Overall Grade: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

“‘God, you’re beautiful.’ He squeezes both of my hands. ‘You look like you were made for me.’ I squeeze back. ‘That’s because I am.'”

There are times in your life when you just need to laugh. Maybe it’s the stress of the day-to-day or maybe it’s something far more onerous. No matter the reason, laughing is INDEED the best medicine. I didn’t realize until Chapter 1 of Helena Hunting’s newest romance, Kiss My Cupcake, that I needed a good laugh. And every chapter after that chapter reminded me again why I adore her stories, why they make me swoon and chuckle and become awestruck by her ability to weave contemporary romance tropes with the type of humor that feels absurd at times but natural to real life. Since I stepped into her Pucked world, I have never turned back, and Kiss My Cupcake is more of the same type of humor you love from Helena Hunting.

This story follows two business owners. Blaire is opening a cupcake/Instagram-ready cocktails business. This woman is 1950s-inspired, driven, organized, and creative. Unbeknownst to Blaire, her business neighbor, the hipster-looking, Brawny man-inspired, Ronan, is in the process of reimagining and renovating his grandfather’s bar, The Knight Cap. From the moment these two meet, the sparks fly. Over time, these two enemies realize a partnership will save their businesses from a corporate, cookie-cutter bar. As they work together, those initial sparks are grounded more in chemistry than anything. However, these two are also competing for the title of Best Bar in the Pacific Northwest. Who will win? Even so, will Blaire and Ronan’s burgeoning romantic relationship survive?

From the start, I was all in with Blaire and Ronan. While seemingly opposites, these two are actually more alike than different. One is the yin to the other’s yang, and the initial disdain they feel for each other is simply kindling for a growing blaze of chemistry. And to be clear, this fire is a slow burn. A real slow burn. I think what I love about Hunting’s characterizations here is her need to build a story before that chemistry builds to a bonfire. It’s what I think makes her an exceptional writer. She recognizes that romance is built through a careful plodding of that chemistry-build, and it allows the reader to believe the relationship, even when some of the circumstances seem unbelievable. If you’re a fan of a steadily growing relationship, not a quick jump in the sack, then you WANT this book.

It’s so hard to say what I love most about this book because it all conspires to grab your heart. Blaire and Ronan’s characterizations and chemistry are obviously the best part. However, the families of both Blaire and Ronan add an additional layer of color. Gramps is my FAVORITE character of this story. With his Scottish accent and life lessons, you will fall madly for him. With Blaire’s family, Hunting illustrates how she’s set apart from other romance writers: the ludicrous finds its reality. When I read a Hunting romance, I belly-laugh. Kiss My Cupcake is no different. Yet, even between laughs, I’m caught up in the story of this book. Blaire and Ronan’s need to prove themselves, their burgeoning coupleship, and their eventual happy ending make this book the perfect afternoon (or evening or morning) read. This is the type of book you can sit outside with your favorite alcoholic beverage while the sun is high in the sky (or setting) and get lost. It’s really easy to do with Kiss My Cupcake.

When I began reading Helena Hunting’s newest book, I intended to use it as a shield of protection for my heart. I was reading another ARC with quite a bit of angst (something very different from Hunting’s stories), and I was going to read a couple of chapters of Kiss My Cupcake and a couple of chapters of the other book, alternating between the two. My hope was that Hunting’s book would save me from the anxious feelings that you feel when reading an angsty book. What happened was typical for me while reading one of Hunting’s romances: I couldn’t stop reading it. While the other book could hold my attention, I didn’t want to leave Blaire and Ronan because the hilarity, the storytelling, the characters, and the plot drew me in and suspended me. I found myself negotiating: “just a couple of more chapters” and I will take a break. After two hours, I finally resolved myself to keep reading until the end because Blaire and Ronan are quite magical. From unicorn martini glasses to va-jay-jay cupcakes to ax-throwing, plaid-wearing bartenders, Kiss My Cupcake is the perfect savior from the most horrible of days. Grab this one QUICK and fall in deep.

"When I adopt an obsession, I don't half ass it; I commit fully."

