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In the market for a hot tip? Here’s one: Don’t bang your best friend’s little sister.

Especially when she’s an investigative journalist and your investment company is the target of her latest scoop.

Unfortunately, I have a thing for high-risk bets, and Ellie's suggestion that we mix business with pleasure is too sweet a deal to pass up. Friends with benefits is the kind of low stress romantic situation a busy New Yorker actually has time for.

But it’s not long before I’m falling harder than the post-bubble Nasdaq, hooked on Ellie’s laugh and determination to make the world a better place.

There’s only one problem…

When it comes to risking money, I’ve mastered every trick in the book.
But how the hell do I risk my heart?

Previously published as Falling for the Boss. Same fun, steamy story, new cover and title!

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2022

112 people are currently reading
211 people want to read

About the author

Lili Valente

149 books4,077 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!

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5 stars
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105 (31%)
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64 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,084 reviews209 followers
October 30, 2022
What a great setup for a romance romp! Investigative journalist, Ellie Seyfried goes undercover at her brother's Wall Street company to suss out workplace discrepancies and discriminatory company policies. Ryan and his partner, Jack Holt, are all for an equitable workplace and are happy for Ellie's help. Except she can’t seem to get anywhere as a Ellie Seyfried, so she goes incognito as a new employee.

It's not long before she gets an inkling that all is not as it should be at Seyfried and Holt. Ellie is making friends with the female employees and being accepted to some extent by the men in the office. Oh, and one more thing. She seems to be falling for her boss and brother’s best friend, a guy she's had a crush on for years.

Y'all, this one is amazing! I adore both Ellie and Jack, and they kept me laughing through the whole book. I love their push and pull, their banter and the way the support each other. This whole series has been fantastic, but Jack and Ellie may be my favorite. If you’re looking for a reading escape that's heartfelt, humorous, and hot, this one fits the bill. It's guaranteed to leave a great big grin on your face and a happy sigh in your heart, so get this one ASAP.
Profile Image for Sandra Shipman ~ Two Book Pushers.
2,081 reviews52 followers
November 2, 2022
Scooped is a standalone novel in the V-Card Diaries series by Lili Valente. Sylvia Pierce has entered the series. I have had the pleasure of reading books by both of these very talented authors so I knew it was going to be a treat to have them writing one together. A delicious, fun, and unexpected treat.

Jack needed a broker. Ellie needed a cover. They both needed a way to make a change.

Ellie needed this story. She was willing to do whatever it took to get the scoop. She was tired of writing puff pieces. She wanted a real story. One that mattered. That was why she was at her brother’s investment company. To get the ins and out of the company’s hiring policies. To write an article about the company and their way of making practices equal for men and women. Only...that is not completely what she found. She knew her brother and his best friend and partner, Jack Holt felt it was important as well. But when you are on top, you don’t always see the bottom...

She was in. She was doing this. She knew Jack want one hundred percent on board with her plan but he believes in her. That was why he was on her side. It was also why he was keeping her secrets. What he was having an issue with was keeping his hands and mouth to himself. He wanted her. He knows she is off-limits but being around her, made him want her even more. And not just in an sexual way either. She inspired him. To be a better person.

She has always had a crush on Jack. She always felt like an awkward mess when he was near. He was sophisticated. She was a hot mess. He was dressed in three piece suits. She wore wrinkled clothes. He worked on the top floor while she worked right next to her refrigerator. But he never made her feel like less. Especially now when he looked at her like he had to kiss her. This was a dream but could they go there? She was writing a story about his company. He was her brother’s best friend.

I read this book in one sitting. I had to know what was going to happen next with these two. They made me laugh, tear up, and get hot and bothered. It wasn’t just all about that though. The story within story is important. Equal rights in the workplace.

Overall...it was a wonderful ride that had an important message. It was blended in perfectly with a fun and sexy romance.

Quotes:

A man who kisses like the world’s about to end, is amazing in a crisis, and is serious about making sure I’m fed? Be still my beating heart…

“I’ve got an idea. Fewer clothes, fewer interruptions from the grammar police, and more time for coming our brains out.”

“I’ve had over a decade of practice. I’m an expert.”

* I originally read this as Falling For The Boss
Profile Image for Lorraine Brattin.
588 reviews4 followers
November 4, 2022
So sweet I could cry!

Jack has known Ellie (Eleanor), for years. She is his best friend Ryan's little sister. Now that she's out of school and working as a journalist, she wants to do an in depth piece on their Wall Street firm. She's looking at the work environment on Wall Street between men and women. Ryan agrees because he feels his company has overcome a lot of those issues.

Ryan is on his way to California to bring in some new clients so he puts Jack in charge of looking after Ellie.

Then Ellie surprises Jack by showing up for an interview as a man. And he almost didn't figure it out. As much as he hates the idea of her going undercover he believes in her. But he has to teach her ways of being a man, in how she walks, talks and even eats. All of which makes Ellie roll her eyes. She's grown up in an all male household so she's got this.

But Jack and Ellie have had crushes on each other for years. And being this close to each other is getting real hard to work with. So what happens after they take that first step? What all can Ellie find in her search. And what will her brother do when he finds out all Ellie is doing?

So incredible. I love the stuff these two get into. The friends that Ellie makes both in and out of costume. Really wish there was more. I could easily read 10 or more continued chapters. Way to go Lili Valente and Sylvia Pierce. Enjoy
Profile Image for Megan.
717 reviews22 followers
October 27, 2022
Another quick, solid read from Lili! If I know I want to enjoy a book, her writing always does it. A palette cleanser in the best way. We’ve got Jack who’s best friend’s little sister is working on a story around women in finance. She’s at Jack and her brother’s firm to get that story and in turn, help them learn about areas that they should improve on. Her brother leaves for a month to check on another office, and Ellie decides to go undercover as a male coworker to find out more information.

In true Lili form, there was some depth to the story that I appreciated and careful care to the discussion around women in the workplace.

Watching Ellie find her confidence again after a fit of a life rut was the best part. With the help of Jack, she grew and evolved to such a strong character. She became more confident and the best version of herself. Additionally, watching Jack mellow and let love become a priority made me swoon. He was adorable from the jump, but as the two start spending more time together, it’s just precious.

The biggest miss, and why I couldn’t give it 5 stars, is there’s actually no virgin in the 5th V-Card Diaries book. While Jack is connected through the previous book’s hero, it would’ve been perfect if this book had kept the same theme.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tami Talbert.
455 reviews17 followers
November 2, 2022
Scooped is book 5 in Lili Valente’s V-Card series, and this friends to lovers sexy romance will completely warm your soul straight down to the core.

Eleanor has known Jack, her brother’s best friend and business partner, for years. When Ellie suspects some injustices occurring in their finance company, with Jack’s help she goes undercover in hopes of bringing them to light and writing an expose to help her journalistic aspirations in the process. Unbeknownst to the other, they have always shared an untold attraction to each other. As they begin to spend more time together, passions start to ignite their undeniable passions in both the boardroom and in the bedroom. Will Ellie and Jack be able to maintain her secret from everyone involved, or will her deception be discovered, shattering her hopes for a story and their hearts as well?

Like A Boss is an oh-so-hot and sexy romance. Jack and Ellie’s bantering will leave you smiling chapter after chapter, and their smoldering interactions will leave you hot and heartwarmingly content. I have read every story written by Ms. Valente, and her amazing storytelling talents have ignited the passions in my heart which will continue to linger in my mind.
Profile Image for Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads.
2,290 reviews20 followers
October 27, 2022
“Scooped” is fun, flirty and a great addition to the “V-Card Diaries” series. I enjoyed Jack and Ellie’s story so much.

Ellie is a writer/reporter and wants to get the scoop on the unfair practices of how women are treated differently in the workplace over their male colleagues. She turns to her brother’s best friend, Jack, to help her out. After some convincing, Jack agrees and Ellie goes undercover as Eric. As Ellie/Eric works their way through the company, Ellie’s crush for Jack magnifies and the two have a chemistry neither can deny.

I absolutely loved this story. It was such a fun and easy read and had me laughing out loud. It also brought attention to the unfair workplace practices for women and men. Ellie is smart, driven and caring. I love how committed she was to her article and trying to make a difference in the world. Jack is a little ignorant at first regarding the issues, but how can he not be when he’s never had to face them. But he turns his views around quickly when he learns how it really is. I loved the chemistry that they shared how they went from friends to lovers. Their romance was sweet and steamy. Another great book from Lili Valente.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,491 reviews35 followers
October 30, 2022
“Ellie makes me believe that things actually can change for the better.”

Scooped was a fast-paced, light, and flirty read that was so much fun. When Ellie goes undercover as a man in her brother and Jack’s company to discover the ways women and men are treated differently, hilarity ensues. Both Jack and Ellie find themselves fighting feelings for each other that they thought were buried long ago, but what will happen when everyone discovers Ellie’s true identity?

“I like who I am when I’m with him and who he is when he’s with me and how the world looks when his hand is in mine and the taste of him lingers on my lips.”

Ellie and Jack were adorable together and I loved watching their relationship develop. They were so cute together and seemed to bring out the best in each other. Their chemistry was sizzling and their friendship was full of humor, love and fun.

Scooped was a great addition to the V-Card series and I read it in one sitting. It was charming, endearing and lighthearted fun with a great message about equality in the workplace.
Profile Image for Tammy Moldovan.
1,987 reviews26 followers
November 9, 2022
Falling in love while undercover.

Ellie and Jack’s brother’s best friend, office romance with a side of secret identity was smart funny and wildly appealing. I devoured it. Ellie is a journalist investigating discrepancies between male and female employees in her brother’s investment firm. Ryan is a partner in the firm and has known Ellie for years. The tricky part comes when Ellie goes undercover and only Jack is in on it. Ellie and Jack try to keep it professional but the chemistry and the draw between them is too much to ignore and to not continue the swoony journey to their HEA. The book has a little bit of everything - sweet moments, steamy scenes, strong friendships, laughs, secrets, light danger, and all the heart squeezing love. Experiencing the journey of Ellie and Jack as they fall in love and work through their individual issues, especially Ellie gave me all the feels - you will laugh, cry, swoon, grind your teeth, cheer, get a little anxious, and happy sigh. This story includes three dimensional characters who grow, witty dialogue, and an engaging storyline with light angst. I am happy we got to hear Jack’s story.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,191 reviews11 followers
November 2, 2022
A great addition to the V-Card Diaries series! It was a bit disjointed from the rest of the series, but it was still just as entertaining. While it was previously published, I hadn’t read it, so I appreciated having the chance to discover it now. I found Ellie’s scheming and investigating to be my favorite part. Her undercover shenanigans were so compelling that I couldn’t put the book down until the end. For me, the romance was secondary. Yet Ellie and Jack still had a great chemistry. The trust they had in each other created a really strong foundation for their relationship. They were old friends who worked well together. But I have to say, the way Jack still lusted after her, despite her disguise, proved that it was more than just a physical connection.
Profile Image for Brie_reads.
1,209 reviews28 followers
May 5, 2023
Super cute story about a journalist who goes undercover as a man to dig up information on equality in the workplace. Problem is her boss is her brother’s best friend and when they kiss after he gives her “dude lessons” things change.

Reasons I Recommend:

1) Cute and funny from learning to walk like a man to not properly tasting cheese

2) Jack’s outfit in the bar and

3) Don’t assume.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

#briereads #brierecommends #2023goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #romance #romanticcomedy #thevcardseries #lilivalente #sylviapierce #scooped @lilivalenteromance
1,030 reviews8 followers
July 31, 2023
Loved this!!

I loved this story of Jack and Ellie!! We met Jack in Sam and Jess's story. He was Sam's financial guy. Jack is Ellie's brother Ryan business partner and best friend. There has always been an attraction between the two, but neither would do anything about it. Until Ellie starts to go undercover at Jack and Ryan's company to get a story on gender inequality. Ryan goes away on business for weeks and asks Jack to keep an eye of Ellie. That's when they realize the attraction is still there and worth pursuing!! I love these two together! Love this book and whole series. I highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Laura.
1,361 reviews17 followers
October 26, 2022
This was such a fun, cute and easy book to read, exactly what I needed right now. I was hooked to the story and finished it in one sitting, I just couldn't stop reading it. I enjoyed reading this book so much and everytime I thought it couldn't get better, it somehow did.
I loved the characters, together as well as apart. I wished to have seen a little bit more of Spencer and Sonia, but hey, can't have it all.
This was a great book and story and I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a laugh, good romance and just a quick read.

5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Reader.
1,195 reviews91 followers
June 28, 2023
This was a cute story maybe a bit too cute for me. The heroine was undercover at her brothers firm of brokers she was an investigative reporter, at first it was entertaining but I started to get bored with the repetitive plot. Her brothers partner and co owner was the hero he was obsessed with the heroine, who for some reason he considered her off limits I’m not quite sure why, but that didn’t stop him. Overall this was just okay for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2 reviews
July 29, 2023
SOAPBOX Central

DNF, almost quit on page 36… yes 36… skipped a bunch, tried to get back into it but then bam… the Central Park lunch scene and she’s offended cuz she’s eating too feminine… queue more soapbox… and that’s it. Couldn’t finish. I’ve read many of Ms. Valente’s other work but this one I just won’t. Plenty of other authors/books to read than to struggle to finish this one.
861 reviews
December 13, 2023
This book was a really fun read. The way Ellie went about her journalistic investigation was a nice twist and added some humor to the story. Ellie and Jack seem to be exact opposite of each other in the beginning of the story, and it was interesting to see Ellie bloom and Jack fight off his attraction.
Profile Image for Astrid Rudloff.
462 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2025
This is the fifth book of the Virgin Playbook series. The books are standalones, but should be read in order. This book is only loosely connected to the other ones.
I absolutely loved this unique story.
This is a cute and interesting romance.
A very good read with warm and relatable characters and a bit of mystery.
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,428 reviews30 followers
November 6, 2022
Scooped is the 5th book in the V-Card Diaries series and it’s a very entertaining story. Jack and Ellie were the perfect couple! The story is funny, emotional and sweet. *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*
Profile Image for Lauren Lascola-Lesczynski.
1,104 reviews31 followers
November 11, 2022
How cute are Ellie & Jack? Super cute!
As always Lili brings us a witty, sexy, emotional story. I love that this story isn't only about romance, it has a real feel story about two great characters. Lili is one click author for me, she could literally post grocery list and I would read it...LOL
Profile Image for Tracy Kincaid.
Author 14 books258 followers
Read
June 27, 2023
nice

I think I must have read this book before. I wish we knew what happened to the bad guys. And I’m not sure how this book made it into the virgin playbook except Jack is the finance guy for the people in the previous books. Still a good read.
489 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2023
This was a cute story and a quick read. I enjoyed some of the other stories in the series more, but this one was not a waste of time. Ellie and Jack were an entertaining couple.
Profile Image for Cindra Lawson.
615 reviews4 followers
April 5, 2023
Loved it

This story was such a fantastic romance. It truly was all the feels everything and more and an amazing read.
754 reviews
December 28, 2023
Good finish to series

This was a decent read and good finish to the series. Enjoyed our hero teaching our heroine how to act like a guy.
792 reviews4 followers
November 15, 2024
Office Romance

This was an office romance/ best friend's sister crossover and I enjoyed the undercover theme of Ellie pretending to be a man to investigate the treatment of women in business. It shows that it takes more than paying lip service to women's rights to effect real change. The romance element was ok, but nothing to write home about.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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