Things we left behind

What a way to end the series! I gobbled up the first 400 pages without even feeling like time was passing; the sexual tension and intensity of the story had me completely gripped, and I was caught up in the romance. Going in, I wasn't confident that I was going to love Sloane and Lucian's story because of the tropes at play, but I quickly realized that wasn't going to be an issue. Despite their MESSY history and decades of feuding, their love story pulled me in without hesitation. They have some insane chemistry, and the spicy scenes were SMOKIN' hot. I loved the constant bite of sexual tension laced throughout the first half, and the hate sex was off the charts sexy. But more than that, those spicy scenes revealed so much about this couple; they're connected in a way that they'd probably both deny, and it was easy to see the deeper undertones of their relationship early on. It's a story that resonated with me in a way that I wasn't expecting, and I ended up really loving it. The story follows Sloane, a woman whose father recently passed away. His death has reminded Sloane that she is approaching forty without fulfilling her dreams of a family, and there aren't any prospects on the horizon. Though there are plenty of nice guys in town, the only one who makes her blood heat is Lucian, the bane of Sloane's existence. Now that their friends are coupled up, they've been spending more time together - and it's a constant reminder of the things that tore them apart. Sloane and Lucian have been guarding the secrets of their past for the last two decades, and now that's finally catching up with them. They can't stand to be in the same room together, but they can't seem to stay away from each other either, no matter how much they'd like to. Unfortunately, the death of Sloane's father has brought a few things to light... and Sloane will never be able to look at Lucian the same way again. I've really enjoyed this series, and this makes a fitting conclusion. The romance itself is easy to read as a standalone, but the suspenseful elements tie the series together. Personally, I have very little emotional investment in the suspense, so I felt like the first 400ish pages were significantly stronger than the last 200. Like, really strong. I absolutely LOVED the angst and intensity of Sloane and Lucian's story, and it was incredibly engaging for me. Digging into the details of their past was just as interesting as watching them fight their feelings in the present, and Score deftly weaves together those elements. We get a few flashbacks to piece together their history without it bogging down the present day story, and that insight makes the romance that much richer. Even when Sloane and Lucian were denying their feelings for each other, it was easy to see that there was more than met the eye. The spice was not only hot as sin, but also incredibly intimate and laced with meaning. Though Lucian is stubborn as can be (and the breakup was a little rougher than I'd like), I could easily see where he was coming from. It's an emotional, often heavy, story that pulled me in right away and didn't let go the whole way through. I loved it!

I loved Lucian and Sloane’s grump-sunshine, enemies to lovers, second chance, benefits only, “we have a secret feud that we won’t talk about” romance. The book has a perfect blend of hilarity, sweet moments, difficult real life issues, danger, and steam. There was a lot of facing ugly truths and past pain with plenty of snort worthy laughs thrown in. This love story is not a twenty something’s flowers, mood lighting, tweeting birds and traditional romantic gestures insta-love story. This is the gritty, messy kind of love with dark painful places in between the light joyful ones. Sloane is the head librarian in small town Knockemout. At the beginning of the story, her dad just died of cancer and she realizes she put the needs of her career ahead of having a husband and children. She is determined to do that now. Lucian grew up next door to Sloane but had a very different childhood. Hers was loving and nurturing and his was full of violence. Sloane and Lucian had a long ago past though only they know what it was or what happened. They only interact when mutual friends force them together at social events. To get to their HEA will require the perfect storm of events, examination of long suppressed feelings, embracing their fears, healing, and of course trying to bring down a mob boss. Lucian and Sloane are portrayed as real, relatable people who have flaws and loads of baggage, but are really just trying to do their best as messy fallible humans. I have a soft spot for the people who are a bit uncomfortable in their skin because they don’t feel like they fit in or are worthy, like Lucian. So I love when they finally see their truth and they get swoon worthy HEAs because they really deserve them. This is not an enemies to lovers story that tips into meanness or abuse. The MCs are clearly just emotionally wounded ones. At the beginning of the book, they have been “on a never-ending roller coaster of insults, sexual awareness, bitterness, and flirtation.” The character growth and development journey was done beautifully for both of them. The story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline and will give you all the feels - laughing, crying, swooning, cringing, teeth gritting, and cheering with sweet moments, steamy scenes, laughs, supportive friends, messy families, painful pasts, danger, and all the heart squeezing love. This was a great book to end this phenomenal series.

I love a good story! And even more, I love a good series. This was a good story from the first book to the last. The only thing I didn’t like was the language and overly descriptive sex. I real believe this author could do better. I’m not saying it has to read like a children’s book, but I wanted more of the story of out witting he bad guys. I love stories about strong men meeting and falling for independent women. This had friendships, romance, mystery, family dynamics, all the things that make a great story. But definitely not for younger readers. In fact I embarrassed my adult daughter when I told her what I was reading.

I adored this book and missed Knockemout as soon as I finished reading! Once again Lucy Score wrote a beautiful story full of romance, comedy, steam, mystery, and emotionally charged moments that are bound to bring tears to your eyes. Sloane and Lucian were great together, and he became my favorite Knockemout hero. I loved the way the whole mystery was wrapped up and that we not only got to see previous characters again (namely Nolan, Stef and Jeremiah), but also got to know new ones such as Emry and Petula. Definitely one of the best books I've read this year, I highly recommend it!

La série Knockemout a été une surprise inattendue pour moi. L’histoire n’est pas toujours réaliste mais on se laisse prendre au jeu. Après Knox et Naomi, Nash et Lina, c’est au tour de Lucian et Sloane d’être au centre de l’attention. J’attendais particulièrement ce roman pour enfin savoir ce qui se cachait derrière l’antagonisme entre les deux personnages dont on avait eu un aperçu dans les deux premiers romans de la série. Je n’ai pas été déçue.

The book is delivered in very good condition.

Toda esta serie de libros es un 5/5, mis favoritos. El libro llegó rápido y en buen estado.

Suit Daddy and the Pixie. Incredible, amazing, stunning and just perfect. I was so excited for Lucian and Sloane’s story and Lucy Freaking Score did not disappoint. Lucian feels so broken and thinks all his past trauma means he can’t love Sloane the way he wants to. Sloane slowly shows him that he can love and be loved just as he is and that his past doesn’t define him. He’s secretly sweet, protective, loyal, strong, and has a huge heart. Sloane is just sassy sweet perfection. Her dedication to the library and the town is amazing. She feels guilty about her role in Lucian’s past and pretends to hate him when really she’s loved him since she was a teenager. She’s smart, loving and loyal. Lucian and Sloane’s chemistry is off the charts. The banter is funny and when they finally get together it’s playful and so so hot. Like burning my eyeballs hot. One of my favourite scenes was the photo shoot. Knox directing Sloane was utterly hilarious. I loved the little nods to the other books too: “I pulled on a blue bathrobe with daisies while Lucian yanked on his underwear.” “She wore her blonde hair cut bluntly at the shoulders, black pants, neon-green heels, and a pale-pink leather blazer emblazoned with lilies of the valley.” I see what you did there Ms. Score. Add in the amazing town of Knockemout, pain, hope, love, suspense, lots of heat and an HEA and this is the perfect ending to the incredible series.