business casual by b k borison
book review #16 + giving this author another chance...
Hello readers,
I admit, I wasn’t initially a huge fan of B.K. Borison. After reading the first three books of the Lovelight series, I mainly thought they were average and, at some point, a bit boring.
So, I was on the fence about whether I should pick up another of her books. But when Business Casual came out, I decided to give her a second chance—and I’m so glad I did. Her latest release surprised me in the best possible way and reminded me why giving authors a second chance can sometimes pay off.
This time around, Borison has perfected the balance between romance, witty banter, emotional depth, and just the right amount of spice. By the end, I was completely won over and gave Business Casual a solid five stars.
The dynamic between Nova Porter and Charlie Milford immediately drew me into Business Casual. Nova, an ambitious tattoo artist, isn’t looking for love. She’s busy opening her new tattoo studio in the quaint town of Inglewild and trying to make her business a success.
Enter Charlie, the sharp-dressed, reserved investment banker who’s back in town to temporarily run Lovelight Farms, the setting of Borison’s Lovelight series. While Nova and Charlie might seem like opposites on the surface—Nova is free-spirited and creative, while Charlie is all business—their chemistry is undeniable from the get-go.
One thing I loved about this book was how Borison didn’t rush their relationship. It’s clear from the start that there’s a spark between Nova and Charlie, but Borison takes her time to build on that, letting their attraction simmer before giving us that much-anticipated payoff.
Their initial “one-night-only” agreement, in which they think they’ll get their mutual attraction out of the way, turns into something much deeper as they start spending more time together. What began as a fleeting moment soon became complicated as they realized they couldn’t quite entirely forget each other. I appreciated how Borison didn’t force the romance but let it grow naturally.
The banter between Nova and Charlie is another aspect that kept me hooked. Their witty back-and-forth is sharp and playful, making their relationship feel dynamic and fresh. The dialogue felt authentic, giving a real sense of who these characters are beyond their romantic connection. Their banter doesn’t just serve to entertain—it reveals a lot about their personalities and the ways they challenge each other, which made me even more invested in their journey together.
But what makes Business Casual stand out is how well Borison balanced the different aspects of the romance. The spicy moments between Nova and Charlie are undeniably steamy, but they don’t overshadow the emotional growth of their relationship. Every intimate scene feels earned, as Borison does a fantastic job of pacing the romance naturally.
There’s a slow-burn quality to it, where you can feel the tension building between the characters, making the spicy scenes all the more rewarding. Nothing feels rushed or out of place—it’s clear Borison took care in crafting each step of their romance.
One of the things that really surprised me was how well Borison wove together the emotional stakes of the story. Both Nova and Charlie are dealing with their own issues—Nova is focused on her business and isn’t sure if she’s ready to let someone in, while Charlie is navigating his own insecurities despite his confident, businesslike exterior. It was incredibly satisfying to watch them break down each other’s walls and learn to trust one another.
Charlie significantly grew on me throughout the book. His character development from the stiff, buttoned-up businessman to someone more vulnerable and open was beautifully done, and it’s one of the reasons I found myself rooting for this couple by the end.
Borison also uses the backdrop of Inglewild and Lovelight Farms to add layers to the story, giving it that cozy, small-town charm that’s become her signature style. The setting almost feels like a character, with its quaint streets and tight-knit community, making it the perfect place for Nova and Charlie’s relationship to bloom. I loved how the town played a role in their story, adding to the warmth and heart of the book.
Overall, Business Casual exceeded all my expectations. It’s not just a romance—it’s a story about two people who help each other grow emotionally and personally. It’s fun, flirty, and filled with heartfelt moments that make me smile, but it’s also profoundly emotional when it needs to be.
I’m so glad I gave B.K. Borison, another chance because Business Casual delivered everything I could have hoped for in a romance novel.
If you’re looking for a book that balances humor, heat, and heart in equal measure, I highly recommend trying this one.
Also, let me know in the comments which author you have ever given a second chance to!
Read you soon,
Bea.
Photo by: Bea Barros.