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Expected 19 May 26A scorching second-chance romance between a talented screenwriter and a phenomenal musician from "a fantastic storyteller and superb writer." ―NPR
You never forget your first love. Isn't that what they say? Verity Hill knows this truth intimately. She didn't simply miss Wright "Monk" Bellamy when they parted ways in college. She's haunted by his touch. Every kiss, any lover since—it's a shadow of what they had.
Time heals all wounds. Isn't that what they say? Monk doesn't believe that for a second. He wasn't simply betrayed when he and Verity split. He was devastated, with parts of him left behind in the ruins of all that was destroyed.
More than a decade after their disastrous breakup, Verity and Monk must work together on the set of an epic Harlem Renaissance biopic. With Monk, now a world-class musician, creating the score, and Verity, an award-winning screenwriter, penning the script, there's Oscar buzz before shooting even begins. This once-in-a-lifetime project could catapult them both to new heights, but can they can put the past behind them for the sake of the film…for the sake of something more?
You never forget your first love. Isn't that what they say? Verity Hill knows this truth intimately. She didn't simply miss Wright "Monk" Bellamy when they parted ways in college. She's haunted by his touch. Every kiss, any lover since—it's a shadow of what they had.
Time heals all wounds. Isn't that what they say? Monk doesn't believe that for a second. He wasn't simply betrayed when he and Verity split. He was devastated, with parts of him left behind in the ruins of all that was destroyed.
More than a decade after their disastrous breakup, Verity and Monk must work together on the set of an epic Harlem Renaissance biopic. With Monk, now a world-class musician, creating the score, and Verity, an award-winning screenwriter, penning the script, there's Oscar buzz before shooting even begins. This once-in-a-lifetime project could catapult them both to new heights, but can they can put the past behind them for the sake of the film…for the sake of something more?
448 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 19, 2026
About the author
Kennedy Ryan
66 books36.4k followersNEWSLETTER:
bit.ly/KRList
BOOKBUB: bookbub.com/authors/kennedy-ryan
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www.facebook.com/KennedyRyanAuthor/
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kennedyryan1/
KENNEDY RYAN BOOKS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/68160...
I write contemporary romance and women's fiction. I always give my characters their happily ever after, but I love to make them work for it! It's a long road to love, so sit back and enjoy the ride.
I am wife to the love of my life, mom to a special, beautiful son, and a friend to those living with autism through my charitable foundation.
bit.ly/KRList
BOOKBUB: bookbub.com/authors/kennedy-ryan
AMAZON:
http://amzn.to/2EX7pgg
FACEBOOK:
www.facebook.com/KennedyRyanAuthor/
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kennedyryan1/
KENNEDY RYAN BOOKS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/68160...
I write contemporary romance and women's fiction. I always give my characters their happily ever after, but I love to make them work for it! It's a long road to love, so sit back and enjoy the ride.
I am wife to the love of my life, mom to a special, beautiful son, and a friend to those living with autism through my charitable foundation.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 37 reviews
January 29, 2026
I had the honor to read Score early…. And to say it surpasses everything I thought it would be is an understatement. If you read Reel, then you know the tension between Monk and Verity literally crawled off of the pages. The way Kennedy takes us back in time to the very beginning showing us the good, the great, and THE UGLY was simply beautiful. The mental illness rep was done in great taste, as usual. This book is going to make you laugh, UGLY CRY, and want to throw the book.
Want to Read
August 25, 2021EEEEEEP THE NEW HOLLYWOOD RENAISSANCE BOOK FROM KR!
Want to Read
June 13, 2021MONK AND VERITY YESSS PLEASE!!!!
April 7, 2026
I have been waiting for Score since 2022 when I finished Reel, and I’ve gotta say this was absolutely worth the wait!
Verity and Monk gave me everything. Their spark was almost instantaneous and their connection was intense.
