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Monica Murphy
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The Freshman (College Years Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Monica Murphy (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 1,917 ratings
Tony Sorrento.

Tall, dark and…mysterious. Football player.

Some random guy I flirted with while out of town visiting my father.

Turns out we go to the same college. Even weirder, we discover our fathers are business rivals. And when they find out we had a minor situation-ship, they forbid us from dating.

Easy enough to do. Our campus is huge. I can avoid him.

But I keep running into Mr. Tall, Dark and Mysterious everywhere I go. I mean, I’m not one to chase after a sexy jock but I start to realize he’s difficult to resist. And he’s just as into me as I’m into him.

Defying our fathers’ wishes means we need to keep whatever it is we’re doing secret. Totally fine. We can be just friends. Even if what we’re doing quickly switches to friends with benefits, and then turns into…something more.

We might be asking for trouble, but maybe being with Tony is worth the risk.
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  1. Book 1 of 4
    College Years
  2. Print length
    354 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    April 22, 2021
  5. File size
    3.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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  1. If the one you’re interested in suddenly becomes forbidden, all you want is what you can’t have.
    Highlighted by 275 Kindle readers
  2. I’m attracted to this girl. I don’t know much about her, but I like her. Guess she likes me too.
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  3. I can’t help but smile, despite the feeling that I lost something tonight. Pretty sure I lost my chance at her.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Prepare to fall hard for sweet, sexy, swoony Tony in this awesome first book in Monica's new series. With an intriguing cast of characters, this was a romance I couldn't put down until I finished it!" USA Today bestselling author Siobhan Davis


"The Freshman is fun, flirty and fan-freaking-tastic! If you love a sexy, college sports romance, do not miss this book." - USA Today Bestselling Author, Devney Perry


"The Freshman melted my heart. Hayden and Tony's love story swept me up into that new adult angst I live for and still managed to surprise me with a twist! 5 big hearts-in-my-eyes stars for The Freshman." USA Today bestselling author Trilina Pucci


"O. My. Gosh. I didn't think it could get much better than the Callahan kids series, but TONY!! O my goodness, I love Tony. " - Shelby on GR


"Ms. Murphy keeps me invested fully and wholly with her words and I loved every single one in The Freshman." - Lorena on GR


"What can I say about Monica Murphy that I haven't already said a million times? Every single book I've read by her is just amazing! She is just one of those authors that I'm positive I'll love her next book before I've even read it, and this one was no exception!" - Peggy, Goodreads


"The Freshman is a heartwarming friends to lovers romance with a swoon-worthy hero and a sweetheart heroine. Monica Murphy has another hit on her hands with this fantastic new series. I love all these characters from her books, close friends that are more like family. My heart is full after reading this beautiful story! A must read!!!" - Tina, Goodreads


"I knew from the very first meeting that these two were going to give each other a run for their money. The banter and chemistry is off the charts." - Brittany, Can't Quit Books


"I adored this book and it had me page turning for a full day. It's ideal for those who love forbidden romances, and those who love off the chart romance and smoking hot chemistry." - Carly W., Goodreads


"The Freshman is a perfectly penned friends to lovers romance that will have you floating on feels and swoons the whole way through!" - Misty, Reds Romance Reviews


"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!" - PP's Bookshelf


"Monica Murphy writes perfectly about new adult romance and the ups and downs of teenage life." - Cat, Goodreads


"Monica Murphy just has a way of creating these worlds with characters you fall in love with and then you get a breakout of that world with more characters and they are all connected, loving it even more!" - Court, Goodreads


"I swooned soooo much and WOW I needed a lot of cold water to deal with their sexy times together. HOT DAMN!!" - Alice, Goodreads


"I adored this new adult romance. It was a true friends to lovers trope, with a side of family rival drama." - Sarah, Book of Roses


"Holy Chemistry-this couple has it from the very first page!" - Anita B., Goodreads

About the Author

Monica Murphy is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of dozens of romantic novels, including the One Week Girlfriend and the Rules series. She also writes romance as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson. A native Californian, she is the mother of three children and lives in the foothills below Yosemite National Park.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08VFPFN66
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Monica Murphy Publishing, LLC (April 22, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 22, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.3 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 354 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 1,917 ratings

About the author

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Monica Murphy

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

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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

4.2 out of 5 stars
1,917 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's coming-of-age romance, particularly the connection between Tony and Hayden, and find it a fun read with lots of laughs. They appreciate the relatable characters, the sweet meet-cute moments, and the wonderful group of friends, with one customer noting the chemistry between the characters. Customers like the series continuity, with one mentioning it's a great continuation of the Callahan series. However, the story length receives mixed feedback, with one customer finding it long-winded.

