How Does The Romance Develop In By A Thread Lucy Score?

So, this book is basically the blueprint for workplace enemies-to-lovers done right. The romance doesn't just develop; it explodes from antagonism. It starts with Dominic Rossi firing Ally from her department store job in the most brutal way, and her vengeful, public takedown of him. The initial development is pure, delicious spite—he hires her back out of obligation, and their daily interactions are a war of sharp words and simmering, hate-fueled tension. I love that Score lets them genuinely dislike each other for a solid chunk of the book; the attraction feels like a betrayal to them both.

Then it pivots into this forced proximity when she becomes his assistant. Seeing the vulnerable, messy sides of each other—her financial struggles, his family trauma—is what really erodes the walls. The shift from wanting to strangle each other to a frantic, clandestine hookup in his office feels earned because of that built-up pressure. The 'romance' part, the softer feelings, creep in almost against their will during quiet moments, like when he silently helps her family or she sees how he cares for his daughter. It's a slow unraveling of defenses rather than a smooth courtship.

Honestly, I found the development a bit rushed after the initial setup. They go from loathing to lust to love super fast, and the middle section feels like it's on fast-forward because of the physical chemistry taking over. The emotional depth comes mostly from big, dramatic backstory reveals—his dead wife, her dad's issues—which are effective but kind of telescope the relationship's growth. You're told they're connecting deeply because of shared trauma, but you don't always see the gradual, everyday building blocks.

That said, the banter is top-tier, and the possessive/ protective vibes Dominic has once he's all in are very satisfying in a fantasy-fulfillment way. It's less a slow-burn and more a gasoline-dump-and-ignite situation, which is fun if you're not overthinking it. The small-town setting with the secondary characters does a lot of heavy lifting to make the relationship feel anchored in a community, which helps sell the 'happily ever after' as more stable.

The romance develops through escalating stakes and vulnerability. It’s transactional at first (job for silence), then physical, then emotional as they’re forced to rely on each other during crises. Dominic’s actions—fixing her car, dealing with her ex—speak louder than words, which fits his character. Ally’s defiance softens into trust. The real turning point isn’t a confession; it’s when he chooses her side unconditionally against his own family. The progression feels messy and human, with setbacks and pride getting in the way right until the end.