Things We Never Got Over

Book Review

A Small Town Romance with Big Emotions

Things We Never Got Over introduces us to Naomi Witt, a runaway bride who arrives in Knockemout, Virginia, expecting to save her troublesome twin, Tina, only to be left high and dry. The twist? Naomi suddenly finds herself the guardian of her niece, Waylay, whom she never even knew existed. With no plan and no resources, she’s forced to rely on the grumpy but protective Knox Morgan, a bad-boy barber who prefers life simple and quiet.

Knox, who prides himself on being unattached and emotionally unavailable, finds Naomi to be the opposite of what he wants—yet exactly what he needs. Their romance builds slowly, with plenty of banter, resistance, and undeniable chemistry. At first, Knox’s grumpiness feels more like hostility, but his actions, especially his protective instincts toward Naomi and Waylay, reveal a depth of care that words sometimes fail to express.

Character Dynamics: Love, Growth, and Drama

One of the standout features of this novel is the interplay between Naomi, Knox, and Waylay. Naomi is portrayed as endlessly optimistic, always trying to do the right thing, even when life throws her curveballs. Her bond with Waylay, the young girl who’s had to grow up too fast, is touching and genuine. Watching Naomi step into a motherly role while also figuring out her own life brings an emotional richness to the story.

Knox, on the other hand, is the epitome of the grumpy/sunshine trope. His brash, sometimes abrasive personality stands in stark contrast to Naomi’s warmth. Knox’s reluctance to open his heart is well-handled, though there are moments when his actions feel a bit too harsh. His evolution, from a man who fears attachment to someone willing to fight for love, provides a rewarding arc. The third-act breakup, though predictable, added unnecessary drama, and Knox’s lack of groveling after the breakup left me wanting a bit more emotional depth from him.

Writing Style: A Blend of Humor, Heart, and Small-Town Chaos

Lucy Score’s writing flows easily, blending humor, heart, and the chaos of small-town life. The pacing is steady, though at over 500 pages, the story could have been more concise. While there are some repetitive small-town moments that slow the narrative, the witty dialogue and lively side characters make up for the occasional lag. The sense of community in Knockemout is beautifully illustrated, with gossip and nosy neighbors providing light moments amid the emotional intensity.

However, one minor complaint is that some of the vocabulary used in the intimate scenes felt out of place, distracting from the emotional connection between Naomi and Knox. The balance between humor and romance occasionally faltered, but overall, the narrative tone was charming and engaging.

Emotional Moments and Personal Reflection

There are several moments that will tug at your heartstrings, particularly in Naomi’s journey as she bonds with Waylay. The found-family aspect of the novel is one of its strongest themes, reminding readers that sometimes the family you build is more important than the one you’re born into.

The emotional arc of the characters is largely satisfying, but I found myself wishing for more introspection from Knox, especially given his emotional baggage. While his actions spoke volumes, a little more vulnerability in his dialogue would have added more nuance to his character.

Final Thoughts: A Heartwarming, If Slightly Overlong, Romance

Things We Never Got Over is a heartwarming story of love, family, and second chances. Though the novel could have been shorter, the well-drawn characters and emotional journey make it an engaging read. Fans of small-town romances with strong characters and a good dose of humor will find much to enjoy here. The relationship between Naomi, Knox, and Waylay forms the emotional core of the novel, and though some plot points feel predictable, the overall experience is both satisfying and heartfelt.