it's not bad, per se. it's just disappointing. especially since delilah green doesn't care was so good.

This was a fun sapphic romance. I liked the plot of how they were both working on a renovation. I would of just liked to see their romance a bit more developed.

thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this advance copy for review!

'astrid parker doesn't fail' is the second book in the bright falls series, and follows delilah's step-sister, astrid, who we met in the first book. astrid starts this book having recently broken off her engagement to her ex-boyfriend, spencer, and is attempting to sort of reinvent herself by focusing on her career as an interior designer. in steps the everwoods, who own the everwood inn - an old hotel that is in desperate need of a renovation. astrid is asked to take the lead on designing this project, which will be featured on 'innside america' a home reno reality show.

astrid immediately butts head with jordan everwood, the lead carpenter on the project and part of the family who own the inn. almost immediately i was HOOKED (in much the same way as natasha rojas) on the tension between astrid and jordan and really enjoyed seeing them interact. i don't necessarily agree with other reviews that there was no chemistry between them; i thought it developed naturally and it was obvious from the start that they found the other attractive (even if it took astrid some time to work that out!) i really liked seeing their relationship grow as the book went on but outside of that, i really appreciated astrid's character development. in the first book she comes across quite brash and frankly rather annoying and self-centered. in this book, that was totally dismantled as she tried to figure out who she was outside of her relationship and her mom's influence. i loved seeing her figuring herself and her future path out, and i came out of this book really loving her and wanting the best for her.

i would be remiss not to talk about surrounding characters and my goodness do i love this little queer friendship group!!! it was a delight to see delilah and claire again, all happy and loved up, as well as spend more time with iris, and meet jordan's brother simon. i'm veryyyy looking forward to iris's book (am i sensing a throuple????) this book proves the old adage that queer people travel in packs

i don't have much to say about the home reno tv show plot, which sort of fizzled out in deference to the relationship between astrid and jordan, but i liked it enough as a way of getting the two of them together.

overall i LOVED this addition to the bright falls series and it is my favourite of the two so far!!!

Love love love this world Ashley has created. The positive energy of female friendship radiates off the page and I just want to be in the gang!

I loved Astrid’s story and thought it was such a unique take on discovering queerness.

The only tiny tiny downfall for me was the second half felt a little repetitive waiting for Astrid to reveal Jordan as the designer. I felt like there were a lot of similar scenes and the big reveal then didn’t have as big of an impact as it could have.

I am already ridiculously excited for Iris’ book!!

Ashley Herring Blake writes such great romance! The pacing is always great and her writing is so easy to read. I really enjoyed getting to know Astrid more after the last book, although I do think we could have gone deeper into her mind, as it's always fun to find out more about a character who is pretty uptight and closed off emotionally, which is how we saw her in Delilah Green Doesn't Care. I loved seeing Astrid starting to understand herself and her queerness, which really only begins to happen towards the end of the book, and I think it's great to see representation of someone understanding their queerness when they're in their 30s, and not just as they're a teenager.

Of course, the supporting characters are fantastic. I loved seeing Delilah and Claire and Iris again, along with some new supporting characters! The friendships in these books are amazing and such a strong point of the novels. I also really enjoyed the TV show element of this book! It was a lot of fun and I loved reading all of the descriptions of the inn renovation.

However, my biggest gripe with this book is surrounding Jordan and her background. We don't really get to know Jordan very much outside of the context of her past relationship; this does open up more towards the end, but her whole personality seemed to revolve around her past marriage and Meredith, and she just didn't seem like her own person, and definitely not a person who was ready to jump into a new relationship - she was still very much grieving this past relationship when she meets Astrid.

Overall, I didn't love this as much as I loved Delilah Green Doesn't Care, but it was still a great romance and I can't wait for Iris' book!

With thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail is the second book in the Bright Falls series that began with Delilah Green Doesn’t Care and will continue next year with Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date. Each book in the series so far has been a contemporary Sapphic romance, each with their own tropes.

This book’s main trope is Enemies to Lovers. Our two leads, Astrid and Jordan, get off to a pretty bad start when Jordan barrels into Astrid one morning and covers her expensive dress in coffee. But oh no, it turns out they have to work together on a renovation that’s being filmed for a reality show, and the host really wants them to play up their enmity for the cameras. Whatever will they do.

Fall in love, obviously.

For most of the first half of this book I was sure I was going to give it two stars. The first thing that irked me was my feeling that we were supposed to take a dim view of Astrid and disapprove of her “meanness” when dealing with Jordan when they first met. But…what did she do that was so wrong? Be a bit snappish to someone who hurt her (scraped palms were mentioned) and damaged a $1000 dress on a really important day? Expect said clumsy oaf to pay for dry cleaning? Seems reasonable enough to me. Jordan honestly behaves much worse in the few chapters after this interaction, in my opinion, but it feels like the narrative wants us to take her side.

So, rough start. For the next 100-150 pages it didn’t really improve. However, when they stop butting heads for no reason, the book improves somewhat. Enemies dispensed with, we move to the lovers part of the book.

From this point on it’s so much so contemporary romance: good sex, drama-creating exes, miscommunication, disaster, breakup, pining, grand gesture love declaration, happily ever after.

If that sounds like a formula you would enjoy, you will like this book.

Personally I would have liked more development of Astrid. Lip-service is paid to her feelings about developing a queer identity in her 30s. I would have liked more examination of that and less of Jordan’s texts from her ex.

Overall, 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.

We’re back in Bright Falls with Astrid this time and the impossible might have happened as I may love this even more than Delilah Green?!

In DG, Astrid is portrayed as this very complex person, every decision she made was done so under the thumb of her mother, and while she was selfish through the book, it was clear there was another part of her that she didn’t let show. And now we get the insight into every insecurity and worry and pressure Astrid has and I’m crying

I loved seeing Astrid grow in this book. Everything from dealing with her mother, to realising her sexuality, to working out what she truly wants from her life. I just felt so proud of her when I was reading this!

And Jordan Everwood oh my. Astrid and Jordan’s first meeting destroyed me, emotionally and physically and the knowledge that this was enemies to lovers had me in a puddle - I was so ready.

I loved Jordan. She was so completely herself and my heart broke into little pieces when we found about everything with Meredith. I HURT. She’s strong and I loved how she and Astrid were with each other and how they brought out something else in each other too.

Just a side note to appreciate that movie theatre scene - Jesus I nearly died

I loved the insights we got into Claire and Delilah’s relationship and Iris baby. Omg my little heart I love this girl. Iris’ only competition for favourite character was obviously Pru, Jordan’s grandma, an absolute angel

The whole storyline with renovating the Everwood’s inn and all the workplace romance vibes were perfection! Oh and Ruby is also a freaking queen who I literally thought I couldn’t love more after the first book, but I do

I am addicted. Cute and lovely and emotional and smutty and queer and everything I ever needed from a book

This was my very first sapphic novel and I throughly enjoyed it.

I loved the small town setting complete with the perfect Hallmark movie meet cute. The concept of the book taking place during the filming for a home renovation show was pretty cool. It added a nice layer to the story.

I realised after a few chapters that this was a second in a series but I don’t think hindered my enjoyment of the story, in fact I am ready to go out and grab the first book to spend a bit more time with the characters.

I really loved the relationship between Jordan and Simon, while flawed it was still full of love but oh my god… I loved Pru! She was not a main player in the story but I felt I knew her, she was just like all nans, supportive and all knowing. She knew what was what before the rest of them and it was amazing.

I did find the friend group a teeny bit overwhelming, but just a smidge.

Overall I would recommend this book, especially if like me you are a sucker for a cute romance and a bit of spice.

I enjoyed this, although not quite as much as Delilah Green, it was a fun read with some interesting characters. I liked the personal development that Astrid goes through, finally realising that she alone can choose her path and breaking free from her mother’s controlling influence.
I get a real Gilmore Girls vibe from the location, especially the inn, and the general chemistry between the friends. Although the romance is definitely a bit spicier, but in a good way. This is easy and entertaining, a definite recommend.

I read this straight after reading the first in the series (Delilah Green doesnt care) and i am glad i did. Astrid's character in the first book (towards the beginning definitely represents someone who has lost themselves and are struggling with their circumstance.

I really enjoyed this book and the representation of interor design was fun to hear about! I cant wait for a physical copy of this book so that i can annote and so much of this book i can resonate with!

Thankyou Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK, Piatkus for a free e-book copy, in exchange for an honest review

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.25⭐️
This book was really fun and cute in parts however it did kind of leave me wanting more.
I wanted to know the characters a little more, they didn't feel super developed. And I would've loved to see more of Astrid and Delilah's relationship developing! Their arc was one of my favourite parts in Delilah's book, and while it was hinted at in parts of the book, I was just hoping it would be a little stronger. Mostly Delilah turns up because she's Claire's girlfriend - she's often mentioned in phrases like 'her best friends and Delilah'.
On the whole, I didn't dislike this book! But I didn't feel super connected to it either.

I got #astridparkerdoesntfail as an arc from @netgalley #netgalley and I loved every minute I was able to read this.

Astrid has a great reputation as a designer and takes on the task on Everwood reno. However, horns clash with the granddaughter, Jordan. But Astrid Parker can not fail! This is an enemies to lovers which isn't usually my first choice but I found so many moments of this feeling fuzzy. 💕

Best news is...I've found out there's another in the Bright Falls series; Iris Kelly Doesn't Date (may have squeeled when I found that out!!)

This book was so good. It was a really nice follow up to Delilah. I was worried about how they were going to introduce Astrid’s sexuality but I think they navigated her questioning really well. I think some elements felt a bit rushed but overall it was great! Looking forward to the next one!

thank you to little brown book group and netgally for my ARC of astrid parker doesn't fail.
ashley herring blake honestly excels at romances, i adored delilah green and completely fell in love with the characters so i was so excited to start astrid parker and it did not disappoint.
the small town queer romance was done to perfection and with such warmth and incredibly detailed characters that provided for an excellent read.
our two main characters had intricately developed storylines and background context that really built up to having excellent characterisation. they were captivating and interesting with storylines that were different and provoking.
i loved getting to know astrid more and working out what makes her tick, her relationship with her mother was raw and projected the complexity that came along with it. she got the story she deserved and what was teased about, when we first met her in delilah green.
all the characters in astrid parker are a strong point of the book, especially claire, iris and astrid. their found family and support system of each other was part of what made me fall in love with herring blake’s work at the start. perhaps the only complaint i had was that we did not see enough of those 3, especially when they are such an integral part of each others live’s and a reason why so many people have loved delilah green as they did.
astrid parker doesn’t fail was never boring or had a slow pace, it was an enjoyable read that i truly had fun reading.
a for sure 5/5 read, that will only solidify my recommendation of herring blakes work, i loved reading it!

Oh this book is hot, hot, hot. Steamy, sexy, funny, romantic, fun. Really well written, likeable characters, good setting, great pace. I enjoyed it.

BOOK REVIEW: Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail by @ashleyhblake

4.5 Stars
I was a little nervous starting this as I was worried it wouldn't live up to the 4 Star rating I gave Delilah Green. However as you can see, I didn't need to worry as for me this was even better!
Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail is a wonderful queer romance that packs an emotional punch. I love this story and all the characters in it and although I didn't like Astrid in the first book, I really learnt to love her in this one. I love that the story revolved around a hotel renovation as it added a different dynamic and I enjoyed picturing what this spooky building was looking like. Although the story started off a little slow, by 25% I loved it and couldn't put it down.
Astrid is such an interesting character. I loved how she slowly opened up and how she learnt to live for herself instead of for her mother and her reputation. The other lead character Jordan was an absolute joy. I loved her fearless character that covered up her rather vulnerable centre. Her story was really interesting and I loved her and Astrid together. They are definitely two opposites that brought out the best in each other.
The romance was sweet and sexy! The smut was really well done and I loved how the sexier scenes also included some important topics.
The side characters were as great as the first book and I am hoping the next book will be about Iris as I find her character brilliant but also incredibly intriguing.
The writing was so good and I felt so connected to these characters. You know you love a book when you constantly find yourself grinning at your kindle whilst reading!
Overall, a beautiful queer romance that I could not recommend more. If you like a side order of smut with your romance then this book is definitely for you!

Please note that I was #gifted this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail is a fantastic follow up to Delilah Green Doesn’t Care. I really enjoyed the build up and relationship between Astrid and Jordan. Their personal issues and subsequent resolutions were realistic and believable. All in all this is an excellent sapphic romance
I also really enjoying getting to see Delilah, Claire and Iris again in this book and can’t wait to read more about them in future instalments in this series.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable follow up to Delilah Green Doesn't Care.
When Astrid books a job to renovate a beautiful old Inn as part of a TV show she's looking forward to a boost to her career. What's she's not expecting is to have romantic sparks with Jordan - the inn owner's granddaughter and head carpenter on the project.
The sexual awakening of Astrid was very well handled. I also liked the less cliched story behind Jordan's relationship trauma.
The pairing of uptight Astrid and grounded Jordan really worked for me. I really love a story where the lead couple banter in a snarky fashion and then find themselves falling.
I also enjoyed all the returning characters from the first book and I'm definitely looking forward to Iris' book when it comes out.

I absolutely adored Delilah Green Doesn't Care so I was super excited to get to read Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail on netgalley and I loved it just as much as the first book in the series!

If you love saphhic romance then Ashley Herring Blake needs to be your go to author because the romance elements are just everything. I love that it's not all sweet and magical, the characters are often flawed and their relationships messy but they are definitely the kind of people you champion.

I'm so glad we got a book from Astrid's POV her journey of self discovery in this book is just beautiful to read and I'm so glad she met Jordan! They complement each other so well and I loved following their relationship.

I loved everything about this book, The characters are so well developed, it's funny and heartwarming in equal measure and will leave you feeling like you've been hugged. The setting is so cosy with small town vibes which is my favourite and it was delightful to spend more time with Claire, Iris and Delilah too! I love these girls ❤️

I thoroughly enjoyed Delilah Green Doesn't Care, the first book in Ashley Herring Blake's Bright Falls series, so I was thrilled to be approved for the second in this shared universe, which deals with Delilah's uptight, socially successful step-sister Astrid Parker. The first book in the series showcased the collapse of Astrid's wedding to the odious Spencer, and this book returns us to Bright Falls a year later, as Astrid begins her dream renovation project - The Everwood, a spooky and atmospheric hotel in Bright Falls. But lead carpenter on the project, Jordan Everwood, has very different ideas, and as sparks fly between the two of them, Astrid needs to realise what's important to her.

I enjoyed this book, and thought the romance was sweet and the resolution of issues in the book felt realistic. But to be honest, I don't think Astrid really needed a romance - she needed more like a reckoning with her mother to realise that who she wants to be is not necessarily who her mother wants her to be. And to be honest, there wasn't enough of that in this book. It focused largely on Astrid finding herself and who she wants, and what she does with her life follows on from a successful romance, but that felt a little bit like less than Astrid deserved, because she has so much potential.

That said, though, I loved this book overall, I liked coming back to Bright Falls, and I liked returning to the characters that we met in Delilah Green Doesn't Care. The third book in the series will be about Iris, the third of Astrid's coven, and I hope that in the third in the series, we see some more development of the side and background characters - in this book, we focused almost exclusively on Astrid and Jordan and all the other things - Astrid's relationship with Delilah and her mother, Delilah and Claire, Iris and her various partners - felt slightly thin. Hopefully that'll be fleshed out a little more in the third.

These are minor critiques, though. Overall, I was really pleased to return to Bright Falls and see Astrid find happiness with someone who wasn't a knob.