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Finding Cupid
Included in JERR (Just Erotic Romance Reviews) 2007 List
of Annual Favorite Things as a Favorite Read!
| Finding Cupid is a contemporary fantasy, paranormal from Ellora's Cave:
A resident of Mount Olympus and student at Cupid Academy, Lula travels to Earth as part of her final exam for the Perfect Love Matches 101 course. Capricious and absentminded, she's determined to make a positive impression on Cupid, who'll be traveling incognito. To her horror, flight turbulence whips Lula's class materials out of the chariot. Without her map to Cupid's Earthly headquarters or her invisibility garb, the naďve nymph is in trouble.
Hunky, macho electrical contractor Dake Dronyer is in hell. At least that's how he feels manning Cupid's Headquarters, his gay brother's girly flower shop, during an emergency. When a gorgeous, curvy, nearly naked blonde bursts into the shop, talking of such bizarre things as nymphs, Cupid, chariots and invisible wings, things start looking up. Dake's captivated, and wild with desire.
Of course, he's certain she's nuts. And probably a hooker.
Lula's thrilled. At last, she's found Cupid!
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| Finding Cupid Excerpt 1, from Chapter One:
"Gather your gear, Lula. I'll take you down to Earth in my personal chariot," Cinnamus heard himself say and then groaned in frustration at his apparent lack of restraint.
Lula drew back, holding Cinnamus at arm's length. He immediately missed her soft warmth snuggled close to his body.
Wide-eyed, she gasped as she stared up at him. "Oh, Cinnamus, really? You would do that for me?"
He nodded with a sigh. "I'm making an exception to the rules. Just this one time, you understand." He wagged a chastising finger. "And you mustn't let any of the other students know, either. I don't want them thinking I'm showing favoritism. If they wonder how you arrived to join them, simply tell them one of the minor gods gave you a lift."
"Absolutely. I understand." Lula's head bobbed up and down with enthusiasm. "I promise to be careful and I'll do my very best to make you proud of me. You'll see, Cinnamus. I won't let you down."
Cinnamus winced. He didn't really want to think of what sort of mayhem she might cause on this trip. Once she found Cupid, he'd no doubt be able to guide her, to keep her from inflicting any serious disasters on the poor unsuspecting mortals. "I won't be able to stay to help you, Lula. I need to get back right away for my next class. That means you'll have to find Cupid's headquarters on your own. Do you think you can manage that?"
Hiking a shoulder in a nonchalant shrug, Lula huffed. "Well of course I can, Cinnamus. I may be a bit absentminded but I do know how to read a map."
Cinnamus gave her a patient smile as he glanced at the endless array of pouches, bags and books she'd brought along. "Yes, but did you remember to bring the map with you?"
Smiling, Lula began retrieving her gear from the floor. "Yes." She gave one suede satchel a firm pat. "Along with the forgetfulness serum, the invisibility powder, the—"
Cinnamus groaned. "It's the other way around. Forgetfulness powder and invisibility serum. The forgetfulness powder simply needs to be inhaled to work, remember?"
"Mmm-hmm." Lula nodded. "That's what I meant. And don't worry, Cinnamus, I brought along the full list of precautions you gave us in class—all the things we're supposed to avoid. I even brought my textbook, just in case." She beamed a bright smile.
Cinnamus frowned. "I'm not sure that's such a good idea, Lula. If you recall, the last time you went to Earth you left behind your class notes. Remember what happened when that unprincipled politician found your notebook?"
Lula bit her bottom lip and her cheeks flushed pink. "Yes. But at least we found it before he was able to cause too much harm, right?" She looked up at him hopefully.
"But if we hadn't, he could have gained political control over the world because the public suddenly found him to be entirely irresistible." Remembering some of Lula's other past escapades, Cinnamus ground out a monumental sigh, wondering if he might be mad for loosing the well-meaning nymph on the unsuspecting world.
"I was much younger and far more foolish back then," Lula assured him.
"It was only two years ago, Lula."
