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.

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!