99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne Published by William Morrow on January 29, 2019
Pages: 368
Genres: Romance, New Adult
Review Copy Provided By: William Morrow
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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.
I was provided a review copy; this did not influence my opinion of the book.
❝I am stress. Fear. Uncertainty. I am a liability.❞
Growing up, Darcy Barrett was the burden; the one who either had to stay home from family vacations and excursions or she was the reason her family stayed home.
Now, an adult, Darcy refuses to settle down. Living each day as if it’s her last, she’s traveled around the world and “enjoyed” her fair share of men and one night stands. Not only is she not in one place long enough to fall in love, but she can’t find a man to fill the void left by Tom Valeska.
❝I think I met my ideal man when I was eight, and no one else has ever measured up.❞
Growing up, Tom Valeska was the one who tried to fit in. Even though the Barrett family didn’t officially adopt him, Tom spent most of his days and nights with them. He was always trying to be perfect and live beyond expectations. Tom was their peacekeeper and fixer.
Now, an adult, Tom lives each day working hard to prove his value and worth to those around him. Whether it’s for his crew, his mother or Darcy and her brother, Tom is afraid of letting anyone down. He fears their rejection.
Tom wants to settle down with the one person who doesn’t want to settle down, the one whom he’s not sure he deserves and whom he believes doesn’t want him, Darcy Barrett. When her brother hires Tom to renovate their grandmother’s home; Tom’s determined to focus on the job and not chemistry he and Darcy share, and Darcy’s determined to convince Tom he’s worth staying for.
❝No one else is kissing you anymore,❞ he tells me in a conversational hush, not breaking our contact. ❝Your mouth is mine.❞ The thought is more than he can bear; now we’re twisting each other’s clothes and the kiss is like a conversation with no words—louder and louder, talking over each other: LISTEN TO ME. NO, YOU LISTEN TO ME.
In unison: I WILL KILL ANYONE WHO TOUCHES YOU.
I enjoyed the slow pace of the story, it not only allowed for superb character development, but it allowed me to become emotionally invested in the characters and their story. The chemistry between Tom and Darcy was intense and the sexual tension was sizzling!
I loved this story!
While I have THE HATING GAME, I’ve not had the opportunity to read it, so, yes, this is my first Thorne book, and I am hooked. This author’s writing is fluid and complex, her voice is phenomenal and her characters are intriguing.
If you love a slow burn, friends to lovers romance, you will love 99 PERCENT MINE!
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