A review by nclcaitlin
Business Casual by B.K. Borison

4.0

Me, enjoying and squealing over a romance book?!!! 

Nova, Beckett’s younger sister, has wrapped her heart in bubble wrap. She’s comfortable being alone, working herself to the bone to open her own tattoo studio, sarcastic and cold and sharp. 

Charlie, Stella's half-brother, is a party boy, serial charmer, and major golden retriever.

If there were ever two opposites, it’s them. 

However, they decide to relieve stress in a one-night stand which turns into a business casual arrangement of sex.

“I'm asking if you'll come home with me."

My face twists in confusion. "Sure, Nova. I can walk you home."

"No, you idiot. I want you to come home with me." 

I stare at her blankly. "For snacks?"

I was so hesitant going into this as I wasn’t a huge fan of book one of Lovelight Farms and then didn’t read the rest of the series. But then publisher mail came in and I saw the gushing reviews. I remember thinking, ‘oh no, is this going to be a case of me pushing through and then having to write an iffy review?’. 

THIS WAS SO GOOD!

I just wanted to live in the town of Inglewood. I want to be part of the community, get cookies from the bakery, lattes from the coffee shop, books from the bookshop… I want to find my happy ever after!  

It’s incredible how much Borison’s writing  has improved since book one. The communication, the interactions, the vibes…. She delivered. 

Not to mention, Nova and Charlie have text conversations that are sooo funny!  

Charlie has from ADHD and is also an extreme people pleaser, constantly putting on a happy front. Nova is always constantly striving to be perfect, not wanting to let anyone down. 

The two high-strung individuals break down each other barrier’s and see their inner, true selves. 

I think of what Beckett said to me in my kitchen. The thing about love. "I's just yours," I whisper to Charlie. "Yours to have and yours to keep. You don't have to earn anything. You belong here. And I ... I wanted to give you this flower because I want you to know that you don't have to be anything other than exactly who you are. I know you've been hiding, Charlie. But I see all of your colors. The bright ones and the dark ones too. I see how you're always tilting toward the sun. Forget-me-nots were always my favorite, and— well. You're kind of my favorite too."

There were aspects of Charlie and Nova that I could relate to. They felt like realistic people. They had thoughts and fears that I can relate to. This felt very healing. 

Yes, there was spice. If you know me, you know I’m not a huge fan. However, I have to admit I did read like two scenes and WOW. I would say this is some of the best I’ve read. 

I would recommend reading at least one of the Lovelight Farms books before reading this even though they are technically all standalones. Obviously all would probably be best, but I only read book one and still understood most things and had a great time!

This has been one of the most pleasantly surprising reads of the year!!!

Thank you to Berkeley for sending me the physical arc in exchange for a review!