On the HahaFiction shelf
Things We Never Got Over
Knockemout · Book 1 · 2022
Naomi Witt reaches Knockemout, Virginia, after abandoning her wedding. She expects to help her estranged twin; instead, Tina takes her car and money and leaves Naomi responsible for a niece she never knew existed. Local barber Knox Morgan steps in, despite his determination to keep his life free of other people's problems.
From the publisher’s blurb
“Knox Morgan doesn't tolerate drama, especially in the form of a stranded runaway bride.”Read the full description at Sourcebooks / Bloom Books
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What makes it funny?
Naomi's first obstacle is getting a coffee in a town that has banned her identical twin from the cafe. Knox mistakes her for Tina and threatens to throw her out; Naomi considers his interference with her latte the day's last tolerable insult. Her exhausted inner commentary turns the confrontation into a contest over caffeine and manners.
The comedy at work
Naomi keeps noticing how attractive Knox is while mentally cataloging his faults. That split between desire and irritation gives her sarcasm a second target: herself. Their verbal sparring starts before he has even worked out which sister he's confronting.
Try this if…
The slow courtship leaves room for arguments, reluctant help and townspeople taking an interest. Readers in a RomCom Book Club discussion recommend the Knockemout opener, though their praise centers on the romance more than specific jokes. The appeal is strongest for readers who like a gruff hero challenged by an outspoken heroine.
Good to know
Readers describe an open-door romance, and the first chapter includes strong language and sexual thoughts. Spirited Book Club's review describes a slow-burn relationship, so expect the pair to take time getting together.
A few distinguishing details
- A banned-customer photo introduces the wrong twin
- A runaway bride becomes an unexpected guardian
More funny contemporary romance
Sources & further reading
- Reader discussion
Reader discussion
- Independent review
Review
- First chapter
Reading sample
- Publisher
Publisher
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