As a romance reader, I either read the book in their shoes or as an observer. Sometimes I am the observer because I can't relate to the characters and what they stand for. I admit this can affect my enjoyment, especially if it goes against my beliefs and moral compass. But, there are times that my enjoyment can be enhanced because I get to see different people fall in love. See, I'm a sappy old thing and believe that everyone deserves love. So, whether you're a butcher, baker, or candlestick maker, I'm going to want to see you walk off into the sunset with the one you love.
Maybe I'm a bit of a hypocrite because I judge others who say they don't like a book because a character is weak, or a character takes a decision away from another character. I feel like I may be a bit of a hypocrite because I can't enjoy books with cheating in them. Reading books with cheating in them makes me feel off. I get a bad taste in my mouth, and my whole body tenses up. Should I be judged? I guess the whole crux of the matter is I have got to stop judging others when what is chocolate and sunshine for me, could be dry toast and dreary for others.
Second First Impressions was chocolate and sunshine for me. I absolutely LOVED every second of the journey and was so sad when this story didn't go on forever. I loved both Ruthie and Teddy for their originality and all of their give and take. They were far from perfect, but their growth throughout was something that I enjoyed seeing play out. When we started the journey, Ruthie was all about the give and Teddy was all about the take. By the end, we realise that life is all about giving and taking.
Ruthie is a tidy girl who tries to do everything the right and careful way. Teddy is brash, self-centred, beautiful, and does whatever will make him happy. Together, they seem mismatched but it's not long before you realise that each has a little desire to be like the other. I admired Ruthie for protecting her heart against someone whom she knew had the power to break her. I also admired her for her strength in accepting that she couldn't ignore the feelings he provoked. It was so sweet to see them both confide in each other and become each other's protectors. I loved that Teddy acknowledged his shortcomings and wanted to learn from the best, in how to become a giver. I liked that they both went out of their way to make the other feel accepted and loved.
If I could find one teeny tiny fault in Second First Impressions, it was the way the author left the conflict between Ruthie and her parents unfinished. I wanted Ruthie to tell her father that he was a sanctimonious jerk and demand an apology for the treatment she received. I hated his critical holier-than-thou attitude and approach. I did not blame Ruthie for losing her faith considering his double standards around forgiveness. I felt bad that Ruthie was parented so badly by such supposedly 'good' people. I just wanted her parents to be apologetic for making her feel ashamed, unworthy, and unloved.
The sign of a truly good romance is when I can have tears in my eyes and still love it. I loved that Ruthie faced her challenges and decided to take control of her life. I loved that Teddy, who seemed to be happy taking, taking, taking, ended up loving to give, give, give. I found real contentment that both Ruthie and Teddy were happy with their choices and seemed to thrive from facing their challenges.
I can't say it enough, I LOVED everything about this story. The main characters were lovable, original and perfect for each other. The additional characters enhanced the storyline and I would LOVE for Mel to get her own love story. Maybe I'm getting old, but I enjoyed the subtlety of Sally Thorne's love scenes. It was descriptive without being overly graphic, with the emotions and feelings described in a heartfelt way. It was like no other love scene I've read. Almost clean but not quite. I was treated to the connection, not the physicality, which will make Second First Impressions the perfect audiobook re-read/listen.
If you're looking for a sweet and captivating love story, I don't think you could do better than Second First Impressions. I highly recommend and will definitely re-read and listen to it in the future.
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Popular Highlights in this book
So that’s what it feels like to be visible for a few long moments. Like touching a live wire.Highlighted by 436 Kindle readers- “You’re the thousand-dollar dress on the rack in this thrift store and I can’t believe no one’s picked you up yet.”Highlighted by 426 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher
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| Second First Impressions | 99 Percent Mine | The Hating Game | Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match | |
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| Price | $8.42 | $4.98 | $8.38 | $9.47 |
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Book Condition/Shipping
This review is purely based on shipping & the condition I received the book in. Though I am beyond excited to read it, I have not yet read the book. So, I will not be commenting on that at this time. I received the book on time. There is a small scuff at the back/spine (pictured). Aside from this, the book is in great condition!
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