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Press Play
Riley Daniels thought a night at the movies was just the thing to cheer up her recently dumped roommate, Paul Holder. That’s what friends were for. But when they see an ad for an amateur adult video contest—the same contest Riley won two years earlier with her ex-boyfriend—they both look at each other with the same huh.Riley suspects Paul could use some help getting over his breakup. Paul knows his roommate has fallen into a professional rut, and when he hears Riley describe the confidence she used to have when she last entered, he knows he can help her get it back.With these magnanimous goals in mind, they decide to make an entry of their own, sealing the deal with the promise that they’ll remain friends—nothing less, but nothing more. The plan is perfect, except for one little their agreement to stay just friends means they can’t reveal that they’re secretly in love with each other.
201 pages, Paperback
First published October 22, 2020
21 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 21, 2021
Quietly bold! Couldn’t put this down.
This book is scorchingly hot, a story about two people (who I would love to be friends with) figuring out how to fall in love while still protecting their fragile hearts. Very touching. But again: HOT. Lovely, highly recommend.
This book is scorchingly hot, a story about two people (who I would love to be friends with) figuring out how to fall in love while still protecting their fragile hearts. Very touching. But again: HOT. Lovely, highly recommend.
September 13, 2022
The unique storyline was what attracted me to this, and if you're looking for a book with great steamy scenes, you will definitely find them here. The ending was also very sweet.
Unfortunately I just struggled to connect with the characters on a deeper level, and felt detached from the story as I was reading. I think part of that was due to the third person narrative style and the abundance of inner monologue, both of which I'm not a fan of.
Great story, but the writing style wasn't for me sadly.
Unfortunately I just struggled to connect with the characters on a deeper level, and felt detached from the story as I was reading. I think part of that was due to the third person narrative style and the abundance of inner monologue, both of which I'm not a fan of.
Great story, but the writing style wasn't for me sadly.
October 27, 2020
I'm struggling on my feelings for this book. On the one hand, I think the first 20% or so (basically through their first cam scene) was really amazing and strong. I loved it and I was so excited to continue!
But the rest of the book started to really bog down and towards the last 20% or so I was actually skimming all the pages just to get to the end. There was a lot of internal dialogue and thinking going on, often in the middle of the sex scenes, and I'm not talking about a line or two here and there, I'm talking about *pages* of it at a time, which was often unnecessary, repetitive, or just distracting from the flow of the story.
I went from loving these two to not really caring about them or their HEA. And I'm not really sure where things flipped for me. I suppose it was more of a gentle slide than a sudden turn.
Press Play had the potential to be a 5 star read but things changed and by the end I was left with a major meh feeling instead.
But the rest of the book started to really bog down and towards the last 20% or so I was actually skimming all the pages just to get to the end. There was a lot of internal dialogue and thinking going on, often in the middle of the sex scenes, and I'm not talking about a line or two here and there, I'm talking about *pages* of it at a time, which was often unnecessary, repetitive, or just distracting from the flow of the story.
I went from loving these two to not really caring about them or their HEA. And I'm not really sure where things flipped for me. I suppose it was more of a gentle slide than a sudden turn.
Press Play had the potential to be a 5 star read but things changed and by the end I was left with a major meh feeling instead.
November 2, 2020
Roommates and friends Riley and Paul agree to enter a sex tape context to help Paul get over his recent breakup and for Riley to submit a new entry better and even hotter than the one she made with the ex who broke her heart last year. Both roommates have also been absolutely pining for each other, but unsure of the other's feelings, they agree this is sex as friends and for the contest only. But, their sparks and immediate chemistry start making their practice sessions and tapings more emotional and hotter than they both could have dreamed, and lead both to wonder maybe they could have it all.
Super fun, I enjoyed this a lot. A first read of this author for me.
Super fun, I enjoyed this a lot. A first read of this author for me.
September 21, 2021
In the best erotic romance, the conflict in the bedroom mirrors and impacts the conflict in the characters' real lives. Dylan gets it, and handles sex masterfully. His down-and-dirty sex scenes aren't just delightful spice breaks between plot beats: Riley and Paul's (mis)communication is clear in every sultry stroke. Fair warning--keep tissues to wipe the steam off your eReader handy--and to mop your brow. (Also, I am TOTALLY jonesin' to see the movie they made!)
January 27, 2022
Very sweet and tender romance at the heart of an erotic romance.
May 14, 2021
Rating: 4 stars
What I Liked: This was a lovely little novella. The plot is really interesting and different, and it wasn’t at all what I expected. It was really hot and steamy, but there was a lot of emotion packed into this that surprised me. Even when the two main characters, Riley and Paul, are having sex, emotions are at the forefront of what’s happening. At the same time, the story never feels heavy - it still felt light, warm and romantic.
I liked both Riley and Paul - Paul in particular was adorable - and I thought their relationship was lovely. I really liked that when the story began. Their chemistry was really strong and I think the bond between them was really clear and felt very real.
As I’ve already said, the sex in this book is really hot and well-written Also, a small detail, but
What I Didn’t: I found it a little slow at parts, there’s a lot of emotional stuff to wade through. I also thought the ending was a bit blunt -
Overall: I really enjoyed this and I’m glad I read it. It’s fun and sexy but also very emotional and sweet.
Would I Recommend It?: Yes, if you want a hot and steamy friends-to-lovers romance.
Would I Read Something By The Author Again?: Yes.
What I Liked: This was a lovely little novella. The plot is really interesting and different, and it wasn’t at all what I expected. It was really hot and steamy, but there was a lot of emotion packed into this that surprised me. Even when the two main characters, Riley and Paul, are having sex, emotions are at the forefront of what’s happening. At the same time, the story never feels heavy - it still felt light, warm and romantic.
I liked both Riley and Paul - Paul in particular was adorable - and I thought their relationship was lovely. I really liked that when the story began. Their chemistry was really strong and I think the bond between them was really clear and felt very real.
As I’ve already said, the sex in this book is really hot and well-written Also, a small detail, but
What I Didn’t: I found it a little slow at parts, there’s a lot of emotional stuff to wade through. I also thought the ending was a bit blunt -
Overall: I really enjoyed this and I’m glad I read it. It’s fun and sexy but also very emotional and sweet.
Would I Recommend It?: Yes, if you want a hot and steamy friends-to-lovers romance.
Would I Read Something By The Author Again?: Yes.
August 17, 2022
3.5⭐️
So, is this a thing that people do? I mean, are there really even competitions of this sort or is this totally the author’s imagination as a plot device to get these two friends into bed? And honestly, I’m kind of confused why a complete-ass adult (Riley is 31) and a grown-ass adult (Paul is 26) would have to go round and round to find an excuse to go to bed together. Yeah, yeah I know. Fiction, sexual tension, drives the story, don’t want to ruin their friendship, they’re “helping” each other… I get it. But I thought it was a little light on conviction? Is that the word I’m looking for? Like, their reasons for agreeing to do the home video is to help “inspire” Riley creatively with her theater work and for Paul to get over his relationship (three dates is not a relationship, incidentally) or bang him out of his sports career funk? I don’t know, it was super flimsy to me.
So now that I’ve complained about all the things that were questionable about this book, let me just say that I still really enjoyed reading it. I liked the resolution and the sexy times were quite sexy. So, if you don’t mind a weak storyline and do like lots of smashing, then you, too, might enjoy this.
So, is this a thing that people do? I mean, are there really even competitions of this sort or is this totally the author’s imagination as a plot device to get these two friends into bed? And honestly, I’m kind of confused why a complete-ass adult (Riley is 31) and a grown-ass adult (Paul is 26) would have to go round and round to find an excuse to go to bed together. Yeah, yeah I know. Fiction, sexual tension, drives the story, don’t want to ruin their friendship, they’re “helping” each other… I get it. But I thought it was a little light on conviction? Is that the word I’m looking for? Like, their reasons for agreeing to do the home video is to help “inspire” Riley creatively with her theater work and for Paul to get over his relationship (three dates is not a relationship, incidentally) or bang him out of his sports career funk? I don’t know, it was super flimsy to me.
So now that I’ve complained about all the things that were questionable about this book, let me just say that I still really enjoyed reading it. I liked the resolution and the sexy times were quite sexy. So, if you don’t mind a weak storyline and do like lots of smashing, then you, too, might enjoy this.
November 4, 2020
Ash Dylan’s novella, Press Play is one of the most interesting and frustrating romances I’ve read in a long time.
Paul and Riley are roommates. Paul is a professional soccer player who suffered a serious injury and has spent the last year coaching for Portland’s team while they see how much he recovers. Riley has been in a professional and creative rut since her ex-boyfriend chose his career over their relationship. They are each in a stuck place. As a reader you also know that they have feelings for each other, but neither has had the courage to say anything.
For reasons that make sense in the book, they decide to make a sex tape to enter into an amateur adult video contest. They agree to “stay friends” even though they both know it’s going to change things between them and the reader knows they are already not “just friends.” Riley, a director, has a vision for the film, which unintentionally reflects the tension in the relationship between Paul and Riley.
Sex does not have to mean anything beyond a momentary trust and physical pleasure. Riley and Paul are assuring each other that that is all they are looking for from each other. They are able to act on their feelings, desires and vulnerability while shielded by the pretense that they are doing this for art. The juxtaposition between their actions and the words they are willing to say when the camera isn’t rolling is part of what makes Press Play such an interesting novella.
What makes it frustrating is that after a while it was hard for me to accept that Riley and Paul were being anything other than willfully obtuse. Both of them spend an enormous amount of time in their own heads, and it got a bit wearying. I am not a fan of grand gestures and there are two in this book. One made sense and the other didn’t. That said, I mostly enjoyed the book. It’s well worth a read even if it’s imperfect.
Paul and Riley are roommates. Paul is a professional soccer player who suffered a serious injury and has spent the last year coaching for Portland’s team while they see how much he recovers. Riley has been in a professional and creative rut since her ex-boyfriend chose his career over their relationship. They are each in a stuck place. As a reader you also know that they have feelings for each other, but neither has had the courage to say anything.
For reasons that make sense in the book, they decide to make a sex tape to enter into an amateur adult video contest. They agree to “stay friends” even though they both know it’s going to change things between them and the reader knows they are already not “just friends.” Riley, a director, has a vision for the film, which unintentionally reflects the tension in the relationship between Paul and Riley.
Sex does not have to mean anything beyond a momentary trust and physical pleasure. Riley and Paul are assuring each other that that is all they are looking for from each other. They are able to act on their feelings, desires and vulnerability while shielded by the pretense that they are doing this for art. The juxtaposition between their actions and the words they are willing to say when the camera isn’t rolling is part of what makes Press Play such an interesting novella.
What makes it frustrating is that after a while it was hard for me to accept that Riley and Paul were being anything other than willfully obtuse. Both of them spend an enormous amount of time in their own heads, and it got a bit wearying. I am not a fan of grand gestures and there are two in this book. One made sense and the other didn’t. That said, I mostly enjoyed the book. It’s well worth a read even if it’s imperfect.
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December 13, 2021This mini review is part of a listicle by Erin that can be read in its entirety at The Smut Report
This one is very much about the sexytimes, on account of: roommates who have been secretly in love with each other agree to make a sex tape – as friends, of course – for a local adult film contest. She can get her directing mojo back and he can get over his ex. Except that they’re really using the experience to get closer to each other. Not suited to readers who need well-edited books; this book would benefit from some editing. But it’s a really interesting premise with characters who are really afraid to take a leap. And the way he holds his hand out to her has lived rent free in my brain since I finished reading.
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This one is very much about the sexytimes, on account of: roommates who have been secretly in love with each other agree to make a sex tape – as friends, of course – for a local adult film contest. She can get her directing mojo back and he can get over his ex. Except that they’re really using the experience to get closer to each other. Not suited to readers who need well-edited books; this book would benefit from some editing. But it’s a really interesting premise with characters who are really afraid to take a leap. And the way he holds his hand out to her has lived rent free in my brain since I finished reading.
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November 5, 2020
This was sooo soo GOOD!! This was such a steamy and intimate read. I really enjoyed how the main couple interacted with eachother. I especially love when the main characters both have liked each other for a while but both are completely oblivious. Those idiots 🥰🥺.
I really enjoyed how the sex scenes were written. They were very descriptive while including very poetical and emotional language. Also the author used that time to share other things about the characters. I felt like I got to really see INSIDE their minds and get to know them and feel their hesitation and fear to admit their feelings.
Overall, this was steamy, intimate, and cozy since most of the scenes take place in their apartment. I was definitely rooting for the couple from start to finish. The confession scene between them was CHEFS KISS!!
I'm going to go listen to the positions album now and go sniffle my nose.
I really enjoyed how the sex scenes were written. They were very descriptive while including very poetical and emotional language. Also the author used that time to share other things about the characters. I felt like I got to really see INSIDE their minds and get to know them and feel their hesitation and fear to admit their feelings.
Overall, this was steamy, intimate, and cozy since most of the scenes take place in their apartment. I was definitely rooting for the couple from start to finish. The confession scene between them was CHEFS KISS!!
I'm going to go listen to the positions album now and go sniffle my nose.
August 27, 2023
I liked the premise of the book and the first 20-30% of the book were great, but the characters frustrated me a lot so it took me forever to get to the rest of the book. Both characters were terrible about communicating with each other and all the issues in the book could’ve been solved if they talked to each other, even talking about their jobs would’ve saved them all this angst. Paul barely shared anything with Riley and Riley barely cared to find out more about Paul, she was a horrible friend. I know it’s a small thing, but how is Paul kneeling and carrying her around with no problems after a career-ending knee injury??
November 28, 2020
Tricky but kind of pulled it off
I was curious about how this story line was going to unfold and therefore took a chance. And I must say this is a rather good story. I was a little irritated with Paul and Riley's reluctance to express their feelings and continually hide behind their friendship. Yet I loved how things unfolded and the little things revealed their significance in the relationship.
I was curious about how this story line was going to unfold and therefore took a chance. And I must say this is a rather good story. I was a little irritated with Paul and Riley's reluctance to express their feelings and continually hide behind their friendship. Yet I loved how things unfolded and the little things revealed their significance in the relationship.
