The Freshman

College Years #1

by Monica Murphy, C.J. Bloom (Narrator), Mason Lloyd (Narrator)

9 hours, 19 minutes

'New York Times' best-selling author Monica Murphy kicks off her new College Years series with a forbidden romance between two people who are undeniably drawn to each other....

I started flirting with a guy while waiting for my car to be serviced. Now granted, he wasn’t just any guy. Tall. Dark. Hot. Mysterious. Can you blame me for wanting to talk to him? He’s in town visiting his parents. So am I. He goes to the same college as I do. Such a coincidence. Almost as if our meeting is destined...

But I shouldn't believe in that sort of thing. I am single as a Pringle and always ready to mingle. Until I keep running into Mr. Tall, Dark and Mysterious everywhere I go. Tony Sorrento. Turns out he’s on the football team. I mean, I’m not one to chase after a sexy jock but, okay. I’m down. And did I mention he’s only a freshman?

Our fathers are business rivals, and they forbid us from dating. We need to keep this on the low. Can we remain friendly? Sure. Maybe turn our friendship into friends with benefits? Most definitely. Here’s the thing though. I didn’t plan on catching feelings for him so quickly. Seems like he’s falling pretty hard for me too.

Defying our fathers’ wishes is only asking for trouble, but is being with Tony worth the risk?

PLEASE NOTE: Contains mature themes.

©2021 Monica Murphy (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

Genres: Romance, College, Sports Romance, Sports, College Romance, New Adult, Contemporary

9 pages, Audible Audio

First published April 17, 2021

About the author

New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.

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Reviews

[NMmomof4]

DNF @ 44%

I tried, I really did! I couldn’t get past the h’s hot and cold behavior and how I just didn’t like her. I liked the H, but he allowed the h to drag him along a little too much for me. Especially since I tend to prefer the alpha type heroes. With what I’m sure would be some upcoming family drama, I’m not all that eager to continue tbh and am calling it quits…it could be a just me thing since others liked this one 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Maditales · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.75 : look at that

Now okay soooo we are finally out of the stupid high school romance and into college and we are starting off with Tony. One of the guys I liked in the original books because he was quiet and not talking about girls as if they were objects.

The love interest girl in this book is also pretty good and funny enough I don’t have a lot of issues with the character but with the plot.

Number one: there is a giant and I mean GIANT time jump where we just fly over the most important things of this book: aka the reason why there is even drama in this book and how it was resolved. So that’s just the easy way out since we never see the mc’s fighting back against their families. Nope it’s all skipped.

Number 2: the tension was there but yet again no chemistry. Idk what is is with these character but none of them fit together. At all. At least with this one they have a few similarities with their family backgrounds but that’s it.

Number 3: I am mad. I was for Sophie but she just full on disappeared and is made out to be this bad person which she just isn’t.

Number 4: Caleb. I know he isn’t the main character in here but he is very relevant and Tony let’s him say the most sexist things ever as well as treat women like garbage. Idk but if you are soooo against that stuff maybe tell your “best friend” to shut the fuck up.

Number 5: too fast paced. The speed at which they went through this thing is actually crazy. In the beginning they just wanted to be friends and it felt like not even 2 seconds later they were together.

[Melanie (mells_view) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life is messy. Love is even messier.

Remember quiet and calm Tony from the Callahan series? Well now he’s getting his endgame love story. His heart is a little bruised from his break-up with Sophie in high school, and he’s sort of anti-relationship at this point, because he’s never seen an example of a good one. Divorced parents who really pay him zero attention when he was at an age where he still needed it, and just his friends having angsty relationships. Halfway through his first year of college, he meets Hayden by chance, and what do you know she has the same opinion on relationships and love. That said they have instant attraction and and instant connection to one another. This story is them trying their damndest to not fall for each other while being friends, and maybe friends with some fun benefits.

Their story is easy and fun. There’s a tad bit of angst, but really it’s just these two reluctantly falling in love and figuring things out with their family and friendships.

Also is it too soon to declare myself on a team for book three? #TEAMG 😂 Just putting that into the universe. 🤷🏽‍♀️

AVAILABLE NOW!!!
*ARC

[Siobhan Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to fall hard for sweet, sexy, swoony Tony in this awesome first book in Monica's new series. Well written, with a likable heroine, and an intriguing cast of characters, this is one romance I could not put down until I had finished it. I can't wait for Jackson's, and Caleb's, book.

