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The Undergrads #1
Student Union
From #1 New York Times–bestselling author Julie Murphy comes a sexy rom com about a college marriage of convenience that goes way beyond chemistry 101...The first in a trilogy of romance novels that follows a group of girls as they navigate love, friendship, and new adulthood, this is perfect for fans of Elle Kennedy and Hannah Grace.
CLOVER ROWAN WALSH knows The Plan.
1. Get a full ride to her dream school, Wexley University.
2. Conquer the school of business.
3. Say goodbye to the paycheck-to-paycheck life she and her mom have known for years.
There’s just one hiccup. With the first semester rapidly approaching, Clover learns her housing grant has fallen through. But a loophole presents Married couples can live in the dorms for the price of one student. Clover is willing to sacrifice the sanctity of marriage . . . even if it means proposing to the one person she swore she’d never speak to again.
Bennett Andrew Graves is the only heir to the Graves Coffee empire. After spending his first year at Wexley, squeaking by in classes and becoming personally acquainted with the female student body, he is looking forward to living off campus. Until the girl he grew up with (and whom he completely devastated years ago) walks back into his life with the most absurd Will you marry me?
Bennett can’t refuse Clover. He owes her this, but that doesn’t change the fact that these two can barely carry on a conversation without getting at each other’s throats. Forget about sharing a dorm—much less one bed.
But as Clover and Bennett hide the true nature of their marriage, they find that playing house isn’t all that bad—especially with certain marital benefits in the mix. In fact, Clover and Bennett are soon forgetting the most important part of their fake marriage of convenience . . . that it’s supposed to be fake.
CLOVER ROWAN WALSH knows The Plan.
1. Get a full ride to her dream school, Wexley University.
2. Conquer the school of business.
3. Say goodbye to the paycheck-to-paycheck life she and her mom have known for years.
There’s just one hiccup. With the first semester rapidly approaching, Clover learns her housing grant has fallen through. But a loophole presents Married couples can live in the dorms for the price of one student. Clover is willing to sacrifice the sanctity of marriage . . . even if it means proposing to the one person she swore she’d never speak to again.
Bennett Andrew Graves is the only heir to the Graves Coffee empire. After spending his first year at Wexley, squeaking by in classes and becoming personally acquainted with the female student body, he is looking forward to living off campus. Until the girl he grew up with (and whom he completely devastated years ago) walks back into his life with the most absurd Will you marry me?
Bennett can’t refuse Clover. He owes her this, but that doesn’t change the fact that these two can barely carry on a conversation without getting at each other’s throats. Forget about sharing a dorm—much less one bed.
But as Clover and Bennett hide the true nature of their marriage, they find that playing house isn’t all that bad—especially with certain marital benefits in the mix. In fact, Clover and Bennett are soon forgetting the most important part of their fake marriage of convenience . . . that it’s supposed to be fake.
Paperback
First published May 5, 2026
About the author
Julie Murphy
43 books7,225 followersJulie Murphy lives in North Texas with her husband who loves her and her cats who tolerate her. After several wonderful years in the library world, Julie now writes full-time.
When she’s not writing or reliving her reference desk glory days, she can be found watching made-for-TV movies, hunting for the perfect slice of cheese pizza, and planning her next great travel adventure.
She is also the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the young adult novels Dumplin’ (now a film on Netflix), Puddin’, Pumpkin, Ramona Blue, and Side Effects May Vary. Her middle grade novels include Dear Sweat Pea and a forthcoming 2023 title. She is also Disney's If The Shoe Fits, a modern day romcom retelling of Cinderella. Her writing partner is Sierra Simone and their romance debut is A Merry Little Meet Cute.
Julie has been featured in places liek Good Morning America, The New York Times, and Teen Vogue. Dumplin' was also named one of the best young adult books of all time by Time Magazine.
When she’s not writing or reliving her reference desk glory days, she can be found watching made-for-TV movies, hunting for the perfect slice of cheese pizza, and planning her next great travel adventure.
She is also the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the young adult novels Dumplin’ (now a film on Netflix), Puddin’, Pumpkin, Ramona Blue, and Side Effects May Vary. Her middle grade novels include Dear Sweat Pea and a forthcoming 2023 title. She is also Disney's If The Shoe Fits, a modern day romcom retelling of Cinderella. Her writing partner is Sierra Simone and their romance debut is A Merry Little Meet Cute.
Julie has been featured in places liek Good Morning America, The New York Times, and Teen Vogue. Dumplin' was also named one of the best young adult books of all time by Time Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 971 reviews
May 3, 2026
3.25 I didn't hate this, but I wasn't over the moon for it either. While the story was certainly entertaining, the core premise didn't feel entirely believable, as other solutions seemed more plausible.
That being said it’s a fun book- it felt very 'Meghan Quinn-esque' but in a college setting- spicy, humorous, and engaging. A solid choice if you're looking for a light, high-heat campus romance.
That being said it’s a fun book- it felt very 'Meghan Quinn-esque' but in a college setting- spicy, humorous, and engaging. A solid choice if you're looking for a light, high-heat campus romance.
May 13, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
They say if men have one thing, it’s the fucking audacity.
And Bennet Graves is a walking, talking case study of that sentiment.
Before I absolutely rip into the guy, I have to admit:
That was a hell of an entrance, and I ate it the fuck up. But anyway.
Bennett is a complete asshole to Clover, and not in a good way. He should be groveling at her feet, but all he does is take shots at her for literally no reason. His side of the story does him no favors—in fact, I would say it makes him look worse.
For fuck’s sake, it takes him until the 65% mark to apologize for the fuckass shit he did to her when she was fifteen. And when he finally does, her biggest concern is the girl he’s fucked the year prior. Like are we deadass? Three years, and he never grew enough of a pair to get in touch with her and apologize? Or explain?
And I hate the way he’s constantly just like “I’m a bad guy.” Those words are just a cop-out. Because if that’s true, then the shit he does are not his conscious decisions, but who he is and he doesn’t need to take any sort of accountability. He never has to improve, he never has to confront the decisions he makes. He just gets to say “I suck” and move on.
Also, can we talk about flimsiness of the marriage plot? Married couples can live in the dorms for the price of one student. A price he’s paying, which completely nullifies the “she’d never take his money” angle. So he could have just paid her housing then.
Other than that, I found the romance to be believable and overall well-developed. I’m not into the whole entitled rich boy thing, but I liked them together.
And not counting the awkward and abrupt use of Gen-Z slang that was completely abandoned after the first like fifty pages, I thought it was well-written as well.
One thing I have to mention is that there were a lot of moments that made me doubt Julie Murphy was ever an undergrad herself (she was). One of these was the X’s on the hands at a frat party, which had me side-eyeing before we were even told their purpose. Woulda been nice if someone, at any point, reported that shit by the way.
I’m just being a nitpicking asshole at this point—I know it, and I don’t care—but his mother would have no way of finding the building he lives in, let alone the room. He’s an adult, they cannot give her that information, and it doesn’t matter that she pays for it.
Overall, it was worth the read. I had a decent time, and I will definitely be picking up the next one.
They say if men have one thing, it’s the fucking audacity.
And Bennet Graves is a walking, talking case study of that sentiment.
Before I absolutely rip into the guy, I have to admit:
“Clover Rowan Walsh,” he finally says.
“Bennett.”
“Come on now.” There are those fucking dimples again. “You’ve got me burning with curiosity.”
That was a hell of an entrance, and I ate it the fuck up. But anyway.
Bennett is a complete asshole to Clover, and not in a good way. He should be groveling at her feet, but all he does is take shots at her for literally no reason. His side of the story does him no favors—in fact, I would say it makes him look worse.
For fuck’s sake, it takes him until the 65% mark to apologize for the fuckass shit he did to her when she was fifteen. And when he finally does, her biggest concern is the girl he’s fucked the year prior. Like are we deadass? Three years, and he never grew enough of a pair to get in touch with her and apologize? Or explain?
And I hate the way he’s constantly just like “I’m a bad guy.” Those words are just a cop-out. Because if that’s true, then the shit he does are not his conscious decisions, but who he is and he doesn’t need to take any sort of accountability. He never has to improve, he never has to confront the decisions he makes. He just gets to say “I suck” and move on.
Also, can we talk about flimsiness of the marriage plot? Married couples can live in the dorms for the price of one student. A price he’s paying, which completely nullifies the “she’d never take his money” angle. So he could have just paid her housing then.
Other than that, I found the romance to be believable and overall well-developed. I’m not into the whole entitled rich boy thing, but I liked them together.
And not counting the awkward and abrupt use of Gen-Z slang that was completely abandoned after the first like fifty pages, I thought it was well-written as well.
One thing I have to mention is that there were a lot of moments that made me doubt Julie Murphy was ever an undergrad herself (she was). One of these was the X’s on the hands at a frat party, which had me side-eyeing before we were even told their purpose. Woulda been nice if someone, at any point, reported that shit by the way.
I’m just being a nitpicking asshole at this point—I know it, and I don’t care—but his mother would have no way of finding the building he lives in, let alone the room. He’s an adult, they cannot give her that information, and it doesn’t matter that she pays for it.
Overall, it was worth the read. I had a decent time, and I will definitely be picking up the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating 4.25 ⭐️
This was my first Julie Murphy book and I loved it! It's funny, light and fluffy and the characters feel so real.Their love story was really messy and complicated but so beautiful and I loved everythingabou them. I have to say that Julie Murphy knows how to write spice because this was so hot!!!
I'm soo excited for the next two books and I just know they will be amazing!
Read this if you love:
• marriage of convenience
• college setting
• dislike to lovers
• forced proximity
• so much banter
• one bed
Actual rating 4.25 ⭐️
This was my first Julie Murphy book and I loved it! It's funny, light and fluffy and the characters feel so real.Their love story was really messy and complicated but so beautiful and I loved everythingabou them. I have to say that Julie Murphy knows how to write spice because this was so hot!!!
I'm soo excited for the next two books and I just know they will be amazing!
Read this if you love:
• marriage of convenience
• college setting
• dislike to lovers
• forced proximity
• so much banter
• one bed
December 7, 2025
A fake dating/marriage college kids spicy romcom. Over grew up with Bennett, a few years younger. She and her mom were “the help” and because he owes her (no spoilers, but it’s kinda a sad story) they get married so she can qualify for married student housing.
The premise is ridiculous (I mean, if he’s so rich and he owes you, just have him chip in 5 grand for your dorm) and the back story is touching. I liked this but I didn’t love it, the chemistry felt a bit forced to me. Julie Murphy is a favorite author - I was hoping this would be less spicy since it is a YA/Childrens imprint. But definitely good for fans of Hannah Grace such as the Icebreaker series.
If you want something more on the sweet side, I do enjoy Dumplin and If the Shoe Fits.
Thanks to NetGalley and Balzer and Bray/McMillan Children’s for the ARC. Book to be published May 4, 2026.
The premise is ridiculous (I mean, if he’s so rich and he owes you, just have him chip in 5 grand for your dorm) and the back story is touching. I liked this but I didn’t love it, the chemistry felt a bit forced to me. Julie Murphy is a favorite author - I was hoping this would be less spicy since it is a YA/Childrens imprint. But definitely good for fans of Hannah Grace such as the Icebreaker series.
If you want something more on the sweet side, I do enjoy Dumplin and If the Shoe Fits.
Thanks to NetGalley and Balzer and Bray/McMillan Children’s for the ARC. Book to be published May 4, 2026.
July 2, 2026
this is an example of a man ruining a book because WHAT DO YOU MEAN he catfished her for YEARS and then had the audacity to call her kitten during a spice scene
this plot and book had SO much potential. I love a college romance if it’s done right but once it was revealed why they were enemies, I didn’t think the man was redeemable and the ick wouldn’t go away
this plot and book had SO much potential. I love a college romance if it’s done right but once it was revealed why they were enemies, I didn’t think the man was redeemable and the ick wouldn’t go away
March 30, 2026
You know, in 2018, when the easiest way to read a new adult romance was on Wattpad, written by a 16-year-old who only knew Hardin Scott from the After series and that type of toxic love was the only love you knew and even though the book was grammatically wrong (similar to this review) you still kept reading even though is was SO bad. This man is somehow worse!
If you're the author or a fan of this book, my bad! Books do not work for everyone, and that's the fun of it all! Not everyone is going to have the same experience. You can call me tasteless, but at least I'm self-aware! For the sake of the book, I won't rate this until the release date (05/05/2026). To anyone who publishes a book, I congratulate you on your success. That shit is tough! Especially an acclaimed author like Julie Murphy, but this book had me eyerolling (derogatory). Be kind towards my rant review opinion, thanks!! Beware of minor plot spoilers, nothing too much to spoil the book for you, nor before its release date. Just things that happened in the book but out of context (kind of)!
First and foremost, the premise of this book is ridiculous. Nothing pisses me off more than when someone reviews a fiction (not a true story) book and then gets mad when it isn't realistic. OBVIOUSLY, IT IS NOT REAL. But HOLY SHIT, this is so stupid. Clover and her mom work paycheck to paycheck, and when her housing falls through on campus, she realizes she has no other choice but to marry Bennett Graves. Bennett Graves did something catastrophic to fuck over Clover, and they both know he owes her. Even though he's RICH AS HELL, the book starts with their marriage at the courthouse so she can get into the co-ed dorms. They'll stay married until finals, and by then she'll have figured out her own housing. Obviously, as the story always goes, the two need to fake it in front of everyone, and slowly but surely, they fall in love.
I hated this! Why did I keep reading? Simply because I needed to see this entire 304-page book through in order to justify how ridiculous it is. Bennett's family is RICH RICH. He/ his mom literally pay for the housing he was supposed to live in AND the dorm. Why the fuck did NO ONE think, oh, hey, let me just pay for your dorm? "But then they both wouldn't get anything out of it!" Please tell me what Bennett was getting out of this fake marriage at first. I would love to hear it. Towards the end, they discuss how ridiculous it ended up being, and I'm well aware they're 18/19, so not much critical thinking exists in those alcoholism brains yet, but Jesus Christ.
The thing is, I can have fun! I love quirky, I love romance books, and the entire reason I picked this book up was for the university setting. I LOOOOOVE an academy/ boarding school/university romance. The romance between Clover and Bennett was ridiculous and all over the place. These guys do NOT stay together in real life. From the first few chapters, there is no indication to the reader that Bennett and Clover were in love with each other when they were younger teens. ZERO indication they have any feelings for the other. As we get more background as to what Bennett did in the past, and when he later apologizes, that is the only time we find out that it's an "it's always been you" romance. I BEG TO FUCKING DIFFER????
Randomly, in the beginning, when we are introduced to Bennett, and after we just made rules that they will bring no hook-ups to their dorm, Bennett goes to a party and gets sat on and flirted with by his old teacher assistant hook-up, and that is where we find out how he learned to have sex. I DON'T WANT TO KNOW???? That information lacks relevance and was just there to be there. EEEYYUUUUCK! You want me to swoon over this man, but then you're talking about how his dick is getting hard from another woman just because it's 'biology.' Clover didn't want them to share a bed, but to sell it they 'had to', so she makes a pillow barrier and the very first night, mind you before their wedding they hadn't spoken in over three years since they were 15/16, and you wake up to this man in his boxers snuggling you, pillows thrown off the bed, and his erection poking you because it's 'just biology'. ENOUGH. You jerk off to a noise she makes in her sleep (she is not present for this, but at this point, they still have not admitted their attraction towards the other, nor the fact that they've been in love with each other since they were kids), and also, these two call each other about 20 different pet names. GET OUTTA HERE. You have the balls to be a jealous cunt, but the next day your friends bring four girls into the dorm room you share with YOUR WIFE, and let them touch all her clothes and make-up, roll all over your shared bed, and lay their head on your LAP????? Then, when YOUR WIFE, you just said you didn't EVER wanna see that look on her face again, is UPSET, you throw it in her face that she needs YOU and that you're paying for the dorm? DON'T PISS ME OFF. When I also found out the reason they haven't spoken, it was so fucking enraging I don't know HOW she forgave him. There are also so many parts of the book where you can tell Murphy was trying to make Bennett and his friends, Julian and Tex, 'men written by women', but they are BOYS. It does not come off as natural dialogue or characterization. It feels so forced. They SOOOO act like college boys that perhaps if you really want that, then this will SO work for you!
