Things We Hide from the Light Summary, Characters and Themes
“Things We Hide from the Light” is a contemporary romance novel by Lucy Score, set in the fictional town of Knockemout, Virginia. It is the sequel to the popular novel “Things We Never Got Over.”
The story follows Nash Morgan, the town’s police chief, who is struggling to recover from being shot while on duty. He grapples with panic attacks and nightmares, trying to maintain his image as the “good Morgan brother.” His life takes an unexpected turn when his new neighbor, Lina Solavita, moves in next door. Lina is smart, sexy, and sees through Nash’s facade.
The book explores themes of vulnerability, trust, and healing, as Nash and Lina navigate their growing attraction while facing the challenges of their pasts and the secrets that lie hidden in the small town.
Summary
Nash Morgan, Knockemout’s police chief, struggles with PTSD months after being shot while investigating a stolen car ring. He grapples with anxiety attacks, paranoia, and a fragmented memory of the incident. His neighbor, Lina Solavita, an insurance investigator specializing in stolen property recovery, is secretly in town to track down a vintage Porsche linked to the same criminal organization.
Despite their initial hesitation due to their personal traumas and Lina’s nomadic lifestyle, they are drawn to each other. Their connection deepens as they open up about their vulnerabilities, sharing intimate moments and supporting each other through difficult times. Lina reveals her mission in Knockemout, and their relationship intensifies.
Meanwhile, Nash deals with a problematic rookie officer, Tate Dilton, whose racial profiling leads to a potential lawsuit against the department. Nash suspends Dilton, further complicating his professional life.
Lina and Nash’s investigations intertwine as they realize their cases are connected. They suspect the same individual may be responsible for both the shooting and the car theft. Working together, they uncover clues and narrow down their suspects.
Their personal lives are also intertwined, culminating in a passionate love affair. They share a deep connection, finding solace and strength in each other. However, when Nash encounters his estranged father, old wounds resurface, leading him to abruptly break things off with Lina.
Lina is later abducted by two thugs and taken to a barn, where she discovers Tate Dilton’s involvement in the stolen car ring. She manages to escape and, with the help of Nash’s niece, Waylay, alerts Nash to her location.
Nash and his friends rush to the barn, where a tense confrontation ensues. Nash’s memory returns, and he identifies Tate as the shooter. In the ensuing chaos, Nash shoots and kills Tate. Duncan Hugo, the leader of the car theft ring, is apprehended.
In the aftermath, Nash and Lina reunite, their bond stronger than ever. They commit to each other, and five years later, they are happily married and expecting twins. The story concludes with their hopeful future, having overcome their traumas and found love and happiness together.
Characters
Nash Morgan
Nash Morgan is the Police Chief of Knockemout, Virginia, a man deeply scarred by a near-fatal shooting that left him with PTSD. As the central male protagonist, Nash is portrayed as a figure of authority and strength, yet one who is profoundly vulnerable beneath the surface.
The trauma of the shooting haunts him, rendering him isolated, paranoid, and prone to anxiety attacks. Despite his professional demeanor, Nash yearns for stability and connection, which he finds increasingly difficult to achieve due to his psychological struggles.
His character arc involves a journey from a state of emotional turmoil to one of healing and rediscovery of love, facilitated by his relationship with Lina.
Nash’s protective nature, commitment to his duty, and gradual openness about his vulnerabilities make him a complex and relatable character.
Angelina “Lina” Solavita
Lina is an insurance investigator specializing in recovering stolen property, and her move to Knockemout introduces her to Nash Morgan.
She is independent, strong-willed, and bears her own scars from a traumatic past—specifically a life-threatening heart defect she overcame as a teenager. Lina’s nomadic lifestyle and reluctance to form attachments initially define her, but her attraction to Nash challenges her self-imposed boundaries.
Her character represents resilience and the struggle to balance independence with the need for connection.
Lina’s expertise and resourcefulness are crucial in unraveling the criminal activities in Knockemout, and her personal growth is marked by her willingness to embrace love and vulnerability, ultimately leading to a committed relationship with Nash.
Knox Morgan
Knox Morgan, Nash’s older brother, is a significant secondary character whose past relationship with Lina adds depth to the narrative.
Knox’s protective instincts and his complicated history with Lina provide additional layers to the family dynamics and the romantic tension in the story.
As a supportive figure, Knox aids in the investigation and stands by Nash during his recovery. His character underscores themes of familial loyalty and the complexities of past relationships impacting present connections.
Waylay
Waylay, Nash’s 12-year-old niece, plays a pivotal role in the investigation into the car theft ring. Her keen observation skills and courage significantly contribute to solving the mystery of Nash’s shooting.
Waylay’s character embodies youthful resilience and serves as a catalyst for key plot developments. Her relationship with Nash and Lina highlights the importance of community and family in overcoming adversity.
Tate Dilton
Tate Dilton is a rookie cop in Nash’s department who becomes a central antagonist in the story. Initially presented as an overzealous officer with a penchant for harassment, Tate’s true nature as a criminal associate of Duncan Hugo is gradually revealed.
His actions, driven by racial profiling and corruption, add to the legal troubles faced by the police department.
Tate’s eventual unmasking as the shooter and his involvement in Lina’s abduction underscore his role as a duplicitous and dangerous character, culminating in a dramatic showdown with Nash.
Duncan Hugo
Duncan Hugo is the son of an underworld kingpin and the mastermind behind the car theft ring that endangers Nash and Lina.
His desire to eliminate his father and take over the family criminal enterprise drives much of the conflict in the novel. Duncan’s character represents the ongoing threat of organized crime in Knockemout and serves as the main antagonist whose actions propel the narrative forward.
His capture and the resolution of his criminal activities mark a significant turning point in the story.
Nash’s Father
Nash’s estranged father, whose struggles with alcoholism following the death of Nash’s mother add emotional depth to Nash’s backstory, appears briefly but impactfully.
His character highlights themes of familial estrangement, regret, and the quest for redemption.
His encounter with Nash during a critical moment in the story underscores Nash’s feelings of helplessness and the complex emotions tied to his family relationships.
Themes
The Impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
In the novel, Lucy Score dives deeply into the theme of PTSD through the character of Nash Morgan, the town’s police chief. Nash’s near-fatal shooting leaves him grappling with severe emotional and psychological trauma.
His journey highlights the debilitating effects of PTSD, manifesting in his isolation, paranoia, and frequent anxiety attacks. Despite seeking counseling and taking medication, Nash struggles to reclaim a sense of normalcy and control over his life. This portrayal underscores how PTSD can disrupt daily functioning and strain personal relationships.
Lina’s arrival in Knockemout introduces a parallel narrative of trauma recovery. Having faced her own brush with death due to a heart defect, Lina’s guarded approach to relationships mirrors Nash’s vulnerability.
Their relationship becomes a conduit for mutual healing, illustrating how shared experiences of trauma can foster deep, transformative connections.
Through Nash and Lina, the novel emphasizes that while PTSD is a pervasive and challenging condition, the support and understanding of loved ones can significantly aid in the healing process.
Opposites Attract
The theme of “opposites attract” is vividly explored through the evolving relationship between Nash and Lina. At first glance, they appear to be an unlikely pair.
Nash, the disciplined and stability-seeking police chief, contrasts sharply with Lina, a free-spirited and nomadic insurance investigator. Their differences are pronounced: Nash’s life is rooted in the community of Knockemout, while Lina thrives on the unpredictability of her transient lifestyle.
Despite these contrasts, their intense physical and emotional attraction propels them together. The novel explores how their differences complement rather than clash, creating a dynamic balance.
Nash’s desire for stability and Lina’s fear of commitment are challenged and redefined as their relationship deepens. This exploration of opposites attracting transcends mere romantic trope, delving into how disparate individuals can find common ground and grow together.
Their journey from initial skepticism to profound connection highlights the potential for personal growth and mutual enrichment that arises when people embrace their differences.
The Power of Community
“Things We Hide from the Light” also underscores the theme of community and its pivotal role in the characters’ lives.
Knockemout, the fictional northern Virginia town, is depicted as a close-knit community where residents look out for one another. This sense of community is a lifeline for Nash as he navigates his PTSD. The support from friends, family, and colleagues provides a network of safety and solidarity, which is crucial for his recovery.
The community’s involvement is not merely a backdrop but a central element that drives the plot forward.
For instance, the collective effort to uncover the truth behind Nash’s shooting and the stolen Porsche exemplifies the communal spirit of cooperation and resilience. Lina, initially an outsider, gradually becomes integrated into this community, finding not only love but also a sense of belonging.
The novel highlights how communities can offer strength, support, and a sense of identity to individuals, especially those dealing with personal crises. Through the lens of Knockemout’s residents, Score portrays the transformative power of a united community in fostering healing and justice.
