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The Startling Inaccuracy of the First Impression
ASIN B086YKKWDK moved to the more recent edition
Woodlands Avenue is a peaceful and tranquil street, picturesque with Victorian-era homes and lined with trees. Verity Forsyth lives at 27A, and is enjoying her early retirement, active social calendar and occasional babysitting duties.
Katie Ross is starting over, leaving her old home and her controlling ex behind and moving into a new apartment. When Katie and her beloved motorbike move into 27B, she finds herself immediately in conflict with her upstairs neighbour, Verity.
Two such forceful personalities under one roof is a recipe for disaster.
When disaster strikes, will they be able to put aside their differences and call a truce?
59,500 words
Woodlands Avenue is a peaceful and tranquil street, picturesque with Victorian-era homes and lined with trees. Verity Forsyth lives at 27A, and is enjoying her early retirement, active social calendar and occasional babysitting duties.
Katie Ross is starting over, leaving her old home and her controlling ex behind and moving into a new apartment. When Katie and her beloved motorbike move into 27B, she finds herself immediately in conflict with her upstairs neighbour, Verity.
Two such forceful personalities under one roof is a recipe for disaster.
When disaster strikes, will they be able to put aside their differences and call a truce?
59,500 words
246 pages, ebook
First published April 9, 2020
126 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Radley
30 books460 followers***While I have a profile here on Goodreads, it is only to administer my books when necessary (add them, change covers etc).
I do not answer messages on here, I do not engage in groups, and I do not read the reviews.
I believe Goodreads is a place for readers and not authors and so I stay away for the most part. If you do want to contact me, please go to my website***
A.E. Radley is an entrepreneur and best-selling author living and working in England.
She describes herself as a Wife. Traveller. Tea Drinker. Biscuit Eater. Animal Lover. Master Pragmatist. Annoying Procrastinator. Theme Park Fan. Movie Buff.
When not writing or working, Radley indulges in her third passion of buying unnecessary cat accessories on a popular online store for her two ungrateful strays whom she has threatened to return for the last seven years.
I do not answer messages on here, I do not engage in groups, and I do not read the reviews.
I believe Goodreads is a place for readers and not authors and so I stay away for the most part. If you do want to contact me, please go to my website***
A.E. Radley is an entrepreneur and best-selling author living and working in England.
She describes herself as a Wife. Traveller. Tea Drinker. Biscuit Eater. Animal Lover. Master Pragmatist. Annoying Procrastinator. Theme Park Fan. Movie Buff.
When not writing or working, Radley indulges in her third passion of buying unnecessary cat accessories on a popular online store for her two ungrateful strays whom she has threatened to return for the last seven years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 3, 2022
This was a charming and light romance. I loved the characters and enjoyed reading this book very much. Though I don’t know if I’ll read this book again sometimes, I my enjoyment makes it worth 5 stars.
July 10, 2022
This was a nice read. It’s an age-gap (32 & 51) between two new neighbors who, as the title suggests, come to the wrong first impressions about each other. I liked it all except the unnecessary drama surrounding a niece plus an ex. But yay for no miscommunication:)
July 17, 2020
Ok read... An age gap (a big-gap, close to twenty years) enemy to eventual lover romance. The 180 was kind of abrupt in my mind; from not liking thy neighbour to being helpful and eventually falling for thy neighbour... But hey, people change ya!!
Available in KU.... 3.25 ⭐️
Available in KU.... 3.25 ⭐️
January 22, 2021
Age gap, sort of enemies to lovers if you will. Or at least antagonistic neighbours. Kindle Unlimited.
Verity is 51 and on early retirement, trying to fill her days with heaps of hobbies, caring for her great nephew and holding dinner parties for friends. Katie is 32 and just came out of a very bad relationship, and likes to keep herself busy with writing articles and doing food deliveries on her motorbike.
Verity annoyed me at first, she was such a stuck up, overbearing butthead. Making ridiculous demands to her new neighbour, who took it all in good humour, but still got frustrated too. There's a floofy kitty that waltzes around like it owns the place.
When an accident happens and Katie finds herself all alone, Verity steps up to assist her, and the relationship deepens into friendship and more.
I liked the two together, both had issues with their self confidence and being manipulated by others and feeling shame and self-conscious about their own abilities. Both also seemed incredibly lonely in life, and found a sweet connection with each other. A satisfying read.
Verity is 51 and on early retirement, trying to fill her days with heaps of hobbies, caring for her great nephew and holding dinner parties for friends. Katie is 32 and just came out of a very bad relationship, and likes to keep herself busy with writing articles and doing food deliveries on her motorbike.
Verity annoyed me at first, she was such a stuck up, overbearing butthead. Making ridiculous demands to her new neighbour, who took it all in good humour, but still got frustrated too. There's a floofy kitty that waltzes around like it owns the place.
When an accident happens and Katie finds herself all alone, Verity steps up to assist her, and the relationship deepens into friendship and more.
I liked the two together, both had issues with their self confidence and being manipulated by others and feeling shame and self-conscious about their own abilities. Both also seemed incredibly lonely in life, and found a sweet connection with each other. A satisfying read.
February 14, 2022
Featured presentation: The startling inaccuracy of the first impression by A.E. Radley.
First impressions are formed quickly, but does it see the person behind the “look”?
Cast: Verity Forsyth is retired and enjoys being a “lady of leisure”. Her early retirement gives her the opportunity to pursue new hobbies and to care for her niece’s young son some days after school. Katie Ross is young and makes a living through freelancing. She likes not being tied down and now that her latest relationship has come to an end, she plans on thoroughly enjoying her freedom.
The Plot: Katie moves into the apartment below Verity. Her presence at Woodlands Avenue 27B rubs Verity the wrong way from the start. However, the animosity is only skin deep as is proven when Katie runs into trouble.
The blazing: Ms Radley knows how to turn tragedy into an opportunity for character development!
The bright: We come to see (and understand) both MCs fears about themselves and the possibility of a relationship. This is expertly done not only by Verity and Katie’s interaction with each other, but also in how they interact with others and their daily lives.
The bleak: I would’ve loved to see more of Verity’s great-nephew, Callum, and her cat, Kitty. Both played an important role initially, but then faded into the background.
The burned-to-ashes: Nothing.
And then The Plot thickens and we get an enjoyable enemies-to-lovers story boasting quite the age gap (19 years).
First impressions are formed quickly, but does it see the person behind the “look”?
Cast: Verity Forsyth is retired and enjoys being a “lady of leisure”. Her early retirement gives her the opportunity to pursue new hobbies and to care for her niece’s young son some days after school. Katie Ross is young and makes a living through freelancing. She likes not being tied down and now that her latest relationship has come to an end, she plans on thoroughly enjoying her freedom.
The Plot: Katie moves into the apartment below Verity. Her presence at Woodlands Avenue 27B rubs Verity the wrong way from the start. However, the animosity is only skin deep as is proven when Katie runs into trouble.
The blazing: Ms Radley knows how to turn tragedy into an opportunity for character development!
The bright: We come to see (and understand) both MCs fears about themselves and the possibility of a relationship. This is expertly done not only by Verity and Katie’s interaction with each other, but also in how they interact with others and their daily lives.
The bleak: I would’ve loved to see more of Verity’s great-nephew, Callum, and her cat, Kitty. Both played an important role initially, but then faded into the background.
The burned-to-ashes: Nothing.
And then The Plot thickens and we get an enjoyable enemies-to-lovers story boasting quite the age gap (19 years).
April 30, 2020
I'm a big fan of A.E. Radley, and this new book definitely didn't disappoint me. I loved it! I loved the adorable main characters, Verity and Katie. I even liked Kitty, the standoffish cat!
December 2, 2020
The age gap romance of my dreams!
Verity, enjoying early retirement is irked when she gets a new neighbour, Katie in the downstairs flat. Katie and Verity instantly clash and have a strained relationship. Verity does nothing but complain about Katie’s eyesore of a motorbike in the front garden, and Katie finds the snooty woman from upstairs a little strange and insufferable. However, Katie finds herself in need of help, and having left her past and controlling ex behind, is somewhat alone. When it is Verity who unexpectedly comes to help her, the two find they may have been quick to make inaccurate first impressions of one another.
Each time Amanda Radley writes a book it becomes my new favourite of hers, and this was no exception. This was literally the most amazing age gap romance I have ever read, and the one I have been dreaming of. It was simple, sweet, and tense, meeting all my expectations. The fact that so much of this story centred on Katie and Verity, rather than an overwhelming cast made it intimate and I really felt I got to know them both personally, as well as going on a journey with them.
The most amazing thing about this was the stark realisation that it was very realistic and relatable. How many times have you met someone and they have got on your nerves, or you just instantly disliked them without reason, only to find out they were an amazing person and you actually end up liking them (sometimes a lot more than you expected). This was what was so special about this book. It was just normal people, normal issues, normal lives and situations. It was so relatable that I really felt a part of the story. I just adored it.
Verity was a brilliant character. That slightly sarcastic, uptight, frustrated older Ice Queen type character that you just knew you were going to love, even if she was hard work for Katie. I just knew the second Verity was introduced she was going to be my favourite. Katie however was the one I could most relate to, not in terms of situation and circumstances, but just feelings and some of the aspects of her life that Verity ended up wondering about. The moments between Verity and Katie ranged from intense to cute, and with each one they shared, I fell more and more in love with them!
I just loved this so much and it is definitely one of my top 5 Amanda Radley books! (I know, it’s hard to pick a top 5!) I can’t recommend it enough! Fantastic story! It made my heart very happy and put a big smile on my face.
Verity, enjoying early retirement is irked when she gets a new neighbour, Katie in the downstairs flat. Katie and Verity instantly clash and have a strained relationship. Verity does nothing but complain about Katie’s eyesore of a motorbike in the front garden, and Katie finds the snooty woman from upstairs a little strange and insufferable. However, Katie finds herself in need of help, and having left her past and controlling ex behind, is somewhat alone. When it is Verity who unexpectedly comes to help her, the two find they may have been quick to make inaccurate first impressions of one another.
Each time Amanda Radley writes a book it becomes my new favourite of hers, and this was no exception. This was literally the most amazing age gap romance I have ever read, and the one I have been dreaming of. It was simple, sweet, and tense, meeting all my expectations. The fact that so much of this story centred on Katie and Verity, rather than an overwhelming cast made it intimate and I really felt I got to know them both personally, as well as going on a journey with them.
The most amazing thing about this was the stark realisation that it was very realistic and relatable. How many times have you met someone and they have got on your nerves, or you just instantly disliked them without reason, only to find out they were an amazing person and you actually end up liking them (sometimes a lot more than you expected). This was what was so special about this book. It was just normal people, normal issues, normal lives and situations. It was so relatable that I really felt a part of the story. I just adored it.
Verity was a brilliant character. That slightly sarcastic, uptight, frustrated older Ice Queen type character that you just knew you were going to love, even if she was hard work for Katie. I just knew the second Verity was introduced she was going to be my favourite. Katie however was the one I could most relate to, not in terms of situation and circumstances, but just feelings and some of the aspects of her life that Verity ended up wondering about. The moments between Verity and Katie ranged from intense to cute, and with each one they shared, I fell more and more in love with them!
I just loved this so much and it is definitely one of my top 5 Amanda Radley books! (I know, it’s hard to pick a top 5!) I can’t recommend it enough! Fantastic story! It made my heart very happy and put a big smile on my face.
December 25, 2020
4 Stars - Short-ish but really good
Add 1/2 cup ice queen, a bit of of enemies to lovers and a dash of crazy ex-girlfriend and you have a rather sweet little treat for when you want a break between longer reads. I like this one quite a bit.
Add 1/2 cup ice queen, a bit of of enemies to lovers and a dash of crazy ex-girlfriend and you have a rather sweet little treat for when you want a break between longer reads. I like this one quite a bit.
July 30, 2020
I like the way she writes - uncomplicated and straight forward - though confused is this A E Radley also Amanda Radley & if so why different publisher & book lists at back of books? But Highly recommended!
June 14, 2020
Very nice, I really like how both characters developed. Something I'd recommend for a nice weekend.
September 24, 2020
.
Very cute book with age gap romance and some light enemies to lovers. It was a quick, light read, which I needed.
Very cute book with age gap romance and some light enemies to lovers. It was a quick, light read, which I needed.
March 20, 2022
A very old fashioned courtship in the heart of London, what there is not to love?
This is most assuredly a very slow-burn romance, but I really liked that aspect of the story. Both characters are busy dealing with other issues while slowly falling in love, so this fact takes them both a bit by surprise :P
I adored the way in which Verity acknowledges her avoidance tactics and deals with them, she is my favourite character is this story, Kitty following her close enough :P
Another lovely story by this author ♥
This is most assuredly a very slow-burn romance, but I really liked that aspect of the story. Both characters are busy dealing with other issues while slowly falling in love, so this fact takes them both a bit by surprise :P
I adored the way in which Verity acknowledges her avoidance tactics and deals with them, she is my favourite character is this story, Kitty following her close enough :P
Another lovely story by this author ♥
February 25, 2021
Hello. I loved this.
its a wonderful romance, with fun relatable characters. The only thing keeping this story from a full 5-stars was mostly that there were a few scenes that happened 'off screen' that I really would have loved to see written out.
Overall if you're looking for a light easy romance I recommend this. The characters are fun, and I identified with Katie a lot despite having different backgrounds growing up.
its a wonderful romance, with fun relatable characters. The only thing keeping this story from a full 5-stars was mostly that there were a few scenes that happened 'off screen' that I really would have loved to see written out.
Overall if you're looking for a light easy romance I recommend this. The characters are fun, and I identified with Katie a lot despite having different backgrounds growing up.
April 28, 2020
Loved It!
I absolutely loved this story. The title alone gives us a perspective of something that has been done by a good majority of people. The overall chemistry between Verity and Katie from their angst first reaction to ultimately the connection they feel. It sort of had a “Bring Holly Home” kind of feel and since that is my all time favorite, this book was okay with me. I love A.E. Radley’s writing style. How past and present interweave with each other and comes to the happy conclusion. Always a lesson - give people a chance they might surprise you.....
I absolutely loved this story. The title alone gives us a perspective of something that has been done by a good majority of people. The overall chemistry between Verity and Katie from their angst first reaction to ultimately the connection they feel. It sort of had a “Bring Holly Home” kind of feel and since that is my all time favorite, this book was okay with me. I love A.E. Radley’s writing style. How past and present interweave with each other and comes to the happy conclusion. Always a lesson - give people a chance they might surprise you.....
July 13, 2020
I normally like this author's books, but although this was a 'nice' story and easy to read, it didn't grab me. Callum provided a little extra interest, but there wasn’t enough outside the relationship to keep me engrossed.
However the story was worth three stars.
However the story was worth three stars.
July 29, 2020
I enjoy AE Radley’s humor that always comes through in her books.
April 24, 2025
Maybe it's the way Radley writes, because I love every one of her books I have read so far!
Like this one, all her books have such random storylines, and are so unpredictable, that I always end up surprised. The feeling of the book is very cozy, slowburn with some age-difference (not power imbalance) and a kid thrown in somewhere.
Sometimes, if characters meet for the first time and it goes badly, it would be obvious to the reader, that it isn't their Personality. That maybe a bad day made them behave like that, or they were just irritated. In this book it's different. The characters behave 'in character'. They behave naturally, like how people would meet one another in real life. There isn't some big misunderstanding, or major clashing of wills. They just don't like each other at first. And as the story progresses, you can see how they come to care for each other.
Also, I am putting this in my 'Ice-Queen' folder, even tho Verity isn't the typical Ice-Queen. I just think that she gives off that vibe. Elegant, closed-off, closeted, a bit cold, inexperienced.
Like this one, all her books have such random storylines, and are so unpredictable, that I always end up surprised. The feeling of the book is very cozy, slowburn with some age-difference (not power imbalance) and a kid thrown in somewhere.
Sometimes, if characters meet for the first time and it goes badly, it would be obvious to the reader, that it isn't their Personality. That maybe a bad day made them behave like that, or they were just irritated. In this book it's different. The characters behave 'in character'. They behave naturally, like how people would meet one another in real life. There isn't some big misunderstanding, or major clashing of wills. They just don't like each other at first. And as the story progresses, you can see how they come to care for each other.
Also, I am putting this in my 'Ice-Queen' folder, even tho Verity isn't the typical Ice-Queen. I just think that she gives off that vibe. Elegant, closed-off, closeted, a bit cold, inexperienced.
September 21, 2022
4 stars. I love a good feuding neighbors romance and this definitely delivered on that. It’s also age gap which is another one of my cat nips. Verity and Katie do not get along at first but once something terrible happens to Katie, Verity is there to help her and they develop a friendship. I liked both characters quite a bit and I loved the slow burn of their romance.
I do however think all the drama in the second half felt a bit contrived but luckily it doesn’t stick around too long and everything wraps up nicely. A nice, quiet, sweet romance and I’m really enjoying reading through Radley’s back list.
I do however think all the drama in the second half felt a bit contrived but luckily it doesn’t stick around too long and everything wraps up nicely. A nice, quiet, sweet romance and I’m really enjoying reading through Radley’s back list.
August 6, 2024
What a lovely gem from my TBR shelves! A beautiful opposites attract/enemies to lovers/age gap love story! Verity lives a quiet early retirement life. Then a new neighbor Katie moves in downstairs and , well, she chains up her moped in the front garden, and slams the door!
This is a wonderful quick and fun read! Definitely worth 5 stars!
This is a wonderful quick and fun read! Definitely worth 5 stars!
May 10, 2020
Detailed score: 3.25
Enemies to lovers + age gap + accident to bring characters together
The first third of the book sets up a nice, gripping enemies to lovers premise but from there it just becomes bland.
It takes waaaay too long for our characters to get together beyond friendship and even when they do i wasn’t convinced of the chemistry. Lots of tell not show and over explaining of the characters issues / barrier to love. Even the pwoar scene is fade to black and unsatisfying.
Reading my review I actually think I’ve inadvertently tacked on a half star ‘I like t he author’ bonus because I’ve really liked some of this author’s other work ...but for me, this is not up there with her best.
Enemies to lovers + age gap + accident to bring characters together
The first third of the book sets up a nice, gripping enemies to lovers premise but from there it just becomes bland.
It takes waaaay too long for our characters to get together beyond friendship and even when they do i wasn’t convinced of the chemistry. Lots of tell not show and over explaining of the characters issues / barrier to love. Even the pwoar scene is fade to black and unsatisfying.
Reading my review I actually think I’ve inadvertently tacked on a half star ‘I like t he author’ bonus because I’ve really liked some of this author’s other work ...but for me, this is not up there with her best.
April 26, 2020
A very well told age gap story, told with humour and realistic angst. The character of Verity was often stilted and very proper, but I was able to warm to her by the meat of the book. Katie, is a fiery redhead who is portrayed as both immature, reckless and misunderstood by Verity. As the book progresses so does the character arc of Katie and we come to understand her and her actions so much better. The blossoming romance was gradual and while the age gap was significant, at no time did I find the relationship askew. Verity’s great nephew is a cracker and both his and his mother’s inclusion in the story are essential.
This author always Writes interesting stories that are refreshing in their storytelling, her books are well edited and well produced and this one is no exception. I read the eBook version on Kindle.
This author always Writes interesting stories that are refreshing in their storytelling, her books are well edited and well produced and this one is no exception. I read the eBook version on Kindle.
April 26, 2020
This book is well Worth Reading
Awersome story about two different women. Verify a. 50* early retired whose has been doing different hobbies she also has a secret or two. Then their is Katie whose 32yrs old and she rises a motorbike adjust moved on to the flat. dowmstairs. Every is not amused when she see that Katie has parked it on the of the garden . They have words oops.This is a story about distrust, violence, thief ,age difference, and much morre.
A.E.Bradley did an excellent job writing this ,looking forward to reading the next book she writes.
Highly recommend this and her other books she has written. 5 stars
Awersome story about two different women. Verify a. 50* early retired whose has been doing different hobbies she also has a secret or two. Then their is Katie whose 32yrs old and she rises a motorbike adjust moved on to the flat. dowmstairs. Every is not amused when she see that Katie has parked it on the of the garden . They have words oops.This is a story about distrust, violence, thief ,age difference, and much morre.
A.E.Bradley did an excellent job writing this ,looking forward to reading the next book she writes.
Highly recommend this and her other books she has written. 5 stars
April 23, 2020
Katie and Verity's tale includes themes of age-gap, initial dislike and shared low self-esteem. Katie's mugging is the catalyst that forces the two of them to cut through the back ground noise and actually get to know each other.
With the exception of Verity's great nephew the supporting cast is a little thin. While not a huge problem this does complicate the process of developing a better understanding of the main characters. The story arc leads to the expected HEA (and another convert to the gig economy.)
With the exception of Verity's great nephew the supporting cast is a little thin. While not a huge problem this does complicate the process of developing a better understanding of the main characters. The story arc leads to the expected HEA (and another convert to the gig economy.)
August 16, 2025
I absolutely loved this book - I picked it up expecting to read it over the week, and ended up reading it in one sitting! The characters were well written and very lovable whilst still being realistic and believable, and they immediately drew me into the story. A wonderful book filled with funny moments, but also important and emotional ones - I'd recommend it to anyone. I also love an epilogue, which sold me on this book even more.
Another fantastic read from A.E. Radley!
Another fantastic read from A.E. Radley!
April 29, 2020
I immensely enjoyed “The Startling Inaccuracy of the First Impression”.
I enjoyed the entire believable story leading up to Katie and Vere finding each other. I would have appreciated a little more insight into the passion they felt for each other. Probably would have given the story a 5 star review.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading a well written story about two women finding each other in love. A sequel to this story would be a welcome addition.
I enjoyed the entire believable story leading up to Katie and Vere finding each other. I would have appreciated a little more insight into the passion they felt for each other. Probably would have given the story a 5 star review.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading a well written story about two women finding each other in love. A sequel to this story would be a welcome addition.
June 5, 2022
Some reviewers have stated they wish there were more explicit sex scenes in this story, but personally, I didn’t feel cheated in the least. The relationship between these two women unfolded so sweetly, kindly (after a bumpy start), and organically that at the end of my work day, I was always looking forward to spending time with them and seeing what happened next. It doesn’t all have to be breathless.
February 1, 2021
The title of the book had us believing that this is a Sapphic retelling of Pride and Prejudice in a contemporary context. We were only half correct – it is a contemporary romance, but there is nothing of the beloved classic in it.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
April 28, 2020
Sweet
Such a sweet story about growth and learning to live with pasts that weren’t always they best. Growing and learning to love Katie falls for her upstairs neighbor Verity, that was a total pain in her butt when she first moved in. Things change and they end up getting to know each other so much better. Great job A. E. Radley, another 5* read!
Such a sweet story about growth and learning to live with pasts that weren’t always they best. Growing and learning to love Katie falls for her upstairs neighbor Verity, that was a total pain in her butt when she first moved in. Things change and they end up getting to know each other so much better. Great job A. E. Radley, another 5* read!
April 20, 2020
Excellent
No spoilers! Well this was a great book.went at a good place good characters. Interesting the way they were portrayed in the first couple of chapters then developed into something completely different. I really enjoyed it.I highly recommend this book.
No spoilers! Well this was a great book.went at a good place good characters. Interesting the way they were portrayed in the first couple of chapters then developed into something completely different. I really enjoyed it.I highly recommend this book.
April 25, 2020
I loved this book
I loved this book so much it had everything a book should the storyline was exceptional the main characters were perfect I felt every emotion with them,another fantastically written book.
I loved this book so much it had everything a book should the storyline was exceptional the main characters were perfect I felt every emotion with them,another fantastically written book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews