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Play Only for Me

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Colton Masters:I have no idea why I’m being so rude to her. She hasn’t done anything wrong to me. She seems nice actually, sweet. She’s attractive, that’s for sure, but she certainly isn’t trying to capitalize on it. A baggy sweatshirt and a pair of jeans? Maybe it’s the UGGS that get under my skin. The screaming designer label on her sweatshirt. Maybe it’s the fact that I haven’t stopped fantasizing about what she might look like underneath it. Lauren Percy: Why is he being so rude to me? He has a face that has that boy charm. Dimples, big brown eyes, sandy hair, clear skin. But as I travel to his chest, I can see this is no innocent boy. Through his white t-shirt that grips his biceps, I see the black ink of tattoos. Where I come from, I have never seen a tattoo up close and personal. His hands are calloused, his fingernails slightly bitten, and he has a slight scar on his collarbone, but it’s hard to see under the hemp choker he’s wearing. He’s sexy as hell. Colton Masters:
You done staring, Princess?
Lauren Percy: Damn it. Why I am so drawn to him?
Play Only For Me is a standalone New Adult Romance of two college music majors discovering themselves but ultimately discovering that true love and dreams can come with sacrifice, and that happy endings are not always one-note, scripted, already-heard songs.

Paperback

Published November 17, 2020

56 people are currently reading
111 people want to read

About the author

R.B. O'Brien

32 books264 followers
R.B. O’Brien has always been drawn to the more taboo side of storytelling, even as a young adult, from hiding books from strict Catholic parents as a teen to getting lost in the erotic sections of bookstores for hours.

She is best known for her three published erotic romances, Thorne, Edge of Torment and Imogen. But she is now forging a name for herself in the New Adult Romance category as well as poetry, her true passion, Ruin My Lipstick her first of many to come.

Much of O'Brien's work explores the darker, sensual nature of relationships, those riddled with the reality of insecurities and human folly, often exposing the vulnerability, emotional turmoil, and occasional pain that can come from losing oneself in the heat of passion and the obstacles of love.

O'Brien holds a degree in English literature and teaches for a living in the Northeast, USA. She is the founding member of The Nu Romantics, a poet, a professor, a writer, a dancer, and a hopeful romantic known for her poetry prompts on social media. O’Brien also has a profound affection for Shakespeare and beyond that, writes. Every chance she gets.

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5 stars
76 (50%)
4 stars
29 (19%)
3 stars
20 (13%)
2 stars
16 (10%)
1 star
9 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Tabatha (tab.talks.books).
483 reviews
July 11, 2020
This was a very cute read. You can almost cut the tension with a knife while wanting to strangle Colton 😂 The book went at a good pace, a great coming of age story. Bad boy & a virgin. The ending wasn’t what I usually go for but it was good!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Yoneidis.
2,149 reviews11 followers
June 26, 2020
Lauren is a young woman from a wealthy family with a prodigious voice.
Colton is a poor boy who has managed to get into school bc of his talent as musician.
When they both meet in a music class, Colton can’t help but be rude to her bc she has money. He is quick to prejudice her, but after he realize how incredible sensitive and vulnerable she is. He is not a good boy, especially with the girls, he sleeps with everything with a skirt, even with his best friend Angela, who he knows that she is completely in love with him. And although he regrets and apologizes for his behavior many times, he keeps messing up over and over again.
Neither Colton and Lauren have ever been in love, and it is difficult for them to assimilate the strong feelings they are feeling, but they always agree on one thing: their love for music. It is what unites them and what separates them at the same time.
A beautiful story of how if you really love someone you are willing to risk and give everything for that person.
Although this book is a standalone I would love for a second part, to see how high they go and the beautiful music they create in their wake.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

“Play only for me, Colton. Only for me.” “Yes. Only for you.”
Profile Image for Darlene.
190 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2020
When first impressions are confusing and second chances provide hope...

While I’m familiar with R.B O’Brien’s engaging poetry and erotic/romance novels… this is her first foray into the New Adult genre. It would also be a genre entirely unfamiliar for me to read. I wasn’t sure what to expect when reading PLAY ONLY FOR ME. Simply read with an open mind. Like me… you’ll be pleasantly surprised.



WOW!! Impressive!! R.B O’Brien has gifted readers a beautifully charming, emotional, and inviting story. A page turner and a roller coaster of emotions from the get go. Throughout the book, there were plenty of moments, where I found myself swept up in past memories. For those reading… you too will find yourself reminiscing, connecting in someway to the story. For some, it will hold joyful moments that bring the tenderness of a smile, the groans and hilarity of youthful embarrassment, and for others, memories that leave you feeling stripped raw… overwhelmed… emotional…(insert, have tissues handy)

PLAY ONLY FOR ME — a story backdropped with college aged students. The emphasis being the music/theatre/song department. Amongst the lyrical notes, the strumming of guitar strings and tap of piano keys, witty and angsty banter abounds throughout the story. Students will discover themselves, if they’re willing to take the risk at more. Easy?? Never! When it comes to Lauren and Colton, the quintessential studious, awkward young lady meets tough talking, brash bad boy… they’ll set the scene of what’s to come. Sparks will ignite!


When we assume what’s on the surface level of a person, our first impressions often lead us astray. For both Colton and Lauren... despite the underlying tension, the simmering attraction, their first impressions of each other - are pretty dismal. Where friendship, trust, and love is not easily given. Colton is without a doubt, an experience.

Is it the facade we hide behind for the world to see or the vulnerability that makes us authentic and real? What is Colton and Lauren’s story and truth?

Can we learn from the past, too shape a better future and have all that we want and desire from life, love, and our education? Read PLAY ONLY FOR ME, to discover how those answers are fulfilled. After reading a few dark stories, it was well worth my time to be invested in angst and the blush of first love/romance. I know it’s going to be well worth your time to read also.
760 reviews7 followers
April 27, 2020
This is an emotional, heart wrenching story of two young people immediately attracted to each other, while struggling with fragile feelings tucked in the depths of their psyche.

Lauren is a University freshman taking an advanced music class. She is immediately paired with Colton to complete a homework assignment. He is older and much more experienced in life. For some reason, his attraction to her manifests itself as sarcasm and cruelty.

Colton grew up almost destitute; Lauren experienced wealth. He was beaten; she was pampered. While one is rich and the other poor, both are suffering deep physical, mental and emotional scars that can never be forgotten. Each has experienced a loss that can never be filled. Will they find their solace in each other? Can they learn how to become closer, more intimate, more open and honest about what truly matters? Is this love? How do they know? What should they do if it is?

This is a beautiful exploration of experience versus naiveté, past versus present, attraction versus aversion and much, much more. As these two unique individuals struggle with their feelings, we are drawn more intimately into their hopes and desires for a future that will fulfill their dreams. Reading this story touched every hidden part of my heart, and I recommend it highly.
Profile Image for Metalkarin.
472 reviews21 followers
April 26, 2020
I had a little bit of trouble getting into the story.

Lauren and Colton are YA/NA with typical wants and fears, and a not so typical background. Both had more pain and grief in their life than most people suffer in a lifetime. Then again, that probably makes them such greats artists.

Given this is a story by RB O’Brien, I wasn’t expecting a sappy romance and rightfully so. We have a lot of angst and tears and an unexpected ending.

What I love about Play Only For Me is how authentic the characters are, from Lauren and Colton to even the smallest side character, like Brian. Sometimes sweet, sometimes stupid- but hey, they’re young people finding their place in the world.

What I liked less was the frequent POV switching. It distracted me the first few chapters. Maybe, it became less further in Play Only For Me or I got sucked into story because I didn’t notice it after reading about 30%.

Disclaimer: I’m leaving a voluntary review and this is my honest opinion. I’m in no way, shape or form coerced, influenced, or paid to leave this review.
I’m not related nor friends with this author and I do not have a personal interest in this book.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews73 followers
April 26, 2020
ONE UNBELIEVABLE JOURNEY!!!
Step up! O'Brien unleashes a killer storyline and gripping plot, spinning this brilliantly composed approach, imparting every sentiment and nuance as lines blur and boundaries are broken as reality gets bent, wrapping this baby up seamlessly. Sparks fly as drama, turmoil, intrigue, underlying currents and spiraling suspense, along with a boatload of confusion and perplexing situations, you have one block busting masterpiece. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, booting this gem into a tempest, bursting it into a frenzy with an eye-opening culmination. A tumultuous whirlwind of intimidating trials and challenging tribulations, exposing the shocking twists and wicked turns, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they've never imagined. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuine charismatic personalities. The scenes are written with such realism, impressive passion, imagination and unique insight, blasts this sparkling jewel wide open, making the storyline pop. Amazing job O'Brien, thanks for sharing this treasure with us.
2,468 reviews20 followers
April 26, 2020
I voluntatily reviewed a copy of "PLAY ONLY FOR ME" This was such a delightful story so well written by R.B. O'Brien very different from her dark stories I've read in the past its full heartache, emotional turmoil, intrigue, passion, angst, banter, young love, twists that have you glued to your seat.
Colton Masters is no innocent he's can be rude, charming, hot with his sexy tatoo's that give him that bad boy vibe and very talented musically.
Lauren Percy is very attractive, sweet, innocent also very talented in the music department she's been drawn to Colton he sexy as sin she keep her mind off off him he ask you done staring princess.
I loved the chemistry between Colton and Lauren it didn't run smooth at first they had a few obstacles, their journey was a very interesting entertaining emotional but so well worth the read.
I definitely recommend to get this book it won't disappoint it flowed beautifully there are some twists that make this and the characters pull you right into all drama. AWESOME AWESOME STORY!!!!!
1,397 reviews9 followers
April 26, 2020
I really liked this book. It's a love story about two college kids who have an instant attraction. Lauren is an inexperienced, rich, good girl and Colton is a player with a lot less than what Lauren has. They both are extremely talented musically and both have had hard lives. Colton is rude and a little mean to Lauren at first because he is confused about his overwhelming immediate feelings for her. Then he tries to push her away because he doesn't want to wind up hurting her. Eventually they get together and have a connection like no other. Colton ends up making a sacrifice for Lauren show she can achieve all of her dreams. I was broken at the end and wanted to cry even though I am not normally a very emotional person. I really wish there will be a follow up to this story so we can see what happens in the future.
Profile Image for XxnightxowlxX74.
1,179 reviews8 followers
August 18, 2021
This story had so much potential.
Lauren was a freshman in college coming from a wealthy family. Colton was the complete opposite he came from a rocky home.
When these two meet Colton resents Lauren because he thinks she is a spoiled rich girl. He also has a budding attraction to her. They are both in a music class together, both gifted and talented. She has a chance to go to Juilliard so Colton breaks things off with her so she could go follow her dreams.
The story was too short, it ended abruptly with no closure for the reader. No epilogue. No hint of a HEA I know not every book is going to have one but this book felt unfinished for me.
I think if the author would revamp this and add more context plus an epilogue it would get a lot more higher ratings in the reviews.
It’s a 3.5⭐️‘s for me as is.
1,923 reviews10 followers
April 26, 2020
This book is absolutely amazing! The emotional journey of Colton and Lauren is one of the best books I’ve read. They meet in a college music class and he judges her from the beginning. They get paired up for an assignment and he’s nothing but rude to her. The more time they spend together, though, the more neither wants to resist the pull they feel. It’s a push and pull between the two as Colton wants her but knows he’s no good for her. And she is dealing with family drama that leaves her uncertain about her own worthiness. It takes time, but they finally see what they mean to each other only to have life get in the way. A wonderful opportunity presents itself to her and he knows he can’t hold her back.

I am volunteering my honest review for an ARC copy of this book.
21 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2020
Play Only For Me is the story of Lauren and Colton whom are in college majoring in Music. Colton is on the rough side, a bad boy whom had a rough upbringing. He is rude towards Lauren although there is an instant attraction towards her. Lauren is a bit more redefined as Colton. She's a good girl that lacks life experience and doesn't know why Colton is treating her the way he is. Colton eventually gives into his feelings and him and Lauren get together. There are twists, turns and bumps that they have to get through, however Colton does step up and does something that ultimately helps Lauren out! I definitely reccomend this book!

I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily wrote an honest review!
218 reviews
April 29, 2020
Good new adult story

I liked their romance and chemistry--Colton & Lauren. I felt Lauren was a little easy on him. But she was in love. Some of the dialogue felt a little stilted. It didn't feel like it flowed naturally. And there was a little more tell and not enough show for me. However, overall I liked the book and I can't wait to find out if they get together, if they hit it big and re-meet? Do they have a sequel? They do have a sequel, don't they, because if not that would suck!
Profile Image for Natarliah Louisse.
16 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2021
Holy crap this book was absolutely amazing I love love loved it. Did not want to put it down. This author has a amazing talent for reeling you in while At the same time leaving you wanting more long after you have finished reading the book. The connection between the two characters is hot 🔥. You can’t help but to love them as you follow them on the obstacles life throws at them along the way. Best book haha even the killer cliffhanger at the end. Do your self a fav and check out this author and her books you will not be disappointed.
546 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2020
This was a moving love story. I cried throughout the book. Of the books I've read by author R B O'brien, this is my absolute favorite! It told an evolving love story of two troubled college students from different worlds both dealing with a past of what-ifs. Colton Masters and Lauren Percy were perfect characters and O'brien did a wonderful job of making their characters lift from the pages as real people in the real world. This book is a must read and I highly recommend!
Profile Image for HaleyJo.
269 reviews9 followers
August 12, 2021
This story was gripping with heartache. I felt so deeply for Colten and how he had always masked his pained childhood. The beginning of him and Lauren was harsh. I was so glad they couldn't stay away from each other. Lauren had a lot to come to terms with, the trauma from losing her sister being her biggest hurdle in life. This relationship was such a leap of faith for both of them. But this ending....so so sad.

ARC review
1,692 reviews8 followers
April 27, 2020
A really different college romance that left me with tears in my eyes.

Lauren is a freshman at college who has been granted an exemption to be in a second year Music Expression class. First day she is paired with Colton who is very rude and sarcastic to her. He seems to hate her because she is rich. Lauren has had some tragedy in her past that has left her lacking in confidence. What is going to happen between her and Colton, with her inexperience, and his tough guy way of dealing with the problems in his life.

I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
1,030 reviews4 followers
April 28, 2020
This was such a good book! Very emotional, raw and overwhelming at times. There should definitely be a sequel in my opinion. There is so much more that can happen.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for blueyed_cntry_girl.
1,583 reviews4 followers
April 29, 2020
OH MY GOODNESS!! This was a PHENOMINAL story!!!!!! It was so emotional about learning to love. The ending OH MY GOODNESS I wanted and NEEDED more!! I couldn't believe it. Please tell me there will be more!
1,750 reviews20 followers
April 26, 2020
Ah, so good! Two music majors in their early college years. He grew up very poor and abused. She is struggling with loss and insecurities. They meet head on. He is hot and cold. She is confused, but very attracted. This is their story. So emotional. So poetic. So darned entertaining! Will they only play for each other?
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,118 reviews51 followers
April 27, 2020
Lauren and Colton are musically talented but that is about it. Lauren is the rich, good girl and doesn’t understand why Colton is so rude to her. Sparks fly between them and Colton is willing to sacrifice so Lauren can achieve her dreams. Steamy read with loads of drama, steam and lots of emotion. I really liked it.
773 reviews
April 27, 2020
Terrific!

Colton and Lauren are terrific! These characters sucked me in to their story and kept me reading until the very end. I am hoping for a second book for them.

I read a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.

811 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2020
Loved loved this book !!
Lauren was a very talented singer and is accepted in Juliard College but declined after she found her ex boyfriend in bed with another. So she went to another that was just as good.
Colton was a very talented singer, songwriter at the same college.
They had a connection from the start.
Very well written book and highly recommend it to read.
I received a free copy of this book for an voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle F.
208 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2020
Young love angst at its finest! The H is a jerk, the h is inexperienced and they turn from enemies into frenemies into love. The ending was left open but it was quite a tearjerker. I really enjoyed this.
165 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2020
This story tore my heart out. Great story, great characters - loves the twists and turns - the ending though left me wanting more, way more!!
2,792 reviews13 followers
April 20, 2020
The undertones of sadness and loss read throughout this story, and it makes it more real. Being poor, abused, neglected, feeling unloved. It is across the board whether you are wealthy or poor. It is just a sign of screwed up parents.
My heart broke with all the push-pull of emotions that Colton and Lauren shared. Their story of feeling broken, unloveable touches a part of us we all feel, even if it is only a small bit.
This was a sad but sweet read that has a happy ending and takes you on an emotional journey.

I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Mawgan Dipple.
1,682 reviews
April 24, 2020
This was an interesting read based in a college setting. Lauren is the new girl trying to find her way and footing, while Colton treats her poorly even though he cant understand his attraction to her. through their love of music, they find themselves and each other.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Chappell.
1,444 reviews19 followers
April 19, 2020
This was an excellent book. I have an incredible book hangover now though. There better be a second book because I literally just sat shaking my kindle and muttering at the end. Such a beautiful romance, gritty and heart wrenching. The characters were believable and poignant. The story line was engaging and moved at a believable pace. Absolutely recommend this book! I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
5,322 reviews
April 17, 2020
What a wonderful college romance. I fell in love with the very real Colton and Lauren characters.

Ms. O'Brien captured the essence of life away from home for the first time. The cliques that continue throughout our lives. Lust at first sight, and how it can hurt and heal.

So much good to say about this story, and I hope this is not the end. It can't be, please!!!

I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
1,634 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2020
ENJOYABLE HEARTFELT story!
A great story that kept me intrigued and is emotionally heartfelt to the point of making me teary eyed a couple of times. The story unfolds at a great pace with plenty of suspense and twists that had me wide eyed gasping in shock and doing high fives. The chemistry was good, sexy and drizzled with some heat. The ending made me feel content and filled with relief from all the twists and heartfelt emotions that kept me guessing it there would be a HEA that made this enjoyable story come full circle and worth every word.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

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