Reviews with content warning for Domestic abuse - Things We Never Got Over

There some really good laugh-out-loud moments in this novel. I loved Stef and Sloane and their relationship with Naomi. I really enjoyed the development of Waylay/Naomi/Knox's relationships and how they gradually become a family.

I think there was a lack of character description for Knox. It's pretty clear what Knox loves about Naomi, but I found the reverse rather lacking.

A lot of the focus was on what Knox does for Naomi and how he takes care of her, which is great, but I'm a little concerned that their relationship is based too much on what he can offer her. Given her relationship with her ex, it makes sense that having a partner who is giving and doesn't just take is important, but I would've liked more information on what Naomi likes about Knox as a person, not just what he can offer her (if that makes sense). I just would've liked his character to be a bit more developed beyond how he feels about Naomi and relationships in general.

I also wish that there was more information about Naomi's sister, Tina. The book basically labels her "a bad seed" who hasn't experienced any trauma but goes around destroying everything because it's "fun." I don't think I buy that. Maybe I'm just naive, but I don't think people like Tina just appear out of nowhere. I also would've liked more of an explanation of what exactly Tina had done to get such a bad rap in Knockemout. Why does Knox have such an extreme, negative reaction when he first meets Naomi and believes her to be Tina? what did Tina do to be refused service at the coffee shop? Most of her misdemeanours aren't really explained in as much length as I'd like - especially for such a long novel. I would've liked her to get a redemption arc, but she basically gets represented as a rebellious teen who never grew up.

There were a few sections that I think were unclear and required more editing. Given all the hype on Bookstagram, I'd hoped that I'd like this more, but it was still pretty decent. I had some issues with it (there are a lot of my spicy scene ick words), but it's still a cute novel.

Content Warnings

maddieashmole's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Content Warnings

louiseemma's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Content Warnings

lyssidoll's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I will admit, this book really hits close to home for me and took me a bit to get through. I raised my own niece from the time she was 11, my best decision and best friend. The subject matter felt so familiar and very much mirrored certain aspects about being thrust into parenthood. It’s hard and messy, especially if you’re someone with a Type-A personality. This book is worth the hype. It’s worth all the love it gets. Lucy did a beautiful job with these characters, it was a fantastic read filled with laughter and a few tears, full steam ahead (every man could learn a thing or two from Knox Morgan) and a great introduction to Knockemout. Naomi Witt, you have my heart! Starting Book Two now!

Content Warnings

hereiskyra's review against another edition

Go to review page

medium-paced

3.5

Content Warnings

lexi_hexi's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Content Warnings

More...