Sally Thorne is one of my all time favourite authors. I first fell in love with her debut novel, The Hating Game, in 2018, and this fangirling quickly turned to 99 Percent Mine in 2019. So when it was announced that Sally was releasing a third novel, I knew I needed to get my hands on a copy, stat!

Second First Impressions tells the remarkable tale of Ruthie Midona, long-time employee at Providence Luxury Retirement Villa, guardian of the endangered golden bonnet tortoises, and all-around good person who has kind of forgotten that she's only twenty-five and has the world at her feet!

While running an errand for one of the retirees, Ruthie meets Teddy Prescott, with his beautiful long hair, stunning tattoos covering his body, and laid back personality. Little does she know, he is the son of Providence's new owner/developer and she's about to be tasked with keeping an eye on him for a little while.

What I loved about both characters were how relatable they are. Both Ruthie and Teddy are complete opposites (this story is very much a beautifully written opposites attract tale) and yet, I found parts of myself in both characters. Ruthie feels mature for her age and states she's 25 going on 125. I know that feeling all too well, and Sally constructs a really well-developed understanding of what lead to Ruthie feeling that way.

Her background, the responsibilities given to her from such a young age, and the impressions promoted by her elders throughout her life... well it's no wonder she has such views on routine, order and maturity. But she's also self-aware enough to know she's missing out on her youth. With those thoughts already firmly in mind, Ruthie and Teddy's first meeting shakes up a new-found desire in Ruthie to start living a little.

Teddy is pretty much the opposite. Trying to simultaneously prove himself to his family but also live his own authentic life has left Teddy somewhat lost and confused. Again, totally relatable! Up until now, he's always wanted a 'tidy, structured' life but has never really done anything to obtain it. He can fit all his belongings in one bag, which he carries on his back as he rides his motorcycle between places to couch-surf. And finally, thanks in part to his father's acquirement of the retirement villa (and subsequent meeting of Ruthie!), and his friend's tenuous offer of co-ownership to a tattooing parlour, he can start to learn the value of adding structure to his life - without completely giving up his easygoing personality or freedom.

While Teddy and Ruthie have opposing personalities, they balanced each other out immensely. Teddy teaches Ruthie how to act her age and have fun; while Ruthie teaches Teddy how to set roots down and plan long-term for his life's goal. If you've ever read any of Sally's previous work, you can expect all the usual quirky goodness that Sally is known (and loved) for! There were so many moments between Ruthie and Teddy that had me wanting to race through the pages to find out what happened next but also slow my reading right down because I did not want it to end.

Outside of the main romantic relationship, there was a bevy of amazing side characters - each with their own personalities, backgrounds, dreams, and problems. The so-called 'eccentric sisters' were such a delight and their story had me smiling through the tears. How their story ended in the final pages was so beautiful that I sat there, hugging my kindle for ages afterward. There was also Ruthie's 22 year old agency temp who had some big decisions to make for her own life too! And the 'turtles'! Again, this element only added more to the story!

Basically, I loved this book. Sally has hit the ground running with her third super-impressive story and I simply adored it. She's basically cemented herself permanently in my list of favourite authors and is definitely on my auto-buy list. While I'm incredibly grateful to receive this e-copy of the book, you can bet I'll be buying a beautiful physical copy to add to my shelves on release day as well! I've also heard through the social media grapevine that Sally's working on another novel, and I cannot wait! In the meantime, however, you can find me re-reading all three of her books many, many times over.

Absolutely adored this book! I loved The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, so had high hopes for this one and I was not disappointed. I fell in love with all of the characters, the setting and the plot which flowed great. The slow burn romance was well written also and sucked me right in. I stayed up till 2am reading, found it hard to put down! Such a lovely, easy read! Thanks so much!

"Life requires full, up-to-the-neck participation"

Sally Thorne has once again delivered a beautifully written love story, where personal growth, compassion, courage and kindness are the focal point of the novel. Thorne has a knack of writing truly loveable MC's who have walls up from past events, but have kind and caring souls within who show strength through their compassion.

I thoroughly enjoy how friendships are developed in Thorne's books, both between the MC & LI, but also with the MC and the rest of the characters. Thorne has a real strength in the way that she writes relationships and the way that she gets you invested in all of the characters.

If you enjoy reading about kind, loving heroines who are just waiting to come out of their shell; empathetic, honest and charming 'reformed bad boy' love interests; along with a cast of outgoing, protective and humorous friends then I highly recommend this novel to you.

Second First Impressions made a wonderful first impression on me.

Thank you to Hachette Australia and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an easy read. Ruthie & Teddy were great together, but Mel, Aggie & Renata stole the show! However, I just felt it lacked something & it felt a little dull at times.