Sweater Weather

Sapphire Falls Orchard #1

by Shannon O'Connor

The city girl who just inherited an apple orchard, the farmhand who thought it should go to her & their fight to fix it up.

BELLS:

I didn’t even know I had an aunt who lived upstate. So when she leaves her apple orchard to me, I assume it’s a good way to get my law school loans paid off. As I set to sell the place, the last thing I anticipated was a stubborn farmhand who thought she knew everything about me.

TILLY:

It’s bad enough the orchard wasn’t left to me, but it was left to a city girl with no experience. She walks onto the orchard in four inch heels and the intention to sell. It burns me inside, but I know how much this place meant to her aunt. So instead of letting her sell, I convince her to let me fix it up and sell it to me at the end of the season.

She’s the last person I’d ever pick to spend time with, until the leaves start to change and I do too.


Sweater Weather is an Enemies to Lovers, Spicy Butch/Femme Sapphic apple orchard romance set in Sapphire Falls, New York. This is book 1 in a new interconnected standalone apple orchard series.

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, Lesbian Fiction, Enemies To Lovers

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

Shannon O’Connor is a twenty something, bisexual, self published poet of several books and counting. O’Connor enjoys life’s simple pleasures: coffee, reading, traveling, and spending time with her new baby. O’Connor is continuously working on new poetry projects, book reviews, and more, while also diving into motherhood. She loves supporting local indie authors & shops as much as possible.

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shans...

Reviews

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Such a sweet and sexy read! It was also cozy as it’s set on an apple orchard. The romance between Bells and Tilly was SO stinkin’ adorable. Bells is the epitome of sunshine and Tilly is a bit more closed off, especially after Bells inherits the orchard from her recently deceased aunt. Tilly just knew for sure that she would be getting the orchard so even though she and Bells had an amazing one night stand previously, she’s mean to her because she thinks Bells is going to up and sell the orchard.

While I absolutely understood Tilly’s worries I did think she was a bit too rude to Bells. Bells gave her no reason at all to treat her that way and it was definitely one sided and she kind of got on my nerves. She won me over in the end though once she got over her fears. I really liked the two of them together. They had such good chemistry and the spice was really, really good. I’m glad that this is going to be a series because the town is full of interesting characters that I would love to see get their own stories.

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A sizzling, heartfelt, and unputdownable enemies-to-lovers romance!"

After a one-night stand with a stranger she meets in a local bar the night before her aunt’s funeral, Bells soon discovers that same stranger—Tilly—is the farmhand at the apple orchard she’s just inherited. Talk about awkward!

This enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity femme/butch romance has everything you could want from the tropes. From the undeniable tension between Bells and Tilly, to the fun and supportive friendship group, to the perfectly steamy moments, this book delivers on all fronts and keeps you turning the pages.

I especially loved the chemistry between Bells and Tilly—it absolutely flew off the page. Their relationship development was so well executed, and I found myself rooting for them from start to finish.

Once again, Shannon has written a truly delightful story that’s equal parts tender, sexy, and captivating. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t recommend it enough!

A huge thank you to Shannon for the opportunity to dive into this gem—I can’t wait to see what you bring us next!

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.


TROPES/THEMES
Enemies to Lovers
Country girl/City girl
Spicy Times x4
One Night To Forever
Sapphic Romances
Forced Proximity
Femme/Butch
Apple Orchard Romances
Set in Upstate NY
Found Family

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweater Weather by Shannon O’Connor
🍂Enemies to lovers
🍎 Small town / Apple orchard
🍂Country girl x City girl
🍎 Grumpy x Sunshine

I’m a little late but I got an ARC of this one and it’s the perfect cozy fall read. A one night stand turns into a grumpy/sunshine work partnership after Bells inherits the orchard and Tilly is not happy about it.The grumpy tension mixed with Bells sweet sunshine vibes was sooo good.

