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Reviews tagging 'Panic attacks/disorders'
Astrid Parker nunca falha by Ashley Herring Blake
39 reviews
marisamoo's review against another edition
funny
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Toxic relationship, and Cancer
Minor: Body shaming, Biphobia, Death of parent, Infidelity, and Panic attacks/disorders
Cheating, divorce, mentions of toxic relationships and death of parents.legalplanner's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I thought there was no way that Astrid would be as lovable if not more than Delilah Green's book. Yet here I am completely dumb struck.
The HGTV vibes of this book were really well done. I was afraid that this was going to be the only thing able to propel this book because of Astrid's personality but woah was I totally wrong. Astrid was so much more than what we got to see in book 1, we get to see just how much her mother and all of the expectations on her actually weigh on her and she doesn't want them. Watching Astrid break free and just be and let her relationships become real was such a fun ride.
Jordan was such a great character to read. She was so relatable in feeling like her life was a mess when in reality she had just had a bunch of crappy things going on in a row. I was invested in what happened to her and her former wife. I was invested in how much the Inn meant to her. Honestly Jordan was a much softer version of Delilah and I absolutely loved it.
The angst and pining in this was top tier. I think that Astrid and Jordan have become my favorite couple in this series. And they may stay that way but I'll have to give Iris a chance.
The HGTV vibes of this book were really well done. I was afraid that this was going to be the only thing able to propel this book because of Astrid's personality but woah was I totally wrong. Astrid was so much more than what we got to see in book 1, we get to see just how much her mother and all of the expectations on her actually weigh on her and she doesn't want them. Watching Astrid break free and just be and let her relationships become real was such a fun ride.
Jordan was such a great character to read. She was so relatable in feeling like her life was a mess when in reality she had just had a bunch of crappy things going on in a row. I was invested in what happened to her and her former wife. I was invested in how much the Inn meant to her. Honestly Jordan was a much softer version of Delilah and I absolutely loved it.
The angst and pining in this was top tier. I think that Astrid and Jordan have become my favorite couple in this series. And they may stay that way but I'll have to give Iris a chance.
Content Warnings
Minor: Gaslighting, Abandonment, Death of parent, and Panic attacks/disorders
fuzzywilson's review against another edition
emotional
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? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Infidelity, Death of parent, Death, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Sexual content
Minor: Fatphobia, Bullying, and Panic attacks/disorders
yikeslou's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
GOD I DEVOURED THIS BOOK IN A SINGLE SITTING!!!! ANOTHER ABSOLUTE BANGER FROM ASHLEY HERRING BLAKE!!!!!!! WERK BITCHHH
((astrid parker u relatable sonofabitch u))
((astrid parker u relatable sonofabitch u))
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Infidelity, Cancer, and Alcohol
haileyhardcover's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
5.0
Ok so these books just don’t miss, huh? The banter, the character development, the spice?! 🌶️😅 Five stars all around.
I love Astrid. I loved her even in the first book when she was cast almost like a villain. She deserves a happy ending (in every sense) and some goddamn joy and FREEDOM. I’m so happy for her! Jordan was a little harder for me to love, probably because the things that I dislike the most about myself, I saw in her 🙃 She is so good for Astrid, though!
Continuing my Enneagram typing of the Bright Falls characters - Jordan gave me major 4w5 vibes. I maintain that Astrid is a 1w9, Claire a 9w1, Delilah an 8w9 and Iris a 8w7.
Really looking forward to jumping into Iris Kelly next, but first I’m off to spend the rest of the evening on Etsy hunting for a very specific type of necklace 😏
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Cursing, Toxic relationship, Cancer, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Death, and Alcohol
mollyrook's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Gaslighting, Homophobia, and Death of parent
hobbithopeful's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Romance books make everything a bit better, and queer romance makes everything a lot better.
Astrid and Jordan have such great chemistry, the tension whenever they argue had me fanning myself, really it gets heated. (In more ways than one!)
Astrid goes through a journey of self-discovery, not just in coming to terms with her queerness, but also in deciding what she wants out of life. The process that she goes through is so incredibly relatable, the decision to do what makes you happy instead of what is expected of you is impossible for so many people.
Jordan also goes through a similar journey, her finally believing in herself and standing up to her ex gave me so much serotonin. (Though I wish they had popped off on Meredith a bit more!)
I've never dabbled in tarot cards myself, but it was really interesting to see how they tie in with the storyline and are used for symbolism. It reminds me of my favorite illustrator, Yoshi Yoshitani, and Yoshi's' beautiful and diverse tarot card set.
I would hire Jordan immediately to design a space, the Everwood Inn became such a beautiful and warm place after the design, it makes me wish it existed in real life to visit.
I can't pinpoint the reason I didn't quite love this as much as the first book. I think there were a few plot points that happened off page that I would like to have seen depicted. Iris and her relationship wasn't really a surprise, but I wish it was shown on page instead of so much happening off. (Grant just disappeared and I'm like..okay not really surprised but I wanted to see it happen!)
Why are we forgiving an abuser? Make it make sense. When it came to Astrid's Mom, I really despised how it was handled.
If someone abuses you to the point of effecting your entire sense of self, and you need years of therapy to recover, why are they even in your life? Let's not sugar coat it. Astrid's Mom was abusive. (and still is in this book!) It puts a bad taste in my mouth that nothing was ever resolved in regards to the abuse Delilah suffered either. If someone claims to care about you, but still has a relationship with your abuser that is a MILLION RED FLAGS. Weird excuses were given for the behavior "oh she was grieving". There is no excuse ever for abuse. It says a lot more about Astrid's character that she would allow someone who has shown no remorse for what has been done to Delilah back in her life. But they're family and blood-I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT! If you wouldn't tolerate that behavior from a friend, why would you allow it from your family? Blood relations doesn't equal a free pass to treat you however they want! I know this is probably my hot take, but I say cut them off cut them out. People treat family like it's something to be clung onto, even as the knife it is makes you bleed. Just...why. end rant
Dare I say I now want to own a clit necklace? Quick someone send me a link!
Another must read book from Ashley Herring Blake!
Astrid and Jordan have such great chemistry, the tension whenever they argue had me fanning myself, really it gets heated. (In more ways than one!)
Astrid goes through a journey of self-discovery, not just in coming to terms with her queerness, but also in deciding what she wants out of life. The process that she goes through is so incredibly relatable, the decision to do what makes you happy instead of what is expected of you is impossible for so many people.
Jordan also goes through a similar journey, her finally believing in herself and standing up to her ex gave me so much serotonin. (Though I wish they had popped off on Meredith a bit more!)
I've never dabbled in tarot cards myself, but it was really interesting to see how they tie in with the storyline and are used for symbolism. It reminds me of my favorite illustrator, Yoshi Yoshitani, and Yoshi's' beautiful and diverse tarot card set.
I would hire Jordan immediately to design a space, the Everwood Inn became such a beautiful and warm place after the design, it makes me wish it existed in real life to visit.
I can't pinpoint the reason I didn't quite love this as much as the first book. I think there were a few plot points that happened off page that I would like to have seen depicted. Iris and her relationship wasn't really a surprise, but I wish it was shown on page instead of so much happening off. (Grant just disappeared and I'm like..okay not really surprised but I wanted to see it happen!)
Why are we forgiving an abuser? Make it make sense. When it came to Astrid's Mom, I really despised how it was handled.
If someone abuses you to the point of effecting your entire sense of self, and you need years of therapy to recover, why are they even in your life? Let's not sugar coat it. Astrid's Mom was abusive. (and still is in this book!) It puts a bad taste in my mouth that nothing was ever resolved in regards to the abuse Delilah suffered either. If someone claims to care about you, but still has a relationship with your abuser that is a MILLION RED FLAGS. Weird excuses were given for the behavior "oh she was grieving". There is no excuse ever for abuse. It says a lot more about Astrid's character that she would allow someone who has shown no remorse for what has been done to Delilah back in her life. But they're family and blood-I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT! If you wouldn't tolerate that behavior from a friend, why would you allow it from your family? Blood relations doesn't equal a free pass to treat you however they want! I know this is probably my hot take, but I say cut them off cut them out. People treat family like it's something to be clung onto, even as the knife it is makes you bleed. Just...why. end rant
Dare I say I now want to own a clit necklace? Quick someone send me a link!
Another must read book from Ashley Herring Blake!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, and Toxic relationship
katyfayyyx's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.0
God, I do love my silly little queer romance books 🌈.
I was a little worried that I wouldn't like this one as I thought the idea of a romance being set around an interior design/make over show showed kinda boring to me because I couldn't give less off a shit about interior design shows were like this book... girl, I would be a super fan because this book was just so much fun like it was just so good. Ashley Herring Blake clearly has and will never miss with her romance because damn this shit hit different.
Every single person in the book have the most unhinged and chaotic energy but in the best way especially Iris would I love deeply and who I am very excited to see take centre stage in her book Iris Kelly Doesn't Date which I believe is coming out in October!!! But I am also kinda sad because it is the last one in the series and I just love all the characters. I also loved how much of menace everyone in this book was from Iris telling Astrid about Jordan new job or Jordan just painting and changing the whole design without asking Astrid.
I loved getting to know more about Astrid and seeing her try and heal from her childhood and her mother's control because the women is a piece of work and I fear that she could make me cry. I loved how both Astrid and Jordan challenged each other and changed and grow into to better people because of each other but Jesus Christ did they take their time getting to kissing part like girl... it took so long that it was driving me a bit crazy and then when you think they are finally going to kiss Jordan pulls again and just wanted to scream but when they finally got over themselves, they really went there and they didn't stop and it just so fun and loved it. I also loved seeing Astrid's and her friendship group and her relationship with Delilah it was really nice seeing them start getting a relationship and heal from their difficult relationship and it was just really cute to see them starting having a sister relationship even if Astrid is shocked that she actually liked her most of the time. I can't lie one of my favourite moment of this whole book was Astrid in a blind Bi panic goes to Delilah's house to tell her she had a sex dream because that was a totally normal and sound thing to do, don't get me wrong I love my sister deeply but I would never and I mean never tell her if I a sex dream about someone.
Something I love about these book is that we get both POVs can we please normalised this for romance novels because I fucking love seeing both of them longing and wanting each other. It was just so fun. I don't get me wrong I loved them as a pair but I also loved them as individual characters because it felt like they are both given space to develop as whole character. I can't lie I really related to both of the main character because I am a deeply fucked up person who should got to therapy (and not just read queer romances and listen to Taylor swift and while crying) but you know it is what it is. They were me and I am them because I don't think I deserve anything good and when good things happen to me and I think I am going to fuck up and I am not even going to get into my fear of failure because girllllll, it's bad. I really give ✨Burned Out Autism Academic Gifted Gay Mess✨. Also the two main characters was just so fucking Taylor Swift coded it really screamed Folklore ✨This Is Me Trying & Mirrorball✨ Also can we just talk about the tension from the started between these two characters, girl it was everything and just knew it was going to be so good when Astrid find out who Jordan was, I was in love and so were them! Also they were just so wholesome and cute I loved when the went on there date not date to the movies and when they went to the park after and then when she throw up and then got naked because she was so drunk and I loved that Astrid got drunk for the first time and I love how they both have fun with each other and the names in each other phone. The baking and her baking and then her singing was just so wholesome. Also there is something so iconic that Astrid has never had good sex before and doesn't figure that shit out until she fucked a girl for the first time, I love that for her. Girl they were just perfection.
Also I loved how we got to know Jordan family as well and her relationship with her twin and nan was just so cute, like I loved her and Simon and how protective they were about each other and I loved how the became a part of the friendship that they also call it the coven just so cute. I want friends like that when will it be my turn.
I have said this before but I will say it again this whole book series would make such a series of films but that's never going to happened because the world and the hate Sapphic media but a queer girl can wish.
I also really liked that we got to see more of Delilah and Claire because they are just in love and I love them, they are just so fucking cute man, the fact that Astrid says it is a forever kind of love (girl I did in fact nearly cry) and the fact that Delilah apartment before they both move in together having family pictures up that just so fucking cute and I just thought it was just so wholesome when Ruby came out as queer to them and they are helping though it and I just loved it and I love their cute little queer characters
However, girl these women were fucking stressing me out near the end, like for the love of christ please fucking talk to each other but then it was really cute with the whole tarot cards but Jesus also what the fuck was it with the whole Meredith storyline because she was just fucking a messy and toxic bitch you left her, leave her the fuck only. Imagine being the one to leave and then have the audacity to went to be bestie with her, yeah fuck that queen. I would I have not been that nice about it.
The humour in this book was just so well done and it just so funny and it planned so well. I love when Women, Women and these fuckers really do women!!! Maybe I am just gay, guess we will never know.
I was a little worried that I wouldn't like this one as I thought the idea of a romance being set around an interior design/make over show showed kinda boring to me because I couldn't give less off a shit about interior design shows were like this book... girl, I would be a super fan because this book was just so much fun like it was just so good. Ashley Herring Blake clearly has and will never miss with her romance because damn this shit hit different.
Every single person in the book have the most unhinged and chaotic energy but in the best way especially Iris would I love deeply and who I am very excited to see take centre stage in her book Iris Kelly Doesn't Date which I believe is coming out in October!!! But I am also kinda sad because it is the last one in the series and I just love all the characters. I also loved how much of menace everyone in this book was from Iris telling Astrid about Jordan new job or Jordan just painting and changing the whole design without asking Astrid.
I loved getting to know more about Astrid and seeing her try and heal from her childhood and her mother's control because the women is a piece of work and I fear that she could make me cry. I loved how both Astrid and Jordan challenged each other and changed and grow into to better people because of each other but Jesus Christ did they take their time getting to kissing part like girl... it took so long that it was driving me a bit crazy and then when you think they are finally going to kiss Jordan pulls again and just wanted to scream but when they finally got over themselves, they really went there and they didn't stop and it just so fun and loved it. I also loved seeing Astrid's and her friendship group and her relationship with Delilah it was really nice seeing them start getting a relationship and heal from their difficult relationship and it was just really cute to see them starting having a sister relationship even if Astrid is shocked that she actually liked her most of the time. I can't lie one of my favourite moment of this whole book was Astrid in a blind Bi panic goes to Delilah's house to tell her she had a sex dream because that was a totally normal and sound thing to do, don't get me wrong I love my sister deeply but I would never and I mean never tell her if I a sex dream about someone.
Something I love about these book is that we get both POVs can we please normalised this for romance novels because I fucking love seeing both of them longing and wanting each other. It was just so fun. I don't get me wrong I loved them as a pair but I also loved them as individual characters because it felt like they are both given space to develop as whole character. I can't lie I really related to both of the main character because I am a deeply fucked up person who should got to therapy (and not just read queer romances and listen to Taylor swift and while crying) but you know it is what it is. They were me and I am them because I don't think I deserve anything good and when good things happen to me and I think I am going to fuck up and I am not even going to get into my fear of failure because girllllll, it's bad. I really give ✨Burned Out Autism Academic Gifted Gay Mess✨. Also the two main characters was just so fucking Taylor Swift coded it really screamed Folklore ✨This Is Me Trying & Mirrorball✨ Also can we just talk about the tension from the started between these two characters, girl it was everything and just knew it was going to be so good when Astrid find out who Jordan was, I was in love and so were them! Also they were just so wholesome and cute I loved when the went on there date not date to the movies and when they went to the park after and then when she throw up and then got naked because she was so drunk and I loved that Astrid got drunk for the first time and I love how they both have fun with each other and the names in each other phone. The baking and her baking and then her singing was just so wholesome. Also there is something so iconic that Astrid has never had good sex before and doesn't figure that shit out until she fucked a girl for the first time, I love that for her. Girl they were just perfection.
Also I loved how we got to know Jordan family as well and her relationship with her twin and nan was just so cute, like I loved her and Simon and how protective they were about each other and I loved how the became a part of the friendship that they also call it the coven just so cute. I want friends like that when will it be my turn.
I have said this before but I will say it again this whole book series would make such a series of films but that's never going to happened because the world and the hate Sapphic media but a queer girl can wish.
I also really liked that we got to see more of Delilah and Claire because they are just in love and I love them, they are just so fucking cute man, the fact that Astrid says it is a forever kind of love (girl I did in fact nearly cry) and the fact that Delilah apartment before they both move in together having family pictures up that just so fucking cute and I just thought it was just so wholesome when Ruby came out as queer to them and they are helping though it and I just loved it and I love their cute little queer characters
However, girl these women were fucking stressing me out near the end, like for the love of christ please fucking talk to each other but then it was really cute with the whole tarot cards but Jesus also what the fuck was it with the whole Meredith storyline because she was just fucking a messy and toxic bitch you left her, leave her the fuck only. Imagine being the one to leave and then have the audacity to went to be bestie with her, yeah fuck that queen. I would I have not been that nice about it.
The humour in this book was just so well done and it just so funny and it planned so well. I love when Women, Women and these fuckers really do women!!! Maybe I am just gay, guess we will never know.
"God, we must be in love or something? It's like it's fate. Astrid Parker, are you saying that you're my destiny? Astrid's eyes went to a piece of art on the wall by the fireplace.Settled in between off-white matting and surrounded by a square sage-green frame, were nine Tarot cards. Nine Two Of Cups. She smiled and kissed Jordan softly on the mouth . That's exactly what I'm saying Jordan Everwood.'
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Cancer, Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, and Cursing
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Grief, Death of parent, and Death
fanboyriot's review against another edition
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
5.0
Read For:
Small Town
Rivals to Lovers
Queer Awakening
Workplace Romance
Coming Out Later in Life
I absolutely loved all the queer rep in this book. The small-town romance I didn't even know I needed. The friendships, the side characters, and the setting were all so lovely too. I love the vibe of Bright Falls and I was happy to read more from this world. It was also lovely to read more about Astrid and getting to see her find out who she is without her mother controlling everything. It was so satisfying to see her character development.
(Switching, Third Person POV)
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Rep: Bisexual MC, Lesbian MC, Non-Binary SC, BIPOC SC, LGBTQIA+
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol, Classism, Toxic relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, Lesbophobia, Body shaming, Eating disorder, Gaslighting, Fatphobia, and Mental illness
Minor: Grief, Abandonment, Lesbophobia, Biphobia, Cancer, Death of parent, Death, Vomit, and Homophobia
ka_ke's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
Ashley Herring Blake is becoming one of my favourite cozy authors. I love her characters, the settings, and the sociology that is incorporated in her explanation of queer culture.
Although predictable, sometimes thats what you need.
Although predictable, sometimes thats what you need.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent