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Second First Impressions - Sally Thorne


Genre: Romance | Contemporary

Release Date: 7th April 2022

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group UK

Ruthie knows there's more to life than love. But as the residents of the luxury retirement village she works at constantly tell her, she's pretty enough to have three boyfriends if she wanted to (she doesn't, though.) Her life is quiet, peaceful and it's just fine. Besides, the one time she actually tried talking to a cute stranger recently he was a total jerk, so it's for the best.

But that Jerk has just appeared in her office with his Dad … the owner of her company. And as her newest and most reluctant colleague, he's nothing but a spoiled little rich boy who wouldn't know work if it hit him. Her first impression of him was … underwhelming to say the least. But then something changes - while it's true that Teddy could do with learning about the real world, about how important their work is, Ruthie might benefit from learning about the fun side of life too. 

And maybe, a second impression is what they both need for a second chance. 

"I may as well get a crush on a hurricane. I'd be covered by insurance."

When you open a Sally Thorne book, you're not signing up for any sharp twists, clever reveals or curious mysteries. But you are promise an indulgently delicious romance full of heart and humour. You might know exactly where this book is going, but boy are you going to enjoy the journey. 

Ruthie was an awkward workaholic from a religious, conservative family living a sheltered, lonely life - but underneath she was just a normal 25 year old woman who wanted to live her life, and she was absolutely beautiful to read about. Then there's Theodore, or Teddy to his friends with his tattoos and motorbikes and attitude who on the surface seems like a generic bad-boy but with a gooey soft centre that I fell in love with. Their relationship snuck up on, evolving naturally without me even noticing. There was a sizzling tension, an electricity between them and a strange kind of intimacy between them that warmed my heart. The other characters were absolute delights - wickedly funny retirees with a totally different kind of youth and vitality.

While trying to deal with their own confusing feelings, we find Ruthie and Teddy dealing with complex family drama, workplace tragedies and terrifying opportunities.

This slow-burning romance is full of laughter and love, the perfect fun, fluffy read that will leave you smiling. Sassy, sexy and so, so sweet. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was gifted an advanced reviewers copy of this title in return for an honest review.

cw: Mental Illness, Sexual Content, Animal Injury, Family Issues

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