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GIVEAWAY & EXCERPT: Bookworm by Cookie O’Gorman

 

With grumpy sunshine mixed with fake dating, it was impossible not to fall in love with this story! Check out the fabulous excerpt below, enter an amazing giveaway and you can read my 5 Star Review here.  Enjoy ♥

 

Bookworm
Cookie O’Gorman
Publication date: April 20th 2023
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

Bookworm (buk-werm): Someone who loves books, reading, and/or studying. For reference, see Charlotte Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Charlotte Kent likes happy endings. Not that she’s looking for one herself. Awkward, never been kissed, and bookish to the core, Lottie would rather read about love than experience it.

But she enjoys helping others find their HEA in books.

Lottie loves working at the library…even if it means running into Bo Stryker.

Broody, athletic, and unfairly attractive when he frowns, Bo works at the flower shop across the street. Lottie is about to get rejected…when surprisingly, Bo steps in, pretends to be her boyfriend, and steals her first kiss.

One viral video later, everyone thinks they’re together.

Bo wants to keep pretending. Lottie wants to make amends—long story short: she was on a ladder; he startled her; the book slap was an accident.

A fake relationship may be the solution. But as they grow closer, Lottie can’t help falling for Bo—which is a disaster because grumpy sunshine only works in fiction…right?

This book features two opposites with undeniable chemistry, one lovable librarian, so many stolen kisses and answers the question:

What happens when a nerd falls for the grump-next-door?

Goodreads / Amazon

 

Excerpt:

Rolling my eyes, I reached over, gently grasped his forearm and brought it closer.

“What are you doing?”

“Relax,” I said, trying not to laugh at the alarm I heard in his voice. “If I wanted to hurt you, I would’ve done it by now.”

“Says the girl who gave me a bookcussion” he grumbled.

Biting back a smile, I concentrated on his forearm, running my fingers over his skin to find the correct spot. This took a few moments. When I found it, I leaned closer, using my thumbs to press down, gently at first, then adding a little more pressure. Bo didn’t tense. He didn’t move a muscle. I might’ve thought he’d stopped breathing he was so still. But then I felt his breath against my neck.

The sensation sent shivers down my spine.

I counted the seconds under my breath and then released him.

“What was that, Kent?” he asked softly.

“I looked up how to treat a sprained wrist,” I said with a shrug. “It was nothing, just one of the techniques they recommended.”

“You looked that up?”

Meeting his eyes, I nodded. “Does it feel any better?”

Bo glanced down at his wrist before looking back up, locking me in his intense stare. “Yeah, it does. Thanks, Kent.”

For some reason, I blushed. “No problem.”

I didn’t know what made me say it.

But I added, “Maybe now, you won’t be so opposed to working with me.”

Bo shook his head. “It’s not that.”

“It’s not?”

“No,” he said. “I just don’t like the idea of you taking care of me out of some misplaced sense of guilt.”

Oh.

I hadn’t even considered that possibility.

“I thought you hated having me around,” I admitted.

“I don’t.”

“You even told me how much you hate people.”

“Not you,” he said.

My heart skipped a beat.

“I could never hate you, Kent.”

 

About Cookie O’Gorman:

Cookie O’Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad, The Kissing Challenge (YA novella), WALLFLOWER, CUPCAKE, and FAUXMANCE are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romances The Best Mistake, The Perfect Play, and The Sweetest Game. Her newest release BOOKWORM came out on April 20, 2023!

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / Newsletter

 

Giveaway:


a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

BOOK REVIEW: Bookworm by Cookie O’Gorman

BOOK REVIEW: Bookworm by Cookie O’GormanBookworm by Cookie O'Gorman
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Bookworm (buk-werm): Someone who loves books, reading, and/or studying. For reference, see Charlotte Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Charlotte Kent likes happy endings. Not that she's looking for one herself. Awkward, never been kissed, and bookish to the core, Lottie would rather read about love than experience it.

But she enjoys helping others find their HEA in books.

Lottie loves working at the library…even if it means running into Bo Stryker.

Broody, athletic, and unfairly attractive when he frowns, Bo works at the flower shop across the street. Lottie is about to get rejected…when surprisingly, Bo steps in, pretends to be her boyfriend, and steals her first kiss.

One viral video later, everyone thinks they're together.

Bo wants to keep pretending. Lottie wants to make amends—long story short: she was on a ladder; he startled her; the book slap was an accident.

A fake relationship may be the solution. But as they grow closer, Lottie can't help falling for Bo—which is a disaster because grumpy sunshine only works in fiction…right?

This book features two opposites with undeniable chemistry, one lovable librarian, so many stolen kisses and answers the question:

What happens when a nerd falls for the grump-next-door?

Review:

Reading never failed me. Unlike people, books were reliable; they always provided a welcome escape. 
And I needed that now.

Bookworm was an adorable, feel good romance that will keep you smiling from that first page to the last!  With grumpy sunshine mixed with fake dating, it was impossible not to fall in love with this story.  The characters leapt from the pages, the storyline made it impossible to put down and this book easily landed on my favorites list!  This story was not only laugh out loud hilarious but it was filled with heart and so much charm too!  If you love young adult romance, you definitely need this book in your life!

“I make you nervous,” he said. 
“One hundred percent,” I said back. There was no use lying. My cheeks were starting to hurt I was smiling so hard. 
Bo, on the other hand, looked like he was gritting his teeth.

Bo Stryker worked at the flower shop across the street from the library where Charlotte Kent volunteered.  When Bo stepped in, and saved Charlotte from an embarrassing situation, he stole her first kiss.  And that kiss went viral.  That moment was swoon worthy, sigh worthy, and had me absolutely obsessed!  What followed was a beautiful journey filled with opposites attracts, friendship, first love, bookcussions and fabulous banter!  And I have to say that I didn’t read the synopsis close enough because when I got to their last names I was screaming out loud!  I couldn’t wait to see how this was tied to her other books.  But don’t worry, you don’t have to read any other story before jumping into this one.

Bo didn’t want to talk about The Kiss. 
He wanted to pretend as if it never happened. 
I could do that. 
I could. 
Even if he was my first. 
Even if I could still feel the press of his mouth against mine.

Charlotte cracked me up and is one of my favorite heroines!   I loved how honest and forthcoming she was.  Her thoughts made me feel connected to her.  And I loved how she helped others find happiness in a book and also had no qualms about spying on others.  But what I loved most of all, was how she could make Bo feelCharlotte could be such a ray of sunshine to Bo’s grumpy clouds.  And the moment she could get him to smile or react had me glued to the pages.  So while it was beautiful watching their friendship progress, I was shocked that Charlotte didn’t believe in HEAs….outside of a book.  That hurt my heart.  I kept my fingers crossed that Bo could get her to have a change of heart, even if they were only fake dating.

“I thought you hated having me around,” I admitted. 
“I don’t.” 
“You even told me how much you hate people.” 
“Not you,” he said. 
My heart skipped a beat. 
“I could never hate you, Kent.”

Bo was the star soccer player at his high school who had a perpetual frown on his face.  He was given the nickname iceman because of his stellar personality haha.  But when he was around Charlotte, we got tiny glimpses of who Bo was underneath it all.  We got to see that he was capable of feeling.  And if we paid close enough attention to his words, it seemed like he felt more towards Charlotte.  Bo is my favorite type of a character, where you have to look for hints and clues to figure out how they feel and who they truly are.  Because they guard their emotions and their thoughts with their whole body and soul.  So when Bo would mess with Charlotte, awww it was like the clouds parted from the skies.  And that led to the most delicious banter ever!

Taking my hand, he placed a kiss on my thumb, removing the leftover sugar with a brief but devastating brush of his tongue. I couldn’t have spoken then even if I’d wanted to.

The fake dating in this story unfolded so brilliantly, and there quite a few moments that made my toes curl while sighing out loud.  And besides Bo and Charlotte, my favorite side character was Charlotte’s sister, Scar.  I would love for Scar to get her own book *fingers crossed*!  Plus it was so much fun seeing characters from quite a few of Cookie’s previous books!  So with a list of suitors, flower deliveries, the cinnamon roll, soccer games, lunch moments, and kisses in a library, this book was so fabulous!  With a fun and flirty vibe, Bookworm was so easy to fall head over heels in love with!  And this is one of those stories where you just can’t stop smiling all the way through.  It’s happiness in a book!  And you definitely need this happiness in your life!

As a bookworm, I’d read tons of romance novels with countless happily-ever-afters. I would read a ton more. 
And I knew our book would always be my favorite.

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

BOOK REVIEW: Luck of the Demon & Demon’s Advocate (Deals With Demons #4 & #5) by Staica Stark

BOOK REVIEW: Luck of the Demon & Demon’s Advocate (Deals With Demons #4 & #5) by Staica StarkLuck of the Demon (Deals With Demons #4)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Within a matter of days, Samael will turn to ash.
And there’s a high chance I’ll die with him.

To save both our lives, I’m calling in every favor and debt owed to me.

I’ll travel through realms.

I’ll tussle with mythical creatures.

And I’ll hand over the things I value most– even if it means playing right into Lucifer’s hands.

I never could have imagined I’d risk everything for a demon. But what Samael and I have will always be worth fighting for. Even if it means ending treaties, severing friendships, and alienating our allies.

Because Samael is mine now.

And I protect what’s mine.

Review:

I was Alice, and I’d fallen down the wrong damn rabbit hole.

Luck of the Demon was an emotional book about sacrifice and love. Debts were called in and traded. Prophecies graced the pages. We saw lots of familiar faces from the previous books. Friendships formed I didn’t see coming. And there were new alliances made that had me on the edge of my seat having to know what happened next! This series continues to keep me entertained, obsessed and needing to know what happens next!

Lucifer had known exactly where to strike. I was the chink in Samael’s armor. His blind spot. The weakness Lucifer had been searching for.

Luck of the Demon hurt. I had so much anxiety for Samael. What he was going through was horrific. And his fate fell completely on Danica’s shoulders. Her tasks were unfathomable. The deals she made just seemed to dig her even deeper into what had to be done. I was so nervous for her, yet love drove her to never give up! And play some very dangerous games with those in great power. Yet Danica also sacrificed more than we could ever imagine. I cried for her. For what she had to lose. And then her emotional moment with Scylla, I just couldn’t. I was a blubbering mess. This book definitely held me in the palm of its hands!

Whatever it took. I’d do whatever it took to make sure he lived.

With time running out, the intensity of this book felt through the roof. And with enemies at every turn, I just wanted them to have some type of break. One that didn’t exist. Danica traveled through realms, was given tasks that seemed impossible and met creatures she didn’t even know existed. All the while Samael’s life was on the line. So I was beyond terrified and sometimes didn’t want to turn the page because I needed those I loved to be okay. And that definitely wasn’t guaranteed. But there was an addition of a new character who I loved! We also got some answers to questions back from that first book! But there was also tears, I had so many tears! Even happy ones. Then those last few pages left us again on another epic cliffhanger and I started that next book asap!

PS When she said MY people! OMG, I got chills!

 

BOOK REVIEW: Luck of the Demon & Demon’s Advocate (Deals With Demons #4 & #5) by Staica StarkDemon's Advocate by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Lucifer Morningstar took everything from me.

My memories. My freedom. My powers.

Now it’s my turn to take everything from him.

I’ll make alliances with former enemies. I’ll hunt those who betrayed me. And I’ll make my grandfather regret ever learning of my existence.

As Samael prepares for war, I’m learning there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to protect those I love. And this is our chance to free the underworld from Lucifer’s evil.

The underking thinks he can hold me prisoner in his castle. But he’s about to learn why he should have guarded his world from me.

Because I’m going to burn that world down.

Even if I burn with it.

Review:

My breaths sawed in and out of lungs that felt like they were filled with cement.
I threw my head back and roared.

Demon’s Advocate pulled out all the stops. We got answers that went back to the first book and also ones in between. And we were given the most beautiful happily ever at the end of this story! Plus we were setup for Vas and Mer’s book and her sister’s spinoff. There is so much going on in this world and I’m so thankful we don’t have to say goodbye, yet! But again, it was such a rough road to get to that happily ever after.

“Tell me then,” she eyed me. At least she was curious.
I smiled. But my hands were shaking with the effort it took not to touch her. “Well, witchling, the first thing you should know is that our love? It is the stuff of legends.”

This story was filled with lies and deceit. The extent that her Grandfather would go to, to get what he wanted. Wow. No lines existed for Lucifer. He stole her memories and put false ones in there instead. So I kept waiting for it all to click in place! And for Danica to punch and kill someone and for Samael to get them back. I couldn’t wait until he would make the skies rain with the blood shed he would bring to their realm and to those that stood by Lucifer’s side. But as the story unfolded, there were those characters that I didn’t know where they stood. Whose side they belonged to. So even when I thought I knew where this book was going, there were still surprises that kept me on my toes and turning those pages faster and faster!

“You likely shouldn’t join this battle. You have younglings to protect.”
He grinned at me, his sharp teeth flashing in the light. “I’ve named you and Danica as godparents.”
I stared at him, speechless. His grin widened. “Yeah. She had the same reaction. Guess you better keep me alive.”

Hannah, Finvarra, Gary, and so many more from the previous books graced these pages. I loved it! It was so fabulous seeing everyone come together and play there part. But there were also moments with betrayal and scenes that made me scream and jump. And death bled through the pages. I wasn’t prepared for all of those that died. I cried tears for those we lost. Even if the battle was epically vicious and I loved all of its twists and turns. But those last few pages. Sigh. This series took us on a beautiful journey filled with tons of heart and soul. I loved the morally grey love interest, the kickass female, the fond family, the sacrifices that were made. Love and friendship were such intricate elements in this well crafted series. And Stacia has definitely created a fan for life with this series. I’m excited to binge the rest of her books and read whatever she releases next!

BOOK REVIEW: Inner Demons (Deals with Demons #3) by Stacia Stark

BOOK REVIEW: Inner Demons (Deals with Demons #3) by Stacia StarkInner Demons (Deals with Demons #3)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

He’s an arrogant control freak.
I’m a stubborn, loose cannon.
We’re a match made in hell.
Luckily, that’s Samael's home town.

After the Mage Council publicly excised me, I've finally got my first real case. And I've even taken on a brand-new employee: a werewolf with impulse control issues.

But my sister just lost everyone she loves, and she’s begging me to ask Samael for help.

Whether I like it or not, I need Samael's resources. Because anyone who can kill that many witches has the kind of power we can't afford to ignore. And there's no point dodging the demon who manages to involve himself in all of my problems.

But the more I work with Samael, the more I'm realizing just who he is beneath the mask he wears for everyone else.

And the demon I never wanted?

He may just be the love I never knew I needed.

Review:

Have you ever heard a song playing in your head while reading a book?  I usually don’t, but listening to this book I kept hearing Sucker for Pain haha. Okay, but seriously, this series completely stole all of my attention. Murder blazed through the pages, there were unfathomable tasks, shocking alliances, help from unlikely sources and revelations that were horrifically brutal made this book impossible to put down! I know I keep saying it, but if you love urban fantasy you definitely need to binge this series!

He looked endlessly amused, and it pissed me off. His wings were hidden away, his clothes covered almost every inch of his hard body, but whenever I looked at him, all I saw was that hard body covering mine, the wicked lust on his face as he thrust into me.
“Danica?”

Danica finally started her own business and I loved her new hire, Kyla. She was a werewolf that fit right in and it was impossible not to like her. Danica showed us time and again how smart and tricky she was as we got even more pieces of the puzzle put together. We still have a ways to go, but the picture is definitely getting much clearer! I don’t necessarily like some of the things. Such as the new things we learned about *side eyes while trying to keep away the anxiety*. Creepy and eerie doesn’t explain the situation enough. And I don’t even know what that means for the spinoff series. It left me feeling nervous for how that’s all going to unfold!

“And if you didn’t know I’m already yours, you haven’t been paying close enough attention.”

But here’s my favorite part of this book….there is a spoiler ahead eeps. I love when a slow burn finally, finally turns into something more and amazing.  While I absolutely love slow burn romances, I love those pivotal moments when they admit to each other how they feel.  So this book made my heart so happy. I loved those scenes so much! But still, the world kept going around them. So we got to watch as Samael proved that he would do anything to protect Danica. Plus his thoughtful gift, awww, he gets her. Truly gets her! It was impossible not to fall head over heels in love with Samael, if you hadn’t already. Through it all, they still had fabulous banter. It was so much fun and smile inducing! And their intimate moments together were steamy hot!

A shiver ran up my spine as a warning siren rang out in my brain. There was something I wasn’t seeing. Some bigger part of this plan that I’d missed.

I’m so thankful this series is complete because that ending, wow.  The cliffhanger was brutal, my mind was blown and I was left reeling and just wanted to curl into a ball. Be thankful the next book is out! There was blood, creatures, betrayal and mysteries. But there was also humor and love laced into this story too. It was the perfect mixture of fun and intense. And I definitely cried happy and sad tears. But I will end with this…..I can’t wait for you to meet Nuri! My lips are zipped for who or what that is eeps! But you’ll love it!

BOOK REVIEW: Dance With the Demon (Deals With Demons #2) by Stacia Stark

BOOK REVIEW: Dance With the Demon (Deals With Demons #2) by Stacia StarkDance With the Demon (Deals With Demons #2)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

What’s scarier than hunting demons?
Being bonded to one of them.

Ever since I got involved with the demons, my life has fallen apart.

Now, I’m persona non grata with the mage council. And because of me, my sister is in danger. If that wasn’t bad enough, I’m also the lead suspect in an attempted murder.

But it gets worse. I’m learning that everything I thought I knew about myself was a lie. And the underhanded demon who bonded with me? Well, he’s convinced he can keep me.

When an ancient fae artifact turns up missing, I have to use every trick up my sleeve to locate it. Someone wants to watch the world burn, and if I don’t stop them, every paranormal alive is a target.

Armed with a power I don’t understand, and with a demon I don’t trust by my side, it’s up to me to dodge the people who want me dead and protect my city.

Before Samael loses patience with whoever is hunting me and burns the city down himself.

Review:

Dance With the Demon was a fabulous continuation of the Deals with Demons Series!  Grimoires, bargains, prophecies, and betrayal swept through the story making it another addictive read!  I loved that we learned more about Danica’s life.  And her interactions with others like Gary, Mella and her sister, Evie.  Evie was one of my favorites because she cracked me up and I’m so excited that she got her own spinoff series!  But beware, because there were others within this story who will make you simmer with rage.

“I have lost everyone who ever mattered to me,” he hissed. “I won’t lose you too.”

Regardless of how Danica thought it would all play out, she found herself bonded with Samael.  I got her anger and rage.  Even if I was secretly excited about it since it was Samael *hides face*.  Because no matter what happened, Samael always protected her.  He was kind, thoughtful and tried his best to take care of her.  Or at least he did what he thought was best.  But then in the blink of an eye he had no problem going to his darker side.  I absolutely loved his morally grey self!  Yet Danica fought him every step of the way, since he had stolen her freedom.  Through it all they continued to have the most delicious sexual tension, a date that left me screaming with excitement and some moments that were hot, hot, hot! 

I slowly brushed one finger along the edge of the closest feather as he silently watched me.
“You’re beautiful,” I admitted.
He nodded. “I know.”
I burst out laughing, and he took the opportunity to climb onto the bed with me and capture my mouth with his. His wings blocked out the light, and it was as if the world had disappeared, and we were the only two people who existed.

In Dance with the Demon we got to know Samael better.  Oh he was such a tortured soul.  He had a horrific past that still haunted him to this day.  And it made sense why he was the way he was.  There was so much more to him than meets the eye.  And that had me falling harder for him.  The gestures he made were beautiful, I even got tears in my eyes.  And seeing that Danica was his humanity warmed my heart time and again.  So I couldn’t get enough of the moments when Samael and Danica were together!  We also got to see another side of Danica in this story.  Yes she faced things she didn’t want to.  But she also allowed herself to break down and my heart ached for her. 

I’d let him in, I realized. Somewhere along the way, I’d let him crawl beneath my rib cage, and he was buried there, where my fucking heart should be.
I was going to be sick.

This story played out like a movie in my head.  I can’t recommend it enough for fans of paranormal and urban fantasy! There was adventure, friendship, passion and so many different creatures that I was fascinated learning about. I also enjoyed that this story brought about more of a familial side, with Gary’s kids. I loved watching Samael interact with them. And of course again there’s so much I can’t talk about. But it was so much fun and I read this book way too quickly!

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