I adore pretty much any book by Hunting and this was no different! Forced proximity, hate to love between two competing bar owners. This was a delightful low-angst read that still had a lot of heart. I loved the slow burn romance and the scenes with their quirky families! ⁣Kiss My Cupcake was such a win for me and really felt like the perfect fun, sweet, and steamy rom-com.

Helena Hunting is a go to author of mine, so I knew I would love this one! A cute enemies to lovers story with some steam and yumminess. Definitely read!

Kiss My Cupcake is the first Helena Hunting book I’ve read and she effortlessly makes me fall in love with Rom-Com more than I can imagine!

The story follows Blaire, the owner of Buttercream and Booze, a cupcake shop in Seattle, and Ronan, the *extremely good-looking hipster* owner of a stellar bar right next door, making him her number one target to eliminate from an upcoming competition for the Best Bar in the Pacific Northwest.

Needless to say, this is a typical enemies-to-lovers romance and even though I’m usually not a big fan of that trope, I find myself enjoying this book thoroughly. I absolutely love the funny banters and the protagonists’ wicked sense of humor; what’s more, the modern background setting is just a cherry on top!

All in all, I’d 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗗 this book to anyone who’d love a cute, light-hearted summer read just to lift your spirits! Of course, I can’t wait to check out Helena’s other works and perhaps, Rom-Com will be my next top fave!

This was a sweet read.

Blair Calloway is trying to make it on her own, opening her own cupcake shop without the help of her family. Ronan Knight owns the bar next door, which is slated to open on the same day as her cupcake. The two experience some conflict as neighbors but develop camaraderie as business owners, and eventually a romantic relationship as they work together for promotion for their businesses.

This book was sugary sweet. It is a nice, feel good rom com. It is a quick, easy read with very likeable characters. Helena Hunting’s is fantastic with the comedic - romantic dialogue. Overall, great read.

(4.5 stars)

Axes, cupcakes, and cocktails?! Oh my! Helena’s Kiss My Cupcake is as sweet as a...well..as a cupcake-so delicious, fluffy, and cute, and leaves you craving another bite. This delectable little rom com is an enjoyable and charming treat. Humorous, sweet, and quirky- Kiss My Cupcake is the perfect, light hearted story to get lost in.

Our story centers on the snarky, but adorkable Blair, the retro-garbed owner of Buttercream and Booze- the latest local small business where locals can grab a garishly decorated and delicious cupcake with a cocktail, in a rainbow unicorn martini glass no less. (brilliant idea, if I do say so!) Opening her own business away from her meddlesome parents is a huge accomplishment, but her happy bubble of rainbow sprinkles and frosting is burst by the aggravating banging she hears next door, the vibration of which- GASP- breaks a precious unicorn glass. Agast, she discovers her business neighbor, the Knight Cap, is undergoing revitalizing renovations, including the addition of an axe throwing section. And, the bar’s owner Ronan, a ruggedly handsome, flannel-loving and tatted up hipster, is less than accommodating when she requests she move his axe arena to stop disrupting her business. Two strangers quickly turn into rivals- both trying to one up each other in a game of who can aggravate the other more. And, their friendly banter turns even more serious when they both end up vying for a spot on a famous influencer’s best bar award list. Sparks fly, mounds of witty banter occur, and sexual tension just oozes from these two and their saucy intercounters. Their mutual annoyance quickly shifts into more light-hearted frivolity- they just can’t seem to get enough of each other. They find more and more opportunities to work together with civility, and along the way they start to get glimpses into each other’s full worlds. Soon an undeniable connection is formed. The build up to their relationship is slower burn, but the chemistry is sizzling, the journey humorous, and the reward is truly deliciously sweet.

Like a maple bacon cupcake- on the surface, Ronan and Blair don’t seem like a good fit. But, once you have a bite, you realize they are the perfect recipe- the flavor profiles working in perfect harmony. Both our leads are unique enough to be interesting but grounded enough to be relatable. These two are just adorable- and so funny. Blair is like the cupcake version of Jess from New Girl- except with a whole lot more bite. Her ambition is admirable and her quirks endearing- we get to see her soften as she falls for Ronan and get to delight her creativity. And Ronan, my dirty talking tatted hipster- he made my ovaries explode. He first appears prickly but we quickly discover he’s just a big ole teddy bear- a guy with a lot of heart and a large sense of humor. He’s affable and incredibly likable- and insanely loyal. Neither character arc is overly emotional or intense- instead we just get a sincere and straightforward story of two characters letting their guard down and two characters who realize love means being supportive, relishing in your partner’s success even more than your own.

