Reviews with content warning for Panic attacks/disorders - In the Case of Heartbreak

I loved Fren Falls # 1 (In the Event of Love) so when I heard that this book was coming out I immediately put it on hold at the library.

This book centres around Ben, Fern Falls's local bakery owner, and his unrequited love for friend and town mechanic, Adam, exploring friends to lovers and miscommunication troupes while highlighting the mental health practices of both main characters.

While I read this book in nearly one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. I did not enjoy it as much as the first book in the series. I think that my main struggle with this book was that it felt like the love story wasn't as central to the plot as I was expecting. The romance is a slow burn throughout the book, which is fine, but there were moments where it felt a bit like Ben's family drama was overshadowing the love story. That being said I do think that the family drama was an important part of the plot. Perhaps it was that the side characters pulled so much focus when they were on the page. Gma for example was hilarious and maybe is in a coven of witches? Or just a skilled mixologist.

I did enjoy the chemistry in this book between Adam and Ben and when they expressed their feelings for each other it made my heart melt. Kae really does have a way of articulating realistic, honest, and messy confessions of love.

I would recommend this book if you love romance novels that are well-written and have characters struggling with entirely relatable issues.

Content Warnings

sophieamreacher's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful lighthearted tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I received an ARC from NetGalley, this is my honest opinion.

This was a sweet, cozy book that felt like a Hallmark movie. I enjoyed the settings, the inclusivity, and the way mental health was described. However the plot felt unrealistic and complicated at times, the characters were a bit annoying, and the ending was too wrapped up with a pretty bow for my liking.

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fanboyriot's review

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lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Read for:
♡ Small Town
♡ Hurt/Comfort
♡ Communication
♡ Friends to Lovers
♡ G-ma, because she is the best

Ben Parrish’s life was looking up when he joined a national baking competition and then everything kinda goes down hill from there. From his childhood crush friend-zoning him on live TV, working through childhood trauma from his father, to his G-ma’s 80th birthday he has a lot going on in a short amount of time.

This book is filled with good humor and lovable characters. There is great therapy rep and there is good communication between Ben and Adam. I loved the setting of this book. It gave all the warm small town vibes with a café/bakery setting. I will say it did seem a bit over the top at a few times or just came off dramatic at times. Ben and Adam both working through past family trauma and trying not to do what their families did to them. It got a bit angsty for a moment but it was resolved so cutely and ended well.

Honestly, G-ma was just out there living her best life. I loved her so much; she was hilarious and I want to be like that when I’m her age, she was a big mood.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this e-ACR in exchange for an honest review.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
(First Person POV)

Rep: Bi MC, Pan LI, Anxiety, Depression, Therapy

Content Warnings

sylsbookcorner's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Oh my gosh this was simultaneously the cutest but also heart wrenching book I’ve read in a long time! Ben and Adam, you sweet cinnamon roll boys, you deserve every good thing in life! The author made these characters come to life and walked them through their trauma in a way that felt so real and honestly, validating. It is a relief to see them not only be honest about their trauma but own it and realize that it doesn’t make them any less worthy of love. That is the thing I think I hope so many people take from this book, yes it’s a super cute romance, but the lesson that comes with it is so invaluable. You are worthy of love dear reader, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

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