Thank you to @NetGalley for the ARC. I really enjoyed this book. You have an heiress trying to find herself outside her family shadow. A young rocker making a comeback at 20. What starts out fake turns real in this sweet romance.

Fake Dating? check.
Angst? Slow Burn? check, check.
Rockstar romance? check.
Family Drama? check

Anything Monica puts out; I will immediately grab it! while this was enjoyable- it was not my most favorite in this series. I was absolutely rooting for them though!

Thank you for the ARC copy.

<b>Synopsis</b>
Scarlett is an heiress to a billionaire fortune, she is a social media influencer and is having a huge 18th birthday party bash. She hopes daddy hired One Direction to perform at her birthday party, but they were unavailable. Instead, daddy hires Tate, a former boy band member (who seemingly fell off the face of the earth) to perform. The night of the party, Tate and Scarlett share a kiss that goes viral.

The viral kiss sparks rumors of dating, which has been great for the re-start Tate's career and Scarlett's following count has more than doubled overnight. This leads to a fake dating relationship where they are both benefitting from the publicity. Over the next six weeks, with forced proximity, Tate and Scarlett realize they have true feelings.

#Forced proximity #he falls first #fake dating #grumpy/sunshine #duelPOV

<b>My Opinion</b>
With a book labeled "erotica," I expected more than two mild sex scenes. I expected sex in the first few chapters, but they didn't even have physical contact (aside from kissing) until after the 80% mark. There was so much talk about what was going to happen, the plans for fake dating and then it finally happened after 80%. The actual "erotica" took place after the 90% mark and the scenes were very tame.

When I received this e-ARC from NetGalley, I was so excited. In fact, I was given four books and was most excited about this book. Even staying up late both nights to read, expecting the "good part" to be in the next chapter, it just never seemed to happen.

I did enjoy the first few chapters where the characters were developed. Tate and Scarlett were likeable and well-developed. Their stories were getting me excited for the rest of the story, which was the reason I stayed up late to get to the "good stuff."

I would have preferred more spice and more action throughout the book. There was so much talk about what was going to happen, but not enough of what actually happened. The book did not end of a cliff hanger.

This book might be good for new adults, young college aged folks that are new to romance or erotica as it is very mild and tame.

<b>Rating</b>
Based on the category of "erotica," I cannot give more than two stars.
Based on my personal scoring system of "spice," I am giving this book two chili pepper emojis as there are semi-descriptive sex scenes. These scenes are very mild, making this a good book for beginners.

<b>Thank you</b>
Thank you to NetGalley and Black Stone Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read this book for my honest review.

I loved how quick and easy this book was to get through and Scarlett truly was so fun to read about but I’m just truly not a fan of fake dating.

**book provided by NetGalley**

This was a cute, kinda fluffy fake dating book. I enjoyed the way Tate and Scarlett fell into each other while in LA.
I wasn’t a fan of the way the author constantly emphasized Scarlett’s age (FRESHLY 18) and made her seem so child like in some instances (asking her parents permission to go across the country???)

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.
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 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.

In the realm of unexpected surprises, my journey through this tale went beyond the anticipated cute and straightforward fake dating story. The narrative, enriched with unforeseen twists, left me yearning for a more coherent storyline.

Despite the characters' charm, there was a lack of development that hindered full engagement. Interactions occasionally felt forced, impacting the authenticity of portrayed relationships. The writing style, while showcasing moments of brilliance, grappled with maintaining consistency.

On a positive note, the story's exploration of themes beyond fake dating displayed a willingness to push boundaries. The unexpected twists succeeded in keeping me eagerly anticipating each new development.

In summary, this narrative provides a unique take on the fake dating trope with moments of brilliance. However, the story could benefit from deeper character development and improved consistency. The untapped potential hints at the possibility of a more captivating tale with refinement.

This story features Scarlett Lancaster who is turning 18 as the book begins. She is the daughter of Fitzy and his wife Gloria. Scarlett is turning 18 and Fitz has hired Tate who was her crush in middle school to sing at her birthday party.

Scarlett has a huge crush on a boy named Ian. He is a family friend and is a few years older than her but he is playing head games with her. Her and Tate enter into a fake relationship when he is offered a record deal with her as his girlfriend.

This was a fun fake relationship romance with a rock star. Things are going pretty great until things start crashing. Can her and Tate make it work? You will have to read this book to find out.

Gotta love, a fake dating trope!

Scarlet Lancaster isn’t your typical rich girl. She’s smart and sweet. Her parents want her to live up to her name and be in the spotlight. However, she doesn’t really want that. On the night of her 18th birthday party, she meets Tate from a previous boy band that she loved. Tate was hired by her dad to sing at her birthday party. That started his fame again. He has a record label deal but the catch is they want his girlfriend, Scarlet to be by his side. They agreed to fake date to help launch his career and her social media fame. Will more come from that deal though?

Overall, I like this book. I did feel like it was a little slow at times with the storyline. I did like the characters and the tension between them and I love a good fake dating trope!

Thank you Natgalley and Blackstone publishing for advanced reader copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.

The premise of this book was intriguing, the troubled boy band star, and privileged heiress enter into a fake relationship. I thought going into this, that I was really going to like it, but it was just okay for me. I found the pacing pretty slow, especially in the first half of the book. The two main characters didn't even enter into their fake relationship until the second half. Although the romance was cute, and once you get past the first half of the book, the story gets better. I liked Tate and Scarlett, and was rooting for them to have a HEA. I would have to say I liked Tate's character more than Scarlett, I found he had more depth, and was more interesting to read about. Overall, it's a simple romance, and honestly just a cute story.

Thanks NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC!

