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Cupid on the Loose
From the author of All the Cowboys Ain’t Gone and California Fever comes a romantic comedy about the exuberant intoxication of amore and its often hilarious antics.
Aspiring author Billy Spiers tends to fall passionately in love, but soon, finding something missing, fall quickly out again. His grandmother, who raised him, thinks he needs to settle down and find a mate. When Billy’s on the verge of ending yet another relationship, his grandmother decides to do some well-intentioned meddling.
Kari Porter is not only smart and beautiful but also a writer with passions and sensibilities similar to Billy’s. She loves the same kind of stories, quotes lines from his favorite old poems and songs, and has similar unique takes on Shakespeare—is this the kindred spirit he’s been longing for? Sparks fly, and soon the two are lingering over dinner and taking romantic sunset bike rides along the California coast. They even manage to matchmake their four closest friends.
But artistic types can be overly sensitive. As their relationship rapidly progresses, they become afraid of moving too fast—and of getting hurt. Kari becomes distant, dealing with a crisis she feels she can’t share with Billy, while Billy responds with crazy drastic actions that he thinks might salvage the relationship. Billy’s grandmother can’t help meddling again, sending all three couples to a magical mountain lodge where she and her husband fell madly in love decades before. Mayhem ensues when the enigmatic and impish proprietor of the lodge introduces passion-fueled havoc, pushing the young lovers—inadvertently—in bizarre directions.
A twenty-first century twist on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Cupid on the Loose is a delightful romp that takes an entertaining and humorous look at the foibles of infatuation, lust, and romantic love.
Aspiring author Billy Spiers tends to fall passionately in love, but soon, finding something missing, fall quickly out again. His grandmother, who raised him, thinks he needs to settle down and find a mate. When Billy’s on the verge of ending yet another relationship, his grandmother decides to do some well-intentioned meddling.
Kari Porter is not only smart and beautiful but also a writer with passions and sensibilities similar to Billy’s. She loves the same kind of stories, quotes lines from his favorite old poems and songs, and has similar unique takes on Shakespeare—is this the kindred spirit he’s been longing for? Sparks fly, and soon the two are lingering over dinner and taking romantic sunset bike rides along the California coast. They even manage to matchmake their four closest friends.
But artistic types can be overly sensitive. As their relationship rapidly progresses, they become afraid of moving too fast—and of getting hurt. Kari becomes distant, dealing with a crisis she feels she can’t share with Billy, while Billy responds with crazy drastic actions that he thinks might salvage the relationship. Billy’s grandmother can’t help meddling again, sending all three couples to a magical mountain lodge where she and her husband fell madly in love decades before. Mayhem ensues when the enigmatic and impish proprietor of the lodge introduces passion-fueled havoc, pushing the young lovers—inadvertently—in bizarre directions.
A twenty-first century twist on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Cupid on the Loose is a delightful romp that takes an entertaining and humorous look at the foibles of infatuation, lust, and romantic love.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published February 4, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 27, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. I don't think I realized it was a retelling of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, but once I discovered that after the fact, it made a lot more sense.
Billy and Kari are looking for love and think they have found it in each other. However, they don't talk to each other about any issues. I can chalk part of that up to their age. When we are younger, we haven't figured out how to talk to people and share feelings and information, or at least not as we do when we are older.
We also have the meddling grandmother. She has a kind heart, but seems to think that everything is all about love, and getting her way when it comes to her grandson. At least her husband isn't always on board with her meddling.
There are two adorable children at the inn where most of the follies ensue. It is all because of these little mint-like tablets that are infused with something magical. However, it does have some extreme side effects! Many of those situations did make me chuckle.
There are some fascinating characters, and some lively interactions between many of the characters. If you enjoy Shakespeare, you will probably enjoy this retelling.
I enjoyed the book and gave it 3 1/2 paws up.
Billy and Kari are looking for love and think they have found it in each other. However, they don't talk to each other about any issues. I can chalk part of that up to their age. When we are younger, we haven't figured out how to talk to people and share feelings and information, or at least not as we do when we are older.
We also have the meddling grandmother. She has a kind heart, but seems to think that everything is all about love, and getting her way when it comes to her grandson. At least her husband isn't always on board with her meddling.
There are two adorable children at the inn where most of the follies ensue. It is all because of these little mint-like tablets that are infused with something magical. However, it does have some extreme side effects! Many of those situations did make me chuckle.
There are some fascinating characters, and some lively interactions between many of the characters. If you enjoy Shakespeare, you will probably enjoy this retelling.
I enjoyed the book and gave it 3 1/2 paws up.
February 5, 2025
Thank you to John Jacobson, Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for the gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review
While it it evident that the author is capable of beautiful prose, I am sorry to say that I did not find this romantic comedy particularly romantic or comedic. The writing alternated between being lofty and being formulaic (First they did this, then they did this). It felt as if someone transcribed a teenager's diary into third person. Perhaps the writing was intended to be this way as an ode to the bard, this being a Shakespeare retelling, but it left me feeling absolutely nothing for these characters. There was no spark, no tension, and by the end, I didn't even care if they got together.
As for the comedy, everything about this story was absurd, but in a frustrating rather than funny way. Now, being a reimagining of A Midsummer Night's Dream, we should expect some absurdity, but it fairs better in the fairy woods with Puck and Oberon. The entire thing reads of immature teenagers, not grown adults nearing their thirties. There are characters that are utterly superfluous and a great deal of filler in my opinion. I also found a number of instances in which I strongly disliked the way the male characters treated or thought about the female characters. Perhaps these instances were intended to be satirical, but it didn't come across that way to me.
For great lovers of Shakespeare's comedies, especially A Midsummer Night's Dream, this book may be a wonderful modern interpretation of the beloved play, but it was not for me.
While it it evident that the author is capable of beautiful prose, I am sorry to say that I did not find this romantic comedy particularly romantic or comedic. The writing alternated between being lofty and being formulaic (First they did this, then they did this). It felt as if someone transcribed a teenager's diary into third person. Perhaps the writing was intended to be this way as an ode to the bard, this being a Shakespeare retelling, but it left me feeling absolutely nothing for these characters. There was no spark, no tension, and by the end, I didn't even care if they got together.
As for the comedy, everything about this story was absurd, but in a frustrating rather than funny way. Now, being a reimagining of A Midsummer Night's Dream, we should expect some absurdity, but it fairs better in the fairy woods with Puck and Oberon. The entire thing reads of immature teenagers, not grown adults nearing their thirties. There are characters that are utterly superfluous and a great deal of filler in my opinion. I also found a number of instances in which I strongly disliked the way the male characters treated or thought about the female characters. Perhaps these instances were intended to be satirical, but it didn't come across that way to me.
For great lovers of Shakespeare's comedies, especially A Midsummer Night's Dream, this book may be a wonderful modern interpretation of the beloved play, but it was not for me.
March 16, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
In this contemporary twist on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Billy Spiers (see what the other did there?) just wants to find 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦. And his grandmother is beside herself with worry that he’ll never fall in love and stay in love. When he meets Kari, that’s it. She’s the one! And the same vice versa. Except they’re prone to miscommunication and life’s hurdles. To fix this, Billy’s grandmother puts together a little intervention. She sets him and his friends, and Kari and her friends up at a weekend stay at an estate where she fell in love with her husband. A little bit of meddling, intrigue, and magic lead to shenanigans.
I adored this! The story is laid out beautifully, and I liked how each character’s POV comes through. Lovesick Billy and Kari are such overthinkers - I can relate, haha! Sibley as the narrator sets a thoughtful, gentle and whimsical tone that invites you inside this world, and I gladly went in.
Highlights:
🧚 Multiple POV
🧚 Romance, magical realism
🧚 Meddling grandparent & magic
I’ve never read A Midsummer Night’s Dream but I’ve seen the play, and I think 𝗖𝘂𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 evokes that lightheartedness. It’s a delightful retelling!
Thanks to @librofm & @blackstonepublishing for my ALC & #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
In this contemporary twist on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Billy Spiers (see what the other did there?) just wants to find 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦. And his grandmother is beside herself with worry that he’ll never fall in love and stay in love. When he meets Kari, that’s it. She’s the one! And the same vice versa. Except they’re prone to miscommunication and life’s hurdles. To fix this, Billy’s grandmother puts together a little intervention. She sets him and his friends, and Kari and her friends up at a weekend stay at an estate where she fell in love with her husband. A little bit of meddling, intrigue, and magic lead to shenanigans.
