*happy sigh* The Lovelight series is quickly becoming a cozy favorite of mine. I adored Lovelight Farms when I read it last Christmas, and In the Weeds is even better! Evie and Beckett get their second chance at love, and I enjoyed their journey. Readers met Evie in the first book, as she was the social media influencer who highlighted Lovelight Farms at Christmastime. It was mentioned at that time that she and Beckett had had a steamy night together recently, which made for an awkward surprise reunion when she showed up at the farm. Just like that night in the hotel room, she disappeared on Beckett without a word after she had enough info for her piece on Lovelight Farms. In the Weeds begins with a flashback to that fateful one-night stand, where readers get all the juicy details of what happened between the two of them.

Spring has sprung in Inglewild, and I loved seeing the flowers bloom and tagging along on planting days on the farm. I’m happy to report that Beckett’s adorable kittens are still babies who rule the farm and have Beckett whipped. I fell in love with this broody farmer in the first book. There’s just something about a man who loves to rescue animals, and I suggest you prepare to melt over a sweet little duckling in this book. I enjoyed getting to know Beckett more, and I loved Evie as well! Evie is experiencing some major burnout with her job and is feeling a little lost in her life. When her assistant asks her to name the last place she felt truly happy, Lovelight Farms immediately flashed across her mind. So, of course, she returns… not really knowing why. She and Beckett run into each other right when she arrives and finds out there’s no place in the entire town for her to stay and Beckett, being the gentleman that he is, offers her one of the spare rooms in his house. She moves into his house and back into his heart. There’s so many feelings between these two, my goodness. The romance in this story feels so real and raw. It is a very slow burn, dripping with angst and I loved it. They both have a lot to work through personally, as well as together. Their nights drinking tea together on his porch, their mornings skirting feelings around the kitchen, and their not-so-secret longing for one another was delicious. I just loved watching them work through their emotions and their feelings.

Inglewild is the most amazing town. The gossip phone tree, activated when anything interesting happens, made me giggle. The supporting characters, some of whom are instrumental in getting these two together, warmed my heart. Everyone is ready, willing, and eager to lend a helping hand whenever needed, whether it be to offer baking advice or help warm someone up who fell in a freezing lake. I loved seeing Stella and Luka again, as well as Layla. These three, plus Beckett, own Lovelight Farms together and I love this supportive found family of friends. If one of them is out stress digging in the fields in the middle of the night, the rest of them will climb out of bed and bring shovels and coffee to dig together in silence. If someone is camped out on the floor of their kitchen feeling sad, at least one of them is bound to show up and sit on the floor with them. The friendships in this series make my heart ache in the best possible way.

As with the first book, I love B.K. Borison’s writing. Her descriptions of the scenery and the goings on at the farm made me feel like I was there. She writes the best love stories and characters you’re sure to fall in love with. I’ve already read the next book in this series because I could not pull myself away from this cozy world she’s created. I’d like to stay here forever!

This book made me feel all kinds of warm and cozy feelings. I loved the first book in this series and I was so excited to jump back in. Beckett is the most lovely man on the planet, and the way he cares for everyone and everything around him is so adorable to read about. I also adored Evie and her character growth through this book. Inglewild is the small town I wish existed, with its quirky residents and hilarious activity. I can’t say enough good things about this book.

<b> Thank you to B.K. Borison, Berkley and Netgalley for a copy to review. </b>

A kismet encounter between Evelyn and Beckett results in a weekend tryst after which Evelyn disappears without a word. Months later she unwittingly shows up at the Lovelight Farms, where Beckett works and their "missed connections" moment turns into a "secretly pinning" slow-burn romance. This book was thoughtfully written, and the characters were each given colorful families that influenced their previous life choices; it was a true pleasure to read.

Things to look forward to in this book include, an MMC whose love language is acts of service, lots of miscommunications, sharing body heat, forced proximity, smuggling of baked goods, small-town community meetings, tatted up MMC, star gazing, out-door/greenhouse steam, kittens and a baby duck......

Notes:
- "In the Weeds" is the 2nd in the Lovelight Farms series. It can easily be read as a stand-alone story.
- Beckett is identified as having problems understanding people he doesn't know well as well as significant aversion to loud noises and overall auditory processing sensitivities. (He could be read as being coded as autistic but isn't described as such.)

Note: I will be posting a review on Instagram within the next few days.

It’s a wonderful thing when the second book in a series is better than the first. Instead of the first being a fluke or a one-off, the author knows her characters, her setting, and the peripherals that will make or break believability. Despite being a slower burn than might be expected, In the Weeds, was just a good read.

The jacket description almost does a disservice to Lovelight Farms resident farmer Beckett Porter. Beckett is not just a grumpy, hot, tatted-up guy out sweating in the fields. He has a kind and sensitive soul that is finessed in Borison’s writing style. He doesn’t like crowds so it’s natural for him to be comfortable in wide open spaces. He doesn’t like to be pushed, so he doesn’t push other people. He guards his heart, but when he gives it, it’s all of it. No one is surprised that cats follow him around or sit on his shoulders.

Evelyn St. James is on the high end of social influencers with a brand and an income. She is big business. Lovelight Farms wins a social media contest, one they are excited about because it will bring much needed attention to the Christmas Tree and working farm. What Evelyn finds at Lovelight Farms isn’t just a reunion with Beckett, a one-night stand she shared months ago, but a peace and healing she’s been trying to find for a long time in a relentless business that only cares about what you do next and how quickly you can do it. Beckett, in his slow, methodical way, basically the antithesis of her regular life, allows her the time and space she needs to get there. Their journey together is lovely, funny, and sweet. I can’t wait to read number three, Mixed Signals.

My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot

"did you find your happy today?" 🥹

this is so dang SWEET. i mean, seriously, a main character who has adopted four kittens and then takes in a baby DUCKLING?! who is sullen and hates noise and crowds, who secretly gets his favorite cookies from the other bakery in town to not offend his baker friend? SIGN ME UP

loved evelyn chasing her own happy, even if it meant leaving fame and internet stardom behind. #relatable

it truly has hart of dixie or virgin river vibes, and it is cute!!

Evelyn St. James has come to a crossroads in her life. Her job as a social media influencer started out as sharing beautiful things in life, but it’s grown out of control into something that doesn’t bring her joy anymore. She’s never home and feels unmoored. At her best friend’s suggestion, she reflects back to the last time she found “her happy” and that was in the quaint town of Inglewild. Coincidentally, the same place where her two-night stand, Beckett Porter, resides. Evie decides to go back to Idlewild to unplug and reevaluate her life there.

Beckett and Evie spent two lusty nights in Maine, but she left without a goodbye or any contact info. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. He had no idea she was a famous influencer until she showed up at the farm as part of a social medial campaign/contest Stella had enrolled in (back in book one, Lovelight Farms). Evie left then, too, without a goodbye so he’s resolved to forget about her and move on until she shows up again.

In the Weeds was a slow burn romance full of longing, and a little angsty at times. I wished they communicated more. It would’ve avoided needless hurt, but it all worked out. I did love the chemistry between Beckett and Evie, and I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other, falling a little more with every day that Evie stayed. So much to love besides their romance too! Otis the duck, the adorable kittens and just everything about the farm!

B.K. Borison’s writing is magical and gave the story a dreamy quality at times. Every touch, glance, and sense came through so I could feel the characters the attraction sparking between them, the longing, heady and intense. When traveling to a beautiful place I try to absorb every sight, sound and scent. Taking it all in, appreciating it and I felt Inglewild come to life in that way through her gorgeous writing!

Evelyn St. James has come to a crossroads in her life. Her job as a social media influencer started out as sharing beautiful things in life, but it’s grown out of control into something that doesn’t bring her joy anymore. She’s never home and feels unmoored. At her best friend’s suggestion, she reflects back to the last time she found “her happy” and that was in the quaint town of Inglewild. Coincidentally, the same place where her two-night stand, Beckett Porter, resides. Evie decides to go back to Idlewild to unplug and reevaluate her life there.

Beckett and Evie spent two lusty nights in Maine, but she left without a goodbye or any contact info. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. He had no idea she was a famous influencer until she showed up at the farm as part of a social medial campaign/contest Stella had enrolled in (back in book one, Lovelight Farms). Evie left then, too, without a goodbye so he’s resolved to forget about her and move on until she shows up again.

In the Weeds was a slow burn romance full of longing, and a little angsty at times. I wished they communicated more. It would’ve avoided needless hurt, but it all worked out. I did love the chemistry between Beckett and Evie, and I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other, falling a little more with every day that Evie stayed. So much to love besides their romance too! Otis the duck, the adorable kittens and just everything about the farm!

B.K. Borison’s writing is magical and gave the story a dreamy quality at times. Every touch, glance, and sense came through so I could feel the characters the attraction sparking between them, the longing, heady and intense. When traveling to a beautiful place I try to absorb every sight, sound and scent. Taking it all in, appreciating it and I felt Inglewild come to life in that way through her gorgeous writing!

I alternately read an e-copy and listened to an audio version. Pippa Jayne’s voice is so lovely, and I enjoyed Dane Anderson’s performance as well. I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.

Evelyn and Beckett had a short but memorable fling when she spent time at Lovelight Farms. She is a social media darling and had to return home, but Beckett never forgot her. Now she is back, and he’s not sure how to process everything. What does she want? Is it worth starting something else with her?

We met our heroine in the first book of the series. She’s this young, vibrant social media influencer. Now she’s burnt out and unsure of herself, so she decides to return to Lovelight farm to rediscover herself. I liked how the two didn’t act like they didn’t have something going on.

I must admit that while I did enjoy the book, the author had a lot of missed potential. She could have expounded more on the previous connection with Evie and Beckett. Yes, it was a brief sexual encounter, but I think it would have helped to explain the constant pull they had toward each other once Evie returned to the town.

The second thing that I noticed was the inner dialogue contributed to most of the first half of the book. The dual POVs helped ease the burden of this, but I honestly hate when there’s too much inner dialogue about everything. The characters mused to themselves their feelings, and every single thought about the other person but refused to speak.

After a certain age, I expect the characters to be able to express their thoughts with one another especially given that these two spent a lot of time together. This led to a whole misunderstanding that could have been explained in a conversation. This is a ploy that many authors use that fall short.

Just like the first book, I really enjoyed the people in the town. The humor is light, and the people are so nosey and cute. Beckett is gruff enough without being a jerk and can show his soft side.

Overall, I think this was a cute story. I’m invested enough to want to continue reading the series.

~ Samantha

I think this author just isn’t for me.
I liked the setting quirky, small town setting again . But that was pretty much all I liked.
Again, this book used my least favorite trope, miscommunication. Can’t everyone just act like adults and talk to one another? For me it makes the relationship totally unbelievable and unrelatable.
I also felt that I never really believed that these two had chemistry. It felt a lot like insta-love and really focused on the physical attraction. For me there was no emotional connection between the two main characters. It just made the romance very surface level to me and I didn’t feel invested.

I won’t be reading anything else by this author.

Christmas in July #4 🌲

I absolutely adored Lovelight Farms, and friends to lovers is very much not my romance trope of choice.

As someone that very much crushed on Beckett in the background of book one, I expected more from his story. One night stand to lovers, this was not. I mean, it was, but it mostly became the miscommunication trope, which I hate with a fiery passion. And this isn't even mostly Evie's fault. Beckett, my sexy tattooed man, get it together.

So if you're following along my holiday theme, it's not going very well. I am very much not in the holiday spirit.

If you're playing Ripped Bodice Bingo, books one and two work for farm and protagonist smells like citrus.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

I loved returning to the world of Lovelight Farms.

Evelyn and Beckett hooked up when they were both at a conference in Maine. Slightly out of character for both of them, the hit it off and enjoyed a weekend together until Evelyn disappeared leaving nothing behind. When she shows up at Beckett’s farm for a contest that Beckett’s farm partner Stella entered, they’re both shocked. Months later, Evelyn returns to Lovelight Farms in hopes of finding her happy again.

I really liked Evelyn and enjoyed Beckett as well. I didn’t quite love them as much as I loved Stella and Luka though. I enjoyed that Evelyn is a boss and she is self-made. I also really liked her best friend who was blunt with her in the way that best friends can be. Beckett was sometimes hit or miss with me. I loved how sweet he was but sometimes he felt a little too gruff.

I appreciated that both of the characters were different in this novel. Beckett deals with sensory issues and Evelyn is a woman of color. I think it would’ve been nice to touch on that a little bit more, but I understand Borison not feeling comfortable with that type of storyline as she is not a woman of color herself.

This series is such a great Hallmark movie in a book type of series. It has that small town heart with quirky townsfolk an small communication type problems. I didn’t even get annoyed with the third act conflict with this one! I got a little frustrated with Beckett, but I loved the way that it was handled and solved.

I don’t know what it was that didn’t catch me as much in this one as the first, but I think it was either lack of banter (I’m a sucker for good banter) or maybe because my schedule made reading this a bit more choppy.

While I didn’t love this one quite as much as I loved the first, that doesn’t mean this book isn’t great. I adored Evelyn and I’m excited to add another couple to the Lovelight Farms world. I am a sucker for a good romance novel series and this one is hitting all top marks. I cannot wait to fall back into this world for book 3.

The third times a charm for Evie and Beckett. (The first time was a one-night stand, and the second time was when his farm entered her contest.) Feeling disconnected, dissatisfied, and disappointed, Evie finds her way back to Inglewild, Lovelight Farms, and Beckett.

I liked this one just as much - if not more - than Lovelight Farms. With the addition of dual POV (hearing from Beckett), I have zero complaints.

The Lovelight series focuses on three friends who've committed to creating an agro-tourism business together in idyllic Inglewood. Owner Stella is the visionary, Layla runs the cafe, and Beckett is the farmer. In the first book, Stella is trying to boost the business's signal and save her Christmas tree farm and enters a contest from a Instagram influencer who focuses on small businesses--winning guarantees her success. Everything has to be perfect for Evelyn St. James's visit, and sex sells, so Stella accidentally lists her best friend and crush Luka as her business partner and lover, and then has to fake-date her way through Evelyn's visit. To complicate matters, someone seems to be sabotaging them at every turn.

In book two, Beckett reveals that he and Evelyn had a fling at a conference, and she is the one who slipped out in the morning and ghosted him. He is shocked to discover that his unforgettable two-night stand is Internet famous. Beckett, who is a quiet, sensitive cinnamon roll type, suffers from a sensory disorder, and Evelyn is starting to yearn for a simpler life; are they more compatible than it seems?

In book three, unlucky in love Layla slowly let's her guard down with regular customer Caleb, who offers her a month of no-strings dating to help her get her groove back. Only thing is, it's not just her baked goods he is in love with. Layla is in the midst of entering a baking competition, and that adds to the level of stress.

These are solidly written, quick reads full of delicious little details of food, decor, and nature. Each has miscommunication, competition, a third act breakup and grand gesture resolution. The sex is sweet and hot and descriptive. I accidentally read them in the wrong order (2, then 3, then 1), which made it all the more compelling to figure out what was going on. The marketing feels a little discordant: the lovely cover art is all by the same artist and in a fall harvest palette of pumpkin and gold and sage and peach and orange; I'm not sure why these holiday-themed stories are getting released over the summer, but if you're a Hallmark movie or Christmas in July person, these will be very satisfying reads.

I received free advance reader's review copies of #LovelightFarms, #InTheWeeds, and #MixedSignals from #NetGalley.

I love this book, this couple, this setting—everything. It’s such a good romance, and I couldn’t get enough of it. What an incredible story!

I was definitely intrigued by Beckett and Evelyn after meeting them in Lovelight Farms. I really enjoyed this two night stand turned friends to lovers second chance romance. Both characters are guarded in their own ways and rarely show their true selves, but with each other they could just be. Evie's character arc was really satisfying and I loved how she came into her own and embraced this new journey. It's no secret that I'm a sucker for the gruff and grumpy heroes who are secret softies on the inside and Beckett was delicious. His ooey gooey cinnamon roll center had me swooning and I loved all the little ways he showed he cared. Yes, he made some big assumptions at the end that annoyed me and jumped to all kinds of the wrong conclusions, but given his personality and the history between him and Evie, I could understand where he was coming from. The final conflict wasn't a true miscommunication, but I did feel that Evie and Beckett really needed to talk more in general. They clearly didn't have any problems with sexual chemistry though and kudos to BK Borison for writing some of the most sensual and sexy scenes I've read. She was able to convey so much longing and craving in those scenes without being overly detailed/explicit.

A highlight of the book for me were the wonderful secondary characters. I adored Josie and she had me laughing out loud at her commentary and quest for details about Beckett. The only one bed and grey sweatpants comments were hilarious! I also loved Beckett's family and the interactions between his siblings added some wonderful comic relief. I really enjoyed this one (more than Lovelight Farms) and I have a feeling it will end up being my favorite of the series.

CW: MMC's father is partially paralyzed from a work related accident (past), MMC dropped out of school and changed his career aspirations due to his father's accident, accidental fall into a lake in near freezing temps

This book was everything I wanted it to be and more! If Beckett isn't based on Roy Kent from Ted Lasso, I would be shocked. That isn't a bad thing for me personally, so I am ok with that! Evelyn has some characteristics of Keelie from Ted Lasso also, but mostly in the knowledge of image and social media.
I loved the honest look at the life of an influencer, and how it may look glamorous, but isn't always what it is cracked up to be, and you can get away from what you started out wanting to do when you are offered appealing deals, and ways to connect with people you wouldn't have met otherwise.
Beckett's sense of home was lovely also. Not everyone has wanderlust. Seeing them both deal with the fact that Evie does was a beautiful thing, and I really enjoyed myself! Can't wait to read the next one!

evelyn & beckett

this is definitely a new comfort read from the characters to the setting!

the author beautifully describes the setting and it makes you feel as if you are there. the small town vibes are everything and i love the new found family also engraved!

evelyn and beckett personalities fit each other so well and i love the way they helped each other find their happiness. beckett is literally a grumpy golden retriever boyfriend and his love language is definitely acts of service. he is so sweet and im obsessed with him

In the Weeds by B.K. Borison is the second book in her Lovelight series. Beckett Porter, is in charge of the farm aspects in Lovelight, with Stella the owner, and Layla, who runs the bakery. Beckett is an introvert, not a talker, but everyone at Lovelight, in town and his family all love him. When he attends a conference, he meets Evie at the bar, with both of them immediately attracted to one another. They end up having a wild
unforgettable two-night stand during the weekend; and Beckett can’t stop thinking about her. To his surprise, he discovers the woman who he met in Maine, was social media influencer Evelyn St. James, who was in town featuring Lovelight Farms, in her contest. Though she is there for the contest that she is running, she spends time getting to know Beckett, and how he has a hard time dealing with crowds and people. Though he can be grumpy, Evie sees how wonderful and caring he is, especially with homeless kittens and a duck. When she leaves, to continue her work, Beckett figures he needs to forget about her.

Evie’s job is beginning to pressure her, and her friend tells her she is feeling burnout, and suggests for Evie to go somewhere where she last felt happy. She decides to go to Lovelight Farms, where she last felt happy. She ends up staying in Beckett’s house, since he has a few rooms, and finds herself happy to be on the farm, as well as participate in learning the chores to help, not to mention loving the people who live in Inglewild. Evie was the perfect person for Beckett, as she was always helping him through his noise issues, and social anxiety; she was the sunshine to his darkness.
What follows is a sweet lovers’ relationship between Beckett and Evie, who had such awesome chemistry between them. The journey to find happiness was wonderful and endearing; and Evie was so caring and understanding helping Beckett.

Evie was a wonderful heroine, as she was sweet, independent, and caring. Beckett was totally hooked into Evie from their first night stand, and he constantly worshiped her, always worried that she would eventually leave. The secondary characters were all so great, which included Stella, Layla, Luka, Dane, etc. I got a kick out of the cute kittens.

In the Weeds was another fun, cute, sweet romance, great couple, terrific secondary characters in this continuation of the Lovelight series. I look forward to reading Layla story. I suggest you read this series, as it’s a fun story, and very well written by B.K. Borison.

flowers and tattoos… now that’s my vibe. this is a follow up to Lovelight Farms following our handsome tattooed farmer Beckett, a man of few words with a bundle of kittens and the social media influencer, Evie, who had showcased Stella’s tree farm and is now looking for a place to find herself again during her influencer burnout. these two habe a one night past that still lingers between them, and boooyy oh boy did it deliver. this is the perfect cozy read that made me sooo emotional with the best mixture of sweet and steamy. i loved them!!!!!

tropes: small town, grumpy x sunshine, tattooed farmer, social media influencer, second chance lovers, mental health representation.

"Trying to be happy is like - it's like trying to tell a flower to bloom. You can't make yourself be happy but you can be open to it. You can trust yourself enough to feel it when you stumble on it."

"In The Weeds" hit me in every last one of my feels, giving me another dream couple to love and adore: Beckett and Evie. I have to admit Luka is still my favorite (the scene in ITW between Beckett and Luka brought me to tears!). Borison writes a story filled with charm and swoony moments, reminding fans of why we love her first novel, "Lovelight Farms" so damn much. Beckett and Evie's story was charming and delightful from start to finish. I enjoyed the heavy (sour) moments of the book, which allowed me to enjoy the sweet that much more. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I celebrated.

Between the kittens, baby duck, notes next to a cup of coffee, and earmuffs, B.K. has a fan for life in me after reading both of her novels. This writer can spin a love story like no other.

The Lovelight Farms series is delightful and the second book in the series is probably my favorite. Beckett is the sweetest grumpy farmer, the relationship between him and Evelyn is both slow and fast, sweet and steamy. The side characters are just as enjoyable and well thought out. The setting is beautiful and comfy. This book is like a warm hug. Highly recommend for romance book lovers!
- Thanks to Netgalley for the e-arc