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. ❤️

This was a cute fluffy read that was fast to get through. Ben is an anxious mess who doesn't think he's worthy of love because of his past. Adam is afraid of people leaving because that's all he knows. This is a friends to lovers story with a little bit of drama.

Spice level is 🌶/🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
I'd give it PG 13 at best.

This was so wholesome!
I'm a sucker for stories with bakers and Ben was just so incredibly charming and kind and I just wanted to coddle him (and sneak one of those cinnamon rolls). Despite his lack of self-confidence, Ben never really gives up on himself and even when he's painfully pining, it never feels overdramatic and instead just like he's a person who feels very deeply.
This book also covers some very tough topics like parenting and the damage it can cause and anxiety which I absolutely loved.
Adam was also such a gem. I love friends to lovers more than any other trope if it's done right and In the Case of Heartbreak did it so well!

If you're a fan of mutual pining, friends to lovers and need a book that delivers all the cozy, breezy summer vibes with a lot of heart, then this one needs to be on your TBR! Can't wait for the next time we get to return to Fern Falls!

I really liked this book, it had a nice plot but I felt like it lacked description or development in areas throughout. It didn't seemed thought out and perhaps the author just wanted to "get to the good parts" which as a write myself I totally understand. Good read but needs some work in areas. I'd still recommend.

I requested this book immediately upon finishing the prequel novel "In the Event of Love" and I loved it even more! Ben is so charming and sweet. His lack of self-confidence in love is endearing and his pining never comes off as whining. Overall, this book hit really close to home with the narcissistic parent content and the anxious attachment style, but I could not have loved it more and I wish there was a sequel to this book specifically. I will be recommending this to all of my romance lovers until the end of time.

In the Case of Heartbreak was one of my most highly anticipated releases of 2023 and it absolutely lived up to my hopes! I can safely say it is one of my favourite books of the year so far, as well as a new favourite in general.

This is the second book in the Fern Falls series by @court_kae but can be read as a standalone. That said, I would personally recommend reading in order to get the most out of all the cute cameos and the full picture of Ben’s pining.

Much like Adam helped Ben mend his heart, this book was a balm to my own heart. In the Case of Heartbreak covered some tough topics (check the content warning) but it was still an absolute joy to read.

The sense of community in the Fern Falls books is one of my favourite things. This is a new comfort series for sure. I’m hoping for a book 3. Things were teased with a couple of side characters so fingers crossed! 🤞

Read For:
• Friends to lovers ❤️
• Baker MMC & Mechanic/Guitarist MMC 🧁🔧🎸
• Bi MMC & Pan MMC plus a version of our world where people are more accepting of LGBTQIA+ individuals 🏳️‍🌈
• “It’s always been you” vibes and mutual pining 🥺
• Forced proximity
• A band named after a romance trope 🎵
• Summer vibes ☀️🌊
• Anxiety and depression representation 🧠, plus normalising therapy
• Cinnamon rolls of both the character and baked goods variety
• Spice 🔥
• Family and found family goodness 💕
• G-ma AKA Ben’s Grandma who is now my favourite book grandparent 😂
• Some next level parties for G-ma’s 80th 🎉

Rating: 5/5🌟 Courtney Kae is now cemented as one of my favourite authors thanks to this book and book 1 (In the Event of Love). I will happily read anything this author writes.
Steam Level: 3.5/5🔥
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute story, but I felt like it was a little bit underdeveloped and too low-stakes when it came to the relationship. I felt like the relationship between Ben and Adam came on way too fast. It was almost like a switch was flipped and Adam completely changed his whole demeanor. I wish there had been some more buildup and a steadier growth into what they ended up being. I kind of felt like the third-act breakup came out of nowhere as well.

G-ma was an absolute highlight of this book for me though, and I did enjoy the storyline of Ben’s healing and his relationship with his father.

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy of this book.

What an incredible story and follow-up to ITEOL! I knew immediately I wanted a story about these men, and the author delivered. The sweetness of their friendship and complications of "more" were so well done that I couldn't put the book down. I loved the chaos of being reluctantly thrown into the spotlight and the drama that comes with cameras being in your face. And as a fan of friends-to-lovers (when done well), ITCOH crushed it. As a bonus, I loved how the characters from book 1 were woven throughout to add in some of the Fern Falls charm.

TEAM BADAM FOR LIFE!!!

Small town queer story with baked goods.
You know I was in!
This was really cute and had a surprising amount of plot packed into it.
I love a good small town story and making the centerpiece M/M love and cinnamon rolls?
I was hooked!
This is a slow burn, second chanceish romance, so get your patience pants on.
Much love to NetGalley & Kensington Books for my ARC.

One of my favorite reads of the summer. In the Case of Heartbreak is at once heartwarming and soul wrenching. Courtney Kae delivers a beautiful, hard-fought romance born from a journey toward self love. Thank you for giving Ben and Adam their happily ever after.

Thank you Courtney Kae, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

This was such a cute summer read and a great continuation of the Fern Falls series. I love the representation in this series! Adam is such a sweet character and was my favorite character of this book. The way he cares for Ben is the way everyone should be cared for. Both Ben and Adam were so supportive of each other, even when it wasn't their first choice. If you are looking for a sweet, friends to lovers, summertime read, this book is for you!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️