Member Reviews
A humorous Lesbian rom-com that I really enjoyed. If this is the quality of the author's work, I'll be back for more.
This was a gorgeous sapphic Christmas book, based in a small-town, filled with plenty of tension, second chance romance and a little spice. I had so much fun reading this book and look forward to continuing the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
If you are looking for a Christmassy, sapphic rom-com with Sweet Home Alabama vibes, look no further. I adored this book.
I don’t always connect to Christmas romances as I feel like they’re always missing something, either the characters aren’t fully fleshed out, or the setting isn’t descriptive enough for me, but I loved everything about this one, and it has definitely become one of my favourite holiday rom-coms.
Morgan Ross can plan world-class events, but she didn't plan on returning to the hometown that broke her heart seven years ago - and re-discovering the girl of her dreams…
Morgan and Rachel had so much chemistry, I just wanted to take them both by the heads and force them to kiss, which made it so much more satisfying when they finally did! 😂
The only reason that this isn’t a full 5⭐️ is that it was a little bit slow in the middle, and I wish that it was dual POV, but other than that, it was perfect. I can’t wait to see what Courtney Kae comes out with next!
Read if you love:
💙 Holiday romance
💙 Second chance romance
💙 Enemies to lovers
💙 Small town
💙 A couple you root for from the beginning
💙 Spice
TW: Alcoholism, a past death of a parent
(Thank you so much to @headlineeternal for gifting me this beautiful book!)
This is amazing book I loved. The characters were sweet and joy to read. Beautiful writing style. Enjoyed every paged.
Fab feel good festive read!
I love the characters in this book and the way they fit together.
The story is full of twists and turns and keeps you reading well into the wee hours.
The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in. Atmospheric, and superbly plotted. A festive treat!
This is an ideal holiday read if you’re looking for a story that encapsulates Christmas spirit.
Morgan returns to her hometown (Fern Falls) after her career and reputation in Los Angeles crumble after a disastrous encounter with her client, Chad McTannum. Although, she initially endeavours to salvage her reputation and save her career, and possible job promotion, through organising a town event. She soon learns that the future of Fern Falls could significantly alter if the town does not unite to stop Vaughn Enterprises. She is the town’s last hope, but she must put her heartache aside and work closely with her first love, Rachel Reed.
I absolutely adored this heart-warming story. Courtney writes with such descriptive detail that the reader considers themselves a Fern Fall’s local. Not only was I fully invested in Morgan and Rachel’s story, but Ben and Adam’s, and Whitney and Tanner’s, and I cannot wait to hopefully read their stories and be back in Fern Falls.
This is undeniably one of the most diverse books that I have read, and it was incredible to see so many characters represented.
The finale few chapters were utterly heart breaking and had me in floods of tears. The epilogue was everything and It and the rest of the book didn’t disappoint.
After an incident with a client, event planner Morgan Ross needs some good publicity. While her boss wants her to relax, she views her long awaited return to her quiet hometown for the holidays as an opportunity for redemption. But the fundraiser she’s been asked to organise was the idea of a friend she’s long since lost touch with, and is in aid of her childhood best friend and first love, Rachel Reed. Will they be able to work through their past problems in time to save Fern Falls’ beloved tree farm? Or will the appeal of money from developers steal the heart of the town first?
This was the coziest holiday read that warmed my heart even without the heat of August. We have the sweetest postcard-looking town and small businesses that I can picture perfectly, a second chance romance, friends and family reuniting, all the coffee and the snow and the big gestures of love (and also some 🌶, in true adult book with illustrated cover fashion). It was truly funny and romantic and also handled the ways past and present struggles with parents still affected these characters in their adult lives.
It’s described as a Hallmark kind of narrative if it were more queer inclusive and that’s exactly what this is! I love to watch cheesy Christmas romance movies with my mom over the winter, and reading such a queer normative book with a plot in the same vein just made my heart so happy. There were two bi MCs, achillean SCs, and a trans SC to name a few, and that inclusion is what is so lacking from those otherwise quite warming films. I loved the central friendship group (definitely have a soft spot for baker boy Ben, my beloved) and actually put my iPad down to smile a massive smile at the ceiling when a line towards the end made me remember there is a whole sequel coming! I get more of them!
I’ve never been able to relate when people talk about their book boyfriends, but I will tell you for free that (precious, head-over-heels lumberjane) Rachel Reed made my heart absolutely ache and if I don’t find her or become her for someone else then what am I even doing with my life.
In the Event of Love is a touching rom-com that celebrates romance novels and love in all its forms. It is about community and puts queer people and romances firmly at the heart of the story where we belong. This book really captures the magic of the holidays and the pride and joy of togetherness, showing up for each other and creating something special with family and friends.
I’m so looking forward to a wintry re-read. And I should probably stop saying the word ‘heart’ so much.
Happy release day to @court_kae 🥳🎉 In the Event of Love is available now!
Thank you so much to @headlineeternal for sending me an eARC!
AD/Review: In the Event of Love was the perfect escape from reality. I was fully swept up in main character Morgan’s return to small mountain town Fern Falls. This book felt like a Hallmark Christmas film but with queer characters getting to be the lead for once. 🎉
The second chance romance in this book was everything! So much pining from everyone about what could have been but with actual communication along the way. Rachel and Morgan had my heart feeling all of the feelings.
I was also fully swept up in the goal of saving the small businesses of Fern Falls and that small town can-do attitude with Morgan’s old friendship group all pulling together.
In the Event of Love had me both laughing out loud and wiping away an emotional tear or two. It was a perfect winter romance with all the light and fun you’d expect from that but there were tougher issues covered too and the mix of both made this book one I’ll reread for sure and be recommending non-stop once we hit the winter months. I’m also already super excited for the next book in the series In the Case of Heartbreak which will focus on Ben!
Read for:
• Second chance romance ❤️
• Romance between two female bisexual main characters 👩❤️💋👩
• Small town & Hallmark Christmas vibes 🏠❄️
• Grand gestures
• Christmas tree farm 🌲
• Reconnecting with family and friends who are found family 💕
• Awesome side characters
• A red truck (because there’s always a red truck in small town holiday stories 😂)
Rating: 5/5🌟
Steam Level: 3/5🔥
#InTheEventOfLove #NetGalley
In the Event of Love, Courtney Kae’s debut novel, is a lovely festive queer romance. It’s an easy, Hallmark inspired, read. The representation in this novel is great, where everyone is accepted and supported exactly as they are and for who there are. With this in mind, it’s definitely worth reading Kae’s author note to understand her wonderful intentions. 3.5 - rounded up to 4
In the Event of Love centres of Morgan, who following a work related scandal, finds herself back in her hometown of Fern Falls. Think picture perfect snowy small town, filled with a cast of wonderful characters - it reminded me of Shitt’s Creek in many ways. Morgan is hoping to get her career back on track whilst also helping out some local businesses who are facing a corporate takeover. The only issue, however, is one of these businesses is run by Rachel, Morgan’s one time best friend and crush. Can Morgan help her friends keep the corporation at bay, whilst also gaining her second chance at love with Rachel?
What made this book so special was the wonderful community spirit and individuals that made up Fern Falls. This town is gloriously diverse and has some brilliant quirky independent retailers. The way Kae writes about Fern Falls really makes it feel as though you’re there amongst it all. It positively oozes winter wonder and charm. I also especially loved Morgan’s old friend Ben, he was so full of heart, warmth and understanding; I’d love to read his story with Adam next!
Whilst the romance between Morgan and Rachel was sweet (and at times very spicy!) I felt much more invested in the developing relationship and reconciliation between Morgan and her Dad. It was the healing and love displayed in this relationship that had me reaching for the tissues! That said the slow burn second chance romance worked well, I just wish they didn’t repeat their same mistakes so easily.
In places I did find it to be a little repetitive, though this was more so at the start where Morgan kept referencing her Dad’s failed proposal. I understand that this played a significant part in Morgan’s issues with Fern Falls and it was resolved well, I just think some references could have been dropped. That said it didn’t spoil my enjoyment overall.
I really nice, easy festive read with a solid second chance sapphic romance at its heart.
Who don't love a proper steamy holiday romance?!?
This one was full of angst, forgiveness, finding oneself, grief, healing, love and so much more. I loved the community coming together to unite and save something they all adore.
The queer holiday rom-com certainly had its fair share of steamy scenes and as a fellow queer I love reading about queer romance and queer sexual scenes as you don't get enough of it in books. This gave me my fill 😉 🤣
Morgan and Rachel made this book what it is I adored their cute little relationship and truly thought they were made for each other!
Full of whimsical settings, humorous, cute, sexy and full of typical romance Tropes.
A must have holiday read for 2022! Or before if you're anything like me and love Christmas 🎄
I love all things Christmas and especially cheesy Christmas movies. This book had all the wonderful things in it that these wonderful films contains. Will they won't they moments, funny moments, friendship, love, Christmas spirit, some grinchness and a fun storyline. What's not to like. If you too love all things Christmas. Don't miss this book.
I LOVE a good Hallmark movie so when I saw this book, I knew I had to get it and it didn’t disappoint. It has all the amazing Hallmark holiday romance movie vibes but it’s even better because being a book, there’s a lot more time for character development and for things to happen so it didn’t feel rushed (as Hallmark movies often do). There’s also a lot more spice than in Hallmark movies though not an excessive amount.
Morgan and Rachel are great characters and I really liked following them along on their journey to the HAE. I love second chance romance so it was lovely to see them find their way back to each other and give their love another chance. I will say though that I feel like Morgan and Rachel didn’t really get to know each other as adults all that well, which was a shame. Sure, they knew each other in their teens but they did go 7 years without any form of contact and they’ve surely changed (even if not in a fundamental way). So while it is undeniable that they have amazing chemistry, I would have loved to see the them get to know each other again as adults and connect a bit more emotionally, and I was a bit disappointed that we didn’t.
The story was fast paced and I was hooked from the very beginning. I loved the small town vibes and getting to know all the side characters and their dynamics, as well as seeing them come together to save their beloved town when it was at risk.
Also, can we talk about the amazing representation in this book? Not only do we have two bisexual main characters, we’ve also got at least three queer side characters including one that’s transgender. We LOVE to see it!!
The ending set things up nicely for a follow up story about Ben and Adam, which is really exciting because I fell in love with them (especially Ben). And hopefully we’ll also get some updates on Rachel and Morgan and see what the future brings them.
Overall, this is a great second chance romance that has all the best parts of a Hallmark movie, lovely characters and sweet and spicy scenes that will warm your heart.
★ 4/5 Stars ★
A big thank you to Headline and Netgalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 ✨
In the Event of Love is a fun, cosy, Hallmark-esque book, with plenty of pining and steam. I enjoyed being transported to the holiday magic of snowy Fern Falls and getting to know all of its inhabitants; the picturesque setting and the charming cast were my favourite parts. Morgan and Rachel have a fun second-chance arc, both of them clearly still yearning for each other despite not having spoken for years. I loved seeing them work together to try and save Rachel's tree farm, and how they managed to unite the whole town.
I did think the storyline was quite predictable in places, and the romance was a little fast paced for my liking; however, I am very keen to read Ben/Adam's story after all the little moments they have!
A quick and easy read that I found myself picking up after a long day to unwind. The characters are beautifully written and I came to love them within the first few pages and was rooting for them all the way to the end. At times I wanted to stop reading because I just wanted the experience to go on for longer.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was exactly the cute, cosy read I was hoping for!
Both the plot and the characters were funny and charming. I loved all the diverse rep and the small-town setting.
The only thing I wanted was to bond a little more with Morgan. Adored the characters around her, but she wasn't especially likeable to me.
Would definitely recommend this as a holiday read!
It is always weird to read Christmas novels in August but I love getting queer romances any time of the year, so that's not a bad thing.
This is sweet but nothing special and the writing style never really hooked me in. It's a simple, trope-y (never a bad thing) story that is well-paced and a very cute read.
I didn't love this but it was a nice enough novel. A light sapphic Christmas story with a lot of warmth.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
In the Event of Love follows a hotshot events planner from LA, Morgan Ross, who after an unfortunate incident with a client gets sent on a forced holiday break to the Christmas village where she grew up. When she gets there she must reckon with a past she'd rather have left behind her and will rekindle with old friends and a certain lumber-jane old flame.
While this is by no means a literary masterpiece, it's fun, cheesy and romantic - so basically everything you want in a Christmas rom com!! I really enjoyed both the romance and the main plot of them trying to save their idyllic holiday village form a big corporate takeover. The atmosphere was really fun and honestly it made me wish it was winter already - the cosy vibes, the hot drinks, pine trees, warm fires - it was all so good!!
The only thing that annoyed me about this book was Morgan as a character, especially towards the beginning. she was very self-centred and arrogant and seemed to blame other people for things that happened that were actually her fault. She didn't seem to want to take any responsibility for her actions in not keeping contact with her friends and family, when she hadn't made any effort herself and it all felt a bit hypocritical. She did grow a bit throughout the book although not as much development as I would have liked, but again this is a cheesy rom com not an in depth character study lol.
I did enjoy all the side characters (and I think another romance was teased so I'm excited for that one!! And I really liked the romance, it's a second chance romance which is a trope I haven't read a lot of but actually really love and the chemistry between the Morgan and Rachel is really great! I also really liked the sex scenes, they didn't feel out of place or jar with the rest of the text (aka they were well written and blended well) and were fun and hot!!
Overall if you are in the mood for a fun Christmas sapphic rom com I would recommend this one! It will not blow your mind but it is very entertaining and bubbles with joy and cheer.
This is definitely a book worth reading! You have slow-burn, second-chance, friends-to-lovers romance and it's set in the holidays!
I've not read many LGBTQ books but I'm trying to make an active effort to read more and so being approved this was definitely worth it.
I loved the main characters, they're fun, genuine and a little spicy 👀
Thankyou Headline and NetGalley for the ARC
Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for the chance to read the arc.
It’s amazing that there are so many queer Christmas books being released this year. While I loved the diversity and representation in this book, it didn’t read as well as I had expected. I found the dialogue a little unrealistic and I wasn’t aware it was an erotic book when I requested. The language and way of describing during the sex scenes was written in kind of a strange way and I also found the characters relationships and conflicts resolved so easily and randomly. I think this book was aiming for a hallmark kind of feel and so I’ll let some of the cheese go but this book just wasn’t for me. I’m sure a lot of other people would enjoy it though.