Scan barcode
analenegrace's review against another edition
emotional
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
I was really wary going into this book because although I enjoyed the plot of Blake's first book in this series, the way it said everything but lesbian to describe a clearly lesbian character made me feel strange about it since authors doing that makes it seem like lesbian is almost a dirty word, which it is not. While it still took over 200 pages for a main character to call herself a lesbian, the word lesbian was used quite frequently, including to describe Delilah Green which helped rectify some of my issues with this author and this series.
I enjoyed this one and its characters much more than the first and thought the two MCs were more interesting, fleshed out, and entertaining, as well as having much more chemistry than the characters from her first book. I enjoyed most of the descriptive language throughout, although I could have done without the use of the word locks so many times to describe hair, something that got to a point where I noted it in my notes on this book.
Plot-wise, I really liked the renovation and working together plot together with the enemies-to-lovers plot, and I liked that theyresolved their issues regarding the house less than half of the way through, allowing the romance and other subplots actually to flourish. I also really loved the use of the Tarot Cards throughout, especially as a way to express Jordan's inner feelings, fears, and stresses, and I especially loved its use in the end as part of THE grand gesture. I also really enjoyed the way the third-act twist was done and that it wasn't at the moment when her mom came by but was actually over the plans which needed to be resolved. The early twist involving Jordan's ex-wife was not expected, and a well-done twist where Blake convinced us she was dead only to tell us she was not.
I loved the references to other current popular Romance Contemporaries, including what I think was Alexandra Bellefleur's first book and Love and Other Disasters!
Finally, "You deserve a Destiny" was one of the most romantic lines I've read in a contemporary romance recently, and I liked it a lot!
This book redeemed Blake somewhat in my eyes, and I will probably read the next book in this series about Iris.
I enjoyed this one and its characters much more than the first and thought the two MCs were more interesting, fleshed out, and entertaining, as well as having much more chemistry than the characters from her first book. I enjoyed most of the descriptive language throughout, although I could have done without the use of the word locks so many times to describe hair, something that got to a point where I noted it in my notes on this book.
Plot-wise, I really liked the renovation and working together plot together with the enemies-to-lovers plot, and I liked that they
I loved the references to other current popular Romance Contemporaries, including what I think was Alexandra Bellefleur's first book and Love and Other Disasters!
Finally, "You deserve a Destiny" was one of the most romantic lines I've read in a contemporary romance recently, and I liked it a lot!
This book redeemed Blake somewhat in my eyes, and I will probably read the next book in this series about Iris.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing and Toxic relationship
alexisgarcia's review against another edition
emotional
funny
relaxing
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? Yes
3.75
originally, i really liked this. however, after reading all the reviews and seeing the complaints about Jordans character and also the issues with the certain terminology used by the author, i started to agree and change my mind about my original rating. i agree with those saying Jordan is slightly frustrating in that she always gets what she wants in the end and kind of makes Astrid the villain when it is not all of her fault. it was frustrating seeing Astrid take all of the blame and Jordan taking all of the credit. I wish Astrid would have gotten a slightly different love interest. aside from this, i really enjoyed Astrid's storyline. I loved how she came into her sexuality and started living her life for herself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Cursing, Death, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, and Alcohol
imstephtacular's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Bullying, Eating disorder, Homophobia, Infidelity, and Vomit
torikate7's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.75
I pretty much love everything Ashley Herring Blake writes, and this was no exception. An adorable storyline with such great characters. I think Ashley’s writing for an adult audience (as opposed to her usual YA and middle grade) has really improved from the first installment in the Bright Fall’s trilogy (which I also loved, but the writing at times felt a little awkward - this seemed way better). Couldn’t get enough of Jordan’s character and the whole friend group truly has great banter and chemistry. Super fun, witty, romantic story that I would definitely re-read and recommend to others!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer, Cursing, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Death, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
caseythereader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? No
4.0
Thanks to PRH Audio for the free advance copy of this book.
- I adore Ashley Herring Blake's women. They are messy and complicated and full of love. I love that there are real reasons for why they act the way they do, and not simply just to introduce obstacles into the plot.
- In particular in ASTRID PARKER DOESN'T FAIL, I loved that Jordan didn't fit neatly into a butch or femme stereotype. She wore overalls and had short hair and also wore bold lipstick. I'm here for expanding the kinds of queer women who appear in books.
- This series is so much about family, both blood relatives and found family, and how important those supports are. I already can't wait to see them all return for Iris' book.
- I adore Ashley Herring Blake's women. They are messy and complicated and full of love. I love that there are real reasons for why they act the way they do, and not simply just to introduce obstacles into the plot.
- In particular in ASTRID PARKER DOESN'T FAIL, I loved that Jordan didn't fit neatly into a butch or femme stereotype. She wore overalls and had short hair and also wore bold lipstick. I'm here for expanding the kinds of queer women who appear in books.
- This series is so much about family, both blood relatives and found family, and how important those supports are. I already can't wait to see them all return for Iris' book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, Vomit, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Cancer and Homophobia
More...