Awkward premise....

And i was in for it. Hands rubbing gleefully. Scarlett, spoilt rich girl gets Tate as her birthday singer. Its not Justin Bieber. Nope, its a washed up has been, Tate (think used up N'Sync).
Pretty soon, these two are faking it for the Gram/Tok.

They have to learn to like each other. Reluctantly.
Recommend.
4.5 stars

An ex-boy band singer, a gorgeous heiress, fake dating and the Lancaster world?! This one was so cute. Tate and Scarlett were simply charming as they tried to navigate their viral kiss, their fake relationship that is turning into something very real, and their slow burn heat. This book is definitely on the lower angst in and ultra swoony- a night light and deliciously sweet visit to the sometime edgier Lancaster crew. But here it’s all characters, all adorableness, and all swoons. A delightfully heartfelt and low drama read.
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Tropes
🎸Bad Boy and Good Girl
🎸Fake Dating + Slower Burn
🎸Forced Proximity
🎸Ex-boyband Royalty Meets Heiress
🎸Rich people SHIZ
🎸Coming of Age

Welcome back to the world of the Lancasters, although this story does not take place at Lancaster Prep. Lonely for You Only is the story of Scarlett Lancaster, whose father for her 18th birthday hires her a boy bander to play at her party. Much to her dismay, it is Tate Ramsey and not Harry Stiles. Scarlett is certainly not happy with the selection. A brief encounter after the show leads to a kiss, that goes viral. In an effort to 'save face' they begin to fake date each other, you can guess where this might lead. Monica has written another incredible story of love but with all fun along the way.

Monica Murphy's Lonely for You Only takes readers back to the Lancaster family with Scarlett's story.

At her 18th birthday party she's hoping her
friend and crush, Ian, is going to finally notice her. However, nothing is going like she wanted it to. She's also not excited to find out her dad has hired Tate, a member of an old boy band, to perform at the party. When a paparazzi photo of a kiss they share goes viral they both find they can benefit from a fake relationship. It was fun watching Scarlett and Tate fall for one another as they spent time together. Their relationship had an unconventional beginning but they were well matched with great chemistry.

I really like Monica's writing style and this was an engaging story that hooked me from the beginning. You can jump in with this book as a standalone, but the other Lancaster family books are great reads too.

Tate and Scarlett’s story was a fun story. I love the Lancaster’s and a good redemption story so this was a perfect combination of the two. I loved seeing Tate get his comeback after getting to know his story.

I definitely felt like this was more a story about Tate and I really wanted more for Scarlett but I loved to see her start to grow into her own person.

I skipped the last book in the series, after it wasn’t working for me, but this one started out better for me. I mean, I am still such a big New Kids on the Block fan, that any boy band story is probably going to be a winner for me. I like the bit of the reverse billionaire romance trope for this one with Scarlett being the heiress. Sure, Tate could have been a billionaire, I mean he was a famous pop star, but when we start the story he’s down on his luck after kind of blowing up his career with drugs and alcohol.

Tate is easy to fall in love with though, he’s worked so hard to get to a better place, and this second chance for him is something you root for right away. Especially when his performance at Scarlett’s birthday party goes the way it does. It’s frustrating how many chances that Scarlett keeps giving her friend Ian, even after everyone gives her advice and tries to help her see how he’s just stringing her along. The dinner she has with his family is the perfect eye-opener for her, and it’s nice that she is able to figure things out about him from that point on.

Some of the stuff is definitely reminiscent a bit with the whole Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce romance going on right now, and so of course that stood out to me. Even if the author didn’t probably write this story with that in mind at all, or at least not when she started it I’m sure. I think maybe I liked Scarlett a lot because at that age I was a lot like her in the lack of experience area. And I liked how things went for her with that. How it wasn’t just a jump in and go for it, how they worked up to it, at a pace that was right, and in my opinion, realistic.

The story kept my interest the whole time as I wanted to see what would happen and how things could go with this fake relationship. In fact the way the secret got leaked and what happened at that point was unpredictable a bit for me. I liked that. I also loved the way Tate made sure to show Scarlett how he felt in the end. Not to mention all the song writing he did with Scarlett as his muse. Hmm, now I’m wondering if Taylor will have any songs with Travis as her muse? lol

I also liked Scarlett’s parents best probably out of all the Lancaster families too. This will be one of my favorites probably of the series for sure!

Lonely for You Only by Monica Murphy is the story of Scarlett Lancaster and Tate Ramsey. Tate is on the come back trail after some bad decisions. One of his first gig is at Scarlett's 18 birthday. Scarlett and Tate scare a moment that day. Later they end up agreeing to a fake relationship to help each other out but things start to turn into more. Enjoyed.

Scarlett and Tate are opposites. She is the good girl and he is the bad boy. This is not set on one trope but the fake dating stands out to help them out. For it being a first book by this author for me it made me want to read more by the author. It was well rounded and well written.

The Lancasters are the equivalent of New York royalty. Filthy rich, members of the upper echelon of high society, with the world at their fingertips. Scarlett Lancaster is the oldest child of Fitzgerald and Gloria Lancaster, so she's used to the attention attached to her last name. The problem is, at eighteen, she feels as if she's standing in the shadow of her successful, charismatic father. She's been sheltered and pampered, and now that she's graduated high school, she wants to find a way to shine bright all on her own. Her first goal is to finally get her crush Ian to notice her at her birthday bash. She's been infatuated with him for years, and hasn't found the nerve to pin the man down once and for all. Never mind the fact that none of her friends or family seem to think he's the right guy for her. He's two years older, responsible, and disciplined. He's everything she wants for a safe, respectful relationship. Her birthday party is her chance to make it out of the friend zone.

Tate Ramsey, former lead singer of the band Five Car Pileup has been hired as entertainment at Scarlett's party. She used to have a major crush on him in his glory days, but he's no longer a relevant celebrity after a string of scandals broke up his band. Singing at a private party seems like an embarrassing thing for a former rockstar, but Tate is grateful for the rare opportunity for a big paycheck. He's no longer drinking or doing drugs, and is humbly working hard to stay on the right path. Although his performance is a big hit with all of the ladies at her party, Scarlett is a bit judgmental and disappointed. I thought she acted rude and snobbish towards him when they first met, and I kind of felt a little bad for him. Their impulsive kiss backstage was faked for a paparazzi who was hiding nearby-neither thought anything significant would result from it. They were wrong.

Suddenly, pictures of the kiss are all over social media and their follower counts are blowing up. It's a fantasy that everyone is falling for: the former boy band star meeting a former fan and finding romance. It's something every girl fantasizes about at one time or another, and the world is giddy with excitement over the pairing. Tate is getting calls from his former manager, his music career could be resurrected, and it's all due to a harmless, innocent kiss shared with Scarlett. If he can get her to agree to publicly pose as his adoring girlfriend and keep the frenzy going, he could have a second chance at redemption.

Scarlett doesn't want anything to do with him at first. The kiss and the attention surrounding it pushed Ian further away just when she was trying to make things happen with him. It takes a bit of convincing, but in the end, Scarlett decides to the fake relationship. It could have the benefit of making Ian jealous and in the end drawing his interest. Despite his presence in the story, I would not say that there's a love triangle trope happening here. Ian's role is almost non-existent, so if you're not a fan of triangles, you have no worries with this book. This book centers around the fake relationship, which honestly typically isn't what I gravitate to. This one was enjoyable however, and there were several elements regarding the characters that I found intriguing.

One of the things that stood out was Scarlett's dad. He was quite the character, and had some unconventional takes when parenting his daughter. Her parents had their wild "party" days when they were younger, and he encourages her to live life to the fullest and find what makes her happy. When she introduces Tate to him as her boyfriend, he's all for it, despite the fact that he's a former addict and down on his luck career-wise. He likes Tate much more than boring, responsible Ian and isn't afraid to speak his mind about that. The way he encouraged Scarlett to run off to California with Tate after such a short acquaintance was rash in my opinion, but he seems to have a sixth sense that he can be trusted around his daughter. I liked that he wasn't the stereotypical, boorish, controlling father. It made him an interesting, layered secondary character.

I also liked that Tate wasn't your cliche manwhore, commitment-phobe rockstar. At the height of his fame, he was in a committed relationship with his high school girlfriend, and didn't "play the field" until she cheated on him with one of his band members. He may have gone on a downward spiral, but Tate is a good guy who isn't allergic to relationships. He does feel a little leery of starting anything real with Scarlett for a while because she's completely inexperienced, but he really can't deny the truth of his attraction for long. It's evident that he's drawn to her from the very beginning, and his obsession only grows by the minute. I liked that about him, and how sweet and protective he was towards her.

Scarlett was described as someone who was a homebody, shy, and enjoyed reading instead of socializing. I don't think she was shown as someone who's shy, just sheltered from the world. Inexperienced in all aspects. Her character could have used more fleshing out in my opinion. In the beginning, we are told that she wants to find her own place in the world-somewhere where she shines independently from her family. I don't feel that there was really any growth for her in that aspect by the end. Yes, she finds a level of fame as Tate's girlfriend, but I was waiting for her to find some way to stand out on her own and that never happened.

This was a cute new adult romance, just simple and fun. I didn't dislike any characters, and there were no major dramas. If you're looking for an easy musician romance where the heroine becomes his "muse" this could be the book for you.

This one was a slow burn with so much angst. I loved that she was so skeptical of him. Scarlett made him work for it. Her parents were supportive of her finding her way. Tate needed her, and I think felt that she felt seen by him. I loved it!

3/3.5 ⭐️

Lonely Only For You by Monica Murphy is the newest Standalone from Lancaster Prep series, bringing us another Lancaster member’s story.
This time we follow heiress Scarlett Lancaster, the daughter of youngest Lancaster brother Fitzgerald ‘Fitzy’ through her dual POVs, alongside famous Pop Star and former boyband member Tate Ramsey.

When it came to the narrative, it did deliver in certain aspects and areas which can’t be denied.
One of which being the story surrounding Scarlett and Tate, which although may seemed like a typical Pop Star Romance, it did have more to than meets the eye.

Through the unfolding of the story, the narrative took you on the journey that showcased growth, transformation and self discovery. All of which was showcased through Scarlett and Tate’s individual POVs chapters, displaying their inner monologue to understand them on a deeper level.
It allowed the character development to be explored considering what we learn about the characters along the way. From understanding just what exactly they were going through and dealing with when it came to not only their own personal lives. But also within the link that connected them to one another with putting each other in one another’s lives, that being their faux romance relationship.

What surprised me was Tate’s character, he wasn’t unexpected in some ways.
This was showcased through his character development, seeing him battle his inner turmoil that came from fighting his inner demons of confidence, worthiness and strength due to his past that seemed to be hanging over him like a dark cloud, resulting in him second guessing himself constantly through the progression of the story. Only to slowly yet eventually pull through and gain the redemption he fought so hard for with some help from Scarlett along the way.
The sense of realism that Tate's character brought to the story seeing the darker side to the world of fame when it comes to being a pop star helped to add some depth IMO. Making his character feel more authentic and real.

With Scarlett’s character while she had it all with wealth and privilege, her life wasn’t her life with living in the shadows of her family and their name something she wanted to break out of.
Leading to a journey of self discovery and growth, trying to make a name for herself along the way by building up her confidence and do what needed to done to make it happen.
Alongside some help from Tate, given the predicament that linked them together.

Maybe it’s just me, but while reading Scarlett and Tate’s story, it definitely gave off YA Romance vibes with feeling like Monica had me reading one of her YA Romance books from her earlier days, which is where it all began for me having discovered her sweet and cute Young Adult Romances first.

Unfortunately there were some issues to be had with this book for me that just couldn’t be ignored.
For instance it was a little too wordy for my liking to the point of where it equated to being stuffed with long sentences that seemed like unnecessary filler, elongated the story more than necessary with feeling like it was never ending in those moments and times from what was being said IMO.
Given the shortage of ups and downs which the story had me expecting, it meant the storyline mostly ran at a straight and steady level. And although that isn't necessarily a bad thing. In this case it led to the lack of excitement, pizazz and oomph which it had me wanting especially when you take into account the premise of the book that would call for it IMO.
Which is why it couldn't be helped that my interest waned like no other, to the point of constantly taking breaks in between.
Another issue came from the ending being too rushed from the abruptness of how it finished.
IMO it felt as if the end was thrown altogether last minute.
To me there definitely could’ve been more to it, maybe if there had been less filler it could’ve allowed the story to expand on delivering a clear and well established ending, since what we got was not it for me personally. Having not realised it was the ending at first.

In the end despite my issues, Lonely Only For You was a cute and sweet romance that delivered a good plot overall with a strong character development making for good read.

4.5 ⭐️ | 2🌶️

Tropes:
~ Fake dating
~ Enemies to Lovers
~ Bad boy / Good girl
~ Ex boy band member & heiress
~ Boy obsessed

I’ve read Monica’s ‘The Wedded Bliss’ series and absolutely loved it, so naturally when I came across this one I had to request for the ARC. Getting approved for it was a pleasant surprise but as much as I tried to binge it (coz yes, it’s that good!) life had other plans (aka work was crazzzyyy)

I love the Lancaster family and I’m really excited to read about more of them because each of them are so unique in their own way. Scarlet is a young, introverted, just turned 18 year old who is trying to be her own person in this world; when she meets Tate, a twenty one year old ex boy band member (who also happens to be Scarlet’s teenage crush) Both of their lives change in the best possible way after their first encounter and what follows after is nothing less than magical.

This book is filled with so much drama, slow burn and swoony moments; it almost feels like a movie! While the spice isn’t as spicy as I’d expected, I felt that it was perfect for this couple. With Tate struggling to be a better man, trying to revive his career and Scarlet getting to know the world while discovering herself, the two complement each other beautifully and their love story feels young and pure.

I adored this story and would love to see these two appear in Monica’s future books! If you like new adult romances that feel innocent yet create sparks, this one’s for you.

4.5 stars

Can anyone say 'slow burn'?

In my experience of Monica Murphy books this is not her usual 'style' and it's so good!

Scarlett is a poor little rich girl and Tate is a washed up boy band singer...or at least that what they look like at the start of this tale.

However during their manufactured 'fake relationship', the has-been and heiress metamorphose into a beautiful young couple, getting to know each other, being supportive of each other AND Tate has a very attractive protective streak. What's not to love?

The 'slow-burn' aspect of this novel gives the characters the opportunity to grow and for the readers' relationship with them to develop.

I mean we all love an HEA but when you 'know' the characters, it makes their story even sweeter.

A lovely addition to Monica Murphy's catalogue.

Scarlett’s father hires reformed former bad boy Tate to play at her 18th birthday party, and they hit it off. Scarlett is tired of living in her father’s shadow, and craves independence, and she and Tate agree to a fake relationship.
This is a well written story which has family, friendships, fake relationships, undeniable chemistry, romance, angst, and love, which leads to an entertaining, steamy, and sweet page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

“Lonely for you only” is a rockstar, slow burn romance that will have you hooked right from the very first page.

Monica Murphy has yet again knocked this story right out of the park. Monica Murphy is one of my #oneclick authors I absolutely loved this beautiful written story just as you will too.

Scarlett Lancaster is young and beautiful and she is an heiress who’s struggling to find her place in the world. She wants to be recognised for being herself not for her last name.

Tate Ramsey is trying to make a come back in the music scene he has made some mistakes in his past but he’s learned and grew. When Tate gets hired by Scarlett’s father to perform at her 18th birthday party it’s an offer he can’t refuse.

“Lonely for you only” ticked all my boxes

✔️rockstar elements
✔️enemies to lovers (kinda)
✔️slow burn
✔️fake dating

I absolutely adored Tate and Scarlett’s story. I can’t recommend it enough!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
FIVE STARS 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Another Lancaster I'm in! This was a great read, Scarlett and Tate's story was different and a great read, I devoured this story in a day and wish for more Scarlett and Tate.

Scarlett Lancaster was delighted - and surprised - when she found out her middle school boy band crush would be performing at her eighteenth birthday party. Tate Ramsey was, to put it nicely, a “has-been boy bander” whose latest jobs involved personalized message requests from random people. When an unexpected kiss creates gossip and rumors surrounding Scarlett and Tate, they come to an agreement to have a fake relationship.

Tate and Scarlett’s banter led to me grasping onto their story. The slow burn of the book was amazing and kept the pages turning. I read this whole book in a day. My favorite part was hearing how Tate evolved into the man he was when he met Scarlett.

This is a great book for people who are fans of enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating, forced proximity, slow-burn and spicy romances. This book falls within the Lancaster inter-connected series but can be read as a standalone.

Lonely For You Only is Scarlett Lancaster's story and is a fun and sweet addition to the Lancaster Prep series.

This book is much sweeter and tamer than the previous books in the series, but it is equally enjoyable. Tate is a former boyband musician. When Scarlett's father offer's him a huge amount of money to perform at her 18th birthday, he is once again thrown into the spotlight.

Scarlett has grown up under the shadow of her father and the weight of their last name. I love her desire to make a name for herself and how hard she fights for her independence.

These two may have started off fake dating, but there was nothing fake about there chemistry. Tate turned out to be such a sweetheart and I loved every second of it.

4.5 ⭐⁣
2 🌶️⁣
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When Monica said she's writing more Lancaster but this one is not set at Lancaster Prep, I was immediately intrigued. I LOVE the Lancaster so I don't care if it's not taking place at Lancaster Prep. Lol I'll READ IT. ⁣
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Tate is a former singer in a boy band, and was hired by Scarlett Lancaster's father to sing at Scarlett's birthday party. Tate and Scarlett were put in a situation where they don't want bad press so they ended up kissing. And this KISS went viral. Lol so if Tate wants to sign with his company again to be a singer, Scarlett has to be his girlfriend to get more publicity. But Scarlett has had her eyes on Ian for years. Ian is not making a move at all so Scarlett agrees to fake date Tate to see if Ian will do anything. The more Tate and Scarlett spends time with each other, it doesn't feel fake anymore. ⁣
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I love them so much. I swooned so many times. I have to say, it's different from the Lancaster Prep series. It's more of a cute and sweet read. The character development was on point!! ⁣
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Grab this book today!!

Lonley for You Only, is a slow burn, angsty, whirlwind of sweetness, that I couldn't put down.
The chemistry between Scarlett and Tate where off the charts from the start, and I loved every minute of it.
LfYO has a little spice, and is more story driven which was quite refreshing.
The fake relationship trope isn't a one I read too often, but this one was pure enjoyment, and completely entertaining.

ARC provided by Monica Murphy and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review