Mel and Joe are finally getting married, but of course murder is going to try and ruin their day. Another enjoyable installment from McKinlay!

This is a good, relaxing book. The descriptions of the cupcakes are enough to get you into the kitchen, reading while you wait for cupcakes of your own to bake. The recipes at the end look amazing, too. And, as a bonus, I didn't figure out who did it so early that it spoiled the book.

This is book 13 in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series but it is the first book I have read in the series.

This was a fun, cozy mystery, with interesting characters. The brothers seem to be a handful, I will have to go back and read some of the other books in the series, my assumption is that Ray gets up to no good in one of them.

Looking forward to reading more books in the series. Book 14 Strawberried Alive comes out this spring so I will start with that one.

This is the 13th book in the Fairy Tale Cupcakes series. I haven't read all of them but I'm trying to catch up! I really enjoyed this story. The characters are really relatable and the mystery was interesting. I would recommend this author and series!

I can’t believe that there are already thirteen books in the Cupcake Bakery series. Jenn McKinlay has a fun-loving and light mystery series that entertains and charms readers. If you’re new to cozy mystery, or just prefer to read something lighter in tone, then I always recommend this series. It’s got a good, solid mystery but the characters tend to keep things light and funny, which can be a nice change of pace for the genre.

Since this is the thirteenth book in the series, a lot has happened for the girls in this series. They’re getting married and having kids. So I think it’s wonderful to see that kind of development over the course of the series. The subtle romance plot will also appeal to Romance fans who may want to dip their toes into cozy mysteries.

But of course, the core of the plot is devoted to a mystery. In this case, a chef is murdered and Oz and Mel find themselves in a compromising position. The culinary focus has always been a favorite of mine and we get to see it quite often in this series, so I’m happy about that.

FOR BATTER OR WORSE couldn’t be any more irresistible! If you’re pining for something mysterious with a hint of charm, then you don’t want to miss this one.

Sweet story. Gave a shout out to Librarians. Story made me cry. Sad for Oz. Almost makes me wonder if this is the end of the series.

Oz has left Fairy Tale Cupcakes and moved to be the head pastry chef at the resort where Mel and Joe are getting married. After Oz gets in a heated argument with the head chef, the head chef turns up dead. Mel must figure out the real killer to save Oz AND her wedding. The Cupcake Bakery Mystery series is one of my favorite cozy mystery series, so I’m always excited when a new book comes out. This one did not disappoint!

Thanks to @NetGalley and @berkley for my ARC!

At the Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery, Mel and Angie have a lot going on. Mel and Joe’s wedding is just around the corner, and Angie is due to give birth around the same time. And in the latest addition to the series, For Batter or Worse, things are getting to be crazier and crazier. When a chef at a high-end resort is killed, Oz is the prime suspect, and if readers know anything about this series, they know that Mel is not going to stand by and do nothing.

Mel, Angie, and Oz are lovely characters. They have a way of making readers smile and worry at the same time. Uncle tan is a good cop, and he never lets you down. Other characters are charming, helpful, and loveable. The victim in this book is a heartless chef who thinks he is the end-all and be-all of the industry. The suspects, one of which is a killer, don’t agree with his characterization of his ego. The Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery location doesn’t play a significant role in this new addition, but it is still a place readers will want to spend time visiting, and of course, eating the yummy creations.

There is plenty of evidence to keep readers guessing; some misdirection and red herrings will help keep them turning the page. There is enough action to hold the attention, and the suspense of finding our who-dun-it, and whether or not Mel and Joe make it down the aisle at long last is thrilling. Unveiling the killer is done in a great scene and gives readers satisfaction. Oz is cleared, and everyone is happy. The ending was predictable, but that isn’t a bad thing. Even though The Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery didn’t cater Mel’s wedding, Oz made the delicious creations stand out and put smiles of delight on everyone’s face. And, of course, Angie gives everyone another reason to celebrate. I am happy to recommend For Batter or Worse to readers looking for a delightfully interesting and fun read.

Title: For Batter or Worse

Author: Jenn McKinlay

Series: 13th Cupcake Bakery Mystery

Publisher: Berkley

Format: Paperback, but read e-book given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.

