I LOVED THIS BOOK!!

I will review longer when I have time but it was everything I asked for. Self discovery, self healing, patience, love, respect.. Healing from childhood trauma.. I loved how the author has written about those. This is not just a romance story it's so much more. When it gets out please GO READ IT!!

The writing style of the author is so good it's so easy to read the book. I can't wait for the new books!!

In the case of Heartbreak by @court_kae ❤️ has 2 cinnamon rolls falling in love. Ben, a baker who is gonna be participating in a reality baking show and his unrequited crush, A-dam A-dam A-dam(if you read the book you know what this is) who is a guitarist, heal from the past trauma and accept who they are and realise they deserve all the love and each other.

We love a good friends to lovers story but add the proper communication trope (except the first half where they just run away from each other or being stopped by one or the other thing). Both can talk about anything and everything with each other and they accept the other for who they are.

And found family!!
Friends and family support them. I just loved Ben's G-ma.. she is super cool and I just wanted to be part of her book club and parties.
We got a small town of amazingggg people helping out others.

Also a very toxic father! I hated that man with all my heart. I don't think he has a heart and has human emotions. Apart from him, everyone was lovely.
Such a sweet love story. Easy and fun to read.

Thank you to Courtney Kae, NetGalley and Kensington for the eARC of In the Case of Heartbreak in exchange for my honest review

I read the first book in the series In the Event Of Love and I loved it so much, and it will be hard to beat it. Adam and Ben’s story was fun to read. I love Fern Falls so much. I felt like i was right there along with the characters. Courtney Kae’s writing is so good. I’d recommend this to anyone. The book kept making me hungry and I wish I could have one of Ben’s cinnamon roll’s now. I think the ending was great and if you’re looking for a wholesome queee read this is it.

Book description: Ben has been baking his mother’s cinnamon rolls at the family café for years. He’s been quietly in love with Adam Reed, his musician-slash-mechanic neighbor, for just as long. But Ben’s done waiting behind the pastry case. Despite his fear of failure, he’s entered a make-or-break competition to build his recipes into a national brand. He’s going to take charge of his business instead of nearly tanking the café—again. And he’s going to finally confess his feelings for Adam. ON LIVE TV.

Except his big plans get punched down before they even half-rise. Soon Ben is dashing down the coast to his grandma’s 80th birthday party on the beach, hiding his broken heart in Maywell Bay, California. Sun, sea, and fresh breezes should blow in something new—except they don’t. They blow in Adam Reed, grinning like a pirate and stealing the show as the musical entertainment hired by Grandma for her big bash. Grandma’s signature Heartbreak Tea is the only remedy, and Grandma’s tea could take the paint off a fence.

But there’s a burn of truth along with the booze in his bottle, and Ben has a decision to make. Can he take the sweetness in front of him, and brave the bitterness that comes after? Or is a little sea salt just what this cinnamon roll needs?

Salty cinnamon rolls? Ew. Ben would never.

Thank you, Kensington Books, Courtney Kae, and NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is Courtney Kae at her best: honest, tender, and over-the-top rom-com scenarios that set the characters (and the reader) up for a wild ride.

Things I loved:
Adam's unrelenting honesty (once he lets himself get there.) I think knowing his journey from In the Event of Love really allowed me to appreciate his encouragement and honesty with Ben.
The small nods to Fern Falls and the people we love best--but I really did love taking Ben and Adam out of their town. Something I think they needed to finally connect.

For all the fun and whimsy and outrageous G-Ma moments... this book is heavy. I had to read slowly and I took time to be gentle with my heart. Ben and Adam are both healing trauma from their parents.

This book will appeal to anyone who wishes they could escape their life for a few weeks and give their secret crush the chance to chase after them.