Helena was clearly having a ball building the world of Kiss My Cupcake- masterfully demonstrating her quick wit and eccentric creativity. From the clever themes and delightful events in their stores, the charming descriptive details of each setting, the neurotic side characters and outlandish family structure, the detailed eccentricities of our characters wardrobe, to the delightful end of chapter tweets- each detail is so meticulously planned. The specificity with which this story is told makes this world and these characters endearingly unique and tangible. These intricacies vividly characterize our delightfully quirky characters and creates an truly encompassing reading experience- I could practically taste the cupcakes or hear the bang of the axes getting lodged into the bar’s wood.

The drama here is refreshingly minimal- especially for an “enemies to lover” type story. No real animosity or hatred exists- just two neighbors who get a kick out of bugging each other. Once they start to explore their interest, there is very little angsty- a minor blip if even that- they just melt together like butter, and once they solidify, they are solid and pretty level. The story, then, is more even keeled and steady. This is the kind of book designed to just make you feel good- it’s light and pleasant entertainment. The flow is great, the pages turn quickly, and you’ll smile the whole time.

Kiss My Cupcake is the perfect book candy- satisfying and sweet. I was charmed by this pleasant and humorous story- even if it did leave me craving a cupcake...and oddly, an axe. If you need a light read or a fun escape, this will do the trick!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I will recommend it to anyone looking for a romance novel. Who doesn't like bakeries and bars?

Blaire and Ronan's story was fun and as sweet as a... well, cupcake. I loved the banter and bickering. Their chemistry was addicting. Totally a read-in-one-sitting kind of book. Delightful!

Kiss My Cupcake 🧁

How many of my top reads of 2020 can @readforeverpub publish?????
I mean I LOVE Helena Hunting but COME ON, another five star read??? I don’t get how she continues to do it!

This book was everything.
A hunk in a flannel, a unicorn filled cupcake shop, an endearing save the town plot, andddd enemies to lovers? Sign me up!!
This book was HYSTERICAL, and witty, and steamy, and colorful, and just perfect. I wish I could experience it again for the first time!

I can’t believe it took me so long to finally read this one. It would have made for the PERFECT beach read this summer! If you haven’t checked out Helena Hunting yet, she is an absolute must read author for your romance reads!

Cupcakes are muffins that believed in miracles."

I absolutely love when an author creates a destination so appealing that you wish you could live there or visit it in real life, and Helena Hunting 100 percent did that in her newest book, Kiss My Cupcake!

Y'all, I want the Buttercream & Booze cupcake and cocktail cafe to truly exist! Is there a place like this where you live? The two closest things I've found thus far are @baileyschocolatebar and @cravethecup in St. Louis (which I LOVE and definitely need to visit again soon!), but I'm willing to take a road trip to find a place that serves both cupcakes and cocktails!

That leads me to a friendly PSA before I review this delectable book: Make sure you have some cupcakes, muffins, scones, cookies, etc. on hand as you read this book because you WILL be craving something sweet (and when you find that you don't have cake mix on hand to make some cupcakes, you'll make some blueberry muffins because hey, even though they're not quite cupcakes, they get the job done and aren't too shabby with a little Nutella on them!)

****/5

Blaire Calloway has dreamt of owning her own cupcake and cocktail cafe for ages. From vanilla cupcakes filled with lemon curd, accompanied by lemon drop martinis, to maple bacon cupcakes topped with bourbon buttercream, Blaire has her ideas and dreams honed, her social media accounts ready, and her photographer friend Daphne poised to make her grand opening of Buttercream & Booze a smashing success, but when the swoon-worthy businessowner next door, Ronan Knight, begins raucous renovations and schedules the opening of his pub the very same day, it seems like a declaration of war between the two.

