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Editorial note: I received a copy of Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
If you’ve ever felt the sizzle of unresolved tension or yearned for a love story that grips your heart, Lucy Score’s Things We Left Behind is a journey you won’t want to miss.
This book is like a rollercoaster for your emotions, taking yo u on a ride filled with passion, secrets, and a dash of suspense.
Things We Left Behind is an amazing ending to the Knockemout series, and I couldn’t have asked for a better wrap-up. This book has everything: love, tension, and secrets that had me glued to the pages. ✨
Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score
About the story
Lucian Rollins is a driven, ruthless mogul on a mission to erase his father’s dark legacy from the family name. He’s amassed power and wealth to keep himself safe, but there’s one person who keeps him on edge—a fiery small-town librarian.
Sloane Walton is determined to carry on her father’s quest for justice, but first, she needs to uncover what Lucian’s father did to her family. Bonded by a dark secret from their past and their current mutual disdain, Sloane doesn’t trust Lucian an inch.
When their bickering turns into something more, they find themselves in the midst of a sizzling one-night stand. Once those flames are ignited, it’s impossible to extinguish them. But Sloane dreams of starting a family, while Lucian is adamant about avoiding marriage and children. This lovers-to-enemies tale seems to have hit an impasse.
But Lucian believes that broken men break women, and he refuses to put Sloane in harm’s way. However, he soon realizes that leaving her leaves her vulnerable to other threats. Now, he must make amends, but can Sloane ever trust him again?
Characters
From the very beginning, I was hooked. Sloane and Lucian’s story is like a magnet that pulls you in. Even though they’ve had a messy past filled with fighting, their love story is incredibly compelling. You can feel the emotions between them, and it’s hard to resist their chemistry.
Sloane and Lucian are both well-written characters. Sloane is relatable, and I found myself rooting for her dreams of having a family. Lucian, despite being infuriating at times, is impossible not to like. Their rollercoaster relationship kept me on the edge of my seat.
From the first few pages, I was eager to delve into Sloane and Lucian’s minds. Sloane’s sexually frustrated librarian vibes were utterly endearing, and Lucian quickly became my favorite leading man in all of Lucy’s books. He combines the grumpiness of the Morgan men with a heart of gold, especially when it comes to Sloane. The glimpses into their past as teenagers were a highlight, and I found myself yearning for even more.
Romance
Sloane and Lucian’s journey from childhood friends to enemies to lovers was spot-on. Their chemistry sizzled off the pages, and I adored every scene they shared, whether it was their banter or their passionate encounters.
I was rooting for them even before the story began, and their hardships throughout the narrative tugged at my heartstrings, bringing tears to my eyes.
One of the things I loved most about the book was the balance between the intense tension and the steamy romantic scenes. The spicy moments between Sloane and Lucian are super hot and show just how connected they are. Each scene adds depth to their relationship, making it feel real.
Pacing
Lucy Score’s stories tend to be on the lengthy side, and I’ve occasionally found them a bit daunting. However, this time, I embraced the ride because I was deeply invested in the characters and their relationship. The length didn’t deter me, and I’d suggest reading these as eBooks if you find the page count intimidating.
The way the story goes back and forth between the past and the present is clever. It helps us understand the characters’ history without making the story too heavy. Sloane and Lucian’s journey is full of ups and downs, and it’s captivating to see how they evolve.
While the romance is the main focus, there’s also a suspenseful element that ties the series together. Even if you’re not too invested in that part, the first 400 pages are incredibly strong. The unraveling of secrets adds an exciting layer to the story.
Final thoughts
In the end, Things We Left Behind wraps up the Knockemout series beautifully. You can read it on its own, but if you’ve followed the series, it’s a satisfying conclusion. Lucy Score has created a story that touched my heart on many levels.
This book shows Lucy Score’s talent for crafting romances that are both heartwarming and passionate. If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers stories with some suspense, this book—and the entire Knockemout series—is a must-read. Prepare to be captivated, moved, and completely satisfied.
P.S. If you’re looking for book club discussion questions for Things We Left Behind, click here! ❤️