overall, i did enjoy reading it, but it would have been better if inclusivity didn't feel so forced and the conflict had been more impactful. For the first thirty-five years of my reading life, I had no idea what went on between the covers of romance novels (well, okay, I had some idea), but if it had anything to do with what was on the cover—hard pass.

I must start by saying that this is a very biased review because for me Ashely Herring Blake can do no wrong and this was proven by the final book in the series, Iris Kelly doesn’t Date. Because the Iris in this story, with her stupid negative motivation* of forgoing relationships for just a bunch of sex, is unsympathetic and boring. As with the other two books in this series, Ashley Herring Blake successfully mixes witty repartee and emotional journeys.When Stevie desperately asks Iris to play along as her girlfriend, Iris is shocked, but goes along with it because maybe this fake relationship will actually get her creative juices flowing and she can get her book written. Her best friends are all coupled up, her siblings have partners that are perfect for them, and her parents are still blissfully married. 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. The third in Blake’s Bright Falls series, IRIS KELLY DOESN’T DATE is another swoony, sexy sapphic romance that ticked all the boxes for me. I also felt like I should finish it just to be done with the trilogy, so this holiday season I give thanks that I no longer feel obligated to read any of her books just for the satisfaction of completing a series.

Stevie's ex constantly bullies Iris, but it's Iris that gets chastised for standing her ground, Stevie never tries to defend her. Because the fantasy (or heightened reality) of people helping each other process their traumas while finding love is one I can wholeheartedly support.

her growth was slightly rushed compared to stevie's and there wasn't enough fall out for her stupid actions but it is what it isss. 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. from the ice water already set out at their table, chewing on the end of her biodegradable rainbow straw…” Like are you trying to secure a good review from Greta Thunberg or what? all of their journeys are so relatable and I’ve loved seeing pieces of myself in the characters of this series. From their meet cute to the very end, it was fun and cute with just the slightest touch of angst and enough spice to keep it fun.

So, as much as I love the fake dating trope, love theater, and much ado abt nothing is my fav Shakespeare play, it fell so flat for me. She wasn't wrong - there was definitely that judgemental tone of slut shaming without actually outright saying it. I loved the banter between Stevie and Iris, and how they just came together so easily, even if it wasn't what they both wanted originally. The queer characters in the book don't feel like people, they feel like caricatures or set dressing. Ah yes, so, it turns out that “throwing every single queer stereotype at the wall and seeing what sticks” worked for me for precisely one book.Blake introduces her readers to a new character, Jordan Everwood, who has arrived from—yes, serendipity and irony are real things, folks—coastal Georgia.

She is begged by her ex/friend to play the lead in a "queered up production of Much Ado" because they know that she will sell seats as a big name in the scene (she's big enough to sell out a theatre but not to be offered any other roles? 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. The grand gesture was so thoughtful and sweet, and I may or may not have shed several tears as I read it.The final installment in the Bright Falls series only further demonstrates why these books have been so beloved: because Blake is a master at her craft, creating carefully plotted stories around flawed, lovable characters that explode with chemistry and tension. Every single character in this entire series has been amazing, the small town setting was perfect, I loved each individual journey, and the last chapter was absolutely fantastic.