Book Summary Contents
- 1 INTRODUCTION: WHEN YOUR SOULMATE IS YOUR WORST ENEMY
- 2 Things We Left Behind Summary and Review
- 3 Things We Left Behind Summary By Chapter
- 4 ✍️ ABOUT LUCY SCORE: QUEEN OF HEARTBREAKER HEROES
- 5 ❓ FAQ
- 5.1 Q1: Is Things We Left Behind spicy?
- 5.2 Q2: What’s the Knockemout series about?
- 5.3 Q3: What’s the core story here?
- 5.4 Q4: Can I read this as a standalone?
- 5.5 Q5: Does Lucian have trauma?
- 5.6 Q6: Is there a happy ending?
- 5.7 Q7: What’s the significance of the library?
- 5.8 Q8: How does Mary Louise’s case fit in?
- 5.9 Q9: Is the banter as good as Book 1?
- 5.10 Q10: Should I brace for tears?
- 6 CONCLUSION: WHY THIS BOOK STAYS WITH YOU
INTRODUCTION: WHEN YOUR SOULMATE IS YOUR WORST ENEMY
“There would be no new stories now. My sweet, brilliant dad was gone.” My heart cracked reading Sloane Walton’s grief in Chapter 1.
But nothing prepared me for the atomic bomb Lucy Score drops next: Sloane’s sworn enemy, cold billionaire Lucian Rollins, might be the only man who truly understands her pain. Let’s unpack this emotional grenade in my Things We Left Behind Summary.
This finale to the Knockemout series isn’t just spicy romance—it’s a raw exploration of trauma, family secrets, and whether love can rewrite a past drowning in betrayal.
Ready to feel everything?
TL;DR: KEY TAKEAWAYS
Sloane & Lucian: Grieving librarian + traumatized billionaire. 22 years of hate. ONE explosive secret love.
Themes: Grief, healing trauma, found family, justice vs. revenge.
Ending: EPIC happily-ever-after (Christmas wedding! Babies!).
Spice Level: ️️️️ (Open-door, emotionally charged).
Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5 — Lucy Score’s best yet.
Perfect for: Enemies-to-lovers fans, small-town romance addicts, readers who love healing journeys.
Pros: Sloane’s wit, Lucian’s depth, friend group banter.
Cons: Lengthy (but you’ll wish it was longer).
️ READER RAVES: WHY THIS BOOK STICKS
”LUCIAN ROLLINS RUINED ME. The cemetery scene? I SOBBED.” — Goodreads
*”Best enemies-to-lovers EVER. 600 pages flew by.”* — Amazon
”The LIBRARY ARSON? My jaw dropped. Lucy Score doesn’t play.” — BookBub
”Found family perfection. Knox’s ‘Sloaney Baloney’ hug healed me.” — Goodreads
”Spicy? YES. But the trauma healing WRECKED me more.” — NetGalley
”Lucian’s ‘I’ve loved you since we were kids’ speech? BOOK HIGHLIGHT.” — Amazon
”Mary Louise’s story added such depth. More than just romance!” — Reddit
Things We Left Behind Summary and Review
❓ 10 QUESTIONS THIS BOOK ANSWERS
Can love survive 22 years of hate?
How do you grieve when your hero (dad) is gone?
What if your trauma tells you you’re “damaged goods”?
Why do we push away the people we love most?
Can a burrito be a love letter? (Spoiler: YES.)
How far would you go to free an innocent woman?
What happens when a library—your safe haven—burns?
Can small towns hide big corruption?
Do found families beat blood ties?
Is kissing your enemy a terrible idea… or the best?
WHAT’S THINGS WE LEFT BEHIND ABOUT?
Picture this: Sloane Walton, Knockemout’s fiery head librarian, is drowning in grief after her dad Simon’s death. At his funeral, she locks eyes with Lucian Rollins—her childhood neighbor turned billionaire “Lucifer.” They’ve hated each other for 22 years over a shattering betrayal. Sloane sees only ice in his eyes. Lucian sees the girl he secretly loved since they were kids.
As Sloane numbly sorts library donations and dodges her mom’s tears, she discovers her dad’s last mission: freeing Mary Louise Upshaw, a woman jailed for 25 years protecting her son. Sloane dives into the case with friends Naomi and Lina, unaware Lucian’s already pulling strings behind the scenes.
Cue the chaos:
Disastrous dating app fails (think a guy who brings his mom).
Lucian’s silent acts of care (dropping burritos at her door).
A library arson attack tied to a prison corruption ring.
Sloane’s wrist scar—a haunting reminder of how she once saved Lucian.
Forced together by danger and Mary Louise’s case, their explosive chemistry ignites. Sloane learns Lucian’s “ruthless” facade hides childhood abuse scars. Lucian realizes Sloane’s anger masks heartbreak he caused. But when a crime boss targets them, their fake hatred crumbles. Truths explode. Bodies collide. And a love buried for decades fights its way into the light.
Things We Left Behind Summary By Chapter
Chapter 1 – Funeral Burrito
Sloane Walton, Knockemout’s librarian, mourns her father Simon’s passing. Amid grief and family support, she prepares for his funeral.
Chapter 3 – Margarita Talk
While grieving, Sloane considers motherhood and proposes a legal aid project using her inheritance. Her friends encourage dating apps.
Chapter 4 – Ambushes and Angels
Lucian Rollins, secretly watching Sloane, joins her family’s snowball fight. His feelings for her begin surfacing.
Chapter 6 – Family Secrets
Sloane meets Lucian and her mom for breakfast, uncovering Lucian’s past kindness. Tension builds between them.
Chapter 7 – The Evil Corporate Empire
At his firm, Lucian manipulates political players and investigates crime boss Anthony Hugo. His complex personality is revealed.
Chapter 8 – Wedding Dress Hives
Sloane works on a dating profile and wedding plans with friends. Her sister Maeve asks her to reexamine the Upshaw case.
Chapter 9 – Canoodling with the Devil
Sloane visits Lucian’s firm and questions his behavior. Their chemistry and conflict intensify.
Chapter 10 – Annoyed and Hungry
Lucian confides in his therapist Emry, revealing resentment toward Sloane due to a past betrayal.
Chapter 11 – Teenage Flashback
Flashbacks show Sloane supporting teen Lucian during his abusive home life. Their deep bond began here.
Chapter 12 – Livin’ La Vida Library
Sloane throws herself into work. Lucian visits her at the library, sparking a bitter but emotionally charged exchange.
Chapter 13 – Electrifying Dinner
At Knox’s house, Naomi makes Sloane and Lucian wear TENS units to force a truce. Their banter continues.
Chapter 14 – Dating Profile Reboot
Friends critique Sloane’s dating app photos. Lucian’s jealousy surfaces when Sloane gets attention.
Chapter 15 – Prison Lot Strip Tease
Lucian and Sloane visit Mary Louise, who took the fall for her son. Sloane feels compelled to help.
Chapter 16 – Bad Date Rescue
Sloane’s date with Eugene is a disaster. Lucian saves her and grows more protective.
Chapter 17 – Dangerous Confessions
Lucian avoids Sloane’s questions about the Hugo case. A conversation with Nolan reveals deeper threats.
Chapter 18 – Ruins of the Past
Sloane confronts her chaotic relationship with Lucian. He reveals his vasectomy.
Chapter 19 – You’re Better
Sloane pushes Lucian to stop comparing himself to his abusive father. Tensions over Hugo continue.
Chapter 20 – Grief and Secrets
Lucian reveals his father died recently. Sloane is furious he didn’t tell her, rekindling emotional wounds.
Chapter 21 – Teenage Vows
More teen flashbacks show Sloane’s attempt to get Lucian’s father arrested. She risks herself to help him.
Chapter 22 – Family Connections
Lucian talks with cousin Maureen, who links Hugo to recent violence. Lucian watches Sloane at a bar, overwhelmed by desire.
Chapter 23 – First Time, Long Time
Lucian and Sloane give in to passion. The encounter reveals intimacy and scars—both physical and emotional.
Chapter 24 – Grilled Cheese Peace Talks
They talk post-sex. Sloane suspects Lucian had a relationship with her mother; he denies it. She realizes her own role in his teen arrest.
Chapter 25 – Dirty Texts and Deeper Plots
Lucian learns Hugo’s son leaked the FBI list. He resolves to protect Sloane.
Chapter 26 – Dewey Decimal Justice
Sloane agrees to help Mary Louise’s appeal by becoming the public face of the case.
Chapter 27 – Anonymous Threats
On Valentine’s Day, Sloane gets a threatening note and a flirty gift from Lucian. Tension rises.
Chapter 28 – Date and Danger
Sloane is attacked after a date. The threat to her is now very real.
Chapter 29 – Withdrawn Appeal
Mary Louise backs out of her appeal, clearly under duress. Sloane turns to Lucian for protection.
Chapter 30 – Rat Threat
Dead rats appear at Sloane’s house. Lucian immediately takes her to safety.
Chapter 31 – The Fuck Fest Is Over
Lucian and Nash argue over how to protect Sloane. Lucian grows frustrated with Sloane’s choices.
Chapter 32 – Dead to Me
Sloane discovers Lucian funded her library and helped her family. Hurt and confused, she tells her friends the truth about her wrist injury.
Chapter 33 – Grumpy Bear
Lucian, under stress, confesses to Emry that he’s faking detachment to protect Sloane.
Chapter 34 – A Good Old-Fashioned Ass Kicking
Knox and Nash confront Lucian about his feelings. He confesses Sloane is too good for him.
Chapter 35 – Hidden Heroics
Sloane finds evidence Lucian secretly helped her father and library. She confronts him with a mix of fury and gratitude.
Chapter 36 – Too Many Whammies
Sloane’s podcast raises awareness. After another threat, Mary Louise officially withdraws. Lucian mobilizes protection.
Chapter 37 – Fire in the Library
Sloane escapes a fire at the library. Lucian rushes back to comfort her, heartbroken.
Chapter 38 – Stupid Pills
Lucian holds Sloane after the fire, blaming himself. They grow closer.
Chapter 39 – Mine
Lucian cares for a traumatized Sloane and finally admits to himself she’s “his”.
Chapter 40 – You’re My Business
Lucian vows to stay with Sloane forever. He promises love, family, and rebuilding the library.
Chapter 41 – Butter Knife Defense
During dinner, Sloane confronts Hugo with a butter knife. Lucian threatens Hugo to protect her.
Chapter 42 – A Volcano of Lust
Sloane and Lucian share an intimate moment. Their emotional bond deepens.
Chapter 43 – The Takedown
Lucian’s team, with Sloane’s help, exposes Hugo’s prison empire. Hugo is arrested.
Chapter 44 – Drawer Space Doesn’t Matter
In therapy, Lucian and Sloane work through emotional baggage. Lucian apologizes and declares his love.
Chapter 45 – Cherry Blossoms and Commitment
Lucian reverses his vasectomy and proposes to Sloane. She accepts, overwhelmed with love.
Chapter 46 – Books Save Lives
At a wedding rehearsal, new evidence arises in Mary Louise’s case. Sloane’s physical and emotional wounds begin healing.
Chapter 47 – Wrongs Righted
Lucian confronts and subdues Wylie Ogden, revealing his role in multiple crimes. Sloane and Lucian celebrate love and justice.
Epilogue – A Christmas Wedding
Lucian and Sloane marry on Christmas Eve. They plan to foster children and reflect on their journey.
MAIN CHARACTERS: HEARTS ON FIRE
| Character | Role | Key Arc |
|---|---|---|
| Sloane Walton | Librarian / Protagonist | Grieving her dad; hates Lucian; craves family; finds courage in love. |
| Lucian Rollins | Billionaire / “The Enemy” | Trauma survivor; secretly protects Sloane; learns he’s worthy of love. |
| Karen Walton | Sloane’s Mom | Hides past abuse; leans on Lucian; finds strength in truth. |
| Knox, Nash & Crew | Found Family (Naomi, Lina, etc.) | Offer humor, support, and serious nudges to get Sloane/Lucian together. |
| Mary Louise Upshaw | Wrongfully Imprisoned Woman | Symbol of injustice; her case forces Sloane/Lucian to unite. |
KEY THEMES: MORE THAN JUST SPICE
| Theme | How It Hits Hard |
|---|---|
| Grief’s Many Faces | Sloane’s numbness vs. Karen’s tears. Lucian mourning Simon in secret. |
| Trauma Doesn’t Define You | Lucian’s abuse scars make him feel “damaged.” Sloane shows him: ”It’s what you choose that matters.” |
| Found Family Saves | Friends who bring burritos, stage interventions, and fight corrupt judges together. |
| Justice vs. Revenge | Lucian wants vengeance. Sloane wants fairness. They meet in the middle. |
| Love Is Scary | Admitting “I’ve loved you since we were kids” requires guts—and therapy. |
SYMBOLISM: HIDDEN MEANINGS IN KNOCKEMOUT
| Symbol | Meaning | Heart-Tugging Moment |
|---|---|---|
| Sloane’s Library | Her sanctuary, identity | Arson attack destroys it—forcing her to rebuild herself too. |
| Lucian’s Childhood Home | Painful past | He keeps the “godforsaken” house next to Sloane’s—clinging to hope. |
| Cherry Blossoms | Hope after loss | Lucian gifts Sloane pressed blossoms: ”Because you loved them.” |
| Sloane’s Wrist Scar | Bravery & sacrifice | A permanent reminder she saved Lucian—long before she forgave him. |
| Burritos | Silent love language | Lucian leaves them at her door when words fail. Swoon. |
✍️ ABOUT LUCY SCORE: QUEEN OF HEARTBREAKER HEROES
Lucy Score—#1 NYT bestseller and master of making us cry into our wine—grew up “at a dinner table for reading.” A journalism grad, she crafts kick-ass heroines and heartbreaker heroes who banter like enemies and love like soulmates. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband (“Mr. Lucy”) and chaos-cat Cleo.
Her style? Addictive. Think:
Dialogue that snaps (Sloane: ”I’d rather lick a dumpster.” Lucian: ”Noted.”)
Emotions that wreck you (grief, trauma, and that cemetery confession scene ).
Spice that sizzles (yes, it’s open-door—and gloriously emotional).
Knockemout is her crown jewel, but explore her Benevolence and Riley Thorn series for more small-town magic.
❓ FAQ
Q1: Is Things We Left Behind spicy?
A: YES! ️️️️ Lucy Score delivers emotionally charged, open-door scenes that advance the plot (and melt your Kindle).
Q2: What’s the Knockemout series about?
A: Small-town chaos, found family, and explosive romances. Book 1: Naomi/Knox. Book 2: Nash/Lina. Book 3: Sloane/Lucian’s epic hate-to-love.
Q3: What’s the core story here?
A: Librarian Sloane and billionaire Lucian battle 22 years of hate, grief, and a dangerous corruption plot—while discovering hidden love.
Q4: Can I read this as a standalone?
A: Possible, but not ideal. You’ll miss context on the friend group. Start with Book 1 (Things We Never Got Over) for max impact.
Q5: Does Lucian have trauma?
A: Deeply. Childhood abuse makes him believe he’s “damaged.” His journey to self-worth is POWERFUL.
Q6: Is there a happy ending?
A: YES! A swoon-worthy epilogue with a Christmas wedding, babies, and cherry blossoms.
Q7: What’s the significance of the library?
A: Sloane’s sanctuary. Its arson attack symbolizes her world shattering—and rebirth.
Q8: How does Mary Louise’s case fit in?
A: Her unjust imprisonment connects to a crime boss. Solving it forces Sloane/Lucian to work together—and face their past.
Q9: Is the banter as good as Book 1?
A: BETTER. Sloane’s “dumpster” insults vs. Lucian’s icy comebacks are LEGENDARY.
Q10: Should I brace for tears?
A: Absolutely. Grief, trauma confessions, and Lucian’s love speech will wreck you (in the best way).
CONCLUSION: WHY THIS BOOK STAYS WITH YOU
Let’s be real: I finished Things We Left Behind with puffy eyes and a happy heartache. Lucy Score doesn’t just write romance—she writes emotional earthquakes.
Sloane and Lucian’s journey from venomous hatred to vulnerable, all-consuming love is a masterclass in character depth. The library fire, Lucian’s cemetery speech, the cherry blossoms… these moments tattooed themselves on my soul.
Key takeaway? Healing isn’t pretty—it’s burritos at midnight, ugly crying, and choosing love when every scar screams run. If you crave romance with grit, humor, and a found family that feels like home, this is your next obsession. Knockemout isn’t just a town—it’s a state of heart.
READY TO FALL HARD? BUY THINGS WE LEFT BEHIND NOW!
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Sources & References
- Amazon’s book page
- Goodreaders’s book page
- Author’s image source: thebookseller.com
- Book Cover: Amazon.com
- Quotes Source: Goodreads.com
