Did I love The Hating Game? Yes. Did I struggle with 99 Percent Mine? Also yes. Did I walk into this next book unsure what to expect? For sure.

And truly—I did enjoy Second First Impressions. I really did. It was cute, and quirky, and there were enough uncomfortable growing moments for both characters to make it all seem worthwhile in the end. I liked the chemistry between Teddy and Ruthie. Their banter was one of the most enjoyable parts of the book. Ruthie's growth in particular was lovely to watch. And yet... I wasn’t fully captured by it either. Somewhere between the “I love you” and the epilogue I was a little disappointed. Could’ve been how smoothly everything is resolved in the span of a couple pages. Could’ve been that I just wasn’t as convinced that they were ready to be in love as they were. But by the time I reached those final pages, I was slightly let down.

However, this was enjoyable enough to finish, for sure. Overall, a decent read. Somewhere in the middle of Thorne’s other two books for me.

I have been so excited about Sally Thorne’s next book for so long, and it definitely lived up to all my hopes and expectations! Thorne has such a distinct voice that’s unlike any other romance I read—this mix of whimsy and coziness that’s hard to describe, but just makes me want to stay in her books forever. Ruthie was the most relatable heroine to me to date, and i loved the opposites-attract love between her and Teddy. Thorne also writes such great side characters, and Melanie felt like the best friend everyone wants. I just loved this book and already anticipate many rereads in the future. Can’t wait for more Sally Thorne!

I absolutely adored this book! I loved the Parlanis, the turtles, the disastrous meet cute. This book was. delight. I will be featuring this book in an upcoming recommendation episode.

Tell me why I’ve been obsessively reading a book about a hot, long-haired tattooed dreamboat and a woman who works in a retirement home and wears cardigans and saves turtles? BECAUSE IT IS PERFECTION. I loved this book. I love Sally Thorne. That is all. Read it!!!

I might be more than a little biased when I say that this was one of the CUTEST books I've ever read. I'm a huge fan of Sally Thorne and anything with her name on it is an instant-read for me! This book was so good I had to read it twice. The characters were all just SO likeable and the story was so wholesome. It was well-paced and the chemistry was so much fun to read! I would highly recommend this book!

So I can't decide if my expectations for Sally Thorne are too high based on my love of The Hating Game or whether it is possible that she's a one-hit wonder. Here's the thing about this book - I didn't love it but I didn't hate it either. There have definitely been books where I want my time/money/soul back after reading it and this was NOT one of those.

But, I didn't really like any of the characters It's not that they were unlikeable - just I didn't really care much what happened to them. Especially, Ruthie and Teddy. Ruthie's inability to do anything drove me nuts and Teddy's inane need to make everyone like him so he could essentially mooch off them also... well... drove me nuts.

In addition, in some key scenes, I felt like the narrative was too rushed. I can't really explain why but there were some times when I felt like she just threw something at the reader and was like "Here! Take it and leave me alone!" For example: <spoiler> when Ruthie and Teddy finally get together at like 3/4th of the way through the book, it felt like although the buildup to the relationship was excruciatingly drawn out, when they finally kiss it was like "I'm going to kiss you now. Ok, please kiss me right now." The dynamic just felt so different in some of the scenes that I wondered if the same person had written those words </spoiler

To be honest, I really wanted there to be another secret Josh and Lucy story at the end - which in the ARC version, there wasn't. That would have earned the book another star.

This book was fun, if slightly formulaic. "Good" girl meets "bad" boy and they fall for each other. There was more dimension to the characters than that but the concept is the same. The Parloni sisters and Melanie were wonderful and fun characters that added a lot of comic relief and heart. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC.

Second First Impressions is Sally Thorne's best book yet! It is the perfect mix of sweetness, steaminess, humor, and bittersweet.

Okay, I don’t think ever in my life have I given a romance 5 stars. As a single 25 year old, I deeply resonated with Ruthie and I may be in love with Teddy. I also want a turtle tattoo. This was exactly what I needed to read.

When Sally Thorne mentioned that this book was more THG than 99 Percent Mine, I was thrilled. I LOVED The Hating Game so much. Unfortunately, though this definitely was more fun than super serious, it still lacked the magic that I found the moment Lucy and Josh stepped on the page.
I felt like the narration was all over the place. I must admit the shenanigans of the elderly in this book was hilarious, but I didn't read it for them, you know? I wasn't at all invested in Ruthie and Teddy's relationship. What unfortunate names, too.
So, sad to say that while I loved Sally's first book and liked her second book, this one is just an okay book.

While this book differs from The Hating Game (the Sally Thorne gold standard), it was very enjoyable to read and had tons of her trademark witty banter. Some of the dialogue had me laughing out loud.
Because of a traumatic experience as a teenager, Ruthie has hidden away as an employee for a retirement home elite. She doesn't have friends, she dresses as though she's old enough to be a resident, and dating isn't remotely on her mind. A chance encounter at a gas station, while filling up a wealthy resident's Rolls Royce, changes everything. The romance sizzled with a slow burn and the dialogue was fast and funny. Side characters like Melanie were delightful and the Parlonis will not be forgotten any time soon.

Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for this eARC!

This book is about a self-described 25 year old, going on 125, who lives and works at a retirement community filled with endangered tortoises. She works 24/7 and thinks she'll be at Providence until she herself retires. Until someone new buys the retirement community, and because of reasons, the son of the new owner, Teddy, an aspiring tattoo artist with incredible hair, becomes the assistant of her favorite residents and shakes up her life.

This was an incredibly sweet and very funny book. The characters, especially the Parlonis (the residents Teddy works for) and Ruthie's co-worker and aspiring self help author, are excellent and interesting. And below the sweetness and humor, people really work on themselves in this book. Everyone is kinda trying to find themselves, and it is a satisfying journey. There's a little treacle, especially at the end, but, honestly, I'm not mad at it. And hey, it IS a privilege to be young, the Parlonis are correct.

Second First Impressions is a very Sally Thorne-ish romance, albeit not quite up to the level of The Hating Game. All of the tropes are there. The characters are all developed well, the story progresses in a predictable yet entertaining way, and there's plenty of heartfelt moments throughout. My two main story gripes were: 1) the "first impression" was not directly confronted enough for my liking, and it never turned into a *heartfelt moment* like I was expecting it to and 2) the family reconciliation moment seemed way too neat and easy, rendering it pretty unbelievable and less satisfying. However, I really enjoyed the two main leads and the secondary friend character was great as well. Because of the unique characters and the overall atmosphere of the story, I have to recommend this book to Sally Thorne fans and fans of quirky contemporary romances with strong characterization and quippy humor.

This book was so good! The characters were wonderful, and you can really feel their connection throughout the book. Ruthie helps manage a retirement village, that is in danger of being shut down. The son of the property owner, Teddy, comes in like a whirlwind and completely opens a new world to Ruthie. Ruthie's character growth is incredible to watch as the story progresses, as well as her electric connection with Teddy.

I love Sally Thorne's books. While this one is not my favorite (that's still 99 Percent Mine), it is right up there with the rest of her books...just fun to read!

Estranged reverend’s daughter Ruthie Midona doesn’t really mind being 25 going on 75. Managing the Providence retirement community occupies all of her time, and she can’t really fathom why she would ever leave this place where she can nurture people (and turtles!). After a chance encounter with a hot, but artlessly rude motorcycle guy Ruthie’s even more convinced to stay put and safe in Providence, but life (and her amazing sassy temp co-worker) have other plans...

I just loved Thorne’s debut the Hating Game, wasn’t so keen on 99% Mine, but was still intrigued to read how Thorne’s unique, colorful POV manifested in Second First Impressions...and I adored it! It’s a very character-driven story, so you’ve got to be there for the hijinks and banter more than a fast-paced plot. I also loved that not only are Ruthie and Teddy complete cinnamon rolls, but that they’re supported by well-rounded, lovable characters. It’s the kind of book where you’re looking for a HEA not just for the protagonists, but for the everyone in word that Thorne has built. I’d recommend this Second First Impressions if you’re a fan of Beth O’Leary’s novels.

The classic wit and romantic writing from Sally Thorne is back! If you love quirky, kind-hearted heroines, this book is for you. If you love a sweet slow-burn romance, this book is for you! There's so many special elements in this book and Sally's worlds are always a delight to take a step into!

A retirement village might be an unusual setting for a sweet romance between two 20 somethings getting their acts together but Sally Thorne makes it shine in such a spectacular way. A sweet romance with great characters, dialogue and awesome secondary characters. It's a fun read that can be reread for years to come..

It took me a minute to get into this book—I mean, it takes place at a senior living facility that moonlights as an endangered turtle habitat. But I’m so glad that I got passed that bump. Ruthie is in charge of Providence while her boss is away and the residents are giving her the same old trouble they always do. When Ruthie acts as a good Samaritan to a motorcycle riding hottie at a gas station (okay, maybe her good Samaritan act wasn’t completely selfless), he inadvertently insults her, thinking that her chic work clothes are a Golden Girls costume. The metaphors are a big heavy handed—Ruthie is 25 going on 65.

Enter romance tropes—the next day, the new owner of Providence shows up with his son Teddy, a motorcycle riding hottie, in tow and leaves him to help Ruthie. The two are polar opposites, but author Thorne does a great job of showing that their wounds that led them to Providence are one in the same.
It’s no surprise that Thorne’s first book is being made into a feature film. She definitely writes very visually and one can picture Teddy coming to a theater near you soon.

For the record: I made a NetGalley account for the sole purpose of requesting an ARC of THIS book and I am so grateful that I did receive one courtesy of William Morrow Paperbacks.

The Hating Game is one of my favorite books of all time and because of that, my expectations for Thorne's sophomore release were a bit too high. In my own way, I do love Darcy and Tom from 99% Mine, but the whole book didn't suck me in the way THG did. Second First Impressions was meant to be my dealbreaker book. I was sad to hear that the original publication date got pushed back due to COVID and I jumped at the chance to read an early copy through NetGalley. However, I was still nervous to read. My request from William Morrow was approved on October 16 and it took me until this weekend to really jump in and read in earnest. While it took me a bit to get into the story, I had a really fun time reading it and I will be eagerly awaiting any and all future books from this author.

Something I love about Thorne's books is how she writes in a way that allows her readers to find themselves within the story, especially when they least expect it. Her writing is atmospheric and deeply engaging but also very whimsical. Her characters are wonderful little weirdos and you must read her work with that understanding at the forefront of your thoughts. None of them feel too real, because honestly they all seem slightly unhinged... but in a lovable way? But if the world was full of Joshua Templemans and Teddy Prescotts, I wouldn't spend nearly as much time reading as I do. That being said, I have been able to see myself, a relatively sane and objectively boring twenty-something in each of Thorne's three novels; maybe Second First Impressions most especially.

Read with this understanding, and you will also enjoy this cast of characters and how they all rallied around and supported one another. As much as this was very much a romance novel, and Teddy was the obvious love interest from the meet-awkward (as opposed to meet-cute); I appreciated that Teddy's role in Ruthie's life was very well established as that of a loyal friend and that's what Ruthie was to Teddy as well. I enjoyed the personal growth that they brought out in each other, but how they also supported each other for who they truly were as opposed to who they wanted to be. I also love how Melanie supported both of them through it all (regardless of her opinion on the matter) and how the Parloni's and an assortment of golden bonnet tortoises were always along for the proverbial ride. I hope future readers enjoy their time in Providence the way that I did!