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25 customers mention "Story quality"22 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, with one customer noting how the storyline hooked them from the beginning.

"...This book has some drama, some action, and some STEAMY moments. It’s everything you could want and more! I’m ready for the next books!" Read more

"This book was good I love these characters, Hayden is a strong level headed female lead knows what she wants in life type of girl and she knows she..." Read more

"...I love this new series. A new story line, but some familiar characters to go with some new ones" Read more

"The Freshman is a fantastic read. I loved every moment of this one. Tony wins my heart from the very start. Hayden is lovely...." Read more

20 customers mention "Romance"20 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the coming-of-age romance in the book, particularly appreciating the connection between Tony and Hayden.

"...He’s sweet and really coming into his own in college, but he’s still the dependable friend that everybody can count on too...." Read more

"...Love this entire world!! This particular book hit me in the cheerful feels. Warm, fresh, mellow drama and lots of laughs...." Read more

"...He had a good vibe. I’m so glad Monica wrote his story. In a chance meeting, Tony meets Hayden. She’s fun, flirty and sexy...." Read more

"...I loved the connection between Tony and Hayden. The secondary characters added lots of depth to the storyline. I can't wait for The Sophmore!!" Read more

11 customers mention "Cuteness"11 positive0 negative

Customers describe the book as a great meet cute with a lovely character named Hayden, and one customer finds it dreamy.

"...She’s fierce and sassy and doesn’t pull any punches...." Read more

"...Tony is adorable right from page one. He takes life calmly and loves his friends and his cat adorable...." Read more

"...In a chance meeting, Tony meets Hayden. She’s fun, flirty and sexy. What’s not to like?..." Read more

"...Tony was not expecting Hayden. Strong willed, confident, beautiful and so much more. He knows he was supposed to stay away, too. But didn't happen...." Read more

10 customers mention "Character development"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them relatable and enjoyable, with one customer noting the good chemistry between them.

"...These character’s lives are so closely intertwined that it just adds another layer of awesome to this story!..." Read more

"This book was good I love these characters, Hayden is a strong level headed female lead knows what she wants in life type of girl and she knows she..." Read more

"...What made the book for me were the characters. Likable and relatable, you will love returning to them again and again." Read more

"...The secondary characters added lots of depth to the storyline. I can't wait for The Sophmore!!" Read more

9 customers mention "Fun read"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fun to read, with lots of laughs, and one customer mentions cracking up during chapter 14.

"...Warm, fresh, mellow drama and lots of laughs. Perfect for what I was looking for!..." Read more

"...In a chance meeting, Tony meets Hayden. She’s fun, flirty and sexy. What’s not to like?..." Read more

"...Their dynamic was cute, hot and funny… just like this book!..." Read more

"...Beautifully written college, coming of age romance with lots of laughs and sweet moments." Read more

6 customers mention "Friendship"6 positive0 negative

Customers love the group of friends in the book, with one customer noting the wonderful friendship development and another highlighting the trust among characters.

"...She’s also an amazing friend and I’m hoping her bestie and a certain someone else get together!!..." Read more

"...There is such a wonderful build of friendship to more in this one. For two who are so against relationships they just make so much sense together...." Read more

"...I love the new grouping of friends and finding out more about Caleb." Read more

"...They are great together and good for each other. Their families try to cause problems because the dada are mortal enemies...." Read more

5 customers mention "Series continuity"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the series continuity, with one mentioning it's a great continuation of the Callahan series, while another notes it's the first book in a brand new series.

"...This one was no different but I’m glad this is a spin off of the 2nd series, the Callahans...." Read more

"...It is a spinoff from her Callahan series and features Jake's best friend Tony. Tony is a still heart broken over his breakup with Sophie...." Read more

"Great continuation of the Callahan series! I loved finally learning more about Tony and his personality...." Read more

"A fantastic start to this new series..." Read more

8 customers mention "Story length"0 positive8 negative

Customers find the book's length unsatisfactory, with one mentioning it feels long-winded, while another notes that the plot lines are left hanging and there is no epilogue.

"...Then it just ends . So that gap kinda felt incomplete for me...." Read more

"...The story simply abruptly ends. I can’t give it 5 stars as I feel unsatisfied and a little manipulated by the author...." Read more

"...It was too long and there were way too many filler scenes and fluff. I wanted to like this book. I really did...." Read more

"...The story line was drawn out too much I felt and I was tired of hearing that he was only 18 and she was older. It was TWO years!!..." Read more

First Love Romance...and a Swoony College Boy
4 out of 5 stars
First Love Romance...and a Swoony College Boy
🏈Forbidden 🏈Virgin Hero 🏈Sports Romance . “This was always beyond friendship for me.” . Review: This was my first book by Monica Murphy. I kept seeing this book around and the cover just drew me in. This is book 1 in the College Years series following a group of friends. . Hayden is a confident, smart and assertive college student with hopes and dreams. Too bad they don't line up with her fathers dreams for her. . Tony is a quiet observer. He goes to college, is on the football team and has a great group of friends he considers his family. . Hayden meets Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome while waiting at the Dealership for their cars. She runs into Tony again, and there is an undeniable spark. Fate must be stepping in because they both go to Fresno State and have more in common than they realize. Like for example, their fathers are business rivals. Unable to stop thinking about each other, or stay away from one other, they become friends. Tony and Hayden are both jaded by their parents and don't believe in love. But what happens when you meet the one you can't stop thinking about...could it be possible? I really liked Tony. He was such a sweet guy. I enjoyed this story and some aspects felt much more realistic than in a lot of books. I LOVED that Tony is a Virgin at 18. I feel like so many books the men are always manwhores, so Tony was a breathe of fresh air! I also liked Hayden's strength. I think my favorite part though was the Bromance between all the guys, Tony, Caleb, Diego, Jackson and Eli. The guys are each unique and have different qualities. I loved their friendship, their jokes, their love for one another and their support for each other. Caleb even surprised me. They have truly formed a family in their bond.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • S. Red
    5.0 out of 5 stars Tony is SWOONY!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I absolutely love that Monica Murphy did a spin-off of the Callahan kids and we are getting books about their friends!

    Tony has intrigued me from the beginning, he seemed very mysterious, and we didn’t know much about him. ‘The Freshman’ dives much deeper into Tony’s life and relationships, and we get to see a different side of Tony. He’s sweet and really coming into his own in college, but he’s still the dependable friend that everybody can count on too.

    I adored Hayden. She didn’t shy away from who she was or what she wants. She’s fierce and sassy and doesn’t pull any punches. I loved watching her and Tony circle each other trying to fight their growing attraction to one another. She’s also an amazing friend and I’m hoping her bestie and a certain someone else get together!!

    This is a great start to the College Years series for Monica Murphy. I love that we got to meet new characters, but also catch up with old ones too. These character’s lives are so closely intertwined that it just adds another layer of awesome to this story! This book has some drama, some action, and some STEAMY moments. It’s everything you could want and more! I’m ready for the next books!
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Alexciz
    4.0 out of 5 stars This book was awesome oh wow!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Like totally freak me out I mean right on 👏🏽 👏🏽, the Bulldogs sure are number one! That is exactly how I felt reading this! Monica Murphy has a special way about her of mixing sweet innocence with a bit of näughty and life, showing our characters growth as much of them transition from children to adults.
    This one was no different but I’m glad this is a spin off of the 2nd series, the Callahans. If you’re old school like me you will know the original series was Two week boyfriend where Drew and Fable fall in love!!🥰
    This follows the kids in college years and beyond (pretty sure there is a series about Fables brothers kids in college) as well as a cross over with the Lancasters and Callahans/Bennetts! Love this entire world!!
    This particular book hit me in the cheerful feels. Warm, fresh, mellow drama and lots of laughs. Perfect for what I was looking for! I enjoyed watching the entire gang grow and cannot WAIT for Jackson and Ellie’s story.
    The narrators added depth, as always, I LOVE C.J. Bloom and Mason Lloyd was new to me and had an older voice, he would have been better suited to an L.J. Shen jaded anti-hero. 😙
    All in all, the relationship between Tony and Hayden WAS number 1!
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  • M. Mendes Bookstagram
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of drama, some angst, and other growing up in store for readers with The Freshman!!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Oh Boy….Hayden and Tony both have grows up big time in such a short period. They both have so much in common and things start with just causal and quickly becomes something else. I will stop there as I don’t want to give out any spoilers. Monica Murphy, author, did a fantastic job with The Freshman and I don’t just mean the storyline. Monica took two characters her story is all about and shows what can happen when two people meet who has a connection and how they both can change because of each other. I love their banter and interactions. I laughed and was cheering them on. I wanted them to find their HEA. What I really liked was that there wasn’t this big blow up and conflict that they separated to find out what they mean to each other. There was conflict but with some outside influence they manage to overcome them and work through it. I will admit this is my first book I have read from Monica and it won’t be the last. I had a feeling that there are stories behind some of the couples in Tony’s friend group and when I looked at some of the other books from Monica I realized that Tony’s friends that are couples are from The Callahan’s series and that The College Years Series is a spin off. I will admit that I couldn’t wait to read The Sophomore and read it before coming back to write the review for The Freshman and The Sophomore. I am totally all in with the College Years Series and plan on reading The Callahans Series while waiting for The Junior, book 3 from The College Years. Looking at the books listed that Monica wrote I think that if all of Monica’s book are as good as The College Years that I will be reading a lot more of her books. Can’t wait for The Junior to come out. I want to know what’s in store for Caleb 😊. Anyway, I highly recommend both The Freshman and The Sophomore (adding that here since I mentioned already that I read it and if you want you could find my review for The Sophomore later) and will also suggest you read The Callahans series and the rest of the books from The College Years when they become available as I plan in doing. Happy reading!!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Yezz
    3.0 out of 5 stars 3.5 stars
    Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This book was good I love these characters, Hayden is a strong level headed female lead knows what she wants in life type of girl and she knows she doesn't want to fall in love. Tony is adorable right from page one. He takes life calmly and loves his friends and his cat adorable. I love the slow uptake towards their relationships how they are both so adamant on not havimg labels. About 80% of the book is great. Then it jumps 2 or 3 months, felt rushed and frankly this was a missed opportunity for conflict and for them to solidify their relationship especially in front of their families. Then it just ends . So that gap kinda felt incomplete for me. Monica always gives us a good conflict so I just kept waiting and seems I'll wait till then next book , ugh.
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  • Lena Loves Books
    5.0 out of 5 stars I Knew It!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    You know that feeling you get when you know that you’re going to live a book before even reading one word? Yeah, I had that with this book and I am happy to report, I was right.

    The Freshman is the first book in Monica Murphy’s College Years series. It’s Tony’s story. Tony was always one of my favorite side characters in the Callahan books. He had a good vibe. I’m so glad Monica wrote his story.

    In a chance meeting, Tony meets Hayden. She’s fun, flirty and sexy. What’s not to like? What seemed like the start of something good, becomes complicated. It’s not until they go back to school that they really get to know each other. Their relationship takes off from there. Expect some angst and plenty of heat and a bit of Romeo and Juliette vibes. What made the book for me were the characters. Likable and relatable, you will love returning to them again and again.
    11 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Laura King
    5.0 out of 5 stars More than a reader could ask for
    Reviewed in Australia on March 5, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I have only recently found Monica Murphy's novels and already I am overjoyed at the fact. I must admit, I had my doubts and reservations about The Freshman. However, this novel has really left an impact on me. The characters are three dimensional and all have their own stories whilst staying true to the main protagonists. Give this novel a shot, I promise you won't regret it.
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  • Made Me Blush Books
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpectedly Sweet
    Reviewed in Canada on April 23, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I’m in love with Tony and Hayden! This new series feels like catching up with old friends as almost all the characters from the Callahan series make an appearance. I loved that part of it. Truth be told I was sad to hear Tony had a new love interest because Monica writes these everlasting couples so well I didn’t expect him to find someone new. However after meeting Hayden, I totally get it. She is feisty, smart and kind. I really like how she fit into the Callahans crew! Their love is so strong even though it grew from the misery of their parents divorces. It was so fulfilling to watch them learn to fight instead of avoiding difficult things. As someone who hates conflict, I understood where they were coming from.

    Also, I love the bromance in this book! Monica settled the storylines from the previous series and created the Callahans Super Crew 😂. So fun to read about where everyone was and how they were doing.

    Overall I love this book and cannot wait for Jackson’s story!!
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  • London Doran
    4.0 out of 5 stars 3.5 stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This was just okay. Low angst and not too much drama from the main couple. Am I more invested in what's coming from other characters in this story? Yes.
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Friends or lovers
    Reviewed in Canada on December 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Not a bad read.Tony and Hayden became friends although their parents forget it.There realonship started slow but lowly bloomed.Would it be H.E.A for these two .you got to read to find out
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars I really enjoyed this book
    Reviewed in Australia on October 25, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this story about Tony Sorrento and Hayden Channing. I really enjoyed their journey to them finding their happy ever after.
    Report

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