I had high hopes from this book but it, sadly, didn't deliver.
The emotional roller-coaster that Ben was, switching from reliving traumatic childhood memories to horny at the drop of a hat, so many times gave me emotional whiplash tbh.
Adam was so...flat. All I know about him is that he is in a band, he looks like a Greek God or some such, owns an auto shop, and has shitty parents. That's it.
Now that I think about it, Idk much about Ben either except for his shitty dad, his childhood trauma and his bakery. With his g-ma and mom constantly having to come through for him (both romantically and resolving the main conflict for him???? How does that make any sense????? It felt like his G-ma was the main character and not him.) left a sour taste in my mouth. Asking for help is great but just being handed things, again and again, is...not.
No, I get it, you don't have to ask when it's your family, they'll just see you struggling and do it but ugh.
Specially given how his whole arc was about not trusting people wanted to actually stay with him and not asking for help...which just doesn't happen even by the end is not very satisfying.
It had so much potential and but, alas.

The second book set in Fern Falls centers around Ben, a baker who is competing on a baking TV show. Things are complicated by his dad who is a jerk and by his unrequited feelings for Adam. When he goes to his Grandma’s birthday party, things get even more complicated when Adam is hired as the entertainment.

A cute book. It does spoil some things (kind of, in the sense of can romances really be spoiled?) from the first in Fern Falls. If you are worried about that, read the other one first then come back to this one!

This started out really well, I liked Ben a lot and the fact he runs a bakery. He lives in a quaint town with supportive friends. He’s had a crush on his friend, Adam, for years but Ben has suffered his father leaving and he blames himself. He has a lot of self doubt and is guilty for things that he believes he caused.

Once the book changes settings to Ben’s grandmother’s house in a seaside town things started to get over the top. I’m not a fan of the flashy and sexual like grandmother. She is throwing herself a 2 week party at her mansion for her 80th birthday. Ben’s mother thinks that g-ma (as she obnoxiously wants to be called all of a sudden) is in financial distress. She’s counting on Ben’s success with a food competition show to save the day. This is for a lavish, over the top 2 week bash for a rich white woman who has married something like 6 times (that’s how she made her fortune). And this wasn’t just a run of the mill type of party, these were all out costume themed parties with major vendors setting things up and the property being transformed.

Ben’s deadbeat father re-enters the picture to try to save his own failing business by ruining his sons chances at success. This man was one of the worst characters!

In between all of this Adam, Ben’s crush, is also at this 2 week party to play with the band. Him and Ben hang out, kiss but then there’s miscommunication. Then every time Adam tries to talk to Ben there is a distraction! That is the most annoying plot ever!

I didn’t like that Ben pushed Adam away telling him to fulfill his dream even though Adam told him that’s not his choice multiple times! Ben’s been in therapy for years but it’s not like he’s come that far. He’s holding everything up to his father leaving, which wasn’t fair to Adam. Plus you would think his mother would have explained things to him eventually because he has no issue mentioning why he was insecure.

The “steamy” times were basically fade to black scenes which would’ve been fine but I was hoping something could save this story.

Unfortunately this did not work for me.

This is a tooth rotting sweet romcom, that doesn't shy away from the hard parts of life, which really sounds like it should be mutually exclusive. But this had me crying and laughing and swooning. Even the third act breakup was foe the right reasons, and allowed Ben to grow on his own and I adore that. The biggest criticism I can manage is just a personal pet peeve in how people talk on occasion, the introductions to new characters start to feel a little like an office ice breaker type beat, and it can pull you out for a second, especially since it pops up midway through the book for the first time. But thats literally all I've got negative to say about it. A sweet as a cinnamon roll romance that I will be highly reccomending

Parts of this novel were addicting. In some places, it was so incredibly sweet and engaging. Unfortunately, those parts were sporadic and spread haphazardly throughout the book. I didn't like the beginning of the book (the characters just irked me) and while it did get better, I never really got attached. It's pretty well written though and an easy read with a sweet premise.

This book gave me continuous butterflies. The characters, the town, the story...I love them all. I very much enjoyed the story within the story; one of family, given and chosen, and how both have their own importance in one's life.

Lovely, lovely novel. A bit of a slow start, but fits perfectly within the world of Fern Falls, and takes us right back to the small town feel. The portrayal of mental health and the journey of working through one’s trauma felt incredibly real and authentic and it’s so nice to see things being talked about. The pacing was a bit inconsistent at times, but all in all, a very enjoyable read.

Thank you to Courtney Kae and Netgalley for an arc!

I’ve seen In The Case of Heartbreak practically everywhere online these last few months. It was one of my most anticipated reads this year. So when I got an ARC of it, I was excited to be able to read and review it so I could tell everyone else why they should read this book!

But In The Case of Heartbreak didn’t end up being everything I wished for…

We open with our main character, Ben, appearing on a TV baking competition that’s being livestreamed. As the camera crew go around the town Ben lives in, showing off his café and the town’s support of him, the only thing I could think of was how something like this wouldn’t be livestreamed. There is a moment where Ben needs to calm himself before appearing on camera, literally hiding around the corner, and the crew is okay just idling until then? What are the viewers watching? Why should viewers care?

Soon after the livestream, Ben gets a cease and desist from his father, who claims Ben stole his cinnamon roll recipe and is using it without his permission. This also had me questioning this book, as the producers immediately take Ben’s dad’s side, without proper proof that the recipes are the same, and say Ben either has to figure it out or is responsible for all of the money spent on filming the competition.

It’s been a couple weeks since I’ve finished the book and I’m still mad about it.

Beyond the conflict, however, there were aspects of this book I enjoyed. During all this drama, Ben spends a few weeks celebrating his grandma’s 80th birthday, which she has planned to be The Biggest Party In The World. She’s hired a live band, of which Ben’s crush, Adam, is a member, and the two just so happen to be sharing the guesthouse during their stay.

Grandma is a matchmaker and I love her.

I enjoyed seeing Ben and Adam get together, and I thought their relationship was really well done. There was a lot of good communication, and seeing them so obviously care for each other and want to do what’s best for the other, even if it hurts them in the process, was heartwarming.

I think this author did a really good job writing characters readers can love, but the plot and conflict of this book was infuriating and my least favorite part.

Back in the magic of Fern Falls!

Ben Parrish doesn't want much: baking his family’s famous cinnamon rolls in his bakery, living life in the small town where he was born, and being in love from afar with his best friend Adam. Okay maybe the last one is less than ideal. But when Peak Perk Café is thrust into the social media spotlight, Ben finds himself as a constant on a reality baking show. The icing on this anxiety-riddled bun? His unrequited love shoots him down on live television.

Thankfully, Ben is spending the next two weeks away at his Grandmother's costal estate. He can tend to his broken heart, figure out how to redeem himself in the eyes of the baking show (and the world), and celebrate his G-ma's eightieth. That is, until an unexpected guest arrives in the form of Adam Reed.

This cinnamon-sweet queer romance is about finding your voice, standing up for yourself, and letting go of old-held fears. With a bi main character, a pan love interest, and a cast of gay, nonbinary and queer side characters, this story is so full of heart and acceptance that leaves no room for bigotry.

As much as I enjoyed 'In the Event of Love' (which you don't have to read to enjoy this book, but totally should), I think I liked this sequel even better. Maybe it's because I relate to the anxiety-riddled Ben far closer than I'd like to admit.

My only point of contention was over the eccentric "G-ma." Maybe because I don't have a filthy rich grandmother, but her lavish parties seemed just north of believable. They did, however, create a beautifully magical backdrop for Ben and Adam's blossoming relationship. Even if her characterization felt a little wild, she was still filled to the brim with love.

I rated this 4 stars because 4.5 wasn't an option. While the love story was predictable (and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that! We stan a good friends-to-lovers trope!), it did sprinkle in some surprises. Not to mention genuine character growth that can be lacking in many rom-coms. I have already recommended it to friends, and look forward to the next story from Fern Falls!

I received this book as an advanced reader copy from NetGalley

This was super sweet! I enjoyed the summery setting and loved the bakery background. The first novel in this series didn’t work for me but I loved Ben and Adam, and look forward to hopefully another in this world!

This book is a marvel. It made me giggle uncontrollably, cry softly, and smile until my face hurt. It tackles the emotional rollercoaster of living with and healing from trauma with nuance and grace. It normalizes mental health concerns and treatments in a way that I have never seen before in media. I cannot express how much it means to me that our MC can struggle with his mental health so much and still move his healing forward, and be surrounded by so much love and support from others too. This book is a romance, but it also reminds you to love yourself, too.
I would encourage all readers to read the author’s note at the beginning of the book, and to take breaks when they need to. The themes of trauma and mental illness can be heavy, so read with care and self-compassion. (Also, we love an author who tells you up front what triggers there may be in the book and reminds us that self-care is important!)
On a literary note I LOVED all the nods to romance tropes, including all of the puns. It makes the book read like a love letter to the genre itself, and its readers. It makes it feel like we are all part of an inside joke about how great romance books can be, especially when they’re corny,
I hope everyone gets to fall in love with this book as much as I did. But beware! You will crave cinnamon rolls!!

I am a big fan of Courtney Kae’s debut novel In the Event of Love (Aug 2022) and was excited to return to the friend group in Fern Falls. In the world Kae creates there is love and acceptance for queer characters but that doesn’t mean there aren’t problems. Ben Parrish is anxiety ridden when he is at the center of attention. He is going to be part of a reality baking competition that could help his bakery. But a shaky start has his heading to his beloved grandmother’s beach compound for the next few weeks. He is there to help celebrate her 80th birthday. The extravaganza is huge and includes multiple events. Ben is also pining for his forever crush and best friend Adam Reed. (Adam’s sister had the romance in the previous book.) In addition his father is claiming on social media that he created the recipe for cinnamon rolls that is the trademark of Ben’s business and reason for his tv appearance. Ben is trying his best to navigate the various pressures in his life.

This is actual a very sweet book but it is weighed down by Ben’s trauma as a child and the impact on him. The relationship with Adam can be a model for consent and communication but it doesn’t really explain or show how they jump from point A to F. They literally have one date and some wooing. I understand they’ve known each other for years but I wanted more.

I don’t think it is intentional but it is bewildering to me that the protagonist Ben actually does nothing to resolve any of the drama that happens in the story. He stews about things, talks to his father unsuccessfully and seeks comfort from his therapist. But it is only the actions of others that brings changes. His grandmother meddles in his love life, Adam makes the first move, mother and grandmother resolve other issues. About the only thing that Ben does is reach out to asking for help from an event organizer.

I swooned in the first book set in Fern Falls. And I was very hopeful for sweet Adam. I’m glad he gets his HEA but I wish he got to be a hero in his story. The light moments come from the antics of outrageous G’ma. This can be a read as a stand alone even though both MCs are introduced in the previous book. I am still hoping for a return to Fern Falls and a romance for lovable Whitney. Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.

This book follows two background characters from Kae's previous book, In the Event of Love, and if you loved the first one, then I think you'll really like this book too. There are some very sweet romantic moments, and the whole book has a lovely summery vibe.

Unfortunately, for me, the miscommunication and the forced proximity set up felt a little too contrived, and the way Ben internalised everything without asking any for help as his problems grew and grew didn't make for a very enjoyable read. Especially when he finally did reach out, the problems were all immediately resolved without any input from him.

One thing I really did love about this book, though, was the sense of inclusion, and the wonderful little community Kae created for the characters in Fern Falls.

It's also lovely to see queer characters getting the 'hallmark movie' treatment, and if you like those kinds of stories, I think this will be perfect for you.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a heartwarming, fun and loving story between two people that have too many feelings and weren’t sure how to handle them. I truly enjoy the back story and how their relationship developed.

This was such a delight to read!!! It was such a great sequel to In the Event of Love. We got to know more about Ben and Adam and meet new characters like G-Ma while revisiting old favorites like Whitney, Tanner, Morgan and Rachel. Ben was truly relatable with his own struggles with anxiety and depression. I felt Courtney Kae showcased it very well and it was great to see Ben work through things. The scenes between him and Adam were also quite delightful!! I loved their relationship dynamic and seeing how things worked out for them. One thing I do wish more of is that we got some of Adam's pov especially regarding his feelings and how he's always felt about Ben.

Kae's writing style is lyrical and evocative, capturing the depth of emotions with delicate precision. The prose flows smoothly, immersing readers in a world of raw vulnerability and tender moments. The author's ability to express complex emotions with authenticity and grace adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to connect deeply with the characters' experiences.

The plot of the book is character-driven and focuses on the emotional journey of the protagonist. While there may not be dramatic twists or high-action sequences, the narrative's strength lies in its ability to capture the nuances of human emotions and the subtleties of personal growth. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for moments of introspection and self-reflection, as well as moments of hope and rediscovery.

Thank you NetGalley and author for this ARC!


I loved everything about this book, it was cute and fun. The characters made the love story so enticing. I would read this book multiple time! Such a cute queer romcom!! Perfect for Pride Month!!

Another cute summer queer read. Perfect for a day at the beach or an afternoon by the pool.

Poor Ben has no less than three personal crises going on at any given point in the story, but he thankfully by the end realizes that he can rely on his friends and family to help support him. Both boys deal with generational trauma from their parents that inform their relationships and both learn to overcome those fears to grow as people. Also G-ma is an absolute BAMF!

The story loses a few points for me because the romance between Ben and Adam feels very rushed. You start knowing the story believing Ben has been having a multi-year one sided crush, but apparently Adam felt the same but wasn't confident/brave/self-assured enough to realize his own feelings? I wish there had been a little more development into their friendship, especially from Adam's POV to make their relationship feel more authentic.

Ben and Adam's story was so heart felt and filled with all the emotions. ITCOHB is not just a journey of the romantic type; which it is but also a journey to discovering self love and overcoming years of doubt. Sometimes it's hard letting go of the preconceived notions you have of yourself and fully opening yourself up to the one person who can make you see clearly. These two both carried so much emotional baggage caused by those who should have been there for them and loved them unconditionally. Now they have the chance to find in each other all the things they deserve in life.

This book was such a fantastic read. Absolutely fell in love with these two and the crazy/loyal/loving band of characters that made me love this book even more.

**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed**

I love the way Courtney Kae writes such queer joy! I was fully invested in Ben and Adam's story ever since I read In the Event of Love last year, and this did not disappoint. Their books really feel like Hallmark movies and sometimes that is exactly what you need.

This book does deal with some more serious matters and I thought they were all handled with care.

Ben and Adam are both such cinnamon rolls and I loved them together so much.

I do wish I had just a little bit more of Adam's story and depth to his character.

Overall though I would still suggest this one and can't wait for future work from Courtney!