Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail
Ashley Herring Blake
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2022
⚠️Content Warnings
Compulsory HeterosexualityMild HomophobiaSuggestive Themes
For Astrid Parker, failure is unacceptable. Ever since she broke up with her fiancé a year ago, she’s been focused on her career. So when Pru Everwood asks her to be the designer for the Everwood Inn’s renovation, which will be featured on a hugely popular home makeover show, 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 really wants?
Tonight’s fit
Best for readers who enjoy: Humourous · Contemporary Romance · Steady
Humourous
Bright Falls
POV: Single POV
Published by Berkley
Characters
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Lebians
•
Queer
•
Woman
Sub-genre
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Contemporary Romance
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lgbtqia+ Fiction
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Romcom
Experience
•
Humourous
•
Lighthearted
•
Mid-Pace
Pace
Gentle
Adrenaline
Balanced
Tone
Light
Dark
Light
Book length
Short
Epic
Balanced
More nuance
Violence
Soft
Graphic
Soft
Romance
Background
Front and centre
Front and centre
Worldbuilding
Light touch
Deep & dense
Light touch
Readability
Breezy
Dense
Balanced
Humour
Serious
Very funny
Balanced
Target audience
Younger
Adult
Balanced
Ashley Herring Blake
lgbtqia+, Romance
Ashley Herring Blake is an acclaimed author known for writing heartfelt, diverse stories for Young Adult (YA), Middle Grade (MG), and Adult audiences, often focusing on queer themes, complex family dynamics, trauma, and finding love/self-discovery, with popular works including the YA novels Girl Made of Stars (on consent/assault), How to Make a Wish, and the popular adult romance Bright Falls series (starting with Delilah Green Doesn't Care), praised for their emotional depth and realistic characters.
Books By This Author
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Reader Reviews
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3.20
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ratings
10
reviews
5 stars
2 (20%)
4 stars
2 (20%)
3 stars
3 (30%)
2 stars
2 (20%)
1 stars
1 (10%)
Loved it: Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail
I went into Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail with pretty normal expectations and it surprised me. The atmosphere is the standout — it’s easy to sink into. If you’re on the fence, try a sample — you’ll know quickly.
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Didn’t work for me: Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail
Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail has a strong core idea — the execution mostly works. The ending resolves fast compared to how much it builds up. Characters feel distinct, and the dialogue reads naturally. Overall, I’d recommend it to the right reader.
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Really enjoyed: Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail
⚠️ Spoilers: minor plot detail mentioned below. Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail has a strong core idea — the execution mostly works. The atmosphere is the standout — it’s easy to sink into. There’s a specific turning point late in the book that changes the tone hard — that moment will make or break it for you. If you’re on the fence, try a sample — you’ll know quickly.
Spoiler ahead
Click to reveal this review.
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Mixed feelings: Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail
Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail has a strong core idea — the execution mostly works. The pacing stays moving and the chapters end on good beats. The ending resolves fast compared to how much it builds up. Overall, I’d recommend it to the right reader.
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Didn’t work for me: Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail
Mixed feelings on Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail, but I can see why people love it. The middle drags and repeats the same tension a bit too long. I’d still read more from this author even with the flaws.
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Loved it: Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail
I went into Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail with pretty normal expectations and it surprised me. There are a few scenes that genuinely hit emotionally. Not perfect, but it did enough to keep me turning pages.
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Mixed feelings: Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail
Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail is the kind of book that hooks you early if you like its vibe. Characters feel distinct, and the dialogue reads naturally. The middle drags and repeats the same tension a bit too long. Overall, I’d recommend it to the right reader.
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Really enjoyed: Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail
I went into Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail with pretty normal expectations and it surprised me. The pacing stays moving and the chapters end on good beats. The middle drags and repeats the same tension a bit too long. If you’re on the fence, try a sample — you’ll know quickly.
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