A Fresh Brew of Ideas for Real Living
Midlife Blog crises and Burnout plus Broken Things: A Love Story? Maybe! Because who really needs emotional stability when WordPress is throwing errors, Google decides you’re irrelevant, and imposter syndrome becomes “you are” your most loyal coworker? Definitely not me. Nope. I’m thriving—if thriving means…
There’s something so satisfying about a well-balanced meal that’s easy to prep, packed with flavor, and nutritious. This Marinated Pan Fried Salmon is my go-to when I want a quick yet delicious meal that feels like a treat but is actually pretty healthy. So as…
If Knockemout were a real town, I’d pack my bags and move there tomorrow. No questions asked. I think most of us felt that way afer watching Gilmore Girls too. There something special about small towns. Lucy Score’s fictional Virginia setting stole my heart—and the characters 100% sealed the deal.
The Knockemout series, which includes three books: Things We Never Got Over, Things We Hide from the Light, and Things We Left Behind. They are steamy, emotional, and drama-filled ride I didn’t want to get off of.
Each book follows a different couple, but they’re all deeply connected, building on each other while unraveling a mystery that ties everything together. These stories are bingeable, detailed, emotional, long (in the best way), and a total experience. They’re not for every reader, but if you’re into steam, swoony slow-burns, small-town drama, and characters who feel like real people—you might just fall in love like I did.
Rating: ★★★★★
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 572 pages
Release Date: January 13, 2022
Tropes:
Trigger Warnings:
Gun violence, physical altercations, loss of loved ones, substance abuse, parental abandonment, child abuse/neglect, abduction, domestic abuse (recounted), attempted murder
Favorite Quote:
There’s a difference between taking care of someone because you love them and taking care of someone because you want them to love you.
Things We Never Got Over had me HOOKED. Yes, the beginning was just a bit slow, but once it picks up—it really picks up. The grumpy barber Knox and sunshine Naomi, a runaway bride, have sizzling chemistry. Watching their relationship unfold was pure JOY. I loved the sibling drama, the arguments between brothers of who will get the girl, I mean Nash didn’t have a chance. Also, I loved the found family element, and even the chaos of evil twin Tina.
Waylon (the dog!) and Naomi’s niece Waylay added heart and humor, and while I really wanted Knox and Naomi to end up with twins (don’t ask why, I just did), the story wrapped up perfectly. Epilogue was everything!!! This was my favorite in the series. Grumpy Knox forever!
Rating: ★★★★½
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 600 pages
Release Date: February 1, 2023
Tropes:
Trigger Warnings:
Gun violence, panic attacks, murder, childhood illness, near-death experiences, memory loss
Favorite Quote:
Being vulnerable doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you trust yourself to be strong enough to handle the hurt. It’s actually the purest form of strength.
This story shifts to Nash—the police chief and Knox’s brother—who’s recovering from a traumatic shooting. Enter Lina, a badass insurance investigator who shakes up his world. She’s tough, witty, and absolutely not here for his grumpy, closed-off energy… but of course, sparks fly.
The slow burn was real, and although this book was a bit too long, I appreciated how it explored emotional healing and vulnerability. Nash and Lina’s chemistry was electric, and the way they broke down each other’s walls felt real and earned. Things We Hide From The Light is a solid 4.5 stars from me!
Rating: ★★★★
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 650 pages
Release Date: September 5, 2023
Tropes:
Trigger Warnings:
Domestic violence/abuse, alcoholism, cancer death, fire, gun violence, murder, attempted murder
Favorite Quote:
You love me, you idiot. You’ve loved me since we were kids. You loved me even when I broke your trust. You loved me after I fixed it. You still love me.
Ahhh, finally! Lucian and Sloane’s story. Things We Left Behind was the one I was most excited for, and while I loved it… the first 40% dragged. Like, really dragged. I DID NOT want to DNF but I was so close. Anyway, once the story picked up—WOW. The tension, the pining, the history between these two—chef’s kiss.
Lucian is the broody billionaire helping the FBI take down the town’s criminal network (yes, really), and Sloane is a firecracker librarian with a sharp tongue and big heart. Their friends-to-enemies-to-lovers arc was SO satisfying, and the flashbacks to their younger years gave the story so much depth. I loved that Nash and Knox played protective big brother roles here too.
Out of the three female leads, Sloane might be my favorite—she’s witty, strong, and emotionally intelligent. And Lucian? Under all that cold CEO armor, he’s just a man who would burn the world down for her… and he does! Like their story was beautiful, but we didn’t need it to be this big.
This series is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with messy characters, found family, and a captivating blend of romance and danger. If you’re a fan of layered characters and intricate relationships, Knockemout will quickly become your new obsession. Just be prepared to lose sleep and your heart to these enchanting books.
Let me know your favorite couple if you’ve read them! Mine? Definitely Knox and Naomi… no contest.
About the Author:
Lucy Score is an instant #1 New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance. She grew up in a literary family who insisted that the dinner table was for reading and earned a degree in journalism. Her books have been translated into thirty languages and her international bestseller Things We Never Got Over has been optioned for television.She writes full-time from the Pennsylvania home she and Mr. Lucy share with their opinionated cat, Cleo. When not spending hours crafting unforgettable characters, Lucy can be found reading books other people wrote, snacking, and sometimes even working out.
★ You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook
Happy Reading!
S A N N A
P.S.
I’ve taken individual images from Pinterest that were used to create a “poster” image in this post. If you’re the owner of any of the individual pics on the poster, please let me know so I can credit you. These were used solely for creative purposes and entertainment.
Spring is in full bloom, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to refresh, reset, and step into growth. April is a month of transition—a time to shed the weight of winter and embrace the energy of longer days, warmer weather, and new beginnings. It’s…