From axe-throwing, live bands, and karaoke at The Knight Cap, to cupcake decorating, bachelorette parties, and comedy nights at Buttercream & Booze, Ronan and Blaire take friendly competition for customers to a new level, and though there are some clashes and arguments, the chemistry that exists between them is also undeniable. When a big-chain sportsbar comes to town and threatens to steal business from both of them, Blaire and Ronan decide it's time to band together. Could these two opponents make a winning team in more than just business?

This book was absolutely adorable and so fun, and as my first Helena Hunting read, it did not disappoint! I adored the enemies-to-lovers dynamic that existed between Blaire and Ronan (the pranks they pulled on each other had me cracking up!), and while most of the book was pretty light and humorous, I also appreciated the deeper issues of Blaire trying to run a business independent of her family, remaining true to herself and her dreams, and realizing how poorly her family treats her. Ronan's beautiful relationship with his grandfather touched my heart, and learning about his parents and family history, plus seeing how he stood up for Blaire, created a depth to him that I loved.

Have I also mentioned the hot tattoos, plaid shirts, and hipster glasses Ronan rocks? He is for sure one of my new book boyfriends, and any guy who can roll with devouring a raunchy-themed cupcake at a bachelorette party and having the video put up on social media is A-OK in my book!

Last but not least, the cupcake and cocktail descriptions in this book were drool-inducing and have me pretty convinced that I'll be sending my husband out for some alcohol and mini cupcakes later!

This was the perfect book to read while I've been sick, and I can't wait to read Meet Cute and any other Helena Hunting book I can get my hands on!

4.5 stars rounded up

This book sounded so cute that I picked it for my local romance book club and it definitely didn't disappoint.

What I loved about this book:

1. Both main characters are loveable, but it's their chemistry that makes this one impossible to put down. Blaire was easy to like and I was rooting for her to succeed immediately. Ronan was described as a sexy, swoon worthy lumberjack with a mesmorizing smile, but he is seriously was the whole package (sexy, sincere, and smart). When Blaire and Ronan met I knew this book was going to be absolutely addictive. Their frenemy situation was filled with laugh out loud banter, heart warming moments, and all the sexual tension you would want in a enemies to lovers romance.

2. The delicious descriptions of all the cupcakes definitely need a mention because I was absolutely drooling at the thought of one of her death by chocolate cupcake. A lot of their interactions involve cupcakes so be ready with a few of your own to munch on while reading otherwise you'll have serious fomo.

3. Honestly I can't review this book without mentioning Blaire's family and the hilarious Thanksgiving dinner that turns up the heat a few notches. Honestly I laughed so much during that whole situation and at the same time was thankful my family isn't on their level of crazy.

This sweet, but steamy read was exactly what I needed. The laugh out loud moments kept a smile on my face as I read along and it was such a quick read that I finished in two sittings. If you're looking for the perfect escapism that brings back found memories of your pre-rona life, look no further than Kiss My Cupcake. Honestly who couldn't go for an evening out with friends that has yummy cupcakes, delicious mocktails, and throwing an axe or two?

I liked this book a lot. The relationship between the main characters had a nice, slow build and I appreciated the way they incorporated their families and the different family dynamics. Their neighborhood and commitment to their businesses was a good setting for this story.

It is no secret that I am a Helena Hunting superfan - from her Pucked series, to All In & Shacking Up, you'd be hard pressed to find a HH book that I don't love - and Kiss My Cupcake is no different. An enemies-to-lovers romance between a cupcake baker and an owner of an axe throwing bar, what could possibly go wrong? No one does banter better than Hunting and Blaire and Ronan are some of Hunting's best in this sense.

Thank you to Forever for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

A very cute love story with just about the right amount of steam! Blaire has just opened up a cupcake (and booze..how creative is that?) shop and next door Ronan has taken over his Grandfather's pub (and added axe throwing..how cool is that?). They start off on the wrong foot but the tension builds and smoulders until they can no longer resist each other.

I completely enjoyed this "sweet" story. It's my first Helena Hunting book but definitely not my last. I especially loved the scenes of Ronan slowly devouring those exquisite cupcakes! Whew! 🔥 (fanning my face.). I want me some cupcakes now! 🧁

I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy.

This was a cute little romance that was lighthearted and fun to read. The enemies to lovers trope was expected but not unwelcome here.

Somehow I feel like I have a cupcake hangover after reading this novel 😆 If only the book came with Buttercream and Booze's famous cupcakes🧁...

Kiss My Cupcake is about Blaire Calloway breaking out from under her family's culinary thumb and opening her very own cupcake shop, equipped with the perfect ambiance for insta worthy pics and her signature sassy cocktails- unicorn martini glass anyone?? Except as she's preparing for opening day she's thwarted by the construction going on at the bar next door. Of course the bar owner Ronan is hot, and when she goes to confront him she inadvertently sparks a competition between. As they each come up with events to one up each other to lure customers, they start to work together to coordinate what's best for both of them, and the love-to-hate sparks start to fly...

Watching the pair love to hate each other was so much fun! The pranks they played, the predicaments each got the other in, the sarcastic battle of wits that often flew between them, I loved all of it. Could their inner thoughts be cheesy at times? A little bit, but they always called themselves out on it which actually made it kinda funny. The visuals, both of the bar and cupcake shop, as well as imagining Blaire in her 50s style colorful dresses really pulled me into the novel. Maybe that's why I almost felt like I ate the cupcakes myself, reading about Ronan's groaning as he savored every bite.

If you're a fan of hate to love relationships this is definitely a fun one to read. And even if you're not partial to it, you'll definitely have fun reading this one!

This book was so cute!!! And the perfect read to relax with after a long day. I loved the way the story played out. It was cute and had steam which is always enjoyable. All and all a great cute read!

This was a cute, quick read about Blaire, a baker from a famous and wealthy (and extremely weird and toxic) family of restauranteurs who decides to strike out on her own to open a cupcake and cocktails café. Just before opening, the new manager of the bar next door starts a loud and disruptive renovation project to turn the bar into a bar/axe throwing hipster hotspot. She confronts her neighbor (Ronan) and they become rivals/competitors and soon are both up for a famous YouTuber's "Best Bar of the Pacific Northwest" honor. In order to compete with a new Dave & Buster's style complex across the street, they start to team up and their sexual/romantic tension builds. I really wish there had been even more about Blaire's super weird family (boyfriend stealing sister and cousin and partner swapping parents and aunt/uncle - it could be a whole book on its own!), but this was just what I wanted from a light rom com partially themed around cupcakes.

Blaire lives for vintage dresses and her Instagram-worthy shots of her cupcake and cocktail (!!) shop. Ronan is lumberjack chic and taking up the helm of his family's old-school sports bar. From their (regrettably) shared opening day, the pair have been duking it out and trying to one-up the other. Girls Night Out at Blaire's, axe-throwing at Ronan's.

When a massively popular blogger holds a contest that could result in a life-changing amount of business, Blaire and Ronan realize they need to set aside their differences and work together. Unfortunately for them, being in such close quarters makes it harder and harder to deny their chemistry.

Any Helena is a great Helena - and Kiss My Cupcake comes with tatted-up bar owners and mouth-watering cupcakes. Who could say no to that? Fluffy, easy-to-read romance is my love language for 2020 and this one was fantastic.

Hunting’s latest is full of sugary sweetness with spice thrown in to keep everyone coming back for more. While Blaire and Ronan’s story is a pretty basic enemies-to-lovers one, her writing style makes it a lot of fun.

While the characters are pretty stereotypical, they have a lot of fun together (once they get over the picking at each other) which makes for an easy read. Blaire comes out swinging when Ronan’s renovations interfere with her plans for opening her cafe, but he definitely doesn’t help smooth things over when he keeps pranking her in order to lighten her mood. Unfortunately her unwanted attraction to him, and the stress of a new business, doesn’t exactly leave her open to his antics.

Once a big chain restaurant threatens both of their businesses, they decide to put their differences aside and work together. Time spent together not only is good for their bottom line but it finds Blaire seeing a different side to Ronan. Things go pretty much as you’d expect but it’s still a lovely diversion and left a smile on my face more than once.

Although there might not be a ton of depth to Kiss My Cupcake, it is the perfect read if you are looking for something light and entertaining. The characters are cute, Ronan’s family is awesome and Blaire’s is … well, something else, and keeping the story simple means readers can just sit back and enjoy.

I loved this novel so so much! Helena Hunting has quickly become an auto-request/buy for me. Blair and Ronan are such a great couple, and I spent most of this book chuckling at the banter between them.