Iris Kelly Doesn't Date

By: Ashley Herring Blake

Narrated by: Kristen DiMercurio

Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

A fake relationship after a horrible one-night stand is anything but an act in this witty and heartfelt new romantic comedy by Ashley Herring Blake.

Everyone around Iris Kelly is in love. Her best friends are all coupled up, her siblings have partners that are perfect for them, and her parents are still blissfully married. And she’s happy for all of them, truly. Iris doesn’t want any of that—dating, love, romance. She’ll stick to her commitment-free hookups, thanks very much, except no one in her life will just let her be. Everyone wants to see her settled down, but she holds firmly to her no dating rule. There’s only one problem—Iris is a romance author facing an imminent deadline for her second book, and she’s completely out of ideas.

Perfectly happy to ignore her problems as per usual, Iris goes to a bar in Portland and meets a sexy stranger, Stefania, and a night of dancing and making out turns into the worst one-night stand Iris has had in her life. To get her mind off everything, Iris tries out for the lead role in a local play, a queer retelling of Much Ado About Nothing, but comes face-to-face with Stefania, whose real name turns out to be Stevie. Desperate to save face in front of her friends, Stevie asks Iris to play along as her girlfriend. Iris is shocked, but when she realizes the arrangement might provide her with some much-needed romantic content for her book, she agrees. As the two women play the part of a happy couple, lines start to blur, and they’re left wondering who will make the real first move....

©2023 Ashley Herring Blake (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Kristen DiMercurio returns triumphantly as narrator of the third Bright Falls novel.... DiMercurio's familiarity with all the supporting characters pays off with well-established personalities and voices. When the writing expresses Stevie's anxiety or states how fantastic the characters' acting skills are, DiMercurio rises to the challenge. And the love scenes sound downright sultry." (AudioFile)

“Blake’s third and final Bright Falls romance sends the series out on a high note with more spicy sex and genuine emotion…Blake also does an admirable job of wrapping up the series, bringing all the past couples together one last time in a touching finale. This is a treat.”—Publishers Weekly

"Blake masterfully weaves a tale of growth where friendship, confidence, and passion ensue. A treat for fake-dating fans and happily-ever-after lovers alike."—Kirkus Reviews

"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. Iris and Stevie each have their own compelling pasts, struggles, and dreams, and Blake shows both the hard work and the beauty involved in making those different realities wrap around each other in love. A thoroughly satisfying, heart-clutching conclusion."—Anita Kelly, author of Something Wild and Wonderful

Best in the Series

I adore all the novels in this series but this one has to be my favorite. It’s shameless, funny, sexy, fourth-wall-breaking and so cute. Just one of the best romance novels I’ve read.

💯 fantastic!

I love this series and this third book did not disappoint. Lovable characters, friendships, romance and of course angst. Hope there are more books on the horizon!

Swoonworthy Conclusion

I prolonged reading this for as long as I could so that the series wasn’t done. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like Iris’ story, but dammit I do. Hilarious moments and heartwarming.

I love them.

I have absolutely loved every Bright Falls book and this was no exception. I felt myself tearing up at the end and not wanting to let these characters I love so much go.

Iris is free spirited and fun and wild and free. But she's starting to see all her friends couple up and she's not sure she's worthy of the same kind of settle down forever love.

Stevie is our lovable, anxious, theater nerd, and she just wants to get laid.

After a disastrous one night stand, these two find themselves staring at each other again across the stage, and decide to fake date.

I LOVE fake dating, because you never agree to fake date someone you'd never really WANT to date. ;)

Iris and Stevie are teaching other things about themselves. That Iris is worthy of a deep love and someone that chooses her. That Stevie can overcome her anxiety to be romantic and spontaneous and sexy.

It's just SO heatwarming and lovely and even though there are a couple miscommunication/5th act breakup scenes that made me cringe, it all felt necessary for the big finish.

Also extra props for the ON THE PAGE childfree rep. <3

And special mention for all my favorite side characters. Claire and Delilah and Astrid and Jordan and even Ruby. You're all the best. Just thinking about the ending gets me misty! Hugs all around.

awesome series

Awesome conclusion to the series. it was funny and exciting. It was also heavy at times. Dealing with emotions and/or the lack the of. Every story had a different lesson in it. They all end up with a happily ever after.

The feelings

Ok, a little too many plot twists for me, it took a bit away from the romance. But in the end I loved it and it ended with my eyes watery for the millionth time. A great romance story.

Lovely love story

I’d recommend this book as I would recommend the whole series! Refreshing and intense love story in many dimensions. Self-love, friendship, sexual. And romantic all colliding! I love how the story is all about romance and sex, and yet doesn’t portray it as if it’s all that matters. The sense of self worth and sufficiency is incredible. Really spoke to me!

Ashley Herring Blake Doesn’t Stop

This might be my favorite of these books, and that’s a tall order after the first two! Heartfelt and sweet and sarcastic and just self-aware enough to make me laugh.

Another great love story!!

This sapphic romance series of books are my absolute favorite and this one did not let me down!!

Delightful

This story had parts that were eye rolley or too long, but overall, a delightful and happy listening. I especially appreciated the queer style descriptions. I would recommend this.