Note to publisher: Sorry for all the edits! Still getting used to how best to format reviews for NetGalley submission. See my review on Goodreads or StoryGraph for formatted version.
In case of Heartbreak is a timely queer escapist romance. Cozy, funny, and emotional, this novel invites readers into an idyllic, inclusive haven. In the Author’s Note, Courtney Kae writes, “In all my novels, I love to imagine a world that is kinder to queer people, unquestioning, unchallenging. A place where we don’t need to explain, defend, or prove ourselves. You’ll find that here in Maywell Bay, like you found it in Fern Falls.” Beginning the book with this promise, Kae undeniably delivers. Though protagonist Ben Parrish’s narrative is marked by drama, it occurs in a setting free from identity-based fear and judgement. At a time when trans rights and queer culture are under attack, In case of Heartbreak is a welcome respite from reality.
The novel opens with Ben Parrish filming a reality TV episode at his café, Peak Perk. Nestled in the quaint California mountain town of Fern Falls, Ben’s café is renowned for his special Parrish Family Cinnamon Rolls. Ben and his café are being featured on Take the Cake National in the hopes that viewers will vote Peak Perk their favorite independent bakery and the Parrish Family Cinnamon Rolls will be mass-produced and sold nationwide. During filming, the producers capture an unfortunate moment between Ben and his longtime crush Adam Reed, in which Adam appears to reject Ben as a love interest. Already humiliated and heartbroken, Ben then receives a Cease & Desist letter from his estranged father, claiming ownership of the Parrish Family Cinnamon Roll recipe. Behind the scenes of these catalyst events, Ben is coping with triggered childhood trauma and immense pressure to please his family. Basically, Ben is having a terrible day.
However, there is to be a reprieve after this rocky start. For the next two weeks Ben will be in Maywell Bay for a massive family reunion celebrating his grandmother’s 80th birthday. Ben’s extraordinarily wealthy, many-times married, free-spirited grandmother (who goes by G-ma) is hosting a massive extravaganza, including three costume-mandatory themed evenings. Though miserable, Ben plans to spend his time in Maywell Bay getting over Adam, resolving the cinnamon roll scandal, and generally trying to be “a better Ben.” But dear ol’ meddling G-ma has a different plan in mind—she’s booked Adam’s band (“Forced Proximity”) for the entire birthday bash AND arranged for Adam and Ben to stay alone together in the same guest house. Looks like Ben won’t be getting over Adam any time soon…
Where this book excels:
Inclusivity: I love the gender and racially inclusive language Kae uses to introduce readers to new characters. It especially stands out to me as something I still rarely encounter in books; it was honestly a joy to read. The cast of characters is diverse, and all are enthusiastically accepting of one another. Kae creates a safe space for both characters and readers. Although—warning—anyone reading this book will be forced to make cinnamon rolls. It’s unavoidable; enter at your own risk.
The Cinnamon Rolls: The Parrish Family Cinnamon Rolls sound so good. I craved cinnamon rolls the entire book.
“After Dad left, Mom used recipes to create new things for our just-the-two-of-us life. Dad used to enjoy the cinnamon rolls, so it was the first recipe she changed. She added heavy cream to the rising buns, and they became more fluffy, full, and rich in flavor. She also doctored up the cream cheese frosting until it was so thick it formed upright peaks in the mixing bowl, then, once spread on the baked rolls, melted down into each gooey crevice.”
Romance: This book is one for the romantics. Kae sets the stage for numerous swoon-worthy scenes and writes Adam as an unapologetic romantic. From heartfelt moments in historical garb, <spoiler>Adam’s confession that he wants to court Ben because “simply dating [him] is not enough,</spoiler> and abundant Bridgerton references, sentimental readers will adore this book.
Love, Affirmation, Validation: In the Author’s Note, Kae writes, “I love to create escapes where we’re safe to examine the messy, painful, hard things—and learn to believe how very worthy of love we are.” In Case of Heartbreak offers an environment for self-discovery and healing. Throughout the book, Ben and Adam reckon with childhood trauma, toxic beliefs ingrained from witnessing their parents’ failed marriages, and feeling inadequate due to a misplaced sense of responsibility. They stumble between self-awareness and doubt, as do most people. At times Ben’s insecurities are too relatable; his self-sabotage is painful to watch. Despite these very real internal challenges, Kae and her characters again and again reinforce the message—whoever you are, you are worthy of love in all its forms.
Where this book struggles:
Artlessly Overt: There are a lot of instances where I felt this book was too ‘on the nose.’ I don’t particularly enjoy when characters in a tropey book comment on how their author-manufactured situation resembles that of being in a tropey book. Things like naming the band “Forced Proximity” while writing a forced proximity romance. I feel like this “cheeky” artistic choice is rarely actually amusing.
This lack of subtly shows up throughout the book in other ways, as well. For example:
“Do you want me to open this door?” He angles his gaze. “Do you want me to throw you onto the bed? Do you want me to have my way with you?”
I whimper. “God, you make consent extremely sexy.”
“Consent is sexy.”
Enthusiastic consent is sexy. What’s not sexy? Telling readers instead of showing. I really hate when authors literally write “consent is sexy” during sex scenes. If your enthusiastic consent scene is sexy, it will be obvious to your readers; you don’t need to point it out.
Romance: I’m sorry! I know what I wrote above, but this book was way too sappy for me.
Annoying Characters: For most of the book, I found Ben and his family unbearable. Ben is completely inert to the point where trauma alone cannot fully justify his inaction. He takes little initiative and nearly everything is handed to him, including the family cinnamon bun recipe on which his reputation and livelihood balance. G-ma was also a miss; the lewd, alcoholic grandma character is tired.
Clunky Plot: The reality TV show premise is somehow both superfluous and fundamental. Apart from the episode at the beginning, the Take the Cake National storyline mostly occurs in the background. Given his history, Ben’s decision to participate on the show is not reasonably justified. The show’s format and producers’ actions (for example, letting the star of a one-episode feature disappear for most of filming) don’t make sense. This plot point had potential but was not adequately realized. I wish the author had more fully embraced the reality TV show plot or discarded it entirely.
Conclusion: 3.5 Stars
In Case of Heartbreak has all the trademarks of a classic romcom: an over-the-top family event; a meddling grandmother; a friends-to-lovers romance with the bff’s brother; and many, many extravagant costume parties. There are many reasons to love this book, which is why I am sorry to admit that I really did not. Ultimately, this book is not for me. I found the characters annoying, the romance too sweet, and the plot choppy. However, I would honestly sum up this book as sweet, heartfelt, and authentic. I genuinely think many readers will love escaping into this novel. I am just not one of them.
Star Criteria
1: Is the book engaging/enjoyable/entertaining? I’m sorry, but no. At least, not for me. Though I wanted to love it, this book eventually became a slog to read. I’m still giving a half-star because it does have its moments.
2: Is the book creative? Yes.
3: Does the book offer educational value? Yes—there are a lot of important lessons about self-love, boundaries, consent, and mental health.
4. Does the book highlight underrepresented voices? Yes—the two main characters are bisexual and pansexual, and the supporting cast is diverse.
5. Does the book challenge existing literary norms and tropes? No, I would almost say the opposite.
Massive thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books who provided an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Courtney Kae has accomplished a superb novel with In The Case of Heartbreak. Her lead characters, Ben and Adam, are delightful as is the tale of their relationship. A good cast of supporting characters fleshes out the novel. I really enjoyed it.
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Review in progress and to come.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

