kfriend's review
5.0
My heart is overflowing with love! Love for these characters, love this series, and love for my favorite Monica Murphy couple of all time. The Senior was everything I wanted and then some- all of the heart squishing, angsty magic that I expected yet completely unexpected in every way. What a perfect, bittersweet, heart-aching and swoony conclusion to the series that reminds us just how complicated it can be to mature - all while falling in love. I laughed, I cried, I swooned, breathlessly consumed by every single word. Ava and Eli are inexplicably special- and the Senior delivers a story that is worthy of my ravenous love for them and a story that amplifies it in its charm and sincerity.
Truth be told, I was hella nervous to read The Senior. I had 100% faith in Monica, but these two are my literal all time favorite MM couple ever, and one of my favorite new adult romance couples of all time. Their love story had been told, we had an HEA, and I was all cozy in my Ava-Eli happiness bubble, content with where they ended. But as we got to see the other couples come together in the College Years, we’d been seeing small cracks in their seemingly impenetrable connection. And, I hated that for them. Though it’s refreshing and REAL, I was scared to see the couple I love fall apart, and even though I knew Monica would put them back together eventually, I was worried they’d be like a broken vase- never as perfect to me, whole and fixed, but just not the same. But trust in Monica, I did- and I’m so glad. Because the end result isn’t a glued together replica- she breaks them and she rebuilds them even better, somehow even more perfect than they were before. And somehow with me falling even more in love with them.
The journey is HARD- because Monica breaks them, and she breaks them deeply, painfully- and in many ways. I won’t say much because there are some real twists to this story- I thought I had it all figured out, and then a new obstacle would arise, and more heartache. Smartly, we’re spared seeing some of the ugliness that led them to this place- and that is so brilliant. Because not only do we not have to live with two soulmates shattering, but we get to focus our energy on the aftermath. Monica really immerses us in their angst. AND IT IS ANGSTY. LIke you want to shake them, why are they so stubborn and indecisive, they are making me crazy angsty. They are a mess- and their story is messy. Painful in places, emotionally raw, intense. But at the core we still have this beautiful couple we adore, and even when they can’t get on the same page or get past their issues, the crux of them remains the same- these two are soulmates, so emotionally connected that they have the power to bring out the best and worst in each other, but always better TOGETHER. And now they have to figure out just how to get back to that place- and if the emotional damage they’ve done is too overpowering for their greatest truth- which is that they can’t stop loving each other.
Monica writes some of the most compelling new adult stories around- because she lets her characters act young, be the newly formed adults they are. She lets them be immature, be selfish, not yet fully developed emotionally. Her characters are growing up and learning to be in love the first time while also figuring out who they are as people. And the Senior is such a compelling example of how Monica Murphy develops characters as they grow- as they evolve. I didn’t know I needed the Senior, but I did. Because Ava and Eli were not grown up- they were two teens who fell in love hard, but they didn’t yet know who or what they were as people. And in that formative time, they were so wrapped up in each other, it’s like they forgot themselves. They forgot to face their own issues, and they didn’t prioritize the emotional growth they each needed- to be better partners to each other, but also to grow into the adults they wanted to be. And in this aspect, the Senior sparkles- it’s a heartfelt, and realistic depiction of two kids becoming adults, and the growing pains of their romance trying to adapt with them.
I could seriously read book after book of these two characters, so this is a bittersweet goodbye to the series, and a fond farewell to these two characters, though I’m hopeful we’ll see them pop up in other places. The finale of this could not be anymore perfect- I wept, more than once- in sadness and in joy, brimming with a contented pride that our sweet Ava and Eli are left better than we found them. That they’ve somehow deepened and enriched a love I thought was already perfect. My heart is so full- even if this is a tearful goodbye to the college years and this brilliant and lovable cast of characters.
