Panic raced through me like a freight train on damaged tracks, but I’d sooner die than let them see it.
Bound, trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey, and no longer able to fly, I faced my fate on my feet, defiant to the end. But as the tribunal handed down its verdict, my knees nearly buckled. The sentence had been rendered, and she was it.
The luscious Briar Rose Sunday: intoxicating, mysterious, witty. And one of only several human women immune to my love arrows and considerable charms. Now, after breaking a treaty between the pantheons, I’ve been banished from the heavens, cast down to earth, and doomed to endure the heartbreak of unrequited love.
The sassy, red-haired beauty is the perfect candidate to give me what so many are calling a taste of my own medicine.
But they have all forgotten one very important truth—once I decide I want something, I will never stop until it is mine. I’m the bloody god of love, and Briar Rose is the new object of my obsession.
I want her more than anything in existence, and I will move the stars to have her.
Veronica Valentine is the award-winning former journalist turned author behind the forthcoming paranormal romance series, The Seven Hells. The first book in the series, "Draven's Inferno," will be released in three episodes in spring 2021: "Draven's Inferno: Nightfall," "Draven's Inferno: Something Wicked," and "Draven's Inferno: Ruin."
Veronica writes passionate and conflicted characters cast into love stories that burn and consume.
A lover of all things dark and stormy, Veronica relishes gothic yarns, monster lore, classic mythology, falling for her own heroes, and the enchanting American west. She lives in the glittering Las Vegas desert with her hot husband, beautiful but mouthy teenage daughter, and a black cat named Charlie.
Eros, the God of love, has screwed up once too often and is on trial. It's decided that he's to taste his own medicine. Shot by one of his own arrows, Eros becomes hopelessly in love with Briar Rose, a woman who has not been susceptible to his arrows before. The other Gods want him to suffer unrequited love, but Eros will do everything he can to make Briar Rose fall in love with him.
What I liked: The spin on greek mythology (I love greek mythology!). The core of the story, where the woman only is interested in having sex and fun, whereas the man is in love and trying to convince her that he's more than just amusement. There's also an exciting and interesting aspect in the Gods interfering, since they want Eros punished, not living happily ever after. They don't mind killing innocent people to get what they want.
What I didn't like: The very explicit sex scenes that left nothing to my imagination. Too much information for me, but it's a question of taste, really, and everyone will have to make their own opinion. I don't mind swearing, but there's a limit. The language is unnecessarily rough, but again, it's a matter of opinion.
If you enjoy hot and steamy, explicit sex scenes and dirty language this is definitely a book for you!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
Stupid Cupid was a quick, easy and STEAMY read! I enjoyed getting to know Eros and Briar Rose.
We’re introduced to Eros, the god of love in the beginning of the book. Because he breaks a treaty his punishment is to endure one of his arrows and fall in love. The gods make it so that he falls in love with a woman that has been immune to his arrows in the past, thus forcing an unrequited love. Yet between Eros’ determination and his feelings brought on by the arrow, he is determined to win Briar Rose over. The loophole in his punishment is that no matter what happens, he will end up with a broken heart, whether due to an unrequited love or his love being taken from him.
While this was a quick read it was none the less enjoyable. The chemistry between Eros and Briar Rose is palpable. Valentine’s amazing imagery lends to creating a great story. In normal romance novels it can be of off putting when the characters fall in love instantly. Yet, in this case it is due to Eros’s arrow that he is in love. Briar Rose admits that while it started as fun for her, she does have feelings she wasn’t expecting but not once does she proclaim it love, just unexpected. Briar Rose is definitely relatable as she’s just gotten out of a relationship and questions why she would respond to Eros’ advances but she decides to live a little because, why not? Their steamy sex scenes definitely add spice to the story. Briar Rose knows what she likes and she isn’t afraid to demand it, and Eros is more than happy to oblige. But the action doesn’t stop in the bedroom! When the gods realize Eros is attempting to cause Briar Rose to fall in love with him they take matters in to their own hands to ensure he ends up with a broken heart, one way or another
When Eros declares his love for her she begins to question what the hell she was thinking and high tails it out of there. It’s unclear what happens after but it appears Eros takes matters into his own hands to attempt to save her life and escape the wrath of the gods.
This definitely ends on a cliff hanger and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Eros Onos - God of Love finds his wrists and ankles bound and would find his situation comical if nor for the fact that he was also bound around his chest keeping him from using his wings. Wings he needs to fly so he can escape. All because he subverted a treaty. That is if he didn't take the huge plunge onto the marble floors below.
He didn't think the fall would kill him, he would sustain major injury. Now he was awaiting a trial. It's only because of his father Mars's interference that he isn't dead right now. His punishment was worse than death as Zeus was given one of his own bows to be used against on him. The bow of unfailing, unapologetic, limerance, and love. And then banishes him from the heavens.
But, before the arrow strikes he is shown a vision of their plans for him. Anyone but her!!!!
Briar owned a bar called Stupid Cupid in Las Vegas and loved her life. She had no plans of leaving it as she told Mick who was trying to get her to move to Georgia professing her undying love. No sooner than she sent him on his way a cowboy sitting at the bar was trying to get her to go home with him.
She had to admit he was smoking hot and his mesmerizing turquoise eyes were otherworldly had to be contacts.
I loved this book even though it left me with a cliffhanger! Who could be more erotic than the God of Love? This book is full of scorching hot sex and romance.
The characters are lifelike and I felt part of their story. I love Briar even with her filthy mouth and when Eros realizes that his punishment is more of a blessing he will stop at nothing to keep her safe.
This story is very well written and even though some of the characters are not human the writer makes the story feel more reality than fantasy. I am looking forward to reading more of Eros and Briar's story and highly recommend this book! Veronica Valentine is definitely an author you need to add to your TBR list.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. And now I need more! This was such an entertaining read. So often, when reading books about gods, their attitude toward humans goes one of two ways. Either they are beyond cruel and take delight in the suffering of mortals, or they are basically human themselves, just unable to die. This author however, bridges this gap brilliantly. The gods of the pantheon are arrogant, yes, but they look upon mortals as humans would look upon insects. They aren't going to go out of their way to wipe the creatures out, but if some die in the course of their "godly" matters, no one in the pantheon is going to cry about it. I love that attitude. Eros might just be the most arrogant of the bunch, but there's something loveable about him that makes him nearly impossible to resist (besides the total sexiness he exudes, which, WOW). But when his arrogance leads him to falling in love with Briar Rose, he's definitely met his match. She is an awesome heroine all around, though I would like to get to know her a bit more. I felt like she was hiding from the readers almost as much as she hides her inner self from Eros. But that could be because this book is only the first in the series, and ends on a cliffhanger. I really, really need to read the next book now!!
Oh My!! Gods and Humans collide in this utterly captivating and steamy story.
For punishment, Cupid has not only lost his bow and arrow but he has been hit by a spell that he would normally bethrow upon others. For the first time Cupid will experience true love however it has been fated to end in heartbreak. Will his love be requited? And when his two seperate worlds collide can Cupid use the devil inside him to fight and save his one and only true love? Instantly drawn into this gods and humans world I simply couldn't put this book down and devoured every word in sitting. It was fast paced, action packed, humorous, steamy, and ended in a cliff hanger that had my mouth gaping and me desperate for more. Bring on Book 2!!
For a fantasy debut novel this doesn't feel fantasty and extremely well written. I am speechless at the ending and damn i can't wait to embrace book 2!
What a fun spin on tales of gods and mortals! Eros, the god of love, made a boo boo. His punishment includes receiving a dose of his own medicine. Enter Bianca.
Bianca is a busy but fun loving woman, with no interest in a serious relationship. But she really is starting to like this guy she met at the bar she owns....and the story take off from there.
I want book 2 right now because the cliffhanger was brutal, but this quick story was soooo good and spicy too! The vibe between Eros and Bianca is perfection.
I really enjoyed this book! It was a fast read, lots of steam and tons of fun. The characters were so much fun to read about and you really got to jump right into the story line without having to do a lot of background reading on it. Eros is basically what every woman wants, minus the whole God of Love that is secretly terrified of falling in love and wants nothing to do with it part lol. And Briar Rose is total girl power embodied, she takes no prisoners in her sex life - she owns right up to it and wants what she wants. She, however, is also terrified of falling in love lol. They're a crazy mix! I'm excited to see where book 2 takes them, Pleasure Island sounds like it's going to be a hot mess knowing the two of them. I loved Hercules too omg he was great!
This book Veronica Valentine was a phenomenal debut. I absolutely loved the Cupid and Gods angle of the story. Blair Rose is a vision of red hair and freckles. Eros Onos is Cupid and the god of love. After causing havoc in Olympus he is dealt a dose of his own medicine. So he sets out to make Blair fall in love with him over a weekend. I found myself chuckling several times and then sighing from the emotional anguish. Ended on a cliffhanger and looking forward to book 2.
This was a Fast Burn and Super Steamy read🔥. I enjoyed Eros' character and can’t wait to get more of him! I loved Briar Rose ! A women who wanted sex and no strings attached and didn’t apologize for it👏 👏! Her attitude was awesome. I can’t wait to get more of their story. If you love a fast burn with LOTS of steam then head over to amazon and pick this book up!
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was captivating from the first page to the last. I can't wait for the next book so I can find out what happens. The plot was intriguing and so were the characters. I don't want to spoil it for others. This book is a must read in my opinion.
I'll start this off by saying that this is a quick read. It's only 97 pages or so. Also, it's smutty... with a lot of dirty talk and a sexy God sent to Earth to be punished for... well it's never specified for what...
Now, I fully admit that I'm mostly a series girl (with THICCCCC books) that have the details and development that I enjoy.
This book, while it made me laugh with its quirky characters and interesting banter, left me craving more. This might have been the author's intention... and hopefully in future books answers will be given. But... I have questions.
This just wasn't the book for me because I love a good information dump. However, if you're a fan of the Insta-Love trope, sexy men, witty banter, and a lot of dirty smut all wrapped into a super quick read... PICK THIS UP BECAUSE IT'S RIGHT UP YOUR ALLEY!!
This was a quick, fast paced book that was actually quite easy and fun to read! This book starts off with Eros Onos, the God of love, in a tricky situation in which the Gods of Olympus have put him on trial for breaking a treaty and wrecking havoc among them. His sentence: Eros is banished to earth to experience true love and then feel the heartache of unrequited love. Briar Rose Sunday is a woman who is looking for a good time, not a long time. She’s happy with a fling but isn’t looking for a commitment. In fact, she’s one of the few humans who are immune to Eros’s arrows and therefore she’s the perfect candidate for the Olympic Gods to choose for Eros to fall in love with. Although Eros knows his feelings for Briar Rose are a direct effect of the arrow to his heart, he’s convinced he truly is in love with her and will do anything to win her love. But will he be able to win Briar Rose’s heart? Or will Eros just be another notch on her bedpost? If you’re looking for a quick, easy read with lots of steam, that’s fun to read; then this book is for you! But beware, it does leave off on a cliffhanger! I’m really looking forward to the next book so I can find out what’s in store for Eros and Briar Rose!
Eros, god of love, has always been mischievous, aiming arrows where they don’t belong. However, when he turns the eye of the god Odin away from his wife, Freya demands justice. Eros’ punishment? He himself is pierced by one of his own arrows, forced to fall in love with a mortal woman named Briar Rose Sunday, of whom it is believed that love is impossible.
Cast from the heavens, Eros must be suffer rejection from Briar Rose in order to earn his place back amongst the gods. Although he knows his love for her isn’t real, he is consumed by it, and instead chooses to try to make Briar Rose fall in love with him. Unwittingly, this puts her in danger, and now Eros must do everything in his power to save her.
Wow!!! This was a short and steamy novella that really packed a punch!! Although it wasn’t as long as a full length novel, I really felt like the characters of Eros and Briar Rose were well developed. They weren’t one dimensional at all. I’m excited to see what happens next!
I received a copy of this book from the author, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Eros, aka Cupid, has pulled one prank too many, according to the gods of the Pantheon. Determined to teach him a lesson, they've determined that he must suffer the consequences of unrequited love. The problem is, Eros doesn't like to lose, regardless of the consequences. Book one of the Gods and Monsters series sets up not only the the punishment, but the very real problems that result when you don't take your punishment like a good boy.
Valentine does a good job setting up the plot which will take you into the 2nd book, coming out in August 2021. Eros is loveable and devious at the same time. Briar Rose, the target of his love, is tough, bent on keeping everything physical even when her heart starts to open up, and sidekick, Hercules, is just plain cute. The ending will get the adrenaline rushing and make you go pre-order the next book.
This is book 1 in the series and does end on a cliffhanger. Eros, the God of Love, has annoyed the pantheons one too many times with his pranks, and is now being punished. His punishment is to be hit with one of his own arrow and experience unrequited love with one of the few women immune to his arrows. I felt a little confused at the beginning, either I'm missing a prequel or there is an assumption that the reader knows more about Eros and the pantheons, than what is explained in the book. His punishment also confused me. I enjoyed the prt of the story where Eros is trying to romance Briar Rose. She is determined to only want a no strings attachment, and it was entertaining to see him try and convince her. The end of the book also confused me. Without giving away the plot, I was unsure why the cliffhanger happened and how it tied into his punishment.
Honestly from the first paragraph I was in love - IN LOVE - with this book. I have clearly found a kindred spirit with Veronica Valentine. Between the slightly sardonic and very blunt no-nonsense nature of Eros and the dedicated and strong willed Briar Rose each page turn was a beautiful dedication to the novel. From the more kinky sexual acts to the running commentary and conversational style writing I felt at home.
The tension and overlooming threat of heartbreak urged me forward. About 2/3rds of the day into the book I was completely on edge. And then... I realized this book is definitely to be continued and I'm in over my head.
What in the world is with that ending!?!? That book did not go where I expected at all 😳.
First, this is a really quick read at less then 100 pages, but there is a lot in those pages. There is a lot of hotness, a lot of insight into the two main characters & a lot of whatever happened at that end.
Briar Rose is one of the few humans who is immune to the love arrows of Eros, the god of Love. So when the gods sentence Eros his punishment, she is the perfect one to give him a taste of his own medicine.
This book took such a twist and I need the next book ASAP!
A captivating, fast-paced read. This book will hook you from the start and keep you turning the pages. The romance is hot, and the story is very well written. The romance in this book is very steamy, but the writing is beautiful and eloquent. It was the perfect blend of steam and telling of a fantastic story of gods and humans. The ending left me so intrigued, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!!!
The book has an interesting spin on mythology and the God of Love, Eros, will get a taste of his own medicine when he’s banished from the heavens.
I enjoyed the book for the most part. The insta lust was cute between Eros and Briar Rose since both had very strong opinions on love. In this case, they didn’t believe in it - well at least for themselves. Should be interesting to see how the story pans out in the second book when Briar learns more about who he really is and why her life is in danger.
* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
This super steamy novella was a fun read!! Eros, the god of love, has pissed off enough people and is now going to be punished with his own arrows!! This take on Greek mythology was interesting and fun. Briar Rose, our heroine was strong and feisty - knew what she wanted, when and where she wanted it and was not scared, worried or timid about sharing and letting others know. I really liked this story and cannot wait for the continuation!!
Love story: Greek god Eros aka Cupid, who is banished to live among humans and made to fall in love by a heart pierced with one of his own arrows. His love interest is Briar Rose, a girl who believes in one-night-stands, but not love. Eros falls desperately in love with her, but is hiding that so as to not scare her away. No more details…read the book!
OK, all I can say here is, what the hell?! Erotic scenes are excellent, incredibly hot and juicy; plot needs to be expanded upon (especially the other characters); and there needs to be a proper ending! It just stops when the story was getting interesting. Come on here. Don't be mean to your fans. At any rate, it's a great "short story" for the time being. Copy provided via Voracious Readers.
Fantastic debut by Veronica Valentine. I thoroughly enjoyed this read- an interesting plot that was well paced. Great characters and banter. Lots of action both in the bedroom and out. I’m left wanting so much more. 5 ⭐️
A sweet short novel about Cupid (Eros) . Eros used his arrows on the gods up there on Olympus and for that he’s being punished. His own father, Mars/Ares proposed to send him to earth but not before shooting Eros with his own arrow to fall in love with the only woman who can’t love.
Eros can’t come back to Olympus until his heart will be broken
WOW what a book!!! Stupid Cupid is captivating from the first page, this is the first book in the series. This is about Gods and humans, without revealing too much. This has left me wanting more, so much more I cant wait for the next instalment!!
I loved this book! It was a great twist on the story of Eros! And Briar is such a great female lead! She has her own demons that she's working through...or simply avoiding. And the cliffhanger is intense! I can't wait for book 2! I highly recommend this book!
Interesting. A demigod and a human. Eros is being punished but his punshment makes him want Briar. It is interesting at how he tries to woo her into having a relationship. This is a cliffhanger and I will read the next book.