thank you so much to the publisher for the arc

Acts of Cupidity is a quirky fantasy read and I can say for certain that the arrow hit its target because LOVED every minute reading it!
Its the perfect book to read in one sitting.

Pegged as ‘If Terry Pratchett wrote The Good Place’ I was immediately intrigued, and I have to say, it didn’t disappoint.

Agents Hart and Grover work for the Apollo Division. They’re cupids who spend their days matching up fated couples, but they have very different attitudes to their job - Grover would rather be doing anything else, and Hart loves nothing more than helping people fall in love. But when some golden arrow matches end in untimely deaths, chaos begins to unfold across London and beyond, and Hart and Grover - as well as the division’s newest agent, Nikita - have to try and work out who’s behind it before they find themselves in a cosmic blender.

Acts of Cupidity has the nonsensical humour of Pratchett’s work - galactic oranges for hearts, anyone? - in an urban fantasy mystery, with characters I couldn’t help but fall in love with. The plot was fast paced and engaging, and filled with twists and turns I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed the ‘magic system’ (or the logistics of the different divisions, I suppose) and the way it was blended into a modern setting.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Acts of Cupidity, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a humorous, lighthearted, fantasy mystery!

In this book, we follow Nikita as she enters the afterlife and learns she has selected to be an Apollo agent, helping humans fall in love. She is teamed with experienced agents Casey and Erron who suddenly start to see their missions go wrong.

I was really intrigued by the premise of the book, as Good Omens is one of my favourite urban fantasy reads. Sadly, this one fell a little flat for me. I felt like it struggled to find out what type of a book it was and so kept alternating between slow burn MM romance, instalove FM romance, humourous urban fantasy and dark mystery without really fully exploring any of these themes. I would have enjoyed more of a focus on the world building and the agents' missions

A recommended read for fans of The Good Place.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Apollo agents Erron and Casey are training new agent and ex journalist Nikita Wolf, all things Cupid. But when their targets start dying instead of falling in love. All hell breaks loose literally!

This was my first fantasy/mystery featuring an Achillean romance and it was like my 3am brain found its spirit animal.

Apocalyptic geese, ice cream van portals and a new way to insult people that is just pure genius. Just stick you absolute in front of any ordinary object.

Erron and Casey are the perfect grumpy/sunshine and Nikita was a strong enough character that she held her own and didn't get lost.

I can see why this is being compared to Good Omens and The Good Place as it has a similar blend of magic random chaos and I am excited for more adventures.

2.5 Stars (partly outliner)
One Liner: Great premise; patchy execution

Apollo agents, aka immortal cupids, are responsible for pre-destined couples to meet in real life at the right place and time to keep the world running. They are tasked to fulfill their daily quota of targets. Casey Hart and Erron Grover (a cynic) are two such agents working in London. However, it seems that their recent activities have led to a series of bizarre deaths instead of HEAs.
Now, they have to figure out who’s tinkering with Fate and causing the collapse of the civilization, all the while, trying to handle the budding love between them. Can these two men figure out and resolve the problem before Fate unravels?
The story comes in the third-person POV of Casey, Erron, Nikita, and a few others.

My Thoughts:
With a premise like that, I knew I had to read the book. The world-building is pretty good. The whole concept is creative. No denying that!
The beginning is strong, despite the dialogue that seems odd. I put it down to the fact that the characters aren’t humans as such and come from different centuries.
The intrigue also started well alongside the subtle friction of what might be called ‘love’. Never mind that this is the slowest of slow burns, so you have to wait for a long time.
However, things spiraled soon.
Firstly, the main characters don’t grow beyond their grumpy vs. sunshine roles. Though there’s some tension, it doesn’t make the right impact. Instead, it makes them appear immature and childish. Not what you want from the main leads!
Secondly, a side character does more about the mystery than the MCs. These two do very little to save themselves/ clear their names. In fact, it takes them a long time to even accept that something is wrong, and they should maybe think about it seriously. Given what happens, I find it strange that they are so unbothered and happy to let others (their boss, management, etc.) find the truth. Throughout the book, their lack of self-preservation is surprising.
Then we have a side romance, which does not fit the storyline. I can’t even tell you how much all those scenes annoyed me. Maybe it will have something to do with the contents of the next book, but still, it could have been trimmed. There’s a lot that could be cut. The book should have been 50 pages smaller, if not more.
I’d have still rounded it up if the mystery/ the villain(s) identity is strong. The whole thing is apparent from the beginning. Also, the blurb has a big clue (don’t do that!), which makes it easy to figure out things.
The ending is nice, though by then, I was more than ready for it.

To summarize, Acts of Cupidity has a creative premise and a good atmosphere, but sadly, the execution falls flat on many levels. So far, I’m an outliner, so please check other reviews before you decide.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK (Zaffre), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

As soon as I saw this book being compared to The Good Place and Good Omens, I knew that I had to read it and it 100% lived up to both of those comp titles.

This is a wonderful urban fantasy with amazing settings, an interesting plot and unforgettable characters.

