𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (5/5)

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄:
🌈 Queer representation
🫶🏼 FF romance
🌶️ Swoon-worthy love
✨ A friendship group to die for
🏡 Found family
🔨 Home renovation TV shows
🔮 Tarot
🏳️‍🌈 Self discovery/awakening journeys

𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒:
I fu*king LOVED this book. This is the second book in the Bright Falls series- 𝘋𝘌𝘓𝘐𝘓𝘈𝘏 𝘎𝘙𝘌𝘌𝘕 𝘋𝘖𝘌𝘚𝘕’𝘛 𝘊𝘈𝘙𝘌 was also perfection and I’ve been so excited to pick this up ever since. Five big fat queer stars ✨

‘𝐓𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.’

I can’t recommend this book and series enough if you want cozy, comforting, feels-like-home kinda books. Queer awakenings? Check. Small town vibes with THE most loveable friendship group on the planet? Double check! Astrid and Jordan were just *chefs kiss*. Adorable. Steamy. Sassy. The rivals to lovers trope isn’t my favourite but this was done SO WELL.

We were introduced to Astrid in DGDC and saw her at her lowest and most unlikeable, but this sequel sees her flourish and find her true self. This book is FULL of fun and quirky characters (a lovely queer coven as Iris would say) and the individual character development is beautifully done — Jordan is unapologetically unique, Astrid’s freeing journey with her sexuality made my heart sing and seeing Astrid and Delilah’s relationship go from bitchy and lovingly sarcastic was so cute.

I loved the home renovation aspect, the competition and sexual tension between Astrid and Jordan, and seeing more of Claire and Delilah too. I honestly want a book from this group to read every month and cannot WAIT for Iris’ book which is next in the series! Let this be your sign to pick up these books next year!

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧 + 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝘼𝙍𝘾, 𝙞𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 @𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 (𝙄𝙂).

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care was one of my favorite 2022 romances and, although I didn’t love Astrid and Jordan’s story quite as much as Delilah and Claire’s, it didn’t disappoint.

I really liked both Astrid and Jordan in the present, and Astrid’s backstory was really well developed, but Jordan’s felt a little underdeveloped, unfortunately. I think the dynamic between Astrid and her mom was handled really well, and I loved seeing her with her group of friends. I also thought the author did a great job of showing how her relationship with Delilah has evolved, without taking them from zero to a hundred.

I struggled a bit with Jordan. Both her dynamic with her family and with her ex felt underdeveloped and I kind of wish there had only been one focus—perhaps her relationship with her ex being her conflict, and her family being in more of a supportive role.

I loved their dynamic as a couple and their back and forth was really fun. The romance flowed well and didn’t feel unrealistic, but I wasn’t the biggest fan of the third act conflict. The tension was good and I liked the steamier moments.

Plot wise, I just found myself not really caring. The renovation of the inn felt like it took a backseat and the conflict surrounding who was the designer just felt a bit unnecessary. I still can’t understand why they didn’t just co-design.

Although I did enjoy the romance and the overall reading experience was fun, I definitely preferred Delilah and Claire’s story. That being said, I’m very excited to see what Iris gets up to in the next book.

Content warnings: Cancer, cheating, death of a parent, emotionally abusive parent.

Thank you to Piatkus for the review copy. All reviews are 100% honest

Ashley Herring Blake does it again. Her books are such beautiful insights into queer romance, well written and comforting to read. This is a follow up to the first Delilah Green book, and I honestly loved reading about Astrid!

Would thoroughly recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher!

3.5 Stars

Synopsis: Astrid’s life has fallen apart but this dream renovation opportunity could change everything… if Jordan, the lead Carpenter, didn’t hate all of her ideas.

CW/TW: Mentions of Cancer/Mentions of Divorce/Questioning Sexuality and Comp Het. Others may be present.

Rep: Sapphic MC’s (Lesbian and unlabelled) | Lesbian, Bisexual, Non-Binary and Queer Side Characters.

Book 1 Review: Delilah Green Doesn’t Care (Bright Falls #1), by Ashley Herring Blake.

Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail, by Ashley Herring Blake is a funny, romantic, sexy sapphic romcom that continues on with characters we knew from Delilah’s story!

Now I adored Delilah Doesn’t Care and I enjoyed this book too – but I don’t feel like it lived up to the depth of book 1. However, it was still a funny and cute read that was entertaining. Blake’s writing is funny and interesting, much like in book 1, and the dual POV works perfectly for the story given how different the two characters are.

The plot was excellent – Astrid is the lead designer in her dream renovation project and, from start to finish, the project is being filmed as part of a TV show. Jordan is the lead carpenter and family member of the owner of the Inn being renovated and this is a chance for her and her family. However, a disastrous first meeting between the two set them at odds, and the design plans don’t sit well with Jordan. SO I loved the idea of the two being forced to work together on camera while also seething at each other over the disastrous first meeting and I really enjoyed how the tension played out, especially in front of the camera crew. I loved the tension between the two characters and how this grew and changed over the course of the book.

The other element I enjoyed was Astrid’s story. Working with her identity and figuring out whether she is actually straight or not – this part of the story felt very realistic and compelling, it was a relatable struggle but also one that had its joyful moments of self-definition and identity. I also enjoyed Jordan’s story of coming to terms with who she is and what she deserves and the two’s personal journeys reflected and played off each other very well.

I also enjoyed getting little glimpses into Claire and Delilah again! As well as Iris of course! It was nice to see how this dynamic had changed between/over the course of the two books and how the relationships had developed.

Now I loved Astrid and Jordan, and the rest of the cast. However, All of the characters felt a little flat – I wish we had gotten more about all of them, more depth because, while I loved them all, I just felt I couldn’t truly connect with them like I did in book 1.

Overall, Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail, by Ashley Herring Blake was a cute, fun and interesting read that was enjoyable, sweet and sexy.

*Thank you to #Netgalley #LittleBrownBooks UK for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!*

I liked this well enough. It didn't wow me or grab my attention and the romance element was a little 'bleh' for me. I didn't really like Astrid in Delilah's book and whilst I warmed a little to her in this one, it wasn't enough. Interesting concept and well written but this was just an okay read for me.

Simply obsessed it had me hooked can not wait to read more books by this author. Lesbian romance has been a fan of mine recently.

4.5

This book is everything. It was such a cute, swoon-worthy yet touching story! Astrid is just a woman navigating though adulthood, discovering who she really is in a world where she couldn't. Until she learned, slowly and painfully, to put herself first. Even before her mother who was even in book 1, the center of her life and the shadow behind all her decisions. She never had the time to focus on what she want to do in her life, except what she felt like she is meant to do. That's the reason why she was glad and proud to become the designer for the Everwood Inn’s. And she will succeed because Astrid Parker simply doesn't fail.
Everwood Inn’s is Jordan family's place, she is determined to preserve the history of the Inn and her family.
Since their first encounter we knew that it wouldn't be easy for them to get along. But Jordan and Astrid somehow managed to get along and to build a beautiful relationship full of understanding and love. It was such a page turner, Can't wait to read the next Ashley Herring Blake's book!

Astrid Parker is an interior designer with a fear of failure. When she is asked to be the designer on a popular home improvement show she’s hoping it will be the perfect distraction from her failed love life.

This is a beautiful queer romantic comedy with a small town charm. It’s like a Hallmark movie but with a bucket of spice!

The chemistry between the main characters sizzled off the page and I was rooting for them throughout! They both felt well written and their motivations believable.

I haven’t read the authors previous book Delilah Green Doesn’t Care but I really want to now! This was fantastic and I’m really enjoying romance books at the moment.

AD - This copy was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

This book was an absolute joy from start to finish.

I loved Delilah so was very excited and also apprehensive to pick this up. I needn't have worried. It married two of my favourite things; home renovation (a wonderfully quirky historic inn) and a woman falling in love with another woman for the first time. It was touching, poignant, heartbreaking and also delightfully steamy at times.

I can't wait for the next book in the series.

This was realllllly cute. It was going alright at the beginning but when it got in deep, ahhhhh. I found Astrid and her partner so adorable. The romance gaveeeee. I will recommend this totally. Looking back at it, I think I enjoyed this more than I did the first book and I really liked Delilah Green Doesn't Care

As expected this book was fantastic! Who doesn't love a sapphic romance? I loved the characters from the moment I started reading and for me that's always a sign that a book is going to be fantastic! Definitely one I will recommend to friends, and anyone who loved Delilah Green!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an eArc of this book to review.

This book was cute and heaps of fun, and original in the sense that I’ve not read anything with the same sort of dynamic as the one between Astrid and Jordan before.

My main criticism would be that there’s not enough character development for the side characters. I’m aware that this is the second book in a series centred around the same friend group, however it is implied (as with most romance series) that they can be read as standalone novels. I’ve not read the first book in the series (where we presumably get a better introduction to the other characters), but it would’ve been good to get a better sense of them as opposed to just hinting at romances from the first one and also at romances to come in the next book of the series.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 (3.5) rounded up for my blog.

I’d been wanting to read a book by this author for quite some time and although I haven’t read Delilah Green Doesn’t Care yet, I really liked this one and now even more excited to go back and read that first one in the series soon.

I found this book very easy to read and I flew through it much quicker than expected. I loved this queer romance about a character discovering her queerness. Who has previously rejected all ideas that being queer was possible only to realise that this is who she was the whole time. I found it to be a very refreshing take and a great story about self-discovery a little later in life.

I loved all the characters in this book and the friendship group. From the get go, Astrid and Jordan had chemistry and I loved watching their relationship unfold. It was possibility a bit predictable at times, but what romance book isn’t?! I also LOVED the plot and the whole renovation show! This was such a fun backdrop and I loved the way this weaved into the story.

Overall, I really liked this one and I look forward to reading more by the author!

Another great story from Ashley Herring Blake, this one especially for those who learn about their sexuality later in life. I really enjoyed this romance which is set around the renovation of an Inn. It was great to be re-united with the gang from Delilah Green Doesn't Care! And to get more insight into Astrid as a protagonist. I really liked Jordan too, the granddaughter of the owner of the Inn who Astrid falls for. Excited to read the next book in the series!

Book review: Astrid Parker doesn’t fail by Ashley Herring Blake (ARC)

★★★★★

So I may be quite over the date I wanted to post this review but I finally got around to finishing the book! Better late than never haha! This book released on the 22nd and it’s amazing!

Let’s start off with how beautiful this cover is, it’s just stunning. I adored the characters, I especially loved their personalities. I was smiling the entire time while reading!

This book was so freaking good!! I loved it so much and I would definitely recommend it, I have such deep love for this book. Astrid and Jordan were absolutely everything!

I absolutely cannot wait for Iris Kelly doesn’t date! I am sure the book will be as amazing as the two before it!

During my reading of 'Delilah Green doesn't care' Astrid Parker was very unlikable. She came across as pretentious, catty and generally mean. I was sceptical about starting this book. She would have to redeem herself massively for me to like her. And you know what? Ashley Herring Blake absolutely did that.
The little snippet at the end of the last book set the mood entirely and made the wait for release day even sweeter!
Astrid Parker is busy restarting her life after a failed engagement with the worst man. She is still under her mother's thumb but is more determined than ever to succeed in her career as an interior designer. She's been assigned a new project at the Everwood Inn, designing and starring in a popular TV show. This could change her prospects entirely and her mother is very eager for her to succeed.
Jordan Everwood, granddaughter to the Inn's owner is allocated lead carpenter in the renovation. Her brother, Simon and grandmother Pru are essential for this renovation too as this is the last option for reaching success in their business.
When our two characters meet it's by hot coffee accidentally being thrown all over Astrid and a tense disagreement between her and Jordan leaves both of them stressed by the situation. It was here I saw a different side to Astrid. She puts on a very perfect bravado but seeing the inner workings of her mind shows she's highly anxious and puts pressure on herself to appear perfect whether it's her clothing, behaviour or successes.
Jordan appears similar once we see get her point of view. She seems to be escaping some trauma by coming to her grandmother's Inn but as the reader, this is not stated outright. Jordan comes across as closed off, anxious and in need of distraction and support.
The two are clearly attracted to one another but they butt heads constantly, especially regarding renovation, something the producer Natasha is desperate to exploit. As the novel progresses, their divide narrows and establishes common ground and the need for success.
Seeing them and their relationship develop was great to read. I think what makes Ashley's stories so good is her established side characters and the substance they add to each book. It was great seeing characters from the first book including Iris, Claire and Delilah.
As always, the diversity and inclusivity are fantastic and Ashley discusses important subjects that are relatable to many people.
It is safe to say my opinion of Astrid has shifted entirely and I genuinely loved her character by the end. Something I definitely did not expect. From the sneak peek at the end, I am excited to read Iris' story, especially following her messy relationship ending in the book.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this book. I loved Delilah and Claire's story and Astrid and Jordan's was not a disappointment.

