Spotlight & Giveaway: Kiss My Cupcake by Helena Hunting

Posted August 7th, 2020 by in Blog, Spotlight / 48 comments

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Helena Hunting to HJ!
Spotlight&Giveaway

 

Hi Helena and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, Kiss My Cupcake!

 

To start off, can you please tell us a little bit about this book?:

Kiss My Cupcake is an enemies to lovers romantic comedy about two rival bar owners vying for the title of top bar in the Pacific Northwest, at least until a bigger threat comes to town and they’re forced to work together to keep their businesses from going under.
 

Please share your favorite lines or quote(s) from this book:

One of my favorite things that I had to do for this book was come up for fun, sassy sayings to include at the end of each chapter—they are posed as Instagram posts both bars would post on their own social media. I loved researching them and coming up with fun phrases.

 

What inspired this book?

I love to write banter and I knew I wanted these two characters to really go at one another from the beginning. The idea came to have them as small business owners because my dad has been part of his family run shop for over forty years and small business success means a lot to me, so I wanted to highlight the importance of them. In addition, I love baking—it is something my mother instilled in me since I was a kid, so when I was brainstorming ideas with my agent about these two rival bar owners, I loved the idea of cupcakes and cocktail, because what could honestly be a better pairing?

 

How did you ‘get to know’ your main characters? Did they ever surprise you?

I’m a huge fan of outlining, so I usually have a solid idea as to who my characters are and what they like. I think the biggest surprise might be how frisky this couple is behind closed doors.

 

What was your favorite scene to write?

The bachelorette scene in which Ronan, the hero shows up for his daily cupcake dose and has to eat a very interestingly decorated cupcake in front of the entire bridal party is definitely a favorite scene. As is the Thanksgiving dinner scene at Blaire’s family home which is filled with WTF moments. I really let loose on those scenes.

 

What was the most difficult scene to write?

I think the opening chapter was one that I ended up reworking significantly. I wanted Blaire to pop off the page. She’s a very intense, high strung character and I wanted the reader to see her determination to succeed on her own merit.

 

Would you say this book showcases your writing style or is it a departure for you?

A bit of both, actually. I usually write a fairly even split of female to male POV, but Kiss My Cupcake is heavily dominated by Blaire’s voice, because it is very much her story to tell. But don’t worry, readers will definitely get to hear from Ronan.

 

What do you want people to take away from reading this book?

It really is a light, fun rom com which I think we all need right now given everything that is going on in the world. But it’s also an homage to small business owners and the importance of family support, no matter what path we should choose to take.

 

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

I’m currently working on a book set on a lake. My family has had a cottage north of Muskoka for more than 45 years, so it’s been a huge source of inspiration.

This fall I’m releasing a new adult angsty romance that’s a spinoff my both my Pucked and All In Series and I’m very excited for that one. Surprisingly my 2021 release schedule is a bit up in the air as I wait to hear what my publication dates will be from my publishers.

 

Thanks for blogging at HJ!

 

Giveaway: Forever will provide 2 copies of Kiss My Cupcake for giveaway to readers in the US or Canada.

 

To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: If you had to pick one cupcake and one cocktail you’d love to eat/drink, what would it be and why?

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
 

Excerpt from Kiss My Cupcake:

I have to tip my head up to meet his gaze. His caramel colored eyes are hot, burning like a shot of whiskey. “You treat sex the opposite of how you treat my cupcakes.”
He licks his lips and swallows thickly, like he’s tasting the memory of one right now. “I devour the first one and savor the rest when I’m alone.”
“Hey, Ronan, sorry I’m a bit la—” Ronan’s usual bartender—and the screamer from as night-is at the end of the bar, hands in the air as he takes deliberate steps backward and thumbs over his shoulder. “Oh, sorry man, I’ll didn’t uh . . . I’ll just go grab a couple cases of beer or something.” He disappears around the corner.
I don’t understand what that was all about until Ronan’s attention returns to me. We’re literally inches apart, and his arms are no longer crossed. He takes a step back and so do I, bumping into the door.
I clear my throat. “We need to set a schedule for our events. You ruined the last act of my comedy night with your live band.”
“I’m sure it wasn’t that bad.”
“It was.” On many levels. “Look, you’re open until two and I’m only open until nine most nights, ten when I have entertainment on the weekends. You can hold your band until nine-thirty, can’t you? How much could that possibly hurt your business?”
“Why should I have to be the one to make concessions?”
“I already moved all my glasses and had to adjust my entire interior wall that adjoins to your bar, the least you can do is give me an extra half hour.”
“What’re you gonna do for me?”
“I can start my comedy nights at seven instead of seven-thirty. It’s only half an hour and then we can both benefit. My customers can move over to your place and I can close when you have live bands.” I don’t want to bend, but I realize compromise is the only way to win this. I need him to be willing to work with me so I don’t keep losing out. “Unless one of us switches days?”
“Live bands are best on Saturday nights.” And he’s back to crossing his arms over his chest.
“And comedians usually have nine-to-five jobs.” Or they’re booked somewhere better than a café in downtown Seattle.
“Unless they’re actually good.” It’s like he’s living in my damn head.
“They were good.” I’m extra defensive, which is frustrating, especially since it makes him smile. “And the last one would have been a whole lot better if not for the noise over here.”
We stare each other down for several long seconds that slowly turn heavy and uncomfortable. He finally sighs and runs a palm down his face. “You’re not going to leave unless I agree to this are you?”
“That’s correct.”
“Okay. I can push back live bands until nine-thirty, but make sure you wrap up the yukkity-yuks by nine so you’re not back here next Sunday griping at me for something else.”
“Do you have anything else planned for this week?”
“Do you?” he shoots back.
I roll my eyes. “I’m just trying to be proactive.”
“If that’s what you want to call it. Maybe you’re trying to steal my ideas.”
“So far you’ve been the monkey on my back, not the other way around.”
He leans in and lowers his voice. “Except last night when you were clinging to me like I was carrying you on a tightrope, not across a bar, one you weren’t supposed to be behind in the first place.”
I open my mouth and snap it shut. He’s goading me. On purpose. I brush a wayward curl from my forehead with my middle finger and spin around, yanking the door open.
His laughter follows me all the way back to my café.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
 
 

Book Info:

Blaire Calloway has planned every Instagram-worthy moment of her cupcake and cocktails shop launch down to the tiniest detail. What she didn’t plan on? Ronan Knight and his old-school sports bar next door opening on the very same day. He may be super swoony, but Blaire hasn’t spent years obsessing over buttercream and bourbon to have him ruin her chance at success.

From axe throwing (his place) to frosting contests (hers), Blaire and Ronan are constantly trying to one-up each other in a battle to win new customers. But with every clash, there’s also an undeniable chemistry. When an even bigger threat to their business comes to town, they’re forced to call a temporary time-out on their own war and work together. And the more time Blaire spends getting to know the real Ronan, the more she wonders if it’s possible to have her cupcake and eat it too.

Book Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Google |
 
 

Meet the Author:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. She writes all things romance — contemporary, romantic comedy, sports and angsty new adult. Helena loves to bake cupcakes, has been known to listen to a song on repeat 1512 times while writing a book, and if she has to be away from her family, prefers to be in warm weather with her friends.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | GoodReads |

 

 

 

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48 Responses to “Spotlight & Giveaway: Kiss My Cupcake by Helena Hunting”

  1. Jennifer Shiflett

    I love strawberry cupcakes. It’s just always been one of my favorite flavors. A strawberry margarita would probably be the drink I’d choose. Margaritas of all flavors are popular in my family.

  2. EC

    Yellow/white flavor but I don’t know what cocktail drink since I’m not an alcoholic drinker.

  3. EC

    Yellow/white flavor for the cupcake; no clue about the alcoholic drink though.

  4. Heather Scully

    Easy peasy. Piña colada for both. Because nothing beats a nice tropical flavour and I love pineapples in everything! Lol can’t wait to read this! Congrats, Helena!

  5. Debra Guyette

    I would pick a GF plain cupcake with vanilla icing and have a White Russian. I have many good sensitivities and would love other things but then I get sick.

  8. Lori Byrd

    White cupcake with bakery icing and margarita. Sounds yummy to me.

  9. Pamela Conway

    Yellow/white cupcake. I don’t drink much but would say a Pina Colada.

  14. Sue Galuska

    Lemon cupcake with cream cheese frosting with a Skyy Vodka and cranberry juice drink.

  15. Amy R

    If you had to pick one cupcake and one cocktail you’d love to eat/drink, what would it be and why? vanilla with cream cheese icing and a margarita

    • Shannon Capelle

      I love red velvet with cream cheese frosting its so good! I love frozen strawberry margaritas because i love strawberries

  17. jaimerlong

    I would pick a german chocolate cupcake and a good glass of cabernet. Why? I don’t know. They are both freaking delicious and the sweet coconut frosting with the dry cabernet flavor would balance nicely!

  18. isisthe12th

    Coconut cupcake and coconut crush cocktail because I love coconut! Thank you

  19. joab4424

    Vanilla cupcake with chocolate icing and sprinkles. I don’t drink alcohol but tea would be great with a cupcake.

  21. Crystal

    I would choose a chocolate cupcake and my cocktail would be nonalcoholic champagne.
    Thanks for review. Book sounds like a great read. Would love to win, read and review the print format of the book.

  23. Cheryl C.

    Peach margarita and a red velvet cupcake- but not together. That would be too much sweetness.

  24. dbranigan

    I think Pina Colada with a vanilla cupcake with coconut frosting. Tropical enough?

  26. Glenda M

    I’ve never had a tequila chocolate cupcake, but I’ve had a shake with those flavors so I know it can be done and might go well with a Mexican Martini or a Mexican Mule. An orange frosted vanilla cupcake (or vice versa) would probably go well with an Old Fashioned or with bourbon worked into the icing or cake.

  28. Jana Leah

    Peanut butter chocolate for the cupcake – my two favorite flavors combined. No idea on the cocktail as I rarely drink.

  29. Nicole (Nicky) Ortiz

    I would go with my favorites
    Red Velvet and Long Island Ice Tea
    Thanks for the chance!

  31. Lynne Brigman

    Red Velvet cupcake with a glass of sweet tea. I don’t drink.

  32. Angel

    Chocolate Cupcake with Peanut Butter Frosting, because it is my favorite two flavors!! And a Margarita because it goes perfect with Mexican food

  34. Nancy Payette

    I am thinking you mean together, so I would choose a red velvet cupcake with a dessert wine.

  36. Anita H.

    Red velvet cupcakes are so delicious and I’m not a drinker so I’d go for a cup of hot jasmine tea

  37. Lilah Chavez

    Red velvet with a Jack and Dr Pepper (Coke is fine too, but too basic).

    Both my fav and unfortunately banned foods and drinks for me

  38. Daniel M

    chocolate cupcake and i don’t hard stuff/mixed drinks, just beer

  41. Cheryl Hastings

    I’m not a huge cake fan, so I think I’d rather have two frozen mudslides instead of a cupcake and one drink

  42. Kim

    I don’t drink, so I have to pass on the cocktail. For the cupcake, I would go with a Peach Cobbler Cupcake.

  45. Jenny Rapp

    If calories didn’t matter, I would pick a frozen pina colada and a tropical pineapple cupcake with coconut icing!

  46. Terrill R.

    Lemon cupcake with whipped buttercream frosting. Cupcakes are my favorite treat. My favorite cocktail is a Lemon drop martini.