How to Read Courtney Kae's Books
For readers diving into Courtney Kae's catalog, the reading path is straightforward but highly rewarding. Since Kae's novels focus on interconnected characters living in the same cozy universe, the best way to experience her books is in publication order. This allows you to experience the growth of the town of Fern Falls and watch recurring characters develop in the background of each story.
As of now, Courtney Kae has published two core novels in her signature series and has an upcoming standalone novel scheduled for release in late summer 2026. Here is the recommended reading path:
- In the Event of Love (2022) - Fern Falls Book 1
- In the Case of Heartbreak (2023) - Fern Falls Book 2
- She's a Reaper (Expected Late Summer 2026) - Standalone Novel
The Fern Falls Series
The heart of Courtney Kae's bibliography lies in the fictional, ultra-welcoming town of Fern Falls. This setting acts as a character in its own right, offering a safe, inclusive haven where queer joy is celebrated openly. While each book focus on a different couple, the characters are closely interconnected, and reading them in order ensures you fully appreciate the community dynamics.
1. In the Event of Love (2022)
As Courtney Kae's debut novel, In the Event of Love introduces readers to Fern Falls during its most magical season: winter. The story follows Morgan Ross, a high-flying Los Angeles event planner who returns to her snowy hometown to escape a career disaster. There, she runs into her former best friend and childhood crush, Rachel Reed.
Faced with the threat of a corporate takeover of Rachel's family Christmas tree farm, Morgan offers her event planning expertise to save the business. The book is a sapphic, second-chance, friends-to-lovers romance that captures the cozy charm of a Hallmark holiday movie while delivering contemporary steam and emotional depth. Reading this first is essential as it establishes the setting and introduces key secondary characters who step into the spotlight in the sequel.
2. In the Case of Heartbreak (2023)
The second installment in the series, In the Case of Heartbreak, shifts the season from a cozy winter to a sun-drenched summer in Fern Falls. This novel transitions to an M/M romance focusing on Ben Parrish, a sweet and ambitious local pastry chef who is trying to expand his bakery business, and Adam Reed, a grumpy, handsome musician who has returned to town to heal from his own setbacks.
When the two are forced to collaborate on a local festival, their initial friction melts into a passionate connection. The book utilizes the popular grumpy-meets-sunshine trope and explores themes of self-worth, community support, and healing. Because Adam is Rachel's brother (from the first book), reading this second provides a natural continuation of the family and community ties established in the debut.
Upcoming Standalone: She's a Reaper (Late Summer 2026)
Expanding beyond the contemporary small-town romance genre, Courtney Kae's upcoming novel, She's a Reaper, ventures into paranormal romantic comedy. Published by Kensington Books, this sapphic novel is pitched as Van Helsing meets Gilmore Girls, bringing a distinct "cozy pastel goth" aesthetic to Kae's signature writing style.
The plot follows a young woman who enters a fake-dating arrangement with the Grim Reaper herself in a desperate attempt to save her mother's soul. While this book is a standalone work separate from the Fern Falls continuity, it carries over Kae's hallmarks of strong LGBTQ+ representation, humor, and deep emotional resonance.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
In the case of the Fern Falls series, publication order and chronological order are identical. In the Event of Love takes place during the winter holiday season, while In the Case of Heartbreak takes place during the subsequent summer. Reading them chronologically is highly recommended because the relationship status of Morgan and Rachel from the first book is active and visible during the events of the second book. Reading out of order will spoil the romantic resolution of the debut novel.
What to Know Before You Start
Courtney Kae's books are celebrated for their unique balance of lighthearted rom-com tropes and high-heat, steamy romance. If you are preparing to read her work, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Standalone friendly, but better together: While the romance in each Fern Falls book resolves with a satisfying Happily Ever After (HEA) and can technically be read as a standalone, the background plotlines and town relationships carry over directly.
- Cozy yet spicy: Do not let the sweet, illustrated covers fool you. Kae's writing features explicit, high-heat romantic scenes balanced with emotional conversations about mental health, grief, and self-acceptance.
- Focus on queer safe spaces: Kae deliberately writes worlds where homophobia and transphobia do not drive the conflict. Instead, characters face internal growth challenges, career transitions, and family healing, providing a comforting escape for LGBTQ+ readers.