Welcome, romance lovers! If you’re on the hunt for a book that will make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even tear up a little, you’re in for a treat. This week, we’re diving into 99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne, a story that’s packed with all the charm, wit, and heart that fans of her debut, The Hating Game, have come to love. So, grab your favorite cozy blanket, settle in with a cup of something warm, and let’s talk about why 99 Percent Mine should be at the top of your reading list!
Meet Darcy Barrett, a woman who’s lived her life like she’s running from a fire—fast, fierce, and with no looking back. She’s the kind of person who thrives on adventure, whether it’s through her career as a photographer or her habit of hopping on a plane whenever the mood strikes. But despite her wild-child ways, there’s one thing she’s never been able to shake: her long-standing crush on Tom Valeska, the one guy who’s always been just a bit out of reach.
Tom Valeska isn’t just any guy—he’s the ultimate good guy. Reliable, kind, and, let’s face it, annoyingly perfect, Tom is the kind of person who would help an old lady across the street while juggling groceries and fixing a leaky faucet. He’s also her twin brother Jamie’s best friend, which makes him firmly off-limits. For years, Darcy’s tried to convince herself that her feelings for Tom are just a silly crush, something that would fade with time. But no matter how far she runs or how many distractions she finds, she just can’t seem to shake the idea that Tom is 99 percent perfect—and maybe, just maybe, 1 percent hers.
The story really kicks into gear when Darcy’s world gets flipped upside down. After years of avoiding her feelings and keeping Tom at arm’s length, she’s suddenly thrown back into his orbit. Their beloved grandmother has passed away, leaving behind a cottage that’s seen better days and a whole lot of memories. Darcy and Jamie are tasked with renovating the place to get it ready for sale, and guess who’s hired to manage the project? That’s right—Mr. Perfect himself, Tom Valeska.
Tom’s the guy who can fix just about anything—houses, cars, even people’s lives. But when it comes to Darcy, he’s always been a little out of his depth. Sure, he’s been in love with her for as long as he can remember, but she’s a whirlwind of unpredictability, and he’s the type who likes to play it safe. As they start working together to bring the cottage back to life, all those old feelings start bubbling up, and suddenly, this renovation project becomes a lot more complicated than either of them anticipated.
As Darcy and Tom spend more time together, the walls they’ve both built around their hearts start to come down, one brick at a time. Darcy, who’s always been a master at keeping people at a distance, begins to realize that maybe there’s something—or someone—worth sticking around for. And Tom, who’s always been the steady, dependable type, starts to wonder if taking a risk on love might be exactly what he needs to make his life feel complete.
The renovation of the cottage is more than just a physical task—it’s a journey of self-discovery and healing for both of them. As they peel back layers of wallpaper and patch up cracks in the walls, they’re also peeling back the layers of their own emotional defenses. There are plenty of laughs, a few tears, and a whole lot of heart as these two navigate the rocky road to something that might just be their forever.
But don’t think it’s all smooth sailing! With Jamie’s protective instincts kicking in and Darcy’s fear of commitment making things complicated, the path to happily ever after is anything but straightforward. It’s a wild ride, filled with all the ups and downs that make a love story worth reading.
Sally Thorne’s 99 Percent Mine is a shining example of what makes contemporary romance so addictive. Thorne’s writing is sharp and witty, making every page a treat to read. The characters are fully fleshed out, with Darcy and Tom’s chemistry jumping off the page thanks to their natural, engaging dialogue. The story flows effortlessly, with spot-on pacing that keeps you turning the pages without missing a beat. Trust us, once you start reading this book you won’t be able to stop until its over.
Does 99 Percent Mine get our stamp of approval?
Engaging Plot: Does the book have a compelling storyline that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end? This book has a storyline that pulls you in from the very first page. Darcy’s journey of navigating her complicated feelings for Tom, while also dealing with family dynamics and personal growth, makes for a compelling read that keeps you hooked until the end. And, let’s be real: a forbidden romance is always a good read.
Well-Developed Characters: Are the characters multidimensional, with realistic motivations, flaws, and growth throughout the story? Sally Thorne knows how to create characters that feel real. Darcy is fiery and flawed in the best way, and Tom is that perfect mix of strong yet vulnerable. Watching them grow throughout the story is both satisfying and relatable.
Strong Writing: Is the prose well-crafted, with vivid descriptions, realistic dialogue, and a consistent narrative voice? Thorne’s writing is sharp, witty, and full of personality. The dialogue is spot-on, making the characters and their interactions feel super authentic. Her unique style might take a minute to get used to, but once you do, it fits the story great.
Emotional Impact: Does the book evoke a range of emotions in readers, from laughter and joy to sadness and empathy? Get ready to feel all the feels with this one. You’ll laugh, you’ll swoon, and you might even get a little teary-eyed. Thorne knows how to hit those emotional notes just right.
Originality: Does the book bring something fresh and unique to its genre or subject matter, avoiding clichés and predictable plot twists? This isn’t your typical forbidden romance. There are extra layers including Darcy’s heart condition, Tom’s previous engagement, and the dynamic a twin brother creates for Darcy.
Pacing: Is the pacing of the story appropriate, with a good balance of action, exposition, and character development? The pacing is just right once you get into it. The story might start off a little slow because of Thorne’s distinctive writing style, but once it picks up, you’re in for a perfectly balanced mix of action, character development, and just the right amount of tension.
World-Building: Does the book create a richly imagined world that feels immersive and believable? While the story is more about the characters, the setting—the old, rundown cottage—feels vividly real. Thorne does a great job of making the environment reflect what’s going on inside the characters.
Theme and Message: Does the book explore meaningful themes and deliver a message that resonates with readers? At its heart, 99 Percent Mine is about second chances, personal growth, and fighting for what really matters. These themes resonate throughout the story, making it more than just a romance.
Resolution: Does the book provide a satisfying resolution to its central conflicts and story arcs? The ending is totally satisfying. It wraps up all the central conflicts in a way that feels true to the characters, leaving you with that warm, fuzzy feeling that every good romance should.
Overall Enjoyment: Most importantly, did we enjoy the book? Even with the slow start, 99 Percent Mine is a joy to read. Thorne’s blend of humor, heart, and heat makes this book a winner. If you’re looking for a romance that’s both fun and emotionally fulfilling, this one definitely gets our stamp of approval!
Have you read 99 Percent Mine yet?
If you’ve read 99 Percent Mine, what did you think of it? If you haven’t read it yet, are you going to?
