Elle Kennedy The Score interview: Her Favorite Scene to Write
A 2016 Elle Kennedy The Score interview where she talks about Dean, Allie, and the Off Campus series she had no idea would end up on Amazon Prime. Her favorite scene to write and why she loves new adult.
This interview with Elle Kennedy was originally published in January 2016, when The Score was first released. With the Off Campus series coming to Amazon Prime on May 13, 2026, we’re bringing it back because hearing Elle talk about Dean Di Laurentis in 2016 is even more fun now. Definitely one of our must read authors. Nothing has been changed except the formatting. I hope you enjoy this Elle Kennedy The Score interview that gives a small behind the scenes look at her writing. Let’s get into it.
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About The Score
The Score is the third book in Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series, following hockey star Dean Di Laurentis and Allie Hayes. It was originally published January 11, 2016, and remains one of the most emotionally intense entries in the series, and the one our readers most consistently flag as their favorite hero in the series. Same, girls! Same.
If you’re coming here from the Amazon Prime show and figuring out where The Score fits, it’s book three. Here’s the complete Off Campus reading order and series guide so you don’t accidentally land somewhere without context.
Elle Kennedy The Score Interview
I’ve been working with Elle Kennedy since before the Off Campus series existed, we had an established relationship through her earlier romantic suspense work, which I absolutely love and is how I ended up with an early copy of The Deal. By the time The Score came out, this series had already become something none of us fully anticipated. The interview below was conducted at original publication. I’ve left it exactly as it ran.
Before we get into it, here’s my full review of The Score if you want my take alongside Elle’s.
Welcome back to UTC, Elle. Let’s get straight into it and talk about your newest release, THE SCORE, because we are dying to know more. If you had to describe Dean and Allie in 3 words each what would they be?
Dean: Sexy, irresistible, confident
Allie: Feisty, strong, hilarious
What was the biggest obstacle you encountered when writing about “rebounds”?
Actually, I didn’t have many obstacles with the rebound aspect of the story. Allie has just gotten out of a long-term relationship at the beginning of this book. To me, it made sense that she would jump into a casual-only rebound right after the breakup, since she never got the chance to really let loose before this point.
Do you have a particular scene you had the most fun writing that you can talk about without getting too spoilery?
Oh gosh. I have so many favorite scenes! But since I don’t want to give away any spoilers, I’m going to pick the morning after scene. I had so much fun having Allie wake up in bed with a very sexy, very naked Dean. I loved writing her horror when she realizes she slept with a guy who has always annoyed her so damn much!
What is it about the New Adult genre that speaks to you?
There’s a freedom that comes with the genre. I feel like the characters are allowed to make more mistakes because they’re younger than other protagonists. They’re still learning and growing, so every time they screw up, I don’t need to immediately justify why or find a way for them to apologize for it. It’s fun to watch them navigate in this not-quite-adult stage of their lives.
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You know we already want more! Can you give us a hint at who will be getting a book next? Or how many books do you have planned in the series?
I’m hoping to release THE GOAL (Book 4) in September 2016, but I’m going to keep the couple a secret for now! Though I’m sure you’ll be able to figure it out after reading THE SCORE.
When you’re not busy writing, what would we most likely find you doing?
Going on adventures with my dog. Gardening. Marathoning TV shows. Traveling. And reading—lots and lots of reading!
What’s coming next from Elle Kennedy?
Midnight Revenge (Killer Instincts Book #7) releases in February, and I’m so excited about this book! The hero is tortured and alpha and just delicious. And the second book in the Outlaws series (Addicted) releases in June—it’s super hot and sexy!
Editor’s note, May 2026: The Goal released September 2016 and Tucker became an immediate fan favorite. The Killer Instincts and Outlaws series Elle mentions here are both now complete. And that Amazon Prime show she had no idea was coming? Out May 13, 2026.
About Elle Kennedy
Elle Kennedy is the author of the Off Campus, Briar U, and Campus Diaries series, with millions of copies sold worldwide. What started as her first self-published project in 2015, a college hockey romance that felt like a genuine departure from her romantic suspense roots, became one of the most beloved series in new adult romance. The Off Campus series is being adapted for Amazon Prime, premiering May 13, 2026.
Read the Full Off Campus Series
If this interview sent you straight to your one-click buy button, good. That’s the correct response to Dean Di Laurentis.
The Score is book three in a five-book series that spans three connected series and one standalone before it’s done with you. If you want the complete Briar world reading order, spicy chapters for every book, and my honest take on where to start, the complete Off Campus series reading order and series guide has everything in one place.
The Amazon Prime adaptation premieres May 13, 2026. You have time to read all of them first. Probably.
Final Thoughts
If you’re here because the show brought you to the series for the first time, welcome. You have an embarrassment of reading ahead of you and I am genuinely envious of you for getting to experience it fresh. Start with The Deal. Clear your schedule. You’ll understand the rest when you get there.
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