Second First Impressions Review

Hello, all!

One of my favorite contemporaries is The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, so whenever I see she's coming out with a new book, it automatically goes on my TBR. I've been looking forward to her newest release, Second First Impressions, since last year and I'm so happy to say it was definitely worth the wait.

Pub Date: 4-13-21
Adult - Contemporary

Ruthie Midona is twenty-five years old going on a hundred. She's always felt more comfortable surrounded by the elderly, which is perfect since she works at a retirement villa, and caring for the endangered tortoises that roam the property. Ruthie has never felt confident in herself and when she runs into a handsome tattooed guy at the gas station who mistakes her for an old woman, she's mortified and her embarrassment only increases when she finds out he's the son of the new property developer and her new neighbor.

Teddy Prescott is a bit of a mess. An aspiring tattoo artist who doesn't take life too seriously, something that frustrates his straight-laced business-minded father to no end. When Teddy runs out of couches to crash on, his father takes the opportunity to teach Teddy how to grow up. He'll let Teddy live in one of the on-site apartments in the retirement home as long as he earns his keep. Thinking he'll just change a few lightbulbs, Teddy agrees, but Ruthie has plans of her own to get back at him. Two of the villa's most eccentric residents have placed an ad for yet another assistant to torment with their outlandish requests, and Ruthie knows it'll be the fastest way to get Teddy to cut and run. But what she didn't plan on was how Teddy could give as good as he gets, or how his endless charm would break through all her safety walls.

I can't get over how sweet this was! I was hooked right from the start and a lot of that has to do with the characters. Ruthie was so kind and willing to go above and beyond for everyone. There were times where I wished she stood up for herself a little more, but for the most part, I felt she was so relatable. Teddy is that specific breed of man-child who coasts through life on his charm alone and dang, if I didn't buy right into it. I couldn't get enough of him trying so hard to get Ruthie to crack and their flirty banter was everything. My favorite part though was the Parlonis, especially Renata. She had me cracking up every time she opened her mouth. On the surface, this just seems like a fun slow-burn opposites attract romance, but as the story goes on, there's this underlying sense of tenderness and personal growth that takes it to a whole other level. Were there bits that felt too convenient or a little cheesy? Of course, but I still loved every minute.

Rating: 4/5