“The Neighbor Favor” by Kristina Forest – A Review
⭐ Rating: 3.75/5
Year Published: 2023
Genre: Rom-Com, Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 403
Quick Summary
The Neighbor Favor introduces us to Lily Greene, a shy, bookish woman feeling overshadowed by her accomplished family. Stuck in a nonfiction editorial assistant role, Lily dreams of editing children's books. She finds solace in emailing her favorite fantasy author, N.R. Strickland, and their correspondence blossoms into a meaningful connection—until he abruptly stops replying. Months later, Lily seeks a date for her sister's wedding and turns to her charming new neighbor, Nick Brown, unaware that he is, in fact, N.R. Strickland. As their relationship develops, secrets and past decisions challenge their budding romance.
What I Loved
Charming Protagonists: Lily and Nick are endearing characters whose chemistry is palpable from the start. Their interactions, especially during the email exchanges, are delightful and set a strong foundation for their relationship.
Engaging Email Correspondence: The initial email exchanges between Lily and N.R. Strickland are a highlight, offering a unique and intimate glimpse into their personalities and budding connection.
Exploration of Deeper Themes: Beyond the romance, the novel touches on family expectations, self-worth, and personal growth, adding depth to the narrative.
What Didn't Quite Work for Me
Pacing Issues: At times, the story felt a bit drawn out, with certain sections, especially the email portion, potentially longer than necessary, affecting the overall momentum.
Young Adult Vibe: Despite being an adult contemporary romance, some elements and character behaviors gave off a young adult feel, which might not align with all readers' expectations.
Miscommunication Trope: The prolonged lack of communication between Lily and Nick regarding his true identity was frustrating, and resolving this earlier could have strengthened their relationship development.
Who Should Read This?
If you're looking for a light, heartwarming romance with lovable characters and don't mind a slow-burn narrative, The Neighbor Favor is a delightful choice. Fans of bookish romances and stories involving personal growth will particularly enjoy this read.
Final Thoughts
The Neighbor Favor is a cute and comforting romance that, while occasionally slow-paced and reminiscent of young adult themes, offers an enjoyable story about love, self-discovery, and the complexities of personal relationships. Despite some frustrations with character communication, the novel's charm and depth make it a worthwhile read.
