My Lucy Score entry point was the Riley Thorn series, which I recommend to just about everyone. There is a spite cow and a farting wonder dog, so it leans way more comedic than Knockemout.
I prefer her comedic books more than the earnest “serious” ones. It’s rare to read ones that genuinely make you laugh. (Any recs are welcome btw!) I have worked through her backlog and have mostly enjoyed them.
I've read all the Knockemouts, as well as the Riley Thorn series (I think there are 4 at least) that Natalie mentioned. Loved them all and highly recommend the RT series ... the MMC is an ex-cop/PI and there's always a mystery. And Riley (MFC) is a psychic. Other characters include a group of senior citizens who get in on the crime solving and the books are all just very funny, if maybe a bit corny.
I read Knockemout after seeing them everywhere with their pretty covers in fall 2023. I hadn’t really read a romance series before and I was HOOKED. I was unaware they were on KU or what KU even was so I waited for a physical book 1 from the library and then proceeded to buy the next two immediately because I wasn’t waiting on the library! I basically haven’t stopped reading since.
I loved the world she built and the age demo. I have read a few of her others but nothing will compare knockem out. I can’t wait for her new one! Thanks for this fun story!
My favorite thing about this is the character who named her child "Waylay" because she delayed all her mother's dreams, and now I'm wishing I had named my children Block and Hinder.
I read Maggie Moves On and liked it for the most part. She does a lot of books around house renos which is a trope I like, but the overprotective MMC was a bit off-putting for me - came off patriarchal even if well-meaning. Sounds like this a possible theme in her books, and I am on the fence if I want to read more.
This trilogy has been on my Kindle for what feels like forever. I don't remember when I bought them or why. No, I'm not a compulsive book buyer, why would you think that?!?! LOL For whatever reason, I've never opened one of them when I'm scrolling through my library looking for my next book, but you got me. I'm charmed and I'm going to read the first one after I finish Emily Henry's Funny Story. Thanks for the nudge!
I read these when they were just in Kindle Unlimited and I loved them so much! Older characters, deeply developed small town side characters, hijinks but hilarious? I really can't think of many comps for this - I detested that Pumpkin Spice slop story, and think Lucy Score is about 20 rungs higher on the ladder than that - I hope readers can see the difference! As for the waitresses cycles lining up? I loved that - ha!
Hmmm, yes I can see that! Especially the Wild series, maybe more so than Chestnut Hill since the townspeople are a bit more involved. Also, possibly Sarah Adams' When in Rome series, but that's not as zany. Lucy Score just really nailed it with this series ~ there's a lot about it that when described, I would say isn't my thing, but then I was absolutely helpless to stop reading!
Thank you for this service journalism--as you describe them this series sounds like catnip to me. I had seen the covers around but wasn't interested because I assumed they were more in the "women's lit" category (where HEA is not guaranteed). We shall see if they meet my new high expectations!
I see these books everywhere (in Target especially) but definitely presumed they were “women’s fiction” rather than romance due to the covers. Maybe I’ll pick one up one day after reading this- definitely more interested now I know the MCs are in their 30s & 40s.
I also read Knockemout a few months ago to see what all the hype was about! Overall I enjoyed them, particularly the town and the quirky cast of characters. But they ran a bit long for me. I liked the second book the best, probably because Nash was the least assholey of the heroes!! I also appreciated the depression storyline and having the FMC be averse to commitment.
Re: Imprinting—I definitely think this is true, that there are early reads that are very formative to our tastes and preferences. Some of mine include Christina Lauren’s Beautiful and Wild Seasons series, Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game and Rosie Danan’s The Roommate.
lol I’m under such a pile of rocks that I had never heard of or seen these books or this author
Also I’ve been thinking about my imprinting and while Kushiel’s Dart and Outlander were definitely formative, I kept my Kresley Cole paperbacks close when I wanted a spicy read. A friend of mine bought me The Captain of All Pleasures as a joke. How the times have changed!
Came back to say--I've been thinking more about what my spicy series imprint was and I think it has to be Outlander. I always crave more time with the mains together battling external forces and am less interested in conflict between the mains or a drawn out slow burn.
Such a great post breaking down a successful series! I have her book on my kindle and since I’m always wonderfully drowning in reads and arcs it keeps getting bumped. Going to move it up my list. Love seeing an authors success in this community!
Oh, that's interesting to think of imprinting on your first spicy series! If Kushiel's Dart counts then yes, it's true for me, haha
of course Kushiel's Dart counts! I think that was the gateway for a lot of people
My Lucy Score entry point was the Riley Thorn series, which I recommend to just about everyone. There is a spite cow and a farting wonder dog, so it leans way more comedic than Knockemout.
I prefer her comedic books more than the earnest “serious” ones. It’s rare to read ones that genuinely make you laugh. (Any recs are welcome btw!) I have worked through her backlog and have mostly enjoyed them.
I've read all the Knockemouts, as well as the Riley Thorn series (I think there are 4 at least) that Natalie mentioned. Loved them all and highly recommend the RT series ... the MMC is an ex-cop/PI and there's always a mystery. And Riley (MFC) is a psychic. Other characters include a group of senior citizens who get in on the crime solving and the books are all just very funny, if maybe a bit corny.
these sound super cute and different
I read Knockemout after seeing them everywhere with their pretty covers in fall 2023. I hadn’t really read a romance series before and I was HOOKED. I was unaware they were on KU or what KU even was so I waited for a physical book 1 from the library and then proceeded to buy the next two immediately because I wasn’t waiting on the library! I basically haven’t stopped reading since.
I loved the world she built and the age demo. I have read a few of her others but nothing will compare knockem out. I can’t wait for her new one! Thanks for this fun story!
Liz thank you for validating my theory!!
I definitely imprinted on Courtney Milan and Julia Quinn, so I think there's something to that theory!
Also, these covers always struck me as being too cutesy and demure, so it's good to know that isn't entirely their vibe.
Julia Quinn is definitely one of mine
My favorite thing about this is the character who named her child "Waylay" because she delayed all her mother's dreams, and now I'm wishing I had named my children Block and Hinder.
lol, Hinder kind of works actually
Right? Don’t tell Sander.
I read Maggie Moves On and liked it for the most part. She does a lot of books around house renos which is a trope I like, but the overprotective MMC was a bit off-putting for me - came off patriarchal even if well-meaning. Sounds like this a possible theme in her books, and I am on the fence if I want to read more.
This trilogy has been on my Kindle for what feels like forever. I don't remember when I bought them or why. No, I'm not a compulsive book buyer, why would you think that?!?! LOL For whatever reason, I've never opened one of them when I'm scrolling through my library looking for my next book, but you got me. I'm charmed and I'm going to read the first one after I finish Emily Henry's Funny Story. Thanks for the nudge!
I read these when they were just in Kindle Unlimited and I loved them so much! Older characters, deeply developed small town side characters, hijinks but hilarious? I really can't think of many comps for this - I detested that Pumpkin Spice slop story, and think Lucy Score is about 20 rungs higher on the ladder than that - I hope readers can see the difference! As for the waitresses cycles lining up? I loved that - ha!
I was going to have a read alikes section and then I couldn't think of anything other than Elsie Silver!
Hmmm, yes I can see that! Especially the Wild series, maybe more so than Chestnut Hill since the townspeople are a bit more involved. Also, possibly Sarah Adams' When in Rome series, but that's not as zany. Lucy Score just really nailed it with this series ~ there's a lot about it that when described, I would say isn't my thing, but then I was absolutely helpless to stop reading!
oh those Sarah Adams books are a good comp, I love those. Less zany, a little heavier on the emotions
Thank you for this service journalism--as you describe them this series sounds like catnip to me. I had seen the covers around but wasn't interested because I assumed they were more in the "women's lit" category (where HEA is not guaranteed). We shall see if they meet my new high expectations!
excited to hear what you think!
I see these books everywhere (in Target especially) but definitely presumed they were “women’s fiction” rather than romance due to the covers. Maybe I’ll pick one up one day after reading this- definitely more interested now I know the MCs are in their 30s & 40s.
Update--I finally got to Knockemout #1 as my bedtime book and thank you, what a gift. It's exactly what I need right now!
I also read Knockemout a few months ago to see what all the hype was about! Overall I enjoyed them, particularly the town and the quirky cast of characters. But they ran a bit long for me. I liked the second book the best, probably because Nash was the least assholey of the heroes!! I also appreciated the depression storyline and having the FMC be averse to commitment.
Re: Imprinting—I definitely think this is true, that there are early reads that are very formative to our tastes and preferences. Some of mine include Christina Lauren’s Beautiful and Wild Seasons series, Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game and Rosie Danan’s The Roommate.
You aren't the first person I've had say Christina Lauren! I think the Beautiful series has converted a lot of romance readers!
lol I’m under such a pile of rocks that I had never heard of or seen these books or this author
Also I’ve been thinking about my imprinting and while Kushiel’s Dart and Outlander were definitely formative, I kept my Kresley Cole paperbacks close when I wanted a spicy read. A friend of mine bought me The Captain of All Pleasures as a joke. How the times have changed!
I definitely had a Christine Feehan moment
Came back to say--I've been thinking more about what my spicy series imprint was and I think it has to be Outlander. I always crave more time with the mains together battling external forces and am less interested in conflict between the mains or a drawn out slow burn.
Oh I love this
Such a great post breaking down a successful series! I have her book on my kindle and since I’m always wonderfully drowning in reads and arcs it keeps getting bumped. Going to move it up my list. Love seeing an authors success in this community!