Love Next Door with “The Neighbor Favor”

Book: The Neighbor Favor

Author: Kristina Forest

Published: February 28^th, 2023

Wine Choice:   Levert Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Sparkling Wine or Marie de Moy Brut Rose Champagne

Stand Alone, Series, or Other: Series (YES!)

Type of book: Novel

Genre: Rom-Com; Fiction

How long did it take me to read this book:   7 days

Audible/Google audiobooks: One Week (during commuting time)

Overall rating: Pop a bottle and 4.5 Wine glasses🍷🍷🍷🍷

I have been on a romance/ spicy book tear this year. I have read many books but realized romance is coupled with other genres. Some books had an element of Fantasy, others were drama-filled. But my favorite type of romantic comedy is romantic comedy. To me, “The Neighbor Favor” is more of a book about breaking out of the shell. I love how Kristina Forest uses Romance to push positive character growth while falling in love. Both characters within the book deal with some life drama that allows them to grow for themselves, but they each foster the growth in each other.

Readers are introduced to Lily Greene, a young woman who dreams about being an editor, not just any editor, a children/YA book editor. She is currently at a dead-end job with a knock-off Miranda Priestly. Listen, Miranda would read Lily’s boss the riot act and tell her to grow a pair of balls instead of being whiny b****. Miranda would also tell Lily to get a backbone. Tangent, sorry, I am mixing genres and books. Anyway, Lily takes a chance and does something bold that sets the scene for the rest of the book. We are also introduced to Nick Brown, whose life is shrouded in secrets. Nick is a nomad who is attempting to put Roots down in none other than the Big Apple, aka New York City. You may ask how do these two meet. It would be best to read the book because the backstory is the most creative and cute; I have read it for a long time, and it sure leaves you intrigued and excited.

As the story unfolds, we are introduced to Nick’s “found family,” a concept where individuals form close-knit relationships with people they are not related to by blood. This ‘found family’ is a host of lovely, amazing people who want the best for him and challenge him to enjoy his life. Lily’s family is a bit more traditional, a mix of being involved in their life while keeping a close eye on Lily’s life. Her sisters are ultra-protective, while her mother is slightly overbearing. Mixing their families and budding friendship into a fake relationship is pure comedic gold, sure to keep you entertained and amused. My favorite character in the book is her sister, Violet, who is still concerned about Lily while dealing with her life drama but stays fearless during emotional rough times.

“The Neighbor Favor” has all the elements to become a heartwarming Netflix or Hallmark movie. The potential for this book to be adapted into a film is immense, and I cannot help but feel hopeful and excited about it. I can already envision Trevor Jackson as Nick Brown and Dominque Fishback as Lily Green, bringing their characters to life on the screen.

I would give this book four wine glasses out of five. I find it funny, sweet, unique, and delightful to read. I read this book at work, so no wine, but in honor of Violet and the weekend in Miami… (you must read the book to find out what happened in Miami). I would love to pair this book with at first a Crémant wine. Levert Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Sparkling Wine. This delightful bottle has beautiful notes of delicate white field flowers, with a bite of citrus in the finish. The bubbles tickle your mouth and give a pleasant finish. Now, just a little backstory: Crémant is a sparkling wine made in France and Luxembourg using the same technique as the most famous sparkling wine, Champagne. It cannot be categorized as Champagne because it is not made in the region of Champagne, France. (there is some wine trivia for you) Now, if you would like to have real champagne, you have that coin.

You can pair this book with Marie de Moy Brut Rose Champagne. Yes, it is Champagne! Yes, it is delicious, and it pairs wonderfully with more bright cherry and red berry notes that tempt you to drink more with each page you read. The first sparkling wine compliments Lily’s personality, while the second Champagne fits the entire book, especially with the flower shop.

I sincerely hope you find as much joy reading or listening to this book as I did. It’s the perfect companion for your free time, offering a delightful escape into the world of Lily and Nick.

Until Next Time,

Che Michelle