October 16, 2023
A demigod’s scheme to use newfound powers for her own gain backfires in Jones’s wholesome, cozy love story. Eighth grader Erin Johnson is ambitious: she’s determined to cure colon cancer and become the first Black woman to receive a Nobel Prize for medicine. And her primary motivator is to spite rival Trevor Jin. Erin and Trevor, who is Korean, have been academically neck and neck since kindergarten, and this year the two are set to vie for the presidency of their school’s Multicultural Leadership Club. Things take a turn for the weird when, the day after her 13th birthday, Erin notices odd sensations—and consequences—when she focuses too much of her attention on the strained relationships around her. When her romance author mother reveals that Erin’s long-absent father is Cupid, the God of Love, Erin dismisses the idea. But growing evidence of her budding magical powers convinces her of the truth. She resolves to make Trevor fall in love with her, so he’ll forfeit his presidential campaign, except it’s Erin who begins falling for her longtime nemesis. Jones’s enemies-to-lovers debut sparkles with charming rom-cam banter, and Erin’s drive to succeed at all costs—and the myriad ethical dilemmas her determination lands her in—adds a delightfully refreshing quality to the sometimes familiar feeling tale. Ages 10–up. Agent: Chloe Seager, Madeleine Milburn Literary.
November 1, 2023
Grades 4-7 In her campaign to become president of the Multicultural Leadership Club at school, ambitious eighth-grader Erin uses every tool at her disposal to compete with her nemesis, Trevor Jin--including using her newfound magical powers to make people fall in love. But Erin soon finds out that tampering with people's hearts has major consequences, not least the fact that while Trevor's infatuation with her is caused by Cupid magic, Erin might be falling for Trevor for real. Jones' debut middle-grade romance explores fickle adolescent relationships, and strong-minded Erin's story is at its best when she's learning to see her friends, old and new, with more nuance than before. Sudden emotional shifts can make some interactions feel disjointed, but footnotes from Erin inject humorous asides, and each chapter starts with one of the Cupid Commandments, foreshadowing the chapter's coming themes. Some readers will relate to the pressure Erin and Trevor feel to succeed as high-achieving students, and fans of academic rivalries will enjoy the pair's snarky back-and-forth.
COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
November 15, 2023
A hyperorganized tween's plans are derailed when her orchestrated love connections go awry. Erin Johnson is an ambitious biracial Black girl who's obsessed with being the best academically and wants to follow in the footsteps of her hero, Marie Curie. Her goal for eighth grade is to be elected president of the Multicultural Leadership Club, finally beating archnemesis Trevor Jin, who's Korean American. Trevor's been a thorn in Erin's side ever since kindergarten and is constantly edging her out in every competition. Right after Erin's 13th birthday, her mother finally reveals her father's identity: Cupid, the God of Love, a redheaded white man, who wrote letters to help Erin prepare for the powers that will manifest now that she's 13. He even left her a Cupid manual. Erin's mom makes her promise not to use her powers until she understands them better, but while Erin believes romantic love is a trivial distraction, she realizes her matchmaking powers might give her the edge she needs. Her single-minded focus on achievement, however, leads to friendship troubles--and other unintended consequences. The humor and strong character development drive this tender story about different types of love and our inability to see the ways they affect our lives. The rivalry between Erin and Trevor and the complex relationships among the kids and adults will resonate with readers. Erin's first-person voice is enhanced by the wry observations in her footnotes, which appear throughout the novel. A sweetly romantic coming-of-age story with fun, magical touches. (the Cupid Commandments) (Romance. 10-13)
COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
December 1, 2023
Gr 4-8-Erin Johnson has no time for love. She may only be in middle school, but she has big plans: become a biologist; cure colon cancer; and win a Nobel Prize. And to start, she needs to secure her spot as president of the Multicultural Leadership Club. There's only one thing standing in her way: Trevor Jin. Erin's academic rival since kindergarten, Trevor has his eyes on the presidency, and he is ready to fight for it. Then, on her 13th birthday, Erin discovers that she is the daughter of Cupid, and she has inherited the power to make people fall in love. Erin uses her newfound abilities for her own benefit and enchants Trevor with the intention of manipulating him into dropping out of the race. But as her own feelings toward Trevor begin to change, Erin must face the consequences of meddling with love. A diverse cast of characters enriches the academic enemies trope. Erin is Black and Trevor is Korean, and they form a bond as they share their cultures with one each other. But while the triumphs and humiliations of adolescence are vividly depicted, the plot tends to wander, and the central romance lacks that spark that would make the book a more satisfying introduction to rom-coms. VERDICT An optional purchase, except where there is a dire need for middle grade romance.-Alia Shields
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.