Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail (A Bright Falls Novel)
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?
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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Readers say *Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail* is a heartfelt, messy romance that powerfully explores self-discovery, purpose, and healing. Reviewers praise...
Starting off by asking myself: WHY do I do this to myself? (“this” being; put off books that I know I’m going to love as much as the books this series and then hate myself for not reading it sooner?) Because Ashley Herring Blake does it AGAIN baby. This story made me feel all the feels and brought me back to the beginnings of my own coming out journey and my figuring things out.
Okay, first thing’s first: I didn’t like Astrid at all after reading Delilah Green Doesn’t Care last year but, boy, did that change after this. (Which, I suppose is the point. Obvi). So having a whole book centered around Astrid and her self-discovery was a wild ride that had me relating to her journey in an almost spiritual way because her and I have similar outlooks on success (SIMILAR — not identical, just saying I relate!) The way that Astrid and Jordan both, at the root, felt like failures in their own lives but had completely different life approaches to their perceived failure was such a nuanced take on the whole opposites attract trope that’s all too common. Their chemistry alone is and should be enough of a reason to read the book because who doesn’t love an enemies to lovers trope? But, the most beautiful part of the whole journey was just watching Astrid discover herself and deconstruct her old habits and views on what happiness means to her. The same could be said about Jordan’s own journey snd finding her self-worth as well.
I don’t want to dip into spoiler territory, but there’s so much to love about this book if you love modern, LGBT-centered romcoms. After reading Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail, my new goal in life is to find a girlfriend who radiates Ashley Herring Blake character energy because A. She knows how to write impeccably realistic, hilarious, and amazing queer characters and B. Because her writing restores my faith in/makes me believe in love, man.
Okay, first thing’s first: I didn’t like Astrid at all after reading Delilah Green Doesn’t Care last year but, boy, did that change after this. (Which, I suppose is the point. Obvi). So having a whole book centered around Astrid and her self-discovery was a wild ride that had me relating to her journey in an almost spiritual way because her and I have similar outlooks on success (SIMILAR — not identical, just saying I relate!) The way that Astrid and Jordan both, at the root, felt like failures in their own lives but had completely different life approaches to their perceived failure was such a nuanced take on the whole opposites attract trope that’s all too common. Their chemistry alone is and should be enough of a reason to read the book because who doesn’t love an enemies to lovers trope? But, the most beautiful part of the whole journey was just watching Astrid discover herself and deconstruct her old habits and views on what happiness means to her. The same could be said about Jordan’s own journey snd finding her self-worth as well.
I don’t want to dip into spoiler territory, but there’s so much to love about this book if you love modern, LGBT-centered romcoms. After reading Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail, my new goal in life is to find a girlfriend who radiates Ashley Herring Blake character energy because A. She knows how to write impeccably realistic, hilarious, and amazing queer characters and B. Because her writing restores my faith in/makes me believe in love, man.
Pretty fun and definitely smutty in all the best ways. I did feel slightly duped by Jordan's wife still being alive - I totally thought she was dead and it definitely changed the feel of the narrative for me that she had left her. But once I adjusted to that surprise, I really enjoyed the story and the chemistry between the characters. Which is basically all I want in my wlw romances.
Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail continues the Bright Falls magic, giving us another story that’s heartfelt, messy, and beautifully human.
What I love about this series is how grounded it feels — every character is wrestling with something real. For Astrid, it’s the pressure of family expectations (her mother, whew, relatable), the uncertainty of where her career is going, and the fear that maybe she’s built a life that doesn’t actually fit her anymore. The setting, the renovation project, the creative tension — it all mirrors her internal struggle.
This book captures that moment in life where you’re standing at a crossroads, wondering, “What do I really want?” and realizing that success doesn’t always look the way you thought it would. The relationships she builds (and rebuilds) along the way feel honest — sometimes messy, but always meaningful.
And let’s talk about the tension. From the very first clash, you know it’s going to be satisfying when that spark finally catches fire… and it absolutely is. The spicy scenes were once again chef’s kiss — passionate and perfectly timed.
While it didn’t hit me quite as hard emotionally as Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, it’s still a strong, heartfelt story about purpose, vulnerability, and what it really means to be happy.
My favorite quote:
“Happiness was about purpose, it was about self-awareness and acceptance.”
That line sums up Astrid’s journey — and honestly, it’s a good reminder for all of us.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 — A thoughtful, relatable, and spicy story of self-discovery and second chances.
What I love about this series is how grounded it feels — every character is wrestling with something real. For Astrid, it’s the pressure of family expectations (her mother, whew, relatable), the uncertainty of where her career is going, and the fear that maybe she’s built a life that doesn’t actually fit her anymore. The setting, the renovation project, the creative tension — it all mirrors her internal struggle.
This book captures that moment in life where you’re standing at a crossroads, wondering, “What do I really want?” and realizing that success doesn’t always look the way you thought it would. The relationships she builds (and rebuilds) along the way feel honest — sometimes messy, but always meaningful.
And let’s talk about the tension. From the very first clash, you know it’s going to be satisfying when that spark finally catches fire… and it absolutely is. The spicy scenes were once again chef’s kiss — passionate and perfectly timed.
While it didn’t hit me quite as hard emotionally as Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, it’s still a strong, heartfelt story about purpose, vulnerability, and what it really means to be happy.
My favorite quote:
“Happiness was about purpose, it was about self-awareness and acceptance.”
That line sums up Astrid’s journey — and honestly, it’s a good reminder for all of us.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 — A thoughtful, relatable, and spicy story of self-discovery and second chances.
I love these books! It was nice to see Astrid’s development compared to the first book and even during this one!
I am literally a leftist queer minority and had trouble getting through this because of how often the author crammed in certain phrases in a way that seemed like she had a DEI quota to meet. Why not strive for inclusivity by, perhaps, writing in a character actually important to the plot, with a speaking role?
Some scenes dragged out and some felt rushed but I did enjoy the overall plot. Enemies to lovers is a trope I welcome.
I will also say, I really enjoyed the excerpt from the next book (Iris Kelly Doesn't Date) and am hoping that it lives up to the hype.
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