Things We Never Got Over

I’m convinced Lucy Score is a pen name for a man

You know those TikToks that are like "men writing women"? Well I'm pretty sure every one of those quotes came from this book. Like she (or possibly he, wouldn't be surprised) was like hmm what do women like... coffee? clothes? men? And from these completely unique and original things our MC was born. And the way she wrote women on their periods is SO offensive. Is it supposed to be cute how Knox just gifts them a basket of chocolate and then avoids them for the next week?? And the fact that the whole town keeps track of all the women's menstrual cycles?? Wtf??

Even more problematic than the women are the men! Our MC leaves one abusive man for another. And just because he doesn't hit her show more doesn't mean he isn't abusive. He's constantly manhandling her and at one point she doesn't want to talk to him so he just like picks her up?? And takes her to a private location? Also he's described as "so sweet" constantly for doing the most basic things, like literally noticing she's crying or something (aww he noticed me, he must love me *barf*). And why does every man she sees need to be the hottest man she's ever seen? Like it makes sense for the love interest because they have cHeMiStRy (barf again) but then every other man is described that way too. The brother? Sexy. Her best friend? Sexy. Knox's best friend? Sexy. The coffee shop guy? Sexy. The other barber? Sexy. Her dad? Sexy.

And that encompasses all of the male characters. Honestly all the men were pretty much the same person anyway. All were extremely over possessive and could not let "their" women do anything for themselves. Please, possessive men are so last millenia.

I also could not handle the sex scenes. When she referred to his dick as a "weapon of mass destruction" I laughed out loud. And can we please stop using "milk" as a verb, too? This book left me wondering if I was asexual. It wasn't just a complete turn off of all men and sex in general, it was like the power outages in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria: affecting millions and lasting months.

But wait, there's more! How many nicknames do you think MC had? I totalled nearly 10 (to name a few: Witt, Witty, Daisy, Daze, Day, Nomi, Nay, Nae, Goody, plus more!). And this was not just for the MC. Every character had a different nickname for every other character.

I don't understand why Lucy Score felt the need to add in the most random (and stupid) details too. Like MC is supposed to have a big vocabulary but actually she just talks like any other person with the occasional awkwardly placed Thesarus.com word. Sometimes not even that. An example:

"'We both know this is going nowhere, yet we're still literally entwined.' God, i loved that fancy vocabulary of hers."

Like what about that was fancy vocabulary?? I guess compared to the middle school wattpad writing and random, completely unnatural "country" sayings, "entwined" would seem like a fancy word.

OH, and don't get me started on the stereotypical gay man portrayals. Or the way the two brothers call each other sons of bitches all the time but like they have the same mom (that is so random but it was the straw that broke the Ford 150's back). Or the ending that had me laughing out loud at its absurdity (and not in a good way).

In conclusion, don't read this book. It is the absolute worst. show less

Alrighty! After finally diving into "Things We Never Got Over" by Lucy Score, I must say, it's been quite the journey! This book has been on my TBR for ages, and I was genuinely excited to finally give it a go.

Admittedly, I went in blind, armed only with the synopsis from Goodreads. And boy, was it a ride! I found myself engrossed in the story, making it about a quarter of the way through before I had to surrender to sleep.

Now, let's talk about Knox. At first, I'll be honest, I wasn't his biggest fan. His grumpy demeanor rubbed me the wrong way, and I was desperately searching for redeeming qualities. But as the story progressed, I started to understand him more. Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that he was just plain mean.

But onward show more I pushed, determined to give Knox a fair chance. And as I reached the 40% mark, something shifted. Knox became more understandable, and I found myself softening towards him. Chapter 24, in particular, was a highlight, and I couldn't help but adore the supporting characters, especially the parents.

As I neared the end, I realized that Knox had indeed grown on me. He wasn't mean, just grumpy and perhaps a tad overbearing. And by the time I turned the final page, I found myself quite enjoying the book.

So, while the journey with Knox may have started rocky, it ultimately led to a satisfying destination. "Things We Never Got Over" is a tale of growth, forgiveness, and the power of second chances that I'm glad I didn't miss out on. show less

The most insufferable characters that I have ever read! Both gave me the ick.
Male lead Knox is an annoying entitled guy with tunnel vision and has no respect for women. He is supposed to be an alpha, I think? weirdo
Female lead, Naomi is a spineless, damsel in distress who loves playing victim and going woe-is-me. It was so frustrating to read about this woman with her 'I can fix him' mindset and fool around with Knox. For a 'good girl', she definitely had a stick up her ass. And her quirky mentions of coffee were just cringe.
Their 'love story' was 2 people with so much insecurity and baggage, they should have just gone to therapy first. The only redeemable character in this book that was mature is Waylay, the 11-year-old. The rest of show more them spoke like stereotypical NPCs show less

Title: Things We Never Got Over
Author: Lucy Score
Publisher: That's What She Said Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Things We Never Got Over" by Lucy Score

My Assessment:

One can not help but enjoy 'Things We Never Got Over' in how well this author presents to the reader just a downright good story from start to finish. One can get emotional during the read as the reader will be taken on an emotional roller coaster of a ride as this story continues for Naomi and Knox. Be ready for a read with such incredible precious side characters 'real, funny, antics, town gossip, grumpiness, wit, lovable twists and turns, and entertaining' from this small town of Knockemout, VA. The real sad part of this story was no doubt of show more Naomi's twin sister, Tina. Now to find out what has gone in this good read ...pick up "Things We Never Got Over' and be prepared because this author leaves the reader with a bonus epilogue of Knox and Naomi that will be a satisfying ending. show less

4.5 ⭐
This book grabbed me by the face and refused to let go. I told myself I’d be responsible and read “just one more chapter,” and the book said absolutely not. Knox is grumpy perfection, Naomi is chaos in the best way, and the whole town feels like a sitcom I want to live inside.

It’s messy, heartfelt, funny, and addictive. A near‑perfect binge read.

The tokenism aside, the characters and world-building are well fleshed out, so well planned. I felt like I was really a part of the story in that town. Also, hot damn.

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
1st book in the Knockemout series. Contemporary romantic comedy.
Naomi travels to Knockemout at an emergency plea from her sister Tina. And even though Tina has a bad history of taking advantage of family, Naomi won’t refuse to help. This time Tina has gone over the top. She steals Naomi’s car when she gets to town, steals the luggage and money and left Naomi with a niece she’s never met before. As a lookalike twin, Naomi has to assure the townspeople and Knox that they can trust Naomi to care of her niece and be trusted in their stores.

Amusing banter with a bit of suspense as Naomi does some of her first parenting and overcomes Knox and the town’s uneasiness. Great female friendships show more formed.

I thought the hero really needed to lighten up. Yes, sometimes grumpy can be attractive but he just took it too far with his orders and demands, especially because of his position of authority. Maybe he held on too long in putting Naomi in place of Tina. I’m glad the heroine didn’t hold out as long as I would have.
Looking forward to reading more of this series. show less