Stephanie Sullivan: Review - Things We Left Behind

TITLE: Things We Left Behind

RATING: ★★★★★

RELEASE DATE: September 5th, 2023

Summary (from Goodreads): There was only one woman who could set me free. But I would rather set myself on fire than ask Sloane Walton for anything.

Lucian Rollins is a lean, mean vengeance-seeking mogul. On a quest to erase his father’s mark on the family name, he spends every waking minute pulling strings and building an indestructible empire. The more money and power he amasses, the safer he is from threats.

Except when it comes to the feisty small-town librarian that keeps him up at night…

Sloane Walton is a spitfire determined to carry on her father’s quest for justice. She’ll do that just as soon as she figures out exactly what the man she hates did to—or for—her family. Bonded by an old, dark secret from the past and the dislike they now share for each other, Sloane trusts Lucian about as far as she can throw his designer-suited body.

When bickering accidentally turns to foreplay, these two find themselves not quite regretting their steamy one-night stand. Once those flames are fanned, it seems impossible to put them out again. But with Sloane ready to start a family and Lucian refusing to even consider the idea of marriage and kids, these enemies-to-lovers are stuck at an impasse.

Broken men break women. It’s what Lucian believes, what he’s witnessed, and he’s not going to take that chance with Sloane. He’d rather live a life of solitude than put her in danger. But he learns the hard way that leaving her means leaving her unprotected from other threats.

It’s the second time he’s ruthlessly cut her out of his life. There’s no way she’s going to give him a third chance. He’s just going to have to make one for himself.

REVIEW: Of the three main Knockemout heroes, Lucian Rollins has been my favorite from day one, and Sloane Walton has been my favorite heroine. So, needless to say, when this book became available on NetGalley, I immediately jumped on it, and I read it within just a couple of days. I love Lucian because he came from a horrible childhood filled with abuse, and he let that fuel him into becoming a very influential and powerful self-made man. I love Sloane because she’s a librarian, like myself, and she’s a strong woman with a hint of vulnerability. The two of them together are simply amazing. I absolutely LOVED the snarky insults and bickering between them, and I lost count of the many times I literally laughed out loud while reading this book. Lucy Score is a genius with dialogue, and she’s also a pro at stirring emotions too. I laughed. I cried. I gasped. I was truly sad about finishing this series. I will point out that if you’re looking for a tender romance then this book - the whole series, actually - isn’t for you. If I had to name one gripe about the series it would be the lack of tenderness and romance. Now, let me clarify that I have nothing whatsoever against rough sex, but when ALL the lovemaking scenes seem more vengeful than loving, it kind of gets on my nerves after awhile. Other than that, this book and the whole series is top-notch and will always be one of my favorites. I’m honestly going to miss Knockemout, Virginia, and all the characters who live there. It’s been one heck of a ride! Thank you, Lucy!

(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)