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Lovelight #3
Mixed Signals
Layla Dupree has given up on love.
She’s waded through all of the fish in the sea, each one more disappointing than the last. Apparently owning the bakery at Inglewild’s most romantic destination does not help one’s love life—despite her best efforts. All she wants is a partner who gives her butterflies, not someone who ghosts her at dinner and leaves her with the check.
Good thing Caleb Alvarez has the perfect solution.
After saving Layla from another date gone bad, he has a simple proposition: One month of no-strings dating. He’ll do his best to renew her faith in men while she rates his dating game. It’s a win-win situation. All the benefits of dating, without the added pressure of feelings and unmet expectations.
But there’s one ingredient they haven’t considered. The chemistry between them is red hot and the urge to take things to the next level is more tempting than Layla’s double fudge mocha brownies.
Will the heat between them boil over? Or will it be another case of mixed signals?
Mixed Signals is a sweet and steamy small-town romance. Our story features a bashful man who can rock a Hawaiian shirt, a hopeful and dreamy bakery owner, enough sweets to give you a cavity, and your favorite Inglewild residents. Mixed Signals is a standalone romance and the third book in the Lovelight series, a collection of interconnected novels.
She’s waded through all of the fish in the sea, each one more disappointing than the last. Apparently owning the bakery at Inglewild’s most romantic destination does not help one’s love life—despite her best efforts. All she wants is a partner who gives her butterflies, not someone who ghosts her at dinner and leaves her with the check.
Good thing Caleb Alvarez has the perfect solution.
After saving Layla from another date gone bad, he has a simple proposition: One month of no-strings dating. He’ll do his best to renew her faith in men while she rates his dating game. It’s a win-win situation. All the benefits of dating, without the added pressure of feelings and unmet expectations.
But there’s one ingredient they haven’t considered. The chemistry between them is red hot and the urge to take things to the next level is more tempting than Layla’s double fudge mocha brownies.
Will the heat between them boil over? Or will it be another case of mixed signals?
Mixed Signals is a sweet and steamy small-town romance. Our story features a bashful man who can rock a Hawaiian shirt, a hopeful and dreamy bakery owner, enough sweets to give you a cavity, and your favorite Inglewild residents. Mixed Signals is a standalone romance and the third book in the Lovelight series, a collection of interconnected novels.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2022
2033 people are currently reading
83901 people want to read
About the author
B.K. Borison
9 books16.8k followersNew York Times, Sunday Times, and USA Today Bestselling author B.K. Borison is the author of cozy, contemporary romances featuring emotionally vulnerable characters and swoon-worthy settings. When she’s not daydreaming about fictional characters doing fictional things, she’s at home with her family, more than likely buying books she doesn’t have room for.
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Want to read
April 11, 2023I hope you all love Caleb and Layla's story. It's been an absolute delight to write. Here are some things to look forward to:
- Sunshine x Sunshine
- "I am really bad at dating, please help me."
- "Unrelated, I have a crush on you."
- Show me what you like / bedroom instruction
- Baked goods as foreplay
- Small town shenanigans
- Appearances by Luka, Stella, Evelyn, Beckett, and Charlie
- A golden retriever hero, and a hopeful, romantic heroine
I cannot wait to hear what you think. Coming soon to a bookshelf near you.
- Sunshine x Sunshine
- "I am really bad at dating, please help me."
- "Unrelated, I have a crush on you."
- Show me what you like / bedroom instruction
- Baked goods as foreplay
- Small town shenanigans
- Appearances by Luka, Stella, Evelyn, Beckett, and Charlie
- A golden retriever hero, and a hopeful, romantic heroine
I cannot wait to hear what you think. Coming soon to a bookshelf near you.
April 10, 2025
Mixed Signals (The Lovelight Series #3)
by B.K. Borison, narrated by Pippa Jayne & Julio Maxwell
There has to be something in the water in Inglewild (I've said this before). It seems to be something that brings together people who are right for each other but this something also seems to scramble and warp their communications skills. This time the silly couple is made up of Layla and Caleb.
Layla, who bakes the best baked goods in her bakery at Lovelight. Caleb, former deputy but now high school teacher, who shows up at Layla's bakery, like clockwork, ordering one butter croissant and coffee. Caleb has had a crush on Layla since he first set eyes on her. Layla has no faith in men because of past experience so she doesn't even notice them until she actually does start noticing Caleb.
So of course they have to make things very hard. Like why don't they fake date so they can critique each other after a month to allow each of them to be better daters? Shaking my head at these two. I like how I never have to really worry, so much of the angst is self induced and there is plenty of comfort, support, good and bad advice. No one is really alone in these stories if they will just look up and realize that others are there for them.
For those who care about these things, this story is very spicy. I prefer a fade to black or a bedroom door slammed in my face but that's not what you get here. Prepare yourself for sugary sweet and spicy hot.
Audiobook pub Nov 15 2022
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC.
by B.K. Borison, narrated by Pippa Jayne & Julio Maxwell
There has to be something in the water in Inglewild (I've said this before). It seems to be something that brings together people who are right for each other but this something also seems to scramble and warp their communications skills. This time the silly couple is made up of Layla and Caleb.
Layla, who bakes the best baked goods in her bakery at Lovelight. Caleb, former deputy but now high school teacher, who shows up at Layla's bakery, like clockwork, ordering one butter croissant and coffee. Caleb has had a crush on Layla since he first set eyes on her. Layla has no faith in men because of past experience so she doesn't even notice them until she actually does start noticing Caleb.
So of course they have to make things very hard. Like why don't they fake date so they can critique each other after a month to allow each of them to be better daters? Shaking my head at these two. I like how I never have to really worry, so much of the angst is self induced and there is plenty of comfort, support, good and bad advice. No one is really alone in these stories if they will just look up and realize that others are there for them.
For those who care about these things, this story is very spicy. I prefer a fade to black or a bedroom door slammed in my face but that's not what you get here. Prepare yourself for sugary sweet and spicy hot.
Audiobook pub Nov 15 2022
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC.
March 3, 2023
5/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️
“Why are you settling for crumbs when you deserve the whole damn cake?”
To say I’m obsessed with this series would be an understatement. Mixed Signals brings us back to the farm for the third time. This is a contemporary romance with dual POV with all the small town vibes. Caleb and Layla, both struggling in the love department. It follows Lovelight's resident baker Layla and a cop who was fired for being too nice, Caleb. Layla has had a long string of awful dates and relationship prospects. It's funny, sweet, sexy and written in such an effortless and captivating way! Both characters were *chef's kiss*, and Caleb is an ultimate book boyfriend. Super sweet, the spiciest of the three books, and just so much fun. I think Caleb is now my favorite…
Quotes:
“Why are you settling for crumbs when you deserve the whole damn cake?”
“Maybe the reason why you haven’t figured out how to fit your pieces with someone else is because you haven’t found the right puzzle.”
“Luka grins. Stella groans. I snort a laugh.”
“You deserve good things, sweetheart.” He swallows hard, eyes searching mine. “Why can’t you see yourself? Why can’t you see how incredible you are?”
I see you, Layla Dupree.” He says it so firmly, so resolute, that I can’t help but believe him. “Clear as day. I always have.”
I’ve never been kissed like that, and I’ve never been taken care of like this. His borrowed shirt. His careful hands. His knuckles brushing under my chin.
