| Title | : | The Sophomore (College Years, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781945522284 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | - |
| Publication | : | First published June 6, 2021 |
My not so secret crush.
He’s popular. Gorgeous. Talented.
Also my biggest weakness.
I’ve stood by him for years. Been a friend every time he needed one, but he doesn’t see me. Not like I want him to.
Move on, my friends said. Find someone new. Someone who sees your worth. Someone who gets you. I know they’re right. I’m only a friend to him. He’s never going to see me like I see him. So I take their advice, and try to move on.
But Jackson is always right there. In my face. Running to my rescue. And when I meet someone else, Jackson isn’t having it. For some reason, he’s suddenly determined to stay in my life. Right by my side.
Now he says he wants me, but does he want an actual relationship? Or is that he can’t stand the thought of losing me to another guy?
It’s time to find out what Jackson truly wants...and I’m going to make him work for it.
For me.
The Sophomore (College Years, #2) Reviews
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0 stars: Jackson does not deserve ELLIE.
First and foremost this is an unrequited love book where the guy knows and the ENTIRE FRIEND GROUP KNOWS that the girl had a crush on her best friend and guess what?
The guy aka Jackson misuses that trust and the love he has for her. Multiple times. For 2 years.
I’m sorry what? And she still ends up with him????????
This man did not spear you one ounce of his love and just used you for attention because you basically bowed down to the floor he walks on and he knew and made the decision to just continue playing with your heart.
Absolutely not. I hate this guy with a passion.
Let’s not even forget his weird needy text and jealousy when she decided to distance herself? You have mo right to be mad. Maybe keep your dick in your pants and stop making out with girls right infront of her if you “care” so much about her.
On top of that he never grovels. At all. And he keeps talking about “omg I am not good enough because I would cheat” and she just keeps telling him “that’s not true you’re just scared”
No. He will cheat. He is not good enough. He will never be good enough. He is awful towards women.
AND YET AGAIN FUCKIN CALEB IS HERE BEING THE BIGGEST ASSHOLE ON THIS PLANET AND GUESS WHAT?
Eli is also here🧍♀️…
Let me give you a quote of what he says to his girlfriend after she confronts Jackson because he keeps playing with her best friend’s (Ellie) heart:
“Girl, you need to calm down,” Eli says when Caleb’s gone. “You’re pissing off all my friends.”
“Funny how you used to hate Caleb, back when he flirted with me,” she reminds him.
“Ava. Babe. You’re on fire tonight.” Eli shakes his head. “Why you starting so much drama?”
One she is not starting drama. Two don’t fuckin talk to her like that. I hate every guy in this series -
The Sophomore is coming soon! This is the second book in my new College Years series, which is a spin off from The Callahan series.
Preorder THE SOPHOMORE >>>
https://amzn.to/3xIKCxa
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“To admit what I feel for her could change… Everything.”
Look. Admittedly when this book starts I wanted to punch Jackson where the sun doesn’t shine, and shake Ellie until she realized she deserved better. That said, Monica totally convinced me that Jackson was worth all the love and care that Ellie gave him over the years. No, their story isn’t easy peasy, BUT it’s entertaining and truly worth all the angst they go through to get to their happiness. So if you’re looking for angsty, long-term longing best friends to lovers… with a sweet heroine and a rockstar/commitment adverse hero, then The Sophomore is where it’s at.
Side note - that teaser for The Junior…. what kind of torture are you trying to put us through Ms. Murphy? I need answers, and I need them now. -
DNF @ 48%
I was waiting a few days after release to post this, but then I completely forgot about it.
If you've read the previous books, then you already know that Ellie has had a perpetual crush on Jackson since forevee and everyone knows about it, but they are just "friends". And the way this whole thing was handled was why I couldn't with this book; the first chapters made Ellie look more pathetic than ever, and Jackson as the most disgusting character because he is!!!
Jackson is this brooding, tortured character who basically has it all so I don't know what his problem is, but it's okay because he knows that for any problem he have reliable Ellie will always be there for him; stringing her along, giving her confusing signals and playing with her feelings because they can only be friends, but he doesn't want to see her with anyone else either so that's why in the middle of a fight he called her a lonely virgin. aww how cute is that?
and Ellie... well at least she tried to forget about him but girrrrl, all those years spent being his "biggest fan" and getting nothing in return... stop he ain't joe jonas! plus that scene where he texted her saying he couldn't wait to see her, and then she found him with a girl giving him a blowjob... my eyes and brain need bleach please and thank you!
the two stars are for the crumbs and mentions of old characters only.
ARC provided in exchange of an honest review. -
4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)
Ellie Jessup graduated high school and is a freshman at Fresno State in California. She's excited to join her friends, especially a certain guy she's crushed on for a while. Jackson Rivers is ridiculously sexy and she adores him. She's loved his soulful music and been his biggest fan for over a year. Completely dazzled by him, he's her one weakness. They are close, and she hangs in there thinking he will eventually return her feelings, but she tired of being taken for granted and being the same sweet, dependable Ellie who is forever waiting for the guy she wants to notice her. When she finds her confidence will she finally get out of the friend zone? Will she end up with a broken heart, or will all her dreams come true?
Jackson Rivers is nineteen and not sure where he fits anymore. He's a talented musician/ songwriter on the verge of a record deal, but still torn between playing football for the Bulldogs and being a rock star. Soon he will have to make a choice. He's tired of being pulled in so many directions and likes living a normal life with college, friends, girls, and his team. This includes the one constant in his life. Ellie Jessup believes in him and has always been his top supporter from the start. They are good friends that share a connection, but he knows she wants more. He doesn't like pressure or do commitments, so he keeps her at arms length, but he still can't stop thinking about her. He's confused, and it's complicated. Will he be able to continue resisting her and denying his growing feelings, or will he finally make his move and figure out what he wants before it's too late?
-I'm not a risk taker. And Jackson Rivers is the biggest risk of my life.
-He just does it for me. I am completely caught up in him. No other guy has this kind of effect on me. No one else. Just him.
-With Jackson, I always want more.
The Sophomore by Monica Murphy is the second book in her College Years series which is a spin off from her Callahan series. It's a standalone friends to lovers, college, sports/ rock star romance full of chemistry, angst, emotion, and love. This is one of those stories that's hard to put down. I loved how Ellie evolved and made Jackson work for her, and I can't get enough of this fabulous friend group! I can't wait for more in this amazing series! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3gtZFD5 -
A very generous 2 stars!
Looks like Monica Murphy is yet another author I won't read again. I don't know why authors (especially American ones) think that every single girl will wait and pine for a guy who treats them like shit for years (and fucks every girl except her). I HATED that she saved herself for him...a guy who refused to do the same for her, or at least treat her with some decent amount of respect. What does that show us as readers? He really didn't care about her, and she had no self-respect. Not really. So it was extremely hard for me to like either of the main characters. A fuckboy and a pining doormat. No thanks.
Actually the more I think about it, the more I want to change the rating to 1 star.
Needless to say I didn't like the book. I almost DNF-ed too many times to count. This could have been so good...and I would have bumped this up another couple of stars had she found someone else, someone who actually cared about her and had some fun. Maybe they dated for a while and then broke up because someone was moving away, or they just decided they were better off as friends. Maybe she had other relationships, maybe not. But seriously, let the girl have a life just like he had. Then maybe a few years later, the two of them reconnected when they were both single. That would have been a much more palatable scenario than the one the author created. I will say, however, the part I couldn't stop laughing (in disbelief) at was when she trusted him not to use condoms with her. Seriously, Ellie? Are you out of your damned mind? Make the f-boy get tested first!
As it stands, I couldn't relate to the heroine (seriously, who could?!) and the hero was never someone I liked at all. This was a huge fail and now I need to find something to get rid of the bad taste in my mouth... -
I had so been looking forward to reading this book. We hear about Jackson and Elli in other books. Just bits and pieces. So I was very happy to see it was out. Ellis has loved Jackson since high school. He was charming and sexy. He was a musician and Elli fell for him immediately. Girls would crowd around him and listened to him play. But this was one sided. Elli tried to get him out of her mind. Soon Jackson noticed her and friend zoned her. But one day she notices Carson and Jackson gets jealous.
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I was eagerly awaiting this book, and Monica didn’t disappoint! This is a beautifully written coming-of-age romance with a powerful theme of redemption and finding your true self. I loved it!
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** 2,5 stars **
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ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG:
ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4/5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : None
Hero : Ellie
Heroine : jackson
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 6/10
Heat Rating : 5/10
Triggers Involved : None
Plot Summary :
Ellie has been in love with Jackson ever since the moment she met him. But he never saw her like that , so she stood by him as his best friend while he concentrated on his career although a part of her always hoped that he might see her as something more than a friend. But that day never came. Finally after sometime she decided she is ready to move on and she tries to do that.
Seeing her move on was the final kick for Jackson. Suddenly he had this possessive feeling over his best friend , the girl who was the most beautiful one in a room. He knew that she deserved everything which is why it took him so long to make a move. But now he was there and there was no one who could separate him from the one girl he absolutely loves.
Overall Opinion :
I absolutely love Unrequited love romance books and this one was on point in that matter! I loved the pain and the angst which is the best part for me. Jackson and Ellie had an amazing tale that had me hooked right from the first page.
I have read a few books by this author but I am trying to remedy that. Usually I find her books a tad bit boring but this one was good! It was an amazing one time contemporary read for me and I would definitely recommend it for all the contemporary Romance people out there.
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🎸 Unrequited Love
🎸 Friends to Lovers
🎸 Rockstar romance Vibes
🎸 College Romance
After bingeing Eli and Ava’s stories, I had to know what happened to Ellie and Jackson. So I went right in.
I loved Ellie from the moment I met her in addicted to him, her friendship with Ava is one of my favorite, friendships in any book I’ve read. Eli is so sweet and loyal, one of the most loving heroines I’ve read. She would stay up all hour just waiting for Jackson, because she truly cared about him. She’d drop everything in the middle of the night to be there for Ava. I love the sophomore so much mainly due to Ellie’s character. Yes I love Jackson, but Ellie is special.
Jackson, I couldn’t wait to see what was underneath his cool and confident exterior. I loved seeing more in depth to his character. I loved seeing his jealous side come out. Jackson has way more to him then you think. Seeing him grow as a character and come to terms with specific things in his life was amazing to see.
I really loved this story, the angst between the characters kept me going, and I was cheering for the every step of the way. This is a great ending to Ellie and Jackson’s story… I’m happy where they ended up.
P.s I also loved seeing the Ava and Eli Moments, and the friendship Ellie and Ava had. I definitely can’t wait to read the senior and see Them all together again. -
I felt way too old while reading this book.
The heroine was born 2003, 10 years my junior. I don't know what I was thinking starting this book.
Besides the age issue I definitely did not feel any chemistry between these 2 and I always wonder how people so young talk about love and sex like they have seen everything.
I know, i know, it's just fiction but I love more relatable books.
I was nothing like that when I was 18,19.
Sorry for ranting, I'm outta here -
The arc reviews wont tell you this is a pining virgin heorine with a manwhore hero. You read one, you have read them all. There is not one drop of originality you can squeeze out of this pairing, I wish authors would give it up.
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This was such an amazing story. The build up of Jackson and Ellie’s story has been happening over four books and I was not disappointed. Ellie is absolutely devoted to Jackson and everything that he does, but her feelings are not returned. Broody Jackson is dealing with his own problems; one being no matter how much he likes Ellie, he thinks he is no good for her. He drowns himself with negative thoughts and sometimes alcohol and random women. But he comes to the realization that he could lose her completely when she starts showing interest in other guys. He takes his chance and soon they begin to see where they could take this relationship. Everything about this book tugged at my heart. They are both so very insecure and feel that the other can do better. So glad to see these two get their happily ever after.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review. -
Jackson & Ellie's story was SO much more than what I was expecting. Knowing their history from previous books in this series and The Callahans, I knew Ellie had experienced unrequited love and Jackson had A LOT to prove to win this girl. GAHHHHH and that he did!! I sighed, swooned, and cried happy tears with these two along their journey to come together. Their chemistry and connection is effortless, yet unpredictable. They know each other so well that at times you feel like they have been together for a lifetime although they are still fighting to figure out what their relationship truly means.
The angst, the character development, the friend gang and the love between Jackson & Ellie all combine to make this my top favorite from M Murphy! These characters will make you laugh and fall in love with them so easily that you will feel like you are right there in college with them - loving every moment. Well done once again M Murphy! I cannot wait for what's to come...and I am keeping my fingers crossed it's who I think it is. ;) -
4.5/5 Stars
Jackson freaking Rivers.
I really loved Jackson and Ellie's story. These two characters have been cooking up something for a while and I was finally glad to see them have a story of their own. Jackson and Ellie are both very relatable characters. Jackson is a vulnerable character. I was able to easily connect with him. Ellie is kind of a pushover so it was finally good to see her come out of her shell a bit in this book. Both characters experience some excellent character growth. And then there are all of our favorite secondary characters from their friend group that we have all gotten to know and love so far. I just adore this group of friends. They are squad goals for real and I am so here for it.
