The perfect finale to this sweet little queer series! I absolutely adored getting to know Iris better, and the anxiety rep in Stevie was amazing…which is to say it often made my chest feel tight as it mimicked my own. I loved this book and this series so much.

Love seeing the FF, but the pacing was so slow that this wasn't as entertaining as I hoped it would be.

I LOVED IT SO MUCH! this series brings me so much joy, the cute & cheesy (in the best way) love stories, the incredible friendships, the queer representation, the big life/career choices that come with being in your late 20s!! all of their journeys are so relatable and I’ve loved seeing pieces of myself in the characters of this series. . I am so sad to say goodbye to bright falls and these characters!

Iris and Stevie's story was chaotic and flirty and fun but with the sweetest moments thrown in. Stevie finally finding someone who had the patience to let her be herself. Iris Kelly trying so hard not to fall for her. I loved their development and the level of trust they had between them. Seeing Stevie truly come out of her shell with Iris was such a joy. Would definitely recommend!

I am a big fan of Ashley Herring Blake’s Bright Falls series. Delilah Green Doesn’t Care? Five stars, fantastic, made me laugh, made me cry. Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail? Started a bit slow, but grew on me to the point where I was yet again a sobbing mess saying “aww” through my tears. So when I tell you I jumped for joy when I was approved for an arc of the final instalment in the series, Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date, just know I’m not speaking in a figurative sense.

Suffice it to say; my hopes were very high for this book. And I wouldn’t say I was disappointed, but I did have a few more points of contention with this third book in the series, some of which began to rear their head in the second novel, but I was able to brush them aside in light of how fantastic the rest of the book turned out to be.

So let me get my few little gripes out of the way first so I can gush…

1. Blake has a tendency to introduce characters by describing their race and gender identity (and sometimes also their sexual orientation) in a way that feels a bit stilted and unrealistic. I understand her wanting to imbue the book with more diversity and to state that diversity clearly, but when it’s a character that’s being mentioned but never actually appears on the page or speaks, someone we never interact with, I don’t need to know their race and gender and sexual identity. It feels a bit like lip service, being able to point out how diverse the book is without those characters actually existing in the narrative. I don’t remember this being a problem in the first book. However, it has been a while since I read it, so I could be misremembering. But this was definitely something that was present in the second book and felt a bit awkward. Still, it became much more apparent in this final instalment and didn’t flow or feel natural. On top of the issue with the flow, it just doesn’t feel realistic. Especially when you’re in queer communities, you can’t know from looking at someone what their gender and sexual identity are. So describing a stranger at a bar as “female-identifying” felt very weird because unless that person was wearing a pin or holding up a sign stating that, looking at them is not enough information to go off of to determine that they are, in fact, female-identifying.

2. Stevie’s friends are the worst. Not just Adri, her ex-girlfriend, who I think we’re supposed to kind of hate, but also Ren, who is supposed to be her closest friend in the group and Vanessa, too, though she had very little page time. We get a little bit in the way of Stevie setting boundaries with her friends, explaining what she needs from them, and asking them to respect her as a person and her choices, but it wasn’t enough for my taste. The way they treated her was really not cool, and it made me dread spending time in Stevie’s chapters and having to read the things her friends were doing and saying.

3. The ending. I don’t want to spoil anything, and it was adorable in many ways, but it felt a bit abrupt. Not only did it try to wrap up all three of the love stories from the series in a single chapter, but it did it in such a way that it drew focus away from the couple we’d spent 300+ pages with, leaving us in a bit of an uncertain place with them as a couple and their future. Where are they going to settle? How is the relationship going? How are they integrating into each other’s lives and connecting with each other’s friends? We don’t get answers to any of these questions, and it felt a little unsatisfying for me, especially knowing this is the final book of the series, so we won’t be able to see snapshots of them later on in their relationship as we had the privilege to do with the first two couples.

4. This is minor, but I am pretty certain either Iris or Stevie said they were allergic to strawberries earlier on in the book, and then later in the book, they both eat strawberry pie. I was very concerned for their health, and it was never addressed!

Now on to the positive!

I loved Iris as a protagonist. She gave great bisexual rep, and I loved her confidence in her curvier body and her exuberance and wittiness and fun spirit! I also loved that we got to see her vulnerable underside, her hurt and the parts of herself she locked up for good, and the ways that Stevie can open her up again to the idea of love and partnership in a way that is so deeply relatable to so many people who have gone through a heartbreak.
I loved Stevie as a love interest. As a former actor who has dealt with anxiety and panic attacks, reading about a character who is an actor and has an anxiety disorder was a bit cathartic, to be honest. I felt the representation was great and loved how the author addressed that being an actor and dealing with anxiety are not mutually exclusive and that playing a part can be an escape for those who suffer from anxiety to get out of their own head and take on a new persona. It took a while to get to know Stevie on a deeper level. Still, as the book progressed, I began to really love her and enjoy the way she was incredibly thoughtful and supportive of Iris, in much the same way that Iris was so incredibly supportive and understanding of her.

Speaking of support and understanding, their dynamic was fantastic. The love, care, and respect they had for each other was next level and reminded me of my relationship with my partner and how we support each other through trauma, mental health struggles, insecurities, and more. In some ways, this felt like the most real, authentic, deep, and fully developed relationship from this series, and seeing the way they communicated with each other and learned to support each other was beautiful to read.

I found the setup of Iris writing a romance book and agreeing to fake date Stevie so she could get inspiration for writing the romantic scenes and Stevie trying to prove to her friends that she was self-sufficient and was moving on from her past relationship by fake dating Iris quite fun, and especially loved the inclusion of a production of a Shakespearean play. As a theatre nerd and big lover of Shakespeare, that’s always a plus in my book!

I struggled with the third-act misunderstanding/breakup that is so common in contemporary romance, and I struggled with reading the self-sabotage on both sides, but even still, I was so invested in their love story that I was able to push through for that happily ever after.

The steamy scenes were quite steamy, and the romantic scenes were absolutely adorable. The grand gesture was so thoughtful and sweet, and I may or may not have shed several tears as I read it.
Overall this was a great read, with possibly my two favourite characters from this entire series, in a book with a few more pet peeves and problems to pull me out of the narrative. I think with a little bit of re-working, many of the issues I had with his book could be fixed. It is a little disappointing to feel like the weaker parts of this book held back the incredible character development and love story at the centre. However, I am still thrilled I read it and will likely reread it in the future and will definitely be recommending it to everyone I know who enjoys romance!


Trigger/Content Warnings: panic attacks, vomit

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

Thank you Berkley for a romance that is so much more than a romance, which makes it a big win for me... Iris Kelly Doesn't Date is indeed a wonderfully fun and inclusive sapphic romance but what really was great was how much Ashley Herring Blake wanted Iris to explore self love, to know that romance and relationships don't make you a better person, and that being comfortable with yourself is perhaps the best way to experience and feel love.
What a surprisingly rich read, one I will be sharing with many friends. I know this will be a win for fans of this author and for readers who connect with books such as Alison Cochrun's work or Casey McQuiston (authors who I also feel capture inclusive relationships and themes on self growth, friendships and having a rich life, not just romance, nicely).

Iris Kelly Doesn't Date is an absolute gem of a book that took me on a delightful rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish. This heartwarming tale showcases the power of self-discovery and the beauty of finding love in unexpected places. With its charming characters, witty dialogue, and captivating storyline, this novel easily became an instant favorite. Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date is told in dual POV, following Iris and Stevie.

One of the highlights of this book is undoubtedly its protagonist, Iris Kelly. She is a breath of fresh air in a world dominated by clichéd romance plots. Iris is strong, independent, and fiercely authentic, refusing to conform to societal pressures. Her determination to follow her own path, instead of succumbing to societal expectations, is incredibly empowering and inspiring.

Throughout the story, Iris Kelly's journey is beautifully intertwined with her friendships and family relationships. These secondary characters are richly developed and add depth to the narrative, making the reader feel like a part of the tightly-knit community. The author's skillful portrayal of these relationships adds layers of emotion that tug at the heartstrings.

As Iris navigates the challenges of being single in a world that often equates happiness with being in a romantic relationship, she discovers that true love is not just about romance, but also about self-love and acceptance. This powerful message is subtly woven into the fabric of the story, making it resonate deeply with readers.

The writing style is engaging and flows effortlessly, making it difficult to put the book down. The author's ability to create vivid imagery transports the reader into the quaint town where Iris lives, and each scene is brought to life with evocative descriptions.

Moreover, the inclusion of humor and wit injects a healthy dose of laughter into the story, making it a thoroughly enjoyable read. The comedic moments are well-timed and add a perfect balance to the more poignant aspects of the plot.

Iris Kelly Doesn't Date is an essential read for anyone seeking a captivating and uplifting story that breaks away from traditional romance tropes. It's a celebration of self-discovery, personal growth, and the importance of forming meaningful connections beyond romantic relationships.

Highly recommended!

Now that it's been some time since I've read this, I am surprised how much the read stuck with me. I particularly appreciate the additional layers of Iris' personality and history we get to see in this book compared to the previous in the series. The author does a wonderful job of making Stevie and Iris relatable. But what I remember most fondly is Iris's tender and gentle handling of Stevie's anxiety. Their relationship felt so warm, supportive, and romantic.

Fans of the series will enjoy this installment.

Personally I think this is my favorite in the series.

I wasn't a fan of Delilah Green, felt so-so about Astrid Parker, but I liked Iris Kelly Doesn't Date! Both characters were endearing. It wasn't remarkable or life-changing, but it was a solid sapphic romance (though secretly I still kind of wish Iris ended up with Simon—I love friends-to-lovers and could've sworn that's what Ashley Herring Blake was trying to set up in Astrid Parker).

Would give it 3.5 stars.

I love love LOVED this book. This the third book in the series and by far the best one yet. The characters were so lovable in this novel opposed to the other ones. And we love a happy ending!

Herring Blake once again delivers a fantastic romp through small-town America. Iris is someone that readers of Blake's other books already know and I was so excited to get my hands on a copy of her book early! Blake never disappoints and this book is no different.

I was so excited to have received this ARC of Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date from @netgalley and @berkleyromance! I absolutely loved the first two books in the Bright Falls series so when I had the chance to read this one early I literally jumped!

In the last book of the series, we focus on Iris and a big fake dating mess that you of course fall in love with. I mean fake dating after a failed one night stand?? You can’t not love it! Iris is such a fun character but you also learn so much about the deeper parts of her and you feel so much for her as she grows throughout the book. And Stevie is someone you’ll fall in love with instantly. Her anxiety is so relatable. I loved having such a realistic main character and seeing her struggle to figure out love was refreshing. Fake dating is always a favorite trope of mine so this one was lovely! Stevie and Iris had such a good banter and they had good reasons for starting the fake dating which is very important to me.

I absolutely love Iris’s friend group since I felt like I’ve known them personally from spending the first two books with them. I loved seeing their relationships sprinkled throughout this book too. As for Stevie’s friends- they kinda sucked. Ren was good at giving tough love but I still didn’t love how she treated Stevie. Her ex girlfriend was garbage and Vanessa wasn’t any better. I wish she had more of a support system.

Overall I really loved this one and I’m so sad to not be able to visit Bright Falls in another book! I’m happy the ending of this one tied everyone’s stories together even from the two previous books. If you loved Delilah and Astrid, you’ll love Iris as well!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! The third in Ashley Herring Blake's Bright Fall series is the best yet! Another stunning sapphic romance starring Iris who has sworn off dating and has to learn to trust again - and anxiety-ridden Stevie who was honestly so relatable and inspiring. I loved having a character with anxiety so front and center! I would recommend this to anyone in need of a good romance.

Beautiful amazing gorgeous fun


Thank you soooooo much netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced review copy if this book💗
"I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

What a way to end this trilogy! I loved seeing the characters we met in the first and second books and how their lives have progressed since we met them while also getting to meet a new group of characters as well! Also can we just take a minute to admire this cover? I love it stunning, and so is the plot, I will definitely be recommending this one!

Great final addition to this series! Very easy and quick read that consumes you. Loved learning more about Iris and the Stevie character was so fun to read about too. Wish that Adri's toxic behavior was explored a bit more.

This is the best book of the Bright Falls trio, hands down! I loved Iris and Stevie's story so much. The tropes! The character growth! The theatre kid rep! It checked all my boxes and has officially become one of my top all time faves of the genre. I'm so sad this chapter of AHB's romances has come to a close, but after following this series from the beginning, I am so excited to see her growth as a storyteller and what comes next!

Another great queer adult romance from Ashley Herring Blake. It was a joy to head back to Bright Falls, and to read about Iris finding her HEA. Plus Stevie might be my favourite of the 3 books' love interests.

The third in Blake’s Bright Falls series, IRIS KELLY DOESN’T DATE is an absolutely perfect sapphic romance (again).

It features two strong characters: Iris, who has sworn off dating after years of being seen as a hookup and nothing more, and Stevie, who has just ended a long-term relationship and learning how to function independently.

Throw in some fake dating, romance lessons, and several other romantic tropes, and you get this sexy, swoony book that somehow manages to also be heartwarming and charming.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’m so sad to see this series go but very excited for what’s to come. With Iris’ book Ashley Herring Blake serves another amazing sapphic love story worth every second of reading. I loved it from start to finish. Pining, fake dating, and swoon worthy moments are all things you can expect from this book. I cannot recommend it enough!

This was my least favourite of the Bright Falls series. The characters and plot just fell flat for me. The fake dating storyline didn't really make sense and it just seemed the author was trying to cram a lot of different plot points into the novel. Also, Stevie's friends were pretty awful and controlling but they kept just being forgiven.