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§Author· 5 books
Ashley Herring Blake
Contemporary queer fiction across middle grade, young adult, and adult romance categories has been significantly shaped by stories centering identity, family dynamics, and romantic self-discovery, exemplified by the Bright Falls series beginning with Delilah Green Doesn't Care. Ashley Herring Blake established her presence in contemporary literature through award-winning young adult and middle grade novels before expanding into popular adult romance.
Career & Background
Ashley Herring Blake held a Master's degree in teaching after attending Berry College, initially enrolling as a voice major before turning to education and creative writing. In addition to her career as an author, she has worked in publishing as an editor and literary agent. Blake made her debut in young adult fiction with Suffer Love and How to Make a Wish, followed by Girl Made of Stars, which was selected as a Lambda Literary Award finalist. Moving into middle grade literature, her debut category novel, Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World, was named a Stonewall Honor Book as well as a Kirkus, School Library Journal, NYPL, and NPR Best Book of 2018. She expanded her middle grade catalog with The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James and Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea.
Blake transitioned into adult contemporary romance with her Bright Falls series published by Berkley, launching with Delilah Green Doesn't Care, Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail, and Iris Kelly Doesn't Date. Her adult romantic fiction also includes novels such as Make the Season Bright and Dream On, Ramona Riley. Outside of writing, Blake enjoys coffee, cold weather, cats, melancholy music, and organizing her personal library by color. A mother of two sons, she resides on an island off the coast of Georgia and maintains an active online presence at ashleyherringblake.com and via social media at @ashleyhblake.
Writing Style & Themes
Across age groups, Blake's fiction focuses on queer identity, emotional healing, grief, and complex interpersonal dynamics. Her middle grade and young adult books explore young protagonists navigating first crushes, coming out, and processing emotional trauma or loss with nuanced vulnerability. In her adult romances, she blends humor and emotional realism, creating imperfect characters who confront personal insecurities while finding love within supportive queer communities.
Major Works
- Delilah Green Doesn't Care — The opening novel in the Bright Falls adult romance series follows an artist returning to her hometown for her stepsister's wedding, where she unexpectedly forms a connection with her stepsister's best friend.
- Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail — The second Bright Falls contemporary romance focuses on an interior designer renovating a historic inn who reevaluates her strict life plan after clashing with and falling for a local carpenter.
- Iris Kelly Doesn't Date — The third installment in the Bright Falls series centers on a romance writer facing writer's block who enters a fake-dating arrangement with a theater actor.
- Make the Season Bright — A contemporary adult holiday romance by Blake featuring queer protagonists navigating seasonal romance and personal transformation.
- Dream On, Ramona Riley — An adult romance novel featured in Blake's catalog examining love, ambition, and emotional growth.
- Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World — A Stonewall Honor Book and NPR Best Book of 2018 middle grade novel about a twelve-year-old girl coming to terms with her sexuality after a tornado destroys her home and private sketchbook.
- Girl Made of Stars — A Lambda Literary Award finalist young adult novel exploring consent, loyalty, and healing after a sexual assault accusation impacts a high school community.
§All Books
Delilah Green Doesn't Care
Ashley Herring Blake, 2022
205 ratings
Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail
Ashley Herring Blake, 2022
127 ratings
Iris Kelly Doesn't Date
Ashley Herring Blake, 2023
75 ratings
Make the Season Bright
Ashley Herring Blake, 2024
19 ratings
Dream On, Ramona Riley
Ashley Herring Blake, 2025
11 ratings