I started reading the Knockemout series by Lucy Score and I’m obsessed! Below are reviews for Things We Never Got Over and Things We Hide From The Light! I can’t wait for the third book, Things We Left Behind, to release in September!

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
Publisher: Bloom Books
Pub Date: 1/12/2022

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

GoodReads Synopsis: Bearded, bad-boy barber Knox prefers to live his life the way he takes his coffee: Alone. Unless you count his basset hound, Waylon. Knox doesn’t tolerate drama, even when it comes in the form of a stranded runaway bride.

Naomi wasn’t just running away from her wedding. She was riding to the rescue of her estranged twin to Knockemout, Virginia, a rough-around-the-edges town where disputes are settled the old-fashioned way… with fists and beer. Usually in that order.

Too bad for Naomi her evil twin hasn’t changed at all. After helping herself to Naomi’s car and cash, Tina leaves her with something unexpected. The niece Naomi didn’t know she had. Now she’s stuck in town with no car, no job, no plan, and no home with an 11-year-old going on thirty to take care of.

There’s a reason Knox doesn’t do complications or high-maintenance women, especially not the romantic ones. But since Naomi’s life imploded right in front of him, the least he can do is help her out of her jam. And just as soon as she stops getting into new trouble he can leave her alone and get back to his peaceful, solitary life.

At least, that’s the plan until the trouble turns to real danger.

Review: After seeing Things We Never Got Over all over bookstagram and booktok, I decided to pick this one up. Things We Never Got Over is a steamy romance exploring themes of strained family relationships, grump vs. sunshine trope, small town life, and friendship. This romance novel features Naomi, a runaway bride who arrives in town to discover a stranded 11-year-old niece, and Knox, a grumpy lottery winner who owns several places in town. Although I found the book to be a bit long, I loved all the characters and subplots. I especially loved the depth and sass of the author wrote for Waylay’s character. Overall, I enjoyed the book and can’t wait for Things We Hide From The Light which will feature Nash (Knox’s brother)!

Things We Hide From The Light by Lucy Score
Publisher: That’s What She Said Publishing
Pub Date: 2/21/2023

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

GoodReads Synopsis: Nash Morgan was always known as the good Morgan brother, with a smile and a wink for everyone. But now, this chief of police is recovering from being shot and his Southern charm has been overshadowed by panic attacks and nightmares. He feels like a broody shell of the man he once was. Nash isn’t about to let anyone in his life know he’s struggling. But his new next-door neighbor, smart and sexy Lina, sees his shadows. As a rule, she’s not a fan of physical contact unless she initiates it, but for some reason Nash’s touch is different. He feels it too. The physical connection between them is incendiary, grounding him and making her wonder if exploring it is worth the risk.

Too bad Lina’s got secrets of her own, and if Nash finds out the real reason she’s in town, he’ll never forgive her. Besides, she doesn’t do relationships. Ever. A hot, short-term fling with a local cop? Absolutely. Sign her up. A relationship with a man who expects her to plant roots? No freaking way. Once she gets what she’s after, she has no intention of sticking around. But Knockemout has a way of getting under people’s skin. And once Nash decides to make Lina his, he’s not about to be dissuaded…even if it means facing the danger that nearly killed him.

Review: Things We Hide From The Light by Lucy Score is the second book in the Knockemout series which features Nash (Knox’s younger brother and Knockemout’s chief of police) and Lina (Knox’s best friend/college ex). This book is a true sequel to Things We Never Got Over. Nash Morgan, a police chief recovering from a gunshot wound, is struggling with panic attacks and nightmares. When his new neighbor, Lina, sees his struggles, they form a strong physical connection, but Lina has secrets that could end their relationship, and she’s not looking for anything long-term. However, Nash is determined to make Lina his, even if it means confronting danger. Things We Hide From The Light was one of my most anticipated February reads and it did not disappoint! I loved this book even more than Things We Never Got Over. I love the way that Lucy Score features main characters in their late 30s/early 40s instead of the typical mid to late 20s main characters. The character development for Nash was incredibly well done. Watching the kind-hearted heartthrob chief of police attempt to overcome recent events with the mysterious “bad girl” Lina was such a perfect match! I absolutely loved how badass Lina was and that she had this no BS attitude but underneath it all, she was such a sweet and caring individual. I loved that Nash’s recently found dog, Piper, was a fantastic addition to the book! Lucy Score’s incorporation of dogs into her stories is a lovely touch as they showcase a nurturing side of the main characters. I also appreciated the appearances of our favorites from the first book, including Knox, Naomi, Waylay, Sloane, and Lucian. I devoured this book and now I can’t wait for the final book, Things We Left Behind, which features Lucian and Sloane!