Cue the Waterworks!

Prepare for the waterworks! I started August with a whirlwind of emotions, thanks to Say You Swear by Meagan Brandy. This incredible contemporary romance, in 2022, only recently caught my attention on social media. Despite being a slow reader and juggling vacation and work, I devoured it in just five days. The last 200 pages had me so hooked that I stayed up until 2 am to see if I’d get the happy ending I was desperately hoping for—and spoiler alert: I did! Now, I’m left with a major book hangover.

The story centers on a close-knit group of friends—two girls and three boys—who’ve become like family over the years and are now starting college. Arianna, has been in love with her brother's best friend, Chase, since they first met. After years of yearning, it seems like her feelings might finally be returned, but things don’t go as she hoped, leaving Arianna heartbroken. Despite the pain, she forces herself to maintain the friendship for the sake of the family bond they’ve all created, which is made even more complicated by the fact that their parents are also best friends.

Months of awkwardness and silent suffering pass before Arianna decides to put on a brave face and fake smiles at all the group gatherings, Chase included. Just when she’s losing hope, Noah enters the picture. Kind, patient, respectful, humble and selfless, Noah is the embodiment of a gentleman. They had met briefly before college, and although Arianna was still hung up on Chase at the time, their encounter left a lasting impression. Reconnecting at college, their friendship slowly evolves into something more, and Noah proves to be everything Arianna could want in a partner. However, just as things start to fall into place, unexpected challenges arise, testing their relationship and bringing heartbreak from every corner. But don’t worry—the happy ending is worth every tear and scream along the way. Because I did cry like a baby.

In the end, I can confidently say that Noah will become your new book boyfriend, and you’ll emerge from this story with a serious book hangover. Thankfully, Meagan has plenty more titles to dive into. Do yourself a favor and add Say You Swear to your TBR list. You won’t regret it. I promise.