This book was everything I was expecting and then some. The queer holiday Hallmark romance that we've all been dying for. The corporate business lady who returns home to her once kissed Lumber Jane, enemies to lovers, found family, requited blood family reconciliations; this book had it all. I would recommend this to anyone wanting a great winter read. I'm already looking forward to reading it again with a mug of hot chocolate while the snow falls!

This was definitely like a steamy hallmark holiday movie, but sadly it was a bit too steamy. It felt like when the author didn't know what else to do they just stuck in another sex scene. It was fine but just more than I am used to.

4.5 stars

Friends to lovers! Second chance romance! Homecoming story! Small town charm! I was pretty much destined to love this, and I DID.

God, this was just the sweetest romance. There is so much that I loved about it. First and foremost, the romance itself: Morgan and Rachel are so incredibly cute together. What I always look for in a romance is a sense that the characters need to be together; like if I'm not rooting for them, then what even is the point of reading the romance to begin with? And listen, I was rooting for Morgan and Rachel so hard!!!! You really get a feel for how much history they have--I loved the little tidbits we got of their time together as kids and teens--and that history translates so well into the dynamic that they come to have as adults. They care for each other so deeply, and you see it in every one of their scenes, in the big moments and in the small ones--and Kae is especially good at writing those small moments, too, the little things and details that, to me, speak so much louder than the big, punchy moments often do.

Aside from the romance, there are also so many other things that impressed me about this novel. For one, the narrative voice is pitch perfect. I feel like when it comes to narrative voice, a lot of the contemporary romances I've read try really hard to be quirky and funny in a way that ends up being offputting rather than charming. You feel like they're trying really hard because they are trying really hard. I never felt like that was the case here, though. Morgan's narrative voice was just right all the way through: fun in a way that gives the narrative levity without it feeling forced or cringey.

Another thing that stood out to me about In the Event of Love is how it manages to effectively develop a sense of community with memorable side characters and plots. The story is set in a small, tight-knit town in the winter, and Kae does such a great job at bringing to life the charming ~vibes~ of this town. It's a setting I normally don't gravitate towards--I was never a Cozy Winter kind of person--but it just worked so well here. Plus you've got a host of other side characters that get their chance to shine--namely Morgan's friends, Ben and Adam (I can't wait for their book!!!!), and her dad--without detracting from or overpowering the main romantic plotline.

I don't know what else to say--I just loved this a whole lot. It flows well, it's well paced and well written, and it's a debut to boot, which makes it that much more impressive. You can really tell just how much time and care has gone into this book, and that translates into such an endearing and moving reading experience. It's one thing for a book to make me cry because it's sad, but for a book to make me cry because it's happy?? That's when I know I have a new favourite on my hands.

Thanks so much to Kensington Books for providing me with an e-ARC of this via NetGalley!

Courtney Kae's debut novel is a warm holiday treat filled with friendship, family and a steamy romance. When Morgan heads back home to redeem herself for a very public professional goof, she knows she has much to make up for in the small town of Fern Falls as well since she left years ago with nary a backward glance. But the town is as welcoming as ever, and she's dismayed to discover that it's on the brink of disaster, if the local conglomeration can get its hands in there. Along with her loyal friends and the girl she thought she'd lost a long time ago, she hopes to save both her own professional reputation and the many independent businesses struggling to stay afloat. In the Event of Love is a real Hallmark Christmas movie with a much appreciated queer twist.

Morgan and Rachel have my whole heart! This story about second chances and returning home was exactly what I needed. From the picturesque setting to the fantastic cast of characters to the swoony romance, I didn't want this story to end. I can't wait to see what Courtney Kae writes next!

What’s better than a second-chance sapphic romance? One that is sent in December in a cozy mountain town!

Morgan Ross has spent the past seven years becoming a successful event planner all to have it come crashing down in a minute. To overcome this woeful turn of events, Morgan will have to return to her home town and plan the event of her life. Easy, right? Wrong! Returning home means seeing the girl she loved all those years ago and working side-by-side to save her family’s tree farm. Will she make it out of Fern Falls without her heart breaking all over again?

The bi-representation and support from family, friends, and the community truly did it for me. Morgan and Rachel felt like real people with real problems. Their chemistry was undeniable from the very beginning. I wish I lived in a town like Fern Falls!

A steamy queer romance in a beautiful Christmas landscape, full of love, laughs, and lessons. What more could you ask for? In the Event of Love is a refreshing story, with well-thought out and honestly written complex characters, with complex relationships, and thorough backstories, providing an incredible look further into the individuals you come to know and love. Morgan and Rachel’s relationship is certainly not one without bumps and curves, but it is real—their love and passion for one another is raw and apparent, even when not entirely clear. Courtney Kae writes a stunning story that will draw you in, tug on your heartstrings, and make you care so deeply for these wonderful characters. A must read for all queer romance lovers!

This is basically a pure sapphic Hallmark movie in a book, which is excellent. There is the basic premise of a city girl returning to her small town reconnecting with her roots and her ex/ex-bestfriend. The one non-Hallmark aspect is the spicy scenes (which are only jarring if you are so used to the Hallmark format like me).
The ending was pleasantly surprising because I found a simple ending where a Hallmark movie would cut to Happily Ever After was achieved, but then the book continues and develops the relationship more. The way it discusses their future more in a way that I had higher hopes for the couple to actually work out in the long term.

[All thoughts are my own] I thoroughly enjoyed this adorable and steamy romance! It was giving me strong "'tis the damn season" vibes (#gaylor). Kae created a fun small town with memorable characters. The main romance was off the charts. I can't wait for more in this series!

This book is the perfect LGBTQ hallmark romance. Morgan is a superstar event coordinator who ends up going home to be out of the spotlight after a PR nightmare. Morgan never thought she would find herself back home after her heart was broken there by her best friend, Rachel.

The memory of their perfect, doomed first kiss is still fresh as new-fallen snow. Way fresher than the freezing mud Morgan ends up sprawled in on her very first day back, only to be hauled out via Rachel’s sexy new lumberjane muscles acquired from running her family tree farm.

When Morgan discovers that the Reeds’ struggling tree farm is the only thing standing between Fern Falls and corporate greed destroying the whole town’s livelihood, she decides she can put heartbreak aside to save the farm by planning her best fundraiser yet.

I really enjoyed the characters of Morgan & Rachel. I loved The Whole idea of the book (I’m a sucker for a hallmark movie!) I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

I do not usually read romances but I clearly need to do it more often because this was thoroughly enjoyed! The characters were compelling and their dynamic had me not wanting to put the book down

This book was sweet, steamy, and so cozy! It felt like I jumped into a Hallmark movie; it really made me wish for Christmas time. I loved the fun cast of side characters too! If you’re looking for a cozy, queer, second chance, small town romance, give this a try.

omg omg omg. this was such a good time, i feel very grateful to have received this arc! in the event of love follows morgan and rachel, our sapphic leads who have a rich history but most recently have spent some time apart. after not having seen eachother for seven years, morgan returns home, and runs into rachel -- her best friend, crush, and someone she is not done with quite yet. through the events of the story, they rediscover and reignite what was once there, as they are caught up in both new and old feelings. second chance romances, i LOVE you!

as i said above, i was thrilled to have received this arc. it had all of my favorite tropes, and i found the characters to be relatable and endearing. as a queer woman, we need more books just like this one! reading this was truly like watching a hallmark movie, with moments that had me smiling from cuteness and blushing from that extra hint of steam. on top of this, there were moments of profound deepness, which balanced well with the light-hearted nature of the other parts of this book. i am really looking forward to reading other books by courtney kae!

thank you to so much to both netgalley and kensington books for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. all thoughts and opinions are my own.

In the Event of Love had things I liked and things I didn't. The representation in this book was great. Lots of LGBT+ and POC characters. I'm a Jewish reader who usually hates holiday romances but this mentioned Chanukah, even a menorah(with the shamsash!) and a dreidel. However the writing felt a little flat and boring. It was also hard to tell when we were switching to the past or to text messages. I did like the characters and the overall plot.

Morgan is headed back home for the holidays, the one place that broke her heart.

When Morgan discovers that the Reeds’ struggling tree farm is the only thing standing between Fern Falls and corporate greed destroying the whole town’s livelihood, she decides she can put heartbreak aside to save the farm by planning her best fundraiser yet.

Love is in the air!

Listen. I am not particularly in tune with Hallmark’s Christmas catalog, but I’m fairly sure that “In the Event of Love” would fit right in with them.

Courtney Kae’s debut tells the story of event planner Morgan Ross, who goes back to the small mountain town where she grew up to take a break from work after a tabloid disaster. And who else does she run into but her high school crush, Rachel? And when Morgan discovers that Rachel’s family tree farm is about to be bought up by a big corporation, she makes it her mission to save the farm.

So, you know, a pretty standard tropey Christmas romcom, but make it sapphic. Morgan and Rachel are both openly bi, and their town is wholly accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. Which I absolutely loved. Sometimes, you just really need to escape into a world where homophobia doesn’t exist.

Kae is a fantastic writer, perfectly capturing the voice of a high-strung woman in her mid-twenties who occasionally makes terrible decisions. I love Morgan and Rachel so much. Their banter is fantastic, their love for each other permeates the pages and their chemistry is just … *chef’s kiss.*

Also, this book was surprisingly steamy, but after the MILF book, I can honestly read anything.

“In the Event of Love” comes out on Aug. 30, 2022. I received an early copy from the publisher, Kensington, in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a heart-warming, sexy, big-hearted romance. The big-city-girl returns to her small-town home trope works so well here, and I can see this turned into a queer Hallmark movie! I am eager for more installments in this world, too.... 👀

A cute cheesy Rom-com. I liked the characters and the setting. I could have done with a little less cheese, but its a romance novel. Overall, a nice queer holiday read.

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me an ARC in return for an honest review.

This is a delightful book inside and out. It gave me everything I was yearning for in an lgbtq+ romance, with the fun of a small town Schitt's Creek vibe. I feel Alexis Rose in this one! I will tell everyone about Courtney's book, it's going to be a fabulous addition to any holiday list.

In the Event of Love is an LQBTQ+ Hallmark-style small town second chance romance. Morgan left Fern Falls 7 years ago to escape and start fresh in LA. She’s become a very successful event and wedding planner but she accidentally got herself in trouble and is basically blacklisted all over LA. She retreats back to Fern Falls for a few weeks and is forced to reconnect with her former best friend and crush, Rachel.

They end up having to team up to plan an event to save Rachel’s family’s Christmas tree farm and consequentially the entire town from the evil corporation that wants to buy everything in Fern Falls.

I have to be honest and say that I think my review is a bit skewed by the fact that I just read an eARC of Chloe Liese’s newest Bergman Brothers book, and it was one of her classic slow burn stories, so when the heroines in this book got together about 50% through the story with comparatively very little angst and tension, I was a teeny bit disappointed. 🤪 A lot of things seemed to resolve very quickly for the heroine, including her strained relationships with friends and her dad. I did find things to be a bit predictable as well. But when I re-read the synopsis to see it described as a Hallmark-style story, I realized it delivered exactly what it promised! The ending was very sweet and I even teared up a bit at one point during some emotional moments involving Morgan’s mom who passed away when she was little. So if you love Hallmark movies and wish there was one that was a little more steamy with a sexy lumberjane and her high school crush who left for the big city and is home again, I think you’ll enjoy this book!