Lucy Score, known for her witty romcoms and small-town romances, kicks off the Story Lake series with Story of My Life, a heartfelt and humorous tale of reinvention, grumpy-sunshine romance, and the chaotic beauty of starting over. With a heroine in crisis, a hot yet broody contractor, and a town full of colorful characters, the book delivers a blend of comedy, romance, and emotional depth that keeps readers engaged.
The sequel, Mistakes Were Made, promises another adventure in Story Lake, further exploring the lives of its quirky residents and their ever-entertaining drama. But does Story of My Life live up to the hype?
Plot Overview: City Chaos to Small-Town Shenanigans
Hazel, a struggling romance novelist, finds herself at rock bottom. Her career is on the verge of collapse, her social life is non-existent, and—thanks to an impending eviction—her apartment is no longer an option. In a moment of wine-fueled desperation, she impulsively buys a house in Story Lake, Pennsylvania, sight unseen.
What could go wrong?
As it turns out, quite a bit. The town is charming but barely hanging on, her house is in desperate need of repairs, and the only person who can fix it is Cam Bishop—a hot, grumpy contractor with zero patience for Hazel’s chaos.
Hazel sets out to write her comeback novel while immersing herself in small-town life. But distractions are plenty, from Cam’s infuriating-yet-alluring presence to his family’s deep involvement in the community. Hazel insists it’s just “research.” Cam, on the other hand, isn’t so sure.
As she discovers the power of community, the warmth of found family, and the possibility of a fresh start, Hazel must decide if she’s truly capable of leaving her past behind and embracing a future she never imagined.
Character Analysis: A Delightful Mess Meets a Brooding Softie
Hazel: The Disheveled, Down-on-Her-Luck Writer
Hazel is not your typical polished, put-together romance heroine. She’s a disaster—burnt out, self-deprecating, and barely keeping her life together. She drinks wine out of a vase, hoards takeout menus, and oscillates between crippling self-doubt and impulsive decision-making. And yet, she’s incredibly endearing.
Her journey from self-sabotage to self-discovery is one of the book’s greatest strengths. Watching her stumble through small-town life—whether it’s befriending quirky locals or trying (and failing) to avoid Cam—is both hilarious and heartwarming. Lucy Score does an excellent job of making Hazel feel real: flawed, messy, and utterly lovable.
Cam: The Gruff, No-Nonsense Contractor with a Heart of Gold
Cam Bishop is the epitome of the brooding, emotionally guarded hero. He’s competent, hardworking, and deeply protective of his town and family. His initial resistance to Hazel’s chaotic energy makes for some of the best moments in the book.
At first, Cam sees Hazel as just another temporary outsider who won’t stick around long enough to matter. But as he’s drawn into her orbit, his gruff exterior starts to crack, revealing layers of vulnerability and warmth. His arc—from reluctant handyman to devoted partner—is satisfying and believable, proving that beneath every grump, there’s a secret softie.
Romance and Chemistry: Sparks Fly, Even with a Hammer in Hand
The chemistry between Hazel and Cam is electric. Their banter is sharp, their sexual tension is palpable, and their relationship develops in a slow, natural way. This isn’t an insta-love story; it’s a gradual shift from annoyance to attraction to something deeper.
Key moments that make their romance shine:
- The classic grumpy-sunshine dynamic: Hazel is chaotic and excitable; Cam is the human equivalent of a “Do Not Disturb” sign. Their contrasting personalities create delicious tension.
- The forced proximity trope: Hazel’s house is falling apart, meaning Cam is constantly around. And every interaction adds fuel to the slow-burning fire.
- Emotional depth: Beyond the banter and attraction, both characters have emotional wounds that need healing. Their relationship isn’t just about romance; it’s about trust, growth, and learning to lean on someone else.
Setting & Atmosphere: The Magic of Small-Town Life
Story Lake is more than just a backdrop—it’s a character in itself. Lucy Score’s portrayal of small-town life is charming, complete with nosy neighbors, quirky traditions, and a strong sense of community.
The town isn’t perfect—it’s struggling economically, and its future is uncertain—but that only adds to its charm. Hazel’s arrival shakes things up in the best way possible, and watching her find her place in this world is deeply satisfying.
If you’ve ever fantasized about moving to a cozy little town where everyone knows your name (for better or worse), Story of My Life by Lucy Score will absolutely feed that fantasy.
Writing Style: Lucy Score’s Signature Wit and Warmth
Lucy Score’s writing is effortlessly engaging. She balances humor with heart, delivering laugh-out-loud moments alongside genuinely touching ones.
Strengths of the writing:
- Hilarious inner monologue: Hazel’s self-deprecating humor makes even her lowest moments entertaining.
- Snappy dialogue: The banter between Hazel and Cam (and the rest of the town) is fast-paced and witty.
- Emotional resonance: The book isn’t just lighthearted fluff—it has depth, exploring themes of burnout, self-worth, and second chances.
Criticism: Why It’s Not Quite a 5-Star Read
Despite its many strengths, Story of My Life by Lucy Score isn’t perfect. Here are a few areas where it falls short:
- Pacing Issues: The first half of the book moves quickly, but the latter half drags in places. Some scenes—while funny—don’t significantly advance the plot.
- Cam’s Emotional Guard Feels Overdone: His resistance to Hazel feels a bit forced at times. Given his strong ties to the community, it’s surprising that he’s so reluctant to let someone in.
- Lack of High Stakes: While Hazel’s struggles are compelling, the central conflict never feels urgent. The romance unfolds smoothly, but a little more tension could have made the payoff even sweeter.
That being said, these flaws don’t overshadow the book’s strengths. It’s still a thoroughly enjoyable read.
How It Fits in the Series: What’s Next?
Book 2: Mistakes Were Made
The next book in the Story Lake series, Mistakes Were Made, shifts focus to a new couple while keeping the cozy small-town charm alive. Fans of Story of My Life by Lucy Score will likely enjoy revisiting Story Lake and its delightful inhabitants.
If Lucy Score maintains the humor, warmth, and strong character dynamics of the first book, the sequel has the potential to be just as engaging.
Final Verdict: A Feel-Good Romcom with a Big Heart
Story of My Life by Lucy Score is a delightful read, perfect for fans of small-town romances with humor, heart, and sizzling chemistry. Hazel’s journey from burnout to belonging is relatable, and Cam’s slow transformation from grump to devoted partner is swoon-worthy.
Who Should Read It?
- Fans of grumpy-sunshine romances
- Readers who love small-town settings
- Those who enjoy humor with heart
- Anyone who needs a feel-good, escapist read
Who Might Not Love It?
- Readers who prefer high-stakes drama
- Those who dislike slow-burn romances
- Anyone looking for a super intense, angst-filled story
Ultimately, Story of My Life by Lucy Score is a fun, cozy, and uplifting read—perfect for curling up with on a lazy weekend. It might not reinvent the romance genre, but it absolutely delivers on its promise: a love letter to every reader who’s ever wanted to pack up and move to a charming small town.