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My Anti-Valentine
After a brunch with my best friends, I usually spend February 14th watching horror movies because Valentine’s Day is not a real holiday. It’s a corporate scheme that was designed to monetize fake romance. It’s a capitalistic scam to profit off performative love.
This year, I agreed to be Emmanuel’s date to his cousin’s wedding because we’re friends and he needed me. But attending a Valentine’s Day wedding was high on the list of things I didn’t want to do.
He wasn’t my Valentine.
He was my anti-Valentine.
And as it turned out, an anti-Valentine was exactly what I needed.
This year, I agreed to be Emmanuel’s date to his cousin’s wedding because we’re friends and he needed me. But attending a Valentine’s Day wedding was high on the list of things I didn’t want to do.
He wasn’t my Valentine.
He was my anti-Valentine.
And as it turned out, an anti-Valentine was exactly what I needed.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2021
11 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 26, 2022
“I was there when he got married. He was there when I lost my mother. I was there when he got divorced. He was there when I got engaged. I was there when he got promoted. He was there when my engagement fell apart. We always showed up for each other—“
Alyssa and Manny were omg chefs kiss with some serious hotness!! I love when best friends show up for each other even if it means faking a relationship. Sometimes that’s the key to turn the lock on love that you didn’t know existed. That’s exactly what happened in this story! I loved it so freakin much!
I love what Manny said to his bitchy ex.
“When you know better, you do better.” He bent down and kissed my forehead. “And I’m doing way better.”
All the feelsssss✨
Alyssa and Manny were omg chefs kiss with some serious hotness!! I love when best friends show up for each other even if it means faking a relationship. Sometimes that’s the key to turn the lock on love that you didn’t know existed. That’s exactly what happened in this story! I loved it so freakin much!
I love what Manny said to his bitchy ex.
“When you know better, you do better.” He bent down and kissed my forehead. “And I’m doing way better.”
All the feelsssss✨
April 10, 2023
This was a fun & spicy pallet cleansing friends to lovers novella.
February 12, 2021
Queen of shorts
I love Danielle Allen books especially her shorts. She’s knows how to give just enough without wanting more. I loved the storyline and how she put a spin on Valentine’s Day.
I love Danielle Allen books especially her shorts. She’s knows how to give just enough without wanting more. I loved the storyline and how she put a spin on Valentine’s Day.
February 22, 2021
I like you.
Alyssa and Manny.... Scorching and fun. The plot is what did it for me and the ex reaction. It’s all fun and games until it ain’t anymore. This book was hilariously sexy.
Alyssa and Manny.... Scorching and fun. The plot is what did it for me and the ex reaction. It’s all fun and games until it ain’t anymore. This book was hilariously sexy.
March 12, 2024
Another hot, well written novella written by one of my favorite writers of the genre.
February 18, 2021
I’m not a big fan of Valentine’s Day so this book was right up my alley. As usual Danielle Allen didn’t disappoint. My only complaint that this story wasn’t long enough. I do hope we get a full length novel with Alyssa and Emmanuel in the future. They had fun banter, good communication skills and smoking hot chemistry.
February 16, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 / 🌶️🌶️
Tropes: friends to lovers/ fake dating
TW/CW: fatphobia
Representation: black romance
Favorite quote: “She’s so beautiful that she makes me look good,” he said. “Sometimes I just can’t stop staring at her.” His fingers danced across my shoulder, sending a chill through me. The sensation caught me off guard.”
Thoughts: Y’all know i love a good friends to lovers/ fake dating romance! Off Rip you could tell that Alyssa and Emmanuel had feelings for each other idk who they was trying to fool. This story was so cute and these two has some bomb ass chemistry! And the way that the ex girlfriend was loosing her shit over these two being together!? made it even better! The spice was immaculate as well! chileeee
Tropes: friends to lovers/ fake dating
TW/CW: fatphobia
Representation: black romance
Favorite quote: “She’s so beautiful that she makes me look good,” he said. “Sometimes I just can’t stop staring at her.” His fingers danced across my shoulder, sending a chill through me. The sensation caught me off guard.”
Thoughts: Y’all know i love a good friends to lovers/ fake dating romance! Off Rip you could tell that Alyssa and Emmanuel had feelings for each other idk who they was trying to fool. This story was so cute and these two has some bomb ass chemistry! And the way that the ex girlfriend was loosing her shit over these two being together!? made it even better! The spice was immaculate as well! chileeee
February 12, 2021
I am gonna start Anti- Love Day
If I end up with a sweet Emmanuel, I need an anti love day and get a sweetheart of a gift like Alyssa received. The story was short, but it had enough to satisfy, with an insightful, beautifully told tale about friends becoming lovers.
If I end up with a sweet Emmanuel, I need an anti love day and get a sweetheart of a gift like Alyssa received. The story was short, but it had enough to satisfy, with an insightful, beautifully told tale about friends becoming lovers.
February 13, 2021
More than friends...
I enjoyed this quick Anti-Valentine story..😂🤣. The storyline was cute and sweet. If you looking for a cute friends to lovers, check this one out. 😍
I enjoyed this quick Anti-Valentine story..😂🤣. The storyline was cute and sweet. If you looking for a cute friends to lovers, check this one out. 😍
February 13, 2021
4.5 stars
Darn!!! If the way this was written is how this author normally writes then I'm a fan!
This was funny and steamy and *fans self* amazing!
I love both mcs they were perfect for each other. Their personalities complement perfectly without out shinning each other.
This was amazing!
Darn!!! If the way this was written is how this author normally writes then I'm a fan!
This was funny and steamy and *fans self* amazing!
I love both mcs they were perfect for each other. Their personalities complement perfectly without out shinning each other.
This was amazing!
July 11, 2022
A great novella, amazing little palate cleanser. Emmanuel and Alyssa were super cute together. I love black people!!!
March 10, 2021
Friends to Lovers Guru
This author knows how to craft friends to lovers genre flawlessly even in this short. Loved the character development and the pacing of the story as well as the chemistry between the two leads. I enjoyed this short and the collaboration with her, Bailey West and Te Russ. This was a good way to celebrate Valentine's Day.
This author knows how to craft friends to lovers genre flawlessly even in this short. Loved the character development and the pacing of the story as well as the chemistry between the two leads. I enjoyed this short and the collaboration with her, Bailey West and Te Russ. This was a good way to celebrate Valentine's Day.
December 27, 2023
Alyssa hates Valentines. She thinks that it is a marketing ploy that companies created to sell chocolates and and and. Her reasoning is so funny because it is literally the very same one every person who hates Valentines uses---that love should be expressed every day and not just on this particular one, like we’re not humans. It’s cute. Her best Valentines are spent watching horror movies at home in her PJs, so it is huge for her that she agreed to accompany her friend, Emmanuel, as his date for his cousin’s wedding. It says a lot.
What starts off as an innocent date to a wedding quickly turns into a game of fake dating when Emmanuel receives a text message from his ex-wife, Nicole, telling him not to hold his breath if he is thinking of getting back together with him. From the text, the exchanges and the way other people perceive her, Nicole is a bitch. It is because of this that Alyssa agrees to pretend to be Emmanuel’s girlfriend to knock Nicole off her delulu pedestal and bring her back to Earth, esp since everything she does sends Emmauel up the wall and Alyssa cannot have that.
Before the night is over, lines will the blurred, feelings unearthed and what was meant to be pretending actually turns out to be real feelings. My Anti-Valentine is rich in characterisation, heat and the kind of setting you would want to find yourself in even if you’re a person who hates Valentine’s. Emmanuel and Alyssa will have you wanting to call that friend you’ve always been in love with and checking if they want to come with you to a Valentine’s-themed wedding.
I really enjoyed the story, loved the characters, and the stakes. The writing could use some work though.
What starts off as an innocent date to a wedding quickly turns into a game of fake dating when Emmanuel receives a text message from his ex-wife, Nicole, telling him not to hold his breath if he is thinking of getting back together with him. From the text, the exchanges and the way other people perceive her, Nicole is a bitch. It is because of this that Alyssa agrees to pretend to be Emmanuel’s girlfriend to knock Nicole off her delulu pedestal and bring her back to Earth, esp since everything she does sends Emmauel up the wall and Alyssa cannot have that.
Before the night is over, lines will the blurred, feelings unearthed and what was meant to be pretending actually turns out to be real feelings. My Anti-Valentine is rich in characterisation, heat and the kind of setting you would want to find yourself in even if you’re a person who hates Valentine’s. Emmanuel and Alyssa will have you wanting to call that friend you’ve always been in love with and checking if they want to come with you to a Valentine’s-themed wedding.
I really enjoyed the story, loved the characters, and the stakes. The writing could use some work though.
February 14, 2021
Best Friends make Great Lovers
First let me say, more Alyssa and Manny please. Their chemistry as friends is off the chart so transitioning to lovers would be seem less. They are definitely each others second chance. When the Anti-Valentine Alyssa goes to meet her best friend Emmanuel "Manny" Asante to accompany him to his cousins wedding, it's just one of the things they do for each other. 12 years they've been best friends. They've been through death, engagement endings, marriages, divorces, promotions, and new businesses. They love each other unconditionally. Manny gets a call from his ex-wife, but he doesn't answer because she's self-centered and thinks the world revolves around her. She started a rumor that Manny isn't over her, he wants her, and that's why he is still single. Alyssa can't stand to see Manny in this situation so she makes a plan to show everyone they're in a relationship and really sell it. Everyone believes it, but Manny and Alyssa start feeling it too. Will this hurt their relationship or will it turn into something else unexpected and beautiful?
*Friends to Lovers
*5/5
*🔥🔥🔥🔥
First let me say, more Alyssa and Manny please. Their chemistry as friends is off the chart so transitioning to lovers would be seem less. They are definitely each others second chance. When the Anti-Valentine Alyssa goes to meet her best friend Emmanuel "Manny" Asante to accompany him to his cousins wedding, it's just one of the things they do for each other. 12 years they've been best friends. They've been through death, engagement endings, marriages, divorces, promotions, and new businesses. They love each other unconditionally. Manny gets a call from his ex-wife, but he doesn't answer because she's self-centered and thinks the world revolves around her. She started a rumor that Manny isn't over her, he wants her, and that's why he is still single. Alyssa can't stand to see Manny in this situation so she makes a plan to show everyone they're in a relationship and really sell it. Everyone believes it, but Manny and Alyssa start feeling it too. Will this hurt their relationship or will it turn into something else unexpected and beautiful?
*Friends to Lovers
*5/5
*🔥🔥🔥🔥
February 14, 2021
I am so feeling the anti-valentine vibe, that I may never celebrate Valentine's Day again! Especially if it gets results like this! 😂 Love your friends to lovers reads! This one was no exception! Learning of all that Emmanuel and Alyssa had been through together, I could tell that they would be perfect for each other given the right opportunity. Cue Valentine's Day wedding. I so admired Alyssa for wanting to help Emmanuel out, by not falling into the trap of his evil ex. But honey, that pretending lasted about a microsecond! These two were MEANT TO BE! After that first gaze, and intimate touch, they were both goners! My heart just about exploded when Manny told Alyssa, "I'm going to make you love me" ❤😍 I so hope that we see more of them, as they were so much fun and too damn cute!
Great read! 👍👍👍
Great read! 👍👍👍
February 26, 2021
This was a cute friends to lovers short💕
Okay Queen Danielle did an amazing job with this Anti-Valentine friends to lovers short. This was my first read my this beauty and she did not disappoint.
Manny & Alyssa were definitely besties who had feelings for each other that didn't come to the forefront until the pretended to be a couple to save face with his delusional ex-wife Erica. The back story that was given regarding the ending of her engagement and the dissolution of his marriage had me wishing they'd hook up fr. These two kept ma laughing, had he all in love and horny😂.
That dang ex-wife gave being delusional a new meaning. Like sis ain't talked to him, but went out of her way to down talk him to any and everybody🙄.
This was the perfect friends to lovers short and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this beauty.
Okay Queen Danielle did an amazing job with this Anti-Valentine friends to lovers short. This was my first read my this beauty and she did not disappoint.
Manny & Alyssa were definitely besties who had feelings for each other that didn't come to the forefront until the pretended to be a couple to save face with his delusional ex-wife Erica. The back story that was given regarding the ending of her engagement and the dissolution of his marriage had me wishing they'd hook up fr. These two kept ma laughing, had he all in love and horny😂.
That dang ex-wife gave being delusional a new meaning. Like sis ain't talked to him, but went out of her way to down talk him to any and everybody🙄.
This was the perfect friends to lovers short and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this beauty.
Want to read
February 12, 2021Copied from another site. Description:
After a brunch with my best friends, I usually spend February 14th watching horror movies because Valentine’s Day is not a real holiday. It’s a corporate scheme that was designed to monetize fake romance. It’s a capitalistic scam to profit off performative love.
This year, I agreed to be Emmanuel’s date to his cousin’s wedding because we’re friends and he needed me. But attending a Valentine’s Day wedding was high on the list of things I didn’t want to do.
He wasn’t my Valentine.
He was my anti-Valentine.
And as it turned out, an anti-Valentine was exactly what I needed.
After a brunch with my best friends, I usually spend February 14th watching horror movies because Valentine’s Day is not a real holiday. It’s a corporate scheme that was designed to monetize fake romance. It’s a capitalistic scam to profit off performative love.
This year, I agreed to be Emmanuel’s date to his cousin’s wedding because we’re friends and he needed me. But attending a Valentine’s Day wedding was high on the list of things I didn’t want to do.
He wasn’t my Valentine.
He was my anti-Valentine.
And as it turned out, an anti-Valentine was exactly what I needed.
February 16, 2021
My Anti-Valentine
By Danielle Allen
You know what I feel this author has truly MASTERED? The way she brings her characters to human form. When reading, you feel like you're in the room with them. The visual is so clear and freaking crisp. I don't know how she does that but I hope she never stops because that surely made her one of favorites.
Alyssa and Emmanuel, I loved these two, their connection was everything, hands down! Baby all that game playing put a fire under their azz😂. That "Friends to Lovers" is a beast, it'll get you everytime! Ain't no Anti-Valentine no more bihhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
By Danielle Allen
You know what I feel this author has truly MASTERED? The way she brings her characters to human form. When reading, you feel like you're in the room with them. The visual is so clear and freaking crisp. I don't know how she does that but I hope she never stops because that surely made her one of favorites.
Alyssa and Emmanuel, I loved these two, their connection was everything, hands down! Baby all that game playing put a fire under their azz😂. That "Friends to Lovers" is a beast, it'll get you everytime! Ain't no Anti-Valentine no more bihhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 11, 2021
So cute!!
Such a cute quick read! The back and forth banter between them was perfect and reminds me so much of my own relationship. That ex wife would have received a two piece from me but other than that this story was sort and perfect! I was really swooning... and Ms Danielle can write the HELL out of a sex scene whew chile... if she ain’t pregnant from that anti-Valentines day d, the. I certainly am!
I can’t wait to read the other two in this series.
Such a cute quick read! The back and forth banter between them was perfect and reminds me so much of my own relationship. That ex wife would have received a two piece from me but other than that this story was sort and perfect! I was really swooning... and Ms Danielle can write the HELL out of a sex scene whew chile... if she ain’t pregnant from that anti-Valentines day d, the. I certainly am!
I can’t wait to read the other two in this series.
March 1, 2021
Surprise Valentine
I’m so hot and bothered after reading this book but that’s a good thing! Alyssa and Emmanuel anti Valentine was full of desires they didn’t think either had but a lil kiss turned into way more and it was everything and more. When it comes to writing a story and a great sex scene is less than 40 pages Danielle Allen is your go to person!! I love living through her sexcapades lol but another great body of work
I’m so hot and bothered after reading this book but that’s a good thing! Alyssa and Emmanuel anti Valentine was full of desires they didn’t think either had but a lil kiss turned into way more and it was everything and more. When it comes to writing a story and a great sex scene is less than 40 pages Danielle Allen is your go to person!! I love living through her sexcapades lol but another great body of work
February 14, 2021
Ooooo, I love it!!!
Alyssa didn't like Valentines day at all, but when her friend needed her to be his plus one, she got more than she bargained for. Pretending to be more than Emmanuel friend everyone was happy for them but Alyssa, but little did she know this was what Emmanuel wanted. Ending the night back at his place just to hang out, that hanging out turned into more and became just what Alyssa needed. Emmanuel and Alyssa had a great friendship and help felt more for her and her feelings started to change as well. This was a great Vanlentine read and friends to lovers story!!!
Alyssa didn't like Valentines day at all, but when her friend needed her to be his plus one, she got more than she bargained for. Pretending to be more than Emmanuel friend everyone was happy for them but Alyssa, but little did she know this was what Emmanuel wanted. Ending the night back at his place just to hang out, that hanging out turned into more and became just what Alyssa needed. Emmanuel and Alyssa had a great friendship and help felt more for her and her feelings started to change as well. This was a great Vanlentine read and friends to lovers story!!!
Read
February 27, 2021Friends to lovers and boy were these two destined to become lovers. Alyssa and Emmanuel were super adorable with each other. And when they finally took away the pretense of just friends the transition to lovers was just as natural. I enjoyed these two and I love Danielle Allen's writing style and how you are able to connect with her characters so easily.
May 26, 2021
Anti-Valentine
Emmanuel and Alyssa were just what I needed to have on this 55 min flight! I went from laughing out loud to needing a fresh set of contacts! LOL. Alyssa hand good reasons to be anti Valentine’s! The best was seeing the ex shut down and shut UP! I can always expect something good and different from Ms. Allen!
Emmanuel and Alyssa were just what I needed to have on this 55 min flight! I went from laughing out loud to needing a fresh set of contacts! LOL. Alyssa hand good reasons to be anti Valentine’s! The best was seeing the ex shut down and shut UP! I can always expect something good and different from Ms. Allen!
January 26, 2022
Love is key no matter how it develops
My Girl did it again! If you want a love story that warms your heart and fills you with joy definitely read this gem! She is absolutely amazing by creating characters that are real life and showcase love that you've experienced, want to experience or , wish to experience!! This is a must read
My Girl did it again! If you want a love story that warms your heart and fills you with joy definitely read this gem! She is absolutely amazing by creating characters that are real life and showcase love that you've experienced, want to experience or , wish to experience!! This is a must read
November 7, 2023
Friends to lovers, fake dating at a wedding on Valentine’s Day, where the heroine is passionate about anti-Valentine’s.
This was cute. I loved Alyssa and Emmanuel together. They had good chemistry and you can tell they really knew each other well.
The egotistical ex-wife thoroughly annoyed me, but to evoke such a strong reaction through a short story is talent.
This was cute. I loved Alyssa and Emmanuel together. They had good chemistry and you can tell they really knew each other well.
The egotistical ex-wife thoroughly annoyed me, but to evoke such a strong reaction through a short story is talent.
February 12, 2021
Dope V Day for sure!!!
This was a great slow burn Valentine’s Day. I loved everything about it. The characters were completely developed and hella witty. I found myself smiling the majority of the book. I can’t wait to read the other two.
This was a great slow burn Valentine’s Day. I loved everything about it. The characters were completely developed and hella witty. I found myself smiling the majority of the book. I can’t wait to read the other two.
February 13, 2021
Hot!
This was a fun friends to lovers story. The chemistry between Alyssa and Emmanuel was so intense. I loved the way everyone that looked at them could see that they’re meant for each other. Danielle brought the heat with this one!
This was a fun friends to lovers story. The chemistry between Alyssa and Emmanuel was so intense. I loved the way everyone that looked at them could see that they’re meant for each other. Danielle brought the heat with this one!
February 13, 2021
So fun
Emmanuel and Alyssa are such a fun couple. Nothing like falling for a best friend that falls for you as well. I’m happy they were able to be what each other needed when they needed it. Great Valentines Day story.
Emmanuel and Alyssa are such a fun couple. Nothing like falling for a best friend that falls for you as well. I’m happy they were able to be what each other needed when they needed it. Great Valentines Day story.
February 14, 2021
Love and laughter
I enjoy everything Danielle pens and this sexy short is no different! This was a witty and sexy peek into the lives of friends Alyssa and Emmanuel. I learned A lot about these two in such short story and I'm hoping to learn more about their past and future.
I enjoy everything Danielle pens and this sexy short is no different! This was a witty and sexy peek into the lives of friends Alyssa and Emmanuel. I learned A lot about these two in such short story and I'm hoping to learn more about their past and future.
February 14, 2021
Unexpected love
I was skeptical at first by the title but I’m so glad I gave in. Alyssa and Emmanuel story is a great way to start a relationship. I hope I hear more from them in another book. Definitely a romance I would recommend.
I was skeptical at first by the title but I’m so glad I gave in. Alyssa and Emmanuel story is a great way to start a relationship. I hope I hear more from them in another book. Definitely a romance I would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews