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She's Worth the Risk
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2026
About the author
Jen Morris
10 books571 followersJen Morris writes addictive age-gap romance with imperfect heroines and bearded, dirty-talking 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. Her characters don’t just find their soulmates—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. Her characters don’t just find their soulmates—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 132 reviews
July 31, 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.💗😛
July 6, 2026
She's Worth The Risk by Jen Morris lived up to all my expectations (and may just be the spiciest book of the series)!
Nick Sweetman - a forty-two-year-old art history professor who is quiet, reserved, and sensitive; prefers complete control over his life.
Zinnia Sinclair - a twenty-five-year-old visiting her grandmother for the summer; prefers not to stay in any one place too long nor put down roots.
Although they met before Zinnia became Nick's student, this dynamic adds so much depth to the forbidden nature of this age-gap romance (of seventeen years). And Nick soon discovers that she's worth the risk!
This book is so artsy! There are museum visits, a life-drawing class, and you just know he sketches her! Plus, all the risky "could get caught" moments only add to the sexual tension!
Also: dual point of view, a mirror scene and amazing chemistry.
It was great catching up with the whole Forbidden On Fruit Street cast once again (yes, this is a series, but know that these books can truly be read as standalones)!
She's Worth The Risk is a sexy and hot, perfectly executed age-gap romance!
Thank you Jen Morris for my complimentary digital ARC to read and review. Physical book purchased by myself (because of course I needed Nick to sit beside Aiden, Kyle, Wes, and Wyatt on my shelf)!
Nick Sweetman - a forty-two-year-old art history professor who is quiet, reserved, and sensitive; prefers complete control over his life.
Zinnia Sinclair - a twenty-five-year-old visiting her grandmother for the summer; prefers not to stay in any one place too long nor put down roots.
Although they met before Zinnia became Nick's student, this dynamic adds so much depth to the forbidden nature of this age-gap romance (of seventeen years). And Nick soon discovers that she's worth the risk!
This book is so artsy! There are museum visits, a life-drawing class, and you just know he sketches her! Plus, all the risky "could get caught" moments only add to the sexual tension!
Also: dual point of view, a mirror scene and amazing chemistry.
It was great catching up with the whole Forbidden On Fruit Street cast once again (yes, this is a series, but know that these books can truly be read as standalones)!
She's Worth The Risk is a sexy and hot, perfectly executed age-gap romance!
Thank you Jen Morris for my complimentary digital ARC to read and review. Physical book purchased by myself (because of course I needed Nick to sit beside Aiden, Kyle, Wes, and Wyatt on my shelf)!
June 19, 2026
Super sweet. Very safe.
August 12, 2026
Fav. Absolute fav.
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.
July 3, 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.
June 16, 2026
A big thank you to Xpresso Book Tours and author Jen Morris for allowing me an ARC of this book!
This book was HOT—but what I loved most was that it wasn’t just spice. (Spice was great!) There was an actual plot here, and I absolutely devoured this book in less than a day.
Zinnia, our FMC, is a confident, funny, and brave 25-year-old woman who moves to New York to help care for her grandmother as her health begins to decline. While there, she takes a live art class and ends up volunteering in a moment that felt very much like, “I’m a lioness—screw it.” That decision leads her to Nick, the MMC, who is brought in to lead the class. Then comes the twist: Nick ends up being the professor of a class she starts taking a week later.
The longing and yearning in this book? Absolutely top tier. Thanks to the dual POVs, you get to experience every bit of that tension from both sides, which made it even better.
Zinnia’s boldness was one of my favorite things about this story. She is unapologetically herself, and I loved that about her. Nick is your classic broody, stoic professor type who is just waiting for someone to crack through that exterior—and Zinnia becomes exactly that person.
What I appreciated most was that the physical relationship doesn’t happen immediately. The slower build keeps you completely invested and makes the tension almost unbearable in the best way.
The ending was incredibly sweet, and Zinnia’s grandmother nearly broke my heart. Through those final moments, you really understand where Zinnia gets her courage, love, and strength from.
