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Ruth Roth #2
Cupid F*cks Up
Ruth Roth is a straight shooter. Pity Cupid’s not.
Smart-mouth Ruth is an inspirational humour columnist for a popular women’s magazine. Recently divorced, she has found the love of her life. Without any help, mind you, from the little fat love god. Ruth has decided she herself is her one and only.
And she’s in a comfy place. Why wouldn’t she be? No need to yell ‘Put the bloody toilet seat down!’ No need to hoover toe-nail clippings off the carpet.
But then a silver-tongued Prince Charming fronts up in his shiny Merc and tickles her discarded, little-girl fantasies. He tells her their love is written in the stars.
It must be a misprint.
A romance with this particular PC is not so PC! Still …
Ruth’s life plays out more like ancient myth than fairytale. And what hot-blooded woman can resist forbidden fruit?
There's a problem, though. Ruth does not have a hot-blooded mum. Ruth has a pain-in-the-arse mum whose squawking disapproval cranks the taboo up a notch.
All the more reason to take up with the stud! But it means taking on the harpy.
Tensions mount, and even Ruth’s man can’t protect her from the trash-talking voices in her head. It looks like he can’t muzzle his own either. When an earth-shattering revelation causes him to give her grief, it makes her feel like she’s dating her mother.
Taking the kind of advice she doles out to her readers is not so easy, and Ruth wonders if this love can survive. More to the point, is it worth the trouble?
Smart-mouth Ruth is an inspirational humour columnist for a popular women’s magazine. Recently divorced, she has found the love of her life. Without any help, mind you, from the little fat love god. Ruth has decided she herself is her one and only.
And she’s in a comfy place. Why wouldn’t she be? No need to yell ‘Put the bloody toilet seat down!’ No need to hoover toe-nail clippings off the carpet.
But then a silver-tongued Prince Charming fronts up in his shiny Merc and tickles her discarded, little-girl fantasies. He tells her their love is written in the stars.
It must be a misprint.
A romance with this particular PC is not so PC! Still …
Ruth’s life plays out more like ancient myth than fairytale. And what hot-blooded woman can resist forbidden fruit?
There's a problem, though. Ruth does not have a hot-blooded mum. Ruth has a pain-in-the-arse mum whose squawking disapproval cranks the taboo up a notch.
All the more reason to take up with the stud! But it means taking on the harpy.
Tensions mount, and even Ruth’s man can’t protect her from the trash-talking voices in her head. It looks like he can’t muzzle his own either. When an earth-shattering revelation causes him to give her grief, it makes her feel like she’s dating her mother.
Taking the kind of advice she doles out to her readers is not so easy, and Ruth wonders if this love can survive. More to the point, is it worth the trouble?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2017
16 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Paula Houseman
4 books115 followersI grew up in an episode of South Park on an endless loop.
Or so it seemed.
What felt like hard yakka at the time is now a fabulous cache of raw twaddle to draw on.
When I first realised that my early, quasi-fictional home environment had distorted my understanding of selfhood, I became curious about the concept of identity. As a graphic designer, I'd already been creating business ones for others through imagery.
But scratching the surface wasn’t enough for someone who asked a lot of questions. So, I went to university and, majoring in linguistics and sociology, I learned about the power of word usage to shape our identities and realities.
Still not enough.
It inspired me to dig deep into the substratum until it felt like I was schlepping through an ancient myth. Or an episode of South Park. It was like a homecoming.
Not a bad thing because I uncovered my muse, the butt-ugly goddess of obscenity.
She, who embodies a holy kind of dirty, showed me the absurdity of the human condition and reminded me about the value of laughter. She's responsible for my dirty bazoo and the bawdiness in my books.
For all that, she has literary leanings and feeds me Upmarket Women's Fiction.
My three Amazon #1 bestsellers (British satire and humour category) are part of the Ruth Roth series, but all are standalone. Book 1, a Readers’ Favorite Award winner, is the coming-of-age 'Odyssey in a Teacup'; Book 2, 2019 New Apple eBook Awards Humor Official Selection, is the romantic comedy 'Cupid F*cks Up ' (formerly known as 'Apoca[hot]lips'); and Book 3, 'My Troyboy is a Twat', is also a romantic comedy. I'm currently seeking representation for Book 4.
Or so it seemed.
What felt like hard yakka at the time is now a fabulous cache of raw twaddle to draw on.
When I first realised that my early, quasi-fictional home environment had distorted my understanding of selfhood, I became curious about the concept of identity. As a graphic designer, I'd already been creating business ones for others through imagery.
But scratching the surface wasn’t enough for someone who asked a lot of questions. So, I went to university and, majoring in linguistics and sociology, I learned about the power of word usage to shape our identities and realities.
Still not enough.
It inspired me to dig deep into the substratum until it felt like I was schlepping through an ancient myth. Or an episode of South Park. It was like a homecoming.
Not a bad thing because I uncovered my muse, the butt-ugly goddess of obscenity.
She, who embodies a holy kind of dirty, showed me the absurdity of the human condition and reminded me about the value of laughter. She's responsible for my dirty bazoo and the bawdiness in my books.
For all that, she has literary leanings and feeds me Upmarket Women's Fiction.
My three Amazon #1 bestsellers (British satire and humour category) are part of the Ruth Roth series, but all are standalone. Book 1, a Readers’ Favorite Award winner, is the coming-of-age 'Odyssey in a Teacup'; Book 2, 2019 New Apple eBook Awards Humor Official Selection, is the romantic comedy 'Cupid F*cks Up ' (formerly known as 'Apoca[hot]lips'); and Book 3, 'My Troyboy is a Twat', is also a romantic comedy. I'm currently seeking representation for Book 4.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
October 6, 2018
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
Finding out he was adopted was bittersweet for Ralph. Bitter, because he felt betrayed by his adored and adoring adoptive mother, who withheld such important information from him. But sweet, because it meant he wasn’t swimming in the same shallow, fetid gene pool as the other idiots in his family— his father, his younger whiney sister, Louise (Louwhiney), and his two brothers, george and simon (who, according to Ralph, had no brains, miniscule penises, and were too common to be worthy of majuscule letters at the beginning of their names).
Unlike Xena, Warrior Princess —who slept in an ice cave for twenty-five years— I’d developed some pampered princess tendencies. I was now more Worrier Princess.
But the award for unrivaled faux pas went to Sylvia… ‘My son the doctor did all he could,’ she told them. I didn’t think it was the right time to correct her. (Myron was a dentist. He had fallen short of Sylvia’s dream of him becoming a doctor, but she regularly cashed in on his title, Doctor Roth.) Chalky-skinned, she dabbed at her weepy eyes with a tissue. She regained her composure and continued. ‘Myron tried to revive his father with artificial insemination.’
‘You could have called me,’ she accused. ‘I might have been dead on the floor like your father was. I could have composted.’ … ‘I think you meant decomposed.’
Casper liked watching the occasional scary movie… Casper assured me he felt loved and wouldn’t become Freddy Krueger. With his powers of persuasion, I worried that he’d become a lawyer or a politician instead.
My Review:
While still cleverly amusing, this book was considerably more angsty with relationship and family issues and more introspective and emotive than the first in the series. Ruth and Ralph were both laboring through significant life events, transitions, and revelations. There were several emotional teeter-totters and periods in the story where Ruth was shrewish and cruel; I wanted to pull her hair. Ruth’s procrastination and on and off attempts at soul-searching on her journey of empowerment was entertaining but not without hiccups. Romance was thick in the air and I was all swoony over Ralph, although he could have also used a few kicks to dislodge his cranium from his gluts. This has to be the quirkiest cast of characters ever assembled and they continue to intrigue and expand with the oddest of eccentricities. The introduction of the colorful and peculiar character of Hector yielded an entirely new level of rib-tickling levity.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
Finding out he was adopted was bittersweet for Ralph. Bitter, because he felt betrayed by his adored and adoring adoptive mother, who withheld such important information from him. But sweet, because it meant he wasn’t swimming in the same shallow, fetid gene pool as the other idiots in his family— his father, his younger whiney sister, Louise (Louwhiney), and his two brothers, george and simon (who, according to Ralph, had no brains, miniscule penises, and were too common to be worthy of majuscule letters at the beginning of their names).
Unlike Xena, Warrior Princess —who slept in an ice cave for twenty-five years— I’d developed some pampered princess tendencies. I was now more Worrier Princess.
But the award for unrivaled faux pas went to Sylvia… ‘My son the doctor did all he could,’ she told them. I didn’t think it was the right time to correct her. (Myron was a dentist. He had fallen short of Sylvia’s dream of him becoming a doctor, but she regularly cashed in on his title, Doctor Roth.) Chalky-skinned, she dabbed at her weepy eyes with a tissue. She regained her composure and continued. ‘Myron tried to revive his father with artificial insemination.’
‘You could have called me,’ she accused. ‘I might have been dead on the floor like your father was. I could have composted.’ … ‘I think you meant decomposed.’
Casper liked watching the occasional scary movie… Casper assured me he felt loved and wouldn’t become Freddy Krueger. With his powers of persuasion, I worried that he’d become a lawyer or a politician instead.
My Review:
While still cleverly amusing, this book was considerably more angsty with relationship and family issues and more introspective and emotive than the first in the series. Ruth and Ralph were both laboring through significant life events, transitions, and revelations. There were several emotional teeter-totters and periods in the story where Ruth was shrewish and cruel; I wanted to pull her hair. Ruth’s procrastination and on and off attempts at soul-searching on her journey of empowerment was entertaining but not without hiccups. Romance was thick in the air and I was all swoony over Ralph, although he could have also used a few kicks to dislodge his cranium from his gluts. This has to be the quirkiest cast of characters ever assembled and they continue to intrigue and expand with the oddest of eccentricities. The introduction of the colorful and peculiar character of Hector yielded an entirely new level of rib-tickling levity.