Both Verity and Monk stood on their own as interesting characters. I really loved both, but Verity was definitely my favorite. I was so happy when they were together, but I loved the build up and the journey to get them back together. They had to endure some pain in the process, but I really loved the healing they experienced in the end.
And I can’t write this review without applauding the way Kennedy Ryan clearly takes the time and care to write about sensitive subjects. In this case the big topic was Verity’s diagnosis and how she moves through life with it. I thought Kennedy did a great job of presenting in a way that still humanized Verity. She struggles and had some low moments, but she was also able to still live her life the best she could and be successful with a ton of support. I think Kennedy Ryan handled it with great care!
Thank you Forever for the ARC!
Verity and Monk gave me everything. Their spark was almost instantaneous and their connection was intense.
Both Verity and Monk stood on their own as interesting characters. I really loved both, but Verity was definitely my favorite. I was so happy when they were together, but I loved the build up and the journey to get them back together. They had to endure some pain in the process, but I really loved the healing they experienced in the end.
And I can’t write this review without applauding the way Kennedy Ryan clearly takes the time and care to write about sensitive subjects. In this case the big topic was Verity’s diagnosis and how she moves through life with it. I thought Kennedy did a great job of presenting in a way that still humanized Verity. She struggles and had some low moments, but she was also able to still live her life the best she could and be successful with a ton of support. I think Kennedy Ryan handled it with great care!
Thank you Forever for the ARC!
Want to Read
March 3, 2023Anxiously awaiting this one. Variety & Monk 😍😍
Want to Read
February 21, 2022THE THINGS I WOULD DO FOR THIS BOOK 👩🏽🦯
tbr-unreleased
March 31, 2026veritymonk owning 2022 before it even begins? I KNOW THAT'S RIGHT!
Want to Read
August 29, 2022Black singer and screenwriter !!!A follow up to Reel!!!! I love you Kennedy Ryan. I'm so ready.
Want to Read
February 26, 2025I am re-reading Reel for the second time and can’t wait for Monk and Verity’s story!!! I just know they have a backstory.
Read
May 20, 2025omg what happened here?? i need some Monk and Verity. i KNOW it has to be good!!
April 16, 2026
"We both said I missed it, but his eyes seem to say 'I missed you,' and I bet mine say the same."
"You are the life I want."
Big thanks to Forever and BRBF Book Tour for the advanced reader copy!! It has truly been an honor and privilege to read this early. I am still thinking about this book.
Score has been one of my most anticipated reads for the year of 2026 and WHEW MY LAWD, this was so worth the wait. Let me tell you, this story was written in such a way that not only touched on and dived deep into serious themes (highs and lows), and there was such a sense of care and intention and safe space for diverse representations regarding sexuality and mental health within this story, the depth to it is astounding and absolutely is at the forefront of the story unapologetically. The writing of this story and the evident love and devotion Verity and Monk displayed with one another was stellar, and as the reader I could feel every single emotion that the characters felt. The way the author was able to express sadness, fear, hesitancy, anxiety, and more was ground breaking. Let me tell you, some scenes definitely had the hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention because some scenes truly evoked stress and fear of what could happen to certain characters. I could not put this book down and I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish.
The timeline for this story and the way the author transitions the reader to past events to current events was done so well, and it enhanced the story telling as a whole and provided such a detailed and well thought out book. The mental health representation in this story was written so thought out and detailed, Verity's diagnosis and her experiences felt real, and it KR did not shy away from showing the highs and lows / experiences of the diagnosis that Verity has, but in the same breathe KR executed it so well, and still humanized Verity as well. Chile this is TOO GOOD! The intersection of identities was always at the forefront of this story and it truly had a thorough theme that can not be ignored.
I really enjoyed this story so much (I can't stop thinking about it) and the dual pov's truly had my heart in shambles (compliment) because the vulnerability and raw emotions Verity and Monk expressed about the other was so beautiful. To the similes and metaphors to describe the intense love , desire, and connection they have was beautiful, and as the reader, all you will want to do is root for them in their second chance! KR is truly the queen of second chance romances, she will do it every time!!!!
