A review by niffler_for_words
Prosecco with My Professor by Liz Alden

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

 “Ever since the night Emma ran out, it’s felt like an unfinished sentence. I tasted something and had it taken from me, and I crave more of it.”

I devoured this book in just a few hours. The writing was simple and lively, making the story an addictive page turner. I loved every page of it.

The story happens in Italy, but I didn’t feel so much traveling vibes. I would have loved more descriptions because in the end, if distance is important for Emma’s evolution (and that it’s very well pictured), the story is more a neighborhood one that could have happened anywhere. 

That said, the characters are truly endearing. I loved to read (for once!) middle-aged characters. Life doesn’t stop at 25 or 30 and Emma is the perfect example of it. She has spent more than half her life in an unfulfilling marriage and realizes that she still has a lot to learn and discover. Reading about how Emma builds herself a new life, explores her sexuality and job opportunities after 40 was truly inspiring. 

She meets Santo in a bar, then understands he’s her professor in her new program which makes things… complicated. However, here too we are more in a story about the guy next door than about a teacher/student relationship (even if it has its importance too). I can’t say I disliked it, on the contrary. Santo and Emma have a lot of chemistry and their living proximity helps them in the way to intimacy.

I loved the side characters, from the absolutely non toxic and completely supportive best friends to Zola the cat, from the NB youngest children to the neurodiversity or the hints about internalized bi-phobia, from the healthy communication to the guard doggie and his strange priorities. All of that was amazing, though I would often have wanted more, to discover the characters even more in depth. In one word, it was just a bit too short!

Thank you NetGalley, Liz Alden and Victory Editing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.