Against the Grain

Planted and Plowed #1

by Lainey Davis

I’ve spent my whole life as an outsider, a man bound by rules and social norms I don’t understand. But there’s one truth I definitely Eila Storm is the one for me.

She’s wild and unpredictable and that usually sends me into a tailspin, yet I’m drawn to her like rain to a drainpipe. Eila gets me in a way nobody ever has, but she’s also chaos incarnate—determined to start an urban farm on an abandoned lot … without permits.

The problem? Once I know she never filed the paperwork, I can’t look away. I don’t know how to turn off my rigid need to follow the rules, even if that means shutting down her business.

She says I’m choking her like a weed. So how can I let things go to earn her trust? She supercharges my central nervous system when I’m usually allergic to surprise. I crave her fiery passion more than the comfort of standard operating procedures.

I just need a little help to rewrite my own code so I can wrap Eila in understanding…and my arms.

A buttoned-up inspector falls for his polar opposite in Against the Grain, book one of the Planted and Plowed series of romantic comedies starring the Storm sisters. Love takes roots in the cracks of life’s pavement and stems get spliced in these steamy books full of small-town swoon in a big city setting.

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 11, 2024

Reviews

[Mimi Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elia Storm is determined to become self-sufficient by turning the vacant lot next door into a viable garden of hops, which maybe sounds a little weird, but she is stubborn and desperate.

Ben Barber is a city construction inspector who does a lot of checking boxes and creating columns, which fits perfectly with his autism diagnosis. When they meet in a bar, Ben knows immediately that she is “the one” and offers to send out a city dump truck to pick up the debris on the lot. But then he makes the fatal mistake of telling Eila that she is violating city code. Umph!

After getting advice from a friend and his wife, Ben offers to help Eila obtain the proper permits for the Adopt a Lot program, and, in the process blurts put that he wants to “woo” her. Eila is hesitant because she has been burned in the past, but Ben does not give up, despite several detours.

Lainey Davis is a genius at creating characters and plots that are compelling and so delicious, and Against the Grain is one of the best. Eila and Ben are the most lovable couple I’ve ever encountered, not because they are beautiful (which the are) or smart (which they are) but because they are genuine, vulnerable, quirky, and downright good people. My favorite scene was when Eila came to Ben’s house and listened to him play a beautiful piano with all his heart, mind, and soul. I also appreciate how Davis features sensitive topics like autism, mental health, abandonment, and conservation with consideration and truth.

Come along with Eila and Ben, her sisters and his friends, as two broken people come together to make a whole. Oh, and did I mention how hot they are together? Ahhh!

I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eila has major abandonment issues and has been struggling to keep a job. She hits upon the idea to grow and sell hops in a vacant lot adjacent to the house she shares with her sister. Ben is a newly diagnosed neurodivergent who also happens to be a city code enforcement agent who is aggrieved by Eula’s trespassing but wildly attracted to her. After Ben agrees to help Eila with the red tape of gaining permits after the fact, the unlikely pair must face the challenges inherent in their respective conditions while developing feelings for each other.
Lainey Davis has always been an auto-purchase for me, and this book is no exception: the characters are well written and their interactions poignant and often humorous. I love the way in which Ben is smitten first and how almost instinctively Eila is able to accept him and ease some of his reactions to what he perceives as negative stimuli. Ms Davis does a wonderful job of portraying him as a person on the spectrum, and I appreciate that he’s neither magically cured nor is he shamed for his behavioral and emotional peculiarities.
I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel and I’m sharing my honest review.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Against the Grain is a sweet and sometimes steamy opposites attract story. Ben who has recently been diagnosed with autism, is a city inspector who loves an organized plan. Eila is more impulsive and “plans” with her heart. Ben is immediately drawn to Eila, but the start of their relationship is rocky. Eila is determined to develop a vacant lot in order to grow hops and Ben is determined that she follows the appropriate city guidelines. Ben and Eila don’t seem like they would work as a couple but they wind up really being a perfect match for one another! We get to revisit some characters from the Bridges and Bitters series and they help out with some advice which was so fun to see! As always the city backdrop is delightful Pittsburgh- a nice change from quaint small towns. I love the realism that Lainey Davis creates in all of her books. Pick this book up for a sweet romance with neurodivergent representation, interesting characters, strong sister bonds, strong friendships, romance, some spice and of course a HEA!

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Fantastic characters and wonderful plot. Easy to read and very beautifully written. I always enjoy reading books by this author, so I wasn’t surprised that this one was another masterpiece.

Eila Storm is determined to start an urban farm on an abandoned vacant lot next door. The only problem? She doesn’t have any permits. Ben Barber is a city construction inspector, who has autism. He lives responsibly and follows every rules.

On their first meeting he made a mistake. He tells Eila that she is violating the city code. After talking to his friends, he decides to help her obtain needed paperwork. And in the process to woo her. She is apprehensive because of her past. But he is not deterred in the slightest. He knows that she’s the one for him. I loved their passion and chemistry. They were made for each other.

Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re a fan of enemies to lovers, opposites attract romance then you’re in the right place.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eila's life isn't exactly going well, she's inbetween perpetual random jobs, trying to get her "business idea" into action, and in the middle of it all she meets sweet Ben who wants to "woo" her but she doesn't want to be wooed because she thinks she's a hot mess.

This was an absolute delight of a book! I loved how cute and quirky the characters were and how Eila and Ben complemented each other so well, even though it took them some time and effort to get there. And they were funny too. Apart from Eila seeing Ben play the piano for the first time, my other favorite scene was when Esther realised the motivations behind Eila's said "business plan". Awww.

I have not read Esther's story (I need to get on that stat!) but I loved the whole sisters set up and also that Ben had friends to talk to. And I definitely need to read Eden's story!!

I received an ARC of this book but all opinions are my own. I can tell you genuinely that I loved it!!!!

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tender and sweet
Ben just discovered he is autistic. He’s always has trouble with touch and noise and understanding other people’s emotion. Now he understands why and is getting therapy so he is better equipped to be able to cope with hard situations better.
On the day of his diagnosis, he sees a woman in a bar and feels a connection he barely understands, but he recognises that she makes him feel different.
Eila has had a hard upbringing, abandoned by their mother, her and her sister’s were raised by their older sister. She’s never felt that she’s enough and is always ready for the next person to leave.
These two have such a beautiful connection, they balance each other’s tensions, instinctively doing what is needed to soothe a situation.
So sweet, tender and emotional with a little spice, a lot of humour, a wonderful family and a perfect HEA.
I can’t wait to read how the next sister to finds love.

Thank you to the author.

[Laura Black Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

So charming and whimsical! As always Lainey Davis does a brilliant job, this time in the Bridges and Bitters universe, and we meet Eila, one of Esther’s sisters. This is standalone, small time romance centred around Eila and her plans for the vacant lot next door to her home. She is fixated on growing hops and when she meets city inspector Ben Barber, sparks fly!

It's first person dual POV and they are both utterly delicious. Ben’s voice is distinctive, and newly-diagnosed as autistic, we get a first hand take on his world view. He’s quickly smitten with Eila and vows to woo her. It’s hilarious and heartrending. Eila is (probably) neurodiverse as well, she struggles with the public and with holding down a job and is punting everything on the big picture of her hops crop. Ben is all about the detail. Watching these two find each other is so delightful, they are helped out by their friends, and found family who understand them and give them all the perspectives and gentle pushes toward each other. Shout out to the power of therapy, as well. Opposites attract, a l'il steam🌶, lots of tenderness. Such a well-deserved happily ever after 🥰

Looking forward to Eden’s story next, and all the other goodies in Lainey’s universe.

Thank you Lainey Davis for the ARC, opinions are my own.

