was only one sex scene in the book. Really, this isn't an erotic romance. Not yet anyway. It's a psychological thriller in which the characters have hot sex at one point. So I'm happy that sex wasn't shoved down my throat just for the sake of being "erotic." Finally, I liked that we weren't in the dark about why "Cupid" kills. His reasons and his victims aren't random and his madness isn't without a very clear cause. In general I was pretty intrigued and was enjoying the story
What I didn't like I bet you're wondering why, if I liked the story so much, am I giving it a 3 star rating. There were some aspects to the plot, particularly when it comes to Asher and his mother's history, that I felt were too convenient. I don't believe that Diana would have had a hard time finding this information or that what she found wasn't already public knowledge. For all that Diana was smart and an amazing investigator, I felt she was a little too weak willed when it came to Asher. Her husband was just murdered for crying out loud and Asher can convince her to do just about anything. Her husband isn't even buried yet before the book comes to an end or before she caves in to all that Asher sexiness. I also felt the identity of Cupid was given away too soon. I would have liked a bit more mystery, but I chalk that up to writer prerogative and I don't really hold that against the story at all. If you read my reviews you know that I don't make a huge issue over grammar mistakes unless they are glaring. Unfortunately, there were a fair share of misspelled or misused words in Cupid. Enough for me to take notice of anyway so heads up if that sort of thing bugs you. My final thoughts Cupid has moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There's more than one murder scene and to me those were some of the best and most well written parts of the story. Unfortunately, it just comes to an end and there's a second book to wait for. I'm not familiar with author Jade Eby or her work, but I'm a Kenya Wright fan through and through. Because of that I expected there to be more than one book when I started reading this one. Will I read the next installment? Yes, indeed I will. I was intrigued enough to see this through. There's a cat and mouse game afoot and I need to see how Diana handles what's ahead. Dear authors, please let Diana live up to her full potential here! I'm giving this book a 3 out of 5 rating. There are a few problems that I had with certain details being glaringly unbelievable to me. While some may overlook these problems, the fact is it was too obvious for me to ignore and it took me right out of the story for a few minutes just to think it over. I unfortunately can't go too deep into that without spoilers. I also wish Diana's husband had at least been buried, which would have meant letting the events progress over a longer time span.
Regardless, I can't wait for Part II and to see where this goes.
Where do I even start. There are serious good and bad things about both Asher and Diana. For starters Diana is just nosey. I don’t care if she is a reporter. She dig around and then blame the reporter in her. No sis you just nosey. Asher got some demons but who doesn’t. I found it kinda hot how he craves blood so much. Maybe isn’t the weird in me. Through it all she still wants him even after she found out what he really was. I don't think the book should had been split. The original copy only has 200 and something pages. On my ibooks it because 400 and something. So it was really necessary. I like the book. Part two seems decent hopefully there's more blood spilled.
This was all sorts of messed up but I gobbled it up. When I saw this book was written by two author's whose work I adore I knew I just had to read this.
Asher
Diana Diana is a reporter whose husband is murdered by a killer targeting rich men. The day after her husband's murder she is approached by Asher Bishop heir to a multi-million food empire. Asher wants to fund Diana's investigation and help her catch the killer. Asher's goals are not all business related, he also wants Diana to himself, for his pleasure. Right away Diana did not stand a chance against Asher's charm and millions. He effectively seduces her in a web of secrets and lies.
I liked Diana right away, she's smart, headstrong and inquisitive. In the beginning she really tries to resist Asher but like I said she doesn't stand a chance. Asher is seductive, secretive and smart. He manages to stay one step ahead of Diana, and enjoys "playing" with her. There's a secret revealed partway throughout the book about Asher and I wanted to scream at Diana "Run, girl, run!!"
This book is steamy, suspenseful and entertaining. I enjoyed the twists and turns. Sure, its not 100% grounded in reality, but I enjoyed it for what it is.
