ARC Review: Cupcake by Cookie O’Gorman
10:00
Series: None
Author: Cookie O'Gorman
Published November 2nd 2021 by Entangled: Teen
Goodreads Synopsis
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.
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
After her name is called as part of the Senior class' homecoming court, Ariel Duncan finds herself as a princess. She's never wanted the attention, and knows that being larger, she'll draw some raised eyebrows, but the more homecoming preparation events she goes to, paired up with the moody Rhys Castle, the more she is enjoying being a princess like her namesake. But, her growing feelings for Rhys are worrying, as is the secret he's keeping, and will she be able to overcome the comments - even from kids in kindergarten - or will she always be worried that the other shoe will drop?
I'm going to admit, this was definitely an impulse request, mainly because of the gorgeous cover! I just love the colours and the styling, and the synopsis wasn't bad either. So, I thought I may as well read it as soon as it was approved, and I couldn't put the book down. Cupcake was such a funny and heartwarming book. The main character, Ariel, was a breath of fresh air. Named after the Disney princess, her childhood had been one filled with princess films, but she never wanted to be one herself. She had plenty of friends at school, and this wasn't a book that focused on her weight as something that was wrong with her, or anything like that. She was happy with her size, and didn't care what people said - though she was still human, and comments from little kids can still chafe at times. Being part of the homecoming court was something she didn't even think about, so to learn that her friend, Toni, had put her name on the ballot, and that people had voted for her, was a shock to say the least. And, she quite enjoyed the whole thing too. Being paired up with Rhys let her learn more about him, rather than just the stereotypical football quarterback persona, and I really enjoyed the moments between them, especially when they were real and vulnerable with each other. It was fantastic too, to see that even the 'mean girls' had a softer side, and weren't horrible on purpose. Okay, there were some scenes that were a little cringy, and I wish the characters would just communicate more, but all in all, a fantastic contemporary read! I'll be looking out for more from this author in the future.
Dates Read:
August 17, 2020
Rating
4 Stars
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