after reading the first book in this series, I was excited for this one - I thought this was good but just a little too similar for my liking! I still am looking forward to reading more from lucy

After reading the first book in this series, I was really excited to be able to read Gloria and Aldo’s story. However, this one was not a favorite of mine. So much of the book was just a repeat of scenes in the first book but told from a different POV. Because of this, I found it really hard to stay engaged in the story. The main conflict at the end was also a letdown, seeing as how it had more to do with Luke and Harper than the actual main characters of this novel.

Overall this one wasn’t a winner for me.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Lucy Score for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Finally Mine is not your average romance. It deals with some very heavy topics, and while I appreciate the need to have them brought to light, I am not quite sure they were handled the best way throughout this story.

Gloria has been in an abusive relationship for ten years and has reached the point she decides to leave. Aldo has always had a crush on Gloria but missed his chance in high school. Domestic violence is a very sensitive topic with so many effects and caveats so it isn't easy to just say someone should have done something but at the same time it is difficult to read a book where it appears that no one did anything for ten years. Again, this is a very complex issue but I think it maybe needed some reworking.

While Aldo seemingly said and did all the right things once he made his intentions known, and I overall liked Aldo and felt like he and Gloria were a good match, my bigger issue was his treatment of her once he returned from his deployment. Did I understand his situation? 100% But given her history, I had a really difficult time reconciling his treatment of her and him being the hero in this story.

I adored Harper and the friendship between her and Gloria and the general theme of overcoming one's past or difficult obstacles to move forward in life in a more positive manner.

I think the book has promise but it didn't keep me fully invested and it wasn't a favorite by the author. I do look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.

I did not know this book was the second book in the Benevolence serries. I decided to give it a try.

This is a story of Aldo and Gloria who are very much in love but they both have skeltons in their closet. Can their love survive all that they have dealt with in their pasts?

I am now going to go back and read the first book.

She does it again. With another one that keeps you on the edge and wanting more. Her writing is beautiful and keeps you turning page after page to find out whats going to become of the story.

I enjoyed the first book in the Benevolence series. I couldn’t finish this one. I tried to get through it and Couldn’t.

Lucy Score never disappoints with anything that she creates. A master at telling romance at its finest, she’s an autobuy author of mine for a reason. Absolutely loved this story as much as her others!

I have heard quite a lot about Ms. Score so when I got the chance I knew I would try any of her stories - and my first pick went for Finally Mine, which is a rerelease of the book that was published previously.
Gloria spent a decade in a relationship with an abusive husband that was beating her and finally when this goes over her threshold she decided to leave him. She's a 27-year-old that is about to start her life anew and maybe open to something new ahead of her. Then there is Aldo, who had a crush on her for a very long time... and while it was a good direction, his behavior during her marriage and going deployed and more made him unlikeable to me and a plain hypocrite!
And then when Aldo deployed, Gloria was trying to find out what she wants/who she is, but after ten years it can't be easy. And.. after he comes back nothing is the same, something changed and no one knows what, but as time follows the author will reveal reasons and what is exactly happening there.
I wanted to love this book, but unfortunately, something felt off while reading like I was going on a repetitive mode from both perspectives and characters sometimes were going over the board when it comes to what they felt (especially Gloria).

4.5 stars rounded up

WOW, this book! I think I cried through most of this story either from heartbreak, anger, or joy that it provoked, but I loved every minute of it. This story had the romance, struggle, triumph and action that had my complete attention. I flew through it, the writing was excellent, the plot had depth. Both Gloria and Aldo were amazing characters, the strength they both showed, leaning on each other when they needed the support. Aldo was so charming and sweet, I don’t know how anyone could not fall in love with him. Gloria showed such determination, drive and resilience and I was in awe of her the whole book. I would highly recommend checking this story out.
Trigger warnings: Domestic abuse, combat trauma, bullying, blood
I received an advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.

Everything Lucy Score writes, I will read. What a spicy read and fun continuation of a story that I already love! Definitely would recommend reading from the comfort of your home, NOT the public like on a subway (oops, my mistake!). LOVE!

Rating: 3.5/5⭐️
Spice: 1/5🌶️

Summary: Gloria has spent 10 years being the subject of one man’s attention in all the wrong ways. After finding the strength to leave him, she’s approached by someone she never thought would look her way. She’s convinced she isn’t worthy of him but he’s determined to set her straight.

Thoughts: This book was really beautiful and emotional. Definitely look into trigger warnings prior to reading if you have any.

I really loved this story but wish it wasn’t simultaneous with Book 1 in this series. Several chapters of this book was word for word Book 1 so it just felt so repetitive.

Other than that, I loved the story and both of the main characters. It’s definitely worth the read but I’d wait a long time to read it if you recently read Book 1 so it feels more fresh to you.

I couldn’t finish this one. I tried to get through it and even though I was almost done I just didn’t care about the characters or the story.
I’m sure I’m in the minority here. I think it will appeal to many, especially if you are a fan.

In this follow up to Pretend Your Mine, we get to see Aldo come to terms with his amputation and Gloria rebuild her life after years of abuse. The story is empowering and inspiring. It's a beautiful story about believing in yourself and finding people who see you for who you really are. Definitely add Book 2 of the Benevolence series to your TBR!

Lucy score is a great author and I enjoyed this one. It's part of a series, and if you're like me, you'll read them in order. Characters were interesting and the storyline moved along.

This book was really cute! I enjoyed the slow burn much more than the first one. I think this plot was stronger, and I loved seeing the same story told from a completely different point of view! It was a little longer than I felt was necessary but overall I really enjoyed it.

I think I would have enjoyed this more if it would have picked up after Pretend Your Mine. While I enjoyed Aldo and Gloria and wish there would have been more or something new to the plot. Finally Mine literally follows the same time line as Pretend Your Mine. I did enjoy watching Gloria find the strength to leave her abusive relationship, discover who she is as a woman, and find love again. And Aldo.....well we love a swooning hero!

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy of Finally Mine by Lucy Score. I adore Lucy Score novels, she adds so much punch into her romance story lines and it is worth it!

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of review.

I am trying to give Lucy Score a chance, but she’s just not for me. All of her characters are in their 30s and 40s but they are very childish, I can no longer look post it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lucy Score & Bloom Books for an ARC of Finally Mine. This review is wholly my own and may not be reproduced (except quoted synopsis).

“Gloria is due a happily ever after. She's lost ten years to a toxic, dangerous relationship. Now that she's finally free—and medicating with makeovers and margaritas in her mother's kitchen—she has a long road ahead of her remembering who she really is. She's scarred. But scarred doesn't mean broken.

While Gloria's deciding to take the next decade off from men, along comes larger-than-life, hometown hero Aldo Moretta. He's saying all the right things and flirting in all the right ways. He's deploying for six months and wants a date...with Gloria...when he comes back. Swoon. Panic.

One kiss, one dazzling, remember-for-a-lifetime kiss and he's gone. But life and happily ever afters don't always take the straight path. When Aldo's deployment is cut short by an injury, it's up to Gloria to be the hero for them both.”

Lucy Score is one of my go-to authors for romance. She never disappoints. No exception here!

I enjoyed following Gloria’s story and the message sent through this story to value yourself.

All the romance & all the feels that Lucy is known for.

I highly recommend this title & this series.

4/5 Stars

I didn't bother reading that book because it just didn't pique my interest. I mean, I already mentioned in my review of the first book that I didn't find it all that entertaining.
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for sharing this digital review copy.