"Oh but I've learned so much since then," she guaranteed, offering a most persuasive expression of assurance. "Because you've been such a wise and wonderful teacher," she added with a smile.
"Indeed…" Cinnamus watched her juggling her various belongings. "Perhaps it would be better if you had one large satchel so you could keep everything together in one place," he suggested. "What happened to the schoolbag you were issued? It's big enough to hold all that you're carrying."
Lula's gaze dropped to her toes. "Um…I couldn't find it. That's another one of the reasons I was running late this morning." Cinnamus moaned and she raised her eyes to his again.
"And you certainly can't flit around the Earth wearing your academy uniform. You need to change your clothing into the traveling outfit you were issued."
"I didn't have time to change but I did bring the garment with me." Glancing down at her filmy tunic, Lula frowned. "I know wearing the travel outfit is part of the academy's rules because it renders us invisible but I never understood why it was necessary, Cinnamus. After all, the invisibility serum already makes us invisible to humans on the Earth plane. Besides, I'm so much more comfortable wearing my light and airy uniform."
"The change of clothes is a necessary precaution," Cinnamus stated simply.
A frown line creased the area between Lula's expressive eyebrows. "But why, exactly?"
Cinnamus' gaze flew to Lula's large succulent breasts and then to the cluster of golden curls at her pussy, clearly evident beneath the voile-like material. He cleared his throat. "In case you forget to ingest the serum."
"But I wouldn't—" Lula started again, only to be cut off by Cinnamus.
"The dual protection of the traveling garment as well as the serum doubly guarantees that your power of invisibility will not fail for any reason," Cinnamus explained, not wanting to think of the chaos Lula would cause if she were visibly prancing about Earth practically in the buff.
"Maintaining invisibility while on Earth is crucial because it allows you to carry out your matchmaking tasks without any unneeded distractions. You see…it's not your school uniform that's the problem, Lula, it's…what's underneath."
"Oh? Is there something wrong with my body?" she asked in all innocence, glancing down at her bountiful physical attributes. "I've always thought my shape was quite pleasing, Cinnamus. Are you saying that humans wouldn't find me appealing?"
"On the contrary…" Realizing the rest of that sentence was better left unsaid, Cinnamus averted his eyes from her ample curves and took in a fortifying breath. "It's all in chapter eleven, Lula. Remember? Full or partial nudity isn't the norm for Earth's inhabitants. In fact, they have laws against it for the most part."
"How peculiar," Lula mused. "Why would it be considered wrong to show off the beauty of the naked form?"
Cinnamus slanted her a dubious look. "Are you sure you read chapter eleven?" he asked, feeling just a bit prickly discussing the subject with Lula one on one.
"Yes." Lula nodded. "Well…I think so. I'll reread it in the chariot, just in case. It sounds like a fascinating topic."
"The important thing to remember, Lula, is that the people of Earth are not as advanced, sophisticated or mature as we are here on Olympus. As a rule, human females don't dress in sheer garments exposing their naked forms, unless they're…uh…unless they're engaged in a profession wherein they seek financial compensation for providing sexual favors."
"Payment?" Lula laughed. "Don't be silly, Cinnamus. I would never dream of asking for gold coins if I found a love match. I would give of myself freely. That's what sexual pleasure is all about, isn't it?"
"Well, yes, but…" Letting his words trail off, Cinnamus just looked at her for a long moment, unsure of how to answer the too-trusting nymph's question in such a short span of time. "On second thought, maybe you're not ready for this trip after all, Lula."
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| Finding Cupid Excerpt 2, from Chapter Two:
"Look, Zeb, even if I wanted to be here I don't have the faintest idea how to put all this flower crap together to look like the stuff in these pictures."
Dake groaned as he looked at the floral arrangement catalog and all the frilly related shit around him. There were all sorts of flowers inside and outside of refrigerated glass front cases, containers of all shapes, materials and sizes and all the mysterious-looking stuff that he supposed went into the containers to hold the flowers in place. "This is your area of expertise, Zebulon, not mine."
