I’ve read a few of Monica Murphy’s books before this one and I really enjoyed the Lancaster Prep series, so I was jumping out of my sit when I received the chance to read this one. This book had a very cute story line. I enjoyed the premise of a socialite with a former boy band bad boy. I definitely loved the "he fall first" aspect of the story.

Thank you NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Monica Murphy for giving me a chance to receive an ARC to read!

ARC Review: 3.5/5 ⭐️

I thought this book was cute. I’m not sure how I felt about the ages of the characters in this book. I think this book is better fitted for a different crowd than myself. With that being said, I think it was a cute storyline. I always love a happy ending in a book, which is definitely what we get here. Overall, I’d recommend to someone younger than me.

Thank you to the author, Monica Murphy, and NetGalley for allowing me to review this book.

3.5 ⭐️

This reminds me of all the boy band fanfiction I read when I was younger. Was it predictable? Sure, I saw the 3rd act conflict coming a mile away. But, it took me back and I thought it was a fun, easy read. It was also relatively low angst for a Monica Murphy book (especially compared to her Lancaster Prep series).

Well, who can say no to a Harry Styles-vibed hero meeting a privileged princess still searching for her true identity while trying to escape her family's intimidating wealth and power? It sounds like a fantastic fan fiction, a boy band romance with well-executed enemies-to-lovers and fake dating tropes, all mixed with dysfunctional family drama, presented in Murphy's talented writing style.

The premise of the story, with its intriguing mix of a privileged heiress and a troubled boy band star, immediately draws you in. It's a classic case of opposites attract, but it's executed with a fresh and contemporary twist. Scarlett Lancaster, the heiress in question, may have all the privileges that wealth and power bring, but she's determined to find her own identity outside the confines of her family's expectations. Tate Ramsey, the lead singer of the intriguingly named boy band Five Car Pileup, is burdened by his own past mistakes and seeks redemption.

Their initial meeting, filled with sparks and sealed with an unexpected kiss, sets the stage for a rollercoaster of events. The idea of their encounter going viral and leading to a fauxmance for the sake of reputation management adds an element of modernity to the story. It's a plot device that's both entertaining and thought-provoking, as it explores the impact of social media on our lives.

As the story unfolds, we witness the gradual transformation of what starts as a fake relationship into something genuine. This evolution is where the heart of the story lies. Scarlett and Tate must confront their personal demons and learn to navigate the complexities of love, all while dealing with the expectations placed upon them.

The book offers moments of humor, tenderness, and self-discovery that make it an engaging read. Murphy's writing style is easygoing and accessible, making it perfect for those looking for a light and enjoyable romance. The pacing keeps you turning the pages, eager to see how Scarlett and Tate's relationship will develop.

However, it's worth noting that some readers may find the conflict that arises in the final third of the book a bit agitating. While conflicts are essential in romance novels to create tension and resolution, personal preferences can vary, and not everyone may connect with the characters during these moments.

Overall,I'm awarding this book three lighthearted, easy-to-read stars! It's an enjoyable popcorn read, a lovely romance, but the conflict in the final third of the book left me a little agitated, and I couldn't completely connect with the characters. Overall, it's still a fast and enjoyable romcom that you should definitely give a try.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I love Monica Murphy and I am so thankful I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Her books are angsty slow burns that always end with a HEA, and I am thankful for this, because we all need a little happiness at the end of the day. 😊

I loved the premise of a socialite with a former boy band bad boy and how their relationship evolved from enemies to fake dating to a passion they couldn’t resist to friends and then lovers (wow, that was a lot to say in one sentence).

This is an easy read for anyone who wants to smile and feel better and get that happy ending. 😍

I think I have to DNF this one. I just have the ick and I don't like the characters at all. 50% in and just not feeling it.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

this story feels incredibly familiar and i don’t know if it’s because it’s straight out of my eighth grade dream journal or if it’s from my published one direction wattpad fanfic. either way. yes.

she’s an heiress, tired of living in her fathers shadow. he is the former lead singer of a band that hasn’t been popular for years. he performs at her birthday party, she’s unimpressed, they share a kiss, photo of kiss goes viral and every one and their mother is obsessing over this hot new couple… only issue is they’re not a couple… fake dating ensues.

if you’re a fan of:
- BOY. BANDS.
- fanfiction
- HE FALLS FIRST!!
- rock star romances
- “lonely for you only”
then this is the book for you.

i loved the first 80% of this book. as conflict began to happen though i looked down at the amount of pages left and was wondering how the author was going to wrap it up so everyone was happy. i was a little disappointed with the overall ending but my experience with the rest of the book was really good! Monica Murphy’s writing is addicting and I will definitely be picking up another one of her books in the future!!

thank you to netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for an e-arc of this book!

Thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for a review copy of this book. I’ve read a few of Monica Murphy’s books before this one and I enjoyed the Lancaster Prep series, from which this is a spin off. The main character, Scarlett Lancaster has just finished high school and at her 18th birthday her father decides to hire as a surprise, former boyband singer and her preteen heartthrob, Tate Ramsey. But Scartlett is more interested in having Ian, the son of her father’s lawyer, notice her. For a few years now he’s hung out with her, making vague promises, but never really making any moves. During an impulsive move, after Tate’s performance and all the women in the room are going wild over his performance, she kisses him in a dark corner. The kiss, captured by a few observers on their phones, goes viral. Tate’s popularity suddenly skyrockets and he sees potential for re-launching his career. What seems key, though is Scarlett and after a series of abrasive encounters she finally agrees to a fake relationship.

It’s a familiar trope, well a few, really, but the premise is intriguing and so ripe for some great scenes. And for the most part Murphy covers them all and we follow the development of the relationship as their weaknesses and strengths are explored. All in all an enjoyable read for a spring day in the garden, or on a beach in summer.

I thought the writing and the language infantile and unrealistic. The two main characters come across as two shallow entitled people and the plot very cliched. .

Monica Murphy is one of my favourite authors. And, I always find myself loving and adoring her romance books and this book too wasn’t an exception. I so loved and enjoyed reading it. Hopelessly looking forward to many more books from Monica Murphy in the future.

3.50 ⭐️

Scarlett Lancaster, a young heiress, is excited when her father hires Tate Ramsey, a former pop star, to perform at her eighteenth birthday. However, she's disappointed it's not Harry Styles. Tate, a reformed partygoer, wows the audience and shares a surprising kiss with Scarlett. The viral kiss boosts their careers, leading them to agree on a fake relationship that eventually reveals genuine feelings.

I really enjoyed reading this book. And i must admit, the cover drew me in, and the synopsis hooked me even more. The fake dating storyline is a personal favorite, and I have to say, the author's writing style is fantastic. The story kicks off on Scarlett's eighteenth birthday and beyond, tracing her journey over time. Tate initially bored me a bit; he talked as if he were fifty, but I grew to like him as I turned the pages.

The book is written from both characters' perspectives, which is fantastic. It comprises 38 chapters. I would have loved to have a little playlist, especially since music is an integral part of the narrative.

Scarlett's character is portrayed in a way that captures the challenges of her privileged life as she searches for her true identity beyond her family's wealth. Tate's journey from a troubled past to a place of redemption and new opportunities adds emotional depth and resonance to the story. The chemistry between the characters and the depth of their emotions make it easy to root for them as they strive for happiness and overcome their pasts.