The romance in this book was so tantalizing because Jackson and Ellie are into each other but Jackson is leaving Ellie in the friend zone. There was a lot of push and pull from both of them so there was so much tension! I liked the mix of crazy sexual tension and tenderness because of genuine feelings that go deep because of their close friendship.
One thing about Monica Murphy that I love is her unparalleled ability to drag me into a story arms and legs flailing. In the blink of an eye, I am hooked. Her writing style is so smooth and relatable. I also love the way that she plots out her stories. She can take a common trope and warp it into something truly special.
Overall, I was absolutely charmed by Jackson and Ellie's story! If you want a truly outstanding friends-to-lovers and opposites-attract story with memorable characters, an engaging plot, and flawless storytelling then look no further. Monica Murphy has you covered. And if you haven't picked up her Callahans series yet, I'd start with those books first.
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“You and me? We’re going to conquer the world together.”
The Sophomore is the second installment of the College Years series and follows Ellie and Jackson, recurring characters from The Callahans series. Since their meeting during high school, Ellie has been utterly in love with Jackson. She is there for him and always supports him, hoping that one day he'll see her as more than a friend. While Jackson is busy juggling his rising music career and college, Ellie does her best to move on, knowing he'll never make a move. But maybe this is the kick Jackson needed to realize that Ellie was always the one.
I've been waiting for Ellie and Jackson's story from the moment I met them in The Callahans series, and their book didn't disappoint. Unrequited love is one of my favorite tropes, and they served it so well. The angst and jealousy were on point, and I was engrossed in Ellie and Jackson's story from beginning to end.
Ellie was such a sweet character, and I liked her a lot. She has been pinning over Jackson for so long but didn't hesitate to put herself first and also be honest about her feelings for him. Seeing her come out of her shell and make Jackson realize that she deserves more than that was my favorite part. As for Jackson, I found him a little annoying at first because of the way he acted with Ellie, but after a few chapters, it was clear he had feelings for her. He didn't know how to act on it and was also torn between his growing music career and college. Together, Ellie and Jackson were so cute. Their chemistry was well written and palpable, and it was great to see them finally get their happy ending.
The secondary characters are one of the reasons I enjoyed this book as well. I'm so attached to this group of friends and can't wait to see what's next for them. Also, I would die for a DiegoJocelyn + baby Gigi novella. Even the mere mention of these three makes me happy!! I need a family novella SO BAD.
Overall, I had a great time reading Ellie and Jackson's story, and like every other Monica Murphy book I've read, The Sophomore was very entertaining and cute. Caleb's book is next, and I can't wait to know his love interest (still praying for my girl Baylee!!!).
*ARC kindly provided by the author and Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review -
"Make a move Jackson," she says softly. "Or let me go forever." My heart is really captured by these words and broken for Ellie.
I have been waited for Ellie and Jackson's book for so long and I am #TeamEllie through and through but after reading this book, I am going to be #TeamJackson too because OMG!!! This book is THE BEST and it's worth waiting for! The way Murphy writing about Ellie's feeling for Jackson makes me feel emotional through the book. Ellie is stronger than she thinks she is and she deserves to be loved and taking care of. I am so glad that Jackson finally acknowledges his feeling even if it happens when Ellie is trying to move on. It's never too late though. The book is friends to lovers romance with some angsts from both Ellie and Jackson but don't worry, it isn't too angsty because we have Caleb with us. While I am having my teary eyes or my heart aches for Ellie or even Jackson, Caleb has to be or say something silly and makes me giggling... and believe me, I don't giggle easily. I may don't like him much when I read Ava and Eli's story but Caleb is warming his way to my heart. The story is also a slow burn with a lot of chemistry between Ellie and Jackson. And I think Jackson in his caveman mode is hot. What another thing I like in this book is their friendship with their friends and I get an update on their love lives. Now that Ellie and Jackson finally have their happy endings, I don't know whose story I would expect Murphy to write next but I am going wait for it! If you love reading a rockstar finding himself and a strong and smart heroine who is in love with the rockstar for too long, this is the book for you. They are young and they do stupid things but you are going to fall in love with them anyways. -
Total F boy.
Girl could've done better 😂 -
“What would little Ellie Jessup do if big bad Jackson Rivers took her to his bed?”
Tunes, Teases, Touches…Monica Murphy’s “The Sophomore” is a page-turner with off the charts chemistry! All-consuming—prepare for unstoppable sizzle, and the most delectable delight. Jackson Rivers. I couldn’t put it down and devoured this in a day!
“Make a move, Jackson, or let me go forever.”
The angst between Ellie and Jackson was palpable, and by far, one of the best friends-to-lovers romance I have read. You will love, laugh, and fangirl out over Jackson and Ellie.
The Sophomore is the second book in the College Years series by Monica Murphy, and can be read as a standalone. With a great pace, wonderful characters, and entertaining world building, the College Years series just gets better. Be sure to add the series to your TBR. Can’t wait to find out about the next couple in The Junior!
I reviewed an ARC voluntarily, and look forward to future novels in the series by the author. -
Get it here:
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Editing Project
Jackson & Ellie's story is exactly what you would think it would be...both frustrating and heart-warming. It's going to take a bit for these two to get on the same page, so hold on for the ride. -
The Sophomore is the second book Murphy's College Years series and can be easily read as a standalone. If you read the first book in series, you get a introduction to Jackson and Ellie but nothing that you need to know in order to understand this book. As someone who has not read all of the Callahan series, you don't need to read any of those books to get the full entertainment of this book.
All you to need to know about this book is in the blurb. Monica sets the reader up perfectly for this story. She does a wonderful job of explaining how their friendship started to where it is today. And what I loved most, was how she put the reader right into the characters shoes.
This book is told from both POVs and that's what makes this book so relatable. Trust me – readers are going to want to tear into Jackson for many reason, and rip into Ellie for other reasons. But it's getting to understand their inner thoughts and understand their actions that keeps this story moving along. Readers will be quite surprised at the growth and maturity on both their parts.
Monica writes these characters wonderfully too. These characters are in college and she stays true to this in not just their mannerisms, but also in their dialogue. I really liked that the guys did not come across as too immature in a variety of ways and that the girls were not shallow in certain areas. But I also loved that none of them were talking as though they have their life together at 19 and 20. It was very refreshing and made the book more relatable.
The Sophomore is a great follow-up to The Freshman and I can't wait to see what Monica brings us next. -
3.5 stars
The Sophomore by Monica Murphy has been one of my most anticipated book in the series because Jackson Rivers and Ellie have been waiting to happen for a long time. Though this story was good, I expected a lot more from Jackson and Ellie both.
Ellie has always been Jackson's best friend, best support system and the one he always seeks out when in pain. But all in secret. And Ellie has been in love with him forever and waiting for him to finally notice her in a different kind of way. Will he accept how he really feels for Ellie? Or will Ellie have a broken heart forever?
Jackson is the brooding rockstar and cocky jock in one beautiful packet. And you will fall for his charm and arrogance and also hate him for his emotional unavailability. He had his sweet moments like singing his heart out for his girl in a packed up venue. But I will be straightforward with you. Jackson doesn't deserve Ellie. Yes even at the end I felt the same. She has been there always, eager for whatever he gives her and getting hurt over and over again. And it took only jealousy to make Jackson wake up? It's like the typical alpha possessiveness of no one can have his toy. I have read and loved plenty of ahole bad boys from Monica Murphy and I live for them getting on their knees. I wanted to see him suffer from the same pain as Ellie. The angst, you know. I love Ellie with her sweet heart. Her devotion. Her loyalty. But girl, you need to listen to your girlfriends and push back. Well she did late in the story and I cheered for her. She did put Jackson in her place. This story definitely has some swoony and beautiful parts and the writing was good. I just didn't feel Jackson grovelling enough to be in the clear and at the end Ellie gave much more of herself in the story. My favorite part was the secondary characters. I love this gang!
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily -
Finally, Jackson and Ellie. We have caught glimpses of them through the Callahan series and the Freshman, and we are finally getting their story.
Jackson and Ellie have been friends, secret/not so secret friends, but either way, Ellie is too good for him. He keeps her firmly in the friend zone, for years, even though it is blantantly obvious how much she adores him. He keeps her there because he knows she is too sweet and nice for him and he will just break her heart, but what he doesn't realize is he is breaking her heart everyday he pretends that he doesn't feel something for her. When he writes love songs for the mysterious "girl" and plays in front of her and for her. We all know Jackson.
I love how it took Eli's voice of reason to bring Jackson out of his head. Eli is still my favorite because he tells it like it is. Jackson and Ellie have such a rocky relationship, and that isn't seen in the prior glimpses of them in other books.
I am not sure what to say about this one other than it is angsty and I wanted to punch Jackson and Ellie both on multiple occasions. Jackson needed to man up and tell Ellie how he felt or he needed to leave her alone. Not until she (finally) walks out on him and has the interest of someone else does he start acting jealous because he doesn't want to lose her. Unfortunately, she falls back under his spell immediately. I would have really loved to see her have more of a backbone with this guy who has been treating her terribly for years. I understand she loves him, but geesh. Anyone who says he hasn't been treating her terribly through the whole of their relationship, please explain it to me.
Overall the story was entertaining and I was happy to finally see them together, even if he really doesn't deserve her.
I love the side characters and getting updates on all my favorite people. Caleb is such a character and I am sure that the woman that wrangles him will be a strong one! -
Okay the Sophmore is wayyy better than what I thought it was going to be! I didn't like Jackson to begin with because he has secrets. I was so disappointed, frustrated and basically wanted to beat his butt the first half. He constantly was keeping Ellie in a corner.
'According to my best friend Ava, I let him take advantage of my kindness.' Well she is right Ellie! Ellie is shy and timid at first. With the help of her friends, she starts to slowly come out of her shell. I loved how she stayed true to herself and wanted what was right for her.
These two are explosive together. I figured it would be all about Jackson but he makes it known how important Ellie is to him. It was also nice to see the softer side of Jackson. -
I was given an advance readers copy of this book and have decided to write a voluntary honest review. I am rating this book 4.5 stars. I've always liked Jackson, but I hated the way he lead on Ellie. I also found Ellie kind of naive when it came to Jackson. At times in the book I just wanted to smack both of them and say get your shi$ together or move on. I am still worried about Ava and Eli but not as much as before. I believe in anyone can go the distance it's them. Now Caleb oh man i hope it's Gracie. Not Baylee.
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I friggin LOVED this book!!
After I finished it, I just sat all around in my feels for these characters.
Jackson and Ellie's story was more than I could have imagined.
I thought I was dying after I finished Chapter 2. How one boy could be so oblivious was beyond me.
Then Ellie kicked it into gear. I loved that girl's ferociousness and ability to set boundaries. She is so darn relatable. I think we've all been in those shoes before.
I always got the feeling that Jackson was so confident and to see him be so vulnerable was such a refreshing change. He has always portrayed this romantic artist type and we really see it in this book.
I was completely overcome with emotions after the epilogue. His feelings totally translated off of the pages and landed right in my heart.
Give me all the stories like this one and I will be a happy reader. Just so perfect. -
The College Years series is truly just the gift that keeps on giving and ‘The Sophomore’ was the absolute perfect story for Ellie and Jackson.
First and foremost, I absolutely love that these characters' stories are so intertwined. We get to meet new characters, but continue to catch up with old ones and it just makes my heart happy! Second, Jackson Rivers, despite his flaws, is one of the swooniest male characters ever. He can be a jerk at times, but he can also be so stinking sweet to Ellie and it just adds to his allure.
I absolutely loved that Ellie stood her ground and fought for herself in this story. She’s let Jackson treat her a certain way previously and to see her come out of her shell and demand respect was freaking inspiring. I loved everything about this story, and I’m now dying even more for Caleb’s story!! -
I just adore this amazing crew of characters- and the College Years is shaping up to be one of my favorite MM series. This was one of my most anticipated couplings- because we’ve watched these two struggle to find their path to each other for many books (and over two series)- and I was so desperate for sweet Ellie’s devoted longing and besotted optimism to pay off and for the broody, soulful Jackson to finally notice her. I knew Jackson would surprise me- and he did, but now how I expected. His self-awareness jarred me for a bit- and boy did he make me want to slap him. But, that’s part of why I love MM’s new adult stories- she lets her teens be TEENs- they are immature, they make mistakes, they are selfish and emotionally stunted at times- because they are growing up and learning to be in love the first time while also figuring out who they are as people. Jackson is the epitome of her point of view- she lets him be really flawed, a jerk and arrogant in places, but she also gives him space to grow and mature. Sweet Ellie on the other hand is so endearing from page one- her unrequited love and blind devotion to Jackson hurt my heart, but I also loved watching her findher own confidence, the self-acceptance she needs to unconditionally love someone who doesn’t deserve her AND to also demand that he works on being more deserving. The angst is heavier in this one than our prior story- and the fight is hard, these two have been circling each other for so long it feels almost Herculean for them to finally given in, but when they do, it makes the reward all the sweeter. So sexy, so swoony, and SO sweet- I’m so happy this long-time-coming couple finally found their path. And, as usual, the amazing secondary characters I can’t get enough of (give me Caleb, already!!) show up to help our primary couple find their way. They are the perfect little chosen-family, and I just love them and this series so hard!