September 28, 2018
Cupid F*cks Up is the second book in the Ruth Roth series and continues on with Ruth’s story from where we left off in the first book of the series, Odyssey in a Teacup. You can find my review of the first book here.
Paula Houseman is back again delivering all the sass and all the snark that I have come to love. She turns it up a notch though in this second installment and the laughs are even funnier this time around. Ruth Roth always fantasized about finding her prince charming. She thought she found him, but alas, he was not the one. One day, her prince charming rolls up in a shiny Mercedes convertible and he was none other than the boy and man she has known her entire life. He tells her their romance is destined for the stars! But, what will people think when they find out who her prince charming really is?
Follow along on Ruth’s journey of self discovery, a new found love, raising her two teenage children with issues of their own, and a neighbor from hell with the protruding eye intent on making Ruth’s life miserable with all of her garden gnomes and craziness. Ruth takes us on one crazy ride full of self discovery and finding a happily-ever-after-as she navigates through this crazy little thing called life.
Paula Houseman has a knack with writing about life in a way that I can nod my head and agree while often times finding similarities in my own life and nutty family. She adds a sense of realism which makes her stories ring true. Houseman has an uncanny ability with blending the raw funny side with such issues such as death, birth, reincarnation, and social anxieties. In other words, The sh*t gets real! I am sure most readers, if not all, will be able to relate with something that resonates through these pages. I know I surely did.
Cupid F*cks Up is a highly entertaining laugh out loud comedy of growing older, raising a family, finding mister right and most important of all...finding yourself in the process. Houseman leaves us begging for more of Ruth Roth and her crazy family after the last page has been devoured. If you love a lot of laughs and have not started this series yet….what are you waiting for? You are really missing out! Paula Houseman has quickly garnered her way into “auto buy” status for me. I don't even need to read a synopsis. If a book has Paula Houseman’s name on it I know I will be in for a treat.
Paula Houseman is back again delivering all the sass and all the snark that I have come to love. She turns it up a notch though in this second installment and the laughs are even funnier this time around. Ruth Roth always fantasized about finding her prince charming. She thought she found him, but alas, he was not the one. One day, her prince charming rolls up in a shiny Mercedes convertible and he was none other than the boy and man she has known her entire life. He tells her their romance is destined for the stars! But, what will people think when they find out who her prince charming really is?
Follow along on Ruth’s journey of self discovery, a new found love, raising her two teenage children with issues of their own, and a neighbor from hell with the protruding eye intent on making Ruth’s life miserable with all of her garden gnomes and craziness. Ruth takes us on one crazy ride full of self discovery and finding a happily-ever-after-as she navigates through this crazy little thing called life.
Paula Houseman has a knack with writing about life in a way that I can nod my head and agree while often times finding similarities in my own life and nutty family. She adds a sense of realism which makes her stories ring true. Houseman has an uncanny ability with blending the raw funny side with such issues such as death, birth, reincarnation, and social anxieties. In other words, The sh*t gets real! I am sure most readers, if not all, will be able to relate with something that resonates through these pages. I know I surely did.
Cupid F*cks Up is a highly entertaining laugh out loud comedy of growing older, raising a family, finding mister right and most important of all...finding yourself in the process. Houseman leaves us begging for more of Ruth Roth and her crazy family after the last page has been devoured. If you love a lot of laughs and have not started this series yet….what are you waiting for? You are really missing out! Paula Houseman has quickly garnered her way into “auto buy” status for me. I don't even need to read a synopsis. If a book has Paula Houseman’s name on it I know I will be in for a treat.
August 14, 2019
Just finished reading this book courtesy of voracious readers only and it was absolutely amazing! Finished it in less than 24 hours I was that gripped! Lots of laugh out loud moments and a very relatable story! I highly recommend this book!
January 5, 2019
Ms. Houseman’s writing is magic. She combines romance, love, psychology, mythology, quirky characters you can’t help but fall in love with, and other quirky characters you’ll want to kick in the pants—hard. On top of all that, she has given us an utterly hilarious story that will have you laughing/snort-laughing/spluttering along the way. If you care what people think, I suggest you read this book in private. Warning: do not consume hot coffee while reading Cupid F*cks Up for the safety of your Kindle and your nostrils. Five out of five laughed-my-*ss-off stars. Don't miss out on this series.
July 31, 2020
This is a funny story. I can't recall any particular thing that stood out for me but I ended the story knowing I enjoyed reading it.
Throughout the book it touched on important topics but with a side of humor it felt light hearted instead of lecturing.
I was able to read the entire story in one sitting. A nice lazy morning read.
I received an ARC through VRO for honest review.
Throughout the book it touched on important topics but with a side of humor it felt light hearted instead of lecturing.
I was able to read the entire story in one sitting. A nice lazy morning read.
I received an ARC through VRO for honest review.
January 28, 2020
Cupid F*ccks Up
I recieved this book to review from the Author,through Voracious Readers Only. This review is my own opinion. I did not realise when I started reading that this was the second book in the series. I realise now that it would have been best to the first before picking this one up. It does not stand alone.
It was not a book I felt I would finish but I kept going with it. As I got to know the characters I kept reading and I am glad I did.
The whole Family were wacky to say the least, and the story line was full of drama , humour, family dynamics mixed with romance. The inlaws were a hoot and I think everyone has a Hector in their Family tree somewhere. Great writing style I just wish I had read the fist one beforehand. I will nèed to read the next book to see how things went after the honeymoon.
I recieved this book to review from the Author,through Voracious Readers Only. This review is my own opinion. I did not realise when I started reading that this was the second book in the series. I realise now that it would have been best to the first before picking this one up. It does not stand alone.
It was not a book I felt I would finish but I kept going with it. As I got to know the characters I kept reading and I am glad I did.
The whole Family were wacky to say the least, and the story line was full of drama , humour, family dynamics mixed with romance. The inlaws were a hoot and I think everyone has a Hector in their Family tree somewhere. Great writing style I just wish I had read the fist one beforehand. I will nèed to read the next book to see how things went after the honeymoon.
October 17, 2020
‘I think I need to be alone,’ I’d said. It was a politically correct way of saying fuck off. So he left." O Ruthie and Ralph. Do they get together? Will it work?
Absolutely hilarious, the witty blunt humour had me chuckling out loud a good number of times. Paula Houseman has done a fantastic job at not only working the romance and comedy but making it all relatable at the same time. All the characters in this book were well written and above all human. The plot was a cracker too. Just when things couldn't get stranger or more funny they just did. The book ends on a cliff hanger where I need to find out what happens, and the except for the next book sounds fantastic.
I received this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only for the pleasure of reading and leaving an honest review.
Absolutely hilarious, the witty blunt humour had me chuckling out loud a good number of times. Paula Houseman has done a fantastic job at not only working the romance and comedy but making it all relatable at the same time. All the characters in this book were well written and above all human. The plot was a cracker too. Just when things couldn't get stranger or more funny they just did. The book ends on a cliff hanger where I need to find out what happens, and the except for the next book sounds fantastic.
I received this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only for the pleasure of reading and leaving an honest review.
April 11, 2021
Not my usual genre, usually Sci-Fi/Fantasy, but I was very pleasantly surprised. Ruth's life is definitely on the dysfunctional side. You had to keep reading just to see what was going to happen next. Absolutely loved this book! Just goes to show I should branch out more as you never know what you will find. Will have definitely to get #3 now.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, via Voracious readers, in exchange for a review.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, via Voracious readers, in exchange for a review.
May 12, 2020
This was a free book from Voracious Readers Only. Not my usual genre so I wasn’t sure I was going to like it for the first few chapters. But then I couldn’t put it down. Ruth was broken, her psyche poisoned by her mother, and her journey in search of happiness was definitely worth the read, some parts making me laugh out loud. Good read, tongue- in- cheek funny.
December 13, 2019
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: Cupid F*cks Up
Subtitle: (Ruth Roth #2)
Author: Paula Houseman
Genre: Romance
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 2
Best read after earlier books in series? Possibly
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This book tells the story of Ruth. She has divorced her husband and lives with her two children. Her cousin Ralph is also her best friend and supports her where he can. Ralph is not a real cousin, having been adopted by her aunt and uncle. Although both are in love with each other, Ruth has difficulty in accepting this. A judgmental mother and neighbour don’t make life any easier either. A book full of heartache and humour.
What I liked about the book:
The continuous underlying humour made the book a pleasure to read while still touching on some highly emotional and controversial subjects.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I liked the book in its entirety.
My favourite bits in the book:
Where Ruth and Ralph finally seem to get things together.
My least favourite bits in the book:
Where Ruth allows her mum’s voice to interfere in her life.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This book is the second in the series. I have not read the others but was easily able to follow the story despite having missed the first one.
What books could this be compared to and why?
I’m not sure what book to compare this one to.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Possibly
Adult Yes
If you like a love story with humour and controversy this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Ruth Roth is a straight shooter. Pity Cupid’s not.
Smart-mouth Ruth is an inspirational humour columnist for a popular women’s magazine. Recently divorced, she has found the love of her life. Without any help, mind you, from the little fat love god. Ruth has decided she herself is her one and only.
And she’s in a comfy place. Why wouldn’t she be? No need to yell ‘Put the bloody toilet seat down!’ No need to hoover toe-nail clippings off the carpet.
But then a silver-tongued Prince Charming fronts up in his shiny Merc and tickles her discarded, little-girl fantasies. He tells her their love is written in the stars.
It must be a misprint.
A romance with this particular PC is not so PC! Still …
Ruth’s life plays out more like ancient myth than fairytale. And what hot-blooded woman can resist forbidden fruit?
There's a problem, though. Ruth does not have a hot-blooded mum. Ruth has a pain-in-the-arse mum whose squawking disapproval cranks the taboo up a notch.
All the more reason to take up with the stud! But it means taking on the harpy.
Tensions mount, and even Ruth’s man can’t protect her from the trash-talking voices in her head. It looks like he can’t muzzle his own either. When an earth-shattering revelation causes him to give her grief, it makes her feel like she’s dating her mother.
Taking the kind of advice she doles out to her readers is not so easy, and Ruth wonders if this love can survive. More to the point, is it worth the trouble?
About the Author:
I thought my life was, well ... meh. Until I started fiction writing. Memories flooded back and I realised my existence had not been mundane at all; it had been bloody ridiculous!
And little wonder. I’m controlled by the butt-ugly, potty-mouthed goddess of obscenity. Nothing I say is my fault. NOTHING. She has always had the whip hand in my psyche and used to get me into a lot of shit when I was a kid. I rediscovered her while I was researching my university Honours thesis—fossicking around in ancient mythology, home to the archetypes of our modern-day reality.
I might have shut her out for a long time, but by God I love her! She, who embodies a holy kind of dirty, shows me the absurdity of the human condition, reminds me about the value of laughter, and is responsible for the bawdiness in my books: Amazon #1 bestseller (British satire and humour category) and Readers' Favorite Award winner, coming-of-age chick lit, 'Odyssey in a Teacup', and Books 2 & 3 in the Ruth Roth Series, romantic comedies, 2019 New Apple eBook Awards 'Humor' Official Selection, Cupid F*cks Up' (formerly known as 'Apoca[hot]lips'), and 'My Troyboy is a Twat'.
Basic Details:
Book Title: Cupid F*cks Up
Subtitle: (Ruth Roth #2)
Author: Paula Houseman
Genre: Romance
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 2
Best read after earlier books in series? Possibly
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This book tells the story of Ruth. She has divorced her husband and lives with her two children. Her cousin Ralph is also her best friend and supports her where he can. Ralph is not a real cousin, having been adopted by her aunt and uncle. Although both are in love with each other, Ruth has difficulty in accepting this. A judgmental mother and neighbour don’t make life any easier either. A book full of heartache and humour.
What I liked about the book:
The continuous underlying humour made the book a pleasure to read while still touching on some highly emotional and controversial subjects.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I liked the book in its entirety.
My favourite bits in the book:
Where Ruth and Ralph finally seem to get things together.
My least favourite bits in the book:
Where Ruth allows her mum’s voice to interfere in her life.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This book is the second in the series. I have not read the others but was easily able to follow the story despite having missed the first one.
What books could this be compared to and why?
I’m not sure what book to compare this one to.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Possibly
Adult Yes
If you like a love story with humour and controversy this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Ruth Roth is a straight shooter. Pity Cupid’s not.
Smart-mouth Ruth is an inspirational humour columnist for a popular women’s magazine. Recently divorced, she has found the love of her life. Without any help, mind you, from the little fat love god. Ruth has decided she herself is her one and only.
And she’s in a comfy place. Why wouldn’t she be? No need to yell ‘Put the bloody toilet seat down!’ No need to hoover toe-nail clippings off the carpet.
But then a silver-tongued Prince Charming fronts up in his shiny Merc and tickles her discarded, little-girl fantasies. He tells her their love is written in the stars.
It must be a misprint.
A romance with this particular PC is not so PC! Still …
Ruth’s life plays out more like ancient myth than fairytale. And what hot-blooded woman can resist forbidden fruit?
There's a problem, though. Ruth does not have a hot-blooded mum. Ruth has a pain-in-the-arse mum whose squawking disapproval cranks the taboo up a notch.
All the more reason to take up with the stud! But it means taking on the harpy.
Tensions mount, and even Ruth’s man can’t protect her from the trash-talking voices in her head. It looks like he can’t muzzle his own either. When an earth-shattering revelation causes him to give her grief, it makes her feel like she’s dating her mother.
Taking the kind of advice she doles out to her readers is not so easy, and Ruth wonders if this love can survive. More to the point, is it worth the trouble?
About the Author:
I thought my life was, well ... meh. Until I started fiction writing. Memories flooded back and I realised my existence had not been mundane at all; it had been bloody ridiculous!
And little wonder. I’m controlled by the butt-ugly, potty-mouthed goddess of obscenity. Nothing I say is my fault. NOTHING. She has always had the whip hand in my psyche and used to get me into a lot of shit when I was a kid. I rediscovered her while I was researching my university Honours thesis—fossicking around in ancient mythology, home to the archetypes of our modern-day reality.
I might have shut her out for a long time, but by God I love her! She, who embodies a holy kind of dirty, shows me the absurdity of the human condition, reminds me about the value of laughter, and is responsible for the bawdiness in my books: Amazon #1 bestseller (British satire and humour category) and Readers' Favorite Award winner, coming-of-age chick lit, 'Odyssey in a Teacup', and Books 2 & 3 in the Ruth Roth Series, romantic comedies, 2019 New Apple eBook Awards 'Humor' Official Selection, Cupid F*cks Up' (formerly known as 'Apoca[hot]lips'), and 'My Troyboy is a Twat'.
