Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score Summary

Things We Left Behind is a romance novel following Sloane Walton, a small-town librarian, and Lucian Rollins, a wealthy political consultant, as they navigate rekindled feelings amid unresolved past trauma. Set in Knockemout, Virginia, the story explores their enemies-to-lovers dynamic as they work together on a legal case involving corruption and justice while confronting family legacies. The novel balances emotional depth, humor, and suspense as both characters heal from grief and learn to trust again.

Things We Left Behind is perfect for romance readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers dynamics, second-chance storylines, and emotionally complex characters. Fans of small-town romance with substance will appreciate the blend of steamy scenes, family drama, and themes of justice and personal growth. Readers seeking stories about healing from trauma, confronting family legacies, and building authentic relationships will find this compelling. The book appeals to those who want romance with deeper emotional layers beyond typical contemporary fiction.

Things We Left Behind offers more than typical romance by combining passionate chemistry with substantial themes like grief, justice, and family legacies. Lucy Score crafts emotionally layered characters facing real trauma while maintaining humor and tension throughout. The dual timeline revealing Sloane and Lucian's complicated past adds depth to their present-day reconciliation. Readers appreciate the balance of steamy romance, suspenseful legal drama, and character growth, making it a satisfying read for those seeking both entertainment and emotional substance.

Things We Left Behind can be enjoyed as a standalone despite being the third book in Lucy Score's Knockemout series. While previous characters appear and earlier couple's weddings feature in the plot, the story focuses primarily on Sloane and Lucian's relationship with sufficient context provided. Reading the earlier books enhances understanding of secondary characters and community dynamics but isn't necessary to follow the main storyline. New readers can start here and backtrack if they enjoy Score's writing style and world-building.

Sloane Walton and Lucian Rollins share a complicated history as childhood neighbors and former best friends whose bond was shattered by traumatic events involving Lucian's abusive father. Their relationship evolves from mutual animosity and bickering to undeniable chemistry when forced proximity reignites long-suppressed feelings. Initially engaging in secret encounters, they gradually confront past wounds and current obstacles, including Lucian's refusal to consider marriage and children due to fear of repeating his father's patterns. Their journey demonstrates how trust and vulnerability can overcome deep-seated trauma.

Things We Left Behind explores family legacies as both characters grapple with their fathers' opposing influences—Sloane honoring her father's justice work while Lucian seeks to erase his father's abusive legacy. The novel examines grief, trauma, and healing as both protagonists process unresolved pain affecting their ability to trust and love. Justice and community support emerge through Sloane's legal aid work for wrongfully imprisoned Mary Louise. Additional themes include forgiveness, revenge, personal growth, and the transformative power of genuine connection in overcoming past damage.

The Mary Louise case involves a woman serving an unjust 20-year prison sentence that Sloane's father, Simon, had been investigating before his death. After Simon's funeral, Mary Louise's son Allen asks Sloane to help appeal his mother's conviction, leading Sloane to establish a legal aid foundation with friends Lina and Naomi. The case connects to crime boss Anthony Hugo's corrupt network of private prisons and bribed judges. Sloane's pursuit of justice triggers escalating threats, including library arson and physical attacks, ultimately exposing widespread corruption and securing Mary Louise's release.

Things We Left Behind elevates the enemies-to-lovers trope by grounding antagonism in genuine trauma rather than superficial misunderstandings. Sloane and Lucian's bickering stems from a painful shared past involving Lucian's abusive father, creating authentic emotional barriers. Their chemistry builds through forced proximity and accidental foreplay during arguments, leading to a passionate one-night stand that neither can forget. Score masterfully balances sexual tension with emotional vulnerability as both characters confront why they truly pushed each other away, making their reconciliation deeply satisfying and earned.

Family legacy drives both protagonists' motivations and conflicts in Things We Left Behind. Sloane inherits her father Simon's commitment to justice and community service, immediately establishing a legal aid foundation to continue his work helping those in need. Conversely, Lucian dedicates his life to erasing his abusive father Ansel's stain on the Rollins name through his consulting firm supporting ethical politicians. The contrasting legacies highlight how parental influence shapes identity, with Sloane embracing her inheritance while Lucian fights to overcome his, creating tension about their future together.

Things We Left Behind concludes with Sloane and Lucian achieving their happily-ever-after through marriage and commitment to building a family together. Lucian reverses his vasectomy, symbolizing his willingness to overcome fear and embrace the future Sloane desires. The corrupt officials threatening them are exposed and imprisoned, securing justice for Mary Louise and the community. The couple establishes a foundation honoring Simon's legacy while creating their own path forward. Their Christmas Eve wedding celebrates their journey from childhood friends to estranged enemies to devoted partners.

Lucian Rollins captivates as a complex character haunted by his abusive father's legacy while building an empire dedicated to justice and moral politics. His "broken men break women" belief system creates internal conflict as he simultaneously loves Sloane yet fears damaging her. Score layers his wealthy, controlled exterior with deep vulnerability, guilt over their fractured past, and fierce protectiveness. His transformation from emotionally unavailable mogul to committed partner willing to reverse his vasectomy demonstrates genuine character growth rooted in confronting trauma rather than convenient plot resolution.

Things We Left Behind distinguishes itself by combining second-chance romance with legal thriller elements and social justice themes rather than relying solely on relationship drama. Unlike typical second-chance stories, Sloane and Lucian's separation stems from childhood trauma and protective instincts rather than simple misunderstandings. Score integrates substantial subplots involving corrupt officials, wrongful imprisonment, and community activism that raise stakes beyond romantic reconciliation. The small-town setting and ensemble cast create depth while maintaining focus on the central couple's emotional journey, offering both escapist romance and meaningful substance.