Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Begging my brother’s best friend—aka NHL superstar, Ian Fox—to help me ditch my V Card wasn’t part of my “make it big in NYC” plans.

But after years of being “cute little Evie,” I’m tired of waiting for Mr. Right. I’m ready for Mr. Right Now and Ian is everything I’ve ever wanted in a first time. He’s kind, funny, confident, and has a legendary…stick.

Seriously, his stick has its own page of search results, complete with gray sweatpants shots hot enough to make even a clueless virgin drool.

And yes, my brother will murder us if he finds out, but we’re both grownups.

We can keep a secret. We have to since I just landed an art therapy job working with his troubled team.

All we’re doing is a little practice. (Or…ehem...big practice.)

Too bad my heart didn’t get the memo.

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2022

485 people are currently reading
875 people want to read

About the author

Lili Valente

149 books4,076 followers
Visit Lili at www.lilivalente.com

Author of over forty novels, USA Today Bestseller Lili Valente writes everything from steamy suspense to laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. She can't resist a story where love wins big. Because love should always win. She lives in Vermont with her two big-hearted boy children and a dog named Pippa Jane.

*Lili rarely visits this site as it is a site intended for readers, not authors. If you have questions, the best way to reach Lili is through her website contact form. Happy reading!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
462 (35%)
4 stars
466 (36%)
3 stars
276 (21%)
2 stars
67 (5%)
1 star
17 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
Profile Image for Jeeves Reads Romance.
1,683 reviews802 followers
March 5, 2022
I didn't really like it, but you might. It's essentially what's spelled out in the blurb - best friend's little sister asks the pro hockey player to take her v-card, as a casual situation that starts to feel like more. It's a tried and true trope that sometimes hits and sometimes misses for me, depending on how it's executed. This felt really predictable and the leap from "just a hookup" to "I love you" was exceedingly fast. It's a quick and easy series starter that wasn't bad, but will be wiped from my memory in a couple of days.

The story follows Evie, a 24-year-old woman who still has her v-card. She partially blames that on her overly protective brother, but she's ready for it to go. So when Evie starts spending time with her older brother's best friend, Ian (32), it gives her all kinds of ideas. Ian is fresh out of a long-term relationship and not ready to dive into something real, but he might be convinced to cross a few lines with the girl he just realized is all woman.

I've read a couple of books by Valente before and they were all pretty solid, so I thought I'd give this a try - though I did have a few hesitations. This didn't really win me over, but there was nothing particularly bad about it either. It just wasn't overly compelling. The story is light and sexy, with a slow burn and some great history between the characters. I liked both Evie and Ian, and I probably would've liked this more with a stronger emotional connection and more of an original feel. Right up until the very end, these two are convinced that it's a temporary situation, and the final act definitely felt rushed. I didn't love some of the clichés in the story (OF COURSE Evie needs a makeover before Ian sees her as a woman, etc), and it never hooked me in. I won't be continuing with the series, but I'd check out more from Valente in the future.
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,801 reviews400 followers
February 15, 2022
Scored by Lili Valente was swoony, sexy and oh so flirty! This brother's best friend sports romance was loads and loads of fun with some colourful characters and sweet emotions.

Evie is tired of being the twenty three years old virgin. She is tired of men thinking of her as a messy artist without any sex appeal. Few coincidents put her in a position to ask for dating help from her brother's best friend and New York Ice Possums' captain Ian Fox. It is supposed to be uncomplicated sexy times but they have known each other since forever and already cared deeply about each other.

I loved the entertaining assortment of characters here. Like Evie's quirky friends and Ian's hot headed jock team mates. Evie is such an adorable girl. She has been always over protected by her brother and she finally decides to spread her wings. I loved both sides of Evie. The sweet, shy and adorable side. And the confident sassy vixen side. Ian is a good man through and through. As a NHL star, he has plenty of fame and money and sex appeal but I love how protective and caring he is. His feelings for Evie run deeper than just carnal urges. They have an easy friendship that I loved to read about. This story was at times hilarious and a full on blast and at times it managed to be intense and heartaching. The chemistry is on fire. Ian and Evie had to let go of their fears and doubts and that was a beautiful journey.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
March 26, 2022
Hilarious, sweet romantic comedy…

I can’t figure out what I liked most. The ensemble cast of close friends that laughed, joked and loved each other. Or the sweet and flirty romance between Ian and Evie. Let’s call it a toss up and say it was all so good!

Ian strode in like a knight, ensuring Evie he could help with the art classes and with her ‘little issue’. Evie was up for a bit of secrecy and definitely looked forward to what Ian had to offer. He had a plan for the whole group and he was going to make it work. A love that took years to slowly build, was going to have a chance…

What followed had me laughing (a lot) and just reveling in a feel good story that had characters I loved and wanted everything for. I hope this HEA means the whole group are going to have their own ever after… ~Diane, 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Laura.
2,594 reviews113 followers
February 28, 2022
***ARC Provided by the Author***

3.5 Stars

I can't lie, I was drawn to this one because his name is Ian. Is that a silly reason to want to read a book, the hero's name? Maybe, but it is what it is...and it's really what drew me to this one. That and a lot of people I know read and love this author and I haven't previously read a lot of her titles.

Evie and Ian have known one another for years as he is friends with her older brother Derrick. So, when Evie decides it's time to change her life and no longer wants to be a virgin, who better to include in the plan than her friend Ian?

Well, Ian thinks it's an awful idea...but he also thinks Evie being with someone who isn't him is an awful idea. I loved that this was as much news to him as it was Evie. And, I loved this. I loved Ian and his reactions to her, and how his reaction to her also opens him up to seeing some other things that are going on in his life that need changing.

I also liked the resolution of this one and where Ian and Evie ended up at the conclusion of this story. Even though I thought this all happened really quickly and things that should have had a little time on the page were completely skipped. This made the ending of this one feel a little like it was rushed and left me wanting a little bit more information or detail as to some of the events.

However, it wasn't enough to leave me feeling like I didn't enjoy the title and I was still engaged with the story overall.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,729 reviews27 followers
February 18, 2022
This book grabbed me right from the beginning. Ian was just so swoony and when he and Evie were together it was just perfect! Scored follows Evie, who is leading a one-week art therapy class for an NHL hockey team and Ian who happens to be one of the players in her class. Evie and her closest BBFs are all still hanging on to their V-Cards. One night Evie takes matters into her own hands and decides that Ian is just the man to help her out. Ian just happens to be Evie’s brother’s best friend and she has had a crush on him for ages. This is everything a brother’s best friend story should be. Sweet, funny and super hot!
Lili Valente and Jason Clarke are just so good and I really enjoyed listening to them in this book! So perfect for Evie and Ian.
Profile Image for Jodi - JodiReadsnListens.
1,275 reviews50 followers
March 10, 2022
**Audiobook Review**
Scored by Lili Valente was a fun, flirty brother’s best friend romance that I absolutely adored from start to finish! Evie, along with her roomie best friends, have a lot to learn about steamy first times.
Enter Ian, who is a hunky hockey hottie, and Evie's brother's best friend, who claims he is the right man for the job. This sets us up for an entertainingly delightful good time. Evie and Ian were such an easy couple to fall head over heels in love with, and I could not stop listening to their friends to forever love story.

Lili Valente and Jason Clarke narrate this audio. I love this narrator pairing; plus, I love that Lili narrates her own books! She portrayed sweet little artist Evie’s determined and passionate personality perfectly. Jason Clarke’s performance of Ian was hilarious and swoony! His comedic timing was spot on, and I found myself laughing and falling a little bit harder for Ian’s character the more I listened. Lili and Jason present Evie and Ian’s a little bit forbidden, but undeniable chemistry brilliantly.

Overall, I loved this audio and story! If you love a brother’s best friend romance with an experienced hockey hunk, a passionate inspired artist, over protective big brothers, roomie besties, drama with exes, grumpy hockey players, art therapy classes, steamy first times, and an HEA that will leave the biggest grin on your face, then you will love Evie and Ian’s story! I’m looking forward to more in Lili’s V-card Diaries series!
Profile Image for Emily (Mrs B's Books).
1,727 reviews83 followers
February 28, 2022
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

Evie is a 24 year old artist who is living with her friends in New York and she currently has a job as an art therapist while going to college. Her brother is on the staff and is more than a tad overbearing after picking up after their mother ran off and their father all but neglected them.

Ian is the captain of the ice hockey team that both Evie and her brother Derrick are working for and has also been Derricks best friend since childhood. He has also always been there for Evie, but it is only when Evie starts standing up for herself and he finally sees her in her new clothes and she propositions him to help her with the problem of her v-card.

Both Ian and Evie discover something though that their friendship hold something even dearer to them, a love that started long before they even realised and a belonging with each other and a rightness that was not there with anyone else.

I really enjoyed this story and we get to meet Evie's friends and housemates that hopefully all get their own HEA. I am glad that we will see Evie's best friend Harlow and Evie's brother Derrick get the next story though. Derrick may finally find a strong woman that can stand up to him and his more controlling ways.
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,081 reviews209 followers
February 12, 2022
While I’m sooo over some of these worn-out tropes, this gifted storyteller takes something well used and breathes new life into both the brother’s best friend and virgin tropes. With her trademark wit and quirky characters, she brings the story alive, making it effortless and entertaining to read.

Evie Olsen is working for one week as an art therapist with the NHL Ice Possum players during their pre-season team building. Her brother got her the internship and she’s in over her head with these rowdy puck pushers. While she tries to give them an outlet for their anger and aggression, Evil has something else on her mind. She’s decided it's time to lose the ol' V card, and her brother’s best friend and hockey team captain, Ian Fox, is the man for the job.

There’s so much to love about this one. Evie's group of friends are amazing and so supportive of each other. And when they decide as a group that they need dating lessons from Ian, a lot of hilarity ensues. But this crafty writer also has a way of getting to the heart of things, and there's plenty of emotion amidst the laughter. This one is epically fun, deeply heartfelt, and immensely satisfying, and it's an amazing reading escape you won’t want to miss!
Profile Image for Jennie.
247 reviews7 followers
March 1, 2022
Absolutely loved this story from beginning to end! Evie and Ian were so cute together and their chemistry was intense. I loved their slow burn friends to lovers relationship and the banter was so charming and entertaining. The way Ian was always there for her even if they had lost touch for a while was the sweetest thing. Ian was definitely swoon worthy boyfriend material. Evie was witty, feisty and determined to loose her virginity at any cost. They made the cutest couple. What an enjoyable audiobook and the narration was perfectly cast. Lili Valente and Jason Clarke were wonderful as always. Lili was able to capture Evie’s both feisty and vulnerable, compassionate side. Jason Clarke is always great male voice to listen to. He made you fall for Ian’s protective and sweet side so easily. This was a delight to listen to and so excited to listen to Harlow and Derrick’s story.
Profile Image for TrueBookJunkie.
640 reviews16 followers
March 1, 2022
This was my first book by Lili Valente and it was a good one. Ian and Evie were a great couple. The connection that formed decades before made their chemistry so much better. The side characters were the most entertaining for me and the banter kept me reading and finishing this book in one sitting. This author gave a little of everything in this book. The humor, conflict, friendships, and acceptance were well balanced. I loved how no conflict overpowered the story however this did make the ending of this book feel rushed. All in all, it was a fun read, and I can’t wait for Harlow’s book next!
Profile Image for Shelly H.
191 reviews15 followers
February 23, 2022
3.5 star ARC review!!!

This book is super cute! Ian is so sweet throughout the book and I actually loved how he didn’t have the reputation of an asshole, it is quite the nice change. Evie is super relatable and generally I loved their dynamic and enjoyed the book. I wish there would have been more hockey scenes in it. Also, I felt like the ending was a bit rushed for my taste, but it was a great read and I absolutely recommend!
Profile Image for Fae.
1,299 reviews26 followers
Read
November 16, 2024
DNF at chapter 14. Not feeling the part where the hero suddenly finds himself enamored or in lust with the heroine only after she changes her “kiddy” clothes, showing off her curves. Felt like they were in lust with each other. Personally, I don’t care for the hero giving love and seduction lessons to the heroine and her friends. I wanted it to just be the heroine learning the lessons.
Profile Image for alex.
165 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2023
I should have quit reading this book when I started it.
Profile Image for Missy.
919 reviews20 followers
July 22, 2023
A fun sexy read.

This book was hot, witty, and fun to read. Clueless virgins and a hot hockey player make for and interesting mix, then add in some embarrassing moments and you have a very entertaining well written book.
Profile Image for Read What I Like Blog.
412 reviews42 followers
February 26, 2022
Scored: A V-Card Diaries Novel
Kindle Unlimited: [ ]YES [X] NO
Stand-alone: [X] YES [ ] NO
Author: Lili Valente
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶/5
Main Couple: Evie & Ian
Favorite Character: Ian
Tropes: Romcom, sports romance (hockey 🏒); brother’s best friend; friends to lovers; friends with benefits; virgin heroine

Review:

This romantic comedy had everything you should expect: flirty/silly banter, a quirky/fun heroine, a swoony hero; crazy friends who will be there for them no matter what, sweet moments, fun moments, low drama. Ian was the guy who has been nice since always and used to see Evie as a little sister surrogate. Then, one day he saw her as something more and their love story begins. It’s a book to make you feel good.
Thank you Lili and Give Me Books PR for kindly providing me an ARC.
Profile Image for April   ♥"LOS" ♥.
3,099 reviews61 followers
January 7, 2025
I was lucky enough to “score” (pun intended) an advanced audio copy of this book and I couldn’t stop listening. I love the premise of Evie and her group of misfit friends all being virgins looking for someone to teach them in the ways of love. Enter Ian, Evie’s longtime friend and professional hockey player. Not to mention her brother’s best friend, too many troupes? I think not:)
Lili Valente and Jason Clarke do an amazing job bring this cast of characters to life and I can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Laura Fabian.
642 reviews54 followers
February 28, 2022
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

This was my first book by Lili Valente, and it exceeded my expectations: ALL the characters stole my heart, the story was funny, sexy, sensual and very tender, it had its unexpected moments and I loved that it gave us a small preview of what we can expect in the next book in the series, which has me VERY excited.

Evie is a lovely character, has a huge heart, she's very kind and understanding, loves art and wants to use it to help others, she just ended a relationship with a horrible guy and that made her face some of her insecurities, especially about her personality and sexual attractiveness, and although an important part of her personal plot, and of the book, is her determination to stop being a virgin I think that It is not what worries Evie the most, but her desire to be independent, make her own decisions and find all sides of her personality.

For his part, Ian is the captain of a troubled hockey team, the best friend of Evie's older brother, and who has always had a special affection for her, although he has never seen her as more than just another little sister. Until she comes back into his life after several years and he begins to see her from a different perspective, to know her concerns and go out with her friends, which surprised me, but I loved it at the same time, as well as his situation with the team, with Derrick and the decisions he makes about his career!

I love reading friends to lovers stories because I think it's always nice when the characters discover something about each other that they didn't know, even after so many years, and Evie & Ian were no exception: I especially enjoyed the moment they shared during art therapy where she finally gets to know the way he felt about her as a child, and the regrets he had ever since, and at the same time Evie understood things about her life that she was trying to normalize, that seemed perfect to me, as well as the chemistry between the two, the ease with which they accept the other's personality and the obviousness of their feelings, plus I loved the decisions that both take towards the end of the book about their relationship.

🇪🇸
ARC proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta

Este fue mi primer libro de Lili Valente y superó mis expectativas: TODOS los personajes se robaron mi corazón, la historia fue divertida, sexy, sensual y muy tierna, tuvo sus momentos inesperados y me encantó que nos diera un pequeño adelanto de lo que podemos esperar en el siguiente libro de la serie, la cual me tiene MUY emocionada.

Evie es un personaje encantador, tiene un corazón enorme, es muy amable y comprensiva, ama el arte y quiere usarla para ayudar a otros, acaba de terminar una relación con un tipo horrible y que la hizo enfrentar algunas de sus inseguridades, especialmente sobre su personalidad y atractivo sexual, y aunque parte importante de su trama personal, y del libro, es su determinación para dejar de ser virgen creo que eso no es lo que más preocupa a Evie, sino su deseo de ser independiente, tomar sus propias decisiones y encontrar todos los lados de su personalidad.

Por su parte, Ian es el capitán de un problemático equipo de hockey, el mejor amigo del hermano mayor de Evie, y quien siempre ha tenido un cariño especial por elle, aunque nunca la ha visto como algo más que otra hermana pequeña, hasta que ella vuelve a su vida después de varios años y él comienza a verla desde otra perspectiva, a conocer sus inquietudes y salir con sus amigos, lo cual me sorprendió, pero me encantó al mismo tiempo, además de que sus situación con el equipo, con Derrick y las decisiones que toma sobre su carrera fueron muy interesantes de descubrir!

Me encanta leer las historias de friends to lovers porque creo que siempre es lindo cuando los personajes descubren algo del otro que no conocían, aún después de tantos años, y Evie & Ian no fueron la excepción: disfruté especialmente el momento que compartieron durante la terapia de arte en el que ella conoce por fin la manera el que él se sentía por ella cuando era una niña y el arrepentimiento que tiene desde esa época, y que al mismo tiempo Evie comprendiera cosas sobre su vida que trataba de normalizar, eso me pareció perfecto, al igual que la química que hay entre ambos, la facilidad con la que aceptan la personalidad del otro y lo evidente de sus sentimientos, además de que las decisiones que ambos toman hacia el final del libro sobre su relación me encantaron.
Profile Image for Jela  Heneghan.
363 reviews20 followers
March 2, 2022
Funny and sweet with just the right amount of drama when needed, this is a completely entertaining romcom. From start to finish, this book had me caught up in its pages and smiling throughout.

This is the story of Evie, the sweet and slightly naïve art grad student working for New York’s professional hockey team as an art therapist, and Ian, the professional hockey player and Evie’s older brother’s best friend. When the book begins, we find that Evie has what she deems to be a problem: she’s still got her V-card, and she does not want it. She’s recently been dumped, and she’s having a tough time of things not because of the guy exactly but more that he basically told her that she isn’t exactly appealing. After a disaster of a drunken night where she runs into her ex, Ian promises to be her (and a couple of her friends) love guru. Right away her fashionable friend Harlow helps her redo her look, and it definitely grabs the attention of others and even Ian. From there, we see how Evie goes from quirky and kinda frumpy to more feisty and vixenish and how her and her relationship with Ian changes from to something entirely different.

Evie is just the cutest little thing ever. She’s so sweet and fun but sort of uncertain of herself at the same time. She’s the sort of character where I think everyone can relate to her on some level. I loved seeing her come into her own and take charge of her life as a young woman in her early twenties. Then there’s Ian, and he’s such a sweetheart. He’s kind, loyal, and is devoted to the people he cares about. The way he is with Evie is wonderfully cute but hot at the same time, and I loved how these two were together.

Also, this book is funny! Like I totally had a smile on my face reading it and literally laughed out loud multiple times. This is the first time I’ve read this author, and Scored has made me an automatic fan. I love a good romcom, and that’s exactly what this is. It’s fun and light but has moments of seriousness that add that element of angst that any great romcom needs. I thoroughly enjoyed this storyline and loved seeing the evolution of the characters.

Scored is a fantastic romcom that hits all the marks. It’s the first book in Valente’s A V-Card Diaries series, and I’m really looking forward to the next one already.
Profile Image for LuvStoryAddicts- Ash & Em.
77 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2022
"She is everything and her body is heaven and I never, ever want this moment to end."

Scored: A V-Card Diaries Novel by Lili Valente is a virgin, big brother's best friend romance. 24-year-old Evie Eleanor Olson is sick of being treated as "cute little Evie", she is tired of waiting around for the "right guy, and she is fed up with her brother's overprotectiveness. She takes a job with the New York City Ice Possums NHL team as their art therapist, where her brother is the manager, and his longtime best friend, Ian, is a player.

After a disastrous run-in with her ex at a bar, Evie decides that things need to change in her life. Step one: She needs to be taken seriously at her job. Step two: She dresses for "the job", instead of like a disheveled painter in overalls and T-shirts. Step three: She takes things into her own hands when she asks Ian, a confident self-assured NHL player, to finally take her V-card. No strings attached, of course, just a little practice. After all, Ian volunteered to become the Love Guru for her and her friends, who are all virgins. All they have to do is hide it from her brother, Derrick, and not catch feelings. What could go wrong?

This book is read by Jason Clarke and Lili Valente. We always love narration by Jason
- he plays the perfect sweet older brother's best friend. Lili Valente is so adorable when she narrates! She seems to put a lot of her personality into the character, and we love it!

Scored can be read as a stand-alone, but it is the first book in the V-Card Diaries
Series by Lili. Each book is about one of the childhood best-friends-turned-roommates. Screwed, book two in the series, will be about Harlow, Evie's best friend, and is coming in April. Scored was a super fun, low-angst love story. We always look forward to more from Lili Valente!
Profile Image for Jenn Amy.
910 reviews82 followers
March 2, 2022
Lili Valente's V-Card Diaries Series is off to a fantastic start! I adored Ian and Evie’s fun, flirty and sexy story so much! This is a sports rom-com and brothers best friend romance that I devoured from start to finish.

Evie is at a place where she is making a plan to take charge of her own life. She is tired of being called “cute Little Evie” she wants her brother to stop being so over protective and over bearing with her. Even though she is almost 24 years old she still has her v-card intact and is ready to loose it with the right man. When her brothers best friend becomes single she propositions him as she cannot think of anyone she trusts more him.

Ian is a professional hockey player and best friends with Evie’s brother Derrick. After ending things with his long time girlfriend and hearing Evie’s proposition he is considering it but is afraid of what it will mean for his friendship with Derrick.

I loved Evie and her quirkiness. She is bold and boisterous at times and shy and timid in other times but determined and I loved that about her. She has taken a temporary job working with the hockey players during their off season on art therapy in efforts to help build a more cohesive team. I really loved this concept. It is different and unique and nothing like I have read before.

Ian is a sweet and attentive guy. The more time he spends with this new version of Evie the more attracted he becomes and his heart is growing for her and what they have together. Not only do they have super steamy chemistry, their laugh out loud banter was fantastic!

Jason Clarke and Lili Valente bring these characters to life flawlessly, their voices are entertaining, sexy and sweet and I throughly enjoyed this story leaving me with all the heartwarming feels. I am looking forward to Harlow and Derrick’s story next.

*ALC Review
Profile Image for Renee.
5,211 reviews73 followers
March 1, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Begging my brother's best friend-aka NHL superstar, Ian Fox-to hep me ditch my V card wasn't part of my "make it big in NYC" plans. But after years of being "cute little Evie" I'm tired of waiting for Mr. Right. I'm ready for Mr. Right Now and Ian is everything I've ever wanted in a first time. He's kind, funny, confident, and has a legendary...stick. Seriously, his stick has its own page of search results, complete with gray sweatpants shots hot enough to make even a clueless virgin drool. And yes, my brother will murder us if he finds out, but we're both grownups. We can keep a secret. We have to since I just landed an art therapy job working with his troubled team. All we're doing is a little practice. (Or...ehem...big practice.) Too bad my heart didn't get the memo.

This is the story of Evie and Ian. Evie is a twenty three year old virgin and she is tired of having that little fact about her around. She is also tired of people thinking of her as a messy artist without any sex appeal. But as fate would have it her brothers best friend and New York Ice Possum captain is place right in front of her so she can ask him for dating help. What turns into asking for help turns out to be a really amazing time of her life and becomes a secret but more than that these two have known each other for forever and already have feelings for each other. What in the world are these two going to do?? You have to read and find out. I loved Ian and Evie so much. This book was such a good time and I so enjoyed reading it so much. If you love a best friends brother romance then you do not want to miss this one.

Profile Image for Katy.
1,203 reviews109 followers
September 27, 2023
Trigger Warnings include:
cheating, alcoholism, questionable child neglect/abuse

Nothing makes me sadder than not loving a book I thought would tick all my boxes. Evie is tasked with doing art therapy for her brother’s best friend’s hockey team. (Who by the way, are not a good time. And I didn’t like spending time with them.) Ian is the nicest, calmest member of his team. Even when he’s being protective, he’s calm. Which nearly makes Evie (and me) melt on site. I should also make note that Ian has a girlfriend, who is just as awful to be around as his teammates. Her brother is overbearing, thinking he has the right to control her life, including her sex life. And he only continues to become more overbearing, and outright disrespectful. Thankfully, that’s something Ian doesn’t allow. Evie lets everyone walk all over her, again, something Ian doesn’t allow. When he steps in to protect and care for her, he suddenly becomes a member of her friend group…and gives them relationship advice and sex lessons? An early 30’s something famous hockey player spending his free time doing what? Evie has always loved herself as is, but now suddenly she decides she needs to change everything about herself to appease the world. (Again, something Ian does not condone.) I was a fan of Evie and Ian together, their comfort and vulnerability with each other. But that was about it. I wasn’t a fan of the world around them. I guess as the first in the series, it’s a great series builder. But I gotta be honest, at no point did I want to learn more about a side character.


8/10 Dirty Birdy
4/10 Age Gap
7/10 Brother’s BFF
6/10 Slow Burn
9/10 Sports Romance
4/10 Workplace
Profile Image for Leah.
699 reviews34 followers
March 1, 2022

Lili Valente never fails to make me laugh, and when I saw she was going to start a new series I was all over it. The first book in this series introduces a group of four friends who are a little unlucky in love. They have had relationships that haven’t worked out, and each of them are holding onto their v-cards. Evie is our heroine, and she has known Ian the hero almost her entire life. He is her older brother’s best friend, and he has always been extremely protective of her. Never really seeing her as more, but always have a special place in his heart for her.

One night, will out after a hockey game with his girlfriend, Evie is at the same bar getting toasted because of her ex-boyfriend being there. There are some hilariously embarrassing moments that follow, but Ian is there for Evie when she needs someone in her corner. Thus, creating more tension in his already failing relationship, and ultimately ending it.

Evie and her friends recruit Ian to be their love coaches... because even though he just got dumped, he must know something. There are so many funny moments, but there are serious moments as well. The slow burn here makes total sense because of the way in which Ian’s relationship ends. Evie has always loved Ian, but since he was in a long-term relationship never really thought past it. Ian see’s Evie in a while new light because he is a monogamous guy, so he never really noticed those outside of his relationship.

I love how Ian stands up for Evie with her brother, and her father. This is pure rom-com and works really well. I am excited to see where Valente takes this series.
Profile Image for Tammy Moldovan.
1,984 reviews25 followers
February 13, 2022
From the first sentence, this book just hooks you in and takes you along for a beautiful swoony ride. The book struck the perfect balance in the way the personal journeys of the main characters unfolded organically along with their romantic journey together. The richness of all the storylines gave the story and the characters a deep three dimensional feel which allows the reader to feel invested and more like a participant in the story rather than just simply a voyeur. Evie is a 24 year old virgin working on a masters in art therapy. Ian is a professional hockey player, Evie’s brother’s best friend, and has known Evie since she was a kid. Ian agrees to give sex lessons to Evie and that’s where the fun, the complications, and the acknowledgment of the real feelings start for the couple. The book has a little bit of everything - sweet moments, steamy scenes, strong friendships, supportive family, snort worthy laughs, painful pasts, and all the heart squeezing love. Experiencing the journey of Ian and Evie as they fall in love and work through their individual issues gave me all the feels - you will definitely laugh, cry, swoon, cringe, cheer, and happy sigh. The side characters in this story were given just enough depth to be integral and important parts of this story and tease us with what will happen in their books but not so much to be a distraction to Ian and Evie’s story. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I willingly reviewed an early copy of this book.
Profile Image for Reba Pennell.
Author 3 books8 followers
March 1, 2022
This hooked me right from the beginning. I read it in a day because I just couldn’t find it in me to put it down. I wanted to know what happens right away!

This brother’s best friend sports romance novel had my two favorite tropes and did not disappoint. After a break-up, Eva doesn’t want to be a 23 year old virgin anymore and asks her brother’s best friend and NHL star Ian to not only help her with dating but also to have sex with her so she’s not a virgin anymore. It isn’t supposed to be complicated and it is just supposed to be a flirty and sexy time between two people who have known each other for most of their lives.

While this book focuses heavily on the romance aspect, I found myself loving all of the characters. Ian and Eva are very likable and are clearly perfect for each other. Eva is quirky but also strong and independent. Ian pretends to be rough and guarded but has a heart of gold. However, the side characters really made this book special as well. From Eva’s friends who are fiercely loyal but are funny too, all the way to NHL players who are hot-headed but can also be sweet. It was the perfect blend to make a book balance itself out.

This book hooked me right from the beginning. It didn’t feel like I was reading a regular brother’s best friend romance book and that was a breath of fresh air. Lili Valente has outdone herself because this book is perfect for any romance novel enthusiast who likes some spice. It did not disappoint and the only thing that upset me when I read the last line was the fact that the book was done.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,912 reviews18 followers
March 1, 2022
Scored features one of my favorite tropes, brother‘s best friend. Although, it also could be called a friends to lovers romance as well. Because although Evie doesn’t recognize it at first, Ian has always been her friend and treated her well. Of course, he was unaware that she was also crushing on him at the time. But with an eight year age gap, he only saw her as Derrick’s little sister.
All that changes though when Evie is looking for someone, specifically Ian, to help her get rid of her pesky V card. Ian is a good guy to his core. He may have a reputation as an alpha hockey player, but he cares deeply and is a great friend and teammate. Even when his own teammates act like idiots and frustrate him.
Evie is a little bit quirky, as are her three best friends, but she is so sweet and funny, even when she’s not trying to be. Working with the team as part of an art therapy internship, she and Ian connect in a different way than just being his friends little sis. As expected, things start out casual and quickly turn more serious. They’re hiding their new physical relationship not only from her friends but her very overprotective older brother. Sidebar, Derrick’s story ought to be very very interesting!
Scored kept me engaged from the first page. These characters grabbed my heart and would not let go. Even the secondary characters, which honestly can make or break a book for me sometimes, were a breath of fresh air. I can’t wait to continue with this series because I love everything that Lily Valente writes!
Profile Image for Sofia Almiroudis.
375 reviews8 followers
March 6, 2022
I have been a big fan of Lili Valente and she never disappoints. Scored is a big brother's best friend and little sister romance. Ian and Evie have been in each other's lives for a very long time. As Derrick's best friend, Ian has been around to see the ugly and nice. Being 8 years older than Evie, Ian has always been the other older brother, there to protect Evie from all the bad things in life. Evie didn't grow up with the best family life and Ian has been there to see it all. He vowed to protect her and that is just what he has done.
Evie is 24 years old and still a virgin. She doesn't want to lose her virginity to just anyone at this point. It needs to be someone she trusts and can be herself. So when the opportunity presents itself, who better than Ian to help her out. Once his relationship with Whitney ended, he became the perfect person to help Evie out. Two weeks of friends with benefits. Yea it can work, can't it?
Ian knew that it would be a really big risk helping Evie out. If Derrick were to ever find out, well not only would it end a friendship that has been solid and true, but with Derrick's temper, Ian could get really hurt. However, it's a risk Ian is worth taking once he realizes that Evie is more than just his best friend's little sister. He has always admired Evie, but Evie's recent transformation has opened Ian's eyes and deep down feelings for this amazing woman. Will Ian be the one to take her V-card and maybe her heart? Or will it be Evie who will steal Ian's heart?
Profile Image for B-Books Review.
621 reviews27 followers
April 3, 2022
“I’m glad I make you feel like the sexiest woman in the city. Because you are. And the sweetest. I’m glad you’re in my life, Evie. I hope you always will be.”
🏒
Review: Scored by Lili Valente. A V-Card Diaries series, book 1.
🏒
This book was so much more than I thought it would be, Lili brought her a game here. I loved how quirky, lovable and just great all characters were. Full of banter, sexual tension, great hockey scenes and amazing friends/family, Lili turned the worn-out tropes virgin girl and brothers best friend a new life.

Evie lives with 3 more friends who are all eccentric in their own way and they happened to be all virgins. When they all ask for Ian, her brother’s Derrick best friend, a famous hockey player and her all time crush, for seduction lessons, things spiral out of control.

Ian always saw her as his best friend little sister, like family, but now she’s everywhere! She’s now working as an art therapist with his flawed hockey teammates, at Ice Possums (yeah, this name is just cringe), and suddenly he is seeing her for the woman she is, damned the overalls and paint on her face.

I loved their friendship and how she was the one to push him to take her v-card. From the moment they let it go, he was a 100% in their relationship, like forever “in”, even considering staying at his toxic hockey team, just to be with her. Then there was Derrick and for all his issues, I wish I had a brother like him, one who truly cares. Evie is lucky to have him as one and so many good friends. And I honestly can’t wait for his book. A great start of series from Lili.
Profile Image for Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads.
2,288 reviews20 followers
February 12, 2022
I absolutely loved “Scored”! It was a laugh out loud and a feel good story all wrapped in one. Lili Valente is so talented at writing rom-com gold and this one has bumped up to one of my favorites.

Evie and her best friends live together in NYC and have a certain thing in common. They all still have their V-Card. But one night when Evie asks brother’s best friend, Ian, to help out with dating tips. Ian is a hot hockey player for the Ice Possums. The two have known each other their whole lives. But as Evie helps the Ice Possums with art therapy to simmer down their on ice anger issues, the two start to realize more is there.

I loved, loved Evie and Ian. I’m all for a friends to lovers storyline and this one was so good. The way their relationship progressed seemed so natural. It never felt rushed or forced and that to me is one of the best things. I loved how quirky and genuine Evie was. What you saw, is what you got. She loved herself and would do anything for her family. Ian is a cinnamon roll of a guy and I loved seeing him realize how protective he was and how much he cared for Evie once that lightbulb went off. And Evie’s roommates were so funny and amazing. I’m super excited to read their stories.

Lili Valente and Jason Clarke did an AMAZING job narrating. I love that Lili narrates her own books, it adds a personal touch to the story. And Jason Clarke was the perfect choice for Ian. His range to cover all the characters is amazing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.