Things We Never Got Over: A Book Review
“Things We Never Got Over” by Lucy Score is more than just a story; it’s a journey through love, loss, and healing. In this book, the characters deal with emotional baggage we can all relate to—whether it’s overcoming heartbreak or rebuilding trust. The plot is full of unexpected moments that pull you in, and the characters feel so real, you’ll find yourself rooting for them.
Whether you’re a fan of romance or simply love a good story about personal growth, this book offers plenty of heartwarming and relatable moments. Let’s dive into what makes it worth reading.
Plot Summary
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“Things We Never Got Over” centers on Naomi, a woman whose life is upended when she leaves her past behind to help her estranged twin sister in the small town of Knockemout. Naomi’s plan to quickly resolve her sister’s crisis takes an unexpected turn when her sister abandons her, leaving Naomi with her niece, a child she never knew existed. Naomi is suddenly thrust into the role of caretaker, with no money, no home, and no real sense of direction.
In this quaint but quirky town, Naomi crosses paths with Knox, a rugged local who lives by the motto of staying out of other people’s problems. Despite his reluctance, Knox gets pulled into Naomi’s chaotic life, and an unlikely connection forms between them. What begins as a partnership based on convenience and shared responsibilities slowly evolves into something deeper, as both Naomi and Knox confront their emotional baggage.
As the story unfolds, Naomi must not only figure out how to care for her niece but also face the remnants of her past that she thought she had left behind. Knox, meanwhile, struggles to maintain the walls he has built around his heart, as his feelings for Naomi begin to grow. The small town becomes the backdrop for a story filled with humor, tension, and heartfelt moments, as both characters wrestle with their personal demons and find a way to move forward.
Throughout the book, readers are taken on an emotional journey, filled with unexpected twists, family drama, and moments of deep reflection. It’s a story about starting over when everything feels lost and finding love in the most unlikely of places.
Character Development
The characters in Things We Never Got Over are the driving force behind the story’s emotional depth. From the strong yet vulnerable protagonist to the quirky supporting cast, each character undergoes a journey of growth and transformation that resonates with readers. Let’s take a closer look at how these characters develop throughout the book.
Naomi: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Naomi starts off as someone trying to escape her past and help her sister, only to be left stranded with a child she never knew existed. As she learns to care for her niece and adjust to life in a small town, Naomi’s growth is marked by her ability to adapt, forgive, and rebuild her sense of self. Her resilience and vulnerability make her relatable, and readers can see her develop into a more independent and confident woman by the end.
Knox: Breaking Down Emotional Barriers
Knox is initially introduced as a closed-off, self-reliant man with no interest in relationships or emotional entanglements. However, as he becomes more involved in Naomi’s life, readers witness his transformation from a guarded individual to someone willing to take emotional risks. His backstory, which involves past hurts and his fear of getting close to others, adds depth to his character, making his eventual openness more impactful.
Themes and Messages
Things We Never Got Over explores a range of relatable themes that add layers of meaning to the story. Through love, loss, family, and personal growth, the novel delivers powerful messages that will leave a lasting impact on readers. Here’s a breakdown of the central themes that shape the narrative.
1. Love and Second Chances
At the heart of the book is the theme of second chances—both in love and in life. Naomi and Knox both carry emotional scars from their past, but their relationship shows how people can find love again, even after being hurt. The story emphasizes that healing takes time, and that sometimes, opening yourself up to love is the hardest yet most rewarding thing to do.
2. Family and Forgiveness
Family plays a central role in Things We Never Got Over, particularly in Naomi’s journey with her estranged sister and newfound responsibility for her niece. The theme of forgiveness is explored through these relationships, as Naomi grapples with her sister’s betrayal and the complex dynamics of family ties. The story delves into the idea that family isn’t always perfect, but forgiveness can lead to unexpected connections and healing.
3. Resilience and Personal Growth
Both Naomi and Knox embody resilience as they confront their personal challenges. The book explores how adversity can lead to growth, with both characters learning to overcome their fears and past traumas. It delivers a powerful message that even when life takes unexpected turns, it’s possible to rebuild and move forward.
4. Community and Belonging
The small-town setting of Knockemout represents more than just a backdrop—it symbolizes the importance of community. Through interactions with the town’s residents, Naomi finds a sense of belonging that she didn’t have before. The book highlights how a supportive community can be a source of strength, helping individuals feel less alone during tough times.
Writing Style
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The writing style in Things We Never Got Over strikes a perfect balance between lighthearted moments and emotional depth. The author uses simple, accessible language that pulls readers into the story without overwhelming them with overly descriptive or flowery prose.
The dialogue is sharp, witty, and often laced with humor, helping to create a natural flow in the interactions between characters. Additionally, the pacing is well-managed, with a steady build-up of tension that keeps readers invested in the plot while allowing space for the characters to breathe and evolve.
What sets this book apart is the way the author handles emotional scenes. Instead of melodrama, the emotional highs and lows are written with a sense of realism that feels relatable.
The internal monologues of the characters are thoughtfully crafted, offering readers insight into their fears, motivations, and inner conflicts. The alternating points of view allow readers to understand both Naomi and Knox’s perspectives, adding layers to their relationship and making their journey more immersive.
Overall, the writing is engaging, easy to follow, and filled with moments that range from heartwarming to heart-wrenching, keeping readers emotionally connected to the story.
Strengths of the Book
One of the major strengths of Things We Never Got Over is its well-developed characters. Naomi and Knox are more than just romantic leads—they feel like real people, with strengths, flaws, and emotional depth.
Readers are able to connect with their struggles and personal growth, making their journey more compelling. The dynamic between them is not only romantic but also rooted in their mutual need for healing, making their relationship believable and engaging.
Another strength lies in the book’s balance of humor and emotion. Despite dealing with heavy themes like betrayal, abandonment, and family tension, the author injects humor into the dialogue and situations, keeping the tone from becoming too dark. The witty banter between characters, especially Knox and Naomi, adds a layer of playfulness that lightens the emotional intensity and makes their connection feel natural.
The small-town setting also serves as a strength, as it allows for a rich cast of supporting characters who provide both comic relief and poignant moments. These characters add depth to the story, creating a sense of community that wraps around the main plot and gives it texture. The detailed depiction of small-town life, with its gossip, quirks, and sense of belonging, further enhances the story’s charm.
Weaknesses or Criticisms
While Things We Never Got Over excels in many areas, it’s not without a few shortcomings. One potential weakness is the pacing, particularly in the middle portion of the book. Some readers may feel that the story slows down as it delves into the everyday lives of the characters.
While this slower pacing helps to develop the emotional connection between Naomi and Knox, it may not appeal to those looking for more fast-paced action or plot-driven tension.
Another potential criticism is the somewhat predictable nature of the romance. Though the characters are well-developed, the “gruff man with a heart of gold” and “woman trying to start over” trope has been seen before in many contemporary romances. For readers seeking a more unique or unconventional plot, this may feel formulaic at times, even though the emotional depth helps elevate the story.
Additionally, some of the supporting characters, while charming, don’t receive as much development as they could. They primarily serve as comic relief or plot devices to advance the story, but a deeper exploration of their backstories could have added further richness to the narrative. This is especially true for Naomi’s sister, whose actions drive much of the plot but whose motivations remain underexplored.
Is Things We Never Got Over Worth the Read?
Wrapping up the review, the central question remains: is Things We Never Got Over worth your time? With its well-developed characters, relatable themes, and a perfect balance of humor and emotional depth, the book offers a satisfying blend of romance and personal growth.
While it may follow familiar tropes and slow down in parts, the engaging narrative and heartfelt moments make it an enjoyable read for fans of contemporary romance. If you’re looking for a book that explores second chances, healing, and the complexities of relationships, this one is certainly worth picking up.
