Recipe for a Sweet and Funny Romance
1 dowdy-looking 25yo retirement village Activities Director (AD) with a tendency to OCD (labels, locks, lists, routine), inordinately devoted to her residents

1 pretty 22yo half-Japanese office temp with passion for match-making

2 sisters: 1 loud and demanding 91yo former fashion editor who revels in the demoralisation of (preferably male) personal assistants; 1 reserved and resigned 89yo former lawyer

Place all in a luxury retirement village. Put the AD into acting management position. Add in:

1 wealthy real estate developer, recent purchaser of said retirement village, (philosophy: Life is Change) determined to push his son into responsibility

1 drop-dead gorgeous 27yo raven-haired motorcycle-riding itinerant tattoo artist with commitment issues, needing accommodation and employment.

Pass the developer through the scene then set aside for later. Slot the tattoo artist into the empty half of a duplex occupied by the AD, and give him to the old ladies to play with. Mix well, then add:

1 clerk at a local thrift store saving suitable garments for his crush, the AD

1 older half-sister of tattoo artist, determined to climb daddy’s corporate ladder.

Season to taste with: concern for the future of the village residents, thwarted aspirations to veterinary medicine, endangered turtles, unsupportive moralistic parents, dismissive family, an enthusiastic makeover/dating plan, a shared fervour for a churchy TV soap, a nine-year man-drought and an unrealised tattoo studio dream.

Stir in a generous pinch of dazzle power and a good dollop of sexual attraction, then simmer until love crystallises.

Second First Impressions is the third novel by Australian author, Sally Thorne. Does her recipe work? It does. It’s no spoiler to reveal that Truthful Ruth the Reverend’s Daughter does eventually find love with Theodore Prescott: hazel eyes, little-kid freckles across the bridge of his nose and a waterfall of long black hair. Those in the mood to swoon a little will enjoy this light-hearted romance.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Hachette Australia.

I loved Sally Thorne's '99 percent mine' and I enjoyed Second First Impressions.

I laughed out loud in some places. Ruth was so easy to identify with. I lived among old people, I should know. She is amazing if unsure, self-doubting and self-depreciating. But she is cute and fiery when she lets herself to be.

Second First Impressions is the story of finding love in the most unexpected place - retirement village. It is about finding your place in life and holding on to it. It is about our doubts, stereotypes and fears and how silly they are most of the time.

With a bunch of funny characters be they good or not so good, with hot hero on wheels and a work friend with fire in her soul Second First Impression makes amazing first, second and third impression.

I am not the biggest fan of rom com or romance. I am still coming to understand the genre and its rules, but Sally Thorne's books are good for me... in moderation.

3.5 stars, rounded down

This is a sweet contemporary romance. Ruthie is quiet and comfortable in her safe bubble living in the retirement village. Teddy is tattooed with perfect hair. Don't worry, you'll be kept up to date on his hair status throughout, just in case you forget how perfect it is. I did find Ruthie to be the more interesting character of the two, even if I did have a hard time relating to her. She went out of her way to be nice to everyone and to keep everything organised with her lists and plans. Then Teddy walks in, all needy and intrusive, messing up her life. Sure, she probably needed it, but I guarantee Teddy would be obnoxious in real life. Even with all that perfect hair (or maybe because of it?).

It took a little too long to get into the story for me. Thorne kept hinting at events from Teddy and Ruthie's past but not really giving any information and there was a slow buildup to when it felt the story was actually started. At least Teddy has perfect hair. Suddenly it was all over and the ending felt rushed. I was sad to see how much time and effort was spent building the base, only for the typical love conquers all and they all lived happily ever after ending. I was impressed with how Thorne was able to keep me invested even after I felt it took so long to get started, though. And thank you for Teddy's hair.

On the bright side, I really liked the turtles throughout the story. I'd also love to meet Teddy in real life, solely to get what sounds like would be an incredible tattoo (and to see his hair). But the absolute best parts of Second First Impressions were Renata and Aggie. Their wisdom, unexpected kindness, and incredible bond were the glue holding this story together. That, and Teddy's hair.

I didn’t know what to expect from this one first 50 or so pages there were so many stereotypes bad boy and church girl. Will they end up together! Then I got sucked in and couldn’t put it down it made me laugh, cry and smile so much.It’s a nice easy read not unexpected but cosy.

Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne is a very readable quirky story with unusual characters who you warm to very quickly. Set in the Providence Luxury Retirement Villa we find the Ruthie Midona who has forgotten she is only 25 years old and has dedicated herself to the elderly residents and has been rescuing endangered tortoises for six years. While the main manager, Sylvia, is away Ruthie is managing the facility with the assistance of Mel. Then along comes Teddy Prescott, son of the owner and renowned playboy, whose father has installed him into the facility to earn his keep. With older residents and young staff it leads to a lot of humorous situations who all in their own ways are searching for a better life.

An easy to read, light hearted story that is amusing and enchanting. There are certainly some drama both on a personal and professional level for those at the Retirement Villa and this adds colour to quite a romantic story as well.

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher Hachette Australia for a copy to read and review.

This was a cute, fun read. I do think the first first impression could have been a bit more detailed as the story quickly moved on and the initial tension wasn't super clear.

✅ romantic
✅ sexy
✅ humorous

Second First Impressions was EVERYTHING! If you like the checklist of ingredients up the top for a love story then you will not be disappointed.

When Thoedore Prescott (Teddy) personally offends Ruthie Midona at a gas station little does he know that in less than 24hrs he'll be working for her. 25 year old Ruthie runs a retirement village where she takes her job very seriously. When Ruthie is told by her boss to give Teddy a job of course she finds him the worst one; working as a personal assistant/errand boy for the two elderly Parloni sisters who have chased out dozens of other male assistants with their ludicrous tasks.

Now Ruthie can sit back and enjoy a laugh at Teddy's expense but Teddy won't give up so easily, he's only got to last long enough to get his tattoo business up and running and prove his family wrong. Ruthie is about to find out just how irresistible Theodore Prescott can be.

This book was so much fun. Yes it was predictable and sometimes a little cheesy but it was the best kind of cheese, the kind you keep going back for. I loved the range of different characters and what they each brought to the story. Of course my favourite was the eccentric and elderly Renata (one half of the Parloni sisters) she was wickedly funny and unapologetic and served the best line of the novel "For God's sake, someone with bone density cut this cheese for me".

Then there was outgoing and loyal best friend Mel who provided a myriad of laughs with her "Sasaski method" (sorry no spoilers you'll have to find out for yourself what that is).

The only thing I wasn't living for in this book was Teddy's hair which was almost a character on its own but you win some, you lose some and the wins far, far outweighed Teddy's creepy hair in this one!

Thank you to @hachetteaus and @netgalley for the ARC to read and review.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital arc of this book, all opinions expressed here are my own.

Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne is the third book I have read from this author and while it’s still not as good as The Hating Game, if you’re looking for a fluffy, feel good, HEA romance this book is for you.

Ruthie is 25 going on 90. A reverend’s daughter who lives and breathes her retirement village job. With the help of Mel, Teddy, Renata and Aggie, she slowly comes to appreciate life and love again.

While the story isn’t complex, the characters are wonderful, especially the elderly sisters Renata and Aggie who help bring the book to life. While I really don’t understand the fascination with Teddy’s long hair, I do love the way him and Mel brought Ruthie out of her shell (no pun intended - the retirement village is also home to an endangered species of tortoise.)

A highly enjoyable four star read. I continue to look forward to more books from this author.

Second First Impressions is Sally Thorne's third novel, but the first one I have read. It is about Ruthie and Teddy who meet at a retirement home. Their unconventional love story progresses from there, full of wholesome moments, emotions and tattooed bad boys.

I was so excited when I got approved for this arc despite never reading a Sally Thorne before, because I had heard such amazing things about The Hating Game in particular. Unfortunately this was a little disappointing because of my high expectations, but I am still excited to read her other books.

I also want to preface this review by acknowledging that it may be little bit of an its not you, its me situation. I have been in a bit of a reading slump lately, particularly when it comes to getting through my eARCs. So I read this in tiny incriments of about a chapter a night, which definitely played a part in my lack of connection with the book. Perhaps I will reread this at a better time and get a hopefully better second first impression (ha!)

That being said, I don't think it was entirely my fault for not loving this book. The beginning was pretty slow and I felt like I was just waiting for the story to start. Nothing was keeping me engaged or wanting to read more than one chapter at a time.

I thought the characters were... okay? Neither were particularly special to me, the hero felt a bit too immature and reliant to me. I couldn't really see why Ruthie felt his actions were endearing rather than annoying.

I haven't read The Hating Game, but from what I have gathered about it, this is quite a different tone. Where The Hating Game is a raunchy, hate-to-love, office romance- Second First Impressions is a sweeter, tamer contemporary fiction. That isn't a bad thing, just different. If you liked The Switch by Beth O'Leary this is a similar feeling (although I liked that one considerably more).

I know this review has been quite harsh given I still gave it three stars, a pretty good rating. I truly believe this will work for many people who will love it, and I don't want to prevent them from reading it. I also am conscious that some of my disconnectedness came from my reading slump in general, so it feels unfair to rate it any lower.

Thank you to Hachette Australia for this ARC

Release Date: 31 March 2021

I was hooked from the first ten pages and completely enraptured with this cute and fluffy tale of a girl who acts too old for her age and the boy who falls for her.
Firstly, the premise was fresh and unique! I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance set in a retirement community before! Secondly Teddy is the swooniest and most adorable love interest to ever bounce across the pages of a contemporary love story like a beautiful fluffy golden retriever. Lastly, the story arcs of both Ruthie and her beloved village residents are so heart-warming.
I just loved this book from start to finish, it left my me feeling so warm and fuzzy. Thorne has done it again.

I absolutely loved this book. Ruthie is a 25 year old working and living in a retirement village and acting and dressing much older than her age, thanks to the guilt she still feels relating to an incident from her teens. Teddy is a gorgeous, muscular, tattoo artist trying to prove to his family that he isn’t just a trust fund kid by being a general dosgsbody for two elderly residents at Ruthie’s village. When Ruthie and Teddy meet, first impressions do not bode well, really they need a second chance at first impressions. I loved all of the characters in this novel and how they developed over time. I got really invested in the story and loved the fact that everyone (mostly) had a happy ending. Thank you Sally, this book was a gem!

This was my first book by Sally Thorne and I really enjoyed every minute of it! The main characters Ruthie and Teddy are both so likeable (you won’t finish the book without a slight crush on Teddy!) and I became completely wrapped up in their obvious chemistry and quirkiness. I look forward to reading more of Sally’s backlist! This is the perfect fun read for those who love a good contemporary romance! 🐢

It’s release day today for Second First Impressions, a sweet novel about lovely characters.

Overall, I really enjoyed it, but I sometimes wondered if I was a little too old, in my 40s, for this book- with characters in their 20s. Other times I stopped being an old fuddy duddy (like Ruthie) and devoured it. The characters are fun, the storyline is interesting, so give it a go!

Ruthie Midona has worked the front desk at the Providence Luxury Retirement Villa for six years, dedicating her entire adult life to caring for the Villa’s residents, maintaining the property (with an assist from DIY YouTube tutorials), and guarding the endangered tortoises that live in the Villa’s gardens. Somewhere along the way, she’s forgotten that she’s young and beautiful, and that there’s a world outside of work—until she meets the son of the property developer who just acquired the retirement center.

Teddy Prescott has spent the last few years partying, sleeping in late, tattooing himself when bored, and generally not taking life too seriously—something his father, who dreams of grooming Teddy into his successor, can’t understand. When Teddy needs a place to crash, his father seizes the chance to get him to grow up. He’ll let Teddy stay in one of the on-site cottages at the retirement home, but only if he works to earn his keep. Teddy agrees—he can change a few lightbulbs and clip some hedges, no sweat. But Ruthie has plans for Teddy too.

Her two wealthiest and most eccentric residents have just placed an ad (yet another!) seeking a new personal assistant to torment. The women are ninety-year-old, four-foot-tall menaces, and not one of their assistants has lasted a full week. Offering up Teddy seems like a surefire way to get rid of the tall, handsome, unnerving man who won’t stop getting under her skin.

Thanks Hachette and Net Galley, and happy release day, Sally!

#netgalley #hatchetteaustralia #secondfirstimpressions

This had potential for me, I really love opposites attract stories and this one revolves around the daughter of a pastor who has lived quite a sheltered life. Six years or so ago, she made a huge mistake and her parents quietly shunted her off to work with someone they knew from their church in a retirement home for wealthy people. She’s been there ever since and her life is comfortable, if a bit lonely. She loves the residents, enjoys a routine and finds comfort in a TV show. When she meets Teddy Prescott, he’s everything she shouldn’t want. He’s the son of the owner of the retirement home, who could bulldoze or redevelop it at any moment. He’s got long hair, tattoos, no job, no home, no money and a fed-up family who want him to make something of himself. So he’s installed at the retirement home working as an assistant to the most demanding residents and living in the little apartment next to Ruthie’s.

The thing I think, that bothered me the most about this, was Teddy. Oh gosh was he irritating. Is it possible I’m just too old now, to really find a 27yo who doesn’t know what size sheets to buy, attractive? Teddy was such a mooch, encroaching on Ruthie’s personal space, coming in uninvited into her home, basically demanding to be fed and taken care of like an overgrown toddler albeit a handsome one with excellent hair. He’s got to the stage where he admits he’s run out of couches to surf on and look, it’s great that he doesn’t mooch off his rich daddy but he has no qualms about anyone else and he’s constantly hanging around with a hangdog expression so that Ruthie will feed him and pet him and tell him how pretty he is, because Teddy is hopelessly vain and that got annoying as all heck.

Only two people appear to work at this luxury retirement home, although one is on leave throughout the entire book and Ruthie moves into her position and a temp fills Ruthie’s usual position. She’s 24 or 25 but dresses for some reason, like she’s 90 and it’s framed as being because she shops in op shops due to her low income. But when Mel, the temp and one of the older ladies at the home (who swans around dressed in the most ridiculous designer names you can think of) takes her to the op shop they find perfectly reasonable clothes that fit her and wow, the frumpy dowdy Ruthie actually has a banging body and Teddy can’t keep his tongue in his head. He doesn’t want her to date other people (Mel is trying to get her out there and dating) but he also keeps telling her not to see him as an option because he’s only there temporarily. I just never really saw why Teddy was so hot for Ruthie, other than he wanted a mother? Like he claimed to adore her routine and how soothing it was and calming for him, but he is basically a man child incapable of caring for himself and has been pretty neglected, so it makes sense he’d attach himself to the first person who is able to show him some basic love and attention. But it just….didn’t seem like there would be a lot of longevity in this. Ruthie has one relationship in her past which ended in humiliation for her and Teddy has had an infinite number of what seems like very short relationships and even though I actually found the writing good in the intimate scenes, the chemistry was severely lacking for me. I didn’t care at all about these two people together because the story never gave me a reason to.

The plot is just an unevenly paced mess. So much is invested in Ruthie’s routines and checklists because of the reason behind them and it’s made her basically hide herself away, giving up on her dreams and whatever and the ‘mistake’ from her past is uncovered and there’s literally no pay-off scene with her parents, who patronised her, humiliated her, punished her and basically crushed her self-esteem. There’s no apology, no acceptance of their wrong assumptions, their lack of faith and belief in her. She needed some serious therapy but it’s sort of like an afterthought and there’s so much she doesn’t realise because she was young and naive and I think, grateful to be given a chance after her indiscretion that she doesn’t even understand what is happening around her. There’s a lot about tortoises and it’s so obvious why they’re shoehorned into the plot and after rolling along like molasses trickling down a hill, everything happens in the last 5% of the book, which reveals and deals with many things at speed.

Unfortunately, I just found this very mediocre – characters that severely lacked in personality (what even was Teddy’s personality, apart from long hair and pretty), a plot that meandered along so slow it almost tripped over itself before it decided it had better wrap everything up immediately and just large portions of nothing happening except people sitting around an office and “bantering” with each other. There’s no chemistry, very little development and no stakes.

4/10

Imagine if shy, introverted, 25-year old me, who actually worked in a retirement community, had actually attracted a tattooed hottie! Second First Impressions is a sweet romance for the shy girl in all of us. Although a bit slow at times, it was just the feel-good read I needed to end my reading slump. This was my first Sally Thorne book and now I can't wait to go read them all.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Australia for the opportunity to read this book.

Thoroughly enjoyed this! I recently read ‘the hating game’ and then saw this and knew I had to get it! The characters were all so loveable, and I loved the lighthearted banter and antics that they got up to! The romance was great but not the entire focus - there was plot too! Can’t wait to read more from her!

THIS WAS SO GOOD!! I have read all of Sally Thorne's books and I have to say this is probably my favourite. I really enjoyed them individually, but I am completely in love with them together. The living together but not quite was so clever, and I really hope this twist on the neighbours trope continues. A very easy 5 stars!!

Absolutely gorgeous. I throughly enjoyed this book. It is my first Sally Thorne book so I can’t compare it.
I found the banter and the chemistry between the characters to be spot on.
Teddy is so damn cute, he’s up there on my book boyfriend list.
Pick it up, it so sweet and cute and all those things.

Thanks to Hachette Australia and netgalley for providing me with an early copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

I'm a Sally Thorne fangirl so I was thrilled to read a review copy. I adore Ms thorne's quirky writing style. Let's note the title first of all: Austen nerds will know that the original title of Pride and Prejudice was First Impressions. This gives you a little hint about the theme of this book.

When Ruthie meets Teddy at a gas station, he mistakes her for an elderly woman. From behind, with hair in a bun, dressed in her beige cardigan and sensible shoes she could be a granny. He's a relentlessly hot biker dude with long shiny black hair and tattoos. It's classic opposites attract...except he laughs at her. He thinks her buttoned-up appearance is a party costume, because why else would a 25 year old woman dress like that? He's stunned when she pays for his gas as he's misplaced his wallet, and she gives him her business card from where she works as an administrator at a retirement home.

Ruthie is humiliated and the hurt is compounded when Teddy (Theodore) arrives at her workplace, since he's the new boss's son. Teddy is the antithesis of the type of nice Christian boy her pastor father would approve of. But they gradually draw closer, talking through the wall as neighbours. Ruthie also rescues and cares for endangered tortoises while looking after elderly people all day.

Something I loved about this story: the characters independently rescue themselves. Without giving away spoilers, Ruthie realises she needs to take steps to change her life, if she is to succeed in finding a relationship and getting married one day. She comes out of her shell slowly, testing the waters in the outside world. Teddy also has to believe in himself and that he can change, giving instead of taking (like the Give and Take tattoos on his hands suggest).

All of their first impressions were wrong, which they discover as they unwrap layers of cardigans and rub up against Ruthie's fairytale wallpaper (LOL!) There is also a fun cast of secondary characters that add depth to the story, especially ageing fashionista Renata.

5 out of 5 stars (or 5 mini tortoises) for this book!

I don’t think this was angst-y as Thornes other books but I really enjoyed it nonetheless. Full of Lonely cardigan wearing suppressed heroine and sunshine tattooed hero goodness!!!