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She's Worth the Risk
Zinnia
Falling for a stranger over coffee? Fine. Learning he’s your art history professor? Problem.
Nick is guarded, intense, and so tightly wound I ache to unravel him. I know it’s wrong to pursue my professor, but he keeps showing up anyway—at the coffee shop, outside of class—as if he can’t stay away any more than I can. As if this is inevitable.
I’ve never been a person who stays. I wouldn’t even know how. But the more I try to let him go, the more I realize he might be the one I’m finally ready to choose.
Nick
I don’t blur lines. I don’t indulge feelings.
And I definitely don’t get involved with students.
But I met Zinnia before I knew who she was. Before the lecture halls, before the rules, before I had anything to lose. With her, I forgot myself. The restraint. The control. The life I built to keep everything, especially desire, in check.
Now she sits in my classroom, looking at me as if she knows exactly who I am beneath it all.
I should end this before it starts. Because she’s not only a risk to my career, she’s a risk to everything I thought I was.
Here’s what you can expect from She’s Worth the Risk:
Spicy, forbidden romance
Age gap (she’s 25, he’s 42)
Professor & student
Curvy, confident heroine
Sensitive, artsy hero
Repressed MMC has sexual awakening
No third act breakup
Falling for a stranger over coffee? Fine. Learning he’s your art history professor? Problem.
Nick is guarded, intense, and so tightly wound I ache to unravel him. I know it’s wrong to pursue my professor, but he keeps showing up anyway—at the coffee shop, outside of class—as if he can’t stay away any more than I can. As if this is inevitable.
I’ve never been a person who stays. I wouldn’t even know how. But the more I try to let him go, the more I realize he might be the one I’m finally ready to choose.
Nick
I don’t blur lines. I don’t indulge feelings.
And I definitely don’t get involved with students.
But I met Zinnia before I knew who she was. Before the lecture halls, before the rules, before I had anything to lose. With her, I forgot myself. The restraint. The control. The life I built to keep everything, especially desire, in check.
Now she sits in my classroom, looking at me as if she knows exactly who I am beneath it all.
I should end this before it starts. Because she’s not only a risk to my career, she’s a risk to everything I thought I was.
Here’s what you can expect from She’s Worth the Risk:
Spicy, forbidden romance
Age gap (she’s 25, he’s 42)
Professor & student
Curvy, confident heroine
Sensitive, artsy hero
Repressed MMC has sexual awakening
No third act breakup
- GenresRomance
ebook
Published June 16, 2026
About the author
Jen Morris
11 books562 followersJen Morris writes steamy escapist romance with imperfect heroines and tall, bearded heroes. She believes that almost anything can be fixed with a good laugh, a good book, or a plane ticket to New York.
Her books follow people with big dreams as they navigate life and love in the city. Her characters don’t just find love—they find themselves, too.
Jen lives with her partner and son, in a tiny house on wheels in New Zealand. She spends her days writing, dreaming about New York, and finding space for her ever-growing book collection.
Her books follow people with big dreams as they navigate life and love in the city. Her characters don’t just find love—they find themselves, too.
Jen lives with her partner and son, in a tiny house on wheels in New Zealand. She spends her days writing, dreaming about New York, and finding space for her ever-growing book collection.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
June 13, 2026
જ⁀➴ ♡ 4.75 Stars
Thank you Jen Morris and her team for giving me this arc!!!💋
Yurp I absolutely ate this up. The buildup was actually insane, they had so much chemistry. Jen just took forbidden and angsty to a whole other level. 😮💨🥴
I loved seeing Nick get out of his comfort zone, just him stepping out of his shyness and overthinking, mostly because Zinnia helped him with that was so precious. 🥹
The spicy scenes were absolutely immaculate. I have never held my breath for that long. 🫁
And even though I love all of Jen’s books from this series, this one definitely battles for my favorite.💗😛
Thank you Jen Morris and her team for giving me this arc!!!💋
Yurp I absolutely ate this up. The buildup was actually insane, they had so much chemistry. Jen just took forbidden and angsty to a whole other level. 😮💨🥴
I loved seeing Nick get out of his comfort zone, just him stepping out of his shyness and overthinking, mostly because Zinnia helped him with that was so precious. 🥹
The spicy scenes were absolutely immaculate. I have never held my breath for that long. 🫁
And even though I love all of Jen’s books from this series, this one definitely battles for my favorite.💗😛
June 19, 2026
Super sweet. Very safe.
June 15, 2026
Just like all the others in this series, this was fantastic! I love this little found family! Seeing all the other couples is such a highlight of this series!! I love how easily all the other women brought Zinnia especially since she was adamant she wasn’t going to stay, she wasn’t going to get attached! It was SO sweet!
Nick and Zinnia were perfect! The tension! The forbidden! The sneaking around! Everything about their relationship, while easily it could have been problematic, it was written carefully and thoughtfully so it was just two people meeting and instantly having an electric connection. It also helped that Nick’s entire personality made it clear how careful he was going to be despite him having SO MANY FEELING!
And they were the perfect pair, they complemented each other SO well. Zinnia rally got him to come out of his shell, loosen up, find his passion again! And he becomes such a safe place for her to land FINALLY!
Whatever Jen writes next, I’ll be here for! Her writing is DELIGHTFUL and always such a good time!!
Thanks so much to Jen Morris for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Nick and Zinnia were perfect! The tension! The forbidden! The sneaking around! Everything about their relationship, while easily it could have been problematic, it was written carefully and thoughtfully so it was just two people meeting and instantly having an electric connection. It also helped that Nick’s entire personality made it clear how careful he was going to be despite him having SO MANY FEELING!
And they were the perfect pair, they complemented each other SO well. Zinnia rally got him to come out of his shell, loosen up, find his passion again! And he becomes such a safe place for her to land FINALLY!
Whatever Jen writes next, I’ll be here for! Her writing is DELIGHTFUL and always such a good time!!
Thanks so much to Jen Morris for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 21, 2026
Jen Morris does age gap romances really well but even I was hesitant for a professor/student trope. It's one I tend to avoid.
I appreciate that Morris made this trope as little creepy as she could... Zinnia is 25 and met her professor, Nick, who's in his forties, before she realized the class she would be taking would be taught by him.
However, this one just fell short for me. Zinnia and Nick were fine but I didn't absolutely love them.
I do wish I had a grandmother who would gift me a home in New York City though.
I appreciate that Morris made this trope as little creepy as she could... Zinnia is 25 and met her professor, Nick, who's in his forties, before she realized the class she would be taking would be taught by him.
However, this one just fell short for me. Zinnia and Nick were fine but I didn't absolutely love them.
I do wish I had a grandmother who would gift me a home in New York City though.
June 10, 2026
Zinnia and Nick are actually so perfectly aligned and it makes their relationship so much more believable. Their tension from the beginning was just so strong that it actually sucked me right in!
I loved the whole secret relationship aspect and the banter between them was perfect because of their similar intelligence. I think their intellect and witticism were my favorite parts. Like when they are just talking about art in general was made so intimate by their knowledge and similar tastes.
The spice was so deliciously spicy. Loved the dynamics between Nick and Zinnia. The crawling. The nude art class. The office scene!!! Too many to pick a favorite.
I think this may be my fave of the Fruit St Series! Thanks for the arc!! 😊
I loved the whole secret relationship aspect and the banter between them was perfect because of their similar intelligence. I think their intellect and witticism were my favorite parts. Like when they are just talking about art in general was made so intimate by their knowledge and similar tastes.
The spice was so deliciously spicy. Loved the dynamics between Nick and Zinnia. The crawling. The nude art class. The office scene!!! Too many to pick a favorite.
I think this may be my fave of the Fruit St Series! Thanks for the arc!! 😊
June 10, 2026
4.5 stars! ⭐️
3.5 chili peppers 🌶️ 🥵
Really enjoyed this book! I was hooked right from the beginning. Loved the spicy scenes, and I thought the age gap was done really well, as well as the forbidden romance (it never felt icky). I loved all the tropes, really!
I need to emulate Zinnia’s confidence. Loved the character growth for both of them! I think the only reason this book isn’t 5 stars for me is it didn’t evoke any strong outwardly emotional reactions.
3.5 chili peppers 🌶️ 🥵
Really enjoyed this book! I was hooked right from the beginning. Loved the spicy scenes, and I thought the age gap was done really well, as well as the forbidden romance (it never felt icky). I loved all the tropes, really!
I need to emulate Zinnia’s confidence. Loved the character growth for both of them! I think the only reason this book isn’t 5 stars for me is it didn’t evoke any strong outwardly emotional reactions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4 stars.
