
Member Reviews

There’s nothing better to listen to while getting unpacked in a new home than a flirty, fun, home-renovation story. I’m not sure why this setting does it for me every single time–maybe it’s just the motivation to get my own home in order?
Overall, Maggie Moves On was just as adorable as the cute cover promises. Maggie was a great MC. She was independent, career-focused, and did her best not to let romance get in the way of her goals…at the start. I adored the storyline with Cody, where Maggie gave the teen some support and guidance that he wasn’t getting at home.
Maggie and Silas had great chemistry and banter, and I enjoyed the extremely steamy sex scenes. The steam was well-written rather than gratuitous, and fit well with the storyline.
Silas was a little harder for me to love. I liked his confident hot-landscaper personality overall, but there were a few things that bothered me about their relationship. Mainly, how controlling he was towards Maggie when they weren’t even really dating. A few scenes showed him in a sort of caveman light, which I wasn’t the biggest fan of. Maggie was supposed to be strong and independent, and it didn’t feel realistic that she would put up with that.
This is a big book, but it’s worth your time. I really enjoyed all of the side-plots: Wallace the stodgy old man, Cody the disadvantaged teen, the treasure hunt aspect, and Maggie’s family drama. It all came together well to give this story a lot of depth.
And of course, I LOVED Kevin the dog and his adopted kitty friends.
The ending seemed a little far-fetched to me, and I think I would have preferred to see it go in a slightly different direction.

Small-town romance between a house-flipper and the landscaper -- sign me up.
Of course, the star of the show here was Kevin (the dog), as seen on the cover. Kevin belongs to Silas the landscaper, who meets Maggie when she comes to tiny Kinship, Idaho to restore a mansion. Maggie travels around the country flipping houses with her partner Dean and sharing the progress to her almost 1 million subscribers on YouTube.
This was my first Lucy Score book and it definitely pulled me in. Silas wasn't my favorite romantic lead -- I thought I was into an alpha, but maybe not, as he came on too strong for my taste. At the same time, I was able to look past it because it felt pretty obvious that Maggie was into it (even if I personally wasn't).
The audio narration by Emma Wilder was great and flowed really easily. (I don't know how she managed to voice Silas in addition to Maggie, but she did!)
I particularly liked the ending -- I loved the updates provided for the minor characters I came to care about! I may have even shed a tear or two, out of sheer happiness for them.

Lucy Score stories are always such a delight! Sprinkle with the perfect combo of quirky sassy and swoony feels, Maggie Moves On is such an enjoyable escape. Lucy gives us everything we love about her writing- a well constructed story, charming characters, the perfect setting, and so much heartfelt sincerity.
The premise of this story is so creative and fun- youtube vlogger Maggie renovates/restores houses and documents it for her channel, and her latest project brings her to a mansion in Idaho that is also part of her past, a memory with her mother. And the latest project brings her in the path of Silas, local landscape and total dreamboat. And soon restless, always on the go Maggie finds a town, and some people, that unexpectedly feel like home.
My goodness can Lucy Score write unforgettable, quirky and charming characters, of the human and the pet variety! The townspeople, the secondary characters, Maggie and Silas are all so enchanting. Silas is a charmer- a swoony book boyfriend who woos with his open heart and sweetness. I love how persistently and adorably he pursues the reluctant Maggie, and I really loved her and the tension she felt between the life she’s worked hard to create and the life she found unexpectedly. Their chemistry was chef’s kiss perfect- sweet, sexy, and brimming with well-meaning banter. A romance that perfectly balanced lightness and depth.
The town and the people all play a critical and lovable role in this story- and I loved how Lucy wove everything together so seamlessly. Details big and small weave together to give us such an endearing and meaningful story. Lucy stories always leave a smile on my face, and this one certainly left me with a full heart.
goodreads.com/review/show/4736179686

I am quickly becoming a big fan of Lucy Score! Something in her writing just clicks with me and it's incredibly easy to fall head over heels for the characters. After reading Things We Never Got Over I needed something of hers to sink back into and this one was an absolute delight! We love when the guy falls first and Sy was constantly finding ways to flirt with Maggie. I also loved the little side of suspense and mystery happening in this story as well. Oh, and can't forget Kevin, the best worst dog ever. I might have finished this in one sitting as well. It's the perfect blend of humour and chaos and definitely a fabulous addition to anyone's summer list!

