In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae is a cozy hallmark romance novel that just happens to be sapphic.

It features childhood friends-nothings-somethings romance between a city event planner and her sweet lumberjack high school crush as they navigate saving the family farm (and the town) from being bought out by a capitalist takeover.

It also features sweet achillean side characters that will (if I’ve understood) be the focus of the next novel in the series.

Perfect for fans of cheesy Christmas movies, second-chance love, and small-town romances with a hint of whimsy.

Unfortunately, I do feel like the book suffers from lack of likeable characters, which is where it loses stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for access to this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book comes out August 30.

Everywhere I look, people are describing this book as a queer Hallmark movie and yes, it is that in all the best ways but it's also so, so much more.

Morgan, an event planner, comes home to Fern Falls (all of the cozy small-town vibes!!!!) on a mandatory vacation after scandal breaks in LA. She is forced to come face to face with her lifelong best friend, Rachel, with whom things had gotten a little messy with before she left.

First, I have to say I'm blown away that this is Courtney Kae's first book and I truly can't wait for her next. She also seems to be a truly lovely person from our limited interactions here on Insta where I fangirled over her work while reading it. Thank you for dealing with that!

I love Fern Falls and am ecstatic to see that her next book also takes place there!! I didn't know how I'd feel about reading a Christmas book in the middle of August but the cozy vibes of this town were everything. I also wish that The Stacks (a library within a bar!!!!) was a real thing. I'd so be there wayyy too often.

Now to the love story which, in my opinion, is just incredible. It's steamy and spicy but also oh so real and deep. There's just something especially when a love story speaks to where you're at in your life and this book definitely did that. One line that I think will continue to speak to me long after finishing this book is "I want to be brave enough to believe I deserve what I truly want." My heart just needed that so badly.

For those who want to see it as a light, sapphic take on a Hallmark movie, it is there to be seen in spades. For those of you who need to be held for a moment and reminded that one day you'll find the person who truly believes you "deserve every wonderful thing", you'll find that too.

Every single star I can possibly give.. and then some. Make yourself some hot chocolate and take a trip to Fern Falls, you'll be glad you did.

TW: conversations or mentions of: death of a parent, alcoholism, parental abandonment, among others I may have missed

Actual - 3.75

Sapphic? Check
Hallmarky? Check
Spicy? Double check

This was cozy but also incredibly heartwarming. I found myself crying at pretty much every interaction she had with her dad, it was just so sweet. This is a perfect book to get you into the holiday spirit

Thank you to Kensington Books for this ARC; I am voluntarily leaving this review

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae, out everywhere August 30!

This is a holiday romance centered around Morgan, a hotshot event planner from LA who makes a career fumble and has to go home for the holidays to take a work-sanctioned break. There, she tries to save some of the local businesses from an evil corporation and also rekindles a high school romance with her ex-best friend Rachel, who happens to be a lumberjane.

I would give this 2.5 stars, rounded up. I was really excited for this book - it sounded like a cute, queer Hallmark movie and I was really looking forward to having an uncomplicated book to just make me feel good. Unfortunately, I think this missed the mark for me a little bit.

I'll start with what I liked. I loved the setting of Fern Falls and all the fun characters we met there. The townspeople were really charming and I wish we had gotten more of them in the book, because the interactions with them were the only part of this that scratched that Hallmark itch. I also majorly, majorly appreciated having a sapphic romance that didn't involve any angst about being queer, no coming out drama, no negative emotions about the queerness at all. I think that was extremely well done and honestly it's not something I even noticed until I finished the book and realized at no point had I been a victim of internalized homophobia. Very refreshing.

What didn't do it for me was the main romance. I found the timeline between Morgan and Rachel to be a little off. It didn't seem realistic to me that someone would be hung up on their high school crush for 7 years, not too mention hang on to a grudge from a stupid teenage fight for that long. There was a lot of sexual chemistry between the two (read: there's a lot of sex), but I didn't feel like the relationship went any deeper than that. The entire basis of their relationship was who the characters were in high school (I think at one point Morgan even says something to the effect of "but you were so hard working in high school"). So much growth and development happens in the period post-high school, so I found it very strange that the characters spent no time getting to know each other as adults, but rather just fell back into a physical relationship and somehow love followed. I think this would have made a lot more sense time-wise if this had been set freshman year of college or something so there wouldn't have been as much that should have changed in the individuals.

I also didn't really empathize with what ended up being one of the main conflict drivers, which was that Morgan was really upset that her dad had a bad breakup and didn't get over it quickly enough. She kept making it into a thing where "she wasn't enough" for her dad, but I don't think any rational 25-year-old would think that about an adult breakup. It didn't feel believable to me.

Finally, I just had a little trouble with the writing itself, which I hate to comment on but it was a big reason this book didn't do it for me. I felt like Kae told, rather than showed, most of the book. There were a lot of little speeches and inspiring conversations that just felt forced to me, and the whole style seemed a little stilted.

Ultimately, this wasn't for me, but I am still excited that there may be more to this universe coming!

In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae

Genre: Holiday romance
Rating: 4 stars

Super cutesy queer hallmark holiday romance right here! This is the perfect sapphic holiday romance and I just ate this up. So much small town charm and holiday feels <3
Morgan Ross returns home to Fern Falls after a scandal jeopardizes her job in LA. While she's taking some time off from work, she reconnects with Rachel who is the owner of the local Christmas tree farm. Rachel's family's business is needing help so Morgan steps up to help the town with the event of the century.

Really loved all of the sweet, steamy moments between Morgan and Rachel. Loved their instant chemistry once they reconnected!

-Single POV
-Bi rep
-Small town romance/charm
-Fun side characters
-Hallmark holiday feels
-HEA <3

Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, and the author for this arc!

That was cute. But that was it, I don't know, I guess I hoped for more.
Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for This ARC

I loved this book. It’s like reading a hallmark movie! Courtney writing is stellar. 5/5 would recommend to friends. Also it’s GAY!!!

Morgan’s life seems to be falling apart after an unfortunate mishap which ends up blowing up on social media. She decides to head home to Fern Falls for some rest and relaxation and to potentially plan an event. She doesn’t know how she’ll be received by her circle of friends she left behind—Rachel, Ben, and Adam and if she’ll be accepted once again.

Not sure what the future has in store for her, Morgan does what she feels she needs to do to keep Fern Falls as it is.

This was a great read and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series to see what happens to the characters of Fern Falls. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel. #NetGalley #Kensington #IntheEventofLove

After hearing the description for this book, I had really high hopes for it. That made me nervous, because what if it was bad. Oh my god, was it good. It’s sooooo good. It’s like unbelievably good! The premise is original, the story is funny, gorgeous settings, fast moving, and romantic. And. It. Is. Steamy. Like maybe you think you’re prepared. But around the halfway mark, make sure you’re near a fire hydrant because it is on fire. And it doesn’t burn out. Oh no it keeps on burning!

What sets this book apart is it is a bisexual main character and she is not afraid or ashamed of being bisexual. Her love interest is also bisexual, and I’ve never once seen that. It’s always a bisexual character with a straight or gay one and the story makes it that uncomfortable. Not here, thank you very much! This is what happens when you have own voices writers.

I realize I’ve been praising the book so much I barely mentioned the plot. After an embarrassment of epic proportions at work, event planner Morgan returns to her hometown to redeem herself and get a little relaxation by planning a fundraiser. There’s some plot I don’t want to spoil about that, but it puts her in contact with Rachel, her ex who she has been avoiding for years. Also her father, who she needs to work on their relationship. Christmas trees and Holiday setting, gorgeous mountains, sweet treats, drinks galore. This place has all that small town charm, including quirky characters. And a hot lumberjane!

Even though I read this book for free, I still preordered it so I can have a physical copy, and support the author. It’s the start of a series, and the second book is on my goodreads to be read. I hope to see more of these characters one day and more of this town! And I’m all in to read any other work by this author, this series, or other works.

Was the main character a bit pretentious and exaggerated? Yeah, maybe. This book is good for what it is; a holiday romance with unnecessary drama.

Thank you Courtney Kae, Kensington, and Netgalley for the gifted eARC.

After a huge tabloid scandal is threatening her career as an event planner, Morgan Ross is heading home to Fern Falls for the holidays. She's not heading home for a vacation, but she has plans to help her career.

Rachel Reed is Morgan's once best friend and crush. They shared a perfect first kiss in high school and haven't spoken since.

Rachel needs Morgan's help saving her family's struggling tree farm. If the Reed's sell the tree farm it can hurt the entire town of Fern Falls livelihood. Now Morgan has to decide to put aside her heartbreak and help save the farm by running her best fundraiser yet. Morgan is determined that she and Rachel will not have a happy ending because that would be unprofessional. Or will it?

In the Event of Love is a second chance, friends to lovers, slow burn, spicy romance. It's set in the small town of Fern Falls during the holiday season, but doesn't read like your typical holiday romance and is prefect to read all year long. The chemistry between Morgan and Rachel is hotter than a Florida summer. This book is about forgiveness, friendship, and community. It was like reading a Hallmark Movie. There are parts where you will laugh and you will cry. I really hope that Courtney Kae continues writing about Fern Falls. I would love to read a book with both Ben and Adam's and Whitney and Tanner's stories.

If you're a fan of steamy romances and Hallmark movies (albeit with a sapphic twist) this is the book for you. It was a quick and fun read, and it's great to see the classic Christmas love story formula written for a queer audience. Love to see happy endings between two women that's rare in other types of media. If you're not a fan of descriptive sex scenes, you should probably skip this. I'm not prudish about them at all, but it got to be a bit much. I can appreciate a horny character, but I felt like there was a little too much of their relationship being built on their physical connection over them getting to know each other again after years apart. (spoilers) Also was a little weirded out that their first time being intimate with each other was in a tent while camping near their close friends and the love interest's brother, but maybe that was just me.

The story was sweet and the writing easy to read, so if you're looking for a smutty second chance romance, give this book a chance.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC

I usually keep my holiday reading to November-January, but I had the chance to read an ARC of sapphic holiday romance In the Event of Love by @court_kae and just couldn’t resist.

This book follows Morgan, an event planner who flees Los Angeles after a tabloid scandal. She heads back to her hometown, with all its complicated history, and is roped in to planning a holiday fundraiser to save her ex-girlfriend’s tree farm. Small town drama and romance ensues.

In the Event of Love is the embodiment of being wrapped in a warm blanket by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate, but queer (which, I would argue, makes it even better). It’s trope-y in the best way, funny, well-paced, and in places downright steamy. You will not want to miss this @holigays22 release!

Out August 30!

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

One thing you should know about me: I love cheesy Hallmark-style Christmas movies, and I love queer romances, so this book was an auto-request for me. And it definitely delivered. It was heartwarming, the characters were flawed but lovable, and the romance was cute AND steamy.

Was it predictable? Well, of course. Most Christmas movies usually are, but that’s part of the fun of them, sometimes, you just need to turn your brain off and enjoy a sweet, second-chance rom-com about two bisexual woman who fall in love at Christmas time, and this book definitely delivered that,

I unfortunately had to DNF this one pretty early on. I found the main character, Morgan, to be really immature and kind of insufferable, so I perused some reviews to see if I could look forward to some character growth from her, but it looked like that wouldn't be the case. Kind of disappointing, I was looking forward to reading this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If I wasn’t already counting the days until Christmas, this book would have made me start for sure! Perfect for anyone who loves Hallmark Christmas movies and second chances romances with strong LGBT characters, In the Event of Love will have you ready to put up your tree and hang the lights. Fern Falls was a delightful setting and I loved the tight knit community of characters, especially “The Coven”! Our female MC, Morgan, was flawed and lost, but her journey of finding herself again and healing old wounds was really well done. I loved her friendship with Ben so much. The romance between her and Rachel could have used a bit more communication because it came across as more of a physical attraction than an emotional one at times, but I did love them together. And that epilogue though! So perfect! I highly recommend you add this to your winter 2022 TBR. Now I would like another book in Fern Falls with Ben and Adam, please!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

“The world needs more queer holiday romances, don’t you think?”

I absolutely adored In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae. A cute, second chance, friends-to-lovers romance, this book swept me off my feet and continued to surprise me from beginning to end. If you are looking for a sapphic romance this holiday season, this book is perfect for you, but honestly it was fantastic to read even in the middle of the summer. I laughed and I cried, and absolutely fell in love with the whole cast of characters. I really can’t recommend this book enough for when it comes out on August 30th! I was fortunate to get a later ARC copy from Netgalley- thank you to them, the publisher, and the author for this opportunity to read such a fantastic book and leave an honest review!

In the Event of Love was the perfect holiday read with amazing Hallmark vibes. This book had me hooked. I never wanted it to end.

Morgan, the wonderful event planner, is lovely and holds herself in a way that exudes confidence. However, she felt unworthy and not enough. Some may not like Morgan, but I truly felt for her character. I was rooting for her the entire time. Rachel, first love and tree farm owner, is everything. She deserves all the happiness in the world and nothing less. These two together just seemed perfect, despite the mistakes and miscommunication.

Now the real joy of the story, the friendships Morgan formed along the way. Ben is a character I can’t wait to get more of. Ben immediately became my favorite character. Adam is a good older brother to Rachel and i love their sibling dynamic. Whitney was a close second favorite. I just fell in love with her character. Tanner was a great addition to the friend group. He was very cheery.

Overall, every character played a lovely part. Morgan and Rachel deserve only happiness from here on. Can’t wait for the next book!

In The Event of Love is a sweet, fluffy, and cozy holiday novel that feels like injecting caramel in your veins, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

Our main character, Morgan, left her small hometown years ago after a falling-out with her father, friends, and long-time crush Rachel. But an LA mishaps causes her to head back home for the holidays. Morgan has an opportunity to reconnect with her small-town roots and the people she left behind, resulting in a heart-warming story about home, love, and family.

Besides the charming characters, this book's biggest success is probably its setting. Courtney Kae truly nails a christmassy vibe and I loved reading all of the descriptive passages in the book. It felt warm and homey throughout the narrative.

Queer representation in this book includes bisexual main character and love interest, several queer side characters, and a trans woman as the mayor.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for holiday joy or a cozy fireside read.

4.25 STARS

First things first, I was given a copy of this book as an ARC, in exchange for an honest review. A big thank-you to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Courtney Kae for allowing me to be an early reader!

TW: death of a family member, alcoholism.

This book follows the lives of Morgan Ann Ross and Rachel Reed. Morgan moved to Los Angeles to become an event planner, while Rachel runs her family farm back in Fern Falls.

Morgan and Rachel are childhood best-friends to lovers. After their high school graduation, they have a falling out.

Now it’s many years later, and Morgan is back in Fern Falls for a business opportunity. Her plan is to enter the town, sort out her work, and head back to LA. But what happens when she runs into Rachel, along with many other people from her past who made up her childhood? Heading back to her life in LA may not be as easy as she thought.

Reading a Christmas/winter-themed book in the summer isn’t really my thing, but I loved how this book made me feel. I would definitely recommend checking this one out. I love Courtney Kae’s writing style, and I found the characters to be quite likeable.

If you are looking for a good holiday, small-town, sapphic romance — that also has childhood best-friends to lovers — then this is the perfect book for you!