Horrible editing. You're is used instead of your constantly. Just a lot of little mistakes that add up.
The story itself is interesting. I was intrigued and invested from the start. It was different and refreshing to read something that isn't like the rest of the stories in this genre. Though I wouldn't call this erotica as there isn't much of that in the book.
It ends in a cliffy but I'm not sure that I'll continue the series or not.
This is good. This is really good. I was surprised by just how good it is. I had never read anything by either of these authors, but if this is any indication, believe me I will be searching out their other work.
Cupid is a dark moody tale featuring a masked serial killer the press has dubbed Cupid, primarily because of the bow and arrow he uses to dispatch his victims. Not to mention that he only targets those who are abusing the love and trust of others. Sort of a dark Robin Hood type of avenger.
It gives nothing away to tell you that Cupid is Asher Bishop, an ultra rich playboy with very dark secrets. Asher is disturbed, to say the least, but is he insane? Perhaps, but perhaps not, at least not entirely.
Diana Carson is a very sharp reporter, but she is also the victim of abuse by Cupid's latest target, her narcissistic philandering husband. Her soon to be dead husband.
Diana feels no remorse for her husband's death, but she feels a bit guilty about that. However much she tries to tell herself otherwise, she can't help but admit that she's glad the bastard is dead. She almost feels grateful to Cupid.
But Diana is a good reporter, and she knows a good story when she sees one. She is determined to discover who Cupid is, and expose all of his secrets. Help comes to her in the unexpected form of local playboy Asher Bishop. He offers to help her fund her investigation.
What follows is an amazing cat and mouse game of seduction and fear, that culminates in one of the better endings to a book like this that I've read in a while.
I cannot wait for Valentine, the next book in the series. I strongly encourage you to consider this series. Especially if you like darker erotica.
Cupid is a dark, mysterious, and sexy story about a man who the papers call Cupid and the woman who is determined to discover his true identity. Cupid kills rich men who abuse their power in different ways, and Diana, a reporter, is naturally curious. She is pulled into Cupid's crimes in a more personal way, and the want to find him becomes a need. The writing was smooth (especially considering it was co-written) with fast paced suspense, and beautiful description of the pain and pleasure the characters feel. Such an original story line, with twists and turns that had me questioning Cupid's motives as the story revealed more through his perspective. I'm looking forward to the next book by Eby and Wright. Read this one if you love dark romance!
Dark Perfection. Asher, rich, sexy, confident and out of his ever loving mind. Dark Desire. Diane, a smart, hard-nosed journalist, out to catch a killer but instead falls for him. You know you're in trouble when an author can humanize a murderer, good deed killings or not. And I'm in such trouble! Ms. Wright (and Ms. Eby) has done it again I can't wait for the second part!!!!!! If you liked the Bad for You series, you'll love this! One thing I didn't like was that everything was happening so fast (was it even five days?), although the good part about that is that my heart's still racing from all the thrills! And I hope that on the next installment the author delves fully into the (anti) hero's past.
The book was accurately described as dark and erotic. Cupid/Asher is a serial killer who falls for the wife of one of his victims. It sounds morbid but it's done in a very romantic-ish way. Due to his infatuation with her, Asher hires Diana to investigate and discover who the serial killer she names Cupid is. Diana discovers who her new lover truly is and realizes he will never let her go. A lot more happens in between and a few naughty bits but that's the general idea. So for the most part, loved the writing styles and the plot. Disliked the abrupt ending and there were a few grammatical errors that I noticed. I would read again and continue with the authors. Recommended.
I prefer my psycho heroes to know they're psycho, i.e. Ryan in Desolate or Jude in Serial. Asher has multiple conversations with his dead mother, only sometimes realizing that she's passed. I don't feel like he owns his crazy, just his dark deeds. Also, (and I'll admit this is a pet peeve of mine) this has "Erotic" in the title but only ONE sex scene and ONE kiss before that. That's it... so maybe we just call it 'a dark romance'. I did like the premise of the book. The writing has good flow and the author has interesting ideas. It just wasn't what I expected.
This is barely on the edge of romance. I would say the dark theme overpowers the romance. I also don't think it's erotic. Even for those that love dark romance, I probably wouldn't recommend this just because the hero is a gorgeous nut case that needs to be admitted to a mental hospital, plus in the way of romance I don't think its the perfect mix. However, as a book, its great. I would recommend it for someone looking for a good read. Asher is the best part of the book because he is so crazy you laugh. He has the best crazy thoughts!
I didn't give it a 4 because of grammar and the writing could have flowed a lot better.
Hmm, think of a Dexter/Arrow mashup as you dive into this. Asher (Cupid) is a killer that kills monsters using a bow and arrow. Diana is a reporter that is hunting Cupid. This isn't your average serial killer novel and its definitely interesting. It's also sexy so you get something else thrown in! Both authors work well together. I originally thought this was a standalone but I'm excited to see what happens next in book 2, Valentine
Jade, oh my god. Your writing is so intense and enchanting. Also Kenya, this is my first time reading a book from you, but it definitely stood up for me. Cupid is a dark romance that wants to wrap you in its claws.
This is the best Dark romance I have read in a while. It gives me the same feeling I get when I watched Dexter. How do you feel about a killer that only kills bad people. Does that make them just crazy or bad and crazy.
The Positives: I must say I was enthralled. The whole time you are screaming at the woman to figure it out to get away from this psyco, but I guess we all overlook a lot when a sexy man is involved. As with any book there are some things that you have to buy into the "Suspension of disbelief" Yes she could have made other decisions or not moved in with him, but they were plot devices that moved the story forward. Probably my favorite part to the book was how you were able to really see into the head of the killer. His psychotic tendencies were fun to dig into.
I also love a strong female lead (something Kenya Wright has down to a T). No annoying ditzy characters to be found here. And honestly even reading the entire book I don't know if I want her to Kill Cupid, Bust all his murders and put him in prison, or stay with him and help him commit the crimes as a twisted love/ murder squad.
Also the writing was spectacular. Such vivid imagery. Over all AMAZING BOOK I WISH I COULD READ AGAIN SO THAT I COULD EXPERIECE IT AGAIN. Have already recommended to my friends/ family.
The Not so Positives (I'm not putting negatives because these points didn't bother me that much, but I want to give a fair honest review): There was a couple of typos. I'm not sure if this is only for the Kindle version or in print too. Not an obscene amount, but still there. Second grow point there were certain spots in the book where I felt like they could change minor details to make the story a bit more cohesive. Like in the beginning they say they were dumbfounded on what the murder weapon is then she talked about it being a bow and arrow like 3 pages later. In the same respect he hid under the bed with his mother, then it said near the end his closet was his safe space. They could have very easily had him hide in the closet with the mother instead of mentioning the bed then changing it to the closet.
A serial killer with questionable mental facilities falls for a woman he shouldn't and a woman in a crappy marriage tries to find said serial killer but struggles emotionally. This book was absolutely delicious!! Asher is a mix of Dexter Morgan and Norman Bates yet still sexy af. Diana is a smart, and also beautiful, emotionally troubled woman. As soon as I finished this, I started the sequel before even writing this review. This type of genre had me on edge and I LOVED 😍 it. This only gets a 4 star because of the grammatical errors.
Creative, intriguing story. Surprisingly unexpected. Really liked the portrayal of the hero, his thought processes/ psyche, interactions with his staff and the heroine. Great heroine -- smart, strong, resilient, and introspective. The book was a quick read, and perhaps could have been a bit longer for more realistic built up to their attraction - it's titled Cupid, after all -- and less rushing into the discovery of Cupid's identity. I look forward to the next story.
I love a good psycho alpha male and Asher totally fits the bill! He just enough sexy and crazy to make a gumbo of psycho. I was happily surprised by Ashers brutal honesty at the strangest times, real story game changer. can't wait to dive into Valentine
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ This is my introduction to this author(s) this book was such a well written book! From Asher’s to Dianna’s pov. Asher talking to his dead mother (really his conscience he speaks to) Diana still standing on her principals like i love these characters and i look forward to this next book
The book was good. They definitely someone new to proof read. So many editing errors. Wrong words and misspelled words. Really drives me crazy. Other than that the book was pretty good.
One shot with his bow, Justification in blood, Trained from birth to “protect”……
“Cupid”: He only hurts those who hurt others. Men all of them were deceitful monsters. It was his job to kill the monsters. And so he did. Bow and arrow in hand he was riding the world of all the monsters. But no one is above the law. The old adage rings true, “what’s done in the dark comes to light.” Desperation turns into obsession and the games have just begun.
Asher: One of Ovid Island richest men. He has eyes everywhere and the power to put fear in any man. Asher is a man with a dark past and even darker secrets. An Island state in a world only few would understand. He carries the burden a reminder of his mother’s hurtful past. His mother groomed him from the start: it's only us in the world. But what happens when the world you known is turned upside down?
Diana: Trapped in a loveless marriage or so it seems. She enjoys the perks of being married but has become bored. Wanting something new and tired of the same adventure finds Diana and suddenly she finds herself stuck in cupid’s arrow.
This is a psychological thriller with lots of twists and turns. One thing I did find that the story at times seemed a bit inconsistent. For instance, Diana never wanted to leave Neil (husband) she mentions he didn’t give her any reason but had multiple indiscretions that she knew of. But now she is flirting and finds herself “dating” none other than Asher. This was a cat and mouse game between the two characters. Which leads readers to ask who is playing who? Diana is a reporter and Asher wants to protect his investment as they both try to find out the identity of serial killer Cupid. I enjoyed the dual point of views and the flashback scenes of the killers past. It gave readers insight into the mind of a psychopath or is it sociopath? At times the inner dialogue was a bit much and I wanted more present dialogue between the characters.
I wasn’t quite sure of the time line in this story because everything progressed so rapidly. The authors don’t leave the readers guessing long about who the killer is. The story jumps right into the nonstop action. This book was like lifetime, snapped and American Psycho met and had a baby. At times it was hard to differentiate what was actually happening vs. Imagination. One of my few issues with the story is that this is a series and the story just ends. Asher was a psychopath and very complex. When secrets and lies are revealed I wonder how Diana will find herself, she seemed terrified and intrigued at the same time. I really did feel as though Cupid didn’t have any remorse or redeeming qualities. This story has some underlying tones of darkness. It will be interesting to see what the next story will explore. Hopefully the authors don’t make us wait too long. I give this story 3.5 stars. Please judge this book for yourselves and not based on this one review.
I have read several of Kenya Wright's book and really enjoyed them so I was very curious to see how this collaboration would play out. Not only is the premise of this book quite intriguing, but it is also an IR. I rarely find dark stories featuring an interracial couples so this was a no brainer for me.
The story is centered on Dania Carson, an acclaimed reporter whose husband was murdered by a serial killer/vigilante. This killer seems to target only men who have abused and hurt women and children. Diana's natural curiosity incites her to uncover the identity of the killer. She doesn't want revenge on her husband's death, she only wants truth and facts. She is helped in her quest by the very intriguing and secretive Asher Bishop one of the Island's notorious millionaires. Their attraction grows deeper and stronger despite the danger that is looming, but danger is actually closer to Diana than she ever thought possible... This book is quite good, the storytelling and pacing make it very enjoyable to read. The characters are well fleshed out and we get a glimpse into their past as well as their POV. Not surprisingly, both protagonists have dark past, but each one of them chooses a different path. While Diana always seeks the truth and reveals it, Asher seeks the truth and executes judgement. Diana and Asher meet in an uncanny circumstance and there is instantly and undeniable attraction between the two. It is quite potent and described beautifully in the book. As the investigation progresses, our heroine is forced to live under Asher's roof and there, the chemistry comes to fruition with disastrous effects!! I like how each character had their demons(especially asher) and was forced to question their path when faced with the other's choices. This book asks questions such as What is good? What is bad? What is justice?
I have to say that the plot is not nearly as twisted as I expected, I could see everything coming from the very beginning. And some things just didn't quite make sense (Why did Diana HAVE TO be under Asher's roof to be protected? She has tons of money and she can pay for security...as a matter of fact why does she even NEED Asher to finance her investigation since she has money as well. He didn't really bring anything to the table in terms of knowledge on the killer so what was his contribution?) Maybe the most important aspect was not the plot but the characters, and the authors just wanted to bring them together. And these two played off each other very well! Their story is not as sexy and disturbing as I was anticipating but it was damn good. I think the fact that Asher was talking to his "imaginary friend" is what took me aback. That just made him seem like a loony and just decreased the sex appeal a great deal lol. Overall 3.5 STARS.
I almost immediately hated Diana. There was just something about her that annoyed me however, she grew on me...a little. The authors did a good job of making me feel sympathy towards Asher and his upbringing. He would have been kinda hot if not for the fact he's a total loon. The authors also do a good job of making you temporarily forget who he is and what he's done...at least until his mother shows up.
There are some spelling and grammar errors. There is also some misuse of words. There are completely made up words. I almost stopped reading and deleted this book when I read "phrophesize". Really...PHROPHESIZE?! One can only assume from the context she meant "prophesied" or possibly even "prophesy". In any case, I almost felt disrespected as a reader. I get it, it is a difficult word and the word used was (or should have been) a place holder until she found the proper spelling. This should have been corrected during the editing process. In the likely event there was no editing, clearly it would have been red-lined during spell check...which means she saw it...which means she didn't care. Perhaps she couldn't find the proper spelling. After all, spell check only works if you are close enough to the intended word for the system to figure out what you really mean. In that case just use another word. Foretell comes to mind or how about predict or even signify could be used in this context. I try not to be what they call a "grammar/spelling Nazi" as I too have some trouble with it from time to time. Usually I try to overlook it unless its completely ridiculous. Ultimately, its better to use a simpler word correctly (in all aspects) than a more complex one just to be fancy. I could be completely overreacting but it is a pet peeve of mine.
Ok, end of rant... It was hit or miss there for me for a while, but I'm glad that I finished it. I'm now curious to know what happens next. Will she or won't she...
When I saw this cover , I was drawn to this book as the cover screamed horror with a romantic twist. It's almost a sadistic type cover which does capture those who are judge the book by the cover people in. Then I saw the heading Dark Erotic Romance and I was like ok in for that type of story. I was however in for a rollercoaster of a ride and one filled with surprises. The book started with Asher - a billionaire and sole heir to a fortune and a company - he is at a party that I could imagine would rival Jay Gatsby's - it just had that sort of setting to it and I think they did chuck a quotation or reference to The Great Gatsby in the midst of the book. He then tells his mother he is off and he heads over to a house on the island where Neil is having an affair with his secretary and he kills them both. We later discover that he is a serial killer who kills unfaithful men and the occassional unfaithful women. The book then jumps to his house and that's when we catch on/off glimpses of his mother - not to spoil the storyline but readers - the relationship of Asher and his Mum will leave you in a state of wonder. We then met Diana - she is the wife of Neil and is a newspaper reporter , she is curious about "Cupid" and is approached by Asher Bishop to fund an investigation into Cupid - this is his little game to stay one step ahead. He finds himself though falling for Diana , but what will happen when Diana stumbles over his dark and dirty secret ? I found Cupid to be more of a Pyschological Romantic Suspense rather than Dark Erotica - in a way it resembled more of MJ Rose's The Butterfield Institute series rather than CJ Robert's Captive in the Dark series. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and more of Jady Eby/Kenya Wright books.