Things We Never Got Over
by: Lucy Score
Naomi rolls into Knockemout, Virginia, fleeing her wedding and hoping to rescue her trouble-prone twin. Instead, her sister bails, stealing Naomi’s car, cash, and leaving her with an eleven-year-old niece she never knew existed. Now Naomi’s stranded, broke, and totally unprepared for small-town chaos.
Enter Knox, the broody local barber who values peace and quiet above all else. He tries to keep his distance but can’t resist stepping in when Naomi’s world unravels. As sparks fly and danger looms, both must figure out what’s worth fighting for.
Stubborn, witty, and electric—will they risk their hearts or keep guarding their walls?
"Sometimes starting over means finding the courage to become the person you were always meant to be."
Let's Break This Down
The Author's Voice
Atmosphere
Vivid small-town vibes with both cozy and chaotic undertones.
You’ll feel instantly transported to Knockemout, Virginia—a place bursting with quirky locals, unexpected drama, and a persistent undercurrent of both nosiness and genuine community warmth. Score paints the setting with details that place you right in the thick of it, balancing emotional intimacy with slapstick encounters, so you’re always aware of the line between comfort and chaos.
Prose Style
Conversational, punchy, and sprinkled with sass.
Score’s writing is breezy and fun—she’s not here to bury you with purple prose. Expect snappy dialogue, plenty of internal monologue, and a keen sense for comedic timing. The narrative voice is accessible and full of life, keeping the emotional moments approachable while never shying away from a witty retort or wry observation. The humor feels organic, but there’s enough heart that the feels can hit you out of nowhere.
Pacing
Steady with bursts of urgency—never a dull moment for long.
The book moves with a rhythm that mirrors romance and real life: slower sections filled with banter and character bonding, punctuated by sudden flare-ups of drama, conflict, or steamy encounters. There’s always something keeping the pages turning, be it unresolved sexual tension, family drama, or small-town hijinks. Score isn’t afraid to slow down for a tender scene, but she never lingers so long that the energy fizzles.
Characterization
Larger-than-life personalities with a relatable core.
Characters leap off the page with quirks, flaws, and insecurities—nobody feels generic. Protagonists Naomi and Knox are both emotionally complex: her tenderness and chaos clash perfectly with his gruff exterior and hidden tenderness. Supporting characters—especially the eccentric townspeople—bring extra flavor and heart, making the world feel inhabited and alive.
Dialogue
Witty, character-driven, and loaded with chemistry.
Conversations crackle with tension, humor, and the kind of awkward honesty that defines the best romcoms. Whether it’s a flirty exchange or a heated argument, the words pop off the page, revealing character dynamics while keeping things entertaining.
Mood and Tone
Lighthearted on the surface, but layered with real emotional stakes.
You’ll laugh, swoon, and maybe wince—a blend of escapism and raw vulnerability. There’s a persistent optimism and warmth even in the messiest situations, but Score doesn’t shy away from addressing real-life heartaches and family issues either.
Overall Feel
Expect a fun, heartfelt, and a little bit wild ride—perfect for readers who want sharp banter, endearing chaos, and romance with real emotional payoff. If you love your romcoms with a little grit and a lot of personality, Lucy Score’s style will feel like a cozy, spicy escape.
Key Moments
- Runaway bride with nothing but a beagle and a bad attitude
- Super-grumpy small-town barber vs. chaos-magnet outsider—sparks definitely fly
- Nash Morgan’s slow-burn banter—every scene is a heady dose of tension and longing
- Knox’s quietly heroic moments—revealing vulnerability beneath the scowl
- Sisterly betrayal in the diner booth—emotional gut-punch delivered in plain daylight
- Surprise found family: bar regulars, nosy neighbors, and sassy business owners rally around
- Unexpected showdown at the lake—danger, revelations, and a love worth fighting for
Plot Summary
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score whisks us away to small-town Knockemout, Virginia, where Naomi Witt’s plans for a fresh start unravel the moment her chaotic twin sister, Tina, swindles her out of her car, cash, and even custody of Tina’s daughter, Waylay. As Naomi scrambles to care for her twelve-year-old niece and pick up the pieces of her life, she collides (sometimes literally) with Knox Morgan, the town’s gruff, commitment-phobic bearded bar owner. Despite Knox’s best efforts to keep his distance, he gets drawn into Naomi and Waylay’s drama—which only intensifies when Tina gets involved with dangerous criminals, putting everyone at risk. The story climaxes with a tense confrontation where Naomi and Waylay are kidnapped, leading Knox to finally admit his feelings as they fight for their lives. By the end, the dust settles: Tina’s gone, Knox and Naomi admit their love (with plenty of banter along the way), and the makeshift family accepts a future built on honesty, healing, and second chances.
Character Analysis
Naomi Witt is at the heart of the story—a kind, people-pleasing woman who finally learns to set boundaries and stand up for what she wants. Her growth from doormat to determined caretaker is both moving and relatable. Knox Morgan, the classic “grumpy hero,” starts off closed-off and avoidant, haunted by past tragedy, but gradually lets his vulnerability show as he steps up for Naomi and Waylay. Waylay, Naomi’s unexpectedly wise and tough niece, transforms from a mistrustful, independent girl into someone who lets herself rely on family. Tina, though largely the antagonist, is a reminder of how much damage unresolved trauma and selfishness can cause.
Major Themes
At its core, the novel’s about found family—the idea that sometimes, those who stand by you aren’t bound by blood. Redemption and the courage to embrace second chances pulse throughout, seen in Naomi’s willingness to rebuild her life, and Knox’s struggle to open up after heartbreak. The book also explores personal boundaries, with Naomi learning you can care for others without losing yourself. The dangers of running from pain, as Tina does, and the healing power of community are woven through every subplot.
Literary Techniques & Style
Lucy Score leans into witty, snappy dialogue packed with humor and emotional punch, creating an easy, breezy read balanced by moments of heartfelt vulnerability. The alternating third-person perspectives offer readers insights into both Naomi’s and Knox’s innermost fears and hopes. Score peppers in playful metaphors (Knox is often compared to a “grumpy bear”) and uses the sleepy Southern setting to heighten both coziness and suspense. Symbolically, the town itself becomes a stand-in for second chances, and little moments—like Naomi’s ever-changing hair—mirror shifts in identity and confidence.
Historical/Cultural Context
Set in contemporary rural Virginia, the novel taps into small-town American culture: tight-knit communities, nosy neighbors, and a pace of life where everyone knows your name (and your business). Social themes like single parenthood, the opioid crisis, and the struggle for personal independence are subtly threaded through the story. The book’s modern sensibilities around family structure and female agency make it especially relatable for today’s readers.
Critical Significance & Impact
Things We Never Got Over has become a word-of-mouth hit, celebrated for its blend of rom-com warmth, slow-burn chemistry, and surprisingly poignant emotional stakes. While it doesn’t reinvent the romance genre, its mix of genuine characters, strong banter, and heartfelt plots make it a standout in contemporary romance. The book’s honest look at trauma, healing, and building a new life gives it staying power—making it a popular choice for readers craving comfort and authentic connection.
Runaway hearts collide in a small town where secrets spark second chances.
What Readers Are Saying
Right for You If
If you're the kind of reader who adores small-town romance with lots of banter, big feelings, and a dash of drama, Things We Never Got Over is totally going to hit the spot for you. Seriously, if you like your romances with a grumpy/sunshine vibe (one character is a serious grouch, the other is just pure chaos and light), you’ll eat this right up. Plus, if you love stories that throw in messy family relationships, lots of found family feels, and some steamy slow-burn tension, this is 100% your jam.
Here’s who I think will absolutely love this book:
- Rom-com fans who want their laughs mixed with actual swooning
- Anyone obsessed with it-takes-a-village small town settings (bonus points if you secretly want to move to fictional Knockemout after finishing)
- Readers who dig long books that let you just marinate in the characters' lives—this isn’t a quickie, so you get lots of time with everyone
- If you’re into enemies-to-lovers or opposites attract, this dynamic will give you butterflies
But, honestly, some people just won’t vibe with it:
- If you’re big on super fast-paced plots or you hate when books take their time building up relationships, this might feel a little long-winded for you
- Not a fan of spicy scenes in your romance? This one gets pretty steamy at times, so be warned!
- If you get annoyed by small-town meddling or quirky side characters, the community vibe here might feel over the top
Basically: If you love layered romance with messy family stuff, spicy tension, and all the small-town shenanigans, grab this ASAP. But if you prefer your love stories super concise, drama-free, or more on the sweet & simple side, you might want to skip this one—or at least know what you’re signing up for!
What You're Getting Into
Strap in for a fresh start gone sideways!
When runaway bride Naomi blows into sleepy Knockemout, Virginia, hoping to help her twin sister, she finds herself instantly tangled in small-town drama — and the orbit of grumpy, brooding barber Knox. With life throwing curveballs and hearts unexpectedly on the line, "Things We Never Got Over" pulses with messy family ties, witty banter, and that jaw-clenching, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers chemistry.
If you’re up for a heartfelt romance packed with colorful townsfolk, swoony moments, and a heroine finding her grit, this one totally delivers the feels!
Characters You'll Meet
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Naomi Witt: The runaway bride and central protagonist who moves to Knockemout to help her estranged twin sister. She’s determined, compassionate, and driven by a longing for family and belonging.
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Knox Morgan: The gruff, reluctant hero who owns the local barbershop and gets caught up in Naomi's chaos. He’s fiercely protective and slowly opens his heart as romance unexpectedly blooms.
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Waylay Witt: Naomi’s vulnerable yet resilient niece, left in her care after her sister disappears. Her journey from neglected teen to part of a stable family adds warmth and stakes to the story.
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Tina Witt: Naomi’s troubled twin sister whose erratic behavior kicks off the plot. She’s manipulative and selfish, serving as the main source of conflict.
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Liza J: Naomi’s loyal friend and hair salon owner who provides much-needed humor and emotional support, helping Naomi adjust to her new life.
More Like This
If Things We Never Got Over swept you up in its small-town drama and slow-burn romance, you’ll definitely notice the vibes it shares with The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker—both stories plunge their heroines into unfamiliar towns brimming with quirky neighbors, moody love interests, and emotional baggage that begs to be unpacked. For fans of Emily Henry’s Book Lovers, the dynamic between Knox and Naomi channels a similar blend of snark, sizzling chemistry, and reluctant vulnerability, but with its own distinct edge and a touch more grit.
On screen, there’s an undeniable Gilmore Girls energy running through Knockemout, Virginia—the warmth and chaos of its community, the messiness of family ties, and the sense that starting over somewhere new might just be the beginning of everything. If you’ve ever wanted a grown-up, more romance-heavy version of Stars Hollow, this novel scratches that itch in the best way.
Critic's Corner
Is it ever possible to reinvent yourself without first surviving total collapse? Things We Never Got Over needles into the messy, hopeful reality of starting over after betrayal, asking how far we’ll go for family, forgiveness, and a place to call home. Lucy Score’s beloved romance navigates the boundaries of self-protection versus vulnerability in a town where second chances collide with sharp edges—making readers wonder: Is love the ultimate risk, or the only true safety net?
Score’s writing revels in brash, lively immediacy, suiting the raucous charm of Knockemout, Virginia. Her style is unapologetically unvarnished: dialogue crackles with small-town wit, and her knack for crafting memorable side characters—especially the curmudgeonly but secretly compassionate Knox—anchors the novel. The basset hound, Waylon, is as vivid and necessary as any human character, adding levity and grounding emotional scenes. Score’s prose balances snarky humor with heartfelt introspection, though it occasionally leans into melodrama, especially during high-stakes confrontations. The shifting perspectives between Knox and Naomi deepen intimacy, and Score’s careful, almost cinematic pacing lets emotions linger without dragging. Yet, the narrative voice sometimes blurs between characters, which can momentarily dull their uniqueness. Still, structural restraint—knowing when to let a moment breathe—keeps the sprawling story under control and always engaging.
Things We Never Got Over fixes its sights on the transformative chaos of abandonment and forgiveness. At its core, the novel explores resilience in the face of unexpected familial duty, posing trenchant questions about the costs of loyalty and boundaries. Naomi’s forced motherhood is a crucible for exploring generational wounds—and how accidental connections can spark necessary healing for all involved. The book never shies from darkness: it acknowledges the brutality of betrayal and small-town prejudices, yet refuses to resign its characters to cynicism. Score’s choice to make Knockemout’s rough-and-tumble community not just backdrop but active antagonist and ally gives the story a living cultural resonance, reflecting the complexities of rural America’s simultaneous suspicion and generosity. The thematic concern with self-worth and trust—both romantic and platonic—feels particularly timely in an era where isolation and “chosen family” matter more than ever.
Within the contemporary romance tradition, Score’s novel sits alongside works by Tessa Bailey and Abby Jimenez, but with a grittier, more Southern gothic flair. The book’s blend of found family, enemies-to-lovers tension, and dry comedic detail echoes genre hits while resisting easy sentimentality. Yet, unlike many lighthearted small-town series, Things We Never Got Over dares to excavate real pain and slow, lived-in transformation. Fans of Score will find her signature warmth undiminished, but with added teeth.
While some may find the plot’s escalating stakes a touch implausible and the dialogue occasionally too on-the-nose, Score’s earnestness and emotional insight anchor even the most outlandish twists. The cast may sprawl, but each voice feels distinct. Ultimately, this novel offers a heartfelt, messy celebration of survival and love—making it a standout romance that’s as comforting as it is quietly radical.
Community Thoughts
Honestly, Knox just WOULDN’T LET ME GO. Thought I’d read a few chapters, but suddenly it’s 2am and I’m rooting for this grumpy guy like my life depends on it. Lucy Score, what have you done to my sleep schedule?
I was NOT ready for Knox's grumpy charm. Stayed up till 3 am swearing I'd stop after one more chapter. Lucy Score really knows how to keep you hooked. Worth every lost minute of sleep!
that ONE scene where Knox drops his guard and you realize he’s not just grumpy, he’s haunted—left me reeling and totally rethinking everything about him. couldn’t shake it for days.
Didn’t expect to be up till 3am but Naomi and Knox’s chaos totally hijacked my night. I tried to stop at “I’m not asking,” but suddenly it was 100 pages later and I was way too invested.
Naomi’s chaotic arrival in Knockemout had me absolutely hooked. I tried to read just one chapter before bed and suddenly it was 3am. Knox’s grumpy charm? Messed up my sleep but so worth it!
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Local Take
Why It Matters
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score really taps into themes that hit close to home in this culture—think family loyalty, second chances, and overcoming small-town prejudices.
- The tight-knit community dynamics reflect parallel experiences here, where everyone knows everyone, and old grudges run deep—a vibe locals instantly recognize.
- Score’s take on chosen family and forgiveness resonates especially well, paralleling cultural shifts toward acceptance and redefining what “family” means, echoing local movements for inclusivity and breaking away from rigid traditions.
Some plot points (like the heroine’s resilience and standing up for herself) might even spark debate!
- Here, where traditional gender roles can still loom large, Knox and Naomi’s unconventional relationship challenges what’s “acceptable.” It provokes conversation about independence, romance, and individual determination—values gaining ground, but not without pushback.
- The cozy, character-driven pacing feels familiar, reminiscent of beloved local romance and drama series, yet Score’s brash humor and emotional vulnerability mark a refreshing twist.
Overall, Score’s blend of sincerity, grit, and warmth makes her story feel both familiar and delightfully disruptive in this cultural landscape.
Food for Thought
Notable Achievement:
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score has become a massive hit in the world of contemporary romance, selling over a million copies worldwide and developing a loyal fanbase through lively word-of-mouth recommendations, BookTok buzz, and enthusiastic online communities. The novel’s relatable characters and heartfelt storytelling have made it a standout favorite, especially among fans craving small-town settings and emotional slow-burn love stories.
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