Book Title: Things We Hide from the Light
Author: Lucy Score
Series: Knockemout #2
Publication Date: February 21, 2023
Length: 589 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
***My Review***
Lucy Score is a master of the art of crafting romantic narratives, imbuing them with a charming wit that never fails to captivate her readers. Her stories evoke a profound sense of warmth and hope, filling the heart with the purest emotions of love. The deft manner in which she blends gentle humor with genuine heartfelt sentiment results in reading experiences that are nothing short of magical.
In “Things We Hide from the Light,” the second book in the Knockemout world, Score artfully weaves together the small town charm, delightful banter, captivating plot, and irresistible character chemistry into a delectable tapestry that is nothing short of enchanting.
This lovely follow-up leaves readers spellbound and utterly smitten, with its richly layered themes and masterful execution. It is a true testament to Score’s exceptional talent for crafting tales that leave an indelible mark on the heart and soul.
The book successfully captures the same charm, wit, sensuality, and heartwarming elements that made the first one so appealing. The story follows Nash and Lina, whose struggles and personal journeys are skillfully depicted by the author, making them compelling and relatable characters.
Things We Never Got Over, the first book in this series was nothing short of captivating, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. In this new tale, we are introduced to the small town police chief, Nash Morgan, and his bubbly neighbor, Lina, who also happens to be his brother’s ex. This story embodies all the hallmarks of classic small town romance, complete with the irresistible dynamics of opposites attract and grumpy-sunshine chemistry.
Nash’s ornery demeanor masks a deeper struggle, as he navigates his own path to recovery while feeling a sense of loss and uncertainty. Lina, on the other hand, is a vibrant and sassy personality, but she too is guarding her own secrets and struggles, concealed beneath her sparkling exterior. The resulting dynamic between the two characters is nothing short of electrifying, as they are both burying their pain and struggles behind their respective personalities.
It is interesting to read how the author imbues the characters with a sense of humanity that makes readers care for them, and even when thry find themselves frustrated with their actions, we comprehend their motivations.
Without any doubt, Lucy Score has masterfully crafted a story that captures the essence of what makes small town romances so enchanting, while infusing it with a raw, emotional depth that is truly compelling. As readers follow Nash and Lina’s journey, they will undoubtedly be drawn into the richly layered narrative, rooting for them every step of the way.
The supporting cast, including Knox, Naomi, Waylay, and others, adds to the overall appeal of the story, and their interactions with the main characters create a complex and interesting plot.
While Nash and Lina were both compelling characters, and the slow-burn romance was intriguing, some readers may find the pace to be a bit slow. In fact, it takes until 60% of the book before anything significant happens between them. However, the addition of Nash’s adopted dog added a heartwarming touch to the story.
One potential issue some readers may have with the book is its length, as contemporary romances are typically not expected to exceed 600 pages. However, given Lucy Score’s exceptional writing style, many readers will likely find the story to be engaging and enjoyable, despite its length.
That said, with the multitude of subplots interwoven throughout the story, the romance at times can feel secondary, which may disappoint readers who were hoping for a more prominent focus on the central relationship.
Despite this, the epilogue and bonus epilogue are particularly noteworthy, and are sure to leave readers feeling deeply satisfied. In the end, while the story may not be without its flaws, Lucy Score’s writing and overall storytelling prowess make it well worth the read.
Unquestionably, Lucy Score possesses a rare talent – she deftly weaves complex issues with humor and gravitas, achieving a harmonious balance between the two. Her characters are multi-dimensional and have genuine obstacles to overcome, rather than facile, whiny complaints.
Overall, Things We Hide from The Light is an enjoyable read that will satisfy fans of the first book and likely attract new readers as well. The author’s writing style and ability to create engaging characters make this a worthwhile addition to the series.