The hype around this book is REAL and I'm so looking forward to book 2.

I had seen some of the marketing for this book on social media which made me really excited to read it and I was not disappointed at all. I love an urban fantasy and this one does it really well. You can tell that the locations have been well researched and you feel like you are there in the action.

The characters are absolutely my favourite part of this because I connected so strongly with them all. I particularly love Erron and Casey. They are so adorable and have my whole heart.

The writing is extremely engaging and the pace is fantastic. I read this mostly in one sitting because I didn't want to put it down. I just needed to know what was going to happen next. There were also a few laugh out loud moments and the humour was definitely right up my street.

If you are looking for a fun read that also addresses some more serious issues then do give this a go....plus there's loads of geese!

this was a lot of slightly chaotic fun that I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved the world that was created - although the thought of having to work in the afterlife is not the one for me. Each of the different departments, what the agents are like and the basics of their jobs was really interesting and explained in a way that I didn't feel bogged down with all the information.

The characters were also a lot of fun. The grumpy/sunshine vibes were great too but I spent so much of the book frustrated that they just didn't tell each other how they felt.

The only thing I found difficult was the sudden switching of focus from one character to another, often within the same chapter. As the pacing is so quick, I sometimes struggled to keep straight who the focus was on.

This book is a fun read though and absolutely gives The Good Place and Good Omens vibes in the best way.

The idea behind this book was really interesting and the mystery of it all did keep me on my toes throughout. The scene setting wasn't too complex so it was easy to get to grips with the different groups of people, like the Hades and Cupids. I liked the characters who lead us through this story, especially Casey, but at the same time I didn't feel particularly attached to them and would have liked to see the characters, their relationships and their emotions developed more to really draw me in. Though the romance was obvious, I didn't mind this at all but it was a very minor element to the story as it isn't cultivated in the book. This was one of my most anticipated reads, so I was a little disappointed but I also think E.S. Drake was really creative with this book and will no doubt be one to watch!

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

This is an enjoyable read for fans of whimsical, feel-good stories with a touch of the supernatural. It’s an easy, sometimes silly, but ultimately fun read that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
A charming, if imperfect, look at love, fate, and the afterlife—a perfect read for those in search of a quick, entertaining escape.

Acts of Cupidity is a quirky, lighthearted take on the afterlife, following cupids working for the Afterlife Agency as they struggle with a series of bizarre matchmaking cases that have ended in catastrophe!

The plot is engaging, with the protagonists attempting to unravel the mysteries behind these failed pairings, only to find themselves caught in something far more sinister. The worldbuilding around the Afterlife Agency was a lot of fun, but I found myself wishing for more depth and expansion on its inner workings! The pacing does feel a little rushed at times, especially as the story reaches the conclusion.

The characters are exaggerated to the point of being almost caricatures, but that works well with Drake’s writing style. I especially loved the dynamic between Erron and Casey! There’s plenty of humor sprinkled throughout, though it leans heavily into slapstick, which may not land for everyone. Personally, I found it a bit much at times, but that’s definitely a matter of taste.

Overall, this is a whimsical tale with high stakes but also a feel-good supernatural feel that doesn’t take itself too seriously. While not without its flaws, it’s a fun easy read!

First I want to thank Netgalley, Zaffre and E.S. Drake for this ebook copy of Acts of Cupidity.

But I LOVED this book, this was so much fun. I was sucked in from the beginning, the storyline instantly got me.

Erron and Casey are my two favourite MMc’s of all time, they were so loveable and funny. The way they are with each other is just perfection.

The plot and writing in this was fantastic. I definitely didn’t see the last 20-15% coming though! That completely caught me off guard.

LOVED it!!

Definitely would recommend this book!

The Good Place meets Supernatural.
For fans of The Love of My Afterlife.
This had so much promise that I got more and more annoyed the more I read and it fell apart for me.

Erron and Casey are agents of Apollo, pinging love arrows to make humans fall in love. Nikita dies and becomes a Cupid trainee learning that there is more to the Afterlife (and fate) than she had thought.

I think the main issue was that this book was trying to do too much. The premise alone was great. The characters were very caricature - bad boy angel, sweetheart angel partners. A young optimistic journalist pursing truth. Etc. However, it was cheesy enough that I could get behind it.

<b>Erron wondered if one day Casey might exude so much charm that he turned into a puddle of pink, glittery slime, around which people frolicked and fluttered their eyelids at him. He put the bizarre thought out of his head and played along.
</b>
But then…
The pop culture references.
The very predictable love story which was slated as this big reveal when it was so obvious.
A mystery with a very clear set up and glaring evil perpetrators despite the cast having seemingly no clue.

The absolute info dumping all the time. I can tell this author has promise and has so much imagination and creativity. Yet, it felt like a mood board word vomit than a story at time.

It didn’t help that there was SO MYCH head hopping. Random thoughts from strangers or side characters that just muddled the narrative and were unnerved most of the time.
Not to mention, this was peak tell instead of show.

Physical arc gifted by Zaffre books.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this earc!

I sadly didn’t love this book as much as I had hoped I would and ended up dnf’ing!

Acts of Cupidity by E. S. Drake is a wonderfully quirky urban fantasy that combines the best of Terry Pratchett’s wit with a dash of romance and a touch of the supernatural. This charming tale takes readers on a hilarious and captivating adventure through London, where two immortal agents of love, Erron Grover and Casey Hart, are tasked with keeping the world’s love life running smoothly.

As Apollo agents, they match up pre-destined couples, ensuring that Fate is fulfilled—until their latest assignments result in a series of bizarre deaths that threaten to unravel the very fabric of destiny itself. With the world on the brink of collapse, and a growing suspicion hanging over them, Erron and Casey must work together to solve the murders and save not just the world, but their favourite jazz bar too. Along the way, they face unexpected dangers, a surplus of geese, and a few rogue soul reapers.

Drake’s writing is quick-paced and utterly engaging, drawing readers in with its witty dialogue, relatable locations, and endearing characters. The blend of urban fantasy with a light-hearted mystery is perfectly executed, making this book impossible to put down. Acts of Cupidity is an absolute delight—a page-turner full of charm, humour and a dash of romance that will keep readers hooked from start to finish.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

This is a really fun story. London based urban fantasy following two cupids as their love matches turn deadly.

I enjoyed how different the world and afterlife was, the characters were all engaging, the romance was an organic slow burn, and it was the right level of humour for me.

I did find it a little difficult to get into. The beginning was exposition heavy and quite slow. After that, it gets much better and I'm glad I stuck with it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. - arc & monthly book box pick reviewer

Ahhh I loved it so much!!! One of my all-time favorites! Acts of Cupidity combines everything that my heart needs: longing, queer love, a good mystery, humour, all in a fantasy setting!! It's Good Omens meet The Good Place with the sweetest, most adorable m/m grumpy x sunshine romance ever!!!

We follow Erron (the grumpy) and Casey (the sunshine) as Cupid agent partners. They are supposed to receive their assignments, complete them, and people fall in love. However, their intended victims of love become murder victims, and our guys need to figure out what is going on before everything is balmed on them, and they are literally obliterated from ever living.

Erron has never been in a loving environment. He has only met contempt and hatred, so now when he is an agent of Apollo, as in a Cupid, he doesn't know how to handle all this love that surrounds him. It feels like a mockery of his own suffering. On top of that, he is irrevocably in love with his partner and best friend! ENTER THE PINING OF THE MILLENnIA!!

Casey is a sweetheart. He reads all files so he knows everything about his victims of love. He greets everyone with kindness and sweetness. He is the definition of a sweetheart!! However, he also has his baggage, and he is also pining over his best friend thinking it's unrequited like the big marshmellow that he is.

I loved them as individual characters, and I loved them together! Did I mention PINING OF THE MILLEnNIA? Even though we were really heading to the apocalypse with GEESE (!), Erron and Casey held my heart in their hands. I would do anything for them. I loved the mystery elements, as well! The author kept me guessing on who was really the responsible one, and how the threads were being pulled, and believe me, this is not an easy thing to do.

WORLDBUILDING: 10/10
ROMANCE: 100000000000000000/10
MYSTERY: 10/10

This is one of my all-time favourites, and I will keep rereading it many times over. This will be my safehaven from the world, and I will want to return here time after time. Even now, I want to reread it, and I just finished it.

PS.
It will be a series!!!

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE READS OF 2025 🪿✨️

The storyline is incredibly captivating and has completely drawn me in! I found it impossible to put the book down for even a moment. Set in London, the relatable locations add to the charm, and the urban fantasy elements make this read an absolute delight. It's truly a page-turner!

This hilarious book had me stifling my Cheshire cat grin on the train, making me wish my trips would stretch on forever. As I mentioned earlier, I wanted to linger in the afterlife's whimsical world, but with a lighter touch. The countless times Erron has brought laughter to my day are beyond measure; my 5ft 5 friend definitely deserves a huge shout-out! Nikita was such a vibe throughout the book!! I adored the fact I loved every single POV!

Casey, oh Casey, lover boy who has a heart of gold 💛 To have a friend like Casey is to have a friend beyond life itself. Casey is a hug personified...if that makes sense. He’s genuinely an empath and a croissant enthusiast, but there’s so much more to him beneath the surface. E S Drake masterfully keeps Erron and Casey’s story captivating, leaving you eager for what comes next.

This review can hardly capture the depth of my admiration for this book. The plot, the characters, and the delightful tension between our two cupids exceeded all my expectations. This remarkable debut is truly something special, and I can't wait for everyone to experience it.

Really unique and original, I had a fun time with Acts of Cupidity. The world was so imaginative and well fleshed out. While I didn't connect with the characters very much and it was the slowest of slow burns, I still enjoyed reading this one and I would highly recommend it for someone wanting to get lost in a fantastical world of afterlife. For fans of plot and world-building heavy books.

Really good fun.
The concept of cupids working in the afterlife is refreshingly different.
Loveable characters, cool world building and feel-good.
Enjoyed this one.