What do you think?
Rate this book
The Score #1
The Score
Going once…
Identity theft mastermind Lauren Kelly has always had a taste for the finer things—including Matt Connors, her lover and accomplice. But she’s not the only one…
Going twice…
When their partner, Yancy, stumbles onto a tycoon’s multi-million dollar bank account, Lauren expects everything will go smoothly—until she discovers Yancy and Matt are planning the ultimate betrayal…
Someone’s going to be gone…
Fortunately, Lauren is one step ahead of Matt. Once she disappears with every last dollar, they’ll have no doubt they chose the wrong woman to deceive. But all three of them chose the wrong target...
Praise for Kiki Swinson
“A sizzling, action-packed, electric and gut-wrenching novel.”— RT Book Reviews on Lifestyles of the Rich and Shameless
"The action is unrelenting and over-the-top. Readers looking for pure grit will want to take a look.”— Publishers Weekly on Playing Dirty
“Swinson’s novel is like a roller coaster. The excitement builds slowly as the book soars with expectation. Swinson doesn’t disappoint. The book hits a turn at full speed and continues at that pace until the very end.” —RT Book Reviews on Playing Dirty
Identity theft mastermind Lauren Kelly has always had a taste for the finer things—including Matt Connors, her lover and accomplice. But she’s not the only one…
Going twice…
When their partner, Yancy, stumbles onto a tycoon’s multi-million dollar bank account, Lauren expects everything will go smoothly—until she discovers Yancy and Matt are planning the ultimate betrayal…
Someone’s going to be gone…
Fortunately, Lauren is one step ahead of Matt. Once she disappears with every last dollar, they’ll have no doubt they chose the wrong woman to deceive. But all three of them chose the wrong target...
Praise for Kiki Swinson
“A sizzling, action-packed, electric and gut-wrenching novel.”— RT Book Reviews on Lifestyles of the Rich and Shameless
"The action is unrelenting and over-the-top. Readers looking for pure grit will want to take a look.”— Publishers Weekly on Playing Dirty
“Swinson’s novel is like a roller coaster. The excitement builds slowly as the book soars with expectation. Swinson doesn’t disappoint. The book hits a turn at full speed and continues at that pace until the very end.” —RT Book Reviews on Playing Dirty
368 pages, Hardcover
First published December 29, 2015
92 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
Kiki Swinson
83 books928 followersKiki Swinson was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia. She discovered her flair for writing after completing her first novel, Mad Shambles, while serving a five-year sentence at a federal prison.
After being released in December 1996, Kiki later went on to self-publish Mad Shambles. Her passion for writing didn't stop there. Writing feverishly into the wee hours of the night, she completed her second novel, Wifey, which was published by Melodrama Publishing. After the success of Wifey, Kiki penned the sequels I'm Still Wifey and Life After Wifey, as well as The Candy Shop and A Sticky Situation.
After being released in December 1996, Kiki later went on to self-publish Mad Shambles. Her passion for writing didn't stop there. Writing feverishly into the wee hours of the night, she completed her second novel, Wifey, which was published by Melodrama Publishing. After the success of Wifey, Kiki penned the sequels I'm Still Wifey and Life After Wifey, as well as The Candy Shop and A Sticky Situation.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
December 7, 2016
4.5 stars ☆
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review.
Lauren Kelly went from being a hustlers wifey to a hustling wifey. When her mans drug empire was dismantled by the police she found herself and Matt a new way to make money. Stealing, kiting checks and emptying bank accounts. Lauren, Matt and their 'friend' Yancy have a big lick planned.
This was a book you don't want to put down. Your adrenaline is pumping right along with the people you're reading about. The plot keeps you interested and turning pages. I can't wait to read part two!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review.
Lauren Kelly went from being a hustlers wifey to a hustling wifey. When her mans drug empire was dismantled by the police she found herself and Matt a new way to make money. Stealing, kiting checks and emptying bank accounts. Lauren, Matt and their 'friend' Yancy have a big lick planned.
This was a book you don't want to put down. Your adrenaline is pumping right along with the people you're reading about. The plot keeps you interested and turning pages. I can't wait to read part two!
dnf
April 3, 20222022 is going to be the year of the DNF for me. I made it 20 pages into this before deciding it wasn't for me. Mostly it's the writing, which is amateurish, and the editing, which needed several more comb throughs. There were verb tenses that didn't match, too many clichés, awkward flashbacks and structuring... it felt like it was taken straight off of Wattpad. I am too short on time lately to warrant devoting any period of time to this and don't plan to revisit in the future.
I'm not rating it since I really didn't give it much of a shot.
I'm not rating it since I really didn't give it much of a shot.
June 11, 2020
3.5 stars
November 2, 2015
Kiki Swinson’s new novel, The Score, is an Urban Classic that reads like a block-buster movie. The action is non-stop, the characters are real and believable, the literary technique is unique for an Urban Classic, and the outcome is unexpected.
Ms. Swinson’s first person narration technique for the main characters, Lauren Kelly and Matthew Connors, allows the reader to be a first-hand witness to the decisions and motivation each character uses to support and justify his or her actions. The reader begins to see all sides of a situation as the characters move from one crisis to another. From this unique stand-point, the reader begins to take sides hoping that their favorite character will win or at least survive in the end.
The author uses flashback to give the reader background knowledge about Lauren Kelly and Matthew Connors. The devastating childhood that each character uniquely suffers gives the reader more evidence to understand the behavior and self-justification that Lauren and Matt use to cheat and scam their way through life. Lauren and Matt have little remorse for their behavior. Should the reader pass judgment on Lauren and Matt? Or forgive them their sins?
Kiki Swinson creates situations and scenarios that resemble Dante’s circles. The opening of the novel puts the characters and the reader in a transitional situation. The Score has been scored. Lauren and Matt are in a midway state between being free or being captured. They are both in danger, but neither the characters nor the reader realizes who is out to get Matt and Lauren. Not knowing who is the puppet-master is part of the discovery that propels the novel forward. The lust, the gluttony, and the avarice that envelope all of the characters in the novel is a recipe for disaster. The anger and sullenness of Lauren, Matt, Lauren’s best friend Daysha, and Matt’s new woman Yancy create the foundation for violence, fraud, and ultimately betrayal. Is there truly a winner in this game? You, the reader, will decide!!
L. Hines
AAMBC Reviewer
Ms. Swinson’s first person narration technique for the main characters, Lauren Kelly and Matthew Connors, allows the reader to be a first-hand witness to the decisions and motivation each character uses to support and justify his or her actions. The reader begins to see all sides of a situation as the characters move from one crisis to another. From this unique stand-point, the reader begins to take sides hoping that their favorite character will win or at least survive in the end.
The author uses flashback to give the reader background knowledge about Lauren Kelly and Matthew Connors. The devastating childhood that each character uniquely suffers gives the reader more evidence to understand the behavior and self-justification that Lauren and Matt use to cheat and scam their way through life. Lauren and Matt have little remorse for their behavior. Should the reader pass judgment on Lauren and Matt? Or forgive them their sins?
Kiki Swinson creates situations and scenarios that resemble Dante’s circles. The opening of the novel puts the characters and the reader in a transitional situation. The Score has been scored. Lauren and Matt are in a midway state between being free or being captured. They are both in danger, but neither the characters nor the reader realizes who is out to get Matt and Lauren. Not knowing who is the puppet-master is part of the discovery that propels the novel forward. The lust, the gluttony, and the avarice that envelope all of the characters in the novel is a recipe for disaster. The anger and sullenness of Lauren, Matt, Lauren’s best friend Daysha, and Matt’s new woman Yancy create the foundation for violence, fraud, and ultimately betrayal. Is there truly a winner in this game? You, the reader, will decide!!
L. Hines
AAMBC Reviewer
May 13, 2016
The premise was good. The characters weren't fleshed out or likable. But it was an entertaining read. It's told from Lauren, Matt and Yancey's point of views. More so Lauren and Matt. It would have been nice to hear from Yancey as the book was closing. The ending set things up for a part 2. I think it could have ended there.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
March 17, 2016
IF I COULD HAVE GIVEN THIS BOOK A NEGATIVE STAR I WOULD.
