Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score is a contemporary romance novel that mixes small-town charm with themes of family, healing, and unexpected love. Here’s a detailed chapter-by-chapter summary.
The story is set in the fictional town of Knockemout, Virginia. The protagonist, Naomi Witt, escapes her life in the big city and heads to Knockemout to help her twin sister, Tina, who has been causing trouble. Naomi is described as a people-pleaser, always sacrificing her own happiness for others. When her life takes a dramatic turn, Naomi must find a way to start fresh in a town full of quirky characters and one particularly brooding man, Knox Morgan.
Chapter 1: A Runaway Bride
Naomi arrives in Knockemout, Virginia, after running away from her wedding. She receives a frantic call from her estranged twin sister, Tina, who needs help. Naomi’s perfect, organized life is thrown into chaos when she realizes that Tina tricked her. Tina takes Naomi’s money, car, and belongings, leaving Naomi stranded. To make matters worse, Naomi is unexpectedly saddled with Tina’s 11-year-old daughter, Waylay, whom she had no idea existed.
Chapter 2: Knox Morgan
Enter Knox Morgan, the gruff, tattooed, and emotionally unavailable town hero. He runs a bar in town and is known for helping people out when they’re in trouble—but only when he chooses to. Knox and Naomi clash immediately, as he doesn’t want to get involved in her mess, but he can’t help but be intrigued by her. He reluctantly offers her a place to stay temporarily in one of his rental properties.
Chapter 3: Settling In
Naomi, now stranded in Knockemout without money, a car, or a plan, tries to adjust to her new circumstances. She begins to bond with her niece, Waylay, who is a bit of a troublemaker but clearly needs love and stability. Naomi takes it upon herself to care for Waylay and figure out a way to rebuild her life. Meanwhile, she starts to notice how tight-knit the town is and how everyone seems to know her business.
Chapter 4: Knox’s Rules
Knox, who is still trying to keep his distance, sets some ground rules for his relationship with Naomi. He makes it clear that he’s not interested in emotional entanglements and insists that their relationship will remain strictly platonic and practical. Despite his gruff exterior, Knox helps Naomi out when she needs it, but he maintains a facade of indifference.
Chapter 5: The Town of Knockemout
Naomi starts to integrate herself into the town, meeting various residents who are full of personality. From the quirky diner owner to the town’s eccentric librarian, Knockemout is populated by a colorful cast of characters. Despite her difficult situation, Naomi begins to feel a sense of belonging in this close-knit community.
Chapter 6: Family Ties
Naomi’s bond with Waylay deepens as she takes on the role of caregiver. Waylay, who is initially sullen and distrustful, begins to open up to Naomi. Naomi reflects on her strained relationship with her own family, especially her twin sister, Tina, who has always been selfish and unreliable. Naomi is determined to give Waylay the stability she never had with Tina.
Chapter 7: Knox’s Struggles
Knox is fighting his own internal battles. His past relationships have left him emotionally guarded, and he has no interest in a romantic relationship. However, he finds himself drawn to Naomi’s warmth and resilience. He starts helping her more and more, whether it’s fixing her house, offering her rides, or stepping in to protect her when things go wrong.
Chapter 8: Unwanted Drama
Naomi’s troubles with Tina are far from over. Tina reappears, causing chaos and trying to manipulate Naomi once again. Knox steps in to protect Naomi from Tina’s schemes, but this deepens his involvement in Naomi’s life, which he had been trying to avoid. Tensions rise as Naomi tries to navigate her feelings for Knox while dealing with the ongoing mess Tina left behind.
Chapter 9: A Growing Connection
Despite their initial reluctance, Knox and Naomi’s connection grows stronger. They start spending more time together, and Naomi begins to rely on Knox for support. Knox tries to resist his feelings for Naomi, but he can’t deny the chemistry between them. Their banter turns flirtatious, and the emotional walls between them start to crumble.
Chapter 10: Knox’s Vulnerability
Knox’s tough exterior hides a vulnerable side, and Naomi starts to see that he’s more than just the grumpy loner he pretends to be. Knox opens up about his past, revealing the reasons behind his emotional detachment. He has been hurt before and is scared of getting hurt again, which is why he avoids relationships. Naomi begins to realize that Knox is more complicated than she initially thought.
Chapter 11: Naomi’s Transformation
As Naomi adjusts to her new life in Knockemout, she begins to let go of her old, rigid expectations and embraces the uncertainty of her current situation. She takes on odd jobs around town to make ends meet and becomes a central figure in Waylay’s life. Naomi starts to build a new life for herself, one that is far from the one she left behind, but more fulfilling in unexpected ways.
Chapter 12: A Romantic Shift
Knox and Naomi’s relationship takes a romantic turn. After months of resisting their feelings, they finally give in to their attraction. Their relationship grows from friendship to something deeper, and both begin to wonder if they can make this work long-term. Knox, however, still struggles with his fear of commitment, which creates tension between them.
Chapter 13: Tina’s Return
Just when things seem to be settling down, Tina reappears, causing even more trouble. She tries to manipulate Naomi once again, this time involving Waylay in her schemes. Knox steps in to protect Naomi and Waylay, but the situation escalates, putting everyone in danger. Tina’s actions force Naomi to confront her past and make tough decisions about her future.
Chapter 14: Knox’s Sacrifice
Knox is forced to confront his fears and make a choice: stay emotionally distant or risk his heart for Naomi. He realizes that his feelings for her run deeper than he anticipated, but his fear of commitment still lingers. Knox must decide whether he can let go of his past and embrace the possibility of a future with Naomi.
Chapter 15: The Final Confrontation
The tension with Tina reaches a breaking point, leading to a dramatic confrontation. Naomi must stand up to her sister once and for all, while Knox and the people of Knockemout rally around her. In the end, Tina’s manipulations are exposed, and Naomi gains custody of Waylay, providing the young girl with the stability and love she needs.
Chapter 16: A New Beginning
With Tina out of the picture, Naomi and Waylay can finally build a stable life together in Knockemout. Knox, after wrestling with his emotions, decides to take the plunge and commit to Naomi fully. The story ends with Naomi and Knox finding happiness together, building a new family and a new life in the small town of Knockemout.
Epilogue
The epilogue ties up loose ends and shows Naomi and Knox settled into their new life together. Waylay thrives under Naomi’s care, and Knox is fully integrated into their family. The once-gruff and distant man has opened up to love, and Naomi has found the peace and happiness she was searching for. The town of Knockemout continues to play a central role in their lives, providing the community and support that Naomi and Knox both needed.
Conclusion
Things We Never Got Over is a heartwarming romance that explores themes of family, love, healing, and second chances. Naomi’s journey from a runaway bride to a woman who builds a new life for herself and her niece is inspiring, while Knox’s transformation from an emotionally closed-off man to someone willing to risk love adds depth to the story. The novel blends humor, drama, and romance, making it a compelling read with a satisfying, feel-good ending.