Courtney Hunt

Hi everyone! Happy fall! So far for us, autumn has been a whirlwind of a final beach vacation followed by back-to-school for Fox. We’re slowly adjusting to a new normal routine here at Chez Hunt.

On Thursday, Apple Cider, the ninth book in the Cupid’s Coffeeshop series, released. I really enjoyed writing Harper and Cooper’s story and hope you will too. Here’s the book trailer:

Long-time readers of the series have already met Harper Wells during the May story, Cafe au Lait, when her brother, Alex, fell for her best friend, Kennedy. Harper is a single mom to five year old, Layla, and doesn’t have much time for romance in her life. I imagine her looking something like Sandra Bullock.

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Widower Cooper Mason and his son, Noah, have lived next door to Harper for two years. While Cooper has always been friendly to Harper, he’s thinks he’s too old and boring for someone like her. I imagine him looking something like George Clooney.

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When their friendship turns passionate, will Harper and Cooper discover happily ever after right next door? Find out in Apple Cider.

The final three Cupid’s Coffeeshop books are also all available for pre-order. Be sure to snag your copies today!

And to celebrate the release of Apple Cider, last month’s installment, Coconut Iced Coffee, is FREE until 15 September. Grab a copy for you and gift one to all your friends.

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Cupid's Coffeeshop

Meet Zooey and Charlie from Coconut Iced Coffee

August 4, 2016January 18, 2017 Courtney Hunt

Coconut Iced Coffee, the eighth book in the Cupid’s Coffeeshop series, is out today. Grab your copy here.

All my Cupid’s Coffeeshop readers know Zooey Lockhart. She’s one of the three co-owners of Cupid’s Coffeeshop, along with her brother, Patrick, and cousin, Joe. She’s celebrating her 21st birthday and is missing her annual beach trip. Joe and Patrick give her a trip to the fictional Caribbean island of San Maria. In my head, Zooey looks like a combination of Rashida Jones and Sarah Hyland.

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While on San Maria, she meets Charlie Lyons. He grew up on the island but just graduated from law school. He’s come home to relax after taking the bar exam. In my head, he looks like Michael Ealy. I loved him on Almost Human. So bummed when they cancelled that show. Can you blame Zooey for falling for him?

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When he and Zooey meet, they enjoy an instant connection. But can their summer fling turn into love? Find out in Coconut Iced Coffee. You might enjoy seeing the trailer too.

To celebrate the release of my eleventh book, Fireworks Frappe is FREE (until 8 August 2016). Grab some Duncan and Ava fun for you and all your friends.

The next two books are up for pre-order today so be sure to purchase those today too.

Becoming a Writer, Bridesmaid Trilogy, Cupid's Coffeeshop, Lost Art of Second Chances, Writing

Happy (Book) Birthday to Me!

July 27, 2016January 18, 2017 Courtney Hunt

Eight years ago today, I brought my son home from the hospital. Here’s one of my favorite shots of that day.

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Seven years later (one year ago today), I hit the “publish” button on my first novel, Forever a Bridesmaid, and rushed out the door to take my son to swim class. Later that night, just before midnight, I got to see my listing come up. One of the biggest thrills of my life.

To celebrate my first anniversary, I’ve put three of my books on sale for 99 cents, just for today. So, fill up your e-reader and scoop up some gifts for all your friends.

In this first year of publishing, I published a total of 10 books (3 full-length novels and 7 novellas). In addition to that, I’ve got one boxed set, three audiobooks, and, just this week, agreed to have Forever a Bridesmaid translated into Spanish.

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Thanks to the support of my wonderful readers, I won a contract with my second novel, The Lost Art of Second Chances, and officially became a hybrid author. I am the luckiest author in the world.

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In the next year, I’ve got five more Cupid’s Coffeeshop novellas, two novellas in two different anthology boxed sets, the final novel in my Bridesmaid’s trilogy, several more boxed sets, and audiobooks to come. It’s going to be a busy year. Stick around for the ride!

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Cupid's Coffeeshop

Are you ready for some Fireworks Frappe?

July 7, 2016January 18, 2017 Courtney Hunt

Happy release day! Fireworks Frappe, the seventh book in the Cupid’s Coffeeshop series, is available today. I’m delighted to share Ava and Duncan’s story with you. Ava is Amy Lane’s twin sister. Longtime readers might remember Amy from the first book in the Cupid’s Coffeeshop series, Java Frost. Amy and Ben are tying the knot and Ava is home to do maid of honor duties.

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When Ava was a teenager, she couldn’t wait to leave Ashford Falls for the bright lights of New York City. Now, she’s just lost her high powered career and come home to lick her wounds. Since she’s identical to her sister, I imagine Ava looking just like Amy Schumer and Amy Poehler.

When she walks into Cupid’s Coffeeshop, she runs into her high school boyfriend, Duncan Knight. Duncan looks like Jensen Ackles, with hazel eyes. How handsome is he? I’ve never written a firefighter hero before but Duncan came complete with a whole crew of sexy characters to write about. So, now I’ve got a whole second series to set in Ashford Falls–just need time to write it! 🙂

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Ten years ago, he stayed. Ava left. Though he’s risen to second in command at the Ashford Falls fire station, Duncan’s never gotten over Ava. Can they resurrect their love from the ashes of their dreams? Find out in Fireworks Frappe.

I also made my first ever book trailer for Fireworks Frappe. So fun! Check it out!

I’m super busy with the release and planning my (book) birthday celebration for the end of this month. I can’t believe it’s been a year already! Keep your eye out for a new pre-order for Pumpkin Spice, the tenth Cupid’s Coffeeshop book, and my first ever audiobook announcement.

Cupid's Coffeeshop

Fireworks Frappe Book Trailer

July 1, 2016January 18, 2017 Courtney Hunt

Hey guys, Check out my first ever book trailer! Tell me what you think!

Cupid's Coffeeshop

Meet Joe and Molly from Berries and Cream Chai

June 9, 2016January 18, 2017 Courtney Hunt

The sixth book in the Cupid’s Coffeeshop series, Berries and Cream Chai, is available today!

I didn’t have a chance to write a separate blog post introducing Joe and Molly. All my Cupid’s Coffeeshop readers know coffee hunk Joe Lockhart. He and his cousins, Patrick and Zooey, run Cupid’s Coffeeshop.

I just love Joe. He’s my bad boy of Ashford Falls. You know how I love writing the bad boys. I envision Joe as a cross between Chris Pine and Josh Holloway (can you imagine how gorgeous THAT man would be?) Ashford Falls does seem to have rather a good population of unbelievably handsome men, doesn’t it?

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Molly McCarthy is the heroine for this one. She used to be a big Silicon Valley programmer but decided she wanted a simpler life so she headed out to Virginia to resurrect an old vineyard. I envision her as Evangeline Lily, wholesome and beautiful.

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I do have a Pinterest board for Cupid’s Coffeeshop that you might enjoy checking out. When I hit my writing goals for the day, I get a few minutes of guilt-free pinning time. Come check it out!

To celebrate the release of my ninth (!!!) book, Cafe Au Lait is FREE (until 13 June 2016). Grab some Kennedy and Alex fun for you and all your friends.

I’ve also released a boxed set of the first four books in the series (Java Frost, Cupid’s Kiss, Lucky Latte, and Cherry Blossom Cappuccino) so if you missed the start of the series, grab that today!

And the next three books are up for pre-order so order those today!

Also, don’t forget that The Lost Art of Second Chances is on sale for the entire month of June for just 99 cents. Grab one for you and all your friends!

Since I’m swamped with publicity for the release, Friday Favorites will return next week (6/17). See you then!!

Cooking

Blue Apron Adventure #5 (or like Mambo #5 but different :-)

June 7, 2016January 18, 2017 Courtney Hunt

Tune in next week when I make tacos and chicken meatloaf.

Follow along as I make a Blue Apron foccacia pizza

https://storify.com/courtneyhunt71/blue-apron-adventure-5#publicize

Cooking

Blue Apron Adventure #4

June 1, 2016January 18, 2017 Courtney Hunt

So, tonight, I made my fourth Blue Apron meal. I’m not the world’s biggest fan of salmon. It’s okay. I’ll eat it but it’s just not my favorite. My husband and son must have been bears in a previous life because they adore salmon so I was excited to make this meal for them.

Overall, I thought it was good. The salmon was certainly very simple to prepare this way and quick. I will probably make that again. I was a little surprised that we only got 9 asparagus stalks for 4 servings. I’d have usually made at least double that but then, we really love our asparagus here.

The other side was an ancient super grain freekah. Not loving that at all. I didn’t like the texture. Personally, I’d have preferred brown rice. The zucchini and lemon prep was fine. It tasted okay, it was more the chewy factor that I didn’t love.

Here’s my storify–for some reason I struggled with taking pix as I was making this meal. Sorry for the few tweets. I’ll have more Friday when I make our focaccia pizza.

Follow along as I make Blue Apron meal Herb-Crusted Salmon with asparagus and zucchini-freekah salad.

https://storify.com/courtneyhunt71/blue-apron-adventure-4-herb-crusted-salmon

Cooking

Blue Apron Meal #3 Soy-Glazed Meatballs

May 19, 2016January 18, 2017 Courtney Hunt

Time for my third and final (for this week) culinary adventure with Blue Apron. Tonight, I made Tagged Blue Apron, Cooking, recipe

Cooking

Blue Apron Meal #2

May 18, 2016January 18, 2017 Courtney Hunt

In continuation of my culinary adventures, tonight I made my second Blue Apron recipe. It’s Seared Chicken & Verjus (sort of like white wine but without alcohol) Pan Sauce. It also contained kale and mushrooms. It’s served over homemade mashed potatoes.

Now, as I said yesterday, I am not known for my culinary gifts. My sister is the type who can whip up homemade individual beef wellingtons for Christmas Eve dinner and still have the gifts wrapped on time. Me–not so much.

I can cook adequately enough. But it’s not really my bag. I don’t like meal planning, grocery shopping, or meal prep (Eating, I’m pretty good at 🙂 So, I went into this Blue Apron lark with some trepidation but agreed to try it out as my sister and I are considering it as a Father’s Day gift.

So, follow along as I make the chicken:

Follow along as I make Blue Apron’s Seared Chicken & Verjus Pan Sauce recipe.

https://storify.com/courtneyhunt71/blue-apron-seared-chicken#publicize

As you can see, big hit! The Pilot adored it. He even loved the kale! I’m so thrilled. It reminds me a lot of this Jamie Oliver recipe.

I have one more meal for tomorrow night and that’s it for this week. We’re getting our next order the week of the 31st.

I do really like the service. There are some drawbacks. They don’t allow you to customize for allergies or preferences. For example, Fox is allergic to shellfish. My sister doesn’t really like mushrooms. I generally prefer chicken breasts to thighs. There’s no easy way to handle that other than choosing the meals but the ingredients aren’t always obvious.

Also, I wish that they had more options like paleo or even whole 30 cooking. And the only subscription model is a weekly service. It’s easy to cancel at any time but I’d rather do a once a month service. It’s possible to do by cancelling/scheduling deliveries but it’s not easy to do.

Overall, however, it’s been a great value. The cost is about $20 per meal and we’ve had enough to feed all three of us (two adults and a 7 year old child) plus enough leftovers for one lunch. The ingredients are extremely high quality, the recipes easy to follow (obviously, as I cooked it :-), and very delicious, satisfying, nutritionally sound meals. I highly recommend you give it a try!

Will report back on our meatball adventure tomorrow!