Thank you so much to Courtney Kae for the advanced copy of the book!

Courtney is one of my favorite authors I have discovered in the last year and not only have I enjoyed their books but also their conversation. We have bonded over millennial things and also my constant championing their podcast with fellow author Falon Ballard. After loving the Hallmark-esque debut In The Event Of Love, when the opportunity came to review the 2nd book in this series, I knew I had to have it!

"And what does happiness mean to you?"
"Not being tethered to my fears."

With In the Event of Love, it took me a little to get into the setting and the characters but with this one I was fully invested right away. I am not sure if it was because I was already familiar with the characters or perhaps the way it was written was just different.

There were a few times that I found myself cackling with different dialogues that were happening. One of my favorite lines (that I even messaged Courtney about) came from Ben's internal monologue - "I would have never let him sleep on my floor. I would have offered to share the bed. It's called manners."  Also the G-Ma in this was hysterical! I hope I can be as cool as an 80 year old having a two week party to celebrate all things me.

The relationship that Ben has with his grandmother and his mother were both really just love him so much and were so worried for him! And I think we needed their sunshine in contrast to his horrible father. He just made everything sour. I don't want to go into too much detail as then you won't be surprised while reading.

"Darling."

Badam. Badam. Badam. 
Yes I have been saying their relationship name in the tune of the Kylie Minogue's song Padam. But anyhow, I just absolutely ADORED Adam. He just was the sweetest of sweet book boyfriend who was so patient with Ben.  I was very attracted to him and him being a musician was just an added bonus. I love how we had a build up of them expressing how he felt towards Ben. His love for Ben just was just so apparent and just made me swoony. 

I really wanted to shake Ben so many times and one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to romances is when one character self sabotages things in their life. I understood why he thought the way that he thought and trauma just will always be there lurking in your brain but as a reader it was so frustrating. Ben needed to go through what he went through in order to get to the other side and I'm sure even after he was good, he still will have his moments. Even with the self sabotaging I was so proud of him and how hard he was working through all his issues. 

One thing I loved about the couple is that they were really honest with one another. There were a few items I thought was going to be dragged out until the 3rd act break up but it ended up being discussed earlier. I really hope that Ben's character continues to ask for help. He takes on a lot and waits until it reaches eruption before he brings in other resources. 

 I appreciated that Courtney has done in her writing is the positive dialogue with seeing a therapist & different representations throughout the book. 

If you are a fan of friends to lovers, small town romance, cinnamon rolls (the food and book boyfriend) with a side of family drama this one's for you! 

PS - Did you catch the Easter eggs in the book?! 

A new thing to my reviews: 
Swoon Meter: 8/10
Is there a karaoke moment? No-ish? There is a sing along but not karaoke
  
4.75