Screwed

I couldn’t finish reading this book. Why do you people think you can mask bad writing with so many bad words and just plain filth?

Truly, the fake fiancé trope is always amazing, and Lili manages to pack in all the feels, ALL the laughs, and some suspense along the way! And if you haven't already, be sure to read the prequel, "10,000 Things I Hate About You."

Screwed is the 2nd installation of the V-Card Diaries series. Harlow and Derrick have had this loathing relationship since Harlow was rejected by him back when she was in High School and he was 26 years old. Back then, Derrick was protecting Harlow, but the rejection ruined her. Now all Harlow wants to do is find a man to punch her V-Card. Someone kind enough with no strings attached. Derrick has always had a thing for Harlow, but as the older brother of her best friend, it was always a no-no. Also, the fact that Harlow calls him Satan and basically sneers at him every time they meet, there is no way he could act on his feelings. That is until the right opportunity presents itself. When Harlow asks Derrick to pretend to be her fake boyfriend, Derrick plots to finally win Harlow's heart. Derrick and Harlow's banter is hot, fun, and sexy. They make such a great couple but Harlow's insecurities hold her back from experiencing all that wonderfulness. When Derrick finds the courage to finally lay it all on the line, will Harlow reciprocate the same feeling? Can they pull it off and make Harlow's family believe that they are together? Along the way, will the pretend become reality? What a great story! A must-read from the extraordinary Lili Valente.

Screwed is book two in Lili Valente’s A V-Card Diaries series. After finishing book one, I was anxiously waiting for Harlow and Derrick’s HEA story, and it was absolutely worth the wait. Their friends to lovers romance was everything I knew it would be, and Ms. Valente delivered their story beautifully, as she always does. Through all of their bickering, the connection between Harlow and Derrick was always and ever present. I really enjoyed the development of their friendship both in and out of the bedroom, and how protective he always was of her. I loved how their love finally shined through to Harlow crushing the protective walls she kept around her heart to let Derrick in. Screwed was such a fun and entertaining read; I didn’t want their story to end.

Screwed has two of my favorite tropes: enemies-to-lovers and fake engagement. This means there was plenty of flirty banter, swoony tensions, and lots of anticipation. Harlow and Derrick have a novella that really adds to the enjoyment of this story and explains why their relationship is so strained in the beginning. The thing is, neither one really hates the other. Quite the opposite. And hilarity ensues as they grow closer and try to clear up their age-old misunderstandings. This book is fun from start to finish and will have you laughing and swooning in equal measure.

I was thrilled to read Harlow and Derrick’s story after meeting them in Scored, her bff/his little sister’s story. In fact, Harlow at times stole the spotlight in that book from Evie. Who can resist bickering characters, because often underneath the rancor is much more personal feelings. And we get all those conflicting feelings when Derrick and Harlow are headed to the same resort for a bit of skiing on his part and a family reunion on hers. But it becomes a fake relationship to convince Harlow’s beloved grandmother that she doesn’t need to worry about Harlow. Lili Valente combined a bunch of tropes…not only virgin heroine but bff’s brother/sibling’s best friend, enemies to lovers and fake engagement…and crafted a funny, sexy read. Derrick is gruff and overprotective on the surface, but even I was surprised by the sensitive and mushy center in him. Harlow is bold but also has hidden depths that all come out when she’s with childhood nemesis Derrick. They were a great couple and their story was one that will stay with me long after I’ve moved on to other reads.

This is a little sister’s best friend virgin swoon worthy tale. It’s about trusting your heart and your instincts instead of relying only on fear and logic. Harlow is working on her master’s in accounting and living with her three best friends. She is rabidly opposed and afraid of falling for the wrong man whose love will destroy her dreams. Derrick works for the local professional hockey team and is the older brother of Harlow’s best friend. There was a cringe worthy interaction 6 years ago when Harlow asked Derrick to be her first and he told her no. Since then, they’ve been frenemies but when Harlow asks Derrick to be her fake fiancée to make her grandmother happy during a family reunion, their very real and sizzling chemistry makes the lines between fake and real get very blurry and things get complicated fast. The book has a little bit of everything - sweet moments, steamy scenes, strong friendships, supportive family, laughs, painful pasts, and all the heart squeezing love. Experiencing the journey of Derrick and Harlow as they fall in love and work through their individual issues gave me all the feels - you will laugh, cry, swoon, grind your teeth, cheer, and happy sigh. This story includes three dimensional characters who grow, witty dialogue, and an engaging storyline with light angst. I am excited to read what happens for the other two virgin roommates. I willingly reviewed an early copy of this book.