The Score: A Solid Sports Romance Novel That Works Better as a Beach Read Than a Binge-Worthy Series
When I picked up The Score, the third book in Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus series, I was curious how the transition from page to screen would work for a story that’s essentially a college sports romance with a heavy dose of humor and explicit scenes. The book follows Dean Di Laurentis, a charming hockey player with a reputation for being a playboy, and Allie Hayes, a determined student dealing with a messy breakup. Their relationship starts as a casual hookup but evolves into something more, which is a familiar setup in the genre. In real-world usage, this is the kind of book you’d toss in your beach bag or read during a long flight—it’s light, fast-paced, and doesn’t demand much brainpower. The adaptation, which is now streaming, tries to capture that same energy, but the differences between the two formats are noticeable.
Key functional features of the book include its dual point-of-view narrative, which lets readers see both Dean’s and Allie’s perspectives. This is a strong point because it adds depth to their character arcs, especially Dean’s gradual shift from a carefree player to someone who actually cares about another person. The dialogue is snappy and often funny, with a lot of banter that feels natural for college-aged characters. The pacing is brisk, with chapters that end on small cliffhangers, making it easy to keep reading. However, the book relies heavily on tropes—like the ‘bad boy with a heart of gold’ and ‘friends with benefits turns into love’—which can feel predictable if you’ve read similar stories. The explicit content is frequent and detailed, which might be a pro for some readers but a limitation for those who prefer more subtlety in romance.
One limitation worth noting is that the character development feels surface-level at times. Dean’s transformation is a bit too quick and convenient, and Allie’s personal struggles with her ex-boyfriend are resolved almost too neatly. This is a common trade-off in contemporary romance novels that prioritize entertainment over emotional complexity. Compared to a series like Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, which balances romance with political and social themes, The Score is lighter and less ambitious. It’s more comparable to a standard Harlequin-style romance but with a modern college setting and more explicit language. The series attempts to expand the story with visual storytelling, but it loses some of the internal monologue that makes the book engaging. The show’s pacing feels rushed in places, and some of the humor doesn’t translate well to screen.
Who is this for? If you’re a fan of sports romance or new adult fiction and you enjoy stories that are straightforward and fun without heavy drama, The Score will likely hit the spot. It’s also a good pick if you’ve read the previous books in the series and want to continue with a familiar set of characters. On the other hand, it’s not suitable for readers who want complex relationships or realistic emotional struggles. If you’re looking for romance that explores deeper issues like mental health or long-term commitment, this probably won’t satisfy you. The explicit content also means it’s not for younger readers or those who prefer closed-door romance.
In terms of the adaptation, it’s a decent companion piece but not a replacement for the book. The show adds visual charm and some new scenes, but the book’s narrative voice is stronger. If you watch the series first, you might find the book a bit repetitive, and vice versa. Overall, The Score is a solid entry in its genre, but it’s not groundbreaking. It does what it sets out to do—entertain with a light, sexy story—but it won’t leave a lasting impression. For a quick, enjoyable read, it works. For something more memorable, you might want to look elsewhere.
