Love stories and recommendations
Notes on Kennedy Ryan's latest novel, Score, other love stories and recommendations.
Hi friends —
The holiday weekend was perfect. I spent the weekend napping, reading, and playing around with coffee since I got a new Nespresso machine. While quite an impulsive purchase, it was fun playing around with flavors to get the perfect cup.
On the reading front, I finally got to Kennedy Ryan's new novel, Score, and I loved it. It’s a second-chance romance between Verity Hill and Wright “Monk” Bellamy, two people who dated in college and never quite got over each other. More than a decade later, they’re commissioned to work together on a Harlem Renaissance biopic, the kind of project that could change everything for both of them. The question is whether they can put the past behind them for the sake of the film... and maybe for something more.
When I say I was kicking my feet and smiling while reading, that could be an understatement because I know I was doing the most. Kennedy has a way with words and crafts stories with complex themes woven within. Not only did I enjoy the characters and the story, but I also felt like I learned something about people and mental health.
Nonetheless, it was a great read, which made me think of a newsletter edition I wrote a few months ago about love deserving its soundtrack. In that piece, I wrote about the evolution of how Black people show up in romance novels, as well as the evolution of soul music, which was a beautiful element of Kennedy’s new book.
So instead of rewriting something with similar sentiments, I wanted to reshare that piece this week:
Love Deserves Its Soundtrack
Last week, I finished reading With Love from Harlem by ReShonda Tate in under 24 hours because I could not put the book down.
The book follows acclaimed pianist Hazel Scott, once the most famous Black female entertainer in America. While it introduced me to Hazel and her friendships with other entertainers like Billie Holiday, Quincy Jones, and James Baldwin, it also introduced me to her love story with politician Adam Clayton Powell Jr., who became her husband. Tate shows the full scope of their relationship, from the beginning to the grand gestures to the demise. We also see Hazel with other men and witness Billie Holiday make poor decisions, all in the search for love.
Reading that book, coupled with it being Black History Month and Valentine’s Day coming up, I’ve had romance stuck on my mind. Specifically, the evolution of how Black people show up in romance novels, as well as the evolution in soul music. For me, there’s a natural parallel between the two because when I read romance books, I naturally score the scenes in my head, and also, both romance writing and music have evolved in tandem, tracking the same shifts in how we talk about love, desire, and connection.
In addition, here are a few things I thought were worth sharing this week:
🎧 Kennedy Ryan curated a playlist for Score, which you can find the songs here.
🔗 Also, if you have not, be sure to read her interview in The New York Times.
🔗 One of the people I miss the most, Barack Obama, on honoring the music that made us for Rolling Stone.
🎧 I have a literary crush on Jason Reynolds, so naturally I enjoyed his interview on Nina Westbrook’s Do Tell Relationship podcast.
🔗 I did both giggle and make a note at Bow Wow getting a Tiny Desk during Black Music Month.
🎧 If you haven’t yet, listen to my conversation with Carlie of She’s Becoming Bookish.
Also, I was on my friend Bookwild’s podcast discussing Patmeena Sabit’s debut novel, Good People. If you haven’t read the book, please do. In addition, please watch/listen to our conversation.
yesss, I can't wait to read the new Kennedy Ryan - she is so so so good.
I love the ups and downs of a good love story!! Nothing quite beats it!