As two neighborhood shop owners battle for business, they prove that opposites attract in Kiss My Cupcake. We spoke with author Helena Hunting about the inspiration for the novel, her favorite audiobook narrators, and more.
“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
Please tell us a little bit about what inspired you to write this book and how this story took shape for you.
My dad is a small-business owner, and it was family-run. He worked beside his father for more than forty years, so small business success means a lot to me. I also developed my love of baking and all things cupcake from my mother. When I was a kid she used to make me these amazing cakes, and of course I wanted to help—mostly so I could eat the icing off the beaters—but that love of buttercream icing never went away. So when I was brainstorming ideas with my agent about these two rival bar owners, I loved the idea of cupcakes and cocktails, because what could honestly be a better pairing?
In two sentences or less, what’s something that might surprise Libro.fm listeners about your audiobook?
Holly Warren, the female narrator for Blaire was new to me when she narrated Meet Cute. I loved her so much I requested her for Kiss My Cupcake.
Have you listened to your own audiobook? If so, what struck you about the narration?
I haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet, but one of my release-day rituals is to listen to the audio while I’m posting and managing social media throughout the day. I love Teddy Hamilton and Holly Warren as the narrators for Meet Cute, so I’m very excited to listen to Kiss My Cupcake.
Are you an audiobook listener? If so, what are some of your favorite audiobooks?
I am absolutely an audio listener. I love Jacob Morgan’s voice; he could narrate a shopping list and I’d listen. I also love Jason Clarke’s voice, and would be happy to listen to him read from the phone book. I’m a huge fan of the Harry Potter series, both in paperback and in audio.
What have independent bookstores and/or booksellers meant to you personally and professionally?
I’ve been given some amazing opportunities with independent bookstores. I had the chance to be on two different panels last year at The Strand Bookstore in New York. And with this release, Magers and Quinn (Minneapolis, MN) and The Book Wardrobe (Mississauga, Ontario) worked with my publisher to be able to offered signed bookplates to go with their copies of Kiss My Cupcake. I feel like independent bookstores are what drive readers to find their next great read, and I’m happy to work with them and support them.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Thank you so much for letting me share my new release with your listeners! You can find me in my reader group, Helena Hunting’s Beaver Den on Facebook.
Header photo by Sebastian Lohnghorn