October 1, 2018
*I received a free ARC of this book with thanks to the author and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Ruth Roth returns in this second in the series of memoir-style comedy romance books. I recommend reading Odyssey in a Teacup first, to set both the scene and the tone. However the author neatly recaps any essential information in the form of Ruth recalling previous anecdotes, so this instalment does stand alone too.
The story follows Ruth with her zany family, tempestuous friends and chaotic love life, as she struggles to deal with all the resultant drama without her personal tragi-comedy losing its sense of humour. Where Book 1 focused on Ruth’s past and how that affected her post-divorce breakdown-of-self-discovery, Book 2 sticks to the present-day Ruth. Whilst covering less in year span there is more focus on plot and some interesting twists and turns as we (and she) finds out more about her loved ones and, along the way, herself.
Inevitably there are some changes here, as time moves on and so do some older characters to make room for the introduction of some new faces. The cliffhanger of Ralph’s family still obviously needed some resolution and so his roots are explored in more detail. Actually his aren’t the only ones! This family seems to have more skeletons than they do closets to house them and there seems to be no one whose roots couldn’t use a touch up!
Still, Ruth remains the same. By turns insecure and obscene, bawdy and self-conscious, strong and utterly childish, she muddles through everything thrown at her with her chin up and her sense of humour thrust out proudly. And while I am still unconvinced about Ruth and Ralph as a sizzling hot couple (mainly due to the fact that Ruth seems so unsure about it herself), I do love their rock-solid friendship and the healthy doses of psychoanalysis with which they buoy each other up ( and occasionally trim each other down to size).
Riotous from beginning to end, Ruth’s adventures are like a breath of fresh air and may cause uncontrollable hilarity. Strong language and sex makes them unsuitable for the sensitive and couth, but the rest of us will enjoy the risqué ride.
For a long time I’d kitted out in wishy-washy colours to blend in, to disappear. No more. I wasn’t a ‘mistake’ like my parents had said. I was meant to be here, I was meant to shine! And right now, I felt like as princess. A shameless one.
– Paula Houseman, Cupid F*cks Up
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Ruth Roth returns in this second in the series of memoir-style comedy romance books. I recommend reading Odyssey in a Teacup first, to set both the scene and the tone. However the author neatly recaps any essential information in the form of Ruth recalling previous anecdotes, so this instalment does stand alone too.
The story follows Ruth with her zany family, tempestuous friends and chaotic love life, as she struggles to deal with all the resultant drama without her personal tragi-comedy losing its sense of humour. Where Book 1 focused on Ruth’s past and how that affected her post-divorce breakdown-of-self-discovery, Book 2 sticks to the present-day Ruth. Whilst covering less in year span there is more focus on plot and some interesting twists and turns as we (and she) finds out more about her loved ones and, along the way, herself.
Inevitably there are some changes here, as time moves on and so do some older characters to make room for the introduction of some new faces. The cliffhanger of Ralph’s family still obviously needed some resolution and so his roots are explored in more detail. Actually his aren’t the only ones! This family seems to have more skeletons than they do closets to house them and there seems to be no one whose roots couldn’t use a touch up!
Still, Ruth remains the same. By turns insecure and obscene, bawdy and self-conscious, strong and utterly childish, she muddles through everything thrown at her with her chin up and her sense of humour thrust out proudly. And while I am still unconvinced about Ruth and Ralph as a sizzling hot couple (mainly due to the fact that Ruth seems so unsure about it herself), I do love their rock-solid friendship and the healthy doses of psychoanalysis with which they buoy each other up ( and occasionally trim each other down to size).
Riotous from beginning to end, Ruth’s adventures are like a breath of fresh air and may cause uncontrollable hilarity. Strong language and sex makes them unsuitable for the sensitive and couth, but the rest of us will enjoy the risqué ride.
For a long time I’d kitted out in wishy-washy colours to blend in, to disappear. No more. I wasn’t a ‘mistake’ like my parents had said. I was meant to be here, I was meant to shine! And right now, I felt like as princess. A shameless one.
– Paula Houseman, Cupid F*cks Up
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
October 1, 2018
In my review of the first book in this series, Odyssey in a Teacup, I wrote:
'The hallmark of a great writer is their ability to make their characters, the situations they find themselves in, and the feelings they experience, entirely relatable for the reader.'
Paula Houseman did it then and does it now. Sometimes in a series, the author’s writing dips and we are not as wowed by the second book as we are the first, not so here. The author has presented us with another laugh-out-loud, face-achingly funny, exploration of family and relationships. It’s the same Ruth; lewd and immature, crass and self-conscious, strong and insecure, she stumbles through life, dealing with whatever drama comes her way, with her usual style and bravura.
In this novel, we have moved forward, and as in real life, the old makes way for the new, and so we have fresh characters to get our reading-teeth into. Various twists and turns present us with a dramatic production whose characters include Ralph as her new-love-man-of-her-dreams, teenagers filled with angst and issues, the neighbour from hell, as well as their respective idiosyncratic families and friends. As we are moved, from scene to scene, through the tragedies and comedies of their lives, and the revelation of secrets, Ruth discovers they have more skeletons than the local cemetery.
With a littering of births, marriages, and deaths, self-discovery and reincarnation, with a wry look at the realities and craziness of life, Paula Houseman entertains, amuses, and enlightens us. What I said of Odyssey in a Teacup is just as true here:
She writes with vigour and humour, giving the reader no time to excuse themselves from the reading room. Her highly comic and satirical look at Ruth’s (and Ralph’s) navigation through the minefield of their respective families and assorted relatives, is nothing short of brilliant.
Want more? Read the book! You’ll love it!
'The hallmark of a great writer is their ability to make their characters, the situations they find themselves in, and the feelings they experience, entirely relatable for the reader.'
Paula Houseman did it then and does it now. Sometimes in a series, the author’s writing dips and we are not as wowed by the second book as we are the first, not so here. The author has presented us with another laugh-out-loud, face-achingly funny, exploration of family and relationships. It’s the same Ruth; lewd and immature, crass and self-conscious, strong and insecure, she stumbles through life, dealing with whatever drama comes her way, with her usual style and bravura.
In this novel, we have moved forward, and as in real life, the old makes way for the new, and so we have fresh characters to get our reading-teeth into. Various twists and turns present us with a dramatic production whose characters include Ralph as her new-love-man-of-her-dreams, teenagers filled with angst and issues, the neighbour from hell, as well as their respective idiosyncratic families and friends. As we are moved, from scene to scene, through the tragedies and comedies of their lives, and the revelation of secrets, Ruth discovers they have more skeletons than the local cemetery.
With a littering of births, marriages, and deaths, self-discovery and reincarnation, with a wry look at the realities and craziness of life, Paula Houseman entertains, amuses, and enlightens us. What I said of Odyssey in a Teacup is just as true here:
She writes with vigour and humour, giving the reader no time to excuse themselves from the reading room. Her highly comic and satirical look at Ruth’s (and Ralph’s) navigation through the minefield of their respective families and assorted relatives, is nothing short of brilliant.
Want more? Read the book! You’ll love it!
June 3, 2017
Five Stars!
Absolutely hilarious
First let me say that this is the funniest novel I've read in ages. The narrator, Ruth, is a divorcee with an attitude. She's sassy and smart – and has the hots for her cousin, Ralph. Only he's not really her cousin, and he is madly in love with her. It takes Ralph a while to convince Ruth that they belong together; at first, Ruth is worried about what her family will think. The chemistry between Ruth and Ralph is so hot it sizzles, and Ms. Houseman does an excellent job keeping the reader on edge and rooting for Ralph. But their love story, delightful as it is, isn't the whole book. Oh no! There's Ruth's parents, her brother, her children, and her neighbor-from-Hell! The book takes the reader on a wild ride. I laughed aloud, I couldn't stop reading – and I absolutely loved the writing. The dialogue was snappy and the situations comic. Ruth takes us through weddings, births, and funerals, while never losing her wry humor. The characters were both whacky and believable. In short, don't miss this book. It's one of the funniest, sexiest romantic comedies I've ever read. Highly recommended!
Absolutely hilarious
First let me say that this is the funniest novel I've read in ages. The narrator, Ruth, is a divorcee with an attitude. She's sassy and smart – and has the hots for her cousin, Ralph. Only he's not really her cousin, and he is madly in love with her. It takes Ralph a while to convince Ruth that they belong together; at first, Ruth is worried about what her family will think. The chemistry between Ruth and Ralph is so hot it sizzles, and Ms. Houseman does an excellent job keeping the reader on edge and rooting for Ralph. But their love story, delightful as it is, isn't the whole book. Oh no! There's Ruth's parents, her brother, her children, and her neighbor-from-Hell! The book takes the reader on a wild ride. I laughed aloud, I couldn't stop reading – and I absolutely loved the writing. The dialogue was snappy and the situations comic. Ruth takes us through weddings, births, and funerals, while never losing her wry humor. The characters were both whacky and believable. In short, don't miss this book. It's one of the funniest, sexiest romantic comedies I've ever read. Highly recommended!
September 30, 2018
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I thought that this book was excellent, it is really funny and left me with tears in my eyes more than once! It is well written, has brilliant characters and a great flow – the story is one that can easily be read in one sitting as you get completely drawn in to the story.
This is the second book in the Ruth Roth series and this one follows on directly from the first book and I think to get the most out of this one, it is best to read them in order – and the first book is excellent and my review was published on my blog earlier on this year.
This is the second book I have read by this author now and I am so glad that I was introduced to her books and I can’t wait to read the third in this series – 5 stars from me – very highly recommended and a genuinely funny read!
I thought that this book was excellent, it is really funny and left me with tears in my eyes more than once! It is well written, has brilliant characters and a great flow – the story is one that can easily be read in one sitting as you get completely drawn in to the story.
This is the second book in the Ruth Roth series and this one follows on directly from the first book and I think to get the most out of this one, it is best to read them in order – and the first book is excellent and my review was published on my blog earlier on this year.
This is the second book I have read by this author now and I am so glad that I was introduced to her books and I can’t wait to read the third in this series – 5 stars from me – very highly recommended and a genuinely funny read!
July 7, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only. Paula Houseman is not an author that I've come across before, but I think it's safe to say that she will be a firm favourite from now on. This book is absolutely fantastic. It's hilarious from start to finish. It contains a great romance story which survives criticism from both those involved as well as those looking from the outside in, and allows the reader to see that letting go of what other people think is vital in truly allowing yourself to be happy. I am so excited that I've found another great author, and I can't wait to devour the rest of her books.
March 2, 2019
I received a review copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers. I really enjoyed this book. It is the second book in a series and I haven’t read the first book, but it didn’t matter. This book works well as a standalone novel. I loved this author’s writing style - witty and sarcastic. This book was incredibly funny and entertaining. I laughed out loud in places. The characters were all quirky in the best possible way and the story was at times hilarious, at times heartwarming, at times almost frustrating, but all around engaging and incredibly enjoyable. Excellent read!
July 16, 2019
Paula Houseman's Cupid F*cks Up is a refreshing and authentic book. The sassometer is through the roof and there were multiple instances where I had to put my iPad down to just laugh. Ruth Roth has become one of my favourite protagonists and a sass idol for me. She is truly herself though her journey to reach this stage has not been easy. There were moments where I felt like I was cutting onions to moments of insight where I could hear the choir sing "Hallelujah". This is truly a tragicomedy book filled with laughs all the way!
A shoutout to VoraciousReadersOnly for providing a free review copy of this book.
A shoutout to VoraciousReadersOnly for providing a free review copy of this book.
February 14, 2019
Excellent: Grab a glass of wine and some tissues:
Why because you will be laughing so hard it will
Bring tears to your eyes. Travel through each page
Of the journey with this relationship with joy
Escape the hard day. Well worth the read
Why because you will be laughing so hard it will
Bring tears to your eyes. Travel through each page
Of the journey with this relationship with joy
Escape the hard day. Well worth the read
March 19, 2020
I laughed, I cried , I stayed up till 3am unable to put this down and then was almost devestated to reach the end. I didn't want the book to end. A must read
Oh I need to add I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only in return for a review and am so grateful I did
Oh I need to add I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only in return for a review and am so grateful I did
April 28, 2020
Great read with lots of twists and entwined lives. Ruth is a great character with comedic value. The ending left me with the same anxiety she suffers. Need to read the next novel soon. This book was gifted to me through voracious readers for an honest review.
August 19, 2020
I loved this book! The story was hilarious, well written with many laugh out loud moments! Ruth is bold, smart and has an attitude - she cracked me up through the whole story. The book is a quick and thoroughly enjoyable read. Would definitely recommend!
March 5, 2019
A good storyline, for myself the spiltting of the books a bit much for me but the story is amazing i the end so its a good read.
February 22, 2020
With the help of Voracious Readers Only I got to read this book. Much in the style of Janet Evanovich just with an English twist. I found it hilariously outrageous. A light read for a bad day. Will lift your mood from the first page.
May 27, 2020
I received a copy from Voracious Readers to review. It took me a few chapters to get into the story but once I did I couldn't put it down. It was very funny with lots of twists and turns. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series!
July 29, 2020
Cute, funny peek into the life of a quirky engaging character. Loved the references to Jewish culture and religion. This free ARC from VRO was a worthwhile download. A couple of scenes had me holding my sides to contain my loud guffaws. Living halfway across the world I thought Australia would be different in the Jewish community. I was very wrong. Unusual take on romance.
December 12, 2020
I received this book through voracious readers only ,I reccomend this book if you like humorous, laugh out loud, love stories with relatable characters. This is an author to watch out for in the future
This book certainly lifts your mood
This book certainly lifts your mood
February 14, 2020
This was the most hilariously entertaining book I’ve read in years!! I laughed and cried through the whole thing! I received a complimentary copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
January 28, 2020
I enjoyed everything about this book there was nothing I didn't like about the book. I like the story.
January 10, 2019
Great read!
Have not enjoyed a book this much in quite a while. I read it, imqgined the different voices in Ruth's minds, especially Baubo! Made my day!
Have not enjoyed a book this much in quite a while. I read it, imqgined the different voices in Ruth's minds, especially Baubo! Made my day!
April 20, 2019
really good book...made me laugh out loud in some parts. Characters are loveable
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