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THE NEIGHBOR FAVOR by Kristina Forest

THE NEIGHBOR FAVOR

by Kristina Forest

Pub Date: Feb. 28th, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-54643-7
Publisher: Berkley

In this bookish romance, two people who fell for each other through email unknowingly become neighbors.

Lily Greene’s dream job is to edit children’s books, specifically fantasy books with Black characters reminiscent of The Elves of Ceradon by the pseudonymous N.R. Strickland, her favorite little-known book, which is out of print. On a whim, Lily emails the author and is shocked when he responds. They strike up a correspondence that grows increasingly personal…until he ghosts her. Months later, needing a date to her sister’s wedding, she decides to ask her new “fine as hell” neighbor, not knowing he’s the man who just broke her heart. Nick Brown thought he'd put N.R. Strickland behind him, but when his literary agent strikes a major deal to republish The Elves of Ceradon and write two sequels, he moves to New York City, where he knows Lily lives. He stopped emailing her so he could continue to protect his closely held anonymity, but he misses her. When he discovers that the cute neighbor who asked him on a date is in fact Lily, he has to figure out if he’ll disclose the truth or keep his distance. Although the story relies on formulaic plotting, this romance has thoughtful portrayals of characters working on their self-esteem and learning to speak up for themselves, giving both leads room to grow. Realistic and interesting relationships between the leads and their families and friends add richness.

Book-loving romantics will be charmed.