“That’s the trouble with falling in love. It’s a messy, ungraceful stumble into a whirlwind of chaos. It doesn’t always feel good. It’s a fall.”
...
3/5 🌶️
“Why are you settling for crumbs when you deserve the whole damn cake?”
To say I’m obsessed with this series would be an understatement. Mixed Signals brings us back to the farm for the third time. This is a contemporary romance with dual POV with all the small town vibes. Caleb and Layla, both struggling in the love department. It follows Lovelight's resident baker Layla and a cop who was fired for being too nice, Caleb. Layla has had a long string of awful dates and relationship prospects. It's funny, sweet, sexy and written in such an effortless and captivating way! Both characters were *chef's kiss*, and Caleb is an ultimate book boyfriend. Super sweet, the spiciest of the three books, and just so much fun. I think Caleb is now my favorite…
Quotes:
“Why are you settling for crumbs when you deserve the whole damn cake?”
“Maybe the reason why you haven’t figured out how to fit your pieces with someone else is because you haven’t found the right puzzle.”
“Luka grins. Stella groans. I snort a laugh.”
“You deserve good things, sweetheart.” He swallows hard, eyes searching mine. “Why can’t you see yourself? Why can’t you see how incredible you are?”
I see you, Layla Dupree.” He says it so firmly, so resolute, that I can’t help but believe him. “Clear as day. I always have.”
I’ve never been kissed like that, and I’ve never been taken care of like this. His borrowed shirt. His careful hands. His knuckles brushing under my chin.
“That’s the trouble with falling in love. It’s a messy, ungraceful stumble into a whirlwind of chaos. It doesn’t always feel good. It’s a fall.”
...
May 20, 2025
ੈ♡˳ rating: 4.99 of five stars
ੈ♡˳ summary: mixed signals by b.k. borison is the third book in the lovelight series and follows layla dupree, the sweet and chaotic town baker, and caleb alvarez, the quiet, steady schoolteacher who’s always been in the background. after a string of bad dates, layla agrees to “practice dating” with caleb for a month—just to see what she’s been missing. what starts off as a no-pressure, fake-dating situation quickly turns into very real feelings, and both of them have to decide if they’re brave enough to choose each other for real.
ੈ♡˳ thoughts: this book was so close to being a full five stars. like, dangerously close. layla and caleb were absolute perfection together. i’ve liked all the couples in this series so far, but this?? this felt the most real, the most emotional, the most earned. caleb is the ultimate soft, cinnamon-roll book boyfriend and layla is messy in the most lovable, relatable way. they balanced each other so well.
the chemistry, the spice, the small-town vibes, the bakery setting—literally everything worked… except for that dreaded third-act breakup 😤.
WHY are we still doing this?? the story was flowing perfectly, the emotional growth was already there, and then BOOM—third act breakup like we’re checking off a romance trope checklist. it felt so unnecessary and took me out of the magic for a second. authors, i’m begging: we don’t need it.
me and b.k. borison are gonna have to fight because i want to give these books five stars so bad, but there’s always one little detail holding me back.
STILL—this was definitely my favorite of the series so far, and i already know i’ll be rereading this one.
ੈ♡˳ tropes:
ꕥ fake dating
ꕥ friends to lovers
ꕥ small-town romance
ꕥ cinnamon roll hero
ꕥ one-month dating “trial”
ੈ♡˳ fave quotes:
➼ “why are you settling for crumbs when you deserve the whole damn cake?”
➼ “i know i can be too much, but i think i’m just enough for you.”
➼ “you deserve good things, sweetheart.”
----
post read: this was soooo close to being a five star read for me. review in the morning when i have collected my thoughts about this.
ੈ♡˳ summary: mixed signals by b.k. borison is the third book in the lovelight series and follows layla dupree, the sweet and chaotic town baker, and caleb alvarez, the quiet, steady schoolteacher who’s always been in the background. after a string of bad dates, layla agrees to “practice dating” with caleb for a month—just to see what she’s been missing. what starts off as a no-pressure, fake-dating situation quickly turns into very real feelings, and both of them have to decide if they’re brave enough to choose each other for real.
ੈ♡˳ thoughts: this book was so close to being a full five stars. like, dangerously close. layla and caleb were absolute perfection together. i’ve liked all the couples in this series so far, but this?? this felt the most real, the most emotional, the most earned. caleb is the ultimate soft, cinnamon-roll book boyfriend and layla is messy in the most lovable, relatable way. they balanced each other so well.
the chemistry, the spice, the small-town vibes, the bakery setting—literally everything worked… except for that dreaded third-act breakup 😤.
WHY are we still doing this?? the story was flowing perfectly, the emotional growth was already there, and then BOOM—third act breakup like we’re checking off a romance trope checklist. it felt so unnecessary and took me out of the magic for a second. authors, i’m begging: we don’t need it.
me and b.k. borison are gonna have to fight because i want to give these books five stars so bad, but there’s always one little detail holding me back.
STILL—this was definitely my favorite of the series so far, and i already know i’ll be rereading this one.
ੈ♡˳ tropes:
ꕥ fake dating
ꕥ friends to lovers
ꕥ small-town romance
ꕥ cinnamon roll hero
ꕥ one-month dating “trial”
ੈ♡˳ fave quotes:
➼ “why are you settling for crumbs when you deserve the whole damn cake?”
➼ “i know i can be too much, but i think i’m just enough for you.”
➼ “you deserve good things, sweetheart.”
----
post read: this was soooo close to being a five star read for me. review in the morning when i have collected my thoughts about this.
March 23, 2025
I am honestly addicted to Lovelight Farms universe and B. K. Borison's amazing talent for creating the sweetest, cutest couples in the fictional world!
Before I start my review, I have to emphasize that Caleb Alvarez is a real cinnamon bun, the best book boyfriend you can ever be introduced to. I also adored his loyal, entertaining, and tight-knit Alvarez clan. They made me laugh aloud several times.
This is one of the best books that make you feel extremely good, warming your heart and putting the biggest smile on your face! I think doctors should prescribe Borison's Lovelight Farms series to cure depression. It's guaranteed to heal your anxiety problems! At least it helped me a lot.
The heroine of the story is Layla Dupree, who is exhausted after being involved in way too many disastrous dating experiences. She realizes she deserves the whole cake instead of settling for breadcrumbs. When her favorite customer at her bakery, the kind-hearted Caleb Alvarez, makes a dating offer to help each other's predicaments, she cannot refuse him. The plan is simple: Caleb will learn what he's doing wrong in his relationships, overcompensation, or overthinking. In return, Layla will date a guy who gives her the exact treatment she deserves: kindness, care, and devotion.
Caleb has had a long-time crush on Layla, and the dating scenario is an opportunity for him to prove how much she means to him. This guy is extremely sweet, and his kindness makes him kicked out of the deputy position in the sheriff department. He's so helpful and sees the good in others. He deserves millions of brownie points.
The third-act disagreement in the book made me roll my eyes, but I loved everything about this small-town romance.
The characterization is perfect, the attraction and chemistry are palpable, and the lovemaking scenes show how much the couple cares for each other.
Overall, I love this series, and I can read thousands of books if B. K. Borison decides to create more!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this lovely book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Before I start my review, I have to emphasize that Caleb Alvarez is a real cinnamon bun, the best book boyfriend you can ever be introduced to. I also adored his loyal, entertaining, and tight-knit Alvarez clan. They made me laugh aloud several times.
This is one of the best books that make you feel extremely good, warming your heart and putting the biggest smile on your face! I think doctors should prescribe Borison's Lovelight Farms series to cure depression. It's guaranteed to heal your anxiety problems! At least it helped me a lot.
The heroine of the story is Layla Dupree, who is exhausted after being involved in way too many disastrous dating experiences. She realizes she deserves the whole cake instead of settling for breadcrumbs. When her favorite customer at her bakery, the kind-hearted Caleb Alvarez, makes a dating offer to help each other's predicaments, she cannot refuse him. The plan is simple: Caleb will learn what he's doing wrong in his relationships, overcompensation, or overthinking. In return, Layla will date a guy who gives her the exact treatment she deserves: kindness, care, and devotion.
Caleb has had a long-time crush on Layla, and the dating scenario is an opportunity for him to prove how much she means to him. This guy is extremely sweet, and his kindness makes him kicked out of the deputy position in the sheriff department. He's so helpful and sees the good in others. He deserves millions of brownie points.
The third-act disagreement in the book made me roll my eyes, but I loved everything about this small-town romance.
The characterization is perfect, the attraction and chemistry are palpable, and the lovemaking scenes show how much the couple cares for each other.
Overall, I love this series, and I can read thousands of books if B. K. Borison decides to create more!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this lovely book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
November 13, 2024
$14.99 @ Libro.fm
Holidays
"Why are you settling for crumbs when you deserve the whole damn cake?" I am Layla. I am attacked. I should backtrack. Layla is a black cat. Caleb is very much a golden retriever. They both make terrible dating decisions.
I'm not really a baker, as I hate measuring, and cooking, but everything else about Layla hit me in the feels. Specifically, the sex related stuff. Caleb's Latine family is very much my Asian one. I also want a croissant tattoo.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley
Holidays
"Why are you settling for crumbs when you deserve the whole damn cake?" I am Layla. I am attacked. I should backtrack. Layla is a black cat. Caleb is very much a golden retriever. They both make terrible dating decisions.
I'm not really a baker, as I hate measuring, and cooking, but everything else about Layla hit me in the feels. Specifically, the sex related stuff. Caleb's Latine family is very much my Asian one. I also want a croissant tattoo.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley
August 4, 2023
b.k borison i am inside your walls
August 30, 2022
This is how you write sweet, steamy romance. MIXED SIGNALS is a delicious, dwindling-days-of-summer indulgence. I savored it like I would a favorite dessert—one morsel at a time, delighting in its layers, lingering on every component that's brought it together, and I'm so glad I did. Becs' gift for settling into and bearing out the quiet, tender beauty of every day existence, the small-town charm of life in Inglewild, the depth of friendship and love that's built this found family community surrounding its main characters, shines. Pick this up when it's out tomorrow and settle in for a delectable, decadent treat.
Thank you to the author for this early review copy. While Becs is a friend, this in no way influenced my admiration for her work, which is genuine and fully my own!
Thank you to the author for this early review copy. While Becs is a friend, this in no way influenced my admiration for her work, which is genuine and fully my own!
March 29, 2024
･:*:･ﾟ⁀➷ 4.25/5 ★
Omgg this was so good!! 🥹🥹 The cutest, most wholesome romance ever & caleb can literally do no wrong. I loved it 🪷✨️
“Why are you giving these guys your time? Why are you settling for crumbs when you deserve the whole damn cake?”
Tropes:
🍰 Friends to lovers
🍰 Small town setting
🍰 Found family
I thoroughly enjoyed the first 2 books in this series, so i was super excited to pick this up- and it did not disappoint! These books are just the perfect short & sweet romances 🫶🫶
This series is really making me realise that i love a good interconnected standalone series, bc the sense of found family in this series is soo good 🥹🥹 I loved seeing all the other couples pop up in this book and all the friendships are so so wholesome. Plus having all the books set in the same small town is just soo fun and the setting makes the books even more enjoyable 💌
“I know I can be too much, but I think I’m just enough for you. I have no interest in forcing you into anything,” he continues. “But I want you to know that this past month with you has been the very best I’ve ever had. I should have told you that last night, but I was overwhelmed and nervous and everything came out wrong. Arrangement or no, everything I’ve felt with you, everything I’ve said to you—” He shakes his head slightly, that smile finally tripping from his eyes to the curve of his cheeks. I get the barest hint of a dimple before it’s gone again. “It’s been the most honest—the most real thing I’ve ever felt.”
I also just lovee B.K. Borison’s writing style- it’s super sweet and easy to read, but also has lots of depth. The way she crafts her characters is just soo good and i love them all!! 🍭
➵ Layla: aaah I LOVE HER 🥹🫶 Her personality was sooo fun and bubbly, and i just know i’d want to be her friend. But also her struggles with not knowing if she’s enough and believing she’s at fault for her terrible dating history… so painfully relatable 🥲❤️🩹
➵ Caleb: LITERALLY PERFECT 😫😫 He can actually do no wrong and is the actual dream guy 🤭🤭 All the little things he did for layla and the way he was so utterly obsessed made my heart melt. And he has dimples too!! My new fav guy from this series, i’m in love with him 🥹💘
And the romance?! STOP IT WAS SO CUTE😫😫 This series has the fluffiest little romances and layla & caleb’s relationship had me giggling, kicking my feet and grinning like an idiot. And feeling painfully single….. 🥲🥲 Anyways, i want what they have. And the ending was absolutely perfect 💘💘
“You keep showing me pieces of yourself that I want to collect like seashells.”
Overall, this was sm fun! 🥹🫶 I would highly recommend if you’re looking for:
✔️ Super cute romance
✔️ Dream book bf
✔️ Small town setting
✔️ Interconnected standalones series
This was just as sugary sweet as one of Layla’s cakes 🎂🩷
《 2024 Challenge: Book 43 of 115 》
･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ
Stop this was sm fun!! 🥹🥹 such a fun little romance & Caleb was literally perfect 🪷✨️
Rtc! 🍭
Omgg this was so good!! 🥹🥹 The cutest, most wholesome romance ever & caleb can literally do no wrong. I loved it 🪷✨️
“Why are you giving these guys your time? Why are you settling for crumbs when you deserve the whole damn cake?”
Tropes:
🍰 Friends to lovers
🍰 Small town setting
🍰 Found family
I thoroughly enjoyed the first 2 books in this series, so i was super excited to pick this up- and it did not disappoint! These books are just the perfect short & sweet romances 🫶🫶
This series is really making me realise that i love a good interconnected standalone series, bc the sense of found family in this series is soo good 🥹🥹 I loved seeing all the other couples pop up in this book and all the friendships are so so wholesome. Plus having all the books set in the same small town is just soo fun and the setting makes the books even more enjoyable 💌
“I know I can be too much, but I think I’m just enough for you. I have no interest in forcing you into anything,” he continues. “But I want you to know that this past month with you has been the very best I’ve ever had. I should have told you that last night, but I was overwhelmed and nervous and everything came out wrong. Arrangement or no, everything I’ve felt with you, everything I’ve said to you—” He shakes his head slightly, that smile finally tripping from his eyes to the curve of his cheeks. I get the barest hint of a dimple before it’s gone again. “It’s been the most honest—the most real thing I’ve ever felt.”
I also just lovee B.K. Borison’s writing style- it’s super sweet and easy to read, but also has lots of depth. The way she crafts her characters is just soo good and i love them all!! 🍭
➵ Layla: aaah I LOVE HER 🥹🫶 Her personality was sooo fun and bubbly, and i just know i’d want to be her friend. But also her struggles with not knowing if she’s enough and believing she’s at fault for her terrible dating history… so painfully relatable 🥲❤️🩹
➵ Caleb: LITERALLY PERFECT 😫😫 He can actually do no wrong and is the actual dream guy 🤭🤭 All the little things he did for layla and the way he was so utterly obsessed made my heart melt. And he has dimples too!! My new fav guy from this series, i’m in love with him 🥹💘
And the romance?! STOP IT WAS SO CUTE😫😫 This series has the fluffiest little romances and layla & caleb’s relationship had me giggling, kicking my feet and grinning like an idiot. And feeling painfully single….. 🥲🥲 Anyways, i want what they have. And the ending was absolutely perfect 💘💘
“You keep showing me pieces of yourself that I want to collect like seashells.”
Overall, this was sm fun! 🥹🫶 I would highly recommend if you’re looking for:
✔️ Super cute romance
✔️ Dream book bf
✔️ Small town setting
✔️ Interconnected standalones series
This was just as sugary sweet as one of Layla’s cakes 🎂🩷
《 2024 Challenge: Book 43 of 115 》
･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ
Stop this was sm fun!! 🥹🥹 such a fun little romance & Caleb was literally perfect 🪷✨️
Rtc! 🍭
January 14, 2023
3.5 stars rounding up bc Caleb was so sweet. (Also bc she mentioned the best novella to ever grace spanish television "Corazon Salvaje") If you know, you know!
Third book in the series, this book follows Layla and Caleb. She is the owner of the bake shop at Lovelight who is been on an awful dating streak and Caleb who is a substitute teacher and also has bad luck with dating and has been crushing on Layla for a while. They come up with an "arrangement" to date each other so they can figure out what they are doing wrong.
It was cute enough, but I just felt like it was pretty much a copy of the two previous books. It follows the same kind of book formula the other two did and it felt a little stale. Again, there was another 3rd act nonsense that happened and this is the third time in a row now that this writer chooses this direction and it's lacking imagination. I actually really do like her writing style and I feel she could do better with the plotting of these stories.
That being said, I still like the small town background and it was really funny at times. Caleb was so sweet (maybe too sweet) and I loved the all the cameos by the previous couples.
Third book in the series, this book follows Layla and Caleb. She is the owner of the bake shop at Lovelight who is been on an awful dating streak and Caleb who is a substitute teacher and also has bad luck with dating and has been crushing on Layla for a while. They come up with an "arrangement" to date each other so they can figure out what they are doing wrong.
It was cute enough, but I just felt like it was pretty much a copy of the two previous books. It follows the same kind of book formula the other two did and it felt a little stale. Again, there was another 3rd act nonsense that happened and this is the third time in a row now that this writer chooses this direction and it's lacking imagination. I actually really do like her writing style and I feel she could do better with the plotting of these stories.
That being said, I still like the small town background and it was really funny at times. Caleb was so sweet (maybe too sweet) and I loved the all the cameos by the previous couples.
February 25, 2024
4.5🤭 i ADORE b. k. borison with my whole heart
October 8, 2025
4,5 stars because OF COURSE there was a stupid third-act break up, but otherwise it was so cute 🥰 and Caleb is just perfect 😍🫠❤️❤️❤️
This was sort of fake dating but c’mon, it was totally real dating. The chemistry was so good 🥵🔥 All the hand-holding and kissing in the rain… I’m in love!
Hands down the best book in the series and since I forgot to write a real review I may just have to reread it.
This was sort of fake dating but c’mon, it was totally real dating. The chemistry was so good 🥵🔥 All the hand-holding and kissing in the rain… I’m in love!
Hands down the best book in the series and since I forgot to write a real review I may just have to reread it.
November 18, 2022
If I had to describe this book in three words it would be: disappointing, dull and boring.
This is a two POV book, told by the POV´s of Layla and Caleb.
Layla is a great FMC and I could relate to her on some levels. She loves to bake and her bake shop is her whole passion. With Caleb on the other hand, I was a bit disappointed. Having read the previous two books in the series (which I loved) I expected a good, spicy police romance. Instead he suddenly changes his occupation from police officer to teacher in this book. At that without having any education or degree to be a teacher or anything like that, the job just changes like "that". It seemed so unrealistic.
With side characters I would have loved to see more of Evie, who I really missed in this book. I liked her story (which was the second book) the absolute best. On the other hand I loved to see more of Stella´s and Layla´s friendship and to get more depth on their relationship. I loved Caleb´s abuela who kept giving him life advice and tips while cooking for him, it felt so homey.
Now plotwise, the plot was what bothered me the most in this book, but I think this has mostly to do with the plots just not being for me. We have an insta-love that already happens in the first chapter. Layla loves Caleb and Caleb loves Layla, it´s clear as day from the first pages on. Therefor there is no tension in this, no angst or anything of that sort. As a slow-burn and tension lover this made the book a bit dull and boring for me. I also hated that the 3/4 conflict was the miscommunication trope, it´s always so unnecessary. The ending was quite sweet tho and I liked how it was not just him apologizing for the miscommunication, but her as well.
Overall it was a pretty meh book and I have to say I am honestly glad that I finally managed to finish it. If the tropes are for you and you love insta-love, it still might be the book for you.
trigger warnings: too much cuteness ;)
This is a two POV book, told by the POV´s of Layla and Caleb.
Layla is a great FMC and I could relate to her on some levels. She loves to bake and her bake shop is her whole passion. With Caleb on the other hand, I was a bit disappointed. Having read the previous two books in the series (which I loved) I expected a good, spicy police romance. Instead he suddenly changes his occupation from police officer to teacher in this book. At that without having any education or degree to be a teacher or anything like that, the job just changes like "that". It seemed so unrealistic.
With side characters I would have loved to see more of Evie, who I really missed in this book. I liked her story (which was the second book) the absolute best. On the other hand I loved to see more of Stella´s and Layla´s friendship and to get more depth on their relationship. I loved Caleb´s abuela who kept giving him life advice and tips while cooking for him, it felt so homey.
Now plotwise, the plot was what bothered me the most in this book, but I think this has mostly to do with the plots just not being for me. We have an insta-love that already happens in the first chapter. Layla loves Caleb and Caleb loves Layla, it´s clear as day from the first pages on. Therefor there is no tension in this, no angst or anything of that sort. As a slow-burn and tension lover this made the book a bit dull and boring for me. I also hated that the 3/4 conflict was the miscommunication trope, it´s always so unnecessary. The ending was quite sweet tho and I liked how it was not just him apologizing for the miscommunication, but her as well.
Overall it was a pretty meh book and I have to say I am honestly glad that I finally managed to finish it. If the tropes are for you and you love insta-love, it still might be the book for you.
trigger warnings: too much cuteness ;)
March 10, 2023
This was the funniest book of the series, I laughed so much. I also said "aww" a lot, because there's plenty of sweetness and wanting to hug the main characters too. Layla (h) and Caleb (H) aren't good at dating other people so after they run into each other after an awful first date for Layla and while Caleb is celebrating a birthday with his family, they agree to an arrangement where they date each other for a month. Caleb will show Layla what dating a man who treats her like she deserves is like and she'll tell him what he's doing wrong. Of course they're going to fall in love y'all. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (although h's past experiences have been lackluster and H works with her on that and it's just so good).
