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Not OK, Cupid
Anna Kaling's sparkling debut rom-com, Not OK, Cupid, is perfect for fans of Sophie Ranald, Jo Watson and Sally Thorne.
Love doesn't always follow the rules...
Ally Rivers has three jobs, a disastrous dating record, and her gran won't stop talking about sex with eighty-year-old Melvin. Now her best friend Sam confesses his whole family think they're engaged. The longest relationship she's ever been in is fabricated, and her intended is gay.
Playing Sam's besotted lover at a family party, Ally discovers the hot gardener she's been flirting with is Sam's dad, Marcus. She even sucks at fake relationships. But Marcus is on to them and embroils Ally in another scheme - encouraging Sam to come out.
Scheming is not Ally's forte and, worse, she and Marcus are falling for each other. After years in an unhappy marriage, he's not letting Ally go without a fight, but she's torn between the best friend she'll ever have and the only man she's ever been in love with. Either choice will leave two broken hearts, and Gran will still have a more successful love life than her...
Love doesn't always follow the rules...
Ally Rivers has three jobs, a disastrous dating record, and her gran won't stop talking about sex with eighty-year-old Melvin. Now her best friend Sam confesses his whole family think they're engaged. The longest relationship she's ever been in is fabricated, and her intended is gay.
Playing Sam's besotted lover at a family party, Ally discovers the hot gardener she's been flirting with is Sam's dad, Marcus. She even sucks at fake relationships. But Marcus is on to them and embroils Ally in another scheme - encouraging Sam to come out.
Scheming is not Ally's forte and, worse, she and Marcus are falling for each other. After years in an unhappy marriage, he's not letting Ally go without a fight, but she's torn between the best friend she'll ever have and the only man she's ever been in love with. Either choice will leave two broken hearts, and Gran will still have a more successful love life than her...
352 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2020
10 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
About the author
Anna Kaling
4 books87 followersAnna Kaling writes mostly British contemporary romances featuring lots of tea, rain, and passive-aggressive queuing. By day she writes about concrete erections for a construction firm, and by night she… well, never mind. She's working towards being an old cat lady and is a big fan of sharks, bad horror movies, and the Loch Ness Monster.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 7, 2020
*3.5 stars*
Setting this book aside to do real-life was difficult and even then I still finished it within 24 hours. A really good story with memorable characters.
February 7, 2020
I enjoyed this so much, I binge read it in 2 sittings in less than 12 hours 😄
Such a rollercoaster of emotions and such a fun book and I loved the age gap and how it was portrayed and I would recommend to anyone who loves a good Rom-Com 😍
Kinda mad about one particular chapter that made me cry like a baby though (around pg250) if you read it, you’ll know what I mean
Ps I received this from the publisher in exchange for a review but that in no way affects my opinions and views 😁
Such a rollercoaster of emotions and such a fun book and I loved the age gap and how it was portrayed and I would recommend to anyone who loves a good Rom-Com 😍
Kinda mad about one particular chapter that made me cry like a baby though (around pg250) if you read it, you’ll know what I mean
Ps I received this from the publisher in exchange for a review but that in no way affects my opinions and views 😁
August 3, 2019
If you’re looking for a light-hearted, funny romantic comedy with just the right amount of angst, you need look no further than Not Okay, cupid. Anna Kaling masterfully weaves a happily-ever-after tale brimming with humor and all the feel-good vibes of an inconvenient attraction blooming into lasting love. Your heart will go squish, your feelings will go d’aw, and your loins won’t have any complaints either.
Ally is a do-it-yourself woman working multiple jobs to support her dream of making a living off selling her paintings. She’s got a positive attitude, a warm heart, and a crippling fear of swans. When she meets Marcus, a do-it-yourself guy who builds homes, sparks fly, and it isn’t long before Ally longs to build a home with him. But there’s one tiny problem: Ally is pretending to be his son’s girlfriend.
What follows is a comedy of errors as Marcus and Ally dance around their feelings for each other while trying to maintain balance in their other relationships. One of my favorite things about Anna Kaling’s writing is her portrayal of healthy relationships built around trust and mutual respect. There are so many emotional moments that feel genuine throughout the book, and I often found myself fighting back tears or holding my sides in laughter.