Lonely for you only
By Monica Murphy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

I’m a huge fan of Monica’s Lancaster Prep series so when the opportunity came up to read the arc for a book about a Lancaster outside of the Prep series, I jumped at it!
And I’m glad I did! Because I absolutely fell in love with Scarlett and Tate’s story.
This book is a lot lighter than the other Lancaster books with a fake dating troupe and you can’t not love watching those fake feelings become real!
Definitely one to re read!

The novel opens with a clever twist on the typical pop star romance, as Tate Ramsey, a former heartthrob trying to make a comeback, meets Scarlett Lancaster, an heiress unimpressed by his once-iconic status. The author weaves a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of fame, the impact of social media, and the blurred lines between reality and perception.

The viral kiss and the social media frenzy that follows add an intriguing layer to the story, highlighting the modern challenges of navigating relationships in the public eye. Murphy skillfully explores the consequences of fame, the pressure to maintain appearances, and the impact of social media on personal lives and relationships.

The pacing of the novel is well-executed, with a perfect blend of romantic tension, humor, and unexpected twists. While the fake relationship trope is not new, Murphy infuses it with freshness and authenticity, making it a joy to read. The dialogue is witty, and the author's writing style effortlessly immerses the reader in the glamorous yet tumultuous world of Scarlett and Tate.

Monica Murphy's "Lonely for You" is a captivating and entertaining romance that transcends the clichés of the genre. With its well-developed characters, engaging plot, and a perfect blend of humor and emotion, the novel earns a well-deserved 4.5-star rating. For readers who enjoy a sizzling romance with depth and heart, "Lonely for You" is a must-read.

I LOVED this book, from page one I was captivated. The story is so good, & so sweet, and the slow burn is perfection. I highly recommend if you are looking for a good book to snuggle up with.

Very cute story!!! Rich good girl meets reformed bad boy pop star. Slow burn (like really slow 90%) but when it hits it hits so good!!! I wish there was an epilogue or a little more.into there happy ever after. Will definitely read again and recommend for a cozy coming to age quick read!

This is my second Monica Murphy book and it did not dissappoint! I really enjoyed this book, and I read it fairly quickly! If you're looking for a fake dating, enemies to lovers romance with some spice then this is your next book! The only thing I didn't really love was the fact that once Scarlett started her love interest in Tate, there was no more talk of Ian which was surprising since she was so in love with him for her whole life. Otherwise, this book was great!

•○☆Provided as an eARC for an honest review☆○• thank you netgalley and blackstone publishing!

4.5/5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This could've earned a full 5 star from me if it weren't for some flaws below:

Spice: 1/5 🌶 Slowburn, almost bordering to non existent, but lots of kisses on this.

Story/plot 3/5: fakedating, pop star/influencer type, rich girl trope.
The slow burn is slow burning so slooooow on this. I did not DNF solely for the reason of side characters on this, i might have loved it more than Crew and wren's but i am so torn with how the story unfolded on this, so many details unnecessary to the story. I hated the company and some extra characters added so spice up the story did not do it. I love how the love grew and how he's a changed man. But i hated how abrupt and seemingly rushed the end was, it almost seemed they took the easy way out of the story. With his personality and all it seemed so odd to make the announcement like that, so anticlimactic that i knew it the moment Gloria insisted.

Another thing, i stayed on the story cause of the years of pining she had i thought we'll get more quotes on that. But it seemed he was so out of the picture in a snap. Well i don't likw his character so i think that's for the better atleast. But it took me 3/4 of the book to get good quotes i can fedl like i can highlight.l so the wrirting isn't talhat profound.

I haven't read other lancaster prep series wholly apart from Wren and Crew. I dnf the others but gave this a chance as i think Tate has something but it fell short on me.

Characters: 4/5 would have been 5 star if it wasn't for the real life similarity to 1D with Simon and A talkshow with Jimmy as well. Could've used a better naming strategy on that cause that seriously made me cringe i find myself skipping reading those names.
But honestly i love the parent's and bestfriend characters. Refreshing that the takes of books lately is with open minded parents who listens and cares for their child

Monica Murphy is my Roman Empire author. If she writes it, I’m reading it.

This was another 5star read for me.

I couldn’t put my kindle down. The plot and the spice were so good .

When I read the synopsis for this book I had to read it. So so so good. I also loved reading about another Lancaster! I thought I was done after reading You said I was your favorite, but so happy to have one more book about the Lancaster .

Monica always knows how to suck me in and fall in love with her characters and their stories.

I should have known better. I should have an entire section dedicated to books that fall under that category. Anything with the words "bookTok' in the description should INSTANTLY be in red and an instant rejection for me.

This is written for a very specific audience, and that is not me. I need something with substance. I need something with heft, with balls, with gumption. This....is nothing. This is fluff. This is a teenagers dream of love and sex.

No thanks.

Such a cute little romance. A hint of spice that just hits the spot. If you’ve ever screamed the name of a boy band member, this one is for you.

The plot caught my attention when I read it, and personally, I had read books by the author that I liked.

It all started on Scarlett's birthday, basically she is a privileged heiress, and she somehow wants to find herself taking away everything her family has. He is the lead singer of a band she listened to before, and his dad brought him to sing to him on his birthday.

In a nutshell, the band doesn't even listen to the scandals they had in the past. The encounter they accidentally have is a kiss that goes viral, and they decide to have a false relationship for the common good.

Throughout the book, we see the relationship of the two of them, as well as their personal challenges they go through.

I don't think it was my kind of reading because the things I would have liked to laugh at was not taking the story seriously. The book in a few words was quick to read, but it was a little overwhelming some things about the characters and there were some things that didn't make sense.

I enjoyed the book, but some things were very annoying.

thank you Netgalley & Monica Murphy for the arc in exchange for an honest review.