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Hands of Fate #1
Cupids and Chaos
WHO ARE WE TO QUESTION FATE?
Desperate for a final taste of freedom before marrying the stranger chosen by his parents, brooding Pace, Second Prince of the Cupids, sneaks into the human world with his friends. When they encounter dangerous, dark beings that should not exist, he's left with more questions than answers.
Escaping to the human world for a moment's relief from her cruel and murderous family, Sirain, Crown Princess of the Chaos, is shocked when she and her fellow warriors run into Pace and his friends. Not only are Cupids real-they're messing with Fate.
Since the dawn of time, Cupids and Chaos have faithfully delivered Fate's orders to a warring human world. Sirain knows better than to get caught up with the mysterious Cupid who's caught her eye. After all, he wants her dead. But sometimes Fate has plans of its own.
Desperate for a final taste of freedom before marrying the stranger chosen by his parents, brooding Pace, Second Prince of the Cupids, sneaks into the human world with his friends. When they encounter dangerous, dark beings that should not exist, he's left with more questions than answers.
Escaping to the human world for a moment's relief from her cruel and murderous family, Sirain, Crown Princess of the Chaos, is shocked when she and her fellow warriors run into Pace and his friends. Not only are Cupids real-they're messing with Fate.
Since the dawn of time, Cupids and Chaos have faithfully delivered Fate's orders to a warring human world. Sirain knows better than to get caught up with the mysterious Cupid who's caught her eye. After all, he wants her dead. But sometimes Fate has plans of its own.
340 pages, Paperback
Published November 7, 2021
14 people are currently reading
977 people want to read
About the author
Darby Cupid
8 books83 followersDarby lives in the desert with her husband, two kids and rescue pup.
An avid reader and writer from an early age, she loves reading across a variety of genres. Some of her all time favourite books include the A Court of Thorns & Roses series by Sarah J Maas, Blood & Honor by Miranda Lyn, Divine Blood by Beck Michaels, Pandemonium by Willow Anderson, Wonder by R J Palacio, The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon, Carry On by Rainbow Rowell and Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella.
Darby has released a YA sci-fi series (The Starlatten Trilogy) and an adult novella.
Find her on Instagram as @darbycupidwrites
Read the Starlatten Trilogy for free on Kindle Unlimited!
Sign up to her newsletter (via her website) for inside information, news on upcoming books, giveaways and much, much more!
An avid reader and writer from an early age, she loves reading across a variety of genres. Some of her all time favourite books include the A Court of Thorns & Roses series by Sarah J Maas, Blood & Honor by Miranda Lyn, Divine Blood by Beck Michaels, Pandemonium by Willow Anderson, Wonder by R J Palacio, The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon, Carry On by Rainbow Rowell and Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella.
Darby has released a YA sci-fi series (The Starlatten Trilogy) and an adult novella.
Find her on Instagram as @darbycupidwrites
Read the Starlatten Trilogy for free on Kindle Unlimited!
Sign up to her newsletter (via her website) for inside information, news on upcoming books, giveaways and much, much more!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 23, 2022
"You´ve seeped into my blood and wrapped yourself around my heart. It beats for you, Sirain. Only you."
This is a two POV book, told by the POV´s of Sirain and Pace.
I really liked Sirain as a FMC, she was a badass but could be really sweet and sensible if she wanted to. I loved the idea of a female on the "dark side" in these romantasy books, although I expected her to be a bit more feral and "cold" at times. I really liked her and Pace´s chemistry and I loved the tension of the Forbidden love trope. However with him being a Cupid and not even being allowed to touch or kiss people before marriage to remain pure, I expected a tad more sexual tension. I feel like they gave in to their attraction a bit too easy.
I really liked the side characters in this, although they sometimes feel like they were only there to support Pace´s and Sirain´s story (especially Kwellen). I really loved Dariel, he seemed like one of the characters with his own background story and I love how his character also developed in the book.
I really loved the world building to this. It kind of was an angels and demons book but in a new way. I loved how some political things played into it with both of them being royals. Also the tropes were elite with the enemies to lovers trope as well as the Forbidden Love trope. I don´t know if I think it´s a little cringe or if it´s cool that all of the Cupids names mean "love" or any emotions surrounding that in another language and all the Chaos´s names mean destroy, end, torment etc in another language.
I really liked the plot twists, some I could see coming, some I did not. To be honest I really don´t know how we´ll be able to pull back from THAT ending but we´ll see.
Overall it was an enjoyable read that I read in one sitting. I am looking forward to diving into the next book and seeing how the story will continue.
trigger warnings: murder, torture, war and trauma
This is a two POV book, told by the POV´s of Sirain and Pace.
I really liked Sirain as a FMC, she was a badass but could be really sweet and sensible if she wanted to. I loved the idea of a female on the "dark side" in these romantasy books, although I expected her to be a bit more feral and "cold" at times. I really liked her and Pace´s chemistry and I loved the tension of the Forbidden love trope. However with him being a Cupid and not even being allowed to touch or kiss people before marriage to remain pure, I expected a tad more sexual tension. I feel like they gave in to their attraction a bit too easy.
I really liked the side characters in this, although they sometimes feel like they were only there to support Pace´s and Sirain´s story (especially Kwellen). I really loved Dariel, he seemed like one of the characters with his own background story and I love how his character also developed in the book.
