Lemonade

Hi everyone!

This is one of the bitter times on this writing journey. *sigh*

Warning: There will be lemons.

Don’t worry, though! I’ll try my best to end on a positive note.

So, I’ve always considered the writing & bookish community to be something positive. I don’t reach out much (i.e. I almost never reach out lol), but that’s mostly because I’m an introvert and putting myself out there makes me nervous. I just keep my head down, do my own thing and write the best books I can with the hope that they will touch readers’ hearts as much as they do mine.

Writing is a very personal, solitary thing for me.

The ways that I do reach out/interact are few, and the people who I feel comfortable enough to reach out to are even fewer.

I heard something not too long ago that surprised and affected me far more than it should have. Basically, people were talking about me–in a bad way–calling into question my character.

Not gonna lie: It hurt.

A lot.

I felt totally blindsided.

I didn’t even know writers did that, talked about each other without the other person being involved. This is probably because I rarely talk to anyone outside my family, and gossip, in general, makes me uncomfortable. Confrontation does, too. If something bothers me, I usually just suffer in silence.

But writing is a source of positivity for me.

My books are something that bring me joy.

Hearing that people were talking behind my back?

Yeah. It hurt.

Anyway, to bring this back to the positive, I’ve never had this happen before, and I’ve been publishing for several years. So yay, I guess lol? Also, despite this, I’m going to focus on the good.

My books are still a source of joy.

I love writing.

And I understand that people like to spill the tea.

I just prefer mine with less lemon ;).

Hope you’re all doing well, reading awesome books, and having a wonderful weekend so far!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. I still think the writing community is good overall, and I’m glad to be a small part of it. Just wish it lived up to the ideal in my head.

P.P.S. Good things have been happening, too, and I can’t wait to share those with you!

P.P.P.S. This year I will have released more books than I ever have before. It’s been kind of stressful and crazy, but if you read any of them, recommend one of my books to your friends, write a kind review or send me a nice message, just know: It matters. Things can bring you down, or they can lift you up. And if you’re reading this, I want to thank you for brightening my days! Again, it matters. And I’m very thankful <3.

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Thank you so much!

Hi you guys!

The Perfect Play was released last Thursday, hooray!!!

Team ChaCha is doing well so far! Readers have been reading, and they’ve said some of the kindest things! I just wanted to share some of the awesome early reviews with you!

Absolutely amazing!  Cookie O’Gorman has done it again. This book drew me in and wouldn’t let go until the very end.–Nikki, Goodreads Review

The most delicious mix of sugary sweet & extra hot heat.–KristaReadsRomance, Goodreads Review

I always love it in a romance when the guy falls a little harder for the girl first and Chase is a book boyfriend coming to life.–Lauren at SERIESous Reviews

OMG! This is such a Great read! I love the O’Brien family!!–Cathleen, Goodreads Review

I’ve loved all of Cookie’s heroes and heroines, but I think these two might be my favorites.–Annie, Goodreads Review

Oh. My. I could not love this book more. Chase is so swoony. And Charlie…she’s my soul sister.–Talk Swoony To Me Blog, Goodreads Review

Thank you for another great book Cookie O’ Gorman. I just loved this book. It was just full of love and support from both the family and friends.– Alejandra, Goodreads Review

With my girl Cookie it’s a guarantee that the hero will be amazing and the heroine will be lovely. Yames Bond, Goodreads Review

Chase is my favorite O’Brien. I AM 100% MARRYING HIM. I swear, he’s such a sweetheart, but he also knows what he wants and goes for it, which I LOVE.–Clarissa, Goodreads Review

I loved loved loved this book so much!!!! Team ChaCha!!–Kiana, Goodreads Review

Ah, I’m so glad to know people are actually enjoying Charlie & Chase’s story! <3

I can’t tell you how much it means to see these wonderful reviews. It’s such an important thing–not only because they lift my spirits (which they absolutely do!), but they also let other readers know why they should give the book a chance! As an indie author and introvert, it’s kind of difficult to get the word out sometimes. I truly appreciate every review, and I just have to say: Thank you SO much to anyone who leaves one! You are awesome!!!

Also, thank you so much to Xpresso Book tours and to everyone who participated in The Perfect Play Book Blitz! You rock!

I’ve been working on the website a bit. I’ve also been taking a ton of screenshots of The Perfect Play lol! 😀 That’s basically what I do whenever a book comes out. I also had something not-so-awesome happen last week. I said I’d talk about all the bitter times as well as the sweet, so I may do a post about that. But if I do, I’ll definitely try to keep it positive!

I hope you’re all doing well and having a wonderful week so far!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. I really am thankful for the kind reviews The Perfect Play is receiving–and that people are reading! It’s out there, you guys! Team ChaCha is actually out there! 🙂 Hope you are doing well!

Only 2 more days!

Hi everyone!

There’s only 2 more days until the release of The Perfect Play, yayyy!!!

I’m so excited for everyone to read about Charlie & Chase! I truly love them and this story.

This is book 2 in the Southern U O’Brien Brothers series–which means it’s an actual series! Ah, I’m so excited (and nervous)! Here is the summary in case you’re interested:

She’s playing to win.

Okay, so I probably shouldn’t have made that bet with Emmy. But come on! She was challenging me. Attract a guy in seven days? No problem.

Well…maybe just one.

The guy she chooses is her brother, Chase O’Brien aka golden-boy-Virgin and star pitcher for the Wolves. Unlike most guys, Chase seems immune to my charms—but I’ve always loved a challenge.

He’s playing for keeps.

Charlie never should’ve made that bet with my baby sister. But if she uses her magic touch to heal my arm and gets me back in the game? It’s all good.

Actually, the more time we spend together, the harder I fall. I always knew I’d recognize my soulmate when I found her—and Charlie’s the one.

Even if she doesn’t know it yet.

This new adult sports romance features a strong heroine with a soft center, a hot-bookish hero who believes in true love and a sexy set of brothers guaranteed to make you swoon.

Love is always the perfect play.

Charlie has such a confident, sassy, hilarious personality. She’s determined and unapologetic, and gah, I love her! And oh my goodness, Chase!!! He puts the ‘swoon’ in swoon-worthy. He’s thoughtful, sweet, sexy–and he believes in soulmates/true love/is a hopeless romantic. *sigh* Chase starts the story coming back from an injury, wanting nothing more than to play ball, and Charlie helps him heal. Sparks fly between them, and…oh, I just hope people will love their story!

I’ve been struggling to get the word out. I wanted to release this one ASAP, and because of that, I wasn’t able to schedule a blog tour. There is a book blitz, so I’m hoping that will help. Five awesome bookish peeps are a part of the ARC team for The Perfect Play, and I’m so very thankful for them!!! I reached out to one author whose books I’ve read and enjoyed about doing a newsletter swap. I had more I wanted to reach out to, but I didn’t know if I should/if that was frowned upon. I basically chickened out lol.

But I wish I could do more.

Again, I really love Charlie & Chase.

This is one of my favorite stories I’ve written. I wish I knew how to spread the word. I’m planning to run an ad and just hoping it will be successful. Anyway, this is obviously where the doubt sets in, so please, if you get a chance, cross your fingers for me and this little book <3.

I hope you’re doing well and having an awesome summer! I also hope you get this bc I still haven’t figured out how to switch from Feedburner to another service that will send my blog posts.

I’ll be working on that for the 10 awesome peeps who actually read these ;).

Good karma and virtual hugs to you!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. Only 2 more days until The Perfect Play, hooray!!!!

The Perfect Play cover reveal

Hi everyone!

The Perfect Play cover reveal is today, woop!!! Prepare yourself because: It. Is. Gorgeous. <3

This is book 2 of the Southern U O’Brien Brothers series. Chase & Charlie’s book, yayyy!

A new adult romance that’s sweet, sexy, laugh-out-loud funny, and totally romantic. Thank you to Stephanie Mooney who designed this beautiful cover!

I’m truly in love with it. Seriously can’t wait to share!

Sooo….

….here is the cover…

…for The Perfect Play!

Gah, I just think it’s so beautiful. Chase O’Brien is so swoon-worthy. I can’t even!

Seriously, though, don’t you just love it??? I’ve had this beauty since February, and I couldn’t share because I wasn’t finished with the book yet. The model is perfect for Chase (no pun intended ha!). That stare, the intense-yet-vulnerable look in his eyes…swoon. And then the gorgeous colors, title, and tagline set everything off.

I love it–and I hope you do, too :).

I hope it made you smile/swoon.

This book is truly one of my favorites I’ve ever written. Don’t get me wrong; I love ALL of my books.

But there’s something special about this one.

I love Charlie. I love Chase. I love them together, and oh, I had so much fun writing their story. ***This is a new adult sports romance recommended for readers 18+.*** If you love sexy-sweet stories featuring brothers guaranteed to make you swoon, I truly hope you’ll give The Perfect Play a chance!

Hope you are well and having an awesome weekend, bookworms!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

CUPCAKE cover reveal

It’s time, you guys!

The CUPCAKE cover reveal is today, yay!!!

This is my first #OwnVoices book.

It’s a swoony, sweet, hilarious YA romance.

It’s also the first book I’ve ever had traditionally published from start to finish. Thank you so much, Entangled Teen!

I’m so excited to share this beautiful cover created by Elizabeth Turner-Stokes!

Annnd without further ado…

…here’s the cover…

…for CUPCAKE!

Beautiful, right?!?

Ariel “Cupcake” Duncan is a seventeen-year-old girl who loves movies and baking. She also just happens to be plus-sized. When she gets nominated to Homecoming Court, Ariel is surprised–and reluctant lol. She absolutely doesn’t want to be a princess.

Then she’s paired with Rhys Castle. The popular quarterback is…complex, hot one minute, cold the next. Ariel doesn’t know what to think.

Sparks fly as they complete a ton of fun/hilarious/romantic Homecoming activities.

Spoiler alert: The curvy girl in this book doesn’t have to lose weight to get her happily-ever-after.

She loves herself, as she is.

And that is my favorite thing about the book <3.

I also love Rhys *swoon*, Ariel’s awesome relationship with her mom, her best friend & their talks, the friends she makes on the Court, and all of the Homecoming fun.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, funny, and uplifting, I hope you’ll give CUPCAKE a try!

Hope you are staying safe and having a wonderful summer, bookworms!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. CUPCAKE doesn’t officially release until November 2nd–but it’s already available for pre-order on Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Google Play! Hooray!

P.P.S. WALLFLOWER is now available in paperback!!! I will most likely do another post about this later bc it’s a big deal, and I have pics to share, woop!

P.P.P.S. Be on the lookout for another cover reveal this Saturday! That one is for my upcoming NA romance The Perfect Play! <3 Can’t wait to share it with you!

Work In Progress

Honestly, I feel like that title describes my life lol.

Work in progress.

Trying, trying some more, hopefully progressing.

Anyway, WIP probably describes everyone’s life, so at least I’m not alone :).

Here are a few updates on my books and what I’ve been doing recently (I’ll try not to make it too boring ha).

WALLFLOWER is out in the world, and it’s been doing so well! If you’re reading this, I cannot say thank you enough. So: Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart! I love Viola & Dare so much, and people are actually reading their book, enjoying the story, writing such sweet reviews! Ugh, thank you again!

I’ve actually been working on several projects–which is so crazy bc I’m used to only working on one at a time. It’s been…a learning experience lol! And it’s not done yet.

Project #1: Editing my YA romance for Entangled! I just turned in my first pass of the manuscript to my editor and can’t wait to see what she thinks! Hoping, hoping, hoping all of you will love it! The title of the book is CUPCAKE. <3 It’s actually already on Goodreads. I’ll post more about it soon, but I love this book! Ugh, can’t wait to share it with you!

Project #2: Another YA romance for Entangled! Still in the early idea stages with this one. I’m waiting for approval of the summary, but I already am so excited about it!

Project #3: The co-authored project I’ve been writing! It’s YA. It’s awesome. It’s almost finished…maybe. The last time we spoke we said it will likely come out in June/July. Very excited (and nervous) about this ha!

Project #4: The O’Brien Brothers Book 2!!! I’m so looking forward to finishing this one–not because I don’t love it, but because I do! The book is at about 56k words. Still a few chapters to go. I love it SO much, and I’m just trying to do the main couple and this wonderful family justice. Again, I can’t wait to share and hope readers will swoon! *Also, the cover is GORGEOUS!!!! I need to finish the book first, but I can’t wait to put that bit of loveliness out in the world! *

Those are my WIPs!

Besides myself, of course :-).

I was sick last week, so that kind of sucked. FeedBurner is apparently going to stop sending email notifications–like the ones you get when I do a blog post. So, I need to figure that out for the ten people who actually read these posts ;).

