August 21, 2023
Blake’s third and final Bright Falls romance (after Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail) sends the series out on a high note with more spicy sex and genuine emotion. Iris Kelly is a romance novelist who doesn’t do relationships—but she does agree to an (awkward) one-night stand with eventual love interest Stevie Scott. With Iris struggling with writer’s block and Stevie hoping to become less anxious around sex, the pair decide on a mutually beneficial fake-dating scheme made less typical by the extents to which they take the ruse, including rehearsed pet names and steamy practice dates. Though there’s something a little after-school-special about the presentation of Stevie’s anxiety—“Stevie’s struggles with Generalized Anxiety Disorder were very real” comes four pages after the character is introduced—the anxiety itself is portrayed realistically, and the comfort Iris gives Stevie, as well as the balance Stevie gives to Iris, is appealingly sweet. 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. Agent: Rebecca Podos, Rees Literary.
June 10, 2024
With all her friends coupled, Iris Kelly feels as if she's the only one not in love. She's happy with hookups, but actual relationships--that's a different matter altogether. Trying to ignore her problems, Iris goes to the bar and engages in a disastrous one-night stand with a woman named Stefania. Then, when Iris tries out for a play, she is reunited with Stefania, who also goes by the name Stevie and is directing the play. Attempting to save face, they agree to pretend to date, giving each other the chance to experience a relationship without stress and pressure. However, the two soon develop real feelings, and each is left wondering who will drop the act first. Narrator Kristen DiMercurio expertly captures Stevie's anxious yet curious voice and Iris's sweetness, hidden under a tough exterior. While there's plenty of steaminess, listeners will likely appreciate the focus on building a relationship of respect, consent, care, and emotional intimacy. Series fans will enjoy seeing characters from previous books and revisiting the vibrant queer community that Blake (Delilah Green Doesn't Care) has built. VERDICT With emotional depth and engaging characters, this sweetly sexy third installment in Blake's "Bright Falls" series satisfies.--Elyssa Everling
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