Clover was honestly not horrible! Besides her lack of a backbone when it came to Bennett, I liked her. She did confuse the shit out of me when she lied to Tate, but whatever. She is not as bad as Bennett was. Congrats, I didn't mind you, Clover.
Also, there's a character mentioned, as well as a few of his buddies, who sexually assault women in this book. There were no steps in this book to properly discuss that. This is a new adult romance. I understand sometimes you don't want heavy books in there. If you know someone is a RAPIST, don't send your wife over there just because she claims they're friends. Call it what it is, that man (not Bennett) is a RAPIST.
The book was easy to read, don't get me wrong, but that's because there's a lack of description. All the descriptive text went to the sex scenes. Those were the most well-written parts of the book! Congrats, Julie Murphy, you know how to write sex!
The thing is, I like Julie Murphy. I've read from her before. The Dumplin' series was one of my favorites when I was younger, and I really liked the movie way back when. I've read A Merry Little Meet Cute and enjoyed that, and even have one of her other books Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl on my anticipated releases list, but this one was SUCH a miss. There aren't many positives other than the fact that her writing is compulsively readable. I'm not dogging on Murphy, nor am I trying to bully her. I am simply shitting on CHARACTERS, and none of my negative comments are directed towards her! I'm sure from this review, you can tell I cannot EVER write a book, but JEEZ, this tanked for me. I will not be seeing the other books in the series, but I will still continue to read from this author. I'm sorry for being a hater, but I must speak my truth.
Review based on the advanced reader's copy. This title is set to release on May 5, 2026, from Balzer + Bray! Thank you!
If you're the author or a fan of this book, my bad! Books do not work for everyone, and that's the fun of it all! Not everyone is going to have the same experience. You can call me tasteless, but at least I'm self-aware! For the sake of the book, I won't rate this until the release date (05/05/2026). To anyone who publishes a book, I congratulate you on your success. That shit is tough! Especially an acclaimed author like Julie Murphy, but this book had me eyerolling (derogatory). Be kind towards my rant review opinion, thanks!! Beware of minor plot spoilers, nothing too much to spoil the book for you, nor before its release date. Just things that happened in the book but out of context (kind of)!
First and foremost, the premise of this book is ridiculous. Nothing pisses me off more than when someone reviews a fiction (not a true story) book and then gets mad when it isn't realistic. OBVIOUSLY, IT IS NOT REAL. But HOLY SHIT, this is so stupid. Clover and her mom work paycheck to paycheck, and when her housing falls through on campus, she realizes she has no other choice but to marry Bennett Graves. Bennett Graves did something catastrophic to fuck over Clover, and they both know he owes her. Even though he's RICH AS HELL, the book starts with their marriage at the courthouse so she can get into the co-ed dorms. They'll stay married until finals, and by then she'll have figured out her own housing. Obviously, as the story always goes, the two need to fake it in front of everyone, and slowly but surely, they fall in love.
I hated this! Why did I keep reading? Simply because I needed to see this entire 304-page book through in order to justify how ridiculous it is. Bennett's family is RICH RICH. He/ his mom literally pay for the housing he was supposed to live in AND the dorm. Why the fuck did NO ONE think, oh, hey, let me just pay for your dorm? "But then they both wouldn't get anything out of it!" Please tell me what Bennett was getting out of this fake marriage at first. I would love to hear it. Towards the end, they discuss how ridiculous it ended up being, and I'm well aware they're 18/19, so not much critical thinking exists in those alcoholism brains yet, but Jesus Christ.
The thing is, I can have fun! I love quirky, I love romance books, and the entire reason I picked this book up was for the university setting. I LOOOOOVE an academy/ boarding school/university romance. The romance between Clover and Bennett was ridiculous and all over the place. These guys do NOT stay together in real life. From the first few chapters, there is no indication to the reader that Bennett and Clover were in love with each other when they were younger teens. ZERO indication they have any feelings for the other. As we get more background as to what Bennett did in the past, and when he later apologizes, that is the only time we find out that it's an "it's always been you" romance. I BEG TO FUCKING DIFFER????
Randomly, in the beginning, when we are introduced to Bennett, and after we just made rules that they will bring no hook-ups to their dorm, Bennett goes to a party and gets sat on and flirted with by his old teacher assistant hook-up, and that is where we find out how he learned to have sex. I DON'T WANT TO KNOW???? That information lacks relevance and was just there to be there. EEEYYUUUUCK! You want me to swoon over this man, but then you're talking about how his dick is getting hard from another woman just because it's 'biology.' Clover didn't want them to share a bed, but to sell it they 'had to', so she makes a pillow barrier and the very first night, mind you before their wedding they hadn't spoken in over three years since they were 15/16, and you wake up to this man in his boxers snuggling you, pillows thrown off the bed, and his erection poking you because it's 'just biology'. ENOUGH. You jerk off to a noise she makes in her sleep (she is not present for this, but at this point, they still have not admitted their attraction towards the other, nor the fact that they've been in love with each other since they were kids), and also, these two call each other about 20 different pet names. GET OUTTA HERE. You have the balls to be a jealous cunt, but the next day your friends bring four girls into the dorm room you share with YOUR WIFE, and let them touch all her clothes and make-up, roll all over your shared bed, and lay their head on your LAP????? Then, when YOUR WIFE, you just said you didn't EVER wanna see that look on her face again, is UPSET, you throw it in her face that she needs YOU and that you're paying for the dorm? DON'T PISS ME OFF. When I also found out the reason they haven't spoken, it was so fucking enraging I don't know HOW she forgave him. There are also so many parts of the book where you can tell Murphy was trying to make Bennett and his friends, Julian and Tex, 'men written by women', but they are BOYS. It does not come off as natural dialogue or characterization. It feels so forced. They SOOOO act like college boys that perhaps if you really want that, then this will SO work for you!
Clover was honestly not horrible! Besides her lack of a backbone when it came to Bennett, I liked her. She did confuse the shit out of me when she lied to Tate, but whatever. She is not as bad as Bennett was. Congrats, I didn't mind you, Clover.
Also, there's a character mentioned, as well as a few of his buddies, who sexually assault women in this book. There were no steps in this book to properly discuss that. This is a new adult romance. I understand sometimes you don't want heavy books in there. If you know someone is a RAPIST, don't send your wife over there just because she claims they're friends. Call it what it is, that man (not Bennett) is a RAPIST.
The book was easy to read, don't get me wrong, but that's because there's a lack of description. All the descriptive text went to the sex scenes. Those were the most well-written parts of the book! Congrats, Julie Murphy, you know how to write sex!
The thing is, I like Julie Murphy. I've read from her before. The Dumplin' series was one of my favorites when I was younger, and I really liked the movie way back when. I've read A Merry Little Meet Cute and enjoyed that, and even have one of her other books Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl on my anticipated releases list, but this one was SUCH a miss. There aren't many positives other than the fact that her writing is compulsively readable. I'm not dogging on Murphy, nor am I trying to bully her. I am simply shitting on CHARACTERS, and none of my negative comments are directed towards her! I'm sure from this review, you can tell I cannot EVER write a book, but JEEZ, this tanked for me. I will not be seeing the other books in the series, but I will still continue to read from this author. I'm sorry for being a hater, but I must speak my truth.
Review based on the advanced reader's copy. This title is set to release on May 5, 2026, from Balzer + Bray! Thank you!
June 1, 2026
This is by far the most absurd & incredible marriage of convenience setup of all time
May 5, 2026
Student Union by Julie Murphy
The Undergrad series #1. New adult contemporary romance. Alternating 1st person POV.
When Clover Rowan Walsh part of her full ride at Wesley University, she scours the rules and available options until she finds a possibility. Then she proposes marriage to long time friend Bennett Andrew Graves. There is a new allowance for married couples and since she and Bennett pretty much grew up together, she hopes he will agree. They can plan a divorce when school ends.
Bennett owes Clover from an issue a few years back and can’t say no. Sharing a bed with Clover brings them closer than either expects and they both find the benefits are better than expected.
Can they keep the fake marriage going or will the whole college experience be too much temptation?
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Heather Firth and Robert Hatchet. Both created a wonderful performance allowing the listener to hear and visualize the characters based on the voice, accent and tempo. Both had me falling in love with Clover and Bennett and hoping they would make the fake marriage work.
The audiobook is appealing and easy to listen to.
There is banter and heat. There are arguments and parties. There is drinking and jealousy. There are bed games and conversations about virginity. There are friendships and dorm monitors and studying.
The college experience with a marriage thrown in.
Amusing at times, sexy, and a small bit of angst. All as they figure out they do want to be together.
I love a romance where he falls first for the curvy girl.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
The Undergrad series #1. New adult contemporary romance. Alternating 1st person POV.
When Clover Rowan Walsh part of her full ride at Wesley University, she scours the rules and available options until she finds a possibility. Then she proposes marriage to long time friend Bennett Andrew Graves. There is a new allowance for married couples and since she and Bennett pretty much grew up together, she hopes he will agree. They can plan a divorce when school ends.
Bennett owes Clover from an issue a few years back and can’t say no. Sharing a bed with Clover brings them closer than either expects and they both find the benefits are better than expected.
Can they keep the fake marriage going or will the whole college experience be too much temptation?
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Heather Firth and Robert Hatchet. Both created a wonderful performance allowing the listener to hear and visualize the characters based on the voice, accent and tempo. Both had me falling in love with Clover and Bennett and hoping they would make the fake marriage work.
The audiobook is appealing and easy to listen to.
There is banter and heat. There are arguments and parties. There is drinking and jealousy. There are bed games and conversations about virginity. There are friendships and dorm monitors and studying.
The college experience with a marriage thrown in.
Amusing at times, sexy, and a small bit of angst. All as they figure out they do want to be together.
I love a romance where he falls first for the curvy girl.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
Did Not Finish
July 26, 2026I am too old & you cannot tell me youre getting married at 18 for student housing
January 26, 2026
10/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, Balzer + Bray, and of course Julie Murphy for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I was waiting to read this book. It was sent to me a while ago, but I was saving it for a moment when I really needed a pick me up because I just knew this book was going to be an immediate favorite. Julie Murphy has written one of my favorite books of the year. This has so much heart. These two characters are so wonderfully flawed, messy, and perfect for one another. It is written so well. This is a book where I was literally mad that I had to put it down because life kept getting in the way. I still read it in a matter of a few hours. Amazing.
Clover is such a delightfully relatable FMC to the point that her college experience was a bit too relatable at times. Bennett was such a swoony and yearning MMC, and what more could you want? I normally don’t like friends to lovers, but these two just made it WORK. Their chemistry was hot. At one point, I literally screamed out loud, “Ten out of five stars!” My neighbors probably think I’m insane, but my godddd. I’m obsessed. This book felt like such a reflection of my life and relationship in the best way and I cried so much reading their love story. I can’t wait to read more from this series.
I want to be clear that this is not YA. There are explicit scenes. They’re written very well and seem age appropriate given that they’re in college and technically married. The whole marriage of convenience is also done to perfection too. It doesn’t feel like there is a bunch of random conflict thrown in that doesn’t advance the plot. Everything flows really well and moves the story forward. Even the secondary and tertiary characters mostly all seem necessary which is a common complaint of mine…that sometimes there’s just random characters who are there as plot devices. All in all, this is just so incredibly well written and I can’t wait to grab it on audiobook. I hope it’s done in duet!
2.5/5 🌶️
Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, Balzer + Bray, and of course Julie Murphy for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I was waiting to read this book. It was sent to me a while ago, but I was saving it for a moment when I really needed a pick me up because I just knew this book was going to be an immediate favorite. Julie Murphy has written one of my favorite books of the year. This has so much heart. These two characters are so wonderfully flawed, messy, and perfect for one another. It is written so well. This is a book where I was literally mad that I had to put it down because life kept getting in the way. I still read it in a matter of a few hours. Amazing.
Clover is such a delightfully relatable FMC to the point that her college experience was a bit too relatable at times. Bennett was such a swoony and yearning MMC, and what more could you want? I normally don’t like friends to lovers, but these two just made it WORK. Their chemistry was hot. At one point, I literally screamed out loud, “Ten out of five stars!” My neighbors probably think I’m insane, but my godddd. I’m obsessed. This book felt like such a reflection of my life and relationship in the best way and I cried so much reading their love story. I can’t wait to read more from this series.
I want to be clear that this is not YA. There are explicit scenes. They’re written very well and seem age appropriate given that they’re in college and technically married. The whole marriage of convenience is also done to perfection too. It doesn’t feel like there is a bunch of random conflict thrown in that doesn’t advance the plot. Everything flows really well and moves the story forward. Even the secondary and tertiary characters mostly all seem necessary which is a common complaint of mine…that sometimes there’s just random characters who are there as plot devices. All in all, this is just so incredibly well written and I can’t wait to grab it on audiobook. I hope it’s done in duet!
May 11, 2026
Clover Walsh is a university student in the middle of a housing crisis. She recently lost her housing grant and doesn't have the financial security to secure new housing. She comes up the the idea to call in a favor from her childhood friend turned nemesis. Bennet Graves will marry her and secure her housing. At the end of the semester they will divorce and go their own way. What she wasn't counting on was them falling for one another.
Was this story realistic? Not even close but it was still pretty cute and I love these particular narrators, which made these characters come to life for me. I personally am always in the mood for a forced-proximiy rom-com. I also have a soft spot for the marriage of convenience tropes, so I knew this would be a fun one to read!
Apparently this is going to be a series and I will definitely be checking out the others.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Was this story realistic? Not even close but it was still pretty cute and I love these particular narrators, which made these characters come to life for me. I personally am always in the mood for a forced-proximiy rom-com. I also have a soft spot for the marriage of convenience tropes, so I knew this would be a fun one to read!
Apparently this is going to be a series and I will definitely be checking out the others.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Did Not Finish
October 22, 2026DNF at 13%
There are Romance Reasons and then there's this flimsiest of an excuse for a marriage of convenience. I cannot suspend disbelief.
Characters: Clover is an 18 year old white college student. Bennett is a 19 year old white college student.
Content notes: financial stress, past open-heart surgery as an infant to fix a defect, past student-TA sexual relationship, alcohol, underage drinking, past marijuana, gendered pejoratives, ableist language
There are Romance Reasons and then there's this flimsiest of an excuse for a marriage of convenience. I cannot suspend disbelief.
Characters: Clover is an 18 year old white college student. Bennett is a 19 year old white college student.
Content notes: financial stress, past open-heart surgery as an infant to fix a defect, past student-TA sexual relationship, alcohol, underage drinking, past marijuana, gendered pejoratives, ableist language
May 4, 2026
A fun, little spicy academic read!
I absolutely fell for Bennett & Clover. Their back story added so much depth to their story. Although this is a SUPER young marriage of convenience, it did make sense, although I do feel like the mains where more mature then real life new adults at that age actually are.
If you loved Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl as much as I did, give them one a try!
I absolutely fell for Bennett & Clover. Their back story added so much depth to their story. Although this is a SUPER young marriage of convenience, it did make sense, although I do feel like the mains where more mature then real life new adults at that age actually are.
If you loved Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl as much as I did, give them one a try!
July 31, 2026
Stop this was so fun to read!! The beginning opens to the FMC Clover and MMC Bennett getting into a marriage of convenience so that Clover can afford living at and going to college.
The FMC and MMC have a history and while the MMC has always had feelings for her he let peer pressure result in him catfishing and bullying Clover which was honestly such a hard thing to read. As someone who was previously plus size it was so sad to see an FMC go through an experience like that and not be appreciated for the beautiful person she is. This was heartbreaking but I felt like it added an important element to the story.
I thought that there was a lot of character development in the story, a lot of self awareness and growth. I do think the MMC really worked to try to make amends and that growth was good to see.
I thought that the author did a really good job of making a unique story flow and do so with a lot of depth getting the readers to think a little more deeply and emotionally.
The FMC and MMC have a history and while the MMC has always had feelings for her he let peer pressure result in him catfishing and bullying Clover which was honestly such a hard thing to read. As someone who was previously plus size it was so sad to see an FMC go through an experience like that and not be appreciated for the beautiful person she is. This was heartbreaking but I felt like it added an important element to the story.
I thought that there was a lot of character development in the story, a lot of self awareness and growth. I do think the MMC really worked to try to make amends and that growth was good to see.
I thought that the author did a really good job of making a unique story flow and do so with a lot of depth getting the readers to think a little more deeply and emotionally.
July 2, 2026
4 stars.
Julie Murphy's "The Undergrads: Student Union" is a great new adult second-chance fake marriage college romance. I adored a fake marriage book, and this really fit the bill. Clover's (FMC) on-campus housing situation has just fallen through. In desperate need of a place to stay, she finds out there is a loophole in the system where, if she's married, she can get on-campus housing with her spouse for no extra charge. She "proposes" to Bennett (MMC), whom she used to know when they were younger. Bennett is a spoiled golden child and heir to the Graves Coffee company. Clover's mom used to clean Bennett's house when they were kids. Something awful happened between them three years ago, and they haven't spoken to each other since their falling out. Because of his part in their falling out, Bennett feels like he owes Clover, so the two of them get married so she can live on campus. While forced to be in such close proximity to one another, Bennett is determined to use this new opportunity to make right the wrongs of the past while getting closer to Clover in the present. I liked these characters quite a bit. I think they each have their faults, but we learn bits and pieces about why they are the way they are as the past is slowly revealed throughout the course of the book. I liked their reconnection, as well as the spicy elements of the story. The conversation surrounding the wealth disparity between Clover and Bennett is quite compelling, too. Parts of me were so mad at Bennett, but I think he made up for the sins of his past. Clover and Bennett have terrific banter with one another, and I laughed quite a bit while reading this. I also thoroughly enjoyed this dual-narration audiobook. Heather Firth and Robert Hatchet bring these characters to life in spirited, intriguing ways, playing off of one another well and successfully.
Thank you to NetGalley, Julie Murphy, and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary ALC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Julie Murphy's "The Undergrads: Student Union" is a great new adult second-chance fake marriage college romance. I adored a fake marriage book, and this really fit the bill. Clover's (FMC) on-campus housing situation has just fallen through. In desperate need of a place to stay, she finds out there is a loophole in the system where, if she's married, she can get on-campus housing with her spouse for no extra charge. She "proposes" to Bennett (MMC), whom she used to know when they were younger. Bennett is a spoiled golden child and heir to the Graves Coffee company. Clover's mom used to clean Bennett's house when they were kids. Something awful happened between them three years ago, and they haven't spoken to each other since their falling out. Because of his part in their falling out, Bennett feels like he owes Clover, so the two of them get married so she can live on campus. While forced to be in such close proximity to one another, Bennett is determined to use this new opportunity to make right the wrongs of the past while getting closer to Clover in the present. I liked these characters quite a bit. I think they each have their faults, but we learn bits and pieces about why they are the way they are as the past is slowly revealed throughout the course of the book. I liked their reconnection, as well as the spicy elements of the story. The conversation surrounding the wealth disparity between Clover and Bennett is quite compelling, too. Parts of me were so mad at Bennett, but I think he made up for the sins of his past. Clover and Bennett have terrific banter with one another, and I laughed quite a bit while reading this. I also thoroughly enjoyed this dual-narration audiobook. Heather Firth and Robert Hatchet bring these characters to life in spirited, intriguing ways, playing off of one another well and successfully.
Thank you to NetGalley, Julie Murphy, and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary ALC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
May 24, 2026
I am still emotionally recovering from Student Union by Julie Murphy because wow, this was an absolute 5-star masterpiece! The story follows Clover Walsh, whose meticulous plans for college are upended when her housing grant falls through. In a last-ditch effort to stay at Wexley University, she exploits a loophole allowing married students cheaper housing. Proposing a fake marriage to Bennett Graves wasn’t on her bingo card, but desperate times call for desperate measures, even if it does mean sharing a bed with someone she can barely stand to be in the same room with.
I deeply related to Clover’s character and the struggles she goes through. It’s no shocker to laugh during a Julie Murphy book, but I definitely didn’t imagine she’d have me in tears too! She infused so much emotional depth into this story, and that raw, personal connection really resonated with me.
I highly recommend picking up the audiobook for this one! This was my first time listening to Heather Firth, and she did a phenomenal job bringing Clover to life, perfectly balancing her vulnerability and sharp wit against Robert Hatchet’s equally amazing performance. They made the tension and banter so much fun to listen to.
One quick heads-up for my fellow romance lovers: this one absolutely includes the signature spice you'd expect from a Julie Murphy book! Normally, I wouldn’t feel the need to note that, but since this is surprisingly being published under a YA imprint, it’s definitely a good call-out. Because of the heat level, I wouldn’t recommend this story to anyone under 18. But if you're looking for a heartfelt and passionate campus rom-com, add this to your TBR immediately!
I deeply related to Clover’s character and the struggles she goes through. It’s no shocker to laugh during a Julie Murphy book, but I definitely didn’t imagine she’d have me in tears too! She infused so much emotional depth into this story, and that raw, personal connection really resonated with me.
I highly recommend picking up the audiobook for this one! This was my first time listening to Heather Firth, and she did a phenomenal job bringing Clover to life, perfectly balancing her vulnerability and sharp wit against Robert Hatchet’s equally amazing performance. They made the tension and banter so much fun to listen to.
One quick heads-up for my fellow romance lovers: this one absolutely includes the signature spice you'd expect from a Julie Murphy book! Normally, I wouldn’t feel the need to note that, but since this is surprisingly being published under a YA imprint, it’s definitely a good call-out. Because of the heat level, I wouldn’t recommend this story to anyone under 18. But if you're looking for a heartfelt and passionate campus rom-com, add this to your TBR immediately!
May 9, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC.
The audiobook is done so well.
Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, and Julie Murphy nails it in this book.
This is the first book in the Student Unions series, and I can’t wait for the next book.
We meet Bennett and Clover who have been friends since they were kids, and are now both attending University. Clover finds herself in a pickle. Her scholarship doesn’t cover room and board, so she comes up with an idea. She will get married to Bennett so she can get free student housing.
Bennett and Clover get married at City Hall, and live together in a student dorm. Bennett has always had feelings for Clover, so he is hoping that their marriage turns into more. Clover doesn’t trust Bennett after he broke her heart. Despite her trying to keep him at arms length. However Bennett slows wins her over.
The audiobook is done so well.
Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, and Julie Murphy nails it in this book.
This is the first book in the Student Unions series, and I can’t wait for the next book.
We meet Bennett and Clover who have been friends since they were kids, and are now both attending University. Clover finds herself in a pickle. Her scholarship doesn’t cover room and board, so she comes up with an idea. She will get married to Bennett so she can get free student housing.
Bennett and Clover get married at City Hall, and live together in a student dorm. Bennett has always had feelings for Clover, so he is hoping that their marriage turns into more. Clover doesn’t trust Bennett after he broke her heart. Despite her trying to keep him at arms length. However Bennett slows wins her over.