This book was exactly what I hoped it would be. Blaire and Ronan have a firey and fun hate-to-love relationship that sizzles from the pages. The two start out as competing shop owners - Blaire runs a cupcake cafe while Ronan runs his family's bar next door. But competition leads to camaraderie and eventually the two find themselves working toward a common goal and realizing there's a fine line between hate and love.

Everything about this romantic comedy drew me in - from the characters and their fashion choices to their shops, their family situations and their friends. I enjoyed the fact that this story developed over several months, so readers could feel that natural progression of the relationship. The descriptive writing helped me feel like I was in attendance at comedy nights, concerts, trivia contests, and karaoke events. This whole book was one tasty treat.

Alice and the lumberjerk were everything I needed and more! this story was amazing! I couldn't put it down!

4.5/5

Oh my lord was this one CUTE y’all! If you like baking, enemies to lovers and a slow burn romance this one is a must. It made me feel all the warm and fuzzies and was such a perfect escape for me.

Blaire was downright adorable and quirky to boot, and Ronan was basically her polar opposite. From the moment they meet their banter was hilarious and HH is the queen of creating amazing chemistry between her characters so this one had some heat to it. It does take awhile for their to be any sexy scenes, there’s a lot of buildup before they hookup, but I think the wait was definitely worth it. This was heartfelt and sweet, tons of endearing characters and the most charming and adorable love story I’ve read about in awhile. I adored this sweet couple and was definitely bummed when I finished. Highly recommended by me for romance fans!

There's so much going on in the world right now that sometimes all you need is a feel good, deliciously sweet romance!

If you're like me and just looking for a sweet romance with a side of humor and banter that you can get lost in, then Kiss My Cupcake is the recipe you've been looking for.

This story of business rivals turned into passionate lovers is as cute and sweet as a cupcake! I enjoyed reading it and as an added bonus, was left with a warm feeling that love stories do exist and my only complaint is that I wanted more at the end...

I couldn’t help but adore this book! It is so full of sweetness and cupcakes that you better have some readily available to eat because you will definitely crave some after reading this one!
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Blaire has had one dream for a long time. To start her own cupcake cafe and to start it on her own without taking any help from her parents who always have ideas as to how she can do better if she did it their way. And she is finally there! Her cupcake cafe will be opening in a matter of days and everything is going perfect. Until her next door bar owner neighbour decides to ruin it.
Ronan is tired of working the nine to five and knows that’s not where his heart is. It’s in his grandfather’s bar or more precisely in opening a brewery. But to do that he needs funds which his grandfather has promised to provide if he can bring their family bar back on the radar. He is determined to accomplish the goal and isn’t going to let his crazy cupcake neighbour stop him.
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Helena Hunting is an author of whom I have read only a few books out of which A favor for a favor is my absolute favourite. One of the things I like about her is how she writes the enemies to lovers story. She keeps the enemies part light and fun, making it only a dislike instead of actual hatred which seems more understandable when they go from hating to jumping each other. Blaire and Ronan were at odds regarding Ronan stealing Blaire’s customer, causing noise with his axe throwing, and disturbing her cafe’s peaceful ambience. But they soon talk it out and come to an understanding that he didn’t intend to do any of those things and just wishes for a little friendly competition between the two.
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I LOVED their dynamic! It was so cute and fun and I had a grin on my face the entire time they argued or teased each other. I love a good banter and smart dialogues in my books and this one delivers on that aspect. The writing was light, sweet, funny and I enjoyed the way the story flowed which was not the way I expected but much better! I also loved both of their families, how completely opposite they were yet still just how families are that is embarrassing.
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Overall a great Enemies to Lovers and Rivals story that is sweet and spicy and a whole load of fun that you won’t be able to put down!

Kiss My Cupcake is a sugary sweet slow burn with kick. If it were a cupcake and not a book it would be a blend of complicated flavors that shouldn't go together but end up being a flavorgasm on your tongue (e.g. like chili and chocolate, sweet and spicy)

Blaire is fierce and fun with the unique style of a pinup girl. I loved the descriptions of all her dresses and aprons. Ronan is a plaid & glasses wearing, lumberjack size, tattooed dream boat. I mean really he's like Randy Balls but behind a bar (swoon). The descriptions of the tattoos and Blaire's reaction to them is every woman everywhere. These two start out as fierce enemies and competitors, but when put in an impossible situation, they team up and what started out as hate turns into an unwilling alliance with a whole lot of flirting.

