Reviews

Jenn McKinlay weaves a tantalizing tale involving a bridezilla, a long-ago debt that Mel thinks she can never repay, and a man murdered just before Mel delivers breakup cupcakes. Her sassy humor captivated me from the very first page and pulled me into the story while there were unexpected twists to the clever plot and subplots, that I didn’t see coming. I greatly enjoy seeing the relationship Mel has with her best friend and bakery co-owner, Angie. It has a ring of authenticity… they care about each other but they also have squabbles that long-time best friends can have; especially those who also work together day in and day out. Angie’s mother and her future mother-in-law are a hoot, and even though they only had a cameo appearance, I hope to see more of them in future books. Mel and her boyfriend, Joe, (who is also Angie’s brother) are progressing ever so slowly in their relationship, but they are sweet together.

And just as sweet as Mel and Joe are together, the recipes Jenn includes at the back of the book are amazingly sweet! So many delectable cupcake recipes to choose from, and I want to make them all! I did make the Key Lime Cupcakes with Key Lime Buttercream so far. The cupcakes are tender and moist while the buttercream tops them off with a zingy creaminess which made them a hit in my household!

I willingly provided a review after receiving an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

theaprilwitch's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

ariel_ransom's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

3.5

eustella's review against another edition

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2.0

Not as compelling as past books in this series - it took me longer than usual to get into it and I was a little bored by the first half.

melinda1962's review against another edition

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4.0

Angie has turned into a bridezilla planning her wedding with Tate. Mel and Joe got engaged. This series is full of weddings. I miss Manny as he has moved to Vegas for the woman he fell in love with in the last book. The murder this time around seemed gruesome. I did guess the killer right away though. But again, I’m in this series for the amazing characters and delicious cupcakes.

kristirose's review against another edition

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2.0

Disappointing

I thoroughly enjoyed the first eight installments of this series. The mysteries were interesting. The characters were very engaging. However, I struggled to enjoy this book.

I didn't care for the subplot relating to Angie and her Bridezilla moments. I think that it was intended to serve as comic relief, but I didn't find it humorous. I also was very disappointed by the subplot relating to the favor Mel owes Diane.

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