3.5 stars rounded up to 4!

This was a super sweet summer time romcom, and it had some of my favorite tropes, friends to lovers and forced proximity!

Ben Parrish is trying hard to win a baking show, but when he seemingly is shoot down by his long time crush on live TV, all he wants to do is hide from the world. Fortunately, Ben has a meddling grandma who knows exactly how to sort things out, all while celebrating her 80th birthday at a week-long bash!

I absolutely loved when Adam said to Ben "I want to court you" and "my feelings for you are not fragile". Was the perfect combination of swoon worthy and cheesy!

One negative I did have was I did not realizing this was book 2, even as a standalone, I think may have contributed to my disconnected feelings towards the town and some of the side characters, which I assume were introduced in book 1.

I also felt their were just too many plot lines? The baking show, grandma's birthday week event, Ben's absentee father causing problems, and the financial troubles of grandma.

Overall, was a cute read and would recommend to those looking for a quick, fun, sappy romance!

4 stars

Warning: Don't start this book when you are hungry! I wanted a cinnamon roll the entire time I was reading this.

Ben is working at his bakery and trying to step outside his comfort zone. Then his long time crush, Adam, tells him they're just friends... while on national television. Poor Ben tries to hide out at his grandmother's beach side house. She was delightfully meddling and chaotic and I love her. Of course she hires Adam to play with a band for her birthday party. Ben and Adam finally expressing their feelings and getting together was so good.

Bad parents are a sore spot for me reading books, and Ben's dad was no different. He was awful and helped explain a lot of the insecurities Ben held. When people stood up for Ben it made me want to cheer.

This was a sweet story and I enjoyed it a lot. I'll definitely be reading more of the authors future works. Thank you to Courtney Kae and Kensington Books for the arc. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I unfortunately thought this was slow and boring. I didn't realize it was part of a series so I missed some backstory that I think would've made the story better.

Unfortunately, I didn’t read the first book in this series and didn't notice until most of the way through that there was actually a previous book and not just discussed backstory. Despite a lovely romance, it did feel a bit directionless overall, but its very possible this would have been fixed if I had known about the first book.

3 stars.

"In the Case of Heartbreak" by Courtney Kae is fine. It's not the best nor the worst book I have read this year. I loved the quiet angst between the main characters Ben and Adam, including the long-oft glances and the ooey gooey sweet cinnamon rolls (in breakfast AND human form, lol)! I appreciate and adore this world Courtney Kae has created full of diversity, acceptance, and unconditional love. I really enjoyed the small-town setting(s). There is also an interesting conversation being had about familial trauma, and I think this aspect hits and misses at different points in this story. Unfortunately, I do think this book drags on a bit too much. It feels too long, and there is a lot of unnecessary and/or repetitive exposition. I found it difficult to find the connection between Ben and Adam at first as their introduction to readers starts off pretty rocky. I was sure that Ben and Adam did not feel the same way toward one another and that this book was going to be much sadder than I anticipated. I figured Adam didn't reciprocate Ben's feelings but would eventually fall for him along the way, so it surprised me and was a little shocking that he *did* feel the same way because I just didn't sense that connection in the writing of these characters. The longer the book went on, however, the more attraction and chemistry there was. Adam is not really given the proper amount of time to become a fully-formed character. We know bits and pieces about his life and can ascertain who is from there, but that's it. It sort of felt like he was just a random body there to keep Ben warm when and if he should need it as opposed to someone he has pined for from afar for years and years. Don't get me wrong - this story is enjoyable, sure, but I have read better books.

Thank you to NetGalley, Courtney Kae, and Kensington Books for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Such a fun and easy read. It was absolutely perfect for the end of summer. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a easy and yet endearing read.

This was okay, I really wish some things were a little more fleshed out - but it was an okay read nonetheless! I’ve seen a lot of people giving this good praise on Bookstagram so I think it just wasn’t for me

I absolutely LOVED In the Event of Love, so when I saw that Courtney Kae had another book coming out set in the same town as her first book, it was IMMEDIATELY added to my TBR. Add on top of that, it has Ben and Adam? YES! PLEASEEEEE!!!

In the Case of Heartbreak takes us directly into Ben’s world as he’s being filmed for a reality baking show with his mother’s family Cinnamon Roll recipe. Plus, getting his name out there makes it even better for a small business owner. With all of the trouble his family has had to deal with over the years, he wants to be the one to help them out.

While filming, the cameras see him making a move to FINALLY ask out his best friend Adam, but it seems to everyone (including Ben) as if he’s turning him down… which in turn sends him spiraling. All the way to his G-Ma’s 80th Birthday Celebration in Maywell Bay! Where low and behold, Adam and his band, Forced Proximity, are the main act.

This book is full of honesty and pain and absolute love! It has an incredible diverse cast of characters (from which I’m trying to figure out who will be leading book 3) and features the Best Friends to Lovers trope, amongst others… including Forced Proximity… you know. Like the band name. 🤣 I am only recently starting to enjoy Friends to Lovers. It’s been growing on me a lot. So to read this now was the perfect time.🤷🏻‍♂️

I can’t wait to reread this when it comes out on July 25th. I think it’ll be even better listening to the audiobook. 😍

DNF’ed but may return at a later date; the romance in this book is sickeningly sweet, which I usually love, but I haven’t been in the mood for it lately. Really love the setting; Courtney does a fantastic job with creating a queer-normative world.

It's a nice and cute story. I enjoyed it but the characters are bit underdeveloped even if I rooted for them
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Mutual pining and lots of miscommunication are some of my least favorite things. I enjoyed the setting and G-ma, but needed more depth and personality from Adam, and more communication from Ben.

IN THE CASE OF HEARTBREAK is the second novel in Courtney Kae’s Fern Falls series. I had the privilege of receiving an advanced electronic copy in exchange for an honest review, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher! This novel, released on July 25th, 2023, continues the journey of Ben and Adam of the first book in the series, IN THE EVENT OF LOVE.
As a big fan of Ben and Adam, I was eager to get my hands on this book! However, while the novel had its moments, I found myself somewhat underwhelmed by their story.
The plot introduces numerous elements that I do not feel intertwined well. The story kicks off with the spotlight on Ben’s bakery being featured in reality television baking competition. Yet, right after his overnight rise to fame, Ben journeys hours away to celebrate his grandmother’s 80th birthday. This turns into a two-week long festivity of themed parties, elaborate costumes, potent tea, and even a private band. The band’s need for a guitarist leads Ben’s longtime friend and crush, Adam, to temporarily leave his auto shop, and aspect that, while whimsical, felt somewhat less plausible… even for Fern Falls.
Ben grapples with his newfound media attention, unearthing emotions tied to his childhood disappearance. The narrative superficially delves into Ben’s sense of abandonment by his father, affecting his connections with family, friends, and Adam. While Ben’s perspective provides lots of longing for Adam, Adam’s presence in the novel is limited until the 25% mark. Adam’s revaluation of his longstanding feelings for Ben appears abrupt, considering the years of pining Ben experienced. I feel that Adam’s POV could have added a deeper level, more developed relationship between him and Ben.
The novel depicts a whirlwind of events, yet fails to translate them into progress in Ben and Adam’s relationship. The conflicts plaguing Ben throughout the story were confidently resolved in the last two chapters. The conclusion was hasty, much like Ben and Adam’s relationship.
The Fern Falls friend group takes a backseat in this novel compared to the first book. The authors laid the groundwork for the next story, which I anticipate will be centered around Whitney and Tanner. Nevertheless, I feel that a few more scenes featuring the friend group were necessary to continue this series. For now, I do plan to continue with this series, despite being disappointed with Ben and Adam’s story.

'In the Case of Heartbreak' by Courtney Kae is an absolute delight, delivering a refreshing blend of heartwarming moments and side-splitting humor against the backdrop of sun-soaked beaches and steamy romance. From the moment I cracked open this book, I was swept away into the charming world of Ben, the endearingly awkward pastry chef, and Adam, the indie rocker with a grin that could light up the whole coastline. The friends-to-lovers journey they embark upon is a rollercoaster of emotions that feels authentic and relatable, and it's a joy to witness their relationship evolve from the safety of their bakery's pastry case to the wild adventure that unfolds in the salty air of Maywell Bay.

Courtney Kae weaves a tale that is as sweet and irresistible as Ben's cinnamon rolls, yet she doesn't shy away from delving into the complexities of life and love. The story is sprinkled with heartfelt and tender moments that tug at your heartstrings, making you cheer for the characters every step of the way. The unexpected steamy scenes add a deliciously spicy layer to the narrative, surprising and exciting me in the best possible way. But it's not just the sizzling chemistry between Ben and Adam that makes this book shine; the inclusion of bisexual and pansexual representation, as well as the thoughtful exploration of mental health, adds depth and authenticity to the characters' experiences.

As I read 'In the Case of Heartbreak,' I found myself transported to the charming beachfront mansion, feeling the salty ocean breeze on my skin, and sharing in the laughter and tears of the characters. This book is a delightful celebration of summer love, filled with all the warm, fuzzy feelings that make you believe in the magic of romance. If you're looking for a funny, heartwarming, and steamy queer rom-com that will leave you with a smile on your face and a craving for cinnamon rolls, look no further than 'In the Case of Heartbreak.' Courtney Kae has crafted a story that is as irresistible as it is unforgettable.

“My love for you is not fragile.”

Read if you like:
❤️ MM romance
👨‍🍳 Baking
🎤 hot guys in a band
📺 reality cooking shows

We return to Fern Falls for a summer romance! Ben, the owner of the local coffee shop has gained national attention for his cinnamon rolls, a recipe he developed with his mom. He’s been selected to compete in a cooking competition show and the media attention brings unwanted pressure. When his absentee father tries to take advantage of Ben’s popularity, and his indie rocker crush Adam, makes it clear he only sees Ben as a friend on live national television, Ben escapes Fern Falls for the coast and his grandmother’s two week birthday and family reunion. Instead of a relaxing escape, he finds himself in the middle of more family drama and is confronted by Adam and has to decide if their relationship has a future.

I am a so happy we got a book for Ben and Adam! This book gave me all the feels. Ben is a warm hug, Adam is swoon worthy, Ben’s dad made me rage, and I can’t resist an amazing grandmother who made me laugh so hard I cried. I loved seeing Ben and Adam’s love. If you are looking for an end of summer read, pick this one up.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Kensington Books, and the author for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Unfortunately, this was a disappointing read for me. The pacing was off, the overuse of 'C&D' annoyed me to no end, Adam was barely a character - he had no personality.

It's a no from me.

🥐BOOK REVIEW🥐

In the Case of Heartbreak - Courtney Kay
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️

“With a gorgeous beachfront mansion, salty ocean breeze, steamy nights, and ALL the summertime feels, this funny, sexy queer rom-com is a celebration of summer love, as a cinnamon roll of a pastry chef finds his indie rocker crush suddenly within reach. Perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston, Roan Parrish, Alexandria Bellefleur, Ruby Barrett, and Alexis Hall!”

I love books about baking/chefs so knew immediately this one would be a hit! Add in a competition and cinnamon rolls? I loved seeing how Ben’s lack of self esteem evolved with the help of Adam. I loved the rawness, honesty, not shying away from tough topics, and humor this story brought. I also enjoyed how most drama and conflict they faced was personal and internal. This was my first book by this author and I’m definitely planning on more!

Recommend if you like:
- Childhood friends-to-lovers
- Small towns in the summer ☀️
- Literal and character cinnamon rolls
- Mental health & trauma rep
- Pan & bi rep 🌈
- Queer Hallmark vibes ✨

Huge thank you to @kensingtonbooks @btc_books and @court_kae for a copy!

I got the book first through netgalley so thank you and the other day found it in stores and i read it in a day i was so intrigued with the storyline from the first time i seen it on Netgalley. The mains were so cute and it really did make me crave a cinnamon roll. I cant wait to read more from this author. And i recommend this book and author 5 stars given i absolutely loved it.

I didn’t love it as much as the first one, but a solid follow up. It’s tender and cinnamon roll sweet. Seriously, I just wanted cinnamon rolls while I was reading it.
The tropes are a little too tropey and the romance a little bit surface but I’d still recommend it.

This was bonkers but in a fun way. I love Fern Falls and am glad to see Adam and Ben get their HEA. I do think the story felt rushed and at times there was a bit too much going on. Still great though!

In the Event of Love was one of my faves from Happy Holigays 22, so I knew I had to go back to Fern Falls IMMEDIATELY! As I suspected, this one did not disappoint.

Ben is me. Ben is a lot of us. He's anxious. He carries around childhood trauma that makes him believe that he isn't deserving of love and all the good things. Adam has his own trauma, and is afraid of people leaving him eventually. Because of this, both pine for each other but never let the other know. Until now of course. This is obviously a friends to lovers trope but it's done so wholesomely and beautifully that it's one of the best F2L ever written!

Set in Maywell Bay, it's the perfect summer queer romance you didn't know you needed! Not as smutty as some, you truly don't miss that because its so dang wholesome! Their love is pure and perfect I wouldn't change a thing about their story. Courtney has masterfully written the perfect queer summer rom-com and once again cemented her spot on my all time favorite authors list. When a book has romance, cinnamon rolls, drag queens, Bridgerton-esque birthday parties, and a baking competition you just can't say no! I loved it. I loved all of it. And now I seriously need a wedding in Fern Falls novel asap!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I received an advanced copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Courtney Kae, Kensington Books, and NetGalley. ❤️