BOOK REVIEW: Cupcake by Cookie O’Gorman

Cupcake by Cookie O'Gorman
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

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.*

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