This would have been decent, bordering on fun, but for goodness sake politics does not belong in this kind of book! ( )

Not Okay, Cupid by Heidi R. Kling
Source: Author
My Rating: 3½/5 stars
My Review:

Felix James has a pretty fantastic life. He is just good enough without much effort to get through his classes, he is a wicked good surfer and surfs often, the ladies love him and he totally likes the ladies, and his reputation is solid. Felix stays out of the drama that seems to constantly surround his friends and every chance he gets, he mixes it up with his sister’s best friend, Hazel. Since they were kids, Felix and Hazel have taunted and teased one another mercilessly and neither would have it any other way.

Hazel McCallister’s life runs perfectly right down to the minute; her every action, her every plan is scripted. Hazel is top of her class and according to her life plan she will get into her first choice college, her damn-near perfect boyfriend will, of course accompany her, and at the appropriate time (see the schedule!) they will get engaged, married, and have children. The world, according to Hazel is meant to run with precision and accuracy and Heaven help the fool who dares mess with the plan. Enter, Hazel’s damn-near perfect boyfriend, Jay and her best friend, Kimmy.

Publicly and quite humiliatingly, Jay and Kimmy decide to announce their new relationship to the world. As Hazel’s world crumbles around her in the middle of the cafeteria, it is Felix who comes to her rescue. Felix, the flirt, the never takes anything seriously guy boldly stands by Hazel as her boyfriend and best friend rise to the top of her, those who must not be named list. Heartbroken and reeling, Hazel agrees to Felix’s crazy plan to fake their own relationship in order to get back at Jay and Kimmy. The goal, make the betrayers so jealous and upset that they will feel as awful as Hazel.

Because this is a YA read, Hazel and Felix keep the revenge on the lighter side and as you would expect their friendship (established long ago) and fake relationship blossoms into real feelings which leaves each wondering how to navigate the change in their relationship. Again, as expected each initially tries to deny his and her feelings and, once accepted refuses to talk to the other out of fear of rejection. Of course, this causes more drama which continues until it is almost too late. Just in the nick of time, Hazel and Felix realize sacrificing a potentially awesome relationship for the sake of a little revenge just isn’t worth it.

The Bottom Line: Not Okay, Cupid is exactly what it is advertised to be, a sweet contemporary YA romance with few surprises and an HEA. That is exactly what I was looking for when I sat down to read  I love the unconventional names, Hazel and Felix and both characters worked really well for me. Hazel evolves as she learns more about Felix and Felix evolves as he begins to accept his feelings for Hazel. Their banter is witty and spot on especially when they are firing back at Jay and Kimmy. Their revenge plans are just right for the age group and the HEA ties up almost everything in the end. The only thing that didn’t get resolved for me is what happened to Jay and Kimmy. With that being said, I put Not Okay, Cupid on the recommend list though it should be reserved for that time when you are maxed out on the heavy reads and looking for something light and easy. ( )