Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail

By: Ashley Herring Blake

Narrated by: Kristen DiMercurio

Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

An interior designer who is never without the perfect plan learns to renovate her love life without one in this new romantic comedy by Ashley Herring Blake, author of Delilah Green Doesn’t Care.

For Astrid Parker, failure is unacceptable. Ever since she broke up with her fiancé a year ago, she’s been focused on her career—her friends might say she’s obsessed, but she knows she’s just driven. 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.

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 wants?

©2022 Ashley Herring Blake (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Honesty

I genuinely don’t think any combo with this author and Narrator could be bad. With DahliaGreen Doesn’t care I feel in love with how Ashley writes, it flows so well and swoops you into an entirely new universe, and through my countless audiobooks (most unfinished) Kristen is one of very few narrators I could listen to hours on end, never making any minute boring. The combo is MAGIC! JUST like THIS BOOK!!!!! Don’t get me wrong I loved Dahlia’s book- it’s a must read, but phewwww Astrid’s hits home- DEEP, in so many ways. I love the characters, the story, THE FREAKING LIFE LESSONS, the communication between characters in this one is so refreshing, honestly I don’t have anything negative to say…. Other then my usual “whhhhyyy did it have to ennnnd we need moreee” buuuuut I’m guessing we may get to dive into the eyes of our ginger goddess next :p (crossing fingers)

Get it!!

If you like the first book, this one is just as good. New favorite author!!

Everything you want in a lesbian romance novel....

I binge listed to Delilah Green Doesn't Care and immediately started this sequel. The reader does an incredible job creating and consistently using different voices for all various leading ladies in this book. The plot is paced perfectly. I like my queer romance books to be happy easy reads with some good sex scenes and this book definitely delivers in those aspects. There is just enough stress to keep things interesting, but still light as you know all will work out in the end for the happy couple. As a late blooming lesbian myself, Astrid's experiences were described so well and so damn relatable. The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is that some of the elements seemed unoriginal/repetitive with the first book, but overall, a super enjoyable read!

So good even for multiple listens

This is my second time listening to this. I love the main characters and the build up of the love story and chemistry. Definitely will listen again in the future.

My favorite romance writer

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care is my favorite romance of all time. It’s sweet and realistic. So when I heard there were more books, I had to read them. This, just like DGDC is so amazing. The writing is lovely. The romance is real and complicated but reconciled. I love it so much.

Loved This Book!

If you loved Delilah Green Doesn’t Care you’ll love this follow up. Honestly, I wasn’t sure about a wlw story for Astrid Parker. She’s a character that’s wound pretty tight. But damn! Astrid came undone! In the best possible way. No spoilers. Just enjoy the unfolding of a well written tale about discovering who you are, what you truly want (step-mothers be damned), and standing on your own.
And the spicy scenes are chef’s kiss.
10/10 Highly recommend.

Worth the wait!

When I first started the book it was hard to listen to it. It took me a couple of days to get into the book, but when I did it was hard to stop. It made me so happy to see Astrid get her happiness and home in Jordan. Especially after dating spencer in the last book. Jordyn's storyline was a complete twist and kept my attention. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and I can't wait to see what else the author puts out 😁

Just lovely

A simple yet lovely story! Worth the listen. Thank you to the narrator for the great work!

Another lovable story!

I’m so glad we got to see Astrid get a happy ending. I loved everything about this book and it definitely holds up to Delilah Green.

Surprisingly cute

I was iffy on this book. After reading Delilah Doesn't Care, I didn't know if this one would be good. I was mostly worried about how the transition from the only straight character into the unlabeled character she became would be. but I loved it! I loved how Astrid immediately took notice of Jordan, but didn't know exactly what it meant, kind of wrote it off.

Good story, good read.