Sweetheart by Cookie O'Gorman Purchase on: Amazon
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Synopsis:
Sweetheart (suh-weet-hart): Someone who is kind, friendly, and/or lovable. For reference, see Scarlett Kent.
Seventeen-year-old Scarlett Kent likes the idea of love—in theory. She’s just never had time for romance. Voted Most Likely to Succeed, founder of a youth mentoring program, and an aspiring professional violinist, Scarlett has goals—and a list of “firsts” she’d like to complete before graduation.
One thing that’s not on her list: Falling for Sam Bishop.
Flirtatious jocks who sleep through class aren’t her type—no matter how good Sam looks in his jersey. But when her car breaks down, Sam stops to help…which leads to an unexpected offer.
Sam volunteers to help Scarlett complete her list. In return, she’ll help him win back his ex.
It’s a sweetheart deal that should benefit everyone.
But between kissing lessons and pretend dates, Scarlett realizes Sam is the perfect fake boyfriend. And if she’s not careful, he could be her first real heartbreak.
This book features two souls who’re meant to be, one fake arrangement, so many heart-melting kisses and answers the question:
What happens when a perfectionist falls for a player?
Review:
Sweetheart was a fake dating, young adult romance that was smile inducing and will warm your heart. The characters were so easy to love, and the story-line had me finishing this book in less than 24 hours! If you love books that have a fun and flirty vibe, are beyond adorable, and radiate happiness, then you need Sweetheart in your life!
“Just get in the car, Starlet,” he said.
He popped the locks, and I did just that.
As I slid into the car, however, I mumbled, “My name’s Scarlett. Not Starlet.”
Sam gave me that half-grin. “I know,” he said.
Sure you do.
Scarlett Kent had a list of “firsts” that she wanted to complete before she graduated High School. When Sam Bishop picked her up on the side of the road, after her car died, he also agreed to help complete her list. In exchange, it would help him win back his ex. But as they made their way through her list, it was hard to keep feelings just fake. And not fall in love with the other.
His hand on my waist burned.
His eyes stared into mine.
His breaths were so close I felt as much as heard his next words.
“You okay, Kent?” he asked.
“Yeah, I—”
A locker door slammed loud enough to make me jump.
I adored Scarlett! She was determined and focused on her goals. Whether it was the youth mentoring program she worked on, or dedicating hours to become a professional violinist, Scarlet gave her all. So I love that she was brave and wanted to conquer her list! Even if she was skeptical of love. And while she was someone who seemed to like to be in control, I loved watching how Sam pushed her outside her comfort zones in the best possible way. Especially when he was constantly being the object of her attention.
“I’m not crying.”
“Yeah.” He reached forward, cupped my cheek, and gently ran his thumb beneath my eye, capturing a tear that had managed to escape. “Must be my mistake,” he murmured.
Sam was a soccer player who was so effortless to love. He was one of those guys who was sweet, but also sexy. Playful, but could also take charge. I loved every single side of Sam! And the little clues he seemed to be dropping were right there, in front of Scarlett’s face. The way he could say one thing, when it was actually something else had me squealing in joy! Yet Scarlett was too focused on the end game to see what was truly going on. Sam will make you swoon, sigh, and fall in love! I loved him with my whole heart!
Sam was right. I’d imagined my first kiss in a million ways, in different places, different scenarios. But try as I might, even with my overly active imagination, one thing remained the same. There was one face that always came to mind.
His.
But the kiss wasn’t real, I reminded myself.
We did it to seal our agreement and check an item off the list.
Sam and Scarlett used to be the bestest of friends, yet that all fell apart when they went to high school. So there was this tension between them that was delicious. And as they started to check things off Scarlett’s list, it was so easy to fall that much deeper for the two of them. From that first kiss, to spinning, kisses on fingers, practicing with a bystander, to mini golf, there were so many memorable moments! Plus I adored the nickname Sam gave Scarlett. Watching their fake dating and love story unfold was not only so much fun, but it was heartwarming too!
“Mission accomplished.” He grinned, but I just shook my head. Before I could think better of it, I said, “I missed you.”
Sam’s expression sobered. “I’ve been right here, Kent.”
I nodded. “Yeah, but…never mind.”
You know that moment, when what started out as fake, no longer feels that way? When they can’t stop thinking about each other, and the touches and glances just move to another level? O’Gorman executed making the reader feel all of their feelings and angst beautifully! And on top of that, there were so many characters that appeared from previous books in this story! Do you need to read any books before this one? No! But I can’t recommend all of her books enough! Scarlett’s sister’s story was Bookworm fyi ♥.
“One more kiss.”
“Whatever you want,” Sam said and pulled me closer.
Those words would replay a thousand different times in my mind.
Sweetheart was an adorable fake dating romance story that will have you smiling from that first page to the last! There were moments that will make you laugh and also have you falling in love. So if you need a feel good story that will leave you happy, definitely give this one a try! I can’t recommend it enough!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
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