The Score

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Get ready for your newest obsession . . . Discover the addictive world of the Off-Campus series from The Queen of Hockey Romance, Elle Kennedy!
Read The Score now for the perfect friends with benefits romance!
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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.

A New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a BA in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.

Elle is the author of more than fifty contemporary fiction and romance novels, published by a variety of major houses. Her work includes the Off-Campus series, the global phenomenon which has captivated millions of readers around the world.C

The Score by Elle Kennedy is a contemporary college romance that follows the story of Dean Di Laurentis, a confident, charming, and carefree hockey player, and Allie Hayes, a smart and kind-hearted student who is struggling with the end of a long-term relationship. The novel explores themes of love, personal growth, friendship, trust, and discovering what truly matters in life. Although Dean has a reputation as someone who enjoys casual relationships and avoids emotional commitment, meeting Allie challenges everything he believes about himself and his future.

The story begins shortly after Allie breaks up with her longtime boyfriend, Sean. Even though the relationship had been fading for some time, the breakup leaves her feeling confused, lonely, and uncertain about what she wants. One night, after attending a party and trying to distract herself from her emotions, she unexpectedly ends up spending time with Dean, who is known across campus for his playful personality and flirtatious nature. What starts as an impulsive and unexpected encounter quickly becomes something neither of them had planned. Although they initially agree that it was just a one-time mistake, they find themselves unable to ignore the strong connection between them.

Dean has always enjoyed his freedom and never believed in serious relationships. He is attractive, popular, and used to women expecting nothing more than a casual romance. However, Allie is different from anyone he has ever met. She is honest, caring, and refuses to be treated as just another temporary fling. Instead of falling for Dean's charm immediately, she challenges him, making him realize that he genuinely enjoys her company beyond physical attraction. As they continue spending time together, Dean begins to experience feelings he has never allowed himself to have before. He starts looking forward to seeing her, worrying about her happiness, and imagining a future that includes someone other than himself.

Allie, on the other hand, struggles with guilt and uncertainty because Dean is a teammate and close friend of her ex-boyfriend. She worries about hurting Sean and damaging friendships within their social circle. She also questions whether Dean is capable of commitment, knowing his reputation as someone who avoids serious relationships. Despite these concerns, she cannot deny how comfortable and happy she feels when she is with him. Dean treats her with kindness and respect, showing a more thoughtful and caring side that very few people get to see. Their relationship slowly develops from physical attraction into genuine emotional intimacy as they learn more about each other's fears, dreams, and insecurities.

Throughout the novel, the strong friendships among the hockey players and their partners continue to play an important role. The group provides humor, support, and occasional interference in Dean and Allie's relationship. Their playful teasing and loyalty create a sense of family that adds warmth to the story. At the same time, the novel highlights how friendships can survive difficult situations when people communicate honestly and respect one another.

As Dean becomes more emotionally invested, he begins changing in ways that surprise both himself and the people around him. He realizes that love requires sacrifice, honesty, and vulnerability rather than simply enjoying life's pleasures without responsibility. He starts making choices based on what is best for Allie instead of what is easiest for himself. This transformation is gradual and believable, showing that meaningful relationships often inspire people to become better versions of themselves. Dean's emotional growth becomes one of the novel's strongest elements, as he learns that true happiness comes from commitment and trust rather than endless casual encounters.

The relationship also faces several obstacles. Misunderstandings, outside opinions, and personal fears create moments of tension that test both characters. Dean's carefree past makes it difficult for some people to believe he has genuinely changed, while Allie continues questioning whether she can fully trust someone with his history. Both characters must learn to communicate openly instead of making assumptions or letting fear control their decisions. These challenges help strengthen their bond because they force them to confront their insecurities rather than avoid them.

A major turning point occurs when Dean experiences a deeply emotional family tragedy that changes his perspective on life. The heartbreaking event forces him to confront grief, loss, and the importance of the people he loves. During this difficult period, Allie stands beside him with patience and compassion, offering emotional support without expecting anything in return. Her unwavering presence helps Dean understand that love is not only about happy moments but also about standing together during life's greatest hardships. This experience deepens their relationship and proves that what they share is much more meaningful than either of them originally believed.

As the story approaches its conclusion, both Dean and Allie become more confident about their feelings and their future together. Dean fully accepts that he has fallen in love and is no longer afraid of commitment. He is willing to change his priorities and build a lasting relationship based on honesty, loyalty, and mutual respect. Allie also lets go of her fears, recognizing that people can grow and that Dean's actions consistently show his sincerity. Together, they overcome the doubts that once kept them apart and choose to embrace a future built on trust and genuine affection.

Overall, The Score is a heartfelt romance that combines humor, emotional depth, friendship, and personal transformation. Elle Kennedy creates two relatable characters who both grow significantly over the course of the novel. Dean's journey from a carefree playboy to a devoted and emotionally mature partner is balanced by Allie's journey toward confidence and trusting her own heart. The novel emphasizes that love is not defined by someone's past but by the choices they make in the present. Through witty dialogue, engaging relationships, and touching emotional moments, the story delivers an uplifting message about second chances, emotional growth, and finding lasting happiness with someone who encourages you to become your best self.