Truth be told, I was hella nervous to read The Senior. I had 100% faith in Monica, but these two are my literal all time favorite MM couple ever, and one of my favorite new adult romance couples of all time. Their love story had been told, we had an HEA, and I was all cozy in my Ava-Eli happiness bubble, content with where they ended. But as we got to see the other couples come together in the College Years, we’d been seeing small cracks in their seemingly impenetrable connection. And, I hated that for them. Though it’s refreshing and REAL, I was scared to see the couple I love fall apart, and even though I knew Monica would put them back together eventually, I was worried they’d be like a broken vase- never as perfect to me, whole and fixed, but just not the same. But trust in Monica, I did- and I’m so glad. Because the end result isn’t a glued together replica- she breaks them and she rebuilds them even better, somehow even more perfect than they were before. And somehow with me falling even more in love with them.
The journey is HARD- because Monica breaks them, and she breaks them deeply, painfully- and in many ways. I won’t say much because there are some real twists to this story- I thought I had it all figured out, and then a new obstacle would arise, and more heartache. Smartly, we’re spared seeing some of the ugliness that led them to this place- and that is so brilliant. Because not only do we not have to live with two soulmates shattering, but we get to focus our energy on the aftermath. Monica really immerses us in their angst. AND IT IS ANGSTY. LIke you want to shake them, why are they so stubborn and indecisive, they are making me crazy angsty. They are a mess- and their story is messy. Painful in places, emotionally raw, intense. But at the core we still have this beautiful couple we adore, and even when they can’t get on the same page or get past their issues, the crux of them remains the same- these two are soulmates, so emotionally connected that they have the power to bring out the best and worst in each other, but always better TOGETHER. And now they have to figure out just how to get back to that place- and if the emotional damage they’ve done is too overpowering for their greatest truth- which is that they can’t stop loving each other.
Monica writes some of the most compelling new adult stories around- because she lets her characters act young, be the newly formed adults they are. She lets them be immature, be selfish, not yet fully developed emotionally. Her characters are growing up and learning to be in love the first time while also figuring out who they are as people. And the Senior is such a compelling example of how Monica Murphy develops characters as they grow- as they evolve. I didn’t know I needed the Senior, but I did. Because Ava and Eli were not grown up- they were two teens who fell in love hard, but they didn’t yet know who or what they were as people. And in that formative time, they were so wrapped up in each other, it’s like they forgot themselves. They forgot to face their own issues, and they didn’t prioritize the emotional growth they each needed- to be better partners to each other, but also to grow into the adults they wanted to be. And in this aspect, the Senior sparkles- it’s a heartfelt, and realistic depiction of two kids becoming adults, and the growing pains of their romance trying to adapt with them.
I could seriously read book after book of these two characters, so this is a bittersweet goodbye to the series, and a fond farewell to these two characters, though I’m hopeful we’ll see them pop up in other places. The finale of this could not be anymore perfect- I wept, more than once- in sadness and in joy, brimming with a contented pride that our sweet Ava and Eli are left better than we found them. That they’ve somehow deepened and enriched a love I thought was already perfect. My heart is so full- even if this is a tearful goodbye to the college years and this brilliant and lovable cast of characters.
kleejos's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
slovenianbookworm's review
4.0
Ava came home from her studying abroad to find her ex still angry at her. She was always supportive of him but when it comes to her wishes it looks like he wasn’t understanding where she comes from.
He channels his anger into sport but as soon as Ava is back into town, his focus starts to slip. They still love each other very much since they were together in high school. This book surprised me on many levels since he was a jock and he was in a serious relationship with her. I also like that he didn’t sleep around (neither did she) while they were broken up.
But when they were in the same room… boy, were there sparkles! Chemistry was definitely there and it was scorching hot!
