The Professor Next Door by Jackie Lau ~ a Review

by MK French

Partier Nicole Louie-Edwards is getting tired of the meaningless one-night stands and nightlife. Getting stuck in an elevator with her neighbor, the geology professor David Cho, leads to friendship and then friends-with-benefits. Nicole had always thought she’d lose identity in a relationship the way she had in the past, but David just might be able to teach her what a true relationship is.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

June 2021; Jackie Lau Books; ebook; romance

The Professor Next Door is the third book in the Cider Bar Sisters Series, following Her Big City Neighbor and His Grumpy Childhood Friend (read my review). While it’s not necessary to have read those first, they’re so much fun to read. Do yourself a favor and read those so you recognize Nicole’s friends.

Nicole was traumatized by losing herself in a relationship when too young, a very real concern that too many young women have. She coped by having one-night stands and no strings attached sex, as she still had physical desires she wants to fulfill. She’s never shamed for this in the text or by her friends, who understand that she’s a sexual being and wasn’t ready for a romantic relationship. Her family and friends are wonderful, and her Po po is hilarious. David is sweet, also not wanting to repeat mistakes from the past. Family is very important to Asian families, after all, and he had stayed in a relationship long enough to marry his ex-wife when he wasn’t comfortable in it or with her family.

I like that Nicole and David start out with friends, even if they make eyes at each other and Po po from the start assumes they’re dating. When the relationship starts to include sex, it’s hot and full of banter as well. This is a romance, so we know that the two develop feelings for one another and eventually admit it. This was a great feel-good novel, where there isn’t a huge secret or awful scenario forcing them together or apart. This is two people learning to deal with the feelings they have in a healthier way than they used to deal with. I enjoy seeing that kind of happily ever after a lot.

Buy The Professor Next Door at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

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