Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail
An interior designer who is never without the perfect plan learns to renovate her love life without one in this new romantic comedy by Ashley Herring Blake, author of Delilah Green Doesn't Care. For Astrid Parker, failure is unacceptable. Ever since she broke up with her fiancé a year ago, she's been focused on her career--her friends might say she's obsessed, but she knows she's just driven. When Pru Everwood asks her to be the designer for the Everwood Inn's renovation, which will be featured on a popular HGTV show, Innside America, Astrid is thrilled. Not only will the project distract her from her failed engagement and help her struggling business, but her perpetually displeased mother might finally give her a nod of approval. However, Astrid never planned on Jordan Everwood, Pru's granddaughter and the lead carpenter for the renovation, who despises every modern design decision Astrid makes. Jordan is determined to preserve the history of her family's inn, particularly as the rest of her life is in shambles. When that determination turns into some light sabotage to ruffle Astrid's perfect little feathers, the showrunners ask them to play up the tension. But somewhere along the way, their dislike for each other evolves into something quite different, and Astrid must decide what success truly means. Is she going to pursue the life that she's expected to lead or the one that she wants?
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Community Reviews
This book touched me in a way I didn't expect. I really enjoyed Bright Falls #1 but #2 hit me in the gut. Yes, I think I'm experiencing a high-emotion point in my life but I think even if I wasn't, it still would have gotten to me. Just maybe not made me cry. More than once.
Both Astrid and Jordan - I loved them together! - have some deep-seated insecurities for good reasons. They work so well together. We'll see if Iris's story, which was set up nicely, tops even this one. I do love Iris.
Also, I immediately went to Etsy to look for a clitoris pendant.
Both Astrid and Jordan - I loved them together! - have some deep-seated insecurities for good reasons. They work so well together. We'll see if Iris's story, which was set up nicely, tops even this one. I do love Iris.
Also, I immediately went to Etsy to look for a clitoris pendant.
I loved this! I really enjoyed the first book in this series Delilah Green Doesn't Care, and I was really looking forward to reading from Astrid's perspective after how that book ended. I think I may have liked this story even more. Astrid and Jordan were both compelling, interesting, and easy to root for. I loved how their romance grew from the awkward situation they started in. I love how Astrid personally grew and rediscovered herself. I was relieved at how well Astrid and Jordan communicated through most of the problems that came their way. One of the best romances I've read so far this year, I'm really looking forward to the next entry about Iris now.
I think this has to be one of the sexiest books I’ve read recently. While it’s not all about the sex, what is there was fascinating.
Astrid and Jordan need each other in completely different but complementary ways. They help each other heal through some extreme trauma, and also learn many new things about themselves.
This story had the perfect amount of banter mixed with thoughtful dialog and humor. Ashley Herring Blake is quickly solidifying herself as a must-read for me.
1/2/2023 Edit: I have read this twice- new decision, it’s one of my favorite books, if not my all time favorite. The second read was somehow even better!!!!!
12/15/22 Original:
I genuinely don’t think any combo with this author and Narrator could be bad.
With DahliaGreen Doesn’t care I fell in love with how Ashley writes, it flows so well and swoops you into an entirely new universe, and through my countless audiobooks (most unfinished out of annoyance) Kristen is one of very few narrators I could listen to hours on end, never making any minute boring. The combo is MAGIC! JUST like THIS BOOK!!!!!
Don’t get me wrong I loved Dahlia’s book- it’s a must read, but phewwww Astrid’s hits home- DEEP, in so many ways. I love the characters, the story, THE FREAKING LIFE LESSONS, the communication between characters in this one is so refreshing, honestly I don’t have anything negative to say…. Other then my usual “whhhhyyy did it have to ennnnd we need moreee” buuuuut I’m guessing we may get to dive into the eyes of our ginger goddess next :p (crossing fingers)
And in response to some previous reviews:
I personally adore the fact that she tells us how the characters identify, hair color, height, skin color, ect. Allot of us actually like to build the world in our minds like a tv show- or even jump on Pinterest for inspiration. I very much appreciate every visual explanation, it expands from a book into a rich world I can close my eyes and jump into-
I love that the author writes the words Lesbian, bi, pan, woman, nonbinary, dead cis white dudes, and I don’t care how often she puts them. I find it empowering, inclusive.
Maybe this book just isn’t for all straight or been queer forever people, but as a “baby lesbian” I absolutely 100% appreciation for the empowerment, and comforting safe space I have found in this book. And as a woman? I’m 100% here for saying woman and clit a million times PROUDLY.
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