By The Book: Best Selling Romance Author Lucy Score Teases New Novel

If you love romance books then you’ve probably heard of Lucy Score.

Topping both Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller lists, it makes sense that she has carved out a niche for herself in the genre. And of course, she is one of BookTok’s (the part of TikTok that focuses solely on books) darlings.

She has a back catalogue that is so long, we would be here all day repeating but she is best known for her Knockemout series.

Her website tagline reads: “Lucy Score is writing romance so steamy her family can’t look her in the eye!” And we have to say, her latest novel will leave you blushing!

 

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Hey Lucy, how are you? Tell us a bit about your new book Mr Fixer Upper!

I’m great! Thank you so much. Mr Fixer Upper is one of my favourites. Gannon is a grumpy, good-with-his-hands, blue-collar guy who gets dragged into a home renovation reality show with his twin sister to save the family business. Paige is a producer on set who takes her responsibilities very seriously and has no interest in exploring the chemistry she has with the star of her show. But there’s only so many ways to pass the long nights in hotel rooms and when Paige gets hurt on the job, Gannon’s caretaking takes the heat up a notch.

Is it more nerve-wracking now to publish books as you have such a loyal following? Or was your debut novel more so?

There’s a whole spectrum of nerve-wracking! Every book I write is like I’m only writing it for myself. But when it comes time to let other people see it, that’s when the nail-biting begins. With my first book, I was worried that no one would read it. With my releases now I worry that everyone will read it and hate it. But it’s part of my process. I think if I ever get to a place where I’m not vaguely nauseated on release day, I should find a new career!

Not only do you have a new book coming out which we’re so excited about, Things We Never Got Over is being adapted for the screen. We’re sure that everything is being very closely guarded so we’ll just ask – what was it like hearing that news? Is it something you ever envisioned happening?

Every January I write down my Big Scary Goals for the year. For the past three years “TV/movie” has made the list. I was thrilled when we met with Amazon and PKM Productions because they really “got” the story and the characters. I’m so excited to see Things We Never Got Over get adapted. With my writing process, scenes play out in my head like they’re on screen so I can’t wait to see it actually happen!

What’s the first thing you do when you sit down to write?

I put on my noise-cancelling headphones. I’m very easily distracted. Cranking up the music and focusing in on my computer screen really helps me get into the story…and not think about the laundry I accidentally left in the washer or how overdue my oil change is.

What is that childhood book that you still think about to this day?

The Best Little Monkeys in the World by Natalie Standiford. My brother and sister and I adored the book when we were kids. I bought copies for their kids! My whole family also loved Lloyd Alexander’s The Chronicles of Prydain and we still argue how the horse’s name should be pronounced.

Who are three authors that inspire you?

AD Hunter for her endless enthusiasm, Liane Moriarty for her dedication to craft, and Nora Roberts for her work ethic and her fight against book bans.

What’s a book that you’ll never forget?

Julie Garwood’s The Bride. It’s the first romance I ever remember reading and I’ve reread it many, many times since then!

Who is the favourite character you’ve ever written?

Spoiler Alert: I’m pretty partial to all of them. In Mr Fixer Upper I had so much fun writing Gannon’s twin sister Cat that I gave her her very own book. The Christmas Fix will be released in Ireland later this year! 

If you could go into a book universe, which would it be?

I want to say that I’d be brave and choose Sarah J. Maas’ A Court Of Thorns And Roses universe, but I’m a lover, not a fighter. I’d be the character that didn’t make it past chapter two. I think something like Blue Moon, my steamy romcom series set in a small town heavily influenced by nosy hippies, would be more my speed.

 

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What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Now is all we ever have. It’s so important to live in the moment instead of just trying to get through today to some future, easier, calmer tomorrow that we’re not guaranteed. 

Is there a book you wish you could read again for the first time?

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman.

Forget dinner party guests, what are the three books that define you?

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, Devotions by Mary Oliver, and The Princess Bride by William Goldman.

What is your most prized possession – book-wise or otherwise?

Mr Lucy is basically the best gift-giver in the world. For Christmas one year he got me a framed signature from the last letter (allegedly) that Walt Whitman ever wrote. No matter how many times I read it, Leaves of Grass still makes me cry. And every time I see that signature when I walk in my office, I get goosebumps.

 

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Do you read reviews?

My own? No. Other people’s? Sometimes. My team does forward me the best 5-star reviews though, so I don’t miss out on those.

What is your favourite genre to read? Is it the same one you write?

Romance! It is indeed. It’s my happy place!

Where do you get your inspiration?

Everywhere! Eavesdropping on conversations, news stories, TV shows, weird dreams. You name it. It all rattles around in my brain until eventually, a story comes out.

Mr Fixer Upper by Lucy Score is available now

• By The Book