Last Thursday, I was supervising Marcus's robotics club meeting when one of the dads made a comment about small-town life being boring. I nearly laughed out loud because I'd just finished reading a book that proved him spectacularly wrong. Turns out, small towns can be packed with grumpy sheriffs, meddling townspeople, and the kind of romantic tension that could power the entire state of Colorado. This dad clearly hadn't spent time in Knockemout, Virginia, where nothing is boring and everyone has an opinion about your love life. Which brings me to Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score, a book that reminded me why I love small-town contemporary romance so much.
Plot Summary
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score follows Naomi Witt, who arrives in the small town of Knockemout, Virginia, searching for her twin sister Tina. Instead of finding her sister, Naomi encounters Knox Morgan, the town's grumpy, brooding chief of police who has a complicated past with Tina. Knox is determined to keep Naomi at arm's length, but she's equally determined to stay in town and figure out what her sister is running from. As Naomi settles into Knockemout and starts building a life there, she and Knox are forced to work together, and their mutual attraction becomes impossible to ignore. This is the first book in the Knockemout series, and it sets up a charming small town filled with quirky residents, loyal friendships, and plenty of romantic possibilities.
Why I Love This Book
I love how Lucy Score creates characters who feel real and flawed and completely lovable. Knox is the ultimate grumpy hero—damaged, protective, and convinced he doesn't deserve happiness. Watching him slowly soften for Naomi was pure joy. Naomi herself is a breath of fresh air. She's optimistic without being naive, kind without being a pushover, and she refuses to let Knox's walls keep her out. I found myself rooting for her from page one. The emotional depth in this book really got to me. Both characters are dealing with past trauma and family dysfunction, and Score doesn't rush their healing. She gives them space to grow individually and together. The small-town setting is another highlight. Knockemout feels like a real place, full of nosy neighbors, local drama, and genuine community support. The found family aspect warmed my heart. I also appreciated the humor scattered throughout—Score balances the heavier emotional moments with laugh-out-loud scenes that kept me smiling.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy small-town contemporary romance with grumpy/sunshine dynamics, enemies-to-lovers tension, and strong found family themes, you'll likely love this story. Fans of Kristan Higgins, Jill Shalvis, and Tessa Bailey will feel right at home here. This book delivers all the feels—emotional healing, protective heroes, and a heroine who stands her ground. It's perfect for readers who love slow-burn romance with genuine character development. The story does tackle some heavier themes, so be prepared for emotional moments alongside the romance.
⚠️ Trigger warning: past child abuse and neglect, parental abandonment, mentions of addiction, traumatic childhood experiences, explicit sexual content, emotional trauma, past toxic relationships.
Tagged As
Contemporary romance, small-town romance, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, slow burn, forced proximity, protective hero, damaged hero, alpha male, found family, emotional romance, HEA, series starter, Knockemout series, Lucy Score, steamy romance, dual POV, small-town setting, independent heroine, emotional healing, family drama, community-focused.
Steam Level
This book is definitely on the steamy side with explicit, detailed sex scenes that are integral to the emotional development of the relationship. The scenes are well-written and show the growing intimacy between Knox and Naomi. There's no fade-to-black here—Score gives readers the full experience. The chemistry builds throughout the book, and when these two finally get together, the heat is worth the wait. If you prefer closed-door romance, this might not be for you, but if you enjoy steamy contemporary romance where the physical relationship deepens the emotional connection, this delivers beautifully.