Firstly, I would like to thank NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for an earc of this title.

I read Delilah Green Doesn't Care earlier this year and loved it. The story resonated with me in a way I didn't expect. As someone newly in her 30s, I think reading about a group of friends struggling with life and love in the same stage of life let me feel seen in a good way.

So once I saw Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail available on NetGalley - I knew I wanted to snap it up! I was immediately intrigued by this character. Someone who in the previous book was this perfect, unflappable character who wouldn't let anything get in the way of her perfect wedding. Until it all came falling apart. To read a sequel dedicated to this character following how she picks up the pieces of her life and carries on - intrigued me!

And this book did not disappoint.

First, who doesn't love a queer romance? But what is better is a queer romance about a character discovering her queerness. Who has previously rejected all ideas that being queer was possible only to realise that this is who she was the whole time. It was a refreshing take. A beautiful story told about self-discovery.

And not just in their sexuality but also in life. About how someone can be guided and misguided their whole life by someone with only the best intentions only to realise they've lost who they really are. It's a scary idea to go through in real life so instead, then read it from the comfort of another character.

Overall, I loved this book. I loved the characters, the journey and the romance. It's adorable in all the ways possible and really pulls at your heartstrings.

Absolutely recommend.

This was really cliche and just not for me. Sadly DNF at 30%. I think the characters were too typical, there was no variation between them and nearly every other romance book. At least the other books tried to make the characters have some depth to them. Sorry 🤷🏼‍♀️

I think it’s safe to say that this is my new favourite series - which is unusual for me since I don’t usually go for romance books.

I have to say, I didn’t expect it to go down the path that it did - I was expecting Astrid and Jordon to co-own Bright Designs with Isobel being bought out of the business.

I loved the Astrid/Iris/Claire friendship yet again, plus the addition of Delilah and Jordon. I liked how Delilah and Claire’s relationship from the previous book continued to be a part of the story.

The only negative was that the way some characters reacted in certain situations were a bit over the top but I guess the drama was needed…

I am so looking forward to reading about Iris in the next book!

“She might not know anything about being queer - whether she was bisexual or pan or something else altogether - but she knew without one single doubt that she wanted Jordan Everwood.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ashley Herring Blake NEVER misses.

I read Delilah Green Doesn’t Care last year and I instantly became absolutely obsessed with it. I think about that book multiple time a week. Delilah is probably my all time favourite character from a romance, so when I saw that Astrid was getting her own story set around an interior design TV show, I was SOLD. I knew for a fact that I would love Astrid, and although Delilah Green is still my favourite, this one is up there in my top 10 romances of this year.

Astrid and Jordan had chemistry from the jump. As soon as they literally ran into each other in front of the coffee shop and Jordan spilt coffee all over Astrid’s designer dress, minutes before the most important work meeting of her life, I was hooked. The speed in which I read this book, just having to know what happened next impressed the hell out of me 😂

There are so many heartwarming scenes in this book, it felt so comforting to read about their little found family. It was also so refreshing to read about a 30 year old woman struggling with her sexuality, usually that is saved for YA books and it’s not talked about enough in adult romance, in my opinion.

Now if Ashley Herring Blake could write me a girlfriend, that would be great 😂

Read if you love:
💙 Sapphic romance
💙 Enemies to lovers
💙 Forced proximity
💙 Workplace rivals
💙 Small Town
💙 Found Family
💙 Interior design
💙 Grumpy/Sunshine

(*Thank you so, so much to @yourswithlovex for the gifted ARC!)