Kennedy Ryan’s “Score” Is a Love Letter to Black Brilliance and ‘Radical Acceptance’ (Exclusive)

**Kennedy Ryan’s ‘Score’: A Deep Dive into Mental Health and Love in the Hollywood Renaissance**

The literary world is abuzz with the arrival of *Score*, the second book in Kennedy Ryan’s much-anticipated Hollywood Renaissance series. This new offering focuses on a rich tapestry of themes, including second-chance romance, mental health challenges, and the significant contributions of Black artists to American culture.

*Score* tells the story of Verity Hill and Wright “Monk” Bellamy, who reconnect after a tumultuous decade apart. The pair comes together to work on a biopic centred around the vibrant Harlem Renaissance. Verity, a distinguished screenwriter, is tasked with penning the film’s script, while Monk, a celebrated musician, is responsible for the musical score. However, as they delve into their professional project, they must also confront the echoes of their past.

Kennedy Ryan describes *Score* as a “highly intersectional story,” showcasing the complexities of Verity’s character. She is not only Black, but also bisexual and living with bipolar disorder. Ryan highlights that these characteristics evoke both vulnerability and resilience. “At each of those intersections, there’s vulnerability, but also strength,” she states. The author has long been an advocate for mental health awareness, and her experiences fuel her narrative choices.

In her mission to de-stigmatise discussions surrounding mental health, Ryan reflects on how this narrative is shaped by the experiences of people around her. “I have people in my life who were well into their 40s and 50s before receiving a bipolar diagnosis,” she shares. By illustrating the impact of late diagnoses and the power of mental health interventions through her characters, Ryan aims to shed light on these vital issues.

Describing her works as “Trojan horses,” Ryan cleverly integrates deeper subjects such as mental health awareness within the framework of romance and passion. In *Score*, she refers to it as “one of the spiciest books I’ve ever written”. The chemistry between Verity and Monk is portrayed authentically, highlighting the intense love and care that evolves between them after years of separation. Yet, Ryan is clear that the intimate scenes also carry their messages, tackling the effects of societal norms surrounding masculinity and relationships.

In her distinctive approach, Ryan carefully navigates the nuances of Verity’s bisexuality. Rather than sidelining her sexuality, she insists it remains integral to her character. “I wanted it to be very clear that this is someone who is attracted to women and that her attraction doesn’t disappear because she is with a man,” Ryan explains. This fresh perspective seeks to deepen understanding in the representation of bisexuality within literature.

Additionally, Ryan aims to shine a spotlight on Black contributions to American culture, especially through her characters’ involvement in a project about the Harlem Renaissance. “This era is a modern love story with a historical throughline,” she asserts, reminding readers of the abundance of artistic talent that emerged during that time. She sees this series as an opportunity to give a voice to the artists whose legacies have been “lost and erased,” emphasizing their invaluable impact on American culture.

For Ryan, the urgency to counteract the erasure of Black history in the arts is paramount. “I want my work to resist that. When you attempt to remove Black contributions, you unravel the entire fabric of American culture,” she explains. Her aspiration is for her readers to recognise these contributions while reflecting on their own experiences.

Early responses to *Score* have exceeded Ryan’s expectations. Readers have shared personal revelations about their own mental health journeys after engaging with Verity’s story. “I had people say they recognised patterns in their behaviour, prompting them to reach out for help,” she reveals.

As *Score* finds its audience, Ryan expresses a desire for increased compassion and understanding of those living with bipolar disorder. “I look forward to people experiencing a love story anchored in unconditional love, acceptance, and the understanding that everyone deserves to be loved,” she concludes.

*Score* is now available at major booksellers, promising a gripping blend of romance and the crucial illumination of mental health topics. With its compelling narrative and relatable characters, Kennedy Ryan’s latest work continues to break barriers, encouraging important conversations and fostering empathy among its readers.