The Score Audiobook – Off-Campus, Book 3

I pressed play on The Score while curled up in my favorite chair, a rainy Portland afternoon painting the windows with watercolor streaks—a fitting backdrop for a story so alive with longing, uncertainty, and second chances. As someone who’s faced crossroads of the heart (and mind) more than once, Allie Hayes’ emotional tug-of-war felt both achingly familiar and refreshingly honest.

Elle Kennedy draws you right into Off-Campus life: friendships pulsing in group texts, impromptu hockey games echoing through chilly halls, that simultaneous sense of belonging and not knowing where you’ll land next. Allie’s struggles—facing graduation without a roadmap and grappling with the aftershocks of heartbreak—reminded me of my own fumbling post-college years when every choice seemed to weigh twice as much.

But what swept me up most was how deftly Kennedy balances the bright sparks of humor and heat with real vulnerability. Dean Di Laurentis is more than just your classic “player”—yes, he’s cocky (sometimes hilariously so), but beneath those smooth lines is an earnestness that slowly emerges through his interactions with Allie. Their chemistry leaps off the audio—from flirty banter to raw confessions—and their evolving dynamic is packed with charm and complexity.

Savannah Peachwood and Andrew Eiden narrate in tandem, which truly sets this audiobook apart from its predecessors. Savannah captures Allie’s blend of resilience and hesitation so beautifully; her voice shakes when it should shake, laughs when laughter sneaks up unexpectedly. Meanwhile, Andrew gives Dean depth beyond his confident exterior—the subtle shifts as bravado cracks into something gentler are especially well done. Switching between their perspectives keeps the pacing fresh and lets us slip effortlessly into each character’s headspace.

What I loved most about The Score was how real it made messy feelings seem: wanting comfort but craving independence; fearing loneliness yet resisting easy connection; daring yourself to love again even if it means risking another bruise to your heart. These are themes I’ve lived—especially those moments where wild decisions feel both exhilarating and terrifying (and sometimes necessary).

If I have one quibble, it’s that some secondary plotlines take backseat to the main romance—I’d have liked just a little more time spent on Allie’s ambitions outside her relationships or seeing deeper consequences ripple among their circle of friends. Still, that’s a minor note against all that works here.

In sum: If you’re seeking smart banter wrapped around swoon-worthy romance—with layered narration bringing every emotion vividly to life—The Score deserves your ears (and your heart). It left me nostalgic for my own “what now?” days…and grateful for every unexpected turn they brought.