I adored this! The story is laid out beautifully, and I liked how each character’s POV comes through. Lovesick Billy and Kari are such overthinkers - I can relate, haha! Sibley as the narrator sets a thoughtful, gentle and whimsical tone that invites you inside this world, and I gladly went in.
Highlights:
🧚 Multiple POV
🧚 Romance, magical realism
🧚 Meddling grandparent & magic
I’ve never read A Midsummer Night’s Dream but I’ve seen the play, and I think 𝗖𝘂𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 evokes that lightheartedness. It’s a delightful retelling!
Thanks to @librofm & @blackstonepublishing for my ALC & #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This story blends romance and a touch of magic in a really thoughtful way. Inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream, it follows Billy, who’s been searching for real love. His grandmother, worried he’ll end up alone, decides to step in—with a plan that brings Billy, Kari (his maybe-soulmate), and their group of friends together for a weekend getaway filled with quiet chaos, emotional detours, and unexpected twists.
The shifting perspectives added depth, and I liked how we were able to get into the hearts of each character. Billy and Kari both tend to overthink and hold back, and that tension felt honest. The narration carried a calm, gentle tone that made everything feel a little more magical—but still grounded in real emotion.
✨ What stood out:
— A multi-POV love story
— Subtle magical elements
— Strong focus on relationships (romantic & platonic)
— A grandmother who quietly steals the show
Even if you haven’t read Shakespeare’s play, this still holds up as a meaningful story about timing, uncertainty, and how love rarely looks the way we expect.
Thank you NetGalley for the Arc 🌸
This story blends romance and a touch of magic in a really thoughtful way. Inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream, it follows Billy, who’s been searching for real love. His grandmother, worried he’ll end up alone, decides to step in—with a plan that brings Billy, Kari (his maybe-soulmate), and their group of friends together for a weekend getaway filled with quiet chaos, emotional detours, and unexpected twists.
The shifting perspectives added depth, and I liked how we were able to get into the hearts of each character. Billy and Kari both tend to overthink and hold back, and that tension felt honest. The narration carried a calm, gentle tone that made everything feel a little more magical—but still grounded in real emotion.
✨ What stood out:
— A multi-POV love story
— Subtle magical elements
— Strong focus on relationships (romantic & platonic)
— A grandmother who quietly steals the show
Even if you haven’t read Shakespeare’s play, this still holds up as a meaningful story about timing, uncertainty, and how love rarely looks the way we expect.
Thank you NetGalley for the Arc 🌸
March 13, 2025
Cupid on the Loose, by John J. Jacobson, is part farce, part fantasy, and a whole lot of fun. Billy Spiers has been a free spirit loved by supportive grandparents who raised him, Arthur and Gwen. Billy seems to have commitment issues and Gwen is anxious for him to settle down and give her great grandchildren. She is certain that if he just visited the magical resort where she and Arthur fell in love, his future would be settled. But Billy has ideas of his own and his eye on a young lady named Kari.
Through a series of dating misadventures that relationship seems to be on the skids. Since Gwen did like Kari a lot when they met, she puts her thinking cap on and orchestrates a stay at the resort for Billy, his friends Byron and Jackson, and Kari and her friends Bianca and Amanda. This lays the groundwork for a Midsummer Night’s Dream scenario complete with mystical characters and a deep forest.
I did enjoy this fantasy story and would recommend it for those interested in this genre.
Through a series of dating misadventures that relationship seems to be on the skids. Since Gwen did like Kari a lot when they met, she puts her thinking cap on and orchestrates a stay at the resort for Billy, his friends Byron and Jackson, and Kari and her friends Bianca and Amanda. This lays the groundwork for a Midsummer Night’s Dream scenario complete with mystical characters and a deep forest.
I did enjoy this fantasy story and would recommend it for those interested in this genre.
February 10, 2025
This book has a distinct voice that I found interesting, and there’s no doubt the author can write beautifully. However, I found it hard for me to stay engaged in the story. The protagonists, despite being around 30, act more like immature 20-year-olds, and as the story went on, I found myself not really connecting with them.
