The following review is unsponsored. These are my feelings about the book and its contents, not the author themselves although background information about them may be included. This review may include profanity. This book review will also include my Amazon affiliate links which, if you choose to purchase from said links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you!
Rating system:
⭐️ = Did not finish/ hate it
⭐️ ⭐️ = I did not like it, would throw tomatoes
⭐️⭐️⭐️ = I like it, probably wouldn’t double back
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = I would recommend this
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = my soul has healed, I'm enlightened, 10s all across the board!
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The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kindle Unlimited ❌ | Amazon
Tags: black author, romance, comedy, medium-paced, black nerds in love
If you are catching this review before December 15th,2024, you are invited to the open read along for this book on StoryGraph <3
I'm not typically a romance reader as much as I'd like to be. This book has not only challenged my perception of adult love in various forms but also gave me the resolution that felt so necessary for both of the main characters.
Being shown black nerdy love is so important to me! I found myself relating to Lily a lot with the way she battles insecurities within herself and gives grace to others who feel similar. She set boundaries, was a clear communicator, and unapologetically herself. I felt for her when things were a little icky and unsure for her and Nick, but I slowly got to see Nick's perspective and root for him as well.
Their love is genuine on each page - my stomach was in knots sometimes feeling the uncomfortableness they continued to work through. The reality of relationships is that they can be a little icky sometimes, but there is so much power in communication and reflection. We advance in life and have a partner to balance us and make us whole - that's Lily and Nick! <3
If you did not get the opportunity to participate in the forum, no worries! Here are some highlights:
*The following information may contain spoilers!*
| Prologue - Chapter 1| Lily and Strick |
My heart melted when Lily said:
Not to make it awkward, but I want to tell you how much I appreciate being your (virtual) friend. You’ve been a. confidant for the last five months, which sounds so silly because we’ve never met, and I don’t even know what you look like. But maybe that’s the magic of it. We’re two strangers who mutually decided to show each other some kindness. I feel less alone, knowing that you’re only an email away. |
| Chapters 6-8 | It's all so complicated! |
I just want Lily to be loved so bad. I feel for her, especially in her embarrassing rejection stories. Maybe I haven’t told a guy his corona was piss, but there are plenty of embarrassing moments that are equally gut wrenching! When have your intrusive thoughts got the best of you?
|
| Chapters 9-13 | The lines are very blurred... |
Lily confesses:
"I just want to date someone who is interested in what I have to say. It would be nice if we had things in common, but that isn’t a deal breaker. It’s mostly important to me that he has good morals, and that he’s kind to me and my sisters and the rest of my family. And I want him to accept me for who I am without wanting me to change. I don’t think that’s asking for a lot.” |
| Kristina Forest Reading Discussion Question |
8. Lily lies to her sisters about what really happened between her and Nick when they were corresponding online because she doesn’t want them to feel bad for her or think she further needs their help in her love life. Do you think she should have told them the truth from the beginning, or do you think her lie gives her a sense of independence from her sisters?
Girl, you too grown to be scared of your sisters like this, but I get it. They don't need to know everything and you're entitled to share what details you want and they should respect that! Call it independence if you want, I call it "minding my own damn business"! 😂 |