When Ben enters the baking competition, introducing his family’s recipe for the “small-town famous” cinnamon buns, he expects it to take his business to the next level.
While the film crew is there, he winds up at The Stacks, where his long-time crush Adam, the musician-slash-mechanic approaches him, and friend zones him…on live television.
Luckily, his grandmother’s 80th birthday has him running from the small town of Fern Falls, down the coast to Maywell Bay, California. Where the ocean laps practically at the guest house’s door.
As Ben’s luck would have it, he winds up in the hot seat with the television network producing the baking competition, Adam shows up in Maywell Bay, and it seems that nothing can ever really go according to plan.

I loved the small-town setting with the bakery as a town staple, Ben there continuously serving up delicious cinnamon buns. I loved the sense of community that this book displayed. Both Adam and Ben’s characters were easily likable, and both had realistic traumas. I felt like the representation of mental health, and its importance was written so well within this book.
I especially LOVED Ben’s eccentric super-wealthy grandmother, who forces everyone to call her “G-ma”, and throws lavish parties.

However, the fact that it was apparent Adam and Ben had all of this shared history but couldn’t properly communicate was one of my biggest qualms with this book. After wanting to throw my Kindle, the two finally DID communicate, and it immediately became an insta-love moment. I felt like the spark and interest were there, but the execution of finally having the two come together lacked the degree of depth two people with a shared past and strong feelings should’ve had.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Courtney Kae for providing an advanced copy of this book for me to enjoy. As always, this book was read and reviewed voluntarily, and the above opinions are entirely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the eARC of In the Case of Heartbreak in exchange for my honest review!

I didn’t realize this was a series so I ended up not feeling as connected to the characters as I may have had I read the other book first! However, I still genuinely enjoyed this one!

The representation was really well done and I feel like the author was genuine in their intent with the book. This is the second book (in a row) where I’ve had a MMC with anxiety and I’m SO glad that it was handled with care. I feel like this also allowed for open and healthy communication. There were a lot of really cute moments throughout!

In the Case of Heartbreak releases on July 25! Make sure you check it out!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of In Case of Heartbreak

I really wanted to like this book but I couldn’t get there. It reads like one very long group therapy session where each character was instructed to speak in only “I statements”.

There was no nuance in this book. Every character was either a mustache twirling villain or a paragon of virtue. The main character, Ben, is beloved and admired by all. They are constantly thanking him for everything he does for them, but throughout the book he doesn’t actually do much for anyone, he cries at least once in every chapter, and he lets everyone else solve all his problems - especially his mother and his grandmother.

The plot reads like an episode of Three’s Company. Most of the conflict is manufactured because Ben is constantly refusing to let other people finish a thought, or share his concerns with people who have the knowledge he needs and the power to clear things up for him.

I know the author was aiming for a fun, quirky romance that also tackles some tough issues (childhood trauma, abuse and abandonment) but unfortunately it was a miss for me.

*3.75/5 stars
Okay, this book was freaking adorable. Cheek-heating, feet-kicking, hair-twirling adorable.

Oh my god, the communication. Chefs kiss. Never before seen in romance (I’m exaggerating but come on people, consent is important!) it was ALMOST to the point where the communication was overdone, but not quite: it was perfect. The characters communicating their feelings and checking in with one another was not necessarily realistic but oh so important and represents what we should all strive to be/do in a relationship. The consent? The conversations? Ugh. Perfect.

The representation in this book? Amazing!! So many different identities and personalities and abilities and I just felt like there was so much effort put in to ensuring there was representation while having it feel effortless, if that makes sense.

Some parts were a little cliche and unrealistic… but I ate that sh*t up.

I loved the unpacking of childhood trauma and the recognition that it doesn’t just go away. It infiltrates almost everything, and it takes effort to work through and even then it can come back with triggers. I applaud Kae for writing this trauma in a multilayered way that doesn’t take away from the romance, but strengthens it.

One thing I will say is that it felt somewhat rushed. The romance was very fast (I know it’s established that Ben has been pining for 12 years but believe me, it still feels rushed). I would have liked their relationship to have taken its time, increase the pining, stretch out the story a little bit more.

This book wasn’t perfect, there were a few (minor) things I didn’t love, but I highly recommend this book. Have I mentioned it’s adorable???

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of In Case of Heartbreak.

Ben’s bakery is featured on a baking competition and during the live record his long time friend and crush makes it clear they’re just friends. Right after, his absent father comes back into his life trying to take credit for the cinnamon roll featured in the competition. With his life spiraling, Ben is glad to escape to his grandmother’s house for her big birthday celebration away from his small town. While the introduction of the book engaged me, I feel like the author spent so much time detailing things that did not matter (literally I couldn’t care less about his grandmother’s high-low sweater) and spent no time detailing what did matter (I still don’t fully understand the premise of the baking competition), so I struggled to fully engage with the book to even reach the romance plot. Once it did, the book got better (except the parts where I groaned over needless endless miscommunication and a frankly unearned 3rd act breakup).

I never really fell in love with the plot itself, the drama with the dad’s recipe theft claim sort of constantly made me roll my eyes; there were so many other ways Ben and the show could have handled it, it was aggravating. It’s strange really loving both of the main characters and really wanting them to end up together, while not particularly enjoying their story. I wish they got the plot they deserved because when they finally had moments together outside the plot? I loved it. Adam had a line, “My feelings for you are not fragile,” that made me squee in joy.

I also definitely wished for an expanded ending / epilogue. It feels like it ended so abruptly, with a dues ex machina of a grandma (sorry… g-ma. Eyeroll). I hope one is added before final publication. The book had great potential but many opportunities for improvement in execution.

One facet of this book is Ben’s mental health. It’s refreshingly realistic and also manages to be an integral part of his life experience in a really relatable manner.

I wish I could give this book a better rating because I did truly love Ben and Adam but considering how constantly frustrated and bored with the plot I was, I can’t rate it over a 2 Star. I would have DNF’ed if it wasn’t an ARC.

I love the fact that Courtney Kae wants to imagine a world that is kinder to queer people and to create escapes where we’re sate to examine the messy, painful, hard things and learn to believe how very worthy of love we all are. And the blurb sounded right up my alley! I therefore had such high hopes and really really really wanted to love this book. But unfortunately, even though it was a truly sweet story, I had hoped for more in regard to the plot, the characters and the romance.

In the Case of Heartbreak is the second book in the Fern Falls series, and the main characters here have been part of the first book in the series as well. Ben Parrish is the local pastry chef, who’s been baking his grandma’s cinnamon rolls at the family café for years, while secretly pining for his neighbor, Adam Reed, the musician and local car mechanic guy. When Ben is a finalist on a reality show, his absent father decides to show up and make a claim to the famous cinnamon recipe, at the same as Adam rejects him on national TV. Broken-hearted Ben takes the opportunity to hide at his grandma’s 80th birthday party, only to find out that the hired musician for it is… Adam.

Unfortunately, I haven’t read the first book in this series, which might explain why I felt that the characters and their romance were a bit underdeveloped. I never really felt their pining nor any real tension or the promised “steamy nights” from the blurb. And I usually like the miscommunication trope, but here it was just too obvious to keep me engaged. All in all, the story felt quite directionless and eventful no matter how cute it was and how much I rooted for the badass G-ma and wanted Ben to get revenge on his evil father. But there were some truly great representations though, with characters with mental health issues as well as different gender identities and sexual orientations.

So even though In the Case of Heartbreak didn’t live up to my expectations (which might have to do with the fact that I jumped right into the second book) it was nevertheless an entertaining, adorable and sweet read with great representation that I recommend for anyone looking for a quick, queer small town romance!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC of the book, which I have voluntarily reviewed.

Unfortunately, this book was a huge disappointment for me.

Almost everything is over the top, the plot is rather silly and I found myself really bored for large parts of the books. The two protagonists have several sweet scenes but that's about it.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC!

Ben is a baker (and bisexual) who has taken over his family’s baking business. Ben has been chosen to be on a televised baking show to compete with his cinnamon roll recipe. Ben also has a massive crush on his childhood best friend, Adam (who is pansexual), though he has not yet gotten the courage to tell him.

During an awkward interview on live television for the baking competition it appears Adam has rejected/friend-zoned Ben, which sends Ben into a tailspin.

With some interference from Ben’s wacky and eccentric grandmother (who is my favorite character, hands down) Ben and Adam end up
living together for a few weeks. During these few weeks Ben’s estranged (selfish, entitled and rude as well) father posts to social media the cinnamon roll recipe is actually his causing a ton of stress for Ben and an ousting from the baking competition.

I enjoyed all the nods to book 1 and its characters as I absolutely adored the first installation. While this one also had likable characters there was no chemistry between Ben and Adam and there was no showing as to why they liked one another aside from being lifelong friends and attracted to each other. I really wish more time would’ve been spent on little moments showing the reader why Ben and Adam were a good match. I also wish less of the plot hung on miscommunication; all of the conflicts in the pages could’ve been easily
solved with a conversion which is extremely frustrating in an adult romance novel.

3 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank You to NetGalley and Kensington for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you, Kensington Books, Courtney Kae, and NetGalley, for the ARC. Light Spoilers ahead.

This book was about healing past trauma and trusting the ones you love. It started like it was going to be a miscommunication trope, but it wasn't, which is good because that is not my favorite kind of trope. Both Ben and Adam have past traumas that collide, making it difficult for a relationship, but they find a way to make it work. I loved their relationship.

I'd wish we could see a little bit more of Morgan and Rachel because I did love their story, but it also helped to make the focus on Adam and Ben. Ben's grandma is hilarious.

I recommend reading this book, especially if you liked the first book.

2.5 rounded up to 3 stars for "In the Case of Heartbreak" by Courtney Kae.

Ben Parrish has a giant baking opportunity heading his way, but between the pressure of making his family proud, dealing with a toxic reminder of his painful past, and exploring a new side of an old love, will it prove to be too much for his anxiety?

'Tis tricky when the second book of a series isn't as easy for me to enjoy as the first. I really like and recommend Fern Falls #1 "In the Event of Love", but alas, "In the Case of Heartbreak" just didn't work as well for me...

Adam and Ben are adorable and I believe it helps to read the first Fern Falls book for a bit more build up between the two men, but I felt that this book went past the natural sweetness of the first and became a bit too saccharine.

I do enjoy Kae's writing and I liked the overall idea of what was happening here, but somehow I didn't find myself enjoying this as much as I had hoped. For me, too many seemingly important pieces of the plot were left to fizzle out off page - between the baking competition and a certain toxic music manager, events I thought would be taking more page space turned out to be less important, while things that I thought would be background (such as parties and non-competition baking) became bigger events.

Again, Kae paints beautiful pictures with their words, and I wish I could be giving "In the Case of Heartbreak" a better review, but this one did fall short for me.

*Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

Lots of queer characters and queer love in this story. Ben the baker has a giant crush on his childhood friend, Adam, who rejects him on live tv and sends him spiraling. Because of a situation constructed by Ben’s grandma, they end up living together for 2 weeks. There is anxiety, bi/pan, depression, and PTSD representation that all added to Ben and Adam coming together and working through their relationship/ personal issues.

Although i enjoyed the overall plot and setting, the dialogue is too cheesy and almost robotic to me. It did not feel organic and kept pulling me out of the story. Also, there was a lot of miscommunication and the conflict felt slightly unbelievable. I would still recommend for anyone who is looking for a MLM small town, cozy romance.

Thanks to the author & Netgalley for the complimentary e-ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

I can’t even imagine how awkward I would be on a reality tv show (let’s just say very awkward) but it’s something the drama- & spectacle-loving part of me loves from a tv or book distance.

Courtney Kae’s In the Case of Heartbreak has a relatively peripheral reality tv situation with bakery owner Ben Parrish on a baking show trying to win the prize with his family’s cinnamon roll recipe.

But on the initial reality tv filming day, the man he’s had feelings for forever, his friend Adam, seems to firmly establish them as “just friends” in front of thousands of viewers.

Visiting family & planning his beloved grandma’s bday bash seems like a good way to get away, & then Adam shows up there, Ben learns things in his family aren’t quite what he thought, & he’s dealing with his narcissistic dad.

This small town romance has leads who are open & vulnerable with each other, slowly looking toward each other as confidants for their greatest fears & insecurities.

There’s a lot of beauty in the kind of vulnerability that Ben in particular offers, in the relatable fears he shares about failure & being the person someone gives up their career aspirations for & the responsibilities he feels weighing him down.

Therapy & meds are part of the storyline & though the starts & stops in the initial part of their storyline annoyed me a bit, on the whole the leads’ open-ish communication is something I love to see represented in romance.

This romance is for all the lovers of soft stories, lots of emotion, loving families (as well as some family baggage), & positive mental health rep.

4⭐️. Out 07/25.

CWs: Ben was a former missing child & has trauma surrounding media attention regarding that incident. His dad left the family. Narcissism & emotional abuse exhibited by dad. Financial stresses. Adam has a recovering alcoholic father; he was abandoned by his mom.

[ID: the ebook sits on a wooden nightstand. To the left is a pot of African violets & to the right is a wood floor & a white curtain.]

In the Case of Heartbreak is the follow up to Kae's debut, In the Event of Love, but it can be read as a standalone if you don't mind some spoilers for the characters from book one. That being said, I recommend reading both because it lets you get to know all of the characters better, and it's such a fun winter romance!

In the Event of Heartbreak is one of my new favorite books, because it's just SO romantic. I had loved getting to know Ben and Adam in book one, and I was excited to read their story, but I didn't think I was going to fall in love with it the way I did. Kae is an expert at crafting characters that are instantly lovable, and not just her main characters. Everyone besides the antagonists are characters I'd happily read about. Especially G-ma, I adore that woman. You know the Taylor Swift song, The Last Great American Dynasty? G-ma is like a modern version of Rebecca in the song, but a group of drag queen friends and a flask of STRONG liquor down her bra. If she was a real person I'd be asking her to adopt me as her grandkid.

Speaking of grandkids, I loved watching Ben interact with his mom, G-ma and the rest of their family. They're such a cute family, and watching how they happily accepted Adam into their midsts was adorable. And Adam? Adam was so fucking dreamy and romantic, I could cry. Don't get me wrong, he has his own personal issues to deal with, but he was so, so, so supportive and loving towards Ben. Also, the man has a way with words, the confession scene felt like a modern twist on an Austen confession in the best way. It's one of my favorite scenes ever, I was literally making squealing/choking sounds while I read it. He plays guitar and has a man bun too, if you're into that.

And Ben, I love him so much. He's a little cinnamon roll who just needs to be loved and protected (sorry, that was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Cinnamon rolls, get it?). Anyway, bad jokes aside, Ben was such a complex character, and the anxiety and depression he experienced was written in such a relatable way. Sometimes reading about heavy topics like the ones I've mentioned (along with parental abuse) can be a lot to take in, but I feel that Kae did an excellent job balancing them out with levity and romance. It still very much felt like a romance and the humor was excellent 👌 Also, I loved Ben's hobby of refurbishing old items so much! I'm excited to see if we'll get to see his house in book 3 (which I'm also SO hyped for).

If you're looking for a romantic, heartfelt love story, this is the book for you. There were so many things that made me squeal with delight, and despite everything happening, reading In the Case of Heartbreak felt like getting a warm hug. If you loved book one, please, do yourself a favor and request this, it's just as amazing as the first one!