Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail

03 · Reader evidence

What the evidence says

What readers repeatedly liked

• Character Growth. A reader appreciated Astrid’s growth from the first book into this one; Astrid’s journey of self-esteem building and self-awareness as a recovering perfectionist was appreciated; Astrid’s journey to self-awareness and acceptance is described as powerful, and she breaks a generational curse. Supported by 4 sources (source 403, source 525, source 11353, source 11355).
• Likable Lead. Astrid was praised as an amazing character who stole the reader’s heart; Astrid is a charming protagonist whose awful actions stem from insecurity, but the reviewer wasn’t wild about her as a quintessential entitled rich white woman. Supported by 2 sources (source 403, source 11353).
• Explicit Heat. A reader specifically praised the pantry sex scene; The steam scenes were praised as super hot, with oral sex featured prominently. Supported by 2 sources (source 11353, source 11355).
• Explicit Comparison. The first book in the series, Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, was preferred for better-developed characters and more intriguing story; The reviewer compares the book unfavorably to Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, noting they didn’t gel with these characters the same way and the couple lacks the prior book’s magnetism. Supported by 2 sources (source 403, source 11355).

What readers repeatedly flagged

• Weak Chemistry. Readers widely felt the romance between Astrid and Jordan was forced, flat, or exhausting, with Jordan not a good fit for Astrid; The reader never understood why Astrid was swept off her feet by Jordan, except for looks and steam; The reviewer feels the dynamic between Jordan and Astrid is off, and they lack the extraordinary magnetism of the previous book’s couple. Supported by 3 sources (source 403, source 11353, source 11355).
• Weak Plot. Readers found the plot contrived, confusing, and far-fetched, with issues like the reality show cancellation logic and Jordan’s improbable design success; The mutual deception plan felt odd and unnecessary for two smart, mature people, and the deception conflict felt like a non-problem manufactured for plot’s sake; A central deception in the plot doesn’t sit right with the reviewer and raises an ethical quandary that is not adequately resolved. Supported by 3 sources (source 403, source 11353, source 11355).
• Flat Characters. Astrid felt flat in this installment, and supporting characters like Delilah became one-dimensional; Jordan’s character felt flat and lacking depth, with little beyond pain from her previous relationship. Supported by 2 sources (source 11353, source 11355).
• Unlikable Lead. Multiple readers found Astrid and/or Jordan immature, insufferable, annoying, or not likeable in this book; Jordan was seen as immature, egotistical, taking full credit for a shared design, ignoring boundaries, sabotaging her family’s business, and having anger issues. Supported by 2 sources (source 11353, source 11355).
• Weak Prose. Multiple readers criticized the writing as clunky, childish, cliched, and fan-fiction-like, with awkward racial identifiers; The language was described as basic, with the reader saying they’ve read better-written fanfiction. Supported by 2 sources (source 11353, source 11355).
• Predictable Plot. The plot felt predictable, including Astrid’s coming-out arc and her realization about her mother’s control; The reveal that Jordan wasn’t a widow felt intentionally misleading and made the reader feel tricked. Supported by 2 sources (source 11353, source 11355).

Where reader reactions differ

• Likable Lead. Astrid was praised as an amazing character who stole the reader’s heart; Astrid is a charming protagonist whose awful actions stem from insecurity, but the reviewer wasn’t wild about her as a quintessential entitled rich white woman. Supported by 2 sources (source 403, source 11353).
• Explicit Comparison. The first book in the series, Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, was preferred for better-developed characters and more intriguing story; The reviewer compares the book unfavorably to Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, noting they didn’t gel with these characters the same way and the couple lacks the prior book’s magnetism. Supported by 2 sources (source 403, source 11355).

Individual observations

• Complex Characters. Astrid’s pain from her mother’s impossible standards feels raw and visceral, making her feel utterly real.
• Passive Heroine. Astrid felt diminished compared to her portrayal in the first book, becoming silent, whispering, shrugging, and boring.
• Rushed Ending. The resolution of Astrid’s relationship with her mother felt rushed and convenient.
• Satisfying Ending. A reader liked the grand gesture apology at the end, though they still would not reread the book.
• Genre Fans. Recommended as well worth picking up for readers into sapphic romance.
• Slow Build Heat. Described as among the hottest slow burns the reviewer has ever read, with a delicious sapphic sexual awakening story.
• Slow Paced. Multiple readers found the book a slog to get through.
• Well Paced. The reviewer found the romance’s progression reasonably paced.
• Witty Writing. The writing style is described as sharp and funny, and as engaging as the author’s previous work.
• Found Family. Female friendship is taken seriously and positioned as the foundation of Astrid’s life, with her chosen family enabling her to open up.

Reader sources

1. loumorganauthor.wordpress.com – Independent review
2. righterofwords.com – Independent review
3. Reddit discussion
4. Reddit discussion