I’d recommend Not Okay, Cupid to anyone looking for a contemporary romance with great characters, lots of laughs, and oh-so-hot sex scenes.
Ally is a do-it-yourself woman working multiple jobs to support her dream of making a living off selling her paintings. She’s got a positive attitude, a warm heart, and a crippling fear of swans. When she meets Marcus, a do-it-yourself guy who builds homes, sparks fly, and it isn’t long before Ally longs to build a home with him. But there’s one tiny problem: Ally is pretending to be his son’s girlfriend.
What follows is a comedy of errors as Marcus and Ally dance around their feelings for each other while trying to maintain balance in their other relationships. One of my favorite things about Anna Kaling’s writing is her portrayal of healthy relationships built around trust and mutual respect. There are so many emotional moments that feel genuine throughout the book, and I often found myself fighting back tears or holding my sides in laughter.
I’d recommend Not Okay, Cupid to anyone looking for a contemporary romance with great characters, lots of laughs, and oh-so-hot sex scenes.
January 25, 2020
I received a free ebook version of this from Netgalley. Thankyou to both the publisher and Netgalley fo allowing me to read this. My review is still honest.
Trigger warnings for this book-Death of a pet, domestic abuse allegations.
Not OK, Cupid is a romance book about Ally, a 28 year old woman struggling to make ends meet working multiple jobs. Her best friend Sam hasn't yet told his family he is gay, and shocks Ally when she discovers he's been telling his family they've been together for 3 years. Begrudgingly meeting his family to preserve his secret, Ally meets Sam's dad, Marcus, who's fairly sure he knows what's up and starts spending a lot of time with Ally...
So this wasn't the perfect romance book, but it certainly isn't a bad one. I really liked the light-hearted writing style, and Ally as a character was a good point of view to read from. She was different to other heroines I've read about-she's endlessly positive, ditzy, distracted, but why should all that mean she isn't intelligent or to be taken seriously as a businesswoman? I loved Ally's journey as she battled those very insecurities and gained the self confidence to take the success she wanted. I also love that so-called 'menial' jobs like being a waitress or a beautician aren't belittled in the process, but are shown as equally okay as a career for those who choose it.
The romance itself was pretty good, they got along really well and had a good laugh together and had the chemistry that I love reading about so much. I liked Marcus as a character, and I loved the friendship between Ally and Sam too. Ally is quite a promiscuous character as first, but this is shown to very much okay and I loved that aspect. This book actually also made me cry, which is why I included a trigger warning at the start and why I'm not going to add a spoiler tag now because I wasn't expecting a certain scene at the vets where tough decisions have to be made and it absolutely broke me. Many of us have personal experience with a situation like that, and this one was really hard-hitting.
However, I did have some issues. The age gap wasn't explored very well. I'm all for age is just a number and all, but I don't think it was very present in the story at all and to me, a 20 year age gap is something that should be explored a little more. I also think that while the friendship between Sam and Ally was good, it was neglected towards the end of the novel. I had a couple issues with plotting-a couple of times, I almost felt like I'd missed when a decision had been made and it just jumped straight into it. Right at the end, when certain accusations had been made, I don't feel it was necessary to include those and I'm not convinced they were handled particularly well.
For a debut novel though, this was good. It's fluffy but with depth, and a fun forbidden romance that I think a lot of people will relate to, despite the taboo.
Trigger warnings for this book-Death of a pet, domestic abuse allegations.
Not OK, Cupid is a romance book about Ally, a 28 year old woman struggling to make ends meet working multiple jobs. Her best friend Sam hasn't yet told his family he is gay, and shocks Ally when she discovers he's been telling his family they've been together for 3 years. Begrudgingly meeting his family to preserve his secret, Ally meets Sam's dad, Marcus, who's fairly sure he knows what's up and starts spending a lot of time with Ally...
So this wasn't the perfect romance book, but it certainly isn't a bad one. I really liked the light-hearted writing style, and Ally as a character was a good point of view to read from. She was different to other heroines I've read about-she's endlessly positive, ditzy, distracted, but why should all that mean she isn't intelligent or to be taken seriously as a businesswoman? I loved Ally's journey as she battled those very insecurities and gained the self confidence to take the success she wanted. I also love that so-called 'menial' jobs like being a waitress or a beautician aren't belittled in the process, but are shown as equally okay as a career for those who choose it.
The romance itself was pretty good, they got along really well and had a good laugh together and had the chemistry that I love reading about so much. I liked Marcus as a character, and I loved the friendship between Ally and Sam too. Ally is quite a promiscuous character as first, but this is shown to very much okay and I loved that aspect. This book actually also made me cry, which is why I included a trigger warning at the start and why I'm not going to add a spoiler tag now because I wasn't expecting a certain scene at the vets where tough decisions have to be made and it absolutely broke me. Many of us have personal experience with a situation like that, and this one was really hard-hitting.
However, I did have some issues. The age gap wasn't explored very well. I'm all for age is just a number and all, but I don't think it was very present in the story at all and to me, a 20 year age gap is something that should be explored a little more. I also think that while the friendship between Sam and Ally was good, it was neglected towards the end of the novel. I had a couple issues with plotting-a couple of times, I almost felt like I'd missed when a decision had been made and it just jumped straight into it. Right at the end, when certain accusations had been made, I don't feel it was necessary to include those and I'm not convinced they were handled particularly well.
For a debut novel though, this was good. It's fluffy but with depth, and a fun forbidden romance that I think a lot of people will relate to, despite the taboo.
August 4, 2019
You know how you read a book and you're on pins and needles the whole time, wondering, worried if the couple you're rooting for will make it, if they'll ever get their Happily Ever After?
Yeah, this isn't one of those.
Within a few chapters of Marc and Ally meeting, even knowing the tangled web they've woven for themselves, you just know everyone's going to be fine. The fun is in the getting there. Anna Kaling writes with wry humor, wielding her words with a deft touch. She uses just a touch of sarcastic cynicism (Marcus) here, and romantic hopefulness (Ally) there, leading us just where we wanted to go in the first place.
Ally is pretending to be Marc's son's fiancée, which is the main conflict of the story, though not the only one by any means. There are subplots galore, involving Ally's past, Marc's past, Ally's mother, Ally's grandmother, even, Marc's son, Sam, and Sam and Ally's friends. Oh, and Ally is afraid of swans and likes to paint. Yes, it matters.
Not Ok, Cupid is completely satisfying in every way, setting up situations and knocking them down with perfect timing, tying up every loose end, providing us with sexy time when we're yearning for it, punishing the bad guys when we really, really want them to be, and moving the plot forward with a bit more story between the protagonists when we just have to have it.
Even the peripheral characters are fully developed and likable, except for the ones we're not supposed to like, of course. They are mean and horrible, and get what's coming to them in a most satisfying way.
I can't recommend this rollicking fun ride of a book enough. Pick it up, you'll enjoy it.
Yeah, this isn't one of those.
Within a few chapters of Marc and Ally meeting, even knowing the tangled web they've woven for themselves, you just know everyone's going to be fine. The fun is in the getting there. Anna Kaling writes with wry humor, wielding her words with a deft touch. She uses just a touch of sarcastic cynicism (Marcus) here, and romantic hopefulness (Ally) there, leading us just where we wanted to go in the first place.
Ally is pretending to be Marc's son's fiancée, which is the main conflict of the story, though not the only one by any means. There are subplots galore, involving Ally's past, Marc's past, Ally's mother, Ally's grandmother, even, Marc's son, Sam, and Sam and Ally's friends. Oh, and Ally is afraid of swans and likes to paint. Yes, it matters.
Not Ok, Cupid is completely satisfying in every way, setting up situations and knocking them down with perfect timing, tying up every loose end, providing us with sexy time when we're yearning for it, punishing the bad guys when we really, really want them to be, and moving the plot forward with a bit more story between the protagonists when we just have to have it.
Even the peripheral characters are fully developed and likable, except for the ones we're not supposed to like, of course. They are mean and horrible, and get what's coming to them in a most satisfying way.
I can't recommend this rollicking fun ride of a book enough. Pick it up, you'll enjoy it.
March 10, 2020
I would have loved to be a fly on the wall, inside Anna Kaling's brain when she came up with this most convoluted, original and brilliant of story lines.