June 23, 2026
LOVED. this is what I wanted Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl to be. Funny, fluffy, spicy. 🤌🏻🤌🏻
After reading this you can really tell what parts of the Christmas notch series were Julie and which were Sierra which is really fun. 😂😂
After reading this you can really tell what parts of the Christmas notch series were Julie and which were Sierra which is really fun. 😂😂
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.25 ⭐️
⋆˙⟡ tropes ⟡˙⋆
💍marriage of convenience
💋he falls first
⛅️grumpy x sunshine
🛏️one bed
📚campus romance
🗝️forced proximity
💛friends to enemies to lovers
📓it’s always been you
⋆˙⟡ thoughts ⟡˙⋆
even though this is a marriage of convenience, the YEARNING!!! they lowkey ‘despise’ each other so their banter is top notch (emphasis on the lowkey because they do be yearning for one another). 😮💨 their romance was messy and complicated but so good. also the spice was spicing. i read this within a few hours because i was hooked!!!
thank you to the publisher for the egalley!
⋆˙⟡ synopsis ⟡˙⋆
clover’s plan:
1. get a full ride to her dream school
2. conquer the school of business
3. say goodbye to the paycheck-to-paycheck life she and her mom have known for years
there’s one problem with her plan, with the first semester quickly approaching, she learns her housing grant has fallen through… but a loophole presents itself: married couples can live in the dorms for the price of one student. she is willing to sacrifice the sanctity of marriage even if it means proposing to the one person she swore she’d never speak to again. bennett is the only heir to the graves coffee empire and looking forward to living off campus... until the girl he grew up with walks back into his life with the most absurd question.
⋆˙⟡ tropes ⟡˙⋆
💍marriage of convenience
💋he falls first
⛅️grumpy x sunshine
🛏️one bed
📚campus romance
🗝️forced proximity
💛friends to enemies to lovers
📓it’s always been you
⋆˙⟡ thoughts ⟡˙⋆
even though this is a marriage of convenience, the YEARNING!!! they lowkey ‘despise’ each other so their banter is top notch (emphasis on the lowkey because they do be yearning for one another). 😮💨 their romance was messy and complicated but so good. also the spice was spicing. i read this within a few hours because i was hooked!!!
thank you to the publisher for the egalley!
⋆˙⟡ synopsis ⟡˙⋆
clover’s plan:
1. get a full ride to her dream school
2. conquer the school of business
3. say goodbye to the paycheck-to-paycheck life she and her mom have known for years
there’s one problem with her plan, with the first semester quickly approaching, she learns her housing grant has fallen through… but a loophole presents itself: married couples can live in the dorms for the price of one student. she is willing to sacrifice the sanctity of marriage even if it means proposing to the one person she swore she’d never speak to again. bennett is the only heir to the graves coffee empire and looking forward to living off campus... until the girl he grew up with walks back into his life with the most absurd question.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⋆˚࿔ Student Union review 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
┆ ⤿ 💌 3.5 stars
I wasn't obssessed with this but also didn't hate it at all! There were a lot of moment where I was having fun! And the chemistry between the couple is undeniable! But there was also moments where you had to suspend your disbelief. Overall, it was a fun good and quick read!
┆ ⤿ 💌 3.5 stars
I wasn't obssessed with this but also didn't hate it at all! There were a lot of moment where I was having fun! And the chemistry between the couple is undeniable! But there was also moments where you had to suspend your disbelief. Overall, it was a fun good and quick read!
April 24, 2026
I thought I knew what tropes, I loved. And then Julie Murphy said, actually this very specific version of it is what you love and why you love it—and she was absolutely right. She has forever altered and expanded my love for the broken sad boy who doesn’t think he’s deserving of love. She proved why marriage of convenience is my top forced proximity trope. Student Union made me appreciate all the emotional beats a "my wife" can carry and made me love it more than I thought possible, and I was already a big fan. And amidst the hilariously snarky writing, Julie also delivers angst, second chances, the power of forgiveness, and a college experience that feels relatable, messy, and engaging even though I am now far past those years myself.
Clover and Bennett get married so Clover is able to afford on-campus housing in college. Crazy, wild, kind of unfathomable, but the perfect set-up for them to reconnect after a betrayal and rift between them in their teens, and also the perfect way to make them both finally face feelings they've buried for years. Despite the story being set in college, and Clover and Bennett clearly doing college-aged things like frat parties and studying at the library and going to classes, I never felt like they were immature (even though they both make lots of mistakes), because Julie tackled their growth in such a relatable and realistic way.
Bennett is my classic dream MMC: full of guilt and regret and constantly thinking he doesn't deserve love—especially from Clover. But Julie Murphy has an addendum to this that seriously had me putting down my Kindle and staring at my wall for a good five minutes, because it's changed the trajectory of how I'll look at this dynamic and characterization for any other book. Bennett might be a little reformed, and he might believe that he doesn't deserve Clover and her love, but he's just still enough of an asshole, just still greedy enough to want her and it anyway. Every "my wife" that came out of his mouth was filled with desire, possession, and his intimate need to be with her—not one ever felt wasted, and not one ever felt unearned.
And when Clover reciprocates, when we get a "my husband" from her, I felt the marriage of convenience higher beings smiling down at me. Her feelings towards Bennett was complicated—and understandably so when we slowly start to piece together what happened in her past to cause them to basically have no contact for years, and also what has put Clover in this position of needing financial assistance for her housing. Julie dropped these past moments at just the right time through the book for maximum emotional impact. It weaves into their present married, college life perfectly and only ever made me feel even more invested in their reconciliation and current relationship.
There's so much delicious jealousy, pretending to be married even as real feelings simmer under the surface, and small moments of tenderness between the two that made me swoon over their relationship. There was a bit of miscommunication at the end and also a drawn out problem that I felt could have been resolved a bit more quickly without so much back and forth. However, I also think that it worked as part of Clover and Bennett's growth. I'm so pleased with the emotional beats that they both hit throughout this story; I love the message of forgiveness that Clover's arc represents, but I also adore Bennett's efforts to make amends and all the way he shows his love that don't feel like he's proving anything, but instead feels like he's finally allowing himself to do what he's always wanted.
Julie wrote another one of my top reads this year, Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl, and this is yet another home run from her for me. I already can't wait to read Daisy's book, next, because her character was already so sweet, so funny, and so engaging in this book. But most of all because All Nighter tackles yet another one of my favorite tropes, good girl x bad boy, and I have no doubt Julie is going to meet and exceed all of my expectations on that front, too.
﹙ four-point-five stars ﹚
— thank you so much balzer + bray and fierce reads for the e-arc via netgalley to review!
Clover and Bennett get married so Clover is able to afford on-campus housing in college. Crazy, wild, kind of unfathomable, but the perfect set-up for them to reconnect after a betrayal and rift between them in their teens, and also the perfect way to make them both finally face feelings they've buried for years. Despite the story being set in college, and Clover and Bennett clearly doing college-aged things like frat parties and studying at the library and going to classes, I never felt like they were immature (even though they both make lots of mistakes), because Julie tackled their growth in such a relatable and realistic way.
Bennett is my classic dream MMC: full of guilt and regret and constantly thinking he doesn't deserve love—especially from Clover. But Julie Murphy has an addendum to this that seriously had me putting down my Kindle and staring at my wall for a good five minutes, because it's changed the trajectory of how I'll look at this dynamic and characterization for any other book. Bennett might be a little reformed, and he might believe that he doesn't deserve Clover and her love, but he's just still enough of an asshole, just still greedy enough to want her and it anyway. Every "my wife" that came out of his mouth was filled with desire, possession, and his intimate need to be with her—not one ever felt wasted, and not one ever felt unearned.
And when Clover reciprocates, when we get a "my husband" from her, I felt the marriage of convenience higher beings smiling down at me. Her feelings towards Bennett was complicated—and understandably so when we slowly start to piece together what happened in her past to cause them to basically have no contact for years, and also what has put Clover in this position of needing financial assistance for her housing. Julie dropped these past moments at just the right time through the book for maximum emotional impact. It weaves into their present married, college life perfectly and only ever made me feel even more invested in their reconciliation and current relationship.
There's so much delicious jealousy, pretending to be married even as real feelings simmer under the surface, and small moments of tenderness between the two that made me swoon over their relationship. There was a bit of miscommunication at the end and also a drawn out problem that I felt could have been resolved a bit more quickly without so much back and forth. However, I also think that it worked as part of Clover and Bennett's growth. I'm so pleased with the emotional beats that they both hit throughout this story; I love the message of forgiveness that Clover's arc represents, but I also adore Bennett's efforts to make amends and all the way he shows his love that don't feel like he's proving anything, but instead feels like he's finally allowing himself to do what he's always wanted.
Julie wrote another one of my top reads this year, Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl, and this is yet another home run from her for me. I already can't wait to read Daisy's book, next, because her character was already so sweet, so funny, and so engaging in this book. But most of all because All Nighter tackles yet another one of my favorite tropes, good girl x bad boy, and I have no doubt Julie is going to meet and exceed all of my expectations on that front, too.
﹙ four-point-five stars ﹚
— thank you so much balzer + bray and fierce reads for the e-arc via netgalley to review!
May 5, 2026
Leave it to Julie Murphy to take a premise that is so absurd and turn it into something genuine and heartfelt.
Student Union starts with college first year Clover proposing to her estranged childhood friend Bennett so that she can be eligible for married housing… because she can’t get a dorm otherwise.
Yes, there are personal and financial reasons why she skipped from “ask for money” straight to “I do,” but it’s still so wildly improbable and yet—AND YET, enter the magic of Julie Murphy.
Clover is charming, cheeky, and so careful with how she opens up and lets people in. Bennett, meanwhile, is down bad sad boy to the extreme. Their chemistry shines so early in their bickering and denial and little looks, and only grows through all the delicious forced proximity & only one bed.
What Julie does so well is write characters that feel real and believable through all these small details and moments and backstory. The humanity in her writing shines so brightly, you don’t notice any of the improbabilities along the way.
Add to that:
💛 Beautiful, authentic plus size rep
🥪 Grilled cheese as foreplay
🍀 High dose of spice—especially for YA/NA
📚 Longing and denial over years turned into a second chance
💍 “My wife” paired with perfect protective possessiveness
✏️ Standalone with more interconnected stories planned
🎧 This was such a treat on audio. Both performances were so, so good. It’s dual (vs duet) but all voices worked with both of the actors. I do think the characters felt a bit older in the audio… but given the higher spice level here, it actually worked better that way.
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the ALC & Fierce Reads for the ARC!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded 🆙
Student Union starts with college first year Clover proposing to her estranged childhood friend Bennett so that she can be eligible for married housing… because she can’t get a dorm otherwise.
Yes, there are personal and financial reasons why she skipped from “ask for money” straight to “I do,” but it’s still so wildly improbable and yet—AND YET, enter the magic of Julie Murphy.
Clover is charming, cheeky, and so careful with how she opens up and lets people in. Bennett, meanwhile, is down bad sad boy to the extreme. Their chemistry shines so early in their bickering and denial and little looks, and only grows through all the delicious forced proximity & only one bed.
What Julie does so well is write characters that feel real and believable through all these small details and moments and backstory. The humanity in her writing shines so brightly, you don’t notice any of the improbabilities along the way.
Add to that:
💛 Beautiful, authentic plus size rep
🥪 Grilled cheese as foreplay
🍀 High dose of spice—especially for YA/NA
📚 Longing and denial over years turned into a second chance
💍 “My wife” paired with perfect protective possessiveness
✏️ Standalone with more interconnected stories planned
🎧 This was such a treat on audio. Both performances were so, so good. It’s dual (vs duet) but all voices worked with both of the actors. I do think the characters felt a bit older in the audio… but given the higher spice level here, it actually worked better that way.
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the ALC & Fierce Reads for the ARC!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded 🆙
June 13, 2026
Just so-so for me but I liked the characters so going with a 3. The premise of the book was ridiculous - Clover doesn’t have enough money to pay for housing at her dream college so her solution is to force her rich former friend Bennett to marry her so they can…. Live in the married dorms and share the cost of room and board. Instead of just… asking him for the money or finding any other roommate?!
Potential spoilers: Clover and Bennett had a falling out years ago after growing and being childhood besties together, and hadn’t talked since. When the cause of the rift was finally revealed I felt it a bit underwhelming. Plus, despite having this grudge and animosity toward Bennett for over a decade… Clover then seemed to aboutface way too quickly after they finally talked about it.
Overall - an average read but I like the characters, especially the friends who will hopefully take front and center in another book in the series.
Potential spoilers: Clover and Bennett had a falling out years ago after growing and being childhood besties together, and hadn’t talked since. When the cause of the rift was finally revealed I felt it a bit underwhelming. Plus, despite having this grudge and animosity toward Bennett for over a decade… Clover then seemed to aboutface way too quickly after they finally talked about it.
Overall - an average read but I like the characters, especially the friends who will hopefully take front and center in another book in the series.
May 25, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to the Macmillan Early Listeners Program and NetGalley for this ALC!
First of all, I must address the elephant in the room. It took me until an embarrassingly long time into the book to realize that “Student Union” is not in reference to the building, but rather to a student UNION (not as in blue collar jobs) but as in marriage. Like ohhh, I get it.
This college-student, marriage of convenience novel was a lot of fun and I anticipate reading the rest of this series. Clover and Bennett were an interesting couple, with a very niche shared history.
So, Clover’s mom worked for Bennett’s mom. It’s giving Camp Rock in a way (just trust me on those vibes). This also seems like the closest thing to a millionaire romance that I’ve ever personally read. Like, every single problem could be theoretically solved by Bennett’s money and family name. I’m not sure if I’m the biggest fan of that.
Also, I’ll be 100% honest, if I were Clover, I would not have ever forgiven Bennett for what he did to her in their high school years. Even if his intentions weren’t malicious, he was a special kind of stupid for thinking it was a good idea. Recommend reading the book to find out.
Something I did really love about this book was the friendships you got to see. Specially, Clover, Daisy, and Blair. Just loved seeing those girlie-pops thrive.
The two narrators did a good job of representing their characters throughout the audiobook as well.
Overall, I’m intrigued to see how the rest of this series will go. This is enjoyable, low-stakes romance that would make a perfect beach read this summer!
Thank you to the Macmillan Early Listeners Program and NetGalley for this ALC!
First of all, I must address the elephant in the room. It took me until an embarrassingly long time into the book to realize that “Student Union” is not in reference to the building, but rather to a student UNION (not as in blue collar jobs) but as in marriage. Like ohhh, I get it.
This college-student, marriage of convenience novel was a lot of fun and I anticipate reading the rest of this series. Clover and Bennett were an interesting couple, with a very niche shared history.
So, Clover’s mom worked for Bennett’s mom. It’s giving Camp Rock in a way (just trust me on those vibes). This also seems like the closest thing to a millionaire romance that I’ve ever personally read. Like, every single problem could be theoretically solved by Bennett’s money and family name. I’m not sure if I’m the biggest fan of that.
Also, I’ll be 100% honest, if I were Clover, I would not have ever forgiven Bennett for what he did to her in their high school years. Even if his intentions weren’t malicious, he was a special kind of stupid for thinking it was a good idea. Recommend reading the book to find out.
Something I did really love about this book was the friendships you got to see. Specially, Clover, Daisy, and Blair. Just loved seeing those girlie-pops thrive.
The two narrators did a good job of representing their characters throughout the audiobook as well.
Overall, I’m intrigued to see how the rest of this series will go. This is enjoyable, low-stakes romance that would make a perfect beach read this summer!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Julie Murphy’s “Student Union,” the first installment in “The Undergrads trilogy,” centers on a marriage-of-convenience between two childhood friends who reconnect after years apart.
Nineteen-year-old Bennett Andrew Graves is a sophomore at Wexley University and heir to the Graves Coffee franchise. Raised in wealth, Bennett grew up alongside Clover, the daughter of his family’s house manager. Clover’s mother, Beth, and Bennett’s mother, Sydney, were once close friends, but their relationship fractured during the children’s high school years after an unspecified incident. In the aftermath, Beth was forced to seek new employment, and Clover transitioned from a life of relative privilege to attending public school.
Now eighteen, Clover Rowan Walsh has earned a full scholarship to Wexley University, only to discover that her housing grant has fallen through. Without a place to live, she risks losing her scholarship altogether. Desperate for a solution, Clover proposes a loophole: she asks Bennett to marry her so they can qualify for a gender-neutral dorm reserved for married couples.
Though the arrangement begins as purely transactional, proximity rekindles old emotions. Bennett’s lingering feelings for Clover intensify, especially as she grows closer to Tate, a student with a questionable reputation. As tensions rise, the two must learn to communicate honestly, forcing Bennett to confront his past mistakes and confess his feelings before Clover is drawn toward the wrong person.
Murphy’s novel gestures toward serious issues, including sexual assault on campus, but does so in a way that ultimately feels underdeveloped. At one point, Bennett uncovers disturbing evidence suggesting ongoing abuse, yet this discovery is neither reported nor meaningfully addressed. This lack of resolution undermines the gravity of the topic and risks trivializing the experiences of survivors. Similarly, the novel includes instances of harmful language, particularly regarding a bisexual character, that go largely unchallenged within the narrative.
“It’s my duty to uphold the stereotype of slutty bisexual.”
As with Murphy’s earlier work, representation remains a notable element. Her protagonists are often plus-sized, and “Student Union” takes a more restrained approach to body image. Rather than centering insecurity, the novel incorporates it more naturally into dialogue and characterization, which feels both refreshing and authentic.
However, this strength is offset by frustrations in the final portion of the book. Clover’s decisions and internal reasoning in the last fifth of the story feel exaggerated and, at times, implausible, even when accounting for her age. While emotional conflict is expected in a romance, the execution here may test readers’ patience.
Rating: 2.5/5 not rounded
I received an ARC through Edelweiss via Baltzer + Bray and Macmillan in exchange for an honest review. All thought and opinions are my own
Nineteen-year-old Bennett Andrew Graves is a sophomore at Wexley University and heir to the Graves Coffee franchise. Raised in wealth, Bennett grew up alongside Clover, the daughter of his family’s house manager. Clover’s mother, Beth, and Bennett’s mother, Sydney, were once close friends, but their relationship fractured during the children’s high school years after an unspecified incident. In the aftermath, Beth was forced to seek new employment, and Clover transitioned from a life of relative privilege to attending public school.
Now eighteen, Clover Rowan Walsh has earned a full scholarship to Wexley University, only to discover that her housing grant has fallen through. Without a place to live, she risks losing her scholarship altogether. Desperate for a solution, Clover proposes a loophole: she asks Bennett to marry her so they can qualify for a gender-neutral dorm reserved for married couples.
Though the arrangement begins as purely transactional, proximity rekindles old emotions. Bennett’s lingering feelings for Clover intensify, especially as she grows closer to Tate, a student with a questionable reputation. As tensions rise, the two must learn to communicate honestly, forcing Bennett to confront his past mistakes and confess his feelings before Clover is drawn toward the wrong person.
Murphy’s novel gestures toward serious issues, including sexual assault on campus, but does so in a way that ultimately feels underdeveloped. At one point, Bennett uncovers disturbing evidence suggesting ongoing abuse, yet this discovery is neither reported nor meaningfully addressed. This lack of resolution undermines the gravity of the topic and risks trivializing the experiences of survivors. Similarly, the novel includes instances of harmful language, particularly regarding a bisexual character, that go largely unchallenged within the narrative.
“It’s my duty to uphold the stereotype of slutty bisexual.”
As with Murphy’s earlier work, representation remains a notable element. Her protagonists are often plus-sized, and “Student Union” takes a more restrained approach to body image. Rather than centering insecurity, the novel incorporates it more naturally into dialogue and characterization, which feels both refreshing and authentic.
However, this strength is offset by frustrations in the final portion of the book. Clover’s decisions and internal reasoning in the last fifth of the story feel exaggerated and, at times, implausible, even when accounting for her age. While emotional conflict is expected in a romance, the execution here may test readers’ patience.
Rating: 2.5/5 not rounded
I received an ARC through Edelweiss via Baltzer + Bray and Macmillan in exchange for an honest review. All thought and opinions are my own
April 20, 2026
What do you do when you score a full ride to your dream school only to have your housing funding cut off a right before the semester starts? You ask your ex-best friend to marry you to qualify for non-traditional housing for married couples. Clover and Bennett haven’t spoken in several years after an incident tore them apart. But Clover finds herself asking Bennett for help and Bennett can’t help but agree to it. Clover is determined to make her own way and only need Bennett for this first semester. But Bennett can’t seem to stop himself from taking care of Clover in any way he can. But what will they do when all their old feelings come to the surface?
This book was so good!! It was filled with Julie’s signature humor and tension. I absolutely loved Clover and even got a little emotional at her story. And poor Bennett just wanted to make up for his past mistakes and show Clover how much he cares. I thought the marriage of convenience angle, especially within the dorms, was so interesting - especially as a young couple just starting to experience life. Plus, the side characters were perfection and brought so much banter to the story that I fell in love with every one of them (except for Tate). I’m so excited for the rest of The Undergrads series and can’t wait to see what the rest of the crew gets up to next!
This book was so good!! It was filled with Julie’s signature humor and tension. I absolutely loved Clover and even got a little emotional at her story. And poor Bennett just wanted to make up for his past mistakes and show Clover how much he cares. I thought the marriage of convenience angle, especially within the dorms, was so interesting - especially as a young couple just starting to experience life. Plus, the side characters were perfection and brought so much banter to the story that I fell in love with every one of them (except for Tate). I’m so excited for the rest of The Undergrads series and can’t wait to see what the rest of the crew gets up to next!
May 1, 2026
Student Union by Julie Murphy was such a sweet, fun little escape that had me smiling the whole time 🥰
This gave me all the nostalgic college vibes—stress, chaos, figuring your life out… and somehow falling in love in the middle of it all. Clover and Bennett’s fake marriage setup is already adorable, but the execution? Even better. The tension, the banter, the “we absolutely should not be catching feelings… oh no wait we are” energy?? I ate it up.
It reminded me so much of those messy, emotional, slightly unhinged college days where everything feels like the biggest deal ever—and somehow also magical at the same time. Watching these two navigate old wounds, forced proximity, and accidental softness was just so satisfying.
Overall: cozy, romantic, a little chaotic, and very cute. The kind of book that makes you want to hug it when you’re done 💕
This gave me all the nostalgic college vibes—stress, chaos, figuring your life out… and somehow falling in love in the middle of it all. Clover and Bennett’s fake marriage setup is already adorable, but the execution? Even better. The tension, the banter, the “we absolutely should not be catching feelings… oh no wait we are” energy?? I ate it up.
It reminded me so much of those messy, emotional, slightly unhinged college days where everything feels like the biggest deal ever—and somehow also magical at the same time. Watching these two navigate old wounds, forced proximity, and accidental softness was just so satisfying.
Overall: cozy, romantic, a little chaotic, and very cute. The kind of book that makes you want to hug it when you’re done 💕
July 9, 2026
I absolutely love reading books set in Oregon, especially Cannon Beach! That was honestly my favorite part of the book. It was set on a university on the coast. I loved Clover and all of her friends and I'm excited to see who the next book is about.
Bennett talked a lottt about how awful of a guy he was and honestly he never even really grew out of that which was a little annoying.
Bennett talked a lottt about how awful of a guy he was and honestly he never even really grew out of that which was a little annoying.
September 18, 2026
It was fine. Not terrible, but not great. Amongst the flimsiest "marriage of convenience" arguments I've ever heard, but...
I will say, I get that everyone can be an asshole at 15 or 16 but this really takes it to a whole new level, plus it's only been 4 years so I really didn't get the impression the MMC had matured much since then.
I will say, I get that everyone can be an asshole at 15 or 16 but this really takes it to a whole new level, plus it's only been 4 years so I really didn't get the impression the MMC had matured much since then.
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April 21, 2026A fun, quick romance read! If you like a book full of classic romance tropes (and black market grilled cheese?), this is a read for you.
Thank you Macmillan Publishers for the ARC!
Thank you Macmillan Publishers for the ARC!
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