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A review by kbshelves_
Say You Swear by Meagan Brandy
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
friends to lovers, love triangle, found family, football, college romance, grief, heartbreak, first love, first time, best friend's sister, forced proximity
FIRSTLY, if you want to start at the beginning, Fumbled Hearts is pretty much the first book in this world, but it has it's own series. I'd start there if you want to really dive into this world, but if you just want to know Ari and Noah, you'll only have a little trouble learning all the names.
the first few pages of this book warned me immediately how emotional it was going to be. from the start, it was deep, powerful, and tense. there was recent death of a family member and this group of friends, whose families have been together since forever, were doing everything they could to be supportive and help.
the first part of the book was kind of awful, as in so hard to watch. we had to watch Ari deal with her crush on Chase, trying to make something happen while also staying away. And then they came together and moments later everything fell apart and she had to deal with the heartbreak that lasted throughout the rest of the summer and into her first few months at college.
then came Noah Riley and he was the friend she needed. he welcomed her into his life, they formed a routine, they were practically domestic life partners by the time either one acted on their feelings. it was such a slow build, but Ari needed time and Noah saw that. he also had his sick mother to think about, and football and school. but it was perfect when they finally got together.
the issues were abundant though, when Chase came back into the fold and got jealous. Ari's twin brother broke my heart with how protective and loyal he was, but also how devastated he was in finding out that his best friend broke his sister's heart. i couldn't get on board with Chase. he couldn't make up his mind, letting Noah influence him to finally try to be better. he was trying to be loyal, but it ruined everything, and i hurt watching this group navigate that, try to work it out, and also be supportive of both of them.
then that twist... i think i cried for a hundred pages. it was The Vow moment, and I did not see it coming, but it wrecked me how Noah reacted. and i was so mad at how Chase reacted.
this book will shred your heart again and again. the author took every route that caused the most harm, whether or not it had anything to do with the romance. i dont know why she chose evil, but she did. she also made a brilliant cast of characters, a great college scene, so much history and family and love. nothing was rushed, it all felt meaningful, but boy was it painful. i will never get over it.
FIRSTLY, if you want to start at the beginning, Fumbled Hearts is pretty much the first book in this world, but it has it's own series. I'd start there if you want to really dive into this world, but if you just want to know Ari and Noah, you'll only have a little trouble learning all the names.
the first few pages of this book warned me immediately how emotional it was going to be. from the start, it was deep, powerful, and tense. there was recent death of a family member and this group of friends, whose families have been together since forever, were doing everything they could to be supportive and help.
the first part of the book was kind of awful, as in so hard to watch. we had to watch Ari deal with her crush on Chase, trying to make something happen while also staying away. And then they came together and moments later everything fell apart and she had to deal with the heartbreak that lasted throughout the rest of the summer and into her first few months at college.
then came Noah Riley and he was the friend she needed. he welcomed her into his life, they formed a routine, they were practically domestic life partners by the time either one acted on their feelings. it was such a slow build, but Ari needed time and Noah saw that. he also had his sick mother to think about, and football and school. but it was perfect when they finally got together.
the issues were abundant though, when Chase came back into the fold and got jealous. Ari's twin brother broke my heart with how protective and loyal he was, but also how devastated he was in finding out that his best friend broke his sister's heart. i couldn't get on board with Chase. he couldn't make up his mind, letting Noah influence him to finally try to be better. he was trying to be loyal, but it ruined everything, and i hurt watching this group navigate that, try to work it out, and also be supportive of both of them.
then that twist... i think i cried for a hundred pages. it was The Vow moment, and I did not see it coming, but it wrecked me how Noah reacted. and i was so mad at how Chase reacted.
this book will shred your heart again and again. the author took every route that caused the most harm, whether or not it had anything to do with the romance. i dont know why she chose evil, but she did. she also made a brilliant cast of characters, a great college scene, so much history and family and love. nothing was rushed, it all felt meaningful, but boy was it painful. i will never get over it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail