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After reading Ashley Herring-Blake’s debut sapphic romance novel, Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, I was invested in the incredible ensemble of characters that Blake created. I devoured Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail and Astrid’s whirlwind romance with carpenter, Jordan Everwood (isn’t that the gayest thing you’ve ever heard?). But I wasn’t ready for the Bright Falls universe to come to a close with Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date especially because I see a lot of myself in Iris.

Iris has always been clear with her ambitions: stay creative, work hard, and never, ever have kids. But her last two relationships have always ended in flames even with the boundaries she’s set. Her ex-boyfriend Grant was really hopeful that Iris would change her mind on the “no kids” thing and her ex-girlfriend Jillian was married. That’s right, Iris has been through the wringer when it comes to love. So no wonder she’s sworn off dating for hot, casual one-night stands.

That’s until she meets the endlessly adorable and incredibly awkward Stevie Scott. Stevie’s a local actor from Portland whose social anxiety has gotten in the way of moving on from her six-year relationship. So when she spots Iris Kelly in Lush, the local queer bar, her best friend Ren forces Stevie to go after her.

Then Stevie word vomits. And it’s epic.

But the awkwardness doesn’t stop there. Stevie and Iris have insane sexual chemistry and their date quickly transitions into casual sex. Well, almost. Because when Stevie and Iris get back to Stevie’s place, Stevie’s anxiety overrides her sexual chemistry with Iris, and instead… she throws up all over Iris. And the floor. And Iris’s shoes. Iris being the kind person she is tucks Stevie in for bed and leaves her with a kiss on her forehead. That’s it. And they never see each other again.

Just kidding!

When Iris tries to wiggle out of a bought of writer’s block by auditioning for a local production of Much Ado About Nothing, she lands the part of Stevie’s opposite. More specifically, Stevie’s love interest. Oops! On top of that? Stevie’s already lied to her ex-girlfriend, Adri, also the director of the show, that Stevie and Iris are seeing each other. 

So, they do the logical thing: pretend to fake date. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship– Iris will get material for her newest romance novel and Stevie will get to pretend she’s moved on from her ex-girlfriend.

What could go wrong?

Guys, this book tore me up inside. I cried multiple times reading some of the things these characters say. The love Iris and Stevie develop for each other, their very real insecurities that plague their relationship, the slow burn– whoof! When they finally kissed, I nearly screamed, that’s how pent up I was.

On the “Enemies to Readers” Sex-o-Meter scale, this was a 2.5 out of 5. This was the first lesbian romance I read where a strap-on was mentioned! Brownie points because that scene had me sweating.

I love lesbians and thespians. I love lesbian thespians. Did I mention my girlfriend is an actor?

See you next read,

Charlotte