Julie Murphy writes fun, heartwarming characters and I think all of her books should have a wide audience.

Another joyful, life-affirming romance from Murphy! As always, the character voices are such a delight—so distinct, fresh, and funny.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for honest feedback.

After Dumplin', Julie Murphy had me as a fan! I immediately fell in love with Waylon - the main character who is a fat, gay boy living in Texas. He is nominated for Prom Queen when a video he makes of himself doing an audition tape for Ru Paul's Drag Race goes viral at school. Instead of declining the nomination, Waylon embraces the fact he's been nominated and rolls with it - determined to win. This is just an overall good story about determination and not worrying about what others think about you!

In Julie Murphy's third book in the Dumplin' series we meet Waylon, a gay senior in a conservative Texas town. When Waylon gets nominated for prom as a joke, he has two choices: hide in shame for the remainder of the year or own the nomination and win. With the help of his friends, family, and a few drag queens, Waylon learns about himself and sees that he is enough.

I absolutely love the Dumplin' series, so when I read this book I felt like I fell right in to the town again. This book includes some familiar characters, and it makes for an unforgettable read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me an advanced copy of this book to read and review.

The latest entry in a series that is proving to be very reliable, even as each book has its own traits and allows its protagonists to be their own selves.

Julie Murphy...when I see that name on a book, I know I'm in for a treat--a relatable treat! This one takes us back to Clover City, but this time our hero is Waylon, an openly gay boy in a small Texas town. There are definite challenges, but Murphy manages to keep the humor in the story. Actually, like Murphy's other Clover City books, there is romance, heartbreak, humor--and victory.

Insanely cute story. You'll become invested in these characters in no time at all. A very sweet ending to the Clover City trilogy. Thanks, Netgalley, for my arc.

I mean after Dumplin and Puddin, are we really surprised that Pumpkin is a smash hit?! Waylon is the drag queen we all need in our lives, and the lessons he learns during his senior year are valuable. I honestly loved how much he struggles with drag, and that he was able to find his way. I love the struggle between him and his twin, I LOVE that Hannah gets to take a front seat in this novel, just overall well done. I thoroughly enjoyed this!

The Dumplin' series is so delightful and I will NEVER stop wanting more. Julie Murphy can do no wrong -- I will read every single thing she writes, forever.

This, like the other books in the series, was a fun queer romp that was full of drag and prom and high school antics. I would recommend this to fans of Albertalli and Leah Johnson. Though I don't think this was anything new, I am glad to see more queer YA on the shelves where teens can see themselves. Fun and quick to get through!

Waylon Brewer sticks out like a fabulous sore-thumb in his small Texas town of Clover City where he tries to blend in to the cis heteronormative male student body. He is ready to move to Austin with his twin sister, Clementine, and enter "Waylon Phase 3" where he can truly be himself. But when he discovers that Clementine is considering other options to move with her girlfriend, Hannah, he has to re-evaluate his whole life plan without Clementine by his side and creates a drag audition tape that gets out to his whole school. Then--as if senior year couldn't get any worse--he and Hannah are nominated for prom queen and king, respectively, as a hateful joke. Hannah decides to shake things up and move forward with her nomination as prom king and Waylon, reluctantly, follows her lead.
I finished this book in a day. It was a pretty quick ready because 1. I enjoyed it and 2. the contemporary writing style/Waylon's voice was hilarious and difficult to turn away from. Written from Waylon's POV, readers get hilarious insight into his life and inner-shade that had me cry-laughing. This was an absolutely fun, light-hearted read about learning to embrace yourself, overcome challenges, and face the unknown as fabulously as you can.

What a fun, feel good read! I loved Waylon’s optimism and full on joy. I love getting the fairytale ending you hope for! All the good feels.

A lovely conclusion to the clover city companion novels. I wish i had had Julie’s books when i was a teen.

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This was such a fantastic book. Anything that Julie Murphy writes I will forever purchase with no hesitation.

I love Julie Murphy’s books and this did not disappoint! She always brings such a positive message in her book and I really happy to read more about characters in this world. Loved it!

This is such a wonderful, uplifting story that brought me so much joy to read. I adored Waylon as the mc, he was so funny and vibrant, and unashamedly queer, plus size and proud. I loved seeing his exploration of drag and his journey in running for prom queen. The romance was sweet and satisfying, the friendships were lovely, and this book just gave me all round good vibes.

After reading the prior books by Julie Murphy I won’t lie when I say I had high expectations for this books and the feelings I wanted it to be able to fulfill and it did just that. It so expertly explained something so many go through and relate to and made it into a universal way that those who can’t get a small glimpse into a different reality and I really appreciate that about this book. Thank you for the privilege of reading this early!