Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison

Lovelight #1

Rating: ★★★★☆

Dates Read: 2/11/23 - 2/11/23

    Stella Bloom's cherished Lovelight Farms, a Christmas tree farm from her childhood, is far from the winter wonderland she envisioned. Faced with dead trees, pesky raccoons taking over the Santa barn, and mysterious missing shipments, the farm is struggling financially.

    In a desperate attempt to save the farm, Stella decides to enter a contest alongside the famous influencer, Evelyn St. James. The prize? A hefty $100,000 cash reward and much-needed publicity. But there's a catch – she claimed on the application that she co-owns Lovelight Farms with her boyfriend, a fabrication to make the farm appear like a romantic holiday destination. The truth is, there is no boyfriend.

    Enter Stella's best friend, Luka Peters. He returns home and unexpectedly finds himself entangled in a web of deception, suddenly owning a farm and posing as Stella's serious boyfriend. Now, Stella and Luka must navigate this tricky situation, posing as a couple to save Lovelight Farms and hoping their charade doesn't unravel in the process.

    The story revolves around Stella and her struggles to save Lovelight Farms, the Christmas tree farm she adores. The characters were endearing, and I found myself rooting for Stella throughout the book. The setting of the little town and the farm itself made me wish I could visit it in real life. While I enjoyed the story, I must admit that Stella's romantic cluelessness was a bit frustrating. Her inability to see what was right in front of her added a touch of drama, but it was Luka, her best friend, who stole the show. He was an absolute keeper, and his presence in the story made it worth every moment.

    As someone who isn't usually a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it was executed here. It felt authentic, without any forced or cringy moments, and I adored the mix of Hallmark vibes and cute, sexy scenes between Stella and Luka. The banter, relationships, side characters, and the sprinkle of spice all contributed to the overall enjoyable vibes of the book. It was difficult to put down, and I found myself truly immersed in the story.

    In conclusion, if you're looking for a heartwarming small-town romance with a friends-to-lovers theme, holiday vibes, and a charming setting, this novella is a perfect choice. It left me feeling happy, warm, and fuzzy inside, and I had an absolutely great time reading it. Highly recommended for a feel-good holiday read!