The Love Lyric is the third book in Kristina Forest’s hit series following the lives of the three Greene sisters. After loving The Neighbor Favor and The Partner Plot, I was so excited to finally dive into eldest sister Iris’ story!

Iris Greene has been working hard to provide a beautiful life for her and her young daughter after the death of her husband Terry. She has a high powered job at a beauty brand and was recently assigned to oversee the company’s partnership with R&B singer Angel, whom Iris knows through her sister Violet. Unbeknownst to Iris, Angel has been harboring a crush on her for years and now, with the two of them working together, they are about to find out just how electric their chemistry really is.

Even though this is the third book in the series, The Love Lyric can be read as a standalone. There will be minor spoilers for The Neighbor Favor and The Partner Plot but nothing that should ruin those reading experiences. The Love Lyric was the most complex of Forest’s Greene Sisters novels considering the hefty emotions Iris is carrying after the loss of her husband. Watching her navigate her grief and open herself up to love again was beautiful and I loved how considerate Angel was of her feelings. They both put a lot of effort into their relationship which resulted in them having many important conversations as their emotions progressed.

In return, Iris was also incredibly supportive of Angel. I wasn’t expecting to be so moved by Angel’s backstory and thought that it did a great job of deepening his character. Everything about the way these two maneuvered together seemed so healthy and stable and I was rooting for Iris and Angel to find their happily ever after the entire time I was reading.

There were so many fun uses of romance tropes in this book and the way Forest crafts her characters makes my heart melt. Her writing is so cozy and effortless to fall into. Forest has become an auto-read author for me and I am excited to pick up whatever she puts out next!

What You’ll Find:
Forbidden workplace romance
Celebrity x normal person
Single parent
Forced proximity

Thank you Berkley Romance and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This books was a good conclusion to the sisters stories. This one wasn't my favourite as I didn't buy the forbidden romance aspect that it was trying to pull off. But overall solid story with likeable and relatable characters, which is saying something when one is a R&B star.

3.5 stars
1 spice

I loved this book so, so much. Iris and Angel were such a well matched, beautiful couple and I loved getting to experience their story. The Love Lyric was such a great conclusion to a series I’ve genuinely loved, and while I’m sad to see it end, I’m happy that the Greene sisters found the love they deserve 🩵

Thank you so much to @kristinaforest_ and @berkleyromance @berkleypub for an Arc of The Love Lyric 💜

Iris Greene had her life planned out… until she fell in love, got pregnant, married, and became a widow all within a year and a half. Now, she’s a hardworking single mom and a director at a beauty company, but the loneliness is there, and grows more and more as time goes by.

Pop R&B star Angel Harrison seems to have it all, but his career feels empty, and his love life is nonexistent. When he partners with Iris’s company, he’s thrilled to reconnect with her, the woman he’s secretly admired for years. Their chemistry is undeniable, but with their lives on different paths, can they find a way to make it work?

I absolutely loved the Greene sisters, and all of their books, but Iris and her story was most definitely my favorite of the 3. Ever since Angel and Iris met in The Neighbor Favor, I NEEDED their story, and it didn’t disappoint.

Iris is a widowed single mother and trying to navigate her life alone. One night at her anti-wedding she meets an up-and-coming singer, Angel, and despite an attraction she avoids his interest and moves on with her life. Fast forward 3 years later, and Iris is now a director of partnerships at a Beauty company and the partnership they just made with the latest pop superstar is non other than Angel. Angel has been interested in Iris since they met and he plans to use his opportunity to finally get the girl.

There is so much I loved about this story. I loved Iris and Angel together. Iris and Angel both had things in their pasts that they had to work though in order to really give their relationship a shot. Through the course of the book you learn more about how both Iris and Angel’s experiences shape who they are and how they move in the world. Angel has unending patience with Iris as she works through what she wants and how she feels. I love the way that Angel is careful with Iris and shows her over and over exactly how he feels when he fears saying the words might scare her away. If you want a feel good book with a HEA this book checks all the boxes.

Huge thank you to Berkley Romance for the free book! #berkley #berkleypartner

This was my absolute favorite in The Greene Sisters series. The romance in this book feels like a soft hug, yet the chemistry between Angel and Iris was off the charts. I felt every bit of their love and I just couldn’t get enough.

I want to add, the way Iris’ grief was written, it was truly handled with care, and I really appreciated that.

I’m so sad this series is over, it’s been such a fun ride!

I don't read a lot of contemporary romance, but the Greene Sisters series is so great I always break my historical romance/SFF streak to pick one up. All three books are bangers!

If you read the first two books in the series, you're familiar with Iris, eldest Greene sister. She's a successful corporate executive and widowed single mom who seems to have it all together. You've also met Angel, one of middle sister Violet's clients. Violet is a fashion consultant for the stars, and Angel is a super popular singer. He was dazzled by Iris the first time the met, and he's still infatuated now. And, luckily for him, Iris is just about ready to start dating again!

I love Kristina Forest's ability to write low angst romances that are still really compelling. Iris's hesitation to date one of the biggest pop stars around might not exactly be relatable, but it's very understandable. And Angel's combination of confidence, background of religious trauma, and people pleasing tendencies make him both complex and one of the sweetest cinnamon rolls I've ever read.

I also want to praise the way Forest incorporates therapy and mental health care into her books. Her characters don't start seeing a therapist and get magically healed and ready for a relationship, but they do recognize the importance of mental health and healthy relationships. Forest does this better than just about any other author I've read, and I love her for it.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest is a delightful & heartwarming opposites attract celebrity romance between a R&B/pop superstar & a single mom/young widow that’s a corporate executive he has to work closely on a new campaign with. This was a slowburn, stomach-fluttering beauty of a story that made me absolutely giddy.

This is book #3 in The Greene Sisters series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. However, I’ve read & enjoyed them all so I do recommend the whole series!

The Love Lyric is great for those looking to read…
🎵 Celebrity Romance (R&B/Pop Superstar)
🎵 Forced Proximity
🎵 Single Mom/Young Widow
🎵 He Falls First
🎵 He Writes a Song For Her 😍

This hero is absolutely swoon worthy. He even writes a song for her & is so caring. This story was a slow burn but it felt so right for the characters. I adored how he fell first & he fell hard. Ever since reading the first book in the series, The Neighbor Favor, I’ve been so curious for Iris’s story & it delivered in an electric fashion.

I’ve loved this entire series because it’s about a trio of sisters. They’ve all been through so much & they have such uniquely beautiful stories, but they all share the same heart, family & love. It was a joy to watch them all get their happily ever afters.

If you’re looking to get lost in an emotional, lyrical & melodious romance, I highly recommend The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest!

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Berkley Publishing for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

Happy Pub Day 🥳

The final installment of the Greene sisters. I’ve beeeen waiting for Iris’s story because I knew it would be so good.

Iris is a single mother working as a skincare marketer & also a widow. She meets Angel a popular musician & baby he was obsessed with Iris (in a good way) ! This story was just so sweet with a little bit of steam.

I love Kristan Frost down because these books have gotten better watch Time & I’m sad it’s ending.

Thank you to Netgalley & Berkley Romance for the ARC

This was the best way to end the romance series! This book is the thrid and final book in the Greene sister series that follows Iris and Angels romance story. This book is a forbidden workplace romance with slow burn and forced proximity. Angel is a R&B singer while Iris works in the beauty marketing industry. Angel is a brand ambasssador for the beauty company Iris works for and they have to work together. My favorite part of the book is when Angel wrote a song about Iris and the first time Iris hears the song is on the radio on her way to work. (so cute). I love kristina Forest's writing and I cannot wait to read her next book!

4.5/5 stars

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.

“The Love Lyric” by Kristina Forest 🎶💙

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

what a beautiful, tender, angelic story! there is so much gentleness, healing, and hope in this story, I just adored it in every single way 🥹

Angel is the sweetest softest MMC. he is on his own journey of healing, growth, and persistence, and he always puts his kindest, most open hearted foot forward, especially with Iris. oh how I loved Iris. I wanted to give her a big, tight hug, tell her she’s going so well. her story of grief, persistence, healing, and dedication is so special, heart wrenching and heartwarming to read. she deserved all the love and support she gets from her people, and Angel especially.

Angel and Iris’s love story, and just this entire book, is filled with so much joy, tenderness, humor, healing, respect, and oh so much love— just absolutely perfect 🥹💙

thank you so much for the arc!!!!

4/5 Stars 2/5 Spice

Tropes:
✨ Celebrity Romance
❤️‍🩹 Love After Loss
💕 Single Mom
❤️‍🔥 He Falls First
🔥 Slow Burn.

this was so sweet. i loved these two with my whole chest. iris & angel had such a heartwarming romance. love after loss + single mom with a sexy r&b singer? say less. it was everything. definitely recommend. i will be going back to read the other two books in this series. i really loved this authors writing style.

I knew I would adore Angel and Iris since their romance was only HINTED at, and let me tell you- I was right.

Iris and Angel as a couple were ELITE. Their chemistry is insane from their first interaction until the final page. The two were so perfect for each other despite their different lives, and I was blushing, giggling, and kicking my feet the entire way through.