I loved Ronan's ownership of his feelings. He didn't try to hide from them or from Blaire and it was a very attractive quality in his character.

My only feedback or note I would give, is that now that I have images of the characters in my mind, the people on the cover don't look enough like them, but as concerns go it is rather minimal. I think Ronan looks more rugged and the tat's are missing and Blaire is curvier in my mind, more hour glass and more poof to her skirt ;)

Like most Helena Hunting books this story has some whackadoodle characters (Blaire's family gave me a real laugh) as well as some heartwarming ones (Gramps was the best!!). This story pulls at the emotional heartstrings, but not in a stressful way. You will enjoy every crumb of this story and come back for seconds.

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and voluntarily give my review.

If you’ve read Hunting before, you know what to expect:
- you’ll laugh
- you’ll melt
- you’ll swoon
- you’ll well up with tears

If you haven’t read Hunting before, here’s what to expect:
- witty and snarky banter that makes you chuckle
- oh so sexy scenes
- sweet moment that make you hope for that kind of love in your life
- the purest emotion that hits in the right way to move you to tears

Hunting is unmatched when it comes to romance novels. Seriously, no one can do what she does. Yet another hit.

If you’re looking for a book that will make you crave cupcakes, laugh out loud and swoon Kiss My Cupcake is going to be your jam!
Blaire owns a cupcake café. She is rocking the pin up vibe, baking some amazing cupcakes and creating matching cocktails. Ronan owns axe bar right next to Blaire’s shop. He is a plaid wearing, tattooed man who is continuing his family’s legacy. They are rivals from the moment they meet. I loved the back and forth between them. But when a new chain comes to their neighborhood, can these two rivals work together?
Blaire and Ronan have amazing chemistry. These two were constantly making me laugh. I loved the friendly competition between them. You instantly fall in love with these two characters and their slow burn of a relationship.
Kiss My Cupcake is the perfect RomCom to curb your sweet teeth and a MUST READ!

Oh, what a hilarious, sweet and heartfelt story this was, perfect for this summer from hell. Helena Hunting can really do NO wrong. Every time I pick up one of her books I know that I'll end up in stitches, laughing my a** off and so full of feels that I'm left a little bit of hangovered.

Blaire and Ronan might not seem the most logical pairing but the way the complemented each other was a vision to behold. Determined to prove her worth and also that her dreams were worth fight for, Blaire embarks on a journey full of buttercream, unicorns and frosting. Having a day from hell a week before her grand opening, Blaire comes face to face with her new neighbour and things definitely start on the wrong foot with Ronan. A war emerges full of cupcakes, pranks, poop and glitter (don't ask just pick up the book!).

It was so awesomely funny to witness the back and forth between these two extremely different people and the slow burn built up to their relationship. I loved Blaire's take charge and take no shit attitude and the way it was counterbalanced with Ronan's laid back and witty personality. I absolutely adored their initial rivalry and the extremes each one would go to get a leg up over the other. And they banded together to fight of a common enemy, THAT'S when they truly shined and became unstoppable. As I mentioned, this was a slow burn but when the fireworks started it was instantly KABOOM!!!! Ronan and Blaire's chemistry was off the charts but their connection was what made them absolutely epic! I loved their banter, every hilarious prank and basically every interaction they had made either laugh or swoon or cheer.

I'll honestly never get tired of HH's writing and as always she sucked me right in from the first page. I unequivocally adore her series, but every time she steps outside her established and true and tried worlds, she really sticks the landing.

Kiss my Cupcake on the 11th of August and I can't recommend this enough if you want to lighten your mood for a few hours and read something that will leave you with a smile on your face and a craving for cupcakes of course.

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

I have been really enjoying Helena Hunting's novels lately so I was excited to get a chance to read her new release! And I also thought this book sounded interesting from the plot synopsis - plus the cover is so cute. And the story was definitely adorable - it was very fitting with the subject matter, super sweet. The plot was very cute, a little corny, and overall really light and easy to read. The story didn't fit with Hunting's other novels that I've read lately - it was way less steamy than the other books I've read of hers. It was still really sweet though and I really enjoyed it. Blaire's business model was amazing. I would 100% go to this café if one existed near me. Cupcakes and cocktails - how can you go wrong! And all of the themed events and fun ideas she came up with, I loved everything about her business!

I want to thank Helena Hunting and NetGalley for an advanced readers' copy of Kiss My Cupcake in exchange for an honest review. I was simply ecstatic when I was granted a wish for this book, as it was one of my highest anticipated books of the year! It certainly did not disappoint! One of my favorite aspects of books is when food is involved - so, of course, this was right up my alley!

This book shares the story of Blaire who is opening up a cupcake and cocktail shop. She is obsessed over every little detail to ensure that everything is perfect for the big day. Enter Ronan - the guy opening a bar right across the street on the exact same day.

The chemistry between Blaire and Ronan was incredible. This book perfectly explored the enemies to lovers trope and it never once felt forced! My favorite part of this book was both their passion for their respected places of business and how that passion expanded to each others' placed. Being able to share their commitment to their businesses truly shows how devoted they are to each other.

Another aspect that I really enjoyed from this book was how Ronan comes to Blaire's rescue when she is around her family. He senses that she is in need of extra support and he gives that to her, regardless of what they may think of him in the process.

This is my second Helena Hunting books and it certainly won't be my last! I will absolutely be picking up a physical copy and recommending to everyone!

4.5 stars

Blaire has thrown her entire savings into creating the perfect storefront for her cupcakes and cocktails cafe. She may come from a restaurateur family, but she wants to do this one on her own. But she doesn’t plan for Ronan Knight to open a sports bar right next door on the same day, to compete for the same customers and the same top bar award.

From the moment they meet, these two find themselves in a battle. Their banter is top notch, ramping up the tension between them and raising the fun factor of the story. I loved watching as Blaire works to compete, while Ronan just rolls with her schemes as the bar wars continue. They are both dedicated to their brands, with their own reasons for needing their establishments to succeed, and I found myself cheering for each of them to be the winner (and wanted them both to be able to come out on top).

I loved getting to know the people around Blaire and Ronan and the motivations for each of their businesses. Though one of the families was more infuriating than the other, even the frustrations made for humorous moments that pushed the boundaries of what Blaire and Ronan were feeling.

I found myself wanting both cupcakes, cocktails, and a good craft beer as I read. The flavors sound so amazing that even on the page they are tempting. This was a fun read from start to finish, and the entertainment was the perfect escape.

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Everyone should indulge in this cupcake loving book; I was so excited when Helena Hunting announced that Ronan, who made an appearance in A Secret for a Secret was getting his own story!

Ronan and Blaire have such a fun enemies to lovers romance. Their love for their businesses is ultimately what brings them together. This book definitely gave me a good reason to make some cupcakes!

Ronan is the ultimate HP nerd and I LOVE it. The family dynamics that they both have couldn't be more different, and I absolutely feel in love with Ronan's family.

"He's the icing to my cupcake. My happily forever after."

Chaque sortie d'un roman de Helena Hunting est une joie car que ce soit en séries ou en standalone , je me régale sans cesse avec les écrits de cette auteur. J'avais hâte de lire Kiss my cupcake et je me suis régalée du début à la fin avec cette comédie romantique qui a tous les ingrédients pour nous faire passer un bon moment.



Blaire Calloway est une jeune femme de 30 ans qui met tout en oeuvre pour que le lancement de sa boutique "Buttercream & Booze" . C'est une pro de l'organisation et elle a réglé tous les moindres détails à la minute près. Ce qu'elle n'avait pas prévu c'est que le bar jouxtant sa boutique ferait des rénovations et qu'un mur commun servirait aux clients pour le lancer de hâche. Blaire est une jeune femme qu'on va adorer découvrir car elle est naturelle, spontanée et pleine d'énergie. Elle rêve de réussir seule à réaliser son rêve et on le comprend quand on va rencontrer sa famille de timbrés. Je n'entrerai pas dans les détails pour vous laisser découvrir l'ampleur de la folie mais une scène de repas avec eux et vous avez cerné les personnages. On comprend dès lors qu'elle veut les tenir à distance pour qu'ils n'entravent pas son business plan. Dans cette aventure, elle pourra compter sur son amie Daphné qui lui concoctera des posts sur les réseaux sociaux pour se faire connaître. Ses talents culinaires ne sont plus à prouver et sa créativité non plus et avec Paul, elle pourra répondre à la demande d'une clientèle conquise à la cause.



