Goodreads

Release date: November 22, 2022

Publisher: Berkley Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

For Astrid Parker, failure is unacceptable. Ever since she broke up with her fiancé a year ago, she’s been focused on her career–her friends might say she’s obsessed, but she knows she’s just driven. When Pru Everwood asks her to be the designer for the Everwood Inn’s 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, Pru’s 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 family’s inn, particularly as the rest of her life is in shambles. When that determination turns into some light sabotage to ruffle Astrid’s 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 she’s expected to lead or the one that she wants?

Review:

I absolutely loved the first book in this series, Delilah Green Doesn’t Care early this year so I definitely had high expectations going into this one. While I still enjoyed this one I didn’t like it quite as much as it’s predecessor, I think it was missing some of the magic book one had for me. BUT. Still lots to like here, I’ve been curious about Astrid and it was nice to get her perspective, you also get Jordan’s POV too and in a romance especially I’m all for seeing both sides. I was into the home renovation aspect of the story as well, design talk is interesting to me and it was a cute and fun backdrop for a romance. I felt like both Astrid and Jordan were well drawn too, it’s hard to put my finger on exactly why this wasn’t the five star read I assumed it would be. I’m still going with four stars, I loved the representation, checking in on Claire and Delilah and the authentic characters. I think maybe it felt a little long and drawn out for me in the end, maybe? But if you like queer romances that are super steamy and witty try this.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.