Mixed Signals (Lovelight)

This series just keeps getting better and better, swoonier and swoonier. Maybe steamier and steamier too. Zero complaints about any of that - I loved this! It’s easiest to appreciate this series to its fullest when you read it in order, so I was already so excited to dig into Caleb and Layla’s story before it even got started. In previous books, we saw this sweetheart of a hero start to fall for his girl without even realizing it. And he’s just so ADORABLE - a kind, sexy man who blushes at the sweetest moments, and whose biggest fault is that his heart is just too big. He loves with his whole self, which was incredibly heart-melting. Caleb makes the perfect partner for Layla, a woman who has never been treated the way she deserves. Together, they were such a great (clueless) couple, and their chemistry was SO good. The build in intimacy was excellent, and so was the slow burn to SIZZLE romance. I loved it! The story follows Layla, a baker who never seems to date the right guy. She’s had to lower her expectations so much that dating almost isn’t worth it anymore. So when Layla bumps into Caleb after her latest dating disaster, the last thing she’s looking for is someone new. But seeing the cute former cop/current teacher in a different setting makes Layla see him differently, and she can’t help but feel a spark of attraction. As the two share their dating woes, Caleb reveals that he often gets ahead of himself in relationships. Their commiserating leads to an unexpected arrangement - for one month, Caleb will show Layla how she should be treated, and she’ll give him tips on his dating missteps. Neither one anticipated just how well their arrangement would go… or just how much they’d wish that they were dating for real. I do recommend reading the series in order, because the small town/community feel gets stronger with every book. So does Borison’s writing, honestly. Each book has its own swoony feel, but this one felt the strongest to me - so many little swoony breadcrumbs sprinkled along the way, such likable characters, and plenty fan-worthy spice. Caleb is what makes this particular book over-the-top special though; he’s just such a good guy, and a true cinnamon roll with a little bite in the bedroom. Stellar book boyfriend material, the guy that everyone needs in their life. He took the swoon up a notch, so there were some magical moments - and tons of chemistry. I also love that Borison’s style allows for a low angst feel while also tackling some heavier subjects. It gives the story emotional depth without weighing it down, leading to a more fulfilling reading experience. I certainly won’t be forgetting this smile-inducing romance anytime soon.

Pros: -The characters were so lovable, especially Layla – her growth and vulnerability felt real and relatable. -Loved the small-town setting! It gave the story a warm, cozy vibe that made it perfect for a weekend read. -The romance was a slow burn but so worth it once it picked up. Plenty of chemistry and tender moments. Dialogue felt natural and had me smiling more than once. Cons: -The pacing was a little slow in the middle. I found myself wishing for just a bit more action or conflict to keep things moving. -Some side characters felt underdeveloped compared to the main duo. Final Thoughts: Mixed Signals is a heartwarming read with strong emotional depth and a satisfying love story. While it took a little time to fully hook me, once it did, I couldn’t stop flipping pages. A solid addition to the Lovelight series – definitely recommend if you're into sweet, low-drama romance with all the feels.

“'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.’" • this book is like that perfect twilight hour on your favorite summer day, when the sun is sinking beyond the trees and the bright warmth still kisses your skin. it’s the splendid moment in time that you never want to end. it is butter croissant good. there’s no way I can express how pure and perfect and dreamy Caleb Alvarez is: the best combination of vulnerable, tender, and persistent. and and Layla Dupree is everything. she embodies so many complexities of being a woman. she’s successful, and driven, and she struggles to see her value even when everyone else around her screams it from the rooftops. two imperfect (but perfect for me) people that have been unlucky in love enter into a month-long “arrangement” with the goal of figuring out how to successfully date people that are worth their time. although he’s been secretly crushing on Layla for ages — which she’s completely oblivious to — Caleb is hoping one month is enough for him to show her how she deserves to be treated and let her go before his heart breaks. but you know what they say about the best laid plans… y’all this book is sexy, and it’s worth the wait. filled with hilarious dates and so much vulnerability your heart may burst (consider yourself warned), Mixed Signals is a true delight. 10 out of 10 for an HEA lover. the only complaints I have are that it's over, and how in the world am I supposed to find a better book boyfriend than Caleb Alvarez?! • this and that: ♡ abuelas and big, supportive families ♡ all the baked goods ♡ baker / teacher ♡ “butter croissant good” ♡ character cameos ♡ chemistryyyy 🔥 ♡ cinnamon roll characters ♡ classic movie kisses ♡ community phone trees ♡ curated baker rivalries ♡ dimples ♡ disastrous dates ♡ dual pov ♡ entrepreneurs ♡ escape rooms ♡ found family ♡ friends to lovers ♡ group hugs ♡ hawaiian shirts ♡ he falls first ♡ he keeps showing up / won’t give up ♡ Helen Hoang vibes (hello, The Kiss Quotient!) ♡ “I see you” ♡ intentional men ♡ kissing in the rain ♡ lavender ♡ “let’s practice dating” ♡ open door romance ♡ orange creamsicles ♡ pet adoption ♡ picnics ♡ rollerskating ♡ “show me what you like” ♡ slow burns ♡ small towns ♡ summer storms ♡ sunshine / sunshine ♡ vulnerable boys

Did feel a little Deja vu from the first book to this one. Very very similar plots. I also hurt a bit for Caleb. I’ve been the person who loves first and loves harder and it’s total butts.

Mixed Signals was a sweet and heartwarming read. I absolutely loved the romance and the hero in the story. It is the third book in the Lovelight series, so I would recommend just reading the prior books first. It is dual POVs of the main characters and has some amazing tropes like: friends to lovers, sunshine-sunshine, a dating experiment and a small town romance. The writing and story development was fantastic. While it was a bit cheesy at times I just loved all the heartfelt moments between the main characters. There were also some heartbreaking, angsty, laugh out loud and swoon worthy moments. The hero was absolutely my favorite character. The pining and angst was so well written and I just loved how obsessed he was with the heroine. I also really liked how understanding, patient and devoted he was. The fact that he did not give up and was willing to wait for her was so beautiful. The heroine and her insecurities were also relatable and realistic, which I appreciated. The romance between them was very cute and their connection and chemistry was just great. All of their dates were also so adorable and just amusing. There was some really good spice as well. The conflict was a bit forced and the ending somewhat rushed, but there was still a great conclusion and epilogue. Overall, just a delightful read with a sweet romance.

I absolutely ADORE BK Borison’s writing style - it sucks me right in and I don’t want to put it down. The small town vibe, the relatable characters, all the funny moments, cute moments and everything in between. The third book in the Lovelight Farms series is about Caleb and Layla, who we met in the previous books as side characters. I loved getting to know them more, and in doing so you could definitely tell they were meant to be together. Caleb is a quirky, bashful, patient and smart man who’s kindness got him fired as being a police officer…I mean what?! And Layla is the bake shop owner at Lovelight Farms who has had one bad relationship/date after the other and is having a hard time believing in her own self worth and what she can bring to the table. I think most people have felt like Layla at some point in their lives, or maybe they feel like her now? Either way, the character transformation and how she learns to love herself and in turn accept love from others, is beautiful and was one of my favorite parts of this series. In their journey to learn their own self worth and to try to find the flaws in their past relationships, Caleb and Layla agree to a 1 month “dating arrangement” where they will do everything as though they are a couple and then grade each other at the end based on how it went. Will these two who have been unlucky in love finally be able to accept their worth and love not only themselves, but someone else? I definitely encourage you to pick up this series and fall in love with these characters and this town as I have thus far.

B.K. Borison knew what she was doing when she wrote Mixed Signals, finally giving us the story between Caleb and Layla! I literally cannot handle how sweet they both are as humans, and the way he is towards her made my heart swell! Showing her how much she is worth and deserves to be appreciated…Caleb is literally a gem of a man! When their first kiss is so heated with passion, I almost fell to the floor! And we definitely get some spice between these two as well! This book gets 4.25 stars from me and I loved the dual POV and the dual narration in the audiobook as I listened along.

"I told you that you deserve good things," he says quietly. "And I think I could be one of those good things for you. I'm pretty sure of it, actually." Caleb & Layla. I am rattled by this story. It's perfect. Butter croissant nice. I will cling to it like a tiny, persistent little barnacle. Chronically kind Caleb. Sweet, adoring man. Tender and romantic. ILY, bear cub. I love how relatable Bec's characters are. Like, I wear orange on Tuesdays too! Bruh. Nachooooos. I love Ja Rule. Every thug needs a lady. Lovelight 3 is SO FUN. A very Nora Ephron romcom (think: When Harry Met Sally). Readers are going to be pie punch drunk! I'm talking heart eyes and cartoon birds flapping around. Mixed Signals is a sweeping love story! “I see you Layla Dupree." He says it so firmly, so resolute, that I can't help byt believe him. "Clear as day. I always have." 🍓 THINGS AND STUFF 🍓 -dual POV -small town, population: somewhere around seven -colorful Hawaiian shirts -I'm bad at dating, can you help me? -sunshine x sunshine -friends to lovers -a croissant and a coffee. just cream -golden retriever, all around nice guy hero -the color orange 🍊 -love & appreciation for a good escape room -lavender, scarves, expensive champagne, & cheap crab chips -"no one has ever looked at me the way you do" -#IsThisAKissingBook: open door. "I wanted to give her a classic movie kiss and instead Layla gave me an end of the world kiss. A mountain top kiss. A launched into space kiss." 🎶 Song: Can I Kiss You by Dahl 🎶

Mixed Signals is the third book in the series Lovelight. I don’t know what B. K. Borison put in her books, but they are addictive. This book was everything: cozy, cute, funny. I didn’t want the story of Layla and Caleb to end. Those two sunshines made me laugh, smile like a fool, and even cry. I loved how passionate Layla was with her bakery. You almost smell the pastry she makes with how well it is written. Since I finished this book, I have a craving of shortcakes. I also loved her need to have something to herself and how blind she was to Caleb's crush on her. It was cute. I loved that she tease Caleb as well with pastry. I should have been warned about Caleb and the fact that he would take Beckett's place as my favorite. He has a golden retriever vibe, loves with all his heart, and takes care of those he loves, including Layla. He is such a cutie. Also, Sheriff Dan should arrest him for teasing us like that with Layla. Layla was burning with desire and so were we. He melts me so many times while going slowly with Layla and make her believe she deserve to be treated right. 🫠 Him remembering all she likes made me say 'AWWW' so many times. What crushes my heart and makes me feel seen is when he mentions that he is scared to be too much since he loves fully. I totally understand him. I enjoyed reading about their relationship «I am really bad at dating, please help me», but actually, it was just the wrong person they dated. Their chemistry is obvious. Their interactions were cute and funny. PS: I loved seeing the previous characters and where they are. Beckett and his refugee. The people of Lovelight are still hilarious. 😂 You will find in this book: 🛏️«Show me what you like / bedroom instruction» 😅«I am really bad at dating, please help me.» 🥇He fall first and hard 🏔️Small Town Romance 💛Golden Retriever MMC ☀️Sunshine x Sunshine 🥐Bake Goods ✌️Dual POV

REVIEW Layla Dupree owns the Bakehouse at Lovelight Farms, and has the WORST luck with dating. When Caleb Alvarez rescues Layla from another terrible date, they form a plan. One month of no-strings dating. He’ll do his best to renew her faith in men while she rates his dating game. But will either be able to walk away at the end of the agreement? As i've said before, secret pining is possibly my favourite trope. I loved Caleb and Layla in the previous stories, but I was not prepared for the total swoonfest that was them together. Layla was every bit as fun and sweet as I expected her to be, and then some. I absolutely ADORED her connection with Caleb, from the Hawaiian shirt through their dates, and even her confused feelings (they broke my heart, but I understood her as a character, so I never felt like the conflict was forced). As for Caleb, I don't even know where to start, because he might have ruined me for all other book boyfriends. The total, utter adorableness of Caleb made me swoon SO many times. Honestly, his POVs are almost all highlighted in my book. I absolutely ADORED him: from his careful, sweet, and fully-focused attention with Layla in every single way, his adorable blushes, as well as all the ways he showed her how much she mattered; to his general kindness to everyone around him. Caleb and Layla's chemistry was absolutely sublime, and their intimacy? Just exquisite. It was also wonderful to catch up with the rest of the adorable Lovelight characters: I was so happy to see Beckett was still taking in waifs and strays; and I LOVED that it was Stella who was able to advise Layla about her feelings. Caleb teaching Jeremy was also hilarious and I loved the Beatrice twist, as well as the set up for Nova and Charlie's story. And the epilogue and bonus chapter? *Chefs kiss* I never thought anything could rival my love for Beckett or Luka, but if anyone knows how to clone a Caleb Alvarez, I would pay (in butter croissants!) Caleb and Layla have stolen my heart. Utterly obsessed with them both. Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Heat Rating: 🔥🔥.5 Emotional Rating: 😒💓🤬👏🏻🥰😂😢🥰😂🙈😉👏🏻🥰🙈💓🥰🙈🥰😂😊💔💓🥰😂🥰💓🥰💓😍😂😢💓😂💓🥰😍🍅🙈💓😍🥰💓😍🥰💓🥰😉😊🥰💔🙈💓👏🏻🥰😍💓😍💓😍🥰🍓😍🥰😟🤦🏻‍♀️💔😢💔😢👏🏻🥰😭💓🥰👏🏻😊👏🏻🥰🥐👏🏻😂💓🙈💓🥰😂💓🥰 Favourite Quotes: "Why are you settling for crumbs when you deserve the whole damn cake?” "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 want to watch you come undone,” I tell her, my voice a rough scratch. I look up and make sure I’m holding her eyes. “Because I want to be the one to do it.” “I like to work for it,” he whispers against my ear. She is all the things I thought she was and then some. I like the way he’s looking at me, as if I’m everything he could possibly want. “You’re bossier than you let on.” His laugh is a dark, wicked thing—warm air against my neck as he leans over me. “You have no idea.” “Don’t underestimate how long I’ll wait for you.” She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. The most beautiful thing I ever will see. "...the way you smiled in the front seat of your car that very first night made me think I could love you, just a little bit.”

She is the baker on the Christmas tree farm, he was the towns deputy now school teacher. He’s had a crush on her for years, she is tired of failed dates and no love. He offers a month of dates so both can be comfortable to date again.

In a sea full of dark smuty romances and (very questionable) red flags, Mixed Signals is the breath of fresh air (and mature characters with their heads on their shoulders) I've desperately been looking for. It made me feel good, it made me feel happy, that's all I could ask for. (I want a Caleb for myself too now)

Caleb Alvarez 😍