In "Kiss My Cupcake" by Helena Hunting, Blaire, a cupcake shop owner, finds herself at odds with Ronan, who opens a neighboring sports bar and axe throwing place. Their rivalry escalates into a prank war but underlying it all is undeniable sexual tension. As they compete for the title of the best shop in Seattle, they find themselves drawn to each other amidst hilarious antics and family dynamics.

The story unfolds with a mix of banter, witty interactions, and a unique storyline that transitions smoothly from enemies to allies to lovers. The book offers a light-hearted rom-com vibe with elements of humor, romance, and competition, making it an engaging and entertaining read for fans of the genre.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Blaire portrayed as a spirited go-getter and Ronan as a charming prankster. Their chemistry and evolving relationship form the heart of the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its humor and engaging dialogue. The author manages to create a lighthearted atmosphere that draws readers into the story.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot focuses on the dynamic between two neighboring business owners who begin their relationship as rivals. Their interactions include playful competitions, surprising alliances, and evolving romantic tension.

Setting:

The small business environment in Seattle serves as the backdrop, highlighting the interactions and competitive nature of the main characters.

Pacing:

The pacing effectively balances humor and romantic tension, allowing for a gradual build-up to key events and keeping reader interest throughout.

I cringe at the nickname, how ridiculously loud my dad is, and the reference to my first ever solo entrepreneurial endeavor as my “little cupcake shop.” He doesn’t mean for it to sound condescending, ...

Notes:

The book features a cupcake and cocktails shop owned by Blaire and a bar owned by Ronan, creating a fun rivals-to-lovers scenario.

The story uses the enemies-to-lovers trope, with plenty of banter and pranks between the main characters.

Blaire struggles for support from her wealthy restaurateur family, who don’t believe in her business.

Ronan’s bar includes an axe-throwing area, adding a unique twist to the rivalry between them.

The first kiss between Blaire and Ronan happens at the 70% mark, indicating a slow-burn romance.

The book has a humorous tone, with witty dialogue and funny family dynamics to keep the reader engaged.

Readers found the writing engaging and effortless, pulling them into the story quickly.

There are elements of emotional depth, such as Blaire’s complicated family background and Ronan’s past loss.

The book combines light-hearted romance with some serious themes like family pressures and self-determination.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of strained family dynamics, past grief, and fat shaming, which may affect some readers.

Has Romance?

Yes, romance is a central theme in the book, with strong romantic connections and chemistry between the main characters.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

As two neighborhood shop owners battle for business, they prove opposites attract in this "deliciously sweet and savory new romantic comedy" (USA Today bestselling author Abby Jimenez). 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. "Kiss My Cupcake is a laugh-out-loud romance full of charm, wit and magic. Ronan and Blaire will have you fall in love with their story from their very first encounter. A thoroughly delicious read." -LJ Shen, USA Today bestselling author "With a sweet, sassy heroine and a deliciously sexy hero, Kiss My Cupcake is romantic comedy perfection " - Melanie Harlow, USA Today bestselling author Library Journal Best Romances of 2020

Ratings (7)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (2)
Liked It (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (18):

Read It (8)
Want To Read (9)
Not Interested (1)

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About 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.

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Kiss My Cupcake

Helena Hunting