doing what you love – Page 2

Category: doing what you love

26
Apr
2022

2 More Days!

categories: doing what you love, Fauxmance, Romance, self-publishing, YA

Hi everyone!

There’s only 2 more days until the release of FAUXMANCE!!!

Yay, yay, yay! I love Magnolia & Hayden so much, and I truly hope readers will as well!

I realized that I never posted the book summary; and though it’s already up in other places, I’d like to have it on my blog, so here you go lol :).

Fauxmance (foh-mans): Term for a romantic relationship that is fake. Real feelings, like love, are strictly prohibited. See also: Why would anyone enter a fake relationship?

Eighteen-year-old Magnolia believes in true love.

Or she did.

When her boyfriend dumps her the day before her sister’s wedding, Maggie is devastated—but her broken heart is only part of the problem. Maggie is the maid of honor, and her sister insists: Every member of the bridal party must have an escort. No exceptions.

Thank goodness for Hayden Davenport.

Sarcastic, cocky, a surprisingly good listener and self-professed player, when Maggie gets stuck in an elevator with the handsome stranger, she thinks she’s found the perfect wedding date. Unfortunately, Hayden hates weddings. Like really hates them.

But one soul-shattering kiss changes everything.

Maggie needs a fake boyfriend. Hayden wants to prove he’s changed his playboy ways. Faking it should be easy. The hard part?

Remembering it’s all pretend and not falling in love for real.

This book features two opposites with sizzling chemistry, a sweet, hopeless romantic and a cynical bad boy who’ll steal your heart. Elevators, fake romance, and weddings, oh my! Get ready to swoon, laugh, and say ‘I do’ to this heartfelt YA romance.

*sigh*

I had so much fun writing this summary–and the book! Magnolia is totally a hopeless romantic. She’s smart, soft-hearted, and so hilarious! I hope readers relate to her and love her as much as I do. And Hayden…gah. He’s sarcastic, confident, attractive inside and out, a cynical musician with a beautiful soul. The chemistry between the two, their banter, is probably my favorite part of the whole book <3. The swoon factor is at 100 percent.

I loved writing their story.

I love Constance, Magnolia’s mom and cousin, the guys in the band, the bridesmaids.

Again, I just love it so much.

I can’t believe FAUXMANCE releases this Thursday. Trying hard not to freak out about that and just enjoy this time leading up to the release.

I hope you’re doing well my awesome readers!

And I hope you’ll check out FAUXMANCE when it comes out!

Only 2 more days!!!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

31
Mar
2022

FAUXMANCE Cover Reveal!

categories: Adorkable, cover love, doing what you love, Fauxmance, Ninja Girl, Romance, self-publishing, YA

It’s time, you guys!

I’m sharing the cover for my upcoming YA romance FAUXMANCE!

It’s gorgeous, and I love it so much! Stephanie Mooney did a beautiful job! I hope it makes you swoon, sigh, and smile!

Without further ado…

…here is the cover…

for FAUXMANCE! <3

Ahhh, I just can’t!

The almost kiss, the swoony position, the gorgeous colors, the jacket, *sigh*. It all just reminds me how much I love this book! Magnolia & Hayden truly make my heart so glad! I hope they’ll do the same for you! <3

FAUXMANCE will release on April 28, 2022!!!

That’s less than a month away! So excited (and nervous lol)! I hope you’ll check it out, and I hope you’re doing well my wonderful readers!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. Happy 6th Book Birthday, ADORKABLE! Happy (a-day-late) 5th Book Birthday, NINJA GIRL! Happy Birthday to my wonderful Aunt Colleen who I love so much! And Happy Cover Reveal, FAUXMANCE! <333

23
Feb
2022

Work-In-Progress

categories: doing what you love, Instagram, Romance, self-publishing, The Cookie Jar Newsletter, WIP, writing, YA

Hi there! I haven’t posted here in a minute because life has been full/stressful/crazy.

I actually had a health scare not too long ago. It both terrified and made me realize what’s important.

Currently trying to find balance in all the things (job, school, family, posting, sleep, writing etc.) while also avoiding burn out. I have a new respect for everyone who’s able to juggle everything at once. And SLEEP! Gah, I miss her–as well as reading and writing (that are not for assignments) :).

Anyway, I just wanted to stop in and say: I’m still here!

My cover designer has gotten back to me, and we’re in the process of creating a cover for my new book–which I love, love, love and can’t wait to share with you!!! <3

This one has actually gone through a different process. It was initially going to be traditionally published–I wrote it under contract and with the full intention of going that route–but after much thought, I made the decision to self-publish instead. That was not at all an easy decision. But I think/hope it will ultimately end up being the right one. I love this book so very much. I know (as much as someone with recurring self-doubt can) that my readers will love the book, too. I think a lot of people still view traditional publishing as what it takes to be a “real” author. And it is one way to do that! But it’s not the only way ;).

My views on the pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing are many lol, but that’s a post for another day. If you’re a writer, just know that: Your work is your work. There might be two fantastic, amazing options for publishing, and you have to choose the one you think will be the best for you and your book <3.

Again, more on that later! I hope you’re all doing well!

I’ve been making an effort to post at least once a week on Facebook and Instagram. So please follow me there if you like pretty book pics, random thoughts about life etc.! 😀

Also, I’d love it if you’d sign up for my newsletter!!! I try to post here, there and everywhere, but sometimes it can be a lot. My Cookie Jar Newsletter is the best way to stay up to date with new releases & bookish news! I hope you’re doing well, my awesome readers! You’re wonderful, and I hope you know it!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

02
Nov
2021

CUPCAKE Release Day!

categories: cover love, Cupcake, doing what you love, Entangled Publishing, Release Day, Romance, YA

Happy CUPCAKE Release Day!!!

I still can’t believe Ariel & Rhys’s story is actually going to be out there, yayyy! Book Baby #9! CUPCAKE is out in the wild! I hope readers love it and that it makes them smile! Most of all I hope it reminds people to love themselves and to be kind and that happily-ever-after comes in all shapes and sizes! <3

Again: Happy Release Day CUPCAKE!!!

I hope you’re well and having an awesome November so far! And if you check out CUPCAKE, I hope you enjoy it!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

31
Aug
2021

WALLFLOWER Audiobook Release Day!

categories: audiobook, cover love, doing what you love, Release Day, Romance, Wallflower, YA

It’s here, you guys!!!

Viola & Dare’s story is now available in audiobook! Woohoo!!!

Ah, they used the original cover (created by Stephanie Mooney), and I’m so glad because I love it! The narrator, Stephanie Einstein, captured Viola’s voice right from the beginning <3. The sample I heard was so wonderful! Can’t wait to listen to the rest!!!

Also thought the 2 Stephanie’s must be a good sign lol!

So, so excited! This is my first audiobook in a while, and I love this story so much!

Truly.

In addition to the ebook and paperback, I hope this new format will help more readers find Viola & Dare! Eep! This book is so dear to me. And it’s out there, you guys!

That’s an awesome feeling.

In other news, this coming month is going to be busy. I organize a charity event in September that is for a very important cause, and I’m praying and doing all I can to make sure it goes well. Please cross your fingers for me, you guys. I’m also writing a book for Entangled that needs to be turned in by Oct. 1st. My WIP will be taking a lot of my energy/focus. I love it, but honestly, I’ve been having trouble writing since July. Several reasons for this *sigh*. I also have a dance teaching opportunity coming up, which I’m very excited about. And then there’s the co-authored project I’m working on.

The Perfect Play Paperback!

categories: cover love, doing what you love, NA, New Adult, O'Brien Brothers, paperback, Romance, self-publishing, The Perfect Play

Got some awesome book mail yesterday!!!

The Perfect Play paperback is out now, and it’s a beauty! I still can’t look at the cover without smiling <3.

Here are a few pics:

The lovely cover <333…

Annnd the back cover and summary!

I’m biased since I wrote the book lol, but…

The paperback is so swoony/gorgeous!!!

My mom even said that she thinks it may be my prettiest one :D. I’ve been waiting for this and am so glad I can now add Chase & Charlie’s story to my shelves!

The Perfect Play paperback is out now, yay!

I hope you love the story as much I loved writing it–and I really LOVE this one, you guys. So much! Crossing my fingers that you fall in love with Chase & Charlie <3!

Hope you’re doing well and having a wonderful week!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. The Best Mistake and The Perfect Play look so good side-by-side *sigh* :). Do you just gaze longingly at books sometimes? Is that just me? Oh, okay lol! Again, stay safe, keep reading, and be well, bookworms!

06
Jul
2021

Only 2 more days!

categories: doing what you love, NA, New Adult, O'Brien Brothers, Romance, self-publishing, The Perfect Play

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!!!!

26
Jun
2021

The Perfect Play cover reveal

categories: cover love, doing what you love, NA, New Adult, O'Brien Brothers, Romance, self-publishing, The Perfect Play

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

11
May
2021

Work In Progress

categories: Adorkable, doing what you love, Entangled Publishing, Goodreads, New Adult, O'Brien Brothers, Romance, self-publishing, Wallflower, WIP, writing, YA

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! 🙂

06
Apr
2021

Thankful

categories: Amazon, doing what you love, kindness, Romance, self-publishing, Wallflower, WIP, writing, Xpresso Book Tours, YA, YA Bound Book Tours

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!!!