Loved the tension, the chemistry, and the heat when it finally hit. Plus, the friendship between Tilly, Bells, Hattie, and Lina added so much heart. It’s low-angst, spicy, and made me want to move to a small town and pick apples 🍏

Hoping this turns into a series because I need more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, cozy sapphic romance. Set on an apple orchard that Bells inherits from her aunt, an aunt she hasn’t seen since she was small, there may be a few stumbling blocks for this city girl to blossom. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

When Bells first gets to town for her aunt's funeral, she is itching for a distraction and finds it in a fun one night stand with a local. That local just so happens to be Tilly. Tilly has been living on the orchard since she was kicked out as a teenager and was there while Benny’s (the aunt) health declined. She thought she was getting the orchard, not some city girl.

After their first fun encounter, can they figure out how to work together to save the orchard? Or should Bells sell and go back to the city?

I recommend reading and finding out if (how) all three can just maybe thrive.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sapphic Fall fun

I really enjoyed this fish out of water, one night stand to more that sees city girl Bells inheriting her Aunt’s orchard, much to the chagrin of the woman she had a hot night with the day before. This has great found family, small town vibes, queer community and an underdog/save the farm kind of story that’s easy to root for.

[Siddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tilly has worked for Benny for several years, managing the orchard and the events they host there. Over time Benny has gathered her found family around her, based around the orchard in the small town. After Tilly’s disastrous coming out to her parents, Benny was the only one who would help her. Now, Benny has died with her found family around her, and she promised she would leave the orchard to Tilly.
Bells arrives at her aunt Benny’s funeral, meeting there with her money minded parents and other family. After the funeral, they attend the will reading. Bells is very surprised to learn that she has been left the orchard in her aunts will, even though it’s many years since she had been there. And Bells didn’t really want it - she wanted to go back to her job in New York and forget all about the orchard. But one of Benny’s stipulations is that if Bells refuses the orchard, it is to be sold and the money donated to charity. Bells’ family are not to get anything from it. This causes consternation and fury from both Bells’ family and also from Tilly.
The other fly in the ointment is that Tilly and Bells had one night together before knowing who the other was. And it was wonderful.
This is a warm story, fun in places, a little angst, especially immediately after the funeral, but after Bells meets Tilly and gets to know the other people at the orchard, slowly the warmth and feeling of family grows on her.
The storyline is good, not complicated, a lovely read but not a great work of literature.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweater Weather was a nice, low-angst romance between city girl Bells and farmhand Tilly. The two have a one-night stand when Bells is in town for her Aunt's funeral, and then, surprise surprise, it turns out that her aunt left everything to her, and Tilly is jealous as all get out because she had been told by the aunt that the farm would be left to her. The main drama was between the two, and really it's mostly one-sided from Tilly. Bells is more concerned with the financial state of the orchard, which only she is aware of (although I'm not sure how no one else knew with how few customers it they had when Bells first arrives).

I did find it odd that Bells was working remotely for her regular job and running the orchard, but then the regular job basically just...disappeared. Like, she didn't seem to be working it at all and it was barely mentioned after she starts living at the orchard, and I don't know where she would have fit it in with everything else she was doing. Suspension of disbelief, I suppose. BUT, I did enjoy the story and the romance, and I liked Bells a lot more than I thought I would at the start—although I liked Tilly less than I expected. Honestly, I liked the other orchard residents better than I liked her for a good part of the book, even if she did come around eventually. I'd say this was a 3.5 star read for me, rounded up.

I received a free ARC from BookSirens, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.

[Tabby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best romance I’ve ever read but it was decent. The couple just didn’t feel believable. I also wish that the book was longer so we could get a feel of them. It felt rushed and like it was jumping around in time a lot. There were like these huge time skips and I really wish the author showed us everything that was happening with the orchard.

[Marybeth Buskirk · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t have much to say about this book except that you can definitely skip it and read something far better. This book needed an editor, a cast of much less annoying characters, and characters that could communicate with one another!!! This book pissed me off in so many different ways!!!

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts with a one night stand..... but of course they rarely are. There is a slightly unusual end to the first night. Parts of that scene I enjoyed but not the dialogue. I liked that we saw pretty much things change and the time passing seemed reasonable for the thawing. The next intimate scene, when chemistry had built up (which is my preference!) the dialogue, and it was heavy on dialogue, pulled me out the scene. This is personal preference not an issue with the writing.
I was uncomfortable with a "friend" suggesting they read through one mains phone..... codes? But also invasion of privacy.
I was also really tense a message would come in that would lead to misunderstanding break up. It didn't but I was surprised how tense I was. Talking of tense, I felt past and present tense went a bit awry at about 65% and I got a bit confused. There is also a plot device that has confused me, well not confused so much it is being ignored. Also working remotely seems to have been dropped from impacting anything?
The third intimate scene initially doesn't have much dialogue but unlike the mains I'm not swept along as I'm distracted by the location. Eventually so is one main! They move. I don't enjoy it more.
I felt a couple of bits of plot needed more fleshing out or explanation. However the non intimate bits I enjoyed so it stays at 3.

[yatziri ୭ ˚. ✦ · Rating 3 out of 5]

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

⋆. 𐙚 ˚ 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟑.𝟑 / 𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 ☆

୨ৎ 𝘷𝘪𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬: gay romance. apple cider donuts. spicy. one night stands. city girl x farm girl. enemies to lovers. inheritance. family problems. butch x femme. grumpy x sunshine. lots of damn apples.
୨ৎ 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘫𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘵: 🍁👠🧺💋🌈🔥🍎💌
୨ৎ 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘵: autumnal.
✧ 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘪 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥 . . .
— if u seem to enjoy cozy sapphic books but with lots of spice then yea (but it’s mostly for the sake of u wanting to get into the fall spirit or whatever) !

₊˚ ⊹ ♡ 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈:
— (✿´ ꒳ ` ) i’m not a big fan of the whole one night stand trope thing & i usually tend to avoid reading anything like that since i’m not much of a fan but it was pretty fun to read ! i finished this in a day since it’s a fast read & very easy to get through. i loved the butch / femme vibes there and it was nice having one of the main characters be plus size. the plot was fine although very predictable if i’m honest but i was mostly reading it for the vibes & because i have a serious obsession with sapphic rom-com books. the execution was nothing too memorable but i was satisfied and it was cute just like the rest of the book ! it also got me craving apples for some reason while reading which is weird since i don’t even like apples that much but there’s that — 𝒴 . 🎀

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

[Jacqueline Espinoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Shannon!

What a cute, cozy sapphic read with some spice! Absolutely loved the apple orchard setting and how Bells & Tilly went from enemies to lovers. Exactly the fall, cute, cozy vibe I was looking for this month!

[TasmanianQueen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Short, cozy, yet spicy small town romance. I am a bit frustrated with this book honestly. I love the cover art so I had some huge expectations, but I feel a little let down. The book has an excellent plot but both MCs are a bit much. Tilly acts like an outright child when she doesn't inherit the orchard that she works for and instead of having a conversation with Bells about everything she gives her the cold shoulder... Also, the way Bells let's her family treat her like garbage and the way she thinks she has to give over the orchard to them even though she inherited it is wild. I really wanted to love this story especially because of Bells body type, and while she is proud of her body, and I love that, some of the descriptions used about her were very cringey. The ending absolutely killed me though, talk about a cliffhanger... lol

Thanks to the Author and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.

[TheLisaD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon O’Connor’s Sweater Weather is everything a cozy sapphic romance should be—warm, heartfelt, and deeply engaging. With this story, O’Connor once again proves her talent for capturing the magic of unexpected love and the way it can transform lives in the most ordinary yet extraordinary of moments. On the surface, the novel begins with a simple premise: two women meet, share what they believe will be just a one-night stand, and part ways. But as O’Connor reveals, fate has far more in store for them, and what follows is a romance that unfolds with tenderness, humor, and undeniable chemistry.

What makes Sweater Weather stand out is O’Connor’s gift for creating emotional authenticity. The characters don’t just fall into a convenient relationship; instead, they navigate the messy, vulnerable process of realizing that their connection goes beyond physical attraction. Every interaction feels layered with subtext—small gestures, unspoken thoughts, and lingering glances—that pull the reader deeper into their world. This attention to detail creates a romance that feels not only believable but also intimate in a way that resonates long after the book is closed.

The characters themselves are written with care and complexity. Both women bring with them unique experiences, insecurities, and hopes that shape how they approach love and trust. O’Connor doesn’t shy away from showing their flaws, which only makes them more relatable. Watching them grow individually and together—learning to let go of fear, to embrace vulnerability, and to trust in what they’ve found—adds a richness that elevates the story from a simple romance into a journey of self-discovery.

O’Connor’s writing style is another highlight. Her prose flows effortlessly, balancing lighthearted banter with deeply emotional moments. She captures the warmth of the fall season in her descriptions, wrapping the narrative in an atmosphere of cozy familiarity—the crisp air, the comfort of sweaters, the sense of new beginnings. This seasonal backdrop doesn’t just set the mood; it becomes part of the story itself, a reflection of the warmth and change the characters experience as their relationship deepens.

The romance is, of course, swoon-worthy. O’Connor knows how to write chemistry that leaps off the page, but what makes it truly special is the emotional depth beneath the attraction. It’s not just about passion—it’s about two people finding safety, joy, and belonging in each other. Those moments of quiet connection, where the characters share their fears, dreams, and laughter, are where the story shines brightest. Readers can’t help but feel invested, rooting for them to take the leap and embrace the love that’s right in front of them.

Sweater Weather also succeeds in capturing a universal truth: that sometimes the most meaningful relationships are the ones we don’t plan for. Love arrives unannounced, often when we least expect it, and O’Connor explores this theme with grace and honesty. The narrative celebrates second chances and the courage it takes to open yourself to something new, even when the future feels uncertain.

Ultimately, Sweater Weather is more than just a seasonal romance—it’s a story of love, growth, and the unexpected ways two lives can intertwine. Shannon O’Connor has written a novel that not only satisfies as a romance but also as an exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and the power of human connection. With its tender heart, relatable characters, and beautifully crafted prose, this book is a perfect read for anyone seeking both comfort and passion in their romances.

A must-read for fans of sapphic love stories, Sweater Weather will leave you smiling, swooning, and maybe even reaching for your coziest sweater.

[Sherley's Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 3 /5

It’s officially September, and you know what that means…it’s sweater weather! I love the cozy feel of fall, so when I had the chance to read Shannon O’Connor’s 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, I jumped at it! I’m so glad I did because I absolutely loved this book! 🍂🧡

This was such a warm, cozy read set in a small town in upstate New York. The heart of the story takes place at an apple orchard, and between the apple turnovers, apple pies, and crisp fall air, O’Connor’s world-building made me feel like I was right there. I could literally see, smell and taste everything!! 🥧🍎😋

Tilly and Bells, the main couple, had incredible chemistry. 👭🥵 Their story kicked off with a bang (literally) when they had a one-night stand without exchanging names. The real twist? The next day Tilly learns that Bells is the new owner of the orchard she’s been working at, and the one she thought she would inherit. Cue the tension!! And it was thick; you could cut it with a knife! Possible lovers turned to enemies, and the antics and the banter begins!

I absolutely loved Tilly and Bells. Tilly was the grump to Bells’ sunshine, and their back-and-forth had me smiling, laughing, and rooting for them every step of the way. And the spice? Let’s just say their chemistry sizzled both in and out of the bedroom. 🔥🌶️

Beyond the romance, I loved the secondary characters Hattie, Lina, and Ollie. They helped build such a strong sense of found family for Bells. They not only grounded her, a city girl learning to embrace country life, but also gave her the strength to make tough choices about who truly belonged in her life. I am so happy she made the decision she did at the end regarding her parents and I think Hattie, Lina, and especially Tilly, really gave her the strength to do that. 🧡

Now the ending…that second epilogue?! 👀 What is up with Christopher, Hattie, and that mysterious woman who was in the car?! I’m crossing my fingers that their story is next, because I need answers!

Overall, 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 was the perfect small-town, cozy fall romance that completely blew me away. It had me laughing, tearing up at the beautiful bonds of love and found family, and it had the perfect balance of spice and romance. I highly recommend 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 and can’t wait for book 2 in this series!

🆆🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅴🆇🅿🅴🅲🆃
🍂Small Town Fall Romance
🧡Country Girl x City Girl
🍂WLW (Sapphic Romance)
🧡Apple Orchard
🍂One Night Stand
🧡Enemies to Lovers
🍂Opposites Attract
🧡Funny Banter
🍂Grumpy x Sunshine
🧡Found Family
🍂Perfect Blend of Spice and Romance

[Mark taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sapphic romance full of Fall vibes

Sweater Weather by Shannon O'Connor, is a sapphic romance set in Autumn/Fall set in an apple orchard giving this short novel at 181 pages long with plenty of seasonal feelings.

The romance is between

Bells: who inherits the orchard after the death of an aunty which she has not seen in a while.

Tilly:

Who was expecting to be left the orchard in the will as both the owner was estranged from her family in addition being instrumental with the day to day running.

Added to this Bells and Tilly had a one night stand the day before the will reading.

If you are looking for a cozy romance with a bit of spice to fit in with Autumn vibes with an apple orchard setting then Sweater Weather is the perfect story for you.

We have a connection between the two main love interests, with a bit of a hatred between them, along with a touch of a fish out of water with Bells.

The only issue is with very little change you could turn this into a christmas tree farm and you have a Christmas novel, Having said that you could do that with most novels of this type.

So, the only difference is in the individual story romance, and the writing/

If there is a main plot of the story is does Bells, keep the farm or sell it under pressure from her family and the state of the business, all other points run from this,

While this itself will never be able to keep you reading the story there is enough for a romance genre.

The romance between Bells and Tilly is where Sweater Weather really did hit the mark, because the situation allowed the writer, Shannon O'Connor to give the novel an instant connection/love. Though not allow the novel to miss out on the tension between the couple.

It also allowed the romance not to be taken over by the spice as these occurred later than they would have done.

As for the writing Shannon O'Connor, Is one of my favourite romance writers, and her writing is such a pleasure to read it is always such joy no matter what reading mood i go into her stories with.

Which means if you are looking for a novel to read either in the Autumn if you are a seasonal reader or any time of the year if you are not then Sweater Weather by Shannon O'Connor stands out from novels of its ilk.



I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mackenzie Grier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweater Weather was such a charming story of opposites attracting. I definitely recommend it as a cute, quick read about two girls from opposite lifestyles having to work out their differences and learn to work together. It pulled me in from the beginning and I read it in one day because I couldn’t put it down.

Tilly and Bells are such cute names! I love a long, old-fashioned name that has a shorter, cute nickname. It was spicy right off the bat. I found the book to be a good balance of spice to story line, building a relationship and building trust.

Tilly is a firecracker with a temper, whose grieving and fear of change is getting in the way of her seeing what is right in front of her. Throughout the whole story we see her full of denial and anger. She has a lot of passion for the orchard and her friends, and you can tell nothing will stand in her way to protect them. She was so stand-offish towards Bells when Bells came to the orchard, it was very disheartening. She definitely had walls up and Bells had to be so patient with her, like she was one of the horses that might get spooked.

Bells was the stereotypical “city girl” right from page one. But as the story goes on, we get to discover there is more to her than meets the eye. Behind the red lace and heels, she is super smart and takes the burden of the orchard on right away, planning events and trying to make it into a profitable business. We get to see her lighten up and be caring to everyone on the farm, make friends and try to save her aunt’s legacy. There was a "yes!" moment where I wanted to cheer for her moment of realization when it felt like she was suddenly able to breathe and realize this place might be where she truly belongs. She’s afraid to butt heads with Tilly, and she’s such a clutz, that it really adds to the charm of Tilly and Bells because Tilly gets to "rescue" her from her fumbles.

I hated how Bells was treated by her money-grubbing family. I totally get it, I’ve had to hide things from my parents before and make up things so that they don't blow up in your face. But eventually the truth comes out and it can get real messy.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dan Lasco · Rating 3 out of 5]

i received an e-arc from the author, and all opinions are my own.

first, i really want to say that in terms of plot, this book had a lot of potential, and that’s what hooked me right from the start. the setting alone was enough to draw me in. an apple orchard backdrop, cozy fall vibes, found family dynamics, and a kind of enemies-to-lovers relationship between two women who are both incredibly driven by passion and purpose. the idea was there, and it was a strong one. but i guess the execution just didn’t land for me. despite how interesting the premise was, the story often felt surface-level, which made it hard to fully sink into the emotions and tension that were supposed to carry it.

when it comes to the romance, i kept asking myself was it still a romance if the characters didn’t really fall in love? they did end up together in the end, but i never quite felt the depth of it. it didn’t feel like love, more like mutual understanding or closure. and maybe that was part of the point, that not every story has to end in a grand, sweeping love. but it left me wanting a little more, something that would make me feel like they truly grew together. by the time it ended, bells and tilly didn’t seem that different from where they started, aside from arguing less about what should happen to the orchard.

where the book truly shines is in its representation. there’s thoughtful fat rep, honest depictions of family pressure and the pain of cutting ties with toxic family members, and a lovely sense of found family that softens the story’s edges. those parts felt real and heartfelt, and i appreciated how they grounded the book even when the romance didn’t completely pull me in.

overall, sweater weather was an okay read. the premise and representation were strong, and the cozy setting gave it a lot of charm. it just didn’t quite reach the emotional depth i was hoping for.

[Kristene · Rating 4 out of 5]

🍎 Prefer Apples over Pumpkins in your Sapphic Fall Romance? With a spice rating of 🌶️🌶️🌶️?

Sweater Weather by Shannon O’Connor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 stars

Sweater Weather is the perfect cozy transition read from late summer into fall, especially if you would rather pick apples than sip pumpkin spice. This sapphic romance brings together one of my favorite tropes: the classic city girl meets country butch girl. 🍏❤️

One of the things I loved most was the representation: a plus size heroine paired with a butch woman who not only notices but truly adores her curves. It felt refreshing, affirming, and exactly the kind of sapphic romance I want to see more of.

The orchard setting is delightful. Business intrigue combined with apples was such a unique touch. Watching Bell’s confidence grow as she tackled orchard life and business challenges made her journey just as compelling as the romance itself. I also adored the sense of found family that wove through the story. I would happily move into this orchard myself.

Romantically, this book captured the butch and femme dynamic with such care and realism. The relationship had ups and downs that felt authentic, and I loved that it did not rush toward a traditional wedding ending. Instead, it let the romance breathe and blossom in a way that felt natural for these characters. Even the conflict near the end, which I worried would not resolve in time, was handled with excellent pacing and satisfying realism.

So why not a full 5 stars? Two personal preferences:

✨ I am not a fan of early spice in a story. I like to have something to look forward to later, though in this case it still fit the narrative well and tied into the story.

✨ The editing, especially in the last chapters, needed more polish. Typos and punctuation errors distracted me enough that I could not give it a perfect rating.

Those details aside, Sweater Weather was a charming, cozy, and very sapphic fall romance. The orchard, the representation, the character growth, and the love story all came together beautifully. Bell’s confidence inspired me, and yes, I even learned a little about apples along the way. 🍎

I highly recommend adding this one to your fall sapphic TBR list!

[Juniper L.H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this. I think this is a textbook Shannon O’Connor novel (I have read quite a few!) so if you like their books then you will like this one, and to probably about the same degree (though this was better than any of the Lighthouse Lovers novels IMO). This was quick reading and a lot of fun. It was spicy and had sweet moments, and although there was conflict it was always relatively low-stakes and very quickly resolved. This was the kind of novel that I just glided through easily; probably going to be relatively forgettable but at the same time I enjoyed my time reading it. I will always keep coming back to this author; they make for great quick fixes and honestly work very well to break up a reading slump (like basically the perfect thing sometimes!).

It wasn’t perfect, there were some details and plotlines that were forgotten (her job???), and the timeline flew by incredibly rapidly. That said, this was fun. I can tell that they are setting up sequels in true-to-this-author fashion, which I have mixed feelings about; I love interconnected novels and getting to see more of the characters but I don’t like the way it sometimes makes each novel feel unfinished (this wasn’t a problem in this one except for the relatively cliffhanger-ish ending).

Thank you to BookSirens for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.

[Lindsey Wallace-Galli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid three star read that is perfect for the fall. Anything by Shannon O'Connor is an automatic read and this one didn't disappoint.

Tilly has been working at the apple orchard for years since her parents kicked her out of the house for coming out as queer and found solstice and a community with the help of the owner. The owner passes away and Tilly is left with nothing. Afraid that she will get kicked out of the orchard and not have a job, her life is spiraling. Tilly lets off some steam one night at a bar and forgets about all her problems when she has a one night stand. But, come to find out, said girl she had a one night stand with is now the new owner of the apple orchard.

Bells, a city girl that ends up moving to the country because she inherited an apple orchard from her aunt. She didn't think she would end up staying in the country or falling in love but both can be true. When Bells finally stands up to her parents about not selling the orchard, all ties are cut and Bells is left to run this apple orchard with none other than Tilly, who knows the ends and outs of said orchard.

This one night stand novel to enemies to lovers is a quick read that is perfect for the season!

[Stephanie Mohr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cozy, Heartfelt Sapphic Romance Perfect for Fall

Sweater Weather is an absolute delight from start to finish. Shannon O’Connor captures the magic of autumn in upstate New York with vivid descriptions that make you feel like you’re walking through an apple orchard yourself. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Bells, the city girl suddenly inheriting an orchard, and Tilly, the passionate farmhand, is electric and full of tension that slowly melts into warmth and vulnerability.

What makes this book stand out is its balance of humor, heart, and spice. Bells and Tilly are beautifully written—flawed yet lovable—and their chemistry feels authentic. The setting adds an extra layer of coziness, with crisp leaves, apple cider, and small-town charm woven throughout the story. It’s not just a romance; it’s about growth, second chances, and finding home in unexpected places.
If you love sapphic romances, strong character development, and stories that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day, Sweater Weather is a must-read. Perfect for fans of forced proximity and butch/femme dynamics, this book will leave you smiling long after the last page.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[J C · Rating 3 out of 5]

One night stand turns nightmare for ‘Mac’ aka Tilly when the beautiful redhead who blew her mind turns out to be her new boss!

Both characters are super likeable and their hearts are in the right place.

I enjoyed the rep regarding Bells’ parents and the struggle she has with pleasing them vs pleasing herself.

A lot of the books talks about Benny and her passing, it has a lot of focus on how she changed the lives of those around her and honestly felt like she was a main character too, which I actually liked.

There are quite big jumps in time throughout that I feel could have been made smaller and given us a little more interaction between the characters but that’s just my preference.

This was an easy half day read for me with fairly low angst and a happy ending with a cliff hanger for a side character so I’m sure there’s more to come from this universe.

ARC through BookSirens in exchange for my honest review.

[Dulaine Roode · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book.

When Bells shows up for her aunt's funeral, she just needed to unwind, meeting a woman for a one-nighter, they didn't exchange names. The next day at the funeral she sees the woman from the night before, but she seems to be furious about something.

Bells inherited her aunt's orchard, and Tilly thought she would be the one to inherit it, not because she is family of aunt Benny, but because she felt like her daughter and has always been there for Benny when no-one from her family was.

Tilly didn't know the real reason, though, but her feelings made her lash out at Bells for no good reason. But things work out in the end between them and for the orchard. Bells also growing a backbone against her family in the process.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Doc Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A divided family loses an estranged older aunt and the family divide gets even greater once her will is read and estate dispersed. Arabella, Aunt Blake's niece, lives in the city but comes home for the funeral, despite not wanting to see her parents. The lead is a larger, curvy woman in a family where being perfect is both expected and revered. She isn't interested in the family crazy, which irks her parents to no end, and, try as they may, she stands her ground against their attempts at telling her how to live her life. Bells, as she is called, learns a lot about herself and her Aunt in her time home and better cements her understanding and boundaries with her parents. Set in the Summer into Fall, you can feel the seasons changing and the apples ripening, as you read. This is a good, fun, quick read. I received an advance review copy for free, and my review is completely voluntarily.

[LezLibros · Rating 5 out of 5]

**** ARC REVIEW ****
I am a big fan of this author, and this book is perfection!
A wonderfully quick read to get you in the right mood for all things fall!
I enjoyed getting to know Tilly and Bells and their dynamic was perfect from the start. What starts as a one night stand turns first into a working partnership and happily, a beautiful relationship With the help of friends on the farm. I greatly appreciated the plus size representation and the way Tilly loved bells and her body. The spicy scenes are intimate with just enough heat to warm you up on a chilly autumn day.
found family, delicious edibles, and a gorgeous apple orchard bring the whole book together and the result is a beautiful sapphic love story as comforting as a warm blanket.

[Sandi D · Rating 5 out of 5]

hmm..

Imagine an aunt you haven’t seen since you were a child ignores her sister and rest of the family and leaves you her niece her apple orchard. Nice right.. well it’s in the red and your mom (the sister) thinks you should sell it and give her and your father the money. Now you’d think it was because they needed the money nope just greedy.

Your aunt created a haven for women with no place else to go. Tilly farm manager and Bell new owner have a one night stand before either knows who the other is making for some awkward times.

The characters are entertaining interaction between Tilly and Bell entertaining as well. Bell’s parents and family annoying. Hopefully no one has family like that but of course people do.

Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Looby Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bells inherits an apple orchard and hasn’t the first clue what to do with it. Tilly knows everything there is to know but is mightily piddled off because she didn’t inherit instead. To complicate things further the two had a one night stand just before the reading of the will.

Both characters were endearing more so Bells.

One thing irked me and that’s the description of the plus sized character. Her thick thighs etc. It made me laugh though that a youngish woman with no children (iykyk) had (.)(.) down to her belly. As if. It felt like an indirect stab at fat shaming. Which is a pity as this is a really good book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Micahla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweater Weather is a cozy sapphic romance set on an inherited apple orchard. The characters are well written and pretty much non-problematic besides the parents. I loved that Bells is a plus sized woman and that Tilly is a short masculine lesbian, we definitely need more representation for both body types in the book world. There is a good amount of spice and it is very well written! The conflict is very low stakes and is smoothed over really quickly when I think it could have been more developed and interesting. There was inconsistencies in the story line that weren’t continued properly in my opinion. There were also some spelling, grammar and flow issues that took away from the story for me. Overall a decent read but it’s not what I was expecting, even tho it is a very short book.

[Michael Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bella and Tilly, Matt, and the most unusual way. Ella‘s aunt left an apple orchard on which Tilly lived. Bella came from the big city so her parents wanted her to sell the Orchard farm. If she sold the farm all the people that lived there would be homeless. So the plot revolved around how Bella changed from a city girl to a country girl. She also developed feelings for Tilly. I found the characters very good and the story interesting. The only downer for me was the ending left me hanging. I recommend this book for all who like a good love story I received this book as an advanced copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily