Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail

Ashley Herring Blake

2022

3.2
⚠️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?
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Completion Rate
100%
Avg Time To Finish
21 days
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Tonight’s fit

Best for readers who enjoy:  Humourous · Contemporary Romance · Steady

Humourous Bright Falls POV: Single POV Published by Berkley
Characters
Lebians Queer Woman
Sub-genre
Contemporary Romance lgbtqia+ Fiction 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

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

3.20
10 ratings
10 reviews
5 stars
2 (20%)
4 stars
2 (20%)
3 stars
3 (30%)
2 stars
2 (20%)
1 stars
1 (10%)
6 January 2026
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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. The atmosphere is the standout — it’s easy to sink into. If you’re on the fence, try a sample — you’ll know quickly.
0
6 January 2026
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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.
0
6 January 2026
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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.
0
6 January 2026
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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.
0
6 January 2026
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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.
0
6 January 2026
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Not for me: Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail

0
6 January 2026
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Mixed feelings: Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail

0
6 January 2026
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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.
0
6 January 2026
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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.
0
6 January 2026
User Avatar

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.
0