By a Thread by Lucy Score Summary

By a Thread is a workplace romantic comedy about Ally Morales, a struggling graphic designer working multiple jobs, and Dominic Russo, the grumpy creative director of Label fashion magazine. After Dominic gets Ally fired from her waitressing job, his mother hires her at the magazine, forcing them to work together. Despite their instant hatred and Dominic's rule against dating employees, their undeniable attraction and deepening connection challenge everything they thought they knew about love and vulnerability.

Lucy Score is a #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author specializing in contemporary romance and romantic comedies. Known for her laugh-out-loud humor, steamy romance scenes, and emotionally satisfying happy endings, Score has sold millions of books translated into 31 languages. Her signature style blends witty banter, fierce heroines, grumpy-but-lovable heroes, and small-town or workplace settings that deliver both heat and heart in equal measure.

By a Thread is perfect for romance readers who love enemies-to-lovers dynamics, workplace romance, and grumpy/sunshine pairings. Fans of witty banter, steamy scenes, and emotionally vulnerable characters will enjoy this novel. It's ideal for readers seeking an escapist romantic comedy with depth—balancing humor with serious themes like family caregiving, workplace harassment, and overcoming past trauma. If you enjoyed Things We Never Got Over or contemporary romances with strong character development, this book is for you.

By a Thread is absolutely worth reading for contemporary romance enthusiasts. The novel delivers a satisfying enemies-to-lovers arc with exceptional chemistry between protagonists, sharp dialogue, and emotional depth beneath the humor. Lucy Score balances steamy romance with meaningful exploration of personal responsibility, family obligations, and healing from past wounds. With its #1 Amazon bestseller status and compelling dual POV narrative, the book offers both entertainment value and emotional resonance that lingers beyond the final page.

By a Thread explores balancing personal and professional responsibilities as Ally juggles multiple jobs while caring for her father with dementia. The novel examines overcoming personal demons, particularly through Dominic's struggle with his father's sexual harassment legacy and fear of repeating toxic patterns. Communication and vulnerability in relationships form the emotional core, showing how both protagonists must learn to open up, ask for help, and trust others despite past betrayals and current struggles.

Dominic Russo and Ally Morales embody the classic grumpy/sunshine, enemies-to-lovers dynamic in By a Thread. Their relationship begins with instant mutual hatred after Dominic gets Ally fired, creating workplace tension when she's hired at his family's magazine. Beneath their antagonism lies undeniable attraction and unexpected emotional connection. Their slow-burn romance features witty verbal sparring, intense sexual tension, and gradual vulnerability as they navigate professional boundaries, family trauma, and their resistance to falling in love.

By a Thread follows Ally Morales after she returns home to care for her father with dementia, working multiple jobs to manage expenses. When grumpy Dominic Russo gets her fired from waitressing, his mother hires her at Label magazine, forcing them together. Despite Dominic's rule against dating employees—stemming from his father's harassment scandal—passion builds between them. After conflicts involving Dominic's father and ex-girlfriend trigger his insecurities, he falsely accuses Ally of using him, causing a temporary breakup before reconciliation.

Dominic Russo is compelling as a grumpy hero struggling with his father's legacy of sexual harassment at Label magazine. The thirty-something creative director battles fear of repeating toxic family patterns while managing professional responsibilities and personal trauma. His character arc involves learning to trust himself, accept help, and show vulnerability. Beneath his severe exterior lies a protective, caring man who demonstrates growth by confronting past demons, making amends for mistakes, and ultimately choosing love over fear.

By a Thread authentically portrays caregiving challenges through Ally's role supporting her father with dementia. The novel shows the physical, emotional, and financial toll of managing nursing home care, multiple jobs, and home renovation simultaneously. Lucy Score depicts the isolation caregivers experience when refusing help, the reality of dementia-related violence, and the importance of accepting support. Ally's journey emphasizes that asking for help isn't weakness—a message delivered through Dominic's persistent efforts to lighten her burden.

By a Thread features a classic workplace romance set at Label, a high-end fashion magazine. The workplace setting creates forced proximity between Dominic and Ally, heightening tension as they navigate professional boundaries and company policies. Dominic's strict rule against dating employees—implemented after his father's harassment scandal—adds conflict and stakes. The novel responsibly addresses workplace power dynamics by having them clear their relationship with HR and transferring Ally to a different department, ensuring their romance doesn't compromise professional ethics.

By a Thread shares Lucy Score's signature style found in Things We Never Got Over—witty banter, small-town or close-knit community vibes (the magazine staff), and grumpy heroes with hidden depths. However, By a Thread leans more heavily into workplace romance and darker themes like caregiving, dementia, and sexual harassment aftermath. While both novels feature strong heroines and emotionally satisfying endings, By a Thread offers a more urban setting and explores professional boundaries. Fans of Score's humor and emotional depth will recognize her trademark voice throughout.

Some readers critique By a Thread for Dominic's harsh behavior during the breakup, finding his accusations and lack of communication frustrating rather than romantic. The multiple-jobs trope and Ally's reluctance to accept help can feel repetitive to some. Critics note the sexual harassment backstory, while important, could be triggering for sensitive readers. The 512-page length feels excessive to readers preferring tighter pacing. However, most agree Lucy Score's character development and emotional payoff justify these elements, delivering a satisfying contemporary romance experience.