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…
Pub Day: One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, the first book in the Shepherd King series, was released in September 2022; the second book, Two Twisted Crown, was released in October 2023. Genres: Fantasy Romance – Romantasy, Gothic Fiction, Fantasy Fiction Trigger Warnings/Content…
There’s something deeply comforting about a warm cup of golden milk—it’s more than just a drink. It feels like you’re dong something good for yourself. A moment of calm in a busy day!
I started drinking golden milk when I was looking for natural ways to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and wind down in the evenings.
Without a gallbladder, I’ve had to be mindful of digestion, and I quickly realized Golden Milk is an Anti-Inflammatory & Gut-Friendly Beverage.
The star ingredient, turmeric, is rich in curcumin, a powerful compound known to support joint health, digestion, and even hormonal balance—which is key during perimenopause. But to activate it you need black pepper.
The best part? You can make it dairy-free without losing any benefits!
While some recipes call for whole milk because of its natural fats, which help absorb curcumin, coconut milk is an excellent alternative.
The healthy fats in coconut milk also aid absorption, making it just as effective while being gentler on digestion, plus you can add coconut oil for a bit of fat too just like I do.
☀️ Morning Boost – Helps with digestion and inflammation to start your day right.
🌙 Nighttime Relaxation – The warm spices make it a perfect sleep-supporting drink.
✔ Supports digestion – Perfect for those without a gallbladder, as it can help soothe bloating and inflammation.
✔ Anti-inflammatory – Great for joint pain, muscle recovery, and overall wellness.
✔ Helps with relaxation & sleep – The warm spices and creamy texture make it an ideal evening wind-down drink.
✔ Boosts immunity – Thanks to turmeric, ginger, and black pepper.
✔ Hormone-balancing – A natural way to support your body through perimenopause.
Make this tasty and calming Golden Milk, grab your favorite book, and love your life!
Easy and Tasty Golden Milk Recipe
March is a month of unfolding—of letting things take shape in their own time, without force or pressure, just trust. You can do this any month. I feel like I’m going slowly month by month just to take myself accountable but if you’re starting to…
Phyllo Dough Potato Rolls are a delicious and easy snack or appetizer you’ll want to make again and again. Phyllo dough is incredibly versatile—you can go sweet or savory with it. Just think of spanakopita and baklava! I love using it with different fillings, like…
— Book 4 is coming later this year, so we are going to add Bash & Gwen’s story in September.
I’ve never reviewed an entire series in one post before, but there’s a first time for everything!
I absolutely loved this series and flew through the first two books in a week—actually, I devoured Wild Eyes (over 400 pages) in a single day. Madness, I know!
I think Wild Side was my favorite because the story was just that good. And the build-up until they finally got together? Oof! It was perfection.
The audiobooks were fantastic, with the narrators bringing the story to life in the best way. I highly recommend listening to all three. Plus, as of right now, they’re available on Kindle Unlimited!
When I think of romance with open-door scenes done right, this series immediately comes to mind. No frustrating miscommunications, no unnecessary drama, well, maybe a bit of drama, haha. This was just pure chemistry, heartfelt moments, and extra-spicy, no-sugar-coating romance. It also touches on some heavier topics with sincerity, adding depth to the story.
I don’t know what Elsie Silver put in this book, but it was MAGICAL. Now, buckle up, buttercup, because this one is going to be a long one. Let’s dive into each book!
Publication Date: April 9, 2024
Content & Triggers: Open-door romance, sexual harassment, grief & loss, death of a father from ALS (mentioned)
Vibes & Tropes:
✔️ single dad
✔️ small town
✔️ childhood frenemies to lovers
✔️ best friend’s little sister
✔️ billionaire MMC
✔️ music, producer
✔️ office romance/assistant-boss
✔️ Dual POV
I adored this book. It was such a fun read, packed with all the emotions. Cora, the side character, was so well-written that she almost felt like a lead. She was definitely 13 going on 30. I loved her so much!
And the chemistry between the main couple? Absolute perfection. Ford Grant is the only man who can tame the beautifully chaotic Rosie, and their dynamic is EVERYTHING.
Her older brother’s best friend. His best friend’s little sister. They’ve been each other’s longest-running crush, turning every bit of banter into pure fireworks.
I laughed, I swooned, and I loved every second of their romance. And let’s talk about those open-door scenes—O.M.G. Elsie Silver did not hold back.
This story had everything I wanted in a romance, and I’d recommend it 10/10!
Publication Date: September 3, 2024
Content & Triggers: Open-door romance, bullying, emotional & financial parental abuse, dieting (mentioned), anxiety & panic attacks (on-page), alcohol consumption, death by overdose (off-page)
Vibes & Tropes:
✔️ single (divorced) dad
✔️ small town
✔️ slow burn
✔️ celebrity/singer (and he’s a fan!)
✔️ “Who Hurt You?”
✔️ cinnamon roll MMC
✔️ horse trainer
✔️ friends to lovers
✔️ Dual POV
This book was a hot mess in the best way, and I devoured every second of it. Skylar Stone, a star since childhood, a celebrity, was completely clueless about real life, and while it was frustrating at times, it also made sense—many child stars who grow up in a bubble struggle with basic independence. But as the story progressed, I loved seeing her grow and adjust to reality.
One of my favorite elements? The original songs are in the book. I even slowed down the audiobook speed just to soak in the lyrics. Absolutely beautiful!!!
And West’s kids? Adorable. Some might say they were “too wise” for their age, but honestly, if you’ve been around kids, you know how shockingly smart they can be. They reminded me so much of my own kids when they were little, constantly leaving me speechless with their cleverness.
Now, about those open-door scenes… Elsie Silver did not hold back in this one either… I see the pattern, haha. The spice level was off the charts.
Beyond that, I really appreciated the anxiety/panic attack representation—it was thoughtfully handled and felt very real.
The ending tied everything together beautifully, and I loved seeing Skylar and Weston get the happiness they deserved. West is such a joker, but behind that exterior is a lonely cowboy, so Sky was his perfect match to fill that void.
Bonus: West is actually the older brother of Rosie, the main female character from Wild Love!
If you’re looking for small-town romance with swoon-worthy characters, real emotions, and next-level steam, The Rose Hill Series is a must-read.
Final Verdict: 10/10. Highly recommend!
Publication Date: March 4, 2025
Content & Triggers: Open-door romance, overdose (off-page), parental abandonment.
Vibes & Tropes:
✔️ marriage of convenience
✔️ sports romance/pro wrestling
✔️ slow burn romance
✔️ guardian/caretaker of a child
✔️ touch her and die vibes
✔️ She is a chef/restaurant owner
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ found family
✔️ small town
✔️ no third-act break up
I am obsessed with this book. It was EVERYTHING AND MORE.
Elsie Silver once again crafted unforgettable characters and weaved stories that linger in your heart long after the final page.
I absolutely LOVED watching Tabitha and Rhys’ relationship unfold. Both start off incredibly guarded—especially Rhys—filled with questions, doubts, and so much mistrust. But the way they slowly break down their walls, open up, and step into their true selves was beautifully done. Their journey felt raw, real, and completely captivating.
Oh, and MILO!!! The sweetest little boy who will 100% melt your heart. I wanted to reach through the pages just to give him the biggest bear hug. Silver even managed to make a kitty, Cleocatra, just as endearing!
One of my favorite parts of Wild Side was how the Rose Hill crew embraced Rhys as one of their own. The found family dynamic was absolute PERFECTION!
I have so many tabs in it, and that almost never happens. I honestly couldn’t put it down. This is, without a doubt, my favorite —even though I’ve loved them all.
She delves into a profound and emotionally resonant exploration of grief, presenting it with utmost care and authenticity. We all process grief differently and on our own terms, so this was well done.
While this is a romance that evokes swoon-worthy moments and laugh-out-loud antics, it also touched my heart and made me shed tears.
At its core, Wild Side is about not letting the weight of your past define your future. That’s it. You’re going to love this one—with a sprinkle of five-pepper spice (especially after the halfway mark!).
If you enjoyed this series, please let me know in the comments.
Who was your favorite couple?
About the AuthorElsie Silver is a popular Canadian romance author who currently lives just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia, with her husband, son, and three dogs. Silver has an amazing collection of book series, such as the Chestnut Springs Series, Gold Rush Ranch, and of course, the Rose Hill
Author’s Website Instagram: @authorelsiesilver
You can follow me on Instagram @mugofreality & Pinterest @MugOfReality
My Latest Romance Book Reviews:
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 them, please let me know so I can credit you. These were used solely for creative purposes.
This meal is pure comfort—flavorful, protein-packed, and balanced with just the right amount of carbs. If you’re working out, trying to increase your protein intake, or simply looking for a satisfying meal, Southwest Ground Beef and Crispy Potatoes is the perfect option. Why I…
