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The Sophomore (College Years Book 2) Kindle Edition

4.3 out of 5 stars 1,910 ratings

"The College Years series is truly just the gift that keeps on giving and ‘The Sophomore’ was the absolute perfect story for Ellie and Jackson." - Stacie R., Goodreads

Jackson Rivers.

Popular. Gorgeous. Talented.

My not-so-secret crush.

And my biggest weakness.

I’ve stood by him for years. Been a friend every time he needed one, but he doesn’t see me. Not like I want him to.

Move on, my friends said. Find someone new. Someone who gets you. I know they’re right. I’m only a friend to him. He’s never going to see me like I see him. So I take their advice, and try to move on.

But Jackson is always right there. In my face. Running to my rescue. And when I meet someone else, Jackson isn’t having it. For some reason, he’s suddenly determined to stay in my life. Right by my side.

Now he says he wants me, but does he want an actual relationship? Or is that he can’t stand the thought of losing me to another guy?

It’s time to find out If I’m who Jackson really wants...and I’m going to make him work for it.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"I friggin LOVED this book!! After I finished it, I just sat all around in my feels for these characters. Jackson and Ellie's story was more than I could have imagined." - Jen Z., Dirty Bad Bloggers


"I have been waited for Ellie and Jackson's book for so long and I am #TeamEllie through and through but after reading this book, I am going to be #TeamJackson too because OMG!!!" - Nathathida A., Goodreads


"Jackson and Ellie's story was a little painful, there was so much growth, and the end of the story happened exactly how I hoped it would!! Monica definitely does it again, and now I'm so excited to see where they end up down the road in the next story!!" - Shelby G., Goodreads


"Monica Murphy has done it again!" - Terri H., Goodreads


"The Sophomore highlights every single reason why I adore Monica Murphy's books. She writes her characters with overwhelming respect, allowing them to stumble and fall but also giving them the power to pick themselves up and find the right path going forward." - MJ, Goodreads


"Well I finished The Sophomore by Monica Murphy and I AM SO IN LOVE! I couldn't wait to experience the love story of Ellie and Jackson!" - Alice, Goodreads


"This series really is amazing and a MUST READ for all the romance readers who love a great college, sports romance with lots of angst, drama, great friendships, music, sexy times and just a truly wonderful storyline with some unexpected nail biting moments thrown in." - Jennifer J., Goodreads


"Tunes, Teases, Touches...Monica Murphy's "The Sophomore" is a page-turner with off the charts chemistry! All-consuming--prepare for unstoppable sizzle, and the most delectable delight." - Evie_Book_Revs (Gen Gen)


"These characters will make you laugh and fall in love with them so easily that you will feel like you are right there in college with them - loving every moment. Well done once again M Murphy!" - Sarah, Goodreads

About the Author

Monica Murphy is the author of twelve series of romance novels. Her novels One Week Girlfriend and its sequel, Second Chance Boyfriend, were USA Today bestsellers.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08W21C33B
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Monica Murphy Publishing, LLC (June 10, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 10, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.8 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 372 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B0CN37PN8F
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 1,910 ratings

About the author

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Monica Murphy
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Never miss a release! Sign up for Monica's newsletter to get new book alerts (copy/paste) ➜ https://bit.ly/Monicanewsletter

Join my reader group! ➜ http://bit.ly/Monicareadergroup

My website ➜ https://bit.ly/32RZdaZ

Follow me on Instagram! ➜ http://bit.ly/2GSOq3D

Monica Murphy is a New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere, along with their four cats and one crazy dog. She's a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to sometimes putting her characters through tough, angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

Monica is also known as USA Today bestselling romance author Karen Erickson (http://karenerickson.com).

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,910 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers love the storyline of this book, particularly the connection between Ellie and Jackson, and find it emotionally engaging, with one customer noting how it captures young love in its true essence. The characters are well-developed, and customers consider it a great addition to the College Years series. They appreciate the humor, with one customer mentioning they giggled at Jackson's inner thoughts. The pacing receives mixed reactions from customers.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

19 customers mention "Storyline"19 positive0 negative

Customers love the storyline of the book, particularly the connection between Ellie and Jackson, with one customer noting how it captures young love in its true essence.

"...This author captures young love in its true essence. Elle has crushed on Jackson for two years and he has only shown her friendship...." Read more

"...I loved the connection between Ellie and Jackson. This book took me on quite an emotional rollercoaster and I loved every minute of it!..." Read more

"...It really tied up their story nicely. The little teaser for the Junior has me curious as to who the next book could be about...." Read more

"...out perfect, it took a lot of fight but in the end this is just and epic love that will pull your heart and put a smile on your face...." Read more

11 customers mention "Emotional content"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, appreciating the angst and character development, with one customer specifically mentioning how Jackson's emotional journey was a treat.

"...This book took me on quite an emotional rollercoaster and I loved every minute of it! The secondary characters added lots of depth to the storyline...." Read more

"...That being said, Jackson and Ellie’s love story was emotional and full of angst!..." Read more

"...I was completely overcome with emotions after the epilogue. His feelings totally translated off of the pages and landed right in my heart...." Read more

"...I loved their story! It had the just right amount of angst. Watching Ellie grow stronger and not accept less than she is worth was awesome...." Read more

9 customers mention "Character development"9 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, with one noting how their stories are intricately connected and another appreciating the chemistry between them.

"...I love all the supporting characters and the fact they all have their own stories!" Read more

"...Overall I loved the characters and plan to read the next book...." Read more

"...Second, Jackson Rivers, despite his flaws, is one of the swooniest male characters ever...." Read more

"...I liked the romance of the main characters and loved the ending as for a moment I thought this was not a rock book. Glad it showed it can work." Read more

8 customers mention "Series"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this book as a great addition to the College Years series.

"The Sophomore is the second book in an amazing new series. This author captures young love in its true essence...." Read more

"...All in all, another great installment to this continuation series! I’m glad Ellie got her story and her man!..." Read more

"Somehow, each book just gets better and better. I didn't know what to expect for Ellie and Jackson's story but it was beyond my expectation...." Read more

"...The Sophomore was another great addition to the College Years series...." Read more

4 customers mention "Humor"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, with one mentioning they giggle at Jackson's inner thoughts.

"...No, their story isn’t easy peasy, BUT it’s entertaining and truly worth all the angst they go through to get to their happiness...." Read more

"...I LOVED the storyline and found myself giggling at Jackson’s inner thoughts...." Read more

"...These two are funny, sweet and had some steam worthy moments. I couldn't put this book down. I can't wait for more of the College Years Series!!" Read more

"...This story had me laughing in some parts and swooning in others! I am excited to read the Junior!!" Read more

3 customers mention "Sweetness"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sweet, with one describing it as an amazing Monica Murphy masterpiece.

"...I loved the ending...so sweet! 😍..." Read more

"...I loved their story so so much!! Another AMAZING Monica Murphy masterpiece!!" Read more

"Super cute..." Read more

5 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive2 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with one finding it very realistic and relatable, while another mentions it being filled with unnecessary dialogue and scenes.

"...She is so darn relatable. I think we've all been in those shoes before...." Read more

"...Too many times I go bored reading. I had to skip PAGES at time that were just fluff. The book moves incredibly slowly...." Read more

"...The realness in this book about every day life an relationships...." Read more

"Uninteresting..." Read more

“To admit what I feel for her could change… Everything.”
4 out of 5 stars
“To admit what I feel for her could change… Everything.”
Look. Admittedly when this book starts I wanted to punch Jackson where the sun doesn’t shine, and shake Ellie until she realized she deserved better. That said, Monica totally convinced me that Jackson was worth all the love and care that Ellie gave him over the years. No, their story isn’t easy peasy, BUT it’s entertaining and truly worth all the angst they go through to get to their happiness. So if you’re looking for angsty, long-term longing best friends to lovers… with a sweet heroine and a rockstar/commitment adverse hero, then The Sophomore is where it’s at. Side note - that teaser for The Junior…. what kind of torture are you trying to put us through Ms. Murphy? I need answers, and I need them now.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2021
    The Sophomore is the second book in an amazing new series. This author captures young love in its true essence. Elle has crushed on Jackson for two years and he has only shown her friendship. Elle finally decides she is done being his number one fan, his loyal supporter, and a doormat when she sees him in action after one of his shows. GO ELLE!!!! Jackson does not know what he would do if Elle was not in his life so when she “disappears” from his life for a month, he goes stir crazy. He realizes how much he misses her and their conversations. Then he sees her with someone else. GO ELLE!!!!

    The sweetness of Elle is all over this story and Jackson, well, he just cannot help being Jackson. We see young adults trying to figure out their futures and relationships. We catch up on a loyal and supportive group of friends. Go Ladies, supporting our Elle! And the men, they support their women just as fiercely. The families of these friends are so endearing and inclusive of one another.

    Monica Murphy is an automatic one-click for me. More so, I wake up at midnight when her books have arrived on my kindle and read her books on release day. The Sophomore did not disappoint, and I cannot wait for the next installment.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2021
    I love everything that Monica Murphy writes! The Sophomore is the the second book in Monica’s College Years series and tells the story of Jackson and Ellie. If you have read the Callahan series you know that Elllie has had a crush on Jackson forever. This book can be read as a standalone but I do recommend reading all Monica’s books because they are so good!

    Ellie has been in love with Jackson for quite a long time. She has always encouraged him to follow his dreams of becoming a singer even though that means he is giving all his attention to other women. At the end of freshman year Jackson goes away on a mini tour for the summer but still keeps in contact with Ellie. He really messes with her head because he doesn't want a relationship with her but confides in her for everything. Ellie decides she isn't gonna wait around for Jackson anymore and agrees to go on a date with another guy. Jackson gets super jealous and starts to realize maybe he does want to explore a future with Ellie. Will she decide to give Jackson another chance or will she move on with someone else? Guess you will have to read to find out.

    I loved the connection between Ellie and Jackson. This book took me on quite an emotional rollercoaster and I loved every minute of it! The secondary characters added lots of depth to the storyline. I really enjoyed catching up with the other characters from the series. I can't wait for the next book!!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2024
    I love these characters and some of the old ones from her other series. I will say that this book is labeled a “bully romance” but it is not dark at all. Jackson says some mean things while he’s fighting his love for Ellie and he has his jealous moments, but I wouldn’t say he bullies her. If you are looking for enemies to lovers, this is not that type of book. That being said, Jackson and Ellie’s love story was emotional and full of angst! I love all the supporting characters and the fact they all have their own stories!
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2024
    Poor poor Ellie has been chasing Jackson since Junior year in high school throughout this previous series and we finally got her story. I don’t think Jackson had to grovel nearly enough. I think he STILL got the girl when HE decided it was time. I’m not mad at it, I’m super happy Ellie finally got her HEA.
    It was a hard cook for me to feel the passion with for some reason. They just didn’t fit I don’t think. The smëxy times almost made me wince due to the fact I didn’t see the fire between them…at first! THEN, as they grew as a couple, my belief in them grew as well. I could see them together forever as they were best of friends 1st, then made a bit of an awkward transition into being a couple. Once they made the leap, they were pretty much set since they’d already been apart of each others lives for YEARS.
    I’m glad Jackson ended up with more substance (I know, I should know better as Monica Murphy wrote it!) than he’s shown in previous books but still, I was wondering how she was going to turn him around. I shouldn’t have worried. Then CJ Bloom brought it as always. She is a master narrator on Audible, and I’ve never not loved a character she has voiced. I’m still working on liking Mason Lloyds voice for THIS character group (young men) he sounds like a late 30s early 40s man but his voice is amazing.
    All in all, another great installment to this continuation series! I’m glad Ellie got her story and her man! 🤭 she gave up years to be devoted to Jackson so he’d better treat her right! 😆
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2021
    Somehow, each book just gets better and better. I didn't know what to expect for Ellie and Jackson's story but it was beyond my expectation. Ellie has been in love with Jackson ever since she first met him in high school. Every time she thinks that maybe he will finally see her as beyond a friend. However, he always manages to say or do something to crush her heart. After his coming home concert, Ellie decides that she needs to back off ANF ween him out of her life. Jackson still sees her as a friend and he wants his friend back. After toying with her emotions again, he realizes he is in danger of losing her for good and starts to really see her. When he sees someone else showing interest in her, he finally comes to terms with his feelings. Meanwhile, his music is getting recognized by the right kind of people and he doesn't know what to do. When they finally give in to their feelings, you would think that everything is going to be peachy but some major events happen. I loved reading their story, even though it was filled with lots of angst. There were some twists I didn't see coming and I loved the ending. It really tied up their story nicely. The little teaser for the Junior has me curious as to who the next book could be about. I'm anxiously waiting for Caleb's story

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Amanda Balcerzak
    5.0 out of 5 stars Addictive
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 2, 2025
    I really love the Callahans and friends! Monica Murphy is my favourite author when it comes to romance novels, it doesn't always depend on the same scenario and what I like the most is we get to read a story about each family member in other books.
  • Valentyna Rodionova
    5.0 out of 5 stars great series
    Reviewed in Canada on May 25, 2023
    OMG!!! I think each time that the next book will be boring and I’m so wrong!!!! For 2 weeks I spend every free minute with your book in my hand and I can’t decide which one I love more. You are an amazing author. Thank you
  • Beyond the Pages Charli
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best friends
    Reviewed in Australia on June 7, 2023
    The push and pull of seemingly unrequited love. Poor Jackson really leads Ellie on but I love how she owns up to it and steps out of her comfort zone and shows him what he is missing!
  • Leyendo Forever
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not my favorite
    Reviewed in Mexico on June 20, 2021
    3🍭🍭🍭
    Spanish & English Opinion

    ESP ::

    No ha sido mi libro favorito de la autora. Toda la serie de “The Callahans” me encanta pero este libro no fue mi top.

    Lo que no me conquistó:
    La pareja principal. Jackson es un patán egoísta y Ellie es demasiado permisiva. No hay nada peor que un hombre diciendo con todas las letras y formas posibles “no hay nada entre nosotros” o “esto es lo único que habrá” y una mujer que está convencida que él no sabe lo que dice y ella le demostrará que sí la ama. WHAT?

    Lo que me gustó:
    Seguir teniendo updates de Eli y Ava. Los amo. El nombre de la banda “Cupid Bow”, está increíble. Que nos preparan para la historia de Caleb y nos tienen adivinando 🙊

    ENG ::

    This was not my favorite book from the author. In the Callahans, I have loved every single book!

    What I did not love:
    The main characters. Jackson is a very selfish jerk and Ellie is too much of a doormat. I really hate when guys go like “I really do not like you” or “this is as far as our relationship will go” and girls thinking “don’t worry. I will show you that you love me” what? This makes it not real and way forced for me.

    What I really liked:
    The updates we have from Ava and Eli! Love them. The name of the band “Cupid Bow”. It was creative and cool! I also like that we keep guessing what will happen with Caleb!
    Report
  • Anna K
    4.0 out of 5 stars Another great book in this series
    Reviewed in Germany on December 9, 2021
    I really enjoyed finally reading Jackson and Ellie’s story. The book was definitely something different and I really loved how Jackson and Ellie’s story developed. It’s really another great read in this series.

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