There’s a clear Shakespearean comedy vibe as this is inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which I appreciated even though I’m not extremely familiar with the play. But the humor didn’t land for me, and by the time I reached about 40%, I realized the chaotic shenanigans, especially with Billy, were only going to escalate. Instead of feeling entertained, I just felt frustrated, and I don’t want to spend my time reading something that stresses me out.
That said, this is a well-written book, and I can see how it might work for the right reader. It just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the eARC.
There’s a clear Shakespearean comedy vibe as this is inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which I appreciated even though I’m not extremely familiar with the play. But the humor didn’t land for me, and by the time I reached about 40%, I realized the chaotic shenanigans, especially with Billy, were only going to escalate. Instead of feeling entertained, I just felt frustrated, and I don’t want to spend my time reading something that stresses me out.
That said, this is a well-written book, and I can see how it might work for the right reader. It just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the eARC.
July 16, 2025
Loved it!
What an absolutely adorable A Midsummer Night’s Dream retelling. I didn’t realize it was a retelling until about a third of the way through, when everything started going off the rails and I thought, “Wait a minute…” A quick Google confirmed it, and I was pretty proud of myself for catching on (since I always go in blind)!
That said, the story includes elements of magical realism, so you really have to suspend disbelief and just go with it.
I listened to the audiobook, and while Evan Sibley did a great job, the sheer number of characters made it tough to follow with only one narrator. Without distinct voice changes, it was sometimes hard to keep track of who was who and who was in love with whom (which is a lot of people).
The writing itself is lovely, and the children in the story are utterly charming. Overall, I really enjoyed it even if it got a little confusing at times. It definitely helped that I’m familiar with the play, so I could piece things together as I went.
Thank you to NetGalley, John J. Jacobson, and Blackstone Publishing – Audiobooks for the ARC!
What an absolutely adorable A Midsummer Night’s Dream retelling. I didn’t realize it was a retelling until about a third of the way through, when everything started going off the rails and I thought, “Wait a minute…” A quick Google confirmed it, and I was pretty proud of myself for catching on (since I always go in blind)!
That said, the story includes elements of magical realism, so you really have to suspend disbelief and just go with it.
I listened to the audiobook, and while Evan Sibley did a great job, the sheer number of characters made it tough to follow with only one narrator. Without distinct voice changes, it was sometimes hard to keep track of who was who and who was in love with whom (which is a lot of people).
The writing itself is lovely, and the children in the story are utterly charming. Overall, I really enjoyed it even if it got a little confusing at times. It definitely helped that I’m familiar with the play, so I could piece things together as I went.
Thank you to NetGalley, John J. Jacobson, and Blackstone Publishing – Audiobooks for the ARC!
March 7, 2025
Ugh I DNF this book at 50% So wordy, and in a flowery and trying to be poetic way, it was like the author used a thesaurus and tried to use all the synonyms in the same paragraph at times. It was not engaging and it felt like the wordy-ness was trying to cover the fact that not much was going on and to try to make it interesting. Its also set in Southern California but feels very much like the author has never been there, based on the way he describes certain areas or creates plot points, in fact I'm fairly certain the author isn't even American since he called the sport "American football" which is fine when your character us European or your story is set overseas, but when your character is from and in California, just no. I tried to give it a chance but just could not do it anymore when it wasn't getting better even halfway through.
November 25, 2024
This book was interesting, to say the least. The premise seemed cute and funny initially, but played out a little differently than I anticipated.
When new lovebirds Billy and Kari allow their insecurities to overtake them and push them apart, Billy's meddling grandmother forces them, and their friends, to a mountain lodge where she fell in love. But due to external forces, love is pushed around, but not where it should be. This mayhem causes all sorts of reflections from each character. While it is adorable, and a little funny, it seems much too spread out without any real focus on character growth for my taste.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for access to this title in exchange for an honest review**
When new lovebirds Billy and Kari allow their insecurities to overtake them and push them apart, Billy's meddling grandmother forces them, and their friends, to a mountain lodge where she fell in love. But due to external forces, love is pushed around, but not where it should be. This mayhem causes all sorts of reflections from each character. While it is adorable, and a little funny, it seems much too spread out without any real focus on character growth for my taste.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for access to this title in exchange for an honest review**
January 28, 2025
3 ⭐️
📖 Read this book: If you want a quick romance filled with literary references to Shakespeare and other prolific writers. This book is meant to be a restyled “A Midsummer Nights Dream”.
I had a really hard time getting into the writing style of this book. I thought the story between Kari & Billy felt rushed in the beginning. At the 50% point of the book was when I started to enjoy this read more. This is the point where more entertaining plot came about. I think this was due to the structure of keeping to Shakespeare; however I wish the relationships in this book could have been fleshed out more.
We do love a good interfering but well-meaning grandma! 💕
Disclaimer: Thanks to NetGalley & Blackstone Publishing for gifting me an advanced reading copy for this review.
📖 Read this book: If you want a quick romance filled with literary references to Shakespeare and other prolific writers. This book is meant to be a restyled “A Midsummer Nights Dream”.
I had a really hard time getting into the writing style of this book. I thought the story between Kari & Billy felt rushed in the beginning. At the 50% point of the book was when I started to enjoy this read more. This is the point where more entertaining plot came about. I think this was due to the structure of keeping to Shakespeare; however I wish the relationships in this book could have been fleshed out more.
We do love a good interfering but well-meaning grandma! 💕
Disclaimer: Thanks to NetGalley & Blackstone Publishing for gifting me an advanced reading copy for this review.
May 12, 2025
3.5 stars
It was an interesting take on A Midsummer's Night Dream by William Shakespear. It was definitely not what I was expecting, at all. It had some good moments but some not so good ones as well. I felt myself getting lost with all the different characters and storylines and back and forths between all these different people. It felt like 4+ stories in one. It started off a little formulaic but then evolved into something else and then magic was thrown in and that's where it really lost me.
I enjoy the audiobook and the narrators, but I'm not sure how much I liked the actual story I'm still mulling it over.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an audiobook copy to listen to and review. All opinions are my own.
It was an interesting take on A Midsummer's Night Dream by William Shakespear. It was definitely not what I was expecting, at all. It had some good moments but some not so good ones as well. I felt myself getting lost with all the different characters and storylines and back and forths between all these different people. It felt like 4+ stories in one. It started off a little formulaic but then evolved into something else and then magic was thrown in and that's where it really lost me.
I enjoy the audiobook and the narrators, but I'm not sure how much I liked the actual story I'm still mulling it over.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an audiobook copy to listen to and review. All opinions are my own.
October 20, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this slow, dreamy 21st-century twist on Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is both charming and comical. In “Cupid on the Loose,” two sensitive writers meet and fall in love. The tragic element is provided by their insecurities, which lead them to doubt each other’s affections. Enter the MC’s grandmother who is a hopeless romantic. She arranges them to meet at a lodge where she and her husband fell in love. This is where quasi-magical elements enter the picture and the comedy enters the story. If you are a fan of Shakespeare and tragic/comedies, Jacobson’s book will enchant you.
February 6, 2025
This delightful and humorous read is a perfect fit for anyone who loves a lighthearted, feel-good romance. The story is filled with whimsical charm and comedic moments, making it a must-read for fans of romantic comedies. Readers who adore stories about the intoxicating power of love and the transformative nature of relationships will also find themselves captivated. The characters are relatable and endearing, their witty banter and amusing escapades will keep you entertained from beginning to end. With its charming setting, heartwarming plot, and hilarious dialogue, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression and become a beloved addition to your bookshelf.
March 4, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC I enjoyed this book. The choice in the voice actor for the audiobook was great sometimes voices can be hard to keep you reeled in. This book is not my normal pick or genre but I did enjoy it as it was something new for me. John Jacobson did a fun “new” take on a classic and it was fun. This was a light, airy, quick read. I did have a hard time occasionally sticking to the audiobook but that’s the hard thing about audiobooks. Little chaotic but who doesn’t love some chaos. I do feel like it was a kind of quick/rushed book in the beginning but I do like how you wrapped it up (I do wish there was more romance or spice) but that’s my normal. I too am a hopeless romantic. Thank you for letting me read your work
March 5, 2025
Thankful for the ARC for an honest review.
This one was a bit too slow for me. Maybe because I listened to the audio instead of reading ( narrator seemed a lil monotone) The lack if communication in the relation had me wanting to pull my hair out. What could have started out as a great relation took way too many turns simply because neither party wanted to be open and honest about a cat allergy.
