Author: Anna Humphrey
Release Date: December 13, 2010 (trade paperback)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 234
Source: Bought
Overall: 3.5 Stars
Summary:
Goodman's Gifts & Stationery StoreFebruary 14
Cashier: Elyse
3 boxes of heart-shaped chocolate . . . $12.00
Chocolate is the only good thing about this nauseating holiday.
4 containers of candy hearts . . . $5.00
Ever since my ex cheated on me, I've sworn off love. Too bad my new neighbor Patrick didn't get the memo.
1 Valentine's Day card . . . $4.50
I'm not interested. Although, he is pretty cute. And sweet. And funny.
1 singing Cupid doll (promotional item) . . . $0.00
Stupid Cupid! Point your arrows at someone else. . . .
Subtotal . . . $21.50
It's going to be a complicated Valentine's Day.
My Thoughts:
Rhymes with Cupid is a charming debut novel by Canadian author Anna Humphrey! It's a fun, quick read complete with moments that will make you "Awww..." and giggle because it's just too cute! Yes, it's predictable... but what would you expect? It's the path that will finally lead to the two characters being together that's the most amusing part.
Elyse Phillips didn't used to hate Valentine's Day, but after a horrible break-up last year, she's sworn off the idea of ever dating a guy again and just can't wait for the horrible day to finally pass. And working at Goodman's Gifts & Stationary during one of their busiest times of the year selling cards with mushy love lines isn't exactly making her any happier. So when her new neighbour Patrick starts showing some interest in Elyse, she immediately tries to derail him to go for her friend and fellow co-worker Dina instead. She just doesn't want to feel the heartbreak all over again. Love happens when you least expect it though... but will Elyse realize what's been right in front of her all along before it's too late?
Patrick is a total sweetheart! Not only does he look after his grandfather, but he's a really funny, caring guy who also offers to teach Elyse how to drive so she can finally get her license. He's a brave soul I tell you... he would actually willingly get in a car with Elyse and let her drive. And then there's Elyse who's stubborn but past experience has told her to keep her defenses up. So while it's obvious to the reader that Patrick is flirting with her, she views it as him just being an annoying nuisance of some sort. It was fun to see Patrick slowly, but surely, break through her armour.
You know exactly what you're getting into while reading Rhymes with Cupid. You don't need all the characters to be extensively developed nor do you need lots of detail. However, despite saying this, Anna Humphrey still manages to cover the different facets of love... from the hopelessly optimistic romantic to love that can come from the unlikeliest of places. It's pure entertainment, plain and simple.
Rhymes with Cupid is a romantic comedy which will not only pass the time quickly, but it's also a most fitting read for Valentine's Day!