[MELISSA *Mel Reader* · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)



Hayden Channing is a college student at Fresno State who meets a gorgeous guy while waiting to get her car serviced. She's single, and enjoying flirting with Mr. tall, dark, and handsome. They are both in town visiting their parents and learn they have a lot in common. They both come from wealthy families and have demanding fathers with high expectations. Sparks fly and they share an undeniable connection, but they soon learn their dads are business rivals and enemies. They are told to stay away from each other, but that's easier said than done. As they continue to run into one another on campus the temptation is real. Will they stay just friends so things don't get complicated, or will they break all the rules and have some fun?

Tony Sorrento is a freshman playing football for the Bulldogs. He attends college about an hour away from his small hometown in the mountains. In his friend group he's the quiet, reserved one who nothing seems to affect. He's loyal, and a good guy, but is guarded. Then he meets Hayden. He's intrigued, and likes her way more than he should. There's bad blood between their dad's and she's supposed to be off limits, but it's not their rivalry. Maybe they can keep things casual, and enjoys a friends with benefits relationship. Neither believe in love or feelings so everything should stay simple, but when they cross that line and defy their fathers wishes, will it be worth the risk?



-This girl is twisting me up inside. Making me feel things I didn't think I could.



The Freshman (College Years, #1) by Monica Murphy is a sexy friends to lovers, forbidden college sports romance about chemistry, friendship, family rivalries, and fate. This book is the first standalone in the college series, that is a Callahan series spin off. We get appearances by some of the Callahan's, but these stories are about their friends. This was Tony's book. I've wanted more of the mysterious, sweet Tony Sorrento since we first met him, and he didn't disappoint. He's super swoony and has such a beautiful heart! I loved this book, and can't wait for more in this series!



***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3tEgd0t

[Monica Murphy]

The Freshman is now LIVE and FREE with Kindle Unlimited! This is the first book in my new College Years series, which is a spin off from The Callahan series. Tony and Hayden's story can be read as a complete stand alone!

If you love college set sports romance, click here: https://geni.us/FreshmanAmz

[ApoorvaReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars ⭐️

“Someday, I just know I’m going to blurt out, “I love you,” to Tony. And I’m okay with it. Perfectly okay.”

This book was so promising for the start of a new series. I’m really excited to see what does Monica has in store for the other characters.

”Not that he’s feminine. He’s just the personification of male beauty. All that unruly black hair that fell into those dark, mysterious eyes. His sculpted lips. If my memory serves, he even had a tiny dent in his chin.”

Tony was such a loveable character. I usually don’t find virgin heroes in book and the fact that Tony was inexperience just made me love him more cause yes, Monica legit killed the girl-is-innocent-and-boy-is-a-player which a lot of college books have and I LOVED it. He was just a young, thoughtful boy and I loved his friendship with the other guys and how he was just a lively guy.

”There’s just something about her. She’s a challenge. She’s fun. She’s intelligent. She has a plan for her life and she’s going to do it. She’s a spoiled rich girl and she knows it, but she wants more. She wants to teach and help children. She wants to change lives.”

Hayden. Our h here has a male name and let me tell you she sure does live it up. Hayden is the girl you can’t help but look when she walks in a room. She’s strong, confident, badass and i love her. She comes from a rich family but her heart is so kind. I loved reading chapters from her PoV and how she was trying her best to ignore the attraction bw her and Tony. I loved her friendship with everyone and specially her relationship with her sister,Palmer.

“I thought people like us were suckers.” She strokes my shoulder. My chest. “We are.” I kiss her, my mouth lingering on hers. “Suckers for each other.” Truer words were never spoken.”

Overall, I really enjoyed the book but I wished there was a little bit drama between the fams when they found out about the relationship between Tony and Hayden.

I’m really excited for the next book cause Jackson does sound like a guy i could fall bad for. I loved the scenes where the Callahans appeared and it just made me realise how much i miss them😭

(Im)patiently waiting for the next book😩

**Thanks to Monica Murphy and Valentine PR for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

[M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 || Don't you love when authors keep spinning off their series, giving us new characters and stories, but also little crumbs of old couples? BECAUSE I DO!!

The Freshman is the first installment in Monica Murphy's new series The College Years series and follows Tony Sorrento, a recurring character on The Callahans who is now starting college with zero expectations for his personal life. Tony is your rich guy with abandonment issues. Not only did his parents not care about him beyond their interests, but he also went through a horrible breakup with who he believed was his love forever. So no, he's not interested in a new relationship... unless it's one with the daughter of the enemy of his father's.

Hayden Channing is the complete opposite of Tony. Where he is shy and quiet, Hayden is outgoing and loud, but despite being opposite, they can't fight the obvious attraction between them. What started as a friendship turned into something casual and then the feelings got involved and what a mess! Their past experiences make them believe they are destined for failure, but maybe it's just a matter of going for it and fighting for this new relationship.

Tony and Hayden's relationship was quite sweet, with some surprises about them that made me enjoy this book even more because it's not something you usually see in sports romances. Nor was there much conflict beyond the doubts they had in their minds about this relationship, and after all the feud between families wasn't so relevant, which perhaps was something strange for me because I'm a drama person and I expected a bigger blow up honestly.

One of my favorite parts was obviously the EliAva and DiegoJo+babyG breadcrumbs and also all the clues about what's to come for the other characters! In a short time I have become very hooked on these characters and this universe, so I can't wait for their stories too!

ARC provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Monica announced this series I was SO excited-but not for the reasons you’d think. I was so in love with the Callahan kids, I was desperate to get even more of them- even if they were just glimmers in these stories. And while I liked all the characters featured in the college years series, to me they felt just like what they were in the Callahan series- secondary. Interesting side characters with their own stories who shine brightly enough for me to care about them but not quite enough to detract from the stories’ center. But if what Monica did with Tony is indication about what is to come in this series, I may end up loving the college years even more than the Callahans- GASP. I know. But Monica somehow took a somewhat interesting supportive side character and transformed him into her swooniest leading man yet- and dare I say, he might yet be my favorite! Even more so, she gives some of our other secondary characters central billing here- elevating them all from fun periphery characters to deeply intriguing and lovable leading men. And now I’m ravenous for all their books!

TONY IS A DREAMBOAT. I loved getting to know more about him in this story- finally understand the layers and nuances of a character I hadn’t thought as intensely about. And he is so fantastically created- AND SWOONY AF. But what charmed me the most about him is how different he is from the other heroes Monica has given us in this series- he’s profoundly mature, laid back, rationale and self-aware. Monica brilliantly juxtaposes him with his friends- especially Caleb and Eli- for us to see this unexpectedly level-headed and grounded man. He’s got integrity, he’s sensitive and kind, honest and open. I instantly fell for him- and I relished the endearing ways he both works through his own feelings and is supportive and affectionate to Hayden. Hayden is a total pistol- and again, felt radically different than some of the other Monica heroines- she’s brash, confident, sexually confident and ballsy. Because she’s a less openly vulnerable character, it took a minute for me to warm up to her, but when we get more of her heart and see her perfect chemistry with Tony, I just adored her. And I loved these two together! They have a fiery and sweet chemistry- the perfect mix of tender passion.

The story also didn’t unfold quite how I expected, which made it be even more emotionally interesting. Our narrative set-up gives me all sorts of angsty Romeo and Juliet vibes. And while that dynamic does play into the climactic conflict (which did have some odd notes), this story was actually blissfully lower angst and more even keeled, and the conflict centered less on their familial vendetta and more on the anti-relationship baggage they both carry from the radically unhealthy, toxic examples of “love” they’ve seen in their parents’ failed relationships. That to me made the story far more interesting for character developed-as what could easily be a story about externalized drama instead becomes a story about these two stumbling into a very healthy and sweet romance and finding the courage to take a risk on it when love is nothing but destructive all around them. Way more friends to lovers than enemies to lovers- which means way more sweet swoons and giddy butterflies.

The BROMANCES though- oh my goodness. This may be the TRUE star of this story. Watching these teens start to become adults, formulate a supportive, fun, and vivid family unit, and help each other work though the angst of maturing into real adults is going to make for such a beautiful overarching theme for this series. I’m in love with ALL of these characters, and I’m so transfixed by their special dynamics. I have a feeling we have a new favorite Monica Murphy series in the works!

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so I absolutely loved Tony and Hayden! I was worried that this story was not going to do it for me since in theprevious books Tony was with someone else. But Tony and Hayden have so much in common with their upbringing and how they don’t feel loved by their father’s. When they begin their relationship it is as friends only, but neither can deny the strong pull that they have to each other. As they spend more time together their hesitancy loosens and they plunge in to massive attraction that consumes them. Everything about these two is so broken and the only way that they feel whole is when they are together. Old habits are hard to ignore and miscommunications happen that threaten the strong bond that they are building. Tony is such a hard ass on the outside, but a total softy on the inside. Hayden is trying to prove that she is worthy of her father’s attention, but nothing she does is right; including the boy that she picked to date. Loved catching up with all the characters from previous books and looking forward to reading about the others in this series. Another amazing book!! --

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

[Michelle Krystel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advance readers copy of this book and have decided to write a voluntary honest review. I wasn't expecting to like Tony so much, but I really did. At first I was like he should be soph etc. Now I don't feel that way anymore. Hayden is his perfect challenge, I actually love her. I'm excited to see what at going to happen with this series. I am getting some weird vibes with Eli and Ava and I don't like it. Caleb needs to make a decision. And Jackson needs to stop stringing Ellie along like usual. Let's see how this turns al out.

[Pavlina Read more sleep less blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 STARS

In love with the romance it gave me butterflies and I had a smile most of the time <3 fantastic characters !I loved the plot and I find it sexy,flirty,heartwarming and fun!

[Cynema · Rating 2 out of 5]

PLODDING – SLOW BURN WITHOUT FIRE OR HEAT

Hayden: “Love is for pussies.”
Tony: “Everyone leaves.”

That really sums up both characters. DNF

What a yawner. Never thought I’d bail on a Monica Murphy novel, but I hit the wall on this one. 7 new books were tossed to the TBR pile to begin reading this one ASAP. My enthusiasm lagged in the very first scene. College freshman Tony’s (18) girlfriend recently dumped him, but he perks up while waiting for his car at the dealership when approached by Hayden (20). She takes his breath away with her beauty and aggressive flirting. A little chat later reveals both attend the same college, and after exchanging phone numbers they bump into each other at a fancy soiree with their rich parents. Do you see it coming? This is a Romeo & Juliet, forbidden love story. Their terrible fathers are business rivals.

I could care less. The writing was dull, boring, and plodded along to nowhere. The dual POVs babbled on in running, inner monologues that had not a spark of interest and bored me silly. Hayden’s really bold and forward with Tony when they first meet, but he acts like he’s got no swag with women despite hot looks and being an athlete. They’re both rich and don’t care, come from broken homes caused by their philandering dads, and have no control over their lives. Both – especially Tony – sound younger. More like 15 or 16 for him. I kept comparing them to the author’s Friends series of mid-high schoolers. Nothing is happening and the pace dragged. And as much as I’ve loved this author in the past, the phrasing was sometimes awkward. That juvenile treatment really turned me off, even with Hayden’s 16 year old sister. I threw in the towel after 3 WHOLE PAGES of dumb dialogue about Hayden calling him "cute." This is a slow burn without any fire or heat.

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️ Fangirl Faction · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 Stars

Monica Murphy has done it again! I swear, she puts her metaphorical pen to paper and I fall in love all over again. The object of my affection this time around? Tony Sorrento.

I am so enamored with Murphy's writing. Her storytelling is so masterful. Her way with words is so genuine and comfortable. It's like having a conversation with your best friend. I always feel so at home in her words. The world-building is more character-based but Murphy is able to bring the reader right into the story. The story was well-paced though I felt that the ending was a little lacking. The book was still great but I felt the ending was a bit anticlimactic. Things kind of worked out a little too nicely with not enough conflict. I was hoping to see more resolution with some of the issues with Tony and Hayden's families. In particular, Tony's stepmother and her threats towards Tony, Hayden's father's girlfriend, and her obvious conniving with Tony's stepmother, and the fact that their fathers forbid them from being together. Those just seemed like things that needed more closure. Perhaps we will get more information in some of the following books in the series, even if indirectly.

The way that Murphy writes her characters is so intimate and all-consuming. It's so easy to fall into the lives and minds of her characters. Tony was an absolute dream. He is a complete cinnamon roll and so totally swoon-worthy. I just couldn't get enough of him. And Hayden was my favorite kind of heroine. She was confident and honest and she spoke her mind. She wasn't afraid to be herself. She owned the good and the bad and that made her character very real to me. Tony and Hayden had so much drama in their family lives and were dealing with personal things as well. I really loved their character journeys. Their characters were developed very well and they had significant character growth. I really loved getting to see all of my favorite characters from this massive world that Murphy writes in. This friend group seriously warms my heart.

The romance in this book is a friends-with-benefits situation. Tony and Hayden are both very jaded and cynical when it comes to love. They are both firm believers that romantic relationships are for pussies. Their words, not mine. Neither of them had very good examples when it came to love. Their parents had cheated and fought and their marriages dissolved eventually. On top of that, their parents were also very neglectful to them after that. Tony's high school girlfriend broke his heart and left as well so he can pretty much only count on his friends. And Hayden pretty much only counted on her younger sister. There was a lot that drove them to have such a bleak outlook on love. But when they meet there is instant attraction. And not surface-level attraction, though there was clearly some physical attraction there, but their pull towards each other was deeper than that. Their personalities meshed. Fate threw them together and they couldn't resist the pull. Hayden is resistant at first but they finally agree to a friends-with-benefits situation. They have to overcome their doubts and face the truth of how they feel about each other. I think that the best thing about them was their honesty with each other. They were always genuine with each other and they always told each other the truth. They didn't hide things.

Overall, this was another Monica Murphy book that totally won me over. With her expert storytelling, the intriguing plot, and characters that have become like a second family to me it's not hard to see why. I am so excited for the second book in this series, which will be Jackson's love story. I seriously don't know what I am going to do with myself when all of the characters from this world have gotten their own stories. They have come to mean so much to me and each new story is like another piece of my heart. If you haven't tried Murphy's brilliant brand of storytelling then I definitely recommend you do. I'd start with the Callahans series before picking up the College Years series, but it isn't necessary.


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[Dali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monica Murphy launches her College Years series with a sweet and sexy about swoony freshman Tony Sorrento and the girl that gives him hope that love does exist.

Someday, I just know I’m going to blurt out, “I love you,” to Tony. And I’m okay with it. Perfectly okay.

Tony has had nothing but bad relationship examples starting with his own parents and experiencing heartache of his own. He’s done with love and just wants to get through his freshman year playing football and hang out with his friends.

While visiting her father and taking care of some car problems, Hayden Channing meets the drop dead gorgeous Tony, who she later finds out is the son of her father’s business nemesis.

They’re both ordered by their father’s to stay away from each other, which is easier said than done since the both attend Fresno state college, keep bumping into each other, and they’re both wildly attracted to one another despite their dismissal view on romantic relationships. Can they stick to their friends only rule?

The Freshman is book #1 of the College Years series by Monica Murphy. It is a standalone college romance told from both points of view with a happy ending. Genres: NA romance. Tropes: forbidden romance | friends to lovers
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3x8wDQR

★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Valentine PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. ★

Quick review by the numbers. Full review pending.
Plot: 📙📙📙📙
World building: 🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😳😳😳😳
Romance: 💜💜💜💜
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥

See all my book edits on Instagram ★ FaceBook ★

[A HEA · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Freshman is book one in the new College Years series. Although a standalone it does feature some familiar characters. This book is Tony and Haydan's story.

A chance encounter enables their paths to cross. With subsequent meetings fostering their relationship. They find out that their parents are rivals in the business world. The rest as the saying goes is history.

Although their parents forbid them from interacting the bond of friendship they have built is already to strong and they continue on their journey of friends to lovers.

[jordane · Rating 3 out of 5]

“This was always beyond friendship for me.”

3.5/5

This book was a great introduction to the College Years series. I really liked Tony and Hayden and enjoyed the way their relationship evolved. They were very cute together, and their chemistry was top notch! Seeing all the characters from The Callahans series again was amazing. Diego, Jocelyn, baby Gigi, and their cuteness stole the show. I can't wait to read Jackson and Caleb's books. The angst between Jackson and Ellie is already palpable, so I'm VERY CURIOUS to learn more about them and their relationship. Caleb is also a great character, and I want him to end up with Baylee badly!

[Elena Marmiroli · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,25

Lettura più o meno simpatica, leggera e adatta per rilassarsi. Il problema è il fatto che a tratti risulti non coinvolgente e il fatto che non sia sviluppata bene, in quanto inizialmente le famiglie di entrambi sono molto ostili anche solo a una possibile relazione tra i due giovani, cosa che viene ripresa verso metà romanzo, ma alla fine del libro è come se questo antagonismo venisse completamente dimenticato o archiviato, senza un reale motivo che possa giustificare questo cambiamento .

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony & Hayden will steal your heart in this swoony and easy-to-read NA romance. I have fallen head over heels for this family of characters stemming from The Callahans' series, and these boys and their girls are just way too much fun to put down.

M Murphy writes the college scene, characters who are perfectly flawed, and a bit of drama so well that you can't help but fall in love with each character and story. Not only did I love Tony & Hayden in this book, but I fell just as hard for their sidekicks, and this author will leave you wanting more of each of their stories. I can't wait for what's to come in the College Years next! Well done once again M Murphy!

[Abstract ♥ Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS





Star Rating : 4/5 Stars

POV : Dual

Cliffhanger : None

Hero : Tony

Heroine : Hayden

Pace of the story : Moderate

Angst Rating : 4/10

Heat Rating : 4/10

Triggers Involved : None



Plot Summary :
Tony is just trying to get through his freshman year. Recently having had a breakup, he doesn't have any interest in new relationships. He never saw an example of a good relationship so his faith in love is a bit dwindled. That is until he meets his perfect match.

Hayden is everything he wants and everything he should stay away from. She is the one thing he can have as a best friend because she is that perfect. If only his body heard the same. He wants her so much but if he gives in then that might just be the end of their easy going relationship.

Hayden didn't expect the cocky freshman to make her feel things. He is perfect for her but he scares her as much. No one has ever made her feel so much and Tony might just be the one thing which ends up breaking her in the end.



Overall Opinion :
I love Monica's quirky romances. I remember Tony from her other series. He was that shy guy but damn he did show some cockiness in this book. I loved his easy going character. This book was a fun loving contemporary read for me with a sweet storyline .

Tony and Hayden had an amazing tale that made me laugh and swoon at the same time. They were just so perfect for each other but were resistant to give in. The book became even more interesting once they did give in.

I would definitely recommend this book to all the college contemporary romance lovers out there!


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[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star Review of The Freshman (College Years #1) by Monica Murphy

Although I am not a huge fan of new adult romance, there is something about Monica Murphy’s style of writing that drew me in and kept me interested from the first chapter. The characters were engaging and the story well written.
When Hayden meets Tony Sorrento, she learns that he is a freshman at her college and is on the football team, she is interested. Finding out that their fathers are business rivals complicates the attraction that is growing between them.
Adding to this is that Tony is recovering from a recent breakup and wasn’t looking for another relationship. However sometimes the heart and head are not on the same page and despite the repercussions they pursue a relationship.
What will happen when their relationship comes to light? There were moments where I swooned, moments where I laughed and overall I found this an entertaining read.

[nikki ౨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

What a perfect start to a new series and I’m just so excited where else Monica takes us because I can tell it will be a hit just like The Callahans Series.

Tony was a perfect hero and I loved everything about him - and I mean EVERYTHING. I was excited about his book especially since Diego’s story and he didn’t disappoint. His character was affected by his break-up with Sophie and his parent’s divorce, but then he meets Hayden and his thoughts on love are quickly changed. I loved how he couldn’t stop thinking about her from the very first moment, he was so into it and it was adorable.

Whilst it was easy for me to fall in love with Tony, mainly because I really liked him in the previous books, it was very hard for me to get to Hayden. Something about her seemed off, but that was probably because of how she made a huge deal of Tony’s age at the start. Still, I did like her towards the end and also found her very bold - I mean who teases a guy she only met twice like she did at that one time?? That was legendary!

Their relationship was very well written because Monica perfectly pointed out the growing passion and connection. I loved how they always put labels on their relationship and never stuck to it. It was also very fun to read, I laughed especially when other guys appeared in the story - and I can’t wait to get to know their stories. We once again got a new (with some familiar faces) friends group I will yet again be obsessing over.

***

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[Sarah - Get Booked with Sez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to get an ARC of the first book in Monica Murphy's new series - The College Years - Thanks to Valentine PR.

The first book follows Tony & Hayden. Tony was previously mentioned in the previous series "The Callahans" as the quiet, rich boy who followed the rules and was kind to everyone he meets. Bring in Hayden. Also a wealthy socialite who on chance meeting, starts flirting with the charismatic boy at the Range Rover service centre. This is until their world collides later on that night at an upper social event where they discover their fathers are rivals, who both prevent their son and daughter from ever socialising with each other. Tony & Hayden then agree to be just friends, but not only because of their fathers but because they both "don't believe in love or relationships".

As they both start at Fresco State University together, they become quite close friends and this is when the tricky lust situation arises. Do they risk their friendship they highly value, or take that forever risk of going the next step and possibly ending in that "horrid" relationship zone?

I adored this new adult romance. It was a true friends to lovers trope, with a side of family rival drama. Tony is a perfect gentleman while Hayden is just looking for someone that loves her for her. They both stayed honest and true to each other, without ever letting any family (or friends) get in the way.

I read this story within 24 hours. 4/5 Stars. 3/5 Steam.

I thank the author for also giving us a snippet at the next book in the series - I can't wait to read about Jackson & Ellie!!

[ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

New fave series alert!!
Wow I adore this universe already, read this in one sitting and read the second one straight after, I can’t believe i’m only just discovering it.
Tony and Hayden had my attention from the minute they met at a car dealership in their hometown to see their rich stuck up parents. Their forbidden love story was top tier.
Hayden is a funny, loveable and outgoing character oozing with confidence where as Tony is a shy, quiet and easygoing. Their differences made them fit so well together and watching them go from denying their chemistry to falling in love when neither of them believed in love was so special.
I usually dislike at least something a character does or how they react but when I saw i loved every aspect of both MC’s I truly mean it.
In love with this world!

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 PERFECTION STARS!! This was PERFECTION for me...
I loved these two so much. Hayden and Tony hit all my buttons for a great story I read in one sitting. They were fun, sexy, forbidden and did I say hotness. They will steam your kindles up, so get ready.

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Freshman by Monica Murphy was a light hearted and sweet sports romance with some great characters and great chemistry. I had a good time with this story!

This story is like a continuation of the Callahans as we are getting story of the friends now. Tony Sorrento was always the easy going and level headed guy in a group of arrogant and impulsive jocks. He meets Hayden Channing on a weekend visit to his father. She is a challenge. And suppsedly forbidden because their families are sworn business enemies. But they go to the same college and they are attracted enough to try friendship. Will it become something more?

It was a change of pace from the Callahans as this story wasn't angsty or dramatic. It was pretty chilled and simple. Hayden is a fierce girl with own opinions. She isn't afraid to go after what she wants and her family life has convinced her that love is a bad idea. Tony fascinates her. He may be a freshman but he has this easy confidence and attractive maturity. He doesn't play games. He isn't a serial dater. He makes Hayden feel comfortable and special. I have always liked him and it was so good to see him having his own love story. It was a slow burn as their relationship progressed slowly from friendship to something more. The chemistry was super hot and they are amazing together. The most epic part of this story is the BROMANCE!! I was ecstatic to see all the guys together..Caleb, Jackson, Eli, Diego. And also cameo by the Callahans. The friendship of this gang is a phenomenon and I can never have enough of them. If the author writes one hundred stories with this group, I will read every single one of them.

If you are in mood of a swoony and cute sports romance with some steam, The Freshman by Monica Murphy is for you!

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Freshman is the introduction to the College Years series. In it, you will meet Hayden and Tony. At first glance, I figured that they were going to meet each other and then re-meet each other. If you get it, you get it. They were both pretty likable throughout their book, but I'll admit that I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. I was honestly expecting some huge drama to blow things up and it never happened.

Yeah, we get some sort of little drama but that's it. Other than that, we do get some juicy romance between these two and it was highly addicting. I just couldn't put the book down. Mostly because anything that starts off being a friends-with-benefits situation will eventually lead to the real deal. Or one would hope that it does.

Luckily, this did go down that route, but the ending was kind of bittersweet. It was nice but anticlimactic at the same time. I just think it needed more drama or something to really pull me in. I'm still going to continue with the series though.

[Irma *Irma The Book Whisperer* · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an absolute pleasure to read. Such a cute love story.

The author did a great job pulling me in and making the characters endearing and believable. The plot flowed nicely and I thought that this author did a wonderful job of realistically portraying the demanding life of rich and snobby. I immediately fell in love with the main characters, Tony and Hayden. Their parents not so much. But that's just it! Those 'parents' moments totally had me, sometimes I couldn't belive what I was reading.
This book was fantastic. It left me swooning and speehless.

Loved it from start to finish.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Tony!!!! Review to follow

[HMS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Tony but the plot was a little flimsy, I still loved it.