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Press Play
Wren Jacob has always lived in survival mode. She had no choice—shaped by a toxic upbringing and chronic illness. Now, she faces her toughest challenge avoiding her abusive mother and figuring out where she belongs.
Enter Theodore Torres, her best friend since high school. Theo, a cam star, has always been there for her—whether gaming late into the night or helping her through a crisis. Theo offers her a place to stay, and while hesitant, Wren agrees because she knows she’s safe with him.
As Wren confronts her past trauma and growing feelings for Theo, he’s silently waging his own war. Tired of filming, and meaningless sex, he longs for something real. And with Wren, he feels whole, but as their friendship blurs into something more, he wonders if he deserves her.
Please real all trigger and content warnings on my amberpaigeauthor dot com
Enter Theodore Torres, her best friend since high school. Theo, a cam star, has always been there for her—whether gaming late into the night or helping her through a crisis. Theo offers her a place to stay, and while hesitant, Wren agrees because she knows she’s safe with him.
As Wren confronts her past trauma and growing feelings for Theo, he’s silently waging his own war. Tired of filming, and meaningless sex, he longs for something real. And with Wren, he feels whole, but as their friendship blurs into something more, he wonders if he deserves her.
Please real all trigger and content warnings on my amberpaigeauthor dot com
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2025
33 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Amber Paige
8 books168 followersAmber Paige writes romance/contemporary romance/fantasy novels with HEA’s. When she’s not obsessing over commas or letting her imposter syndrome win you can find her writing, reading, playing videos games, or watching too much TV.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
July 27, 2025
Amber is always really great at writing banter and creating chemistry and tension between her characters, and Press Play definitely didn’t let me down! You could feel how much the characters wanted each other, and the way they were there for each other through truly everything was exactly what I look for in a friends to lovers romance. I’ve learned I can count on an Amber Page romance to deliver every time!
I think personally, I struggled a little with the MMCs profession and the drama that arose from that, and that was 100% a me problem. I knew what I was going into, but I think I didn’t know enough about it to know how I’d feel.
I will continue to pick up everything Amber writes!
I think personally, I struggled a little with the MMCs profession and the drama that arose from that, and that was 100% a me problem. I knew what I was going into, but I think I didn’t know enough about it to know how I’d feel.
I will continue to pick up everything Amber writes!
May 30, 2025
4.5⭐️ (rounded up)
First and foremost, thank you so much for this Amber! My review is 100% truthful.
Overall I truly loved reading this book. I cannot lie when I say that when I saw "cam star" I was like ain't no way 😆 it's basically the main reason I signed up because that's too good to pass up lol
Learning about Wren and her family issues but also her struggles with celiac disease as a child was heartbreaking (even more so after reading the authors note, my heart goes out to you Amber 🫂). Wren really did grow throughout the story and while yes Theo had a lot to do with it, she chose that moment to embrace all she learned in therapy and step up to her mother.
Theodore Torres THE MAN THAT YOU ARE! Lordddd this man has a mouth on him! 🥵 But he was also incredibly sweet and such a rock for Wren. He is definitely a cinnamon roll of a man. He was also so funny there's a scene in the beginning that had me cackling so IYKYK lol
If you enjoy spice this book definitely has it! Which I mean should be expected, he's a cam star after all lol
I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good rom com with spice!
First and foremost, thank you so much for this Amber! My review is 100% truthful.
Overall I truly loved reading this book. I cannot lie when I say that when I saw "cam star" I was like ain't no way 😆 it's basically the main reason I signed up because that's too good to pass up lol
Learning about Wren and her family issues but also her struggles with celiac disease as a child was heartbreaking (even more so after reading the authors note, my heart goes out to you Amber 🫂). Wren really did grow throughout the story and while yes Theo had a lot to do with it, she chose that moment to embrace all she learned in therapy and step up to her mother.
Theodore Torres THE MAN THAT YOU ARE! Lordddd this man has a mouth on him! 🥵 But he was also incredibly sweet and such a rock for Wren. He is definitely a cinnamon roll of a man. He was also so funny there's a scene in the beginning that had me cackling so IYKYK lol
If you enjoy spice this book definitely has it! Which I mean should be expected, he's a cam star after all lol
I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good rom com with spice!
June 16, 2025
✨️ ARC Review ✨️
Everyone stop! If you need a fluffy, cozy, spicy romance story please run to read this book!!
Amber thank you so much for reminding me that the friends to lovers trope is one of my favorites!
This story had me over the moon from page one. It's been a while since I enjoyed a romance book this much!
Both Wren and Theo are amazing and complex characters, full of relatable and powerful stories. I love how their relationship is constructed in such an organic way developing into something deeply complex page by page.
I was really moved by Wren's back story, but after reading the author's note... uff... Thank you Amber for letting us be part of this story.
I'll be honest, Theo felt completely far-fetched when I started reading him, no one is that perfect and the way he handles his situation felt too easy, but I was soon corrected when I shared my thoughts with my husband and he gave me a couple real-life examples that allowed me to open my mind and now I stand corrected. Theo is perfect and a top-tier book boyfriend ♡
The mental health representation was beautifully done, by being present thru these characters' development without being their entire personality, I really liked how everything clicked together at the end ♡
Amber thank you so much for this ARC opportunity ♡ I loved it!
***
Paren todo! Si necesitan una historia romántica tierna, acogedora y picante, corran a leer este libro!
Amber, muchas gracias por recordarme que el trope de friends to lovers es uno de mis favoritos. Esta historia me tuvo en la luna desde la primera página. Hacía tiempo que no disfrutaba tanto de un libro de romance!
Tanto Wren como Theo son personajes increíbles y complejos, con historias llenas de significado y poderosas. Me encanta cómo su relación se construye de manera tan orgánica, desarrollándose en algo profundamente complejo página a página.
Me conmovió mucho la historia de fondo de Wren, pero después de leer la nota del autor... uff... Gracias, Amber, por dejarnos ser parte de esta historia.
Seré honesta, Theo me pareció completamente irreal cuando lo leí al inicio; nadie es tan perfecto y la forma en que maneja su situación me pareció demasiado fácil, pero pronto fui corregida cuando compartí mis pensamientos con mi esposo y me dio un par de ejemplos de la vida real que me permitieron abrir mi mente y cambiar de parecer. Theo es perfecto y un novio literario de primera ♡
La representación de la salud mental fue hermosamente lograda, al estar presente durante el desarrollo de estos personajes sin ser su personalidad completa. Me gustó mucho cómo todo encajó al final ♡
Amber, muchas gracias por esta oportunidad de ARC ♡ ¡Me encantó!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
🔥🔥🔥🔥 4/5
Everyone stop! If you need a fluffy, cozy, spicy romance story please run to read this book!!
Amber thank you so much for reminding me that the friends to lovers trope is one of my favorites!
This story had me over the moon from page one. It's been a while since I enjoyed a romance book this much!
Both Wren and Theo are amazing and complex characters, full of relatable and powerful stories. I love how their relationship is constructed in such an organic way developing into something deeply complex page by page.
I was really moved by Wren's back story, but after reading the author's note... uff... Thank you Amber for letting us be part of this story.
I'll be honest, Theo felt completely far-fetched when I started reading him, no one is that perfect and the way he handles his situation felt too easy, but I was soon corrected when I shared my thoughts with my husband and he gave me a couple real-life examples that allowed me to open my mind and now I stand corrected. Theo is perfect and a top-tier book boyfriend ♡
The mental health representation was beautifully done, by being present thru these characters' development without being their entire personality, I really liked how everything clicked together at the end ♡
Amber thank you so much for this ARC opportunity ♡ I loved it!
***
Paren todo! Si necesitan una historia romántica tierna, acogedora y picante, corran a leer este libro!
Amber, muchas gracias por recordarme que el trope de friends to lovers es uno de mis favoritos. Esta historia me tuvo en la luna desde la primera página. Hacía tiempo que no disfrutaba tanto de un libro de romance!
Tanto Wren como Theo son personajes increíbles y complejos, con historias llenas de significado y poderosas. Me encanta cómo su relación se construye de manera tan orgánica, desarrollándose en algo profundamente complejo página a página.
Me conmovió mucho la historia de fondo de Wren, pero después de leer la nota del autor... uff... Gracias, Amber, por dejarnos ser parte de esta historia.
Seré honesta, Theo me pareció completamente irreal cuando lo leí al inicio; nadie es tan perfecto y la forma en que maneja su situación me pareció demasiado fácil, pero pronto fui corregida cuando compartí mis pensamientos con mi esposo y me dio un par de ejemplos de la vida real que me permitieron abrir mi mente y cambiar de parecer. Theo es perfecto y un novio literario de primera ♡
La representación de la salud mental fue hermosamente lograda, al estar presente durante el desarrollo de estos personajes sin ser su personalidad completa. Me gustó mucho cómo todo encajó al final ♡
Amber, muchas gracias por esta oportunidad de ARC ♡ ¡Me encantó!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
🔥🔥🔥🔥 4/5
June 29, 2025
Sometimes, all you really need to believe in love is a great friends to lovers romance.
It follows Wren, a young woman with celiac disease who is looking to get away from her abusive mom. Her best friend Theo offers her a place to stay. She agrees, reluctantly, but being 24/7 with her hot, cam star bestie blurs the line between friendship and more. Meanwhile, Theo is tired of meaningless seggs, and is looking for something real...
This book was absolutely adorable and at the same time so incredibly heartbreaking! Wren goes through so much in her youth due to her negligent mother ignoring her celiac disease and mentally abusing her. Through all of it, Theo's friendship is her solace. I absolutely adored the flashback chapters showing the early stages of Theo and Wren's friendship and how Theo was always there to love and cherish Wren the way she deserved. He brought that same energy in the present day chapters, making him such a perfect green flag! His support helps Wren grow into such a stronger person by the end of the book, and we love a man who serves his woman!
Another thing I really enjoyed was how Theo's profession wasn't a huge deal—especially for the relationship! Yes, Theo is attractive and he has an unconventional job, but the tension and chemistry between Theo and Wren is mostly founded on their shared experience and their complicity. That being said, they were HOTTTT! Theo has such a dirty mouth on him, and the spice was top tier!
Definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a romance with lots of heart and great spice!
It follows Wren, a young woman with celiac disease who is looking to get away from her abusive mom. Her best friend Theo offers her a place to stay. She agrees, reluctantly, but being 24/7 with her hot, cam star bestie blurs the line between friendship and more. Meanwhile, Theo is tired of meaningless seggs, and is looking for something real...
This book was absolutely adorable and at the same time so incredibly heartbreaking! Wren goes through so much in her youth due to her negligent mother ignoring her celiac disease and mentally abusing her. Through all of it, Theo's friendship is her solace. I absolutely adored the flashback chapters showing the early stages of Theo and Wren's friendship and how Theo was always there to love and cherish Wren the way she deserved. He brought that same energy in the present day chapters, making him such a perfect green flag! His support helps Wren grow into such a stronger person by the end of the book, and we love a man who serves his woman!
Another thing I really enjoyed was how Theo's profession wasn't a huge deal—especially for the relationship! Yes, Theo is attractive and he has an unconventional job, but the tension and chemistry between Theo and Wren is mostly founded on their shared experience and their complicity. That being said, they were HOTTTT! Theo has such a dirty mouth on him, and the spice was top tier!
Definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a romance with lots of heart and great spice!
July 13, 2025
Easy romance read with some mutual pining.
📚 friends to lovers
📚 forced proximity
📚 mutual pining
📚 dual timeline
📚 dual POV
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Wren Jacob has always had a piece of my heart, and most days, it’s easy to dismiss my feelings toward her.”
|Thoughts|
Did really love these two together and the connection they shared over the course of their friendship. Also found the FMC chronic illness and the challenges she faced as a result interesting to read about.
“I’ve got you.” He brushes my hair away, and his lips graze against the shell of my ear. “You’re safe with me. I swear. It’s you and me, no matter what.”
There was just something about the story though that I struggled with and mainly had to do with some of their actions. Whilst best friends, this mutual pining was great, but some of their decisions (namely running from the other on multiple occasion), just felt a bit too immature given their ages.
“My girl. Wren was always mine, even when I was too dumb to see it.”
That’s not to say I didn’t have a fun time reading this. A decent level of spice that didn’t feel too repetitive.
“What? I’m a good girl. All good girls go to heaven.” “I know the smut you read. The devil would look at your collection and blush.” He chuckles, and I flush while batting him away. “I’m sorry that I read my porn like a fucking lady!”
For those who are fans of friends to lovers.
“Don’t talk about my best friend like that,” I whisper. “You can’t say stuff like that about yourself. You’re everything to me.”
🧶 For more bookish content follow me on Instagram.com/read_watch_crochet
📚 friends to lovers
📚 forced proximity
📚 mutual pining
📚 dual timeline
📚 dual POV
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Wren Jacob has always had a piece of my heart, and most days, it’s easy to dismiss my feelings toward her.”
|Thoughts|
Did really love these two together and the connection they shared over the course of their friendship. Also found the FMC chronic illness and the challenges she faced as a result interesting to read about.
“I’ve got you.” He brushes my hair away, and his lips graze against the shell of my ear. “You’re safe with me. I swear. It’s you and me, no matter what.”
There was just something about the story though that I struggled with and mainly had to do with some of their actions. Whilst best friends, this mutual pining was great, but some of their decisions (namely running from the other on multiple occasion), just felt a bit too immature given their ages.
“My girl. Wren was always mine, even when I was too dumb to see it.”
That’s not to say I didn’t have a fun time reading this. A decent level of spice that didn’t feel too repetitive.
“What? I’m a good girl. All good girls go to heaven.” “I know the smut you read. The devil would look at your collection and blush.” He chuckles, and I flush while batting him away. “I’m sorry that I read my porn like a fucking lady!”
For those who are fans of friends to lovers.
“Don’t talk about my best friend like that,” I whisper. “You can’t say stuff like that about yourself. You’re everything to me.”
🧶 For more bookish content follow me on Instagram.com/read_watch_crochet
May 12, 2025
Loved this one, as I love all of Amber Paige's books! 4.75 rounded up!
This one is a personal one to her, with a lot of added personal experiences to add depth to the main characters. The personal traumas and parental influence on the main character especially, and the celiac disease. This is a part of her Afterword in the novel. I love the mental health aspects in most if not all of Amber's books, but the difference in this novel is that the FMC has a chronic disease as well, which is also an important topic to me, as someone with fibromyalgia.
All that aside, this book was also incredibly fun and sexy and it is always a good time to read friends to lovers (in my opinion)!
Theo is a caring and thoughtful man, and Wren is a mentally struggling woman who leans on Theo, her best friend, for support during her celiac flares & her mother's abuse. They end up realizing their feelings for each other and the rest is history (without spoiling anyyy of the fun for you 😘)!
I got this as an ebook ARC from Amber Paige, but I'm also supporting her kickstarter for the sprayed edge version of the book & I cannot wait to see it in person!!! 😍
This one is a personal one to her, with a lot of added personal experiences to add depth to the main characters. The personal traumas and parental influence on the main character especially, and the celiac disease. This is a part of her Afterword in the novel. I love the mental health aspects in most if not all of Amber's books, but the difference in this novel is that the FMC has a chronic disease as well, which is also an important topic to me, as someone with fibromyalgia.
All that aside, this book was also incredibly fun and sexy and it is always a good time to read friends to lovers (in my opinion)!
Theo is a caring and thoughtful man, and Wren is a mentally struggling woman who leans on Theo, her best friend, for support during her celiac flares & her mother's abuse. They end up realizing their feelings for each other and the rest is history (without spoiling anyyy of the fun for you 😘)!
I got this as an ebook ARC from Amber Paige, but I'm also supporting her kickstarter for the sprayed edge version of the book & I cannot wait to see it in person!!! 😍
May 13, 2025
I am a huge mood reader and as a result, my ratings are based heavily on the vibes of a book while I read. Press Play was such a good vibe the whole way through! To start, this has all the great banter and wit I’ve come to know and love from Amber Paige’s writing, but it also had emotional depth that tugged at my heart and had me deeply invested in these characters.
Something I think Amber does exceptionally well is creating a top tier cast of characters for each book she writes, and this is no exception. The dynamic between Theo and Wren was so lovely to read. These two have a friendship built to stand the test of time. I love that their foundation is so strong from the very beginning.
Theo’s mom is my favorite support character because of the role she plays in the story of Wren and Theo. She is a great balance to Wren’s mom and I thought it was a very clever way to really highlight what Wren experienced growing up and why Theo is the man that he is.
I really loved this story and while it is definitely very spicy (given what Theo does for a living, there should be no surprise there 😉), that’s not the only thing that makes Press Play worth reading.
Something I think Amber does exceptionally well is creating a top tier cast of characters for each book she writes, and this is no exception. The dynamic between Theo and Wren was so lovely to read. These two have a friendship built to stand the test of time. I love that their foundation is so strong from the very beginning.
Theo’s mom is my favorite support character because of the role she plays in the story of Wren and Theo. She is a great balance to Wren’s mom and I thought it was a very clever way to really highlight what Wren experienced growing up and why Theo is the man that he is.
I really loved this story and while it is definitely very spicy (given what Theo does for a living, there should be no surprise there 😉), that’s not the only thing that makes Press Play worth reading.
June 29, 2025
I am mentally compiling a list that proves friends to lovers is a wonderful trope. This book is one of them.
Press Play is a friends to lovers romance that I instantly felt was going to be a book I loved, and I was happy to experience it with the Read Indie With Me readalong!
The story follows Wren, who, to avoid her abusive mother, goes to live with Theo, her friend since high school and also a cam star. With their forced proximity, as Wren confronts her past trauma and Theo longs for something real, feelings blur and their friendship turns into something more…
The romance between Wren and Theo was so sweet! Don’t get me wrong, the spice is there and it’s done really well, but what made me love the two characters is the emotional connection between them, and how they’re always there for one another. I also appreciated the chronic illness rep, which is pulled from the author’s own experience.
Here are some tropes!
💛 friends to lovers
❤️🩹 she has chronic illness
📹 he’s a cam star
🎮 they’re both gamers
❤️🔥 forced proximity
🌶️ and yes, there is spice
Rating 4.5 ⭐️
Press Play is a friends to lovers romance that I instantly felt was going to be a book I loved, and I was happy to experience it with the Read Indie With Me readalong!
The story follows Wren, who, to avoid her abusive mother, goes to live with Theo, her friend since high school and also a cam star. With their forced proximity, as Wren confronts her past trauma and Theo longs for something real, feelings blur and their friendship turns into something more…
The romance between Wren and Theo was so sweet! Don’t get me wrong, the spice is there and it’s done really well, but what made me love the two characters is the emotional connection between them, and how they’re always there for one another. I also appreciated the chronic illness rep, which is pulled from the author’s own experience.
Here are some tropes!
💛 friends to lovers
❤️🩹 she has chronic illness
📹 he’s a cam star
🎮 they’re both gamers
❤️🔥 forced proximity
🌶️ and yes, there is spice
Rating 4.5 ⭐️
May 13, 2025
Thank you Amber Paige for the e-arc 🎮
This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it, it was so sweet. I related to both characters, they had some very real issues and struggles and had to overcome them but I was so glad they found happiness in each other.
I loved watching Theo and Wren’s friendship grow into something deeper, their connection felt so genuine and heartwarming. The celiac disease representation was a lovely touch and added a great layer to Wrens character. I LOVED seeing their never ending support for one another.
I loved Mia and Brandy grew on me, so I do wish we got more time with them, however, I was still pulled into the story and was engaged. There were a few side characters I did not like and I was so so proud and glad when Wren stood up to them towards the end.
🥰friends to lovers
🤍she has celiac disease
📹he’s a cam star
❤️🩹trauma / healing
Dual pov
4/5 stars ⭐️
“Because sometimes, silence says everything.”
This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it, it was so sweet. I related to both characters, they had some very real issues and struggles and had to overcome them but I was so glad they found happiness in each other.
I loved watching Theo and Wren’s friendship grow into something deeper, their connection felt so genuine and heartwarming. The celiac disease representation was a lovely touch and added a great layer to Wrens character. I LOVED seeing their never ending support for one another.
I loved Mia and Brandy grew on me, so I do wish we got more time with them, however, I was still pulled into the story and was engaged. There were a few side characters I did not like and I was so so proud and glad when Wren stood up to them towards the end.
🥰friends to lovers
🤍she has celiac disease
📹he’s a cam star
❤️🩹trauma / healing
Dual pov
4/5 stars ⭐️
“Because sometimes, silence says everything.”
May 26, 2025
In the famous words of Selena Gomez “Can't keep my hands to myself
I mean, I could but why would I want to?”
Amber freaking Paige you did it again. This hot and steamy friends to lovers romance was such a good read. Perfect for anyone who likes real emotions, heart gripping backstories and a healthy dose of romance. Wren (freaking LOVE that name choice) and Theo (also a win on the name) have been friends since high school and remain each other’s ride or dies. Of course they also have been harboring secret feelings for each other for years and a situation leading to them living together is the perfect match to light that flame.
Releases May 30th, 2025
I’ve been a die hard fan of Amber’s for a few years now and can honestly stay every one of her books brings something new and wonderful to the table while simultaneously making you feel so much.
I mean, I could but why would I want to?”
Amber freaking Paige you did it again. This hot and steamy friends to lovers romance was such a good read. Perfect for anyone who likes real emotions, heart gripping backstories and a healthy dose of romance. Wren (freaking LOVE that name choice) and Theo (also a win on the name) have been friends since high school and remain each other’s ride or dies. Of course they also have been harboring secret feelings for each other for years and a situation leading to them living together is the perfect match to light that flame.
Releases May 30th, 2025
I’ve been a die hard fan of Amber’s for a few years now and can honestly stay every one of her books brings something new and wonderful to the table while simultaneously making you feel so much.
May 6, 2025
*ARC review*
oh my goooossssh. I'm in love with Wren & Theo's love. Their tension is next level, it almost drips off the pages (or, in my case, my Kindle). Amber did an amazing job layering in back story so we could get a really good understanding of how Wren & Theo came together to support each other. I appreciated how they came together to work through the issue(s) they were faced with, which allowed them to grow not only as a couple but as individuals.
oh my goooossssh. I'm in love with Wren & Theo's love. Their tension is next level, it almost drips off the pages (or, in my case, my Kindle). Amber did an amazing job layering in back story so we could get a really good understanding of how Wren & Theo came together to support each other. I appreciated how they came together to work through the issue(s) they were faced with, which allowed them to grow not only as a couple but as individuals.
May 10, 2025
❤️🔥ARC Book Review ❤️🔥
Press Play by Amber Paige
What a cute story! I love the friends to lovers trope. Theo and Wren have been friends since being partnered up for a History project back in high school. Theo’s job is definitely interesting whilst Wren has so much trauma from her childhood and dealing with her Mums verbal abuse. Baggage!!
Wren moves in with Theo and that’s when their crushes come to life. Their feelings for each other are so adorable and emotional that I need them to do something about it. Especially since they both have feelings but aren’t sure the other does. And when they do wow! 🌶️ 🔥 🥵
I couldn’t put it down and had to finish!! Wren and Theo are definitely very mushy with a very high libido! A very spicy read.
Press Play by Amber Paige
What a cute story! I love the friends to lovers trope. Theo and Wren have been friends since being partnered up for a History project back in high school. Theo’s job is definitely interesting whilst Wren has so much trauma from her childhood and dealing with her Mums verbal abuse. Baggage!!
Wren moves in with Theo and that’s when their crushes come to life. Their feelings for each other are so adorable and emotional that I need them to do something about it. Especially since they both have feelings but aren’t sure the other does. And when they do wow! 🌶️ 🔥 🥵
I couldn’t put it down and had to finish!! Wren and Theo are definitely very mushy with a very high libido! A very spicy read.
April 28, 2025
I received this book as an ARC. It fell a little flat for me. Some of the writing seemed juvenile and I felt like I had whiplash with some of the characters decisions. The plot is an interesting concept but just kinda missed the mark. still an enjoyable easy read.
June 6, 2025
My first ARC review!
-Friends to Lovers
-Dual Timelines
-Forced Proximity
-Mental Health Rep
-Chronic Disability Rep
-He's a Cam Star
The friends to lovers trope between Wren and Theo is well written (I love this trope!), with enough slow burn to keep you coming back for more. Overall a very fun and easy read. Theo and Wren's friendship is something special and the driving force behind all the pining. Best friends for long time, they both obviously cared deeply for one another. Everyone needs someone in their corner the way Wren and Theo are in each others. They have such a sweet relationship and the dual timelines made it easy to see the build up to current day. The cam star aspect was such a fun choice of career and definitely delivered on the spice scenes!
The writing style and dialog choices aren't my favorite personally. And the pacing had moments where it was a bit abrupt. Despite that, the other does a beautiful job of conveying heavy personal emotions, chronic health issues and mental health struggles on the page. Overall if you need a fast, fun, HEA read, you won't be disappointed.
3.75, rounded up to 4⭐️
3.5🌶
-Friends to Lovers
-Dual Timelines
-Forced Proximity
-Mental Health Rep
-Chronic Disability Rep
-He's a Cam Star
The friends to lovers trope between Wren and Theo is well written (I love this trope!), with enough slow burn to keep you coming back for more. Overall a very fun and easy read. Theo and Wren's friendship is something special and the driving force behind all the pining. Best friends for long time, they both obviously cared deeply for one another. Everyone needs someone in their corner the way Wren and Theo are in each others. They have such a sweet relationship and the dual timelines made it easy to see the build up to current day. The cam star aspect was such a fun choice of career and definitely delivered on the spice scenes!
The writing style and dialog choices aren't my favorite personally. And the pacing had moments where it was a bit abrupt. Despite that, the other does a beautiful job of conveying heavy personal emotions, chronic health issues and mental health struggles on the page. Overall if you need a fast, fun, HEA read, you won't be disappointed.
3.75, rounded up to 4⭐️
3.5🌶
May 15, 2025
I had mixed feelings about what to rate this book after finishing and settled on a 3 star rating as I just couldn't see past the things I took issue with.
Overall the book was an incredibly fun and easy read. I did finish it in one sitting and the time spent reading was incredibly enjoyable! The pacing and writing were decent, and I enjoyed the friends to lovers build up and the feelings of unrequited love on both sides. I loved the celiac representation as well and thought it was handled in a respectful and believable way.
My main issue was the characters feeling a bit shallow and their interactions feeling very unnatural and forced at times. I didn't really feel like either of them liked each other for more than just how hot they thought the other is. We're given snippets of their past friendship and how they've looked out for each other over the years, but then they'd come back around to just thinking about how attractive the other person is, and how unattractive they feel they are and by extension feeling they were unworthy because of this. We're told how much they care about each other, but personally I couldn't really feel it shining through.
Wren's personality of being the nerdy, weird girl felt quite forced. The random conversation about the rain reminding her of them farming a dungeon for a pet and emphasising how envious people were of Wren's art for getting drops(?) felt a bit out of place and as a way of trying to prove that Wren is not like everyone else, and how highly desirable she is in that community as well. I would've loved to see more of her and Theo actually gaming during their time living together.
It also felt like everyone that interacted with her would out of the blue comment on how stunning she is, or how cool her name is, and these interactions felt super unnatural for me and their purpose was to try and make us believe that she is different and worthy of the super hot Theo despite her insecurities - which mostly revolved around her being too curvy compared to all these skinny girls, and her being sickly which Theo has always been okay with.
I wasn't a huge fan of the cam star plot either, despite initially being really intrigued by it. It felt super unbelievable that Theo is popular and big enough in that community that people are constantly coming up to him in person and propositioning him to make videos with them. But somehow none of this has ever gotten back to anyone in his or Wren's families, and they have absolutely no inkling that he's a cam star as a job. It felt like it was just there to be used as a plot device for the sake of setting up a later conflict that happens.
I assumed it was going to play out as him being the strong, confident guy that takes the lead and helps build up the shy, insecure Wren's confidence and ease her into their sexual interactions. But right off the bat Wren was immediately quite forward and confident sexually, so there was no growth in that sense.
I was also really disappointed with how Theo went about dealing with the Amanda situation. It felt like he was so naïve and easily swayed into bending to her will for the sake of trying to protect Wren, but he was so set on dealing with it in the worst possible way. He acted as if that was the only possible option to fix things, when it really wasn't. Even when Wren was telling him it's fine and she's okay with it, it was incredibly frustrating that he was so reluctant to hear any alternative solutions until the last minute.
I think with a little bit more development, and if there was some more space made for character growth throughout the story, they would have been perfect in my eyes!
Thank you for allowing me to read an eARC of Press Play in return for my honest review!
Overall the book was an incredibly fun and easy read. I did finish it in one sitting and the time spent reading was incredibly enjoyable! The pacing and writing were decent, and I enjoyed the friends to lovers build up and the feelings of unrequited love on both sides. I loved the celiac representation as well and thought it was handled in a respectful and believable way.
My main issue was the characters feeling a bit shallow and their interactions feeling very unnatural and forced at times. I didn't really feel like either of them liked each other for more than just how hot they thought the other is. We're given snippets of their past friendship and how they've looked out for each other over the years, but then they'd come back around to just thinking about how attractive the other person is, and how unattractive they feel they are and by extension feeling they were unworthy because of this. We're told how much they care about each other, but personally I couldn't really feel it shining through.
Wren's personality of being the nerdy, weird girl felt quite forced. The random conversation about the rain reminding her of them farming a dungeon for a pet and emphasising how envious people were of Wren's art for getting drops(?) felt a bit out of place and as a way of trying to prove that Wren is not like everyone else, and how highly desirable she is in that community as well. I would've loved to see more of her and Theo actually gaming during their time living together.
It also felt like everyone that interacted with her would out of the blue comment on how stunning she is, or how cool her name is, and these interactions felt super unnatural for me and their purpose was to try and make us believe that she is different and worthy of the super hot Theo despite her insecurities - which mostly revolved around her being too curvy compared to all these skinny girls, and her being sickly which Theo has always been okay with.
I wasn't a huge fan of the cam star plot either, despite initially being really intrigued by it. It felt super unbelievable that Theo is popular and big enough in that community that people are constantly coming up to him in person and propositioning him to make videos with them. But somehow none of this has ever gotten back to anyone in his or Wren's families, and they have absolutely no inkling that he's a cam star as a job. It felt like it was just there to be used as a plot device for the sake of setting up a later conflict that happens.
I assumed it was going to play out as him being the strong, confident guy that takes the lead and helps build up the shy, insecure Wren's confidence and ease her into their sexual interactions. But right off the bat Wren was immediately quite forward and confident sexually, so there was no growth in that sense.
I was also really disappointed with how Theo went about dealing with the Amanda situation. It felt like he was so naïve and easily swayed into bending to her will for the sake of trying to protect Wren, but he was so set on dealing with it in the worst possible way. He acted as if that was the only possible option to fix things, when it really wasn't. Even when Wren was telling him it's fine and she's okay with it, it was incredibly frustrating that he was so reluctant to hear any alternative solutions until the last minute.
I think with a little bit more development, and if there was some more space made for character growth throughout the story, they would have been perfect in my eyes!
Thank you for allowing me to read an eARC of Press Play in return for my honest review!
August 17, 2025
4.25⭐
3🌶️
.Childhood friends to lovers
.Always been you
.Forced proximity
.Hurt/comfort
."Teach me"
.Caught during self-care
.No third act break up
.Dual POV
I LOVED the first part of the book, but I’m not so sure about the second. When the couple gets together around the 50% mark, you know there’s going to be a lot of drama coming.
The first half was everything I enjoy in a romance. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, especially when the characters have known each other forever. Wren and Theo’s connection felt rare and beautiful. I loved how Theo was always there for her when she needed him most. Wren’s backstory was heartbreaking and very real, and I hated her mom for what she put her through. Thankfully, Theo and his mom gave her the love and support she deserved. Add in some forced proximity from living together, plus a few spicy and awkwardly funny moments, and it was perfect.
Up until that point, I was completely hooked. But once Wren and Theo were happy together so early on, I knew the second half would bring complications. Without spoiling much, I did like how Wren finally stood up to her mom and how that part was resolved. Also, no third act brake up!
What didn’t work for me was how the other big issue was handled. Yes, the filming scene was undeniably hot, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that Wren wasn’t truly comfortable with the situation. She did it for Theo, which shows how much she cared, but I don’t think that was the right answer for her character.
On a lighter note, I loved all the Spanish woven into the story. It was refreshing to read a book that didn’t butcher the language.
This was my first time reading this author, and even though I had mixed feelings about the second half, I enjoyed the writing and characters enough that it definitely won’t be my last.
3🌶️
.Childhood friends to lovers
.Always been you
.Forced proximity
.Hurt/comfort
."Teach me"
.Caught during self-care
.No third act break up
.Dual POV
I LOVED the first part of the book, but I’m not so sure about the second. When the couple gets together around the 50% mark, you know there’s going to be a lot of drama coming.
The first half was everything I enjoy in a romance. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, especially when the characters have known each other forever. Wren and Theo’s connection felt rare and beautiful. I loved how Theo was always there for her when she needed him most. Wren’s backstory was heartbreaking and very real, and I hated her mom for what she put her through. Thankfully, Theo and his mom gave her the love and support she deserved. Add in some forced proximity from living together, plus a few spicy and awkwardly funny moments, and it was perfect.
Up until that point, I was completely hooked. But once Wren and Theo were happy together so early on, I knew the second half would bring complications. Without spoiling much, I did like how Wren finally stood up to her mom and how that part was resolved. Also, no third act brake up!
What didn’t work for me was how the other big issue was handled. Yes, the filming scene was undeniably hot, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that Wren wasn’t truly comfortable with the situation. She did it for Theo, which shows how much she cared, but I don’t think that was the right answer for her character.
On a lighter note, I loved all the Spanish woven into the story. It was refreshing to read a book that didn’t butcher the language.
This was my first time reading this author, and even though I had mixed feelings about the second half, I enjoyed the writing and characters enough that it definitely won’t be my last.
May 13, 2025
▶️ARC Review▶️
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Amber Paige for included me in the ARC team!
The minute I saw that the FMC in this book was a celiac? I was sold. I have celiac and I have never seen representation of this condition in a novel before, let alone it affect the FMC. I immediately signed up to read this book because not only was it a romance, but there was representation included that I just couldn’t pass up. The book did a very good job of representing celiac disease and the trouble that comes with having this condition. Many people don’t understand what it’s like to be a celiac and constantly have to worry about what to eat, cross contamination and have people who don’t understand or don’t care and make you sick as a result. Wren’s character showcased all of this and I am thankful for that.
Onto the story itself!! It had one of my favourite tropes ever: best friends to lovers. I’ve always loved this trope and I loved the flashback moments in the novel that showed how these characters met, became friends and how their relationship progressed over the years.
I want a Theo. The whole cam star plot line really added to the story and added dimension to his character. The way he took care of Wren, helped her through her trauma with her mom and was her safe space really spoke to me.
There were moments in the writing where it lost me a little, just with the style and some of the dialogue but it was nothing I couldn’t get past.
Overall, a lovely story with amazing representation of celiac disease and a fun, romantic read!
Press Play by Amber Paige releases on May 30, 2025.
📚Press Play by Amber Paige: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ~ 4 stars
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Amber Paige for included me in the ARC team!
The minute I saw that the FMC in this book was a celiac? I was sold. I have celiac and I have never seen representation of this condition in a novel before, let alone it affect the FMC. I immediately signed up to read this book because not only was it a romance, but there was representation included that I just couldn’t pass up. The book did a very good job of representing celiac disease and the trouble that comes with having this condition. Many people don’t understand what it’s like to be a celiac and constantly have to worry about what to eat, cross contamination and have people who don’t understand or don’t care and make you sick as a result. Wren’s character showcased all of this and I am thankful for that.
Onto the story itself!! It had one of my favourite tropes ever: best friends to lovers. I’ve always loved this trope and I loved the flashback moments in the novel that showed how these characters met, became friends and how their relationship progressed over the years.
I want a Theo. The whole cam star plot line really added to the story and added dimension to his character. The way he took care of Wren, helped her through her trauma with her mom and was her safe space really spoke to me.
There were moments in the writing where it lost me a little, just with the style and some of the dialogue but it was nothing I couldn’t get past.
Overall, a lovely story with amazing representation of celiac disease and a fun, romantic read!
Press Play by Amber Paige releases on May 30, 2025.
📚Press Play by Amber Paige: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ~ 4 stars
May 31, 2025
It's always such a joy to read a new book from Amber and this was certainly no exception. And this time we have a camstar 👀, which is not something I expected from Amber but I AM SO GLAD SHE THOUGHT OF BECAUSE DAMN 🥵
Okay I'll stop drooling and get to the actual review... 🤭
🎮 Friends to Lovers
🩵 Chronic Illness Rep
📹 Cam Star MMC
🩵 Forced Proximity
🎮 Gamers
Wren and Theo have been best friends for over 12 years, ever since they were paired together on a school project in the 10th grade. They have quite literally been inseparable since, and have been through everything together. From Wren's battle with her toxic family, to her chronic illness diagnosis, and all the way to Theo becoming a very famous camstar on the internet 👀
On the surface it might look like this is just a spicy book about two friends who game together falling in love, but it is truly so much more than that. The chronic illness rep, mental health rep, and family struggles all lead to a much deeper story.
Wren has Celiac disease, and in the present day timeline she does a good job of managing her symptoms and curating her diet so that she has the least amount of pain possible. She still obviously struggles, but not nearly as badly as we see she had as a teen. Compile that with her unsupportive family, and terrible relationship with her mother and miss girl was going through it! But right by her side always helping her when she was down was Theo (and his LOVELY mother who damn near stole the show! 😭). It was a very compelling story line, and I enjoyed watching how Wren navigated it, and how Theo supported her in such a positive way.
I have not always been a friends to lovers fan, but books like this one really show me of how special the trope is. Especially when the friends have known each other for so long like Wren and Theo. It creates such instant chemistry, and heart warming moments.
Since this is a dual timeline, you get to see little Wren and Theo as teens and oh my GOODNESS the cuteness and the pining is adorable! You see how much they have loved each other for so long, and it really just makes it so much better seeing them finally get together in the present day timeline.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this! This has the typical Amber charm and cuteness, with an added layer of spice that I really liked seeing. It had a perfect balance of emotional moments that pulled at your heart strings, and spicy moments to leave you fanning yourself and begging for more 😏
A lovely addition to the Amber Paige universe! 🩵
Okay I'll stop drooling and get to the actual review... 🤭
🎮 Friends to Lovers
🩵 Chronic Illness Rep
📹 Cam Star MMC
🩵 Forced Proximity
🎮 Gamers
Wren and Theo have been best friends for over 12 years, ever since they were paired together on a school project in the 10th grade. They have quite literally been inseparable since, and have been through everything together. From Wren's battle with her toxic family, to her chronic illness diagnosis, and all the way to Theo becoming a very famous camstar on the internet 👀
On the surface it might look like this is just a spicy book about two friends who game together falling in love, but it is truly so much more than that. The chronic illness rep, mental health rep, and family struggles all lead to a much deeper story.
Wren has Celiac disease, and in the present day timeline she does a good job of managing her symptoms and curating her diet so that she has the least amount of pain possible. She still obviously struggles, but not nearly as badly as we see she had as a teen. Compile that with her unsupportive family, and terrible relationship with her mother and miss girl was going through it! But right by her side always helping her when she was down was Theo (and his LOVELY mother who damn near stole the show! 😭). It was a very compelling story line, and I enjoyed watching how Wren navigated it, and how Theo supported her in such a positive way.
I have not always been a friends to lovers fan, but books like this one really show me of how special the trope is. Especially when the friends have known each other for so long like Wren and Theo. It creates such instant chemistry, and heart warming moments.
Since this is a dual timeline, you get to see little Wren and Theo as teens and oh my GOODNESS the cuteness and the pining is adorable! You see how much they have loved each other for so long, and it really just makes it so much better seeing them finally get together in the present day timeline.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this! This has the typical Amber charm and cuteness, with an added layer of spice that I really liked seeing. It had a perfect balance of emotional moments that pulled at your heart strings, and spicy moments to leave you fanning yourself and begging for more 😏
A lovely addition to the Amber Paige universe! 🩵
May 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (10/10)
If you're a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope with just the right blend of sweetness and spice, this book is an absolute must-read. The story of Wren and Theo is everything you want in a romance—heartfelt, slow-burning, and full of tension in all the best ways.
Wren has had a tough road, growing up with celiac disease and a rocky home life. Through it all, Theo has been her constant—her best friend, her safe space, and the one person who always showed up when she needed it most. Their bond is deep, genuine, and completely captivating.
When they move in together as adults, things start to shift. Both are secretly in love with the other, but too scared to cross the line and risk everything they’ve built. The emotional tension is perfectly balanced with moments of vulnerability, quiet longing, and just the right amount of spice to keep you hooked. Yes, it gets steamy—but it’s the kind of intimacy that feels earned and deeply rooted in trust and connection.
Theo’s life as a cam star and Wren’s strained relationship with her mother add real-world complexity to the story, making their personal growth and eventual love story feel all the more rewarding.
This book will spark some laughs and tug at your emotions. It’s tender, passionate, and incredibly well written. A solid 10/10—highly recommend for anyone craving a romance that’s as emotional as it is swoon-worthy. I couldn’t put it down.
If you're a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope with just the right blend of sweetness and spice, this book is an absolute must-read. The story of Wren and Theo is everything you want in a romance—heartfelt, slow-burning, and full of tension in all the best ways.
Wren has had a tough road, growing up with celiac disease and a rocky home life. Through it all, Theo has been her constant—her best friend, her safe space, and the one person who always showed up when she needed it most. Their bond is deep, genuine, and completely captivating.
When they move in together as adults, things start to shift. Both are secretly in love with the other, but too scared to cross the line and risk everything they’ve built. The emotional tension is perfectly balanced with moments of vulnerability, quiet longing, and just the right amount of spice to keep you hooked. Yes, it gets steamy—but it’s the kind of intimacy that feels earned and deeply rooted in trust and connection.
Theo’s life as a cam star and Wren’s strained relationship with her mother add real-world complexity to the story, making their personal growth and eventual love story feel all the more rewarding.
This book will spark some laughs and tug at your emotions. It’s tender, passionate, and incredibly well written. A solid 10/10—highly recommend for anyone craving a romance that’s as emotional as it is swoon-worthy. I couldn’t put it down.
June 1, 2025
💙💜 Press Play ARC Review 💜💙
Thank you so much to Amber Paige for the opportunity to read and review this book
Press Play is a standalone contemporary romance. Wren is looking to heal from her traumatic and abusive past. When her childhood friend Theo offers her a place to stay, she doesn’t hesitate because she knows she’s safe. But what happens when the lines of friendship start to blur into some more?
This was a super cute read. I really enjoyed Wren as a character and found a lot of her stresses really relatable. As someone who also has Celiacs, it was nice to see accurate representation in a book as well as unwavering support and love from Theo. He was a perfect match for her and I really liked their friends to lovers dynamic. There were some choices that Wren made that I don’t personally understand, so it took me out of the story a little, but I did enjoy the emphasis on mental health in this book
Overall this was a solid four star read! I enjoyed these characters and their story, even if I didn’t understand some of the choices made by the characters. This book covers some heavy topics and has lots of potential triggers, so please check if you’re sensitive. This book has spicy moments throughout, so overall three flames for spice
If you’re a fan of contemporary romance with childhood friends to lovers, strong characters and good mental health rep, then absolutely pick this one up!
Thank you so much to Amber Paige for the opportunity to read and review this book
Press Play is a standalone contemporary romance. Wren is looking to heal from her traumatic and abusive past. When her childhood friend Theo offers her a place to stay, she doesn’t hesitate because she knows she’s safe. But what happens when the lines of friendship start to blur into some more?
This was a super cute read. I really enjoyed Wren as a character and found a lot of her stresses really relatable. As someone who also has Celiacs, it was nice to see accurate representation in a book as well as unwavering support and love from Theo. He was a perfect match for her and I really liked their friends to lovers dynamic. There were some choices that Wren made that I don’t personally understand, so it took me out of the story a little, but I did enjoy the emphasis on mental health in this book
Overall this was a solid four star read! I enjoyed these characters and their story, even if I didn’t understand some of the choices made by the characters. This book covers some heavy topics and has lots of potential triggers, so please check if you’re sensitive. This book has spicy moments throughout, so overall three flames for spice
If you’re a fan of contemporary romance with childhood friends to lovers, strong characters and good mental health rep, then absolutely pick this one up!
June 3, 2025
Press Play is a super cute best friend to lovers story!
What you get.....
♡Friends to Lovers
♡Forced Proximity
♡Pining With a Capital P
♡He's a Cam Star
♡Great Banter
♡Spicy
♡Chronic Illness
♡Mental Health Rep
♡Flashbacks
♡She Has Trauma
♡Found Family
♡Trauma Healing
Wren and Theo best friends since high school both wanted more but didn't want to ruin their friendship.
Wren had a rough life. Her family life wasn't great and her mother was verbally abusive. They didn't believe her celiac disease was as bad as she said and didn't support her with buying food for her. It messed with her mental health.
Theo and his mother took care of her the best they could. When Theo went to college he decided to start being a cam star. Film himself having relations with random chicks for money.
Wren supports him in everything he does and when she needs a place to stay he offers his place.
They can't fight the pull to be more and finally decide to be together! But a cam girl from the past wants to cause issues 🙄
Wren grows so much throughout their story and becomes strong and faces her mother and the bully cam girl! I was cheering her on!!!
Loved the ending and all the side characters!! I couldn't put their story down!!
Loved that Amber put her truth into their story. She does a great job at sucking us into her stories and making us love her characters!!
What you get.....
♡Friends to Lovers
♡Forced Proximity
♡Pining With a Capital P
♡He's a Cam Star
♡Great Banter
♡Spicy
♡Chronic Illness
♡Mental Health Rep
♡Flashbacks
♡She Has Trauma
♡Found Family
♡Trauma Healing
Wren and Theo best friends since high school both wanted more but didn't want to ruin their friendship.
Wren had a rough life. Her family life wasn't great and her mother was verbally abusive. They didn't believe her celiac disease was as bad as she said and didn't support her with buying food for her. It messed with her mental health.
Theo and his mother took care of her the best they could. When Theo went to college he decided to start being a cam star. Film himself having relations with random chicks for money.
Wren supports him in everything he does and when she needs a place to stay he offers his place.
They can't fight the pull to be more and finally decide to be together! But a cam girl from the past wants to cause issues 🙄
Wren grows so much throughout their story and becomes strong and faces her mother and the bully cam girl! I was cheering her on!!!
Loved the ending and all the side characters!! I couldn't put their story down!!
Loved that Amber put her truth into their story. She does a great job at sucking us into her stories and making us love her characters!!
May 24, 2025
“Because sometimes, silence says everything.”
Press Play was such an awesome read! When I started it, I just couldn’t put it down, and I devoured it in one afternoon as it gave me all the possible feelings.
I adored the relationship between Theo and Wren, especially thanks to the chapters that brought us back to the foundations of their fusional friendship. They are each other’s anchors, and this book was the Friends to Lovers trope like I love it. There were stakes, and the stakes were to loose their –capital– friendship. Even though they are sometimes a lot codependent, I loved that they realized that, and decided to work on it. Wren’s relationship with her mother shattered my heart but made her arc super empowering, and it enhanced A LOT the importance of Theo in Wren’s life (in both timelines).
I loved how natural (and scorching hot!!!) the evolution of their relationship felt for the reader as much as for them, and found it particularly well written. I loved Wren’s reactions (they felt SO real and relatable), but I loved Theo’s understanding even more. This is how much he knows and understand her (and love her), and that made this character one of my favorite ever.
Thanks to the author for the eARC. My opinions are my own.
Press Play was such an awesome read! When I started it, I just couldn’t put it down, and I devoured it in one afternoon as it gave me all the possible feelings.
I adored the relationship between Theo and Wren, especially thanks to the chapters that brought us back to the foundations of their fusional friendship. They are each other’s anchors, and this book was the Friends to Lovers trope like I love it. There were stakes, and the stakes were to loose their –capital– friendship. Even though they are sometimes a lot codependent, I loved that they realized that, and decided to work on it. Wren’s relationship with her mother shattered my heart but made her arc super empowering, and it enhanced A LOT the importance of Theo in Wren’s life (in both timelines).
I loved how natural (and scorching hot!!!) the evolution of their relationship felt for the reader as much as for them, and found it particularly well written. I loved Wren’s reactions (they felt SO real and relatable), but I loved Theo’s understanding even more. This is how much he knows and understand her (and love her), and that made this character one of my favorite ever.
Thanks to the author for the eARC. My opinions are my own.
June 4, 2025
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book had my full and complete attention from page one! It was literally stunning!! I truly couldn’t put this book down because Wren and Theo just kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next with their relationship, I mean the chemistry was off the charts! And if the chemistry/romance isn’t what catches your attention then trust me the characters absolutely will, because as amazing as they are together they were just as amazing apart. Wren is late twenties, chronically ill ball is sassshine, who loves her friends deeply even if she’s found herself a bit hard to love due to some past trauma. And Theo is simply amazing the way he cares for Wren, listens to her wants, and has learned her needs just makes him top notch book boyfriend material. Not to mention even when people didn’t deserve his kindness he was endlessly kind to people. All of that to say that If you’re looking for a friends to lovers romance, filled with relatable, lovable characters, so many hilarious shenanigans, sweet talking and sassy banter, a dollop of drama, a handful of spice and just a romance that’s truly swoon-worthy than Press Play is an absolute must read!
HAPPY READING
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book had my full and complete attention from page one! It was literally stunning!! I truly couldn’t put this book down because Wren and Theo just kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next with their relationship, I mean the chemistry was off the charts! And if the chemistry/romance isn’t what catches your attention then trust me the characters absolutely will, because as amazing as they are together they were just as amazing apart. Wren is late twenties, chronically ill ball is sassshine, who loves her friends deeply even if she’s found herself a bit hard to love due to some past trauma. And Theo is simply amazing the way he cares for Wren, listens to her wants, and has learned her needs just makes him top notch book boyfriend material. Not to mention even when people didn’t deserve his kindness he was endlessly kind to people. All of that to say that If you’re looking for a friends to lovers romance, filled with relatable, lovable characters, so many hilarious shenanigans, sweet talking and sassy banter, a dollop of drama, a handful of spice and just a romance that’s truly swoon-worthy than Press Play is an absolute must read!
HAPPY READING
August 18, 2025
Ok, I think Press Play may have just claimed a spot on my “friends-to-lovers is my jam” list. Amber Paige took the “friendship turning into so-much-more” trope and remixed it into a whole vibe.
Wren’s fleeing her toxic past, she's dealing with her chronic illness (I love the celiac rep) and she's only trying to find a safe space. This is where her high-school bestie, Theo comes in, aka hot cam star and gamer extraordinaire. Forced proximity, game nights, and healing hearts collide, and suddenly lines blur… and hearts follow. He would do anything for her and it shows!
I loved their bond and the dynamic. The growth between the two was so heartfelt. The emotional connection between these two is everything. Sweet, supportive, healing… with a side of very satisfying spice. Yes, Theo works in camming, but it doesn’t define him, it’s just part of his story. What truly matters is how he sees Wren, holds her, challenges her, and helps her grow stronger. 🥹
Tropes you’ll find:
forced proximity
gamer duo
friends to lovers
chronic illness rep
cam star
spice
Huge thanks to the author for working with us to share this during out Heartstrings and Lore book of the month. All opinions are my own!
Wren’s fleeing her toxic past, she's dealing with her chronic illness (I love the celiac rep) and she's only trying to find a safe space. This is where her high-school bestie, Theo comes in, aka hot cam star and gamer extraordinaire. Forced proximity, game nights, and healing hearts collide, and suddenly lines blur… and hearts follow. He would do anything for her and it shows!
I loved their bond and the dynamic. The growth between the two was so heartfelt. The emotional connection between these two is everything. Sweet, supportive, healing… with a side of very satisfying spice. Yes, Theo works in camming, but it doesn’t define him, it’s just part of his story. What truly matters is how he sees Wren, holds her, challenges her, and helps her grow stronger. 🥹
Tropes you’ll find:
forced proximity
gamer duo
friends to lovers
chronic illness rep
cam star
spice
Huge thanks to the author for working with us to share this during out Heartstrings and Lore book of the month. All opinions are my own!
May 4, 2025
💙Honest ARC Review Time!💙
Press Play by Amber Paige ( @amberpaige )
Overall Rating:
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Spice Level:
🌶🌶🌶/5
Minimal Spoilers!
Everyone should have a Theo. That’s what I was thinking to myself as I read this book. Sweet, spicy, and tender, with believable characters, Press Play is a new romance you won't want to miss.
Friends to lovers is a hill I will die on, and the tension had me literally squealing when the friends finally made the leap to lovers!
Wren and Theo are fun, kind to each other, and, like all real people, make mistakes. I felt for both of them. With a similar upbringing to Wren, I found myself really identifying with her struggles, and it was awesome to see her break free from her past.
Another thing I love was the representation--there isn't enough chronic illness rep or gamer girls. I felt the comfort show reality and that was amazing.
One thing I will say--while the character arcs were well planned, a few of the steps seemed a little bit rushed and sudden, but it didn't detract from the plotline.
Much love to Amber Paige! Long may she continue writing amazing, steamy love stories that I will absolutely inhale.
Press Play by Amber Paige ( @amberpaige )
Overall Rating:
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Spice Level:
🌶🌶🌶/5
Minimal Spoilers!
Everyone should have a Theo. That’s what I was thinking to myself as I read this book. Sweet, spicy, and tender, with believable characters, Press Play is a new romance you won't want to miss.
Friends to lovers is a hill I will die on, and the tension had me literally squealing when the friends finally made the leap to lovers!
Wren and Theo are fun, kind to each other, and, like all real people, make mistakes. I felt for both of them. With a similar upbringing to Wren, I found myself really identifying with her struggles, and it was awesome to see her break free from her past.
Another thing I love was the representation--there isn't enough chronic illness rep or gamer girls. I felt the comfort show reality and that was amazing.
One thing I will say--while the character arcs were well planned, a few of the steps seemed a little bit rushed and sudden, but it didn't detract from the plotline.
Much love to Amber Paige! Long may she continue writing amazing, steamy love stories that I will absolutely inhale.
June 1, 2025
*arc review*
4.25/⭐️
2/🌶️
The way I devour a best friends to lovers romance and this is no different. These two were so blind to each other’s want and love for the other it was hilarious having everyone literally point it out to them that they are dumb and blind. I mean even Theos mom is like “when my grandbabies coming??? Cause yall will make cute kids?!”
Theo is a cam star which I thought were be more of a factor in the book, while it was because Amanda tried what she tried, it wasn’t like it was theos only personality was his career, which I appreciated. But goodness this man was a simp for his best friend.
Wren, that poor girl just trying to survive her childhood trauma- luckily she was surrounded by a strong group of friends who protected her at all costs. She had inner turmoil over her feelings for Theo cause of her trauma and never thinking she good enough, I’m glad she grew up a little in the end but her constant back and forth with wanting him was exhausting. 😂
This was such a good quick book to read. It wasn’t too heavy on that topics and it had the spice. I think it was a great pallet cleanser if you need one.
4.25/⭐️
2/🌶️
The way I devour a best friends to lovers romance and this is no different. These two were so blind to each other’s want and love for the other it was hilarious having everyone literally point it out to them that they are dumb and blind. I mean even Theos mom is like “when my grandbabies coming??? Cause yall will make cute kids?!”
Theo is a cam star which I thought were be more of a factor in the book, while it was because Amanda tried what she tried, it wasn’t like it was theos only personality was his career, which I appreciated. But goodness this man was a simp for his best friend.
Wren, that poor girl just trying to survive her childhood trauma- luckily she was surrounded by a strong group of friends who protected her at all costs. She had inner turmoil over her feelings for Theo cause of her trauma and never thinking she good enough, I’m glad she grew up a little in the end but her constant back and forth with wanting him was exhausting. 😂
This was such a good quick book to read. It wasn’t too heavy on that topics and it had the spice. I think it was a great pallet cleanser if you need one.
June 6, 2025
El tema de Amanda se trató de forma desastrosa. ¿Por qué Theo la dejó quedarse en su casa si solo fueron compañeros de trabajo y nada más? Además, en ese momento él ya sabía que Amanda había sido mala con Wren. Tan fácil que era decirle que no, pero a Theo le cuesta poner límites. Se supone que solo trabajaron juntos una vez, hace años, y no fueron amigos ni nada. Sin embargo, el hecho de que Amanda tuviera la contraseña de su cuenta privada en la nube en donde guradaba sus videos sexuales, sugiere lo contrario. Porque no sé ustedes, pero yo no ando compartiendo mis contraseñas ni con mis amigos, y mucho menos se las daría a un compañero de trabajo, sobre todo si se trata de la cuenta donde guarda algo tan intimo No tiene sentido.
Y lo peor es el final: Amanda estaba cometiendo un delito, y en lugar de denunciarla, Theo aceptó acostarse con ella. Para colmo, a Wren se le ocurre que la mejor solución es que ella y Theo graben otro video íntimo y lo suban al canal para que el de Amanda pierda valor. ¿Perdón? Todo eso fue completamente absurdo. Claro, ¿no era más fácil denunciarla? Y no vale la amenaza a Wren, porque para ese momento el video ya había sido subido.
Y lo peor es el final: Amanda estaba cometiendo un delito, y en lugar de denunciarla, Theo aceptó acostarse con ella. Para colmo, a Wren se le ocurre que la mejor solución es que ella y Theo graben otro video íntimo y lo suban al canal para que el de Amanda pierda valor. ¿Perdón? Todo eso fue completamente absurdo. Claro, ¿no era más fácil denunciarla? Y no vale la amenaza a Wren, porque para ese momento el video ya había sido subido.
May 21, 2025
Wren and Theo have been best friends since high school. They find solace in each other for the years that follow. But what neither will reveal is that they both have feelings for the other!
Wren lives with Celiac disease and suffers anxiety from the trauma of her mother's emotional and mental abuse. When her mother shows up at her door one day, Wren decides she needs to hide for a bit and that decision leads her to Theo's place. As her best friend, Theo gladly takes her in and is willing to protect her. One thing to know about Theo...he's a cam guy.
This is where it gets spicy! 🥵 One night, Wren finds herself checking out one of Theo's videos and the heat turns up from there...especially when he walks in on her. Cue the back and forth of I want him/I want her but I'm afraid to say anything because what if he/she doesn't feel the same?!
I won't give it all away, but the last half of this book is sexy, feel-good, and has the HEA that I love. I was privileged to be chosen to read an ARC of this story but I did quite enjoy it!
Wren lives with Celiac disease and suffers anxiety from the trauma of her mother's emotional and mental abuse. When her mother shows up at her door one day, Wren decides she needs to hide for a bit and that decision leads her to Theo's place. As her best friend, Theo gladly takes her in and is willing to protect her. One thing to know about Theo...he's a cam guy.
This is where it gets spicy! 🥵 One night, Wren finds herself checking out one of Theo's videos and the heat turns up from there...especially when he walks in on her. Cue the back and forth of I want him/I want her but I'm afraid to say anything because what if he/she doesn't feel the same?!
I won't give it all away, but the last half of this book is sexy, feel-good, and has the HEA that I love. I was privileged to be chosen to read an ARC of this story but I did quite enjoy it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I really wasn’t sure what I was expecting when I dove in to this book but what a ride!
First of all, reading this story was like diving right back into my childhood. I couldn’t believe the amount of times I was reading Wren’s conversations with her mother and thinking “yep I’ve had this conversation before”. I thought that was extremely well written and it really brought depth to her character and her relationship with Theo.
I really enjoyed the dual POV, but also the past and present storylines. It really showcased their importance to each other and cemented their friendship.
I also really enjoyed Wren constantly and literally running away when having big emotions because that is so real.
Overall, this was a cute story and a quick read that had me rooting for Theo and Wren the whole time. This was my first Amber Paige story and I’m looking forward to checking out more of her work.
Thank you to Amber Paige for an advanced copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really wasn’t sure what I was expecting when I dove in to this book but what a ride!
First of all, reading this story was like diving right back into my childhood. I couldn’t believe the amount of times I was reading Wren’s conversations with her mother and thinking “yep I’ve had this conversation before”. I thought that was extremely well written and it really brought depth to her character and her relationship with Theo.
I really enjoyed the dual POV, but also the past and present storylines. It really showcased their importance to each other and cemented their friendship.
I also really enjoyed Wren constantly and literally running away when having big emotions because that is so real.
Overall, this was a cute story and a quick read that had me rooting for Theo and Wren the whole time. This was my first Amber Paige story and I’m looking forward to checking out more of her work.
Thank you to Amber Paige for an advanced copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 3, 2025
Thank you so much to Amber Paige for this E-ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I enjoyed this book! The characters made me confused sometimes because at times they were really level headed and communicated well, but at others they were really immature.
Either way, like I said I enjoyed this book and the spice was good!
Find more on my IG @kayreads_romance
⚠️ !! Please be sure to check any TWs before diving in !! ⚠️
What to expect:
* Friends to lovers
* Chronic illness rep
* Cam star MMC
* Gamer MCs
* Forced Proximity
* Spicy
My thoughts while reading:
🚨ALERT SPOILERS AHEAD🚨
“Wren Jacob has always had a piece of my heart, and most days, it’s easy to dismiss my feelings toward her. But moments like this? I can’t help but let my gaze linger over her, picturing what it might be like to be more than friends.” Ughhhhh!!!!
I’m going to cry already 🥺 I love Theo! I hate Wren’s mom
“It was always me—the curse of the older child.” Yupppp
“I’m going to take care of you,” I tell her, voice low. “Even if you hate me for it.”
Swoon city right here
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I enjoyed this book! The characters made me confused sometimes because at times they were really level headed and communicated well, but at others they were really immature.
Either way, like I said I enjoyed this book and the spice was good!
Find more on my IG @kayreads_romance
⚠️ !! Please be sure to check any TWs before diving in !! ⚠️
What to expect:
* Friends to lovers
* Chronic illness rep
* Cam star MMC
* Gamer MCs
* Forced Proximity
* Spicy
My thoughts while reading:
🚨ALERT SPOILERS AHEAD🚨
“Wren Jacob has always had a piece of my heart, and most days, it’s easy to dismiss my feelings toward her. But moments like this? I can’t help but let my gaze linger over her, picturing what it might be like to be more than friends.” Ughhhhh!!!!
I’m going to cry already 🥺 I love Theo! I hate Wren’s mom
“It was always me—the curse of the older child.” Yupppp
“I’m going to take care of you,” I tell her, voice low. “Even if you hate me for it.”
Swoon city right here
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