I hope you’re all staying safe and that wonderful things are happening where you are!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. Oooh, and ADORKABLE is now available on the KISS app! It came out today! Yayyy!!! I think the publishing model is interesting; it involves tokens/chapters etc. Hope the KISS readers love Sally & Becks! 🙂

Thankful

Hi everyone!

I wanted to check in with some bookish updates!

WALLFLOWER will have been out for 2 weeks on Thursday! The time has flown by. Honestly, I can’t believe how well it’s doing–and I’m so thankful.

Readers have been saying the kindest things about Viola & Dare’s story, and I’m just super grateful <3. Here’s a small sample of the wonderful reviews:

“All I kept thinking as I read this book was how much I loved it!”-Lisa, Lisa Loves Literature

“I think this book is my favorite contemporary YA romance that I have read in 2021 so far. It made me so happy, and I honestly just want to go back and re-read it again because I loved Viola and Dare so much.”-Michelle, Book Briefs

Wallflower was impossible not to devour in one sitting! This story swept me away and the pages were filled with charm, humor and romance.“-Jen, Star-Crossed Book Blog

“One of the best parts of this story is the genuine friendships.”-Amy, Amy’s MM Romance Reviews

“I recommend this fun, charming, and clean YA romance with delightful characters and LOL moments. I couldn’t put this book down.”-Sharon, The Eclectic Review

“Definitely recommend if you want a sweet short read!”-Ceci, Goodreads Review

“I personally would trade all the other men I read about this week for Dare in a second and he was one of seven. #LetsKeepDare”-Ali Crean, Have Coffee Need Books

“I loved loved this book!!!!”-Kiana, Goodreads Review

“I think many bookworms and hopeless romantics will find part of themselves in Viola. Her growth and character evolution from start to finish was great.”- Lauren, SERIESous Book Reviews

“Overall, there was so much to love about this book and you’d be crazy not to read it if YA romances are your jam. I’m so glad I was able to revisit old characters while continuing on with new ones. This book was truly a delight!“-Ariel, The Book View

“It’s an opposites-attract (popular guy/ unpopular girl), friends to lovers and fake dating romance that will make you remember your first crush and first love.”-Kristee, Goodreads Review

“This is cheesy, cute and soooo romantic. I’ve been smiling wide enough for my jaw to hurt and have definitely leaked a few tears.

✓High school
✓Fake Dating
✓Coach’s daughter
✓Clean romance
✓Animal lovers”-Navya, Goodreads Review

I could not keep from smiling the entire time I read this book.“-Gabrielle, Goodreads Review

“I really enjoyed reading Wallflower!! The banter between Viola and Dare was such a vibe!”-Amazon Review

“Love all her books. She is top of my one-click. Couldn’t wait for this and it didn’t disappoint.”-Amazon Review

You guys, seriously, bloggers are awesome, and readers rock! And the romance writing community rocks as well! Special thanks to YA Bound Book Tours & Xpresso Book Tours!!! I can’t say thank you enough, so again…to every person who has helped spread the word about WALLFLOWER, for every review/post/share/encouraging message/comment: THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

WALLFLOWER is just a little YA romance. I’m pretty helpless when it comes to marketing. And yet, the book is doing well, and that’s all thanks to you!

Last week was Book Birthday Week, and I’m holding a giveaway here! There are still a couple days to enter if you haven’t already. Good luck, you guys!

I also finally hit 20k on my current WIP, hooray! It feels like it’s taken me forever ha. But I think that’s because I keep switching POVs–and just general writer’s block blech. But I finally hit 20k words woop! So thankful for that!

And I was able to get the COVID vaccine. Not going to lie. My thoughts were tinged with sadness. I couldn’t help but think about all of the people who were lost to the disease, how very grateful they would’ve been to receive a vaccine or to have their families in the hospital room while they fought it. How much those families would’ve given to be with their loved ones for their last moments.

Anyway, I am very thankful to have gotten my shot. I’m hopeful that these crazy, sad times will one day come to an end. And I pray good health, strength and healing is with you my lovely readers.

Hope you are well and that you had a wonderful Easter!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. Here are a few of the screenshots I took for WALLFLOWER. <3 It’s been a #1 hot new release for several of its categories (in the U.S. & Australia), a #1 bestseller two of them in the U.S. and even hit #1 in Germany!