I really loved the world building to this. It kind of was an angels and demons book but in a new way. I loved how some political things played into it with both of them being royals. Also the tropes were elite with the enemies to lovers trope as well as the Forbidden Love trope. I don´t know if I think it´s a little cringe or if it´s cool that all of the Cupids names mean "love" or any emotions surrounding that in another language and all the Chaos´s names mean destroy, end, torment etc in another language.
I really liked the plot twists, some I could see coming, some I did not. To be honest I really don´t know how we´ll be able to pull back from THAT ending but we´ll see.
Overall it was an enjoyable read that I read in one sitting. I am looking forward to diving into the next book and seeing how the story will continue.
trigger warnings: murder, torture, war and trauma
November 7, 2021
This is the best forbidden love fantasy story I've read all year.
There are two main characters and the author does an amazing job at conveying both while the story progresses and they get into all kinds of trouble. There are pirates, ickle dragons, mysterious human leaders, stunning world settings, laugh out loud lines, beautiful winged beings, a WATERFALL SCENE that I'm not over, and so much more.
I love an enemy-to-lovers tale and this one delivers what you want in a YA romantic fantasy. I don't want to give too much away about the plot but I had every emotion while reading book 1. I'm already itching for book 2 to find out what happens next. The ending has left me all jittery.
I. NEED. TO KNOW. WHAT. HAPPENS!!!!
Pace has all the ingredients of a brooding alpha male (plus wings!), while Sirain is my favourite kind of leading female: badass warrior, sass for days (plus wings!).
If you're looking for a book that will leave you dazed, in a good way, read this.
There are two main characters and the author does an amazing job at conveying both while the story progresses and they get into all kinds of trouble. There are pirates, ickle dragons, mysterious human leaders, stunning world settings, laugh out loud lines, beautiful winged beings, a WATERFALL SCENE that I'm not over, and so much more.
I love an enemy-to-lovers tale and this one delivers what you want in a YA romantic fantasy. I don't want to give too much away about the plot but I had every emotion while reading book 1. I'm already itching for book 2 to find out what happens next. The ending has left me all jittery.
I. NEED. TO KNOW. WHAT. HAPPENS!!!!
Pace has all the ingredients of a brooding alpha male (plus wings!), while Sirain is my favourite kind of leading female: badass warrior, sass for days (plus wings!).
If you're looking for a book that will leave you dazed, in a good way, read this.
May 28, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
I buddy read Cupids and Choas with @a_whole_new_book and it was so much fun!
We have Cupids and Choas, think Angel and Demons for the names Humans give them. I loved that the book made a little fun of this too. This is one of the best forbidden love stories I've read. I was invested quickly in the main characters Pace and Sirain as well as the side characters. There were many similarities between the two set of friends, as well as the contrast between the two sides in Helle and Hehven to keep me immersed. I loved the the crossing, its use and how it played a part in the book. The ending left me speechless and waiting for the next book. Thank god its out soon! I need to know what happens with our main characters, the human war and so many other things.
If you love books about winged beings, travel between worlds, royalty and forbidden love, you should definitely pick this up. Not only is the book stunning, it was a great read!
I buddy read Cupids and Choas with @a_whole_new_book and it was so much fun!
We have Cupids and Choas, think Angel and Demons for the names Humans give them. I loved that the book made a little fun of this too. This is one of the best forbidden love stories I've read. I was invested quickly in the main characters Pace and Sirain as well as the side characters. There were many similarities between the two set of friends, as well as the contrast between the two sides in Helle and Hehven to keep me immersed. I loved the the crossing, its use and how it played a part in the book. The ending left me speechless and waiting for the next book. Thank god its out soon! I need to know what happens with our main characters, the human war and so many other things.
If you love books about winged beings, travel between worlds, royalty and forbidden love, you should definitely pick this up. Not only is the book stunning, it was a great read!
Want to read
May 8, 2023it's been almost two years since i've added this to my tbr.
it's killing me bc i really want to read this but i can't find this book ANYWHERE and i don't have the money to buy it from b&n (if it's there) 😭😭
like girlie i just want to read a forbidden love novel with a book average of 4.26 it doesn't have to be this hard 🥹
(update i found the amazon/b&n page online but i'm legit so broke rn
i'm going to b&n soon so 🤞🤞)
it's killing me bc i really want to read this but i can't find this book ANYWHERE and i don't have the money to buy it from b&n (if it's there) 😭😭
like girlie i just want to read a forbidden love novel with a book average of 4.26 it doesn't have to be this hard 🥹
(update i found the amazon/b&n page online but i'm legit so broke rn
i'm going to b&n soon so 🤞🤞)
December 11, 2021
I liked the writing style a lot, and to be honest, it was the only thing that kept me reading. The main characters were in my opinion very annoying and I couldn’t make a connection with them.
November 12, 2021
**AUTHOR REVIEW**
Hey! I'm the author, so this isn't a review, but it's a little insight to the book. Cupids & Chaos is the first in the Hands of Fate series and follows two winged communities, the Cupids—who spread love and peace—and the Chaos—who spread doubt and fear. Some people have heralded this as a Romeo and Juliet retelling, but it's not quite. It has STRONG R&J vibes, but don't go in expecting two 14 year olds to kill themselves ;)
Cupids & Chaos is an Upper YA romantic fantasy that ponders Fate and how much choice we have over our lives. It is equal parts gritty and swoony and I really hope you enjoy it.
If you do enjoy it, please feel free to reach out to me either by asking questions on my author page or on finding me on Instagram or Facebook. I'd love to hear from you.
Happy reading!
Hey! I'm the author, so this isn't a review, but it's a little insight to the book. Cupids & Chaos is the first in the Hands of Fate series and follows two winged communities, the Cupids—who spread love and peace—and the Chaos—who spread doubt and fear. Some people have heralded this as a Romeo and Juliet retelling, but it's not quite. It has STRONG R&J vibes, but don't go in expecting two 14 year olds to kill themselves ;)
Cupids & Chaos is an Upper YA romantic fantasy that ponders Fate and how much choice we have over our lives. It is equal parts gritty and swoony and I really hope you enjoy it.
If you do enjoy it, please feel free to reach out to me either by asking questions on my author page or on finding me on Instagram or Facebook. I'd love to hear from you.
Happy reading!
August 12, 2021
Wow. Just wow. I fell in love with our two lead characters, Sirain and Pace. Both from completely opposite worlds and coming together in a forbidden love story, as they learn about each other’s worlds and the human world. So many twists and turns in this book really kept me guessing and intrigued by the storyline. Warning: the cliffhanger will leave you impatiently waiting for the sequel. Highly recommend this book for fans of Danielle Jensen, JLA, and SJM!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶
Readability: Easy to understand
Flow: Medium pacing
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶
Readability: Easy to understand
Flow: Medium pacing
October 13, 2021
Hands down one of the easiest 5 stars I've given! What a book! I was expecting to read about cherub little Cupid's, who get up to mischief and cause chaos. WAS I WRONG! There is nothing cuddly about these Cupid's, they are in proficient in fighting, look like gorgeous deities and follow the instructions given to them by the Fates. As for the Chaos, well, to my delight, they are beings who are also beholden to the Fates, following their instructions! Neither knew of the other's existence, only rumours yet fate (pun intended!) until a chance encounter. It is incredibly well written and beautiful. It might sound like your classic forbidden love, enemies to lovers, but trust me, IT'S SO MUCH MORE! I loved the intricacies of the story, the way it keeps twisting and turning away from what I expected, it added to keeping my eyes glued to the page. Sirain and Pace are amazing characters, so real. I especially loved reading the interaction between "Thorn" and "Rose". I'm not going to give away any spoilers, but you're gonna WANT to know who Thorn and Rose are... It's a book full of emotions, impending war and inner conflicts, Cupid's, Chaos, Humans, royalty, and a deep sense of doing the right thing. Utterly wonderful! Well, except for the ending, what a cliffhanger...sigh, I wish I had book 2 at the ready, I could have carried on reading for days.
April 2, 2022
Quale libro se non questo può essere definito come l’enemies to lover migliore? Da un lato abbiamo l’intraprendente nonché paladino della giustizia Pace, designato ad un matrimonio che dovrebbe portarlo lontano da tutti i guai, e dall’altra abbiamo la sfrontata Sirain, costretta a dover superare pericolose e spietate prove per ottenere il trono del padre. Cosa può nascere fra loro due se non l’amore? Una storia di promesse e bugie con i fiocchi; non potrete fare a meno di divorare interi capitoli come se nulla fosse, perdendo la concezione del tempo. Che aspettate? Innamoratevi di questa splendida rivisitazione del bene e del male sotto forma di esseri alati muniti di arco e frecce!
August 7, 2021
I had the pleasure of beta and ARC reading Cupids and Chaos and it is my favorite read of the year.
I loved it so much, I went back and read it again a few days after finishing.
Darby Cupid does an amazing job bringing this world to life, making us fall head-over-heals with the characters, and despise the villains. The Romeo and Juliet vibes are amazing and the whole forbidden love/enemies to lovers is spot on and definitely swoon-worthy.
I cannot wait to have the bound book on my shelves.
I loved it so much, I went back and read it again a few days after finishing.
Darby Cupid does an amazing job bringing this world to life, making us fall head-over-heals with the characters, and despise the villains. The Romeo and Juliet vibes are amazing and the whole forbidden love/enemies to lovers is spot on and definitely swoon-worthy.
I cannot wait to have the bound book on my shelves.
September 30, 2021
this story is incredibly unique and had me hooked from the start! the concept of cupids and chaos is something i have never heard before and is an amazing spin on the concept of heaven vs hell, angels vs demons, with humans thrown into the mix to spice things up.
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the hands of fate follows pace, the second prince of hehven, and sirain, the crown princess of helle, as they embark on their own journeys of self discovery and trying to figure what they’re going to do with their lives when they turn twenty. their positions in their respective worlds creates the foundation for the most delicious forbidden romances i’ve read in a long time.
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i am an emotional reader, but generally i find i don’t get emotional during the first book in a series for various reasons, sometimes its just a lot of world building or i’m not that attached to the characters yet, but not this time. cupids and chaos had me in tears multiple times when i was reading, as well as smiling and face-palming lol.
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if you love forbidden romance, impending wars, and mysterious histories and connections, i highly recommend cupids and chaos!! the characters are superb, the story is a page turner, and the ending will leave you wanting the next one as soon as cupidly possible.
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the hands of fate follows pace, the second prince of hehven, and sirain, the crown princess of helle, as they embark on their own journeys of self discovery and trying to figure what they’re going to do with their lives when they turn twenty. their positions in their respective worlds creates the foundation for the most delicious forbidden romances i’ve read in a long time.
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i am an emotional reader, but generally i find i don’t get emotional during the first book in a series for various reasons, sometimes its just a lot of world building or i’m not that attached to the characters yet, but not this time. cupids and chaos had me in tears multiple times when i was reading, as well as smiling and face-palming lol.