At the start of the book Layla runs into Caleb and she finally, FINALLY, notices him and is flabbergasted at how suddenly attractive he was. It wasn't sudden because Caleb was perfect, he was giving, kind, fun, funny, attractive, just the whole shebang but he wasn't always noticed or appreciated and it hurt my heart for him. Layla is also amazing with her sense of humor, caring nature, and optimism, but she has a lot of internal self-doubts. Her family doesn't support her decision to be a baker and she questions her own judgement, because look at the tools she's dated. They both wanted to find love though and that right person. Their dates are sometimes hilarious, sometimes sexual tension-filled, and overall wonderful. They had chemistry in spades. It's a slow burn but absolutely has some excellent steamy times.
All the Lovelight prior main characters are here and the rest of the town. Caleb's family were mostly supportive and amazing, but also sometimes hurtful in trying to caution him since the arrangement is intended to be temporary. Stella/Luka and Beckett/Evie were their adorable couple selves and great friends. I loved every scene Beckett was in because he's still my favorite, although Caleb is a very close second. I also loved a surprise friendship for Layla that I would never have expected. Also, Stella's half brother Charlie pops up throughout the story, often low key antagonizing Caleb (in a funny way). His book is the last one and I think he's going to be another great MMC.
What did drag my enjoyment down a bit was the third act drama. I'm going to keep this vague to try and avoid spoilers. I'm really hoping that the author moves away at some point from this particular aspect of her writing because I think the questioning and doubts could have still happened while they worked together more. Also, the resolution of this needed more imo, the gesture at the end wasn't sufficient for me. But the epilogue was perfect and I loved it, it's two years out and HEA and left me with a giant smile.
At the start of the book Layla runs into Caleb and she finally, FINALLY, notices him and is flabbergasted at how suddenly attractive he was. It wasn't sudden because Caleb was perfect, he was giving, kind, fun, funny, attractive, just the whole shebang but he wasn't always noticed or appreciated and it hurt my heart for him. Layla is also amazing with her sense of humor, caring nature, and optimism, but she has a lot of internal self-doubts. Her family doesn't support her decision to be a baker and she questions her own judgement, because look at the tools she's dated. They both wanted to find love though and that right person. Their dates are sometimes hilarious, sometimes sexual tension-filled, and overall wonderful. They had chemistry in spades. It's a slow burn but absolutely has some excellent steamy times.
All the Lovelight prior main characters are here and the rest of the town. Caleb's family were mostly supportive and amazing, but also sometimes hurtful in trying to caution him since the arrangement is intended to be temporary. Stella/Luka and Beckett/Evie were their adorable couple selves and great friends. I loved every scene Beckett was in because he's still my favorite, although Caleb is a very close second. I also loved a surprise friendship for Layla that I would never have expected. Also, Stella's half brother Charlie pops up throughout the story, often low key antagonizing Caleb (in a funny way). His book is the last one and I think he's going to be another great MMC.
What did drag my enjoyment down a bit was the third act drama. I'm going to keep this vague to try and avoid spoilers. I'm really hoping that the author moves away at some point from this particular aspect of her writing because I think the questioning and doubts could have still happened while they worked together more. Also, the resolution of this needed more imo, the gesture at the end wasn't sufficient for me. But the epilogue was perfect and I loved it, it's two years out and HEA and left me with a giant smile.
December 22, 2022
[ 5 stars ]
“Thank you,” I whisper. “For being here.” He cups his hand around the back of my neck and squeezes. I feel his lips somewhere in my hair.
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” THEM❤️🩹
my emotions reading this: 😍😍☹️😭😭🧎♀️🫂🧍♀️🚂😭🫂
you know when you love a book so much that you can't describe how much it means to you, can't write a review, and it makes your brain shut off go all mush and ajkhlaxbmb because that's what thisbook entire series does to me. I will never emotionally recover from this book and series. reading this was like a warm hug and butter croissants :)
no review can do this series justice. just absoulte perfection
“Thank you,” I whisper. “For being here.” He cups his hand around the back of my neck and squeezes. I feel his lips somewhere in my hair.
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” THEM❤️🩹
my emotions reading this: 😍😍☹️😭😭🧎♀️🫂🧍♀️🚂😭🫂
you know when you love a book so much that you can't describe how much it means to you, can't write a review, and it makes your brain shut off go all mush and ajkhlaxbmb because that's what this
no review can do this series justice. just absoulte perfection
January 16, 2023
I haven't read that many sunshine/sunshine books, but that's definitely what this one. Both characters are just rays of light and I loved them together. Both of them are tired of dating and don't know why they fail at it so much, so they decide to practice date each other to see where they're going wrong, and they fall in love in the process. This was so cute! I did love the relationship better in the first two books because there was a little more angst, especially in book two. Nothing beats Beckett for me. But I loved the small town feel still and just how cozy and sweet these romances are!
November 7, 2025
"That's the trouble with falling in love. It's a messy, ungraceful stumble into a whirlwind of chaos. It doesn't always feel good. It's a fall. You just have to trust that the person you're falling with is smart enough to catch you before you hurt anything important."
4.5 stars
If Caleb is not the most adorable MMC, I don't know who is.
Another really cute installment to Lovelight Farms with a third act breakup that makes me twitch. The third act breakups in this series are weird to me. I feel like they're being thrown in there for the sake of having a breakup, so it disrupts the flow and takes you out of the story a bit.
Also, I flinched every time someone said the word "arrangement." Felt like I was getting beat to death with that word.
But again, both characters were so great and Caleb is so freaking cute I couldn't stand it. Layla was spunky and made Caleb blush so many times, it was such a gift 😍
4.5 stars
If Caleb is not the most adorable MMC, I don't know who is.
Another really cute installment to Lovelight Farms with a third act breakup that makes me twitch. The third act breakups in this series are weird to me. I feel like they're being thrown in there for the sake of having a breakup, so it disrupts the flow and takes you out of the story a bit.
Also, I flinched every time someone said the word "arrangement." Felt like I was getting beat to death with that word.
But again, both characters were so great and Caleb is so freaking cute I couldn't stand it. Layla was spunky and made Caleb blush so many times, it was such a gift 😍
August 6, 2024
I said it before, and I will say it again: This series is the cutest book series ever, and they will sure become my comfort books 🫶🏻❤️
I mean, just look at the dedication: "For everyone who has settled for crumbs, you deserve the whole damn cake." I mean, COME ON 🫠
And that will also be the only quote that I will post even though I have marked several more, but I really don't want to take anything away from reading it for the first time, and most only makes sense in context, so you have to trust me when I tell you: Caleb is fucking hot! Like, what is up with him? The things he says?? Only men written by women can sound like that, but I ate it all up like Caleb eats his butter croissants.
I want to visit Lovelight Farms so, so bad. I love all the places and the cute little bakery, and all the people 🥹❤️
Anyhow, can we also just please discuss the fact, that Stella, Luka, and Layla (and now probably also Caleb) all know (and saw on security cameras) that Beckett and Evie love to have sex out in the fields and discuss this multiple times in the book and in front of them - I died 😂💀
I think that I like "Mixed Signals" (#3) a tiny bit more than "In the Weeds" (#2) simply because of the characters, the tropes, the conversations,... I do also feel a little bit high on sugar after reading so, so much about baked goods, especially strawberry shortcake 😅
Can't wait to start with the arc for #4 right away ♥️♥️
All my reviews of the Lovelight Farm Series so far:
In the Weeds (#2)
Mixed Signals (#3)
Business Casual (#4)
I mean, just look at the dedication: "For everyone who has settled for crumbs, you deserve the whole damn cake." I mean, COME ON 🫠
And that will also be the only quote that I will post even though I have marked several more, but I really don't want to take anything away from reading it for the first time, and most only makes sense in context, so you have to trust me when I tell you: Caleb is fucking hot! Like, what is up with him? The things he says?? Only men written by women can sound like that, but I ate it all up like Caleb eats his butter croissants.
I want to visit Lovelight Farms so, so bad. I love all the places and the cute little bakery, and all the people 🥹❤️
Anyhow, can we also just please discuss the fact, that Stella, Luka, and Layla (and now probably also Caleb) all know (and saw on security cameras) that Beckett and Evie love to have sex out in the fields and discuss this multiple times in the book and in front of them - I died 😂💀
I think that I like "Mixed Signals" (#3) a tiny bit more than "In the Weeds" (#2) simply because of the characters, the tropes, the conversations,... I do also feel a little bit high on sugar after reading so, so much about baked goods, especially strawberry shortcake 😅
Can't wait to start with the arc for #4 right away ♥️♥️
All my reviews of the Lovelight Farm Series so far:
In the Weeds (#2)
Mixed Signals (#3)
Business Casual (#4)
dnf
October 5, 2023DNF at 27%. This is really cute and I like Layla and Caleb but I’m bored with the story/plot. I might come back to it at another time.
December 1, 2022
“Why are you settling for crumbs when you deserve the whole damn cake?”
Caleb has too much love to give, but the girl he’s interested in keeps dating all the wrong guys who don’t deserve her. If only he could show her how she should be treated, maybe she’d realize he was the one she’s been looking for…
Why can't I find a single human being that I connect with? My standards are not impossible. I want someone who makes me laugh. Who cares about what I do and what I say and what I think. I want to sit on the couch with someone in blissful, perfect, comfortable silence (). I want someone to give me butterflies.
Layla is slowly losing hope in finding the ideal match for her. When Caleb asks her to help him improve his dating skills by giving her amazing dates, she decides it is the perfect way to recharge her energies. What she doesn’t expect is how much she wished they weren’t fake.
I could say I choose this book for the amazing reviews or for the 4.42 average rating, but I'm more shallow than that and the beautiful cover stole my heart. Imagine my surprise when my brain also fell in love with the inside. Mixed Signals may be the best MF romance I've read this year so far.
The fake dates were hilarious. I was getting tired of my housemates staring at me for laughing out loud, but I couldn’t help it. Who would have thought an escape room date can be so fun? I adore books that made me laugh and the characters were as charming as the rom-com scenes.
“No knives this time, Gus. I don’t want you cutting anything open again.”
“Again?”
“How was I supposed to know there wasn’t a clue in the mattress?”
“I thought me yelling there is no clue in the mattress repeatedly over the intercom might help.”
I’m torn between how much I relate with Caleb and how in love I’m with him. It made me want to cry how hard he was on himself, how he prepared every date with all his care and a single thing going wrong would make him feel like a failure, like it was a signal of him not being good enough for her. Thankfully, Layla could see how unfair he was being with himself, falling a bit more in love with him for trying so hard. He was a total golden retriever who deserved to be protected at all cost.
I jump in with two feet when there’s even a hint of something, pouring all of myself into everything. And then I second guess. I overthink. I try to rent out a roller rink for a single date with a girl I like.
Too much. Way too fast.
I also related to Layla. I felt it was so special, being able to see a bit of yourself in both MCs. Although I didn’t love her as much as I loved Caleb, although she was the one who needed the support and made the final problem a bit more dramatic than I’d like to, I understood why she was so afraid of being with Caleb. I would also be afraid of falling in love with someone as precious as him.
It’s easier to have a stupid man disappoint you, than a good man break your heart.
The communication was a lot better than I would have expected for this fake dating premise. They’d make sure the other knew their feelings instead of keep playing along like it meant nothing for them. The small things that were left to say felt realistic and added the right amount of angst.
“It felt like a lose-lose tonight.”
“Nah, there was a win. () I got to spend time with you, didn’t I?
She smiles, wide and bright and beautiful.
“Oh, Caleb,” she sighs. () “Ten out of ten.”
Mixed Signals was a very enjoyable surprise which I’d recommend to rom-com lovers who also happen to like their characters realistic, with insecurities that are easy to relate to. And now I have my excuse for trying more books only for their pretty covers!
“Layla, () I think we should revisit the details of our arrangement.”
↬ Lovelight:
1. Lovelight Farms: tbr
2. In the Weeds: 3 stars
3. Mixed Signals: 4 stars
Caleb has too much love to give, but the girl he’s interested in keeps dating all the wrong guys who don’t deserve her. If only he could show her how she should be treated, maybe she’d realize he was the one she’s been looking for…
Why can't I find a single human being that I connect with? My standards are not impossible. I want someone who makes me laugh. Who cares about what I do and what I say and what I think. I want to sit on the couch with someone in blissful, perfect, comfortable silence (). I want someone to give me butterflies.
Layla is slowly losing hope in finding the ideal match for her. When Caleb asks her to help him improve his dating skills by giving her amazing dates, she decides it is the perfect way to recharge her energies. What she doesn’t expect is how much she wished they weren’t fake.
I could say I choose this book for the amazing reviews or for the 4.42 average rating, but I'm more shallow than that and the beautiful cover stole my heart. Imagine my surprise when my brain also fell in love with the inside. Mixed Signals may be the best MF romance I've read this year so far.
The fake dates were hilarious. I was getting tired of my housemates staring at me for laughing out loud, but I couldn’t help it. Who would have thought an escape room date can be so fun? I adore books that made me laugh and the characters were as charming as the rom-com scenes.
“No knives this time, Gus. I don’t want you cutting anything open again.”
“Again?”
“How was I supposed to know there wasn’t a clue in the mattress?”
“I thought me yelling there is no clue in the mattress repeatedly over the intercom might help.”
I’m torn between how much I relate with Caleb and how in love I’m with him. It made me want to cry how hard he was on himself, how he prepared every date with all his care and a single thing going wrong would make him feel like a failure, like it was a signal of him not being good enough for her. Thankfully, Layla could see how unfair he was being with himself, falling a bit more in love with him for trying so hard. He was a total golden retriever who deserved to be protected at all cost.
I jump in with two feet when there’s even a hint of something, pouring all of myself into everything. And then I second guess. I overthink. I try to rent out a roller rink for a single date with a girl I like.
Too much. Way too fast.
I also related to Layla. I felt it was so special, being able to see a bit of yourself in both MCs. Although I didn’t love her as much as I loved Caleb, although she was the one who needed the support and made the final problem a bit more dramatic than I’d like to, I understood why she was so afraid of being with Caleb. I would also be afraid of falling in love with someone as precious as him.
It’s easier to have a stupid man disappoint you, than a good man break your heart.
The communication was a lot better than I would have expected for this fake dating premise. They’d make sure the other knew their feelings instead of keep playing along like it meant nothing for them. The small things that were left to say felt realistic and added the right amount of angst.
“It felt like a lose-lose tonight.”
“Nah, there was a win. () I got to spend time with you, didn’t I?
She smiles, wide and bright and beautiful.
“Oh, Caleb,” she sighs. () “Ten out of ten.”
Mixed Signals was a very enjoyable surprise which I’d recommend to rom-com lovers who also happen to like their characters realistic, with insecurities that are easy to relate to. And now I have my excuse for trying more books only for their pretty covers!
“Layla, () I think we should revisit the details of our arrangement.”
↬ Lovelight:
1. Lovelight Farms: tbr
2. In the Weeds: 3 stars
3. Mixed Signals: 4 stars
December 14, 2022
4 stars
This book was so darn cute and had the sweetest hero! I've been waiting for Layla and Caleb's book since I read the first book and I could just tell that Caleb had it bad for Layla. This entire series has been a win for me and I'm excited to see what BK Borison will put out next!
“I know I can be too much, but I think I’m just enough for you."
This book was so darn cute and had the sweetest hero! I've been waiting for Layla and Caleb's book since I read the first book and I could just tell that Caleb had it bad for Layla. This entire series has been a win for me and I'm excited to see what BK Borison will put out next!
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Pippa Jayne & Julio Maxwell
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 10h 16m
June 3, 2024
I wasn’t expecting to love this, but it was surprisingly good. Caleb was the absolute sweetest and I would be thrilled to go on any of the dates he planned. He was most definitely not “too much” and I’m ready to fight anyone who made him feel that way. Every time he said something negative about himself I wanted to reach through the book and hug him. This was also unexpectedly spicy in the best way… and by spicy I mean like 3 peppers when I expected 1. 😅🌶️🔥
The fake dating trope was really working for me and this was heading towards 5 stars until about 80% when the 3rd act break up arrived. 🙄 If there had been more indication that she was planning to end things prior to that moment it might have made sense, but she wanted to extend their arrangement at the very least so her reaction felt completely uncalled for. Her pulling a full 180 in that moment felt like lazy writing to me. Their relationship had been so healthy up to that point which felt like a vital and intentional part of the story, so her acting so immature frankly pissed me off.
When writing a small town romance, I believe the town/townspeople are just as vital to the story as the MC’s. Sadly they were noticeably absent in book two and I worried the magic might have been all dried up. Thankfully the author managed to bring back the Stars Hollow vibes in Mixed Signals. 🙌🏻 This series is 2 for 3 so guess I will read book four after all. Hope it delivers!
______________________________________________
I wasn’t crazy about book two, but a fake dating trope might give this series a shot at redemption. 🤞🏻
The fake dating trope was really working for me and this was heading towards 5 stars until about 80% when the 3rd act break up arrived. 🙄 If there had been more indication that she was planning to end things prior to that moment it might have made sense, but she wanted to extend their arrangement at the very least so her reaction felt completely uncalled for. Her pulling a full 180 in that moment felt like lazy writing to me. Their relationship had been so healthy up to that point which felt like a vital and intentional part of the story, so her acting so immature frankly pissed me off.
When writing a small town romance, I believe the town/townspeople are just as vital to the story as the MC’s. Sadly they were noticeably absent in book two and I worried the magic might have been all dried up. Thankfully the author managed to bring back the Stars Hollow vibes in Mixed Signals. 🙌🏻 This series is 2 for 3 so guess I will read book four after all. Hope it delivers!
______________________________________________
I wasn’t crazy about book two, but a fake dating trope might give this series a shot at redemption. 🤞🏻
March 14, 2023
SWEET - just so dang sweet from the baked goods to the soft MCs and the adorkable town 🤩
I stg guys don't pick this up peckish, all the darn cake talk had me salivating 🤤🤤🤤
Our MCs strike a deal to practice dating after crossing paths on a night out following another disastrous date for Layla. She hasn't wanted to be gossip fodder for the phone tree so refuses to date a "townie" from Inglewild & has had little luck in the wider dating pool - catching total duds from the sounds of things...just yikes 🫣
Caleb has struggled in the dating game by wearing his heart on his sleeve and apparently falling too fast, but lets be real...if you've read the first two books we've a better idea than he does at the start as to why else this might be 😉 - bless his fam for their "good intentions" chats. Honestly the families in this series are such adorkable busy bodies and were it not for the meddlesome town of awesome characters they'd prob shine more tbh 🤭
Speaking of the town, these characters once again steal the show with each of their appearances 🥰
Was super glad to see book1 fav Beatrice get more page time, she's such a hoot and she gives a unique pep talk 🤣
Jeremy's unrequited dating tips continue to entertain, the fireman & chief phone tree operator with his quest for baked goods (soz his name is escaping me rn, I really need to get back in the habit of writing "reviews" when I finish reading 🤦♀️). Of course Stella & Beckett + OTPs from earlier books continue to support their bff & honestly everytime Charlie showed up - right from the first chapter and who his hinted at love interest is has me so ready for book4 🤞🤞🤞
The title of this book and the premiss of practice dating had me nervous for third act miscommunications - it's hinted at, but after a night's sleep one character bucks up and *T*A*L*K*S but it takes the other a while & some Beatrice truth bombs to hear what's been obvious to all since book1...so all in all not the worst outcome for one of my biggest romcom peeves 🤷♀️
Rating rounded up cos I 🫠 for this town 🤗
I stg guys don't pick this up peckish, all the darn cake talk had me salivating 🤤🤤🤤
Our MCs strike a deal to practice dating after crossing paths on a night out following another disastrous date for Layla. She hasn't wanted to be gossip fodder for the phone tree so refuses to date a "townie" from Inglewild & has had little luck in the wider dating pool - catching total duds from the sounds of things...just yikes 🫣
Caleb has struggled in the dating game by wearing his heart on his sleeve and apparently falling too fast, but lets be real...if you've read the first two books we've a better idea than he does at the start as to why else this might be 😉 - bless his fam for their "good intentions" chats. Honestly the families in this series are such adorkable busy bodies and were it not for the meddlesome town of awesome characters they'd prob shine more tbh 🤭
Speaking of the town, these characters once again steal the show with each of their appearances 🥰
Was super glad to see book1 fav Beatrice get more page time, she's such a hoot and she gives a unique pep talk 🤣
Jeremy's unrequited dating tips continue to entertain, the fireman & chief phone tree operator with his quest for baked goods (soz his name is escaping me rn, I really need to get back in the habit of writing "reviews" when I finish reading 🤦♀️). Of course Stella & Beckett + OTPs from earlier books continue to support their bff & honestly everytime Charlie showed up - right from the first chapter and who his hinted at love interest is has me so ready for book4 🤞🤞🤞
The title of this book and the premiss of practice dating had me nervous for third act miscommunications - it's hinted at, but after a night's sleep one character bucks up and *T*A*L*K*S but it takes the other a while & some Beatrice truth bombs to hear what's been obvious to all since book1...so all in all not the worst outcome for one of my biggest romcom peeves 🤷♀️
Rating rounded up cos I 🫠 for this town 🤗
January 20, 2023
4.5⭐️
I love these two sweet dorks. My fav in the series 🥐
- baker heroine (resident baker for Lovelight Farms)
- the most precious hero I've ever known in a romance novel ever. Let me introduce you to: ✨ Caleb Alvarez ✨
- small town romance
- "I refuse to date anyone in this small town because what if it turns bad and I have to see them every day? no thanks"
- "i see him order my butter croissant everyday and I never thought twice, but why's he suddenly so hot now that I finally take notice?" [this is my take on the characters, not actual quotes lol]
This was kinda similar in premise to Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating. Layla and Caleb don't have the best dating history (individually), so they decide to try date each other and then to grade the other person on what areas they could improve to be a better partner.
When I tell you that I swooned and squealed listening to the audiobook while driving to and from work, I was actually a safety hazard and needed to get off the road. Because this couple was so freaking cute!! Caleb thinking he was a bad date but he's so considerate and sweet and Layla is too tongue-tied because she finds him so attractive 🥹 Why can't this be my life?
And when Caleb asked if they could practice ~physically~?? 😳 oh my lord. That's all I'll say.
I love these two sweet dorks. My fav in the series 🥐
- baker heroine (resident baker for Lovelight Farms)
- the most precious hero I've ever known in a romance novel ever. Let me introduce you to: ✨ Caleb Alvarez ✨
- small town romance
- "I refuse to date anyone in this small town because what if it turns bad and I have to see them every day? no thanks"
- "i see him order my butter croissant everyday and I never thought twice, but why's he suddenly so hot now that I finally take notice?" [this is my take on the characters, not actual quotes lol]
This was kinda similar in premise to Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating. Layla and Caleb don't have the best dating history (individually), so they decide to try date each other and then to grade the other person on what areas they could improve to be a better partner.
When I tell you that I swooned and squealed listening to the audiobook while driving to and from work, I was actually a safety hazard and needed to get off the road. Because this couple was so freaking cute!! Caleb thinking he was a bad date but he's so considerate and sweet and Layla is too tongue-tied because she finds him so attractive 🥹 Why can't this be my life?
And when Caleb asked if they could practice ~physically~?? 😳 oh my lord. That's all I'll say.
May 15, 2025
4.5 stars
I NEED ME A CALEB ALVAREZ SO BAD 😭
need to touch some grass after reading god of wrath so here we go 🫡
I NEED ME A CALEB ALVAREZ SO BAD 😭
need to touch some grass after reading god of wrath so here we go 🫡
January 2, 2023
Sugary Sweet!
Layla Dupree, the beloved bakery owner, has been unlucky in love. She is looking for a man who appreciates her, wont stiff her with the bill, and who will stick around.
Caleb Alvarez, a high school teacher, has been coming into Layla's bakery ordering the same thing - butter croissant and a coffee before school. He has had feelings for Layla for some time but has not acted on them. He has also been unlucky in love.
After saving Layla from a bad date, Caleb makes Layla a proposition: they will 'date' for one month! He will renew her belief in men and dating and she will rate his dating skills.
We all know where this is headed! Again, it's about the journey and this was a sweet one! Layla and Caleb are both great characters. They are likeable and I was rooting for them the entire time!
This book works very nicely as a stand-alone but is part of the Lovelight Farms series and and is a wonderful addition to the series. Readers of the series will recognize the supporting characters and it was nice to be back in Inglewild with them!
This was such an enjoyable and terrific book. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrators. I thought they did a great job.
This book and series are so good and heartwarming. It leaves me with a smile and this one had me craving croissants!
Sweet, heartwarming and endearing!
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Layla Dupree, the beloved bakery owner, has been unlucky in love. She is looking for a man who appreciates her, wont stiff her with the bill, and who will stick around.
Caleb Alvarez, a high school teacher, has been coming into Layla's bakery ordering the same thing - butter croissant and a coffee before school. He has had feelings for Layla for some time but has not acted on them. He has also been unlucky in love.
After saving Layla from a bad date, Caleb makes Layla a proposition: they will 'date' for one month! He will renew her belief in men and dating and she will rate his dating skills.
We all know where this is headed! Again, it's about the journey and this was a sweet one! Layla and Caleb are both great characters. They are likeable and I was rooting for them the entire time!
This book works very nicely as a stand-alone but is part of the Lovelight Farms series and and is a wonderful addition to the series. Readers of the series will recognize the supporting characters and it was nice to be back in Inglewild with them!
This was such an enjoyable and terrific book. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrators. I thought they did a great job.
This book and series are so good and heartwarming. It leaves me with a smile and this one had me craving croissants!
Sweet, heartwarming and endearing!
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
November 17, 2022
sooo do I just start back over at Lovelight Farms now or what bc i’m certainly not ready to move on
December 13, 2022
I’ve never craved a croissant or strawberry shortcake, this much… in my life. 😏
This entire series, feels like the coziest hug, from your favorite person. And I’m seriously looking at land and logistics of starting my own Christmas tree farm. (I wish I was kidding.) From ADORABLE 🥹 Beckett’s “animal sanctuary”, to Caleb’s pineapple shirt, the illicit underground baked goods trading, and everything that happens after… these characters are going to stick with me a while!
This entire series, feels like the coziest hug, from your favorite person. And I’m seriously looking at land and logistics of starting my own Christmas tree farm. (I wish I was kidding.) From ADORABLE 🥹 Beckett’s “animal sanctuary”, to Caleb’s pineapple shirt, the illicit underground baked goods trading, and everything that happens after… these characters are going to stick with me a while!
January 27, 2024
crying screaming throwing up
December 10, 2022
3.5⭐
Book 3 in the LoveLight series ~ although a standalone, previous characters made quite a few appearances.
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, sunshine/sunshine, bakery owner, teacher, no strings dating, small town, secret crush, good amount of steamage
Layla & Caleb
Wasn't super dupes in love with this one like I thought I'd be. I enjoyed book 1, I skipped book 2, but that shouldn't really matter since we've got a different love story happening here. I really hate going out of order, but it's too late now.
Yeah they had good chemistry, but I did not care for how the ending of the no strings dating played out. Eventually it works out, of course, but the journey there was just okay for me.
Narrated by Pippa Jayne and Julio Maxwell for 10 hours and 16 minutes, easy to follow at 2-2.5x. Julio was alright as Caleb, but pretty awful with any other voice he tried. Pretty sure Pippa narrated Lovelight Farms too, and she did a fine job as Layla, but not her male voices.
I'll probably go back and listen to book 2 if I can find it on Libby so I can see what Beckett and Evie have to offer.
*Thanks to Dreamscape Media, the author and NetGalley for my audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Book 3 in the LoveLight series ~ although a standalone, previous characters made quite a few appearances.
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, sunshine/sunshine, bakery owner, teacher, no strings dating, small town, secret crush, good amount of steamage
Layla & Caleb
Wasn't super dupes in love with this one like I thought I'd be. I enjoyed book 1, I skipped book 2, but that shouldn't really matter since we've got a different love story happening here. I really hate going out of order, but it's too late now.
Yeah they had good chemistry, but I did not care for how the ending of the no strings dating played out. Eventually it works out, of course, but the journey there was just okay for me.
Narrated by Pippa Jayne and Julio Maxwell for 10 hours and 16 minutes, easy to follow at 2-2.5x. Julio was alright as Caleb, but pretty awful with any other voice he tried. Pretty sure Pippa narrated Lovelight Farms too, and she did a fine job as Layla, but not her male voices.
I'll probably go back and listen to book 2 if I can find it on Libby so I can see what Beckett and Evie have to offer.
*Thanks to Dreamscape Media, the author and NetGalley for my audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
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