The only thing that made this book slightly less appealing is the fact that he just didn’t see what he did wrong in the first place by telling her she should stay during summer with him. He was just so stubborn – they both were – and didn’t want to back down even a little.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
ARC was provided via Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Full post: https://slovenianbookworm.wordpress.com/2021/11/08/the-senior-by-monica-murphy/
He channels his anger into sport but as soon as Ava is back into town, his focus starts to slip. They still love each other very much since they were together in high school. This book surprised me on many levels since he was a jock and he was in a serious relationship with her. I also like that he didn’t sleep around (neither did she) while they were broken up.
But when they were in the same room… boy, were there sparkles! Chemistry was definitely there and it was scorching hot!
The only thing that made this book slightly less appealing is the fact that he just didn’t see what he did wrong in the first place by telling her she should stay during summer with him. He was just so stubborn – they both were – and didn’t want to back down even a little.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
ARC was provided via Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Full post: https://slovenianbookworm.wordpress.com/2021/11/08/the-senior-by-monica-murphy/
catxbooks's review
4.0
This was the perfect ending to the series, even though I suffered a lot reading about all the problems Ava and Eli had to face. Since I knew this book was going to be about those two I was really nervous to see what had happened between them, and while they went through some hard times, I loved seeing them more grown up and trying to make the right decisions.
The story is also full of drama, romance and angst and they were both stubborn but they couldn’t deny they still loved each other and that it was just another difficulty on their relationship. But at the end all of the problems they had to face made them more mature and to really appreciate all the love they had and the moments they spent together through the years.
I also loved reading the ending, knowing more about all the couples and see how they all were with their families. Monica did an amazing job writing all these stories and I can’t wait to read more of everyone in the future, especially Beck and Addie’s story next year.
The story is also full of drama, romance and angst and they were both stubborn but they couldn’t deny they still loved each other and that it was just another difficulty on their relationship. But at the end all of the problems they had to face made them more mature and to really appreciate all the love they had and the moments they spent together through the years.
I also loved reading the ending, knowing more about all the couples and see how they all were with their families. Monica did an amazing job writing all these stories and I can’t wait to read more of everyone in the future, especially Beck and Addie’s story next year.
books_and_chatt's review
5.0
My Forever Favorites! Eli and Ava are the couple that introduced me to not only The Callahans but to Monica Murphy’s writing. So, I was Beyond excited that we would get more of them!
This series wrap up is just **chefs kiss**!
This series wrap up is just **chefs kiss**!
daniquevdijk_'s review
3.0
3.5 stars
“When a man finds the one woman he knows he will love for the rest of his life, he needs to make a move or…”
“Lose her forever,”
aneye4romance's review
5.0
Eli and Ava have been the golden couple in their friend group. They are the couple that everyone looks to for proof that real love exists. Everyone is understandably stunned when they call it quits after Ava refuses to give into Eli’s ultimatum of picking him or the study abroad opportunity of a lifetime.
Both are hurt, stubborn and convinced they have done absolutely nothing wrong. Ava assumed Eli would see the error of his ways and they would make up when she got back but Eli does not feel the same. When neither is willing to make any concessions and their split becomes more solidified they both find different ways to cope. Eli throws himself into football and finds that maybe he is good enough to go pro. Ava takes the semester off to evaluate her life and her future.
As they share the same friend group they can’t stop seeing each other and each encounter leaves them a little worse for wear. Eli also discovers a very interesting impact that Ava has on his football mojo leaving him to wonder if this split was maybe the best thing for their future after all. Will they be able to get over their pride and discover love all over again? Or will they just be another set of high school sweethearts not cut out for the real world?
Okay this story put my heart through the ringer. I was already so emotionally invested in these two during the previous books so I could barely contain the anxiety of knowing these two were going to be the focus of The Senior.
I’m happy to report that Monica absolutely nailed this last book. She gave us the satisfying ending that we desperately needed to complete this fantastic series. There is a lot of angst in this one compared to the previous ones which is fitting for this couple. If you haven’t read the first three books then I highly encourage you to start them now. Each couple is so different but they are all connected by their friend group which has that found family vibe that I absolutely love. With so many fantastic releases coming out in the book world I can safely say that this one is well worth your time.
Thanks to Monica Murphy and Valentine PR for giving me an early copy to read for review!
Both are hurt, stubborn and convinced they have done absolutely nothing wrong. Ava assumed Eli would see the error of his ways and they would make up when she got back but Eli does not feel the same. When neither is willing to make any concessions and their split becomes more solidified they both find different ways to cope. Eli throws himself into football and finds that maybe he is good enough to go pro. Ava takes the semester off to evaluate her life and her future.
As they share the same friend group they can’t stop seeing each other and each encounter leaves them a little worse for wear. Eli also discovers a very interesting impact that Ava has on his football mojo leaving him to wonder if this split was maybe the best thing for their future after all. Will they be able to get over their pride and discover love all over again? Or will they just be another set of high school sweethearts not cut out for the real world?
Okay this story put my heart through the ringer. I was already so emotionally invested in these two during the previous books so I could barely contain the anxiety of knowing these two were going to be the focus of The Senior.
I’m happy to report that Monica absolutely nailed this last book. She gave us the satisfying ending that we desperately needed to complete this fantastic series. There is a lot of angst in this one compared to the previous ones which is fitting for this couple. If you haven’t read the first three books then I highly encourage you to start them now. Each couple is so different but they are all connected by their friend group which has that found family vibe that I absolutely love. With so many fantastic releases coming out in the book world I can safely say that this one is well worth your time.
Thanks to Monica Murphy and Valentine PR for giving me an early copy to read for review!
lisaluvsliterature's review
5.0
This story was the one I was kind of both dreading and really ready to read at the same time. And it had all the angst you’d expect. As much as I wanted Eli and Ava to get back together, Eli really just didn’t quite get what he did wrong. And it was no wonder that they kept having all the problems every time one of them tried to get the other to listen or more. The book was so steamy though, even with all the issues the two kept having.
I felt the author did a good job of showing how the friends tried to stay neutral, while also supporting both of them. At times though their friends also would point out how they needed to maybe think a little more about how they were dealing with things and point out how each one of them had their own mistakes and things to overcome in the relationship.
There was a little twist towards the end that I wondered about when something wasn’t mentioned in a certain scene. And the way it was handled was so good, but also so emotional and had me crying as I read the way that whole thing went.
It was hard not to feel for Eli, and want him to be able to be a part of Ava’s family, as they had been the only real, healthy family that he’d really ever known. And I liked that even though they were on her side, they still knew that he wasn’t a bad guy, and didn’t cut him out when he needed them.
This was a perfect conclusion to this series, and we got an epilogue that caught us up on all our couples in this story. Now this might be silly, but I loved the way they called out my hometown team’s QB, Patrick Mahomes, toward the end of the story. Even with our not so great season at the moment, I’m a loyal Chiefs fan, and really believe in the young quarterback, so it’s fun when he gets to be a mention in a book by one of my favorite authors!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
I felt the author did a good job of showing how the friends tried to stay neutral, while also supporting both of them. At times though their friends also would point out how they needed to maybe think a little more about how they were dealing with things and point out how each one of them had their own mistakes and things to overcome in the relationship.
There was a little twist towards the end that I wondered about when something wasn’t mentioned in a certain scene. And the way it was handled was so good, but also so emotional and had me crying as I read the way that whole thing went.
It was hard not to feel for Eli, and want him to be able to be a part of Ava’s family, as they had been the only real, healthy family that he’d really ever known. And I liked that even though they were on her side, they still knew that he wasn’t a bad guy, and didn’t cut him out when he needed them.
This was a perfect conclusion to this series, and we got an epilogue that caught us up on all our couples in this story. Now this might be silly, but I loved the way they called out my hometown team’s QB, Patrick Mahomes, toward the end of the story. Even with our not so great season at the moment, I’m a loyal Chiefs fan, and really believe in the young quarterback, so it’s fun when he gets to be a mention in a book by one of my favorite authors!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.