3 of 6 copies available
For Astrid Parker, failure is unacceptable. Ever since she broke up with her fiancĂ© a year ago, sheâs been focused on her careerâher friends might say sheâs obsessed, but she knows sheâs just driven. When Pru Everwood asks her to be the designer for the Everwood Innâs 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, Pruâs 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 familyâs inn, particularly as the rest of her life is in shambles. When that determination turns into some light sabotage to ruffle Astridâs 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 sheâs expected to lead or the one that she wants?
-
Creators
-
Series
-
Publisher
-
Release date
November 22, 2022 -
Formats
-
OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9780593625682
- File size: 334674 KB
- Duration: 11:37:14
-
-
Languages
- English
-
Reviews
-
August 22, 2022
This sexy and heartfelt queer rom-com, the second in Blakeâs Bright Falls series (after Delilah Green Doesnât Care), stars Astrid Parker, a âbaby bisexualâ interior designer whoâs at loose ends after splitting from her âgolden boyâ fiancĂ©. Then she meets the equally lost-in-life Jordan Everwood, a tarot-reading âsoft-butchâ carpenter whose purportedly haunted family inn in Bright Falls, Ore., Astrid will be remodeling for an HGTV show. The women are initially at odds due to clashing personalities and design sensibilities, but Blake puts a twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope when they realize that theyâre stronger together and begin secretly collaborating on the redesign without the knowledge of the TV crew. Though some of the secondary cast, including Astridâs mother and Jordanâs ex, undergo character changes that happen too abruptly to feel natural, Astrid and Jordan themselves are impressively well-rounded, coming across as simultaneously rude, sarcastic, and short-tempered, and caring, devoted, and kind, rather than going from one extreme to the other. Returning readers will be delighted to revisit Bright Falls and any romance fan will thrill at the sexual and emotional gratification on offer here. Agent: Rebecca Podos, Rees Literary. -
Kristen DiMercurio's warm, expressive voice invites listeners to return to Bright Falls as interior designer Astrid Parker and carpenter Jordan Everwood prepare for a televised renovation of the Everwood Inn. After a disastrous first encounter, they initially bristle at their professional arrangement to work on the inn. The producer requests that the women play this up angle, which they do until their simmering chemistry threatens to undermine it. DiMercurio teases out the delightful tension created by the contrast between Astrid's polished veneer and Jordan's down-to-earth temperament as they continue with the ratings gimmick while concealing their burgeoning romance during outings with friends and renovation planning. DiMercurio's charming performance also enlivens supporting characters. This heartwarming affirmation of unexpected love and starting anew is an audio treat. J.R.T. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine -
June 10, 2024
Blake's second book in the "Bright Falls" series (after Delilah Green Doesn't Care) transports listeners back to Bright Falls, OR, this time following Astrid Parker, the group's most perfectionistic, uncompromising member. Career-driven Astrid jumps at the chance to renovate the Everwood Inn, owned by the elderly Pru Everwood and soon to be featured on the popular HGTV show Innside America. Everything seems perfectly orderly until Astrid meets the lead carpenter, Pru's granddaughter Jordan Everwood. Before she knows it, Astrid is butting heads with Jordan and falling for her at the same time. As her life is turned upside down, she learns that there is more to it than always being perfect. Series fans will love the romance between tight-laced Astrid and carefree Jordan. The novel explores finding oneself when everything falls apart and learning how to face expectations imposed by family, friends, and even oneself. Narrator Kristen DiMercurio provides a charming and animated narration of Astrid's so-called queer coven, deftly voicing the various personalities of all the members. DiMercurio's presentation of Astrid as she explores her identity and choices and finds happiness is particularly affecting. VERDICT Blake's "Bright Falls" series is still going strong. This fun, sexy romance will enhance any romance collection.--Elyssa Everling
Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
-