The character development for Stella felt erratic. At one point, she wanted one thing, and then suddenly desired another. The fake dating romance trope often only showcases the POV of one character, and ‘Lovelight Farms’ is no different. I believe these stories would significantly benefit from incorporating the perspectives of both characters in the relationship.
This is a small-town romance, and those vibes were immaculate. However, much of the world-building didn’t make sense for the Eastern Shore, where the story is set. In the middle of the novel, the author included numerous references to Maryland, but I felt as though this was meant to be set in western Maryland rather than the Eastern Shore. This is just my take, and it didn’t hinder my experience reading the book.
The writing was okay and typical for a romance novel. The chapters were lengthy, but it was easy to read. It never felt like I was bogged down; it flew by.
“I’m usually not a fan of the fake dating trope, but this one felt more believable, especially because it evolved from a friends-to-lovers dynamic. The romance felt organic, like something that could genuinely happen. However, at times, it seemed like events were occurring for the sake of the plot rather than following logical progression. Beckett, one of the characters, did call this out, and I appreciated that, although I wish he broke the fourth wall a bit more.
This was an okay Christmas romance, but it didn’t become a new favorite of mine. I might consider picking up the next book, depending on the trope it presents. However, it’s worth noting that this is probably my least favorite romance trope. If you enjoy fake dating, this book might be more successful for you.
3.25 out of 5 stars.
by beaniebaby729