A Journey of Self-Discovery in Things We Never Got Over

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score is a captivating romantic comedy that dives into emotional complexity while keeping readers entertained with humor and charm. At its heart, the story follows Naomi Witt, who escapes her wedding only to end up in a small town dealing with her chaotic twin sister’s mess.

As Naomi navigates her new life, she encounters unexpected responsibilities and a budding romance with Knox Morgan, a grumpy but endearing local. This review explores the intriguing characters, heartfelt moments, and deeper themes in Things We Never Got Over, making it a must-read for romance fans.

Plot Overview

Things We Never Got Over centers on Naomi Witt, who escapes her wedding day to answer a distress call from her estranged twin sister, Tina. The novel begins with Naomi arriving in the small town of Knockemout, only to find that Tina has disappeared, leaving behind a heap of trouble, including Naomi’s unexpected responsibility of caring for her 11-year-old niece, Waylay, whom she didn’t even know existed.

Stranded in this quirky town with no plan, Naomi’s carefully structured life quickly unravels. She loses her money, her car, and any hopes of returning to her old life. While she tries to make sense of her new circumstances, Naomi crosses paths with Knox Morgan, a local bad boy with a gruff exterior and no interest in getting involved with other people’s problems. Yet, despite Knox’s cold demeanor, he can’t help but feel drawn to Naomi, and soon, they find themselves navigating an unexpected and slow-burn romance.

As Naomi adjusts to her new role as a caretaker and finds a community within Knockemout, her relationship with Knox begins to grow. However, Tina’s unpredictability and the baggage of Naomi’s past continually throw obstacles in her path. The plot follows Naomi’s journey as she learns to cope with the chaos her twin sister has left behind, care for Waylay, and confront her own emotional scars. Knox, too, must come to terms with his reluctance to form attachments and face his own vulnerabilities.

Characters

The characters are richly developed, each playing a crucial role in driving the emotional depth and humor of the story.

1. Naomi Witt

Naomi is the central character of the novel, and her journey is one of personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery. At the start, Naomi is portrayed as a people-pleaser who constantly puts others’ needs before her own.

Her life is turned upside down when she arrives in Knockemout to help her twin sister, Tina, only to be abandoned with no resources and a niece she didn’t know existed. Despite the chaos, Naomi shows remarkable strength and adaptability, stepping up to care for Waylay and trying to rebuild her life in a town that is both welcoming and overwhelming.

Throughout the novel, Naomi evolves from someone who was always running away from her problems to a woman who learns to stand up for herself and prioritize her own happiness. Her character arc is central to the novel’s themes of healing, self-love, and learning to take control of one’s own destiny.

2. Knox Morgan

Knox is the grumpy, aloof love interest who initially has no interest in getting involved with Naomi’s troubles. He’s the quintessential small-town tough guy with a heart of gold buried underneath his gruff exterior.

Knox is determined to live a life free of attachments after being burned in the past, both in love and in life. However, his attraction to Naomi and his natural protectiveness draw him into her life despite his reluctance.

Knox’s character is a classic example of the “brooding hero” archetype, but Lucy Score adds depth to his persona by gradually peeling back the layers of his emotional walls. As he grows closer to Naomi and becomes more involved in her chaotic life, Knox also experiences a personal transformation—learning to let go of his fears and embrace vulnerability.

3. Tina Witt

Tina is Naomi’s twin sister and the instigator of much of the conflict in the novel. Unlike Naomi, Tina is a free spirit with a tendency to cause trouble and leave others to clean up the mess.

Her irresponsible and self-centered behavior creates numerous complications for Naomi, including abandoning her own daughter, Waylay, without a second thought. Despite being the catalyst for much of the drama, Tina’s character adds an important dimension to the theme of family.

Her actions force Naomi to confront difficult emotions, including resentment, betrayal, and the complicated bonds of sisterhood. While Tina remains a largely antagonistic figure, she serves as a foil to Naomi’s more grounded and responsible personality.

4. Waylay

Waylay is one of the most endearing characters in the novel. As Tina’s young daughter, Waylay is suddenly thrust into Naomi’s care after being abandoned by her mother. She’s a bright, mischievous, and independent 11-year-old who has learned to take care of herself in many ways due to Tina’s neglect.

