Just as sweet, spicy, and emotional as all the other books in the Knockemout universe - fans will love "Things We Left Behind!"

I was patiently waiting for my pre-order of Things We Left Behind to come in, assuming there was no way I would be approved for an ARC considering the hype surrounding this book. Well, Friday afternoon before the long weekend, @read_bloom surprised me with an approval. I screamed, ditched all of the other ARCs I should have been reading and dove right in!

I always find it hard to review series books because I don't want to spoil anything from earlier books, so I'm going to be somewhat vague. The main thing to take away from my review is that the hype for the Knockemout series and, especially for this book, is real. Things We Left Behind is my new favorite from the series and one of my favorite reads of the whole year!

I was intrigued by Lucian (aka Suit Daddy) in the earlier books and especially by his connection to Sloane, the town librarian. The tension between them has always been so intense, their chemistry off the charts, and it was very clear they had history. I absolutely loved finally getting to deep dive into that history in this book. Their story is one of the best enemies-to-lovers, second chance romances I've ever read and I honestly can't remember the last time I've been so fully invested in a couple.

Lucian's history truly broke my heart and made me all the more glad he has Knox and Nash, who are like brothers to him, in his life. My heart also broke learning what ripped Lucian and Sloane apart when they were younger.

This book was truly everything I hoped it would be and more, and I actually cried when I got to the end 1) because it was perfect and 2) because I was so sad it was over. The epilogues were perfection as well though, so if we're not going to return to Knockemout, I'm very content with this as a series finale.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks so much to @scorelucy, @read_bloom, & @netgalley for my e-arc. All opinions are my own.

Omg this book! When I first started this series I was instantly drawn into Lucian's character and I've been impatiently waiting for this book so I could finally read his story. The wait was worth it! I am obsessed! I absolutely loved the witty banter between Lucian and Sloane. Every time she called him Lucifer made me chuckle. I also adored his nickname of Pixie/Pix for her.

The character growth in this book was perfection. My heart broke for Lucian and I am so happy that he finally got his happy ever after and the family that he deserves. The chemistry between the main characters was written to perfection. Seriously, there isn't one single flaw in this book. *Chefs kiss*

This book has adventure, lots of sass and witty banter, and a delicious amount of steam. Lucy sure knows how to write about intimate moments in a way that can make grown women blush and swoon. Be still my beating heart. I was torn between wanting to binge-read this and never put it down, and wanting to savor every single second so it would never end. I hate that this book is over. I hate that the series is over! I need more Knockemout in my life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for sending me this book as an eARC!

Things We Left Behind is the last book in the series - while it could be read as a standalone, it shouldn't be. Each book in the series follows different couples but the biggest storyline is a progression through each book. If you read them alone or even out of order; you would be pretty confused about main themes throughout the book.

Since book 1 I have been anxiously awaiting to hear Sloane and Lucian's story. While I enjoyed this book - I kind of was disappointed in the reason they hated each other. I can't explain why I was disappointed other than I was. I did love their love story and how it unfolded. It was great to finally see all that tension be used for some good (if you know what I mean). I also really enjoyed how we got to see the other 2 couples so much in this book. This book nicely wrapped up the series and our time in Knockemout.

I was given an Advanced Reader Copy by NetGalley for an honest review of this book.

Loved this story. Having read another Lucy Score, I was so excited to get the chance to read this one. It did not disappoint. Lucian and Sloane create the perfect storm of chaos, intrigue, and passion.

I have been waiting for Lucian and Sloane’s story since I read the first book in the Knockemout series, and I devoured it.

Things We Left Behind is the fiery, friends to enemies to lovers third installment of the Knockemout trilogy. For Sloane, Lucian is the boy next door and ultimate high school crush, but for the last 20 years, the two have been at each others throats. After years of fighting, the two call a momentary truce after the death of Sloane’s father, who helped Lucian in his time of need, and who Lucian has spent his life trying to pay back for that help. But even that truce can’t last. Desperate to be rid of each other once and for all, the two try the one thing they haven’t yet - giving in to their explosive sexual tension. They hope it will be a “one and done”, but they continue to be drawn to each other. As their present relationship unfolds, the history between the two is revealed through flashbacks, letting everyone know what caused their rift in the first place.

As expected, this book is full of banter and sexy as hell. The tension between Lucian and Sloane is palpable for the reader, and their chemistry is off the charts. They make a compelling couple, and I couldn’t wait to find out the history between the pair that led to their falling out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the ARC of this great romance!

I love Knockemout and Lucy Score, but sadly, I was not invested in Lucian and Sloane's story like I thought I'd be. It started off strong but then the rest dragged for me. Loved the ending and epilogues, though! I'm going to miss Knockemout but I'm really hoping Lucy revisits the series by adding a book for Stef and Jeremiah!

Thanks so much, NetGalley and Bloom Books, for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Lucy really saved the best couple for last!!! Suit Daddy + Pixie FOREVER!

Lucian Rollins, the grumpiest of all tortured heroes. Sloane, the fiercest and brightest librarian in Knockemout. A match made in heaven or hell? The chemistry between them is electric, and their journey from enemies to lovers is the perfect mixture of banter and tension. I've been rooting for them since book one, and their story did not disappoint. I loved the flashbacks to their younger selves, which really brought the story full circle. This is an absolute must-read with a perfect blend of romance and suspense.

Thanks to NetGalley, Bloom Books, and Lucy Score for allowing me access to this book. All opinions are my own.

just amazing!!! i've been waiting for this book for forever!! luciansloane were amazing and their dynamics were so fun. their love story is bittersweet and i can't wait to see what's next!

This was so good! I Lucien and Sloane together. I was so happy to see their happily ever after after the other 2 books! I do wish that Jeremiah and Stef had their own book. It just seemed like an after thought for them.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

I thought I was a diehard Naomi and Knox fan. Then I swooned over Lina and Nash. But OMG there is something beyond special about Sloane and Lucian. @scorelucy has hit the trifecta with three stories about three couples and none of them are better than the other. This entire series, for me, is top tier romance. Also, if I can just move to Knockemout I would be the happiest human. That town is full of my people.

Sloane and Lucian’s past has set them up for the most perfect enemies to lovers story. Even though this is 600 page book, I got sucked in from page one and couldn’t put it down. I read this in about 24 hours… while working lol. I laughed out loud, I SOBBED uncontrollably, I felt scared and hurt and every other emotion. The way Lucy Score can write a romance novel with suspense and not have it feel off is amazing.

What am I going to do now with this series being over?!?

I enjoyed the first two novels in the series but Lucian and Sloane’s story was the one I was really waiting to read. Surly bad guy Lucian was such a mystery, we were never really given any backstory and only the fine polished surface of good looks and possible villain. We knew he really wasn’t though. Sloane, in the previous books, was always a fun best friend and the person you went to for good advice. The author dangled their dislike in front of the reader’s faces making us want to take a big chomp out of them but we were never given the chance. Boy, that wait was worth it.

Once you dive into this novel and understand their backstory, everything makes sense. I fell in love with Sloane’s do-gooder attitude even more and my curiosity about Lucian only grew until by the end I was all in for these two seemingly mis-matched pair, who were actually a perfect fit. One of the things I love the most about enemies to lovers plots is seeing the alpha male go from serious to cracking a smile and there were many smiles to be had by everyone by the end of this book. Well done Ms. Score! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review and it was honest!

I shouldn't have been nervous to read this book. My expectations were incredibly high for Sloane and Lucian, and let me tell you, Lucy Score delivered ten-fold! A true masterpiece with "I hate that I want you vibes" and "Let's get each other out of our systems". Spoiler alert: they don't get each other out of their systems.

The hate between Sloane and Lucian has been there since the first book, but we finally learn why. I'm always wary of flashbacks, because sometimes, they end up interrupting the storyline at crucial moments. But Lucy wrote those pieces right where they needed to be, and there weren't too many to take away from the present time. But I was not ready for the onslaught of emotions I went through with those flashback moments. My heart BROKE for Lucian!

Taking it back to the romance... Prepare to turn on your a/c, because Lucian is ready to dish it all out in dirty talk! This man is an unstoppable, wrecking ball of a force. And Sloane gives it back as good as she takes it, which made this duo explosive! Of course, while the chemistry draws them together like moths to a flame, there's so much history and pain they can't ignore.

My ooooonly problem was one part of the resolution was solved way too quickly. I understand it's been going since the first book, but I still expected more of it in this book. Still, there was an added plot twist I didn't see coming, which did take me by complete surprise! The suspense was at an all-time high.

Seeing the gang back together filled my heart with absolute joy. And the best part has to be the bonus epilogue; I shed a few tears as I was reading it!

Things We Left Behind is a gem. Long-time fans will be entirely satisfied with Sloane and Lucian. This book was the perfect way to end the series, especially with the bonus epilogue.

IF YOU LIKE
- Enemies with Benefits
- Neighbors
- Small Town
- "I hate that I want you"
- Romantic Suspense
- Hand Necklace
- "Good girl"
- "Look at me"

I had been waiting for Sloane & Lucian’s story since book 1, and it did NOT disappoint!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5

We meet and get to know Sloane & Lucian in the two previous books - we know they have history and for some reason, hate each other.

In Things We Left Behind we finally get that story. The past chapters are heavy and I had to pause at some point (check trigger warnings below). The present chapters have so much witty “enemy” banter between our two MCs, it’s so so good. Definitely an emotional rollercoaster!

What you’ll find in Things We Left Behind:
💜 Second chance
💜 Enemies to lovers
💜 “One night stand” - we’re never doing this again!
💜 Small town
💜 Older MCs (30+)
💜 Grumpy Sunshine
💜 Dual timeline
💜 More of the Morgan brothers
💜 More Lina, Naomi, Waylay, Stef & Jeremiah
💜 Book 3 in series
💜 Dual POV/first person

*I’m not sure why this book doesn’t come with trigger warnings - I found these topics heavy: alcoholism, domestic violence, child abuse (teen)

Thank you to NetGalley & Sourcebooks Bloom Books for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Things We Left Behind
Book 3/3 Knockemout Series
🗓️ 09/05/23
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Lucian Rollins is a lean, mean vengeance-seeking mogul. On a quest to erase his abusive father's mark on the family name, he spends every waking minute pulling strings and building his empire. The more money and power he gains, the safer he feels.

Except when it comes to one feisty small-town librarian…

Bonded by an old, dark secret from the past and their current mutual disdain, Sloane Walton trusts Lucian about as far as she can throw his designer-suited body.

When bickering accidentally turns to foreplay, the flames are fanned, and it's impossible to put them out again. But with Sloane more than ready to start a family and Lucian refusing to even consider the idea of marriage and kids, these enemies-to-lovers are stuck at an impasse.

Until Lucian learns the hard way that leaving Sloane is impossible―the very least he can do is to keep her safe.”

Holy 🥵 If you read the first two books in the series then you knew Sloane and Lucian’s story was gonna be a rollercoaster ride! I loved how @scorelucy wrote a past and present day account of Sloane and Lucian’s history. From childhood trauma and deception to undeniable sexual tension and whitty banter. This book was everything that the series needed to end on! You may not have loved Lucian from the start but I promise you, you will by the end of this series! He was a born protector who loves with his whole heart.

Thank you @netgalley @scorelucy and @sourcebooks for this advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review!

#thingsweleftbehind #lucyscore #lucyscoreauthor #knockemoutseries #netgalley #arcreview #sourcebooks #lucianrollins #sloanewalton #lucianandsloane #friendstolovers #enemiestolovers #bookstagram #newrelease

Lucian Rollins, a driven mogul seeking vengeance, crosses paths with the determined small-town librarian, Sloane Walton. Despite their initial dislike for each other, a passionate one-night stand ignites a complicated relationship, but Lucian's fear of endangering Sloane keeps them at an impasse.

Things We Left Behind, the third book in the Knockemout series and it’s a continuation in the series so I recommend reading the other two before you get to this. Lucy’s writing always draws me in and I was thrilled to revisit familiar characters like Naomi, Knox, Lina, Nash, and Stef. My favorite aspect of this book was the flashbacks that provided insights into Lucian and Sloane’s teenage years and how they’ve evolved over the years. One of the highlights was finally getting answers to the mystery surrounding Hugo. Though I loved Sloane in the first two books, I was disappointed in her character in this book. Her character seemed to undergo a drastic transformation and she came across as a somewhat desperate heroine in an unfavorable light. Lina remains my favorite FMC. As for Lucian, he was as grumpy and possessive as I assumed he would be, but I didn’t like his complete switch in character towards the end of this book. There was an additional legal case introduced in the story that I didn’t find as engaging. While the book was fun to read, I couldn’t help but feel that it could have been shorter by about 200 pages. Overall, I had mixed feelings about this one and it was 3 stars for me. Nevertheless, the Knockemout series as a whole is great and I loved the characters.

Well, it would be hard to say very much without spoiling everything, so I’ll just say that if you enjoyed the first two, you will love this one too. Lucian is awesome, and this final installment wraps up everything in the stories thoroughly.

This started a little slowly for me, with the push and more push between Sloane and Lucian dragging a little. The banter was good, but damn it, I just wanted them to get moving. The flashbacks also were slow, in that I knew what was coming (not a mystery there) before the chapters arrived. I was impatient about getting to the good parts, but they were worth the wait. Really worth the wait. The second half of the book had so much going on that I forgot that the first half was slow until I started writing this review.

So, in the end, I know I don’t have to tell you to read it. If you read the first two books, you’ve been waiting for Suit Daddy’s story. If you are one of the twelve people on Earth who didn’t read the first two, go read them first, since there is an arc that goes through the set. Plus Knox and Nash weren’t exactly a chore to read.

Enjoy! Lucy definitely saved the best for last with this one!

I'm so sad to say goodbye to Knockemout! I loved this book maybe even more than TWNGO purely because I was just waiting to read Lucian and Sloane's story. The epilogues made me cry even more than I cried 30 pages into the book.

I'm sad to say goodbye but I can always reread them...it just won't be the same as it is the first time.

This book was absolute perfection and everything I was hoping for in anticipation of Lucian and Sloane's story. I was in tears in chapter 1, I laughed throughout the book and swooned more than once. Sloane is such a fantastic heroine, she's feisty and independent. Lucian is a grumpy, billionaire boy next door. He is damaged and broken and definitely goes through the most change in this book. All your favorite Knockemout characters are present and there is a suspense storyline that carries from Books 1 and 2.

I will definitely be doing this in audio because I just need to hear Lucian's chapters done by the very talented Sebastian York.

This is one of my favorite books of the year! I am sad the series is over, but they will all be on my reread list.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily give my review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book, provided by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I can't believe it's over. I can't believe we've reached Lucian and Sloane's story. We knew from the first two books that their backstory was a doozy - but it even defied my expectations. This grumpy-sunshine enemies to lovers story absolutely did not disappoint.

Unfortunately, this story starts with a death and steamrolls from there. The emotion was thick here, and once Lucian got his head out of his butt, the steam, banter and emotion all snapped into place. I love Knockemout. I love the characters. I especially love how the characters from previous stories make big appearances.

Reading the backstory, pulling into the present and following through with the endgame, Lucian and Sloane were top notch. I cried my way through that epilogue. It wrapped everything up so nicely. I loved it do much. But I'm still sad to leave Knockemout behind.