Things We Hide from the Light by Lucy Score Summary
Overview
In Knockemout's steamy sequel, Nash's PTSD meets Lina's touch aversion - creating romance that garnered 430,000+ ratings and a Goodreads Award nomination. What secrets hide beneath their electric chemistry? Discover why readers call this mental health representation "unforgettable."
- Nash Morgan struggles with PTSD after nearly dying from gunshot wounds.
- Lucy Score explores trauma recovery through Nash's panic attacks and numbness.
- Lina Solavita hides her true identity as a stolen property investigator.
- Things We Hide from the Light shows love as a catalyst for healing.
- Nash and Lina's incompatibility creates powerful tension throughout the story.
- Score portrays realistic mental health struggles in small-town police chief Nash.
- Emotional vulnerability becomes Nash's path to recovery from trauma and depression.
- Lina's past cardiac arrest trauma mirrors Nash's post-shooting psychological wounds.
- The Knockemout series balances steamy romance with serious PTSD representation.
- Nash's memory loss about the shooting creates mystery and suspense elements.
- Lucy Score uses dual perspectives to reveal both characters' hidden pain.
- Community support and romantic connection help Nash reclaim his will to live.
About the Author
Lucy Score is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Things We Hide From the Light, known for her witty, heartfelt contemporary romance novels that blend laugh-out-loud humor with emotional depth. Born in rural Pennsylvania in 1980, she grew up in a literary family where dinner table conversations were replaced by silent reading, fostering her lifelong passion for storytelling.
After being unexpectedly fired from her day job in 2015, Score committed to writing full-time, and her breakout novel Pretend You're Mine rocketed to #1 on Amazon within days of release.
Score specializes in small-town rom-coms featuring fiercely loyal characters and steamy romance that her family "can't look her in the eye" about. Her Knockemout series, which includes Things We Never Got Over and Things We Left Behind, became instant New York Times bestsellers. Things We Never Got Over was optioned for television by Amazon MGM Studios in 2023.
Her books have sold millions of copies worldwide and been translated into 31 languages, cementing her status as a dominant voice in contemporary romance.
FAQs About This Book
What is Things We Hide from the Light by Lucy Score about?
Things We Hide from the Light is a contemporary romance novel about Nash Morgan, a small-town police chief struggling with PTSD after being shot, and Lina Solavita, a secretive insurance investigator who becomes his neighbor. The story follows their intense physical connection as Nash battles depression and panic attacks while Lina hides her true reason for being in Knockemout, Virginia. This steamy romance explores healing, trust, and the power of vulnerability within a tight-knit community.
Who is Lucy Score and what is she known for?
Lucy Score is an instant #1 New York Times bestselling author known for writing contemporary romance novels with strong character development and small-town settings. She earned a journalism degree and now writes full-time from Pennsylvania, creating what fans call "heartbreaker heroes and kick-ass heroines." Things We Hide from the Light is part of her popular Knockemout series, which has topped bestseller lists and earned multiple Goodreads Choice Award nominations.
Who should read Things We Hide from the Light?
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy steamy small-town romance with emotional depth and mental health representation. Fans of Lucy Score's Knockemout series, particularly those who enjoyed Things We Never Got Over, will appreciate seeing beloved side characters return. The novel appeals to readers seeking good boy/bad girl dynamics, PTSD representation, found family themes, and romance novels that balance humor with serious emotional moments.
Is Things We Hide from the Light worth reading?
Things We Hide from the Light earned mixed-to-positive reviews, with readers praising the mental health representation, character depth, and steamy scenes while some felt the suspense subplot overshadowed the romance. The book topped New York Times and Amazon bestseller lists and received a Goodreads Choice Award nomination for Readers' Favorite Romance in 2023. Fans of Lucy Score's writing style and the Knockemout series generally find it worth reading, though opinions vary on whether it surpasses the first book.
What mental health issues does Nash Morgan struggle with in Things We Hide from the Light?
Nash Morgan battles severe PTSD, depression, and panic attacks after surviving a near-fatal shooting in the line of duty. He experiences nightmares, emotional numbness, and a sense of being a "broody shell" of his former charming self. The book portrays Nash hiding his deteriorating mental health from others in typical "Morgan boys fashion," showing how trauma transforms his personality and affects his ability to feel hope or connection until he meets Lina.
What is the "good boy, bad girl" dynamic in Things We Hide from the Light?
Nash represents the "good boy"—the town's beloved, charming police chief known for his kindness and Southern charm before trauma changed him. Lina embodies the "bad girl"—a badass, independent woman who avoids relationships and physical contact, keeps dangerous secrets, and plans to leave town once her job is done. Their opposing personalities create electric tension, with Nash's protective sweetness contrasting Lina's guarded independence and commitment-phobia throughout their developing relationship.
How does Things We Hide from the Light address trauma and healing?
The novel explores trauma recovery through Nash's journey from emotional darkness after being shot to finding healing through love and vulnerability. Lucy Score depicts PTSD realistically, showing Nash's struggle to recover emotionally and psychologically beyond physical wounds. The book emphasizes that healing requires accepting help from others, as Nash begins recovering only when he allows Lina and his community to support him, demonstrating the transformative power of trust and authentic connection.
What secrets does Lina Solavita hide in Things We Hide from the Light?
Lina's primary secret is her true profession—she's not a regular insurance agent but a specialist in recovering stolen property, specifically investigating the car theft ring connected to Nash's shooting and searching for a stolen Porsche belonging to Duncan Hugo. She conceals her real reason for staying in Knockemout while everyone believes she's just an insurance worker. Lina also hides her health history and deep-rooted fears about relationships and being controlled by others.
How does Things We Hide from the Light compare to Things We Never Got Over?
Opinions vary significantly on this comparison. Some readers prefer Things We Hide from the Light for its deeper character development and more realistic portrayal of flawed, wounded people compared to Knox and Naomi's story. However, others felt the first book had a stronger, more cohesive plot while this sequel felt aimless with romance taking a backseat to suspense subplots. Both books feature Lucy Score's signature humor, steamy scenes, and quirky side characters in the Knockemout setting.
What is the Duncan Hugo storyline in Things We Hide from the Light?
Duncan Hugo is the criminal mastermind behind the car theft ring whose organization shot Nash in the first book. The suspense subplot involves Nash and Lina working together to identify Duncan's location and recover the stolen Porsche while he hides in Knockemout. Duncan wants to cooperate with federal agents to eliminate his father and take over the family criminal operation. The mystery culminates when Nash's niece Waylay helps identify Duncan's henchman through a candy detail, leading to a dramatic confrontation.
What role does physical touch play in Things We Hide from the Light?
Physical touch is a significant theme because Lina typically avoids physical contact unless she initiates it, making Nash's touch uniquely meaningful. Their "incendiary" physical connection grounds Nash during his PTSD struggles and makes Lina reconsider her boundaries and risk-aversion. The novel explores how physical intimacy becomes a form of communication and healing for both damaged characters, though some readers criticized the lack of condom use and STD discussions in their steamy scenes.
What are the main criticisms of Things We Hide from the Light?
Common criticisms include the feeling that the plot lacks cohesion, with readers finding the story aimless as characters pine for each other using the "do I want him/her? Am I too damaged?" routine similar to the first book. Some felt Lina and Nash worked better as side characters than protagonists, lacking chemistry and depth. Readers also noted the suspense subplot often overshadowed the romance, making it feel secondary. Additionally, some found the book too long and predictable despite enjoyable banter.
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Key Themes in Things We Hide from the Light
Quotes from Things We Hide from the Light
Even fall, his favorite season, failed to spark joy.
tiny little embers in Nash's emotional wasteland.
wounded, broody neighbor.
yawning chasm of emptiness
Vulnerability as Strength, Not Weakness
Characters in Things We Hide from the Light
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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