Things we left behind Paperback – August 31, 2023

I loved Lucian and Sloane’s grump-sunshine, enemies to lovers, second chance, benefits only, “we have a secret feud that we won’t talk about” romance. The book has a perfect blend of hilarity, sweet moments, difficult real life issues, danger, and steam. There was a lot of facing ugly truths and past pain with plenty of snort worthy laughs thrown in. This love story is not a twenty something’s flowers, mood lighting, tweeting birds and traditional romantic gestures insta-love story. This is the gritty, messy kind of love with dark painful places in between the light joyful ones. Sloane is the head librarian in small town Knockemout. At the beginning of the story, her dad just died of cancer and she realizes she put the needs of her career ahead of having a husband and children. She is determined to do that now. Lucian grew up next door to Sloane but had a very different childhood. Hers was loving and nurturing and his was full of violence. Sloane and Lucian had a long ago past though only they know what it was or what happened. They only interact when mutual friends force them together at social events. To get to their HEA will require the perfect storm of events, examination of long suppressed feelings, embracing their fears, healing, and of course trying to bring down a mob boss. Lucian and Sloane are portrayed as real, relatable people who have flaws and loads of baggage, but are really just trying to do their best as messy fallible humans. I have a soft spot for the people who are a bit uncomfortable in their skin because they don’t feel like they fit in or are worthy, like Lucian. So I love when they finally see their truth and they get swoon worthy HEAs because they really deserve them. This is not an enemies to lovers story that tips into meanness or abuse. The MCs are clearly just emotionally wounded ones. At the beginning of the book, they have been “on a never-ending roller coaster of insults, sexual awareness, bitterness, and flirtation.” The character growth and development journey was done beautifully for both of them. The story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline and will give you all the feels - laughing, crying, swooning, cringing, teeth gritting, and cheering with sweet moments, steamy scenes, laughs, supportive friends, messy families, painful pasts, danger, and all the heart squeezing love. This was a great book to end this phenomenal series.

Things We Left Behind took everything I loved about the Knockemout series to a whole new level. This book was everything I hoped for and more—full of emotion, complex characters, and that perfect balance of tension, heartache, and joy that made the series unforgettable.The way the author wrapped up this trilogy was absolutely brilliant. We finally get to dive deeper into the lives of Knox and Naomi as they continue their journey, but this book also shifts focus to other beloved characters from the series, giving us more of their stories and making it feel like a beautiful reunion. Each character’s personal growth and relationships were handled so thoughtfully, making this final installment truly satisfying.The emotions in this book are real and raw. I found myself tearing up in parts, laughing in others, and cheering for these characters to overcome their challenges. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, but in the best possible way. The chemistry between the characters continues to be one of the strongest points of the series, and by this book, you’re completely invested in their journeys.I also really appreciated the Collector's Edition bonus content! It was such a treat to have additional insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and extra chapters that made me love the story even more. It was a perfect way to end this series and leave readers feeling satisfied and connected to the world the author created.If you've loved the previous books in the Knockemout series, you absolutely cannot miss this one. It’s a beautiful, heartwarming conclusion to an emotional, well-crafted series that has captured my heart. I’ll be thinking about these characters for a long time to come!"Pros:Emotionally satisfying and well-rounded conclusionFocus on character growth and relationshipsEngaging chemistry between charactersBonus content in the Collector’s Edition adds great valuePerfect blend of heartache, humor, and romanceCons:If you haven’t read the first two books, it may be harder to fully appreciate the character arcs (but I’d highly recommend reading them all!)

Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score-Knockemout Series Book 3-4.25/5⭐️3/3🌶️ (spice)2/3🦋 (swoon)•My Thoughts•The WAY I was anticipating Lucian and Sloane’s story and it was so good. I continue to adore the found family, the banter and the small town shenanigans. The character dynamics and the way Lucy Score sets up a scene is so stinkin’ good and had me alternately on the edge of my seat or cackling with laughter. The tension between our main characters was so intense and has been building since book one. Their back and forth insults and Lucian’s emotional baggage made a lot of sense but I also wanted to shake him (them?) and move things along a bit. I also think the spice felt more important to the plot in this one which makes sense for “let’s get it out of our systems and then move on”situation and admittedly, that’s not a favorite of mine. I did really love the flashbacks and slowly learning about their history. The suspense element was also so good as wrapped up that plot line from all three books. Absolutely loved these and my immersive time in Knockemout, VA. HIGHLY recommend if you haven’t tried this series!