"You are the life I want."
Big thanks to Forever and BRBF Book Tour for the advanced reader copy!! It has truly been an honor and privilege to read this early. I am still thinking about this book.
Score has been one of my most anticipated reads for the year of 2026 and WHEW MY LAWD, this was so worth the wait. Let me tell you, this story was written in such a way that not only touched on and dived deep into serious themes (highs and lows), and there was such a sense of care and intention and safe space for diverse representations regarding sexuality and mental health within this story, the depth to it is astounding and absolutely is at the forefront of the story unapologetically. The writing of this story and the evident love and devotion Verity and Monk displayed with one another was stellar, and as the reader I could feel every single emotion that the characters felt. The way the author was able to express sadness, fear, hesitancy, anxiety, and more was ground breaking. Let me tell you, some scenes definitely had the hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention because some scenes truly evoked stress and fear of what could happen to certain characters. I could not put this book down and I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish.
The timeline for this story and the way the author transitions the reader to past events to current events was done so well, and it enhanced the story telling as a whole and provided such a detailed and well thought out book. The mental health representation in this story was written so thought out and detailed, Verity's diagnosis and her experiences felt real, and it KR did not shy away from showing the highs and lows / experiences of the diagnosis that Verity has, but in the same breathe KR executed it so well, and still humanized Verity as well. Chile this is TOO GOOD! The intersection of identities was always at the forefront of this story and it truly had a thorough theme that can not be ignored.
I really enjoyed this story so much (I can't stop thinking about it) and the dual pov's truly had my heart in shambles (compliment) because the vulnerability and raw emotions Verity and Monk expressed about the other was so beautiful. To the similes and metaphors to describe the intense love , desire, and connection they have was beautiful, and as the reader, all you will want to do is root for them in their second chance! KR is truly the queen of second chance romances, she will do it every time!!!!
April 16, 2026
Kennedy Ryan has done it again!!
i’m so emo finishing this book. that was BEAUTIFUL I would love to know how Kennedy does it. How does she manage to write SUCH well rounded romances 😭 i swear she is one of one. An icon, SENT FROM GOD ABOVE!!
What a beautiful story, I love a good soulmates story and just like Canon and Neevah had an electric romance, Monk and Verity were truly meant to be. They are more than soulmates they were literally made for each other 🥹😭
There are several things to highlight number one being homage to black artists and artistry in this story and Kennedy seamlessly tells you Monk and Verity’s story while also giving you some history. Secondly, and most importantly I think is the mental health representation. Reading about Bipolar disorder in a way that felt visceral. I at some points felt like i was living vicariously through Verity and understanding her emotions, thoughts, and feelings. I found myself rooting for Verity and believing that she deserved love no matter what she was going through or what the diagnoses was.
Lastly, Monk. as a PK, i understood Monk a lot and i know it’s a struggle for some of us especially when our parents are on a pedestal but i really really appreciated the conversations about faith and religion and how you can always come back to God, who never leaves us not forsakes us💗
i’m so emo finishing this book. that was BEAUTIFUL I would love to know how Kennedy does it. How does she manage to write SUCH well rounded romances 😭 i swear she is one of one. An icon, SENT FROM GOD ABOVE!!
What a beautiful story, I love a good soulmates story and just like Canon and Neevah had an electric romance, Monk and Verity were truly meant to be. They are more than soulmates they were literally made for each other 🥹😭
There are several things to highlight number one being homage to black artists and artistry in this story and Kennedy seamlessly tells you Monk and Verity’s story while also giving you some history. Secondly, and most importantly I think is the mental health representation. Reading about Bipolar disorder in a way that felt visceral. I at some points felt like i was living vicariously through Verity and understanding her emotions, thoughts, and feelings. I found myself rooting for Verity and believing that she deserved love no matter what she was going through or what the diagnoses was.
Lastly, Monk. as a PK, i understood Monk a lot and i know it’s a struggle for some of us especially when our parents are on a pedestal but i really really appreciated the conversations about faith and religion and how you can always come back to God, who never leaves us not forsakes us💗
July 19, 2021
I CANT WAIT
upcoming-release
November 10, 2025the day this releases is the day world hunger resolved
April 6, 2026
WOW WOW WOW! Kennedy Ryan has truly done it again. Dare I say, she may have outdone herself this time. Verity and Monk’s story is a stunning, heart wrenching second-chance romance that lingers long after the final page.
The characters are incredibly layered, offering an endless well of complexity. Watching Verity navigate a life-altering bipolar diagnosis is both devastating and deeply moving. You can’t help but grieve alongside her.
Having personal experience with mental illness through close family and friends, I felt Kennedy Ryan captured its impact with remarkable authenticity. She presents a full, 360-degree view showing how mental illness touches not just the individual, but everyone around them. It’s portrayed as delicate and fragile, deserving of care without being suffocated.
The exploration of feeling unworthy due to something beyond your control is especially powerful. An emotion so many people experience but rarely talk about openly. Kennedy Ryan also weaves in themes of generational trauma, self-worth, and shame with incredible depth and sensitivity.
I cried more than once and found myself sitting in silence, just staring at the wall after finishing. This is a breathtaking love story that I will absolutely be rereading. 10/10 recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The characters are incredibly layered, offering an endless well of complexity. Watching Verity navigate a life-altering bipolar diagnosis is both devastating and deeply moving. You can’t help but grieve alongside her.
Having personal experience with mental illness through close family and friends, I felt Kennedy Ryan captured its impact with remarkable authenticity. She presents a full, 360-degree view showing how mental illness touches not just the individual, but everyone around them. It’s portrayed as delicate and fragile, deserving of care without being suffocated.
The exploration of feeling unworthy due to something beyond your control is especially powerful. An emotion so many people experience but rarely talk about openly. Kennedy Ryan also weaves in themes of generational trauma, self-worth, and shame with incredible depth and sensitivity.
I cried more than once and found myself sitting in silence, just staring at the wall after finishing. This is a breathtaking love story that I will absolutely be rereading. 10/10 recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Want to Read
November 4, 2025GIVE IT TO ME NOW
*hasn't read Reel yet😅*
*hasn't read Reel yet😅*
April 4, 2026
Kennedy is at her absolute BEST!!!
Stunning. Wonderful. Fantastic.
Stunning. Wonderful. Fantastic.
Want to Read
October 27, 2025If Kennedy wrote it-I'm going to read it!!
Can't wait to read about Monk and Verity! The cover is beautiful!!
Can't wait to read about Monk and Verity! The cover is beautiful!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Forever for providing this book for review via NetGalley!
Where do I even start??? Score, just like Reel, was so IMPORTANT. Yes, there were funny moments, the love between the main characters was what everyone dreams to find, and the spice was spicinnnn, but above all — the representation displayed in both books are the best part. I am a better person because I read both of these books and I can’t thank Kennedy enough. Am I an expert on the chronic illnesses discussed in this series? Absolutely not. But I have so much more knowledge and insight on the experiences someone sharing that illness may face, so now if I do experience it myself or meet someone who is, I can make better decisions rooted in empathy and support.
I’m not exaggerating when I say I highlighted 210 sections of text while I reading Score. Kennedy’s writing will forever bring me so much awe. The way her mind works?!?!?! She describes feelings, sights, and moments with deep creativity that I rarely see in other books. No matter how heavy or light hearted the topic, she’s framing it in a way I never expected. All of her characters feel so real. Score may be dual POV but this very much was Verity’s book and Verity 1000% felt like a living human being and not a fictional character. I really appreciated the way Kennedy structured and paced the book so we could experience life with Verity in a primarily chronological order rather than constant flashbacks that keep the reader distracted in the present times wondering what happened in the past. Being able to understand why Verity was making certain decisions because we saw what she endured made it so easy to whole heartedly root for her during my entire reading experience.
Although it was heavily a Verity book, I loved getting to understand Monk as a person as well through his lived experiences and knowing without a doubt that his love for Verity is completely authentic.
I could honestly rave about this book forever but I can’t wait until the more skilled writers can eloquently convey why Score was a beautiful and impactful story better than I can. All I will say is please, please, please give this book a read… BUT ONLY AFTER READING REEL FIRST!!!
Where do I even start??? Score, just like Reel, was so IMPORTANT. Yes, there were funny moments, the love between the main characters was what everyone dreams to find, and the spice was spicinnnn, but above all — the representation displayed in both books are the best part. I am a better person because I read both of these books and I can’t thank Kennedy enough. Am I an expert on the chronic illnesses discussed in this series? Absolutely not. But I have so much more knowledge and insight on the experiences someone sharing that illness may face, so now if I do experience it myself or meet someone who is, I can make better decisions rooted in empathy and support.
I’m not exaggerating when I say I highlighted 210 sections of text while I reading Score. Kennedy’s writing will forever bring me so much awe. The way her mind works?!?!?! She describes feelings, sights, and moments with deep creativity that I rarely see in other books. No matter how heavy or light hearted the topic, she’s framing it in a way I never expected. All of her characters feel so real. Score may be dual POV but this very much was Verity’s book and Verity 1000% felt like a living human being and not a fictional character. I really appreciated the way Kennedy structured and paced the book so we could experience life with Verity in a primarily chronological order rather than constant flashbacks that keep the reader distracted in the present times wondering what happened in the past. Being able to understand why Verity was making certain decisions because we saw what she endured made it so easy to whole heartedly root for her during my entire reading experience.
Although it was heavily a Verity book, I loved getting to understand Monk as a person as well through his lived experiences and knowing without a doubt that his love for Verity is completely authentic.
I could honestly rave about this book forever but I can’t wait until the more skilled writers can eloquently convey why Score was a beautiful and impactful story better than I can. All I will say is please, please, please give this book a read… BUT ONLY AFTER READING REEL FIRST!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Second Chance Romance Done Right with Depth, Representation, and Emotional Precision
📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf
Book: 70
Dates read: 4.4.2026 - 4.5.2026
Title: Score
Author: Kennedy Ryan
Format: Digital ARC
#caseysbookshelf
Kennedy, Kennedy, Kennedy. What can’t you do?
I’ve always said Kennedy Ryan is the literary Beyoncé. She entered the space with stories that feel accessible and mainstream, and once she had our attention, she leaned all the way into centering Black experiences with intention. But at this point? She’s giving A’ja Wilson. Dominant. MVP. Every single time.
So when this ARC hit my inbox, I stopped everything.
Score is a second chance romance between Verity, an award-winning screenwriter, and Monk, a world-class musician, forced back together over a decade after a devastating breakup to work on a Harlem Renaissance biopic.
What I loved most is that Kennedy gives us the full story.
We don’t just get flashes of the past. We get the before. How they met. The intensity of their connection. The depth of their love. And then the unraveling. So when we reach the present, you’re not guessing why they deserve another chance. You feel it.
The representation here is beautifully done.
Kennedy continues to center underrepresented experiences with care, and here we see that through Verity’s bipolar diagnosis. It’s nuanced and intentional. We experience her shifts in a way that builds empathy, not judgment. It starts subtle, easy to overlook, then deepens in a way that makes you understand her more fully.
And Monk? The way that man loved her… unapologetic. Steady. Certain. Seeing their college years made their reconnection hit so much harder. It made everything feel earned.
If you’ve read Reel, this runs alongside that timeline, focusing on the screenwriter and composer during the same film, but it absolutely stands on its own.
This story is beautiful. Emotional without being manipulative. Heavy without being overwhelming. Romantic in a way that feels full.
Everybody deserves a love that is whole, deep, and protective. And Score reminds you of that.
Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚
📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf
Book: 70
Dates read: 4.4.2026 - 4.5.2026
Title: Score
Author: Kennedy Ryan
Format: Digital ARC
#caseysbookshelf
Kennedy, Kennedy, Kennedy. What can’t you do?
I’ve always said Kennedy Ryan is the literary Beyoncé. She entered the space with stories that feel accessible and mainstream, and once she had our attention, she leaned all the way into centering Black experiences with intention. But at this point? She’s giving A’ja Wilson. Dominant. MVP. Every single time.
So when this ARC hit my inbox, I stopped everything.
Score is a second chance romance between Verity, an award-winning screenwriter, and Monk, a world-class musician, forced back together over a decade after a devastating breakup to work on a Harlem Renaissance biopic.
What I loved most is that Kennedy gives us the full story.
We don’t just get flashes of the past. We get the before. How they met. The intensity of their connection. The depth of their love. And then the unraveling. So when we reach the present, you’re not guessing why they deserve another chance. You feel it.
The representation here is beautifully done.
Kennedy continues to center underrepresented experiences with care, and here we see that through Verity’s bipolar diagnosis. It’s nuanced and intentional. We experience her shifts in a way that builds empathy, not judgment. It starts subtle, easy to overlook, then deepens in a way that makes you understand her more fully.
And Monk? The way that man loved her… unapologetic. Steady. Certain. Seeing their college years made their reconnection hit so much harder. It made everything feel earned.
If you’ve read Reel, this runs alongside that timeline, focusing on the screenwriter and composer during the same film, but it absolutely stands on its own.
This story is beautiful. Emotional without being manipulative. Heavy without being overwhelming. Romantic in a way that feels full.
Everybody deserves a love that is whole, deep, and protective. And Score reminds you of that.
Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a powerful, emotionally charged second-chance romance that lingers long after the final page.
Kennedy Ryan delivers a story that is both intimate and expansive, weaving together love, loss, ambition, and the enduring impact of first love with remarkable depth. Verity and Monk are unforgettable—two characters shaped by a past that refuses to stay buried, whose reunion is as tender as it is fraught with unresolved pain.
The passage of time does nothing to dull what they once had. Instead, it sharpens it. Every interaction between them is layered with history—every glance, every word carrying the weight of what was lost and what might still be possible. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s the emotional complexity between them that truly elevates this story.
Set against the backdrop of an ambitious Harlem Renaissance biopic, the narrative feels rich with purpose. The creative collaboration between Verity and Monk adds another dimension to their relationship, forcing them to confront their shared past while striving toward something meaningful and lasting. The stakes feel real, both professionally and personally, and the balance between the two is handled with care and precision.
The writing is immersive and deeply affecting, capturing heartbreak and longing in a way that feels authentic and earned. Every moment resonates, every emotion rings true, making it impossible not to become fully invested in their journey.
This is a story about more than rekindled love—it’s about healing, truth, and the courage it takes to face what once broke you. A beautifully crafted, poignant romance that showcases storytelling at its finest.
Kennedy Ryan delivers a story that is both intimate and expansive, weaving together love, loss, ambition, and the enduring impact of first love with remarkable depth. Verity and Monk are unforgettable—two characters shaped by a past that refuses to stay buried, whose reunion is as tender as it is fraught with unresolved pain.
The passage of time does nothing to dull what they once had. Instead, it sharpens it. Every interaction between them is layered with history—every glance, every word carrying the weight of what was lost and what might still be possible. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s the emotional complexity between them that truly elevates this story.
Set against the backdrop of an ambitious Harlem Renaissance biopic, the narrative feels rich with purpose. The creative collaboration between Verity and Monk adds another dimension to their relationship, forcing them to confront their shared past while striving toward something meaningful and lasting. The stakes feel real, both professionally and personally, and the balance between the two is handled with care and precision.
The writing is immersive and deeply affecting, capturing heartbreak and longing in a way that feels authentic and earned. Every moment resonates, every emotion rings true, making it impossible not to become fully invested in their journey.
This is a story about more than rekindled love—it’s about healing, truth, and the courage it takes to face what once broke you. A beautifully crafted, poignant romance that showcases storytelling at its finest.
April 3, 2026
I'm not sure my review can do this incredible book and Kennedy Ryan justice, but I will try my best 💜
Score is an impactful and meaningful story centred around two creative souls destined to find one another. This second-chance romance will leave a mark on your soul.
The two main characters, Verity and Monk, have so much depth. They are both strong and incredibly talented, but there is an underlying vulnerability that we dive straight into as their backstories unravel.
Verity discovers that she has bipolar disorder, and the mental health aspect is heartbreaking to witness. I wanted to reach into the book, grab Verity, and hold her to keep her safe. I cried my eyes out reading this, as so many aspects hit home. I know very well the feeling of thinking you're unlovable because of something beyond your control.
This story was so healing. It felt as if the book took me apart and then put me back together, more whole than I was before I read it.
This was honestly so gorgeous. It’s rich and detailed, with the most beautiful prose, and it delivers the kind of swoon-worthy romance we all dream of. I couldn’t recommend it more!
Thank you so much to Piatkus for the ARC via NetGalley and for giving me the opportunity to share my honest thoughts.
Score is an impactful and meaningful story centred around two creative souls destined to find one another. This second-chance romance will leave a mark on your soul.
The two main characters, Verity and Monk, have so much depth. They are both strong and incredibly talented, but there is an underlying vulnerability that we dive straight into as their backstories unravel.
Verity discovers that she has bipolar disorder, and the mental health aspect is heartbreaking to witness. I wanted to reach into the book, grab Verity, and hold her to keep her safe. I cried my eyes out reading this, as so many aspects hit home. I know very well the feeling of thinking you're unlovable because of something beyond your control.
This story was so healing. It felt as if the book took me apart and then put me back together, more whole than I was before I read it.
This was honestly so gorgeous. It’s rich and detailed, with the most beautiful prose, and it delivers the kind of swoon-worthy romance we all dream of. I couldn’t recommend it more!
Thank you so much to Piatkus for the ARC via NetGalley and for giving me the opportunity to share my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kennedy Ryan usually writes heartfelt, emotional and compelling romance novels with difficult and sensitive subjects and this one is no exception.
Score caught my attention because it's a second chance romance (one of my favourite tropes), between Verity, a highly successful screenwriter, and Monk, an acclaimed musician and composer, who meet again 10 years later after an intense short relationship and disastrous break-up in their college years. Both of them are such complex and interesting characters, and their attraction to each other is undeniable.
Verity is also bipolar, which is the main focus of the novel, and I really appreciated how the author told the full story with such great care, from her diagnosis to her everyday struggles while learning how to navigate life with such a life altering condition. I really felt for Verity, was at times a bit frustrated by her choices towards Monk but all throughout couldn't help but root for their happy ending.
As usual, Kennedy's storytelling is excellent and beautifully written, and the way she also interwove Dessi Blue's story was so well done (it made me wish she would write a book on Dessi's story next, because her character just sounds so interesting)
Score caught my attention because it's a second chance romance (one of my favourite tropes), between Verity, a highly successful screenwriter, and Monk, an acclaimed musician and composer, who meet again 10 years later after an intense short relationship and disastrous break-up in their college years. Both of them are such complex and interesting characters, and their attraction to each other is undeniable.
Verity is also bipolar, which is the main focus of the novel, and I really appreciated how the author told the full story with such great care, from her diagnosis to her everyday struggles while learning how to navigate life with such a life altering condition. I really felt for Verity, was at times a bit frustrated by her choices towards Monk but all throughout couldn't help but root for their happy ending.
As usual, Kennedy's storytelling is excellent and beautifully written, and the way she also interwove Dessi Blue's story was so well done (it made me wish she would write a book on Dessi's story next, because her character just sounds so interesting)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a must read when it releases on May 19th! Pre-order, add it to the cart, stand in line on release day…. Do what you have to do. It’s so worth it. I usually don’t prefer second chance romances, but if Kennedy is the author I’m going to read it—not only without complaint—with so much respect and patience. While I don’t have any of the conditions she specifies in Reel or Score, I think she did an amazing job of educating us about them, creating space for them, and showed us what healing, acceptance, and love can look like in these circumstances. I also don’t identify as apart of the LGBTQIA+ community, but I loved the inclusivity and the education of how the FMC’s identity doesn’t shift according to her partner. This book is not only a book of self discovery, but how do you cope and continue your life once you’ve discovered what you’ve discovered. Also, you don’t have to have it all figured out at once and that is freeing and beautiful. I’m sure this book will be my entire personality for the foreseeable future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am always in awe of how Kennedy Ryan writes the experience of Black love. A second chance romance that tackles a few heavy topics. There's talk of grief, mental health, and sexuality and its all explored in such a caring and careful way. There are some scenes that are so packed with emotion and so vividly written it feels like you're there watching it unfold. I loved seeing some of our favorite characters from Reel and seeing the two books blend together! Huge fan of the role that familial and self-love play in Ryan's books. We get the romance but there's always an emphasis on self-love. My only gripe out of the whole book is the lack of communication on the FMC's part. I understand why and it was great in helping her better understand herself and what she needed but I'm just not a fan of miscommunication. Overall great book and I'll always be a fan!
April 13, 2026
Kennedy Ryan, the woman that you are. I had no idea how you could follow up a masterpiece like Reel, but you somehow managed to do it again! Monk and Verity’s story was so unexpected. You truly have a gift of writing difficult topics but also portraying the love and hope that comes with it. I knew you said this book would be spicier and wow you delivered. I cannot wait for the next book (hoping it’ll be about the producer and costume designer). Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
How does one even begin to write a coherent review of this book?!?!??!?!?
The sequel to Reel and its better than I could've ever imagined. I love second chance romance and seeing Verity and Monk work their back to each other was worth all of the pain that Kennedy Ryan also put me through. I am always so impressed by her writing and her ability to craft a story. I was immediately drawn in and would not rest until I finished this book. I cant wait for everyone to read this book when it comes out in May.
Also if book three is who I think its gonna be about I know it will change lives!!!!
The sequel to Reel and its better than I could've ever imagined. I love second chance romance and seeing Verity and Monk work their back to each other was worth all of the pain that Kennedy Ryan also put me through. I am always so impressed by her writing and her ability to craft a story. I was immediately drawn in and would not rest until I finished this book. I cant wait for everyone to read this book when it comes out in May.
Also if book three is who I think its gonna be about I know it will change lives!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"What if I never want to go? What if no one else has ever been in my heart the way you are? And never will be? What then?"
Kennedy Ryan simply keeps creating magic. This woman knows what she’s doing and she’s doing it like no other. Romance that hurts a little (or a lot) is my favorite. I wanna feel things when I’m reading, and Score delivered.
I got to read this one as an ARC, thank you to Piatkus and NetGalley!
Kennedy Ryan simply keeps creating magic. This woman knows what she’s doing and she’s doing it like no other. Romance that hurts a little (or a lot) is my favorite. I wanna feel things when I’m reading, and Score delivered.
I got to read this one as an ARC, thank you to Piatkus and NetGalley!
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April 8, 2026Kennedy Ryan is gonna ensure everyone knows they deserve love and joy BECAUSE THEY DO! And this book is the biggest embodiment of love, commitment, and passion. Verity and Monk’s connection is otherworldly like woah these people have insanely good chemistry. I love them down! And the Harlem Renaissance connections to the present is always such a lovely touch that I appreciate deeply.
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