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if you love forbidden romance, impending wars, and mysterious histories and connections, i highly recommend cupids and chaos!! the characters are superb, the story is a page turner, and the ending will leave you wanting the next one as soon as cupidly possible.
October 30, 2021
I received an eARC of this book for free. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own.
I found Darby cupid through one of my street teams. She asked if I would be interested in reading her book. Of course I said yes and man am I glad that I found her!!!!!! This book is INCREDIBLE. I loved every minute of it and was so sad when I was done. This story follows Pace who is a Cupid and Sarain who is a Chaos...They are sworn enemies......They meet by accident and what an incredible journey follows.
I could not put down this book. I loved both the MC's but the side characters had just as of a big role in
the story. The way Darby writes, she makes you FEEL...and when I say that, I mean I felt anger, happiness, excitement and betrayal...I went through all the emotions and absolutely LOVED this book.
The depth of the story was so intense that I read this book in one sitting. I could not put it down. When I feel this much emotion over a story, I know that it is an incredible read. Now to warn you...this book ends on a cliffhanger but it does not detract from the book...The next release will be in 2022 Get yours now! You will LOVE this book!
For all these reasons I am giving this book 5 well deserved stars..... if I could give it more I would! Thank you Darby for this book and thank you for introducing me to your work. You have now become one of my mandatory 1 click authors!
I found Darby cupid through one of my street teams. She asked if I would be interested in reading her book. Of course I said yes and man am I glad that I found her!!!!!! This book is INCREDIBLE. I loved every minute of it and was so sad when I was done. This story follows Pace who is a Cupid and Sarain who is a Chaos...They are sworn enemies......They meet by accident and what an incredible journey follows.
I could not put down this book. I loved both the MC's but the side characters had just as of a big role in
the story. The way Darby writes, she makes you FEEL...and when I say that, I mean I felt anger, happiness, excitement and betrayal...I went through all the emotions and absolutely LOVED this book.
The depth of the story was so intense that I read this book in one sitting. I could not put it down. When I feel this much emotion over a story, I know that it is an incredible read. Now to warn you...this book ends on a cliffhanger but it does not detract from the book...The next release will be in 2022 Get yours now! You will LOVE this book!
For all these reasons I am giving this book 5 well deserved stars..... if I could give it more I would! Thank you Darby for this book and thank you for introducing me to your work. You have now become one of my mandatory 1 click authors!
August 8, 2021
What comes to your mind when you hear Cupid? A small baby with a little love arrow. And for Chaos anyone who is into greek mythology knows it as one of the three sons of Chronos. But in " Cupid and Chaos" by Darby Cupid, it is quite different. This is the world of ‘Cupids and Chaos', which you can loosly associate as Angels and Demons. Pace, a Cupid and Sirain, a Chaos, it is their love story.
Having lived their lives without the knowledge of others existence, it comes as a shock to them when they accidentally come across each other. With different pursuits and different futures and also different races, it is hardly a surprise that later as the story progresses they become star crossed lovers.
Being a forbidden love story with my favourite enemies to lovers trope, it is a banger. I didn't think that I'd like it as much as I do. The writing is beautiful, the author gets you hooked on to every word. It is new and interesting, and my favourite in the entire book is the part where both protagonists talk on the cliff ( you'll have to read to know what I'm talking about), it just leaves me all giddy.
Having lived their lives without the knowledge of others existence, it comes as a shock to them when they accidentally come across each other. With different pursuits and different futures and also different races, it is hardly a surprise that later as the story progresses they become star crossed lovers.
Being a forbidden love story with my favourite enemies to lovers trope, it is a banger. I didn't think that I'd like it as much as I do. The writing is beautiful, the author gets you hooked on to every word. It is new and interesting, and my favourite in the entire book is the part where both protagonists talk on the cliff ( you'll have to read to know what I'm talking about), it just leaves me all giddy.
April 27, 2022
I don’t think I’ve ever read a forbidden love story before, but I really liked this one!
I loved the world building for each of the different locations. It was done so well and I could picture all of them. I felt like I was there sitting with them on the cliff or flying through the crossing or going to one of the festivals, the descriptions were so beautifully written.
I also really liked that Pace and Sirain both have a best friend (of the opposite sex) and a cousin in their group. The similarities between them are really interesting, especially since they come from such different backgrounds. Then there were some characters that were just so easy to hate, I wish I could go in and kill then myself. But I really liked the humans and…theres a dragon!
Plus the adventure! I just need to know what happens! I have so many questions…I need to know so many things and I don’t want to wait! I’m really excited to see how everything plays out.
And there was a plot twist that Completely blindsided me. I didn’t see it coming at all and it was a good one!
I can’t wait for book two to see what happens!
I loved the world building for each of the different locations. It was done so well and I could picture all of them. I felt like I was there sitting with them on the cliff or flying through the crossing or going to one of the festivals, the descriptions were so beautifully written.
I also really liked that Pace and Sirain both have a best friend (of the opposite sex) and a cousin in their group. The similarities between them are really interesting, especially since they come from such different backgrounds. Then there were some characters that were just so easy to hate, I wish I could go in and kill then myself. But I really liked the humans and…theres a dragon!
Plus the adventure! I just need to know what happens! I have so many questions…I need to know so many things and I don’t want to wait! I’m really excited to see how everything plays out.
And there was a plot twist that Completely blindsided me. I didn’t see it coming at all and it was a good one!
I can’t wait for book two to see what happens!
August 17, 2021
I'M INLOVE WITH THIS BOOK!
must read. amazing new fantasy series. forbidden love. enemies to lovers
It started really amazing for me, the introduction of the world was neatly described. I love how the story progress every chapter.
I so love the characters especially the two main characters and their names are Pace and Sirain. I adore them very much. They connected emotionally and i love when i read something like that. They both understand each other very well. I also love their development individually. All in all, i adore the characters around these two because i can really see that they treat each other as family.
The plot twists and revelations are executed very well. I was really fascinated to learn about it. And so excited to read the next one because of it!!
must read. amazing new fantasy series. forbidden love. enemies to lovers
It started really amazing for me, the introduction of the world was neatly described. I love how the story progress every chapter.
I so love the characters especially the two main characters and their names are Pace and Sirain. I adore them very much. They connected emotionally and i love when i read something like that. They both understand each other very well. I also love their development individually. All in all, i adore the characters around these two because i can really see that they treat each other as family.
The plot twists and revelations are executed very well. I was really fascinated to learn about it. And so excited to read the next one because of it!!
November 14, 2021
Cupids and Chaos have always been separately doing the Fates’ bidding. When a choice encounter has them meet each other there’s only questions and curiosity and faith is tested. Pace, second prince of the Cupids is destined for another and Sirain, Crown Princess of Chaos is destined to rule her people. Neither can afford to be distracted and yet neither can resist the connection they have.
A riveting tale of forbidden love with duty and honor. Book 1 of Cupid’s Hand of Fate series. If you’re a fan of enemies to lovers, forbidden love and Romeo and Juliet tendencies- this is the book for you!
A riveting tale of forbidden love with duty and honor. Book 1 of Cupid’s Hand of Fate series. If you’re a fan of enemies to lovers, forbidden love and Romeo and Juliet tendencies- this is the book for you!
December 16, 2022
I highly recommend this book if you love Romeo & Juliette type retellings (I know I’m a sucker for the impossible romances), dragons, angels vs demons, and amazing world building!! I really enjoyed the uniqueness of the Cupids and the Chaos, and their connection to the human world. The characters were very well written, easy to become attached to and get annoyed with. Overall this was just an incredibly well balanced book, and one that really takes the time to draw you in and then drop you off a cliff at the end, only to leave you desperately grasping for a handhold until book 2 releases.
August 8, 2021
Enemies to lovers, Forbidden Love and amazing world building create a story that is going to stick with me forever!
Ugh the ending though. Getting me where it hurts 😩 #cliffhangers
I absolutely loved every single character in this story. They all had so much depth and had all my favorite archetypes 👏
I really loved how this story played out. And can’t wait for book two!
So be sure to check this out when it comes out in November 😍
Ugh the ending though. Getting me where it hurts 😩 #cliffhangers
I absolutely loved every single character in this story. They all had so much depth and had all my favorite archetypes 👏
I really loved how this story played out. And can’t wait for book two!
So be sure to check this out when it comes out in November 😍
November 3, 2021
Oh. My. Stars.
I'm so glad I read this story. I loved the uniqueness of this story and the world it's set in.
What I loved:
* The world building! The world this story is set in is well thought out and so unique.
* The build up! I love a good enemies to lovers/forbidden love story as much as the next person, but sometimes the build up is unbelievable and is more like insta-love. I really liked how the relationships in this story built up and seemed to come more naturally.
* I have NO idea what's going to happen next and I love this! I love when things aren't predictable or spoon-fed to me. I'm not sure how the next book will play out, but I cannot wait to find out!
What didn't do it for me:
*Sometimes the pacing seemed a little slow, but after a while the story really got going and I was on the edge of my seat!
I got strong Romeo and Juliet vibes from this story. A couple of times my heart just BROKE, but I loved it all the same!
I'm so glad I read this story. I loved the uniqueness of this story and the world it's set in.
What I loved:
* The world building! The world this story is set in is well thought out and so unique.
* The build up! I love a good enemies to lovers/forbidden love story as much as the next person, but sometimes the build up is unbelievable and is more like insta-love. I really liked how the relationships in this story built up and seemed to come more naturally.
* I have NO idea what's going to happen next and I love this! I love when things aren't predictable or spoon-fed to me. I'm not sure how the next book will play out, but I cannot wait to find out!
What didn't do it for me:
*Sometimes the pacing seemed a little slow, but after a while the story really got going and I was on the edge of my seat!
I got strong Romeo and Juliet vibes from this story. A couple of times my heart just BROKE, but I loved it all the same!
February 13, 2022
Pace is second prince to the Cupids, he isn’t complaining knowing he has never wished for the throne, but being a royal has ruled and responsibilities of its own and living his life following them isn’t funny. Sirain is crown princess to the Chaos and has been accompanying her cousin Odio since she has memory, with her upcoming 20th birthday, time to prove herself fit for the throne is coming. Everything changes when Pace convinces his cousin to take him to one of his missions and learns war is coming between humans again, not only that, but he realizes Cupids aren’t the only ones helping the Fates.
They were raised to never question the Fates, they know it all, but as they keep on discovering things they can’t help but wonder, what if…..
This book is an amazing enemies to lovers forbidden romance, with a thrilling plot and an elaborate world building. It breaks your heart and keeps you wishing for more.
They were raised to never question the Fates, they know it all, but as they keep on discovering things they can’t help but wonder, what if…..
This book is an amazing enemies to lovers forbidden romance, with a thrilling plot and an elaborate world building. It breaks your heart and keeps you wishing for more.
September 12, 2021
I’m going to pretend like everything’s fine and my heart isn’t in tatters. This is Darby’s first enemies-to-lovers book and it had everything that I love regarding the trope!!
I was holding my breath at about halfway through. Even though it seemed like everything was going to be okay I knew the shoe was about to drop and all hell would break loose. I was not expecting a certain twist!! And all that stress building up towards the climax has me wondering how everything will be mended as the series continues. I know it’s just getting warmed up.
I loved this story and the characters, and their relationships with one another. Most of all, we have a delicious enemies-to-tentative friends-to lovers-to enemies and I’m so onboard for the angst that’s to come!!
I was holding my breath at about halfway through. Even though it seemed like everything was going to be okay I knew the shoe was about to drop and all hell would break loose. I was not expecting a certain twist!! And all that stress building up towards the climax has me wondering how everything will be mended as the series continues. I know it’s just getting warmed up.
I loved this story and the characters, and their relationships with one another. Most of all, we have a delicious enemies-to-tentative friends-to lovers-to enemies and I’m so onboard for the angst that’s to come!!
January 19, 2025
The idea of a story about the dichotomy between goodness (Cupids) and darkness (Chaos) and their respective influence over humans was mildly interesting. Other than that, there's not much else I can say to recommend this book.
The plot was basically non-existent and the tiny amount we were told was confusing. Why are the Cupids and Chaos taking orders from holy beings called Fates that they've never heard from or seen regarding the fate of several humans to influence a human war we haven't been told about? We're told nothing about the human realm and somehow the Cupids and Chaos travel through a mythical portal to the human world that isn't explained and are visible to humans but somehow never get caught on their missions? How have the two sides never learned of each other's existence before? Apparently it's because Cupids go on missions during the day and Chaos go on missions at night for no reason at all and they've never bumped into each other. How convenient.
Also, the mythical portal connecting the Cupid and Chaos realms to the human realm somehow doesn't connect them to each other yet the Cupids and Chaos have a magical cliff where the FMC (Sirain)(Chaos) and MMC (Pace)(Cupid) can talk to each other through their realms?
That did not sit well with me. This concept of purity for Cupids, which means they can't even touch each other let alone kiss before marriage, is completely unexplained. Why do they have to remain pure?
And the trials to become the next in line for the Chaos throne were random and anticlimactic. The characters were one-dimensional and the FMC and MMC were both unlikable.
2/5 stars.
The plot was basically non-existent and the tiny amount we were told was confusing. Why are the Cupids and Chaos taking orders from holy beings called Fates that they've never heard from or seen regarding the fate of several humans to influence a human war we haven't been told about? We're told nothing about the human realm and somehow the Cupids and Chaos travel through a mythical portal to the human world that isn't explained and are visible to humans but somehow never get caught on their missions? How have the two sides never learned of each other's existence before? Apparently it's because Cupids go on missions during the day and Chaos go on missions at night for no reason at all and they've never bumped into each other. How convenient.
Also, the mythical portal connecting the Cupid and Chaos realms to the human realm somehow doesn't connect them to each other yet the Cupids and Chaos have a magical cliff where the FMC (Sirain)(Chaos) and MMC (Pace)(Cupid) can talk to each other through their realms?
That did not sit well with me. This concept of purity for Cupids, which means they can't even touch each other let alone kiss before marriage, is completely unexplained. Why do they have to remain pure?
And the trials to become the next in line for the Chaos throne were random and anticlimactic. The characters were one-dimensional and the FMC and MMC were both unlikable.
2/5 stars.
November 6, 2021
Disclaimer: I was offered an eARC of Cupids and Chaos in exchange for an honest review.
This book is amazing! We get, of course, cupids and chaos (similar to angels and demons), but also enemies to lovers, knife to the throat trope, LGBTQ+ representation, forbidden love, evil family members and a lot of emotional pain to deal with.
I fell in love with the two main characters, Pace and Sirain, and the world-building was incredible. The story was fast-paced and got me very involved with every character. Speaking of which... is it not too soon to start killing characters? And how could you, Miss Darcy, make me grieve so much after knowing a character for only about 200 pages? Not fair...
Regarding Pace and Sirain's relationship, I think they fell in love too fast, but Fate is Fate after all and, keeping in mind this is a YA fantasy novel, we can still find the tiniest bit of spice (here for it✋🏼) so I will let it pass.
Finally, I must request one final answer: how could you stop writing at such a cliffhanging moment!? I do not have the strength in my heart to wait until next year!
Overall, pretty amazing read. Please, go check it out and buy Darcy's book because she truly knows how to deliver a good story.
This book is amazing! We get, of course, cupids and chaos (similar to angels and demons), but also enemies to lovers, knife to the throat trope, LGBTQ+ representation, forbidden love, evil family members and a lot of emotional pain to deal with.
I fell in love with the two main characters, Pace and Sirain, and the world-building was incredible. The story was fast-paced and got me very involved with every character. Speaking of which... is it not too soon to start killing characters? And how could you, Miss Darcy, make me grieve so much after knowing a character for only about 200 pages? Not fair...
Regarding Pace and Sirain's relationship, I think they fell in love too fast, but Fate is Fate after all and, keeping in mind this is a YA fantasy novel, we can still find the tiniest bit of spice (here for it✋🏼) so I will let it pass.
Finally, I must request one final answer: how could you stop writing at such a cliffhanging moment!? I do not have the strength in my heart to wait until next year!
Overall, pretty amazing read. Please, go check it out and buy Darcy's book because she truly knows how to deliver a good story.
December 6, 2021
WOW WOW WOW... This book was absolutely phenomenal. Darby's best writing.
the world building, the characters, plot and story WOW. loved every single moment. Well maybe not every one, cause some hurt... they still hurt. I had to sit with my emotions and process them. Do not make the mistake I did with thinking this is a standalone because the end will GUT you...
This book is filled with fantasy, adventure, action and romance. the forbidden romance trope isnt usually my jam but you better believe I was INVESTED in this book.
Pick it up you wont be disappointed.
the world building, the characters, plot and story WOW. loved every single moment. Well maybe not every one, cause some hurt... they still hurt. I had to sit with my emotions and process them. Do not make the mistake I did with thinking this is a standalone because the end will GUT you...
This book is filled with fantasy, adventure, action and romance. the forbidden romance trope isnt usually my jam but you better believe I was INVESTED in this book.
Pick it up you wont be disappointed.
January 12, 2023
🤍MMC: Second Prince Pace is a Cupid from Hehven. He loves to fly, and also fighting in illegal tournaments, and the sense of freedom and reality he gets from it! He wished to see the human realm and convinced his friend and his cousin to take him along on one of their missions.
🖤FMC: Crown Princess Sirain is a Chaos from Helle. She is strong, capable, rightfully deserving of the title of the queen.. for having grown up into the woman she is, despite having a sadist for a father and a brother as vile as one can be, and making her life a living hell! She frequently visits the human world with her cousin and bodyguard/friend, accompanying them in their missions.
❤️Cute romance, sweet and simple, with twists and tragedies I didn't see coming.. characters portrayed really beautifully, both MCs and their kin! Even the way Sirain's hateful father was described with his rare display of compassion is commendable! I kept expecting the humans to reveal their mean sides, but when I realised they were genuinely kind and helpful, it was heartwarming.. even Emeric's secret was something I hadn't expected! Things that followed.. the way Pace and Marlowe's loss was described.. it made me cry!
❤️Overall, I'm content having chosen this book and looking forward to reading the next, Vows and Villainy, as well!
💓Tropes:
-enemies to lovers!
-forbidden romance!
-secret identity!
-different world!
-romeo and juliet retellings!
-dual POV!
🖤FMC: Crown Princess Sirain is a Chaos from Helle. She is strong, capable, rightfully deserving of the title of the queen.. for having grown up into the woman she is, despite having a sadist for a father and a brother as vile as one can be, and making her life a living hell! She frequently visits the human world with her cousin and bodyguard/friend, accompanying them in their missions.
❤️Cute romance, sweet and simple, with twists and tragedies I didn't see coming.. characters portrayed really beautifully, both MCs and their kin! Even the way Sirain's hateful father was described with his rare display of compassion is commendable! I kept expecting the humans to reveal their mean sides, but when I realised they were genuinely kind and helpful, it was heartwarming.. even Emeric's secret was something I hadn't expected! Things that followed.. the way Pace and Marlowe's loss was described.. it made me cry!
❤️Overall, I'm content having chosen this book and looking forward to reading the next, Vows and Villainy, as well!
💓Tropes:
-enemies to lovers!
-forbidden romance!
-secret identity!
-different world!
-romeo and juliet retellings!
-dual POV!
January 20, 2023
This delightful forbidden romance, enemies to lovers fantasy has been on my TBR for a long time!
This was an absolute delight. Here we follow Pace, the second prince of the Cupids, who is struggling with his responsibilities as a prince of the cupids. His parents think settling him down in marriage will help curb his reckless ways. Sirain, Crown princess of chaos, has the weight of a future of ruling her people on her shoulders. Also shouldering her own family troublesome family dynamics, she has a lot on her plate looking towards her future. Enter a chance encounter in the human realm, the realization that they are both doing the work of the Fates, brewing political trouble, and an unexpected, very strong connection and you have the recipe for quite the adventure.
I am so glad I listened to this one on audiobook. The narrator brought both these characters to life in only a way a good narrator can. I was instantly drawn into these very dynamic characters and their forbidden love story. Darby Cupid's Writing is so descriptive, I could easily picture myself in this world. With a twisty ending I was not expecting, I will 100% be continuing this series.
This was an absolute delight. Here we follow Pace, the second prince of the Cupids, who is struggling with his responsibilities as a prince of the cupids. His parents think settling him down in marriage will help curb his reckless ways. Sirain, Crown princess of chaos, has the weight of a future of ruling her people on her shoulders. Also shouldering her own family troublesome family dynamics, she has a lot on her plate looking towards her future. Enter a chance encounter in the human realm, the realization that they are both doing the work of the Fates, brewing political trouble, and an unexpected, very strong connection and you have the recipe for quite the adventure.
I am so glad I listened to this one on audiobook. The narrator brought both these characters to life in only a way a good narrator can. I was instantly drawn into these very dynamic characters and their forbidden love story. Darby Cupid's Writing is so descriptive, I could easily picture myself in this world. With a twisty ending I was not expecting, I will 100% be continuing this series.
June 5, 2023
This is literally one of the best bad girl/ good buy books I have ever read in my life !!! And it was a fantasy romance so … definitely my thing !!! A Chaos and a Cupid, literally enemies since forever who shouldn’t trust each other, who know nothing of one another … but somehow still find a way to the other’s heart and soul in a way no one else ever could !!!