Jen Morris's "She's Worth the Risk" is another excellent addition to her Forbidden on Fruit Street series. I just love this series! Zinnia (FMC) and Nick (MMC) are another great couple. Zinnia is back in New York to spend the summer with her grandmother, Sylvia, after receiving a call from her neighbor, who was worried about her health. Unbeknownst to Zinnia, her grandmother is not going to let her sit around and watch her all summer. Her grandma has enrolled her in a summer art class at NYU and a life-drawing class at the community center. When the nude model doesn't show, Zinnia offers to be the model, much to the chagrin of Nick, the class's reluctant, stoic teacher. Despite being extraordinarily regimented and intense about any and all things, something about Zinnia gives Nick pause, and he cannot keep his eyes off of her. He staunchly puts up a wall between them, even going so far as to being rude to her to get her to stay away. Still, they keep bumping into each other, and eventually, it turns out he's even her summer school art teacher. Nick is not the type of person to indulge in anything, but the more he and Zinnia talk and get to know each other, she becomes an urge he cannot ignore. Zinnia and Nick's forbidden relationship is a dynamic I typically don't love, professor/student, because of the power imbalances that are usually in play, but the way Morris goes about building their relationship never felt gross or imbalanced to me. I really liked these characters. I loved Zinnia's confidence in her plus-size body, how she is compared to paintings and sculptures by Nick, who has dedicated his life to analyzing and loving art. All of the art comparisons are so good, so well written. His arms, her thighs, his jaw, her gaze. The way Morris shows the evocative nature of art and compares it to our protagonists is stellar! You can feel the passion for art in every word, every interaction between them. Nick starts the book being a bit of a jerk to Zinnia (though he has his reasons?) because he wants to resist the temptation of her, but the longer they know each other, the more he opens up and becomes the person he really is. He doesn't allow himself to give into temptation *at all,* but, as the title suggests, Zinnia is worth the risk! I would definitely call this a slow-burn because the tension between them bubbles up slowly over time, and nothing *really* happens between them until quite some time into the book. It was worth the wait to me! No one does age gaps better than Jen Morris, and again, it never feels gross or improper when in her capable writing hands. The spicy scenes between them are delicious! Of course, Zinnia eventually meets the rest of the Fruit Street gang, and her integration into the group is seamless. I just thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's the perfect length, and it fits well into the rest of the series. Another winner for Jen Morris!
Thank you to Jen Morris for the complimentary ALC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Jen Morris's "She's Worth the Risk" is another excellent addition to her Forbidden on Fruit Street series. I just love this series! Zinnia (FMC) and Nick (MMC) are another great couple. Zinnia is back in New York to spend the summer with her grandmother, Sylvia, after receiving a call from her neighbor, who was worried about her health. Unbeknownst to Zinnia, her grandmother is not going to let her sit around and watch her all summer. Her grandma has enrolled her in a summer art class at NYU and a life-drawing class at the community center. When the nude model doesn't show, Zinnia offers to be the model, much to the chagrin of Nick, the class's reluctant, stoic teacher. Despite being extraordinarily regimented and intense about any and all things, something about Zinnia gives Nick pause, and he cannot keep his eyes off of her. He staunchly puts up a wall between them, even going so far as to being rude to her to get her to stay away. Still, they keep bumping into each other, and eventually, it turns out he's even her summer school art teacher. Nick is not the type of person to indulge in anything, but the more he and Zinnia talk and get to know each other, she becomes an urge he cannot ignore. Zinnia and Nick's forbidden relationship is a dynamic I typically don't love, professor/student, because of the power imbalances that are usually in play, but the way Morris goes about building their relationship never felt gross or imbalanced to me. I really liked these characters. I loved Zinnia's confidence in her plus-size body, how she is compared to paintings and sculptures by Nick, who has dedicated his life to analyzing and loving art. All of the art comparisons are so good, so well written. His arms, her thighs, his jaw, her gaze. The way Morris shows the evocative nature of art and compares it to our protagonists is stellar! You can feel the passion for art in every word, every interaction between them. Nick starts the book being a bit of a jerk to Zinnia (though he has his reasons?) because he wants to resist the temptation of her, but the longer they know each other, the more he opens up and becomes the person he really is. He doesn't allow himself to give into temptation *at all,* but, as the title suggests, Zinnia is worth the risk! I would definitely call this a slow-burn because the tension between them bubbles up slowly over time, and nothing *really* happens between them until quite some time into the book. It was worth the wait to me! No one does age gaps better than Jen Morris, and again, it never feels gross or improper when in her capable writing hands. The spicy scenes between them are delicious! Of course, Zinnia eventually meets the rest of the Fruit Street gang, and her integration into the group is seamless. I just thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's the perfect length, and it fits well into the rest of the series. Another winner for Jen Morris!
Thank you to Jen Morris for the complimentary ALC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
June 16, 2026
nice and cool
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
She’s Worth the Risk is a deeply emotional and addictive forbidden romance that balances intense chemistry with genuine character growth. Jen Morris delivers a compelling age-gap, professor/student love story that focuses not only on desire but also on vulnerability, trust, and the fear of letting someone in.
Zinnia is a refreshing heroine—confident, independent, and fully aware of what she wants. Despite her free-spirited nature, she carries emotional scars that make her journey toward choosing love feel authentic. Nick, the reserved art history professor, is equally captivating. His internal struggle between professional boundaries and his undeniable feelings for Zinnia creates much of the novel’s tension.
One of the strongest elements of the story is the emotional depth between the two leads. Their connection develops through conversations, shared interests, and moments of honesty, making the romance feel earned rather than based solely on attraction. The dual first-person point of view allows readers to experience both sides of their conflict, especially Nick’s battle with his rigid self-control.
Fans of steamy romance will appreciate the open-door intimacy and the strong chemistry between the characters. The 17-year age gap and professor/student dynamic bring a sense of forbidden tension, while the absence of a dramatic third-act breakup will be a welcome change for readers who prefer relationship growth over unnecessary conflict.
The story also adds emotional weight through a subplot involving early dementia, giving the novel a more heartfelt layer beyond the central romance.
The only drawback is that some readers may find the professor/student power imbalance difficult to overlook, and the romance’s intensity may feel fast-paced at times. However, readers who enjoy forbidden romance with mature characters, emotional intimacy, and a sensitive hero will likely find this a satisfying read.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
Forbidden romance
Age-gap relationships
Professor/student dynamics
Protective, emotionally reserved heroes
Confident heroines
High steam with emotional connection
Dual POV romances
Final Verdict:
She’s Worth the Risk is a passionate, heartfelt romance that combines forbidden attraction with emotional healing. It succeeds because the characters are more than their trope—they are two imperfect people learning to risk vulnerability and choose each other. A strong recommendation for readers who enjoy spicy, character-driven contemporary romance.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
She’s Worth the Risk is a deeply emotional and addictive forbidden romance that balances intense chemistry with genuine character growth. Jen Morris delivers a compelling age-gap, professor/student love story that focuses not only on desire but also on vulnerability, trust, and the fear of letting someone in.
Zinnia is a refreshing heroine—confident, independent, and fully aware of what she wants. Despite her free-spirited nature, she carries emotional scars that make her journey toward choosing love feel authentic. Nick, the reserved art history professor, is equally captivating. His internal struggle between professional boundaries and his undeniable feelings for Zinnia creates much of the novel’s tension.
One of the strongest elements of the story is the emotional depth between the two leads. Their connection develops through conversations, shared interests, and moments of honesty, making the romance feel earned rather than based solely on attraction. The dual first-person point of view allows readers to experience both sides of their conflict, especially Nick’s battle with his rigid self-control.
Fans of steamy romance will appreciate the open-door intimacy and the strong chemistry between the characters. The 17-year age gap and professor/student dynamic bring a sense of forbidden tension, while the absence of a dramatic third-act breakup will be a welcome change for readers who prefer relationship growth over unnecessary conflict.
The story also adds emotional weight through a subplot involving early dementia, giving the novel a more heartfelt layer beyond the central romance.
