Diving into the heartwarming, steamy, and hilarious world of Lucy Score can be an incredible reading experience, but knowing where to start is key. With interconnected series, beloved standalone novels, and characters that feel like old friends, figuring out the correct sequence is essential for maximum enjoyment. This guide provides the definitive list of Lucy Score books in order, from her blockbuster Knockemout series to her foundational Benevolence novels.
We'll break down each series, highlight key standalone reads, and give you the perfect roadmap to explore every small town and swoon-worthy romance she has crafted. Whether you're a new fan drawn in by a viral hit or a longtime reader wanting a refresh, this comprehensive list ensures you won't miss a single moment of the story. For any reader, ensuring you follow the right sequence is crucial to appreciating the character crossovers and overarching plots that make her universe so immersive and special.
1. Things We Never Got Over
Kicking off the wildly popular Knockemout series, Things We Never Got Over is the perfect entry point into Lucy Score’s interconnected world of small-town romance. This book introduces readers to Naomi Witt, a runaway bride who finds herself stranded in the quirky, nosy town of Knockemout, Virginia. She's there to rescue her estranged, trouble-making twin sister, Tina, but quickly gets mistaken for her and saddled with a niece she never knew she had.
Enter Knox Morgan, the grumpy, bearded barber with a heart of gold who wants nothing to do with Naomi’s brand of chaos. Despite his best efforts to stay away, he finds himself inexplicably drawn into her messy life. This novel became a phenomenon, largely thanks to its massive popularity on BookTok, where the hashtag #ThingsWeNeverGotOver has garnered millions of views. It's the quintessential grumpy-meets-sunshine trope executed with heart, humor, and plenty of emotional depth.
Why It's a Must-Read First
Series Introduction: As the first book, it lays the essential groundwork for the entire Knockemout series, introducing key characters and the town’s unique dynamics. To fully appreciate the ongoing storylines, understanding the events of this book is crucial. For more details on why starting with the first book is so important, check out our reading order FAQ.
Emotional Investment: Be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions. The characters are deeply flawed yet incredibly lovable, making their journey of healing and second chances highly compelling.
Series Hooks: The story concludes with satisfying resolutions for Naomi and Knox but cleverly plants seeds for the next books, ensuring you'll be eager to see what happens next with the other residents of Knockemout.
2. Things We Hide from the Light
The second installment in the Knockemout series, Things We Hide from the Light, shifts the focus to Knox's brother, Nash Morgan. As the town's chief of police, Nash is struggling with the aftermath of events from the first book, battling anxiety and a hero complex that has him spiraling. His world is turned upside down by Lina Solavita, a fiercely independent and secretive insurance investigator who wants nothing to do with him or his small-town charm.
This enemies-to-lovers romance delves into themes of healing from trauma and learning to accept help. The book was celebrated by romance bloggers and reviewers for its realistic portrayal of anxiety and Nash's journey toward vulnerability. Lina's mysterious past and sharp wit provide the perfect counterbalance to Nash's good-guy persona, creating a dynamic and steamy connection that keeps the pages turning. It's a vital part of understanding the lucy score books in order, as it builds directly on its predecessor.
Why It's the Essential Second Read
Character Progression: This book is crucial for understanding Nash’s character arc. His experiences here directly impact the overarching plot of the series and his relationships with other key characters. Don't skip the first book, as their stories are tightly interwoven.
Deepens World-Building: It expands on the world of Knockemout, introducing new conflicts and strengthening the bonds between the townsfolk you met in book one. For those interested in how series events connect, exploring our guide on reading in chronological order can provide additional context.
Sets Up the Finale: While providing a satisfying romance for Nash and Lina, the book also masterfully develops the storylines for side characters, particularly Lucian and Sloane, setting the stage for the highly anticipated final book in the trilogy.
3. Things We Left Behind
Concluding the Knockemout series, Things We Left Behind delivers the highly anticipated story of Lucian Rollins and Sloane Walton. This novel masterfully weaves together past and present, exploring the deep-seated history between the town’s chief of police and the fiery librarian. Readers are taken on a journey back to their first meeting as teenagers, witnessing the tragic events that tore them apart, before returning to the present day where they are forced to confront their unresolved feelings.
This book is arguably Lucy Score's most emotionally complex work, exploring powerful themes of first love, earth-shattering betrayal, and the difficult path to a second chance. Its release was met with immense excitement from devoted fans, generating extensive online discussions and achieving bestseller status even before its official publication. The angst-filled, enemies-to-lovers dynamic combined with a gripping suspense subplot makes it a powerful finale to the series.
Why It's the Perfect Finale
Emotional Climax: Prepare for an intense emotional ride. The dual timeline provides a rich, layered backstory that makes the present-day stakes feel incredibly high. Having tissues on hand is a common tip among fans.
Answers Long-Held Questions: Lucian and Sloane's animosity is a running thread throughout the first two books. This installment finally uncovers the secrets behind their fractured relationship, providing a deeply satisfying resolution.
Series Cohesion: Reading the series in order is crucial for this book. The payoff for Lucian and Sloane’s story is maximized by understanding their interactions in the previous novels and seeing how their journey intertwines with those of Naomi, Knox, Nash, and Lina.
4. By a Thread
A phenomenal standalone novel, By a Thread is a must-read for fans of workplace romance and the classic enemies-to-lovers trope. The story introduces readers to the fiery Ally Morales, who, after a spectacularly memorable resignation, finds herself working for her insufferable, demanding ex-boss, Dominic Russo. Dominic needs her help to save his family's struggling small-town department store, forcing them into a high-stakes, close-quarters collaboration.
This novel is a masterclass in tension, witty banter, and slow-burn chemistry. As Ally and Dominic challenge each other at every turn, they begin to peel back the layers of their tough exteriors, revealing vulnerabilities and a connection neither of them expected. The book showcases Lucy Score's signature blend of humor and heart, making it a frequently recommended title in contemporary romance reading lists and a popular choice for book clubs.
Why It's a Great Standalone Read
Perfect Entry Point: Since it's not tied to a series, By a Thread is an excellent starting point for readers new to Lucy Score. It offers a complete, satisfying story that perfectly represents her writing style and character development skills.
Character Growth: Don't let Dominic's initial behavior discourage you. His journey from a difficult, demanding boss to a man worthy of Ally’s affection is one of the most rewarding aspects of the story. Both characters experience significant personal growth.
Engaging Tropes: The novel expertly combines the workplace romance, enemies-to-lovers, and forced proximity tropes. The dynamic between Ally and Dominic is electric, creating a compelling narrative that is hard to put down.
5. Pretend You're Mine
Pretend You're Mine is the breakout novel that arguably launched Lucy Score into the romance stratosphere and serves as the foundation for the beloved Benevolence series. The story introduces readers to Luke Garrison, a National Guardsman on a short leave, who needs a fake girlfriend to keep his family off his back. He finds the perfect candidate in Harper Wilde, a free-spirited woman just passing through town, who agrees to play the part for a wedding weekend.
Set in the charming small town of Benevolence, their fake relationship quickly sparks very real feelings. This novel is a masterclass in the fake-dating trope, blending humor, sizzling chemistry, and deep emotional healing as both Luke and Harper confront their past traumas. It established many of the signature elements fans love about Lucy Score's writing: a strong, supportive community, flawed but lovable characters, and a romance that feels earned and deeply authentic.
Why It's a Key Read in Her Collection
Series Foundation: As the first book in the Benevolence series, this is the essential starting point. It introduces the Garrison family and the town that becomes the backdrop for subsequent stories. Understanding the order of series books is key to enjoying the interconnected character arcs.
Signature Tropes: This book perfectly showcases the fake-dating and military hero tropes that have become staples in the romance genre. It's a fantastic entry point to see how Lucy Score puts her unique spin on popular themes.
Emotional Depth: Prepare for a story that tackles serious issues like PTSD and finding your place in the world. The journey Luke and Harper take is both heartwarming and powerful, making their happy ending incredibly rewarding.
6. Finally Mine
The second installment in the Benevolence series, Finally Mine shifts the focus to Lincoln "Linc" Reed, best friend to the protagonist from the previous book. This heartwarming story follows Linc, a fellow veteran, as he finds an unexpected connection with Kaylee Stanton, a determined single mom working hard to rebuild her life after a difficult divorce. The novel beautifully explores themes of second chances, healing, and the complexities of single parenthood.
Finally Mine continues to build upon the tight-knit community feel established in the first book, making the town of Benevolence, Maryland, a character in its own right. Fans of military romance and stories centered around found family will find a lot to love here. The book is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of dating as a single parent and has become a favorite among readers seeking a family-focused romance with emotional depth and plenty of heat.
Why It's Essential to the Series
Character Context: To fully appreciate Linc’s journey and his deep-rooted friendship with Luke, it’s highly recommended to read Pretend You’re Mine first. This context adds significant emotional weight to his story and the overall Benevolence arc.
Community Development: This book expands the world of Benevolence, introducing new dynamics and strengthening the connections between the town's residents. It’s a key part of seeing how the community grows and supports one another. For groups discussing character arcs, this novel provides rich material; consider using it as part of a book club reading schedule.
Second-Chance Romance: Finally Mine is a masterclass in the second-chance trope. It handles the nuances of starting over, blending families, and learning to trust again with sensitivity and authenticity, making it a standout in this list of Lucy Score books in order.
Lucy Score Book Order Comparison
| Title | Implementation Complexity | Resource Requirements | Expected Outcomes | Ideal Use Cases | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Things We Never Got Over | Moderate (Dual POV, emotional depth) | Moderate (Character and setting development) | Strong emotional engagement, series foundation | Starting point for Knockemout series | Rich small-town atmosphere, addictive writing |
| Things We Hide from the Light | Moderate (Character arcs, humor-drama balance) | Moderate (Plot continuity with previous book) | Character growth, series mystery resolutions | Follow-up in Knockemout series | Well-balanced comedy and drama, strong supports |
| Things We Left Behind | High (Dual timeline, complex plot) | High (Emotionally intense content) | Emotional depth, satisfying series conclusion | Series finale and prequel in Knockemout | Mature storytelling, deep backstory |
| By a Thread | Moderate (Standalone, enemies-to-lovers trope) | Low to moderate (Single novel development) | Complete standalone romance experience | Intro to Lucy Score, standalone romance | Strong character development, balanced tension |
| Pretend You're Mine | Moderate (Fake dating, trauma themes) | Moderate (Setting and sensitive themes) | Series foundation, strong emotional connection | Starting point for Benevolence series | Sensitive PTSD portrayal, strong chemistry |
| Finally Mine | Moderate (Second-chance, family focus) | Moderate (Child characters, continuing series) | Realistic family romance, character growth | Sequel in Benevolence, family-themed romance | Realistic single parent portrayal, community feel |
Continue Your Journey with Lucy Score
Navigating the interconnected worlds of a prolific author like Lucy Score can feel like piecing together a beautiful, intricate puzzle. Following the correct reading order is the key to unlocking the full experience, ensuring you catch every inside joke, character cameo, and subtle nod to past events. This guide has provided a clear roadmap for Lucy Score books in order, starting with the explosive popularity of the Knockemout series and moving through beloved standalones that laid the groundwork for her signature style.
From the grumpy-sunshine dynamic in Things We Never Got Over to the slow-burn tension of By a Thread, each story stands on its own while contributing to a larger, richer tapestry. Understanding the sequence allows you to watch characters evolve and relationships deepen across books, making their triumphs and heartaches feel even more resonant. You're not just reading a collection of novels; you're immersing yourself in communities like Knockemout, where every resident has a story waiting to be told.
Your Next Chapter Awaits
With this guide, you now have the essential framework to dive into some of Score's most celebrated works without missing a beat. The real magic happens when you see how a minor character from one book steps into the spotlight in the next, a detail you might have missed if reading out of sequence.
Your next steps are simple:
Pick a Starting Point: If you haven't already, decide whether to jump into the high-drama world of Knockemout or start with a heartfelt standalone like Pretend You're Mine.
Track Your Progress: Use a reading app or a simple checklist to keep track of the books you've completed. This helps you stay on course and build anticipation for the next installment.
Explore Beyond This List: This article covers the essentials, but Lucy Score has a vast backlist filled with other series and titles waiting to be discovered.
Embracing the intended reading order transforms your experience from a casual read into an immersive journey. It’s the difference between visiting a town and becoming one of its residents. Enjoy every laugh, every tear, and every swoon-worthy moment that Lucy Score has so masterfully crafted for her readers.
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