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BOOKWORM REVIEW: Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score

 

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥

I haven't been to Knockemout in a hot minute, and Lucian Rollins and Sloane Walton are already causing some spicy chaos.

These two small-town natives have known each other for a long time, but as far as those who lived in town all the while knew that something happened to cause them to be mortal enemies. When I say mortal enemies, I mean angry glares and constant bickering. No one but they know what that something is, and neither one is eager to disclose it. 

Surrounded by couples completely enamored with each other, Sloane was ready to have her own love story. Unfortunately, that path leads to dating apps and shady matches. News of Sloane's shaky attempts at dating leaves an unpleasant taste in Lucian's mouth, and he has convinced himself that it is platonic concern for the librarian and not envy. But when his jealousy gets the better of them, it leads to a secret fling that unearths the suppressed memories they shared of their childhood. 

I loved Book 1 of this series. Unfortunately, thanks to my ever-growing TBR, I did not get a chance to read Book 2, so that is the context of my review. I really enjoyed this read. I thought the connection between Lucian and Sloane had this fun enemies-to-lovers dynamic that somehow brings out the petty in them (and petty happens to be my favorite color). Lucy Score brings a good blend of romance, comedy, and suspense to this book, and I would be remiss to not mention how hot the spice is. Antagonistic Lucian sure isn't as distant and cold when it comes to the bedroom, and I am here for it. 

What I have loved about Lucy Score books is the charisma of the ensemble cast, and this book is no exception. Couples from the previous reads are heavily integrated into the read, but Score gives newbies enough context for this to work as a standalone. 

This is the end of the series, and it is a bittersweet farewell from Knockemout. I will definitely be bumping up Book 2 in my queue to revisit one of my favorite small towns again.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Lucy Score, Bloom Books, and NetGalley for providing an ARC. **

ABOUT THE BOOK

There was only one woman who could set me free. But I would rather set myself on fire than ask Sloane Walton for anything.

Lucian Rollins is a lean, mean vengeance-seeking mogul. On a quest to erase his father’s mark on the family name, he spends every waking minute pulling strings and building an indestructible empire. The more money and power he amasses, the safer he is from threats.

Except when it comes to the feisty small-town librarian that keeps him up at night…

Sloane Walton is a spitfire determined to carry on her father’s quest for justice. She’ll do that just as soon as she figures out exactly what the man she hates did to—or for—her family. Bonded by an old, dark secret from the past and the dislike they now share for each other, Sloane trusts Lucian about as far as she can throw his designer-suited body.

When bickering accidentally turns to foreplay, these two find themselves not quite regretting their steamy one-night stand. Once those flames are fanned, it seems impossible to put them out again. But with Sloane ready to start a family and Lucian refusing to even consider the idea of marriage and kids, these enemies-to-lovers are stuck at an impasse.

Broken men break women. It’s what Lucian believes, what he’s witnessed, and he’s not going to take that chance with Sloane. He’d rather live a life of solitude than put her in danger. But he learns the hard way that leaving her means leaving her unprotected from other threats.

It’s the second time he’s ruthlessly cut her out of his life. There’s no way she’s going to give him a third chance. He’s just going to have to make one for himself.


MEET LUCY SCORE

Lucy is a Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon Kindle Store bestseller of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. She grew up in rural Pennsylvania with a lot of time on her hands and a big imagination. She was the oldest of three in a book-obsessed household. Dinners were often spent in silence while family members had their noses buried in books. A passion for writing took hold at five when she taught her brother to write his name on the bathroom door.

She started writing (on paper) in the second grade, first about pilgrims on the Mayflower and over the years graduated to essays, articles, blogs, and finally books. "Pretend You're Mine" was her runaway hit and she's been writing full-time ever since.

Non-romance-writing jobs have included event planner, bartender, newspaper lackey, and yoga instructor.

Lucy and Mr. Lucy, enjoy spending time with their 1.7 million nieces and nephews and laying on beaches with umbrella drinks.

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