When I started reading this book, I had no idea it was part of a series. However, I didn't feel lost by not reading any of the other novels. I got a handle pretty quickly on the dynamic between the main characters and friend groups. Fake dating tropes don't always work for me, but I actually liked this one and thought it was one of the more believable setups. There is a lot of angst so the characters did annoy me at times. The ending was a little fast, but I did appreciate the redemption arc. Solid four star romance.

3.5…Tate is a singer/song writer that hit a bad patch…but he is back. He is back and stronger than ever. When he gets an offer to do a private show for a birthday party he takes the offer. Scarlett is 18 and gets whatever she wants. She is a bit spoiled and knows it. She also knows she eventually has to do things on her own and not with daddy’s help. When Tate sings at Scarlett’s party there is a pretty strong connection between these two. This turns into a relationship of convenience and takes off from there. This is a cute back and forth between two people with strong personalities. These two definitely had fun banter and a slow burn.
I usually love everything this author does but unfortunately this one just didn’t connect for me. I loved the idea of the book and enjoyed the characters but just wasn’t hooked like I normally am. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.

I adored this book. I was completely smitten with the plot and Tate/Scarlet. I actually loved Scarlet’s character. Such a strong and confident girl, even when she was in her head a lot. The tension to the build up had my heart racing like crazy. A great romance.

Meet Scarlett Lancaster - a gal with all the riches, connections, and power you could dream of. But she's not content to just sit pretty and let life happen. Along comes Tate Ramsey, the swoon-worthy frontman of the band Five Car Pileup, who's got a few skeletons in his closet he's hoping to shake off.
Together, Scarlett and Tate must face their fears and unravel the complicated knot that is love, all while trying to live up to everyone's expectations.
This book is like a warm hug on a cold day - easy to read, guaranteed to make you smile, and with a happy ending that will leave you feeling all fuzzy inside.

Things to know
Enemies to lovers, fake dating, ex-boy band member, boy obsessed, bad boy/good girl

Thank you NetGalley and Valentine PR for the ARC. @netgalley @valentine_pr_

I had a great time reading this story, as it was a bit addictive.
Didn't we all have a fase when we wanted to date our favorite singer/boy band member? Scarlett got to meet her favorite singer from when she was a teenager and now she doesn't know what to think of him. Not only were there some scandals around him, effectively ending his career, but she was definitely not expecting her father to ask him to come sing at her huge birthday party.
Tate is a "has been" singer, former member of a boy band, and can't believe that a performance in a heiress's birthday party can turn into a second chance for his career. But it turns out that it happens and that is all because of Scarlett. Now they have to pretend to be in a relationship to keep up the appearances. Is it going to work, or are the pretend feelings going to become real?

This read a bit like fanfiction, and there were a few cringey moments and sentences. The ending was a bit rushed, but overall it was a cute read. I want to read more books by this author soon!

Lonely for You Only is the perfect read for fans of classic new adult romances, especially those who enjoy beloved tropes like fake dating. Scarlett is a young socialite trying to break free from the "party girl" persona that comes with being her father's daughter. Her goal? To get the attention of the guy she’s been crushing on for years and finally make him notice her. Tate Ramsey, on the other hand, is just trying to survive his first live performance after a disastrous fall from the spotlight. Neither of them expects that a spontaneous, well-intentioned kiss at Scarlett's birthday party—following Tate's triumphant performance—will completely alter the course of both of their lives.

This book stands out from the rest of the series with its light and charming tone. It’s a slow-burn romance, full of moments that build up slowly but steadily. The angst toward the end is palpable; you’ll find yourself desperately wishing for the heartache to end as you feel for both characters. Their struggles and vulnerabilities are so real that you can’t help but root for them to find their happy ending.

The character development is a strong point in this story. You witness both Scarlett and Tate grow and confront their deepest fears, and it’s incredibly satisfying to see them evolve throughout the book. You’ll be right there with them, experiencing their growth, celebrating their victories, and empathizing with their setbacks.

My only real disappointment was the lack of an epilogue. I always love getting a glimpse into the future and seeing where the characters end up. It would have been nice to know how things turn out for them down the road, but overall, Lonely for You Only is a heartwarming, enjoyable romance with plenty of emotional depth.

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of ‘Lonely For You Only,’ and let me tell you how much I loved it! I can’t wait to reread it when it comes out officially on Kindle Unlimited.

‘Lonely For You Only’ was not my first book by Monica Murphy and definitely won’t be the last one! Her books just prove that there is no need for third-act break-ups or any miscommunication to happen to deliver a great romance. This was a feel-good romance, and I will recommend it to anyone who wants to dabble in this genre.

Like all of this author’s female main characters (FMC), Scarlet is well-matured for her age and, in this case, life experience as well. She is a well-balanced person, and it was because of her that the story was such a success. To balance it all, we had Tate as the male main character (MMC), and he was a little overwhelmed, and in my opinion, could have handled the situation a little better. However, I am not entirely mad about it because I do understand his panic and thought process.

