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A 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, Paperback
First published May 19, 2026
About the author
Kennedy Ryan
67 books36.9k 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 350 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.
May 22, 2026
wow. just wow. this is not just a romance. this was, it is, a deeply human experience that i feel so privileged to have read, to have lived in, to feel as though i have witnessed. this book is about love, but more than that, it is a story about relationships. lovers, friends, family, passions…even the relationships the characters have with their own selves, and the ones that they have with their own minds — it’s all here. this is a story about acceptance, ache, regrets, forgiveness, second chances, resilience. it’s an ode to black artistry and creatives, it’s a history lesson, it’s a celebration. it is art. plain and simple.
when kennedy ryan kennedy ryans in a way that is so deeply kennedy ryan-coded, something magical happens. how she manages to weave so many important topics and discourse into her books in such a cohesive and organic way, how she makes her characters feel so real, and how she manages to deliver such a poignant piece of work, all told around such a beautiful and sexy love story, will rarely leave me unmoved. score is trying to wrangle my previously favourite KR book off the top of the podium — i am in a state of panic and distress! i don’t even know how to review this book because i feel so many things right now, but i will make my best attempt 🥺.
ˋ°•*⁀➷ premise
score follows the lives and love of eventual screenwriter verity hill, and eventual critically acclaimed musical prodigy wright “monk” bellamy, who first meet and fall in love in college, all before the painful dissolution of their first chance. over a decade later, they find themselves facing each other again and having to work together on a career-defining biopic about black performers from the harlem renaissance era, who were often erased in favour of their white counterparts despite being just as, if not more talented and worthy of recognition. an important story to tell, verity and monk have to put their differences aside to give their best to this movie — having both been recruited by the director of the film to do the script and the score respectively — all while navigating past hurts. we also have a story within a story, much like in reel (as the present timeline of this book coincides with the making of the dessi blue biopic in that book). this is just the tip of the iceberg as far as what the story goes on to entail…
ˋ°•*⁀➷ our characters
— verity 🖋️💚🎬
oh, my darling verity. now THIS is what i mean when i say i want complex, multi-dimensional female main characters. verity was so very real to me. in-the-flesh, empathy-inducing, resilient, a fighter but also not infallible. she’s not just one thing, she’s everything. she makes mistakes, she stumbles and struggles, but she rises above and her triumph is true 🥺. something i love about KR books is that often there’s a big arc around the fmc coming to love and accept and to heal herself in a way that doesn’t make the romance feel like it was the antidote, but more so the cherry on top. verity’s story is raw. we get to experience her mental health battles with her, the highs and lows and inbetweens in the story, but like the line in the author’s note (read: love letter) at the top of the book says, “i never write the hurt without the healing. you can always trust your heart with me.” , and kennedy absolutely kept her promise. i think many people will feel seen through her character or be hard-pressed not to be able to connect with her.
“i’m bipolar. well, more accurately, bipolar is my diagnosis, not my identity. i am a writer, a friend, a niece, an activist, but i have bipolar disorder. i tell very few people, not because i’m ashamed of it. i’m ashamed of some of the things i’ve done during an episode, but i make a distinction.”
verity is more than her diagnosis, even when it feels like she’s in the undertow of it. the research that must have gone into her characterization was so evident and her portrayal was done with so much care. on top of this, the intersectionality between her being black, bisexual and bipolar was so powerful. triple “b” threat. i loved it, and i loved her.
— monk 🎹💚🎼
lawwwd have mercy. his tall, dark, handsome, brown sugar fine ass. URGH. 😩😩😩 anyways. to return to coherency…
monk was a loverboy through and through 😭. the way this man pined for verity and felt things deeply was so well-written. ”can someone be your soulmate if you’re not theirs?…she was it for me.” oh, my poor heart and weak disposition couldn’t handle how down bad he was 😭. his quiet but confident aura (definition still-waters-run-deep kinda man), his humour, but most of all his heart, were my favourite things about him. his passion for and relationship with music, that was a huge part of his characterization, was exceptionally well-done and genuinely so captivating. the way he loved verity, even when he couldn’t help it, was consuming. pulled me right in. he also had a really compelling arc over the course of the story, and it was so rewarding to see his growth from start to end. i loved that he wasn’t unrealistically perfect either. his jealousy and possessiveness, sometimes stubbornness in his beliefs, but also his care were all just right. seeing him find love was just as rewarding as watching verity reconnect with him, and when i’m invested in both characters finding their person, it makes the love story hit that much harder.
ˋ°•*⁀➷ the writing
the prose is beautiful. just beautiful. no one can tell me miss ryan here is not a modern day poet. it’s lyrical but never pretentious. her choices always feel so intentional. she balances poignancy with levity and humour in a way that just feels so authentic — from her, but also for and from the characters. it’s an absolute pleasure to read. her work is always so well researched, seeped with history and never short on nuance. that was on full display here. i loved that this book was divided into “movements” — just another thoughtful touch, given how important music is to the story and how this all nods back to the title of the book.
ˋ°•*⁀➷ romance, relationships, representation
verity and monk’s love is one for the ages. i was a little worried in the beginning with how fast things started between them in their college years (maybe a little thrown by the events of chapter two, as hot as it was), questioning how the pace was going to work…but i trusted the process. it just worked. their soul-ties were so evident as the story went on. how completely woven into each other’s fabric they were, how they were able to connect, how they were able to still affect one another even when they didn’t want to be.
the way desire was written in this book had me about ready to combust!!! they were so sexy 😩. the spice was so good. their chemistry was so palpable and genuinely made the text feel so alive and electric. when they were at odds, the friction was tantalizing and it made for some fantastic tension that made the burn of their romance absolutely incinerate.
there’s a bit of miscommunication (or rather non-disclosure), but it’s understandable in its context, so it never bothered me. the shame and fear of judgment that comes from making certain admissions to people can feel insurmountable, and the story made the circumstances feel realistic.
a good second chance romance (as critical as i can be of this trope) will convince me that now is the right time, when back then was not. that the passage of time does not equate to character development, but that the characters have experienced actual growth and change by the time the reconciliation happens, to be able to present their best selves to the prospect of reunion. not a perfect self or one who’s done growing, but that the characters are exactly where they need to be to be able to meet each other in the middle, where previously it was just not (for good reason) possible. this was monk and verity to a tee.
”the moment is so transparent i feel like i can see every one of her fears, her dreams, her worries, and i, in turn, want to show her all mine. it’s something old that is new again, but it’s also something we’ve never had before. matured. seasoned. steady.”
when all was said and done, there’s an overwhelming sense of peace that their love carries. the trust, the forgiveness, the letting go, the acceptance?
”love doesn’t keep score.” 🥹
i adored how this book went beyond just the central romance, because there were so many examples of various relationships that shape verity and monk’s in important ways. this made the read feel so layered. the side characters in this book were not ornamental, but rather, had true purpose. there are three specific elements that really stood out to me:
— the depiction of sapphic relationships
verity’s bisexuality, the queer aunts who raised her and even the queer love story in the dessi blue 1930s biopic, really showcased love and relationship between women, black women, in different ways and in different time eras. this was such a rich, thoughtful and well-connected thread throughout the story. verity is proud and has never had to hide this aspect of her identity when so many women that came before her did not have the same privilege, and it was beautiful to see this representation.
— parental relationships
verity and monk both carry things from what they observed between their own respective sets of parents. it shapes how they, in turn, approach love and relationships. something i feel quite passionate about but don’t see addressed in nearly as many books as i could, is how generational trauma can impact our own attempts at relationships and our own ideas of love. monk is deeply affected by his father’s infidelity, and verity her parents’ passionate but tumultuous and ultimately tragic relationship given her dad’s undiagnosed mental illness — and it affects how they move in the world, their idea of family, of being eventual parents, of how to be with someone. i loved how this was explored so thoroughly.
— verity’s friendships with her adult best friends
one lives with bipolar disorder as well, and one does not. these friendships were so impactful. to see how the three interacted with one another and supported one another carried weight. verity has the unique experience of being a worrier (for her friend who’s like her) but also one who’s worried about (by the friend who’s not). it gives her much-needed perspective when she herself may be agitated by too much oversight, but also can feel similarly about her friend who struggles too. mental illness impacts the one who bears it but also those who hold them down, and we get to see both sides explored in the book. it’s always a balancing act to treat others with dignity, respect their autonomy but also care about them enough to intervene in respectful ways when you suspect that something is off. these friendships were one really great way to showcase this, outside of the romance.
god, this story had so many themes and i think i’ve touched on some key ones but it’s certainly not exhaustive. even the untangling of unconscious bias rooted in homophobia during a spicy moment between verity and monk was so thoughtful. maybe one last thing i found particularly meaningful was the little nods to spirituality, specifically for monk’s character. he’s not religious and has a complicated relationship with the idea of church because of his pastor father who caused a rift in their family with his past infidelity. seeing monk heal from that and find the will to believe in something again, navigate his relationship with his dad and even getting to see some glimpses into his mom’s moving on, was another wonderful and moving touch to the story.
ˋ°•*⁀➷ wrapping up with gratitude
one of my biggest takeaways here is how healing is not linear, how it’s ongoing. while we may stumble, feel like not enough or too much, we are all deserving of love. it seems saccharine to say, but this story truly showed it in a beautiful and delicate and deeply emotional way. it takes courage to accept help, even when it’s offered freely and without prejudice. we should do it anyway. perhaps the last thing i leave with is how amplifying black stories within a black love story (same for reel) was such a clever way to comment on the importance of that, and the craft and communion around storytelling by black folks…because who else will do it when theburden, no, the blessing lies with other black voices? it feels kinda meta, and i really liked that.
i am so deeply stirred by this book. irrecoverably so. kennedy ryan will always have a fan in me. this was a tour de force. all the stars.
💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚
when kennedy ryan kennedy ryans in a way that is so deeply kennedy ryan-coded, something magical happens. how she manages to weave so many important topics and discourse into her books in such a cohesive and organic way, how she makes her characters feel so real, and how she manages to deliver such a poignant piece of work, all told around such a beautiful and sexy love story, will rarely leave me unmoved. score is trying to wrangle my previously favourite KR book off the top of the podium — i am in a state of panic and distress! i don’t even know how to review this book because i feel so many things right now, but i will make my best attempt 🥺.
ˋ°•*⁀➷ premise
score follows the lives and love of eventual screenwriter verity hill, and eventual critically acclaimed musical prodigy wright “monk” bellamy, who first meet and fall in love in college, all before the painful dissolution of their first chance. over a decade later, they find themselves facing each other again and having to work together on a career-defining biopic about black performers from the harlem renaissance era, who were often erased in favour of their white counterparts despite being just as, if not more talented and worthy of recognition. an important story to tell, verity and monk have to put their differences aside to give their best to this movie — having both been recruited by the director of the film to do the script and the score respectively — all while navigating past hurts. we also have a story within a story, much like in reel (as the present timeline of this book coincides with the making of the dessi blue biopic in that book). this is just the tip of the iceberg as far as what the story goes on to entail…
ˋ°•*⁀➷ our characters
— verity 🖋️💚🎬
oh, my darling verity. now THIS is what i mean when i say i want complex, multi-dimensional female main characters. verity was so very real to me. in-the-flesh, empathy-inducing, resilient, a fighter but also not infallible. she’s not just one thing, she’s everything. she makes mistakes, she stumbles and struggles, but she rises above and her triumph is true 🥺. something i love about KR books is that often there’s a big arc around the fmc coming to love and accept and to heal herself in a way that doesn’t make the romance feel like it was the antidote, but more so the cherry on top. verity’s story is raw. we get to experience her mental health battles with her, the highs and lows and inbetweens in the story, but like the line in the author’s note (read: love letter) at the top of the book says, “i never write the hurt without the healing. you can always trust your heart with me.” , and kennedy absolutely kept her promise. i think many people will feel seen through her character or be hard-pressed not to be able to connect with her.
“i’m bipolar. well, more accurately, bipolar is my diagnosis, not my identity. i am a writer, a friend, a niece, an activist, but i have bipolar disorder. i tell very few people, not because i’m ashamed of it. i’m ashamed of some of the things i’ve done during an episode, but i make a distinction.”
verity is more than her diagnosis, even when it feels like she’s in the undertow of it. the research that must have gone into her characterization was so evident and her portrayal was done with so much care. on top of this, the intersectionality between her being black, bisexual and bipolar was so powerful. triple “b” threat. i loved it, and i loved her.
— monk 🎹💚🎼
lawwwd have mercy. his tall, dark, handsome, brown sugar fine ass. URGH. 😩😩😩 anyways. to return to coherency…
monk was a loverboy through and through 😭. the way this man pined for verity and felt things deeply was so well-written. ”can someone be your soulmate if you’re not theirs?…she was it for me.” oh, my poor heart and weak disposition couldn’t handle how down bad he was 😭. his quiet but confident aura (definition still-waters-run-deep kinda man), his humour, but most of all his heart, were my favourite things about him. his passion for and relationship with music, that was a huge part of his characterization, was exceptionally well-done and genuinely so captivating. the way he loved verity, even when he couldn’t help it, was consuming. pulled me right in. he also had a really compelling arc over the course of the story, and it was so rewarding to see his growth from start to end. i loved that he wasn’t unrealistically perfect either. his jealousy and possessiveness, sometimes stubbornness in his beliefs, but also his care were all just right. seeing him find love was just as rewarding as watching verity reconnect with him, and when i’m invested in both characters finding their person, it makes the love story hit that much harder.
ˋ°•*⁀➷ the writing
the prose is beautiful. just beautiful. no one can tell me miss ryan here is not a modern day poet. it’s lyrical but never pretentious. her choices always feel so intentional. she balances poignancy with levity and humour in a way that just feels so authentic — from her, but also for and from the characters. it’s an absolute pleasure to read. her work is always so well researched, seeped with history and never short on nuance. that was on full display here. i loved that this book was divided into “movements” — just another thoughtful touch, given how important music is to the story and how this all nods back to the title of the book.
ˋ°•*⁀➷ romance, relationships, representation
verity and monk’s love is one for the ages. i was a little worried in the beginning with how fast things started between them in their college years (maybe a little thrown by the events of chapter two, as hot as it was), questioning how the pace was going to work…but i trusted the process. it just worked. their soul-ties were so evident as the story went on. how completely woven into each other’s fabric they were, how they were able to connect, how they were able to still affect one another even when they didn’t want to be.
the way desire was written in this book had me about ready to combust!!! they were so sexy 😩. the spice was so good. their chemistry was so palpable and genuinely made the text feel so alive and electric. when they were at odds, the friction was tantalizing and it made for some fantastic tension that made the burn of their romance absolutely incinerate.
there’s a bit of miscommunication (or rather non-disclosure), but it’s understandable in its context, so it never bothered me. the shame and fear of judgment that comes from making certain admissions to people can feel insurmountable, and the story made the circumstances feel realistic.
a good second chance romance (as critical as i can be of this trope) will convince me that now is the right time, when back then was not. that the passage of time does not equate to character development, but that the characters have experienced actual growth and change by the time the reconciliation happens, to be able to present their best selves to the prospect of reunion. not a perfect self or one who’s done growing, but that the characters are exactly where they need to be to be able to meet each other in the middle, where previously it was just not (for good reason) possible. this was monk and verity to a tee.
”the moment is so transparent i feel like i can see every one of her fears, her dreams, her worries, and i, in turn, want to show her all mine. it’s something old that is new again, but it’s also something we’ve never had before. matured. seasoned. steady.”
when all was said and done, there’s an overwhelming sense of peace that their love carries. the trust, the forgiveness, the letting go, the acceptance?
”love doesn’t keep score.” 🥹
i adored how this book went beyond just the central romance, because there were so many examples of various relationships that shape verity and monk’s in important ways. this made the read feel so layered. the side characters in this book were not ornamental, but rather, had true purpose. there are three specific elements that really stood out to me:
— the depiction of sapphic relationships
verity’s bisexuality, the queer aunts who raised her and even the queer love story in the dessi blue 1930s biopic, really showcased love and relationship between women, black women, in different ways and in different time eras. this was such a rich, thoughtful and well-connected thread throughout the story. verity is proud and has never had to hide this aspect of her identity when so many women that came before her did not have the same privilege, and it was beautiful to see this representation.
— parental relationships
verity and monk both carry things from what they observed between their own respective sets of parents. it shapes how they, in turn, approach love and relationships. something i feel quite passionate about but don’t see addressed in nearly as many books as i could, is how generational trauma can impact our own attempts at relationships and our own ideas of love. monk is deeply affected by his father’s infidelity, and verity her parents’ passionate but tumultuous and ultimately tragic relationship given her dad’s undiagnosed mental illness — and it affects how they move in the world, their idea of family, of being eventual parents, of how to be with someone. i loved how this was explored so thoroughly.
— verity’s friendships with her adult best friends
one lives with bipolar disorder as well, and one does not. these friendships were so impactful. to see how the three interacted with one another and supported one another carried weight. verity has the unique experience of being a worrier (for her friend who’s like her) but also one who’s worried about (by the friend who’s not). it gives her much-needed perspective when she herself may be agitated by too much oversight, but also can feel similarly about her friend who struggles too. mental illness impacts the one who bears it but also those who hold them down, and we get to see both sides explored in the book. it’s always a balancing act to treat others with dignity, respect their autonomy but also care about them enough to intervene in respectful ways when you suspect that something is off. these friendships were one really great way to showcase this, outside of the romance.
god, this story had so many themes and i think i’ve touched on some key ones but it’s certainly not exhaustive. even the untangling of unconscious bias rooted in homophobia during a spicy moment between verity and monk was so thoughtful. maybe one last thing i found particularly meaningful was the little nods to spirituality, specifically for monk’s character. he’s not religious and has a complicated relationship with the idea of church because of his pastor father who caused a rift in their family with his past infidelity. seeing monk heal from that and find the will to believe in something again, navigate his relationship with his dad and even getting to see some glimpses into his mom’s moving on, was another wonderful and moving touch to the story.
ˋ°•*⁀➷ wrapping up with gratitude
one of my biggest takeaways here is how healing is not linear, how it’s ongoing. while we may stumble, feel like not enough or too much, we are all deserving of love. it seems saccharine to say, but this story truly showed it in a beautiful and delicate and deeply emotional way. it takes courage to accept help, even when it’s offered freely and without prejudice. we should do it anyway. perhaps the last thing i leave with is how amplifying black stories within a black love story (same for reel) was such a clever way to comment on the importance of that, and the craft and communion around storytelling by black folks…because who else will do it when the
i am so deeply stirred by this book. irrecoverably so. kennedy ryan will always have a fan in me. this was a tour de force. all the stars.
💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚
Want to Read
May 22, 2026i need a kennedy ryan romance in my life
Want to Read
June 13, 2021MONK AND VERITY YESSS PLEASE!!!!
Want to Read
August 25, 2021EEEEEEP THE NEW HOLLYWOOD RENAISSANCE BOOK FROM KR!
May 20, 2026
6 ⭐️
i am truly in awe of this book. i decided last minute to do an immersive read because i knew i really loved the narrators chosen for this book and i couldnt be happier of that decision!! i started it yesterday morning and binge listened to the entire book all day, i was hooked on verity and monk had me in such a chokehold and i for the life of me could not stop listening.
score will for sure be a top read for me this year. this book was so raw and the writing so visceral i felt like i could physically feel every single emotion that monk and verity went through through out. the bipolar representation through out this book was SO good, i love that you could feel that kennedy was handling bipolar disorder with such care but she never shied away from showing the harder sides to the disorder and really dug in the point that it did not define who verity was as a person and following verity on her journey realizing this and that she can in fact have everything she wants in life and more, that she is still able to love and be loved no matter what was extremely moving. i also want to shout out verity’s narrator and just how good kennedys writing is that you were immediately able to tell when verity was slipping into mania, both of these things combined kind of made me feel like i was right there with her, euphoria rushing through my veins just like it was for her, the highs of her breakthroughs and of course the crash of reality soon after. i dont know if any of this even makes sense but it was just SO GOOD, it made me feel everything all at once especially the manic episode towards the end, it felt like a train wreck you were watching happen in person and bracing for impact.
the chemistry between monk and verity is UNREAL. i have not felt chemistry this palpable in i dont even know how long. im not an insta love kind of gal but with these two i couldnt help but be obsessed with it and even though it was fast it felt SO natural that love at first sight just made sense for them. i think this is honestly the first book ive read that a first act break up felt like i was being stabbed in the heart because i had found myself invested and caring about them that much already but at the same time it just made me all the more excited and locked in for their eventual reunion and my god the YEARNING that came from that 12 year stretch… 😮💨🫠 (also, their fucking HOT. this book caused severe bi panic especially during the spicier scenes, holy fuck.)
i also really loved the underlying plot of the dessi blue movie and im really looking forward to listening to reel once it comes in on libby because i am just dying to know more about it and get to see the tension of verity and monk from a new perspective!! i truly cannot believe i didnt realize this was a book 2 but thankfully it read like a standalone and i didnt feel like i was confused or missing any pertinent info!!
theres honestly so much more that i want to gush about this book but i just can’t articulate just how phenomenal this book was. kennedys writing is so captivating i live to be hurt and put back together by her. words cannot express how good this book is.
i am truly in awe of this book. i decided last minute to do an immersive read because i knew i really loved the narrators chosen for this book and i couldnt be happier of that decision!! i started it yesterday morning and binge listened to the entire book all day, i was hooked on verity and monk had me in such a chokehold and i for the life of me could not stop listening.
score will for sure be a top read for me this year. this book was so raw and the writing so visceral i felt like i could physically feel every single emotion that monk and verity went through through out. the bipolar representation through out this book was SO good, i love that you could feel that kennedy was handling bipolar disorder with such care but she never shied away from showing the harder sides to the disorder and really dug in the point that it did not define who verity was as a person and following verity on her journey realizing this and that she can in fact have everything she wants in life and more, that she is still able to love and be loved no matter what was extremely moving. i also want to shout out verity’s narrator and just how good kennedys writing is that you were immediately able to tell when verity was slipping into mania, both of these things combined kind of made me feel like i was right there with her, euphoria rushing through my veins just like it was for her, the highs of her breakthroughs and of course the crash of reality soon after. i dont know if any of this even makes sense but it was just SO GOOD, it made me feel everything all at once especially the manic episode towards the end, it felt like a train wreck you were watching happen in person and bracing for impact.
the chemistry between monk and verity is UNREAL. i have not felt chemistry this palpable in i dont even know how long. im not an insta love kind of gal but with these two i couldnt help but be obsessed with it and even though it was fast it felt SO natural that love at first sight just made sense for them. i think this is honestly the first book ive read that a first act break up felt like i was being stabbed in the heart because i had found myself invested and caring about them that much already but at the same time it just made me all the more excited and locked in for their eventual reunion and my god the YEARNING that came from that 12 year stretch… 😮💨🫠 (also, their fucking HOT. this book caused severe bi panic especially during the spicier scenes, holy fuck.)
i also really loved the underlying plot of the dessi blue movie and im really looking forward to listening to reel once it comes in on libby because i am just dying to know more about it and get to see the tension of verity and monk from a new perspective!! i truly cannot believe i didnt realize this was a book 2 but thankfully it read like a standalone and i didnt feel like i was confused or missing any pertinent info!!
theres honestly so much more that i want to gush about this book but i just can’t articulate just how phenomenal this book was. kennedys writing is so captivating i live to be hurt and put back together by her. words cannot express how good this book is.
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!
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.
Want to Read
March 3, 2023Anxiously awaiting this one. Variety & Monk 😍😍
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!!!!
May 21, 2026
I love a lot of things about KR writing but my favorite thing is that you can tell that she did her research on every subject she writes about!
I literally have no idea what to say this book left me speechless. As much as I liked the SKYLAND series I’m so happy to be back in this world<3 this was so romantic, ANGSTY!!!! and full of emotions the heroine has bipolar disorder and imo it was handled so well in this book it was real and raw I found myself tearing up multiple times. And the audiobook was fantastic!!!
I love this series so much and I CAN NOT wait for Evan’s book👀
I literally have no idea what to say this book left me speechless. As much as I liked the SKYLAND series I’m so happy to be back in this world<3 this was so romantic, ANGSTY!!!! and full of emotions the heroine has bipolar disorder and imo it was handled so well in this book it was real and raw I found myself tearing up multiple times. And the audiobook was fantastic!!!
I love this series so much and I CAN NOT wait for Evan’s book👀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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!💚
May 20, 2026
Have you ever had a book break your heart & put it back together again? …
I’ll let you think about that & if the answer is no it’s because you haven’t picked up a Kennedy Ryan novel. This woman has a way with words & a pen like I’ve never seen before. Everything she touches is gold.
This story sent me through a whirlwind of emotions. I laughed. I cried. I smiled. I got frustrated. Everything you could possibly feel I felt.
First I want to talk about Verity. I love her character & everything she represents. Being a successful Black queer bipolar woman & refusing to let her diagnosis put her in a box. Seeing people love her out loud because she deserves it. It gave me hope. Black women deserve love. People with illnesses deserve love. Queer people deserve love.
Of course I can’t talk about Verity without talking about Monk what should I say right Wright Bellamy? He’s a patient man, a smooth talker, & a don in the bedroom. Knowing his story & watching him blossom was so beautiful. Being open to forgiveness even when he was unsure. Being open to love again. Watching him be sexually free & open with Verity & not feeling like it tainted his masculinity was a nice touch! Men tend to box themselves into suicidal norms so seeing him so comfortable trying things was a fun experience! A hell of an MMC & probably one of my favorites.
I said I wasn’t going to make this review long but I can’t help myself. There’s so much I want to talk about. Verity & Monk’s story being a crossover with Cannon & Neevah’s. The story of Dessi Blue & Tilda which I really loved because I’m from Alabama! Seeing my home place making an appearance made reading the story a little more personal for me.
I’ll touch on this last thing then I’ll go (I think lol). One of my favorite things about reading Kennedy Ryan’s books is the representation & her dedication to research. If you were to read this book knowing nothing about what it’s like to navigate life with bipolar disorder or be queer you’d know after reading this. The way the spice is written with so much taste, reassurance, consent & aftercare It’s not only a story, but educational. She’s right! Black art is beautiful & this book was a perfect embodiment of that.
The second chance romance was everything I hoped it would be. Watching Verity & Monk navigate this journey of love & forgiveness was a hell of a ride that I didn’t want to get off of! Despite having a few more paragraphs in me I’ll end this review here. I absolutely love love loooovvvveeddd this book & so sad it ended but decided to read more in the future. Read you won’t regret it. Signing off! <3
I’ll let you think about that & if the answer is no it’s because you haven’t picked up a Kennedy Ryan novel. This woman has a way with words & a pen like I’ve never seen before. Everything she touches is gold.
This story sent me through a whirlwind of emotions. I laughed. I cried. I smiled. I got frustrated. Everything you could possibly feel I felt.
First I want to talk about Verity. I love her character & everything she represents. Being a successful Black queer bipolar woman & refusing to let her diagnosis put her in a box. Seeing people love her out loud because she deserves it. It gave me hope. Black women deserve love. People with illnesses deserve love. Queer people deserve love.
Of course I can’t talk about Verity without talking about Monk what should I say right Wright Bellamy? He’s a patient man, a smooth talker, & a don in the bedroom. Knowing his story & watching him blossom was so beautiful. Being open to forgiveness even when he was unsure. Being open to love again. Watching him be sexually free & open with Verity & not feeling like it tainted his masculinity was a nice touch! Men tend to box themselves into suicidal norms so seeing him so comfortable trying things was a fun experience! A hell of an MMC & probably one of my favorites.
I said I wasn’t going to make this review long but I can’t help myself. There’s so much I want to talk about. Verity & Monk’s story being a crossover with Cannon & Neevah’s. The story of Dessi Blue & Tilda which I really loved because I’m from Alabama! Seeing my home place making an appearance made reading the story a little more personal for me.
I’ll touch on this last thing then I’ll go (I think lol). One of my favorite things about reading Kennedy Ryan’s books is the representation & her dedication to research. If you were to read this book knowing nothing about what it’s like to navigate life with bipolar disorder or be queer you’d know after reading this. The way the spice is written with so much taste, reassurance, consent & aftercare It’s not only a story, but educational. She’s right! Black art is beautiful & this book was a perfect embodiment of that.
The second chance romance was everything I hoped it would be. Watching Verity & Monk navigate this journey of love & forgiveness was a hell of a ride that I didn’t want to get off of! Despite having a few more paragraphs in me I’ll end this review here. I absolutely love love loooovvvveeddd this book & so sad it ended but decided to read more in the future. Read you won’t regret it. Signing off! <3
May 17, 2026
In this review, I want to touch on the themes and elements beyond the romance that really made this story special to me. We all know Kennedy Ryan can write an amazing (and heartbreaking😅) love story and Monk and Verity’s journey is no exception. I love how Kennedy always weaves meaningful themes into her narratives making them feel grounded and emotionally authentic.
At its core, I feel that the Harlem Renaissance series emphasis the importance of black stories being told by black creatives. It’s so important that our stories be told in our voices to ensure our experiences, histories, and legends are preserved and told authentically when so often these stories are misrepresented or erased entirely.
Mental illness is a big theme in this story as our MFC is living with bipolar disorder. Reading this was incredibly eye opening. The book highlights how many people are living with undiagnosed mental illnesses and the ripple effects that has on both them and the people who love them. How mental illness is often stigmatized and criminalized, when what many people truly need is rehabilitation, support, and understanding instead of retaliation.
Score explores what it means to be afraid of being loved for fear of being left once people see every part of you. Mental illness is apart of many people’s lives and the book handles the reality of that with so much care. When something becomes such a large part of your life, rejection can feel less like someone leaving your circumstances and more like someone leaving you. Monk and Verity’s characters live and breathe this circumstance with poignancy and bravery.
I really appreciated the linear storytelling structure which made it feel like we were experiencing everything alongside the characters rather than watching from a distance and waiting for the reveal of what caused the initial downfall of their relationship. Personally, I think this added a deeper emotional impact while reading.
Lastly, I loved how much the story focused on rebuilding broken trust, not just romantically, but within families, and within yourself. Can’t wait for everyone to read this on May 19th!
At its core, I feel that the Harlem Renaissance series emphasis the importance of black stories being told by black creatives. It’s so important that our stories be told in our voices to ensure our experiences, histories, and legends are preserved and told authentically when so often these stories are misrepresented or erased entirely.
Mental illness is a big theme in this story as our MFC is living with bipolar disorder. Reading this was incredibly eye opening. The book highlights how many people are living with undiagnosed mental illnesses and the ripple effects that has on both them and the people who love them. How mental illness is often stigmatized and criminalized, when what many people truly need is rehabilitation, support, and understanding instead of retaliation.
Score explores what it means to be afraid of being loved for fear of being left once people see every part of you. Mental illness is apart of many people’s lives and the book handles the reality of that with so much care. When something becomes such a large part of your life, rejection can feel less like someone leaving your circumstances and more like someone leaving you. Monk and Verity’s characters live and breathe this circumstance with poignancy and bravery.
I really appreciated the linear storytelling structure which made it feel like we were experiencing everything alongside the characters rather than watching from a distance and waiting for the reveal of what caused the initial downfall of their relationship. Personally, I think this added a deeper emotional impact while reading.
Lastly, I loved how much the story focused on rebuilding broken trust, not just romantically, but within families, and within yourself. Can’t wait for everyone to read this on May 19th!
May 22, 2026
A solid four stars.
Score is a retread of the making of the movie Dessi Blue, which is the main focus in the prequel Reel.
While this book is grounded in the heavy dynamics and history between Wright "Monk" Bellamy and Verity Hill (who lives with bipolar disorder) as they reunite after a tumultuous past, it is truly about the Black actors and artists who were marginalized by extreme racism during the Harlem Renaissance.
However, I found that neither the nuances of the Harlem Renaissance nor Verity's bipolar disorder received enough page time. Instead, the narrative frequently shifts to heavy, spicy scenes to keep the reader engaged. I wish the book had focused more deeply on its historical and psychological themes, especially since Kennedy Ryan excels at creating definitive, impactful drama.
That being said, I really love how seamlessly Ryan connects characters across her universe. I am anticipating another sequel in this Hollywood Renaissance series, but I hope it takes place after the movie Dessi Blue is released so we aren't rehashing the exact same behind the scenes setup.
Regardless, I love the depth Ryan has and will be reading whatever she does next!
Score is a retread of the making of the movie Dessi Blue, which is the main focus in the prequel Reel.
While this book is grounded in the heavy dynamics and history between Wright "Monk" Bellamy and Verity Hill (who lives with bipolar disorder) as they reunite after a tumultuous past, it is truly about the Black actors and artists who were marginalized by extreme racism during the Harlem Renaissance.
However, I found that neither the nuances of the Harlem Renaissance nor Verity's bipolar disorder received enough page time. Instead, the narrative frequently shifts to heavy, spicy scenes to keep the reader engaged. I wish the book had focused more deeply on its historical and psychological themes, especially since Kennedy Ryan excels at creating definitive, impactful drama.
That being said, I really love how seamlessly Ryan connects characters across her universe. I am anticipating another sequel in this Hollywood Renaissance series, but I hope it takes place after the movie Dessi Blue is released so we aren't rehashing the exact same behind the scenes setup.
Regardless, I love the depth Ryan has and will be reading whatever she does next!
May 21, 2026
Kennedy's pen never misses!! 10/10, no notes. Full review to come.
May 22, 2026
WOW. An incredible second book in her Hollywood Renaissance series that follows two Black creatives, Monk is a piano prodigy and Verity is a bisexual aspiring screenwriter. The two meet in college, have a passionate instant connection only for things to fall apart tragically when Verity finds herself in the midst of a manic episode. The disability (bipolar) and mental health rep in this book was EXCELLENT!! Plus the audio format is 100% the way to go with original musical performances included that must be heard to fully appreciate.
I also loved the ups and downs of the main relationship and how they had to fight hard to be together after trying to resist for so long only to be reunited years later when they're both hired to work on the same film. There's a fun cameo with Neevah from book one and two lovely epilogues with a heartfelt author's note included at the end. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. HIGHLY recommended for fans of authors like Tia Williams and Talia Hibbert.
I also loved the ups and downs of the main relationship and how they had to fight hard to be together after trying to resist for so long only to be reunited years later when they're both hired to work on the same film. There's a fun cameo with Neevah from book one and two lovely epilogues with a heartfelt author's note included at the end. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. HIGHLY recommended for fans of authors like Tia Williams and Talia Hibbert.
May 22, 2026
BRILLIANT 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
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.
May 20, 2026
3.5... It was not all that if you ask me. It was a good romance book. Honestly, it was missing the wow factor. There was nothing exciting about it. Just a basic love story. It's straight if you like the regular love stuff. I give it a 3 for the story line and the extra .5 cause the spice was nice.
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.
May 19, 2026
“Love doesn’t keep score.”
A masterpiece. Needed this book ever since Reel and it didn’t disappoint at all. There’s nothing like a second chance that’s done extremely well, and only Kennedy Ryan can do it for me.
Verity was such a strong character that deserves everything. Her strength navigating her diagnosis was so powerful and her character development throughout the whole book was incredible. I learned so much about bipolar disorder and that shows how much work and research was done while writing verity’s story, Miss Kennedy did her big one. Loved seeing her work alongside Canon and Neevah.
Monk Monk Monk, the yearner that you are!!!! After years of not knowing and after everything that had happened, I’m glad there was still something deep down that kept him connected to Verity. He was exactly who she needed and exactly who he needed. That man said all gas no brakes when it came to her.
This was an overall beautiful story that shines light on so many important topics and loved how well everything was written. Kennedy Ryan only writes bangers and has a way with words that hooks you immediately. This books deserves all the stars.
Happy Release Day!!!! Thank you foreverpub for the early copy!!!
A masterpiece. Needed this book ever since Reel and it didn’t disappoint at all. There’s nothing like a second chance that’s done extremely well, and only Kennedy Ryan can do it for me.
Verity was such a strong character that deserves everything. Her strength navigating her diagnosis was so powerful and her character development throughout the whole book was incredible. I learned so much about bipolar disorder and that shows how much work and research was done while writing verity’s story, Miss Kennedy did her big one. Loved seeing her work alongside Canon and Neevah.
Monk Monk Monk, the yearner that you are!!!! After years of not knowing and after everything that had happened, I’m glad there was still something deep down that kept him connected to Verity. He was exactly who she needed and exactly who he needed. That man said all gas no brakes when it came to her.
This was an overall beautiful story that shines light on so many important topics and loved how well everything was written. Kennedy Ryan only writes bangers and has a way with words that hooks you immediately. This books deserves all the stars.
Happy Release Day!!!! Thank you foreverpub for the early copy!!!
Want to Read
February 21, 2022THE THINGS I WOULD DO FOR THIS BOOK 👩🏽🦯
May 20, 2026
4.75⭐️ (this may very well bump up to a 5 after i sit with it for a bit)
Kennedy's writing and ability to weave mental health representation, emotional human experiences, and black love stories will forever be my favorite thing. Monk and Verity's story was just incredible. Verity's disorder was handled with such care and in a way that is rarely seen, especially for black women, and I cannot say how important it felt to read Verity's story. Verity is strong, determined, and does not let her disorder stop her from achieving her goals. I connected to her so much and the dynamic that she had with Monk was palpable. If you thought the tension between these two was hot in Reel, then it is scorching in Score. I loved the past timelines getting to see their beginning, ALL of the ugly, and ultimately the beautiful ending. The Harlem Renaissance adds a lush backdrop to this story and I cannot recommend Kennedy's books enough!! I am so excited I get to see her on tour again this week!
Kennedy's writing and ability to weave mental health representation, emotional human experiences, and black love stories will forever be my favorite thing. Monk and Verity's story was just incredible. Verity's disorder was handled with such care and in a way that is rarely seen, especially for black women, and I cannot say how important it felt to read Verity's story. Verity is strong, determined, and does not let her disorder stop her from achieving her goals. I connected to her so much and the dynamic that she had with Monk was palpable. If you thought the tension between these two was hot in Reel, then it is scorching in Score. I loved the past timelines getting to see their beginning, ALL of the ugly, and ultimately the beautiful ending. The Harlem Renaissance adds a lush backdrop to this story and I cannot recommend Kennedy's books enough!! I am so excited I get to see her on tour again this week!
May 22, 2026
need to hack into Kennedy Ryan’s computer so I can read all the books she has written and yet not released because holy fuck this woman can write🤩🤩
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
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