I couldn't wait to read Ben's story after reading In the Event of Love.

This time instead of going back to Fern Falls we get to head to Maywell Bay. This friends to lover story is full of angst and emotion and is sure to make you laugh with all of the funny characters and hilarity that ensues.

Read this for:
- M/M romance
- Reality baking tv show and going viral couple
- Hilarious Gma that will have you cackling
- Friends to lovers
- Resolving deep emotional trauma
- Lots of fun themed party celebrations!

Ben has the chance to shoot his coffee house and bakery to stardom when he's picked for a reality tv show thinking it could help bring in the financial means he needs. Unfortunately, things do not go as planned and his reality debut leaves him scrambling to get out of town as fast as possible.

He heads to Maywell Bay for his grandmother's eightieth birthday celebration. His friend of years who he has also been pining for for all those years shows up to help be part of the band playing all the parties. As they are forced together, the truth of the feelings each has for one another starts to unravel and the relationship of Ben's dreams starts.

The author gives content warnings which is great because this book does go really deep into a lot of emotional trauma and is covered extensively throughout the book. The journey Ben is on finds him doubting so much about his life, his feelings and his abilities. He struggles to overcome the challenges that face him, but eventually he is able to heal and move forward.

I loved the addition of the characters in Ben's family we got to connect with especially G-ma. It was also great to see the friends from Fern Falls make appearances, especially getting to know Whitney more. Adam turned out to be a hopeless romantic which was perfect for Ben!

This was a sweet and emotional read, that had me chuckling at several of the antics and funny moments!

Thank you to the Author, Kensington, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the ARC for an honest review.

This book was very sweet, probably as sweet as the cinnamon rolls that Ben has made a name for himself for. All the ooey gooey middle that gets too much after so long, where the icing becomes cloying to the point where if you have another bite, you might get sick. That is not to say that there isn't a need for books such as this one. We're living in a country that continues to attack our LGBTQIA+ siblings, and this book was a massive reprieve from all of that. There is not homophobia or transphobia or anything ugly regarding gender identity and sexual orientation. Kae says so in the beginning of her book that she wanted to create a safe space for everyone, and I will say that she did a great job in that aspect.

That being said, Ben and Adam felt almost 2-dimensional despite having been fleshed out entirely. We know their motivations. We know their hopes and dreams. We're told about their traumatic childhoods. In every sense of the word characterization, these two are great. But they were almost entirely too perfect. This book felt very Gen Z in how the interactions between our characters come across. I'm not saying that it's a bad thing, but it's unrealistic. I don't know if it's because I'm a Xennial and we don't know what emotional validation is outside of therapy, but I just couldn't buy it half the time. I also felt that Ben's and Adam's flourishing relationship was leaning to being one-sided. Adam did a lot of validating Ben's feelings and understanding his trauma, and I didn't feel like Ben did the same.

I also felt that the a lot of the conflicts made up for this book were just that; made up. Recipes can't be copyrighted, so for Ben to potentially be disqualified from the show was stupid. It felt like the TV show was just a plot point to launch the book, but that's it. There was also Ben wanting to expand on his recipes, but it felt like that baking scene was just for the author to live out her own baking fantasies. Everything also tied up really nicely at the end and it felt very "deus ex machina". Also, if you're looking for a steamy good time, this book isn't for you. The lead up get steamy, but when it comes to the main event, it fades to black.

All in all, this wasn't a bad book. I wanted more out of it, but Ben and Adam were very cute and very sweet. Just be sure to brush your teeth afterwards so you don't get cavities.

Oh Ben. Oh Adam.

I really enjoyed this book, even more than the first one.

Great use of tropes. The anxiety felt real. At one point I was yelling at the book “Just let the man talk” but as the interruptions continued, it just made me giggle in a fate comedy of errors.

NET GALLH ARC

First off, Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to check out this title!
I was really rooting for this book! It has a TON of Queer representation, and it seemed like an interesting story. All that said, it was an INCREDIBLY slow, overly wordy narrative. It felt like forever before we got in to the first plot point, and for me, I prefer a quicker pace. There is a TON of description to set each scene, so if that is your preference, that may be a plus for you!

And the secret ingredient is: queer joy! This book ripped my heart out, rolled it in glitter and confetti and then put it back in its place.

I will never not be in awe of Courtney Kae’s way with words, the way every single character they create feels alive and real, and I’m so grateful she invented places where it feels safe and good to be ourselves as queer people.

This book, like In the Event of Love before it, is sweet and sexy and extremely queer. It’s the first time I (21 years old lesbian, non-binary) read an adult mlm romance and I have to admit I was worried the main couple wouldn’t resonate with me. I was soooo wrong. I aspire to be as loving and caring as Ben and Adam are, and to have a relationship like theirs someday. And what can I say about the side characters? It was great to meet some familiar faces again, but the award goes to G-ma Parrish and mama Laura. I felt loved just from reading how much they love Ben. My only complaint? Not nearly enough Rachel Reed in this book :( Courtney, pls bring the love of my life back in future projects thank u.

Jokes aside, I loved this book with all my heart and hope there’s much more in store for the Fern Falls/Maywell Bay crew.

My advice? Read this book as soon as it’s out, and take care of yourselves while doing it because there’s a lot of open and honest discussion around mental health and past trauma. Other than this? Love love love and support queer creators.

I loved this book! Courtney Kae does an amazing job of writing books that feel like a hug. This book is cozy, and real, and romantic. The best part - the communication!!! This book has some of the best communication between characters, no keeping secrets, no miscommunication that is just used as a plot device. The characters talk to each other about everything and it creates a wonderful story. It doesn't mean there isn't conflict, or that it's all sunshine and rainbows, but its all handled very well while still getting a HEA.

I loved all the cameos of other Fern Fall folks and the cute moments we get with Morgan and Rachel. The discussions of anxiety and how each character felt about progressing the physical side of their relationship was so well done and gets multiple gold stars from me!

This book is a giant, pastry-scented hug! It featured a duo of super sweet cinnamon rolls and loads of supportive friends and family side characters. Reading about G-Ma's antics and the wildest birthday celebration ever (TRULY, goals) was the perfect escape. Though the setting is party-central, heavier topics were present—and Kae handled everything with absolute care, from the characters' mental health representation to careful, unequivocal consent. BADAM FOREVER!

This book had my heart smiling so much. It was soft and spicy and profound. It was also really funny at times. I actually audibly laughed at some of the characters' antics. My only takeaway would be that the ending felt a bit rushed, but I'm not mad about it.

Thank you so much, Netgalley, for this ARC. I absolutely loved this book. Ben & Adam, and their love was so precious. The supporting cast of characters made it even better, and I'm not gonna lie. I've been way hungrier while reading this book 😂😂

This was such a sweet romance, and the anxiety rep was just fantastic. A new favourite author, that's for sure.

In the Case of Heartbreak by Courtney Kae is a captivating romance novel, set in a cozy and fun setting, that follows the journey of Adam and Ben, a lovable couple, as they navigate the complexities of love and heartbreak. Adam and Ben are endearing and I was rooting for them as a couple all the way trough.

However, there are some aspects of the story that may not be appealing to all readers. The plots in the book may seem to fall short in terms of complexity, and the resolutions can sometimes feel too quick and almost fantasy-like. This may leave some readers wanting more depth and realism in the story, as the resolution may seem too convenient or unrealistic.

In the Case of Heartbreak is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy heavy descriptions. Courtney Kae paints a vivid picture with her words, creating a rich and immersive reading experience. Readers who appreciate detailed descriptions of settings, emotions, and characters will find themselves thoroughly engaged in the story.

I LOVE LOVE!!!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this review ebook copy!!

I was in the mood for a romance book and this one did big disappointment—with bakeries, cinnamon rolls, friends to lovers and reality tv show filming, In the Case of Heartbreak was sweet and painful and utterly lovely.

There’s a diverse case of characters and although I haven’t read the first book - though I will be doing after this one! - it was lovely to see the friendships and family ties that develop.

This book satisfied my sweet tooth and left me determined to get some good cinnamon rolls, and I highly recommend it to all fans of romance!

I hate that I didn't enjoy this book. I love Courtney as a person and we are friendly so I will pretend that I did not dislike this book next time I see her. I do think Courtney has the beautiful ability to create a safe space for queer people and those living with mental illness with her books. The towns are cozy, the people are cinnamon rolls, and being queer and different is accepted in a way I don't see often in books. It is cozy and warm and I know some readers will adore this.

That being said, I didn't love the plot or the story. Ben and Adam and friends turned lovers which is one of my least favorite tropes. I like tension in my romance novels, the will they/won't they or tension with the world in some way and they just don't have it. Everyone accepts them and Ben's mental health is their only barrier. Which is important in itself, but something was lacking to fully make me believe it. Possibly having Adam's POV would've helped, because I found him a bit one dimensional and too perfect.

I also didn't love how the conflict was resolved. It wrapped up too quickly for how dire it was presented and just didn't do much for me.

I'll continue to read Courtney's books because I do love her writing voice and want to support her, but this one was sadly a miss for me.

I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I jumped into this after absolutely loving the author's previous book. It was a lot of fun, but did not capture the same energy as the previous book for me.

I loved the protagonist and the love interest. Both were fun to see in action, and Ben in particular was such a pathetic little mope at times that I just wanted to hug him and make some things go right for him. I thought the author did a particularly good job of writing about Ben's concerns in a way that it was very obvious how he felt, but also apparent to me as a reader that Ben is a flawed protagonist and he was missing some key details.

I think the biggest thing I was missing from loving this book was more of Adam's POV as the love interest. I liked what he did and seeing him in motion, but I wanted to know more about why he was acting the way he was now, and why he had done so previously. I actually wonder if reading about Ben and Adam in the previous book did not help this, because it reiterated how much there seemed to be nothing going on from Adam's POV only to learn in this book that he was smitten for years.

In general, I loved the combination of romance, parties, beach and good cooking.

This book follows Ben Parrish, owner of a small town bakery who enters a reality show baking competition. While filming, he gets publicly shot down by his long-time crush, Adam Reed. Humiliated, he runs off to his grandma's mansion on the coast for a lavish week-long 80th birthday celebration.

The tropes run DEEP in this book: meddling grandma (done better in Kiss Her Once For Me), forced proximity (done better in The Charm Offensive), baking show hijinks (done better in Love & Other Disasters). Some of the plot points just don't pan out, especially around finances and Ben's motivation. How could anyone realistically believe someone who builds a guest house just to host a week-long party at their estate could need their grandson to win a TV show to avoid eviction?

I will say that Adam was stinking ADORABLE with all his adoration and "courting." 😍

And, there was some thoughtful, open communication around mental health, deadbeat dads, and healing.

It was a sweet if impractical story that I enjoyed while reading. Ultimately, this book just didn't stick with me beyond the initial read.

I’m unfortunately going to DNF In The Case Of Heartbreak, by Courtney Kae, at 34%. I think it may be a case of ‘it’s not you, it’s me.’

I just can’t connect to the main character, nor am I really buying in to the scenarios being presented. (Why is there a random live hometown broadcast for a competition reality TV show, in a time that EVERYTHING is scripted?) For me, there’s a bit too much of ‘everything is my fault’ going on. There’s also a lot that can be resolved by people just speaking up. Miscommunication is not my thing.

I’m sure other people will enjoy what will eventually (hopefully) be a rom-com, but I’m not feeling it, a third of the way in.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC.

This was such a fun follow up to the first Fern Falls and an absolutely adorable heartwarming read. I loved Ben and Adams relationship of always being there for each other even before they were together romantically. I appreciated the seamless way that anxiety and therapy were incorporated into the story and how Ben was fully supported by all the people in his life. 10/10 hope I grow up to be a Grandma who buys her grandkids sex toys and throws lavish parties!

I like the book, but it is not a new favourite. It is a quick and sweet book, with a lot of diversity.

I think the romance moved very quickly. Since I am a fan of slow burn romance, I was a little disappointed when they were making out after less than 30% of the book.

Unfortunately, I did not see the chemistry between Ben and Adan, nor did I feel any strong connection to the characters. However, this can be a me problem, as I can find it difficult to connect with characters in short books

Thanks to NetGalley for the oppurtunity to read this book

For as long as Ben can remember, he's been in love with his best friend, Adam. But out of fear of losing his friend, he's never told Adam how he's felt. Until a baking competition mixes things up and throws a wrench into Ben's plans.

I have to say, I was disappointed there wasn't more of the competition in the story, but I'm actually glad it wasn't too. It's so rare for a story to take the direction of In the Case of Heartbreak and it reminds us that it's ok to not be perfect and failures might just present new opportunities we hadn't anticipated.

I am unfortunetly going to DNF is 25% in. The beginning has a LOT of info dumping that had me struggling through the first 5% and wondering if I actually wanted to read this or not, and my eyes kept getting stuck on names of things. Peak Perk Café and Delish Dollars Studios -- is there a term for the opposite of "rolls off the tongue" because these are that. Every time I read them I thought "why would you use alliteration for the first two words but not the third?" and it put my brain into editing mode instead of reading for enjoyment mode.

Sometimes a character has anxiety in a completely different way than I have anxiety, and it rubs me up the wrong way and makes me really irritated, and I think Ben is one of those characters. He internalises every obstacle that comes his way as being HIS fault, and he's some huge failure with a failing business -- even though the book so far has gone out of its way to say his business is doing so well and he's got all these people travelling to his town just to get his cinnamon buns to post about on Instagram, and he has online orders, and he has a lot of regulars that support him, and he's on this baking competition show*, AND he's got a filthy rich grandmother that can bail him out even IF his business was failing! Like my guy, you've been going to weekly therapy sessions since you were a kid and you're still dealing with this much self-sabotaging and impostor syndrome???

I think what pushed me over the edge in deciding to DNF this is the actual romance. I can just TELL this is going to be 99% miscommunication and I just can't deal with that when the miscommunication in the first 25% of the book is already SO blown out of proportion.

There is a lot to like in this book. It has a great cast of unique characters, a charming seaside setting, and some well-handled mental health rep. I really enjoyed both main characters' arcs as they dealt with past trauma and figured out what they wanted their future to look like.

Unfortunately, the romantic aspects of this story fell flat for me. It’s easy to forgive a shaky premise or a convoluted setup (it makes zero sense that a reality show would be airing live?) when you are invested in seeing two people find their way to a HEA. This was ostensibly friends to lovers but abruptly progressed from two people who couldn’t communicate to a couple that was immediately confessing their undying love with half the book left to go.

I still enjoyed this quite a bit but ultimately preferred the first book in this series. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.