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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Score was such a wild ride, and honestly, I really enjoyed it. Elle Kennedy knows how to mix steamy romance with deeper emotional arcs, and Allie and Dean’s story definitely delivered both.
Allie is fresh off a breakup with her long-term, on-and-off boyfriend Sean, and I loved how real her struggles felt — she’s torn between wanting stability, pursuing her acting dreams, and figuring out who she is outside of a relationship. Dean, on the other hand, is the charming hockey player with a notorious reputation, the guy who never goes back for seconds. At first, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about him, but his growth throughout the book surprised me. Watching him go from “manwhore” to genuinely vulnerable, supportive, and eventually devoted to Allie was one of the highlights.
Their chemistry was off-the-charts from the beginning. Elle Kennedy doesn’t hold back on the heat, but what really stood out to me was how the intimacy slowly shifted from rebound-level hookups to something way more meaningful. I also appreciated how Dean’s softer, more responsible side was slowly revealed. It balanced out his cocky personality so well.
That said, there were a few things that kept it from being a 5-star read for me. Some of the drama felt a bit drawn out — Sean popping back up over and over got frustrating, and Dean’s downward spiral after Beau’s death was hard to read — realistic, yes, but it slowed the pacing. Also, a few moments between Dean and Allie leaned a little repetitive; it sometimes felt like they were having the same argument about commitment.
Still, I loved the emotional payoff in the end. Seeing Allie and Dean both grow into stronger versions of themselves — and come together not just for the passion but for real partnership — was super satisfying. If you’re into college romance with humor, steam, and a mix of angst and sweetness, The Score is definitely worth picking up.
Allie is fresh off a breakup with her long-term, on-and-off boyfriend Sean, and I loved how real her struggles felt — she’s torn between wanting stability, pursuing her acting dreams, and figuring out who she is outside of a relationship. Dean, on the other hand, is the charming hockey player with a notorious reputation, the guy who never goes back for seconds. At first, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about him, but his growth throughout the book surprised me. Watching him go from “manwhore” to genuinely vulnerable, supportive, and eventually devoted to Allie was one of the highlights.
Their chemistry was off-the-charts from the beginning. Elle Kennedy doesn’t hold back on the heat, but what really stood out to me was how the intimacy slowly shifted from rebound-level hookups to something way more meaningful. I also appreciated how Dean’s softer, more responsible side was slowly revealed. It balanced out his cocky personality so well.
That said, there were a few things that kept it from being a 5-star read for me. Some of the drama felt a bit drawn out — Sean popping back up over and over got frustrating, and Dean’s downward spiral after Beau’s death was hard to read — realistic, yes, but it slowed the pacing. Also, a few moments between Dean and Allie leaned a little repetitive; it sometimes felt like they were having the same argument about commitment.
Still, I loved the emotional payoff in the end. Seeing Allie and Dean both grow into stronger versions of themselves — and come together not just for the passion but for real partnership — was super satisfying. If you’re into college romance with humor, steam, and a mix of angst and sweetness, The Score is definitely worth picking up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Alcohol
Moderate: Drug use, Toxic relationship, Car accident, Death of parent
Minor: Cancer, Mental illness, Vomit
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This would have to be my favourite out of the first 3 books of the series. I enjoyed the different aspects of how the relationship formed compared to book 1 and 2 which seemed to be a repetition of each other. Although I did think it end very abruptly.
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I would say that this book is a great read for sure especially for people who love sports and romance
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Elle Kennedy has had me hooked with this series. The very last bit of this book I put off bc I didn’t want it to end. As much as I hate a third act breakup, this one was quick. I was intrigued enough by Tucker’s story since he wasn’t really mentioned throughout the series. It wasn’t until this book that I really realized I didn’t know that much about him. Then I’m listening to the last couple chapters and he drops THAT. Crazy work fr
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved Dean and Allie and their banter. Really liked that it wasn’t insta love even though you could tell the attraction between them was crazy. Once again there were a lot of layers to this story and it deals with some serious stuff. This story had me hooked. And then that ending?? Had to start the next one right away.