The worst part about this book is how much potential it had to be one of my favorite things I've ever read, but instead turned into something I truly disliked. Astrid deserved better than ending up with someone who blew up her life. I get that Astrid allegedly wasn't happy, but it should have been her choice and her decisions that led her away from interior decorating. Instead, her new girlfriend sabotaged her approved plans (which were apparently really dull for someone who was supposed to be good at this???) and was a secret interior design wizard who got the TV spot and the publicity and everything Astrid wanted. I saw the underlying "but Astrid is great at baking and loves to do it!" storyline and it bothered me so much because I knew that it was going to be turned into her new entire life. Why couldn't Astrid be good at both? Why can't baking just be a hobby? I was so frustrated by the end because Astrid deserved to make those choices for herself and not be shoved into them.

This was great! My only gripe is that I didn't feel like Astrid and Jordan's chemistry was as hot as Delilah and Claire's was in the first book of the series. I loved getting to know these two characters, and particularly getting Astrid's perspective on what went down in Delilah's book. Can't wait for the third book!

I didn't like this book as much as the first one. The main character isn't as likeable; it took half the book just to redeem her from her damaged character from the first book. I'll still read the next book though.

I had no idea this was the second book, but regardless I loved it. I loved everything about this book, It was cute funny, enjoyable, just all around amazing. I will be going back read book one and the other books in this series.

I love a good "buttoned up princess" who realizes that what she needs is to relax a little. In some ways this felt like a queer version of The Wedding Planner!

This book was sweet in the long run but took a long time to warm up to. Jordan is not a likeable character, I understand her motives but most of the story she is honestly insufferable. She can't accept that Astrid is just doing the job she was asked to do even if she doesn't like it, she takes it out on Astrid instead of talking to her brother or her grandmother about it. Astrid also for a character with so much potential (especially after her previous appearance in Delilah Green) and with such a interesting past she falls flat. Towards the end of the book she definitely gets more interesting but in general I wanted so much more. I was happy that in the end the two did work it out and come together, giving Astrid the career and future she actually wanted instead of the one she was forced to have. It was definitely spicy which I do appreciate but I just wish this would have held up to Delilah Green a little bit more. 3.5 stars and an enjoyable read, I'm hoping the next Bright Falls book about Iris is a little stronger and has some more depth.

Actual rating: 4.5 stars

Another fantastic story for Ashley Herring Blake - are we surprised? This sequel to Delilah Green Doesn't Care follows Astrid, Delilah's stepsister, as she navigates life after breaking up with her fiance and gets the opportunity to renovate Everwood Inn for a tv show as an interior designer. However, interior design really isn't her passion - it's something she's doing to seek her mother's approval. On the flipside is Jordan Everwood who is the owner's granddaughter and lead carpenter for the project. Unfortunately, the only interaction the two have had before they find out they're working together is when Jordan accidentally ran into Astrid and ruined her dress the day she was interviewing for the tv show. It's a meet cute gone wrong + hate-to-love situation which I love. I love angsty romances! I enjoyed both POVs and the struggles throughout the book. I like that even when communication breaks down, it's not a miscommunication deal - which is one of my least favorite tropes. I especially enjoyed the friend group and am very excited for Iris's book. My only qualm was the subplot with Jordan's ex who was an easy person to not like.

I went into this with the hopeful expectation I had when I finished book 1. I loved Astrid, I had rooted for her to leave her obnoxious fiance and find love. Coming into Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail I felt like she lacked the depth I was hoping for. I enjoyed the read- and loved the moments when you got snippets into Delilah's life. It wasn't a bad read--but I felt like I was left wanting more.

I fell in love with the first book in this series and I have to be honest I was a bit hesitant about starting this one because I had mixed feelings about Astrid. However, I was happily surprised! It was really cute and I really enjoyed all the new characters. And Astrid’s character arc was wonderful to read.

Why did it take me so long to listen to this amazing book by Ashley Herring Blake??? Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail was such a great book! I must admit, I have not read Delilah's story yet, but after listening to Astrid's story in a day, I feel compelled to get my hands on any other books by Ashley Herring Blake!

Astrid Parker is determined to succeed and part of that pressure comes from her relentless, prim and proper mother. Berkley provided synopsis, "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." What she didn't anticipate was how Pru's granddaughter, Jordan made her feel. Forced proximity may be one of my favorite tropes and in this book it worked extremely well. Parker and Jordan are forced to work very closely with one another.

Themes in this book explore identity, intersectionality, familial pressures, success versus failure, and ownership and responsibility. From my bookish friends, I have frequently heard folks say they preferred Delilah's story, and while I got glimpses of her, without having read it, I really enjoyed this book. It can function as a stand-alone, but be aware it will provide spoilers for the previous book.

Thank you so much PRHAudio, Berkley Romance, and Netgalley or providing me a copy of Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail.

Absolutely phenomenal. I loved Astrid's growth, loved her finding and understanding herself. Standing up to her Mom. I loved JORDAN - she was so hot and funny and grumpy. I loved the friendships and the relationships. I didn't love the cancer storyline with Jordan's ex, felt like it could've been something else, but overall a great read and cannot wait for Iris.

I read this because I loved Delilah Green so much and this was super fun. It was nice to follow Astrid's story. I did see another review who said it was unfortunate she was pitted as the villain in her own novel which is accurate was a bit disappointing.

This romance was relatively engaging, a bit steamy and an overall serviceable. It's your typical meet ugly, with a brief foray into rivals to lovers territory, but to put it plainly this is simply a book that failed to convince me. I was unconvinced by the romantic chemistry or the idea that this is a viable soulmate level pairing like the book wanted me to believe. The home renovation plot felt more and more contrived the further the story went and the characters (both main and side) felt weak and a bit aimless to me, ultimately arriving at "character development" that felt a bit unearned and in some ways totally out of left field, particularly with regards to Astrid's career aspirations. I just felt that things didn't fully come together with the ease and earnestness that I found myself loving from the first book in the Bright Falls series. A perfectly fine way to pass some time, but I have many qualms, and a level of dispassion for the story that I think earns it a solid 2.5 star in my opinion.

This was a nice book with decent characters. It wasn't what I thought it would be but I might read more from Ashley Herring Blake.

I really enjoyed this book, I love the characters and their development. The stakes are high, the resolution is satisfying, and I love the couple. Astrid coming into her own is very satisfying, and I really enjoyed this story.

Above all, readers want an interesting story with a great voice, and to feel immersed. This title does that wonderfully. It was a great read, comfortably short and sweet. As soon as I started I knew I'd enjoy it. I also immediately knew there would be so many library patrons who would benefit from seeing this book on our shelves.

I requested the book because I knew great things about the author but had yet to read one of her titles (her middle grade is popular & I now know also great), and this was an excellent introduction to her writing.

In two words: funny and romantic.

Steamy, sweet, and fun - it was cool getting to know Astrid a little bit more. However, the premise felt a little too far fetched, and just didn’t make sense to me! why would Jordan actively sabotage Astrid? Why would she then give credit to Astrid? It didn’t really make sense to me! I felt like the secondary characters were largely just window dressing, whereas in Delilah Green, at least we got to know them and their personalities a bit better. This book was fun, or maybe I mean fine - I enjoyed it, but it felt a lot more contrived and forced than Delilah Green. I liked this book, but didn’t love it. I will however be tuning in to the next book, because Iris!!

An awesome continuation of the Bright Falls series, Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail provides much needed closure for a character we came to care about in Delilah Green Doesn't Care. Getting to know Astrid on her own terms and standing beside her as she figured out who she discovered who truly was and what she wanted is a pleasure. Absolutely looking forward to the next star of the series getting her turn to shine 🌟

Ashley Herring Blake writes exquisite sapphic romcoms — Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail stands out yet compliments the first book in the series, Delilah Green Doesn’t Care. I adore these characters and can’t wait for the next book.

I was so excited to be back in Bright Falls, and I loved that this second romance featured Astrid! Seeing Delilah as part of the crew put a grin on my face instantly, and I really enjoyed watching Astrid stretch and grow and figure out who she was without being under the thumb of her mother. I think what was lacking for me was a little bit more Jordan time, where we got to see Jordan and the equivalent of her crew (her brother and grandmother, in this case, I guess). Astrid had a little more depth in a way that was obvious. I found the ending to be a little bit much (that's a lot of job offers after such a catastrophic mistake), but a happy ending is a happy ending, so I'll take it. Definitely worth a read if you enjoyed Delilah Green Doesn't Care. 3.5 stars rounded up.