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A review by abooknomad
Iris Kelly Doesn't Date by Ashley Herring Blake
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What a great conclusion to this wonderful rom-com series. The last minutes of this audiobook genuinely brought tears to my eyes, all because of the friendship between this group of friends. Ashley Herring Blake did a great job not only developing Iris and Stevie’s relationship but also keeping the protagonists of the previous sequels relevant in a way that didn't feel forced.
Honestly, when I heard that this final book would be fake dating I got nervous because it’s my least favourite trope. The way it was explored in this book, though, made for an enjoyable experience. Most likely because I’m already a fan of how the author writes romance in of itself: Ashley Herring Blake doesn’t just centre her stories around the main couple; all three books were populated with friendships, secondary characters that are there for the development of the protagonists and to add depth to the story and not merely for readers’ entertainment. Do not be mistaken, though, the romance is there, and it is good (and spicy).
Iris and Stevie’s relationship was very different from Delilah and Claire’s, Astrid and Jordan’s. They were fiery, more so than the two previous couples I think, and their chemistry was off the charts. As someone who has dealt with anxiety, I felt like Stevie’s inner turmoil was realistically portrayed and with compassion. As someone who is a little scared of commitment like Iris, I felt her insecurities, although I must say her inner monologue felt at times repetitive, and I just wanted to shake some sense into her.
A final note on this series: as a character-driven reader, the Bright Falls trilogy is music to my romance ears. All the main characters have distinct personalities, deal with different struggles, and try to overcome them while they’re falling in love, making for three very different couples and stories. The humour was also just right. I had the best time reading these books and will surely read whatever the author writes next. Sapphics for the win!
Honestly, when I heard that this final book would be fake dating I got nervous because it’s my least favourite trope. The way it was explored in this book, though, made for an enjoyable experience. Most likely because I’m already a fan of how the author writes romance in of itself: Ashley Herring Blake doesn’t just centre her stories around the main couple; all three books were populated with friendships, secondary characters that are there for the development of the protagonists and to add depth to the story and not merely for readers’ entertainment. Do not be mistaken, though, the romance is there, and it is good (and spicy).
Iris and Stevie’s relationship was very different from Delilah and Claire’s, Astrid and Jordan’s. They were fiery, more so than the two previous couples I think, and their chemistry was off the charts. As someone who has dealt with anxiety, I felt like Stevie’s inner turmoil was realistically portrayed and with compassion. As someone who is a little scared of commitment like Iris, I felt her insecurities, although I must say her inner monologue felt at times repetitive, and I just wanted to shake some sense into her.
A final note on this series: as a character-driven reader, the Bright Falls trilogy is music to my romance ears. All the main characters have distinct personalities, deal with different struggles, and try to overcome them while they’re falling in love, making for three very different couples and stories. The humour was also just right. I had the best time reading these books and will surely read whatever the author writes next. Sapphics for the win!