Score (Hollywood Renaissance, 2)

A scorching second-chance romance between a talented screenwriter and a phenomenal musician from the New York Times bestselling author of Before I Let Go.

"A triumph of art and emotion." —Talia Hibbert, New York Times bestselling author

You never forget your first love. Isn't that what they say? Verity Hill knows this truth intimately. She didn't simply miss Wright "Monk" Bellamy when they parted ways in college. She's haunted by his touch. Every kiss, any lover since—it's a shadow of what they had.

Time heals all wounds. Isn't that what they say? Monk doesn't believe that for a second. He wasn't simply betrayed when he and Verity split. He was devastated, with parts of him left behind in the ruins of all that was destroyed.

More than a decade after their disastrous breakup, Verity and Monk must work together on the set of an epic Harlem Renaissance biopic. With Monk, now a world-class musician, creating the score, and Verity, an award-winning screenwriter, penning the script, there's Oscar buzz before shooting even begins. This once-in-a-lifetime project could catapult them both to new heights, but can they can put the past behind them for the sake of the film … for the sake of something more?

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kennedy Ryan writes for women from all walks of life, empowering them and placing them firmly at the center of each story and in charge of their own destinies. Kennedy and her writings have been featured in NPR, Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, Glamour, Cosmo, Ebony, TIME, and many others. The audio edition of her novel Reel received the prestigious Audie® Award, and her Skyland series is currently in development for television at Peacock. The co-founder of LIFT 4 Autism, an annual charitable book auction, Kennedy has a passion for raising Autism awareness. Dubbed "Queen of Hugs" by her readers, she is a wife to her "lifetime lover," and mother to an extraordinary son.

“The way in which Verity navigates her mental illness under pressure within the workplace is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. …The prose and characterization are equally devastating and thrilling. … [A] powerful portrait of messy, undeniable love.”

―BookPage, starred review

“The raw emotion that characterizes the best of bestseller Ryan’s work is on full display in her masterful second Hollywood Renaissance romance (after Reel).”

―Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Ryan knows how to put her readers’ emotions through the wringer while staying true to her characters… Every moment of heartbreak rings true."​―Kirkus Review, starred review

“The heartbreak of first love holds unimaginable weight after a Hollywood composer and a screenwriter make a scorching connection. This stunning story of devotion that addresses mental health and sexuality with care may be Ryan’s best work yet.”

―People

“A poignant and layered second-chance romance that doubles as a moving love letter to Black history and creativity.”―Publisher's Weekly Summer Reads (Romance)

“Heart-stopping, deeply felt, and beautifully told, Score is Kennedy Ryan at her absolute best—writing love stories that don’t just sweep you away, but change you.
With her signature emotional depth and breathtaking prose, Kennedy crafts a love story that is as healing as it is unforgettable.”―Christina Lauren, #1 internationally bestselling authors of Love and Other Words