Hey everyone, welcome to another episode of Sparks Unlocked, the musical. I’ve tried to do book reviews on YouTube, but I found out quickly that I am not much of a yapper and writing is my strong suit. I actually get winded when I talk too much! I would still like to share book recommendations and reviews with you, so this is the first of many installments. 

In June, I read Score by Kennedy Ryan after a reading slump and it was just what I needed. If you’re looking for a book about queer storytelling, second chances at love, and mental health representation, this is the book for you. 

1. What is this book about?

This book is a detailed life arc of Verity’s story as it intertwines with her own love story with Monk. Both Verity and Monk meet in college and the stars are aligned, but Verity unexpectedly experiences mental and emotional struggles that prevent them from being together. The book is about how Verity and Monk find their way back to each other, but more importantly, how Verity understands her past so that she can live more fully in the present. 

2. What were my first impressions of the book?

This book had me hooked immediately. I’ve been using the Bookly app to track my reading habits. I noticed that when I’m really into a book, I’ll finish it in 1-3 days. Usually that happens when I’m in my day-to-day and I can’t stop thinking about the characters or the plot. For this book, the plot was so good, I used every free moment I had to get back to reading the book. 

The book was medium-paced but had enough going on keep you interested. Also, the book felt real. It felt like someone was talking to me and telling me their story rather than reading a romance novel about fictional characters. 

3. What did I love about this book?

I have to say that I loved nearly everything about this book. The back stories of the protagonist and the MMC were detailed and well-thought out. I liked how the struggles and trauma they endured in their childhood made sense for why they fit as a couple. 

This is the first book I’ve read that gave such a visceral and real representation for individuals with bipolar disorder. The symptoms were explained without sacrificing the plot and there was enough information to know when Verity was going through a manic or depressive episode. That was so, so good. 

I liked how in love Monk was with Verity, despite his better judgment. Reading and getting an insider’s perspective to Monk’s POV really helps the reader feel his genuine care, love, and affection for her. 

I also liked how Verity’s love for Monk did not negate her bisexuality. I appreciated how much care the author put into that part of the story, especially with how it weaved in and out of the plot. 

4. What did I not connect with or enjoy?

The miscommunication between Verity and Monk was something that perplexed me, especially when Verity took a while to reveal her diagnosis. 

At the same time, I understand the gravity of what she was going through, not wanting to be hurt, and also not wanting to hurt Monk. It was interesting how Kennedy Ryan captured Verity’s heart and mind at war throughout the book. It was delightfully frustrating to read. 

5. What were the main themes or messages of the book?

This book explored what it means to have bipolar disorder and what it means to love and be on the receiving end of caring for someone with bipolar disorder. I appreciated that there was representation for bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 in the book. Thorough research on the lived experience of individuals living with bipolar disorder is evident throughout the book. 

It explored how the passage of time does not negate the love you have for someone. It also explored that one’s sexuality is not defined by who they love, it’s defined by who they decide to be. 

Another theme that was deftly captured by the author was the push and pull of living with the disorder when it comes to life and creative decisions. 

Another big theme in the book is not being defined my your mental disorder and having a full life despite your circumstances. Also, understanding your past to make better decisions in the present and ultimately for a future version of yourself. 

6. How did the characters make me feel?

So many of the characters made me feel seen. It was not just one character, but so many different characters at different points of the story. 

Verity’s hesitance frustrated me at times throughout the book but it was completely valid. She was protecting her heart, her career, and the life she built for herself. 

I found myself relating to her at times, to Monk at times, and to Verity’s friend, Melissa. 

Verity’s growth throughout the book was so beautiful to see. To see her take steps forward, then backwards, then to face her internal fears and step into the life she truly wants. To have Monk support her steps along the way was just…beautiful. 

Also, highlighting the parallels between her life and Dessi Blue. Dessi and Verity are two Black and queer creatives living with similar circumstances but dealing with those experiences in different lifetimes. That part of the book was such an important and necessary addition to this story. 

7. How did the writing style affect my reading experience?

Kennedy Ryan’s writing style here is emotional and descriptive. Some of the characters had me laughing at times! This story will make you laugh, cry, but it will also be an amazing time along the way. 

I was completely enraptured with the story and did not want to put the book down. 

8. What are some of my favorite quotes from the book?

• “The way he talked about music is how I feel about writing. Like it’s less a choice I made than what I was made for. I recognized that passion.”
• “When we see psychosis, especially in Black women, it’s often diagnosed as schizophrenia. I want to be very careful figuring this out so we get the right diagnosis, determine the appropriate treatment plan, and hopefully set you up for the best possible outcomes.”
• “The wall I erect around my heart drops every once in a while, though, and the memories flood in. He managed to imprint himself on my soul in a way I fear no one else ever will.”

9. Did the ending work for me?

I enjoyed the ending because it challenged me. Initially, I felt at odds with the ending because of the stat that was shared in the book: 90 percent of marriages involving individuals with bipolar disorder end in divorce. That was a significant stat to read and a memorable one. 

However, that challenge allowed me to pause and think of Verity and Monk’s love story. Their love for each other remained after all of that time away and Verity has more accessible knowledge and resources than generations before her. It makes you hope that they can be the ten percent that defies the odds. 

10. Who would I recommend this book to?

This book is for anyone, truly. Most especially for anyone who is looking for a story about someone’s lived experience with bipolar disorder, bisexual representation, being Black, queer, and a woman (and holding those identities at the same time), and what it means to truly love someone when unexpected circumstances arise. Also, how to be in a committed relationship that remains a committed relationship when love is not the glue to sustain it or hold it together. 

I haven’t read a book like this before, so it will be hard to say, “If you like this book, read this.” I will say that Kennedy Ryan is one-of-one and she is a master of writing romance books that break your heart and heal it in one sitting. If you haven’t read a book by Kennedy Ryan before, I would highly recommend it. 

11. What is my final rating and biggest takeaway?

I’ve tried 0.5 and 0.25 ratings before but things got too complicated for me. That may change at some point, but lately I want to keep things simple. My current rating system is as follows:

• 5 stars = absolutely adored this book
• 4 stars = loved this book
• 3 stars = enjoyed this book
• 2 stars = this book had potential
• 1 star = didn’t connect with this book

This book was 5 stars for me. It’s so good! My favorite thing about this book was that the ending challenged me to hope despite the odds. Also, your story doesn’t have to be defined by statistics. It can be defined by the choices you make. Interested in reading more about this book? Get your copy of Score by Kennedy Ryan here.

If you’re still here with me, thank you for taking the time to read this review. I hope you enjoy it and please stay tuned for the next one! 

Until then, thank you for being here and reading this article. I’ll see you in the next one. Good day or good night!

RELATED POSTS:

• Top 10 Must-Read Romance Books by Black Women | Book Recommendations
• Books to Read at Least Once in Life | Book Recommendations
• Wellness Journey: Embracing Self-Acceptance and Creativity

Hi, I’m Kerri Olivia, an author, fiber artist, and founder of Sparks Unlocked Co. At Sparks Unlocked Co., we help fellow readers and crafters find beauty, comfort, and meaning in slow living through occasional crochet and knitting tutorials, digital third places for crafters and readers, book recommendations, and storytelling.  Join these conversations with me on Threads and Pinterest.

Looking for book recs? Read my book, REQUITED.

If you’re interested in crocheting, knitting, and reading more, you’re invited to the Knots & Chapters Book Club, a place where we crochet, knit, and talk about books every month. Join here.

Disclaimer:

Affiliate links may be included in this post. By purchasing a product or service with the links provided, I may receive a small commission with no additional charge to you. Thank you for supporting Sparks Unlocked Co., so that I can continue providing you with free content!