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and touching book. The relationship between Ella and Ben was so real and nuanced that I could not stop myself from falling for this pair as soon as they first met. Although I am not a fan of miscommunication as a trope and plot device, the way that Ben was written and his own neurodivergence made these moments a powerful part of the story. Bella's own feelings and insecurities were equally well presented and allowed for their passion to be written with a hesitant quality that mirrored their romance. The banter was funny and beautifully paced, their passion was well met and real, and the love they felt for each other was delightful. This book left me laughing and smiling well after reading the last page

Thank you Lainey Davis for the copy I read and these opinions are my own.

[Mrs Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in this new series, Planted and Plowed, and I am so excited for the rest of them.

Tropes:
*Small Town
*He falls first
*Instalove

The beginning of Against the Grain was fairly slow moving for me, but about chapter 10, I was invested in the characters and the mission of growing hops in the lot next door. The main characters were developed well and I look forward to reading about sub-characters loves in the next book(s).

There was mental health rep in this book. The spice level was low, 2 peppers for what happened but 3 for the descriptions. There was some insinuation regarding mistreatment of children (FMC past).

Thank you for the copy, this is my honest opinion.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tender love story about a man, Ben, newly diagnosed as autistic, and a woman, Aila, who has trouble with commitment. Except for her sisters' support, she's been adrift her entire life and she has trouble committing to relationships and jobs. But she's committed to clearing out an abandoned lot and growing hops on the property.

He's a stickler for the rules and she can't abide by the rules. But he helps her by getting her into programs run by the city. Each is very attracted to the other, but both are nervous about real relationships.

This is a touching love story about people who are very different, yet bring just what the other needs into a new relationship. It's a quick read and a really enjoyed it.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book can be read as a standalone, the heroine is actually introduced in the Bridges and Bitters series. It was nice to read a book about an adult hero discovering that the reason they are 'different' is because they are autistic. Not everyone learns that they have this issue when they are young. Now while the hero is learning how to deal with his reactions to certain things, he suddenly finds himself attracted to a woman who is the polar opposite of him. She will teach him how to loosen up and have some fun and he will teach her how to follow at least some of the rules. I enjoyed reading this story and I am looking forward to reading about the rest of the sisters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, how lovely is it to be back in Pittsburgh with the Storm sisters. We first met them in Last Call, Ester's story and I'm so glad to be able to spend time with them again. Eila, is a lost soul, angry, hurt and struggling to find her place in life. Ben, who popped up in Speed Rail, is the City Inspector who thrives on rules and order and never colours outside the lines. He struggles with people and communication in general. They shouldn't work as a couple, but their relationship is heartwarming and glorious. I laughed, I cried happy tears. This story is joyous and I read the whole book with a massive smile on my face.

[HEATHER · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by Lainey Davis and it didn't disappoint. This is a cute story about Elia and Ben. They have a rocky start in the beginning but it's so much fun watching them become what each other needed. The characters are well written. I really enjoyed the bond Elia has with her sisters. These two broken people have to find their way through life and have to find a way to work together in life. This was a fun read that had me entertained from the beginning. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I would definitely recommend this book.

Thank you Lainey Davis for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not in the right frame of mind when I started reading this book, it took me a little bit to get into it.
In the beginning, I was frustrated with Eila, not asking for help and taking everything as a personal slight when people try to help and offer advice. In the end, she does come around and accepts the help when it’s offered by people who aren’t close to her, which is maybe a better approach for her particular personality and upbringing.
I did enjoy the book overall, it was a cute story with the two characters figuring out themselves and how they work separate and together.
I received this book for free in return for an honest review.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Planted and plowed…

Ok, love the series name.
This is Ella Storm’s story. She’s one of three “E” sisters. Ella is appropriately named Storm. She’s vastly impulsive, chaotic and perhaps not the brightest. She’s good with plants, bad at keeping jobs. Just fired, her plan is to grow hops (she likes beer) in the abandoned lot across the street. Without permits or owning the lot.

Ben is lovely. He’s autistic, SOP loving, say what they mean, by the books, inspector. That puts him at odds with Ella. He is wildly attracted to her messiness. Though he needs order.
Recommend. It’s a good one.

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Order Meet Chaos
Again, Ms Davis takes you along an emotional and heart-warming story about two ‘normal’ people, who are not normal at all. They both have to struggle through their very different issues and find that, very unexpectedly, they can help each other to find a way.
Both have been side characters in other books and some of those other characters, like the FOOF ladies, can be met in this book. It is all a great, big family in Pittsburgh. They’re there when you need them, through thick and thin. Loved it!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JoJoRe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eila Storm, sister of Esther Storm of Bridges and Bitters fame, is just as troublesome and revolutionary as her. She was a whirlwind. Just like with Ben, she came into our lives, changed our perception of empty lots and other places and situations and stayed for good in our hearts.
I love Lainey’s stories so much. The realness and rawness of the characters, the everyday struggles and ambitions.
Can’t wait for the rest of the Storm sisters to came into my life.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read with fun characters and an interesting plot. I liked how different Ben and Eila are but how well they fit together. There are some humorous moments and a little spice but lots of emotion. Ben is autistic and newly diagnosed and the author handles his character well. The book sets up the next one nicely and I can't wait to read it. Overall a good read.

[JOAN SALLEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autism issues make it difficult for Ben to accept the way Eila takes on a project without the proper permits. Although they are definitely attracted to one another, they need to confront the issues at hand. This is a truly heartwarming story that I highly recommend.

I received this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

-Small Town
-He falls first
-Mental health rep

A cute small-town read that's not actually enemies to lovers with low angst. It was fun and interesting with opposite attract.

I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Melinda Fulford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It includes very realistic and complex characters. Realistic family dynamics, neurodiversity, trauma and general life. It felt like it could be people you might meet someday. People who are just doing the best they can with what they have and aspire to.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

"He always falls asleep with an arm wound tightly around me, and I always love the possessive safety of that contact." I loved the story of Ben and Elia!! My son and I are on the Spectrum, and this was very on-point. Funny family, great world building. Witty. HEA

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written with heart and soul. Loved the quirks and chemistry that no one else gets. Feeling their connection right from the start. Hearing from the FOOF ladies again always makes me smile!!

[Pita38 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt let down with this book. It's like the whole middle of the book was missing with a big time jump. So much more depth and growth could have been included. It felt like a novella.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. I received it as an ARC . He had just found out he has Autism. Explains so much about his past. Then on the same day he runs in to the one. But they are on opposite sides of the law. But their first meeting goes well. As they work through their problems she accepts him for who he is and treats as so. He solves her problems and they work through it all together with help from friends and family. A great read.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy this author's writing and this book was no exception. This is a quick read with a little bit of spice. I won't lie, I'm pretty type A like Ben and so Eila was a hard character for me to like for the first part of this story. She seemingly has no regard for laws and correct avenues to get things done on the up and up and then gets mad when she gets called out on it by everyone. Then she gets mad when people want to know what she is going to do for money even though she herself said the hops wouldn't be profitable for 3 years......hmmmm
Anyway, I loved seeing the representation of someone on the autism spectrum. Ben is an absolute teddy bear, cinnamon roll, golden retriever...all of it. The man is smitten the moment he sees her and tells her exactly how he feels about her at every step without feeling embarrassed about it or expecting her to immediately meet him where he's at. He wants to help and support Eila in every step of her journey, even though she is quite mean to him multiple times.
Eventually we start to understand Eila a little more and she isn't so bad.
I loved getting to see the ladies...and gents from the Bridges and Bitters series. It's always nice to catch up with past beloved characters.
This book ends on a lovely HEA and a lead into the next book in the series.