Finally Mine
by Lucy Score

4/5 ⭐
4/5 🌶

(NOTE: I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for providing an honest review).

Finally Mine is the second book in the Benevolence dulology (but @scorelucy if you are reading this, Linc needs his own book). It is a spicy contemporary small town romance with dual POV.

Gloria is finally out of a decade-long abusive relationship. Aldo wants to make his move. It happens concurrently with Pretend You're Mine, so all of your favorite Benevolence are there (and you get an interesting new perspective on Harper and Luke).

Nobody writes small towns like Score does. I would move to Benevolence or Knockemout in a heartbeat. The supporting characters really make her books sing, and Finally Mine is no different. For example: Linc, the man who deserves his own book. 😘

I read this on vacation at it was everything that I wanted it to be. If you are a Lucy Score fan, you want to read this one. You don't have to read Pretend You're Mine first, but I would recommend it. I would also recommend Linc getting his own book lol.

Lucy Score writes laugh out loud funny stories and this is no exception. Such a fun romance that kept me highly entertained!

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in the “Benevolence ” series. My biggest complaint is that it is the same story from the first book, just told in two other characters POV. The dialogue at major plot points is exactly the same as the first book. The themes in the first book of being unworthy of love and breaking up are again repeated in this story.

After reading the first story the ending to this story is already obvious. But Gloria’s character growth is enjoyable. Seeing her find herself again after being abused for ten years makes my heart happy.

The smut was a redeeming quality in this story. It was a slow burn, at a nice pace. But once they crossed the physical line it was every chapter thereafter. The details were spicy and enjoyable.

I wanted to love this book so much because the first book is one of my favorite Lucy Score books but it just didn’t do it for me.

It wasn’t because I didn’t like the main characters. I loved Aldo and Gloria but there wasn’t any NEW content here. This book followed the same timeline as Pretend You’re Mine THROUGH THE WHOLE THING. There was no element of surprise. We knew everything that was going to happen before it happened except it was told through Aldo and Gloria’s POV. When I pick up a sequel, I’m hoping to see a new timeline AFTER the one that we already read about in book one but that’s just me.

The one aspect of this that I did love was seeing Aldo’s POV during his time being deployed. War is a sensitive topic that you don’t see too often in books so that was kind of neat to read about.

Can we also take a minute to discuss how amazing both Aldo and Gloria’s mothers were!? Aldo’s mother was so freaking sassy and witty while Gloria’s mother was her biggest supporter. Both characters had been through a lot of trauma and it was bittersweet to see how they (along with the help of many friends and family) helped each other through the healing process.

All in all, good book but I’m still team Harper and Luke!

Loved Gloria and Aldo's story! I was introduced to this couple in Pretend You're Mine and couldn't wait to find out what happens between these two. Both are wounded - Gloria because of a history of domestic abuse and Aldo due to an injury during active service. Loved how they came together and can't wait for the next in the series!

Finally Mine by Lucy Score is an enthralling and uplifting romance that follows Gloria, a woman who has escaped an abusive relationship and is now on a journey of self-discovery. When Aldo, a hometown hero with a long-standing crush on Gloria, enters her life, their connection is undeniable. However, their budding romance faces obstacles when Aldo's deployment is cut short due to an injury.

This book beautifully explores themes of healing, strength, and finding love after overcoming adversity. Gloria's resilience and determination to reclaim her identity are inspiring, while Aldo's unwavering support and affection make him an irresistible and lovable hero. The chemistry between them is electric, and their love story unfolds with passion and tenderness.

Lucy Score's writing skillfully balances humor, emotion, and heartwarming moments. The story not only focuses on the romance between Gloria and Aldo but also introduces delightful secondary characters, such as the hilarious Mrs. Moretta and an adorable rescue kitten. With its captivating storyline and well-developed characters, Finally Mine is a must-read for fans of uplifting and heartfelt romances.

2.5/5

“Mija, sometimes the thing that makes the most sense is wrong. Don't hide away, trying to protect yourself from ever getting hurt again. It will be a sad and colorless life. Without pain, there is no joy."

i wasn’t as invested in gloria and aldo’s story as i was hoping to be unfortunately. this story and ‘pretend you’re mine’ are happening at the same time meaning a lot of this story was just a recap of those events… told from a different pov.

it was good but it wasn’t anything spectacular. i’m a lucy score fan through and through though and i plan on picking up the third book so i know how it ends!

thank you to netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for an e-arc of this book!

I really enjoyed this romance from Lucy Score. My first Score romance and it did not disappoint. It was a quick read that captivated my attention very quickly A story full of strength and perseverance. I loved both the male and female characters. I found their stories realistic and raw. This was a unique second chance romance (one of my favorite tropes). I think there was just enough spice to keep it interesting, however more like a slow burn in that aspect.

I will admit, I had a hard time finishing this book. But that isn't on the author, that is my own. I am happy to see that the character Gloria came through the other side of her abuse, but if you've ever wondered what it's like for someone who has experienced partner abuse? This explains it very very well. Otherwise, very good book.

Many people have said the storyline takes place at the same time as book 1 in the benevolence series and is in a 3rd person POV. So, there was a lot of overlap of the same story and the same dialogue. For me, this was the first time I read this series, so I didn't feel that. I feel that now knowing what the first one is about, I have a clear picture, and I didn't even read it.

Gloria is healing from 10 years in an abusive relationship when she has a second chance with a high school crush, Aldo. Aldo is about to deploy but tells her to be ready for a date when he returns. An injury changes his plans and his outlook on life, and we follow along to see if these two can heal together or if too much has happened for a happily ever after!

This book was very emotional and had lots of trigger warnings, but i enjoyed some parts of it.

Thank you, NetGalley

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
Aldo Moretta has pined for Gloria all of his life, but she was off-limits, married to an abusive man. Now that she has broken free from her toxic marriage, she is trying to enjoy her freedom and singledom.

Then Aldo comes along and ruins her plans for staying away from men for a long time. He promises her a date after his deployment, and then he comes home injured and broken. Now Gloria must lean on the steps she took to put herself together on Aldo.

This was a good read. I had to suspend the belief that Aldo was not the type to put a kibosh on Gloria's toxic relationship. Putting that aside lets Aldo and Gloria go through this journey of finding peace amid the chaos and adversities life threw their way.

I liked the chemistry between Aldo and Gloria. The flirting and the banter created a nice tension that has us yearning for their happily ever after. And the spicy pay-off? So worth it.

I have adored the Benevolence book universe, because the ensemble cast has so much charisma. Their personalities and quirks are so relatable that it makes you wish that it existed. Out of the three books in this series, this was probably my least favorite, but it is still a good read nonetheless.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Lucy Score, Bloom Books, and NetGalley for providing an ARC. **

Whew Lucy Score books are gooood! The characters go through intense things together and have pasts that they address. She is an engaging writer and I enjoyed reading this one!

Thank you NetGalley and Lucy Score!

Just like in Lucy Score's Knockemout series, Finally Mine has serious issues the hero and heroine go through. Gloria Parker endures years of abuse from her husband. Aldo Moretta is a town hero who is deployed in the National Guard but comes home with an injury. Both have to start their lives anew and somehow help each other through their trauma.

I love that they get a second chance at love after having a crush on each other in high school. It was a classic Lucy Sore, so if you like her books, you'll enjoy this one as well!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Just like in Lucy Score's Knockemout series, there are serious issues the hero and heroine go through. Gloria Parker endures years of abuse from her husband. Aldo Moretta is a town hero who is deployed in the National Guard but comes home with an injury. Both have to start their lives anew and somehow help each other through their trauma. It was hard to read about what Gloria goes through, but I'm glad she got justice. Aldo has a hero complex and is a bit prideful, but his injury humbles him. I love that they get a second chance at love after having a crush on each other in high school. I'd give this a 4*, but beware of triggers: military, disability/war injury, domestic violence/sexual assault.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Triggers: Domestic Abuse, Rape (mention)
🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
📖Thank you, NetGalley, for this read in exchange for an honest review!
•What did I think of this book? (Mult. POV)
This book was fantastic! As all Lucy Score's books 💜💜 It was on the same timeline as the first book; Pretend You're Mine. This is for Gloria and Aldo 💙 she's just getting out of a toxic 10-year relationship. He's been waiting for his shot since high school, and now she's single. He's being deployed for 6 months and each has their demons and have to overcome them, and they work together to reach happiness. I would recommend this book!

Gave this one a go and I’m sad that I don’t think the authors writing is for me. However the story is cute and definitely one I recommend to others who may enjoy romance in 3rd person!

I really liked Arlo and Gloria in Pretend You’re Mine. I thought they made a cute couple and was excited to see their development from their own perspectives.

Both characters have had a traumatic experience and are healing from all they’ve experienced. I did appreciate how the author spent time exploring this and didn’t gloss over it. However, I really struggled to stick with the story. It’s the same information from the first book, and yes, it’s from a different POV and that changes things, it still felt like too much of the same thing. I think part of the reason was that it was really long. I truly don’t see the point of it being more than 300 pages.

While I did enjoy this book overall, I felt that it was just way too long and repetitive in regards to book one. I do want to read book three because Linc caught my eye when he first appeared in book one, but I’m also not holding out hope that it will be much better if it’s also extremely long.

Thank you NetGalley, Bloom Books and the author for an ARC of Finally Mine by Lucy Score for an honest review.

This was my first Lucy Score book. There are some tough scenes in this book that deal with domestic violence. I did feel that it was mostly discussed in the beginning of the book. From there it was more how Gloria was dealing with healing and moving on.

This book did drag for me and I found my self skimming through parts of it. It was very wordy and I think it could have been a great book even if it was a little shorter.

I had not previously read book one and I don't think you would need to. This was mainly the story of Gloria and Aldo but also went into friendships and relationships with other people in the town. The spice in the book came as a surprise to me! The first 80% of the book was not spicy at all so I was not expecting that at all.

1 loved this book so much. It had so much healing. I have been in a similar situation as Gloria, and to see the growth and healing that she did for herself when she had every right to be a victim. Ugh. It was so cathartic.
The romance was a bit of a slow burn, and definitely had me wanting WAAAAY more of that spice.
Aldo is such an charismatic character and I loved seeing all the different sides of him, other than just the show he puts on for everyone else.
Really enjoyed this one and highly suggest checking it out! She just got a new facelift and I'm loving the new covers for this series.
Thank you @netgalley for the ebook copy

ALDO FREAKEN MORETTA! That man is soo fine and I’ve officially inducted him into my book boyfriends hall of fame.

Lucy Score captured my heart once again and would not let go. This can be read as a standalone, but reads better as the companion novel to Pretend Your Mine (which I highly suggest). I’ve read a few of Lucy Score’s books now and Finally Mine is hands down my FAVORITE of them all.

The character development with Gloria and Aldo was beautiful and I laughed and cried with them over their journey separately and together. Both characters had demons to face and struggles of their own to deal with and watching them conquer those individually and come together was mind-blowing.

Lucy Score portrayed a heartbreaking but beautiful journey of survival after DV, and PTSD and living with the horrors that come with it and both their journeys had me FLOORED and my heart shattered to pieces. I cannot get enough of these two, these characters, this town and if I could I’d transport myself to Benevolence and live there.

I cannot recommend the Benevolence series enough, and I can’t wait to continue with this series with Linc’s story.

Read if you like: decade of pining, secret crushes, military war heros, epic girl gang, found family, small town romance, facing your demons, big grand gestures, HEAs