Score by kennedy ryan

 

Kennedy Ryan has a way of writing stories that are not just about love, but about the things we carry into love — our wounds, our fears, our past experiences, and the ways we learn to heal. Score was a really good read for me, and one of the things I appreciated most was the way Kennedy incorporated mental health into the story.

Mental health is often overlooked and under-discussed in the Black community, and Black women especially are often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or expected to carry so much without support. Seeing those themes woven into the story added another layer of depth and made the characters feel more real.

I also really enjoyed Monk’s storyline and the exploration of his trust issues stemming from his father’s infidelity. It was such a good reminder that our parents’ choices can shape us, even when their actions don’t directly involve us. The things we witness, the examples we grow up around, and the experiences we absorb can influence how we approach relationships and love as adults.

Now… Monk and Verity’s love story? Whew. I found myself talking to the book multiple times saying, “Just tell him!” and “Can y’all please just talk?” 😂 They frustrated me in the most loving way throughout the entire book. The miscommunication, the fear, and the hesitation between them made me want to shake them — but it also showed how complicated love can be when people are trying to protect themselves from being hurt.

Overall, Score was a thoughtful story about love, healing, trust, and the impact of the things we carry with us. Kennedy Ryan continues to create characters who feel layered and human, and I appreciated the conversations this book encouraged beyond just the romance.