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A review by aelis_
Iris Kelly Doesn't Date by Ashley Herring Blake
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
I hated it. I was hoping for aromantic (or asexual) representation and I didn't get it, which was fine (even if it was disappointing).
But then, the book went on to show that people who "don't date", who just do sex or who are aromantic are broken and would be so much happier if they stop being broken and just started getting in relationship instead.
The book also does a terrible job at NOT slut shaming its main character. Really, by the end of the book you will be convince that sex without feelings is just not worth it. And the sex is so much better with feelings.
Also, they do say that Stevie is NOT on the asexual spectrum but, honestly? It also feels like they are saying that people who don't do sex are all broken somehow and they just need someone to magicaly fix them.
So yeah, this book felt really judgy but don't worry! If you are aromantic or asexual, true love will cure you!
And yeah, I know that this wasn't the message this book was aiming for, but it's still was the message that I got. This book wanted so much to be inclusive of LGBT+ people but just ended up being the most arophobic book I have ever read.
Maybe if in one of the three book their was some ACTUAL aro or ace character, things would have been different. But here? We just get a "oh no, I'm not aro/ace" and that's it and we never ever even see the shadow of an aro/ace character. Even less a happy aro/ace character who would be perfectly fine with not having a romantic or sexual relationship.
In short, the representation in this book was just truly terrible and I hated it.
But hey, congrats I guess. You are this year "worst book I've read".
-------
As a side note, I though there was way too much sex scene in this book, but that might just be me.
But then, the book went on to show that people who "don't date", who just do sex or who are aromantic are broken and would be so much happier if they stop being broken and just started getting in relationship instead.
The book also does a terrible job at NOT slut shaming its main character. Really, by the end of the book you will be convince that sex without feelings is just not worth it. And the sex is so much better with feelings.
Also, they do say that Stevie is NOT on the asexual spectrum but, honestly? It also feels like they are saying that people who don't do sex are all broken somehow and they just need someone to magicaly fix them.
So yeah, this book felt really judgy but don't worry! If you are aromantic or asexual, true love will cure you!
And yeah, I know that this wasn't the message this book was aiming for, but it's still was the message that I got. This book wanted so much to be inclusive of LGBT+ people but just ended up being the most arophobic book I have ever read.
Maybe if in one of the three book their was some ACTUAL aro or ace character, things would have been different. But here? We just get a "oh no, I'm not aro/ace" and that's it and we never ever even see the shadow of an aro/ace character. Even less a happy aro/ace character who would be perfectly fine with not having a romantic or sexual relationship.
In short, the representation in this book was just truly terrible and I hated it.
But hey, congrats I guess. You are this year "worst book I've read".
-------
As a side note, I though there was way too much sex scene in this book, but that might just be me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Biphobia