Iris went on a great journey through this story. She wants try dating, but has a clear idea of what she wants. At first glance Angel is the polar opposite of that, but I loved seeing her realize that he was what she *needed*. And naturally I adored her and Calla (who’s just the cutest).

Angel was one of my favorite parts of this book. Not only was he so down BAD for Iris, he was also just the sweetest, most charming book boyfriend you’ll ever meet. I was absolutely obsessed with him from start to finish, and I LOVED getting to see him bond with Calla a bit.

I also liked seeing the other Greene sisters and their partners. I love this series, so I enjoyed Lily and Violet’s scenes throughout this book (and of course I love getting to see them happy with Nick and Xavier).

I don’t stay up until 3 AM reading a book unless I absolutely love it, so take that as your sign to READ. THIS. BOOK.

(and the rest of the series)

Beautifully written to demonstrate the tensions within Iris as he opens herself up for love. The years-long journey to love was well documented and the dots were connected. Loved every second of this book. A wonderful way to wrap up the sisters love stories.Go read!! BRAVO KRISTINA!

A huge thank you to Berkley Romance for the free book. #BerkleyPartner #Berkley

What a fantastic finale to the Greene Sisters trilogy!

Meet Iris: a career-driven single mom and young widow who finds herself on a work trip with the charming R&B singer Angel. As they travel together, sparks fly, and Iris discovers that love can bloom in the most unexpected places.

As the responsible eldest daughter myself, I felt an instant connection to Iris—her struggles and triumphs hit home. And Angel? Let’s just say his patience, understanding, gentleness, and humility make him swoon-worthy. I mean, when he asks Iris, “Who takes care of you?” 🫠

Iris and Angel embody that old-school quiet storm vibe—sweet, soulful, and undeniably powerful. Their openness and vulnerability made me root for them even more.

The side characters brought so much life to the story. Iris’ daughter Calla is an absolute delight, and the dynamics with Iris’ sisters and parents add layers of warmth and depth to the story. The strong family bonds are a beautiful backdrop to Iris’ journey.

Honestly, I’m sad to see this series come to an end!

If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming love story infused with old-school R&B songs, this book is a must-read! Trust me, you won’t want to miss this journey of love and self-discovery.

I have read all three of The Greene Sisters series and The Love Lyric is my favorite!!! The swoony love story of Iris and Angel had me falling for both of them!! I thought the characters were well developed and real and I appreciated how caring and attentive Angel was to Iris. He understood that her daughter and job were important to her and he respected that. And the spicy scenes were spicing!!

If you like spicy romances, swoony characters, R&B vibes, he falls first, and a sweet match made in Heaven then pick this book up today!!

I really enjoyed the instant chemistry between Iris and Angel and the forbidden romance aspect to it. It is definitely a slow burn, but I don’t think there was any way to make the story believable without that given the history and connection between the two MCs and it makes that first kiss that much steamier.

I found Iris to be extremely relatable when it came to her career. She’s hungry for success but doesn’t know what that looks like anymore and I just found that to be a whole mood.

That said, I would’ve loved to see a little more depth to them. Both Iris and Angel have been through some trauma and I didn’t feel like that was fully explored in the most meaningful way.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and will definitely be coming back for more Greene sisters and Forest’s future work!

I LOVE This series! This is such a sweet and beautiful love story for Angel and Iris. Iris is a widow and a single mom. Angel is a musician and he has had it bad for Iris for some time now. The backstory of Angel and the hardship of having a parent who wouldn't accept him and his music due to religion and Iris needing to allow love in again just really worked so well together. They are such a good couple and I am sad that this series is done.

The audio narration is amazing! J. Shani Michaels & Ian Hackney did such an incredible job and the audiobook is def worth picking up!

Thank you to @berkleyromance and @prhaudio for a free ebook and audiobook copy.

✨Summary:

Iris Greene has spent years focused on her career and raising her daughter alone, but she can’t ignore how lonely she feels since her husband died. Then, at her sister’s wedding, she runs into R&B star Angel—who just so happens to have had a crush on her for years. Their attraction is instant, but there’s one problem: their careers demand professionalism, and resisting temptation on a high-profile campaign tour is easier said than done.

✨Review:

This was such a heartwarming way to wrap up the Green sisters trilogy! I connected with Iris so much and LOVED the progression of her character in this book. And ughh, she and Angel were just so cute together! I loved how he helped her loosen up and have fun while also being the steady support she’s been missing since losing her husband. One of my favorite things in romance is seeing characters grow because of each other, and this book delivered. Iris rediscovers her passion, and Angel learns to stand firm in his convictions and boundaries. I just hate that the ending wrapped up so fast. But overall, this was such a sweet and charming read that had me smiling all throughout! 4⭐️

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Berkley, and Kristina Forest for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion!