This has taken me months to read because it simply didn't spark anything in me. I hadn't been much interested in Iris as a character in the previous two books, I thought she was just fine as a background character and didn't necessarily need her own book but here we are.

It was fine. I mostly found it gently annoying, especially Stevie's friend group and Stevie herself. Ashley Herring Blake tends to write queer characters/dynamics pretty one dimensional and a tad stereotypical, which isn't always a bad thing, but these characters are stereotypical from the '90s. Outdated. Everything in this book felt very dramatic for no reason? And Stevie's friends are not good friends, I just don't buy any of it. And God, I hate Iris's nickname "Ris", which is used to exhaustion. A big let down after Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail.

Thank you to Net Galley and Berkley Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Iris Kelly is a romance writer who really isn't into romance. She's not interested in getting married, or having kids. And she's really not into dating. Stefania was supposed to be a one night stand, except Iris meets her again on an audition for Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing where Iris is hoping that acting will help overcome her writer's block. And her hookup actually goes by Stevie. The two embark on a fake dating scheme to help Stevie save face with her ex.

My biggest problem with this book was the multiple reappearances by Iris' friends. They had their own books...I wanted Iris to have hers. I get this was a wrap up of the series but honestly, they became way too annoying. Iris and Stevie were lost at times. I did appreciate Stevie's character arc, however. Overall, a good ending to the series but not a stellar one.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This whole series was a delight and I was so excited to read Iris's story. I loved Stevie and Iris together and their individual struggles with relationships. Throw in a little bit of Shakespeare and a number of scenes in a gay bar and I was sold.

What a great conclusion to the Bright Falls series. So glad to finally get Iris's story as she was instrumental in the first two books HEAs. I really enjoyed her and Stevie's dynamic and I love a fake dating trope. I really look forward to reading more from Ashley Herring Blake.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

i absolutely adored this book!!

i read ‘delilah green doesn’t care’ two years ago and could honestly say it wasn’t my favourite. it was still a three star read (which is good in my opinion) but it wasn’t what i’d been hoping for.

this book was everything i wanted it to be and more. it’s fake dating, wlw, wholesome friendships and theatre kids?!? sign me up!!

iris kelly doesn’t date. but apparently neither does stevie scott. the two bond over relationships that have prevented them from moving on and strike up a deal to help the other find comfort moving forward. this book was so sweet and it’s inspiring me to go back and revisit ‘delilah green doesn’t care’ and pick up ‘astrid parker doesn’t fail’!

thank you to my sister for getting me a physical copy for Christmas and to netgalley and berkley for an e-arc of this book!

I am already so sad this trilogy is over!!! I loved the characters, the romance, the fictional town, all of it! I am usually not a big series reader, but these characters were so lovable that there was no question about me reading all three. While you can read this as a stand-alone romance, I recommend reading them in order to fully appreciate all the side characters. The representation in this book is wonderful, and I highly recommend it! I look forward to reading more of this author’s future books!

This was probably my least favorite in the Bright Falls series by AHB, but it was still such a fun and quick read as I was still immersed in the characters romance! Stevie and Iris were interesting to read and had such a cute ending that made up for the lack in plot.

I was not prepared for the last installment of the Brightfalls crew!

I loved Dalilah and Astrid, so I knew that I would have a lot of fun with the book. Bonus points for the slight ace rep with one of the main characters.

First off, I will forever read anything Ashley Herring Blake writes. These characters are relatable and complicated and beautifully flawed. They make mistakes that make me scream at my book and then they make me cry for their happiness. They are the friend group of my bookish dreams and I am so happy to have found this series.

This book was a perfect send off for this group. Iris and Stevie are EVERYTHING. I love fake dating and this version of the trope was especially fun with the teach me element. Also, this book was HOT, probably the hottest in the entire trilogy.

It was everything I could have asked for and more for my beloved Bright Falls coven. While I would gladly pay good money for ten more books about them, I’m so content seeing them all happy and living their best lives.

Thank you so much to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

My first book by this author and I enjoyed every second of it. One of my favorite romance tropes is a character who is seemingly so anti-love/anti-romance but under the right circumstances they are the biggest sofites (can't relate from personal experience or anything like that 😅). For that reason I loved Iris and I loved Stevie too (fantastic anxiety rep).

The spice in this was also perfect. Steamy but not overdone in my opinion!

Also, ALL THE MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING REFERENCES I LOVED.

I also see why Iris and Steview were good for each other, but felt that their ending/conflict was a bit rushed.

Lastly, I love the attention and care the author shows in addressing stigma bisexuals face and biphobia. I think she sets up realistic situations and shuts down this bad behavior with ease and lessons learned.

Can't wait to read more of Ashley Herring Blake's work!!

I really loved the previous books in this series. I was disappointed to have to DNF this book. I felt it was incredibly juvenile, the whole set up. I love a fake relationship but this felt too forced in a way that made me not enjoy this book.

I didn't like this as much as Delilah Green, but I liked it better than Astrid Parker. It was a cute third book in the series, and I'll read anything this author likes. This one didn't really stand out to me, but I still enjoyed the sapphic rom-com. I wasn't a theater kid so I just wasn't that interested in that aspect. I liked the anxiety rep in this book

"Iris Kelly Doesn't Date" by Ashley Herring Blake is a delightful rom-com with a fresh twist, offering a unique blend of sizzling chemistry, witty banter, and self-discovery. Buckle up for a review that dives into why this book might just become your next favorite read.

The Plot that Pops:

Iris, a romance author seemingly allergic to commitment, finds herself in a hilarious predicament. Everyone around her has paired off, leaving her the lone single amidst a sea of lovey-dovey bliss. Her editor hounds her for the next swoon-worthy manuscript, but inspiration takes flight when she least expects it – in the form of a disastrous one-night stand with the captivating Stevie. Faced with writer's block and desperate measures, Iris proposes a fake relationship with Stevie, a pact promising sparks for her novel and confidence lessons for Stevie.

Characters You'll Root For:

Iris is a firecracker heroine. Independent, funny, and fiercely loyal, she owns her choices and unapologetically embraces her desires. Stevie, the musician with a hidden vulnerability, complements Iris perfectly. Their dynamic crackles with undeniable chemistry, both hilarious and heartwarming. The supporting cast adds another layer of charm, from Iris's meddling best friend to Stevie's supportive bandmates.

Witty Words and Sizzling Sparks:

Blake's writing is sharp and witty, peppered with pop culture references and laugh-out-loud moments. The banter between Iris and Stevie is electric, their teasing and flirtation simmering throughout the story. The romance unfolds organically, fueled by shared passions and genuine connection, making it both believable and deeply satisfying.

Beyond the Rom-Com:

"Iris Kelly Doesn't Date" is more than just a lighthearted romp. It delves into themes of self-acceptance, societal expectations, and the courage to break free from preconceived notions. Iris's journey is one of embracing her own desires and redefining what love and happiness truly mean for her.

The Verdict:

"Iris Kelly Doesn't Date" is a refreshingly modern rom-com that will leave you smiling. With its relatable characters, hilarious dialogue, and heartwarming message, it's a perfect read for anyone who craves a good laugh and a touch of inspiration. Highly recommended for fans of Sophie Gonzales, Christina Lauren, and anyone who believes in the power of love, in all its messy, wonderful forms.

Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

So, is "Iris Kelly Doesn't Date" worth your time? Absolutely! It's a witty, heartwarming rom-com with a strong and relatable protagonist, sizzling chemistry, and a message that resonates. Grab a copy, curl up with a cup of tea, and prepare to be swept away by this delightful story.

I am a big fan of Ashely Herring Blake, and any romance with LGBTQ+ ladies finding themselves will have a reader in me. With all of that being said, this was my least favorite in the series. This couple just didn't click for me the way the other two in the series did. It wasn't about chemistry, it was more about pacing, I think. I spent the first few chapters of the book so giddy as they started to figure out who they really were to each other. I guess by the third act breakup, I was just sort of questioning if they really were meant to be together. If the big leap was one you should be taking after this sort of courtship. I don't know, I just don't think you should ever question if the happy ending was the right answer not. However, I still recommend this title to anyone who loved the first two books in the series. While I wouldn't recommend it as a standalone, I do think it finishes the series nicely, and I'm looking forward to seeing what AHB writes next!

Iris Kelly is my favourite, so I’m relieved that this book does her justice. As the final installment in the Bright Falls trilogy, Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date has to deliver 1) a fabulous romance and 2) a satisfying conclusion for the entire cast. And it does both those things! The friend group cameos are as wonderful as ever. Everything comes full circle with the wedding. It’s moving, it’s funny, it’s sexy. It’s a great last book.

Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date feels the most….lesbian to me somehow? it has some of my favourite tropes: a wingman in love with the person they are wing-manning; a beach getaway; sapphic friend group drama. And crucially: it has Stevie! Iris’ love interest is an actress and a hopeless romantic. She’s so good for Iris! They make each other feel safe! #STEVIS forever! 🥹

More things I enjoyed: Iris’ wound is that she’s afraid of being left behind by her friends, which hits harder because we’ve now seen all her friends fall in love & get ~unstuck~ in their lives. It’s how we were introduced to this world! And I LOVED the meta-romance element. Iris is a romance novelist, and there’s this scene where she’s doing her book edits, and she’s working on her novel’s third-act breakup around the time WE are expecting a third-act breakup between Stevie and Iris. It’s really clever.

I do kind of wish there’d been more of a focus on the play––I was looking forward to seeing Stevie and Iris memorize lines and rehearse together. I also wanted a better sense of Stevie as an actress, especially from her POV, since her career is important to the plot. But you know, small potatoes. I’m excited to see what Herring-Blake does next, now that Bright Falls is over!

I will read anything Ashley ever publishes! This book, just like the other in the series, gave me butterflies and had me smirking to myself.

Late to the Party

Photo by Michael Discenza on Unsplash
Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date, but I do! I date all my book boyfriends and girlfriends, and I am happily adding Iris Kelly to my ever-growing list. This is my first Ashley Herring Blake novel. I haven’t read either of Blake’s previous novels “Delilah Green Doesn’t Care” or “Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail”, though they’ve been on my radar for a while. (If you’re new here, I love my LGBTQ romance, and I’m always filling my shelves with beautiful, bright covers.) My fellow bee, Amanda, wrote a delightfully authentic review of Delilah Green in 2022 and since then I’ve been waiting for my opportunity to dive into Bright Falls and this delightful cast of characters.

While this story is the third novel set in the same world, I don’t feel like I missed anything by starting at the most recent read. Iris is a firecracker. She’s independent and comfortable behind the walls of her “No Dating” mentality, even when her family irks her by attempting to set her up over and over again.

Stevie, on the other hand, just wants to find a relationship that she’ll be comfortable in, one where her Generalized Anxiety Disorder will simmer itself to a slight hum rather than the blaring trumpets of a marching band. Stevie, coming out of her first and only relationship, tries to hook up with Iris at a club, and the result is disastrous.

Fake Dating – My Favorite Trope
There’s no better trope in my eyes than fake dating. I wish you could feel the absolute joy that radiates in my soul as I read two adamant idiots deny until the last possible minute that their feelings for each other are real.

We all know. They know. Neither will tell the other, and both will do anything to avoid being the first to admit it.

It’s pure gold.

Iris tilted her head, swiped her thumbs over Stevie’s cheeks. “You’re sort of adorable, you know that?”

Stevie just stared at her. Iris stared back. It felt like a lifetime of just… looking. And nothing about it felt fake at all.

While Fake Dating gives me the highest highs, it also brings me the lowest lows. Insert something about it’s always darkest before dawn, too. There’s something about the third act breakup in a Fake Dating novel that guts me the hardest. The breakups are absolutely brutal and leave me feeling like I need to put the book down and stop just before it happens, so I can happily live in my peaceful little bubble of fictional bliss.

“This is… it’s New York, Stevie,” Iris Said. “And you deserve it. You belong there. I would’ve never held you back from that.”

Stevie nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. Iris curled her hands into fists, fighting the urge to wipe it away. “But you didn’t even give me the chance,” Iris said. “You cut me out of the decision, you cut me out of being happy for you, of celebrating–“


Photo by Levi Guzman on Unsplash
The Coven
As Amanda said in her original review of Delilah Green, the “Coven” plays an integral part of the Iris/Stevie story. While I said above that I didn’t think that I missed anything by starting at the newest published book, I might hedge that by also stating that I think had I started from Delilah, I would have more of an appreciation for the friend group. I’m sure there were some nuances of Claire, Delilah, Astrid, Jordan, and Simon that would have hit a bit differently had I gotten to know them from the beginning.

I think most specifically that the epilogue from “Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date” would be most appreciated by those who have read the entire series up until this point. Not only do Iris and Stevie get a Happily Ever After, but I think the friend group/coven does as well.

Don’t worry, I will be sure to go back and read the earlier books as soon as possible so that I’m fully immersed in the Bright Falls world. I hope you do, too, and then leave a comment telling us which couple’s book you loved the most!

This was another fun installment in Herring Blake's interlocking romance stories! I really enjoyed the romance dynamic and character backstories as always, as well as the charming setting.

My favorite member of the Bright Falls crew has finally gotten her novel! Iris Kelly is the final installment of a great trilogy. Not only was Iris her funny, witty and outrageous self, but she also showed her vulnerability and insecurities. It was nice getting a deeper look at Iris’ personal and family life.

I loved the bi rep in this book, the strong character development and the emotional rollercoaster we got to experience. I’d definitely recommend this to many of my library customers!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I've read all the books in this queer romance series, and this was my least favorite so far. I think because it reinforces the narrative that all people eventually want to end up in committed monogamous relationships, where the character Iris would have been the best way to explore CNM or other forms of love. I did appreciate the messy plot with exes being active in the story, felt more true to real queer life.