Readers and critics alike raved over USA Today bestselling author Sally Thorne’s smash hit debut,The Hating Game, which has sold in over 20 countries. Now she’s back with an unforgettable romantic comedy about a woman who finally has a shot at her long time crush—if she dares.
99 PERCENT MINE by SALLY THORNE
Series: Standalone
Release date: January 29, 2019
Cliffhanger: No
Genre: contemporary romance, rom-com
SYNOPSIS
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.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2sOngG6
iBooks: https://apple.co/2CTfLVL
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2WAWjU6
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Connect with Sally:
99 Percent Mine by Sally ThorneMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I think anyone who has read The Hating Game was positively twitching with impatience for more of this author's addictive words. I was late to the party in reading her debut book, but when I did I finally understood the hype. A lot of times it's purely good marketing or a popularity contest that builds such a level of excitement, but this author is a rare talent that deserves every bit of her accolades. Thorne has such a distinct, sharp voice that sinks its claws in you and drags you into the story from page one. She has a fantastic sense of metaphorical humor that you can't help but laugh out loud at from the visual imagery. Tough as nails Darcy getting hit on by a sleazeball at work:
“What time do you get off work?” I imagine a Ken doll left out in the sun too long, and I step on that soft tan head like it’s a cigarette. “Not for a million years.”
This book is about the dysfunctional relationship between Darcy, her twin brother Jamie, and his best friend Tom. They grew up together and he became as close as a sibling, but with that close relationship came a lot of headaches. Because Darcy and Jamie are like two alley cats fighting for dominance. They're competitive, territorial, and yes, immature. They both have very large personalities that clash at the drop of a hat. Poor Tom is pushed into the role of a placater, a referee to smooth over their squabbles. He's pulled in two different directions because he loves both of them, and not only wants peace, but to make them both happy. Always. You see, Tom? He's a people pleaser and an all around perfect specimen of a man. He doesn't like that word applied to him because he feels incapable of living up to it, but the man has a heart of gold that shines brighter than the sun.
Simply put, I adored Tom for so many reasons. He takes care of everyone around him, and has a sense of responsibility that is almost crushing in its weight. He's protective, caring, and though he's human with weaknesses like everyone else, his determination to do the right thing in the core of who he is. There were points in the book where I felt that the twins didn't deserve him. Yep, I was holding a grudge and getting mama bear protective over Tom because I could not see an even exchange in their relationship. I felt that he was taken for granted and treated like a favorite toy that they didn't want to share. In the beginning of the book, I was more than a little concerned that my frustrations would overwhelm my feelings for the romance. I bow down to Thorne's talent because she completely flipped me around and made me believe in the future of their friendships and the romance that developed.
With any friends to lovers story, or brother's best friend trope, there's a shift in the dynamic between those involved. There are fears about destroying what you already have if the romance fails, and insecurity about losing any piece of importance in that person's life. That's where the title 99% Mine comes in. In the beginning, Darcy tells us that when she was 18, Tom was 100% hers. But she messed up big time and now she wants to belong to him again. At least 99%. For the first time, they are alone in her late grandmother's house without her brother there to cause friction. When she finds out that he's suddenly become single after eight long years, it doesn't take her long to blurt out an indecent proposal. She's carried a torch for him for a very long time, and having temptation in front of her is like gasoline on a banked fire.
Darcy is blunt, in your face snarky, and knows how to out-alpha any man or woman you set in front of her. Her heart condition doesn't slow her down, and she doesn't allow it to alter how others treat her. Tom doesn't stand a chance once she sets her mind on making him hers. What did I love about her? Well, I would be hard pressed to think of things in the beginning but the woman had strength. She had a terrible habit of running from uncomfortable feelings and situations, but her stubborn ways weren't impenetrable. I didn't give up on her and throughout the book, I saw her softening, listening to others, and working hard to overcome her faults. I saw huge character growth, and by the end I understood her in a way that helped me empathize with her more.
One of my favorite things about the book was Darcy's best friend Truly Nicholson. Curvy, sassy, and one heck of a businesswoman, she was such a unique character that I can't wait to read more about. She has her own brand of underwear with snarky phrases sewn across the booty. She seems to be just as unfiltered as Darcy, but in a much more approachable way. I fell for her immediately, and with the tease of her upcoming story that's revealed at the end, I'm even more excited for Thorne's next book!! Jamie is pretty much an egotistical player who has a mean side, but there is genuine promise there. I can see who he'll turn out to be with a little polish and buffing away. I have full faith that I will enjoy every minute as I witness him being brought to his knees.
99 Percent Mine was a delight to read. I laughed out loud too many times to count, and it has cemented my love for this author's work. If you haven't read her books yet, you are missing out on a one of a kind experience. Though I did have some initial frustrations, I never once was tempted to quit because you can't help but become invested in these perfectly imperfect characters. You're guaranteed to feel the whole gamut of emotions as Tom and Darcy fight for their happily ever after.
Recommended for: readers who love rom-coms, friends to lovers, best friend's brother, and slow burn romantic tension.
A guy like that is strong in a way that’s deeper than muscle and bones, because he wears his softness on the outside. I think I met my ideal man when I was eight, and no one else has ever measured up.
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