Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus series has carved out a solid niche in the new adult sports romance genre, and The Score is the third installment, focusing on hockey player Dean Di Laurentis. The book follows a familiar template: a charismatic, womanizing athlete meets a smart, no-nonsense woman who challenges him. In this case, it’s Dean, a junior on the hockey team, and Allie, a music major with a practical streak. The story kicks off when a one-night stand leads to unexpected consequences—Allie becomes Dean’s tutor to keep her grades up, and their arrangement slowly turns into something more.
In real-world usage, this book is the kind of thing you pick up for a weekend escape or a commute listen. It’s light, fast-paced, and doesn’t demand much intellectual effort. Readers often turn to it when they want a predictable but satisfying romantic arc with a side of campus life and hockey culture. The key functional features here are the dual perspective narration (alternating between Dean and Allie), which gives insight into both characters’ motivations, and the strong emphasis on character growth. Dean starts as a classic playboy—confident, charming, and emotionally closed off—but the narrative does spend time showing his gradual shift toward commitment and vulnerability. Allie, meanwhile, is portrayed as grounded and career-focused, which provides a refreshing contrast to the typical swooning heroine.
That said, there are clear limitations. The plot relies heavily on tropes that may feel worn out to seasoned romance readers: the reformed rake, the accidental pregnancy scare (though not a major plot point here), and the obligatory misunderstanding that drives a temporary wedge. The pacing can also be uneven; the middle section drags a bit as the characters cycle through similar arguments about trust and exclusivity. Additionally, while Dean’s growth is present, it happens rather quickly, which can make his transformation feel less earned than it could be. Some readers might find his earlier behavior—such as his casual dismissal of past partners—hard to fully forgive, even with the narrative’s attempts to redeem him.
Compared to other sports romance series like Jamie McGuire’s Beautiful Disaster or Sarina Bowen’s Ivy Years, The Score leans more heavily into the humor and banter, but it lacks the emotional depth or the more nuanced relationship dynamics found in those works. The hockey setting is more of a backdrop than a driving force; if you’re looking for detailed game action or team politics, this book won’t deliver. Instead, it focuses squarely on the romantic relationship and the internal conflicts of the main characters.
Who is this book for? It’s a good fit for readers who enjoy light, trope-heavy contemporary romance with a college setting and a hero who starts as a jerk but softens over time. Fans of the series will appreciate the cameos from previous couples, and the writing style is accessible for those new to the genre. However, it’s not suitable for readers who prefer slow-burn romances with more realistic pacing, or those who dislike characters who initially treat relationships as disposable. If you’re sensitive to casual sexism or possessive behavior in male leads—even when it’s framed as part of a redemption arc—this book might rub you the wrong way.
Ultimately, The Score delivers what it promises: an entertaining, trope-filled romance with a likeable female lead and a male lead who, despite his flaws, earns a measure of sympathy. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a competent entry in the genre. Just don’t expect it to challenge your expectations or leave a lasting impression beyond the final page.
"A handpicked recommendation from AegeanBreezeLLC — reviewed, verified, and linked directly to Amazon."
