Author: Cookie O'Gorman (Page 2 of 4)

Synopsis:

I know what you're thinking.

You're thinking this will be just one more story of the ignored, "big-boned " girl, who sheds her glasses and a few extra pounds and finally attracts the notice of the most popular guy in school.

Except it isn't. Because I'm not unpopular. Not all that ignored. And I love the way I look―just as I am.

Then someone puts my name in for Homecoming Court.

The bigger surprise?

People actually vote for me!

Now, I'm a "princess"―whether I like it or not―but the guy I'm paired with isn't exactly Prince Charming.

Rhys Castle is the strong, silent type who always wears a frown―he's certainly never smiled at me. I'm 99.9% sure he hates being on Court and being my partner, but surprisingly…he doesn't switch when he gets the chance.

Turns out Rhys has a secret―something that makes him run hot and cold throughout the entire three weeks of Homecoming festivities. Whether he's stepping on my feet during dance lessons or gallantly escorting me through the Homecoming parade, I can't get a read on this guy, and for the first time, I find my confidence wavering.

But there's more to Rhys than meets the eye. And the more the spotlight shines on me, I realize there's more to me, too.

Review:

Cupcake was a laugh out loud, adorable, heartwarming story! With characters that felt real and a storyline that was oh so easy to devour, I finished this book in two sittings. Cupcake became an instant favorite and romance lovers will definitely enjoy this book!

“Hi, my name is Ariel,” I said, feeling so embarrassed. “Because my mom loves Disney, I was named after a mermaid who collects forks and talks to fish.” Rhys’s lips twitched at that, but I forged ahead. “Surprisingly, I don’t hate it. I just wish the name fit me better.”
I nodded for him to go.

Ariel Duncan, aka Cupcake, had a heart of gold. She was kind, caring, compassionate and I loved her passion for baking! I connected with her on such a deep level with baking ♥. She not only stress baked too, but I loved how she baked to bring others joy. I desperately wanted to be bestie’s with her!

“Do you enjoy embarrassing me?” I asked.
Rhys pretended to think about it as he handed back my phone. “Honestly? I don’t hate it,” he said with a smirk.
Jerk.

During the announcements for Homecoming court, Ariel was shocked to hear her name listed! She was to be a Princess. Which led to her being paired with a sexy, blue eyed quarterback named Rhys Castle. Rhys was such an unknown. Yes he was gorgeous, but he could come off as cold and grumpy. And Ariel was stuck being his partner for the next three weeks for all of the Homecoming festivities.

“Are you going to put your hand on my shoulder or what?”
I scoffed. “Of course. I was just about to do that.”
It was clear Rhys was laughing internally. His eyes dared me to make the first move. In what seemed to be slow motion, I watched my hand rise and then rest gently on his shoulder. In answer, his hand moved to my waist.
My breath hitched.

Ariel and Rhys had to do everything together from dancing, trust exercises to so much more to prep for homecoming. I loved every minute of it! From getting to know each other to the inevitable dancing where they had to touch, I couldn’t stop smiling. It was adorable watching them try to connect and work together. It felt real how everything played out and I could easily see myself watching their story as a movie! It was a ton of fun!

“Did you like Dirty Dancing?”
“I did.” Rhys lifted a brow. “If that was us, though, you’d be Johnny, and I’d be Baby, aka the one who carries a watermelon.”
I laughed in delight.

I was obsessed anytime Rhys was on the pages! I desperately wanted to know what he was thinking. Because while he came off as quiet and distant, we also got to see moments where he was kind and thoughtful. He seemed so much more than meets the eyes and as the story progressed, he made me fall so hard for him! Sometimes the simplest words from Rhys made my heart melt. But still, I wanted to know exactly where he stood with Ariel and what secret he was keeping too!

“You like him,” she said.
I blinked, not having expected that. “N-no, I don’t.”
“And she stutters on the denial.” Toni stared at my face then shook her head. “You must like him a lot, huh?”
My tongue felt paralyzed for a moment. I was so surprised.

Rounding out this story were side characters I adored. From Ariel’s mom who was loving and caring. To Ariel’s bestie Toni who was her biggest champion! I loved that she had Cupcake’s best interest in heart. That she stood by her side and cheered her on every step of the way. She was a true friend. And even the “mean girl” Lana’s story turned into more. I’m not saying anything else other then I loved how it didn’t take the typical path, yay!

Feeling a bit funny about it, I placed the tiara on my head, then turned to Rhys.
“Well?” I said. “Is it straight?”
“Almost,” he said. “Here, let me.”
As he reached up, I held my breath. His hands were gentle as he adjusted the tiara. When his eyes met mine, he pushed a stray lock of hair behind my ear.
“You look perfect.”

Warmth, humor and romance splashed across the pages and I loved every minute of it! Cupcake was a feel good story that left me with a smile on my face! If you adore YA and romance, then definitely make sure you have this one on your tbr!

For the first time in my life, I actually felt like a princess.
And it had nothing to do with the tiara. Or even the boy.
It was all me.

PS Even the acknowledgements had heart! Her comment about the cake and princess, oh my heart that made me cry. Hugs!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Synopsis:

Wallflower (wohl-flou-erh): Identifier for someone who is shy and/or awkward. For reference, see Viola Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Viola Kent likes being invisible. Well, not literally, but she's content being a loner, reading her books, and hanging out with the animals at the shelter. She just wants to keep her head down and get through her senior year at Durham High.

Driving Dare Frost to school every day wasn't part of the plan.

And when Viola finds out her dad recruited Dare, his number one player, to be her friend?

Her inner Slytherin demands revenge.

The solution: Get Dare to be her fake boyfriend.

Convincing the star athlete to pretend is easier than she'd thought it would be. The hard part is protecting her heart. With every word, touch, and kiss, Viola's feelings become more real.

The problem: Viola knows she's falling for Dare—but he doesn't believe in love.

This book features two sets of soulmates, one happy pooch named Hermione, so many sizzling kisses and answers the question:

Can a dork and a jock fake their way to true love?

Review:

Wallflower was impossible not to devour in one sitting! This story swept me away and the pages were filled with charm, humor and romance. So this book went straight onto my favorites list! I loved that the story line was so much fun and that I couldn’t stop laughing and smiling.  I even cried a few tears, happy and sad.  And that ending?!  It made my heart so happy.  If you’re a fan of young adult romance, characters that will embed themselves into your heart and kissing that will make you swoon, then this is a must for your tbr! While Wallflower can easily be read as a standalone, if you enjoyed Adorkable, I have a feeling you’re going to love this book as much as me.

My face heated. “Could you not do that.”
“Do what?” he said.
“That.” I ran a hand through my hair, trying to cover my face a little and hide. “People will think you’re flirting.”
Dare stared at me. “And?”
Ugh, it felt like I was in the freaking Twilight zone. “You know, maybe I sat over here because I didn’t want to be found,” I said. “Did you ever think of that?”
“Too bad,” he said with a cockiness I hadn’t heard in a while. “I already found you. And now, we’re having lunch. Deal with it.”

Viola Kent was coerced by her Dad, Becks (screaming since I love Adorkable), to drive one of the boys on his soccer team to school.  Dare Frost was popular, outgoing and sexy.  Viola was a loner, who loved to read her books and help out at the animal shelter.  So when she found out that her Dad had convinced Dare to be her friend, she made plans to get him back.  And what better way then fake dating the boy her father forced to be her friend.

“What are you doing?” I gasped.
“Getting naked,” he said.
“What?!?”
“Jeez, relax. I was kidding, flower.” He laughed, the movement making the muscles in his stomach contract, and I could do nothing but stare. “You should’ve seen your face.”
My eyes flashed back to his. “Did I look stunned and appalled? Because that’s what I felt when you ripped your clothes off in front of me like that.”
He tsked. “Funny. The only thing I saw was appreciation.”

Right from the start I loved Viola!  She was so easy to click with, had the hugest heart ever and the kindest soul.  It seemed like her only friends in the world were the animals at the animal shelter.  I got so attached to two of them and wanted to take them home ♥.  Viola did have a fabulous relationship with her parents, and that made my heart so happy. I also loved that while Viola enjoyed her solitude, I respected how brave she could be and the chances she took.  There were times that I had sweaty palms and also felt so embarrassed for her.  Viola was so much more courageous than I ever could have been in some of those situations.  So it hurt to watch others bully her. I hated that a group of kids at her school tried to dim her light and make her feel bad about herself. But with Dare now in her life, I had all the hope in the world that he would help out with that horrific situation. And help her become a little more involved with those around her.

After a moment, I added, “But I’ve never gone to the games.”
“That was before you were my girlfriend.”
The words sent a ripple of warmth straight through me, and I cursed my heart for a fool.

Dare sailed right onto my book boyfriend list! He was such a good guy at heart.  Dare was kind, protective, seductive, thoughtful, caring and I was obsessed with him.  He was a star athlete at his school, so of course he was cocky but also swoon worthy. So I loved that he was so much more than Viola ever thought he was.  How could I not fall madly in love with him?!  Especially when he was sweet and charming to her.  Although…..Dare did enjoy messing with Viola.  But Viola would throw it right back at him.  It all made me laugh so much.  Each moment that we spent with Dare, the further he pulled me under his spell.  Plus when Dare called Viola flower, I literally melted.

Who knew a stolen first kiss could be so soul-shattering?

While Viola and Dare had known of each other, we got to watch their friendship grow.  Their moments in her car and at school kept me turning the pages faster. And the fact that Viola wanted them to get caught by her dad made their plans a ton of fun and smile inducing!  Their interactions were so entertaining and the way their fake dating played out gave me butterflies. But with a touch here.  A genuine smile there.  And kisses.  It slowly started to build something between them.  Something that felt real, even though it wasn’t supposed to be. But they’re both just faking it right? So what happens when one of them starts to feel more then they should?  Where are they supposed to go from there?

Oh my God.
Dare Frost had kissed me.
No, he’d branded me with his lips, stamping it into my memory, making sure I’d never forget him or this moment.
And I had one-hundred percent let him. Had kissed him back as if my life depended on it. My cheeks flared hot.
He read my expression and gave a slow smile.

Romance lovers will absolutely adore Wallflower!  With Princess Bride, Dirty Dancing, Clueless and other references, I actually screamed out loud a few times because of how they wove into the story.  From beginning to end this story was laugh out loud hilarious.  And I loved that there was also friendship, I heart good people like Estelle, and that we got to see what Sally and Becks were up to *jumping up and down*.  So while there were deeper moments with bullying, family struggles, and love, I spent the majority of this book constantly smiling.  I’m so happy to say that Cookie O’Gorman wrote another book that sailed right onto my favorites list!

Other Favorite Quotes:

“I don’t want to be your friend,” I said with as much distaste as I could muster.
“Too bad, flower.”
Dare stared into my eyes, his baby blues warm and unflinching as my heart tried to escape my chest. “I’m going to be the best friend you’ve ever had,” he said. The words were like a vow. “I’m going to friend you so hard no other friends will ever compare.”
I had no idea what he meant by that.
But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t dying to find out.

✮✩✮✩✮✩✮✩✮

With the next breath, Dare had picked me up, my legs closing in reaction about his waist. I didn’t realize he was walking until my back was pressed against the wall.
And still, we kissed.

✮✩✮✩✮✩✮✩✮

One thing was certain: Dare was very good at pretending.
That kiss had sure felt real.
But it wasn’t, I reminded myself sternly. This was all just a means to an end.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*