99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne

Crush: a strong and often short-lived infatuation, particularly for someone beyond your reach…

Darcy Barrett has undertaken a global survey of men. She’s travelled the world, and can categorically say that no one measures up to Tom Valeska, whose only flaw is that Darcy’s twin brother Jamie saw him first and claimed him forever as his best friend. Despite Darcy’s best efforts, Tom’s off limits and loyal to her brother, 99%. That’s the problem with finding her dream man at age eight and peaking in her photography career at age twenty—ever since, she’s had to learn to settle for good enough.

When Darcy and Jamie inherit a tumble-down cottage from their grandmother, they’re left with strict instructions to bring it back to its former glory and sell the property. Darcy plans to be in an aisle seat halfway across the ocean as soon as the renovations start, but before she can cut and run, she finds a familiar face on her porch: house-flipper extraordinaire Tom’s arrived, he’s bearing power tools, and he’s single for the first time in almost a decade.

Suddenly Darcy’s considering sticking around to make sure her twin doesn’t ruin the cottage’s inherent magic with his penchant for grey and chrome. She’s definitely not staying because of her new business partner’s tight t-shirts, or that perfect face that's inspiring her to pick up her camera again. Soon sparks are flying—and it’s not the faulty wiring. It turns out one percent of Tom’s heart might not be enough for Darcy anymore. This time around, she’s switching things up. She’s going to make Tom Valeska 99 percent hers.

For two years, I have been very impatiently awaiting a Sally Thorne release. If you follow along with this weird blogging journey, you already know: The Hating Game was so good that it ruined me for books for a long while. I spent ages chasing another book that I loved as much (and I even found a few here, here, and here). And now finally, I have another Thorne in my grubby little paws.

Let me answer the obvious question: did I have a Hating Game level lovefest reading 99 Percent Mine? Not. Even. Close. Thorne had a sophomore slump. She didn’t seem to stick to her strengths as this book tries to be much more emotional than its predecessor. A solid attempt, sure, but the immense fun and the hot hot heat was not here. Darcy and Tom, the lovahs, feel forced instead of fated. There is a creepy and borderline toxic twin relationship between Darcy and Jamie that I couldn’t wrap my head around. I did love the premise of fixing up a house along with a romance, but honestly I would have much rathered watch Chip and Jo on Fixer Upper.

I don’t think Thorne is a one-hit wonder – at least I surely hope she isn’t. She needs to stay true to what she does best and bring us another scrumptious romp. I will be keeping my eyes out for book three, but I am also certain I won’t be holding my breath another two years desperate for it.

XOXO