Family and friends putting them against each other. She is constantly threatened by her brother na father but she is the heir to the Chaos throne. He is e second Prince of the Cupid throne … but he I breaking almost each and every rule of their kind … especially the purity one. But what to do what war is about to unravel the mortal world and he can do something to stop it … but then he falls for the one who he should have never met in the first place !!!
Found family, enemies to lovers, fated enemies and forbidden love … only some of the amazing tropes you can find in this book !!! If you are a fan of Serpent and Dove and The Book of Azrael … check this one out !!!! Plus THAT ENDING !!!! Such a cliffhanger!!! I need book two asap !!!
Family and friends putting them against each other. She is constantly threatened by her brother na father but she is the heir to the Chaos throne. He is e second Prince of the Cupid throne … but he I breaking almost each and every rule of their kind … especially the purity one. But what to do what war is about to unravel the mortal world and he can do something to stop it … but then he falls for the one who he should have never met in the first place !!!
Found family, enemies to lovers, fated enemies and forbidden love … only some of the amazing tropes you can find in this book !!! If you are a fan of Serpent and Dove and The Book of Azrael … check this one out !!!! Plus THAT ENDING !!!! Such a cliffhanger!!! I need book two asap !!!
August 27, 2021
Book review!
Before I tell you about this 5⭐ book, I need to preface this with the fact that I don't give away ⭐ easily like a lot of reviewers I see. For me,
3⭐ means average, I probably won't reread
4⭐ I loved it. Will probably reread again when I have some downtime
5⭐ This book was A-MAZ-ING. I will definitely reread it every time a new book in the series comes out... And maybe a few more times when the series is complete.
So, that being said, Cupids and Chaos by Darby Cupid was a 5⭐ read for me. (I'd have to check my Goodreads, but I think this might be my first 5⭐ for an indie book😮)
You guys, this book is so good. A forbidden love ❤️ which is also somehow enemies to lovers in the best way. (I'm hard to sell on enemies to lovers unlike all you E2L simps) It had betrayal and intrigue and LGBTQ🏳️🌈 rep (important but not main characters) that feels totally natural to the world. Speaking of the world🌐, the world building was awesome.
❤️Ok. Done gushing now. ❤️
Before I tell you about this 5⭐ book, I need to preface this with the fact that I don't give away ⭐ easily like a lot of reviewers I see. For me,
3⭐ means average, I probably won't reread
4⭐ I loved it. Will probably reread again when I have some downtime
5⭐ This book was A-MAZ-ING. I will definitely reread it every time a new book in the series comes out... And maybe a few more times when the series is complete.
So, that being said, Cupids and Chaos by Darby Cupid was a 5⭐ read for me. (I'd have to check my Goodreads, but I think this might be my first 5⭐ for an indie book😮)
You guys, this book is so good. A forbidden love ❤️ which is also somehow enemies to lovers in the best way. (I'm hard to sell on enemies to lovers unlike all you E2L simps) It had betrayal and intrigue and LGBTQ🏳️🌈 rep (important but not main characters) that feels totally natural to the world. Speaking of the world🌐, the world building was awesome.
❤️Ok. Done gushing now. ❤️
October 1, 2021
Pace and Sirain are not meant to be. In fact, they aren't even supposed to know the other even exists. Brought together by their questions about each other and the humans, they form a bond they could not have with anyone of their own kind. Both destined for roles meant to support the orders of Fate, their experiences together change them, and they begin to wonder how they can use their positions in order to unveil the truth of the Fates - and possibly change it.
This first book of The Hands of Fate is sweet, and heart-wrenching at the same time. Even as these two fall in love, they're constantly being torn apart. They want to chose each other, to burn it all down. But they are who they are, each with their own heavy baggage dragging them back. The book ends on a cliff hanger, a promise of a fight that built for the entire novel. I cannot wait to see how these two interact the next time they meet!
This first book of The Hands of Fate is sweet, and heart-wrenching at the same time. Even as these two fall in love, they're constantly being torn apart. They want to chose each other, to burn it all down. But they are who they are, each with their own heavy baggage dragging them back. The book ends on a cliff hanger, a promise of a fight that built for the entire novel. I cannot wait to see how these two interact the next time they meet!
November 7, 2021
Forbidden love, enemies to lovers written at its best with SO MUCH MORE. This book i don't know what to say had trouble, hate, love, betrayal, misunderstanding that it was frustrating in a good way. The ending, please GIVE ME BOOK 2. My heart 💔
Pace and Sirain are total jackpot characters. I loved everything about them. Both are sassy, strong, hot headed and wanting to do the right thing. The side characters were amazing too, each having something mysterious to them.
The story and world building is well written, unique, intriguing and filled with intricate details, twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages. Reading this is about self discovery, hidden truths, royalty. The concept of Cupids and Chaos following orders of Fates is different and sometimes even I want to question things planned out for us. Have you ever felt that?
I highly recommend this book and thank you to the author for this arc in exchange of honest review. I loved reading this book.
Pace and Sirain are total jackpot characters. I loved everything about them. Both are sassy, strong, hot headed and wanting to do the right thing. The side characters were amazing too, each having something mysterious to them.
The story and world building is well written, unique, intriguing and filled with intricate details, twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages. Reading this is about self discovery, hidden truths, royalty. The concept of Cupids and Chaos following orders of Fates is different and sometimes even I want to question things planned out for us. Have you ever felt that?
I highly recommend this book and thank you to the author for this arc in exchange of honest review. I loved reading this book.
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