I don't think I've ever read a book where there the situation between the various characters becomes that confusing, and when the big secrets are finally revealed in spectacular fashion to loved ones, well Ally's head wasn't the only one unsure who to believe about what. I won't say more on that but the book builds to a fabulous crescendo.
Before that we have Ally, who initially came across as the sort of character that really bugs me in books, until we get to know her more at which point I really started to like her and feel sorry for herself.
There is Sam, her best friend, who's gay, but not out of the closet with family, who has been pretending to his parents that has in a 3 year strong relationship with Ally.
But when Ally meet's Marcus, Sam's dad for the first time, there is clearly lust although she has know idea who he is instantly, and yet there is a pull between Marcus and Ally, and that is where thins start go get messy.
Well messy, full of sexual tension, morally dubious decisions, and all manner of great scenes, this is a great book. I loved the chemistry between Ally and Marcus, and this is an author that knows her way around a hot sex scene.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and it really is a story that shows you just can't help who you fall in love with, no matter how "wrong" or inconvenient it may seem!!
Thank you to Emily Patience at Headline Eternal for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I don't think I've ever read a book where there the situation between the various characters becomes that confusing, and when the big secrets are finally revealed in spectacular fashion to loved ones, well Ally's head wasn't the only one unsure who to believe about what. I won't say more on that but the book builds to a fabulous crescendo.
Before that we have Ally, who initially came across as the sort of character that really bugs me in books, until we get to know her more at which point I really started to like her and feel sorry for herself.
There is Sam, her best friend, who's gay, but not out of the closet with family, who has been pretending to his parents that has in a 3 year strong relationship with Ally.
But when Ally meet's Marcus, Sam's dad for the first time, there is clearly lust although she has know idea who he is instantly, and yet there is a pull between Marcus and Ally, and that is where thins start go get messy.
Well messy, full of sexual tension, morally dubious decisions, and all manner of great scenes, this is a great book. I loved the chemistry between Ally and Marcus, and this is an author that knows her way around a hot sex scene.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and it really is a story that shows you just can't help who you fall in love with, no matter how "wrong" or inconvenient it may seem!!
Thank you to Emily Patience at Headline Eternal for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 2, 2019
It's great to find a contemporary romance with a realistic conflict - there are real reasons why these characters have to struggle to be together. Not that the book is all about struggle, though - lots of banter and funny bits. I liked all the characters and was really happy they got their happy ending!
February 15, 2020
This well-written and hilarious book has all the elements I love in a page-turning contemporary romance: a modern protagonist you can cheer for, tons of wit, and the perfect dose of "will they, won't they?". Ally won me over with her charm and relatable flaws as she faces her fears and takes the necessary risks to build the life and relationships that will bring her true happiness. If you're looking for a fun, compulsive and steamy read, this is the book for you!
January 6, 2020
How lucky I was to score an ARC of Not OK, Cupid!
Seriously, I'm thrilled to be able to call this gem my first read of 2020. It was SO good. I loved every single thing about this story: the characters, tension, writing, humor. Ms. Kaling delivers on one the freshest, most fun, and sexiest twists on the fake relationship trope that I've ever read. Like, HELLO, curve ball incoming!
Marcus is perfectly swoon-worthy and the sex is hotter than hot. Ally is so fun and real, plenty flawed in a relatable and lovable way. Every element of their relationship, from the chemistry to the conflict, will have you rooting for them. I would recommend this gem to anyone on the hunt for an excellent rom-com.
Seriously, I'm thrilled to be able to call this gem my first read of 2020. It was SO good. I loved every single thing about this story: the characters, tension, writing, humor. Ms. Kaling delivers on one the freshest, most fun, and sexiest twists on the fake relationship trope that I've ever read. Like, HELLO, curve ball incoming!
Marcus is perfectly swoon-worthy and the sex is hotter than hot. Ally is so fun and real, plenty flawed in a relatable and lovable way. Every element of their relationship, from the chemistry to the conflict, will have you rooting for them. I would recommend this gem to anyone on the hunt for an excellent rom-com.
January 15, 2020
I'm pretty sure I have NEVER laughed so hard in my entire life.
Not OK, Cupid is a rom-com fan's dream. Ally is the perfect sexy, awkward heroine, and Marcus is the ultimate DILF fantasy. Together, their banter should win all the awards. Let's actually invent a "Best Banter Award" just for Anna Kaling.
The sex scenes were hotttttttttt, and the conflict was real. Falling in love is the easy part; admitting and managing that love sure is difficult.
Kudos to Kaling on this uproariously hilarious debut, featuring a leading lady I definitely want to get drunk with and a leading man I'd love to (censored). BRAVO!!!!!
Not OK, Cupid is a rom-com fan's dream. Ally is the perfect sexy, awkward heroine, and Marcus is the ultimate DILF fantasy. Together, their banter should win all the awards. Let's actually invent a "Best Banter Award" just for Anna Kaling.
The sex scenes were hotttttttttt, and the conflict was real. Falling in love is the easy part; admitting and managing that love sure is difficult.
Kudos to Kaling on this uproariously hilarious debut, featuring a leading lady I definitely want to get drunk with and a leading man I'd love to (censored). BRAVO!!!!!
December 11, 2019
This is a fun, enjoyable read. The Author is English, so there is a small language adjustment, which I found added to the novelty of the story. There are several problems addressed in this book, a substantial age difference between the main characters, the flighty memory but delightful mind of Ally and the discord between family and friends. All made this story one of my favorite reads. Add to this your TBR list.
December 23, 2019
Hooked from the first hilarious page, I devoured Kaling’s delicious rom-com in two sittings. I loved the story and how it played out—the humor, the heart…and the sizzling heat. I fell in love with all of the well-thought-out characters (well, except for one–but we’re not supposed to love this particular villain, although I did understand her) and the pacing was incredible. The HEA makes me want a follow-up book to this absolutely delightful romp. I want to know what happens next!
December 24, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Ally with her head in the clouds but a good heart and lovely and selfless Marcus and all the drama that came with these two people being drawn to each other. I felt for Ally and her need to keep Sam and how it was in constant conflict with her growing feelings for Marc. Also loved her following her career dreams despite her fears that she would fail and Marcus’ unfailing belief in her talents. Overall a really good debut and I look forward to more from this author.
August 6, 2021
An ok book but I was hoping for better. I wasn't a big fan of the heroine, Ally. No way would I say she's almost 30 years old. Almost 20 maybe. And her best friend Sam was a horrible friend. I didn't like him. I understand he was mad when he found out about Ally and his father but not speaking to them for 2 years after?! Seriously? She's your best friend who did every stupid thing you asked her to do and always took your side and defended you but you're mad because now your "daddy won't be getting back together with your mommy"? How old is he, 8? Just ridiculous. I liked Marcus, the hero, though. He was great. Mature, level headed, kind, sexy. Exactly the kind of hero I like to read about. I just think he forgave Ally way too easily in the end.
All in all, it wasn't a bad book but it also could have been so, so much better.
All in all, it wasn't a bad book but it also could have been so, so much better.
January 24, 2020
This book had me from the very first line. The voice is so fresh and funny, I laughed out loud many times (and I don't usually do that) when reading. Ally is such a lovable character - how she's self-deprecating, believing herself not very organize or smart but really, she is. I sped through this well-written book, loving the relationship between Ally and Marcus. I highly recommend this very entertaining book. You will laugh (and there's a sad part where you might cry) but it will definitely keep you reading.
April 14, 2020
I just finished reading an ARC of Not OK, Cupid, and I LOVED this book. It was refreshingly different. Ally is lovingly scatterbrained, and not afraid to ask for what she wants. She's assertive and comfortable in her own skin...but holds some insecurities deep down (don't we all?). Marc is DELICIOUS. Sexy, kind, a little brooding, and funny. The one-liners and quip-filled dialogue kept the book moving at a great pace, and I loved them together. This book is sexy, hilarious, and swoony - a perfect romance.
January 26, 2020
Kaling's debut was delightful to read. Ally's personality shines through from the very first sentence and Marcus is a hero worth swooning over. If you're looking for an example of steamy with a capital STEAMY, this book is it. The love scenes bring you to a place of excitement, but also care for the characters. If you're wanting a fun escape and a novel to take you to a love story with heart and humor, this book will get you there. Thank you to the author for an advanced copy.
April 17, 2020
This was a refreshing surprise from the typical older man/ younger women romances. She was way more experienced then him. He was the one that wanted the relationship and she was a commit phobe. There was a little ow drama but not because the H was with anyone but because he's ex wife was a liar and didn't want him to move on. Other then that it is Ow safe. I hope you will give this one a try and enjoy it!
January 31, 2020
I don't read a lot of romance, and tend to be very picky in the ones I do read. They need to have interesting, imperfect, believable characters, and humour as well as depth. "Not OK, Cupid" delivers on all fronts. It was perfect escapism, and you can't help but cheer for the characters at the end. I'm already waiting for the next book!
March 7, 2020
Ahhhh,
Ahhhhhh! I have waiting months for this and it was so, so, so good! Everything I wanted and more. Well worth going back to m/f for. I really loved it
Ahhhhhh! I have waiting months for this and it was so, so, so good! Everything I wanted and more. Well worth going back to m/f for. I really loved it
July 29, 2020
This is not my usual genre, but if you love a sexy rom com, this is the book for you. Thoroughly enjoyable. Witty, sassy, naughty and fun. What more can I say :-)
September 7, 2020
Ally is a great character.
March 22, 2020
This was a fun rom-com. I quite enjoyed Ally, the artsy-and-easily-bored nearly-30 protagonist, who falls for her not-out gay best friend's dad after fakely being introduced as the fiancée. Yes, this is kind of an older/younger pair rom-com, but it's not like February/December, so it's totally a sympathetic situation. More of a March/May pair, let's say. I liked the (third-person) narrative voice, which was quite amusing, and there are many smile-inducing turns of phrase and similes as Ally feels her way through the angst of her "impossible" situation while trying to become less flaky with the rest of her life. Of course there are some sad and distressing events as the book progresses. (Yup, the author got some rather gushy tears out of me in chapter 30.) And near the end I felt the denouement worked, though perhaps a trifle rushed.
Oddly enough, I only ran across this book because of an article the author wrote over at the WWWB site about her mother "discovering" her book. (Yeah, pretty much nobody wants their mom to read their sex scenes, right?) I bought it during one of those 99-cent promo periods. The writing and editing are good, as one would expect from a Hachette imprint, and I'll keep an eye open for Ms Kaling's future authorial exploits. (Sidebar: Mantissa said to tell you she follows the author on Instagram and you can go there if you want pictures of nice cats.)
Oddly enough, I only ran across this book because of an article the author wrote over at the WWWB site about her mother "discovering" her book. (Yeah, pretty much nobody wants their mom to read their sex scenes, right?) I bought it during one of those 99-cent promo periods. The writing and editing are good, as one would expect from a Hachette imprint, and I'll keep an eye open for Ms Kaling's future authorial exploits. (Sidebar: Mantissa said to tell you she follows the author on Instagram and you can go there if you want pictures of nice cats.)
July 13, 2020
4 stars. enjoyable read, funny, the hero was very likeable and I also liked the fact that the MC lived near north acton ( I have fond memories of the place).
"You miss me, you want to talk to me, you want to sleep with me. What’s that if it isn’t love?’
‘It’s not love,’ she said loudly. Everyone else she loved would leave her if it was. ‘It’s friends with benefits.’"
‘I don’t love you,’ she shouted, to drown out an insistent voice in her brain.
‘Then leave me the fuck alone!’ She flinched at his roar. ‘You enjoy messing with me like this? Calling me, reminding me of you, inviting me here, sleeping with me, and telling me it’s nothing? Where do you get off on this mind fuck?’
The heroine is exasperating and I hate indecisive people who go back and forth on their word.
There was a bit too much drama in the end that I found a bit overmuch.
Her friend SAM is a 27 year old guy who still didn't get over his parent's separation and like a child still expected them to get back together C'mon.
The hero lived in a sort of arranged marriage with his wife, but in the book it's said that "he kept his girlfriends away from Julie." so he had girlfriends throughout the marriage?
"Of course he was a mistake. A married man, her best friend’s father, twenty years older. A ridiculous mistake." was he still married? a bit confusing.
"You miss me, you want to talk to me, you want to sleep with me. What’s that if it isn’t love?’
‘It’s not love,’ she said loudly. Everyone else she loved would leave her if it was. ‘It’s friends with benefits.’"
‘I don’t love you,’ she shouted, to drown out an insistent voice in her brain.
‘Then leave me the fuck alone!’ She flinched at his roar. ‘You enjoy messing with me like this? Calling me, reminding me of you, inviting me here, sleeping with me, and telling me it’s nothing? Where do you get off on this mind fuck?’
The heroine is exasperating and I hate indecisive people who go back and forth on their word.
There was a bit too much drama in the end that I found a bit overmuch.
Her friend SAM is a 27 year old guy who still didn't get over his parent's separation and like a child still expected them to get back together C'mon.
The hero lived in a sort of arranged marriage with his wife, but in the book it's said that "he kept his girlfriends away from Julie." so he had girlfriends throughout the marriage?
"Of course he was a mistake. A married man, her best friend’s father, twenty years older. A ridiculous mistake." was he still married? a bit confusing.
February 12, 2020
I’m not sure if I should be concerned that the idea of a relationship between a young woman and a man old enough to be her friend’s father excites me so much. Either way, there’s clearly others like me, and I thank Anna Kaling for being one of them.
Not Ok Cupid had all the makings of a story I’d typically love. I’m drawn to novels where the romance between the two characters is genuine and healthy but because of age or some other frivolous factor, seems taboo. Although this story fit this bill and was mostly what I expected, there were a few things that irked me a little.
First, this book was told in third person POV, which is usually fine, but I think Ally’s “ditziness” (her words, not mine) would have made for a wonderful narration and given the story a fun and unique edge. Second, I thought the story was going to be light and humorous, and although there were a few funny lines, it wasn’t a rollicking ridiculous adventure. It was actually quite heavy at times and dealt with the sorta serious issues of loyalty and sacrifice. Last, Ally and Marc’s relationship was quite sexual quite fast and I personally like more of a slow burn.
Overall, this was a wonderful, heartwarming debut novel.
Not Ok Cupid had all the makings of a story I’d typically love. I’m drawn to novels where the romance between the two characters is genuine and healthy but because of age or some other frivolous factor, seems taboo. Although this story fit this bill and was mostly what I expected, there were a few things that irked me a little.
First, this book was told in third person POV, which is usually fine, but I think Ally’s “ditziness” (her words, not mine) would have made for a wonderful narration and given the story a fun and unique edge. Second, I thought the story was going to be light and humorous, and although there were a few funny lines, it wasn’t a rollicking ridiculous adventure. It was actually quite heavy at times and dealt with the sorta serious issues of loyalty and sacrifice. Last, Ally and Marc’s relationship was quite sexual quite fast and I personally like more of a slow burn.
Overall, this was a wonderful, heartwarming debut novel.
February 9, 2020
Limited funny moments(breath harder through your nose, not actual laughter).
A lot of scenarios that ring unrealistic/unlikely. Sam's miserable parents finally divorcing yet, both Sam and his Human Excrement brother, who are in their 30s thinking they can get their parents magically back together if they're in the same room. Just a lot of situations that would require people to wear bags over their heads to get to the level of obliviousness necessary for it to be believable.
The end takes a turn towards clusterf*ck. It started to feel unplanned and rushed. Which is not a great combo. It is very confusing(and disappointing) for the entire book to build up to one specific conflict, but then crap out when it gets there(was there no plan?). Even the inevitable resolution was half assed
It also suffers from a serious case of garbage secondary characters. Including Sam, who is more an unfortunate plot device than character/person.
Not a book that merits re-reading. It's more, you've read it maybe got a couple snorts out of it and well... you've read it. You're done.
A lot of scenarios that ring unrealistic/unlikely. Sam's miserable parents finally divorcing yet, both Sam and his Human Excrement brother, who are in their 30s thinking they can get their parents magically back together if they're in the same room. Just a lot of situations that would require people to wear bags over their heads to get to the level of obliviousness necessary for it to be believable.
The end takes a turn towards clusterf*ck. It started to feel unplanned and rushed. Which is not a great combo. It is very confusing(and disappointing) for the entire book to build up to one specific conflict, but then crap out when it gets there(was there no plan?). Even the inevitable resolution was half assed
It also suffers from a serious case of garbage secondary characters. Including Sam, who is more an unfortunate plot device than character/person.
Not a book that merits re-reading. It's more, you've read it maybe got a couple snorts out of it and well... you've read it. You're done.
February 11, 2020
This is romance at its best, with all the great sexual tension of THE HATING GAME and the laugh-out-loud hilarity of BRIDGET JONES’S DIARY. In Ally Rivers, debut author Kaling gives us a genuine, irresistible, and irrepressible heroine. Afraid of swans, office jobs, and commitment (in that order), Ally finds herself falling for Marcus, the separated father of her best friend, while simultaneously pretending to be engaged to said best friend because he is not quite ready to divulge his sexuality to his family. As charming and enjoyable as Ally’s interactions with her own friends and family are, it is the valiant yet doomed efforts of Ally and Marcus (both of whom Kaling makes so endearing) to suppress their attraction to each other that really drives this tale. If you want a romp, a rom com and a very hot escape, you couldn’t do better than to sneak away with NOT OK, CUPID!, a perfect read for Valentine’s Day.
June 20, 2020
This book was, first of all, addictive and hilarious. I finished it sitting in a parking lot because I had just dropped off my kids and couldn’t wait to get home...and then couldn’t put it down till it was over. Definitely alarmed various people parked nearby with hysterical laughter filtering through open windows.
My complaint, though...the twist towards the end (not including spoilers or triggers, this will be vague) was successful as a major wrench and a surprise, but frankly not one I could get over. There were a couple of chapters thereafter where it was genuinely unclear whether or not Marcus was really, really legitimately evil; my trust was completely broken and, while Kaling was pretty thorough in recovering his position as a good guy...I felt like, had I been Ally, I’d have had to be out of there anyway.
Overall, definitely fun, engaging, worth reading...just not a heartfelt favorite.
My complaint, though...the twist towards the end (not including spoilers or triggers, this will be vague) was successful as a major wrench and a surprise, but frankly not one I could get over. There were a couple of chapters thereafter where it was genuinely unclear whether or not Marcus was really, really legitimately evil; my trust was completely broken and, while Kaling was pretty thorough in recovering his position as a good guy...I felt like, had I been Ally, I’d have had to be out of there anyway.
Overall, definitely fun, engaging, worth reading...just not a heartfelt favorite.
March 17, 2020
A hilarious rom com with the voice of Bridget Jones, but with more romance and sizzling chemistry. The heroine was nothing like any I've come to expect in romance and it made her all the more lovable and interesting. The chemistry between the two leads was irresistible, and the conflict was so agonizing, and the twist at the end made it even more impossible!
So often, what's billed as "rom com" isn't funny at all, but this book had me laughing out loud in public all the time! I mean, I'd have bought the book just for the hilarious advice from Gran, but all the other parts were just as funny and charming, and the romance had my whole heart. I wish I had more from this author immediately!
So often, what's billed as "rom com" isn't funny at all, but this book had me laughing out loud in public all the time! I mean, I'd have bought the book just for the hilarious advice from Gran, but all the other parts were just as funny and charming, and the romance had my whole heart. I wish I had more from this author immediately!
February 12, 2020
Here is a love story with a difference.
Ally and Sam are the best of friends and Sam asks Ally a huge favour and to pretend that she is his fiancée at a party hosted by his awful brother Gavin, once there Ally takes a shine to the good looking garden until she is introduced to him and the gardener is actually Sams Dad!!
A tale of love, loyalty, family, betrayal yet with plenty of humour and a tiny bit of sex,
A fantastic book
I read it in a day
Thank you so much NetGalley and Headline Books for gifting me a eARC of this book in exchange for my honest unbiased review
Ally and Sam are the best of friends and Sam asks Ally a huge favour and to pretend that she is his fiancée at a party hosted by his awful brother Gavin, once there Ally takes a shine to the good looking garden until she is introduced to him and the gardener is actually Sams Dad!!
A tale of love, loyalty, family, betrayal yet with plenty of humour and a tiny bit of sex,
A fantastic book
I read it in a day
Thank you so much NetGalley and Headline Books for gifting me a eARC of this book in exchange for my honest unbiased review
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