SEPTEMBER 16, 2025

Leaving Benevolence, Maryland: A review of Lucy Score’s small-town series

If you’ve ever fallen so hard for a fictional world that you felt like you were moving out of town when you turned the final page, that’s exactly what happened to me with Lucy Score’s Benevolence series.

This three-book collection is everything I love in romance: small-town charm, unforgettable characters, emotional depth, and plenty of spice. Each book captured me differently, and by the end, I wanted to pack my bags and move to Benevolence, Maryland.

Book 1: Pretend You’re Mine

Harper and Luke’s story gave me Hallmark movie vibes with a twist – a stranger in town, a pretend romance, and something that evolves so much deeper. Harper is instantly lovable; I wanted to be her best friend. Luke, though, tested my patience at times (plenty of moments I wanted to shake him!). Ultimately, however, his heart wins out.

Content Note: This story touches on military trauma/PTSD. If that’s sensitive for you, please read with awareness.

Spice Level: High.

Trope highlights: Fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, small-town hero.

Book 2: Finally Mine

This one hit harder emotionally. Aldo and Gloria’s second-chance romance is layered with pain, history, and resilience. Gloria is escaping a decade-long abusive relationship, while Aldo carries both physical scars and emotional wounds from his time in Afghanistan. Together, they quite literally save each other.

Content Note: Domestic violence, physical and emotional abuse, war injury.

Spice Level: High.

Trope highlights: Second chances, healing together, protective MMC.

Book 3: Protecting What’s Mine

Bad-boy fire chief Lincoln Reed finally meets his match in Dr. Mackenzie “Mack” O’Neil, the visiting small-town doctor. Their chemistry is instant, their banter crackles, and their relationship carries the perfect Virgin River energy – a fresh start, a close-knit community, and a love story that feels inevitable.

Spice Level: High.

Trope highlights: Grumpy fire chief, new-in-town heroine, found family.

Final Thoughts

Every book left me saying, “Okay, THIS is my favorite couple.” First Harper and Luke. Then Aldo and Gloria. Then Lincoln and Mack. Each time, Lucy Score raised the stakes, deepened the emotional pull, and turned up the spice.

Closing out this series feels like moving away from newfound family. Benevolence, Maryland will stay with me long after the covers are closed – and honestly? I’d move there in a heartbeat.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ across the board – with spice, small-town vibes, and MMCs who love their women unconditionally.