The only thing I would have loved to see is a little more at the ending. I felt like it ended quite abruptly. There was no epilogue either, and we didn’t get the chance to bask in their happily ever after!

I found I kept scrolling faster through this book and skimming the pages rather than reading the words. I am going to be honest, this one fell flat for me.
The narrative was slow, I didn't find the characters engaging and super likeable where I wanted to invest in them. It just dragged. While I would try this author again, this book I kept picking up and putting away for months and am finally going to DNF.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

A rockstar romance by the author of the Lancaster Prep series. I found myself bored and waiting for something exciting to happen and I struggled to get attached to the characters. This one just isn't it for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

Rating: 3,5 stars ⭐️

Tropes:
bad boy x good girl 💕
opposites attract ✨
fake dating 💋

This was a good addition to the already existing Lancaster Prep series, I would recommend it if you are familiar with the series and characters.

The story starts on Scarlett Lancaster’s birthday, when her father hires Tate Ramsey, a former boy band member with a bad reputation, to perform at her party. After an encounter that went viral, the two agree to a fake relationship to benefit both of their images. Scarlett, wanting independence from her father’s control, and Tate, eager to repair his reputation, embark on a publicity stunt that quickly becomes more complicated as real feelings surface.

Thank you to Netgalley, Monica Murphy and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with this copy. All opinions are my own.

Did not finish. This book was just not a good fit for me, which is a shame because I love Monica Murphy’s writing. I just didn not connect with the story.

we need more fake dating romances between influencers and singers!!! Scarlett’s dad hires Tate (a former boy band member) to sing at her 18th birthday party. After a photo of them leaks, the rumor mill heats up and all of a sudden they’re in a fake relationship. This was such a fun read. The storyline was great and believable, and I just loved Tate and Scarlett together. Their personalities balanced so well!

Another winner from one of my favorite authors.

What I loved:
As long as Monica Murphy writes Lancaster books, I’m going to gobble them up.
I love the idea of finding yourself and standing apart from your larger than life and often overbearing family.
I love this author’s writing style. The book is low angst and a quick easy read.
Fake dating will forever be my jam. That moment when the couple finally realizes that fake has left the building and the feelings are 100% real is EVERYTHING!!
Tate and Scarlett’s will they or want they play at the beginning of the book is fun, but I absolutely loved where the story led us.

If you’re a fan of new adult romance, Monica Murphy is a go to author. Definitely recommend!

This is a perfect fit for readers who adore lighthearted, emotional romance stories with a dash of prep school drama, enemies-to-lovers tropes, and a sweet, grumpy-sunshine romance that will leave them smiling and rooting for the unlikely couple at the heart of the story.

I love romance books and this was truly no exception! I first discovered Murphy after the success of a million kisses in your lifetime and have since read all her romance books. They’re fun and charming and buttery inducing and I cannot wait for the next Murphy adventure! This was truly no exception. Loved it so much, 5 star!

“Scarlett Lancaster holds so much power over me in the palm of her hand, it’s downright scary.”

Ugh Monica, if there’s one thing you do well it’s write amazing books. I’ve had nothing but amazing things to say about every book of yours that I’ve read and this one didn’t disappoint! I’ve loved every Lancaster book you’ve put out and I loved the different take you put on this book! Tate, oh gosh he may be my favorite book boyfriend yet. There was something about his lack of confidence and the way you write Scarlett’s unwavering support in him.. ugh so so good. Wish it was less of a slow burn but it was worth it in the end!! ⭐️: 5/5 🌶️: 2/5

Lonely for You by Monica Murphy is a captivating and heartfelt romance that pulls at your emotions from the very first page. Murphy masterfully crafts a story of love, longing, and the complexities of relationships. The characters are deeply relatable, each grappling with their own vulnerabilities, making their journey toward each other all the more poignant. The chemistry between the protagonists is electric, and their emotional connection feels authentic and raw. If you’re a fan of romance novels that explore the depths of love and heartache, Lonely for You is a must-read that will leave you rooting for a happy ending.

Lonely for you only is ideal for those who like classic NA.
With that being said, it definitely wasn't for me but I like murphy's other books!

thank you net galley, monica murphy, & the publisher for the arc!

This one felt like it just really lacked what I was looking for. That third act break up thing is just seriously over done. And could in most times be fixed when people talk to each other. I felt like this one is a take it or leave it story. For me it failed.

Scarlett is an heiress who feels like she isn't her own person, but a shadow of her parents. When Tate Ramsey, former boy band superstar shows up at the same place as Scarlett, their chemistry is instant. Moving forward to work together to help them both, you see them grow into their own and face their insecurities. Such a good read with some hot moments!