So many pictures lol, but who knows if this will ever happen again! Thank you so much for giving WALLFLOWER such a wonderful start!!!

WALLFLOWER Release Day!

Yay, yay, yay!!!! It’s finally here, you guys!

Book baby #7 is now out in the world!

Happy Release Day to WALLFLOWER!!! <3

The cover and book still make me smile/sigh.

I hope WALLFLOWER gives you the warm fuzzies, too! I loved every second of writing this story. Oh, I hope people can see a bit of themselves in introverted, hopeless romantic Viola. She’s also a dog, movie and Harry Potter lover. Totally a girl after my own heart lol. And Dare. Gah! I am so in love with him. He’s confident, popular, a talented athlete–but it’s his thoughtfulness, awesome sense of humor, and his sincerity that I hope will win readers’ hearts. He definitely won mine :).

If you love YA romance, fake boyfriends, dogs, dorks, jocks, swoon-worthy kisses and laughing out loud, I hope you’ll give WALLFLOWER a try! This is my 7th book, you guys! And yes, one of those was a novella. But still! There are seven books in the Harry Potter series. So that must be a good sign, right???

Ah, I can’t believe it!

WALLFLOWER is now available!

May the Force, Harry Potter and all the good juju in the world be will you little book! I hope you bring anyone who reads you so much joy and love!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

5 Things: I’m Looking Forward To…

Hi everyone!

March has been flying by, and I can’t believe book baby #7 comes out next Thursday!!!

Yes, you read that right.

I have a book coming out next week! And it’s one that I love, love, love! Hooray!

So, I figured I’d do a post about the 5 Things: I’m Looking Forward To :).

Here we go!

  1. Sharing Viola & Dare with the world. Of course, this is #1! I can’t wait to put these characters and this story out there. Although it’s a bit scary, I feel like I’ve been holding onto this forever, and I just hope readers find and embrace WALLFLOWER <3.
  2. The WALLFLOWER Blog Tour. It starts Monday, eep! Not sure I’m ready–actually, I know I’m not lol! This is the part I dread and look forward to in equal measure: Finding out what people think. Gah. I really hope they like it.
  3. Holding onto the love. Okay, this one kind of goes hand in hand with #2. I just want to remember how wonderful it felt while I was writing and when I finished this book. There was so much love there. I hope I can always remember that.
  4. Sleep. No explanation needed lol.
  5. Writing, writing , writing. Currently at about 13k words on my WIP and very much looking forward to adding more, yay!!!

And those are my 5 Things! 🙂 I’m also looking forward to spending time with my family–but this is always at the top of the list. I feel so very thankful for them. Also, my students have been working hard, and their dances are really coming together. It is such a privilege to teach them, so of course, I look forward to that, too!

Anyway,there are so many awful things in the world. And yet, there is so much to be thankful for.

Stay safe, be well, and I hope you have a ton of wonderful things you’re looking forward to, my awesome readers!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. WALLFLOWER comes out next week!!!!! Yay! 😀

Happy Reading

Hi everyone!

So, it’s the last Friday of February—can you believe the month went by so fast???

March is right around the corner, and I wanted to do a quick post to check-in :).

First, congratulations to Judy G.!!! She was the winner of my giveaway to celebrate ADORKABLE hitting 10,000 ratings on Goodreads! I hope you enjoy your gift card, Judy, and thank you so much to everyone who entered!

Second, I’ve been trying to write! I’m loving the book(s) I’m working on, but honestly, I haven’t quite mastered the skill of writing more than one project at a time lol. My brain takes a minute to flip between stories. I just want to be consistently productive. Still trying to get the hang of this!

And third, there’s less than a month until the release of WALLFLOWER, yayyy! I’ve been trying to make sure it’s ready. There’s a blog tour and blitz scheduled. I sent out a few ARCs. Trying to work up the nerve to contact some authors for newsletter swaps (cue the nerves LOL). I still need to work on my dedication and acknowledgments.

I’ll definitely be posting more about WALLFLOWER in the coming weeks :). I so love this book. I hope you will, too! Crossing my fingers so hard!

I’ve got a to-do list about a mile long and am slowly making my way through it. Also, in case you’re interested, my current WIPs are a co-authored YA and book 2 of the O’Brien Brothers, woop! What have you been up to? Anything interesting? 🙂

Hope you are well, bookworms!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman