Genre Fiction
![Ashley Herring Blake - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_a_ashley_herring_blake.jpg)
Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail
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?
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?
Editorial Reviews
"Ashley Herring Blake knocks it out of the park again with a rivals-to-lovers story with a big beating heart! She has a knack for writing characters who feel like they could be your friends-flawed women with complex inner lives who leap off the page with personality. I wanted to give Astrid a giant hug; I wanted to give Jordan my number. Bright Falls is a world I want to live in, and I can't wait to return to!"-Alison Cochrun, author of The Charm Offensive
"As only she can, Ashley Herring Blake weaves magic through each corner of her work, transporting readers to an inclusive haven they'll never want to leave."-Courtney Kae, author of In the Event of Love
"If you've read the first in this series, you wouldn't think this could be even better, but somehow it is! Blake has outdone herself. She's truly a romance powerhouse and an auto buy author."-Meryl Wilsner, author of Mistakes Were Made
"Returning readers will be delighted to revisit Bright Falls and any romance fan will thrill at the sexual and emotional gratification on offer here."-Publishers Weekly
"Blake tenderly explores Astrid's journey to becoming more herself-which involves interrogating her career dreams and realizing that she's bisexual. Astrid and Jordan are both appealing characters, and Astrid's boisterous and endearing group of queer friends will make Bright Falls a town readers won't want to leave. A steamy, emotional, and charming romance about defining success on your own terms."-Kirkus Reviews
"The characters and relationship feel balanced and fresh...Blake's second "Bright Falls" novel (after Delilah Green Doesn't Care) is a good fit for readers looking for stories involving thirtysomething characters, bisexuality, strong friendships, and character growth."-Library Journal
"Ashley Herring Blake expertly employs humor and angst to set two lost women on a rocky path to happily ever after...For fans of renovation shows, found family, stolen kisses and the occasional crude joke, Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail is a literary success."-Shelf Awareness
"Delivering an emotionally complex yet upbeat rivals-to-lovers romance with two headstrong women at its core featuring relatable themes that are sure to make millennials feel seen like never before, Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail is a welcome addition to the queer adult romance genre!"-The Nerd Daily
"...
"As only she can, Ashley Herring Blake weaves magic through each corner of her work, transporting readers to an inclusive haven they'll never want to leave."-Courtney Kae, author of In the Event of Love
"If you've read the first in this series, you wouldn't think this could be even better, but somehow it is! Blake has outdone herself. She's truly a romance powerhouse and an auto buy author."-Meryl Wilsner, author of Mistakes Were Made
"Returning readers will be delighted to revisit Bright Falls and any romance fan will thrill at the sexual and emotional gratification on offer here."-Publishers Weekly
"Blake tenderly explores Astrid's journey to becoming more herself-which involves interrogating her career dreams and realizing that she's bisexual. Astrid and Jordan are both appealing characters, and Astrid's boisterous and endearing group of queer friends will make Bright Falls a town readers won't want to leave. A steamy, emotional, and charming romance about defining success on your own terms."-Kirkus Reviews
"The characters and relationship feel balanced and fresh...Blake's second "Bright Falls" novel (after Delilah Green Doesn't Care) is a good fit for readers looking for stories involving thirtysomething characters, bisexuality, strong friendships, and character growth."-Library Journal
"Ashley Herring Blake expertly employs humor and angst to set two lost women on a rocky path to happily ever after...For fans of renovation shows, found family, stolen kisses and the occasional crude joke, Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail is a literary success."-Shelf Awareness
"Delivering an emotionally complex yet upbeat rivals-to-lovers romance with two headstrong women at its core featuring relatable themes that are sure to make millennials feel seen like never before, Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail is a welcome addition to the queer adult romance genre!"-The Nerd Daily
"...
Readers Top Reviews
MeaganJudy R To
This book had an amazing plot. I loved the growth of each character in the story. Read it in less than a day. Great job Ashley!
Bandra SharkMeaga
This is the second romance by Ashley Herring Blake that I have read. She is a wonderful writer and I will absolutely be reading her next book as soon as it comes out!
MakennaBandra Sha
Great read! Honestly have been in a bit of a book slump and this book was spot on perfect for what I needed. It’s cute, spicy and I love the chemistry between the main characters!
JapanFreakMakenna
I’ve been dying to read this since it was announced and I’m so glad I wasn’t disappointed! The story is so sweet and watching Astrid come apart at the seams and finally find her truth was delightful. Also I love Jordan and her She-Ra references.