August 6, 2022
Super sweet and sexy friends to lovers
What a great book, I found myself grinning like an idiot the whole time. Entertaining as hell, great storyline, great premise of two roomates who both want more, but are unsure on how to move forward until they see an ad for a sex tape competition. What could go wrong?!? Lots it turns out, but also lots can go right as well. Highly recommend. Great read.
What a great book, I found myself grinning like an idiot the whole time. Entertaining as hell, great storyline, great premise of two roomates who both want more, but are unsure on how to move forward until they see an ad for a sex tape competition. What could go wrong?!? Lots it turns out, but also lots can go right as well. Highly recommend. Great read.
June 30, 2024
good stuff, but could be great stuff with a more careful developmental edit: too often dialogue meant to amuse and advance the plot was confusing or internal monologues meant to show internal growth felt too "English major" with on-the-nose metaphors. i DO love that ash dylan is very clearly thoughtful about themes, structure, and pacing. there's a lot of good stuff. but he needs to untangle some of the gnarls for this to be awesome'sauce.
February 15, 2022
Somehow a repressed feelings, roomies to lovers, lets make a sex tape as friends was... a little boring ngl
I enjoyed the resolution, until
I enjoyed the resolution, until
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February 23, 2022The meta art-mirroring-life aspect is interesting. Paul is really sweet, and he and Riley have some excellent chemistry. I enjoyed the spicy scenes, as well as the early chapters establishing their roomie relationship - which was definitely couple-like. Their lack of communication frustrated me; I prefer when romances do not fall on that to escalate the narrative tension. Still, very enjoyable.
April 22, 2022
This steamy friends-to-lovers romance is pretty fucking perfect. The heat is on from the first chapter to the last and still … there’s so much pining, like soooo much pining. Loved it. Riley is a creative, unabashedly sex-positive director and her roommate Paul is this huge, big-hearted, soccer-playing teddy bear. I would room in with either one of them in a heartbeat. They care about each other so deeply, it took my breath away. They also think about fucking each other a lot, so if that bothers you, don’t read this book. If it doesn’t … happy reading!
November 8, 2020
"She took a second to appreciate his scent—freshly laundered clothes, the deodorant she wasn’t above smelling when he wasn’t there. Like the Christmas morning they spent with each other instead of their families, faint wood smoke from the fireplace, fresh pine from outdoors."
November 14, 2020
I don’t know why this little novella took me 4 days to finish. It was an unusual combo of hot and sweet and quietly introspective with an equally unusual premise that added a twist to the friends/roommates to lovers trope. Really enjoyed it.
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July 1, 2021The first 40 percent of this, in particular, was a lesson in chemistry. Two really well drawn people who felt like the ages they were supposed to be and at a place in both their careers that led to organic feeling conflict. A nice short read.
September 11, 2021
Fun Naughty Read
I enjoyed this quick story. The writing and characters are enjoyable. The sex scenes are hot. I felt like they needed to be longer. The love scenes perfect. I just wanted more... I wouldn't mind reading about the main couples friends.
I enjoyed this quick story. The writing and characters are enjoyable. The sex scenes are hot. I felt like they needed to be longer. The love scenes perfect. I just wanted more... I wouldn't mind reading about the main couples friends.
August 5, 2022
Cute little romance with 🌶🌶🌶
If you do not like spicy books, dont read. But it is very cute and I liked the dual 3rd person POVs. It felt sweet and made me want to watch icelandic movies, lol.
If you do not like spicy books, dont read. But it is very cute and I liked the dual 3rd person POVs. It felt sweet and made me want to watch icelandic movies, lol.
October 18, 2022
The angst and agonizing and thinking and worrying the two MCs did was so much that it really bogged down the story. The sex scenes were hot, and you were rooting for them, but I hit a point where I was just yelling “enough already” at my kindle 🤷♀️
October 26, 2020
This started as a silly Twitter plot bunny, and Ash Dylan turned it into a warm, funny, sweet story with depth and heart and heat.
June 1, 2021
this was fun ngl
October 19, 2021
Deliciously spicy to balance the sweetness and vulnerability. Really enjoyed it.
March 16, 2022
🔥🔥🔥🔥 {fans self}.
Two friends, both secretly into each other, decide to enter an amateur sex tape contest to help cheer each other up. It’s romance reasons! Mutual pining! Super hot sex!
Two friends, both secretly into each other, decide to enter an amateur sex tape contest to help cheer each other up. It’s romance reasons! Mutual pining! Super hot sex!
May 30, 2022
Pretty decent novella
It's a bit rambling at times, and the drama is often convoluted, but I still found myself rooting for them almost immediately.
It's a bit rambling at times, and the drama is often convoluted, but I still found myself rooting for them almost immediately.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews