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Benevolence #2
Finally Mine
From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Things We Never Got Over
If he doesn't end up naked and spread eagle on my bed I. Will. Die. Gloria is due a happily ever after. She's lost ten years to a toxic, dangerous relationship. Now that she's finally free―and medicating with makeovers and margaritas in her mother's kitchen―she has a long road ahead of her remembering who she really is. She's scarred. But scarred doesn't mean broken. While Gloria's deciding to take the next decade off from men, along comes larger-than-life, hometown hero Aldo Moretta. He's saying all the right things and flirting in all the right ways. He's deploying for six months and wants a date…with Gloria…when he comes back. Swoon. Panic. One kiss, one dazzling, remember-for-a-lifetime kiss and he's gone. But life and happily ever afters don't always take the straight path. When Aldo's deployment is cut short by an injury, it's up to Gloria to be the hero for them both. Author's You will laugh, cry, and fall head over face for Gloria and Aldo. And the evil rescue kitten. Also the four-letter-word-loving, commando-going Mrs. Moretta who's just in it for the cookies.
If he doesn't end up naked and spread eagle on my bed I. Will. Die. Gloria is due a happily ever after. She's lost ten years to a toxic, dangerous relationship. Now that she's finally free―and medicating with makeovers and margaritas in her mother's kitchen―she has a long road ahead of her remembering who she really is. She's scarred. But scarred doesn't mean broken. While Gloria's deciding to take the next decade off from men, along comes larger-than-life, hometown hero Aldo Moretta. He's saying all the right things and flirting in all the right ways. He's deploying for six months and wants a date…with Gloria…when he comes back. Swoon. Panic. One kiss, one dazzling, remember-for-a-lifetime kiss and he's gone. But life and happily ever afters don't always take the straight path. When Aldo's deployment is cut short by an injury, it's up to Gloria to be the hero for them both. Author's You will laugh, cry, and fall head over face for Gloria and Aldo. And the evil rescue kitten. Also the four-letter-word-loving, commando-going Mrs. Moretta who's just in it for the cookies.
448 pages, Paperback
First published October 26, 2018
11137 people are currently reading
42122 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Score
70 books60.8k followersLucy Score is an instant #1 New York Times bestselling author. She grew up in a literary family who insisted that the dinner table was for reading and earned a degree in journalism.
She writes full-time from the Pennsylvania home she and Mr. Lucy share with their obnoxious cat, Cleo. When not spending hours crafting heartbreaker heroes and kick-ass heroines, Lucy can be found on the couch, in the kitchen, or at the gym.
She hopes to someday write from a sailboat, oceanfront condo, or tropical island with reliable Wi-Fi.
Sign up for her never annoying newsletter at https://www.lucyscore.net/subscribe-l....
She writes full-time from the Pennsylvania home she and Mr. Lucy share with their obnoxious cat, Cleo. When not spending hours crafting heartbreaker heroes and kick-ass heroines, Lucy can be found on the couch, in the kitchen, or at the gym.
She hopes to someday write from a sailboat, oceanfront condo, or tropical island with reliable Wi-Fi.
Sign up for her never annoying newsletter at https://www.lucyscore.net/subscribe-l....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,722 reviews
April 28, 2024
I'm sorry, but I will be doing something I normally reject - I'm going to DNF this book at 25%. As a fan of Lucy Score and her beautifully written romance books, I was truly disturbed to read about Gloria, who has been abused by her partner for years. Neither her mother nor Aldo Moretta, the hero of this story, lifted a finger to stop this disgrace. I don't buy the justification that Aldo couldn't do anything because Gloria wasn't his to defend. Physical and mental abuse are serious situations that should be approached with sensitivity. The severity of harm Gloria endured was gut-wrenching, and even though Aldo is a soldier and a real hero who serves his country, he should also be capable of standing up to the abusive bastard who ruined the life of the woman he truly loved."
"The beginning of the story, and Aldo's preference for dating other girls instead of going after the woman he loved, made me angry as well. I'm sorry to say that I cannot continue to read a story with a hero I truly disrespect, so I am skipping this one.
As a big fan of Lucy Score, I'm looking forward to reading her future novels, but unfortunately, this one is not my cup of tea. Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for sharing this digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
"The beginning of the story, and Aldo's preference for dating other girls instead of going after the woman he loved, made me angry as well. I'm sorry to say that I cannot continue to read a story with a hero I truly disrespect, so I am skipping this one.
As a big fan of Lucy Score, I'm looking forward to reading her future novels, but unfortunately, this one is not my cup of tea. Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for sharing this digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
dnf
November 2, 2018DNF @ 14%
He had a crush on her since school, but since she was a couple of years younger, he 'dated' other girls. The heroine did a wrong choice and stayed with a man, who abused her, for 10 years; and NO ONE helped her. Of course she blamed herself, but she was a child and I expected her mother or this piece of the hero, who secretly loved her, to defend her, to hurt the fucker, who abused her for years. But nope, the 'hero of the heroes' fucked around and only after the poor girl escaped her ex, he decided to make a move. Not a man in my vocabulary, but a coward. Yes, he was a soldier, thanks for his service; but he didn't help a woman, who was abused for years, coz she wasn't his to save. Are you freaking kidding me? He couldn't have beaten the hell out of an asshole, who hurt a woman?! He couldn't have stopped the abuse?! Or at least tried to stop it? Really?! Hell NO!
If a man, who practiced with many OWs and watched the love of his life been abused for years, is a new trend of a hero, I need to stop reading romance...
He had a crush on her since school, but since she was a couple of years younger, he 'dated' other girls. The heroine did a wrong choice and stayed with a man, who abused her, for 10 years; and NO ONE helped her. Of course she blamed herself, but she was a child and I expected her mother or this piece of the hero, who secretly loved her, to defend her, to hurt the fucker, who abused her for years. But nope, the 'hero of the heroes' fucked around and only after the poor girl escaped her ex, he decided to make a move. Not a man in my vocabulary, but a coward. Yes, he was a soldier, thanks for his service; but he didn't help a woman, who was abused for years, coz she wasn't his to save. Are you freaking kidding me? He couldn't have beaten the hell out of an asshole, who hurt a woman?! He couldn't have stopped the abuse?! Or at least tried to stop it? Really?! Hell NO!
If a man, who practiced with many OWs and watched the love of his life been abused for years, is a new trend of a hero, I need to stop reading romance...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2023
This book is just so beautiful and so deep on so many levels, I simply cannot. It’s engrained in my heart forever, not exaggerating. 🩷🤍🩵
(It’s also so much better than the first book in this series that it is truly a mortal sin to even compare the two.)
”You don't trust yourself. And you never will until you jump in and try hard and deal with the consequences. But first, you must believe. You don't have to believe that everything will work out and be perfect. You have to believe you will survive it. You have to know, in your heart, that you will do whatever it takes to chase down your happiness."
For anyone who has ever been in an abusive relationship, physical or emotional or otherwise, and wondered "am I ruined? Is there still a shot at life for me?" you need to read this book. Now I know this is just a fictional romance story about a 27-year-old woman who had been in an abusive relationship for ten years and finds her happily ever after, but its so impactful to those people who are trying to climb out of that place and find hope again. Even if you're fortunate enough to not be familiar with her situation, this book is still excellent and beautiful and will make you fall in love with the characters. Gloria's story is one of strength and love, and the steps she takes to find herself again after so many years can resonate with any reader. I love how she initially refers to an ideal version of herself as "Gloria Who Left Glenn The First Time" and imagines that version to be already living her dream life. But at the end, she realizes that all of the amazing things happening for her now wouldn't have happened had she been "Gloria Who Left Glenn The First Time" and learns the power of her own capabilities, and that everything happens for a reason and at the exact right time in our lives when we are ready.
”And Gloria realized that for the first time in a long time, she hadn't compared her life to Other Gloria. The Gloria Who Left Glenn The First Time might have been sweating her way though a Pilates class before brunch, but she hadn't spent all night making love to Aldo. And that was a win for the record books."
Also, Aldo Moretta the sexy Italian war hero HOLY--. I read the first book in this series (again, couldn't f*cking stand it) but I loved Gloria and Aldo in that book, which is the only reason I read this one. Wow am I glad I did. I mentioned this already but let me say it as loud as possible: this book is leagues, like millions of times better than the first one, Pretend You're Mine. In fact, that asinine book is the only reason this isn’t 5 stars. Would have been a 5 star read if it weren't for the fact that it follows the same timeline as Pretend You're Mine, meaning you have to read about Harper and Luke's bullshit all over again and I’d rather stab my own brain than read any part of their story again. Speaking of their bullshit, this book also gets 4 stars instead of 5 because Luke almost ruins everything by his stupid speech to Gloria. God I cannot stand him. Just the worst.
Anyways, this book is incredible and inspiring and so beautiful. If you hated the first one, still give this a try because its so different. Also Mrs. Moretta is legitimately hilarious and so is the cat.
(It’s also so much better than the first book in this series that it is truly a mortal sin to even compare the two.)
”You don't trust yourself. And you never will until you jump in and try hard and deal with the consequences. But first, you must believe. You don't have to believe that everything will work out and be perfect. You have to believe you will survive it. You have to know, in your heart, that you will do whatever it takes to chase down your happiness."
For anyone who has ever been in an abusive relationship, physical or emotional or otherwise, and wondered "am I ruined? Is there still a shot at life for me?" you need to read this book. Now I know this is just a fictional romance story about a 27-year-old woman who had been in an abusive relationship for ten years and finds her happily ever after, but its so impactful to those people who are trying to climb out of that place and find hope again. Even if you're fortunate enough to not be familiar with her situation, this book is still excellent and beautiful and will make you fall in love with the characters. Gloria's story is one of strength and love, and the steps she takes to find herself again after so many years can resonate with any reader. I love how she initially refers to an ideal version of herself as "Gloria Who Left Glenn The First Time" and imagines that version to be already living her dream life. But at the end, she realizes that all of the amazing things happening for her now wouldn't have happened had she been "Gloria Who Left Glenn The First Time" and learns the power of her own capabilities, and that everything happens for a reason and at the exact right time in our lives when we are ready.
”And Gloria realized that for the first time in a long time, she hadn't compared her life to Other Gloria. The Gloria Who Left Glenn The First Time might have been sweating her way though a Pilates class before brunch, but she hadn't spent all night making love to Aldo. And that was a win for the record books."
Also, Aldo Moretta the sexy Italian war hero HOLY--. I read the first book in this series (again, couldn't f*cking stand it) but I loved Gloria and Aldo in that book, which is the only reason I read this one. Wow am I glad I did. I mentioned this already but let me say it as loud as possible: this book is leagues, like millions of times better than the first one, Pretend You're Mine. In fact, that asinine book is the only reason this isn’t 5 stars. Would have been a 5 star read if it weren't for the fact that it follows the same timeline as Pretend You're Mine, meaning you have to read about Harper and Luke's bullshit all over again and I’d rather stab my own brain than read any part of their story again. Speaking of their bullshit, this book also gets 4 stars instead of 5 because Luke almost ruins everything by his stupid speech to Gloria. God I cannot stand him. Just the worst.
Anyways, this book is incredible and inspiring and so beautiful. If you hated the first one, still give this a try because its so different. Also Mrs. Moretta is legitimately hilarious and so is the cat.
dnf
April 19, 2022 DNF @20%
nothing actually wrong with the book but i'm having a hard time loving this book bc:
1. the scenes we get here, we got in book 1 just in their POVS. like i already know the dialogues between them from that book, why am i reading them all over again?
2. i fucking hate that for 10 years no one fucking helped gloria. she was abused, raped and god knows what else and NONE of these people helped? yes i know she didn't want help BUT AT LEAST TRY?
3. i don't like aldo. i'm sorry he just doesn't do anything for me. i love gloria but jesus this man is annoying.
i can't even force myself to skim the parts that overlap with book 1 bc then i know i'll give this book 2 stars. kinda don't wanna ruin my good vibe with lucy score so i'm choosing to dnf LMAO (yes it physically hurts me to DNF but i gotta omg)
nothing actually wrong with the book but i'm having a hard time loving this book bc:
1. the scenes we get here, we got in book 1 just in their POVS. like i already know the dialogues between them from that book, why am i reading them all over again?
2. i fucking hate that for 10 years no one fucking helped gloria. she was abused, raped and god knows what else and NONE of these people helped? yes i know she didn't want help BUT AT LEAST TRY?
3. i don't like aldo. i'm sorry he just doesn't do anything for me. i love gloria but jesus this man is annoying.
i can't even force myself to skim the parts that overlap with book 1 bc then i know i'll give this book 2 stars. kinda don't wanna ruin my good vibe with lucy score so i'm choosing to dnf LMAO (yes it physically hurts me to DNF but i gotta omg)
May 24, 2020
I liked this one, but I found the large amount of repeat scenes from “Pretend Your Mine” made me a bit less engaged with the story....excited for Linc’s story though :)
May 21, 2020
At 15% I've just had it. The details of Gloria's life under her abusive ex are sickening and that nobody helped her is a disgrace. Chief of the disgraced is the "hero" who sat back and did nothing along with everybody else. He muses about having tried once but there's no details so we have no idea what pissant thing he thinks he did but it's pretty obvious he didn't put much heart or thought into it. Abuse is a tricky topic because the psychology of the abused becomes twisted and I get that. But Score didn't do her story any favors having Aldo sideline himself all those years and withhold any details of what little he might have tried to do. What he didn't do, obviously, is research, investigate, or reach out in any way whatsoever. And that doesn't speak of true attachment, let alone the love that's being sold here.
December 10, 2018
*heart eyes emoji* I sighed in pleasure the whole way through Finally Mine. It may have taken Gloria years, but she managed to find the strength to change her circumstances. Seeing her bloom was real pleasure. And Aldo! Yummy yummy Aldo. Even when he was feeling sorry for himself, he was trying to put Gloria's needs first. This was a bit long, but the plot kept moving along nicely and the end will definitely give you warm fuzzies!.
October 14, 2023
I already read half of this story in the first book. Literally the same conversations repeated throughout. It bugged me too much. I am still crushing on Lucy Score though ❤️
October 27, 2018
What to say about this book... That first chapter grabbed me and wouldn't let me go. So much emotion was packed into the first bit and it continued. Each word had a purpose, was full of emotion. You couldn't help but cheer for Gloria. God, I fell in love with her. She's so strong and resilient and amazing. And Aldo. GAH!!! I loved him. He was the perfect book boyfriend.
Lucy Score writes amazingly. I highly, highly recommend Finally Mine. I can't wait to see what Lucy comes out with next!
Lucy Score writes amazingly. I highly, highly recommend Finally Mine. I can't wait to see what Lucy comes out with next!
October 26, 2018
Oh Goodreads, why don’t you allow me more stars? Or maybe some sparkles or fairy dust? This book is the companion (although a stand-alone) to Pretend You’re Mine, Which was my first Lucy Score adventure. That book will always be my favorite Lucy book, just like remembering your first kiss still makes your heart leap a little even decades later. But this story—this hero and heroine—they’re just too perfect for words. Read this book. Read Pretend You’re Mine. Read them both again. Try to decide which couple you love more, I dare you. (And if you figure it out, please message me because I don’t think I’ll ever be able to decide.)
December 2, 2021
5 stars for this heart squeezing book!
“You can’t put your worth in someone else’s hands like that. Whether those hands are stroking you or hurting you. It doesn’t matter. Your value comes from inside. Whether you mean something to him or not has nothing to do with how inherently valuable you are.”
This book was something else. Lucy Score is quickly becoming a fave because man does she write with all heart!! Can a heart be healed that endured 10 years of physical & emotional abuse? Can a man that lost his leg in Afghanistan recover and become a whole person again on the inside. This book made me so emotional. Love Gloria & Aldo so much!!
“You can’t put your worth in someone else’s hands like that. Whether those hands are stroking you or hurting you. It doesn’t matter. Your value comes from inside. Whether you mean something to him or not has nothing to do with how inherently valuable you are.”
This book was something else. Lucy Score is quickly becoming a fave because man does she write with all heart!! Can a heart be healed that endured 10 years of physical & emotional abuse? Can a man that lost his leg in Afghanistan recover and become a whole person again on the inside. This book made me so emotional. Love Gloria & Aldo so much!!
January 20, 2020
Let me say this first, I love Ina Moretta. She is the person we all know in life at one time or another. I know this women. I grew up knowing this women. She’s loud, opinionated, has her own style and loves her son. She just has a unique way of showing it! She stole my heart in this story and made me laugh and love.
Ok now I can move to how this story moved me. Normally, I look beyond the story to see what’s underneath or if it’s relatable. Well in this book there is nothing you have to look for, it’s all there right up in your face. The hurts, the flaws, the good times, the bad times and the beautiful. If you read Pretend Your Mine you were introduced to a lot of Aldo and Gloria’s story. This goes much deeper. This book shows you The Who, What, Where, When, Why and How it developed and happened. It’s not pretty at times and then again it’s beautiful, just like life is.
This author has a way of drawing you in from the first page to the bonus material. Even her notes give you meaning. I don’t know where she gets her inspiration from because each of her stories are so different but she just has a way of connecting with the reader every time. The characters are people with whom you can identify.
You will laugh, cry, be romanced, cheer, swoon and feel those palpitations in your heart and you may get some insight on things that may have never previously crossed your mind or you try to shut them out of your mind. She brings issues to light that are very current and gives you plenty to think about without preaching. You know we all have our battle scars some are just more visible than others and whether you know it or not we fight them everyday either consciously or unconsciously. While reading this book I realized it’s nice to know none of us are alone. Sometimes all you have to do is reach out or be that person that steps up!
This story takes place in Benevolence and it is the perfect description of what this story is all about!
Ok now I can move to how this story moved me. Normally, I look beyond the story to see what’s underneath or if it’s relatable. Well in this book there is nothing you have to look for, it’s all there right up in your face. The hurts, the flaws, the good times, the bad times and the beautiful. If you read Pretend Your Mine you were introduced to a lot of Aldo and Gloria’s story. This goes much deeper. This book shows you The Who, What, Where, When, Why and How it developed and happened. It’s not pretty at times and then again it’s beautiful, just like life is.
This author has a way of drawing you in from the first page to the bonus material. Even her notes give you meaning. I don’t know where she gets her inspiration from because each of her stories are so different but she just has a way of connecting with the reader every time. The characters are people with whom you can identify.
You will laugh, cry, be romanced, cheer, swoon and feel those palpitations in your heart and you may get some insight on things that may have never previously crossed your mind or you try to shut them out of your mind. She brings issues to light that are very current and gives you plenty to think about without preaching. You know we all have our battle scars some are just more visible than others and whether you know it or not we fight them everyday either consciously or unconsciously. While reading this book I realized it’s nice to know none of us are alone. Sometimes all you have to do is reach out or be that person that steps up!
This story takes place in Benevolence and it is the perfect description of what this story is all about!
October 26, 2018
Let's go back a few years - we met Luke and Harper from Pretend Your Mine- in the background were these two characters you meet yet think about once the book is over, insert Aldo and Gloria.
Aldo is a great guy, a soldier, hero and friend. Gloria is a loving woman who feels deeply and has a previous toxic relationship. Aldo and Gloria have circled around each other for years. Never being on the same page. They fight - for their chance, for themselves, for their relationship. I loved that they each lost a part of themselves but in order to feel whole, they had to hold on to what matters that most. Aldo and Gloria's story is heart-wrenching - it's not supposed to be easy. Life handed them a second chance, and they jumped. Gloria is the STRONGEST character Lucy has ever written. I shed some tears.
Lucy Score once again proves that she's one of my favorite writers. She's not afraid of broken characters, hard times and fight to make her characters lives feel any emotion. With that, Lucy gives us hope and love that life can be anything you want it to be.
A top 2018 book from me.
Aldo is a great guy, a soldier, hero and friend. Gloria is a loving woman who feels deeply and has a previous toxic relationship. Aldo and Gloria have circled around each other for years. Never being on the same page. They fight - for their chance, for themselves, for their relationship. I loved that they each lost a part of themselves but in order to feel whole, they had to hold on to what matters that most. Aldo and Gloria's story is heart-wrenching - it's not supposed to be easy. Life handed them a second chance, and they jumped. Gloria is the STRONGEST character Lucy has ever written. I shed some tears.
Lucy Score once again proves that she's one of my favorite writers. She's not afraid of broken characters, hard times and fight to make her characters lives feel any emotion. With that, Lucy gives us hope and love that life can be anything you want it to be.
A top 2018 book from me.
October 29, 2018
Lucy Score is one of my favorite authors; I will one click her everyday of the week! The first book I read of Lucy’s was Pretend Your Mine when it was first released in 2015. I was going through a particularly hard time in my personal life and those few hours helped me tremendously. Pretend Your Mine featuring Luke and Harper is one of the few books I have read more than once. To say I was super surprised and excited to read a follow-up is an understatement. I even stayed awake the night it released so I could download it at midnight. Over the years I created many scenarios in my head that weren’t in the book and one of them was Aldo and Gloria’s backstory and falling in love. THANK YOU LUCY SCORE!
Finally Mine takes place during the same time period as Pretend Your Mine and gives the reader a different perspective as to what was going on when Harper and Luke weren’t together. This book is about Aldo, a hot, handsome, handy around the house, witty, and thoughtful army reservist who is also a talented engineer. He’s the whole package and he’s been in love with Gloria from afar since high school.
Gloria’s character is written so beautifully that I had to keep a box of tissues nearby. As a victim of domestic abuse for nearly a decade, she finally found the courage to break free, and the journey of how she comes to terms with all that happened and all that she deserves is truly inspirational. Aldo is so patient and in no uncertain terms lets her know how special she truly is. He encourages her, supports her, and lifts her spirits every time they meet. Gloria is a beautiful kind soul, and it’s so heartbreaking to read all that she went through.
They didn’t have much time to get to know one other because he is deployed for a six-month tour in Afghanistan, and he tells her he wants her to use this time to heal. He is so selfless and a great friend which is so important in any relationship. I don’t want to spoil what happens to him, but in his eyes it redefines who he is as a man. He, too, needs to learn to love himself and feel worthy and Gloria is just the one to love him through it. I love both of their transformations and how with the love of their moms, friends, and townspeople, they forgive, accept each other flaws and all, and commit to a future together. They are survivors and the end of this book is everything I hoped it would be and more. (Thank you Lucy for the bonus scene–I love seeing into the future!)
Some of my favorites scenes are of Aldo and his Italian mom. I cracked up because I have relatives that talk just like that and hold nothing back! I also loved all the scenes between Aldo and Harper and enjoyed all of his nicknames for her. Harper is so cool and such a great friend to them both. Lucy did an amazing job bringing in the characters from Benevolence into this story. Loved them in the park, in the bar, the police station, in his office, in the florist, going to the diner, and all of the places that make a small town love story make me smile until my cheeks hurt.
Lucy told this story so beautifully and obviously did a lot of background work when she talked about the abuse, being in therapy, life on active duty, and when members of our military are injured. It was so very real to me that there were times I had to remind myself it was fiction.
I read Finally Mine to the very last page of the Author’s Notes and saw that there is a future story featuring Lincoln Reed in the works! Yay! Lucy, I am also hoping Luke’s younger brother, James (he needs love too), and also the good Doc. I liked her since she first patched up Harper in Pretend Your Mine.
Finally Mine takes place during the same time period as Pretend Your Mine and gives the reader a different perspective as to what was going on when Harper and Luke weren’t together. This book is about Aldo, a hot, handsome, handy around the house, witty, and thoughtful army reservist who is also a talented engineer. He’s the whole package and he’s been in love with Gloria from afar since high school.
Gloria’s character is written so beautifully that I had to keep a box of tissues nearby. As a victim of domestic abuse for nearly a decade, she finally found the courage to break free, and the journey of how she comes to terms with all that happened and all that she deserves is truly inspirational. Aldo is so patient and in no uncertain terms lets her know how special she truly is. He encourages her, supports her, and lifts her spirits every time they meet. Gloria is a beautiful kind soul, and it’s so heartbreaking to read all that she went through.
They didn’t have much time to get to know one other because he is deployed for a six-month tour in Afghanistan, and he tells her he wants her to use this time to heal. He is so selfless and a great friend which is so important in any relationship. I don’t want to spoil what happens to him, but in his eyes it redefines who he is as a man. He, too, needs to learn to love himself and feel worthy and Gloria is just the one to love him through it. I love both of their transformations and how with the love of their moms, friends, and townspeople, they forgive, accept each other flaws and all, and commit to a future together. They are survivors and the end of this book is everything I hoped it would be and more. (Thank you Lucy for the bonus scene–I love seeing into the future!)
Some of my favorites scenes are of Aldo and his Italian mom. I cracked up because I have relatives that talk just like that and hold nothing back! I also loved all the scenes between Aldo and Harper and enjoyed all of his nicknames for her. Harper is so cool and such a great friend to them both. Lucy did an amazing job bringing in the characters from Benevolence into this story. Loved them in the park, in the bar, the police station, in his office, in the florist, going to the diner, and all of the places that make a small town love story make me smile until my cheeks hurt.
Lucy told this story so beautifully and obviously did a lot of background work when she talked about the abuse, being in therapy, life on active duty, and when members of our military are injured. It was so very real to me that there were times I had to remind myself it was fiction.
I read Finally Mine to the very last page of the Author’s Notes and saw that there is a future story featuring Lincoln Reed in the works! Yay! Lucy, I am also hoping Luke’s younger brother, James (he needs love too), and also the good Doc. I liked her since she first patched up Harper in Pretend Your Mine.
November 7, 2018
Holy smokes! Call the fire department because this smoking hot read is “finally” here. Most people look forward to the holidays, like Thanksgiving or Christmas etc. I was looking forward to this book like it was my 21st birthday...break out the champagne 🍾. This story was as good as anticipated! You have read it for yourself to appreciate this amazing book! This story is the follow up from the book, Pretend Your Mine. Gloria Parker is finally beginning her life after breaking away from a long term, abusive relationship. Aldo Moretta a sexy, ex military man who has always been in love with Gloria since high school. Life and circumstances has made it possible for them to finally be together but will it be enough to get through the painful past? You will love this story and it’s awesome journey to true love. Absolutely rating this book five stars ⭐️!!!
nfmaa
July 25, 2024Note to self
He fucked around while she was married
But
He knew about her abuse! And didn't do anything because she wasn't his to defend
Some hero huh 😒
FOH
He fucked around while she was married
But
He knew about her abuse! And didn't do anything because she wasn't his to defend
Some hero huh 😒
FOH
January 17, 2020
A beautiful story about a military man who loses a leg and a woman who stayed too long in an abusive relationship. Can they put aside their baggage and finally let love lead them? This book runs in the same timeline as Pretend Your Mine so you'll get some repeat scenes if you've read it, otherwise this can be a stand alone and you won't miss anything. But either way you are going to love this book. It's got some angst, it's got some humor, it's got the feels, everything you want in a book for strong women (and men) to overcome what they thing damages them.
no-way-jose
November 11, 2018WOW... I’ve read many books and reviews and I’ve read a bunch of crappy, horrible, distasteful, plots I shouldn’t be shocked of anything anymore. But this plot line in this book made me so sad, disappointed and actually shocked on how someone can see a person ( you say you love, nonetheless)being abused physically and psychologically and do absolutely nothing and even say it’s not their business. I can’t even give words to my thoughts and feelings right now. This book is just so wrong. 😔😞😔😞😔😞😔😔😔😔😞😔😞😔😞😔😞😔😞
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
April 4, 2019
And she scores with this testament to the human spirit. Lucy Score brings home small-town America in a picturesque manner and it’s completely irresistible. A true joy from start to finish. Arlo and Gloria stole my heart! And secondary characters who are such a valuable asset to this story with their friendship and support that cannot be overshadowed.
October 7, 2024
Me habría encantado mucho más si la mitad del libro no fuese volver a leer la misma historia que ya vimos en el anterior de Benevolence; es verdad que leerlo desde el punto de vista de estos protagonistas le da su toque, pero no aporta demasiado; habría preferido tener una historia nueva, o que no conociera prácticamente por completo. Aun así, los protagonistas son preciosos y me han encantado.
July 6, 2023
2023 Reread
This is the first time I have reread this book and I still loved it. Aldo and Gloria were so wonderful together and her strength is inspiring. They had a genuine and deep connection from the very beginning and they were so supportive of one another. I love all of Lucy's books, but this, and the others in the Benevolence series, are something truly special. I already cannot wait to read the series again.
***
Three years after Pretend You're Mine, Lucy Score takes us back to the town of Benevolence and the characters we know and love.
If you read Pretend You're Mine, you know the basics of Gloria and Aldo's story. Even knowing the basics, though, I was blown away chapter after chapter as events unfolded.
I have loved all the heroines Lucy Score writes, but Gloria has quickly become my favorite. Watching her loved ones rallying around her to lift her up was amazing, but seeing her learn to be strong and love herself was truly beautiful.
Smart, strong, and confident, Aldo has a romantic and vulnerable side that I loved getting to see. He really puts Gloria and her needs first, and is the perfect person to show her what true love really is.
Both Gloria and Aldo's struggles were difficult and led them to some dark places. Seeing them rise up and believe in each other and themselves made this book one of my top reads of 2018.
It was a treat getting to see some pivotal moments from Pretend You're Mine from a different perspective, too. #HarperandLukeForever
Finally Mine can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading Pretend You're Mine first so you can get the most out of the book. Then go and read the Blue Moon series next for more strong heroines and swoon-worthy heroes.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
This is the first time I have reread this book and I still loved it. Aldo and Gloria were so wonderful together and her strength is inspiring. They had a genuine and deep connection from the very beginning and they were so supportive of one another. I love all of Lucy's books, but this, and the others in the Benevolence series, are something truly special. I already cannot wait to read the series again.
***
Three years after Pretend You're Mine, Lucy Score takes us back to the town of Benevolence and the characters we know and love.
If you read Pretend You're Mine, you know the basics of Gloria and Aldo's story. Even knowing the basics, though, I was blown away chapter after chapter as events unfolded.
I have loved all the heroines Lucy Score writes, but Gloria has quickly become my favorite. Watching her loved ones rallying around her to lift her up was amazing, but seeing her learn to be strong and love herself was truly beautiful.
Smart, strong, and confident, Aldo has a romantic and vulnerable side that I loved getting to see. He really puts Gloria and her needs first, and is the perfect person to show her what true love really is.
Both Gloria and Aldo's struggles were difficult and led them to some dark places. Seeing them rise up and believe in each other and themselves made this book one of my top reads of 2018.
It was a treat getting to see some pivotal moments from Pretend You're Mine from a different perspective, too. #HarperandLukeForever
Finally Mine can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading Pretend You're Mine first so you can get the most out of the book. Then go and read the Blue Moon series next for more strong heroines and swoon-worthy heroes.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
October 25, 2018
There has never been nor will there ever be a book to reach the level of perfection that Lucy Score has achieved with Finally Mine!
Gloria's character and her story touched me on such a deep level that I had trouble separating her story from my own. And I bet that I am not alone in this thinking because unfortunately, Gloria is so many of us. Reading her story was hard at times. I had to step away before the anxiety became too much but it was also a wonderfully beautiful reminder that women like Gloria do deserve a happy ending, that we are ENOUGH, that we have something to contribute. Her growth from "poor Gloria" to "Gloria" is exquisitely written.
Speaking of exquisite.....Ohhhmaaaaguuud.....Aldo Moretta.....Can I just say SWOON! Aldo's character just turns me to mush. I have adored this guy since Pretend You're Mine and his story has only intensified those feelings. His journey of overcoming and moving on from tragedy to find love and happiness will forever be etched in my heart. This book has made its way to my most favorite read of all time! I suggest reading Pretend You're Mine first, but hey, whatever floats your boat. This book is the absolute best no matter how you go about it.
October 29, 2018
My dreams came true with the release of Finally Mine. 2 1/2-ish years ago I had an Amazon book recommendation for a book called Pretend You’re Mine by Lucy Score. I loved the blurb and the reviews were good, so I purchased. As I read Pretend You’re Mine over the next few days, I fell in love with the characters and the town of Benevolence; this story and the characters in it stayed with me. I wanted more and I’ve waited 2 1/2 years for this return to Benovolence. It felt like putting on your favorite PJs and curling up with a warm blanket. This is a novel about Aldo and Gloria, who we met in Pretend You’re Mine, and it’s a beautiful story of hope, vulnerability, true love and trust. I can’t possibly express the absolute joy I felt reading this book. I will be eternally grateful to the author for giving us this book as it’s somewhat based on her readers requests. When I tell you I squealed and jumped up and down when I heard this book was releasing I’d tell you that you were right!
August 7, 2025
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the Benevolence series. I have read the first book in this series, but I think you can read this book as a standalone without any problems. I normally do not love books that go over the same things as the other books in the series. This book does that, but you get the events through Aldo and Gloria's point of view. This book has the same time line and the same events happening that the first book as in it. I did enjoy getting it through Gloria and Aldo's point of view. I really fell in love with the characters in this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
April 23, 2025
Dime que me quieres
Autora: Lucy Score
#Benevolence
Gloria Parker es una mujer que ha luchado por salir del círculo de v10lencia domestica en el que ha estado por 10 años. A su nueva vida de independencia llega Aldo Moretta un militar que ha estado enamorado de ella desde que eran adolescentes pero con el cual nunca hubo nada. Ahora parece que pueden darse una oportunidad aunque una desgracia podría cambiarlo.
Opinión
Cuando comencé este libro ya sabía quienes eran los personajes de esta historia porque los conocí en el libro anterior. Sin duda me causaba intriga ya que tenía mucho potencial este par.
No sabía que esta historia fue retomada por la autora después de múltiples suplicas de sus fans. A lo cual me parece un acierto ya que desde un inicio creí que sé tenía planeado seguir con la siguiente pareja. Lo que no me ha gustado tanto fue sentir que Aldo y Gloria eran como expectadores en su propia novela ya que la historia sé desarrolla a la par de la novela anterior. Lo cual hace que sé sienta repetitivo porque ya sabes que sigue a continuación gracias a la historia anterior. Algo más que definitivamente no me gustó fue la constante influencia de la pareja anterior en mi mente siguen siendo los protagonistas y no Gloria y Aldo.
Aunque la historia es linda definitivamente no me gusto que estuviera en la misma linea temporal que la otra. Cuando conocí a Gloria por primera vez no imaginé que sufría de este tipo de violencia y su lucha. Aldo por su parte también tiene sus propios miedos y es genial ver que ambos se apoyan y poco a poco van avanzando en su relación y en si mismos.
No me fascinó pero no lo odié. Tiene mucho spicy.🔥🌶
Autora: Lucy Score
#Benevolence
Gloria Parker es una mujer que ha luchado por salir del círculo de v10lencia domestica en el que ha estado por 10 años. A su nueva vida de independencia llega Aldo Moretta un militar que ha estado enamorado de ella desde que eran adolescentes pero con el cual nunca hubo nada. Ahora parece que pueden darse una oportunidad aunque una desgracia podría cambiarlo.
Opinión
Cuando comencé este libro ya sabía quienes eran los personajes de esta historia porque los conocí en el libro anterior. Sin duda me causaba intriga ya que tenía mucho potencial este par.
No sabía que esta historia fue retomada por la autora después de múltiples suplicas de sus fans. A lo cual me parece un acierto ya que desde un inicio creí que sé tenía planeado seguir con la siguiente pareja. Lo que no me ha gustado tanto fue sentir que Aldo y Gloria eran como expectadores en su propia novela ya que la historia sé desarrolla a la par de la novela anterior. Lo cual hace que sé sienta repetitivo porque ya sabes que sigue a continuación gracias a la historia anterior. Algo más que definitivamente no me gustó fue la constante influencia de la pareja anterior en mi mente siguen siendo los protagonistas y no Gloria y Aldo.
Aunque la historia es linda definitivamente no me gusto que estuviera en la misma linea temporal que la otra. Cuando conocí a Gloria por primera vez no imaginé que sufría de este tipo de violencia y su lucha. Aldo por su parte también tiene sus propios miedos y es genial ver que ambos se apoyan y poco a poco van avanzando en su relación y en si mismos.
No me fascinó pero no lo odié. Tiene mucho spicy.🔥🌶
July 13, 2023
Finally Mine is the second book in Lucy Score's Benevolence series and it focuses on Aldo and Gloria, two of my favorite secondary characters from the first book, Pretend You're Mine. While Harper and Luke take center stage in that book, Aldo and Gloria's budding relationship can be witnessed in the background. In this new book, it's their time to shine!
Gloria's backstory broke my heart because she spent way too many years in a toxic and dangerous relationship before she was finally able to break free. She is clearly scarred by what happened to her and just wants her life back. She's hesitant to open herself up to love again, even though she can't deny she has feelings for Aldo. I admired Gloria's strength and resilience and was rooting so hard for her to get the happy ending she truly deserved with Aldo.
I adored Aldo too. Like Luke, Aldo is a hometown hero, He has a bigger than life personality and a heart just as big, and he only has eyes for Gloria. I loved the way he interacted with her too, gently flirting but always mindful of what he knows she has been through. I was definitely cheering him on every step of the way since he's exactly the kind of man Gloria truly deserves. Someone who worships her.
I was also intrigued by the fact that while I went into this book expecting a sequel, Finally Mine actually runs parallel to Pretend You're Mine in the same timeline. Where Luke and Harper's relationship was front and center, with Gloria and Aldo in the background, now as we follow Gloria and Aldo, we get glimpses of Luke and Harper's budding relationship in the background. That perspective shift made for a unique reading experience that I quite enjoyed.
If you're looking for a heartwarming, swoony, slow burn romance that is also an inspiring tale of strength and resilience, you'll want to check out Finally Mine. Available now!
Gloria's backstory broke my heart because she spent way too many years in a toxic and dangerous relationship before she was finally able to break free. She is clearly scarred by what happened to her and just wants her life back. She's hesitant to open herself up to love again, even though she can't deny she has feelings for Aldo. I admired Gloria's strength and resilience and was rooting so hard for her to get the happy ending she truly deserved with Aldo.
I adored Aldo too. Like Luke, Aldo is a hometown hero, He has a bigger than life personality and a heart just as big, and he only has eyes for Gloria. I loved the way he interacted with her too, gently flirting but always mindful of what he knows she has been through. I was definitely cheering him on every step of the way since he's exactly the kind of man Gloria truly deserves. Someone who worships her.
I was also intrigued by the fact that while I went into this book expecting a sequel, Finally Mine actually runs parallel to Pretend You're Mine in the same timeline. Where Luke and Harper's relationship was front and center, with Gloria and Aldo in the background, now as we follow Gloria and Aldo, we get glimpses of Luke and Harper's budding relationship in the background. That perspective shift made for a unique reading experience that I quite enjoyed.
If you're looking for a heartwarming, swoony, slow burn romance that is also an inspiring tale of strength and resilience, you'll want to check out Finally Mine. Available now!
October 21, 2018
Finally Mine is a Lucy Score return to Benelovence book. Gloria Parker and Aldo Moretta fell in love during Pretend You’re Mine (Luke Garrison and Harper Wilde), but now you get the true full story of Gloria and Aldo. Read how they fall in love, but fight it, because life is scary and there are no guarantees when the heart is engaged.
Moving on from a bad relationship is never easy and Gloria spent ten years being told her ”worth”. Aldo was deployed, came home a hero, but lost part of his leg during the war. How can two wounded people heal and be ready to move on to the next step in a relationship? Read Finally Mine and find out.
All of Lucy Score’s books are highly recommended by me. Finally Mine has an extra recommendation because it’s Benelovence and I love this town and these characters!
Moving on from a bad relationship is never easy and Gloria spent ten years being told her ”worth”. Aldo was deployed, came home a hero, but lost part of his leg during the war. How can two wounded people heal and be ready to move on to the next step in a relationship? Read Finally Mine and find out.
All of Lucy Score’s books are highly recommended by me. Finally Mine has an extra recommendation because it’s Benelovence and I love this town and these characters!
October 27, 2018
Finally! Finally Mine!
The long-awaited return to Benevolence was worth every minute. Aldo and Gloria’s story needed to be told. A story fraught with emotion, unending hope, the power of love, and the knowledge that through endurance (mind and body) comes great strength.
For the purest enjoyment, read Pretend You’re Mine, the first novel, before Finally Mine. Read both! You’ll want to live in Lucy Score’s Benevolence.
If you aren’t yet, this is an author to follow. Score delivers, with every single novel. Finally Mine is proof.
The long-awaited return to Benevolence was worth every minute. Aldo and Gloria’s story needed to be told. A story fraught with emotion, unending hope, the power of love, and the knowledge that through endurance (mind and body) comes great strength.
For the purest enjoyment, read Pretend You’re Mine, the first novel, before Finally Mine. Read both! You’ll want to live in Lucy Score’s Benevolence.
If you aren’t yet, this is an author to follow. Score delivers, with every single novel. Finally Mine is proof.
October 26, 2018
WOW, just WOW! What a wonderful story of Aldo and Gloria. The writing was awesome. The difficult topics of abuse and Aldo’s own struggles were expressed so well through dialogue and self talk. Your perceptions were spot on and so thoroughly explored. So many characters with their own unique personalities made for an exciting (can’t put this book down) read.
I received this ARC for a honest review. GREAT JOB❤️❤️❤️
I received this ARC for a honest review. GREAT JOB❤️❤️❤️
March 13, 2022
4,5🌟
TW: abuse, domestic violence
This was unexpectedly charming.
Loved the imperfect characters and sweet hero. Speaking of hero, his mom is freaking hilarious and a show-stealer.
Beautiful romance with heroine healing from an abusive relationship and some boss-ass friends and family moments.
To me, a small-town romance is a winner when I want to go and visit that place...well I AM SOLD.. Lets gooo!!! I might even try this running thing...maybeeee....
TW: abuse, domestic violence
This was unexpectedly charming.
Loved the imperfect characters and sweet hero. Speaking of hero, his mom is freaking hilarious and a show-stealer.
Beautiful romance with heroine healing from an abusive relationship and some boss-ass friends and family moments.
To me, a small-town romance is a winner when I want to go and visit that place...well I AM SOLD.. Lets gooo!!! I might even try this running thing...maybeeee....
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