I will never put a book down simply because it wasn’t for me. My 3 star could very well be the next persons 5 star read
This one was a bit too slow for me. Maybe because I listened to the audio instead of reading ( narrator seemed a lil monotone) The lack if communication in the relation had me wanting to pull my hair out. What could have started out as a great relation took way too many turns simply because neither party wanted to be open and honest about a cat allergy.
I will never put a book down simply because it wasn’t for me. My 3 star could very well be the next persons 5 star read
April 8, 2025
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to read it.
Unfortunately, the story didn’t quite resonate with me. I found myself frustrated early on with the two main characters and their inability to communicate about everyday topics turning a minor issue into an overly dramatic situation. The tone felt increasingly absurd, especially in the final third of the book, which came across as a bit too silly for my taste. While that may have been the author’s intention, it just didn’t vibe with me personally.
Unfortunately, the story didn’t quite resonate with me. I found myself frustrated early on with the two main characters and their inability to communicate about everyday topics turning a minor issue into an overly dramatic situation. The tone felt increasingly absurd, especially in the final third of the book, which came across as a bit too silly for my taste. While that may have been the author’s intention, it just didn’t vibe with me personally.
April 20, 2025
3.5/5
First of all, a big thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the ALC!!
I enjoyed this book quite a lot, I must say. The idea was simple but lovely, really nicely paced and easy to read/listen to. I don’t typically consume many books written by men because I’ve found that I tend not to love them as much, but I want to add that the author of this one has a really lovely writing style that I adored.
Now, the reason behind the rating: the characters drove me crazy at times. I’m all for miscommunication when done right, but I had the feeling that they were worse than teenagers sometimes. I’m way too done with playing games while dating in real life to have to suffer through it in fiction too lol.
I must admit, there were a couple of times during this book when I disconnected a bit and had trouble staying engaged. Also, the romance. I’m a hugeeee romance girly and I felt like this story was lacking in the romance department—which is quite a statement considering not only the title but the plot. I was missing some yearning, some more feels.
Also, this may be a bit of a spoiler, but the fact that she was so willing to give up her cat? Offensive, sorry. Maybe dramatic, but that pissed me off enough lol. One minute she’s going on about how important that cat is to her, and the next she’s like “yeah, since you’re allergic I can just give her to a neighbour” ???? Yeah, that’s all I gotta say.
Did I love this book? Not really. Did I enjoy listening to it? Yeah, quite a lot actually. Probably a nice Valentine’s Day read!!
First of all, a big thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the ALC!!
I enjoyed this book quite a lot, I must say. The idea was simple but lovely, really nicely paced and easy to read/listen to. I don’t typically consume many books written by men because I’ve found that I tend not to love them as much, but I want to add that the author of this one has a really lovely writing style that I adored.
Now, the reason behind the rating: the characters drove me crazy at times. I’m all for miscommunication when done right, but I had the feeling that they were worse than teenagers sometimes. I’m way too done with playing games while dating in real life to have to suffer through it in fiction too lol.
I must admit, there were a couple of times during this book when I disconnected a bit and had trouble staying engaged. Also, the romance. I’m a hugeeee romance girly and I felt like this story was lacking in the romance department—which is quite a statement considering not only the title but the plot. I was missing some yearning, some more feels.
Also, this may be a bit of a spoiler, but the fact that she was so willing to give up her cat? Offensive, sorry. Maybe dramatic, but that pissed me off enough lol. One minute she’s going on about how important that cat is to her, and the next she’s like “yeah, since you’re allergic I can just give her to a neighbour” ???? Yeah, that’s all I gotta say.
Did I love this book? Not really. Did I enjoy listening to it? Yeah, quite a lot actually. Probably a nice Valentine’s Day read!!
April 26, 2025
I received this book as an ARC and I’m very grateful for the opportunity. That being said this wasn’t the book for me and I knew that rather quickly. The writing style itself (again in my eyes) didn’t read as a romance or comedy. Now like another reviewer commented the comedy part I think is on par with Shakespeare humor and the absurdity of A Midsummer Night's Dream. I loved the idea of this book but not the outcome, I think for those who like some light hearted romance with ups and downs maybe this is something to pick up and try.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2024
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.
The struggle of dating and finding the one is actively played out in this storyline. Boy and girl meet, they hit it off but then insecurities start and communication dwindles, or miscommunication takes over- Definitely relatable. I did find parts of the story to be a little slow and then some details to be too much but overall I enjoyed going through the romance. Always loved the grandma! Family members definitely love playing Cupid
The struggle of dating and finding the one is actively played out in this storyline. Boy and girl meet, they hit it off but then insecurities start and communication dwindles, or miscommunication takes over- Definitely relatable. I did find parts of the story to be a little slow and then some details to be too much but overall I enjoyed going through the romance. Always loved the grandma! Family members definitely love playing Cupid
February 4, 2025
There might've been a little too much Lord of the Rings (I can't believe I'm saying that...) in a book using the premise of Shakespeare.
This book is chaotic romance - is that a genre? That tackles different kinds of love and how it changes, how we have to change with it, and the many, many things that might get in the way of it. Some of the subplots lost me, hence the 3 star rating.
However, the central story of Kari and Billy was really sweet, and the way they finally come together and in the last section and clear up all there emotions, and fully recognize how well they fit with each other (the nerds! the wordy nerdy nerds!) was a sweet way to spend an afternoon.
This book is chaotic romance - is that a genre? That tackles different kinds of love and how it changes, how we have to change with it, and the many, many things that might get in the way of it. Some of the subplots lost me, hence the 3 star rating.
However, the central story of Kari and Billy was really sweet, and the way they finally come together and in the last section and clear up all there emotions, and fully recognize how well they fit with each other (the nerds! the wordy nerdy nerds!) was a sweet way to spend an afternoon.
April 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and the different characters that are in it. This was such a great couple story while also branching out to the friends of the main couple. I found the hotel that they all end up at to be very amusing and comical. The different couples that all end up going through the hotels magic is just very funny. I enjoyed the chaos that ensued from the mints. The ending was good and I'm so very happy with how it ended.
February 1, 2025
I went into this book thinking I was going to read one thing, and it ended up being completely different. This is not my typical read, so take that into account when you look at my rating, but I did find that the story and writing was a little lackluster and I wasn't very invested in the characters after a certain point.
February 4, 2025
While Cupid on the Loose wasn’t my favorite, I can appreciate the quality of the writing. Jacobson’s style is engaging, and the story is well-crafted, even if it didn’t fully resonate with me. Fans of his work or the genre may find it more appealing, as it’s clear he knows how to tell a story with skill.
March 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC but unfortunately I did have to DNF it. I just couldn't get into the writing of this book. I will give it another shot later on in the month. But for the most part of what I did read, it was .... OKAY. Will try again soon
September 16, 2025
Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.
Started off as a cute romance, went a little haywire (as I probably should have expected). Overall good though and I enjoyed it.
Started off as a cute romance, went a little haywire (as I probably should have expected). Overall good though and I enjoyed it.
March 25, 2025
Very enjoyable, easy to read and a real imagination, and yes Cupid is real!
April 9, 2025
I got this from NetGalley and this was very cute. Kind of the middle for me, but it was well worth the read. It was definitely needed in a pallet Cleaner.
December 15, 2025
3.5 stars 🌟
April 2, 2025
Cupid on the loose is a comedic romp through the trials of early romance, taking inspiration from Shakespeare’s a “Midsummer night dream” but with a modern, witty twist. The novel follows two strangers who meet by chance in the theater and discover an uncanny connection. As they begin dating, their growing bond is put to the test, not by outside forces, but by their own overactive insecurities, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings, and over overreactions. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a skeptic of love, this book will leave you both laughing and reflecting on the unpredictable magic of relationships.
October 20, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this slow, dreamy 21st-century twist on Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is both charming and comical. In “Cupid on the Loose,” two sensitive writers meet and fall in love. The tragic element is provided by their insecurities, which lead them to doubt each other’s affections. Enter the MC’s grandmother who is a hopeless romantic. She arranges them to meet at a lodge where she and her husband fell in love. This is where quasi-magical elements enter the picture and the comedy enters the story. If you are a fan of Shakespeare and tragic/comedies, Jacobson’s book will enchant you.
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