Romance – Page 3 – THE COOKIE JAR

Category: Romance

23
Nov
2021

5 Things: I’m Thankful For

categories: 5 Things, audiobook, Cupcake, giveaway, Happy Holidays, Release Day, Romance, YA

Hi everyone!

It’s been a while since I’ve done a “5 Things” post. I love these for several reasons: first, lists rock; second, they help me focus; third, I ramble sometimes (like now), but when you limit yourself to five, there’s only so much rambling that can happen lol.

So, just in time for Thanksgiving, here is my list of “5 Things: I’m Thankful For.”

Family. I usually save this one for last because I think it’s the most important. Today and always in my mind, it’s #1. I don’t have a large family, but the one I have is amazing. I love them so much. I’m so very thankful for their love, support, and friendship.
Good health. People (myself included) sometimes take it for granted. But I’m so grateful for my health and that of those I love. Good health is something I wish for everyone. When I say “I hope you’re doing well,” I really mean it. A couple days ago, I got my booster vaccine, and though shots make me nervous, I am so thankful. I want to protect other people from getting sick. I pray and hope we can get out of this pandemic. Oh, I hope, I hope, I hope.
Taylor Swift & Traveling Videos. Okay, so this one is a little different lol. I’ve been struggling, and I found some solace in Taylor Swift’s music (particularly the song “Evermore” which spoke to me on a very deep level during the crappy time) and short video reels of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Paris set to somber, moody music. It’s the little things ha.
Dogs, Books & Movies. Because they truly make life, the world, and the bad days better.
My readers. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: My readers are the best. Truly. The. Best. During my low times, they lift me up. They send the kindest messages of encouragement. They give my books and characters so much love. Just knowing anyone reads my books is still such a surprise–a very nice, unexpected, amazing surprise. My readers are wonderful, and I am so thankful for each and every one of them <3.

And those are my 5 Things!

To say thank you and because the CUPCAKE audiobook comes out today, yayyy, I’ve included a link to a giveaway below! The are 5 copies, so there will be 5 winners! You can enter here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck, everyone!

Happy CUPCAKE Audiobook Release Day!!!

I hope you’re all well, and I hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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

11
Oct
2021

CUPCAKE Goodreads Giveaway

categories: Cupcake, Entangled Publishing, giveaway, Goodreads, Romance, YA

Can you believe it’s October already? Gah, I can’t. September was a busy month which is why I haven’t posted in a while. But there’s so much I want to share with you guys!

Today, I have an awesome giveaway for you!

Entangled is doing a Goodreads giveaway to win a paperback copy of my upcoming YA romance CUPCAKE!!! It ends on November 1st, and there will be 5 winners! Hooray!

Here is the link if you’d like to enter!

Good luck, bookworms!!!

I’ll also be doing a giveaway closer to the release date which is on November 2nd.

Yes, you read that right.

CUPCAKE, Book Baby #9, my first ever traditionally published book from start to finish, my first #OwnVoices book, will come out in less than a month. Ahhh! Trying not to freak out over here (and mostly succeeding…maybe lol).

CUPCAKE is a swoon-worthy, fun and funny YA romance, featuring a plus-sized princess named Ariel who loves baking, movies, and…herself–just as she is <3. It also features Rhys, the golden-boy quarterback who is slightly broody, imperfect, and *sigh* absolutely wonderful.

There are already over 60 ratings/reviews.

Again, freaking out a bit ha!

I’ve never had a book release with that many reviews/ratings.

Several early readers have picked out some of my favorite parts of the story, reminding me why I love it so much, and I’m so grateful for them.

I love that CUPCAKE features a teen girl who just happens to be plus-sized and who loves herself.

I love the swoon-worthy romance/chemistry between Ariel & Rhys.

I love the female relationships. Ariel & Toni. Ariel & her mom. Ariel & Lana. Ariel & all of the girls on Homecoming Court.

I love the supportive mother/daughter relationship.

I love Rhys and that he isn’t perfect.

I also love Zander <3, the movies mentioned, the funny and heartfelt moments. I could keep going, but I’ll stop lol.

Anyway, I so hope readers will love CUPCAKE, too!

Quick writing/life updates: I’ve been trying to write. It’s slow-going, but at least it’s coming, and I love the story so much!!! I hope to post more–life just got busy, and then I started to feel that fear again, like whatever I had to say didn’t matter; no one really wants to hear it anyway *sigh*. I’ve also been trying to stay positive.

And I’ll keep trying.

Whatever you have going on in your life, I hope you are well. I wish you so much joy and happiness. Positive vibes to you! I hope you’re having a wonderful October so far!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

P.S. CUPCAKE comes out in less than a month!!! Ahh, so excited! <3

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!

04
Aug
2021

Bookish Updates

categories: Cupcake, Entangled Publishing, NA, New Adult, O'Brien Brothers, Romance, self-publishing, The Perfect Play, Wallflower, YA

Hi everyone!

I hope you’re all doing well! I just wanted to do a post about some bookish updates :). Okay, here we go!

RJS Book Lovers’ Convention. I’ll be participating in my first book convention (as an author), yay!!! RSJ is a virtual romance book con that celebrates diversity in publishing! Sounds awesome, right? I definitely think so and am so thankful to be a small part of this event. On Sunday, I’ll be on a YA panel, chatting with readers, talking about books, playing fun games etc. This has always been a dream/goal of mine–to be an author at a conference/convention–so I’m very excited! Hoping it all goes well!
Entangled Teen Live Chat. Okay, so this already happened lol, but it was a lot of fun! Riki, Pamela, Sharina, and Marlene were so awesome, and we had a wonderful time talking about YA books! You can catch more info about my upcoming release CUPCAKE as well as a ton of my awkward facial expressions in the replay lol!
WALLFLOWER audiobook! Viola & Dare’s story is coming to audio on August 31st! Hooray!!! I’m so excited! Can’t wait to (hopefully) reach even more readers with this new format! <3 Can’t wait to listen to WALLFLOWER!
The Perfect Play paperback!!! That’s right, you guys! Team ChaCha is coming to paperback this month! Woop, woop! I’ve already received the proof, and it’s SO beautiful! *sigh* I really want to release tomorrow (Thursday, Aug. 5th) or at least within the week, so be on the lookout! Again: The Perfect Play is coming to paperback!!! Yayyy!
Writing vs. Being Sick. I haven’t been writing much lately. I’ve been sick but am feeling much better now. Not 100% yet–but definitely better. I thought I might have COVID, though I’ve been vaccinated. The symptoms were there, but my test was negative, and I’m very thankful for that. Looking forward to getting back to writing!

And that’s it! 🙂

I hope your August is off to a good start!

Hope everyone who’s going back to school has an awesome first week!!!

Stay safe and be well!

Happy reading,

Cookie O’Gorman

13
Jul
2021

Thank you so much!

categories: kindness, NA, New Adult, O'Brien Brothers, Romance, self-publishing, The Perfect Play, Xpresso Book Tours

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!

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

22
Jun
2021

CUPCAKE cover reveal

categories: Be Yourself, cover love, Cupcake, Entangled Publishing, Romance, Wallflower, YA

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!