This is a fun little cozy mystery that I think fans of the series will enjoy. The mystery takes up about half of the book, but the main plot points are really the relationships between the characters from Fairy Tale Cupcakes.

I enjoy this series, but found this latest installment to be one of my least favorite. Some of the usual characters were on hand, but there was little of the usual fun interaction.
The mystery was clever, and solved neatly. My lack of enthusiasm for the book is entirely centered around feeling like something was missing. After spending numerous installments building cute and funny relationships among characters, this one fell short.
In all, still a quick read, and worth spending time with if you enjoy following the series.

Reviewing this book had bittersweet timing as I was approved on the same day that a local cupcake chain - one that I’ve purchased from for birthdays, work events, or a special dessert treat for years- has closed. It was a happy relief to step out of the pandemic world and into For Batter or Worse.
Mel and Joe’s wedding is FINALLY, finally here. Of course, Angie’s due to give birth any day now, so readers will know how that is going to go, as Angie overshadows everything Mel does, unintentionally or otherwise.
In the meantime, Oz has a new job at a swanky resort and falls under suspicion of murder. Unexpected secrets come out as Mel investigates and learns more about the staff. Like the last book in the series, this is set more outside of Fairytale Cupcakes and the resort setting works really well, with Mel having the perfect excuse of her upcoming wedding to snoop. The found family feeling is still strong despite Oz now building his new work path.
One character’s secret did catch me off guard, but it may not be a surprise to other readers of the series, so I’ll look forward to hearing other’s thoughts. Overall, the mystery pace moved along quickly and the story was engaging. Series readers will be delighted with the developments as it moves forward.

For Batter or Worse is the 13th enter in Jenn McKinlay's oh so bingeable cozy Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. The cupcake crew has a lot on their plate - Angie and Tate have a baby on the way, Mel and Joe are just days away from getting married, and Oz is settling into his job as the pastry chef at an exclusive resort while planning the cupcakes for Mel and Joe's wedding reception.

Mel, along with several others, witnesses Oz and the head chef have a very public argument which unsurprisingly makes Oz the prime suspect when the chef turns up murdered in the kitchen. Mel has to clear her protege, find the real killer, and find a replacement for Oz at her bakery all before her wedding that's just days away.

As always, the relationships between the characters are the stars. Mel and Angie's friendship is enviable as it's grown over the series, expanding to include significant others, spouses and now an almost here baby. Definitely friendship goals

Mel and Angie's extended family is large, boisterous, teasing, sometimes eccentric but you can always feel the love and care they feel for each other. No matter how serious the problem or dangerous an investigation gets, you know they're there for one another. I've loved watching those bonds develop over the 13 books in the series.

Jenn McKinlay describes the cupcakes in such rich, enticing detail that I absolutely understand why friends and family members are constantly dropping by to mooch cupcakes.

This series is the perfect fun, gentle read that always has a madcap moment or two as Mel investigates the murder. Perfect for fans of Joanne Fluke and Nancy Coco.

Jenn McKinlay continues to be one of the most enjoyable authors in the cozy mystery genre. Recommend this to mystery readers who are looking for a series they can binge!

Another absolutely wonderful experience from Jenn McKinlay!! This author always works in surprises and leaves me waiting for more!! No spoilers, but this one had me in happy tears by the end! A perfect next serving in one of the best cozy series out there!

Once again this author has come through. I really love this series. Mel is getting married to Joe and once again murder happens. She works on solving this one to save Oz from being charged with the murder.

One of my all time favorite series, and this book was a gem. I love coming along the journey with Mel, Angie, Tate, Joe, and everyone else. Charming story that finally included a walk down the isle. It was funny, entertaining, and a joy to read. Can't wait for the next adventure that awaits the gang.

A sweet cozy fun mystery. Love the characters of Mel and Joe. This is my first in the series, and while I might have been able to benefit by reading other titles prior, it didn't take away from the story. And I'm happy to know I can go back and start from the beginning.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC!

Jenn McKinlay is always a go-to on a cozy mystery kick. This time Mel and Joe are finally getting married!!! I really think you should read this book in order to understand the relationship with the added bonus of murders-this is book 13! Thankful to NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book.

What a delight to spend time in the company of the Fairy Tale Cupcakes family. A comforting read for fans of the series.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.