“As long as you all remember this blessed union started because I’m a nosy bitch who wants all of her friends to be happy and have regular access to great sex.”

5⭐️ 5🌶️

THAT IS IT… sorry Delilah but Iris is my absolute favorite of this trio 🥹🥹🥹

I was so excited to see the fake dating trope from Ashley, and it was executed perfectly!! That isn’t always the case in romcoms but the characters had such amazing and intoxicating chemistry (albeit a bit awkward at first but you know, things always are when vomit is involved) that I just ate this book and them some so quickly!

Our Bright Falls stories continue with Iris who has found herself being the 7th wheel of the friend group and constantly harassed by her mother to date, marry, pop babies out you know.. the traditional societal concepts of how to be a grown up. Iris is my little rebel; and in so many ways I felt like I was Iris. Contrary to what many people think, I love it when characters do more normal things for a living and Iris is trying to make it as a romance writer. I guess in a way this is paying homage to Ashley Herring Blake herself and I loved every second of it.

Our other main character is the sweetest person you’ll ever meet on paper, Stevie and omfg do I want to just grab her and hug her until she can’t breathe. Her character development throughout the book was absolutely amazing. To see her grow into herself and get her confidence out was truly incredible. She is sweet, caring, full of anxiety **any similarities with myself is pure coincidence** and pls can she boss me around the bedroommmmmmmm!!!

There’s a lot of things in this story that feel so damn real. The biggest one is how narcissistic I found Adri to be. Does Adri remind me a little of my stupid ex? (Who ofc was classic definition of narcissist?) ONE HUNDRED PERCENT YES! I was soooo ready to grab her by the neck and shake her a little bit. Stevie was way too good for Adri and I’m so glad she came across Iris because they were exactly what each needed at that moment. I’d love to say Afro got better as the story progresses but I don’t know that she did.. she simply got busy.

I really loved the structure and representation in this book. Not everyone views sexuality the same way and it’s not that common to find romance novels where one the main characters isn’t all ready to go the first chance they get. I have always loved the varied representation Ashley includes in her novels but for me this one takes the top. I have recommended it to a friend who I believe will find comfort in Stevie and be able to relate to how she feels about sexual encounters. I love seeing how as time passes, authors are being so much more inclusive in their works.

AND THE SPICE??? ASHLEY BBY YOU PULLED OUT ALL THE PEPPERS FOR THIS ONE 🤌🏻😮‍💨🥵💦
When I tell you I read a particularly spicy scene 5 mins before having to into a work meeting AND CHOCKED ON MY LUNCH………….
I was over here clutching the desk, unable to breathe, sweating like a pig, clenching my thighs, eyes bulging, and then sweet dear Stevie comes out of left field with a very particular line and I was done… I WAS ON THE FLOOR DONEEEE WITH THIS LIFE. Hyperventilating some sense back into myself because I needed to compose myself and go into a meeting. Ashley did not hold back. It’s not that the spice is the spiciest of things.. but when combined with the innocence of Stevie and the absolute amazing and delicious chemistry the characters have.. ORGASMIC INDEED!!

I am so sad to think this is the end of the trilogy 😭 hopefully there will be other stories about side characters? I would loooooove to see how Ruby grows into a woman and learn more about her character!!

5/5

The final book in the Bright Falls series and my absolute favorite! Ashley Herring Blake is back with a queer twist on Shakespeare and fake dating with cynical Iris Kelly finally meeting her match. This luminous queer romance had me from its very first pages. I love disaster meet cutes and boy did these two have one. By far one of my favorite romances of 2023. It's hot as hell, especially vulnerable, and just so lovely. I’m going to keep coming back to this one now and forever.


Full review will be posted on my blog closer to publication

I enjoyed this book. The characters were well thought out and the plot was paced in a way that made sense. I would recommend this book to others and would enjoy reading other novels by this author.

Iris Kelly Doesn't Date is the third book in the Bright Falls universe. While you don't have to read the others before this one, it is recommended. Ashley Herring Blake gives readers another queer couple to root for in this small town.

Iris Kelly is so sick of being set up by her mother. She has no desire to get entangled romantically, with men or women, after her disastrous affair with a married woman last year. But, she is finding it increasingly difficult to write her romance novels and be around her friend group that is all happily coupled up.

Meanwhile, Stevie is still reeling from the end of her long-term relationship. It might be easier to move on if her ex wasn't dating another of their friends and they weren't in forced proximity. When her acting career still isn't taking off, she agrees to take a part in the local theater production (that her ex runs), and she accidentally gets into a fake dating scenario with Iris, a one-night-stand-gone-wrong.

The tropes are alive and well with Herring Blake, and she writes unique characters that deserve love and their HEA, I recommend the series for fans of The Charm Offensive and Alexandria Bellefleur's books.

This was an amazing third installment to the Bright Falls series. I have loved Iris Kelly from the beginning, and was so curious from the first book how her story would come to be. I loved how she developed through the series to end up with her own book. It made so much sense why she is the way she is. I also loved Stevie so much…she’s so relatable! Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and this book was SO well done!

Update:
Now that I let the book sit for 24hrs there's some issues I have. I felt that at some points, stereotypical statements were made by the characters concerning the lesbian and bi characters. I also felt that the end fell a bit flat for me, it just happened. Also one of the characters has generalized anxiety disorder and I love that representation but felt like there was no nuance and that it was just her whole personality and then at the end it wasn't mentioned that much like she has suddenly gotten over it.

I stand by my earlier review that says I didn't expect to love this book as much as I did. And that it reminds me of me and my girlfriend.


Original review:
I did not expect to love this book as much as I did. I am ashamed to say that this is my first Ashley Blake novel. They’ve always been on my radar and tbr but I never made it a reality. Well I am correcting my wrongs starting now.

This book actually reminded me of my girlfriend and I instantly got attached and I honestly can’t let these characters go. And throw in fake dating?! Me and this book = perfect match.

This book was fun and at a couple of points I started to tear up. But mainly it was smiles and eyebrow raises to my girlfriend which lead her to asking what sexy scenes were happening.

Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley, Berkley, and Ashley Herring Blake for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I’m a big fan of this series and love being in the Bright Falls world. It follows Iris, who quickly became one of my favorite characters, and Stevie. I love how it discusses mental health and anxiety in a realistic way. Their relationship progresses slowly but helps readers to understand both characters. It’s a sweet story and a good addition to the series. It’s not my favorite, which is why I’m giving it three stars, but other people will probably enjoy it more. Especially theatre fans! It was a little slow-paced for me, but I still recommend it

This was cute, though it wasn't my favorite of the Bright Falls books (not enough Bright Falls!) I did like the back half of this one more than the first half. Shakespeare enthusiasts, this might be for you?

Iris Kelly Doesn't Date marks the end of Blake's Bright Falls series and what an ending. Finally, we learn more about the witty, sexy Iris who Blake writes with great emotional depth. After Astrid Blake Doesn't Fail, to say I was excited about this upcoming title would be an understatement. Did it meet the impossible standards that Blake has already set for herself as a follow-up to Astrid's story? Of course.

Fake dating? Check.
A novel being written within a novel? Check.
A journey of self-discovery for both main characters with a neat happily ever after? Check.

Romance fans will love this title.

Swoon! Iris has been one of my favorite characters throughout the Bright Falls series and I was so glad to get her HEA. What starts as a hook-up with a confident woman turns into that woman begging Iris to be her fake girlfriend. And we all know what fake dating leads to…super hot real sex and catching the feels. Another solid queer romcom with characters you wish were real so you could hang out.

Did I intend to read this all in one day? No. Did I expect to start crying? Also, no. Did I completely and utterly enjoy this read? Absolutely. Iris Kelly is the third book in the Bright Falls series that has followed each of the three friends finding their HEA. And, with each book, it only continues to get better. The slow build towards Iris's story allowed the reader to truly understand where the character is coming from. And then anxious but passionate Stevie steps in and completely demolishes all expectations. I enjoyed both characters so much, and that third act moment is some of the best romance ache I've ever read.

*shouting on top of a mountain* I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
Every time I finish a novel in the Brightfalls series, I am convinced it is my new favorite. I did not think I could love a book more than Delilah’s or Astrid's, but THIS BOOK! I am absolutely obsessed. I feel like the representation in this book is phenomenal and the conflict is well done. A unique thing about this book is Iris is writing a romance book throughout this story so it almost feels like a peak behind the curtain. Fake dating is one of those tropes that has to be done well or it feels forced or cheesy. It is done extremely well in this book the motivations for both characters are super relatable. The characters were so lovable and easy to route for. This book is perfection and I am counting down the days until I can put it on my shelves.

Ashley Herring Blake is the best modern sapphic author and I was absolutely honored to read this title early as this was the conclusion to my favorite romance series. Stevie and Iris take on a fake dating/sex education scheme to trick their friends into thinking they are dating to prove they are both ready to move on and flourish. Of course, they fall in love in the process. The peek into the developed relationships from the other couples made my heart soar. I will read anything by her.

4.5*s

I think this was my favorite of the series! I really liked Stevie as a character. The exploration of her anxiety was handled really nicely. It was also great to catch up with Delilah and Claire and Astrid and Jordan. Plus, queer Shakespeare!

Spoilers for The Vibes of the ending but not the actual ending I liked how this book ended in terms of wrapping up the trilogy, but I do wish there was a little more wrap up to Iris and Stevie's story.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!

Iris Kelly was a character I really enjoyed from Delilah Green Doesn't Care and I really enjoyed being able to explore her character more. I loved Iris' character even more in this book as we got to see more in her head and we got to see the more vulnerable side that she hides from her friends, The relationship between Iris and Stevie was great and I loved to see how undismissive Iris was of Stevie's anxiety. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes so I had a good time reading this.

**Thank you to NetGalley, the author, & the publisher for a chance to read to & review an ARC of this book!**

Please find my extended feedback below...along with some spoilers (beware).
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Things I Liked:
-I loved the characters of Iris and Stevie. They both felt so believable & very relatable to me.
-I loved the focus on theatre (fine arts are fantastic)!
-The tropes of fake dating and sex/romance "lessons" was so fun in this book & they keep the hooked.
-The emotional growth of Iris and Stevie was amazing. As a reader, I really felt that I grew with them during their journey & felt the vulnerability.
-The romance and sex scenes were so well written! The tension really built up & the resolutions were so satisfying.
-The mental health representation & queer representation were both great themes to read about within this story.

Things That Didn't Sit Quite Right With Me:
-The 3rd act break up sort of got on my nerves, but it was still okay with how the resolution cam through.

Overall, I REALLY enjoyed this book & I gave it 4 stars!

I literally begged and emailed at least 4 different times for this arc, and the wait was so beyond worth it y'all have no idea. Iris kelly doesn't date is exactly the queer love story that made me literally scream, "WHY CAN'T I HAVE THIS" 15 different times at my phone. One thing I love about books like the Brighfalls series, is the updates we get on the other characters we know and love, like Delilah and Claire and Astrid and Jordan. However, seeing Iris get her happy ending made my heart swell with joy because she deserves it. Also, hearing her say "“what amazing romcoms both of their lives would make” was HILARIOUS and such a fourth wall (or page breaker). Honestly, as much as I'm glad there was a third book, im so sad to see the rainbow gilded story of bright fall's come to an end. This book truly was a wild ride, that had me laughing and sobbing over how much I came to love these characters and watch them grow. Stevie's anxiety was also a great disorder to add into the foundations of her character, especially because it's something many people struggle with and brought the character further down to earth, making her even more lovable!! I seriously can't get enough of the bright falls trilogy specifically Iris Kelly's (among with Astrid and Delilah's) story, and seriously hope there are updates in the future. These books have such a special place in my heart, and are the perfect light and hilarious queer read.

4.5/5

Okay! I will say this: I really and truly enjoyed this book and fans of this series will enjoy this final note in the series. This book did feel a bit more predictable than the other ones, but it also made my heart sing too. I gleefully gasped in the airport while reading Iris Kelly because it did make me happy to read, even though Iris could be SO frustrating (but understandable, because we’re all Iris sometimes). I’d still say that I loved Delilah the most, but Astrid and Iris’s stories still made my heart happy. This whole series made my heart happy. I’d visit Bright Falls anytime <3

Thank you, NetGalley and Berkeley, for the E-ARC!

nothing like a good old sapphic romcom to get me out of my slump 🥹

the way i connected with both is these women was amazing, iris decision to not commit to anyone to protect her heart from pain because she has been treated like she wasn’t right for a relationship and it made her feel not enough for anyone, she actually believed it so bad that she self sabotaged every possible partner but then it came stevie, with her brave and kind heart, and it took so little for iris to fall for her 🥰

i loved this story so much, it had the perfect amount of comedy (literally the first encounter was LOL) and romance and character development that i absolutely love finding in romcoms, and as always these books with this amount of queer representation are a hug to everyone’s heart 💗

this closure of the bright falls series comes out on October 24th so don’t forget to pick it up!

thank you netgalley and berkley publishing group for providing me with this arc in exchange of an honest review.

☆☆☆☆.5/5

Ashley Herring Blake writes adult sapphic stories like nobody else! It is so refreshing to read about people like me in a sea of queer stories for young adults. I absolutely love Iris and all the characters in the book are so well written. I didn’t always love the way Stevie’s anxiety was talked about, as at times it felt a little too much like therapist jargon and not very natural. However, it was nice to have a character that felt more like me, anxious and awkward and unsure of herself. Seeing her grow through the book was so encouraging and I couldn’t put it down. While I think this might have been my least favorite in the Bright Falls series, I still greatly enjoyed it and am sad to see it coming to an end.