Score
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4.7 • 70 Ratings
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- $3.99
Publisher Description
A scorching second-chance romance between a talented screenwriter and a phenomenal musician from the New York Times bestselling author of Before I Let Go.
"A triumph of art and emotion." —Talia Hibbert, New York Times bestselling author
You never forget your first love. Isn't that what they say? Verity Hill knows this truth intimately. She didn't simply miss Wright "Monk" Bellamy when they parted ways in college. She's haunted by his touch. Every kiss, any lover since—it's a shadow of what they had.
Time heals all wounds. Isn't that what they say? Monk doesn't believe that for a second. He wasn't simply betrayed when he and Verity split. He was devastated, with parts of him left behind in the ruins of all that was destroyed.
More than a decade after their disastrous breakup, Verity and Monk must work together on the set of an epic Harlem Renaissance biopic. With Monk, now a world-class musician, creating the score, and Verity, an award-winning screenwriter, penning the script, there's Oscar buzz before shooting even begins. This once-in-a-lifetime project could catapult them both to new heights, but can they can put the past behind them for the sake of the film … for the sake of something more?
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
A second chance sounds oh so good in this smoldering rom-com set in the exciting, creative atmosphere of music and film. Verity and Monk have both never truly gotten over the all-encompassing romance that rocked their worlds 10 years ago. But now that Verity is an acclaimed screenwriter and Monk a renowned composer, they should have no trouble keeping it professional on the set of the Harlem Renaissance film they’re working on…right? The raw emotion and desire that radiate from them both as they navigate their complicated past and undeniable present held us captive in the best possible way. Author Kennedy Ryan skillfully conjures the trepidation and anxiety that can’t help but come with a love this earthshaking. She also does a fantastic job of depicting Verity’s struggles with bipolar disorder, never shying away from the sometimes challenging reality it creates for her and those around her. This is a deliriously good love story.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The raw emotion that characterizes the best of bestseller Ryan's work is on full display in her masterful second Hollywood Renaissance romance (after Reel). It's centered around the production of the same biopic of fictional Harlem Renaissance artist Dessi Blue that was at the heart of book one, this time turning the focus onto screenwriter Verity Hill and composer Wright "Monk" Bellamy. Verity's thrilled to be combining her passions for storytelling and African American history while shining an honest light on the life of a woman who, like her, was bisexual. The one wrinkle is that she has to work with Monk, her college sweetheart whose heart she broke 10 years before. Their passion burned bright and flamed out disastrously, and Verity has never been able to forget Monk or forgive herself for betraying him. As they work together to bring Dessi's story to life, their old flame reignites, but Monk fears being burned again. Meanwhile, in therapy, Verity receives a diagnosis of bipolar disorder that reshapes the way she thinks about herself and her past choices. Ryan handles Verity's mental health with a sensitive and graceful touch as Verity works through the stigma she has internalized. Verity and Monk's sensual second chance romance is just as affecting, and the Hollywood backdrop adds allure, as does the vibrant history of the Harlem Renaissance. This is a triumph.
Customer Reviews
Enthralling
I loved this book and the character development. Kennedy Ryan weaves her stories to enable the reader to experience every emotion of the characters. I cried with them and I was so very concerned about their wellbeing. I cheered for them and reveled in their love. More importantly, I was able to glimpse at what my family member experiences as a woman living with bipolar disorder. Brava!
Once again!
Kennedy Ryan does it again!! this book is so powerful that I knew once I started it, I wouldn’t get any sleep. I absolutely love the story and the outcome.
Soooo Good!
Enthralling. This book sucked me in and mentally captured me until I finished the last page. This was so well-done and really opened my eyes to Bipolar disorder. I have friends and family living with the diagnosis and this book helped me understand it more. I’m grateful for this work and cannot wait for the next one!