"Trust me, Dakin, if there was anyone else available, anyone, I would have called them instead. It's just you and the delivery driver for now. Poor Edwina's sick as a dog with a vicious head cold and Alfred's got classes in the morning. In the meantime, just let your inner woman come out, Dakin, and you'll be fine."
Dake rolled his eyes and tsked. "For the umpteenth time, I don't have an inner woman."
"Of course you do. All men do."
"Uh-huh, maybe all gay men do, Zeb, but your big brother is straight, in case you've forgotten."
"You sound positively green with envy, Dakin."
"Hey, knock it off. I am not envious that you're gay. How many times do I have to tell you that?"
"Sorry." Zeb laughed. "I can't help it. You're so damned easy."
"Ha-ha, very funny. Can't you tell those lazy sons of bitches it's an emergency and that you need your car fixed right now, pronto?"
"Well," Zeb said in muffled confidential tones, "there are two lovely, muscular young men working on it right now. I'm sure they're doing their brawny best. Alfred will be there in another hour or so, maybe less. Besides, Dakin, I thought you told me you had a day off today and you didn't have any pressing plans."
Dake cursed under his breath. Partially because he'd been stupid enough to open his big mouth and let Zeb know he was free today and, dammit, partially because his brother was always there for him whenever Dake needed him. The least he could do was to man Zeb's froufrou flower shop for a couple of lousy hours without pissing and moaning about it.
"Yeah, all right, Zeb, I'll—" When the bell for the front door jingled, Dake glanced up. "Fuck," he said.
"What's wrong?" After a moment of silence, Zeb said again, "Dakin, what's wrong?"
"You got a customer," Dake said, doing his best to keep his eyeballs from bugging while he scraped his jaw up from the floor. "She's gorgeous…and she's practically naked." He felt his cock jerk hard in his jeans.
"Probably not Mrs. Jorgenson," Zeb offered.
"Definitely not. Gotta go. Talk to you later. And take your time, Zeb." Dake hung up the phone and locked eyes with the dazzling vision walking toward him.
* * * * *
"At last! Cupid's Headquarters! I'm sorry I'm so late," Lula said, practically breathless as she scurried to the front of the large flower-strewn room to meet with the head of the academy. "Are you all right, Cupid?" she went on. "You look ill or something." When he didn't answer, Lula snapped her fingers, bringing his gaze up from her breasts to her eyes.
"Sonuvabitch," Cupid whispered as he gawked at her.
"Son of who?" She slanted him a curious look, her ego deflating a few notches upon the realization he'd evidently mistaken her for one of the other students—a male of all things!
"No, Cupid, it's me, Lula. Daughter of Arrius and Venuvia. I'm a woman." She straightened her shoulders, thrusting out her breasts so he'd be sure to recognize her womanly attributes. She watched his gaze slide to her breasts again, lingering there as if he'd never seen them before.
"No shit," Cupid responded in a most uncharacteristic tongue-lolling fashion.
"Oh, you're displeased that I'm not wearing my traveling garment, is that it? I can explain. You see, while I was in the chariot, one of my bags accidentally flew off before I could catch it. It was the one with my traveling clothes, which is why I'm still dressed like this."
She motioned to her sheer outfit and Cupid followed her gesture with his eyes, this time landing his gaze at her pussy as he leaned over the counter to get a better look.
She paused for a moment, finding herself quite taken with Cupid's Earthly disguise. The youthful mortal form he'd assumed had inky-black hair, chocolate-brown eyes, a tall, lean, yet muscular, build. And his golden tan was enhanced by the open-necked pale blue denim shirt he wore. Of course, Cupid was always a breathtakingly beautiful man, no matter what his chosen disguise. But Lula thought she liked this one most of all. He looked rough and manly and strong and…famished.
"You seem to be drooling, Cupid. Are you hungry?"
"Hungry?" His eyes roved over her from top to bottom and back up again. "Oh yeah, I'm suddenly starving, all right," he finally replied.
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| Finding Cupid Excerpt 3, from Chapter Eleven:
A wary look across her features, Lula shook her head. "I don't know, Dake. I'm not important enough for the gods to consider. I mean, it's not like I've accomplished some incredible feat or like I have any real stature. I'm not a goddess, I'm just a--"
"A nymph who fell in love with a mortal man," Zeb interrupted. "Lula, my dear, these books are filled with stories of love matches like yours and Dakin's. And you know all that hubbub you keep making about being nothing but a lowly nymph?" Lula gave a tentative nod and Zeb wagged a chastising finger. "It seems you've been telling little white lies."
Dake frowned. "What do you mean?"
"According to what I've read," Zeb explained, "nymphs are classified as minor female deities. That would make our little Lula a minor goddess. Just like Psyche."
"What?" Dake looked agape at Lula. "But I thought you said--"
Huffing a sigh, Lula gave a dismissive wave. "It's an age-old controversy. Some believe nymphs are minor deities, while others are certain we're merely spirits of nature with extended lifespans. I simply choose to think of myself as the latter." She shrugged. "I'm far too absentminded and impish to be a minor deity. Besides, I'm of mixed heritage, which might make me ineligible for being a goddess."
After skimming over Lula's gold curls, blue eyes and milky complexion, Dake and Zeb exchanged glances. "Well, don't leave us hanging," Zeb said.
"Apparently it happened generations ago." Lula sighed. "You see, I'm part Dryad and part Limoniad," she finished, just as if it made perfect sense.
"Uh-huh. And that means . . . ?" Dake asked.
"Each nymph subtype presides over a certain aspect of nature," Lula explained. "The habitat of Dryads is the forest while the habitat of Limoniads is meadows. I'm happiest and most productive in either. That's why I'm partial to flowers and foliage. It's also why I enjoy your Earthly city of Portland so much. It's like a lush mix of forest and meadow here."
"That settles it," Zeb said, slamming his thick hardcover book shut with a loud thud, capturing Dake and Lula's full attention. "Dryad or Limoniad, Lula, there's no damn reason why you, a minor goddess, and my mortal brother can't plead your case before the gods. Period."
Lula sucked in a small gasp and nibbled her bottom lip. "The Council of Deities . . ." she said with reverence.
"How am I going to do that?" Dake asked. "That's on Olympus, right?"
Lula nodded silently in response.
Zeb shrugged, polishing his nails against his shirt and inspecting them. "If you truly love Lula, then I'm sure you'll find a way. Of course, maybe you don't care if you lose her forever. Or perhaps you don't have the stamina that a mortal woman like Psyche had." He indulged in a shrewd smile.
"Jeez, this is crazy." Dake stared at nothing, trying to piece all the bizarre stuff together. "I mean, Zeb, do you hear what we're talking about here? We're talking about me, Dake Dronyer," he rapped his fingers against his chest, "flying up into the clouds in some god's chariot, for chrissakes. Shit. It's insane." He dropped his head in his hands, massaging his temples and groaning.
"Would you really be willing to do that for me?" Lula asked hopefully. "Plead before the Council of Deities?"
Dake looked over at her. She looked so damned adorable he wanted to scoop her up, take her into Zeb's bedroom and fuck her until she was quaking and boneless with pleasure. He slapped his hands against his thighs. "Bring it on," he pronounced, getting to his feet. "I'll do whatever it takes for us to stay together."
Lula bolted upright in her chair. "Even if it means battling dragons or braving the fiery domain of Pluto?"
Bug-eyed, Dake swallowed hard. "The planet?" he asked, having a pretty good idea that wasn't what Lula meant. And as soon as she shook her head, he knew he was right.
"I believe she's referring to what we call Hell," Zeb offered, his complexion taking on a sickly pallor.
Lula nodded slowly. "In Greek mythology, it's known as the domain of Hades."
Dake just looked from Lula to Zeb and back again. "You're kidding, right? Fire-breathing dragons and the pits of Hell…" His laugh sounded like a sick hyena's. "Tell me you're not serious?"
Lula lowered her eyes, nibbling on her bottom lip again.
"Shit. You're not kidding." Dake took in a sharp breath, letting it out with a whoosh. His head pounded with the mind-boggling madness of it all. How the hell did he suddenly get stuck in the middle of some fucking fairy tale? He could be laying his life on the line if he did this. Damn, if he got barbequed by some dragon he'd be dead before he was forty!
Yeah, but what kind of life would he have if he played it safe and lived to eighty—without ever seeing or holding Lula again? Ever. Whether they erased her from his memory or not, Dake knew damn well he'd go through life like a walking zombie without Lula at his side.
"See? This is why I never wanted to fall in love," he finally said, wagging an accusatory finger toward a wide-eyed Lula. "Because as soon as I do, look what happens. Dragons and Hell and . . ." He watched her chin tremble. "Aw shit, Lula . . ." Dake plucked her from her chair, squeezing her close, nestling his nose in her hair and breathing in the fragrance of sunshine, spring flowers and the sweet scent of the woman he loved.
"I love you," he told her, "and I don't ever want to be without you." He kissed her hard. "Bring on the dragons and Pluto and whatever else. Dake Dronyer, master electrician, will tackle them all!"
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| Daisy's Book Notes:
Romantic comedy fantasies are especially fun to write because I enjoy the concept so much. It seems I have dozens of fantasy scenarios swimming around inside my head at any given time and I do my best to write them down before I forget them.
I had several books of Greek and Roman myths when I was young. One was handed down to me from my mother from when she was a child and it contained the most extraordinary illustrations. Those wonderful, magical myths stirred my imagination and I longed to find a way to fly up to Mount Olympus and meet the gods.
In Finding Cupid, I've revisited my favorite myths and enjoyed giving the various gods and goddesses their own, unique personalities and lifestyles. When I was less than halfway through the writing of this story, I knew I'd have to revisit these characters because there was so much more story to be told and so many fabulous adventures I imagined taking place.
So, Finding Cupid became the first book in my Cupid Academy series.
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| Reviews and Buzz:
"Finding Cupid is a story that embraces the erotic nature of a nymph with Olympian myths and two very hunky ordinary mortals thrust into extraordinary adventures. . . . There has to be a sequel! . . .
I think this review is in danger of being too long because there is so much more to talk about, so much more to share about the things I liked. Ms. Dobbs' books are always full of romance, celebrations of physical love with imagination and fun and an HEA worth looking forward to, and Finding Cupid continues her tradition. As lengthy as this book was, I wanted more. I want to visit them again. The question is, when?"
--Whipped Cream Reviews
"Finding Cupid is another hysterically funny read by Daisy Dexter Dobbs. Lula finds herself in one crazy situation and Dake is more than happy to help her out. I was shaking my head and the words 'oh my gosh' were repeated constantly as I read this story. It is hilarious and sweet and I enjoyed it. Zeb, Dakin's brother is awesome. I love their relationship, they are such opposites and have the typical sibling fights but they are also very supportive of each other. Finding Cupid is fun and it's a book I certainly see myself reading more than once."
--Joyfully Reviewed
"Daisy Dexter Dobbs writes romantic comedy that is so over the top that I can't help but laugh out loud while reading—usually shocking all of those around me. Her wit and ability to create clever and over the top situations is truly a gift. This gift is one she shares willingly with her readers. She always leaves me believing anything is possible. FINDING CUPID is yet another stellar example of Ms. Dobbs' vivid imagination. Lula is the quintessential Dobbs heroine—she's curvy yet beautiful and still comfortable in her own skin. She may be a nymph but she has flaws and vulnerabilities just like every woman. Lula is just down right lovable. FINDING CUPID has it all—witty dialogue, a hot as sin hero, scorching sexual chemistry, mad cap hilarity and is without a doubt a must have for every romance fan. Ms. Dobbs makes falling in love fun and I, for one, can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
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--Romance Junkies
"With lots of hot steamy sex, more than a touch of laughter, and a ton of charismatic characters who make you want to believe there really is a Mt. Olympus; this is a great read for everyone. The plot moves well through most of the book, and even when the pace is a little slower, the characters. The sex is plentiful, inventive, and includes some male on male loving between Zeb and a resident of Olympus that I found very touching and romantic. Lula and Dakin are a couple that make you want to cheer out loud, especially when it seems their future together is at stake. As Lula keeps reminding us they are true soul mates and should be together for eternity. When Cupid and the other Olympians take the stage, happily forever after becomes a real possibility."
--Fallen Angels
"…a delightfully raunchy comedy full of slap-stick moments and ridiculous humor. Lula is the embodiment of the beautiful woman who is absentminded and charming and manages to find trouble in the most unlikely ways while having moments that show unsuspected savvy. Dakin is a mix of the typical insensitive male with loads of sex appeal. These two will keep you turning the pages if only to see what else they will get up to in the bedroom and what other catastrophe Lula can precipitate. … Finding Cupid is full of humorous and sexy moments making for a fun read during a lazy day."
--Two Lips Reviews
"Finding Cupid is an erotic novel, make no mistake about that, but is very, very different from your usual fare. … Dakin is believable as the alpha male unwilling to accept that fairies and nymphs do exist. Lula is excellent as the earnest student trying to fight off her attraction to the scrumptious man she believes is Cupid. … The interaction between the two is believable, fun, and erotic. … Zeb, the outspoken gay florist, is a fun, insightful secondary character. …Finding Cupid is longer than your usual erotica because Dexter has more to say and she does it so well. Find out for yourself. … Don't miss it."
--Novelspot
"Lula and Dakin are in for an erotic adventure while FINDING CUPID. Flighty doesn't even begin to describe Lula, and her lack of understanding of Earth ways leads to quite a few humorous scenes. Dake's first impression of Lula leaves him believing she is either insane or a hooker, but when they finally have a chance to be alone together, it doesn't take him long to realize she's neither. Their relationship is both entertaining and romantic, and filled with a lot of very hot sex. Secondary characters include Dakin's brother, Zebulon; Cinnamus, and few of Lula's classmates and a few of the Roman gods. A funny and entertaining story, check out FINDING CUPID."
--RRTErotic
"If you love mythology, steamy eroticism, and laughter, run and buy this book! I absolutely adored all the characters I met in this book and was sad to see Finding Cupid end. Ms. Dobbs expertly weaves fantasy, reality, and comedy into a world where you can't help but fall in love with Lula, Dake, and Zeb. Lula is a precious character possessing a unique combination of clumsiness, eroticism, innocence, and sense of humor. Dake is the mortal man who loves her to distraction, protects her from herself, and willingly explores her naughty side in red hot love scenes. Zeb, Dake's gay brother, is also given his own story, which stirred my soul. ... an absolutely great book that you will reread over and over again. Bravo, Ms Dobbs. I can't recall a time when I've laughed, cried, and thoroughly enjoyed a book so much. Please return to the Cupid Academy with more books in this series soon."
--JERR (Just Erotic Romance Reviews)
"(Reviewer Top Pick!) Daisy Dexter Dobbs has a hit with this one. From the first page I was laughing my eyes off with Lula. Here is a woman who speaks what is on her mind and never holds back. … You have the Gods of Olympus, Cinnamus who is gay with a big heart waiting for his special love and Dake's brother who is also gay waiting for his soul mate. Not sure how Daisy pulled that off but each character's story worked great."
--Night Owl Romance
"...This book is a MUST READ! I promise you that you'll laugh 'till you cry, and you'll be fanning yourself and hoping there's a man close by as well! ...Here's three words to sum it up ... hot... hotter... hottest! ... I was enchanted, fascinated and delighted... ...an author who knows how to deliver..."
--The Hussies Book Slam
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