The Score (Off-Campus, #3)

by Elle Kennedy

He knows how to score, on and off the ice

Allie Hayes is in crisis mode. With graduation looming, she still doesn’t have the first clue about what she’s going to do after college. To make matters worse, she’s nursing a broken heart thanks to the end of her longtime relationship. Wild rebound sex is definitely not the solution to her problems, but gorgeous hockey star Dean Di Laurentis is impossible to resist. Just once, though, because even if her future is uncertain, it sure as heck won’t include the king of one-night stands.

It’ll take more than flashy moves to win her over

Dean always gets what he wants. Girls, grades, girls, recognition, girls…he’s a ladies man, all right, and he’s yet to meet a woman who’s immune to his charms. Until Allie. For one night, the feisty blonde rocked his entire world—and now she wants to be friends? Nope. It’s not over until he says it’s over. Dean is in full-on pursuit, but when life-rocking changes strike, he starts to wonder if maybe it’s time to stop focusing on scoring…and shoot for love.

• ISBN10: 1537356739
• ISBN13: 9781537356730
• Publish Date: 25 September 2016 (first published 11 January 2016)
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 354
• Language: English

Reviews

[The Romantic Comedy Book Club]

Spoilers removed so review bounces around. Full review is on the site

 

Venturing back to Briar University campus, we move down the bromance roster and get to see the inner workings of one Dean Di Laurentis - a.k.a. Mr. Sunshine himself. This time, we have the added bonus of bringing back one of our favorite characters, Allie Hayes. When we first met her in The Deal, she was the supportive best friend of Hannah and making things work with Sean. Now in The Score, we get to find out who Allie really is and how life doesn't always work on the way we plan.

 

Life as Allie Hayes knows it, is about to change. For better or for the worst, that is still up for debate. After one fight too many, Allie finally decides to pull the plug on her long time boyfriend Sean. Granted, she has broken up with Sean countless times but it never sticks; however, this time will be different. She's older, stronger, smarter, and has ever intention of hiding like a coward at her best friend’s boyfriend house where Sean wouldn’t think to look for her (or be greeted by overly protective hockey players if he did manage to track her down). All she needs to do is stay away from her phone - no calls, no texts, no meetups. Open heart surgery would be easier but Allie is determined to stick to her guns. So much so that she has enlisted Dean Di Laurentis to take possession of her phone to avoid any temptation. It’s the least he could do after his snide babysitting comments. Yes, she may have interrupted what looked like a “Dear Penthouse” moment for Dean but this was a crisis! Dean, on the other hand, knows the perfect way to keep Allie distracted but a one night stand girl she is not. Well she didn’t think she was until she woke up the next morning with a tequila fueled hangover and chest slamming recall of the night before. Desperate to right a horrendous (yet insanely enjoyable) wrong, Allie demands the night is forgotten, declares it won’t happen again, and puts as much distance between her and Dean as possible. Easier said than done as Allie just delivered the best night of Dean’s life and he isn’t quite ready to forget.

 

I always enjoy Elle Kennedy’s books and The Score is just as mind-blowing as the rest. The universe (or in this case - University) she has built has become a second home. We know these guys! I feel like I have been invited inside of this sacred family and get to see where life takes them. Having read the first two books, we know where Logan and Garrett go. Now we see how life is panning out for Dean and Allie.

 

What I loved the MOST about this book was how Dean taught Allie to love who she was and not let anyone else make her feel less than. He showed her that labels are just words without meaning - we have to give them meaning to do any type of damage.

 

While I am sure there are words to describe the intensity of spice in this book, none come to mind. Dean really brought it out of Allie or at least unlocked the door she had it hidden behind. These two together was like poor gasoline on an open flame!

 

Each of these books draws you in, makes you laugh, make you cry, and reminds you that no matter what age - life always has something to teach you. Kennedy provides a peek at what's to come in The Goal and I can't wait to crack that one open!

[Leigha]

Allie sleeps with the campus playboy in this enjoyable new adult romance.

I bought The Score last year during a sale. When I attempted to read it, I discovered it opens with Dean, our hero, about to have a threesome. I immediately put it down, only picking it up now because I was bored.

I’ve never enjoyed romances where the romantic leads were not focused on each other. It’s okay if the romantic leads have sex and/or relations off the page, so to speak, but I’m not invested in reading about them unless they impact the story. Dean’s threesome wasn’t relevant to the story, therefore I was put off by it being the opening of the story. It would be one thing if his relationship with Allie means they are going to explore a threesome, but it’s really just a way for the author to show Dean does not lack in the sex department. You only needed to tell me it, not show me.

Despite the eye-rolling beginning, the rest of the novel is a fluffy romance about two people learning to love each other. Dean and Allie’s connection felt authentic and genuine. I also enjoyed Allie’s introspection into her need to be in a relationship. I’ve seen many of my friends jump in and out of relationships for the simple reason they didn’t want to be alone. It’s refreshing reading about a woman coming to terms with her own codependency while learning to create a more healthy relationship for herself and the man she loves. Bravo!

tl;dr An enjoyable, fluffy romance that starts without the right build up to the story.

[Linda]

The Score continues the amazing Off-Campus series by being just as good as its predecessors!

[Angie]

The Score is easily my favorite book of this series! I absolutely loved Allie and Dean! It all starts when Allie breaks up with her boyfriend of 3 years. He doesn't want to let her go, and she's not sure if she'd be able to not give him another chance if she's face to face with him. She winds up staying at her friend's boyfriend's house for the weekend to hide out, but she doesn't expect Dean to be there. She also doesn't expect to get drunk, have wild sex with him, and then crave more.

I loved The Score! I love characters who own their sexuality! We had already met Dean and know that he sleeps around, but now we finally get into his head. He's always up front with the girls he's about to hook up with and he's always safe. He's also up to try new things. Allie doesn't do casual sex, but she's also not vanilla. She's also up to try new things and is often the one to bring it up! I freaking loved her! She's not afraid to say what she wants and she's not ashamed of the kinkier things she wants to do. They were the perfect pair in the bedroom! And the bathroom! And the alley! And the...well, you get the point!

The Score isn't all sex though. Yes, it starts out that way, with Allie wanting to try a fling and Dean not being able to get enough of her. But they also hang out. They talk, watch movies, go clubbing, and generally enjoy each other's company. Things do get serious toward the end though, and there is an inevitable temporary break up, but I believed it. It fit the characters very well and didn't feel thrown in gratuitously. I also loved how there wasn't some huge fight. Allie says what she needs to say. Dean says what he needs to say. Then they work it out.

Basically, The Score was awesome. There's lots of sex, and quite the variety! I also liked how Allie and Dean are both going after their dreams and talking out how it's going to work between them. But back to the sex. I just really loved how there was no judgement! They do what they want! That is seriously wonderful. The only thing I didn't like was the final page. It did not make me excited about Tucker's book at all. It actually had the opposite effect. I was hoping that it'd be Fitzy's story. Boo.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[Sam@WLABB]

This series is one of my faves because of the perfect balance of humor, drama, schmexy, and heart. Dean was an unapologetic man-whore with some baggage and no known passion, except for sex. Enter Allie, serial monogamist, who was fresh from a break up with her long-term college boyfriend. She was smart, sassy, and looking for a rebound fling. He wanted to keep hooking up with her until he got her out of his system. However, they both got more than they bargained for.

I really enjoyed Dean's evolution. He slowly grew from a boy to a man. A major event serves as a wake up call for him. I will not lie, it was quite heartbreaking, but necessary, as it helped Dean make that move into adulthood. There were so many special moments that warmed my heart. I especially loved the interactions between Dean and Dakota, and Dean and Allie's dad. I also thought Allie was a great heroine. She was strong, but vulnerable. I admired how she showed immense strength when necessary, but gave in and took comfort in her family and friends when appropriate.

And I loved the set up for the next book. Another great addition to this series.

[Cocktails and Books]

This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books

A fantastic story. A must read for anyone over 18 years of age.

As a lover of hockey, I admit to being diligent in keeping an eye on any errors or irregularities in stories involving hockey players. In this case I can say that Kennedy obviously knows her sport.

The player gets played. The pairing of Allie and Dean was genius. The characters played off each other's strengths and weaknesses so well it was obvious from the start that when these two do finally get around to getting together it would be explosive. In a complete reversal of roles, Dean finds himself unable to forget his one night with Allie and finds himself doing the one thing he never has to do... pursue a woman who seems to be done with him after one hot night. I can honestly say that I found myself laughing at every interaction between these two characters.

“God, I'm not cut out for casual sex. I feel...defiled. Except that's ridiculous, because if anyone was defiled last night, it was Dean. Not only did I seduce him, but I tied him up and rode him like he was my own personal amusement park ride...”

This is just an example of the inner musings both Allie and Dean engage in as they attempt top fight their feelings for each other that will leave you laughing out loud.

If you've read the previous books in this series, you may remember Dean as being a bit of a man whore. He likes sex and makes no apology for it. Considering what Allie walks in on during his first scene in this story, it is obvious he has not changed much from one book to the next. However, as we read along, we see a completely different side to Dean. We meet a more caring, more mature Dean. Especially when it comes to the kids and to Allie's feelings. Readers of this series will be gratified to see Dean grow as a person into someone we could see Allie actually falling for.

Sweet and romantic with many hilarious moments, this is a must read for those who love a good dose of humor with their romance. I may have actually found myself a new favorite romantic comedy author. I will definitely be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

[Romance Schmomance]

Listened to the audiobook during our 7 hour drive during our travels and my goodness, what story Elle takes us on with Dean and Allie. Super emotional and perhaps the dirtiest in the best way possible ;-)

FULL REVIEW TO COME!

[Ashley]

I need more of these books in my life. 3

I seriously wish Allie was my best friend. That girl rocks!

[Rowena]

3 Another fabulous romance by Elle Kennedy. Review to follow soon-ish. :)

[thebookdisciple]

So, I will admit. For about 1/2 of this book I was thinking "Maybe I am just too old to enjoy NA...these characters are getting on my nerves". Dean gives the term man whore a new meaning. And when he screws up, he does so epically! But by the end, I remembered why I like NA-its the growth. Seeing the characters grow up and evolve is good and this book does it amazingly well. Kudos Elle Kennedy.