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Expected 19 May 26A scorching second-chance romance between a talented screenwriter and a phenomenal musician from the New York Times bestselling author of Before I Let Go.
"A triumph of art and emotion." —Talia Hibbert, New York Times bestselling author
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?
"A triumph of art and emotion." —Talia Hibbert, New York Times bestselling author
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, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 19, 2026
51 people are currently reading
13999 people want to read
About the author
Kennedy Ryan
67 books36.6k followersNEWSLETTER:
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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 97 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 😍😍
May 1, 2026
Kennedy Ryan has become a headline Black romance author synonymous with Black excellence in the romance genre. Legacy is a lofty word, but what Ryan continues to build is shattering out-dated goalposts and continues to move a genre forward, pulling romance to new levels and heights.
As a lover of movies, especially movie scores (I'm the gal listening orchestral pieces and have Hans Zimmer, Ludwig Göransson, and Alexandre Desplat on repeat). But the timing of Score is key. The success of Sinners by Ryan Coogler matches the wave of success Kennedy has achieved. This is her epicentre, a romance tackling the stigma of mental health, the vulnerability of sharing a diagnosis, and the toll it not only takes on one person but on caregivers.
Mental health in communities of colour is handled differently, it's heavily misdiagnosed often not treated. There's internal community struggles with how it's handled. 'Madness, mania, delusions' these are words we freely say now, but their weight is different. This love story? Shifts perspectives and hearts. Monk and Verity will absolutely hold you tight and you simply must sit with this story and listen.
Thank you so much Kennedy, HBG Canada, and Forever for the early copy. I'm still in shock I read this book early, and that Kennedy has extended kindness my way.
As a lover of movies, especially movie scores (I'm the gal listening orchestral pieces and have Hans Zimmer, Ludwig Göransson, and Alexandre Desplat on repeat). But the timing of Score is key. The success of Sinners by Ryan Coogler matches the wave of success Kennedy has achieved. This is her epicentre, a romance tackling the stigma of mental health, the vulnerability of sharing a diagnosis, and the toll it not only takes on one person but on caregivers.
Mental health in communities of colour is handled differently, it's heavily misdiagnosed often not treated. There's internal community struggles with how it's handled. 'Madness, mania, delusions' these are words we freely say now, but their weight is different. This love story? Shifts perspectives and hearts. Monk and Verity will absolutely hold you tight and you simply must sit with this story and listen.
Thank you so much Kennedy, HBG Canada, and Forever for the early copy. I'm still in shock I read this book early, and that Kennedy has extended kindness my way.
May 6, 2026
I’m so blown away!!! KR does her big one every single time. But this right here!?!?! Is something else entirely. Dare I say best romance of 2026 😫💗📚 Score quite literally broke me apart in a million pieces just to put me back together in the most profound way. Truly life changing and the second chance of my dreams 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Verity and Monk were absolute end game. Their connection was palpable through every page and I couldn’t get enough. Watching them fall madly in love as college kids, to imploding in the worst way and going no contact for 12 years, just to have them working together on the same movie was so tea!!! All that angst, repressed feelings, raw yearning, and attraction all mixed together made for the best scenes ngl. Their romance was top tier.
I also loved the mental health representation! Like more than I ever thought I would. KR did such a fantastic job of exploring this condition that so many people live with every day. You can really understand the depth through Verity’s experiences in the past and present. I thought it was very eye opening. All the trauma she went through all alone made me feel so much.
Lastly I truly loved the sexual freedom KR took with this. 🤭 I appreciated it so much bc you don’t see it often in black romance. This was so nasty in the best way. Verity and Monk’s relationship was seriously piping hot within their first 24 hours. I just know I’m gonna be thinking about them for a cool minute 🙂↕️👌🏽
Verity and Monk were absolute end game. Their connection was palpable through every page and I couldn’t get enough. Watching them fall madly in love as college kids, to imploding in the worst way and going no contact for 12 years, just to have them working together on the same movie was so tea!!! All that angst, repressed feelings, raw yearning, and attraction all mixed together made for the best scenes ngl. Their romance was top tier.
I also loved the mental health representation! Like more than I ever thought I would. KR did such a fantastic job of exploring this condition that so many people live with every day. You can really understand the depth through Verity’s experiences in the past and present. I thought it was very eye opening. All the trauma she went through all alone made me feel so much.
Lastly I truly loved the sexual freedom KR took with this. 🤭 I appreciated it so much bc you don’t see it often in black romance. This was so nasty in the best way. Verity and Monk’s relationship was seriously piping hot within their first 24 hours. I just know I’m gonna be thinking about them for a cool minute 🙂↕️👌🏽
April 26, 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 in exchange for an honest review. 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 in exchange for an honest review. 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!!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow…I feel like Kennedy Ryan outdid herself with the research on this one because I have no words right now! I feel empty inside after reading this because I was SO engrossed in the story and the characters. I found myself not able to put it down because her writing is just so thorough and beautiful- I love how passionate she is about Black voices and sharing our history in her stories- she makes it so easy to relate to it and how important it is to continue sharing our stories.
The fact that we learn about Neevah in Reel and how she navigates life with discoid lupus and now in Score reading through Verity’s eyes of living with Bipolar Disorder. I love that between both books, I as a reader, learned more about chronic illnesses that I was unfamiliar with before reading. They are both such resilient people who deserved every opportunity. I kept trying to put myself in Verity’s shoes and couldn’t help but wonder how challenging it was to navigate her illness and then learn ways to go through life through her eyes.
A man written by Kennedy Ryan is the type of man every girl needs- real men take notes! I really loved Monk’s character! He and Verity are like one soul, and it broke my heart for him after understanding his feelings towards his family and Verity. Seeing him hurt and heartbroken ugh MY heart broke for him. But to see him love her so fiercely and being so sure about her, they just complemented each other so well (even when Monk was being stubborn lol) I also related to how he felt about his religion and trusting people after everything he’s been through.
The way Kennedy writes her characters as strong black individuals and how their stories are so realistic just makes me appreciate her books so much more! And what I love most is how she incorporates a sense of community for her characters that’s so important in the Black community today. The female characters, especially, have such inspiring stories I want to be like them when I grow up!!
Safe to say I loved this book and I love Kennedy! I couldn’t wait to read this book and I am definitely satisfied after finishing it. I can’t wait for Book 3…is Evan next?? *wink wink*
Thank you Forever Publishing and Kennedy Ryan for the chance to read this beautiful story- I’m so very grateful!💚
The fact that we learn about Neevah in Reel and how she navigates life with discoid lupus and now in Score reading through Verity’s eyes of living with Bipolar Disorder. I love that between both books, I as a reader, learned more about chronic illnesses that I was unfamiliar with before reading. They are both such resilient people who deserved every opportunity. I kept trying to put myself in Verity’s shoes and couldn’t help but wonder how challenging it was to navigate her illness and then learn ways to go through life through her eyes.
A man written by Kennedy Ryan is the type of man every girl needs- real men take notes! I really loved Monk’s character! He and Verity are like one soul, and it broke my heart for him after understanding his feelings towards his family and Verity. Seeing him hurt and heartbroken ugh MY heart broke for him. But to see him love her so fiercely and being so sure about her, they just complemented each other so well (even when Monk was being stubborn lol) I also related to how he felt about his religion and trusting people after everything he’s been through.
The way Kennedy writes her characters as strong black individuals and how their stories are so realistic just makes me appreciate her books so much more! And what I love most is how she incorporates a sense of community for her characters that’s so important in the Black community today. The female characters, especially, have such inspiring stories I want to be like them when I grow up!!
Safe to say I loved this book and I love Kennedy! I couldn’t wait to read this book and I am definitely satisfied after finishing it. I can’t wait for Book 3…is Evan next?? *wink wink*
Thank you Forever Publishing and Kennedy Ryan for the chance to read this beautiful story- I’m so very grateful!💚
April 20, 2026
Kennedy Ryan has done it again with Score! From reading Reel, I knew Verity and Monk were going to have an interesting backstory and I’m so glad KR chose to write about them as a follow up.
Verity is officially one of my favorite FMC in the KR universe. She is one to root for. The mental health rep with a Black woman is something I don’t see often and to include Bipolar disorder was so daring and important.
Ngl I was so frustrated with Monk throughout much of the story and my 5 ⭐️ mostly for Verity. Also, once again KR writes so beautifully that it captivates me as a reader.
Verity is officially one of my favorite FMC in the KR universe. She is one to root for. The mental health rep with a Black woman is something I don’t see often and to include Bipolar disorder was so daring and important.
Ngl I was so frustrated with Monk throughout much of the story and my 5 ⭐️ mostly for Verity. Also, once again KR writes so beautifully that it captivates me as a reader.
Want to Read
February 21, 2022THE THINGS I WOULD DO FOR THIS BOOK 👩🏽🦯
May 6, 2026
This book had no business being this good. I was hooked immediately from the prologue. Monk and Verity and their chemistry were everything. The mental health representation of bipolar disorder in this book was perfect. Since I also have family members who have struggled with this disorder, she described it with care and was spot-on. I felt for Verity as she navigated the challenges that come with this disorder and everyday life.
The romance and banter between Monk and Verity, I ate it up and was rooting for these two so hard. Monk is so down bad for Verity, and I loved it. This might have become one of my favorite books by Kennedy Ryan. She always has a way of making you believe in the characters’ connection and feel their emotions. There are so many things within this book that stuck out to me that I could yap on and on about. All I’m going to is just read it!
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The romance and banter between Monk and Verity, I ate it up and was rooting for these two so hard. Monk is so down bad for Verity, and I loved it. This might have become one of my favorite books by Kennedy Ryan. She always has a way of making you believe in the characters’ connection and feel their emotions. There are so many things within this book that stuck out to me that I could yap on and on about. All I’m going to is just read it!
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 23, 2026
I had the privilege of reading the ARC of The Score by Kennedy Ryan, and she did it AGAIN. Another banger, 6⭐️!
The chemistry between Monk and Verity is undeniable, you feel it on every page. And the way Kennedy Ryan handled mental health, so intentional, so respectful, and it added so much depth to their story instead of just being there for the plot.
We finally get EVERYTHING, the full story of Monk and Verity, how they came to be, and what really caused all that tension we first saw in Reel. And OMG, this might be the spiciest book I’ve read by her, but it was done tastefully and it never overpowered the story.
1000% recommend.
The chemistry between Monk and Verity is undeniable, you feel it on every page. And the way Kennedy Ryan handled mental health, so intentional, so respectful, and it added so much depth to their story instead of just being there for the plot.
We finally get EVERYTHING, the full story of Monk and Verity, how they came to be, and what really caused all that tension we first saw in Reel. And OMG, this might be the spiciest book I’ve read by her, but it was done tastefully and it never overpowered the story.
1000% recommend.
Read
May 20, 2025omg what happened here?? i need some Monk and Verity. i KNOW it has to be good!!
May 10, 2026
KENNEDY RYAN I LOVE YOU!!! how did I like this book even more than Reel?? Score is the perfect second chance romance, with fantastic mental health and queer representation. Verity is my soul sister :’)
The bipolar representation in this book was so well done. You could tell how much research and care Kennedy put into writing Verity’s character. Even though I do not struggle with bipolar, I could relate SO much to Verity’s struggle with hiding the depths and darkest parts of her mental illness, struggling alone, and struggling to open up and trust others with such a big part of her life. I think Verity’s character will be so important for so many people and make those living with mental illnesses feel seen!
The romance between Monk and Verity was HOT (like right from the beginning) which I lovedddd. I loved the flashbacks to their college days and the beginning of their relationship and then seeing them find their way back to each other and sort out their relationship. The miscommunication and issues with their relationship felt necessary and natural, and I appreciated how they worked through them to trust each other again.
I think this will be a favorite book of the year for me!! Thanks to Forever Publishing for the free book
The bipolar representation in this book was so well done. You could tell how much research and care Kennedy put into writing Verity’s character. Even though I do not struggle with bipolar, I could relate SO much to Verity’s struggle with hiding the depths and darkest parts of her mental illness, struggling alone, and struggling to open up and trust others with such a big part of her life. I think Verity’s character will be so important for so many people and make those living with mental illnesses feel seen!
The romance between Monk and Verity was HOT (like right from the beginning) which I lovedddd. I loved the flashbacks to their college days and the beginning of their relationship and then seeing them find their way back to each other and sort out their relationship. The miscommunication and issues with their relationship felt necessary and natural, and I appreciated how they worked through them to trust each other again.
I think this will be a favorite book of the year for me!! Thanks to Forever Publishing for the free book
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💗
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!
Read
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.
May 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - KENNEDY RYAN I LOVE YOU!
Thank you NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book!
I am truly honoured and can not believe that I was given my most anticipated read OF THE YEAR!
Kennedy Ryan takes us on a roller coaster of a story between Verity & Monk, who we get a glimpse of in the first book of the Renaissance Series (I really wonder whose POV we're gonna get next). This story is happening in tandem with Neevah & Canon's story from the first book, AND we get to learn more about the characters in the BIOPIC that we learned about in the first book. These stories were tied in together so beautifully.
Kennedy also educated us on black arts/artists and black people living with mental and physical illnesses. She touches on these topics with plenty of care and understanding that makes you fall in love with the story, the characters and Kennedy Ryan as an author altogether (me, even more so).
I genuinely did not want this story to end. I wanna keep reading about all the characters' lives, and how they continue living and loving while facing hardships and hurdles. There is truly no Author like Kennedy Ryan; I can't wait until the next one!
Thank you NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book!
I am truly honoured and can not believe that I was given my most anticipated read OF THE YEAR!
Kennedy Ryan takes us on a roller coaster of a story between Verity & Monk, who we get a glimpse of in the first book of the Renaissance Series (I really wonder whose POV we're gonna get next). This story is happening in tandem with Neevah & Canon's story from the first book, AND we get to learn more about the characters in the BIOPIC that we learned about in the first book. These stories were tied in together so beautifully.
Kennedy also educated us on black arts/artists and black people living with mental and physical illnesses. She touches on these topics with plenty of care and understanding that makes you fall in love with the story, the characters and Kennedy Ryan as an author altogether (me, even more so).
I genuinely did not want this story to end. I wanna keep reading about all the characters' lives, and how they continue living and loving while facing hardships and hurdles. There is truly no Author like Kennedy Ryan; I can't wait until the next one!
Read
April 27, 20264.75⭐️ KR always knows how to get me with her epilogues man…summer 2027👀
May 3, 2026
this was written so beautifully, my heart feels so full. the bipolar representation is executed perfectly. this may have been bumped to my favorite Kennedy Ryan book ever 🤍
April 24, 2026
AHHHHH 🥺
Full RTC!!!!
Full RTC!!!!
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 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 27, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is, without a doubt, Kennedy at her absolute best. Kennedy Ryan truly outdid herself with this one. I don’t even have a star rating because no number feels high enough.
This was my first time reading a book featuring bipolar representation, and I learned so much. Kennedy handled it with such care, showing just how challenging and complex this disorder can be, not only for the person living with it, but also for the people who love and support them.
There were definitely moments when I found myself saying, “Verity, what are you doing, girl?” But as her journey unfolded, I understood her more and more. And Monk? Absolutely incredible. The way he loved Verity, supported her, and risked everything for her had my whole heart.
I’m honestly so sad it’s over. This book could have been 500 pages longer, and I still would have wanted more. Kennedy Ryan delivered something truly special with this one.
Thank you forever publishing and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
This is, without a doubt, Kennedy at her absolute best. Kennedy Ryan truly outdid herself with this one. I don’t even have a star rating because no number feels high enough.
This was my first time reading a book featuring bipolar representation, and I learned so much. Kennedy handled it with such care, showing just how challenging and complex this disorder can be, not only for the person living with it, but also for the people who love and support them.
There were definitely moments when I found myself saying, “Verity, what are you doing, girl?” But as her journey unfolded, I understood her more and more. And Monk? Absolutely incredible. The way he loved Verity, supported her, and risked everything for her had my whole heart.
I’m honestly so sad it’s over. This book could have been 500 pages longer, and I still would have wanted more. Kennedy Ryan delivered something truly special with this one.
Thank you forever publishing and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2026
“Love doesn’t keep score.”
“Whatever Verity is, I want it. Whatever she is, she’s mine and I identify as hers.”
“What are you looking at?” she asks.
“You.”
Will I recover from Score??? Who knows, but what I know is that this book deserves every reward possible. Oh my gosh. SCORE was absolutely top tier…i don’t know how Kennedy topped Reel, but SHE DID HER BIG ONE WITH THIS BOOK.
Score has so much depth and that’s what I love about Kennedy stories. It’s always so much more than a romance and the mental illness representation within this book was done with so much respect and education. Everything Verity went through as a child was heartbreaking and something no one should have to face. However, the representation of black communities struggling with mental illness was done well and as readers we truly get to see what happens when things go untreated.
I could go on too about Monk, about his past family trauma is something I feel is so common that happens within the church community. And I could totally understand Monks hostility toward his father and the church. This part of the story was also done with so much respect as well.
The romance here was sooooooo powerful and when I say soulmates I MEAN that. I’m not even a second chance type of girl, but this story is done so well. It’s done with patience’s, with respect of each other, with lust and with enduring love. Like these two were just down right MADE for each other. Ugh it was so so good.
Guys I loved everything about it and I genuinely have no notes. Like Kennedy you deserve all your flowers for this. I’m foaming at the mouth for the physical copy.
“Whatever Verity is, I want it. Whatever she is, she’s mine and I identify as hers.”
“What are you looking at?” she asks.
“You.”
Will I recover from Score??? Who knows, but what I know is that this book deserves every reward possible. Oh my gosh. SCORE was absolutely top tier…i don’t know how Kennedy topped Reel, but SHE DID HER BIG ONE WITH THIS BOOK.
Score has so much depth and that’s what I love about Kennedy stories. It’s always so much more than a romance and the mental illness representation within this book was done with so much respect and education. Everything Verity went through as a child was heartbreaking and something no one should have to face. However, the representation of black communities struggling with mental illness was done well and as readers we truly get to see what happens when things go untreated.
I could go on too about Monk, about his past family trauma is something I feel is so common that happens within the church community. And I could totally understand Monks hostility toward his father and the church. This part of the story was also done with so much respect as well.
The romance here was sooooooo powerful and when I say soulmates I MEAN that. I’m not even a second chance type of girl, but this story is done so well. It’s done with patience’s, with respect of each other, with lust and with enduring love. Like these two were just down right MADE for each other. Ugh it was so so good.
Guys I loved everything about it and I genuinely have no notes. Like Kennedy you deserve all your flowers for this. I’m foaming at the mouth for the physical copy.
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