Waylay’s interactions with Naomi provide some of the novel’s most heartfelt and humorous moments, as the two form a bond that neither of them expected. Naomi’s relationship with Waylay also brings out her nurturing side and further solidifies her emotional growth as she takes on the role of a guardian.

Waylay’s presence in the story serves as a catalyst for Naomi and Knox’s relationship, as they both find themselves working together to care for her.

5. Nash Morgan

Nash is Knox’s brother and the local police chief. While he plays a more supporting role, his interactions with both Knox and Naomi provide insight into Knox’s background and family dynamics.

Nash represents the voice of reason and stability in the novel, often giving advice to his brother and trying to help Knox overcome his emotional hang-ups. Nash’s presence also introduces a subplot involving law enforcement and adds some complexity to the small-town setting.

6. Supporting Characters

Knockemout, the small town where the story takes place, is filled with quirky, lovable residents who contribute to the charm and atmosphere of the novel. From nosy neighbors to well-meaning friends, the town’s inhabitants provide comic relief and warmth, making the setting feel like a character in its own right.

The townspeople are quick to embrace Naomi and offer support as she navigates her new life, enhancing the book’s theme of finding community and belonging.

Themes

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Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score explores several key themes that resonate deeply with readers, blending humor, romance, and emotional depth to create a meaningful narrative.

1. Family and Forgiveness

One of the most prominent themes in Things We Never Got Over is the complex dynamics of family relationships, particularly the bond between siblings and the struggles of dealing with betrayal and forgiveness. Naomi’s relationship with her twin sister, Tina, is strained from the beginning.

Tina’s reckless and self-centered actions—abandoning her child and causing chaos—leave Naomi with deep emotional wounds. Despite the betrayal, Naomi grapples with the idea of forgiving Tina, exploring the difficult balance between family loyalty and self-preservation.

This theme is explored through Naomi’s internal struggles as she comes to terms with the fact that she cannot save her sister, and that sometimes, for her own well-being, letting go is the best option. The theme of forgiveness extends beyond just Tina and Naomi’s relationship and speaks to a broader idea of learning to forgive others for their shortcomings while also forgiving oneself.

2. Romance and Second Chances

At its core, Things We Never Got Over is a romance novel, but it’s more than just a love story—it’s a tale of second chances, both in love and in life. The romantic relationship between Naomi and Knox develops slowly, with both characters carrying emotional baggage from their pasts.

Knox, in particular, has closed himself off from relationships, preferring a life without attachments. Naomi, on the other hand, is used to being the one who gives more in relationships, constantly putting others before herself. As they grow closer, both Naomi and Knox must confront their pasts and open themselves up to the possibility of happiness.

Their relationship is not just about falling in love; it’s about healing, trusting again, and giving love a second chance. This theme is particularly poignant in the way it highlights the importance of vulnerability and emotional risk-taking in building lasting connections.

3. Personal Growth and Independence

Naomi’s journey throughout the novel is one of significant personal growth. At the beginning of the story, Naomi is a people-pleaser, someone who has always prioritized the needs of others over her own happiness.

Her chaotic arrival in Knockemout and the sudden responsibility of caring for her niece, Waylay, forces her to reevaluate her life choices and what truly matters to her. As the story progresses, Naomi learns to assert herself, set boundaries, and recognize her own worth.

This theme of independence is empowering, as Naomi moves from being defined by her relationships with others (her sister, her ex-fiancé) to finding her own identity and happiness. By the end of the novel, Naomi’s transformation reflects the broader theme of self-love and self-acceptance, showing that personal growth often comes from the most unexpected circumstances.

4. Community and Belonging

Set in the small town of Knockemout, the novel highlights the theme of community and the importance of belonging. Although Naomi arrives in the town under less-than-ideal circumstances, she quickly finds herself embraced by its quirky and supportive residents.

From the local diner staff to the town’s sheriff, the people of Knockemout create a sense of warmth and community that contrasts with Naomi’s initial feelings of isolation.

As Naomi becomes more integrated into the town, she discovers the power of community in helping her navigate the challenges of raising her niece and rebuilding her life. This theme reflects the idea that even in moments of great upheaval, finding a place where you belong can be a source of comfort and strength.

5. Healing from Emotional Wounds

Another key theme in the novel is the process of healing from emotional wounds, both old and new. Knox is a character who has been hurt before, and his reluctance to form attachments stems from a fear of being hurt again.

Similarly, Naomi’s past experiences with relationships—romantic and familial—have left her guarded. Throughout the novel, both characters must confront their emotional scars and allow themselves to heal.

The theme of healing is woven through the storyline, not just in the romantic relationship between Naomi and Knox but also in Naomi’s efforts to mend her fractured sense of self and reclaim her life after years of putting others’ needs first. The novel suggests that while emotional wounds can take time to heal, it is possible to find peace and happiness by facing those wounds head-on.

Pacing and Writing Style

Lucy Score’s writing style in Things We Never Got Over is a balance of humor and emotional depth, engaging readers through witty dialogue and heartfelt moments. The playful banter between Naomi and Knox provides lighthearted relief, while deeper emotional scenes, particularly involving Naomi’s struggles and relationship with Waylay, ground the story in authenticity.

1. Pacing

At over 500 pages, the novel is longer than most romance stories. While it includes moments of slower pacing—especially during Naomi’s internal reflections or quieter town scenes—these pauses allow for deeper character exploration.

Some readers may feel the book could benefit from trimming, as certain parts don’t significantly drive the plot forward. However, the slow-burn romance and Naomi’s personal growth are well-served by this pacing, giving the relationships time to develop naturally.

2. Character-Driven Narrative

Score’s character-driven storytelling ensures that even during slower moments, readers remain invested in Naomi and Knox’s development.

The focus on personal growth, particularly Naomi’s journey to self-discovery and Knox’s emotional vulnerability, enriches the narrative. This gradual pacing heightens the impact of their eventual romantic connection, making it feel authentic and earned.

3. Descriptive and Visual Writing

Score’s vivid descriptions bring the small town of Knockemout to life, immersing the reader in the setting. Her descriptive yet accessible language creates a clear visual landscape without becoming too flowery, enhancing the story’s emotional stakes and giving the setting a strong presence.

Strengths of the Book

• Engaging Dialogue: Lucy Score’s talent for witty, humorous, and sharp dialogue shines throughout the novel, particularly in the banter between Naomi and Knox, which keeps the romance lively and entertaining.
• Strong Character Development: Both Naomi and Knox undergo significant personal growth, with Naomi learning to prioritize her own needs and Knox embracing vulnerability. The gradual, realistic development of their relationship adds depth to the romantic plot.
• Slow-Burn Romance: The chemistry between Naomi and Knox is built slowly over time, making their eventual connection feel earned. The slow-burn nature of their romance draws readers in and keeps them invested in the progression of their relationship.
• Balance of Humor and Emotion: The book strikes an effective balance between laugh-out-loud humor and deeply emotional moments, which resonate with readers. This combination adds layers to the characters and makes the story more relatable.
• Immersive Small-Town Setting: Score’s vivid descriptions of Knockemout create a warm, close-knit community that feels like a character itself. The small-town charm adds a layer of coziness to the story, making it an inviting read.
• Compelling Supporting Characters: The residents of Knockemout, from the nosy neighbors to the local diner staff, are quirky and lovable, enriching the narrative and adding moments of comic relief and support for the main storyline.

Weaknesses or Areas for Improvement

• Length: At over 500 pages, some sections of the novel feel unnecessarily long. The pacing could benefit from trimming, particularly in the middle of the story where the plot sometimes stalls with too much focus on day-to-day activities.
• Predictable Plot: While the character development and romance are compelling, the overall plot follows a familiar romantic-comedy formula. Readers who are familiar with the genre may find certain twists predictable.
• Tina’s Character: As the source of much of the drama, Tina’s character feels underdeveloped. Her motivations and backstory could be expanded to add more depth and complexity, making her more than just a troublemaker.
• Pacing Issues: Certain sections, especially Naomi’s internal monologues, can feel drawn out, slowing down the narrative unnecessarily. This affects the flow of the story, making parts of it feel less engaging.
• Repetitive Internal Conflict: Naomi’s self-doubt and reluctance to prioritize her own needs are revisited frequently, sometimes to the point of feeling repetitive. This could be streamlined to maintain narrative momentum without overemphasizing the same points.
• Limited Focus on Secondary Storylines: While the main romance and character arcs are well-developed, some secondary plotlines involving supporting characters or town events could have been explored further to provide more variety and complexity to the story.