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.
About the Author: 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.
448 Pages
Fiction, Romance
Series Name: Hollywood Renaissance
Description
Book Synopsis
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?
Review Quotes
"Scorching and soulful, a deeply researched and carefully wrought Hollywood romance that brings together musician Monk and screenwriter Verity--former lovers--to collaborate on an Oscar-worthy Harlem Renaissance biopic. Ryan writes these characters and their intersectional identities with such precision and intimacy, it's almost impossible not to get immersed in their world."
--Elle
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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)
"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
About the Author
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. An EBONY Power 100 Honoree, Kennedy and her writings have been featured in NPR, Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, Glamour, Cosmo, TIME, and many others. Kennedy is an executive producer for her Skyland series, which is currently in development for television at Peacock. The cofounder of LIFT 4 Autism, an annual charitable book auction, Kennedy has a passion for raising Autism awareness. Dubbed the Queen of Hugs by her readers, she is a wife to her "lifetime lover" and mother to an extraordinary son. Find out more, at: KennedyRyanWrites.com Facebook.com/KennedyRyanAuthor Bluesky: @kennedyryan.bsky.social Instagram: @KennedyRyan1 TikTok: @KennedyRyanAuthor
Dimensions (Overall): 8.49 Inches (H) x 5.79 Inches (W) x 1.45 Inches (D)
Weight: 1.09 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 448
Genre: Fiction
Sub-Genre: Romance
Series Title: Hollywood Renaissance
Publisher: Forever
Theme: Contemporary
Format: Hardcover
Author: Kennedy Ryan
Language: English
Street Date: May 19, 2026
TCIN: 1005907380
UPC: 9781538769669
Item Number (DPCI): 247-49-3642
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 1.45 inches length x 5.79 inches width x 8.49 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1.09 pounds
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Kennedy does her magic with Score like she has done with her other novels. Although some of the content is heavy, it blends well with the whimsy, romantic and beautiful story. I was sad when I reached the end of Verity and Monk’s tale.
Joicmw
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5 out of 5 stars
26 May, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
Heartfelt! It pulled at my heart strings. Monk and Vee’s romance will having you wanting to read more and more
Love it
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5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
24 May, 2026Verified purchase
A romance that stays with you
This book was so good. It had everything I look for in a romance .. incredible chemistry, real vulnerability, and such a strong sense of family throughout the story. The emotional connection between the characters felt authentic, and I was invested in them from beginning to end. The balance of romance and deeper personal moments made it impossible to put down. Definitely one of those books that stays with you after you finish it.