Screwed: A Sentient Object Romance

by C.D. Reiss

She handles her screwdriver every day, but she has no clue how much he likes it.
Yeah. There’s a real man in that tool, and he’s determined to break a curse for love.
Sophia’s a handy girl with a toolbox, a job using it, and a vibrating silicone toy that takes care of those other unmet needs. All that’s missing is a few grand for a new pickup truck to get her business running.
A new contracting job with Jaeger Duke, the slimy son of a politician, will get her the dollars, but she doesn’t realize how dangerous this dumb, coked-up, nepo-douche baby can be.
Fortunately, the guy cursed to live inside her screwdriver knows the deal and is willing to strip some threads to protect her.
Unfortunately, the woman he’s pining for only appreciates him for his flathead.
That’s when an itsy-bitsy spider that’s possessed by an ambitious demon drops by with a way to break the curse. Sophia has to grasp her screwdriver’s thicker side in a very intimate way before she and her entire toolbox get completely screwed.
——
If, when you finish this book, you ask yourself “What the heckiddy-heck did I just read?” then I have done my job.
If, despite this pertinent and valid question, you’re interested in watching this story turn Why Choose, stay tuned for three more novellas about Sophia and the rest of the toolbox crew.

Genres: Fantasy

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2025

About the author

CD Reiss is a New York Times bestselling author. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets.

Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.

She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.

If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.

***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***

Reviews

[warhawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Type: Standalone Book 1 of the series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
3.75 Stars



As a finishing contractor struggling to keep her business afloat, Julia took whatever jobs she could find. Her latest client promised a good payout, but she had no idea the potential danger she was walking into. Caspian Cavallo, a sentient screwdriver from her toolbox, took it as a personal mission to protect them both, no matter the consequences.



I appreciated that the plot had enough substance, but a few parts felt a bit all over the place. Both Julia and Caspian were amusing in their own ways, and I liked the supporting characters too.

If he’s hurt, I’m going to be mad at myself. He’s a screwdriver, and he may have a lifetime guarantee, but it’s my job to take care of him.

Screwed is a story of starting over. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a fun, quick, and smutty paranormal read.




🪛🔩🪛. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . 🪛🔩🪛


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[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Screwed is one of the best sentient romances I’ve read to date, and I’ve read a lot of them. Though it’s only 132 pages, CD Reiss delivers this story so well, unlike other sentimental romances I’ve read. The spice is there, it’s not all object x human—it’s a whole story, and it’s good.

[KelseyKJReadstheBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look I’m not a sentient object type of reader but for CD Reiss? I’ll read anything.

This book was so incredibly laugh out loud funny. I cannot believe CD Reiss has me over here sympathizing with a screwdriver. This whole book kind of felt like a middle finger to toxic masculinity and I loved every bit of it.

The icing on the cake is how this still ties into the Blood Bride universe without even feeling out of place. Let me be clear, these two book are vastly different, yet somehow this still works. I totally believed it.

I am VERY much looking forward to book two in the series! I can’t wait to see the drama unfold and ahem maybe some Blood Bride cameos????

[Anas Attic Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Screwed by CD Reiss
A Sentient Object Romance novella
I requested an early copy to review. This does not affect my rating. This post contains affiliate links.

I saw Screwed: A Sentient Object Romance in my feed and requested it immediately because it sounded like ridiculous fun. I’m not a regular CD Reiss reader since morally grey characters aren’t usually my thing, but I’ve known her for over 12 years, so I was excited to read something different and more playful from her.

Screwed wasn’t what I expected. I thought it would be completely over-the-top and absurd, but it surprised me. There was an actual plot—one I didn’t expect to get into as much as I did.

If you’ve read paranormal or fantasy romance before, this isn’t that far off. Sophia and her friend Tonya run a construction company that Sophia inherited from her father, along with all his old tools. Those tools mean a lot to her—not just because they were his, but because they’ve always felt right in her hands.

What she doesn’t know is that one of those tools, her screwdriver, used to be a man. Cursed by a demon, he’s been trapped in that form for years. When a bug-like demon tells him the only way to become human again is to get consent to be used as a sex toy, he does what he has to—mainly because he needs to warn Sophia that one of her clients is dangerous.

I had so much fun reading Screwed. It wasn’t as ridiculous as I expected, but it still made me smile. I think that’s because you can really feel how much fun CD Reiss had writing it. The story also had more depth than I anticipated, with a surprisingly twisty plot that even involved the mob. My favorite part was the tool's inner dialogue.

"Don’t make me chase. I like it too much.”
All I can think about is how hard she’s going to have to thrust me to cut past his eyelid to fully pierce the eye.
“Thanks. I’m so sorry. But really. I have to go.” 

There’s a staring contest. She puts her thumb right at the top of my handle. Good girl. That’ll keep the handle from slipping when my flathead hits the back wall of his eye socket.

The next book is Leveled. I can kind of wrap my head around a screwdriver handle being used as a toy, but a level? I can’t wait to see what CD does with that.

If you’re in the mood for something short, spicy, and totally unique—a romance with a talking tool (literally) that somehow works—Screwed by CD Reiss is the silly little escape you didn’t know you needed.
Rating: 4 Stars, 3.75 Heat 

Purchase Screwed: A Sentient Object Romance by C.D. Reiss
Kindle



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[CC · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75★



Running her own business as a finishing contractor, Julia accepts a risky job in order catch up on bills, but the scope of the project is more than she bargained. Caspian Cavallo is Julia’s sentient and handy screwdriver who will protect her at all costs.

“All I can worry about is what’s in front of me. One tool at a time.”

Narrated in dual POV, the sentient aspect is intriguing and it led to to mighty hot scenes between Caspian and Julia. As soon as I saw this book, I wanted to read it for the genre and author. With wit and a sense of humor, this book was thoroughly entertaining. Though I would have liked a bit more development about Caspian’s backstory. Overall, I am looking forward to reading the other books in this romance novella series.



*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*


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[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was fun! Look, he's a screwdriver, and loves how she uses him. There's a good plot to it and a story and feelings. But at the forefront of it all is a light and entertaining book about a girl and her tool.

[Balayageandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wild and crazy ride!

This was the first sentient object romance I’ve read that had me on the edge of my seat!

My thoughts:
-Despite the craziness that comes with sentient object romances this book had a pretty serious plot to go with it
-There of course is the unhinged aspect that this is in fact a cursed screwdriver/ tool box.
-I really loved the FMC and her backstory… she’s fierce and a total baddie
-The MMC/screwdriver , of course a total hottie and I love his internal monologue while he’s a screwdriver and when he’s not he’s even more entertaining and HOT!
-Yep I said it… the screwdriver is hot.
-And their chemistry… sheeewwww…it was HOT!
-Seriously though this was a great story and sets the stage for a great series!

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Screwed by C.D. Reiss to be a compelling and emotionally charged romance that kept me hooked throughout. Reiss has a talent for creating complex characters with deep emotional layers, and this book is no exception. The relationship between the protagonists is intense and raw, exploring themes of vulnerability, trust, and healing in a way that felt authentic and impactful.

What stood out to me was the balance between the steamy, passionate moments and the psychological depth that underpins the story. The characters’ struggles and growth made their connection feel real and earned, which added a lot of weight to the romance. The writing style is immersive and evocative, drawing me into the characters’ world and emotions.

While the story’s intensity and some of its darker themes might not be for everyone, I appreciated how those elements added complexity rather than just drama. The pacing was mostly well done, though a few sections felt a bit slower, but overall it didn’t detract from my enjoyment.

Overall, Screwed is a powerful, thought-provoking romance that I’d recommend to readers who appreciate emotionally deep and character-driven stories. It’s a solid 4-star read for me.

[Tiffany Readz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quirky and Cute!

Ooooookay, so this was something different. Very different, but I thought it was interesting for sure. As a fan of C.D. Reiss, it was fun to go on this journey with a girl and her screwdriver.

Sophia is tough, smart, and easy to root for. She doesn’t just take the situation at face value, she dives in, gets her hands dirty, and ends up forming this really intense bond with Caspian. The chemistry between them? Off the charts. I loved watching them try to navigate their weird magical situation while still dealing with all this simmering tension between them.

The story moves fast in the best way, it’s exciting, a little chaotic (in a fun way), and definitely spicy. I was honestly surprised by how invested I got in both the plot and the characters. I didn’t want to stop reading because I just had to know what would happen next. The slight political digs caught my eye for sure.

The book is well written and it’s a super entertaining read that blends fantasy, romance, and a totally original storyline. I’m looking forward to seeing what's in store for Sophia, Caspian and the rest of the "tools".

Review for Renee Entress’s Blog

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.

Sophia is a handy lady. Literally. She and her best friend Tonya own there own construction company. I loved that so much!!! You go girls!!! They are really good at what they do and work really hard at it. When her father passed away Sophia took over his part of the business, but she also inherited his toolbox. She uses them daily on her job sites and feels closer to him. However, when a job working at the psycho creep Jaeger Duke's house brings her closer to her screwdriver. When she saw the fly talking to Caspian she didn't know what the heck was going on. But, she is about to. I don't know that I need to tell you anything more than that. I know it sounds super odd and you might go what the heck am I reading a few times. But, that's ok. This book was so much fun to read. I loved the concept and I am so excited to get the other stories of the tools in her box. You do not want to miss this book. You will not be able to lay it down.

[Sarah Slusarczyk · Rating 3 out of 5]

🪛🪛🪛 What did I just read?

Have you ever read a book that just has you going…”well hummm that was something different?” If you haven't, and are looking for something with that vibe, look no further than Screwed by CD Reiss. You’re guaranteed a good laugh with this novella, 132 pages of giggles and laughs that is for sure. Who needs a man when you have a screwdriver…a sentient screwdriver…that’s right, no you didn’t read that wrong.

Sophia is a handy woman, she owns a construction company with her bestie, and they do what they do best, fix things. When her dad passes, and she takes over his part of their business, she also gets his toolbox, that’s when things start to get interesting. No spoilers, mainly because the book is so short, but give it a go for something funny for those that like the author.

3.5 ⭐️
1 🌶️

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia and her best friend Tonya own a construction company. She has a deep connection to some of her tools as she inherited them from her dad. There is one way that Julia finds herself consistently dealing with who wants her for more than her construction skills even though she only sees him as an entitled man who will do whatever is necessary to get what he wants.

Due to an incident in the past Caspian is no longer the man he was but has been transformed into a screwdriver. He wants a future with her but that means she will have to understand that he is much more than a screwdriver as he tries to protect her from a threat she doesn’t know is coming.

This was such a unique story that brings all the heat and humor. Not only does it give us a happy for now but it also leaves us wondering what the future will hold for everyone involved.

[Marie Meow Meow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Beg by this author back in 2013, 2014, something like that. I've read everything she's released since then. She has a remarkable way to grab you and make you want to read her words and know her characters.

Even in a "silly little story" like Screwed. I was so invested in Sofia and Caspian and their taboo sex life and what was going to happen to him and the rest of the tools.

I really like the main characters. Sofia, Caspian, Tonya, Dan. And the tools will hopefully be getting stories soon. I really hope CD Reiss continues this fun little series about tough ladies and their sentient toolboxes.

So, on an unrelated note, I just remembered that I have a leaky faucet myself. I wonder if anyone is trapped in my screwdrivers? I better check. Better safe than sorry!

[kgagnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the synopsis for Screwed, I couldn't wait to see where this story would take me! I should never question this author because I always enjoy the captivating stories she weaves as she challenges my imagination. This was a fun, thrilling and steamy story about a cursed set of tools and the woman who wields them. Caspian and his men have been cursed to live as tools. They have a chance to break that spell but they need to save their handler, Sophia first. I became so invested in Sophia, Caspian, and this wild and steamy story, that I couldn't put it down. I am excited to find out more about these intriguing characters and how Sophia uses her tools next!

[Karen_Lee_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Screwed: A Sentient Object Romance
by C.D. Reiss

She handles her screwdriver every day but she has no clue how much he likes it

All I had to do was read that first line and I was 100% into Screwed! OK, maybe 200% into Screwed because frankly I will read anything written by this author.

Sophia and her bff Tonya own their own female run construction company. They work hard and they are good at what they do. Sophia took over the business when her father passed and the one thing that would always keep them close was the fact she inherited many of the items that she uses daily well on jobs. You know screw drivers, hammer, levels, and chisels that kind of thing. It was Sophia accidently leaving her screw driver at her last job that brought them closer together.

No, not closer with that creep Jaeger Duke, but her beloved screw driver the sentient object that the fly was talking to…and using the name Caspian. Now we’ve come to the real story! The part that starts around the 67% of the story!

Ok maybe not, but seriously I was already going to read this story but I could not put it down! Ha, you say….well listen….Italian’s I say, working on the dock I say, a lost crate, a talking rat, a demon spider and a talking fly and then the name “Carmine Montefiore” and that gentle readers is when I hunkered down and was waiting for the meat of the story to come out….Caspian, Tony, Giancarlo and Enzo….four tools (I don’t really mean that guys so forgive me) and a kid who looks like he is older than dirt and a knife that people have been looking for; for a very very long time.

Now that is only one part of this story, because there are things that happen and not by magic, but possibly by a curse…..and that was when I realized I was talking to the book!

A handsome screw driver (now a man) named Caspian and Sophia and Tonya with a possible sidekick named Dan are at the beginning of what could be a wonderful series and we are all at the whim of Author C.D. Reiss’s machinations.

So, read Screwed and then make sure you preorder Leveled! In the meantime, I need to go read part two of a Mafia Vampire story….it just happens to be written by this author!

[Mary (Marysnoveljourney) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

💙novella
💙sentient object romance
💙mafia themes
💙first in series

Ok! This was an interesting read. I…I’m stumbling here writing the review. The writing was great, I’d absolutely read this author again. It was a fun, short read and yeah….the screwdriver and her really do…ahem…everything together. But there is actually a good plot line and even a kind of cliffhanger ending (although the ending had me laughing). I mean…I’m sorry but all of them? Hahaha. Can’t wait for the next book!

Thank you to C.D. Reiss and Candy Kane PR for the ARC of this book.

[Maria Angie Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the little romance that could!
Look, this author is a master wordsmith who can easily create compelling stories, that leave you wanting more.

So… in this case our main character is a screwdriver, and what an intriguing and likable character it was.

Oh, there are metaphors galore, but my lips are sealed and you really need to meet Sophia who has a box full of tools and the screwdriver plays a significant role!
Sexy, smart and brimming clever hilarious puns, this book is just what the doctor ordered and I cannot wait to discover what else is in the toolbox!

[Sharon in SF · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally thought this book was going to be a paranormal rom com. It kind of started that way, until the villain, Jaegar Duke appeared and posed a threat to our FMC, Julia. We learn how our MMC, Caspian, ended up trapped as a screwdriver, and what has to happen in order to free him. There's also a tie-in to this author's Immortal Empire series which makes it even more exciting to read!
To enjoy a book like this, one has to keep an open mind, suspend belief, and be entertained by the way story play out!

[beej · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me preface this review by saying that I'll try anything at least once... and here we are. I don't know what to say about this book. At first, it was too weird. I kept thinking, "but why?" By the middle, I was hooked and ended up staying up past midnight to finish it. So, I will tell you that it's weird. Period. It's weird. Buuuut, I will also tell you that Christine is really good at "weird." So, I'll give it four stars and just say that this is probably my first and last in this particular category.

[Nolagirl29 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the heck did I just read?! LOL!

This was such a unique romance! It was about a handy girl and a cursed sentient object. It was a quick, sexy, steamy read with a bit of danger, dark magic, action, mystery, and a twist.

I loved every minute of it!!! It was a quick read with a great, entertaining plot that kept me turning the pages as fast as possible. It was over way too soon, and I am seriously hoping there's more of this story coming!

[RubiesReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I unashamedly devoured this. I bought this as soon as it released yesterday and ate it up. Is it ridiculous? Absolutely! In the best way possible. I cannot wait to properly meet the other tools.
My eyes are still on Dan and I really hope this ends with the Dukes ending. I am looking forward to when Tonya realizes everything is real as well. Pick this up for sure if it’s something you’re even slightly interested in.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophia is fierce and sassy, and with her best friend she owns a construction company, using the treasured toolbox which is hers after her dad passes. The MMC becomes the screwdriver, and his inner monologue is good.
This is a good story, which has family, friendships, emotions, drama, humor, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an enjoyable, light-hearted, and fin page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 star

This book was not what I was expecting! I have read a lot of CD’s books and love her writing style so, when I was asked to review this one, I just went with it.

However, to my surprise, things happen with a screwdriver and a curse which I’m even more flabbergasted to say… I’M HERE FOR IT!

I need more of Julia and Caspian! Give me book two now!! This is a quick fun read though! Give it a chance — you’ll love it!

Review by Angie

[Cece · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would call this book an experiment on taking an innovative approach to romance - it had a love interest -albeit unconventional, mystery, a demon, a curse and oh throw in some mafia? It had some fun parts, so could have more stars based on the way the author set the story up and made it plausible novella-style, but it was just too weird. The book was written for the story to continue in a series, and the way this one ended was eye-rollingly ridiculous.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this novella. I finished her recent mafia series including Deep Thrall and I really enjoyed the connections she made in “Screwed” to that series. I went into this book with an open mind, knowing it was going to have a unique premise, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Idk about the negative reviews and what they were expecting, but as a fan of C.D Reiss I was not disappointed. I already pre-ordered the next book in the series.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed CD Reiss for years, so of course I'm going to read what she writes. Then I was like... what am I reading!?! I kept going and was completely drawn in with the storyline. It's a good one. I'm not a huge fan of ... fantasy??? Is this fantasy? Anyway, I devoured it. We get a HFN and cliffhanger. CD Reiss, I definitely want the next book pllleeeeasse!

[Denise Longden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was certainly interesting. Sophia is a contractor so her tools are important to her work. But I would not have thought to use a screwdriver for pleasure. As weird as that sounds, I loved this story. Sophia is bada** and takes a job, not knowing it was for Jaeger Duke, a sleaze ball that has other plans for Sophia and her co-worker. Can't wait for the next novellas and more tools.

[Ashley Herndon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Was not prepared for this tale!

In typical Cd fashion her writing sucked me right in. Even with the different aspect of this story!

Excellent writing.
Unique take on love!
You’ll end saying what in the world is I just read.

Go in blind. You’ll be better for it!

Completely recommend.

[Shel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique, fun and quirky!

This is a wide turn for CD Riess but it is so fun. Of course there is a mafia (not mafia) aspect to it. A duo of handy ladies just working away and unaware of the secrets kept from them by an associate and the mystery of some very special tools.

The story is a fresh take on curses, sorta shifters and the 'family '. Fun and sexy!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not stand there and tell me you “rEaD aLl gEnReS oF rOmAnCe” but then shame those of us who read sentient object romance. I will die on this hill!

This was a freaking delight! CD Reiss I love your brain & can’t wait for more from this series! Yes, that does mean this ends on a “gentle cliffhanger.”