Fun, witty read full of heart. Maggie is a Youtuber that renovates houses, moving on to her next as soon as she's finished, but when she comes to Kinship, ID to the house she's been waiting to come on the market for years she can't wait to do her magic touch and move on. What she doesn't count on was Kinship. With a sexy local landscaper, ex-husband/business partner, a menagerie of characters and a blended family that loves to blend in more this is a delightful, quirky, entertaining read that will engage you and expand the definition of family. Laugh out loud scenes, characters, mystery will have you falling for this unconventional family of people

I think I'm in the minority in that I really liked, but did not LOVE this one. Part of that was a "me" problem: I don't have the patience for a romance that's over 400 pages. While the prolific number of characters really solidified the themes of family and community in this book, there was just a lot going on (but there are a lot of really excellent characters). I really did like Maggie as a character, and Silas is a fantastic pairing for her. I loved that he didn't try to solve her problems, but tried to get her to see the benefit of accepting help from other people and of accepting a life that was more than just work.

Maggie Moves On reads like a spicy Hallmark movie and I am here for it. Maggie and Silas have great chemistry and their insta love is cute and believable. The banter between all the characters had me laughing out loud. I also loved the mystery surrounding the fictional town of Kinship. It was a nice secondary plot that really kept me interested in the story. The family dynamics rounded out the story and I absolutely loved the ending each character is given. This was a really cute read from Ms. Score and I look forward to reading more of her catalogue.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

If there's a dog, I'm reading it!
Maggie is your typical flawed lady — she has a past, scared of commitments because she may be rejected once again. But she takes it in stride as she keeps busy with her day-to-day DIY house renovations and Silas, the charming one. She's unable to focus on the task at hand when he's made it his mission to cause her to stare.
These two had a beautiful and fun love story!
Thanks, Forever Pub, for always filling my shelf with good books!

When it comes to sweet small town romances, no one writes them quite like Lucy. Words can’t even begin describe how much I enjoyed this book. I’ve always enjoyed and loved her indie small town romances. So I was really excited to read her first traditionally published romance and let me tell you that this book didn’t disappoint! Maggie Moves On had everything that I love about Lucy’s books.
I had a hard time putting this book down and also not wanting for Maggie and Silas story to end. Their banter and undeniable chemistry had me swooning throughout the book. I also loved the instalove between these two and how Silas was the first to fall in love. Normally you’d always see the heroine falling in love first and seeing this in reverse was refreshing and sweet. Plus, Silas was such an adorable cinnamon hero that you couldn’t help falling in love with. If there’s another thing that I enjoyed about this book was the lovable cast of secondary characters. Lucy Score was a great knack writing amazing secondary characters in her books and it always makes her stories even more enjoyable. Then there’s Kevin who was another wonderful addition to this story.
Overall, I enjoyed every bit of this captivating love story. I honestly cannot recommend it enough. Maggie Moves On is the feel good romance that will leave a smile on your face. So if there’s one book that I would recommend as the must read of the summer and entire year, it’s this book!

I’ve read almost everything Ms. Score has written and it’s always time well spent enjoying her witty dialog, fun characters, and more. This is her first traditionally published book and I wondered if the writing would change but she has a hit on her hands!
I loved Maggie in this story – independent, hard-working house flipper and even works with her ex-husband. They’ve become YouTube sensations as they video the work in progress at each site.
When she takes on a home in Idaho, it’s a massive undertaking, not only in the house but the landscaping. Then we meet Silas, an extraordinary landscaper. Oh my goodness, Silas was such a flirt and his dog, service school dropout Kevin really makes the story into something that is so much fun. We don’t often see when the man has his mind made up that he wants the woman in his life right away and he’s definitely in love. While Maggie doesn’t put down roots and always moves on to the next job, Silas doesn’t give up.
The witty banter, the hot as fire chemistry, small town romance along with the unique citizens of the town, the various family dynamics and Kevin, the story just couldn’t have been any better. It was a fun read from start to finish. I highly recommend!
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read this new work. Lucy Score is a tremendous talent and I look forward to reading more of her incredible stories.

This beautiful story of Maggie finding and losing her safety net was simply addiciting.
Maggie flips homes as a YouTube sensation. She buys, flips, and moves. This is her preferred cycle.
What happens when her team needs a change of pace, and she also meets the captivating Silas who from the start calls her his future wife?
I was an addict for how Silas approached his need for Maggie in his life. His banter and wit was unmatched. We recieved both his and Maggie's perspectives throughout the story and I could not get enough. I didn't want this to end.
We also got a little mystery, some amazing side characters, and some pretty heavy steam! It was everything I needed in a read, and more.
Thank you to the Forever team and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.

When Tied Down Meets Tumbleweed, It’s Magical
Maggie Moves On is yet one more reason Lucy Freaking Score is one of the top selling, and most amazingly talented, authors out there. Her ability to infuse humor and fun with insight and depth, levity with love, and elements of intrigue and mystery within a solid rom-com storyline shines in this novel.
This book is so much more than an opposites attract, small town romance. Of course it has its share of quirky characters, one-liners, and steamy bedroom (and not-in-the-bedroom) scenes. But it’s also brimming with beautifully deep philosophical truths couched in a strongly developed romance between two characters (Maggie and Silas) who seem both too good to be true, and like the most down to earth best friends anyone could have.
Perfectly placed supporting characters add even more depth and breadth to the story and the developing relationship of the main characters. Authentic and engaging dialogue and interactions bring Silas and Maggie’s personalities into even greater clarity and foster amazing connections between them and the book’s cast of characters, as well as the reader.
Throw in an adorable animal sidekick (or three), excellent pacing, and a few plot twists, and this is an incredibly engaging novel that I will read over and over again.

Maggie Moves On (rom-com)
Rating: really enjoyed
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the digital advanced copy. Full review on bookstagram to come.
This rom com follows Maggie, a YouTube influencer who takes viewers along as she flips houses (with her ex-husband, Dean!), and Silas, a landscaper contracted by Maggie on her current flip.
This is officially the year of literary dogs. There have been so many new releases with some excellent dogs, and Kevin lines up right with them. He may have stolen the show in this book, along with the cozy small town atmosphere so wonderfully described throughout the book.
The story dives right in to the "instant love" troupe, so be warned if that's not your thing. For me, I enjoy rom-coms that you have to suspend a bit of reality for, so this didn't phase me, and it made the book fun and full of tension. What I didn't love at times though, was the instant possessiveness of Silas. As his character develops, we get an insight into this, which helped to make sense of his character for me. During the progression of the story, readers also learn more about Maggie's past that is occasionally alluded to in the beginning, and we get to understand her character's quirks a bit better.
Another unexpected gem in this book is the positive relationship between Maggie and Dean. It's rare to read a story featuring ex-spouses where there wasn't hostility or a 'will they, won't they' get back together - none of that here. This close friendship was mostly healthy (slightly co-dependent) and positive, and I was here for it!
Read if you enjoyed: It Happened One Summer, Part of Your World

Maggie Moves On by Lucy Score might be a big book, but trust me it’s worth it. Which is saying something because I think the one-sided insta-love fit (& y’all know how I hate insta-love usually)
I loved the banter, funny moments, and lovable characters. From the renovation projects to the mystery of the house, I couldn’t put this one down!
This small town workplace romance with found family is one you don’t want to miss.
Thank you to @readforeverpub for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review

YouTube house flipper Maggie is renovating a dilapidated Victorian in rural Idaho, but she has no plans to stay. Can handsome landscaper Silas tempt her to change her mind?
This book is delightful. The chemistry between Maggie and Sy is palpable and funny. The side characters are quirky and add endearing elements to the story. There's also a bit of a mystery that's cute and fun.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Maggie enjoys her gypsy lifestyle, finding rundown homes all over the country in need of a serious makeover and flipping them as a part of her home reno YouTube show. That is, until she purchases a property in Kinship, Idaho - a town with meaning to her.
Silas’s company is hired to bring the landscape around property back to life. From the moment he lays his eyes on Maggie he falls HARD, spending the rest of the book, alongside the town of Kinship, essentially wearing Maggie down to the idea of planting roots.
This was the definition of a romcom. It was light and funny and had many swoon worthy moments. I feel like the majority of romances I read are slow burns, so this insta love (granted it is one sided) was a fun change of pace. Silas is brimming with confidence, making his shameless and relentless over the top flirting endearing. He definitely had alpha tendencies that I enjoyed for the most part, but did rubbed me the wrong way occasionally, especially for a man in his late 30’s.
There were so many great secondary characters, too. From Maggie’s partner Dean to Silas’s entire blended family to (my favorites) Wallace & Cody. This book did a wonderful job highlighting the joys of a found family and that warmed my heart to no end.
Please note this is a LONG book and occasionally very plot heavy. Around 70% in I found myself struggling a bit with all the fluff but I pushed on - the ending was worth it.

Lucy Freaking Score did it again, giving us another amazing story. Maggie is a YouTube star, who films her house flipping work. This time she's working on a historical house in Idaho and is not expecting a handsome & flirty landscaper. Silas is not only a hardworking man who loves the town but also has the most adorable dog Kevin, who chose his own name. I absolutely loved this small town, charming characters, Maggie's assistant Dean & Silas's family.

Disclaimer: I don't often read contemporary romance, and if I do, it's almost always queer contemporary romance. So in some ways I was expecting this to not be 100% my thing.
In a lot of ways, I absolutely loved this. I'm a sucker for found family, always, and this is a really excellent example of a huge, boisterous, loving, slowly growing found family. It's one of the best examples I've come across recently, in fact, and that part I would absolutely rate 5 stars.
Similarly Maggie herself I would give a high rating as she was an excellent main character. Hands-on, not afraid to get dirty, quick to see the potential in things, slow to trust, but with a huge heart, once you get past her walls.
My beef is with Silas, the love interest, also known as "Hot Landscaper Guy." He is... confusing. In most ways he is 100% the typical 'alpha male' hero who manhandles, bosses 'his girl' around, is sure he knows what's best for her in all situations, etc. I cannot stand alpha males, hence the lowered rating.
The confusing part comes in when he *isn't* being your typical alpha male. He could also be thoughtful, sensitive, emotionally well-adjusted, intelligent, and romantic. Then, at the drop of the hat, alpha male Silas was back. It was weird - almost as if the author were trying to create the 'perfect man' to please every reader.
Also, the romance is insta-love and 'fate' and he knows he's gonna marry her from the second he meets her (despite just getting out of a five-year relationship) and he spends the rest of the book attempting to convince her of that when she very much does not want to be convinced. It was very 'I'm right and you're wrong about your life choices so you should just do what I say.'
And he would just kiss her into agreeing with him basically. Like he would kiss her and her brain just went right out the window. And he gets all pout-y near the end when he thinks she might actually leave as she’d been planning to all along and he goes off and sulks for a month.
The sex scenes were also VERY alpha male and VERY straight and they made me cringe. I rolled my eyes and skimmed past them.
I also wished quite a few times that this were a queer romance. Like, pairing Maggie with a 'Hot Landscaper Gal' would have worked SO much better for me. Really, I would have happily taken a male-but-not-an-alpha-male love interest. Or a nonbinary love interest. I did like the queer secondary love story, but it was very much in the background.
I really enjoyed seeing the house slowly come together as the whole town pitched in, and I also really really enjoyed the historical mystery and treasure hunt storyline.
I should note that people who enjoy the alpha male dynamic will probably really enjoy this story.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing an e-arc for review.

DNF at 20%. I love the premise - I enjoy a good home improvement show and was rooting for Maggie. However I felt like Silas came on way too strong - if I were Maggie it would have been a hard no and left me feeling uncomfortable to work with him. And that’s before he said “good girl” to her after trying to reassure us that his moms raised him to respect women. Side characters come off like total caricatures. This one isn’t for me. Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for the free ebook to review.

Maggie is renovating her new house for her YouTube channel. It is her largest project so far and has a lot of history.
Silas is determined to be the landscaper for Maggie’s mansion renovation. It doesn’t hurt that he works without a shirt and has the abs to pull it off. I loved that he fell first and was so sure of their connection.
The grumpy historian Wallace was adorably invested in the property and history. Kevin the playful dog was a wonderful addition too. Loved the secondary characters and hope that’s a sign for more books!
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own and given freely.