Published on: May 4, 2021

Set in: Arizona

Includes: recipes

In Jenn McKinlay’s 13th Cupcake Bakery Mystery, Melanie Cooper and Joe DeLaura are busy with their jobs and whipping up the final arrangements for their small wedding reception at the Sun Dial Resort. They are confident that Mel’s former employee, Oz, will do a marvelous job creating cupcakes for their wedding.

Things were going well until a young woman, a sauce maker at the resort, drops a pan of sauce in the main kitchen and gets yelled at by Chef Miles Gallway. Mel and Joe just happen to be there to go over plans for their wedding. When Oz steps up to bring back order, Miles considers him stepping into his territory. Gallaway not only has a flaming temper, but feels that every mistake will ruin his reputation. The scene is witnessed by everyone in the kitchen.

Shortly after, Miles is found dead and Oz is put on a leave of absence. Because the argument was witnessed by a number of people, that makes Oz the lead suspect. In an effort to keep Oz occupied, Mel asks him to work at her bakery. Knowing that you are considered the leading suspect has to grind away at your nerves, so Mel believes this can help. Unfortunately, the wife of the resort owner further involves him as a suspect which makes things a little more difficult. One plus is that the detective assigned to the case is Mel’s uncle, Stan. A suggestion is made in order to get to the truth. Mel assists as a witness so Oz isn’t alone.

There are several possible reasons Miles was killed. High on the checklist is the way he treats people. Having watched TV chef shows, and you know which one I’m talking about, the setting is extremely stressful to gain the order necessary to get a meal as perfect as possible on the table. There’s also a competitive opportunity and a number of people could be willing to kill for it. There’s also the possibility of a lover’s triangle. Any number of people associated with the resort can be suspects. You just have to read the book to figure out which one killed him and why.

Besides the great cover, it was the compassion of family that not only kept my attention, but made me care about Mel and Joe’s family and poor Oz. Oz had a lot of people that loved him and were willing to put their lives in danger to protect him. There were a lot of twists in this one and a lot of things happening in the end. Jenn tied everything together so that situations were resolved. So glad that Berkley had given me five other books in this series before COVID. Hope to read more.

four out of five bags of cake flour

Denise Fleischer

gottawritenetwork.wordpress.com

June 12, 2021

Well, it only took 13 books, but our main character, Mel, is finally marrying the man of her dreams – Joe DeLaura. Of course, true love never runs smoothly for our cozy mystery sleuths and Mel is no exception. While Mel and Joe try to make it down the aisle, they have to deal with clearing Oz’s name and the antics of Joe’s many brothers, as well as keep an eye on a very pregnant Angie, Joe’s sister and Mel’s matron of honour. Whew! Talk about busy brides!

At the end of the last book ***spoiler alert***, Mel’s talented employee Oz left Fairy Tale Cupcakes to grow his career. I had really loved seeing Oz develop as a character during the series so I was a bit worried that he would be gone for good but that definitely wasn’t the case. Oz takes a job at a swanky resort but he doesn’t get along with the head chef, who seems to be quite the bully. In fact, there many employees at the resort who didn’t get along with the head chef.

So it’s no surprise when the head chef is the murder victim. To make things interesting, Oz is the main suspect. And while I was 99% sure Oz didn’t commit the crime (hey, you never know, right?) it was really fun to try and figure out who had actually killed the chef. Part of me was enjoying the story so much that I wasn’t trying to figure out whodunnit.

The mystery moves along at a nice pace and there are quite a few twists and red herrings to keep you guessing until nearly the end. I don’t think I had guessed the killer correctly until near the very end.


The Cupcake Bakery Mystery series is definitely one of those long-running series that never seems to get old. Part of the reason is the characters – they are so well written and their friendships keep me coming back for more.

And while I love Mel and Joe together – they make a great couple – it’s Mel, Angie and Nate’s friendship that had me hooked from the start. The trio of besties are stronger than ever (especially now that they’re all about to become in-laws) and their movie-quote game is a favourite feature of the series for me. Even some of the other characters take part in the game. Without giving anything away – during a crucial scene, Joe says something and Marty identifies it as a quote from The Princess Bride – I howled with laughter.

McKinlay has also managed to add a lot of recurring side characters that keep the series interesting, including Oz and Marty (their other employee) and the DeLaura brothers, who all have very distinct personalities of their own. Put together, this small cast of characters are charming and engaging. I also love that they have really grown and changed during the series – there is a reality to them that makes you want to see how they develop next.

Of course, part of the appeal to me are the cupcakes (one of the things I love to bake the most) and again, the book doesn’t disappointed. Aside from the drool-worthy treats described in the book, there are a bunch of recipes included in the back that I’m definitely going to try myself.

For Batter or Worse can be read as a standalone – there is enough background given that a new reader won’t be lost, but I highly recommend starting from the beginning of the series. Watching these characters grow up and become family, watching their friendships and relationships develop is a lot of fun and worth going back for.

*** Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, for providing me with an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

For Batter or Worse Earns 5/5 Cupcake Designs...Engaging & Clever Fun!

“For Batter or Worse” has got nothing on Hell’s Kitchen when the ego-inflated, abusive, credit-stealing head chef ends up murdered...watch out, Gordon Ramsey! But, this is a cozy mystery and Jenn McKinlay is the best at putting homicide in the background and focusing on a clever puzzle, rich characters, realistic predicaments, humor galore, a satisfying conclusion, and mouthwatering food talk and recipes! Mel’s wedding is around the corner and her best friend Angie is about to delivery her first child, but Mel’s a bit preoccupied with saving her friend Oz from a life in prison; besides, who will create the delectable cupcakes for her wedding? It goes without saying that if you’ve had major issues with someone and you’re found over their body, you should probably get a good lawyer...or a BFF whose proven herself as an successful amateur detective. Add a cooking channel appearance, culinary egos, An enjoyable thirteenth addition to McKinlay’s Cupcake Bakery Mystery, easy to read, well-written, and my favorite, bonus cupcake recipes for Chocolate Orange, Vanilla Sprinkle, Chocolate Lava, and Limoncello topped with flavorful buttercream frostings or ganache or lemon curd fillings...and a Chocolate Orange Truffle recipe! Don’t miss out!

Fairy Tale cupcake crew must discover the truth behind a death before Joe and Melanie can say I Do. One of my favorite series

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie'

This is one of the most exciting novels in the series, and I enjoyed every minute of it! The characters are an eclectic mix of well-defined personalities. The mystery is plotted and executed flawlessly, as is the surrounding preparation for the day of Melanie’s – Mel’s major event as well as Angie and Tate’s upcoming special delivery. And the cupcakes from Fairy Tale cupcakes? They sound amazing! For those who love to bake, there are recipes for several of the featured cupcakes.

Oz has grown and matured during the time he worked for Mel and Angie, partners at Fairy Tale Brownies along with Tate, Angie’s husband. Oz attended and graduated from culinary school and has his own baking kitchen now at Sun Dial Resort. He will be baking the cupcakes for Mel and Joe’s wedding reception, only a couple weeks away.

Yes, Mel and county assistant DA Joe are getting married, a day she feared would never come. She had a crush on him for nearly 20 years before they began to date! Mel’s mom has called him “Dear Joe” ever since. Angie and Mel have their own milestone event – their first baby is due about four weeks after the wedding. Angie is confident they won’t need a backup matron of honor and best man.

They just might need to rely on a backup baker, though, due to totally unanticipated events. Mel has made several trips to the resort to finalize things with the event coordinator and Oz. After hearing Miles, the executive chef, cause problems for Oz a few days earlier, Mel and Joe stopped in the bakery kitchen to see how he was doing. Mel was stunned to see Miles lying on the floor with blood around his head, and Oz leaning over him with blood on his hands. They believed what Oz told them, but there were a couple other people willing to see Oz wearing an orange jumpsuit, accused of the murder, one of them being the wife of the resort owner. Fortunately, Mel has much experience helping find killers over the past few years, and when it comes to her friends, she doesn’t give up.

Author Jenn McKinlay presents an excellent cast of characters! I especially enjoy Mel, Angie, and Oz, all of whom have changed in so many ways since first being in the series. “The brothers”, comprised of six of Angie’s seven brothers and Mel’s almost brothers-in-laws, are quirky and unique. It is fun to see them in action to protect a friend and get to the truth. While this reader could almost picture the characters physically, their attitudes give the third, living dimension to their appearance.

The mystery, as others in the series, has enough plot twists and turns that the reader begins to feel as if riding a tilt-a-whirl. The pace is perfect; as often feels in real life, time speeds up as the big event nears. The murder must be solved before the wedding day! I couldn’t guess who the bad guy was almost until the actual reveal. Honestly, I didn’t realize that professional kitchens were such hotbeds of creative, edgy chefs! Maybe it’s a good thing I can’t cook. . . The story ends very well, with even more surprises that make the wedding day incredibly memorable. I highly recommend this mystery, and the series!

4.5 stars

This is the 13th book in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series by Jenn McKinlay.

Oz has been snagged to work at the Sundial restaurant and the main cook has a problem with Oz and his inventiveness. When Oz fills in for the eccentric chef Miles after a tantrum in the kitchen, the head cook gets angry. Then when they turn to Oz to do a cooking segment on a TV morning show when Miles is a no show, Miles is in a huff. Not long later, Mel finds Oz hovering over the dead body of Miles with blood on his hands. And it doesn’t look good for Oz.

I really enjoyed the plot of this book. The whole story where it focused on Oz really spoke to me. I could see he was just trying to help and be a good employee even when the personalities of the other chef’s left not much to be desired about them.

The story flow was good and I was hooked when Oz handed Mel those cupcakes for her wedding. They just sounded so delish. This is a fun series with a great community of recurring characters that just keep you coming back for more foodie fun.

Highly recommended. If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out!

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.

Mel and Joe’s wedding day is fast approaching. For their reception, they’ve picked the resort where Oz has landed the job of head pastry chef. However, things are not going well for Oz there as the head chef is proving to be an egomaniac. One day, Mel and Angie witness a very public fight between Oz and the head chef. Then, a couple of days later, Mel and Joe find Oz bending over the dead body of the chef. Mel doesn’t need anything else on her to do list, but can she figure out who the killer is before she walks down the aisle?

If you were worried that Oz was leaving the series after the events of the previous book, this proves that he will still very much be part of the series. He gets some interesting character growth, in fact. The rest of the gang is all present, and I enjoyed laughing at their antics as they worked to solve the case. The mystery is filled with plenty of suspects and red herrings, and I only began to figure things out right before Mel put it all together. I loved the final chapter. If the book makes you hungry, you’ll be happy with the four recipes at the end. Once again, fans will devour this book and be ready for Mel’s next adventure.

Jenn McKinlay never disappoints and For Batter or Worse is another fun mystery with the Fairy Tale Cupcake family.

Melanie Cooper has been in love with Joe DeLaura since she was twelve. Now her dreams are coming true and her wedding day to Joe is almost here. She and Joe are planning a small reception at the Sun Dial Resort where her friend and former employee, Oz, is now the master pastry chef. Mel goes to the resort to finalize some plans, but ends up involved in a murder investigation when the resort’s head chef is found dead. Oz had been seen having a very public altercation with the victim and now it’s up to Mel to help prove her friend’s innocence so she can enjoy her wedding and finally get her happily ever after.

For Batter or Worse is the thirteenth book in Cupcake Bakery series, set in the Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona. The bakery takes a back seat in this installment as Mel is busy putting the finishing touches on her wedding plans and her business partner, best friend, and matron-of-honor Angie DeLaura Harper is in the final weeks of her pregnancy. Mel bounces some ideas off her fiancé Joe and also her Uncle Stan, who is the homicide detective assigned to the case, but she is mainly investigating this crime single-handedly. There are plenty of suspects in the death of head chef Miles Gallway since his overbearing ways caused him to make several enemies in both his personal and professional life. Therefore, the investigation is interesting as Mel tries to get to the bottom of Gallway’s murder. However, I miss the days when Mel, Angie, Angie’s husband Tate used to investigate crimes together. As much as I like Oz and Mel and Angie’s current employee, Marty, things just aren’t the same. Angie still plays a large role in the book and her friendship with Mel is a highlight of the book and of the series as a whole. However, Tate barely appears and I miss him having a bigger part.

In addition to the seriousness of the murder investigation, there is plenty of humor that fans of the series have come to expect. New readers may want to start with earlier books since part of the fun in seeing Mel and Joe’s wedding drawing closer is experiencing some of the build-up that got them there. As a long time reader of the series, I enjoyed how everything comes together at the end in both a humorous and touching way. This is a quick, light read that cozy fans will love. The descriptions of the delectable desserts will have you longing for cupcakes as you read. Luckily for readers who enjoy baking. There are recipes for four different kinds of cupcakes at the end of the book.

~ Christine

This series was one of the first I read when I started reading cozy mysteries, and 13 books in, I have to say that I did tear up a bit at the end of this one when some major life events finally happened for these characters I've been reading and loving for years now. This was a great addition the series, with an interesting mystery with multiple good suspects, and it let a character readers might have feared would be playing a smaller role in the series now get a real chance to shine. Jenn McKinlay is truly a master of this genre and I really hope to see more in this series.

FOR BATTER OR WORSE is the thirteenth book in Jenn McKinlay’s “Cupcake Bakery” cozy mystery series. Like many of Jenn McKinlay’s mysteries, this book is very character-driven and owes a lot of its’ fabulosity to the regular cupcake crew cast of characters. Longtime sweethearts Mel and Joe are finally getting married. All their friends and family are happy for them and everything is falling into place except for one dark cloud on the horizon. Their friend, and Mel’s former superstar employee Oz is a suspect in a murder investigation. Everybody comes together in FOR BATTER OR WORSE to help clear Oz and make the wedding go off perfectly. This murder mystery is a classic whodunit with a victim who was loathed by many.

Having the site of the future wedding reception, as well as Oz’s new workplace, be the location for the murder adds another layer and sense of urgency to this investigation. Although Mel has been involved in many investigations in the past, I think she does a good job of trying to remove herself as much as she can. Other characters keep dragging her into the thick of things. Oz is particularly adorable in FOR BATTER OR WORSE – even when is experiencing discomfort on an epic scale. Because the victim is so distasteful, the fact that he gets murdered isn’t really a surprise, but the possibilities surrounding who would want him dead and why make for an intriguing puzzle for mystery fans. Some characters are obvious suspects because of their personalities, but their behavior is jarring and makes figuring out motives a brain twister. When people are usually murdered because of love or money – the motives for this murder are a little of both. One of the things I like about this story, is how Joe supports Mel and protects her when he can but doesn’t act like a dad to her or be condescending. Often in cozy mysteries, the boyfriend or husband of the female amateur sleuth acts as a disapproving father and general buzzkill rather than a support system. In FOR BATTER OR WORSE, whatever her flaws and personality quirks, Mel is appreciated for who she is by her friends, co-workers, and especially her loving fiancé.

It’s a case of the culinary forces of good vs evil in FOR BATTER OR WORSE as the cupcake crew works to solve a murder and exonerate one of their own. By the end of this book, each of the main characters is left with a relatively rosy outlook, but one that fits who they are. As always, the recipes and desserts in FOR BATTER OR WORSE are to die for. I look forward to reading Jenn McKinlay’s next mystery.

For Batter or Worse by Jenn McKinlay is the 13th A Cupcake Bakery Mystery. This is a sweet addition to a scrumptious series. It is finally time for Joe and Mel’s wedding (hooray), but a murder may put a crimp in the big day. I thought For Batter or Worse was well-written with developed characters and it moved along at quick pace. I love the snappy dialogue between the characters. I find the movie quotes (the game they play) delightful. I have enjoyed following Mel and Angie since the beginning of this scrummy series. There is a delightful cast of characters that includes Angie, Mel, Tate, Joe, Oz, and Marty. The DeLaura brothers are a hoot. I laughed often while reading about their antics. Marty is another humorous character. The detailed descriptions of the cupcakes will have you salivating and heading for the closest bakery. The mystery is well-plotted with several suspects, misdirection, and a tantalizing twist. I had fun solving this zestful whodunit. I like the romance between Uncle Stan and Mel’s mother, Joyce. I wonder if wedding bells are in their future. There are some special moments in this story. I just loved the ending. If you are new to the series, I would not recommend starting with For Batter or Worse. A Cupcake Bakery Mystery series is one I highly recommend reading in order. For Batter or Worse has lovable characters, laugh out-loud humor, scrumptious cupcakes, and an enticing mystery. This is one cozy mystery you do not want to miss. For Batter or Worse is a tasty tale with delectable delights, marriage arrangements, a pregnant partner, a frantic friend, bothersome and brilliant brothers, and an exultant ending.