Scan barcode
wardenred's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
That could all wait. The whole world could wait and give her one night off, one night where her whole goal was to smile and laugh and not care so damn much.
Not a bad read, but less fun for me than the first book in the series. I think I didn’t connect with either of the leads enough, especially Jordan. With Astrid, I was at least already somewhat invested since she was such a prominent character in the previous installment, and I did find the aftermath of the arc she had there and the continuing development of her relationship with her mother pretty interesting. Though at the same time I feel like more could be done with the last one.
The overall plot with the inn renovation was pretty cute, and I found the initial animosity between Astrid and Jordan kind of entertaining. But the way they progressed from it to dating was somehow off for me—not in some bad way, more in the “it didn’t click for me“ way. Something about the pacing being kind of rocky, I think. There were definitely a few nice moments that I liked reading about, such as the movie scene, but overall, I just didn’t feel super invested in the romance. And unlike the first book that had a stronger B-plot and a more developed cast of characters, here there was little to focus on outside of the main storyline.
Speaking of the underdeveloped cast, it felt kind of weird that even the leads from the previous book felt rather flat. I barely recognized Delilah and Claire. Even the town itself had somehow less character. Honestly the only cast member who consistently had me smiling and invested when she was on the page was Iris. So I guess despite this book being a bit of a disappointment, I’ll still pick up the next one, since Iris is the MC in it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Grief
Moderate: Cancer
dielesemotte's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I think I loved this even more than 'Delilah Green Doesn't Care'. Astrid and Jordan are both such compelling characters and seeing their growth is a delight. This book had even more of the complicated relationships I loved in the first one and they're really well written. An all-around great romcom!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Infidelity
8going80's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A good second instalment in Herring Blake’s trilogy, it’s really fun to see the internal thoughts of Astrid after being introduced to her in the first book. Can be read as a stand alone book which is nice but there’s more richness to it if you know some of the backstory in more detail than is mentioned in this book. It’s refreshing to see Late-In-Life coming out portrayed so normally and healthily which earns bonus points in my book. A few things did annoy me though:
a) that the general consensus at the end is that Astrid was taking advantage of Jordan by acting like the design was hers when it was clearly mutually beneficial and she only did so at Jordan’s request. I also think she could have taken some credit since she worked with Jordan using the latter’s design as the base but building on it and adding insight from her experience as a designer so she did contribute and would be classed as a co-designer.
b) that the idea of Jordan being lead designer after Astrid admitted it wasn’t her designs (again could’ve said she and Jordan worked together) meant they couldn’t film the rest of the episode. Like is not the exact kind of twist that makes reality shows interesting?!?!
c) I feel like I really needed to see Meredith get what she deserved after everything she did rather than just that measly phone call that lasted about half a page. Not great closer tbh
a) that the general consensus at the end is that Astrid was taking advantage of Jordan by acting like the design was hers when it was clearly mutually beneficial and she only did so at Jordan’s request. I also think she could have taken some credit since she worked with Jordan using the latter’s design as the base but building on it and adding insight from her experience as a designer so she did contribute and would be classed as a co-designer.
b) that the idea of Jordan being lead designer after Astrid admitted it wasn’t her designs (again could’ve said she and Jordan worked together) meant they couldn’t film the rest of the episode. Like is not the exact kind of twist that makes reality shows interesting?!?!
c) I feel like I really needed to see Meredith get what she deserved after everything she did rather than just that measly phone call that lasted about half a page. Not great closer tbh
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Child abuse and Death of parent
trddepartmentchair's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Gaslighting
If you’ve read Delilah Green, then you know most of the trigger warnings are about Astrid’s relationship with her mother.abby_can_read's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
📱
I had fun reading this book. It was cute and I did like it. I thought Astrid and Jordan were cute together. I didn't like it as much as the first one book.
I had fun reading this book. It was cute and I did like it. I thought Astrid and Jordan were cute together. I didn't like it as much as the first one book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia, Infidelity, and Death of parent
fivebyfreakingfive's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail is truly a loveletter to those who have sacrificed so much of themselves to become who their parents wanted them to be and finally have to figure out who they are. I sincerely couldn't put the book down, and had to force myself to slow down so that the book would last just little bit longer.
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse
Unintentional Emotional Abuse From Overbeaing Parentnightworldlove's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer, Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Minor: Infidelity, Death of parent, and Alcohol
fleur____'s review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcohol
Moderate: Cancer and Emotional abuse
Minor: Homophobia, Grief, and Death of parent
jadeandherbunny's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I JUST LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH.
Not only is it my first 5 ⭐ rom-com but it is also my first 5 ⭐ adult queer romance.
I laughed, I giggled and I cried numerous times.
I would do anything for Astrid and Jordan, as individuals or a couple 🥺
Astrid healed my mommy issued ass so much.
I didn't think Jordan was my type by the cover but I have seen fan casts and now I'm obsessed with soft butches 😍😍
Also the spice was 🤌🏻🔥🔥
Not only is it my first 5 ⭐ rom-com but it is also my first 5 ⭐ adult queer romance.
I laughed, I giggled and I cried numerous times.
I would do anything for Astrid and Jordan, as individuals or a couple 🥺
Astrid healed my mommy issued ass so much.
I didn't think Jordan was my type by the cover but I have seen fan casts and now I'm obsessed with soft butches 😍😍
Also the spice was 🤌🏻🔥🔥
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Cancer, Infidelity, Grief, and Alcohol
princessrory's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Moderate: Cancer, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Infidelity, and Death of parent
Minor: Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Toxic relationship, Outing, and Classism