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A review by tristatereader
The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Lily is working in a job she hates, living on her sister’s pull out couch in NYC, and can’t seem to find love. When her sister gets engaged, she and their 3rd sister make a bet with Lily that if she brings a date to the wedding, they’ll stay out of her love life. Desperate to win and still reeling from heartbreak after an online romance ghosted her, Lily asks her new neighbor Nick. He declines but says he’ll help her find a date. But the two can’t deny the amazing emotional and physical chemistry between them… and then Nick drops a bomb. Can their strong connection survive?
This book was so sweet. I loved all of the characters in it, especially Nick and Lily. I was rooting for them every step of the way. Nick had some serious trauma to deal with in regards to an unstable upbringing. The author did a great job showing readers how that affected him in his interpersonal relationships, especially with Lily. I loved watching him not only acknowledge but slay his demons. I loved that as a Black man, he recognized that he needed help and actively sought out therapy. This representation is everything. I also can’t say enough about Lily’s journey. She really came into herself in the book. She initially presented as pretty timid and was hidden in her sisters shadows. But as the story evolved, so too did Lily as a person. Her confidence blossomed and she honed in on what she wanted, what made her happy, and didn’t let anything stop her from having it. A+ character growth for both MCs.
I also loved pretty much all the side characters (minus Eddy because FU Eddy). Lily’s family was incredible, Nick’s found family was so supportive, and their neighbors were seriously the cutest. Would loveeee to read a book about Yolanda and Henry! Or Iris and Angel! Kristina Forest blink twice if either of these are in the works 👀
This book was so sweet. I loved all of the characters in it, especially Nick and Lily. I was rooting for them every step of the way. Nick had some serious trauma to deal with in regards to an unstable upbringing. The author did a great job showing readers how that affected him in his interpersonal relationships, especially with Lily. I loved watching him not only acknowledge but slay his demons. I loved that as a Black man, he recognized that he needed help and actively sought out therapy. This representation is everything. I also can’t say enough about Lily’s journey. She really came into herself in the book. She initially presented as pretty timid and was hidden in her sisters shadows. But as the story evolved, so too did Lily as a person. Her confidence blossomed and she honed in on what she wanted, what made her happy, and didn’t let anything stop her from having it. A+ character growth for both MCs.
I also loved pretty much all the side characters (minus Eddy because FU Eddy). Lily’s family was incredible, Nick’s found family was so supportive, and their neighbors were seriously the cutest. Would loveeee to read a book about Yolanda and Henry! Or Iris and Angel! Kristina Forest blink twice if either of these are in the works 👀