Second First Impression

by Samantha M. Thomas

What happens when you get a second chance to meet?Ainsley

I swore I’d never return to Bluebell Falls, but with a failing corporate career, moving back home is my only option. With a new virtual assistant job and a hot next door neighbor, things are going better than I could have imagined.

Now, instead of planning my next moves, I’m daydreaming about my boss and my neighbor. That is until I find out those two men are one and the same. With that reveal fresh on my mind and a work trip to Vegas with Ledger Hutton, everything has changed once again.

I thought I knew what I wanted, but is love enough to keep me from wanting more?

Ledger

My only goal had been stability, for myself, my siblings, and my business. Nothing else mattered. That is until my long lost crush moves in next door, needing a job and a friend. Both of which I am happy to provide.

Hiding who I really am brings on a handful of problems while my brain and heart war with each other over Ainsley Mathews, the one that didn’t have the chance to get away.

I know I have to tell her, but could I bear her leaving again?

Will their second chance at a first impression thrive in the small town of Bluebell Falls, or will it vanish like Ainsley the first time around?

Second First Impression is the first book in the Bluebell Falls series. Each book is a standalone, ending in an HEA, and should be read in order.

Genres: Romance

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2024

Reviews

[Brittany selken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just got done reading this fantastic book by @samanthamthomasauthor this story was written in a way that it inspired me to go read some books f her other books. This story between these two characters like it was pulling at my heart strings because of how she came back to her home town because of her old company’s view on certain things(don’t want to spoiler it). And it funny also due to facts that he had a crush on her way back in high school and he was two year ahead of her in school. Like I’m glad told the end she somewhat got her revenge on her boss and came out winning like a boss that she is. I’m glad they found happy ever after with each other. #5starreviews🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Pamela Winkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! A sweet story with some spicy times. He has been in love with her forever, but she never had an idea. They get a second chance and the story of how the relationship formed.

[Jess W.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Thank you to the author for providing this ARC. These thoughts and opinions are my own.***

This was a super sweet, second chance, small town romance with an HEA. Everything about this story was so comfy. Like it was so sweet, it was cozy. The conflict wasn't even that cringe, despite being miscommunication trope. It was heartfelt and spicy. This is the type of romance book that you cuddle up under a nice soft blanket and drink tea while reading. Very, very cute.

[Sarah Seelbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg talk about amazing! Also, I loved ledger talk about book boyfriend material. Ugh, spice is in this book not a huge amount but it's just the right amount! I will be reading more Samantha books she's an amazing author. I enjoyed this book. I recommend it.

Thanks for the arc babe. 🩷

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 in the new Bluebell Falls series and this book follows Ainsley and Ledger. Ainsley is returning to her hometown after a career setback, she has taken a job as a virtual assistant for a growing, local landscaping company. Ledger is the owner of the company and he had a huge crush on Ainsley in high school. However she doesn't remember him. Ainsley has not met her boss, but when they run into each other, Ledger is incredibly awkward and gives her a wrong name.

Ledger is the very definition of Cinnamon Roll/Golden Retriever character. He is so sweet and caring. He is also delightfully awkward and shy especially around Ainsley. Once he gets to know her, his high school crush is full blown love. He falls first and he falls hard. He supports Ainsley in everything, he is incredibly patient with her (she is skittish about relationships), he takes care of her when she's sick! I just had heart eyes the whole time I was reading about Ledger 😍.

Ainsley was lost after she lost her job and her whole life was turned upside down. The last thing she wanted was to end up back in her small hometown, and that leads to Ainsley making some selfish decisions especially regarding Ledger, but the man is a saint and he keeps trying. This book, through Ainsley, really shows that it is ok to change your mind about the direction of your life and career, even in your thirties. That it is ok to be terrified by that thought and it is ok to take the time to figure out what you want!

I also love Ledger's siblings and I am hoping this series will be all of their stories. The siblings were so close and I loved the dynamic between all of them.

If you love small town romances with a cinnamon roll MMC, then you should definitely pick up this book!

[PleaseGoAwayImReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god I loved this so much! I laughed, I cried, I felt the angst, I yelled at the characters for being buttheads; I felt all the things.

Ainsley returns home to her small town after her job in the big city blew up in her face. It feels like a big step backwards, but she’s resigned to make the best of it. Taking a job as a virtual assistant to a local landscaper, she starts to acclimate to the slower pace of small town life and starts to think her boss, Ledger Hutton, seems like a pretty nice guy.

Ledger cannot believe that his high school crush has come back to town, and not only that — she’s working as his virtual assistant! He’s not sure why she left her job in the city, but she’s definitely knocking it out of the park in her new position. Pretty great, right?

Not exactly.

I could tell you all about their first in-person meeting ( hint: it’s awkward as ever ) but I’m just going to tell you to READ THIS BOOK! There’s so much in it — loyalty to family, pros and cons to small town life, navigating relationships, healing from past hurts and learning to trust again, facing your fears, falling in love, and of course, some very delicious sexual tension and some wonderfully spicy scenes, among other things.

Don’t mind me, I’m just over here , adding Ledger to the top of my list of Book Boyfriends! 🥵

[Amberlynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️


Where to start?! …. Ledger has my heart! I’ll be adding him to the book boy friend list💜

This book is a small town feel good romance, you’ll feel all of the emotions with this book. This is a story where the MMC falls first but HARD and I’m here for it! The FMC wasn’t my favorite all the time but I understood her actions and thought process, she had a right to be stand offish with the MMC after the first meeting. This book was beautiful written and Samantha delivered a wonderful book for us readers💜 I cannot wait to read more from her, hopefully we can get a second book, but with the sister and the sheriff ;)



Some of my favorite lines from the book ( this is just a few )


“I’ll come over every day to take care of this garden if it puts a smile on her face.”

“He’s changed into a pair of grey joggers and a black T-shirt, and the man looks fucking hot as sin”

“You make me so fucking nervous all the time. It’s like I’m right back in my teenage years. You turn me into the shy, bumbling idiot who can barely complete a sentence around you. It’s not an excuse; it’s just how you affect me.”



I could go on and on about this book, but it’s a must read for everyone, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did💜

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC review**
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶 🌶

Overall this was a very sweet book!! 10 giant stars for Ledger!! He was such a wonderful book boyfriend. I love a good "he falls first" trope. He was probably one of the more sensitive MMCs I've encountered, but I loved it. He is the definition of a cinnamon roll character! I wasn't a huge fan of Ainsley. Sometimes I was able to justify her actions, but sometimes she was a little too mean for my liking. She always owned up to it and apologized, and maybe I wouldn't have minded if Ledger wasn't SO sweet but that man didn't deserve any of the crap she gave him (she didn't do anything terrible....she was just rude bc she was in limbo with her life).

I loved the side characters! As a mother of a 10 yr old and 2 yr old I appreciated Ainsley's sister and her family dynamic. I loved all of Ledger's siblings and hope that we get their stories too (Rina and Arlo 🤔??)

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second First Impression by Samantha M Thomas is book one in the Bluebell Falls Series. I really enjoyed this so much, when I read the description I just knew this was going to be great. I finished this in about a day, it was just that good. The writing and plot was fabulous as were the descriptions, I could clearly picture everything. I love a good second chance romance and this was a sweet but spicy read. (It wasn’t overly spicy but it was done at the right times. Two thumbs way up!) I loved everything about these two main characters, Ainsley and Ledger. Their story at times really pulled at my heart. I also really liked the ending. Everything about this book was amazing. You can read it as a standalone but it is the start of a new series. I’m looking forward to reading the next book and just more from Samantha M Thomas. I definitely recommend reading this!

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Claire Lct · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not my first romance book from the author and she never disappoints.
I had a great time with this story. The pace was great.

Ainsley returned home after being fired from her previous work. She took a backward step to figure out what to do with her life. She started a virtual assistant job.

The boss / employee trope is far from being one of my favorites. I really enjoyed it with Second First Impression, there was no toxic environment. Ledger is the sweetest on earth.

Trope:
• He falls first
• Highschool crush
• Forced proximity
• Only one room (it was unique)
• Hidden identity
• Boss / employee
• Spice

[Rachael Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sweet romance. Ainsley moves back to her small hometown after a rough ending to her "perfect job." She connects with Ledger aka "Dean" in more than one way. While there is miscommunication and hesitation, there isn't a 3rd act break-up, HEA guaranteed. This was one of the more realistic books I've read, and although I read as an escape this book was great! I was able to connect with the characters. They were normal with insecurities and all. I will be reading from this author again.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the dynamic between Ains and Ledg.

Ainsley wants to step back from everything going on so she heads back to her home town. To her this is just a pit stop on her way to her future.

Ledger had to step up and return home after college and be the father/big brother to his siblings, always the protector.

Ledger is a complete cinnamon roll whom has had a crush on Ainsley since high school is getting a second chance with her. Ainsley is use to being on her own is thrown back into the small town openness.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Move the sheet, Ains” 🥵Ahhh I LOVED this book! Definitely a 5-Star read for me! This is the first book of Samantha’s I have read and now I want to read all of her books. The writing is fantastic and the story is excellent. I could not put this book down. Ledger is the absolute perfect book boyfriend with the perfect amounts of both sweet and spicy. I also really appreciated the fact that Ledger had many anxious moments, it made him feel more real and not just some perfect dreamy man. Highly recommend!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had lovable characters and an easy going feel. I don’t usually go for feel-good romances, but I really enjoyed this one! There was the perfect mix of romance and smut. The pacing is a bit slower, but I like the amount of thought that the author poured into the character’s inner feelings and decisions— I never wondered why they were doing something.

A great read from a great author. I can’t wait to read more!

[Melissa OBrien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sent this #ARC copy of Second First Impression to read & review before its release on February 8th. This was a fantastic read, and I loved the love story between Ainsley and Ledger. I would consider this a second chance romance, coupled with a small town romance. I not only want to move to Bluebell Falls, I am crushing on Ledger 😍 I also really appreciated a book where the characters were in their 30s! I’m giving it 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[₊⋆ Nyxia ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww I absolutely loved this book!

This is my second read from this author and I’m definitely hooked!

Ledger is a top book boyfriend easily. Ugh I loved him and the dirty mouth, ah yes. Ainsley and ledger together was just perfect.

There was swooning, laughing, angst, I really loved this book. And the spice? Was oh so hot. I definitely recommend. ♡

[Courtney Boykin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 in the Bluebell Falls Series. It was such a good book. The writing and the plot was phenomenal! This was a sweet but spicy read. But not too overly spicy. Just the right amount and happened at the right times. I loved everything about this book. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I enjoyed reading about Ainsley and Ledger. Plus I always enjoy a small town romance story. This one did not disappoint. I really liked the Authors way of storytelling and I was interested & invested from the first to the last page. These characters made an impression on me as the reader. Looking forward to read more books from the Author.

[Melissa Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as A Arc!

I loved this book! The character growth as the book went on was amazing!

The whole book also reminded me how small town rumor mills can be.

Cant wait to read more from this author and anymore books that follow this in Bluebell Falls

[Andrea Mehalco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful read! It's my second book by Samantha, and I'm even more impressed. "Second First Impressions" follows Ainsley Mathews, a 35-year-old who, burned out and burned by corporate America, is forced to leave her Financial Advisor job. She returns to her small hometown, Bluebell Falls, and takes a virtual assistant position for Ledger Hutton. Having successfully blocked out much of her memory of Bluebell Falls, Ainsley unfortunately doesn't recognize Ledger, the man who was two years ahead of her in high school and still harbors a hardcore crush on her.

When Ainsley meets her new neighbor for the first time, who happens to be Ledger, he pretends to be Dean. As she gets to know these two different men, eventually Ledger is forced to come clean. The question arises: can Ainsley forgive Ledger for lying about his true identity? Does Ledger get his chance at a second first impression? To find out, you'll need to delve into this second chance story, drawn in by elements of romance, family ties, career goals, friendship, and even a trip to Las Vegas where things begin to get steamy!

[Casey (casey_bookish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ainsley has been dealt the unfortunate hand of the corporate Amercian world.

She's now heading home, back to the place she couldn't wait to get away from.

Taking a job as a virtual assistant, she has to learn what makes her happy again.

Her boss, Ledger, aka Dean, owns a landscaping business is also the same guy who had a crush on her in high school.

When attending a landscaping conference in Vegas and a hotel room mix up, what could happen...

This book was amazing, seeing the growth of both characters and the dynamics between their families was beautiful.

The small town gossip mill reminded me of home and how everyone was in everyone's business.

I highly recommend this book.

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Second First Impression (Bluebell Falls)
Author: Samantha M Thomas
Hero/Heroine: Ledger & Ainsley
Tropes: Small Town, Childhood Crush, He Falls First,

tw/cw: workplace sexual harassment, death of parents (off page but mentioned), mention of adoption, infidelity (off page and not by a main character),

✨the good ✨

A series based around a group of siblings set in a small town? Sign me the hell up! I love finding new authors and series to read, and Second First Impression was a great start to this particular one.

Having gone to high school together, Ledger is pleasantly surprised when Ainsley returns to their small town, where she has applied for a position to be his virtual assistant. Nursing a massive crush on her since their school days, Ledger has no clue how to act around Ainsley, which is why he lied about who he was when they met again.

Honestly, I’ve never wanted to hug a character as much as I wanted to hug Ledger. Not your typical cocky alpha hero, he was insecure and vulnerable and I was here for it. I know that sounds a bit weird, but I felt that they made him more relatable and gave his character more depth. Having being cheated on by someone he thought he would marry, he openly admits that he’s not the most confident, and I just loved him for it. Ainsley complimented him well, however she also had her insecurities, so their relationship required a lot of communication, which thankfully was provided. I also loved the fact that both Ledger and Ainsley had people around them who provided a few home truths and prevented them for both getting too much in their own head.

Great family dynamics, likeable characters and a wonderful small town setting made Second First Impression a great start to this series.

✨ the bad ✨

It wasn’t necessarily bad nor did it ruin the book for me, however I didn’t exactly agree with some of Ainsley’s actions/decisions when it came to her and Ledger’s relationship. She does end up redeeming herself though, so it’s all good.

✨overall thoughts: a sweet and steamy small town romance, can’t wait to read the rest of the series
✨ 3rd act break up: no
✨ heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Tishana Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second First Impression was a great read!

I LOVE Ledger, he's everything anyone would want in a boyfriend. He moved back to his small town of Bluebell Falls to take care of his siblings after his parents passed, building his own landscaping company and enjoying living life in a small town. Ainsley moved back after her life fell apart and took a job as Ledger's virtual assistant for his landscaping company. Ledger had a crush on her since high school, and over time their relationship changed from a professional setting to a personal setting.

Things I loved about this book:
- Ledger. He's perfect. So attentive, caring, patient, and driven to be that go-to person for everyone in his life. While some didn't really appreciate all that he has sacrificed (like his siblings in some sense, Ainsley did).
- It ends in a HEA. WE LOVE an author that ties their characters and storylines beautifully til the very end. No cliffhanger here.
- Just the right amount of spice. Enough to build up the storyline and character storyline, but not too much to where you feel like you need a shower afterward.

Samantha did a great job with this one! From telling their individual stories and how they both got closure from their past and gave their relationship a shot, to the sheer emotions you could feel reading the book, to the family dynamic between Ledger and Ainsley (LOVED THAT BTW) was so nice to see. I can't wait to read more of her books in the future! :)

[Zoey Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW
Second First Impression
By Samantha M.Thomas
FOUR Stars
🌟🌟🌟🌟

Okay First gotta start out with I absolutely loved this book and how Ainsley and Ledger grow throughout it! Ainsley having to leave her life she had behind due to something stupid and unfair and going back to her hometown and not really wanting to be there. To Ledger being a huge family man and business owner who hired Ainsley knowing who she was and that he had a crush on her since High-school. But Ledger not being completely honest to Ainsley about his name when bumping into her was rough. I love how Ledger has his siblings and how they pick on him for giving his middle name Dean to Ainsley. I love that Ainsleys father is the town gossip! Rina is super fun! She is such a great character throughout the book too. The Hotel scene their first night there was HOT! Ainsley and Ledger are so sweet and steamy together even if it's rough on Ledger to keep it secret. Sick Ainsley and Ledger taking care of her was absolutely Beautiful and amazing! Just everything about how these two grow and understand each other is wonderfully written! Oh my gosh the wild flowers and that ending!

[Briana Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 1.75/5🌶️

What to expect when reading Second First Impression;
-Small Town
-Boss x Employee
-One Bed
-Mistaken Identity

I was fortunate to have this book sent to me as a thank you by Samantha, which I’m so beyond grateful for!

I enjoyed every second of this book and devoured it! Ainsley had you life blow up and in order to figure things out she decides to go back to her home town. Ledger never thought he would ever see Ainsley again, so when his high school crush comes back he knows this is his chance to finally get her attention. I think everyone needs a Ledger! The way he was with Ainsley made my heart burst!

Favorite line: “apparently, my inner devil is a hussy for ledger now, and I can’t even blame her”

#review #bookstagram #books #booklover

[Arabela Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the first book in the Bluebell Falls series, it welcomes you into the Hutton family and provides an overview of the small town.
Ainsley and Ledger could have been high school sweethearts if he wasn't so shy and she wasn't so ambitious, always looking beyond this small town.
No matter how hard you try to escape your destiny, you are forced to come back and do things you never imagined doing, such as taking care of a family or leaving behind a career you put so much effort into.
From old crushes to new ones, from being boss and assistant to lovers, this book has it all to be called a small town romance and will compel you with the mystique of Bluebell Falls.

[Jordan Charlesworth AKA Book Brilliance Xo · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝕋𝕚𝕥𝕝𝕖: Second First Impression
𝔸𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣: Samantha M. Thomas

ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘: ✰✰✰✰

𝕄𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
A second chance, small town romance that contains spice. Sometimes that's all you need to go forward with a read, but I'll give you a bit more.

Ainsley is perceived as an every day person, which I completely loved. Being able to just relate to everything is brilliant. Ledger is a golden retriever character, and I fell head over heels.

The whole books gives off this vibe of it's okay if your plan changes and it's okay to change them. It's beautifully done.

[Sarah Ibarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely loved this small town story! Ledger has the opportunity to start over with his high school crush when she moves back to escape the big city. Although she didn’t plan for love she finds back home with her new boss 🥰 it’s a great read with less spice compared to what I typically read but I can’t wait to jump into the next book 😍

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review: The story was sweet and the spice was good. I think the transition from co-workers to watch me 💦 could use some rework. Overall the characters were charming, but not true to themselves if it helped push the story arc along.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought it would be mistaken identity but the mmc legit lies totally he fmc for a large portion of the story, going by his middle name in person. Just not what I was hoping for and his insecurities were a huge turnoff.