Picture a storyteller who spun a cozy, queer holiday romance that feels like a warm hug on a snowy night—meet Courtney Kae! This American author burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, In the Event of Love, in 2022, captivating readers with her heartfelt romance novels. Known for her authentic characters and vibrant LGBTQ representation, Kae’s Fern Falls series blends humor, heart, and a touch of steam, making her a rising star in contemporary romance.
The Making of Courtney Kae
Born and raised in Santa Clarita, California, Courtney Kae grew up in a world where stories were her escape. As a bisexual woman, she often longed for queer representation in the holiday romances she adored, a gap that would later inspire her writing. After the Saugus High School shooting in 2019, Kae and her family found solace in binging Hallmark movies, sparking a question: where were the queer characters? This ignited her determination to craft inclusive love stories. Kae began writing her debut novel in 2020, pouring her heart into creating a safe space for queer readers.
Courtney Kae’s Unforgettable Stories
Kae’s Fern Falls series, set in a charming, inclusive small town, is her signature work. Her debut, In the Event of Love (2022), follows event planner Morgan Ross as she returns to Fern Falls and reconnects with her former best friend and crush, Rachel Reed. This sapphic, second-chance romance, brimming with holiday cheer and steamy moments, earned praise for its Hallmark-movie vibe with a queer twist. The follow-up, In the Case of Heartbreak (2023), shifts to a summery m/m romance, where pastry chef Ben Parrish navigates love and ambition with musician Adam Reed. Kae’s style is cozy yet spicy, weaving humor, emotional depth, and diverse characters into vivid settings like Fern Falls’ tree farms and beachside cafes. Her focus on queer joy and community resonates, making each book a celebration of love and belonging.
Kae’s writing stands out for its balance of lighthearted rom-com tropes and meaningful themes like self-discovery and healing. She imagines worlds where queer identities are celebrated without question, a vision that shines in her inclusive casts and positive representation of bisexual and POC characters. Her ability to craft relatable, flawed-yet-lovable characters has drawn comparisons to authors like Casey McQuiston and Alexandria Bellefleur.
Why Courtney Kae Matters
In just a few years, Courtney Kae has made waves in romance literature by centering queer voices in a genre often dominated by heteronormative narratives. Her novels offer a safe haven for LGBTQ readers, reflecting her own journey of coming out through her writing. In the Event of Love was featured on BuzzFeed’s Most Anticipated LGBTQ Romances of 2022, cementing her as a fresh voice. By blending cozy escapism with authentic representation, Kae inspires readers to embrace love in all its forms, proving that everyone deserves a happily-ever-after.
- Birthplace: Santa Clarita, California
- Key Works: In the Event of Love (2022), In the Case of Heartbreak (2023)
- Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ Romance
- Pronouns: She/they
Snag In the Event of Love and dive into Courtney Kae’s cozy, queer romance world—perfect for curling up with a hot cocoa and a heart full of swoons!