REVIEW: Things We Hide from the Light by Lucy Score

In Things We Hide from the Light by Lucy Score, Nash Morgan has of course always known that being a cop is a dangerous job. But as the chief of police in small town Knockemout, Virginia, he thought his chances of getting shot were nil. Turns out, when a wannabe crime boss shows up with bad intentions, a lot of bad stuff goes down. Including Nash now recovering from two severe bullet wounds that almost ended his life on the side of the highway. Although, unbeknownst to his family, it’s the depression and panic attacks that are giving him hell at present. The only thing Nash has found to soothe his anxiety is Angelina “Lina” Solavita. Whenever he’s in her orbit, not only does every type of carnal thought imaginable go through his head, but he feels…normal. Like himself again. Too bad Lina’s bound to leave town soon.

“Why did you provoke me?” she asked.
“You make me feel things. And after going long enough without feeling anything, feeling something–even if it’s anger or adrenaline–is better than the nothing.”

Lina has her reasons for being in Knockemout. One of which is for Knox and Naomi’s wedding. The other, well, she’s not at liberty to tell anyone. Especially not super sexy but highly infuriating Nash Morgan. The man may light up her dreams at night, but she is SO not the type of woman to settle down in a teensy town and give up the career she’s put everything into. But as Lina spends more time around the grumpy cop who sees everything in black and white, the more she enjoys herself. That is, until his talk of them starting a relationship. That’s something she’s never seen in the future for herself. When trouble comes calling and the truth of why Lina’s in town comes out, it sends her scrambling to find her feet again, without the help of Nash and his friends and family. But she soon finds out that life can be a whole lot better when you’re brave enough let others into your world–and your heart.

‘Bullet wounds and panic attacks. Nash Morgan was a hot mess. Emphasis on the hot.’

Filled with danger, lust, two people who bring out the best–and the feisty–in each other, and a whole lot of family interference…I mean love, Things We Hide from the Light just may be my favorite Lucy Score book yet.

‘Our eyes locked and held. And in hers I saw my future.’

Content warning: View Spoiler »Depression, PTSD, panic attacks, abduction, addiction (not detailed). « Hide Spoiler

I didn’t think anything could top book one in Lucy Score’s Knockemout series, Things We Never Got Over, but broody police chief Nash and the mysterious, totally kickass Lina completely won me over. (Note: you will want to read these in sequential order as this story picks up right where the first ended.) I will point out that this novel is an investment in time considering it’s five hundred plus pages. However, it was well worth every moment spent with these lovable, offbeat characters and everything that happened in their lives after all of the events that started in Knox and Naomi’s book.

I’m already a huge fan of Score’s writing. There’s something about the mix of humor, heart, wacky characters, and small-town setting that resonates with me. But boy oh boy didn’t Lina and Nash give each other a run for their money–*and* fight against their feelings with everything they had in them. It was comical, endearing, and bittersweet at times when they finally began to try to get a handle on past traumas. So, while Lina and Nash were one sexy couple who were both tough as nails, it was how they helped each other heal and grow emotionally that warmed my heart through and through.

The gang from book one was all still present and accounted for here with a few additions that made things interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns I’ve come to expect from Score’s work–particularly when it came to figuring out who shot Nash and how it all tied into Naomi and Way’s kidnapping in the first installment. The way that part played out was like watching a suspenseful action flick. In other words, Score’s books really, really need to be made into movies. Now. Like, all of them. (lol) Especially with the sweet ending that also hinted at just how epic Lucian and Sloane’s story, Things We Left Behind, will be, coming up next.

QOTD: Have you experienced the awesomeness that is Lucy Score yet? If so, any favorite books?

Book Info:

Publication: Published: February 21, 2023 | Bloom Books, That’s What She Said Publishing | Knockemout #2

Nash Morgan was always known as the good Morgan brother, with a smile and a wink for everyone. But now, this chief of police is recovering from being shot and his Southern charm has been overshadowed by panic attacks and nightmares. He feels like a broody shell of the man he once was. Nash isn’t about to let anyone in his life know he’s struggling. But his new next-door neighbor, smart and sexy Lina, sees his shadows. As a rule, she’s not a fan of physical contact unless she initiates it, but for some reason Nash’s touch is different. He feels it too. The physical connection between them is incendiary, grounding him and making her wonder if exploring it is worth the risk.

Too bad Lina’s got secrets of her own, and if Nash finds out the real reason she’s in town, he’ll never forgive her. Besides, she doesn’t do relationships. Ever. A hot, short-term fling with a local cop? Absolutely. Sign her up. A relationship with a man who expects her to plant roots? No freaking way. Once she gets what she’s after, she has no intention of sticking around. But Knockemout has a way of getting under people’s skin. And once Nash decides to make Lina his, he’s not about to be dissuaded…even if it means facing the danger that nearly killed him.