Ana R.JapanFreakM
I'm a big fan of Delilah Green doesn't care, and when I read about the second book of the series I was like wow, lets see. I was intrigued because it was about Astrid Parker, the uptight stepsister, but believe me, this book is great. There is a great character development during the whole book, and an evolution from the Astrid of the first book to this one. I love the way that this group of friends, Astrid, Iris, Claire and now Delilah look for each other, like a coven, a real family. And Astrid falling really hard for someone. Yeah they both, Astrid and Jordan, have their struggles, doubts and fears. But I felt a really genuine and vulnerable Astrid Parker. This makes this book so special. 😀
Short Excerpt Teaser
ChapTer
One
Astrid Parker looked perfect.
Well, as perfect as she could look, which these days meant a lot of concealer smoothed over the purple half-moons that had taken up residence under her eyes. But other than that bit of smoke and mirrors, she was pristine.
She hurried down the sidewalk, the April morning light lengthening her shadow along the cobblestones of downtown Bright Falls, Oregon. She couldn't believe the sun was out, warm on her pale skin, that she'd actually been able to leave her umbrella and galoshes at home in her front closet. This was the first rainless day they'd had in two weeks.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Astrid was used to the spring rains, used to gray and drizzle, but the fact that the clouds had deigned to part-today of all days-was encouraging, to say the least. Had Astrid actually believed in signs, she might've gotten a bit dramatic about the timing. Instead, she stopped in front of Wake Up Coffee Company and gazed at her reflection in the large picture window.
This morning, she'd woken up an hour earlier than she needed to, washed and blown out her hair, making sure she styled her recently trimmed blond fringe exactly the way Kelsey, her stylist, had shown her. The result was . . . well, it was perfect. Her wavy locks fell just past her shoulders; her bangs were shaggy and chic and shiny. Her makeup was minimal yet elegant-concealer notwithstanding-and her jewelry understated and tasteful, just a pair of gold hoops swinging from her lobes.
Her dress was the real star, her favorite outfit and the most expensive thing she owned-she still didn't dare tell her best friends Iris and Claire how much she paid for it last year after she and Spencer broke up. It was a necessary purchase, a power buy to make her feel confident and beautiful. As she took in the ivory pencil dress now, sleeveless and midi-length, her reflection confirmed it had been worth every penny. She'd paired it with her favorite strappy black three-inch heels, and even her mother couldn't complain about the vision Astrid saw in the window right now. She was elegant and poised. Prepared.
Perfect.
Everything she should be for this meeting and first filming at the Everwood Inn. A wobbly smile settled onto her mouth as she thought about the historic inn, which was now hers to re-create. Well, not exactly hers. But when Pru Everwood, longtime owner of the nationally beloved Victorian, had called last month and said that she was ready to renovate-and that Natasha Rojas's super-chic HGTV show, Innside America, wanted to do an episode on the whole transformation-Astrid had nearly bitten her own tongue to keep from screaming with glee.
Glee and a good bit of terror, but that was just nerves, or so Astrid had been telling herself for the last month. Of course she was excited. Of course this was the opportunity of a lifetime.
The Everwood Inn was famous-there were countless books and documentaries about the legend of the Blue Lady, who purportedly haunted one of the upstairs bedrooms-and being featured on Innside America could change everything for Astrid. This was her chance to go from small-town designer with a failed engagement to something more. Something better. Someone her mother actually liked.
Plus, the old mansion-turned-inn was a designer's dream-three stories of intricate eaves and gables, a wide front porch, an exterior that was currently the color of cat vomit but would shine beautifully under some lovely pastel hue, lavender or maybe a cool mint. Inside, it was a maze of dark-paneled rooms and cobwebs, but Astrid could already envision how she would lighten and brighten, the shiplap and accent walls that would replace the cherry wood wainscoting, transforming the rotting back porch into a sun-drenched solarium.
There was no doubt, the Everwood Inn was a dream project.
And currently, it was her only project.
She sighed, pushing her recent financial woes to the back of her mind, including the fact that just last week she'd let her assistant and her receptionist go because Astrid could no longer afford to pay them. Not that she'd ever tell her mother that Bright Designs was officially a one-woman show. She'd rather chew on a cactus, thanks very much, so she certainly didn't have time for doubts or inconsistency.
Since taking over Lindy Westbrook's design business nine years ago when the older woman had retired, Astrid usually had the perfect amount of work to keep her busy and solvent. But lately, things had been slow . . . and boring. There were only so many design jobs to go around in a town as tiny as Bright Falls, and if she worked on one more doctor-slash-lawyer-slash-real estate agent's office, filling them with uncomfortable se...
One
Astrid Parker looked perfect.
Well, as perfect as she could look, which these days meant a lot of concealer smoothed over the purple half-moons that had taken up residence under her eyes. But other than that bit of smoke and mirrors, she was pristine.
She hurried down the sidewalk, the April morning light lengthening her shadow along the cobblestones of downtown Bright Falls, Oregon. She couldn't believe the sun was out, warm on her pale skin, that she'd actually been able to leave her umbrella and galoshes at home in her front closet. This was the first rainless day they'd had in two weeks.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Astrid was used to the spring rains, used to gray and drizzle, but the fact that the clouds had deigned to part-today of all days-was encouraging, to say the least. Had Astrid actually believed in signs, she might've gotten a bit dramatic about the timing. Instead, she stopped in front of Wake Up Coffee Company and gazed at her reflection in the large picture window.
This morning, she'd woken up an hour earlier than she needed to, washed and blown out her hair, making sure she styled her recently trimmed blond fringe exactly the way Kelsey, her stylist, had shown her. The result was . . . well, it was perfect. Her wavy locks fell just past her shoulders; her bangs were shaggy and chic and shiny. Her makeup was minimal yet elegant-concealer notwithstanding-and her jewelry understated and tasteful, just a pair of gold hoops swinging from her lobes.
Her dress was the real star, her favorite outfit and the most expensive thing she owned-she still didn't dare tell her best friends Iris and Claire how much she paid for it last year after she and Spencer broke up. It was a necessary purchase, a power buy to make her feel confident and beautiful. As she took in the ivory pencil dress now, sleeveless and midi-length, her reflection confirmed it had been worth every penny. She'd paired it with her favorite strappy black three-inch heels, and even her mother couldn't complain about the vision Astrid saw in the window right now. She was elegant and poised. Prepared.
Perfect.
Everything she should be for this meeting and first filming at the Everwood Inn. A wobbly smile settled onto her mouth as she thought about the historic inn, which was now hers to re-create. Well, not exactly hers. But when Pru Everwood, longtime owner of the nationally beloved Victorian, had called last month and said that she was ready to renovate-and that Natasha Rojas's super-chic HGTV show, Innside America, wanted to do an episode on the whole transformation-Astrid had nearly bitten her own tongue to keep from screaming with glee.
Glee and a good bit of terror, but that was just nerves, or so Astrid had been telling herself for the last month. Of course she was excited. Of course this was the opportunity of a lifetime.
The Everwood Inn was famous-there were countless books and documentaries about the legend of the Blue Lady, who purportedly haunted one of the upstairs bedrooms-and being featured on Innside America could change everything for Astrid. This was her chance to go from small-town designer with a failed engagement to something more. Something better. Someone her mother actually liked.
Plus, the old mansion-turned-inn was a designer's dream-three stories of intricate eaves and gables, a wide front porch, an exterior that was currently the color of cat vomit but would shine beautifully under some lovely pastel hue, lavender or maybe a cool mint. Inside, it was a maze of dark-paneled rooms and cobwebs, but Astrid could already envision how she would lighten and brighten, the shiplap and accent walls that would replace the cherry wood wainscoting, transforming the rotting back porch into a sun-drenched solarium.
There was no doubt, the Everwood Inn was a dream project.
And currently, it was her only project.
She sighed, pushing her recent financial woes to the back of her mind, including the fact that just last week she'd let her assistant and her receptionist go because Astrid could no longer afford to pay them. Not that she'd ever tell her mother that Bright Designs was officially a one-woman show. She'd rather chew on a cactus, thanks very much, so she certainly didn't have time for doubts or inconsistency.
Since taking over Lindy Westbrook's design business nine years ago when the older woman had retired, Astrid usually had the perfect amount of work to keep her busy and solvent. But lately, things had been slow . . . and boring. There were only so many design jobs to go around in a town as tiny as Bright Falls, and if she worked on one more doctor-slash-lawyer-slash-real estate agent's office, filling them with uncomfortable se...
