Things We Hide from the Light (Knockemout Series, 2)

I’m low key mad it took me so long to read this one! After reading book 1 in 2024 I wasn’t in a hurry to finish this series but I’m so glad this was a book club pick to force me to read it! I absolutely loved Nash and Lina and I had such a great time getting their story. I love a book that keeps me engaged, makes me feel things (yes I cried at the end) and has fun witty banter! The small town found family vibe to this book/series is also a plus! Nash is definitely on my book boyfriend list and I’ll be diving into book 3 soon!

Okay so I read the first book and I had a pretty passionate review about it. My main qualm was these are adult characters acting like children (handling relationships and emotional drama very poorly). Well a year later I decided to read the second book because I was actually honestly curious how Nash and Lina would get together. I think a couple things that made this book better for me: 1. Lucy Score's writing is really drawn out. The first time I read her book "Things We Never Got Over" (the first Knockemout one), I was very annoyed I spent 500+ pages reading a book that could have been 300 pages. HOWEVER this time I knew her book would be long b/c shes very into character development and I just know her writing style is long. I think that helped me actually enjoy and appreciate the development here. The reality is I want to be in this town. The people seem so great and I care about these characters. I love this friend group. AND THAT is the beauty of these long books. YOU JUST STAY AND CARE. It's like relationships where being there for the daily moments helps you get to know the person. I got to really know these people. So why is this important? 2. Lucy tackles complex relationship trauma and allows room for us to watch the characters actually heal. The thing is these characters are not like secure or healthy LOL. These are traumatized (and physically attractive) grown adults like all 30+ plus (I'm pretty sure everyone is in their 30s and maybe Knox is even in his 40s??). They all have relationship trauma (parents who left them, alcoholism, toxic siblings who are criminals, medical problems, near-death experiences, etc, etc). I think Lucians family has some even crazier stuff cause that man is dark. but alas more on Lucian when we read book 3. ANYWAYS, the point is these characters are not going to just quickly fall in love in a 200-300 page book. They are too afraid, too self-sabatgoing, and frankly all insecure attachment styles (the main adults in the book). BUT GUESS WHAT? If we stay with them long enough, watch them fight their battles which we do...its actually more BELIEVABLE how they end up being strong enough to conquer their fears and choose love. and choosing love when its hurt you its SUPER FREAKING BRAVE. THESE ARE SOME BRAVE CHARACTERS HERE. I MEAN VERY BRAVE. Love can be scary when you've got a lot of baggage...these people end up figuring it out. Thoughts on the book: 3. Okay so Nash and Lina are the love story. I mean its interesting like Nash was so grumpy in this book for the middle of it?! I was like is this Nash or Knox? But sometimes Nash was written and it was a little tooooo similar to Knox. Like they even encouraged it by saying "he's so broody" right now. Nash was supposed to be like the sweet guy, and I guess he still is. But like he's also very much like his brother. I guess that's also life though. Lina is a bad-a$$. Very different than Namoi, I mean Lina's got that spunk. But many bad-a$$ woman do get scared when it comes to love...so it was funny seeing Lina be so like shy and nervous LOL. Lina is probably an avoidant attachment, and Nash is like a fearful-avoidant/disorganized style (Nash has got a LOTTTTTT of trust and betrayal wounds...my goodness). I think their relationship is very much like respect/best friends/teasing each other in a way that felt fun to read. I liked them. Maybe they were like a little more boring tbh than the previous book. And the spicy scenes took a long time to happen and it was like cute, but nothing like super crazy. These two really felt like best friends idk. Like it was cool to watch them work together and be a team. I felt like they were a bit more of equals. More mutual respect (Very different than how I felt with Knox and Naomi). Also yes kind of strange Lina and Nash got together so fast and allegedly didn't know each other?! How does Nash not know his brother's best friend/former partner? Not super clear. Also the relationship is basically like guy sees hot girl when he's lonely and depressed, really wants to do the deed with her, she pushes him away causes he's depressed, but then actually they hang out and fall in love and then sex comes in. So I actually kind of liked that too. A different kind of progression. Score made us wait. I like when guys have to wait, they get all passionate and patient. And sex is more like the cherry on top. Okay! So yeah maybe this was a good couple. I think I support! Anyways...would I recommend this book? Yes but know that this book is kinda long-winded. And only read it if you've read the first book in the series b/c what Lucy does well is character development so its definitely good to know the characters from before as well. AND THE EPILOGUES OMG!! I actually felt so happy when I finished those two epilogues. The epilogues might be the best chapters in the book. But part of why it's so good is because you've got to know the characters for long in the previous pages. Alright...off to the next book :)

What a Stunner 🥰 First off, the special edition leaves no room for wanting more because it is absolutely perfect. The cover showcases a vibrant pink with metallic floral accents. The colorful edges features beautiful floral edges that look stunning on the shelf. And the inside cover is even a beauty. I absolutely adore this edition. Why go basic when you can get this one?! Also, the story line is wonderful. I love this author and her books! I’ve read all three books in the series. It’s an easy read, but keeps your attention until the end!

Things We Hide From the Light is not my favorite work by Lucy Score. Nor is it my least favorite. If it had been lighter by about a hundred pages, it would definitely have worked better for me. I found myself repeatedly looking at the percent read and whining "Are we there yet?" Mind you, the prose was as lively as Score's writing usually is; her characters as well drawn and likable; her dialogue as witty; and the sexytimes as steamy. I had read the precursor to TWFTL shortly after it came out, yet I still found myself confused at times by the convoluted and weirdly paced suspense subplot. Fortunately, Score's gift for the bon mot often reminded me of Things We Forgot Amidst the Words. For example, a single reference to Studly Do-Right immediately summoned up the handsome yet annoyingly stuffy sheriff of TWNGO, now repurposed as the hero of TWHFTL. Score does a great job developing and deepening Nash's character while remaining true to the original portrayal. Nash is dealing with a huge trauma at the same time as he recovers from a large helping of inherent assholery, and Score succeeds in making him engaging yet deliciously imperfect. Angelina, aka Lina, Angel, Leens, is an excellent match for Nash, with her complementary youthful trauma, daredevil job, awe-inspiring competence and powerful attraction to the grumpy sheriff. She also is an interesting blend of positive traits and negative tendencies--most notably an aversion to emotional intimacy and a willingness to lie in order to protect herself. For the most part, the author convincingly bases her protagonists' issues on their life experience without sliding into trauma-of-the-week territory. Still, there are times that Nash and Lina resemble a pair of magnets with only north poles. They approach-approach-approach and then suddenly repel each other forcefully as one has a bout of assholery and the other stomps off all butthurt. I don't mind this dynamic per se, because people absolutely do behave like this, but I reached my limit early in this book, and I think trimming a couple of snits from the manuscript wouldn't have hurt one little bit. At least I wouldn't have strained a muscle rolling my eyes. My most serious problem with TWHFTL and the reason for the 3 star rating, is the handling of Nash's mental health issues. There were several things that really bothered me. Nash reveals his emotional problems early, so the topic really isn't a spoiler, but if you don't want any deets, skip this paragraph. So Nash is recovering from a shooting that almost killed him. He's back at work, but feels dead inside, suffering from depression and symptoms of anxiety. To some degree, this entire book is the story of his emotional recovery from the shooting. As an officer of the law, he's done the required therapy and had medications prescribed, but is no longer in active treatment. Nor is he taking his meds. The man knows he has a problem, yet refuses to consider professional help. His decision to forego medication could be legitimate, but his reasons for that decision are never really discussed, leaving the reader with the impression that seeking help beyond some arbitrary heal-by date is somehow weak or unmanly. I could live with this right up to the point where, in the wake of a debilitating panic attack, he begs Lina to spend the night with him because apparently he only feels alive in her presence. At this point I'm like, "Who let this magic hoo-ha into the room?" I'll only say that several variations on this scenario recur during the back-and-forth of Nash and Lina's relationship. Nash never gets professional help for his issues. (Neither does Lina for that matter.) The reader is left. with the unmistakable message that twu wuv heals all wounds. And while, I do not require a medical solution to every character's emotional problems in my reading, the notion that romantic love can cure serious psychological disorders is wrong and potentially dangerous. The only other elements that deeply bugged me were the accidental orgasm(!) and the epilogue which was literally awash in cathartic tears. But that's just me. However, since this book was alternately extremely entertaining and deeply annoying as well as occasionally interminable, I'm giving it 3 stars.

This was one of my highly anticipated releases in 2023, and I was not disappointed! We head back to Knockemout for book 2, featuring Knox’s college girlfriend Lina and his brother, Nash. And let me just say, I did NOT expect to love this book as much as I did, and I did not expect to fall in love with Nash the way that I did, and I did not expect to love Knockemout more than I already did. So needless to say, this book was everything I needed it to be and more, and I can’t wait to return to Knockemout later this year for book 3! This book opens just weeks after the end of Things We Never Got Over, where Nash is still trying to heal from his wounds… and Lina is still in town “visiting” her friend Knox while working “in insurance.” I love how Lucy Score weaves romance, drama, and quite a few twists throughout this series, while also bringing in some lighthearted humor. “Baby’s breath is stupid. Fight me.” “Until I got here and met Nashhole.” “What’s happening? Did the fat blob just punch Nash? Who are the other two blobs?” Like I mentioned, I ended up loving Nash and Lina, and I loved them together. Nash is having a hard time recovering from his gunshot wounds, being the natural protector that he is. He wants to keep everyone safe, and he’s doubting himself because he couldn’t even keep himself safe. He wears the weight of the world on his shoulders and wants to do the right thing for everyone, but especially for his family and his community. Lina is fighting her own demons. Her own trauma erected walls around her life so that she remained firmly in control of things, but those walls ended up shutting out all the good relationships that could’ve blossomed, leaving Lina feeling lonely while clinging to her independence. It’s a struggle for her to let go of her control to let anyone in, let anyone touch her (both physically and emotionally), which becomes impossible when she moves next door to Nash. “I live alone and I like it. I hate sharing the remote. I like not having to consult with someone else before ordering dinner. I don’t want to have to move the seat of my car every time I drive. The idea of passing my decisions through an ‘us’ filter leaves me feeling vaguely nauseated. I love my parents but their constant need to check up on me drives me insane, and that problem could become yours if this goes anywhere. I like to splurge on clothes and shoes, and I’m unwilling to justify that. I get up early and I work a lot. I don’t want to have to change that to accommodate someone else.” Nash waited a beat. “Okay then. The only TV I watch is the occasional football game. The remote can be yours the rest of the time. I don’t mind cooking, but if you tell me you want takeout burgers, I’ll get you takeout burgers. I promise to always move your seat back to the original position after I drive. I wouldn’t mind having some nosy parents worry about me for a change. I like the way you dress just fine so I’ve got no problems with your shopping habits. Long as you let me spoil you once in awhile. As for the schedule thing, I think you’re just reachin’ because, Angel, I’m a cop. Enough said. And when it comes to making decisions together, I need a say in your personal safety. I expect you to want a say in mine. Any decisions that affect us together, we make together.” Nash won’t take no from Lina, but he’s the MOST respectful he can be about it (swoony for sure). I love how Nash wants to have the conversations and be on the same page so that there is no misunderstanding regarding their relationship. While he does do some of the dumb stuff men do, like push her away when he thinks he’s becoming dependent on their relationship, these two match each other step for step along the way. “For the record, this is you pushing me away and this is me sticking.” I love that they both found what they needed, and they both pushed back. The tension between them screamed off the page, and I love that even their physical relationship came secondary to that tension, the push-and-pull. While their physical relationship was SO GOOD, it was everything else that made me love this book! “Listen to me, baby. You freak out all you want. I’ll still be here when you’re done.” It would be a disservice not to mention the town of Knockemout and the secondary characters in this story. One of my other favorite things about Lucy is that she creates a WORLD for each of her books, and that world just feels so full of love and hope and gratitude and friendship that you can’t help but want the same thing in your own life. That’s true within the pages of Things We Hide From the Light as well. The Knockemout PD (and how Piper wandered around the bullpen to get treats) and the U.S. Marshal inserting himself into the community and how residents show up for businesses like the cafe and Honky Tonk and the gym and the library and everyone who showed up to the school for career day and the various community events like the library… it truly adds up to something special that makes you just love these people even more. Not to mention that ALL THE LOVE is on display in these pages… makes the world seem like a more hopeful place than it can be IRL, and I’m not complaining at all. “Friends make friends better.” Rating: 5 big, fat, heart-eyed stars from me

I didn't realize how much I missed Lucy Score's writing! I was a little hesitant going into this book because Nash wasn't my favorite character in the previous book. Boy was I wrong to wait, because I really grew to like him and Lina! I enjoyed both of them as their own characters and together. This story follows Nash who is in a dark place after the end of the previous book. It is trying to hold himself together, but his new neighbor (and brother's good friend), Lina, sees right through him. And that makes him angry - but anger is better than nothing, so Nash chases how alive Lina makes him feel. The two try their best to resist each other, but both Nash and Lina's careers seem to keep making their paths cross, while trying to solve a certain mystery from the last book. Lucy Score's books are sometimes long, but they truly give you a slice of life of the characters they follow. The same is true for this book! We got to see a lot of characters from the previous book, which I loved. Naomi and Sloane cracked me up! I love the found family this book is building, and can't wait for more of it in the next book. The slow burn was a fun journey. Despite its serious premise, this book made me laugh and smile more than I expected. I can't wait to read Sloane and Lucian's story!!!!

I love the inhabitants of Knockemout. Each character stands out and earns a place in your heart. The narrators were perfect! Immediately starting book 3. I have a sneaking suspicion I know who the main characters will be. I hope I am right. If you plan on going to book 3 you might want to skip the epilogue in book 2, there is a spoiler in there.

Thank you Lucy Score, you have done it again! Your books champion the term slow-burn with a FIRE ending! I love Lucy's character development and plot arcs. I missed the plot twist at the end, but I did catch on to cereal aisle guy from the get go. I love the spunky characters in Knockemout, I feel like I'd love to live in this world. Lina Solavita is a ROYAL hot mess; she's running from issues in her childhood and from her overbearing parents. And by running, I mean throwing herself into any adrenaline pumping situation she can get her hands on. And no-one knows she does it. She's queen of keeping everyone at an arm's length. That is until she stumbles upon broken sad puppy dog Nash, her friend Knox's brother and Chief of Police of Knockemout, VA. Nash is recovering physically and mentally from being shot in the line of duty and he is wrestling some serious inner demons. And Lina has been there, she helps him through his panic attacks and much to her dismay becomes Nash's security blanket. Their slow burn is palatable. Her listening to him in the shower. And then again accidentally getting off when he accidentally escapes the confines of his boxers, in one of their strictly plutonic sleepovers. It took a LONG time, to get action. But that being said, I wasn't sad about it either. Nash, Knox and Lucien are trying desperately to find Duncan Hugo, the man who abducted Waylay and Naomi in TWNGO and who shot Nash. Or did he? That's the problem, Nash can't remember and there's not enough evidence to make an arrest. And the Fed's want to arrest Duncan's dad, who is a major crime boss. Out of fear for Nash, Naomi and Waylay's safety they hatch a plan to get the Hugo before he can get to them to tie up loose ends. But will it work? Have they taken all other variable into account? I'm not telling! If you like a slow burn, a little bit of mystery and a dash of action you will love this book! I know I did! I don't think you HAVE to read Things We Never Got Over to enjoy this book. BUT, I do think that you should because there is a lot of back story and character development that is key to completely understand characters actions in this book. Plus its equally as good of a read, so why not!

AMAZING! Well sent, I ordered the 3rd book of this series too and they came in the box together amount other things, now just waiting for book 1 (from a different seller - hence why it’s taking longer).

Liked the book but the first book was just sooo much better. I only bought the second book because of that reason. The mine girl character is boring for me, their relationship is boring to read about. I like the sasy that the characters in the first book had. These to was just sweet and that’s not my thing. The only fun chapters are when they were with other characters. So it’s a fine book but I NOTHING like the first book. Looking forward to the third book.

A small-town romance with a dash of mystery. Nash Morgan is recovering from an injury, but when new neighbor Lina comes into his life, sparks fly. Score’s writing is light and engaging, making it a quick and enjoyable read. While the mystery element isn’t as strong, the romance is heartfelt, and the characters are charming, perfect for readers who enjoy a mix of love and secrets.

It took me awhile to start this one only because I knew it would consume me whole. Lina’s and Nash’s story wasn’t the one I was looking forward the most to be honest. But it was the one I most definitely needed right now. Finding love is finding yourself and that’s what they both did with the heartwarming help of family, friends and a furry cutie that rescued them as much as they rescued her.

5 Chi ha detto che i good boy non piacciono? Chi ha detto che non possono far uscire di testa? Perché raga, premettendo che Lucien ha la mia attenzione dal primo libro e rimarrà il mio preferito senza dubbio, devo dirvi che Nash batte Knox. E secondo solo a Lucien. I good boy che perdono un pò della loro lucentezza, del loro sorriso, della loro solarità sono i migliori. I good boy ''rotti''. Perduti. Nash non brilla più come prima, non dopo l'incidente. Non dopo che non riesce a ricordare nulla, che non si sente adatto e utile. Si sente debole, inadatto, incapace. Come può salvare qualcuno, essere il capo della polizia, se non é nemmeno riuscito a salvare se stesso? Ed è così che si lascia andare. Diventa l'ombra di se stesso mentre i demoni lo divorano. Casa sua é un disastro, lui é un disastro e tutti nella cittadine se ne sono accorti. Fino all'arrivo di lei. La sua nuova vicina. L'ex di suo fratello. Lui non é minimamente il suo tipo, Nash ha scritto sulla fronte ''matrimonio e bambini'' e lei schiva tutto ciò come fossero dei proiettili. Eppure. Eppure Nash l'affascina. I suoi modi, il suo essere perso, il suo essere buono e premuroso. Come potrebbe rifiutare di dargli una mano quando é così perso? Disperato? E poi i ''tipi'' sono fatti per essere cambiati. Peccato che lei starà li solo per il tempo necessario a concludere un lavoro. E poi andrà via. Non ha radici, non le piace metterle. Non le piacciono le relazioni, i sentimenti, non dovrebbe piacerle Nash. Eppure ne é estremamente attratta, é sempre più difficile stargli alla larga. Resistergli. Ho adorato questo libro. Ancora più del libro. Vedere Nash combattere i suoi demoni, le sue battaglie, accettare le sue debolezze. Vedere Lina accettare i sentimenti, i legami e non solo con Nash, ma vederla coltivare amicizie. Instaurare relazioni, provare qualcosa. LO CONSIGLIO ASSOLUTAMENTE.