I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this.I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this. I really enjoyed this.I really enjoyed this.

4🌟

READ THIS IF YOU LIKE...
💼work place romances
⏳years of yearning
👩‍👧female lead character who's a single mom
🎶peaks into the music industry
💖forced proximity
❤️‍🔥a bit of steam
📸celebrity romance

THOUGHTS

📚I read THE NEIGHBOR FAVOR a couple years ago and loved the debut romance at the time. THE LOVE LYRIC -- the third book in the series that THE NEIGHBOR FAVOR started -- is full of a similar magic: two strong leads each going through their own personal journeys, charming banter and a slow burn chemistry.

👥I love an easy read rom com, recently I've been leaning more into rom coms with mature leads, who have a good dose of self-awareness and are each going through some meaningful personal growth. THE LOVE LYRIC checks all of these boxes as Iris is working through her uncertainty about dating after being widowed and Angel is trying to navigate a difficult family situation. I looove how this set the stage for *healthy communication* about therapy, trauma and loss.

💖And let's not forget the charming romance itself. I loved how Angel's song writing came into play and the interactions with Iris' daughter -- Calla -- and her broader family. Those scenes always left me with some warm fuzzies.

This was one of my most anticipated reads and it lived up to my hype! I really enjoyed Iris and Angel’s story. They were so cute together and the slow burn to being friends before it turned into more was the perfect pace. I liked seeing Lily, Violet, Nick, and Xavier again along with Calla and the Greene parents. Grief and loss was dealt with very well in this book. There was a good balance where it didn’t overshadow the story but it was touched on too. I’m sad the Greene Sisters series is over but I can’t wait to see what Kristina Forest comes out with next!

Thank you to @netgalley @berkleypub and @berkleyromance for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to @prhaudio for a free download of the audiobook.

Kristina Forest's 'The Love Lyric' delivers a beautifully satisfying conclusion to the Greene Sisters series, focusing on Iris, the driven eldest sister, and Angel, the charming R&B sensation. Forest masterfully navigates the complexities of Iris's journey, balancing her professional responsibilities with her hesitant exploration of love after loss. The audio narration, featuring dual perspectives, enhances this emotional depth, making the story even more immersive.

The dual POV is a significant strength, allowing readers to fully appreciate Angel's unwavering devotion and Iris's internal struggles. Angel's patient pursuit of Iris, respecting her boundaries while radiating genuine affection, is genuinely refreshing. His down-to-earth nature and genuine connection with his fans create a compelling portrayal of a celebrity romance. Iris's arc, dealing with grief and embracing new possibilities, is handled with sensitivity and authenticity. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their healthy communication provides a solid foundation for their blossoming relationship.

The audiobook's production is commendable, with both narrators effectively capturing the nuances of their respective characters. While some secondary character voices were less impactful, the overall performance resonated with the story's emotional core. The narrators' ability to convey the characters' vulnerability and passion elevates the listening experience.

'The Love Lyric' showcases Kristina Forest's impressive transition to adult romance. She skillfully weaves together themes of grief, growth, and love, creating a story that is both heartwarming and engaging. This series, and this final installment in particular, is highly recommended for readers and listeners seeking a contemporary romance with depth and emotional resonance.

4 stars

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“Yes, our lives are different right now, but we aren’t different from each other. Not in the ways that matter. I see you and you see me.”

The Love Lyric is the third and final installment in The Greene Sisters series by Kristina Forest. It is an interconnected standalone, but reading the other books in the series will give you more insight into the supporting characters. This book follows the eldest Greene sister, Iris Greene, a widowed single mother and pop R&B singer Angel Hughes.

Iris Greene has spent the last 5 years picking up the pieces as she was suddenly widowed. She is juggling her work responsibilities as best as she can while being a single mother to her now six-year-old daughter Calla. She is finally ready to start dating again and has a very specific vision of the perfect partner. But after meeting Angel at her sister’s wedding, she can’t seem to get him out of her head. Things become even more complicated when she must work directly with Angel on a partnership deal at work. He isn’t what she thought she wanted, but maybe he is exactly what she needs?

Iris is a bit prickly, has strong eldest daughter energy and is fiercely independent. She loves a plan, hates to ask for help and is all work and no play. Iris has it more complicated than most moms, but I think most parents/ guardians will relate to the struggle of carving out time for personal wants and needs in the midst of raising children. As a reader, it was so satisfying to see Iris pursue something she desires and make time for herself.

I loved watching the romance between Iris & Angel develop. Angel is very down to earth and lives a simple life despite his fame. Regardless of their differences, he longs for the same lifestyle as Iris. He knows she is scared to start a relationship and is so patient and gentle with her. Iris was also there to support and defend Angel through some challenging interactions with his judgmental mother. They balanced each other perfectly and it was a joy to watch them fall in love.

I can’t wait to see what is next from Forest!

•An R&B singer MMC & A corporate executive FMC
•He’s a dog dad; she is a single mom
•Falling in love on a business trip
•Healing from loss and toxic parents
•Mint chocolate chip ice cream
•Friendly’s dates
•Secret pining
•“Who takes care of you?”

Thank you to Berkley Romance for the free copy; all thoughts are my own.

Thank you, Berkley Romance, for the gifted finished copy and eARC via NetGalley, and PRH Audio, for the gifted audiobook! These are my honest thoughts!

This is my first Kristina Forest book, and it certainly won't be the last. I loved how much heart was in this story!

Iris is a widow with a five year old daughter who keeps randomly bumping into one of her sister's clients. Angel is captivated by Iris from the very first time he lays eyes on her, but their story takes awhile to develop. Some forced proximity when Angel becomes an ambassador for beauty products at Iris' work help. Plus a tour where they're forced to spend a week traveling around the country doing store visits to promote said products.

Iris is hesitant to get back out there after her husband's passing. Her therapist is helping her consider dating, and at first, Angel's persistence scares her away. With some context, he's able to tone it down, and a friendship develops... which makes both characters quickly realize that they want more.

Things I loved about this story:
- Angel respecting Iris's boundaries
- Iris communicating well with a whole bunch of people in her life, including her sisters, parents, boss and other colleagues, and daughter
- Angel's desire to show up for Iris (who takes care of you, Iris? *swoon*)
- Discussions about boundaries, religion, and worship - traditional vs contemporary worship
- Sibling relationships
- The pacing

This one gets a solid 4-star rating from me. I really liked it! I'll be back to find out what happened in the previous Greene Sisters books!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest!

This beautiful book was the third book in the Greene Sisters Series. Even thought I expected to like it a tad bit more as it relates to romance, it was nice to finally have a more in depth POV on who Iris was.

- When it came down to knowing the back story about Iris’s marriage, Kristina Forest did such a good job displaying Iris dealing with grief. Despite the timeline, reading Iris’s raw reactions to certain situations/triggers it was so relatable. Though sad, it was beautiful to see. Iris was such a sweet and caring mom, business woman, and sister. It was so nice to read about the sisters and how they supported their big sister through it all especially Violet.

-Angel was such an Angel lol. He was soooo patient with Iris and honestly so supportive when she had her moments. He never made her feel bad for working through her stuff. He was gentle with her and met her where she was. I loved reading about his growth concerning his career and his family. He was such a likable character.

-I wish the romance piece was stronger but sometimes it’s okay to enjoy a slow burn. I wouldn’t be opposed to reading another book fleshing out their love story out a little bit more. Overall 3.75/5 ⭐️

What a swoony romance read! My first by Kristina forest but interested about her others too! Definitely recommend to others & to all music lovers. FMC is a widow & single mother & MMC is an up and coming musician. Forced proximity & forbidden work romance leads to a fun lovey read! Thank you @berkleyromance for my digitcal arc!! <3

I don’t think I am the right reader for Kristina’s books. This story did not draw me in like I thought it would. I gave it until chapter 6 (24% read) and then decided it was not for me. There wasn't any exciting chemistry or story line taking place to keep me interested.

Widowed before the age of 26, Iris Greene has not had an easy life. She’s now raising a child alone and working as the Director of Partnerships at a beauty company. She’s not looking for love, but she can’t deny feeling lonely sometimes.

R&B singer Angel Harrison has a successful music career and just scored a brand ambassador deal with a beauty company. Angel’s not happy because he’s not making music he loves and he has also had no luck in love. Angel is hopeful his luck is about to change when he crosses paths with Iris though because he has had a crush on her for years.

Iris and Angel are clearly attracted to one another, but as soon as they realize they’re going to be working together, they try to keep things professional. This proves challenging, considering that the more time they spend together, the more attracted to one another they become!

I’ve loved the way Kristina Forest writes her couples, and I just adored Iris and Angel so much! Their scenes together are just so sweet. I appreciated how open Angel was when it came to his feelings. He cares about Iris and wants her to know how special she is, but he’s patient and gentle because he knows Iris hasn’t dated since her husband died and is hesitant to open her heart.

I was rooting for him to win her over, especially since they were both so great about communicating as they navigated the challenges they faced. They have the makings of a healthy relationship if they just take that leap of faith.

The Love Lyric is the final book in The Greene Sisters series, & while I’m sad to see the series end, I’m thrilled to say it ends on a perfect note.

4 1/2 stars

The Love Lyric is the final book in The Greene Sisters series, beginning with a prologue where Angel and Iris meet for the first time at Violet’s anti-wedding party. Three years later, they cross paths again at Violet’s wedding with Xavier. While enjoying a slow dance and lighthearted conversation, sparks fly between them—only for Iris to quickly suppress her feelings.

However, when they are forced to work together on the promotional tour for cosmetics company where Iris works and Angel is now the brand ambassador for it, resisting their growing connection becomes increasingly difficult.

Despite Iris still struggling with the loss of her husband and Angel not being the kind of partner she expected, they decide to take a chance on love. But dating a famous celebrity comes with its own challenges. The story keeps readers engaged as they navigate whether Iris is truly ready to open her heart again and give Angel a chance.

While this book is connected to previous installments and features references to the other Greene sisters and their lives, it can be read as a standalone. The writing and pacing are consistent with the rest of the series. The author takes the time to immerse readers in the characters’ lives, making them feel familiar and relatable.

I liked Iris from the beginning—she’s the eldest Greene sister, organized, reliable, and always taking care of those around her. Outwardly, she appears strong and composed, but internally, she struggles with grief and loneliness. She rarely allows herself to rely on others, yet deep down, companionship is what she craves the most. Angel provides that comfort in ways she never expected. Despite their differences in lifestyle and personality, he understands the parts of her she keeps hidden from the world, making her feel truly seen.

I sympathized with her concerns about privacy, how Angel’s celebrity status would affect her and Calla’s life, and her fear of embracing her feelings. The author beautifully portrayed Iris’s grief and her slow, heartfelt journey toward love, allowing her to accept her emotions at her own pace.

Angel, true to his name, is kind-hearted and compassionate. A famous singer with a golden heart, he works hard and never turns down a fan’s request or a professional opportunity. Beneath his success, however, lies the weight of a difficult childhood.

His strict, religious mother disapproves of his choice to pursue pop and R&B music instead of gospel, frequently criticizing him. Though her words wound him, he never confronts her and continues to support his parents despite their strained relationship. His passion for music shines throughout the book, adding depth to his character.

One of my favorite moments was when Iris stood up to his mother in the climax. I also loved how Angel found the strength to distance himself from his mother’s negativity and prioritize his own well-being. His bond with his sister and their dog added warmth to the story.

The romance unfolds at a slow, realistic pace, blending the opposites attract and secret relationship tropes. The chemistry between Iris and Angel is palpable, and despite their differences, they complement each other in ways that make them a perfect match.

The climax played out as I predicted, and while I expected its impact on their relationship, I appreciated how it led Iris to confront her hesitations and fears. It was satisfying to see how this turning point also helped Angel address his own struggles, making their journey toward love feel all the more meaningful.

Overall, The Love Lyric is beautiful, emotional, and heartfelt conclusion to The Greene Sisters series, a romance with well-developed characters, touching themes, and a satisfying ending.

Iris is a widowed mother and working a corporate job that doesn’t bring her the joy it used to. Angel is a music sensation who’s had his eye on iris ever since they met years before the story takes place. Their lives are so different, but their willingness to make it work is so sweet. I love the Green Sisters books! Kristina Forest is so good at world building and I love the characters.

Kristina Forest really saved the best for last in her Greene sister trilogy! This book felt as though it had the most depth, as both main characters are working to overcome struggles in their past. Angel is working through the religious trauma given to him from his mother, and Iris is working on dating again years after she lost. her husband unexpectedly in a car accident. She had been a single mother ever since, and is finally ready to step out into the dating scene again.

Angel is the least celeb like celeb, and he truly is perfect. He supports Iris, understands and respects her boundaries, and works to ensure that he does not cross them. He and Iris developed a friendship first as they embark on the Save Face Beauty brand tour, and that allows for a much deeper, much realer relationship between the two of them. And they are incredibly supportive of each other, standing up for the other when they don't exactly want to stand up for themselves. Amazing

4.5 ✨

The end of the Greene sisters series and oh my gosh what a perfect way to end it with Iris and Angel’s story. It was a beautiful story of grief, standing up for yourself and about a second chance at love and I’m just obviously so obsessed with where The Love Lyric took me.

Angel is just an angel like his name suits him because he’s just a dreamboat, really considerate, sweet and totally a catch. He’s very protective of Iris and Calla’s privacy especially since he’s a public figure and all and he’s just simply obsessed with anything Iris related and he’s not afraid to show it. Iris is a total sweetheart, like one of the sweetest and kindest people you’ll ever meet. She’s a dedicated, caring and the best mom ever and she always puts Calla first no matter what. She’s a very driven person and very business wise. She’s equally obsessed with Angel and likewise isn’t afraid to show it either.

Their story was certainly a rollercoaster with ups and downs but at the heart of it was the love and respect these two shared. Iris had been dealing with a lot since her husband’s sudden death and how it was dealt with in this book was very tasteful and the journey she went through was very real. At the same time Angel was also going through a professional journey, where he wanted to branch out and do more of the music he wanted to do and not just what his label or his mom wanted to him to do.

Overall this book was just a complete joy to read and I’m definitely gonna read anything that Kristina writes next. I’m hooked.

🎶 What to expect:
— single mom
— workplace romance
— he’s s big time singer/songwriter
— spousal loss/grief representation
— road trip plot
— forced proximity
— he writes songs about her
— he falls first and HARD
— boy obsessed
— celebrity romance
— secret crush
— slow burn
— secret pinning

After Lilly and Violet got their happily ever after it was certainly time for Iris to get hers...

Iris lived through her 20’s married a mother and a widow there’s not much more life can throw at her. But is it time for a little romance to enter her life? Maybe... but definitely not with Angel who is currently working with the company she works for. They need a win after an unfortunate scandal and famous singer Angel the perfect person to get the job done. A week long tour and the fact that he wrote a song about her changes things for Iris. She knows she shouldn’t... her career is very important to her... but Angel is very tempting. And really nobody has to know right? Naturally the secret does get out and she has to decide what’s more important to her an impossible relationship with a famous man or the career she’s worked so long and hard for.

I loved this series, though I did want Angel to have actually confronted his mother cause she was awful. It’s hard to say goodbye to the Greene Sisters but I look forward to whatever the author comes up with next.

This was my first Kristina Forest book and it definitely won't be my last. The sweet chemistry between Angel and Iris was perfect. It was soft and romantic. They both deserved the happiness that the other provided.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for my ARC of this novel.

The Love Lyric was a sweet romance about taking chances and learning to love again. Although this is the 3rd book in the series, I read it without reading the first two books and still really enjoyed it. Kristina Forest creates two lovable characters who you want to root for in this novel.

Iris Greene, the oldest of the Greene sisters, is focused on raising her daughter and climbing the corporate ladder after losing her husband five years ago. She is at a point where she thinks she is ready to explore dating again, but is very cautious about choosing the right person. Enter, Angel, the pop sensation who is also a client of Iris' sister, Violet. He is handsome, kind and completely smitten with Iris, since their first encounter 3 years ago. Should she take a chance on love or will their differences keep them apart?

I love how Kristina highlights the grief of Iris in losing her husband, but also shows Iris putting in the work to heal from her grief and the relationship Iris has with her therapist. I also enjoyed the storyline around Angel stepping into his truth about the person and singer he wants to be, despite protests from his mother and label.
We get to experience the ups and downs of the relationship Iris and Angel share as well as their separate struggles.

I enjoyed this story and will definitely go back to read the first two books in the series. If you enjoy a cute romance with some spice thrown in, I would highly recommend this book.

Kristina Forest never disappoints, and "The Love Lyric" is no exception! While this is the third and final novel in The Greene Sisters series, it can be read as a standalone if you're craving a steamy celebrity romance.

And wow, is this one steamy! Iris and Angel have major chemistry, and while it takes time for them to crack, the anticipation is half the fun. As the new ambassador for the company Iris works for, Angel knows they should keep their hands off each other, but that’s easier said than done when they’re stuck together on an entire press tour.

With Iris having been a widow for the past five years and Angel navigating a strained relationship with his mother due to her religious beliefs, this story carries emotional weight that may be difficult for some readers. However, those comfortable with these themes will find them adding depth to the romance. And don’t worry, Greene Sisters fans—there are plenty of moments featuring Lily and Violet!

If you're a fan of romances that feature forced proximity, he falls first, and references to your favorite 90s cartoons, be sure to grab a copy of "The Love Lyric" at your favorite local bookstore.

The conclusion to the Greene sisters series is so cute and satisfying! Kristina is a gem with happily ever after's, and this is no different. I love her writing style and can't wait to read more from her.