This book was so good and such an addictive read. Highly recommend!
This book was HOT—but what I loved most was that it wasn’t just spice. (Spice was great!) There was an actual plot here, and I absolutely devoured this book in less than a day.
Zinnia, our FMC, is a confident, funny, and brave 25-year-old woman who moves to New York to help care for her grandmother as her health begins to decline. While there, she takes a live art class and ends up volunteering in a moment that felt very much like, “I’m a lioness—screw it.” That decision leads her to Nick, the MMC, who is brought in to lead the class. Then comes the twist: Nick ends up being the professor of a class she starts taking a week later.
The longing and yearning in this book? Absolutely top tier. Thanks to the dual POVs, you get to experience every bit of that tension from both sides, which made it even better.
Zinnia’s boldness was one of my favorite things about this story. She is unapologetically herself, and I loved that about her. Nick is your classic broody, stoic professor type who is just waiting for someone to crack through that exterior—and Zinnia becomes exactly that person.
What I appreciated most was that the physical relationship doesn’t happen immediately. The slower build keeps you completely invested and makes the tension almost unbearable in the best way.
The ending was incredibly sweet, and Zinnia’s grandmother nearly broke my heart. Through those final moments, you really understand where Zinnia gets her courage, love, and strength from.
This book was so good and such an addictive read. Highly recommend!
June 14, 2026
Perfect addition to Fruit Street
I love this series and have read all of them so far. You can read this one as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading the others (there are 4) first as those characters do make multiple appearances In this book so there will be some spoilers for their stories.
The main characters Nick and Zinnia find each other through their individual loves of art and art history. At first I actually thought there was a little too much art discussion and comparisons. However as I continued reading I actually became inspired. Ive only been to NYC one time and I didnt get a chance to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art or MoMA and now I'm regretting it.
This is a spicy age gap romance (FMC is 25 and MMC is 40+). Nick is a professor and Zinnia ends up being his student. If you think the professor/student aspect might not be for you due power dynamics, I promise the author does this storyline well.
We get to see Nick fighting his desires for Zinnia, resisting crossing professional boundaries, all while their paths continue to intersect and he gets to know her more and more. One thing I have loved about this series, and this book didn't disappoint, is the MMC being so in love he's willing to give up anything, or risk anything because he just can't live his life without her in it. I mean, swoon! I highly recommend this book and the whole Fruit Street series.
*I received a copy of this book from the author
I love this series and have read all of them so far. You can read this one as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading the others (there are 4) first as those characters do make multiple appearances In this book so there will be some spoilers for their stories.
The main characters Nick and Zinnia find each other through their individual loves of art and art history. At first I actually thought there was a little too much art discussion and comparisons. However as I continued reading I actually became inspired. Ive only been to NYC one time and I didnt get a chance to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art or MoMA and now I'm regretting it.
This is a spicy age gap romance (FMC is 25 and MMC is 40+). Nick is a professor and Zinnia ends up being his student. If you think the professor/student aspect might not be for you due power dynamics, I promise the author does this storyline well.
We get to see Nick fighting his desires for Zinnia, resisting crossing professional boundaries, all while their paths continue to intersect and he gets to know her more and more. One thing I have loved about this series, and this book didn't disappoint, is the MMC being so in love he's willing to give up anything, or risk anything because he just can't live his life without her in it. I mean, swoon! I highly recommend this book and the whole Fruit Street series.
*I received a copy of this book from the author
June 17, 2026
Age gap with repressed MMC & curvy FMC
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.
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.
July 18, 2026
2 rounded up because of my anxiety. This one was a bummer for me because I really enjoyed the majority of the others in the series, but this was a rough way to end things. I just never liked the MMC. Nick was immature, selfish, and his entire trauma history that resulted in him closing himself off from relationships for decades was his brother laughing at him. There was just not even close to the growth or development that was needed for me to come around to him. Zinnia was honestly kind of similar in terms of how blah she felt to me, but at least she had a legitimate reason to have anxiety about settling down after moving around constantly as a child. It killed me that after how selfish Nick was the entire story, Zinnia still has to be the one to give something up - a class that was the literal only thing she’d chosen just for her, because she wanted it. Yuck. The spice didn’t hit for me either and was more cringy than the others in the series. The library scene where he “punished” her by making her look at Cole just because the poor guy has a crush on her and dared to flirt a little was even a bit creepy. To be honest I think I’d have preferred she end up with Cole. This one was a miss for me. The stars are mostly for the series overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2026
🧡She’s Worth the Risk by Jen Morris🧡
Jen Morris knows exactly how to write yearning, and this beauty is just absolutely filled with it 😍 Every interaction between Zinnia and Nick had me waiting for the moment when their carefully maintained self-control would finally crack hehehe 😜
I really enjoyed that both characters felt flawed. Nick’s sense of duty constantly clashed with his heart, while Zinnia’s reluctance to let people in made her emotional journey just as compelling as the romance itself. Their connection felt genuine right from the very start. I also really enjoyed all the artistic elements throughout this one.
The slow-burn romance is packed with longing looks, emotional conversations and plenty of tension 🔥This was an engaging read that blended romance, personal growth and plenty of swoony moments 🥰 another winner from one of my faves authors 🩷 I love this series so much and highly recommend you checking it out!
Thank you so much to @jenmorrisauthor for gifting me a digital copy to review, I am so grateful 🙏🏻
QOTD: How has your weekend been so far?
#shesworththerisk #jenmorris #bookreview #aussiebookstagrammer #books #fiction #bookstagram
Jen Morris knows exactly how to write yearning, and this beauty is just absolutely filled with it 😍 Every interaction between Zinnia and Nick had me waiting for the moment when their carefully maintained self-control would finally crack hehehe 😜
I really enjoyed that both characters felt flawed. Nick’s sense of duty constantly clashed with his heart, while Zinnia’s reluctance to let people in made her emotional journey just as compelling as the romance itself. Their connection felt genuine right from the very start. I also really enjoyed all the artistic elements throughout this one.
The slow-burn romance is packed with longing looks, emotional conversations and plenty of tension 🔥This was an engaging read that blended romance, personal growth and plenty of swoony moments 🥰 another winner from one of my faves authors 🩷 I love this series so much and highly recommend you checking it out!
Thank you so much to @jenmorrisauthor for gifting me a digital copy to review, I am so grateful 🙏🏻
QOTD: How has your weekend been so far?
#shesworththerisk #jenmorris #bookreview #aussiebookstagrammer #books #fiction #bookstagram
July 18, 2026
Zinnia is a free spirit who never stays in one place for too long.
Nick is a Renaissance art expert who has spent his life firmly rooted in one place. He's introverted, thoughtful, and quietly reserved.
The two meet at a life drawing class, and the sparks fly instantly. Later, they discover that Nick is the Professor for the art course Zinnia's grandmother enrolled her in at NYU, making their growing attraction completely off-limits.
Tropes:
🧡 Age gap (Zinnia is 25, Nick is 42)
🧡 Professor/student
🧡 Curvy, confident heroine
🧡 Sensitive, artsy hero
🧡 Repressed MMC experiences a sexual awakening
🧡 No third-act breakup
🧡 Meddling grandmother
🧡 "Just for the summer"
🧡 Mirror scene
Jen Morris nailed it once again. She has a talent for creating characters you can't help but become attached to. She makes the age-gap romance feel completely natural and never awkward.
I was so excited to receive an ARC of She's Worth the Risk. Based on her previous books, I was confident I was going to love it and it absolutely lived up to my expectations. 😍
Nick is a Renaissance art expert who has spent his life firmly rooted in one place. He's introverted, thoughtful, and quietly reserved.
The two meet at a life drawing class, and the sparks fly instantly. Later, they discover that Nick is the Professor for the art course Zinnia's grandmother enrolled her in at NYU, making their growing attraction completely off-limits.
Tropes:
🧡 Age gap (Zinnia is 25, Nick is 42)
🧡 Professor/student
🧡 Curvy, confident heroine
🧡 Sensitive, artsy hero
🧡 Repressed MMC experiences a sexual awakening
🧡 No third-act breakup
🧡 Meddling grandmother
🧡 "Just for the summer"
🧡 Mirror scene
Jen Morris nailed it once again. She has a talent for creating characters you can't help but become attached to. She makes the age-gap romance feel completely natural and never awkward.
I was so excited to receive an ARC of She's Worth the Risk. Based on her previous books, I was confident I was going to love it and it absolutely lived up to my expectations. 😍
June 16, 2026
This book is posted on goodreads twice, so I wanted to make sure I put my review in both places :)
I have read the entire Fruit Street series that Jen Morris has written as they’ve come out, and I’ve loved every single one of them, and this one is no different. I really think that Zinnia and Nick ended up complimenting each other very well.
There was a lot more tension and angst in this story than in the previous ones, and I also feel like it took longer for the characters to come together, but once they did I feel like everything just clicked. This was a really fun spicy read, and I hope she’s able to continue the fruit Street series in the future.
I have read the entire Fruit Street series that Jen Morris has written as they’ve come out, and I’ve loved every single one of them, and this one is no different. I really think that Zinnia and Nick ended up complimenting each other very well.
There was a lot more tension and angst in this story than in the previous ones, and I also feel like it took longer for the characters to come together, but once they did I feel like everything just clicked. This was a really fun spicy read, and I hope she’s able to continue the fruit Street series in the future.
June 16, 2026
another beauty on fruit street
Smattering of art history with some Fruit Street romance! All of the Fruit Street characters appear in Zinnia and Nick’s story. Like the other books in the series, it’s quite a steamy age gap. There are other tropes thrown in. One of the things that is fun is the names of the artworks, which I enjoyed looking up. Both Nick and Zinnia need to step out of their comfort zones in different ways. It’s repetitive at times and the book just kind of ends. However, they are a fantastic addition to the Fruit Street universe!
Smattering of art history with some Fruit Street romance! All of the Fruit Street characters appear in Zinnia and Nick’s story. Like the other books in the series, it’s quite a steamy age gap. There are other tropes thrown in. One of the things that is fun is the names of the artworks, which I enjoyed looking up. Both Nick and Zinnia need to step out of their comfort zones in different ways. It’s repetitive at times and the book just kind of ends. However, they are a fantastic addition to the Fruit Street universe!
June 18, 2026
Absolutely amazing book, with lots of developments from both MC’s with lots of depth in the characters with a rich story telling. I loved how the characters evolved throughout the and that allowed them to meet in the middle to form a glorious relationship. The message i got from the book was honestly that a loving relationship that pusses your boundaries can enrich the rest of you life and other relationships and you can really see that reflected in the MC’s other relationships. Loved the FMC’s discovery of female friendships and defo plan on reading the other girls stories!!
July 18, 2026
4.5⭐️ first off, thank you to Jen and her team for providing me the ARC for this book! I have totally enjoyed the series and this was a lovely new addition!
Zinnia and Nick were a wonderful couple. I think their chemistry and conflicts worked well, without much effort. It felt like the "side quests" of zinnia and her grandmother and nick and his brother felt like some extra effort that yes, added a little to the characters but also didn't feel fully formed. Either way, this was a fun and quick romance read that made me smile and remember why I love age gap romances!
Zinnia and Nick were a wonderful couple. I think their chemistry and conflicts worked well, without much effort. It felt like the "side quests" of zinnia and her grandmother and nick and his brother felt like some extra effort that yes, added a little to the characters but also didn't feel fully formed. Either way, this was a fun and quick romance read that made me smile and remember why I love age gap romances!
June 16, 2026
Jen you have done it again!! I feel like I say that every time, but it is true. We are back with another good one on Fruit Street with Nick and Zinnia, and let me just say they are the cutest!! We finally got our forbidden romance of a prof and student and Jen does not disappoint she truly knows how to hook you in with her books. If you are a forbidden romance fan I would definitely check this one out and any others in the Fruit Street series!!
June 24, 2026
another great trip to Fruit Street!
I’ve enjoyed the entire Fruit Street series, but Nick and Zinnia’s story might be my favorite. Jen Morris did a beautiful job of writing their love story, but also creating the most beautiful NYC backdrop for it to take place. You’ll love Zinnia’s sense of humor and appreciation of art, Nick’s prickly at the start personality (and how it transforms), and the opportunities to visit with your other Fruit Street favorites along the way.
I’ve enjoyed the entire Fruit Street series, but Nick and Zinnia’s story might be my favorite. Jen Morris did a beautiful job of writing their love story, but also creating the most beautiful NYC backdrop for it to take place. You’ll love Zinnia’s sense of humor and appreciation of art, Nick’s prickly at the start personality (and how it transforms), and the opportunities to visit with your other Fruit Street favorites along the way.
June 16, 2026
This one is probably my favourite of the series. Zinnia and Nick were great together and it felt like they were definitely a “right time and right person” kind of couple. The stakes were not as high here as in some of the other books and I actually liked that. It didn’t feel as dramatic or tense but instead more romantic and lovely. Really enjoyable!
June 29, 2026
I love these Fruit St books with FMCs and their flower names. This one doesn't disappoint.
Prof/student is one of my favourite taboo tropes and adding in the life drawing modelling was extra spicy. Poor professor doesn't stand a chance with the FMC's sexy confidence on display.
Makes me want to go back and start the series again. I hope this isn't the last we see of Fruit Street.
Prof/student is one of my favourite taboo tropes and adding in the life drawing modelling was extra spicy. Poor professor doesn't stand a chance with the FMC's sexy confidence on display.
Makes me want to go back and start the series again. I hope this isn't the last we see of Fruit Street.
June 23, 2026
Nick and Zinnia are a new dynamic for me. He is more of a recluse and doesn’t have the experience with women we are use to seeing in books and Zinnia is completely comfortable asking/telling what she wants and helping Nick come out of his shell.
August 12, 2026
This was a different vibe for Fruit Street, with a much subtler fight. Stakes high, passions instense, but a slow and steady build rather than a big jump. Much like the rest of the series, She's Worth the Risk is beautifully written with realistic characters that capture your heart.
July 19, 2026
I've been a huge fan of the Forbidden on Fruit Street series and this latest is a Professor x student age gap romance that has Zinnia coming to spend the summer with her grandmother only to find herself in close proximity with buttoned up art professor, Nick.
From figure drawing classes to trips to the museum, Zinnia and Nick bond over a shared love of Renaissance art and can't help falling for each other despite the rules forbidding a professor-student relationship. The former couples in the series make an appearance which was a lot of fun as they embrace Zinnia into their fold and help her grapple with her and Nick's relationship.
While this one is SPICY, there's also a lot of emotional depth, especially between the relationships each main character has with family members who mean a lot to them. Perfect for fans of books like Rachel Lynn Solomon's Extracurricular activities and sure to delight long time fans of the series. This can be read as a standalone though and is one I highly recommend!
From figure drawing classes to trips to the museum, Zinnia and Nick bond over a shared love of Renaissance art and can't help falling for each other despite the rules forbidding a professor-student relationship. The former couples in the series make an appearance which was a lot of fun as they embrace Zinnia into their fold and help her grapple with her and Nick's relationship.
While this one is SPICY, there's also a lot of emotional depth, especially between the relationships each main character has with family members who mean a lot to them. Perfect for fans of books like Rachel Lynn Solomon's Extracurricular activities and sure to delight long time fans of the series. This can be read as a standalone though and is one I highly recommend!
June 27, 2026
Eek, book 5 from forbidden on Fruit Street is hot off the press. And by hot, I mean scorching - seriously, we have a heatwave going on right now and this has sent the temperatures skyrocketing!
As with the previous books in this series we know we are getting an age-gap romance - which I always love. This time its professor and student, a dynamic I've not really read before but wowser - I work in a University, I must lurk in the bookshelves more often!
There is huge talk of art, art history and particularly the renaissance period. I know a huge nothing about any of these topics, but the passion Nick and Zinnia show for them make me want to go visit a gallery.
Speaking of Nick and Zinnia, there is so much to love about these two. Her fierce defensiveness, his care and attention, they both have so much to work through themselves, when they succeed, its beautiful.
Friendship with the other Fruit Street ladies is part of Zinnia's healing experience. I love how open and welcoming they are, it is the kind of friendship group that everyone deserves. I love seeing snippets of how these ladies own relationships are progressing through the eyes of each book. There is something so heartwarming about their happily ever afters carrying on.
There is a really sweet small side thread in this book, where Zinnia's grandmother and the beginnings of a dementia diagnosis are discussed. Its not delved into particularly deeply, but it was enough to see me tear up a little, its a disease I find particularly cruel and tough to think about.
As you may have gathered, there is spice galore, the author writes this so well, everything feels so real, unlike sometimes in romance novels where you think thats surely not possible, this all adds to the humanity of the characters. They truly feel like they are living their best lives over in NYC and I could go visit them tomorrow!
I could not put this book down, if it wasnt for the absolute need for sleep I would have finished this in one go, as it stood I had to relent to my bodies requirement to lie down, but as soon as my eyes opened the following day I was straight back to it. This is a common theme in this authors books, I just dont want to put them down.
I'm super hopeful that there will be more to come from Fruit Street, the silver foxes of New York and these strong, independent ladies who make you see how life can be lived and loved, regardless of your background.
As with the previous books in this series we know we are getting an age-gap romance - which I always love. This time its professor and student, a dynamic I've not really read before but wowser - I work in a University, I must lurk in the bookshelves more often!
There is huge talk of art, art history and particularly the renaissance period. I know a huge nothing about any of these topics, but the passion Nick and Zinnia show for them make me want to go visit a gallery.
Speaking of Nick and Zinnia, there is so much to love about these two. Her fierce defensiveness, his care and attention, they both have so much to work through themselves, when they succeed, its beautiful.
Friendship with the other Fruit Street ladies is part of Zinnia's healing experience. I love how open and welcoming they are, it is the kind of friendship group that everyone deserves. I love seeing snippets of how these ladies own relationships are progressing through the eyes of each book. There is something so heartwarming about their happily ever afters carrying on.
There is a really sweet small side thread in this book, where Zinnia's grandmother and the beginnings of a dementia diagnosis are discussed. Its not delved into particularly deeply, but it was enough to see me tear up a little, its a disease I find particularly cruel and tough to think about.
As you may have gathered, there is spice galore, the author writes this so well, everything feels so real, unlike sometimes in romance novels where you think thats surely not possible, this all adds to the humanity of the characters. They truly feel like they are living their best lives over in NYC and I could go visit them tomorrow!
I could not put this book down, if it wasnt for the absolute need for sleep I would have finished this in one go, as it stood I had to relent to my bodies requirement to lie down, but as soon as my eyes opened the following day I was straight back to it. This is a common theme in this authors books, I just dont want to put them down.
I'm super hopeful that there will be more to come from Fruit Street, the silver foxes of New York and these strong, independent ladies who make you see how life can be lived and loved, regardless of your background.
July 13, 2026
I received a copy of this book from the author.
I wished my grandma would have left me a NYC apartment too lol.
Not my fave book of Jen tbh it dragged way too long and I couldn't relate at all with Zinnia. The plot could have resolved very easy if they had been honest with each other like adults.
I wished my grandma would have left me a NYC apartment too lol.
Not my fave book of Jen tbh it dragged way too long and I couldn't relate at all with Zinnia. The plot could have resolved very easy if they had been honest with each other like adults.
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 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.
July 13, 2026
Love this series
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