The Score (Off-Campus, #3) by Elle Kennedy
Publication Date: January 11th, 2016 by Elle Kennedy
Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Sports – Ice Hockey.
Find: Goodreads | Amazon
Goodreads Summary
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.

Much like the previous installments to this series, The Score is a sizzling, sexy and hilarious sports contemporary romance. Taking center stage this time is Hanna’s best friend, Allie, and notorious ladies man, Dean. There’s no denying the chemistry between them, but if you think their romance is defined by lust, you have another thing coming. 

Both Allie and Dean are likable characters, but there was a worry that they wouldn’t mesh quite as well as a couple. Allie is a commitment kind of girl, but after ending things with her on again-off again boyfriend, Sean, Allie’s focus falls to herself; well, that was before her drunken one night stand with Dean. A taste wasn’t enough for them and much as she tries to deny him, she can’t deny the effect he has on her body and later, her heart. Allie is a sweet girl. She’s confident and comfortable with her own mind and body, honest, and caring. Her relationship with her ailing father was a particular highlight and showcases just how deeply she cares about the people in her life.

Honestly, the manwhore type doesn’t appeal to me, and the manwhore trope is seriously overused in New Adult and Romance books. However, Dean surprised me. This book gave us a chance to know the man behind the manwhore and he doesn’t disappoint. Yes, he’s cocky, and he embodies the cliche characteristics associated with the manwhore trope, but he’s also dedicated. Allie challenges him. She makes him work for her attention, and her heart and the results pay off. He doesn’t impose himself on her, but he is also honest about his intentions. The progression of their relationship felt natural and the more time they spend together, the more we see just how sweet and considerate Dean can be.

Beyond the romance, the highlight of the book was the inclusion of hockey and exploring the options available for the players that aren’t headed towards the NHL. Dean loves hockey, he’s good at it, but he has no intention of going pro. After graduation, he’s headed to law school, like his brother did. However, while Dean has no intention of pursuing a professional career in Hockey, his experiences coaching a junior team makes him doubt his current trajectory. It’s refreshing to read about a guy not destined for the pros and the choices they face following graduation. It highlights the fact that being a professional athlete is not the only way to turn the sport you love into a career. 

The Score isn’t my favourite installment in the series, Garrett is still number one, but it was still enjoyable and fans of the Off-Campus series are guaranteed to love it.

What’s your favourite book in the Off-Campus series?