Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date

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.