I listened to this book and absolutely loved it. The setting sounds like a dream and I could imagine it perfectly. The characters are well developed and very interesting. The chemistry between Stella and Luka is there from the beginning and their fake relationship so fun! Pippa Jayne does a fantastic job narrating and I can't wait to reread a physical copy. You don't want to miss this one!

So I was a bit late to the party for this series. But wow, am I glad that I joined the fun. And just in time for the gorgeous release from Berkley today!

Lovelight Farms is delightful. I knew I would love it just because it's a small town romance with a friends-to-lovers trope. These are always two of my favorites features in romance novels. But then add in the backdrop of a Christmas tree farm, a contest, fake dating, and more. I was completely sold.

I really enjoyed Stella as the main character. I could so relate to her challenges with family and work. And I was so gone for Luka. The way he squeezes down her arms three times was so powerful, and that kind of description is exactly what made this book for me.

Plus I loved the found family with Beckett and Layla. I am so excited they each get their own book as well. This is a truly special series.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

Lovelight Farms was such a dreamy and sweet romance! Best-friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes and from the first few pages you know Stella and Luka are meant to be! The yearning on Stella’s part for Luka made me ache for her, but she didn’t want to push and then lose her best friend. How they didn’t clue in earlier was beyond me, but Stella’s situation with the farm was the perfect nudge for these two.

Stella had her work cut out for her, keeping the farm afloat. There were issues that pointed to sabotage and was a bit of a mystery.

I loved the Christmas tree farm setting! I could picture smelling the pine, sipping on some hot chocolate while strolling down the tree aisles! Lovelight Farms was just like a Hallmark movie romance but with some sizzle! A definite recommend!

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🌲 STELLA + LUKA 🌲

There’s not much more I can say about “Lovelight Farms” that hasn’t been said already. I fell in love with the book in December of 2021 and it’s clutch hold is as strong as ever.

In book one of the “Lovelight Farms” readers are gifted …

🌲 SMALL TOWN SHENANIGANS

🌲 BEST FRIENDS TO LOVERS

🌲 FAKE DATING

🌲 CHRISTMAS MAGIC

🌲 LUKA (friggin’) PETERS

Simply put, I loved this book then, I love this book now. Berkley snagged this series (and writer) up and let’s just say, good for them, because they’ve got a real star in BK and the gang in Lovelight Farms.

Happy (re) pub day, BK! 💚 now give me Charlie, damn it!

This book was everything I didn’t know I needed right now. It was romantic and swoony, with great friendships, and even a bit of a mystery wovwn throughout. I absolutely adored Stella and Luka. They each their quirks but they care about each other deeply. They’ve been best friends for nearly a decade, so when Stella signs up for a contest to help save her tree farm she knows she can count on Luka to be her fake boyfriend for a week to help her convince a social media influencer that her farm deserves the cash prize. Sparks fly once the fake dating begins and Stella isn’t sure where the line between fake and fantasy is anymore. There is so much goodness packed into this book, I can’t even begin to describe it. I can’t wait to dig into Borison’s second book, Into the Weeds!

Stella nearly has it all: the perfect Christmas tree farm in a small town in New York State, two partners who are committed to the business (Beckett, the helpful and good-looking farmhand, and Layla, the best baker in town), a whole little community that supports her, and more than anything, her best friend Luka, who's been by her side since the very beginning.

There's just one problem. Things have been going wrong lately at the farm - mysteriously cancelled orders, possible teenage vandals, root-rotteed trees - and it's hurting the farm's bottom line. Stella feels she has one last option to save the farm: enter into a social media competition that has a grand prize at the end of it and that will get the farm a lot more new attention. But Stella might've fibbed on the application, writing that she ran the business with her boyfriend. Except Stella doesn't have boyfriend.

When her best friend Luka steps in to save the day and play pretend boyfriend, Stella realizes maybe she wants more than just a friendship, and just maybe that feeling is mutual. There might be more of a future for the both of them and the farm than either of them expected.

What I really loved:
- This romance was so much cuter than I expected it to be. I had not heard of it until I had stumbled upon the third book of the series most recently showcased on Netgalley, and after reading many favorable reviews, realized that there were two other books before it. So I went back to the beginning and so happy I requested to read this first one via Berkley and Netgalley (I have every intention on requesting the next to as well!).
- The characters are absolutely loveable (even if they're really gullible and naive to their own feelings - but that's what makes the story move forward!) and leave you feeling as if they're all just as much your own friends as they are the main characters'.
- I loved the small town, hometown vibes that the community in the story gives off - it felt so wholesome.
- While there aren't a LOT of chili pepper moments, there were enough to keep things spicy, and there was definitely no lack of tension. Lots of tension!
- This book gave me the same feelings that the Well Met series (by Jen DeLuca) did. The storyline is entirely different and unique but it left me with all the warm fuzzy feelings that a cute and a little bit spicy romance novel leaves you with. I'm ready to read the next, and the next, and hopefully eventually another next!

What I didn’t love:
- I don't know that there was anything that I felt like I really didn't love from this story and the characters. Everything felt well-enough thought out and executed, it was well written, but it was also a really cute romance novel that left me wanting to read the next one. I think the only thing that was partially frustrating was how oblivious the main characters were to each others' feelings towards the other, but then in order for the storyline to work, the characters needed to be that way (second guessing each other, wondering if the other one felt the same but then also self-sabotaging themselves, etc., etc.).

Overall:
I really really enjoyed this one and was honestly pleasantly surprised. I was mostly surprised that I hadn't heard of this cute romance series before yet it already had so many positive reviews that I thought surely it couldn't be so good - but it was. It was absolutely lovely and fun and refreshing and I'm looking forward to reading the next one!

Thank you to both Berkley and Netgalley for allowing me to read an early review copy!

Review: I really enjoyed reading this romance novel! The characters were excellent. I loved the Christmas atmosphere. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Lovelight Farms is a delightful and charming read that will warm your heart. This sweet and cozy story takes you on a journey through the idyllic countryside, where you'll meet a cast of lovable characters and experience the joys and challenges of life. With its engaging plot, vivid descriptions, and relatable themes, Lovelight Farms is a must-read for anyone who loves heartwarming stories that leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

So this is the story of Stella and Luka and how their decade long best-friendship finally gets turned into…something more. This is as much fun as Beckett and Evelyn’s story!

Stella bought a farm and needs to win an online contest…but she needs a fake boyfriend to better her chances. After asking one out of all male population, she asks Luka. Luka immediately agrees and suggests they become actual couple for the duration of judging.

Lovelight Farms is the first book in the Lovelight series and a debut novel for this author. While I kept turning the pages to see what would happen next, the story was choppy. Often there was no delineation of the plot having moved forward and all of a sudden the characters are driving somewhere, leaving their car that I wasn't aware they were in or dropped into another location. Once is okay but more than that is frustrating and it happened many times.

Stella was a hard person to like. Her best friend Luka and her two business partners put up with her but she did everything she could to sabotage their relationships whether lying, keeping secrets or just holding herself and her feelings back. We know she got a raw deal growing up but it's time to put the past behind her and get on with her life. She's creative and did a lot to turn the tree farm she bought in a new direction. I loved all things Christmas in the story.

There were multiple stories being told and the stories were woven together. There are ebbs and flows to the story along with some closure and a happily ever after that takes place two years later which seemed excessive especially how the characters were talking as if it was still within the ten year time frame of Stella and Luka's friendship. I liked that there was an excerpt from the next book in the series and I do plan to read it but hope the story flows better.

I rated it 3.5 stars but rounded to 4 stars here and on other sites.

From the snowy treetops to the array of delicious sugary treats to the small town, found family feels, Lovelight Farms brings a sense of warmth, romance, and holiday magic to the season that will charm you heart and soul.

Ever since she was a little girl, owning a tree farm has been Stella’s dream. Since taking over, she’s run into a few hiccups causing her to worry about the farm’s future. To get back on track, she enters a contest where she will be in the running to win a cash prize from a travel influencer. To make her story seem more interesting and romantic, Stella says she owns the farm with her boyfriend…only she doesn’t have one. But what happens when she asks her best friend, who she’s been secretly pining over for the last ten years, to be in a fake relationship for the sake of the farm? Will sparks fly, or will her well-constructed plan come crumbling down?

This ADORABLE story, the charming cast of characters, the feeling of holiday magic in the air, everything about it made me fall utterly in love. It’s the perfect pick-me-up read that will make you feel swept away and immersed into a wintery wonderland.

I could gush about this book for ages! It hit every note that I love in a romance book. It had the perfect amount of sweet and spicy moments with an AMAZING tension-filled friends-to-lovers romance that had me rooting them on like they were my sports team and tearing up at all the small ways they showed their love. The humble small-town setting brought depth to the story with a strong sense of community and friendship. The Christmas vibes were SPOT on. And Borison’s use of festive adjectives and descriptions throughout the book added to the overall atmosphere of the story, transporting you directly to Lovelight Farms.

If you’re looking for a read to warm your heart and bring a smile to your face with all the holiday cheer, I can't recommend this one enough!!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

*Contented sigh* This is the kind of Christmas small town romance that leaves you warm and cozy. I love fake dating and friends to lovers, but my absolute favorite romance trope is the cinnamon roll mmc. Plus it is pure Christmas magic. CHEF'S KISS. I connected to both leads, Stella and Luke were so lovable. I had such a great time reading this book, I did not want to leave Lovelight Farms. I can't wait to reread in December!

Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Lovelight Farms was a fun read. I really enjoyed it though at times I wanted to reach in the book and smack Stella to wake her up to the reality.

Stella has had the best friend ever in Luke for nearly a decade. They're so close and so perfect together. She's in love with him but terrified of losing their friendship to an attempt to build a romantic relationship. Or maybe she's just flat out afraid of letting any man in. Luke is amazing. He's so patient with her and so dang good to her. Add in amazing friends and her dream tree farm and there's plenty of interesting going-ons. When Stella tells a social influencer she and Luke are a couple in order to win a contest, the two are soon "pretending" to be in love. I think anyone can see what's coming here.

Finding out how these two find their happily ever after and what comes of the farm was a fun adventure. I recommend the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

Such a fun story! Who wouldn’t love a love story that takes place on a Christmas tree farm!? Luka and Stella are just perfection. Unknowingly, they have been in love with each other for years. They have also been best friends for years hiding their feelings from each other. When Stella needs a fake boyfriend, she asks Luka to help out. He is more than willing to FINALLY show her how he feels, even if it is through a fake relationship. She needs a boyfriend while an influencer comes to the farm at a chance to win $100,000 and inevitably save the farm.

Luka is just the swooniest. Dancing in the kitchen while they have a serious discussion? Be still my beating heart! You also get a glimpse of Evelyn St. James and Bennett. The next book is their story and you get a little bit of a taste of how their story starts. Lovelight Farms is the perfect story for any time of year!

I ADORED Lovelight Farms and am glad I got to read it before it hits shelves very soon!

Stella has always wanted to be a tree farmer since she was young. Now with monetary issues looming, she's placing all her bets on Evelyn St. James giving her a huge cash prize. Lying on the application form and saying she owns Lovelight Farms with her boyfriend, she must enlist best friend Luka Peters. These adult friends are about to see however; what happens with some "magic" and admitting feelings at Lovelight Farms.

B.K. Borison's debut novel, Lovelight Farms, had me blushing reading and laughing along with the cast of characters antics. I LOVED the small town phone line and how B.K. made it seem like you were hanging out on that Christmas Tree Farm. While I found the conflict put to the wayside, it didn't make this first time reader want to put down the book at any second. I am already looking forward to my holiday read!

I do love fake dating romances, and the setting here, and a lot of the dates were lovely and warm. However, I've become increasingly allergic to miscommunication as a plot motivator, when sitting down to talk would resolve the issues. So it took me a while to read this, in spite of all the other elements that I enjoy.

Obsessed!! All the fall/winter vibes wrapped up in the perfect fake dating friends to lovers story! So much chemistry and sweet banter and the absolute cutest scenes. Every character in the story is so so easy to root for and you will be left clamoring for more books in the series!

The small town charm is reminiscent of Gilmore Girls and I absolutely loved it!

Ahh I'm in LOVE - escapism at its finest! It was an overall very enjoyable read.

This book is warm hug in front of the fireplace, with a mug of tea in one hand and the scent of pine in the air. Honestly, the warm fuzzies and all the feels came for the ride the entire way through this book. It was so difficult to stop reading as reality broke my concentration, because I just kept wanting to immerse myself in the world created by BK Borison. It had so many enjoyable tropes - friends to lovers, fake relationship, small town, pining - and I would say that it is one of my favorite examples of the friends to lovers trope to date. These two were absolutely perfect for each other, and it was so obvious to everyone but them. The universe gave them the shove that they needed, and we all got to witness as they fell. My favorite part about the entire fall was how gentle and natural it was. It wasn't quick, it wasn't instantly consummated, but instead it was a slow burn with all the confusion and desire that comes from an evolving relationship. Just magic. Pure magic.

Stella Bloom's dream of owning a Christmas tree farm is going downhill fast. With local teenagers playing pranks that lead to lost revenue and paying her workers while eating ramen on the days she can't afford to buy anything else, Stella is desperate. So she enters a contest put on by one of her favorite social media influencers, hoping they would find her farm intriguing enough to give her the prize money of $100,000 and at least another year to turn the place into a profitable business. There's just one problem - she lied. The influencer is going to expect her to be running the farm alongside her boyfriend, only she is very much single. Now she needs to come up with a boyfriend in a very short period of time, but thankfully there is one man in her life who has no problem coming to the rescue as he has done many times before. Luka Peters has been her best friend for nine years, and they've never been more than that...despite Stella's fantasies. She doesn't want to lose him as a friend, but now they have to cross the line to help her farm get the money it needs. Even if that means they confront feelings for each other that they never intended to act on.

I adore this couple so much, that I can't find enough words to say how amazing they are. I enjoyed seeing them grow so much, not only as a couple but as individuals. They were absolutely perfect for each other. The living embodiment of what soulmates looks like, and that's probably what made the townspeople so aggravated. Imagine seeing two people who are so in sync, clearly attracted to each other, but both insist that they are just friends. Right. And I am the Queen of England. Luka was a dream, there for Stella through so much in her life, and he knew when to show support by just listening or by doing the things she needs without asking. As they grew closer and became more intimate, he let her set the pace, and he never once pushed her to do something she didn't want to do. This is sexy consent, folks. This man should teach a freaking class. Stella was a strong, independent woman who didn't want to admit she needed help, but when she did finally let go, it was a beautiful thing watching her rely on other people. There is, of course, some drama and angst due to her worries over being abandoned by Luka once their relationship ends, but thankfully it is fairly short-lived. Mainly because Stella has some amazing friends who help her see the light, and also because Luka was not one to give up that easily. Also, can we just make a small mention of Luka's family? They were so cute and loud and lovable. Their instant connection with Stella brought a smile to my face.

I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series! I already know they will be some of my favorites this year.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

After buying a Christmas tree farm, Stella Bloom discovered that it isn't quite the winter wonderland she expected it would be. Instead she faces dead trees, raccoons running amok, and shipments going missing just when she needs them. The money is running out, and she needs a miracle to survive the season. In a last ditch attempt to save the farm, she enters a competition with influencer Evelyn St. James. If she wins, it comes with a $100,000 cash prize, as well as the added publicity which might just tide Stella over into another year. However, she told Evelyn she bought the farm with her boyfriend, and she's been decidedly single for years now. Can she ask her best friend Luka to be her fake 'boyfriend', when she's had a crush on him from the beginning?

I was drawn to this book by its cover initially, but as soon as I started it, I was hooked. Stella was a wonderful heroine, and I felt for her so much. Because of her past, she had always wanted some place to call her own, and Lovelight Farms had always been a dream of hers. Unfortunately, it had recently become a bit of a nightmare, and though she worked with her friends, Layla and Beckett, she kept the truth of how bad it was getting from them, and from best friend Luka. She hated having to rely on others, or ask for help, and she was embarrassed that she had been able to do it all herself. Asking Luka to be her fake boyfriend was one thing, but opening up about how bad it all was, even asking him to come to the weird 'thanksgiving' her father hosts each year, it was too much for her feelings to cope with. I loved the way we saw the romance between Stella and Luka come to fruition, as well as how their friendship developed into what it was. They had missed out on so much by keeping their true feelings from each other, though they had been sending messages to each other throughout - the air fresheners were a stroke of genius! I had such a grin on my face while reading this book, and I couldn't be happier than where Luka and Stella's romance was by the end of the book. Hopefully we see them again in the sequels, which I'm dying to get me hands on! A fantastic start to what is set to be a great series!

Stella's struggling to keep her Christmas tree farm afloat so she seizes on a contest run by an influencer that will hopefully lead to more visitors and much needed cash. Except that she says she's got a boyfriend when she doesn't. And this gives Luka his opening. These two friends begin the classic fake dating scenario where he poses as her romantic partner and then becomes it. This is trope-y to be sure but I liked the setting and its got a good spirit. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Entertaining.