The only drawback is that some readers may find the professor/student power imbalance difficult to overlook, and the romance’s intensity may feel fast-paced at times. However, readers who enjoy forbidden romance with mature characters, emotional intimacy, and a sensitive hero will likely find this a satisfying read.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
Forbidden romance
Age-gap relationships
Professor/student dynamics
Protective, emotionally reserved heroes
Confident heroines
High steam with emotional connection
Dual POV romances
Final Verdict:
She’s Worth the Risk is a passionate, heartfelt romance that combines forbidden attraction with emotional healing. It succeeds because the characters are more than their trope—they are two imperfect people learning to risk vulnerability and choose each other. A strong recommendation for readers who enjoy spicy, character-driven contemporary romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨Summary✨
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.75
HEA: Yes, no 3rd act breakup
POV: Dual
Tropes: Age Gap (25/42), Forbidden, Professor x Student, Grumpy x Sunshine, Curvy FMC
Zinnia has no idea what she wants to do with her life and has spent years moving around the country working temp jobs. When she gets a call from her grandmother’s neighbor expressing concern about her memory, Zinnia heads to New York to spend the summer with her grandmother and figure out what’s going on. Her grandmother has no intention of letting her sit around the house all day, so she signs Zinnia up for a life drawing class at the community arts center and an art history class at NYU. When Zinnia arrives at her first life drawing class, she discovers the model has dropped out. Wanting to help, she volunteers to pose so the class can continue, even though the instructor, Nick, doesn’t seem thrilled with the idea. Nick is a tenured art history professor at NYU who was guilt-tripped into teaching the class. He’d rather be anywhere else, especially when the young woman volunteering to model affects him more than anyone ever has, and he doesn’t like it one bit. Over the next few weeks they get to know each other, and the attraction between them is undeniable, but Nick continues to hold himself back. Just when he starts to think maybe he should stop fighting it, he walks into his summer art history class and sees Zinnia sitting there as one of his students. Obviously nothing can happen now…but the attraction is still there. How long can they resist breaking the rules when, for the first time, they’re both feeling something real?
I wasn’t sure about Nick at first. He was so broody and stiff. But the more time he spent around Zinnia, the more he opened up and allowed himself to feel. They truly brought out the best in each other. Through their shared love of art, they were able to connect on a deeper level and have meaningful conversations that felt genuine and natural. Nick also helped Zinnia better understand both her passion for art and the restlessness that had followed her throughout her life.
I did notice that they struggled to communicate when it came to bigger relationship issues, which created some angst. But for two people who are so used to holding themselves back, it felt understandable even if a little frustrating.
The chemistry between these two was perfect. Once Nick stopped overthinking everything and finally let himself feel, he became an absolute beast lol. Everything was so hot, and who knew the closed-off, seemingly unemotional professor had that side of him? The scene in the library stacks was so good.
This was such a great continuation of the Fruit Street series! My only complaint is that I wish we’d had more interactions with Gran. That storyline felt a little rushed and underdeveloped. That’s ultimately why I landed at 4.75 stars instead of a full 5, although I did round up to 5 stars on Goodreads.
Thank you, Jen Morris, for letting me ARC read another Fruit Street book! I can’t wait for the next one!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.75
HEA: Yes, no 3rd act breakup
POV: Dual
Tropes: Age Gap (25/42), Forbidden, Professor x Student, Grumpy x Sunshine, Curvy FMC
Zinnia has no idea what she wants to do with her life and has spent years moving around the country working temp jobs. When she gets a call from her grandmother’s neighbor expressing concern about her memory, Zinnia heads to New York to spend the summer with her grandmother and figure out what’s going on. Her grandmother has no intention of letting her sit around the house all day, so she signs Zinnia up for a life drawing class at the community arts center and an art history class at NYU. When Zinnia arrives at her first life drawing class, she discovers the model has dropped out. Wanting to help, she volunteers to pose so the class can continue, even though the instructor, Nick, doesn’t seem thrilled with the idea. Nick is a tenured art history professor at NYU who was guilt-tripped into teaching the class. He’d rather be anywhere else, especially when the young woman volunteering to model affects him more than anyone ever has, and he doesn’t like it one bit. Over the next few weeks they get to know each other, and the attraction between them is undeniable, but Nick continues to hold himself back. Just when he starts to think maybe he should stop fighting it, he walks into his summer art history class and sees Zinnia sitting there as one of his students. Obviously nothing can happen now…but the attraction is still there. How long can they resist breaking the rules when, for the first time, they’re both feeling something real?
I wasn’t sure about Nick at first. He was so broody and stiff. But the more time he spent around Zinnia, the more he opened up and allowed himself to feel. They truly brought out the best in each other. Through their shared love of art, they were able to connect on a deeper level and have meaningful conversations that felt genuine and natural. Nick also helped Zinnia better understand both her passion for art and the restlessness that had followed her throughout her life.
I did notice that they struggled to communicate when it came to bigger relationship issues, which created some angst. But for two people who are so used to holding themselves back, it felt understandable even if a little frustrating.
The chemistry between these two was perfect. Once Nick stopped overthinking everything and finally let himself feel, he became an absolute beast lol. Everything was so hot, and who knew the closed-off, seemingly unemotional professor had that side of him? The scene in the library stacks was so good.
This was such a great continuation of the Fruit Street series! My only complaint is that I wish we’d had more interactions with Gran. That storyline felt a little rushed and underdeveloped. That’s ultimately why I landed at 4.75 stars instead of a full 5, although I did round up to 5 stars on Goodreads.
Thank you, Jen Morris, for letting me ARC read another Fruit Street book! I can’t wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📚✨ Book Review: She's Worth the Risk by Jen Morris ✨📚
Listen... if you hand me a forbidden professor/student romance with an age gap, a broody artsy professor, and enough tension to make me want to throw my Kindle across the room, I'm already sold. 😮💨🔥
Zinnia and Nick absolutely had me hooked from the very first coffee shop meeting. What starts as an unexpected connection quickly becomes complicated when Zinnia discovers the man she can't stop thinking about is actually her art history professor. Talk about a nightmare... and a dream. 😅☕🎨
I adored Zinnia. She's confident, curvy, independent, and has spent most of her life never truly feeling rooted anywhere. Watching her slowly realize she deserved stability, love, and someone who chose her every single day was beautiful. ❤️ There was a vulnerability beneath her strength that made her incredibly easy to connect with.
And then there's Nick. 🫠
This man is guarded, intense, emotionally repressed, and so tightly wound that you can practically feel the tension radiating off the pages. Watching him unravel because of Zinnia was one of my favorite parts of the book. He's sensitive, artistic, thoughtful, and completely wrecked by his feelings for her. The internal battle between what he wants and what he knows he should do had me glued to every page. 😩🔥
The chemistry between these two was absolutely electric. Every glance, every conversation, every accidental touch felt loaded with meaning. The slow burn and forbidden nature of their relationship made the payoff even sweeter. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
What I loved most was that beneath all the tension and spice, this was a story about taking a chance on love, learning to trust, and finding a place where you finally belong. Watching these two slowly become each other's safe haven made my heart so happy. 🥹💕
✨ Tropes:
🎨 Professor & Student Romance
🔥 Forbidden Love
🌻 Age Gap (25 & 42)
💕 Curvy, Confident Heroine
🖼️ Sensitive, Artsy Hero
😮💨 Repressed MMC
🌶️ Plenty of Tension & Spice
❤️ No Third Act Breakup
Final Thoughts: Nick may have thought she was a risk, but for me, Zinnia was absolutely worth it. Their story was emotional, swoony, spicy, and full of heart. If you love forbidden romances with incredible chemistry and a hero who completely falls apart for the heroine, add this one to your TBR immediately. 📖✨💕
Listen... if you hand me a forbidden professor/student romance with an age gap, a broody artsy professor, and enough tension to make me want to throw my Kindle across the room, I'm already sold. 😮💨🔥
Zinnia and Nick absolutely had me hooked from the very first coffee shop meeting. What starts as an unexpected connection quickly becomes complicated when Zinnia discovers the man she can't stop thinking about is actually her art history professor. Talk about a nightmare... and a dream. 😅☕🎨
I adored Zinnia. She's confident, curvy, independent, and has spent most of her life never truly feeling rooted anywhere. Watching her slowly realize she deserved stability, love, and someone who chose her every single day was beautiful. ❤️ There was a vulnerability beneath her strength that made her incredibly easy to connect with.
And then there's Nick. 🫠
This man is guarded, intense, emotionally repressed, and so tightly wound that you can practically feel the tension radiating off the pages. Watching him unravel because of Zinnia was one of my favorite parts of the book. He's sensitive, artistic, thoughtful, and completely wrecked by his feelings for her. The internal battle between what he wants and what he knows he should do had me glued to every page. 😩🔥
The chemistry between these two was absolutely electric. Every glance, every conversation, every accidental touch felt loaded with meaning. The slow burn and forbidden nature of their relationship made the payoff even sweeter. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
What I loved most was that beneath all the tension and spice, this was a story about taking a chance on love, learning to trust, and finding a place where you finally belong. Watching these two slowly become each other's safe haven made my heart so happy. 🥹💕
✨ Tropes:
🎨 Professor & Student Romance
🔥 Forbidden Love
🌻 Age Gap (25 & 42)
💕 Curvy, Confident Heroine
🖼️ Sensitive, Artsy Hero
😮💨 Repressed MMC
🌶️ Plenty of Tension & Spice
❤️ No Third Act Breakup
Final Thoughts: Nick may have thought she was a risk, but for me, Zinnia was absolutely worth it. Their story was emotional, swoony, spicy, and full of heart. If you love forbidden romances with incredible chemistry and a hero who completely falls apart for the heroine, add this one to your TBR immediately. 📖✨💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
She's Worth the Risk by Jen Morris completely stole my heart. From the very first meeting between Zinnia and Nick, I was hooked and could not stop turning the pages.
Zinnia was such a refreshing heroine. She is confident, independent, and knows who she is, yet there is also a vulnerability beneath the surface that made her feel incredibly real. I loved watching her navigate her feelings for Nick while trying to figure out what she truly wanted from life and love.
And Nick... wow. He was everything I love in a hero. Thoughtful, artistic, reserved, and carrying so much emotional weight. Watching him slowly let down his walls and confront feelings he had spent years keeping buried was beautiful. His connection with Zinnia felt authentic from the start, and every interaction between them had me completely invested.
The professor and student ( My fav trope) dynamic was handled with so much care and emotional depth. This was never just about the forbidden aspect of their relationship. It was about two people who found each other at the right moment in their lives and had to decide whether love was worth the risk. Their chemistry was undeniable, but what really stood out to me was the emotional connection they built together.
I also adored that Zinnia was a curvy, confident heroine and that Nick's attraction to her felt genuine, passionate, and heartfelt. Their relationship developed naturally, making every sweet moment and every bit of tension feel earned.
Jen Morris delivered a romance that was emotional, swoony, spicy, and impossible to put down. I laughed, smiled, and completely fell in love with these characters. The fact that there was no unnecessary breakup at the end made the journey even more satisfying.
If you love age gap romances, forbidden love, emotionally complex characters, and a hero who will make your heart melt, She's Worth the Risk absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR. This was my first Jen Morris book, but it definitely will not be my last.
She's Worth the Risk by Jen Morris completely stole my heart. From the very first meeting between Zinnia and Nick, I was hooked and could not stop turning the pages.
Zinnia was such a refreshing heroine. She is confident, independent, and knows who she is, yet there is also a vulnerability beneath the surface that made her feel incredibly real. I loved watching her navigate her feelings for Nick while trying to figure out what she truly wanted from life and love.
And Nick... wow. He was everything I love in a hero. Thoughtful, artistic, reserved, and carrying so much emotional weight. Watching him slowly let down his walls and confront feelings he had spent years keeping buried was beautiful. His connection with Zinnia felt authentic from the start, and every interaction between them had me completely invested.
The professor and student ( My fav trope) dynamic was handled with so much care and emotional depth. This was never just about the forbidden aspect of their relationship. It was about two people who found each other at the right moment in their lives and had to decide whether love was worth the risk. Their chemistry was undeniable, but what really stood out to me was the emotional connection they built together.
I also adored that Zinnia was a curvy, confident heroine and that Nick's attraction to her felt genuine, passionate, and heartfelt. Their relationship developed naturally, making every sweet moment and every bit of tension feel earned.
Jen Morris delivered a romance that was emotional, swoony, spicy, and impossible to put down. I laughed, smiled, and completely fell in love with these characters. The fact that there was no unnecessary breakup at the end made the journey even more satisfying.
If you love age gap romances, forbidden love, emotionally complex characters, and a hero who will make your heart melt, She's Worth the Risk absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR. This was my first Jen Morris book, but it definitely will not be my last.
June 17, 2026
Rating: Loved it
🎨 Forbidden Professor x Student
🌻 Age Gap (25 & 42)
🖼️ Artsy MMC
😮💨 Repressed MMC
💕 Curvy, Confident Heroine
🌶️ Angst/Slow Burn
❤️ No Third Act Breakup
💚Slight Demi Rep?
I'm a little behind on this series, but I've loved every book I've picked up so far, so I jumped at the chance to read the latest. Thankfully, it did not disappoint!
This was such an angsty, slow-burn romance, and the setup added an extra layer of delicious tension. Zin volunteers to model for the life drawing class Nick gets roped into teaching...only for her to later end up as his student at NYC. Talk about complicated.
Watching Nick fight his attraction to Zinnia at every turn was both frustrating and incredibly satisfying. Meanwhile, Zinnia refuses to back down, constantly pushing him out of his comfort zone and encouraging him to actually live instead of hiding behind his walls. The tension just kept building and building until I was practically begging for these two to finally give in.
One thing I really loved was the role reversal between them. Zinnia is confident, open, and comfortable with herself, while Nick is reserved, awkward, and emotionally repressed. I also got slight demi vibes from Nick. He'd gone through most of his life without much interest in physical relationships, and then Zinnia crashes into his world and suddenly she's all he can think about. Once he lets himself want her, there's absolutely no going back.
I also loved Zinnia's personal journey. She's spent her life chasing the next adventure, never fully unpacking or putting down roots. Watching her rediscover her passion with her grandmother's help and find a true sense of belonging among the women of Fruit Street was incredibly special. It was also so much fun catching up with characters from the previous books.
Overall, this was a beautifully emotional romance filled with tension, growth, and two characters who brought out the best in each other.
Thank you, @jenmorrisauthor, @netgalley, and @xpressotours for the ARC.
🎨 Forbidden Professor x Student
🌻 Age Gap (25 & 42)
🖼️ Artsy MMC
😮💨 Repressed MMC
💕 Curvy, Confident Heroine
🌶️ Angst/Slow Burn
❤️ No Third Act Breakup
💚Slight Demi Rep?
I'm a little behind on this series, but I've loved every book I've picked up so far, so I jumped at the chance to read the latest. Thankfully, it did not disappoint!
This was such an angsty, slow-burn romance, and the setup added an extra layer of delicious tension. Zin volunteers to model for the life drawing class Nick gets roped into teaching...only for her to later end up as his student at NYC. Talk about complicated.
Watching Nick fight his attraction to Zinnia at every turn was both frustrating and incredibly satisfying. Meanwhile, Zinnia refuses to back down, constantly pushing him out of his comfort zone and encouraging him to actually live instead of hiding behind his walls. The tension just kept building and building until I was practically begging for these two to finally give in.
One thing I really loved was the role reversal between them. Zinnia is confident, open, and comfortable with herself, while Nick is reserved, awkward, and emotionally repressed. I also got slight demi vibes from Nick. He'd gone through most of his life without much interest in physical relationships, and then Zinnia crashes into his world and suddenly she's all he can think about. Once he lets himself want her, there's absolutely no going back.
I also loved Zinnia's personal journey. She's spent her life chasing the next adventure, never fully unpacking or putting down roots. Watching her rediscover her passion with her grandmother's help and find a true sense of belonging among the women of Fruit Street was incredibly special. It was also so much fun catching up with characters from the previous books.
Overall, this was a beautifully emotional romance filled with tension, growth, and two characters who brought out the best in each other.
Thank you, @jenmorrisauthor, @netgalley, and @xpressotours for the ARC.
June 16, 2026
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
She’s Worth the Risk is a deeply emotional and addictive forbidden romance that balances intense chemistry with genuine character growth. Jen Morris delivers a compelling age-gap, professor/student love story that focuses not only on desire but also on vulnerability, trust, and the fear of letting someone in.
Zinnia is a refreshing heroine—confident, independent, and fully aware of what she wants. Despite her free-spirited nature, she carries emotional scars that make her journey toward choosing love feel authentic. Nick, the reserved art history professor, is equally captivating. His internal struggle between professional boundaries and his undeniable feelings for Zinnia creates much of the novel’s tension.
One of the strongest elements of the story is the emotional depth between the two leads. Their connection develops through conversations, shared interests, and moments of honesty, making the romance feel earned rather than based solely on attraction. The dual first-person point of view allows readers to experience both sides of their conflict, especially Nick’s battle with his rigid self-control.
Fans of steamy romance will appreciate the open-door intimacy and the strong chemistry between the characters. The 17-year age gap and professor/student dynamic bring a sense of forbidden tension, while the absence of a dramatic third-act breakup will be a welcome change for readers who prefer relationship growth over unnecessary conflict.
The story also adds emotional weight through a subplot involving early dementia, giving the novel a more heartfelt layer beyond the central romance.
The only drawback is that some readers may find the professor/student power imbalance difficult to overlook, and the romance’s intensity may feel fast-paced at times. However, readers who enjoy forbidden romance with mature characters, emotional intimacy, and a sensitive hero will likely find this a satisfying read.
She’s Worth the Risk is a deeply emotional and addictive forbidden romance that balances intense chemistry with genuine character growth. Jen Morris delivers a compelling age-gap, professor/student love story that focuses not only on desire but also on vulnerability, trust, and the fear of letting someone in.
Zinnia is a refreshing heroine—confident, independent, and fully aware of what she wants. Despite her free-spirited nature, she carries emotional scars that make her journey toward choosing love feel authentic. Nick, the reserved art history professor, is equally captivating. His internal struggle between professional boundaries and his undeniable feelings for Zinnia creates much of the novel’s tension.
One of the strongest elements of the story is the emotional depth between the two leads. Their connection develops through conversations, shared interests, and moments of honesty, making the romance feel earned rather than based solely on attraction. The dual first-person point of view allows readers to experience both sides of their conflict, especially Nick’s battle with his rigid self-control.
Fans of steamy romance will appreciate the open-door intimacy and the strong chemistry between the characters. The 17-year age gap and professor/student dynamic bring a sense of forbidden tension, while the absence of a dramatic third-act breakup will be a welcome change for readers who prefer relationship growth over unnecessary conflict.
The story also adds emotional weight through a subplot involving early dementia, giving the novel a more heartfelt layer beyond the central romance.
The only drawback is that some readers may find the professor/student power imbalance difficult to overlook, and the romance’s intensity may feel fast-paced at times. However, readers who enjoy forbidden romance with mature characters, emotional intimacy, and a sensitive hero will likely find this a satisfying read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
She’s Worth the Risk is the latest book in the Forbidden on Fruit Street series, and I have to say right off the bat that I’ve been such a big fan of this series. I love the concept of the age gaps, the connections to Fruit Street and the FMCs all having flower names. It just makes me ridiculously happy.
This book follows Zinnia and Nick, who meet at a drawing class when Zinnia unexpectedly has to step in as the model after the scheduled model doesn’t show up. Nick, meanwhile, is filling in for the instructor. The other catch? Nick is a professor at NYU, and Zinnia just so happens to be one of his students.
From the very beginning, the attraction between these two is undeniable, and it is delicious. The tension throughout this book is so good. The push and pull, the will-they-won’t-they, the constant awareness of each other, I loved every second of it. Zinnia is confident, bold, and completely comfortable in her own skin, while Nick is tightly wound, rule-following, and reluctant to let himself loosen up. Watching them circle each other, fight their attraction, and eventually give in was incredibly satisfying.
As expected, this book delivers all the age-gap and forbidden romance tension you’d want from a professor/student romance. But beyond that, it also has a lot of heart. Zinnia has always been hesitant to put down roots, while Nick has spent most of his life holding himself back. I loved watching them challenge each other, grow as individuals, and ultimately find their way together. Plus no miscommunication or third act breakup is a win win.
Overall, I loved this one. It’s another fantastic addition to a series I’ve been enjoying from the very beginning.
🌟Thank you to Jen Morris for the ARC and the opportunity to read and provide my honest review.
She’s Worth the Risk is the latest book in the Forbidden on Fruit Street series, and I have to say right off the bat that I’ve been such a big fan of this series. I love the concept of the age gaps, the connections to Fruit Street and the FMCs all having flower names. It just makes me ridiculously happy.
This book follows Zinnia and Nick, who meet at a drawing class when Zinnia unexpectedly has to step in as the model after the scheduled model doesn’t show up. Nick, meanwhile, is filling in for the instructor. The other catch? Nick is a professor at NYU, and Zinnia just so happens to be one of his students.
From the very beginning, the attraction between these two is undeniable, and it is delicious. The tension throughout this book is so good. The push and pull, the will-they-won’t-they, the constant awareness of each other, I loved every second of it. Zinnia is confident, bold, and completely comfortable in her own skin, while Nick is tightly wound, rule-following, and reluctant to let himself loosen up. Watching them circle each other, fight their attraction, and eventually give in was incredibly satisfying.
As expected, this book delivers all the age-gap and forbidden romance tension you’d want from a professor/student romance. But beyond that, it also has a lot of heart. Zinnia has always been hesitant to put down roots, while Nick has spent most of his life holding himself back. I loved watching them challenge each other, grow as individuals, and ultimately find their way together. Plus no miscommunication or third act breakup is a win win.
Overall, I loved this one. It’s another fantastic addition to a series I’ve been enjoying from the very beginning.
🌟Thank you to Jen Morris for the ARC and the opportunity to read and provide my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review - no spoilers
This series is absolutely stunning. While I’ve always had a soft spot for the first book (She Was Made For Me)… but gosh, with this one …Jen’s taken things to another level. I’m in awe.
Nick is an art history professor who is reserved, emotionally closed off, and very much sexually repressed. He thrives on routine and logic, following structure and order. Zinnia is the complete opposite. She’s passionate, extrovert and owns her body and sexuality.
I am completely blown away by Nick’s character. I loved reading his inner thoughts and conflicts. There is such a struggle in each of his interactions with the passionate Zinnia. It’s not often that we read the power play in reverse, in this case it’s Zinnia who gently helps Nick to come out of his hard shell. And Zinnia is such a powerhouse, so full of life, bold and sensual. Yet, she too struggle in her own way. Having spent her life going from place to place, she’s trying to find the courage to stop moving and the reason to believe she belongs anywhere.
I also loved the other main character of this book: ART HISTORY. Stunning descriptions and thoughts about the Italian Renaissance. This one hit close to home, being born and raised in Italy ;)
I’ve enjoyed every book written by Jen. She has this incredible gift of taking me to a safe, comforting place where I can swoon and dream. Even when she tackles sensitive topics, she does it with such grace.
Tropes:
Age gap (she’s 25, he’s 42)
Professor & student
Curvy, confident heroine
Sensitive, artsy hero
Repressed MMC has sexual awakening
No third act breakup
Meddling grandmother
“Just for the summer”
Mirror scene
This series is absolutely stunning. While I’ve always had a soft spot for the first book (She Was Made For Me)… but gosh, with this one …Jen’s taken things to another level. I’m in awe.
Nick is an art history professor who is reserved, emotionally closed off, and very much sexually repressed. He thrives on routine and logic, following structure and order. Zinnia is the complete opposite. She’s passionate, extrovert and owns her body and sexuality.
I am completely blown away by Nick’s character. I loved reading his inner thoughts and conflicts. There is such a struggle in each of his interactions with the passionate Zinnia. It’s not often that we read the power play in reverse, in this case it’s Zinnia who gently helps Nick to come out of his hard shell. And Zinnia is such a powerhouse, so full of life, bold and sensual. Yet, she too struggle in her own way. Having spent her life going from place to place, she’s trying to find the courage to stop moving and the reason to believe she belongs anywhere.
I also loved the other main character of this book: ART HISTORY. Stunning descriptions and thoughts about the Italian Renaissance. This one hit close to home, being born and raised in Italy ;)
I’ve enjoyed every book written by Jen. She has this incredible gift of taking me to a safe, comforting place where I can swoon and dream. Even when she tackles sensitive topics, she does it with such grace.
Tropes:
Age gap (she’s 25, he’s 42)
Professor & student
Curvy, confident heroine
Sensitive, artsy hero
Repressed MMC has sexual awakening
No third act breakup
Meddling grandmother
“Just for the summer”
Mirror scene
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once again Jen has written what would have been a 'one sitting read' if I didn't have to do things like feed and entertain my child 🫢😂
The combo of confident,bubbly Zinnia and quiet & serious Nick is delicious- Nick doesn't know what's hit him and watching Zinnia get under his skin(in the best possible way) is perfection (I want to be Zinnia when I grow up & I'd enroll in any class Nick was teaching)
Slow burn at its finest, palpable tension and the perfect moment when neither can resist any longer - damn the consequences. Two people who quickly become each other's person, pushing each other when needed but accepting each other fully.
The forbidden aspect of professor x student is handled in a way that makes it angsty, exciting and HOT without being problematic, two adults who meet and have that instant spark. When the truth is discovered both characters are aware of the possible fallout and optics but at the core Zinnia and Nick are just two people who forged a connection on shared interests and a deep understanding of each other and they are powerless to resist the magnetism.
Beyond the sizzling chemistry and superb spice (Hello office and library scene) is a beautiful story of growth for both MCs as they lean in and help each other realize what they've been missing out on by being stuck in their own ways of self preservation.
Nick gives Zinnia a reason to stay and Zinnia helps Nick learn to really FEEL.
Add in all the fun and detailed discussions of art, a wonderfully supportive if slightly meddling Grandmother and all the amazing previous fruit street couples who take Zinnia and Nick under their wing and this story is top tier.
The combo of confident,bubbly Zinnia and quiet & serious Nick is delicious- Nick doesn't know what's hit him and watching Zinnia get under his skin(in the best possible way) is perfection (I want to be Zinnia when I grow up & I'd enroll in any class Nick was teaching)
Slow burn at its finest, palpable tension and the perfect moment when neither can resist any longer - damn the consequences. Two people who quickly become each other's person, pushing each other when needed but accepting each other fully.
The forbidden aspect of professor x student is handled in a way that makes it angsty, exciting and HOT without being problematic, two adults who meet and have that instant spark. When the truth is discovered both characters are aware of the possible fallout and optics but at the core Zinnia and Nick are just two people who forged a connection on shared interests and a deep understanding of each other and they are powerless to resist the magnetism.
Beyond the sizzling chemistry and superb spice (Hello office and library scene) is a beautiful story of growth for both MCs as they lean in and help each other realize what they've been missing out on by being stuck in their own ways of self preservation.
Nick gives Zinnia a reason to stay and Zinnia helps Nick learn to really FEEL.
Add in all the fun and detailed discussions of art, a wonderfully supportive if slightly meddling Grandmother and all the amazing previous fruit street couples who take Zinnia and Nick under their wing and this story is top tier.
June 15, 2026
Jen is one of my favourite authors and she is a fellow Kiwi so YAY! Her forbidden-on Fruit Street series is a master class in classy age gap romances that don’t give you the ick!
This one is Professor/Student, and I’ll admit I usually stay away from this trope something about the power imbalance just doesn’t work for me. But this one because it’s written by Jen ill allow it! And the art in this book is next level!
Zinnia is back in New York to stay with her Gran. Zinnia’s Gran is a sneaky fox and signs Zinnia up to a summer art history class at NYU and life drawing lessons, Zinnia is so comfortable in her body the life drawing model is unable to make it, and she is all I’ve got this.
Nick is the professor of the Art History class at NYU and is teaching the life drawing class to help out his friend when he meets Zinnia…. Who promptly turns his life upside down! Nick craves control and Zinnia makes Nick lose it! She also helped unlock his sexual side. I loved this the most usually it’s the MMC who is helping the FMC find herself but in this book the tables are turned and it’s the FMC who is completely in touch with her body and wants.
I also loved how the other ladies of Fruit Street where so welcoming and accepting of Zinnia they just slotted her into their flower name gang.
🎨Age gap (she’s 25, he’s 42)
🎨Professor & student
🎨Curvy, confident heroine
🎨Sensitive, artsy hero
🎨Repressed MMC has sexual awakening
🎨No third act breakup
🎨Meddling grandmother
🎨 “Just for the summer”
🎨Mirror scene
This one is Professor/Student, and I’ll admit I usually stay away from this trope something about the power imbalance just doesn’t work for me. But this one because it’s written by Jen ill allow it! And the art in this book is next level!
Zinnia is back in New York to stay with her Gran. Zinnia’s Gran is a sneaky fox and signs Zinnia up to a summer art history class at NYU and life drawing lessons, Zinnia is so comfortable in her body the life drawing model is unable to make it, and she is all I’ve got this.
Nick is the professor of the Art History class at NYU and is teaching the life drawing class to help out his friend when he meets Zinnia…. Who promptly turns his life upside down! Nick craves control and Zinnia makes Nick lose it! She also helped unlock his sexual side. I loved this the most usually it’s the MMC who is helping the FMC find herself but in this book the tables are turned and it’s the FMC who is completely in touch with her body and wants.
I also loved how the other ladies of Fruit Street where so welcoming and accepting of Zinnia they just slotted her into their flower name gang.
🎨Age gap (she’s 25, he’s 42)
🎨Professor & student
🎨Curvy, confident heroine
🎨Sensitive, artsy hero
🎨Repressed MMC has sexual awakening
🎨No third act breakup
🎨Meddling grandmother
🎨 “Just for the summer”
🎨Mirror scene
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nick and Zinnia meet, and the attraction is immediate. What neither of them knows is that he will soon become her new professor.
I adore this series and these characters because the author builds them with so much sensitivity, alongside the incredible tension she creates between her couples and, of course, the forbidden aspect of these relationships.
Zinnia decides to spend the summer in New York with her grandmother to make sure she's doing well. Her grandmother convinces her to take art classes, and it's not only her passion for art that begins to reveal itself, but also her passion for her professor. I loved her. Confident, determined, she knows exactly what she wants and has no problem saying it. But the truth is that there's something missing from her life: a home, a place where she truly belongs.
Nick... how do I even talk about him? He is undoubtedly one of the most special men I've read about recently. He has an almost pathological need for control, a glaring insecurity, and so many fears holding him back, while at the same time being a brilliant, sensitive, intelligent man with a deep passion for art.
If Nick showed Zinnia that she could belong somewhere, she helped him cut all the ties holding him back in the most incredible way. The fact that she is so determined and courageous certainly helped, because I felt that every time she dared to be bold, another piece of his armour cracked. It's funny because, at first glance, you would expect her to be the insecure one since, in many ways, she doesn't fit society's standards. Yet it's him—the one who appears perfectly stable and put together in everyone else's eyes—who never feels like he's enough.
There is more than enough angst in this book, and I found it absolutely captivating. It's about two people who simply wanted a place where they could love and be loved. There's something so beautiful about realizing that we are more than enough and that it's worth risking our perfectly ordered lives for something greater than love.
I adore this series and these characters because the author builds them with so much sensitivity, alongside the incredible tension she creates between her couples and, of course, the forbidden aspect of these relationships.
Zinnia decides to spend the summer in New York with her grandmother to make sure she's doing well. Her grandmother convinces her to take art classes, and it's not only her passion for art that begins to reveal itself, but also her passion for her professor. I loved her. Confident, determined, she knows exactly what she wants and has no problem saying it. But the truth is that there's something missing from her life: a home, a place where she truly belongs.
Nick... how do I even talk about him? He is undoubtedly one of the most special men I've read about recently. He has an almost pathological need for control, a glaring insecurity, and so many fears holding him back, while at the same time being a brilliant, sensitive, intelligent man with a deep passion for art.
If Nick showed Zinnia that she could belong somewhere, she helped him cut all the ties holding him back in the most incredible way. The fact that she is so determined and courageous certainly helped, because I felt that every time she dared to be bold, another piece of his armour cracked. It's funny because, at first glance, you would expect her to be the insecure one since, in many ways, she doesn't fit society's standards. Yet it's him—the one who appears perfectly stable and put together in everyone else's eyes—who never feels like he's enough.
There is more than enough angst in this book, and I found it absolutely captivating. It's about two people who simply wanted a place where they could love and be loved. There's something so beautiful about realizing that we are more than enough and that it's worth risking our perfectly ordered lives for something greater than love.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jen Morris is back with another addition to Fruit Street. In this book we meet Zinnia who lives a nomad lifestyle but comes home to help with her Grandma. She is passionate about art, fiercely independent, knows exactly who she is, yet like so many women she is vulnerable. From the moment we met Nick there was very little doubt that he was it. The tension right from the start was what hooked me in. Nick carries so much trauma and watching him push through those walls, confront his past and build a connection with Zinnia was done with grace and didn’t feel rushed.
Jen hits us with the professor, student trope this time, and this being the 5th book I should never question the forbidden age gap because man does Jen knock these out of the park. She has a way of giving the right care to build true emotional connections between the reader and characters. The chemistry was on point, and I love that we found ourselves in the art world.
You cannot go to Fruit Street without cameos from the other characters and I love how this little group continues to grow and build their friendships. Jen has really fallen into her own with these books. This romance was emotional, spicy, and engaging. Jen has become one of my go to Independent Authors and I will never not pick up a book of hers. She’s Worth The Risk is out this Tuesday and you need to grab it. But I would encourage you to read all the books before because they are also totally worth it!
Jen hits us with the professor, student trope this time, and this being the 5th book I should never question the forbidden age gap because man does Jen knock these out of the park. She has a way of giving the right care to build true emotional connections between the reader and characters. The chemistry was on point, and I love that we found ourselves in the art world.
You cannot go to Fruit Street without cameos from the other characters and I love how this little group continues to grow and build their friendships. Jen has really fallen into her own with these books. This romance was emotional, spicy, and engaging. Jen has become one of my go to Independent Authors and I will never not pick up a book of hers. She’s Worth The Risk is out this Tuesday and you need to grab it. But I would encourage you to read all the books before because they are also totally worth it!
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June 9, 2026Jen Morris continues to be a favorite romance author for me. Not only does she check all the boxes for me, every book she writes is wholly unique and She’s Worth the Risk is no exception.
Of course we have my beloved age gap trope that I think Jen has perfected, but she also captures different aspects of coping with reality in such a fantastic way. And this time we don’t just deal with an FMC learning and discovering how to cope, but a lovely and heartachingly troubled MMC. While Zinnia definitely has her share of personal obstacles, Nicholas is the true focus of learning how to break free from his heavy chains, and it was honestly refreshing to read a romance where the male character is the main focus of that.
There is also no lack of moments full of tension, yearning, and slow burn. The chemistry burns between Nick and Zinnia and Jen captures it so well even when they’re not talking with one another. So much of this book is about finding and cherish the beauty in art and people, and Jen Morris does an amazing job of capturing that within the confines of a delicious love story.
If you’re a fan of spicy, taboo romance that never lacks in gut punching emotional depth, then lol no further than Jen Morris’ Forbidden on Fruit Street series. They’re all wonderful.
She’s Worth the Risk releases June 16th. Thank you to the author for my gifted eARC, my opinions are my own.
Of course we have my beloved age gap trope that I think Jen has perfected, but she also captures different aspects of coping with reality in such a fantastic way. And this time we don’t just deal with an FMC learning and discovering how to cope, but a lovely and heartachingly troubled MMC. While Zinnia definitely has her share of personal obstacles, Nicholas is the true focus of learning how to break free from his heavy chains, and it was honestly refreshing to read a romance where the male character is the main focus of that.
There is also no lack of moments full of tension, yearning, and slow burn. The chemistry burns between Nick and Zinnia and Jen captures it so well even when they’re not talking with one another. So much of this book is about finding and cherish the beauty in art and people, and Jen Morris does an amazing job of capturing that within the confines of a delicious love story.
If you’re a fan of spicy, taboo romance that never lacks in gut punching emotional depth, then lol no further than Jen Morris’ Forbidden on Fruit Street series. They’re all wonderful.
She’s Worth the Risk releases June 16th. Thank you to the author for my gifted eARC, my opinions are my own.
June 22, 2026
She's Worth the Risk is another great addition to Jen Morris's Forbidden on Fruit Street series. In this book, Morris's main female character, Zinnia, arrives in New York City to help her grandmother, who is showing signs of older age, and while there, starts to take an art class from a buttoned-up, older, handsome professor, Nick, who becomes much more than her teacher. This book is hot and steamy, but the placement of the hottest scenes are strategic and not simply filler material in the book. Instead, the story, itself, takes centerstage, and Morris writes well about the complications that ensue when a student dates a professor and vice versa. Moreover, there are additional storylines that introduce a complicated brother/brother relationship based on past hurts, as well as storylines about dementia in older people we love and the making of strong female friendships. Morris also includes couples from the previous Forbidden on Fruit Street books, which makes reading this book extra fun! I, personally, love Morris's writing, and this book is no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading it, and I can't wait to see what Morris does next with this series or anything else she chooses to write. Highly recommend this book, as well as all the other Forbidden on Fruit Street books!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This started off sloe for me because Art is not a big interest to me, so it lagged and bored me a bit there, but I kept with it and it got so much better. It was nice to have a male lead who was insecure for once and the female lead be the one who had confidence and supported him to let his walls down. Zinnia was great, she was determined and respectful at the same time, she understood the risks of what they were doing and never really pressured Nick into anything he didn't want. Nick was a male lead you wanted to just give a big hug to, he's been hurt young by a family member and it stuck with him many years later. I personally didn't care for Marcus at all and would have been fine without him being involved, he came off as smug and obnoxious to me even after Nick finally talked about his feelings on what happened; but that's just me personally. The spice was pretty great and I loved seeing Nick some undone for Zinnia. This was pretty low drama honestly despite the obvious issue and it was nice to not have the typical problems arise that normally would. Thank you to Netgalley for giving me an opportunity to read this early, that in no way has influenced my thoughts or opinions on this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for Jen Morris’s next installment in the fruit street series and I have to say it was different than I anticipated. I have read all of the series and have thoroughly enjoyed them. I am a sucker for forbidden age gap so this series is right up my alley. Jen Morris has become one of my favorite authors for fueling my guilty pleasure. I must say this book didn’t hit the same notes the other ones in the series did for me. I don’t know if it was because Nick was repressed (which is a new trope for me), but I didn’t feel the age gap as much as I usually do. Since Nick didn’t have a lot of experience in relationships I felt like FMC was kind of the one in charge which was different for an age gap story. It was fun to read something a little different that didn’t follow the same formula, however, if you’re a sucker for age gap like I am this didn’t hit the same way.
Also personal preference, but art is just not my thing. Jen did a great job explaining the pieces of art and the history behind it, but it’s just not my cup of tea.
All in all I give it a 4 stars because I love Jen Morris’s writing and I still enjoyed the story, but I don’t think I’ll reread this one like I have a couple of the other ones in the series.
Also personal preference, but art is just not my thing. Jen did a great job explaining the pieces of art and the history behind it, but it’s just not my cup of tea.
All in all I give it a 4 stars because I love Jen Morris’s writing and I still enjoyed the story, but I don’t think I’ll reread this one like I have a couple of the other ones in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ this is an arc review ✨ thank you so much to Jen Morris for the gifted copy of SWTR!
I’m rating it 4 stars! Being back at Fruit street always brings me joy and considering age gap is one of my favorite tropes, it’s no surprise as to why. I liked this book because it switched up the status quo that we mostly see when we have a main character who is celibate o repressed. It’s typically the MFC who has those traits and it’s portrayed as an effect of their youth, but in this case it’s the MMC Nick. I thought that Nick being the repressed and tightly wound one was a fresh take on the trope even when he frustrated me with his treatment towards Zinnia. Because it’s also forbidden I can understand the reason behind it but it still took me a little longer to warm up to him.
Zinnia on the other hand is confident, intelligent and carefree. Her passion is art and I enjoyed reading about it because it also taught me a few things. Her relationship with her grandmother is so pure and I loved getting the fruit street crew back. It really is a found family as well.
The relationship between Nick and Zinnia is definitely a slow burn but if you’re willing to wait it out, this book, just like she is worth it.
Thank you Jen for the arc!
I’m rating it 4 stars! Being back at Fruit street always brings me joy and considering age gap is one of my favorite tropes, it’s no surprise as to why. I liked this book because it switched up the status quo that we mostly see when we have a main character who is celibate o repressed. It’s typically the MFC who has those traits and it’s portrayed as an effect of their youth, but in this case it’s the MMC Nick. I thought that Nick being the repressed and tightly wound one was a fresh take on the trope even when he frustrated me with his treatment towards Zinnia. Because it’s also forbidden I can understand the reason behind it but it still took me a little longer to warm up to him.
Zinnia on the other hand is confident, intelligent and carefree. Her passion is art and I enjoyed reading about it because it also taught me a few things. Her relationship with her grandmother is so pure and I loved getting the fruit street crew back. It really is a found family as well.
The relationship between Nick and Zinnia is definitely a slow burn but if you’re willing to wait it out, this book, just like she is worth it.
Thank you Jen for the arc!
June 15, 2026
She’s Worth the Risk is the 5th book in the Forbidden on Fruit Street series. While you could technically read this as a standalone, I would still recommend you read in order to get the full enjoyment of this book.
Zinnia is in town to stay with her grandma after a neighbor contacted her because she was worried about her grandma’s health, her memory seems to be slipping. (So CW about early dementia). Her grandma signs her up for an art history class and a drawing class while she is staying for the summer.
Dr. Nicholas Sweetman is an art history professor at NYU. He has been asked at the last minute to run a drawing class. He agrees and that is where he meets Zinnia. The attraction is instant.
Then they realize that he is her professor when she shows up in his class. That’s obviously a problem.
After the class ends, things get steamy.
This is one of my favorite “starchy MMC finally loses it” books. The tension, the yearning, and when he finally lets go (with her help) the payoff is so worth it!
I also loved seeing the characters from the previous books show up. They are such a great friend group and they take in Zinnia easily.
I wanted to reread this book as soon as I finished it. It’s so good!
I was given a copy of this book by @jenmorrisauthor and all opinions are my own.
5/5 stars
Zinnia is in town to stay with her grandma after a neighbor contacted her because she was worried about her grandma’s health, her memory seems to be slipping. (So CW about early dementia). Her grandma signs her up for an art history class and a drawing class while she is staying for the summer.
Dr. Nicholas Sweetman is an art history professor at NYU. He has been asked at the last minute to run a drawing class. He agrees and that is where he meets Zinnia. The attraction is instant.
Then they realize that he is her professor when she shows up in his class. That’s obviously a problem.
After the class ends, things get steamy.
This is one of my favorite “starchy MMC finally loses it” books. The tension, the yearning, and when he finally lets go (with her help) the payoff is so worth it!
I also loved seeing the characters from the previous books show up. They are such a great friend group and they take in Zinnia easily.
I wanted to reread this book as soon as I finished it. It’s so good!
I was given a copy of this book by @jenmorrisauthor and all opinions are my own.
5/5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh, yet again this author has pulled me into the most wonderful world, where i got totally absorbed and thoroughly lost. All i can now do is think about the characters and their story and it is all i can think about….so much so that i am actually dreaming about it too!
This series of books is set around Fruit Street and I absolutely love how it is now becoming a community with all the businesses that are growing there and all the neighbours becoming friends too.
The author’s descriptions of things are just delicious and when i read her words it instantly pulls me into the pages, gives a huge hug and doesn’t let you go again until you have, very quickly, devoured it all up and then of course, it leaves you with a very happy heart but always wanting more!!
Zinnia and Nick were two amazing characters and i fell in love with both of them right from the very beginning. Both of them were a little bit lost in their own ways and each bought out the best in each other and i thoroughly enjoyed going along for the ride and finding out how their story unfolded.
She’s Worth The Risk was a wonderful, heartwarming read, sprinkled with lots of deliciously hot spiciness and definitely ticked all the boxes for a five-star read…….
This series of books is set around Fruit Street and I absolutely love how it is now becoming a community with all the businesses that are growing there and all the neighbours becoming friends too.
The author’s descriptions of things are just delicious and when i read her words it instantly pulls me into the pages, gives a huge hug and doesn’t let you go again until you have, very quickly, devoured it all up and then of course, it leaves you with a very happy heart but always wanting more!!
Zinnia and Nick were two amazing characters and i fell in love with both of them right from the very beginning. Both of them were a little bit lost in their own ways and each bought out the best in each other and i thoroughly enjoyed going along for the ride and finding out how their story unfolded.
She’s Worth The Risk was a wonderful, heartwarming read, sprinkled with lots of deliciously hot spiciness and definitely ticked all the boxes for a five-star read…….
Review of advance copy received from Author
🍑Age Gap
🦋Summer Romance
🍑Forbidden
🦋Art History
Book FIVE in the Forbidden on Fruit Street series, and this one has really brought the spice. PUB 16.06.2026 - keep an eye out on KU.
Jen Morris is the queen of seductive, spicy, easy to read, age gap romance novels.
This book is similar to the previous four in that there is so much more to the romance than you see at first glance. Even if you’re not a fan of age gap romance - I prompt you to try this series, because no one writes these with as much care as Jen does.
Zinnia and Nick’s ‘meet cute’ is unlike any I have ever read before, with tension between the two characters sparking at their very first glance. I thought the professor - student dynamic was executed perfectly. Zinnia and Nick although very different characters, complement one another other beautifully. Nick helps respark Zinnia’s love of art and history, whilst she shows Nick how to step out of his comfort zone and open himself up to new feelings.
This book was refreshing, sexy and easy to devour in one sitting. If you love curvy positive romances, with hot, nerdy professors and tension you could cut with a knife, you’ve come to the right place.
🦋Summer Romance
🍑Forbidden
🦋Art History
Book FIVE in the Forbidden on Fruit Street series, and this one has really brought the spice. PUB 16.06.2026 - keep an eye out on KU.
Jen Morris is the queen of seductive, spicy, easy to read, age gap romance novels.
This book is similar to the previous four in that there is so much more to the romance than you see at first glance. Even if you’re not a fan of age gap romance - I prompt you to try this series, because no one writes these with as much care as Jen does.
Zinnia and Nick’s ‘meet cute’ is unlike any I have ever read before, with tension between the two characters sparking at their very first glance. I thought the professor - student dynamic was executed perfectly. Zinnia and Nick although very different characters, complement one another other beautifully. Nick helps respark Zinnia’s love of art and history, whilst she shows Nick how to step out of his comfort zone and open himself up to new feelings.
This book was refreshing, sexy and easy to devour in one sitting. If you love curvy positive romances, with hot, nerdy professors and tension you could cut with a knife, you’ve come to the right place.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Going back to Fruit Street! Jen Morris writes great age gap romance. This forbidden on fruit street is a professor x student love story. Zinnia (25), comes to New York to stay with her Grandmother for the summer. Her Grandma signed her up for some art classes while she is there as she shares a deep love for art with Zinnia. Nick (42) art professor who happens to also be teaching a live art class, one that Zinnia got enrolled in and when the model couldn't show up, Zinnia stepped in. Both are very attracted to one another, but with the age gap and him being a professor who Zinnia is also in his class at the university, he absolutely will not go there with her. Zinnia is probably the most strong willed woman I have read in a while. She will have what and who she wants, and she gets Nick to be more adventurous if you know what I mean, lol. You get age gap, forbidden romance, a meddling Grandma, and all of the characters we love from the other Forbidden on Fruit Street books. There is alot of art history in this book that Zinnia, Nick and her Grandmother have a deep passion for.
June 15, 2026
I loved this book. Often time when we have a curvy female main character she has insecurities and it was really refreshing to read of a curvy FMC who was confident in herself and her body. I am not hugely into art but I really enjoyed how this book tapped into it. Brushed into it enough that I enjoyed it but not so much I was lost.
I did struggle with Nick, he was VERY repressed seemingly for no reason. Or because of one comment his brother made as a teenager and whilst it was delightful to see Zinnia open him up and I enjoyed that, I struggled with how repressed he was in the first place and I also wanted some can’t control myself anymore, clothes torn off feral release 😅 what was written and how he still really struggled is soooo realistic and I love that… but I still wanted something feral personally. It’s not an issue with the writing. It is so well done!!!!! It’s just my personal preference in reading.
I also really enjoyed the relationship with Nick and Marcus and them getting closer and of course the insight into the previous books characters!!!
4 stars purely because of personal preferences in my reading but another INCREDIBLE age gap romance 😍
I did struggle with Nick, he was VERY repressed seemingly for no reason. Or because of one comment his brother made as a teenager and whilst it was delightful to see Zinnia open him up and I enjoyed that, I struggled with how repressed he was in the first place and I also wanted some can’t control myself anymore, clothes torn off feral release 😅 what was written and how he still really struggled is soooo realistic and I love that… but I still wanted something feral personally. It’s not an issue with the writing. It is so well done!!!!! It’s just my personal preference in reading.
I also really enjoyed the relationship with Nick and Marcus and them getting closer and of course the insight into the previous books characters!!!
4 stars purely because of personal preferences in my reading but another INCREDIBLE age gap romance 😍
June 17, 2026
I say this nearly every time, but I think this actually *is* my favourite in the series! I love a studious, slightly awkward hero, and Zinnia was such a likeable and relatable heroine.
I felt like all the aspects of the book were really well balanced. It was super spicy, but also had a lot of heart. And the stakes were high enough for some great forbidden tension and drama, but there was no third-act breakup (I love!!). Jen Morris also always manages to write forbidden age-gap romances without crossing into creepy territory, so if you've avoided these tropes in the past, this series would be a really good place to start.
I like when romance books have a sub-plot that explores family dynamics, so I really appreciated the focus on Nick rebuilding his relationship with his brother. I thought the sub-plot with Zinnia's grandmother was sensitively and realistically handled, too.
I don't know if this is the last book in the series, but if so I'm definitely going to miss this world. I'm 100% on board for whatever Jen Morris writes in the future though!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC copy to read.
I felt like all the aspects of the book were really well balanced. It was super spicy, but also had a lot of heart. And the stakes were high enough for some great forbidden tension and drama, but there was no third-act breakup (I love!!). Jen Morris also always manages to write forbidden age-gap romances without crossing into creepy territory, so if you've avoided these tropes in the past, this series would be a really good place to start.
I like when romance books have a sub-plot that explores family dynamics, so I really appreciated the focus on Nick rebuilding his relationship with his brother. I thought the sub-plot with Zinnia's grandmother was sensitively and realistically handled, too.
I don't know if this is the last book in the series, but if so I'm definitely going to miss this world. I'm 100% on board for whatever Jen Morris writes in the future though!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC copy to read.
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