"Fans of mythology will love this novel, as will those who enjoy stories about found families and character-driven historical fantasy. I strongly recommend it for teens and adults
who appreciate heartfelt, witty, and empowering spins on
classic mythology. Despina the Anti-Cupid is ultimately a tale about forging your own destiny—even when it means
questioning the gods."
—Reedsy
"Richardson really stirs the imagination and heart with this novel. What sets it apart from most romances are the characters, whose names may be familiar, but now they are center-stage in a romantic drama that will keep you invested and longing for a happy ending. This author knows how to play with strong emotions…jealousy is just one of them…and the plot is relatable and human even though it involves mythical gods and goddesses. It has you thinking of mythology in a whole new way and brings these figures to life."
—Reader Views
DESPINA THE ANTI-CUPID
Despina, a young, strong-willed member of the Cupid family, has always been a skeptic. She harbors deep doubts about her father’s business, and of all things, the existence of true love. But on a routine trip to Earth in the mid-1940s, the impossible happens: she meets a mortal named Everett and completely gives her heart away. When Everett receives his WWII draft notice and vanishes to the front lines of Europe, a despondent Despina retreats to Olympus.
In a fit of grief and forbidden rebellion, she steals two sacred arrows—items she was strictly forbidden to ever touch. Returning to Earth only to find Everett gone, her sorrow curdles into a blinding, jealous rage, and she fires the stolen weapons into two innocent humans.
As the catastrophic reality of her malice begins to ripple through the lives of the mortals she now calls friends, will the cynical goddess of love conquer her own bitterness to undo the damage, or will she allow her heartbreak to permanently turn her into the very monster she always believed love creates?
Greek mythology meets WWII historical fantasy in an emotionally rich spin on legendary gods. Despina, the Anti-Cupid, is a heartfelt, witty novella about forging your own destiny, perfect for fans of mythological retellings, character-driven romantic dramas, and stories of found family.