J'ai donc adoré la voir à l'oeuvre mais j'ai encore plus apprécié le jeu qui va se mettre en place au fil des pages. Son ennemi juré est donc juste à côté et même si on sent bien que cette haine va vite laisser place à d'autres sentiments, nous allons nous délecter des mauvais tours qu'ils vont se jouer au début du roman. C'est bon enfant mais attention à ce que ça ne dérive pas trop car quand un concours avec une célèbre youtubeuse , Tori Taylor, est lancée, nos deux amis seront en concurrence. L'heure des compromis devrait donc être de mise et un temps mort pourrait amener nos deux héros à passer plus de temps ensemble pour le bien être de leur affaire évidemment. L'alchimie est palpable et certaines scènes avec les cupcakes sont mémorables notamment celle de la bachelorette party. On sent qu'ils sont animés de la même passion et qu'être à deux ne pourra que faire des étincelles mais ils n'ont pas d'autre temps à se consacrer que celui qu'ils octroient à leur affaire. Quand un troisième élément perturbateur va venir semer encore plus le trouble , l'heure des choix aura sonné. Blaire aura t-elle raison de faire confiance à son voisin plus que charmant?



Ronan Knight est un héros de 30 ans que j'ai adoré découvrir . Il a ce côté superman sexy avec son look et même s'il est charmant , il n'use jamais de son charme pour tirer la couverture à lui. Sa rencontre avec Blaire sera surprenante mais c'est un homme qui saura relever le défi et qui se prendra au jeu. Il va vite devenir accro aux cupcakes de notre héroïne et on le comprend aisément. L'addiction ne sera sans doute pas uniquement liée au sucre et aux pâtisseries avec lesquelles il se régale car l'alchimie est clairement présente entre eux. Son histoire est aussi très touchante et on comprend le lien qu'il aura avec ce bar, le Knight Cap. L'histoire de ses grand parents est juste parfaits pour les romantiques que nous sommes et la découvrir nous donner des papillons dans le ventre et des étincelles dans les yeux. Au fil des pages, on va donc attendre avec impatience que nos héros ouvrent les yeux sur ce qui se passe devant eux. Ils n'ont pas le droit à l'erreur et ils vont donc se focaliser sur leur affaire plutôt que sur leur sentiment. C'est d'autant plus vrai qu'ils ont tous les deux été confronté à différentes formes d'amour qui les ont en quelque sorte refroidi. Et si leur histoire pouvait suivre les pas de Dottie et Henry? S'ils se laissaient une chance au bonheur?



Bref, si vous lisez en VO, Kiss my cupcake est LA lecture du moment qu'il vous faut absolument. C'est une superbe comédie romantique comme on les aime et Helena Hunting a savamment dosé les ingrédients pour rendre cette histoire savoureuse et délicieuse. On est conquis , on est ravis et on dévore cette lecture pour se délecter en compagnie de personnages absolument parfaits .

4.5⭐️. I adored Kiss My Cupcake! It was a funny and fun, sweet and sexy read! Neighbouring business owners Blaire and Ronan quickly becomes rivals. Blaire Calloway is determined to make the world a better place one cupcake at a time and she’s opening a cupcake and cocktails cafe called Buttercream and Booze. She’s smart, driven, beautiful, uniquely herself and passionate about cupcakes. And she’s sure that the owner of the bar next door called The Knight Cap, Ronan Knight, is her competition. She’s also noticed that this plaid flannel shirt wearing hipster/hottie/Lumberjerk is stupidly attractive. He’s noticed how attractive she is too and he loves getting a rise out of her and riling her up. There’s a definite attraction, even though this rivalry is escalating and this whole competition/rivalry doesn’t make a huge amount of sense given they both have totally different businesses and different customers. Ronan has grown dependent on Blaire, totally addicted to her cupcakes. And Blaire has grown dependent on his daily performance in her shop. His consumption and reaction to eating the cupcakes is such a spectacle that it inspires customers to buy whatever he’s getting off on. And it’s the absolute highlight of her day! It takes a while for them to realise that they’re not actually rivals. And that they’ve finally met their match in each other and a balanced diet means a cupcake in one hand and a beer in the other!

All other romance book couples move on over cause Blaire and Ronan take the cake! (Pun very much intended. LOL)

Gah... I don’t even know where to start with this book! I read it in one sitting and I laughed, I squealed with joy, teared up with so many happy tears and the list just goes on. I knew from the moment I started this book, it would easily become one of my top romance reads ever. Every Helena Hunting book I’ve ever read I’ve loved but this one? There was just something special about it. Not just because it included nerdy Harry Potter references, baking and 1950’s references which are just a handful of things I personally adore but.. the writing! It was so seamlessly put together, everything from the story line to the humorous anecdotes were just amazing.

Every one loves a good competition but with neighbor rivals; Blaire owner of a cupcake & bar cafe and Ronan running his family’s bar that is full to the brim of a nostalgic history of a love between his grandparents. These two don’t immediately hit it off, especially when they find out that a famous YouTuber is hitting up their town to find the best bar in the area. But when a chain restaurant threatens to put their two small businesses out of business, these two team up creating one amazing event after the other. In the process of this, not only do they become friends buuut.. all those sparks that were flying from their initial meeting fly to the surface and implode until both come to the realization that what they needed was right in front of them all along.

Trust me when I say you DO NOT want to miss this amazingly wonderful happy tears inducing book, you’ll want to read it over and over again just to experience this lovely book time and time again.

This book was delicious. I read it in one sitting. The concept is great from the start...Ronan and Blaire are new business neighbors. Ronan recently took over his grandfather's bar and is renovating it to include axe throwing. Blaire is finally achieving her dream of a cupcake cafe (I mean cupcakes and cocktails..how awesome is that?!). These two have a contentious relationship from the first hello. Blaire appears stuck in her ways and demanding. She finds Ronan to be loud and inconsiderate. The two are rival enemies in a "best bar" contest until they find a fellow enemy in a the big name chain that has moved in across the street. They decide to team up to overcome this new competition which only makes it harder for them to resist one another.

Everything to this story is great. It's super cute and yet there is some hot chemistry at the same time. The banter is fantastic. I found myself laughing out loud several times. I loved both Blaire and Ronan. And the setting is someplace I wish really existed because I would love to go visit both establishments. This was my first book from Helena Hunting but will definitely not be my last.

I keep forgetting this is the same author who wrote the steamy “Shacking Up” series that I really liked—somehow I struggle more with her “meet cute” titles. I feel like Ronan was set up as a “lumberjerk” on first meeting Blair simply for the sake of transitioning from that to a caring boyfriend. And the requisite plot twist of potential heartbreak later on in the book is barely a speed bump. Also: does Blair finally get her trust fund, no strings attached? She could’ve really used the money.

5 stars!!

This book is amazing!! I can honestly say it is going to be hard to kick this off the top reads of 2020!!

Blaire loves baking. Coming from a family full of restauranteurs, Blaire has a hard time being taken seriously by her family, however her determination and creative vibes, Blaire goes out on her own and sets up Buttercream and Booze. While she competes in a competitive industry, she doesn't except Ronan next door. Ronan is running The Knight Cap, a hip, axe-throwing bar next door. He shouldn't be a rival however he is. After a rocky meeting, these two are determined to better each other in their little rival pranks.

This book is genuinely hilarious. I loved their banter and their creative pranks. I literally devoured this book in one sitting! I couldn't put it down. It is funny, sweet, nerdy, unique and witty. I honestly can't find one fault in this book. The storyline was perfect, the writing was captivating and the pace was perfect, it had the perfect amount of flirty, sassy moments along with sexual tension. It was thoroughly enjoyable.

You need this rom-com in your life!

I want to thank Helena Hunting, Netgalley and read forever publishing for a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review.