Just as great as the first two books in this series. I loved Stevie and Iris and watching them grow together on the page. A really romantic romance with a wonderfully queer cast and story.

In the final installment of the Bright Falls series by Ashley Herring Blake, we follow Iris Kelly, who doesn’t date. Everyone around her has found love, from her friends to her siblings to her happily married parents, and she’s happy for them—but Iris doesn’t want any of that. She’d rather focus on the real issue: being a romance author and being completely out of ideas for her second book.

Perfectly happy to ignore her problems, Iris goes out to a bar one evening and meets sexy, fun, and sweet Stefania. What starts as a great night ends in the worst possible one-night stand of all time. When she runs into Stefania, whose real name is Stevie, at an audition for a lead role in a role play, Stevie begs her to pretend to be her fake girlfriend to save face in front of her group of friends—which includes Stevie’s ex-girlfriend and their best friend who’s now her ex-girlfriend’s new flame. Iris, seeing an opportunity to gain inspiration for her novel, happily agrees. What starts out as fake dating and playing a happy couple on the streets soon turns into something more between the sheets…

Sapphic fake dating, what more could you want, am I right? Blake decides to end the highly beloved Bright Falls series with a wonderful romance between two struggling artists who, for their own reasons, are closed off to love…and yet somehow manage to open each other’s hearts for the possibility of a once-in-a-lifetime-romance.

Iris and Stevie were a such a great pairing and much of that comes down to their well-developed personalities. Iris is a bisexual queen and I loved her confidence in her curvier body and her determination not to let anyone tell her to follow the stereotypical, traditional road of what everyone else in her family has chosen. She’s fun, smart, and intriguing, but there’s so much more to her and as the story unravels, we learn the reasons for her decisions and why she’s so against dating.

Something that intrigued me a lot was Iris’s family. It was interesting to see her with her parents and siblings that have such traditional values which we still often see in society where you aren’t thought of a successful before you don’t complete the house-with-white-picked-fence-and-two-point-five-kids stereotype.

Stevie, meanwhile, just deserved to be wrapped up in a blanket and cuddled all day long. The way Blake approaches anxiety in this book with Stevie was so relatable and I loved that Stevie’s existence shows people that just because you live with anxiety does not mean you can’t want to be successful on a stage or in the spotlight. Stevie’s dream is acting and living with anxiety is not mutually exclusive with that dream.

I love this about Blake’s other novels in this series as well, but Iris and Stevie really were so supportive and understanding when it came to the other person. It always felt like, even when they didn’t see eye to eye, they respected each other on such a deep level that it infused their romance with so many layers. Whether it was about mental health, struggles in their professional lives or something else, those discussions always were a highlight to read about.

Being brutally honest, I actually didn’t like any of Stevie’s friends. Sure, Ren had some charming moments, but Adri and Vanessa had my blood boiling multiple times with how insensitive and downright despicable they were. Appreciating that Stevie eventually set boundaries and told her friends what she needs from them, but every time they treated her badly in the novel, I just wanted to chuck the entire thing to the point where I was frustrated the moment they entered a scene (which, again might have been the point but took away from Stevie as a POV).

Likewise, the ending also felt a bit all over the place for me. I’m not a fan of the traditional third-act break-up, and I struggled a bit with how much time we spent talking about the other couples of the series in the final chapters, but then again it is kind of hard wrapping up the entire series and showing where they other two couples are at without drawing attention away from the couple you’ve spent the last 300+ pages getting to know and love.

All in all, Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date is a satisfying, heartfelt conclusion to an exciting sapphic romance series that offers a lovely farewell to characters and will take the sting out of saying goodbye to the series once and for all.

4.5/5 Stars 3/5 Spice

Tropes:
Small Town
Sapphic Romance
Forced Proximity
Fake Dating
Opposites Attract
Spicy Lessons
Found Family

this was one of my most anticipated releases for 2023 & it did not disappoint. iris kelly & stevie scott meet at a club & have an adorable meet cute that turns disastrous. but to their surprise, life has other plans & the two are forced together in a theatre production. from there the two fall into a fake relationship (that turns into a *spicy* lesson relationship) that blossoms into a very real love story. - i loved everything about this. iris had up so many walls & stevie’s bashful, caring self just breaks them all down while simultaneously building stevie up. it was such a good opposites attract vibe between the two & their chemistry was off the charts. this was definitely the spiciest of the series & i gobbled it up. overall this series has been such a joy to read. i have loved these characters so much. the epilogue was an absolutely wonderful wrap up & i just wish i could live in these stories forever.

Iris Kelly Doesn't Date by Ashley Herring Blake
Bright Falls #3

I love this series so much!!! If you haven't read Delilah Green Doesn't Care and Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail, do not panic, you can always just stop reading whatever you are currently reading and start this amazing, hot, wonderful, sapphic romance series instead (But also, you can totally read them out of order!)

Iris meets Stevie at a Portland bar while hiding from her romance novel writer's block. They have a disastrous attempt at a one-night stand and assume they will never see each other again. Stevie fibs to her friends, however, and makes it sound like the two of them hit it off. When Iris surprisingly appears at an audition for the play that Stevie already has a lead role in, she quickly begs Iris to play along and pretend they are together. I truly never tire of fake dating!!! And all the previous characters of Bright Falls makes this book such a comfort read.

• You may or may not remember this about me but I am SUCH A SUCKER for bedroom and/or dating lessons and this one has a double sided version of it where Iris needs romance lessons to get creative juices flowing for the romance novel she is writing, and Stevie asks for a little bit of casual dating/hook up type lessons. It's brilliant and wonderful! Fav tropes galore!

• As usual for this series, the steamy parts are impeccable. So, so steamy and emotional growth woven in--just the way we like it!

• I really love the personal baggage that Iris and Stevie both have to overcome. AHB just writes character growth and characters you desperately root for so perfectly. The way Iris *does* actually need to be wooed and to feel safe, but doesn't know it at first. The way Stevie needs to put herself first and stand up for herself!

• The third act break up was definitely angsty and emotional, but it did feel worth it for the magnificent character growth that occurs!

Thanks so much Netgalley and Berkley romance

This third and final book in Ashley Herring Blake's Bright Falls series follows aspiring actress Stevie Scott and romance novel author Iris Kelly. After an attempted one-night stand ends in disaster (thanks to Stevie's general anxiety disorder, which feels authentically portrayed throughout the book), the pair are shocked to run into each other at auditions for a community theater production. A misunderstanding turns into a formalized fake dating pact, which both women have their own reasons for wanting. Of course, that's quickly complicated when they both start to catch feelings and must decide whether they want to turn their fake relationship real.

I read the first and missed the second book in this series. While I think readers would appreciate it more having read both the first two (lots of cameos by the previous couples, who are part of Iris's extended friend group), it isn't a requirement to understand and enjoy this one. The supporting characters are mostly very fun, although some of Stevie's friends really don't come off as very good friends, and the way she wrapped things up with her ex soured me a little bit on the book. I also felt like the pair took the fake dating premise a little too far (sex lessons? really?) which didn't feel terribly realistic.

Overall, though, I felt like the emotional growth of the two main characters was very satisfying. They supported each other and worked through their issues in what felt like a realistic way. There was quite a bit of sex, but also some sweet scenes and fun banter as well. Readers who loved the first two books will enjoy this final entry in the series.

This is the 3rd book set in Bright Falls and possibly the best. Iris finally gets her moment, after being the funny and supportive friend in the previous books, and it's worth the wait. A lovely romance, with humor and self discovery. I'm hoping we get a book 4 that focuses on Simon next!

"Iris Kelly Doesn't Date" by Ashley Herring Blake is a delightful 4-star read that combines humor, heart, and a touch of romance to create an engaging story.

Iris Kelly, a romance author who has sworn off dating, finds herself in a hilarious and unexpected situation after a one-night stand with Stefania, whom she later discovers is actually Stevie. This quirky twist sets the stage for a fake relationship that turns out to be anything but an act.

Ashley Herring Blake masterfully captures Iris' journey to happiness with sensitivity and humor. The character dynamics are real and relatable, especially Stevie's struggle with anxiety, which adds depth and authenticity to the story. Readers will be drawn into the unique bond between Iris and Stevie, watching it evolve into a heartfelt and engaging narrative.

This book is the third installment in the Bright Falls series, but it works well as a standalone read. Blake's writing is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, complex characters, and an atmospheric setting that creates a cozy and enjoyable reading experience.

The chemistry between Iris and Stevie is palpable, and their relationship, despite its initially unconventional nature, is both heartwarming and genuine. As the story unfolds, you'll discover that there's more to their connection than meets the eye.

"Iris Kelly Doesn't Date" is a witty and heartfelt romantic comedy that explores the complexities of love, relationships, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. It's a perfect escape for anyone seeking a cozy LGBTQIAP+ romance with a touch of humor and a dash of authenticity.

I want to express my gratitude to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for sharing this book with me. The well-written characters and well-developed storyline make it an ideal choice for a cozy fall read. Whether you're a fan of the Bright Falls series or new to Ashley Herring Blake's work, this book is sure to leave you with a smile and a warm heart.

Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ .5/5
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶 /5

I have loved this series since the first page of Delilah Green's book and this book was the perfect ending for all the beloved characters.

I have been so curious about Iris since she was first introduced. I loved her energy and lust (pun intended) for life. I am so happy we got to see more of her true self and I found the sweet, anxious Stevie was a perfect balance for her. I really enjoyed how Stevie and Iris met and the perfect awkwardness that followed. Their entire relationship was beautiful. Seeing the growth they both had through the story and how they each pushed the other to be their best selves was perfectly written.

I was am still am sad that the series was over but each character was given such a perfect ending that I can't imagine a better way to have it all come together. I highly, highly recommend this series!

Thank you so much Netgalley, Berkley and Penguin for my advanced copy of this book.

fake dating! sapphic love! anxiety representation! incredible queer found family! an emotionally guarded romance author who loves sex, and a shy theatre nerd who loves romance and needs help open up physically… WHATEVER WILL HAPPEN?!?!

it’s cute, it’s cheesy, the third act break up is dumb, the easter eggs to characters to the first two books in the series are fun, and these mainly are books to read for a delightful and steamy and sweet good time!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️— really liked it! #radfourstarreads #radkindlereads

I adore Bright Falls and had no idea how much I was going to fall for Iris. She always felt like the standoff-ish over the top friend, but we didn't really know her and getting to know her so well during this book was amazing. I feel like I can really relate to her using all her defenses to keep her heart safe and her deep-seated fear of being left and used. I also related so hard to Stevie and her anxiety and how her friends take over because they think she needs them to be her voice, when really she needs them to support her use her own voice. Their chemistry was fabulous and this book was spiiiiicy. I loved the fake dating and how supportive Iris was of Stevie and caring even when she had just met her. The ending had me in chills and actually crying because I will miss this town and group of friends so much!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest rview

CW: cheating (past), anxiety, vomit

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-f/f contemporary romance
-one night stand gone wrong
-fake dating
-sex lessons
-romance lessons
-this is just a hookup
-found family
-only one room

Gosh, I adored this one. Iris is the perpetually single one in her friend group, her family. Newly single Stevie is figuring out what her life now looks like. What was supposed to be a hot one night stand ends up in vomit, but life brings these two back together as they fall into fake dating each other in order to help Stevie out with her ex.

I adored how both Iris and Stevie needed the other to see themselves a bit more clearly. They had such a great friend groups, but this was their main character moment. The sex lessons were spectacualr and I adored how it was an opportunity for Stevie to ask for what she wanted, she wasn't passive in her elssons. Clear consent just makes things so much hotter. These two had amazing chemistry, great communication, and just such realistic struggles with sex and relationships.

It was so lovely to see all of my favoites from Bright Falls and their well deserved HEA.

Steam: 3.5

4.5 - “She was just a shell of a person she was even second ago, and she didn’t know how to put herself back together, how to do anything but simply dive into the explosion, join it, become one with all the shrapnel.”

I’ve loved both of the first two Bright Falls novels and this one was no different.

I loved both Iris and Stevie. Iris has sworn off love, but is still trying to finish her romance novel though she’s hit a roadblock. Suddenly she finds herself in a queer retelling of Much Ado About Nothing opposite Stevie. They decide to fake date, Iris hoping for inspiration for her book. Their initial relationship is a bit convoluted, and they have some rules for how to go about it. The longer this goes on, the more palpable the tension between them becomes. Regardless of Iris's aversion to be in a relationship, it's clear that she has deeper feelings for Stevie than she wants to admit.

Their tension is excellent. One thing I’ve noticed throughout all of Ashely Herring Blakes’s novels is how she manages to create these main characters that the reader can’t help but sympathize with and root for. Iris struggled with anxiety and moving on with her life, and I feel like that’s something that will resonate with so many people. There’s an innate care that Blake puts into the serious topics in her books and they’re always explored so carefully and respectfully. Iris has such a great arc that culminates in her realizing that it's ok to put herself out there.

Stevie has her own issues, and has a toxic ex. She feels stilted at the beginning, her confidence not where it needs to be. There are some things with Stevie and her ex and her friends that aren’t exactly resolved, and I really wanted to see that situation handled. There was a great opportunity there, and I love seeing characters realize they deserve more. It felt like this moment happens and then there is no resolution that's satisfying; Stevie deserves to have better people in her corner.

Overall, as is with the first two books in the series, this is an absolutely fabulous book. It balances the sweetness of the romance with the heavy, emotional moments so well.

So freaking good. Iris and Stevie absolutely deserve the world and their love is everything. I love how this story was told, how you think it’s going to go and be about but it ends up not being that way at all. Just utter perfection!

✨ Review ✨ Iris Kelly Doesn't Date by Ashley Herring Blake

The third and final book in the Bright Falls series might be my favorite of the bunch. Iris Kelly, friend of Claire, Delilah, Astrid, and Jordan from books 1 and 2, has resolved no longer to date after two messy long-term entanglements. Stevie Scott, budding actress with lots of anxiety, decides to just try a one-night stand after continual frustration that her best friend and previous gf of 6 years has moved on so seamlessly.

The two meet at a bar and have what amounts to a hilarious not-so-one-night-stand. When the two meet again shortly thereafter at the try outs for a queer performance of Much Ado about Nothing, they end up agreeing to fake date so Stevie can save face with her friends / ex and Iris can practice some romance to get in the mood to write her next book.

This had the perfect blend of laughs and romance, and was an over-the-top joy of a fake dating story. I loved that this featured two queer friend groups -- Stevie's and Iris's, and also brought the theatrical sense of drama full force. I do think the last quarter of the book could have been condensed down a bit, but overall this was so much fun to read!

I listened to maybe 25-30% of this and enjoyed the narration!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫 (4.5)
Genre: f/f contemporary romance, fake dating
Setting: Portland and Bright Falls, OR, briefly NYC
Audio Length: 11 hours 51 minutes
Pub Date: October 24, 2023

Read this if you like:
⭕️ fake dating
⭕️ theater - queer Shakespeare remakes
⭕️ small town meets big city
⭕️ queer friend group fun

Thanks to Berkley, PRHAudio and #netgalley for the advanced copies of this book!

In the third Bright Falls book, we see Iris Kelly facing writer's block as she attempts to write her second romance novel. She successfully penned one, but her two-book deal's deadline is looming over her and the idea of romance makes her want to vomit. Iris is more of a love 'em and leave 'em type, preferring one night stands to dating after a series of disastrous relationships. An recent attempted hook-up ends with actual vomit and crying, and while Iris hopes to put the incident out of her memory, she runs into the woman, Stevie, again as her costar in a local community play. The two agree to be fake girlfriends: Iris to become inspired to write her novel and get her family off her back about being single, and Stevie to show her friends (and ex) that she's moved on and become more comfortable with casual intimacy. But we all know how the fake dating trope goes...

I love this series and I love this book. Iris and Stevie are both such fun, interesting characters that I totally shipped and loved reading about. The theater made for a fun setting and Stevie's ex was the perfect character you love to hate. The standard third act break-up was done in a fresh way, and I enjoyed how everything came together in the end. Hope to see more from this author!

Thanks to Berkley for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 10/10

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is book 3 in a series, and while it could be read as a stand alone it is best read in order (also the other two books are fab so check them out).

Iris is known for having fun and not being in a relationship. She's the queen of the one night stand. Her first meeting with Stevie was hilarious and memorable. Their second meeting and their "fake relationship" while they are actually falling in love was beautiful.

Loved this book and series so much. Highly recommended

Iris Kelley Doesn’t Date was a great ending to the series. It’s my least favorite of the three but still great. The story, characters, and the spice were all good!

And we're back in Bright Falls for Iris this time! This is the third book in the series of romances of the 3 friends (Astrid, Claire, and Iris) — I always love seeing the other characters show up in the friends' stories.

From an awkward half-night stand to fake dating to real feelings, Iris and Stevie grew on me as they grew on each other. While Stevie navigates intense anxiety and her ex dating her best friend, Iris believes she is not relationship material. Then they end up playing the lead characters in Stevie's ex's adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing and strike up a deal of fake dating to get their friends off their backs.

Overall this was a little slow for me, but I enjoyed it. My favorite part was probably the depiction of Stevie's anxiety — I really related to that and loved seeing her character work through her apprehensions to be vulnerable and intimate with someone new.

I'm looking forward to seeing what Ashley Herring Blake writes next!

What a beautiful last book in the Bright Falls series. I love Stevie. I just absolutely love her. I feel her anxiety and her worries so much. I adore her and Iris’ fake dating messiness. I don’t want to say good bye to this town and these lovely people.

While my least favorite of the trilogy, Ashley Herring Blake still delivers a triumphant, heartfelt, and steamy conclusion to Bright Falls. Readers will surely see parts of themselves within Stevie and Iris, making this all the more special.