ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

MY REVIEW

I love a good heartfelt underdog story and Ms. O’Gorman gave me that and more.

Ariel “Cupcake” Duncan has a heart of gold, a passion for baking, and is not thrilled to be in the running for Homecoming queen. She loves 80s romances, Disney movies, and all things baking. And then there is her prince she was paired with for Homecoming court. Rhys Castle, tall handsome quarterback seems nice enough, but he has a secret. Her experience has her cautious when opening her heart, but it’s not just her heart she has to worry about.

Rhys Castle is a good guy who likes Ariel just the way she is. He understands more than she knows about trying to fit in and he is honest about his feelings for her. His determination to learn the dance steps for Ariel is noteworthy as she agrees to attend his football games.

Ariel and Rhys are really good together. Ariel is a beautiful soul who has been burned by bullies both female and male so she is every right to be careful. But Rhys is the real deal and his romantic gestures and thoughtful prose are a sure thing. Until one misunderstanding has Ariel scrambling to find a way to get Rhys to forgive her. The grand gesture is bold and just what is needed to prove her love. Way to go, Ariel! 

This delightful book is filled with humor and romance while covering serious subjects such as body shaming and bullying. It’s good to see a plus-sized woman who loves herself and doesn’t need to change to be happy. Not to mention she gets the handsome prince in the end!

Thanks to Ms. O’Gorman for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectations of a positive review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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), and WALLFLOWER are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romance The Best Mistake. Her newest release The Perfect Play came out on July 8, 2021!

Follow Cookie on her website, Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.