Review of Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout, #1) by Lucy Score
When I picked up Things We Never Got Over, I was buzzing with excitement. After falling head over heels for Lucy Score’s other works—the Benevolence series, By a Thread, and Rock Bottom Girl—I anticipated another heartwarming adventure. But as I turned the pages, I found myself grappling with an unexpected mix of disappointment and frustration. It’s with a heavy heart that I share my thoughts on this one.
Set in the quaint town of Knockemout, Virginia, the story introduces us to Knox Morgan, our supposed hero. Now, I love a grumpy, alpha male with emotional depth, but Knox? He crossed boundaries that made me cringe. Condescending and arrogant, he wielded his wealth (oh yes, he won the lottery) as if it gave him power over everyone, including his brother Nash, a character I genuinely admired for his grounded demeanor. The rift between the two not only felt misplaced; it left a bitter taste as Knox treated Nash like a punching bag—emotionally and physically. His behavior screamed that he needed serious help, yet the narrative brushed past that.
Enter Naomi, our heroine, who arrives in Knockemout after a dramatic wedding-day escape. I couldn’t help but root for her fierce spirit, especially as she becomes a guardian to her niece, Waylay. Her kindness and resilience were a balm to my disappointment with Knox’s character. Yet, even the moments where she held her own against him often landed her in situations where Knox’s domineering personality overshadowed her light. Their first meeting was anything but pleasant, and while I appreciated her sass, the imbalance of their dynamic became increasingly disheartening throughout the plot.
The pacing felt erratic. Just when I thought Knox would evolve into a redeemable character, he turned cold, tearing Naomi down instead of lifting her up. I mean, who humiliates someone trying to start anew? His dismissive treatment when he requests she leave the bar he owns made me want to scream into my book. It’s as though Naomi’s struggles were just background noise to his self-centered existence.
Yet, in spite of Knox, the bond between Naomi and Waylay resonated deeply with me. Their shared struggles painted a beautiful, albeit heartbreaking, portrait of love and survival. I truly cherished their moments together: Naomi selling her wedding dress to buy clothes for Waylay, transforming the tragedy of her past into a hopeful future for her niece. Here, Score shines, illustrating ordinary resilience in extraordinary circumstances.
While the ending did provide a somewhat satisfying resolution, with Knox showing signs of growth, it felt far too late to redeem his earlier behavior. I couldn’t shake the feeling that the romantic elements were overshadowed by his emotional volatility and passive-aggressive tactics. The narrative left me conflicted. Yes, love can transform people, but should it really overshadow one’s dignity and self-worth?
Despite my disappointments with Knox, I am grateful to have returned to Score’s vibrant world. Things We Never Got Over might appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven narratives filled with small-town charm and complex relationships, but it’s crucial to remember that not every hero is worthy of adoration.
In conclusion, while this book didn’t resonate with me in the way I hoped, I’m still eager to see what comes next in Knockemout. Here’s to hoping future installments delve deeper into the compelling characters who surround Knox and Naomi, reminding us that love, while powerful, should always uplift rather than undermine.
Discover more about Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout, #1) on GoodReads >>