I felt compelled to sign up as a user on Goodreads just so anyone who is interested in purchasing/wasting their time losing brain cells reading this book could avert this tragedy. BE FOREWARNED, THIS IS THE MOST POORLY WRITTEN, UNBELIEVABLE, UNREALISTIC and frankly DUMBEST BOOK I have ever read in my entire existence. I couldn't even fully read the last few chapters (more like grazed) because it became more and more absurd/unrealistic and quintessentially cliche.
At the end of each chapter the author continual ended them with cliche foreshadowing. I should have known better this or I would come to find out that. The characters are one dimensional and honestly offensive. You can portray "hood-life" and "hood" characters with much more depth and development. Hands down the worst book I have ever read in my entire life (I read 50 shades of Grey so...that should speak volumes).
p.s. CLEARLY PEOPLE REVIEWING THIS BOOK ARE PAID SUPPORTERS OR FRIENDS ...THE FACT THAT THIS BOOK HAS MORE THEN ONE STAR IS MORE DISTURBING THEN THE IDEA OF DONALD TRUMP BECOMING THE NEXT PRESIDENT.
p.p.s. I threw a lot of deserved shade; however, I should mention one thing that was a good IDEA but poorly executed by Ms. Swinson. Through out The Score you got to know the character's backgrounds primarily through flashbacks. I liked this concept; HOWEVER, AGAIN, poor execution.
p.p.p.s First and last book I will ever read by Kiki Swinson.
I felt compelled to sign up as a user on Goodreads just so anyone who is interested in purchasing/wasting their time losing brain cells reading this book could avert this tragedy. BE FOREWARNED, THIS IS THE MOST POORLY WRITTEN, UNBELIEVABLE, UNREALISTIC and frankly DUMBEST BOOK I have ever read in my entire existence. I couldn't even fully read the last few chapters (more like grazed) because it became more and more absurd/unrealistic and quintessentially cliche.
At the end of each chapter the author continual ended them with cliche foreshadowing. I should have known better this or I would come to find out that. The characters are one dimensional and honestly offensive. You can portray "hood-life" and "hood" characters with much more depth and development. Hands down the worst book I have ever read in my entire life (I read 50 shades of Grey so...that should speak volumes).
p.s. CLEARLY PEOPLE REVIEWING THIS BOOK ARE PAID SUPPORTERS OR FRIENDS ...THE FACT THAT THIS BOOK HAS MORE THEN ONE STAR IS MORE DISTURBING THEN THE IDEA OF DONALD TRUMP BECOMING THE NEXT PRESIDENT.
p.p.s. I threw a lot of deserved shade; however, I should mention one thing that was a good IDEA but poorly executed by Ms. Swinson. Through out The Score you got to know the character's backgrounds primarily through flashbacks. I liked this concept; HOWEVER, AGAIN, poor execution.
p.p.p.s First and last book I will ever read by Kiki Swinson.
March 9, 2016
This book was average to me. It started off boring and then it picked up really good. It was very fast past and all Kiki gave great details in the book. I hope it's a part to because a lot of things were not answered in this book.
March 10, 2019
This was a fast paced read. Lauren is a smart woman. She has brains but chooses to use that talent in the wrong way. I felt that Lauren was a smart woman, but a weak female. She constantly took abuse from Matt who was clearly a piece of dog Sh.t. Matt was sleeping with any and everything with a hole and still would profess his love to Lauren.
I was not surprised when one of Matt's side pieces, Yancy turned on Lauren. Yancy had played them both from the very beginning. When she could not get Matt in the end, she set him up to be killed and did the same for Lauren.
Now, I did not like the ending of the book. I felt that it was complete bull for Matt to be angry with Lauren and threaten to kill her husband and child. However, Matt has that criminal disease "I can wrong you in any form or fashion, but you are not supposed to wrong me"
I was not surprised when one of Matt's side pieces, Yancy turned on Lauren. Yancy had played them both from the very beginning. When she could not get Matt in the end, she set him up to be killed and did the same for Lauren.
Now, I did not like the ending of the book. I felt that it was complete bull for Matt to be angry with Lauren and threaten to kill her husband and child. However, Matt has that criminal disease "I can wrong you in any form or fashion, but you are not supposed to wrong me"
September 4, 2018
Kept me on edge! This book is action packed! This was the worst heist ever smdh. After all they went through...Matt, Yancy, and Lauren are catching hell. The hell continues and I cannot wait to read the follow up. Poor Lauren, Derek, and now the baby! I hate Matt!
July 30, 2024
Good book just slow in some places
February 7, 2017
I enjoyed all of the flashbacks. They were the best parts of the book.
Previously I'd read 'The Wifey Series' by Kiki Swanson and enjoyed it. So, when I saw 'The Score' and read the synopsis I was eager to give it a go. Lauren was a chameleon. She was the brains in the operation, but unfortunately had a distrustful jealous boyfriend and a gullible envious hood rat friend, not a good combination.
Lauren knew what she was doing was wrong, but took it very seriously because she didn't want to do it forever and it was only a means to an end. She wanted a better life. Unfortunately, her other accomplices wanted something entirely different. 'The Score" had issues, but it was entertaining and at times made you question your own vulnerability. What would you do in Lauren's situations? We all would say we wouldn't go through that, but how would you know unless you were going through it?
I'd like to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review 'The Score'.
Previously I'd read 'The Wifey Series' by Kiki Swanson and enjoyed it. So, when I saw 'The Score' and read the synopsis I was eager to give it a go. Lauren was a chameleon. She was the brains in the operation, but unfortunately had a distrustful jealous boyfriend and a gullible envious hood rat friend, not a good combination.
Lauren knew what she was doing was wrong, but took it very seriously because she didn't want to do it forever and it was only a means to an end. She wanted a better life. Unfortunately, her other accomplices wanted something entirely different. 'The Score" had issues, but it was entertaining and at times made you question your own vulnerability. What would you do in Lauren's situations? We all would say we wouldn't go through that, but how would you know unless you were going through it?
I'd like to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review 'The Score'.
January 17, 2016
This book was provided by the author for an honest review!!!
The Score is filled with action and drama that will keep you on your toes. Lauren, Matt, and Yancy have a credit card and check cashing scheme operation that fills their pockets with money. Yancy founds a wallet that gives them access to a bank account with 3 million dollars. They develop a plan to obtain the money from the bank account. The money is obtained from the bank account and the trust begins to fall. Lauren is hurt because her boyfriend Matt has cheated on her again with Yancy. Lauren develops a plan to leave Matt and Yancy with no money. Lauren decides to leave Virginia Beach with the 3 million dollars. Lauren is living it up, until she receives a call about her foster mom, and must return home to Virginia Beach. Get ready for a ride.
VLR
The Score is filled with action and drama that will keep you on your toes. Lauren, Matt, and Yancy have a credit card and check cashing scheme operation that fills their pockets with money. Yancy founds a wallet that gives them access to a bank account with 3 million dollars. They develop a plan to obtain the money from the bank account. The money is obtained from the bank account and the trust begins to fall. Lauren is hurt because her boyfriend Matt has cheated on her again with Yancy. Lauren develops a plan to leave Matt and Yancy with no money. Lauren decides to leave Virginia Beach with the 3 million dollars. Lauren is living it up, until she receives a call about her foster mom, and must return home to Virginia Beach. Get ready for a ride.
VLR
August 17, 2019
3 🌟
Predictably but a ok read. Lauren, Matt and a friend all hard up on money as the schemes, scores has them taking money that isnt theirs. But taking from the wrong person may get you in trouble.
Just ok but how this ended I'm curious in reading book 2.
Predictably but a ok read. Lauren, Matt and a friend all hard up on money as the schemes, scores has them taking money that isnt theirs. But taking from the wrong person may get you in trouble.
Just ok but how this ended I'm curious in reading book 2.
February 3, 2016
This read like it should be on the big screen. Full of believable drama and action packed. I can't wait for a sequel. #ReadingKeepsMeSane
February 16, 2016
The book dragged and the ending was just horrible I love kiki Swindon books but this book didn't do it for me.
July 13, 2018
“To say the least” was repeated so much throughout the book by the characters, it was not believable and the ending was SO TRASH! I thought someone (Matt, Lauren or Yancy) was supposed to die? Guess Ryan and Ms. Sheppard was the big surprise (rolls eyes).....What happened to Yancy? She only spoke from her point of view once throughout the whole book. Smh. Also how did Lauren go from being SO street smart to plain dumb at the end? How could you not think that they’d use your foster mom to lure you back home AND how could you not think twice about Daysha?! She was throwing madddd shade the whole time. Smdh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2022
The very first page intrigued me. It was exciting and made me wonder what was happening. I enjoyed the story at first, but it became a bit dull at the middle. However, the flashback scenes were interesting and I though that some present scenes could be shorter and the flashback scenes could be more focused.
The con game was surprising and fun to read. And I empathized Lauren and my heart sometimes ached for her when her relationships with guys were involved in the story.
The con game was surprising and fun to read. And I empathized Lauren and my heart sometimes ached for her when her relationships with guys were involved in the story.
September 18, 2023
Beginning was a little rough and I almost considered not finishing the book BUT I'm super glad I did. I did really love that the chapters went back and forth to different peoples points of view. I think that's very unique for an author to be able to do and the book got way better as I continued reading and by the end of the book I was ready to go to the library and pick up the second book immediately. Looking forward to continuing into the second book The Mark.
March 30, 2025
246 pages of STORY! I LOVED THIS BOOK! I already read the 2nd book on accident (thought the 2nd book was the first book) so i was trying to connect the dots as i read. I didnt care that much about “drake” in the second book but now that i read the first book im kind of sad about it ;((( also. I felt bad for matt when he got beat up but im glad he never died! <333 matt is my favorite character and the way his mother died was so sad. Lauren and derek follow behind. 1000/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2017
Very good read. It was very interesting and I am intrigued by the memories in this book. Great job Mrs. Swinson. I can't wait to read part 2. I can't believe Lauren finally had a baby and suprised that Matt didn't back down.
March 15, 2019
A shocking, attention grabbing storyline with detailed character development. I enjoyed and recommend this five star read. Eagerly anticipating what happens in book 2, The Mark. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
August 26, 2020
Kiki Swinson is one of my favorite authors. This book didn't disappoint. I gave it 4 stars because there were some random flash backs that the book could have done without. However the ending was a good cliffhanger. I started reading the sequel immediately.
Read
June 13, 2022Girl!
I started this years ago and never finished. But now ive completed it via audio.
#amess!!
I think ill read the sequel but Idk. Matt gets on my nerves. And i really didn't feel like dealing with his logic and attitude once again but 🤷🏾.
I started this years ago and never finished. But now ive completed it via audio.
#amess!!
I think ill read the sequel but Idk. Matt gets on my nerves. And i really didn't feel like dealing with his logic and attitude once again but 🤷🏾.
December 30, 2016
Wow
I need part 2 asap. Matt and Yancy definitely needs karma to catch up with them. I hope that Derek and Lauren come out on top. I need part 2 asap. Great job.
I need part 2 asap. Matt and Yancy definitely needs karma to catch up with them. I hope that Derek and Lauren come out on top. I need part 2 asap. Great job.
May 11, 2017
Not quite what I was expecting but enjoyable read.
May 11, 2017
This was a good read. I did not like Mat character and the fact that he thought payback did not include him.
May 31, 2017
This book was amazing I loved it a lot I wish it was a little bit longer, but everything else was perfect I loved Loved Loved this book.
June 23, 2017
love it!!!!
January 30, 2018
Absolutely love this book!!!!!!
April 7, 2018
Thrilling!!!!!
A very good read. Lauren is an authentic character which made me continue reading. And Matt is one crazy man. Can't wait to read the next book.
A very good read. Lauren is an authentic character which made me continue reading. And Matt is one crazy man. Can't wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews