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rants_n_reads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kimdavishb's review against another edition
5.0
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.
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
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
eustella's review against another edition
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
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
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.
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.
melanietalksbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I love Jenn, but I'm just frustrated that Mel seems to never learn her lesson. She always thinks she knows best. I like when characters grow as people, don't just stay the same. She is still just as insecure and never thinks anything through. I was also frustrated with Angie and Tate in this book. Both super insecure, and it is just annoying sometimes. I only liked Joe in this one. Hopefully we can have some growth, since people do have lessons which they learn in their life.
lostcoffeemug's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
amalies's review against another edition
3.0
This is the 9th book in this series. I feel like the author has done a pretty good job with this series. Honestly, you could take any of the book and they could be a stand alone murder mystery. However, the fun of a series is the same as watching a TV show all the way through. You learn to love the characters. In this book the author introduced an old friend of Mel's, Diane. You learn a lot about Mel's past and a certain circumstance that has made her insecure about herself. It is nice to have this moment come out in the series because it helps the reader understand the problems that she has had with her relationship with Joe and her lack of trusting him. The murder in this book is the fiancee of her friend Diane's and I really enjoyed how they found the murderer. The ending information between Mel and Diane over their past really left a sour taste in my mouth and it was probably my least favorite ending of all the books I have read by this author, which to date is more than half the books she has published.