Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this episode, Rachel and Dana break down the unforgettable characters in Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score.
Whether you’re a romance writer, reader, or storyteller, you’ll gain valuable insights into what makes characters stand out, how to use humor and emotional depth in character development, and why small-town romance thrives on interconnected relationships.
You can also watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube!
Estimate Timestamps
[00:00] – Welcome & What We’re Reading
Rachel and Dana kick off the episode with a fun discussion about their current reads, including Sin and Chocolate by K.F. Breene, Midnight Sun, and Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell. Dana shares how she’s rediscovering her love for reading on her new Kindle Scribe, while Rachel reflects on the contrast between their book choices—classic literature vs. steamy reads!
[10:30] – Introduction to Things We Never Got Over
A quick summary of Lucy Score’s Things We Never Got Over and why it’s such a standout in small-town romance.
The book’s engaging setup: Naomi’s runaway bride disaster, her grumpy/sunshine romance with Knox, and the quirky town of Knockemout.
[15:45] – Why Setting Feels Like a Character
How Knockemout’s tight-knit, nosy, but loving community shapes the story.
The importance of small-town romance tropes: found family, community involvement, and how secondary characters elevate the main romance.
The role of humor in making the town feel alive and immersive.
[22:00] – Deep Dive into Naomi Witt (The Sunshine with a Spine)
Naomi’s resilience and why she doesn’t come across as whiny despite her struggles.
Her journey from people-pleaser to boundary-setter and how her growth is subtly woven throughout the book.
The impact of her relationship with Waylay and Knox on her transformation.
[35:15] – Knox Morgan (The Grump with a Heart of Gold)
How Knox is the perfect counterbalance to Naomi’s personality.
His character arc: going from a man with emotional walls to someone willing to let love in.
The way his no-nonsense approach challenges Naomi to grow and set boundaries.
[45:10] – Found Family, Secondary Characters & Future Books
The brilliance of how Lucy Score sets up future books through interconnected character relationships.
How Nash, Sloane, and Lucien’s introductions tease upcoming romance storylines.
The importance of making secondary characters feel just as real and dynamic as the main couple.
[55:00] – Using Humor to Balance Heavy Emotional Themes
How humor in dialogue, banter, and setting helps balance deep themes like betrayal, grief, and family conflict.
Favorite laugh-out-loud moments from the book.
[01:05:30] – The Romance Genre as a Study of Love & Human Relationships
Why romance novels aren’t just about the love story—they’re about personal growth, found family, and emotional healing.
How romance guarantees a Happily Ever After (HEA), offering readers hope and comfort.
The importance of honoring reader expectations in romance storytelling.
Book Selection
Bearded, bad-boy barber Knox prefers to live his life the way he takes his coffee: Alone. Unless you count his basset hound, Waylon. Knox doesn’t tolerate drama, even when it comes in the form of a stranded runaway bride.
Naomi wasn’t just running away from her wedding. She was riding to the rescue of her estranged twin to Knockemout, Virginia, a rough-around-the-edges town where disputes are settled the old-fashioned way…with fists and beer. Usually in that order.
Too bad for Naomi her evil twin hasn’t changed at all. After helping herself to Naomi’s car and cash, Tina leaves her with something unexpected. The niece Naomi didn’t know she had. Now she’s stuck in town with no car, no job, no plan, and no home with an 11-year-old going on thirty to take care of.
There’s a reason Knox doesn’t do complications or high-maintenance women, especially not the romantic ones. But since Naomi’s life imploded right in front of him, the least he can do is help her out of her jam. And just as soon as she stops getting into new trouble he can leave her alone and get back to his peaceful, solitary life.
At least, that’s the plan until the trouble turns to real danger.
Where to Find the Book
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score is available in physical, ebook, and audiobook formats. It’s also widely available in libraries and online retailers. Details on the author’s website.
Next Episode:
In the next episode, Rachel and Dana will explore their Editor’s Takeaways from Things We Never Got Over—wrapping up everything they’ve discussed so far and highlighting key craft lessons for writers. Be sure to tune in!
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