Spotlight & Giveaway: Cupcake by Cookie O’Gorman

Posted November 5th, 2021 by in Blog, Spotlight / 53 comments

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Cookie O’Gorman to HJ!
Spotlight&Giveaway

Hi Cookie and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, CUPCAKE!

 
Hi! Thank you so much for having me! I’m so excited to be here!
 

Please summarize the book a la Twitter style for the readers here:

CUPCAKE is a swoon-worthy, body positive YA romance about a plus-size princess, an imperfect prince, and a refreshing tale of Homecoming that reminds everyone to love yourself at any size.
 

Please share the opening lines of this book:

“If you could date an Avenger, who would it be?”
Okay, my best friend and I talked about everything under the sun, so that was a completely legitimate question. I thought about it a second.
“I’m not sure,” I said. “My instinct says Captain America because he’s kind, confident, loyal, and just yum. But it’s hard because Thor is gorgeous, too, and he could probably pick me up if I ever fell down a hill in the rain.”

 

Please share a few Fun facts about this book…

  • CUPCAKE is my first ever #OwnVoices book.
  • It’s also my first traditionally published book from start to finish.
  • One of my favorite parts of the book is that Ariel (aka Cupcake) doesn’t have to lose weight or get a makeover to get her happily-ever-after. She loves herself just as she is–and she finds love just as she is.
  • Ariel loves movies–and so do I! Several of the ones mentioned are some of my favorites.
  • One of the movies that wasn’t mentioned in the book but that was a big inspiration is a 90s movie called Angus. Loved that movie as well, though in CUPCAKE, I tried to make Ariel’s story one where the MC already loves herself and is accepted, curves and all.

 

What first attracts your Hero to the Heroine and vice versa?

Actually, their first meeting is a little tense LOL! But I think what first draws them to each other is their opposite personalities. Rhys is a bit surly, and Ariel is…not ha. He’s the golden boy quarterback, frown-y, and mysterious. Ariel is genuinely sweet, funny/sarcastic, and more open. As they get to know each other, the attraction builds. Of course, it helps that they’re forced to interact when they’re paired for Homecoming :).
 

Using just 5 words, how would you describe Hero and Heroine’s love affair?

Swoony, sweet, romantic, slow burn.
 

The First Kiss…

Ariel & Rhys’s first kiss is fire. It takes them a while to get there, but once they do? I definitely think it’s worth the wait!

 

Without revealing too much, what is your favorite scene in the book?

I have so many favorite scenes, so this is hard lol! Here’s one that I love where Ariel and Rhys are practicing for Homecoming. It’s just so swoony.

“The other dance is more challenging because of the premise,” he said.
I was about to ask how when he went on.
“I’m not allowed to touch you.” Rhys’s jaw tightened. “But I want to. It…grounds me, helps me focus.”
My heart skipped a beat.
“And that, Princess, is the definition of frustrating.”

 

If your book was optioned for a movie, what scene would be absolutely crucial to include?

The scene that I personally think would be crucial would be the part where Ariel and her best friend Toni are discussing why there are no fat princesses in the media. It’s just such an important thing to be represented, and I think this scene really got to the heart of that in a very body positive, real way.

“Why do you think there aren’t any fat princesses?” I asked.
Toni paused. “Do you really expect me to answer that?”
“It was just something one of my mom’s students said.” I thought it over. “Actually, add TV, movies, and books to that. There are hardly any plus-sized leading ladies. Do you realize there’s not even one Disney heroine who’s fat? The closest you get is that little Lilo chick, who’s like six, and her story isn’t even a romance. Stitch is a blue alien who’s a friendly pet. I mean, are they trying to say girls who have a little pudge aren’t worthy of love? Because that’s what it feels like.”
“Ariel,” Toni said, “you are so weird, but I love it.”
I looked over my shoulder. “But seriously, why? I mean, would it have killed them to have one chubby girl?”
“Turn back around before you ruin my work,” she said. I did as she asked and felt her hands moving through my hair once again. “Well, if you really want to know, the answer’s simple. Someone on the Disney team was obviously a fat-ist.”
My brows furrowed. “Huh?”
“Fat-ist,” she repeated. “It means people who have this illogical but ingrained prejudice against fat people. Actually, the whole world’s fat-ist.”
I scoffed. “I don’t think that’s a real thing.”
“Think about it, A. Forget Disney. Why aren’t there tons of stories about big girls finding happily-ever-after? It happens every day in the real world.”
“You’re totally right. And for that matter, why does the plot have to center around weight when the girl is bigger?” I added. “I love a good makeover story as much as anyone, but can’t a girl just happen to be larger than a size two? A lot of people are. Thin people are cast all the time, and their weight is hardly ever mentioned.”
Toni hummed her agreement as another thought occurred to me.
“And more often than not, curvy girls are portrayed as miserable. Why is that?”
“Because,” Toni said sarcastically, “Hollywood thinks skinny equals happiness—which I can tell you right now, it doesn’t—and fat people should lose weight before they can be happy.”
I shook my head. “Screw that. Love yourself at any size.”
“Amen, sister.”

 

Readers should read this book …

Readers should read CUPCAKE because it reminds them that they are beautiful, worthy and deserving of happily-ever-after. At any size.

 

What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have planned?

I’m currently working on a YA romance for Entangled. Yay!!! And once that’s done, I’m hoping to write the next book my New Adult romance series about the O’Brien Brothers.

 

Thanks for blogging at HJ!

 

Giveaway: I’ll be doing a giveaway for a $20 Amazon gift card! Good luck, bookworms!

 

To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: What is your favorite dessert and romance movie? 🙂

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
 

Excerpt from Cupcake:

“Oh my gosh,” I breathed.
A Rhys selfie. Shirtless. With muscles upon muscles on display.
Holy wow, Batman.
I knew I should look away but couldn’t. Worse, the shirtless pics had me blushing all the way to the tips of my ears.
“Something wrong?” Rhys asked.
My eyes shot to his as I tried desperately to close the app. “Nope. It’s all good.”
He lifted his chin. “You sure? Do you like that picture or something? You’ve been staring at it for a while.”
“Wha—oh my gosh,” I said again as my cheeks flared.
Unfortunately, instead of closing, I’d somehow managed to zoom in, and now Rhys’s incredible torso and abs were the only things visible. “I wasn’t—I mean—”
Rhys chuckled. “It’s okay, Cupcake. I was joking.”
I wanted to die.
“Had to take those and send them to some college coaches along with my health stats. They like to know we’re in shape.”
“Well, that you definitely are,” I mumbled.
“Excuse me?”
“Nothing, nothing.”

Excerpts. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
 
 

Book Info:

I know what you’re thinking.

You’re thinking this will be just one more story of the ignored, “big-boned ” girl, who sheds her glasses and a few extra pounds and finally attracts the notice of the most popular guy in school.

Except it isn’t. Because I’m not unpopular. Not all that ignored. And I love the way I look―just as I am.

Then someone puts my name in for Homecoming Court.

The bigger surprise?

People actually vote for me!

Now, I’m a “princess”―whether I like it or not―but the guy I’m paired with isn’t exactly Prince Charming.

Rhys Castle is the strong, silent type who always wears a frown―he’s certainly never smiled at me. I’m 99.9% sure he hates being on Court and being my partner, but surprisingly…he doesn’t switch when he gets the chance.

Turns out Rhys has a secret―something that makes him run hot and cold throughout the entire three weeks of Homecoming festivities. Whether he’s stepping on my feet during dance lessons or gallantly escorting me through the Homecoming parade, I can’t get a read on this guy, and for the first time, I find my confidence wavering.

But there’s more to Rhys than meets the eye. And the more the spotlight shines on me, I realize there’s more to me, too.
Book Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Goodreads |  

Meet the Author:

Cookie O’Gorman writes YA 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. Find her online at http://cookieogorman.com.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | | Instagram |

 
 
 

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53 Responses to “Spotlight & Giveaway: Cupcake by Cookie O’Gorman”

  1. Mary Preston

    For dessert I have to go with Port Wine Trifle and movie THE HOLIDAY.

  2. Ellen Thompson

    My favorite dessert is chocolate pie and my favorite romance movie is A Walk to Remember.

  4. Nicole (Nicky) Ortiz

    Red Velvet cake
    Hard to pick one of my favorites is Sweet Home Alabama
    Thanks for the chance!

  6. Diana Tidlund

    Seven brides for seven brothers
    Coconut macaroons or ice cream

  9. Audrey Stewart

    Beauty and the Beast is my favorite romance movie. My favorite dessert is strawberry shortcake.

  10. Pamela Conway

    It’s too hard to pick one favorite romance novel. I love too many of them. My favorite dessert is tiramisu!

  13. Marcy Meyer

    My favorite dessert is cookies, and my favorite romance movie is When Harry Met Sally.

  15. Rita Wray

    My favorite dessert is chocolate cake and my favorite romance movie is Gone With the Wind.

  18. Glenda M

    Anything chocolate- yeah I’m not picky about desserts – and When Harry Met Sally

  19. Tammy V.

    I have to say the Banana Pudding dessert and Sixteen Candles. I remember hanging out with my friends and eating that and watching the movie on VHS.

  23. Debbie P

    My favorite dessert id chocolate mousse pie and my favorite romantic movie is Casablanca.

  25. Pammie R.

    I don’t watch romance movies, just read romance novels. But I like brownies.

  27. Eva Millien

    My favorite romance movie is Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and my favorite dessert is Hot Fudge Brownie a ‘la mode (not sure if sure if that is spelled right)! Thanks so much for sharing! Cupcake sounds like a delightful book! Have a wonderful weekend!

  29. Dianne Casey

    My favorite dessert is chocolate mousse. My favorite romance movie is Fools Rush In.

  30. isisthe12th

    I love Cinnamon Roll Scones and I love Romancing the Stone. Thank you

  31. Bonnie

    My favorite dessert is strawberry cheesecake and my favorite romance movie is Titanic starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

  33. Melissa M

    My favorite dessert is chocolate cake. My favorite romance movie is The Notebook.

  35. Jeanna Massman

    I like brownies with ice cream. My favorite romance movie is While You Were Sleeping.

  37. Anita H.

    My favorite dessert is Strawberry Shortcake and fave romance movie is How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days

  41. Laurie Gommermann

    My favorite dessert is chocolate angel food cake with chocolate whipped cream frosting.

    My favorite romantic movie is Man From Snowy River. Love Jim and Jessica’s story, the music and the scenery!

  47. Janie McGaugh

    Homemade banana pudding is my favorite dessert; favorite romance movie is While You Were Sleeping.

  48. Ellen C.

    Cheesecake and Gigi. This question was hard, I have many favorites in both categories.