Things We Hide From The Light

I started this book at 11 am on a Friday morning in which I was not feeling well. So I curled up on the couch with a pillow, blanket, the dog, a hot cup of tea and this amazing, funny and beautiful story. OMIGOSH! I could not put it down. I will admit at about 5 am, the iPad hit me in the nose. Anyway.... The characters in the town of Knockemout, VA are people I want to surround myself with. They are quirky but fun and loyal. They give such a wonderful name to small town life. I truly laughed out loud at some points, (even spit my tea on the iPad). The main characters, Nash and Lina, were perfect, not so perfect, then perfect again. I don't like spoilers and I won't give any, if I can help it. But the strength both physical and intelligence that these characters show are amazing. Between familial love, blended family love, friendship, and deep deep IN LOVE are shown on every page of this story. The deep holes of life are also so well written it is as if the author has been down that rabbit hole herself. The epilogue was a ten tissue tear jerker, that's all I'm gonna say on that. The bonus epilogue was just beautiful! Fantastic job, Lucy Score, I cannot wait until Sloane and Lucian (Lucifer) get their happy ever after!!!

"Things We Hide from the Light" by Lucy Score is a well-crafted romance novel that hits many of the right notes. The story is engaging, the characters are likable, and the writing is solid throughout. However, my only qualm with the book is that the romantic arc between Nash and Lina felt a bit too predictable. While I appreciate a good romance with familiar elements, I couldn't help but foresee certain plot developments and character interactions. It would have been great to see a bit more unexpected twists or unique elements to their relationship to make it stand out from other romances in the genre. That being said, Lucy Score's storytelling skills shine in this book. The supporting characters are well-developed and add depth to the narrative, and the pacing keeps you invested in the story. The writing style is engaging and witty, which makes for an enjoyable reading experience. Despite its predictability in the main romance, "Things We Hide from the Light" is a satisfying read, especially if you're a fan of Lucy Score's work or the romance genre in general. It may not have surprised me as much as I had hoped, but it still delivers on the emotional connection and heartwarming moments that make romance novels so beloved.

It’s hard to know where to start with this review – I knew Nash and Lina were going to be amazing, but this amazing?? From the moment Lina stepped into Knox’s bar in Things We Never Got Over, I think we all knew she was an absolute dynamo. What I didn’t realize was, she would become my spirit animal. And Nash? The wounded, broody, super sweet hero really got me. As growly as Knox is, Nash is open and honest and swoony. However, after his devastating injury at the end of TWNGO, he’s floundering – trying to figure out how to recover and get back to himself. Moving on isn’t as easy as he’d like, and his inconvenient attraction to Lina isn’t helping…or so he thinks. Lina is more complicated than she lets on and both of them have their secrets close to the vest. Watching the two of them navigate their relationship is both hot and hilarious – the things that Lina says made me laugh out loud and their chemistry is explosive. Like have a fan near your Kindle hot…. There are too many things to count when I try to list what I love about Lucy Score’s books, but one of my favorite things is her secondary characters. So many times she writes characters that make you desperate for more, and with Things We Hide From the Light, we get more of Knox, Naomi and Waylay in addition to all the goodness that is Nash and Lina. It’s like a warm hug from your favorite grandma – it’s THAT good. Plus, we’re treated to more of the tension between Sloane and Lucian, who you just KNOW are going to be explosive. This book was the perfect continuation in the Knockemout series and it leaves you feeling both insanely happy for Nash and Lina and rabid for more Lucian and Sloane. Obviously you don’t have to read Things We Never Got Over before you read this book, but why wouldn’t you? You can’t go wrong with this series!!!

Things We Hide From the Light is not my favorite work by Lucy Score. Nor is it my least favorite. If it had been lighter by about a hundred pages, it would definitely have worked better for me. I found myself repeatedly looking at the percent read and whining "Are we there yet?" Mind you, the prose was as lively as Score's writing usually is; her characters as well drawn and likable; her dialogue as witty; and the sexytimes as steamy. I had read the precursor to TWFTL shortly after it came out, yet I still found myself confused at times by the convoluted and weirdly paced suspense subplot. Fortunately, Score's gift for the bon mot often reminded me of Things We Forgot Amidst the Words. For example, a single reference to Studly Do-Right immediately summoned up the handsome yet annoyingly stuffy sheriff of TWNGO, now repurposed as the hero of TWHFTL. Score does a great job developing and deepening Nash's character while remaining true to the original portrayal. Nash is dealing with a huge trauma at the same time as he recovers from a large helping of inherent assholery, and Score succeeds in making him engaging yet deliciously imperfect. Angelina, aka Lina, Angel, Leens, is an excellent match for Nash, with her complementary youthful trauma, daredevil job, awe-inspiring competence and powerful attraction to the grumpy sheriff. She also is an interesting blend of positive traits and negative tendencies--most notably an aversion to emotional intimacy and a willingness to lie in order to protect herself. For the most part, the author convincingly bases her protagonists' issues on their life experience without sliding into trauma-of-the-week territory. Still, there are times that Nash and Lina resemble a pair of magnets with only north poles. They approach-approach-approach and then suddenly repel each other forcefully as one has a bout of assholery and the other stomps off all butthurt. I don't mind this dynamic per se, because people absolutely do behave like this, but I reached my limit early in this book, and I think trimming a couple of snits from the manuscript wouldn't have hurt one little bit. At least I wouldn't have strained a muscle rolling my eyes. My most serious problem with TWHFTL and the reason for the 3 star rating, is the handling of Nash's mental health issues. There were several things that really bothered me. Nash reveals his emotional problems early, so the topic really isn't a spoiler, but if you don't want any deets, skip this paragraph. So Nash is recovering from a shooting that almost killed him. He's back at work, but feels dead inside, suffering from depression and symptoms of anxiety. To some degree, this entire book is the story of his emotional recovery from the shooting. As an officer of the law, he's done the required therapy and had medications prescribed, but is no longer in active treatment. Nor is he taking his meds. The man knows he has a problem, yet refuses to consider professional help. His decision to forego medication could be legitimate, but his reasons for that decision are never really discussed, leaving the reader with the impression that seeking help beyond some arbitrary heal-by date is somehow weak or unmanly. I could live with this right up to the point where, in the wake of a debilitating panic attack, he begs Lina to spend the night with him because apparently he only feels alive in her presence. At this point I'm like, "Who let this magic hoo-ha into the room?" I'll only say that several variations on this scenario recur during the back-and-forth of Nash and Lina's relationship. Nash never gets professional help for his issues. (Neither does Lina for that matter.) The reader is left. with the unmistakable message that twu wuv heals all wounds. And while, I do not require a medical solution to every character's emotional problems in my reading, the notion that romantic love can cure serious psychological disorders is wrong and potentially dangerous. The only other elements that deeply bugged me were the accidental orgasm(!) and the epilogue which was literally awash in cathartic tears. But that's just me. However, since this book was alternately extremely entertaining and deeply annoying as well as occasionally interminable, I'm giving it 3 stars.

Thank you Lucy Score, you have done it again! Your books champion the term slow-burn with a FIRE ending! I love Lucy's character development and plot arcs. I missed the plot twist at the end, but I did catch on to cereal aisle guy from the get go. I love the spunky characters in Knockemout, I feel like I'd love to live in this world. Lina Solavita is a ROYAL hot mess; she's running from issues in her childhood and from her overbearing parents. And by running, I mean throwing herself into any adrenaline pumping situation she can get her hands on. And no-one knows she does it. She's queen of keeping everyone at an arm's length. That is until she stumbles upon broken sad puppy dog Nash, her friend Knox's brother and Chief of Police of Knockemout, VA. Nash is recovering physically and mentally from being shot in the line of duty and he is wrestling some serious inner demons. And Lina has been there, she helps him through his panic attacks and much to her dismay becomes Nash's security blanket. Their slow burn is palatable. Her listening to him in the shower. And then again accidentally getting off when he accidentally escapes the confines of his boxers, in one of their strictly plutonic sleepovers. It took a LONG time, to get action. But that being said, I wasn't sad about it either. Nash, Knox and Lucien are trying desperately to find Duncan Hugo, the man who abducted Waylay and Naomi in TWNGO and who shot Nash. Or did he? That's the problem, Nash can't remember and there's not enough evidence to make an arrest. And the Fed's want to arrest Duncan's dad, who is a major crime boss. Out of fear for Nash, Naomi and Waylay's safety they hatch a plan to get the Hugo before he can get to them to tie up loose ends. But will it work? Have they taken all other variable into account? I'm not telling! If you like a slow burn, a little bit of mystery and a dash of action you will love this book! I know I did! I don't think you HAVE to read Things We Never Got Over to enjoy this book. BUT, I do think that you should because there is a lot of back story and character development that is key to completely understand characters actions in this book. Plus its equally as good of a read, so why not!

This book was good, worth the read! Lucy Stone does a good job at developing the characters and telling their story! Lina and Nash follow in Nash and Noami’s footsteps and fall in love. Both men struggled with their past with the loss of their mom and their dad falling apart afterwards. Their dad fell into addiction following their mom’s death and the two men struggled to allow themselves to fall into addiction following love. Two ladies from out of town changed that for them! The only thing I would say negative about the book is that it got a little too mushy in parts and the theme of both books were very similar, other than that it was a great book. On to book 3 tomorrow!

This is a perfect gift for my sister. She’s been wanting to read this book. It was nice paperback durable, not flimsy and it’s an easy read.

Things We Hide from the Light is another brilliant addition to the Knockemout series! This book grabbed my attention from the first chapter and never let go. The romance between Lena and Nash is absolutely sizzling, but what really drew me in was the emotional depth of their journey. It’s a perfect mix of heat, heart, and healing. Nash’s character is so compelling—he’s strong, complicated, and so deeply layered. His vulnerability and growth throughout the book made me root for him even more. And Lena? She’s fierce, independent, and has a quiet strength that balances Nash perfectly. The two of them together create this incredible dynamic that is both passionate and poignant. Their chemistry is off-the-charts, but it's their emotional connection that really stands out. What I love about this book is how the author continues to balance intense romance with the real, raw struggles the characters face. The healing process, the baggage they carry, and the way they support each other through it all is powerful. It feels real, and you can’t help but get swept up in their story. The small-town vibe of Knockemout continues to feel like home, and I loved seeing old favorites from the previous books pop up throughout. The writing is sharp, the pacing is perfect, and the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. If you're a fan of deeply emotional, slow-burn romances with characters you can't help but root for, Things We Hide from the Light is a must-read. It’s one of those books that lingers in your heart long after you finish it. I can’t wait to see what’s next in the Knockemout series!" Pros: Intense chemistry and emotional depth between the leads Powerful character growth and healing Small-town charm and lovable supporting characters Strong pacing and great twists Real, raw, and relatable romance Cons: Some readers may find the slow-burn romance frustrating, but I loved how it built.