What do you think?
Rate this book
Driscoll U Diaries #3
The Best Venture
Not yet published
Expected 15 May 26
She was a nameless stranger from an unforgettable summer night, until months later, when she stumbled into his office and became his worst nightmare.
Emma Haywood is determined to secure her big break as a respected journalist at her university's newspaper. As she strives to balance her academic responsibilities, spend time with friends, and work on the Driscoll Wolf Weekly, Emma finds herself with little time for anything else while trying to impress her new editor. However, when her big break finally arrives, it comes with a it involves the help of the older man she kissed over the summer, who just so happens to be the attractive new professor.
Grayson Hayes feels lost. When he embarks on a new career in a place he once called home, he begins to regain a sense of normalcy in his life. But good things rarely last long, especially when the girl he has been dreaming about for months reenters his life in the worst way possible.
Emma Haywood is determined to secure her big break as a respected journalist at her university's newspaper. As she strives to balance her academic responsibilities, spend time with friends, and work on the Driscoll Wolf Weekly, Emma finds herself with little time for anything else while trying to impress her new editor. However, when her big break finally arrives, it comes with a it involves the help of the older man she kissed over the summer, who just so happens to be the attractive new professor.
Grayson Hayes feels lost. When he embarks on a new career in a place he once called home, he begins to regain a sense of normalcy in his life. But good things rarely last long, especially when the girl he has been dreaming about for months reenters his life in the worst way possible.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 15, 2026
73 people want to read
About the author
Nina Rey
3 books56 followersI was born and raised in NYC and Bogotá, Colombia. I’ve always been a hopeless romantic, and after watching dozens of 2000s rom-coms and listening to the best love songs of all time, I was given a very popular book series on my seventeenth birthday that changed my life forever.
After eight years of living in other author’s worlds; I created my own. In the fall of 2022, I snatched my laptop and outlined my debut novel. It was filled with everything I loved: steam, romance, hate, and a happily ever after. It was at that moment I knew that this was what I wanted to do.
When I’m not writing, I can be found reading (shocker, I know), cooking, dancing, on a road trip, or out at the movies.
After eight years of living in other author’s worlds; I created my own. In the fall of 2022, I snatched my laptop and outlined my debut novel. It was filled with everything I loved: steam, romance, hate, and a happily ever after. It was at that moment I knew that this was what I wanted to do.
When I’m not writing, I can be found reading (shocker, I know), cooking, dancing, on a road trip, or out at the movies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 4, 2026
Nina does it again! Absolutely adored Emma and Graysons story so much! So happy that Emma finally got her HEA because my girl deserves it so much. I love a good found family trope, and Nina does that so well… has you thinking that you’re right there with them along for the ride. But omg, I can’t wait for Jake’s book. I have a feeling that I know who he’s going to end up with, and I can’t wait to have it confirmed.
The Best Venture will be available May 15th!
If you’re into professor x student, age gap, and an MMC that whimpers 🥵… add this to your TBR! And be sure to add the other two books as well.
The Best Venture will be available May 15th!
If you’re into professor x student, age gap, and an MMC that whimpers 🥵… add this to your TBR! And be sure to add the other two books as well.
May 4, 2026
3.75 rounded up!! i knew i would enjoy this book bc i LOVE an age gap professor romance and that part absolutely didn’t disappoint! what kept this from being a 4 stars for me was some of the writing was a little cringe in my opinion. any scenes between emma and grayson were fantastic so that wasn’t the issue at all, it was more just like random dialogue or the MC’s internal thoughts i felt myself cringing at sometimes. otherwise this was a great book with DELICIOUS spice and i still would recommend!!
Review of advance copy
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧 𝙉𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙍𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙪𝙣𝙖 𝙇𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮!
I'm not even going to lie I devoured this book.
This story follows Emma, a 21-year-old who's trying so hard to live a normal, low-key life despite coming from a high profile family. She just wants something that feels like hers. Then she meets Grayson, 31, mysterious and way too captivating at a masquerade ball. They share this unforgettable night, full of tension and chemistry and it feels like one of those right people, wrong time moments like that was it.
But of course it's not.
They meet again and this is where things get messy in the best way because he ends up being a professor at her college where she attends. The tension was amazing. Literally you could feel how everything between them is constantly on edge . She's trying to focus on her studies and a project but the lines between what's right and what they want start to blur more and more.
I freaking loved this story. It took me about two days to read it because I couldn't put it down.
The emotions are top tier. Grayson is the kind of man, who is romantic, gentleman, and completely swoon worthy. The banter between them felt natural and sharp, and it made their connection even more addictive.
The tension and spice are just WOW. It's definitely there 🥵 🔥 it builds so well throughout tbr story, and when it hits, it hits.
I'm not even going to lie I devoured this book.
This story follows Emma, a 21-year-old who's trying so hard to live a normal, low-key life despite coming from a high profile family. She just wants something that feels like hers. Then she meets Grayson, 31, mysterious and way too captivating at a masquerade ball. They share this unforgettable night, full of tension and chemistry and it feels like one of those right people, wrong time moments like that was it.
But of course it's not.
They meet again and this is where things get messy in the best way because he ends up being a professor at her college where she attends. The tension was amazing. Literally you could feel how everything between them is constantly on edge . She's trying to focus on her studies and a project but the lines between what's right and what they want start to blur more and more.
I freaking loved this story. It took me about two days to read it because I couldn't put it down.
The emotions are top tier. Grayson is the kind of man, who is romantic, gentleman, and completely swoon worthy. The banter between them felt natural and sharp, and it made their connection even more addictive.
The tension and spice are just WOW. It's definitely there 🥵 🔥 it builds so well throughout tbr story, and when it hits, it hits.
Review of advance copy
Anytime Nina Rey has a new book for us, it immediately goes on my radar and gets consumed ASAP. Best Venture was absolutely no exception!
This entire Scooby gang is a group of characters I adore and constantly crave more stories from, so finally getting Emma’s story was pure bliss. Not only is she confident, kind, ambitious, and determined, but she is an absolute street badass! Her short stature causes people to underestimate her, but the way she takes no BS from anyone — no matter their age, gender, or size — was GOLD.
And Grayson?! He felt like such a breath of fresh air. MMCs are meant to be captivating, but this man and his emotional awareness and vulnerability were honestly beautiful to read. Heartbreaking at times, but still beautiful. And the mouth on that man?! I was NOT prepared. This golden retriever, glasses-wearing professor had me completely shook.
My favorite part had to be chapter one. I loved every single word and could picture it all so vividly in my head. It was the perfect fairytale meet-cute — the connection, the timing, the angst… perfection.
I truly, truly love this series, and for what’s coming next?! My jaw is still on the FLOOR.
This entire Scooby gang is a group of characters I adore and constantly crave more stories from, so finally getting Emma’s story was pure bliss. Not only is she confident, kind, ambitious, and determined, but she is an absolute street badass! Her short stature causes people to underestimate her, but the way she takes no BS from anyone — no matter their age, gender, or size — was GOLD.
And Grayson?! He felt like such a breath of fresh air. MMCs are meant to be captivating, but this man and his emotional awareness and vulnerability were honestly beautiful to read. Heartbreaking at times, but still beautiful. And the mouth on that man?! I was NOT prepared. This golden retriever, glasses-wearing professor had me completely shook.
My favorite part had to be chapter one. I loved every single word and could picture it all so vividly in my head. It was the perfect fairytale meet-cute — the connection, the timing, the angst… perfection.
I truly, truly love this series, and for what’s coming next?! My jaw is still on the FLOOR.
Read
May 5, 2026What you will find inside this book:
Professor x Student
10 Year Age Gap
Missed Connection
Grumpy x Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Secret Yearning
He Falls First + Harder
Small Town
College Setting
Dual POV
I think it is fair to say in advance, that this age gap is a 21 y.o. college student and a 31 y.o. male professor. I attempted to read the entire book through, but realized I wasn't the intended audience. I simply need my MCs to be older than 21, I have found.
Now, as for the recommendations, Grayson is very appealing as a MMC and I enjoyed him a lot. If you love a college age romance, this will hit in all the right places for you. There is banter, there is tension, there is plot.
The side characters were compelling and I can see that the other interconnected standalones would be a fun read!
There is a broad audience for this, and I think it will be a fun time for them.
Professor x Student
10 Year Age Gap
Missed Connection
Grumpy x Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Secret Yearning
He Falls First + Harder
Small Town
College Setting
Dual POV
I think it is fair to say in advance, that this age gap is a 21 y.o. college student and a 31 y.o. male professor. I attempted to read the entire book through, but realized I wasn't the intended audience. I simply need my MCs to be older than 21, I have found.
Now, as for the recommendations, Grayson is very appealing as a MMC and I enjoyed him a lot. If you love a college age romance, this will hit in all the right places for you. There is banter, there is tension, there is plot.
The side characters were compelling and I can see that the other interconnected standalones would be a fun read!
There is a broad audience for this, and I think it will be a fun time for them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc Review 🫶🏼
This is the 3rd book in the Driscoll U Diaries series following Emma in her last year of college…Finding that epic love every reader wants😭♥️
Professor x Student
Age Gap 🔟
Small town 🏘️
College🏫
Yearning 🤤
This is now the second arc read I’ve done for Nina, and I must say I’m not disappointed! I loved every second I was reading it, it took me less than 24hrs to devour this story.
Mr Hayes 😩🤤🤤🤤 the glasses👌🏼the dirty mouth👌🏼the yearning😩
Ms Haywood💗 stylish👌🏼sassy👌🏼smart👌🏼beautiful
I say add to your Tbr because you don’t want to miss it.
You will want to read the other stories in this series if you don’t want to miss the background between the other characters but it isn’t 100% necessary.
This is the 3rd book in the Driscoll U Diaries series following Emma in her last year of college…Finding that epic love every reader wants😭♥️
Professor x Student
Age Gap 🔟
Small town 🏘️
College🏫
Yearning 🤤
This is now the second arc read I’ve done for Nina, and I must say I’m not disappointed! I loved every second I was reading it, it took me less than 24hrs to devour this story.
Mr Hayes 😩🤤🤤🤤 the glasses👌🏼the dirty mouth👌🏼the yearning😩
Ms Haywood💗 stylish👌🏼sassy👌🏼smart👌🏼beautiful
I say add to your Tbr because you don’t want to miss it.
You will want to read the other stories in this series if you don’t want to miss the background between the other characters but it isn’t 100% necessary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I rate The Best Venture a 3.5. When reading the blurb, I knew I would have a good time reading this book. Age gaps are starting to become one of my favorite tropes, and Emma and Grayson didn't disappoint with a 10 year gap. I loved that Emma was a hopeless romantic, and she finally found her love with Grayson. Grayson was very attentive and made sure he heard her through his actions. This book had the perfect amount of spice and tension for this professor and student. There were moments in the book where I felt things were getting repetitive, and I wish apart of the ending wasn't predictable. However, I do understand. Overall, I did enjoy this book, and I would recommend it.
May 6, 2026
This book is the third book in the Driscoll U Diaries. It revolves around Emma (a student at Driscoll University majoring in Journalism) and Grayson (a new professor at Driscoll). Grayson and Emma met the summer before he started working at Driscoll and both were shocked when Emma showed up to interview the new professor for the university newspaper.
I had a feeling I would enjoy this book because I’m obsessed with a good age-gap romance, but I genuinely couldn’t stop reading! The yearning between both main characters when trying to remain professional was top tier, and the moment they finally gave in was worth all the waiting.
I had a feeling I would enjoy this book because I’m obsessed with a good age-gap romance, but I genuinely couldn’t stop reading! The yearning between both main characters when trying to remain professional was top tier, and the moment they finally gave in was worth all the waiting.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Okay PROFESSOR GRAYSON?!!
he is the ultimate blueprint 🙌 omg the tension, the heat, the attraction was HOT in this book 🔥
both Emma and Grayson have some walls up for different reasons, and after their first meeting they dont think they'll ever see each other again... except the university where she's a student, he is a professor. Small world.
I absolutely loved the slow breakdown of their walls (let's be real, mostly Grayson's) and I always love a strong fmc 💛
Oh and ofc a 10 year age gap? 👌
he is the ultimate blueprint 🙌 omg the tension, the heat, the attraction was HOT in this book 🔥
both Emma and Grayson have some walls up for different reasons, and after their first meeting they dont think they'll ever see each other again... except the university where she's a student, he is a professor. Small world.
I absolutely loved the slow breakdown of their walls (let's be real, mostly Grayson's) and I always love a strong fmc 💛
Oh and ofc a 10 year age gap? 👌
Review of advance copy received from Author
I always have high expectations when it comes to a Nina Rey book because of the best mistake was literally mind blowing!
And sure enough she delivered in the age gap romance giving us a strong female lead we already knew from book one and two a very strong foundation this series follows a group of friends in college and their relationships they are serious addicting and our MMC was a goner the second they meet and that’s how I like my book boyfriends obsessed! Nina Rey definitely keeps getting better and better and I’m here for all of it!
And sure enough she delivered in the age gap romance giving us a strong female lead we already knew from book one and two a very strong foundation this series follows a group of friends in college and their relationships they are serious addicting and our MMC was a goner the second they meet and that’s how I like my book boyfriends obsessed! Nina Rey definitely keeps getting better and better and I’m here for all of it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ms. Emma Haywood and Mr. Grayson Hayes did not let us down. Can we say that this is one of those "it's a small world" moment? The 10-year difference in age was executed beautifully. I was amazed by how Grayson would whimper for her. Emma's sassiness is something I loved. The Scooby Gang's continued closeness was another thing I cherished. When Samantha didn't get her way, she truly had to make that dick move. I can say that Nina is on my automatic read list because I have enjoyed reading every book she has published. I'm eager to read more of her writing.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you for this amazing opportunity to read your eARC, and I am happy to provide my honest review in return.
What a beautiful story! I adore how they initially met—masked, with no names, and their first dates together.
When they unexpectedly crossed paths again, it was under unfortunate circumstances, yet they made an effort to remain professional. The emphasis here is on professionalism...
I truly appreciate how Emma stands her ground; she knows exactly what she wants and isn’t interested in anything less.
What a beautiful story! I adore how they initially met—masked, with no names, and their first dates together.
When they unexpectedly crossed paths again, it was under unfortunate circumstances, yet they made an effort to remain professional. The emphasis here is on professionalism...
I truly appreciate how Emma stands her ground; she knows exactly what she wants and isn’t interested in anything less.
May 6, 2026
✨ARC Book Review✨
Forbidden attraction between a professor and a college student 👀😈
The meet cute set the scene perfectly, and I was here for it! It made the yearning and desire to push boundaries feel natural. I loved that it was written in dual POV, and Grayson’s first line of dialogue was gold 💀
Emma really stood out to me. Even though she was the younger of the two, she had a strong head on her shoulders. She wasn’t going to let any man play with her, period 💅
The yearning, the jealousy, the secrets… all of those emotions tied together into one story made it so good!
Forbidden attraction between a professor and a college student 👀😈
The meet cute set the scene perfectly, and I was here for it! It made the yearning and desire to push boundaries feel natural. I loved that it was written in dual POV, and Grayson’s first line of dialogue was gold 💀
Emma really stood out to me. Even though she was the younger of the two, she had a strong head on her shoulders. She wasn’t going to let any man play with her, period 💅
The yearning, the jealousy, the secrets… all of those emotions tied together into one story made it so good!
May 7, 2026
Thank you so much to Luna Literary and Nina Rey for this ARC!! Omg I love the Driscoll university world that Nina has created 🥹 Emma’s story from start to finish was chef’s kiss 😉 Grayson is 31 and looking for a fresh start at Driscoll university when he meets the newspaper interviewer Emma. Emma asks all the hard questions about why he’s chosen Driscoll to be a professor at and who and what makes him himself🤭
💙 Missed Connection
📚 Book Lover
💙 Dual POV
🥀 Forced Proximity
💙 Grumpy x Sunshine
🎓 Small Town College
💙 Age Gap Romance
🔥 Slow Burn Romance
💙 Missed Connection
📚 Book Lover
💙 Dual POV
🥀 Forced Proximity
💙 Grumpy x Sunshine
🎓 Small Town College
💙 Age Gap Romance
🔥 Slow Burn Romance
May 4, 2026
Overall, I loved the concept of this novel and the relationship between Grayson and Emma. There were times where it felt as though they were having the same argument, just slightly different wording which made the novel feel that much slower. I wish they had more depth together so it didn’t feel as predictable.
Thank you to Naughty PR and the author for letting me be part of this ARC. Please note all reviews are my honest and unbiased opinion.
Thank you to Naughty PR and the author for letting me be part of this ARC. Please note all reviews are my honest and unbiased opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I read this as an ARC from the publisher. This is book 3 in the series. It is dual POV, open door spice with age difference. This book started well and then dragged a bit in the middle. The ending left me wanting to know what happens with the next character. Emma the FMC is a strong gutsy woman who must learn what she wants her future to be and with whom. Greyson is the man she met by chance but turns up as a professor at her college.
May 7, 2026
In the Third installment of the series we have Emma’s story…the rich girl who never flaunts and is always by herself while everyone else pairs up…
The way I devoured this book!!! My favorite trope AGE GAP! Emma and Greyson’s chemistry was off the charts from the moment they met.
I love the professor angle, the way they could both lose everything and then the cliffhanger at the end? Girl, the author is just trying my last nerve😜.
The way I devoured this book!!! My favorite trope AGE GAP! Emma and Greyson’s chemistry was off the charts from the moment they met.
I love the professor angle, the way they could both lose everything and then the cliffhanger at the end? Girl, the author is just trying my last nerve😜.
May 7, 2026
Very thankful to have gotten this arc!
3 stars for me as it just wasn’t for me! I think this book will be a lot of people’s cup of tea and right up their alley, but personally, the writing style and characters I was just unable to connect to! Did love the age gap / how they met / and met again though!
Definitely pick this up if it interests you!!!!!
3 stars for me as it just wasn’t for me! I think this book will be a lot of people’s cup of tea and right up their alley, but personally, the writing style and characters I was just unable to connect to! Did love the age gap / how they met / and met again though!
Definitely pick this up if it interests you!!!!!
Read
March 4, 2026BETA READ
add to your tbr if you like:
- professor x student
- grumpy x sunshine
- age gap
- forced proximity
- he falls first (and hard)
- secret yearning
The best venture releases on 15 May 2026
add to your tbr if you like:
- professor x student
- grumpy x sunshine
- age gap
- forced proximity
- he falls first (and hard)
- secret yearning
The best venture releases on 15 May 2026
May 5, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! It had me giggling and kicking my feet in excitement for Emma and Grayson. I love an academic romance. This had a great amount of spice to plot ratio. I’m excited to read more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
***Received as an ARC copy***
Review of advance copy received from Author
My thoughts:
Here’s your summer read! You will definitely be entertained!
🩶Grumpy Professor(those glasses 🤓)
🩷Sassy Student
🤎Forced Proximity
🧡Age Gap
🩵Hot Tension
Here’s your summer read! You will definitely be entertained!
🩶Grumpy Professor(those glasses 🤓)
🩷Sassy Student
🤎Forced Proximity
🧡Age Gap
🩵Hot Tension
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review coming soon!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews