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lmcoffman's review
challenging
hopeful
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
librarypaste's review
4.5
Come for the romance, stay for the thoughtful approach to living as ethically as possible in a racist, sexiest, capitalist world!
sofiaf10's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
kitskey's review
Okay, granted romance isn’t my preferred genre but I thought the sub-plot would help me power through. Maybe I blacked out when Parkie and Glory started liking each other seriously because I truly don’t remember nor see what they like about each other? Also is something going on with Glory’s aunts belongings or no? I feel like by page 200 we should have a better idea? But we don’t. I don’t know girl, also the pace was slow for me!
anastasiabookgirl's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
nikkiliberatore's review
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
coits's review
Lush Lives is a romance for wayward creatives, academics, & lovers of ephemera. There was so much vibrant matter/space in this story, and that may have been my favorite part of it. In addition to all the good story stuff surrounding the romance, the romance itself felt very true to life. Though Glory and Parkie together make a lovely pair, though, what I enjoyed more was their character development as individuals. Each of their internal worlds were so deftly written, and learning about how they each moved through the world was a tender experience. My least favorite part was the dialogue, which did not feel true to life and, in fact, felt a little stiff. It was a small annoyance in an otherwise good story, though, and did little to deter me from finishing the book and being happy I read it. Tropey, brainy, sexy--this was a beautiful read.
ramossnr's review against another edition
4.0
Unlike other reviewers, I did not find this novel boring or dry. Lyon incorporates strong characterization, an intriguing literary mystery, and the typical romance tropes (opposites attract, miscommunication, etc). The last few chapters had some reveals that felt a little too coincidental, but I wasn't taken out of the narrative. There wasn't a lot of tension or urgency in the narrative to begin with; we're leisurely getting to know our characters and their relationships. Right before the denouement, Glory reveals a looming tax bill for her inherited property. Lyon missed an opportunity to invigorate the narrative by having Glory walk into Cuthbert's knowing she needed the money from a successful sale to keep the brownstone and continue her art. Then the long(ish) exploration of the mystery manuscript's providence and subsequent hints at it being literarily significant would been more compelling. That being said, I liked the novel as it was, and I would recommend it to folks who enjoy sapphic romance and want to experience the art scene of Harlem (Renaissance and modern day).