When I picked up The Score, the third book in Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus series, I expected more of the same college hockey romance that made the first two books popular. And in many ways, that’s exactly what I got—but with a few notable shifts in tone and character dynamics. This one focuses on Dean Di Laurentis, a cocky, womanizing hockey player who meets his match in Allie Hayes, a no-nonsense senior dealing with a messy breakup. The setup is familiar for the genre, but how it plays out has both strengths and some real limitations.
Realistically, this is the kind of book you read on a lazy weekend or during a commute, not one that demands deep analysis. It’s a quick read, with chapters that alternate between Dean and Allie’s perspectives. The pacing is brisk, and Kennedy’s dialogue remains one of the stronger elements—it tends to feel natural, with banter that doesn’t come off as overly scripted. The chemistry between the leads is palpable early on, which is crucial for a romance that leans heavily on a “friends with benefits to something more” arc.
Key functional features here include the dual point-of-view narration, which lets you see both characters’ insecurities and growth. Dean starts as a classic alpha male with a reputation for one-night stands, and Allie is portrayed as independent and emotionally guarded. The book does a decent job of showing Dean’s gradual self-awareness, though it’s a slow process. The emotional beats are there—moments of vulnerability, some genuine humor, and a few steamy scenes that fans of the series will expect.
However, there are clear trade-offs. Dean’s character arc can feel rushed and inconsistent. He goes from being a selfish player to a caring partner in what seems like a short span, and some of his earlier actions—like manipulating situations to sleep with Allie—are glossed over without much consequence. This might bother readers who prefer more accountability in character development. Additionally, the conflict in the last third of the book relies on a miscommunication trope that feels forced, especially when both characters had been communicating well earlier. It’s a common pitfall in romance novels, but it stands out here because the rest of the writing is sharp enough to expect better.
Comparatively, The Score sits in a similar space to other college sports romances like The Deal (the first Off-Campus book) or even Sarina Bowen’s The Ivy Years series. Where Kennedy’s earlier book had a more balanced dynamic between the leads, this one leans heavier on the reformed-playboy trope. If you’ve read other books in this subgenre, you’ll recognize the beats: the male lead’s past is used as a source of tension, the female lead has her own baggage, and the resolution involves a grand gesture. The Score executes these beats competently but doesn’t innovate much. It’s a solid entry for fans who want more of the same, but it won’t convert skeptics of the genre.
Who is this for? If you enjoy fast-paced romance with a sports backdrop, don’t mind a hero who starts off unlikeable, and appreciate banter and explicit scenes, this will likely work for you. It’s also a good pick if you’re already invested in the Off-Campus series and want to see side characters get their own story. However, it’s not for readers who want deep character growth or who are tired of the miscommunication trope. If you prefer heroines who call out problematic behavior more directly, or heroes who earn redemption more thoroughly, you might find Dean frustrating. The book also assumes some familiarity with the series—while it can be read standalone, references to past characters and events are frequent.
In terms of production quality, the e-book and paperback editions are standard for the genre, with clean formatting and no glaring typos. The cover art is consistent with the series, though it’s not particularly memorable. For the price, it delivers what you’d expect: an entertaining, if flawed, romance that doesn’t overstay its welcome. Just go in with realistic expectations about character depth and plot originality.