The Neighbor Favor marks Kristina Forest’s enchanting debut into adult contemporary romance, following her successful young adult novels. As the first installment in The Greene Sisters series, this book introduces us to the accomplished Greene family, particularly focusing on Lily Greene, the youngest of three sisters. Forest expertly crafts a story that combines the charm of epistolary romance with modern-day complexities, creating a fresh take on the neighbors-to-lovers trope.
Plot Summary & Analysis
The story follows Lily Greene, a shy editorial assistant who feels overshadowed by her accomplished sisters – Violet, a celebrity stylist, and Iris, a successful businesswoman. Working in adult nonfiction at Mitchell & Milton Inc., Lily dreams of editing children’s fantasy books but struggles to advance her career under her demanding boss, Edith.
When Lily discovers that her favorite fantasy author, the mysterious N.R. Strickland, has a website, she sends him an email while stuck on a sweltering subway train. To her surprise, he responds, and they begin a deep correspondence that evolves into something more meaningful. However, just as their connection deepens, Strickland mysteriously disappears.
Months later, Lily meets her attractive new neighbor, Nick Brown, who agrees to help her find a date for her sister Violet’s wedding. What she doesn’t know is that Nick is actually N.R. Strickland, and he’s struggling with his own demons while falling increasingly in love with her.
Character Development
Lily Greene
Forest excels at crafting Lily’s character arc from an insecure woman who hides behind her sisters to someone who learns to advocate for herself. Her journey feels authentic and relatable, especially her struggles with workplace dynamics and family expectations.
Nick Brown
Nick’s character represents the complexity of hiding one’s true self due to past trauma. His development from someone who runs from connections to a person willing to be vulnerable makes for compelling reading, though some readers might find his reluctance to reveal his identity frustrating at times.
Writing Style & Narrative Strengths
Forest’s writing shines in several areas:
Rich character interactions and family dynamics
Authentic representation of publishing industry culture
Seamless integration of email correspondence
Natural dialogue that moves the story forward
Well-paced romantic tension
The author particularly excels at creating meaningful secondary characters, from Lily’s vibrant sisters to Nick’s chosen family of friends. Each character feels distinct and adds depth to the main narrative.
Series Context
The Neighbor Favor sets up The Greene Sisters series beautifully, introducing all three sisters while focusing on Lily’s story. The second book, The Partner Plot, follows middle sister Violet’s journey after a failed engagement, while the upcoming third book, The Love Lyric, will feature eldest sister Iris’s story.
Themes & Social Commentary
The novel thoughtfully explores several themes:
Family expectations and personal growth
Professional ambition versus societal pressure
The impact of childhood trauma on adult relationships
The courage required for vulnerability
Black excellence and individual identity
Critical Analysis
Strengths
Authentic representation of Black professional women
Well-developed family dynamics
Strong sense of place in New York City
Thoughtful exploration of mental health and trauma
Balanced blend of romance and character development
Areas for Improvement
Nick’s reluctance to reveal his identity sometimes feels overly prolonged
Some workplace conflicts could be more fully developed
Secondary plot points occasionally feel rushed toward the end
The resolution of Nick’s family issues might seem too neat for some readers
Romance Elements
The romantic development between Lily and Nick is masterfully crafted, building from their initial email correspondence through their in-person interactions. The tension between their growing attraction and Nick’s secret creates compelling conflict without feeling contrived.
Cultural Impact & Representation
Forest contributes to the growing body of contemporary romance featuring Black protagonists in professional settings. She skillfully weaves cultural elements into the narrative without making them the story’s focus, creating authentic representation while telling a universal love story.
Comparable Titles & Market Position
Fans of contemporary romance authors like Talia Hibbert, Jasmine Guillory, and Emily Henry will find much to love in Forest’s adult debut. The book sits comfortably alongside other workplace romances like The Love Hypothesis and Book Lovers, while offering its own unique perspective.
Technical Elements
Forest’s background in children’s publishing shines through in her attention to detail regarding the publishing industry. The email exchanges between Lily and Nick (as Strick) are particularly well-crafted, showing character development through written correspondence.
Final Verdict
The Neighbor Favor offers a fresh take on contemporary romance while establishing Forest as a promising voice in adult fiction. While some plot elements could be tightened, the strong character development, authentic representation, and engaging romance make this a compelling read and a strong start to The Greene Sisters series.
Reader Recommendations
The Neighbor Favor is perfect for:
Romance readers seeking authentic representation
Fans of slow-burn romance with emotional depth
Book lovers who enjoy publishing industry settings
Readers who appreciate family dynamics in their romance
Anyone who enjoys epistolary elements in contemporary fiction
Looking Forward
With The Partner Plot already released and The Love Lyric on the horizon, Forest has established herself as a voice to watch in contemporary romance. The Greene Sisters series promises to continue delivering compelling stories about love, family, and personal growth.