When Morgan's event-planning life blows up in her face, she knows it's time to get out of town so the tabloids can cool off. She decides to head home to Fern Falls, up in the mountains five hours from her L.A. home where the view is breathtaking and memories run rampant. Of course the first thing she does is crash directly into the sign of her once best friend and crush, Rachel Reed.
Rachel was just fine minding her own business, cutting down trees, chopping wood, and making the occasional sign. She wasn't anticipating her best friend Ben to arrange for her former best friend and crush to plan a charity event for her struggling tree farm.
As the two women reconnect, for better or for worse. over vanilla lattes and memories they find themselves working through old issues and against the greedy corporation looking to take over the town as they took over their neighbors.

*SPOILER marked at the VERY end*
This is a cozy, steamy, wonderful hallmark book that will make you want to break out the hot chocolate or cider no matter the weather. This book grew on me even after finishing it. I liked Morgan's character, but I loved Rachel. Ben was such a great stable character to include and I can't wait to hear his story. I also hope to hear more about the coven, they were my favorite side characters of the town. I liked that the town wasn't thriving. In small-town books you see a lot of the town doing fine with little or no work. That's not realistic in my experience, especially when it's next door to a corporate ski town. I really connected with Morgan, feeling out of touch with old friends who are still close-knit, feeling the hurt from people you once cared so much for and who you thought cared for you the same way. I waffled over whether or not to give this book four or five stars and I think I have to go with 4.5 because of the epilogue. **SPOILER HERE** I couldn't figure out how to explain this without a spoiler, but I didn't like that the proposal led immediately into the wedding, it just felt really odd to me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review

After reading this book blurb, In the Event of Love became one of my most anticipated Christmas romance books of 2022.

While it has all the makings of a great holiday romcom, it didn’t quite meet all my expectations.

The beginning chapters were strong. I got invested with Morgan who had a major oops moment with a client forcing her back to the small town that she fled from seven years ago.

But after those initial chapters the book began to show its spots that it is a debut novel. Transitions were abrupt and the characters just came off as childish and plot points drove me a bit crazy.

Overall, I think this has all of the elements of a great Hallmark-esq holiday movie with some added spiciness.

You get the girl returning home from a long absence, a quirky small town with lots of interesting side characters, a “villain” out to change the small town and some broken relationships that need mending.

My biggest problem was that I didn’t buy into the reasons why Morgan fled and didn’t (or rarely in her Dad’s case) talk to her friends or family in SEVEN years. There had to have been a big falling out in my mind but it all came down to one conversation that was pretty lackluster.

And then the actual conversation in the present to address said issues was over in like 2 minutes and hardly addressed the points. I found that really frustrating.

Plus, after her “talk” with Rachel, they went into full on “let’s get it on” mode which felt forced, a bit icky and didn’t really have any basis in them having any time coming to learn about who they were now as adults seven years later.

The idea of the fundraiser was great as was the focus of the small town. Again- total Hallmark vibes.

But then you get to the crisis moment of the story and reactions were over the top. It was like everyone overreacted and I just wanted to roll my eyes.

I felt like I waffled between “oh this is cute” (queue the grand gesture scene) to “oh this is so cringe-worthy” (that epilogue was just so wrong) throughout the book.

The makings for a cute small town holiday romance are here but I just couldn’t get over the writing at times and the conversations which seemed more adolescent than I was expecting.

Props however to Kae for increasing diversity and giving bisexuality a focus in a holiday rom-com.
I’m glad that I checked it out and the set up for the next novel sounds great, but overall, it was just OK for me.

*I received an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

This was the perfect romance book to read on a cozy day, under a blanket, and with a warm drink in your hand. And this was an even more perfect Christmas book. I loved the main characters and their chemistry, they were so cute together and, honestly, we need to see Morgan and Rachel's story on screen because this is the hallmark movie we all deserve to watch this winter. I can not wait to read more about fern fall and the other characters that were hinted to be together. If you are looking for a saphic, small town romance, that is cute and steamy with all the coffee and cute friend groups, then you need to pick this up!

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book!
Super cute and a quick read! I feel ready for Christmas because of this book even though it’s still summer! Overall I really enjoyed it but the epilogue especially felt rushed and underdeveloped

Everyone saying that In the Event of Love is like a queer Hallmark movie is right on the mark! ...which makes me sad that I'm not in the mood for a Hallmark movie right now. Will be keeping it handy for when the perfect moment strikes.

✨3.75/5✨ (rounded up)
Who doesn't love a sapphic hallmark Christmas story? I know this girl did! Small town vibes, big city spice! I'm not gonna lie I have so many books on my plate that this was a quick read for me, also in the same way that cheesy hallmark rom coms play in the background. It didn't get all my attention, but the high rating comes from the fact that it's something that I haven't read before, and it's good for what it is! Might pick it back up in the winter and give it another go next to a fire with some hot chocolate in hand!

Pros:
- Friends to Lovers
- Second chance romance
- Hallmark Christmas movie vibes

Cons:
- on the edge of too much sex
- some of sex scenes didn't feel authentic (kinda felt like a dude wrote some of that)

Thank you Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 Stars

Okay, I'm not typically a slow burn kind of person. But it was done so beautifully that I may have just been converted to the dark side. Sapphic slow burn, childhood best friends to lovers might be my new favorite genre.

Morgan as the sweet, but closed off big city girl juxtaposed with the hot lumberjack childhood best friend Rachel is perfection. This whole story reads as a Hallmark movie in the best way possible. A failing Christmas tree farm and small vacation town that needs to be saved from the corporate overtake? Yes please. Woman who ran away from her hometown, but is now it's last hope? Sign me up. Unresolved tension from old lovers and years of pining? What more could a girl ask for.

The characters were well written and authentic. The setting was beautifully illustrated and perfect for the plot. The plot was well paced, and formulaic in a comforting way. Courtney Kae is a very talented romance author, and this book was everything I could have asked for. Go get in the holiday spirit.

Did I read this book while it was nearly 100 degrees outside? Yes. Did this book make me want to curl up in a blanket and drink a hot cup of cocoa? Absolutely.

Our protagonist Morgan is an event planner in LA and things are going great until she's wrapped up in a scandal that has her leaving town for a bit and returning home - for the first time in years - to put together a fundraiser for some local businesses. Morgan is faced with her past and the ghosts that come with it as she tries to mend both the broken hearts she left behind and failing businesses around this quaint mountain town.

This book summed up is essentially a queer Hallmark movie - and I mean that in the best possible way. We have a small town and a big corporation trying to suck the life out of it, while our main character reconnects with her dad, childhood friends, and childhood bestfriend/crush/ex (who is a lumberjane and owner of a Christmas Tree farm). It was absolutely adorable and heartfelt, and I cannot wait to read it over and over again. I fell in love with Fern Falls and all its quirky residents, and am not-so-patiently waiting for the next book to come out.

At times the story toes the line at a little saccharine, but honestly, isn't that why you'd read a book like this?

Thank you so so much to Netgalley and Kensington Books for giving me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

MY RATING: 4,25/5 STARS

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.

This was such a cute and lovely sapphic holiday romance, that read like a Christmas movie. We got to see Morgan going back to her hometown after a scandal at work. After getting back, and reconnecting with the people from her past that she hasn’t seen in years, she realizes that the corporate business is trying to take over her old town. To combat this, she does everything in her power to host a fundraiser that will save everything that makes her hometown special.

The setting in the book was great, and it definitely got me into the Christmas spirit. I loved reading about this small-town set in the mountains during the month of December. This really added to the experience and made me want to curl up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate.

I really loved the relationship between Morgan and Rachel. It was great to see them slowly getting to know each other all over again, while also talking through the things that went wrong for them in the past.

Another thing I really adored was the entire friendship group, and how supportive they all were. It was super cool to see some of their old traditions still being there, and how Morgan got be a part of it once again. I especially loved Ben and Adam, and I can’t wait to read more about their story (and the rest of the group) in the upcoming sequel.

I would definitely recommend checking this one out if you want to read a quick and sweet sapphic holiday romcom!

4/5⭐️

At the time of this review, it’s August which means it’s basically fall which means it’s practically holiday season and the perfect time to dive into a holiday romance. Let’s get into it.

Morgan and Rachel are best friends who grew up together in small town Fern Falls, but grew apart after strong feelings and harsh words born out of insecurities ruined their relationship. Now several years later, Morgan is an event planner in LA but is forced to return to her old life after scandal jeopardizes her career. It’s only once she steps back into her past (and realizes Rachel never truly left her heart) that Morgan begins to see her life in LA might not be what she wants and Fern Falls might be where she truly belongs.

Now this book. There are so many great things about this book. Childhood friends to lovers? Hell yeah. Second chance romance? Sign me up. SAPPHIC HALLMARK CHRISTMAS ROMANCE OF MY DREAMS? Girl, just take all my money. The romance is adorable, it has all of the small town Christmas cheesy Hallmark movie vibes that keep me coming back for more every holiday season. Add on top of that lovable side characters and a riveting story, I’m sold.

My one and only complaint would have to be (as it frequently is with me) the dreaded miscommunication trope. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a well-written miscommunication but one that spans seven years and happens not once but TWICE? That’s pushing it. Rachel’s abandonment issues and Morgan’s insecurities about not being enough ruins their relationship twice in the span of a decade when both times could’ve been resolved with a conversation about their feelings and fears. I understand that a good book needs conflict but I think that one was beaten to death.

Despite my archenemy, the miscommunication trope, making an unwanted appearance in this story, it’s still an amazing novel and exactly what you would hope for from a cheesy Hallmark holiday romance. I eat that sh*t up every time.

Did I mention it was sapphic, which cheesy Hallmark holiday romances almost NEVER are? Hallmark is one of the straightest companies to ever exist and this representation in a normally straight cis white industry is everything.

Anyways, read this book this holiday season.

This ARC was sent to me by NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Thanks to both!

This is a queer small town romance, with the markings of a hallmark movie. And that got me excited. I thought i was absolutely going to love this. And even though i don't hate this book. It definitely wasn't the best romance i've read. I'm usually ok with sex in books, but this one just didn't do it for me. I feel like some people may like that though. I just found myself losing interest in the end. Even after the first chapter i felt like i was already loosing my interest. And this was book i was very much excited for.

The idea behind the book is good. But that was about it for me.

Last week, I finished reading IN THE EVENT OF LOVE and it was so good! There's a small town and a Christmas tree farm that needs saving! A second chance at love! And lots of warm drinks! And holiday festivals! I mean, honestly what more could you ask for in a holiday rom com? Not much, I tell you.

Morgan Ross is an event planner in LA, hoping to land a big promotion that will take her to New York. But when a tabloid scandal with her biggest client erupts, Morgan heads home to Fern Falls to wait for the news to blow over. But Morgan is less than thrilled to be returning

Morgan makes a crash landing when she demolishes her former best friend and crush Rachel's Christmas tree farm sign on her way into town. And when Morgan learns the farm and Fern Falls are in trouble, she jumps into action by planning a fundraiser to help the farm and try to stop the corporation in the process. But as Morgan and Rachel's feelings are reignited, Morgan knows she only has limited time before she'd back to the city and maybe even across the country.

It's small town, second chance, friends to lovers. I loved Morgan and Rachel together! It was such a fun, steamy read and perfect for the holidays (or if you are just wishing for a relief from the August heat!). Fern Falls was so quirky and cute, it made me want to visit. It was like a Hallmark movie ... but steamy. And queer.

Holiday Hallmark movie but make it steamier and queer! Loved this second chance romance. City girl goes home to her small town and finds out her old friend has misled her to get there, giving her an opportunity to make things right with family, friends, and of course, her high school best friend and first love. They are Ross and Rachel (but not the TV ones you might think of!) and they are great together. Highly recommend this spin on the traditional holiday romance!

I personally tried very hard to enjoy this book and I could not. The main character was too snooty for me, thinking she was better than her home town and seemed to constantly point out every one else’s flaws and past mistakes, without really addressing her own.
She had an annoying attitude in my opinion and didn’t communicate well.
I also felt it was a weird flip when she suddenly decided to help the inn caretaker against her fathers ex who… honestly just seems a lot like her in personality just aged up? I dunno how to explain it any better.
On top of that I hated how the main character kept sexualizing her love interest instead of talking about her as a person? That was really creepy and a negative stereotype to me,
It could have just not been a good time for me to read it, but I got about a quarter in and DNF’d it cause I just wasn’t enjoying it at all.

Okay, it's official. I want to pack my bags and move to Fern Falls. From the very first chapter, I fell in love with Morgan, Rachel and the whole crew. This is a wonderful LGBTQ, WLW, FF romance book with an idyllic setting in the mountains with scenery that gave me Hallmark movie vibes but Queer friendly.

I loved Morgan and Rachel's second chance love story on how they went from childhood friends, to crushes and then separated so each could grow into the human they were meant to be. Morgan is smart, ambitious and cares deeply. Rachel is strong, quiet and thrives in helping her family and town. They were the perfect match and it made me heart so happy to read this story. The pace and storyline were so perfect and the ending left a big smile on my face. I'm already anxiously waiting for the next book.

I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. This LGBTQ holiday romance takes place in an idyllic little town with a diverse cast of characters, and an array of charming businesses such as the pub that doubles as a library, the fairyland tea party shop, and the bed and breakfast with a seemingly vast amount of rooms and event space. The love interests, Morgan and Rachel, are thwarted high school sweethearts who must get past their insecurities and resentments to find love again, against the backdrop of a Christmas tree farm that must be saved from becoming an outlet mall. The author does her best to duplicate the tone of a Hallmark holiday movie, but with queer protagonists. It was entertaining, but a little clunky and predictable at points. I’d recommend it for romance readers who want something light with a holiday flair.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kingston Books for the ARC in exchange for this review.

If you’re looking for something sweet and funny, this book is for you. If you want Hallmark but make it sapphic, then pick this up.
In the Event of Love follows Morgan Ross returning to her childhood home after a massive SNAFU at work that leaves her wondering about her future.
The writing is hilarious, helping to balance the harder subjects the characters have to deal with and keep the reader from getting too bogged down. The main characters Morgan and her crush Rachel both have their scars to deal with. Some stem from family, some from one another in a high school incident that stretched on for years, but from almost the get-go I could feel the chemistry and was rooting for them both. Surrounding them is a cast of characters that are colorful and just as invested in Morgan and Rachel’s relationship as I was. Family, friends, and neighbors flesh out a support network of quirky characters that aren’t just window dressing. Everyone plays a part and helps flesh out this town that I came to love by the end just as much as its denizens.
Overall a great, feel-good read about second chances, forgiveness, and realizing what you want from life might surprise you.

Thank you Kensington Books for my copy! All thoughts are my own.

I read a lot of holiday romances each year and I’ve become pretty picky when it comes to the stories. I love a little of holiday predictability but mostly, I want to read something that is actually compelling set at the holidays. In the Event of Love was up to the challenge and it did not disappoint. And even better, it is a queer (wlw) love story that doesn’t center on coming out. After having mixed feelings about the 2020 film The Happiest Season, this story was very refreshing and swoony.

Synopsis:

What I Liked:

The Setting—A mountain setting in an idyllic small town? Chef’s kiss. It was so charming and Gilmore Girls esque.

The Pacing—I loved how things unfolded in this story. Everything felt natural and believable with a little bit of that RomCom magic.

The Wintery Vibes—This book was perfectly wintry with a little bit of holiday magic but wasn’t Hallmark level cheesy. A sprinkle of peppermint, if you will.

The Characters—I loved Morgan and Rachel. I loved their second chance trope and the side characters were truly top notch. Such a fun group to read about.

What Didn’t Work:

I would have loved a but more inclusion from the side characters, but I think this is going to become a series so there’s going to be more soon!

Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 1.5/5 Overall Rating: 4/5

Content Warnings:

Alcoholism, death of a parent, grief

Included as a top pick in bimonthly August New Releases post, which highlights and promotes upcoming releases of the month (link attached)

3.5 ✨

In the Event of Love is a fun, cosy, Hallmark-esque book, with plenty of pining and steam. I enjoyed being transported to the holiday magic of snowy Fern Falls and getting to know all of its inhabitants; the picturesque setting and the charming cast were my favourite parts. Morgan and Rachel have a fun second-chance arc, both of them clearly still yearning for each other despite not having spoken for years. I loved seeing them work together to try and save Rachel's tree farm, and how they managed to unite the whole town.

I did think the storyline was quite predictable in places, and the romance was a little fast paced for my liking; however, I am very keen to read Ben/Adam's story after all the little moments they have!