A review by dhatislandbookworm
The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

As soon as we were introduced to Angel at the end of Violet's book, I immediately needed The Love Lyric so I could read his and Iris's story. Now that it's here, I have to say: it was worth the wait.

Angel and Iris are a match made in heaven (no pun intended!)

Kristina Forest was able to write one of the most down bad, but patient and caring MMCs. Angel always respected Iris's boundaries, despite her initial reservations about loving again. He never prodded Iris about her husband's death, never tried to rush their relationship, and let Iris open up to him in her own time. And the adoration he has for her daughter Calla? *swoon*

When it comes to Iris, Forest was able to capture the overachieving-burntout millennial-older sister character well. Like a lot of us, Iris doesn't take time for herself and is a 'yes' woman, despite the consequences. (When Angel asked "But who take cares of you?," I felt that to my core. ) The growth from the woman who she is at the beginning of the book to the woman she becomes was a joy to experience.

Forest was also able to expertly navigate Iris's journey with grief and trying to love again. You can see Iris slowly learn to accept that she does deserve to be happy and vulnerability is not something that you should be afraid of.

However, I think my favorite thing about Angel and Iris's relationship is the way they push each other to be their best selves. Neither Angel nor Iris feel like their career is fulfilling and they encourage each other to go after what they want, even if it may seem daunting.

The Love Lyric is hands down my favorite book in the Greene Sisters trilogy, but Lily, Violet, and Iris all hold a special place in my heart. I always love reading about Black women being loved out loud.

I can't wait to see was Forest has next up her sleeve, because I know it'll be just as great as this.