When First Love Feels Like Forever
First love—that intoxicating, all-consuming feeling that makes you believe nothing else will ever compare. The way it fills every corner of your mind, colors every dream of your future, and convinces you that this is it—this is your forever. But what happens when that forever crumbles? When the one person you built all your hopes around suddenly isn’t yours anymore? This is the emotional journey that Meagan Brandy masterfully explores in Say You Swear, the first book in her Boys of Avix series.
Story Overview
The Plot
Arianna Johnson has had her future mapped out since junior high—it always led to Chase Harper, her twin brother Mason’s best friend. For years, she’s nursed feelings for Chase while keeping them carefully hidden, knowing her overprotective brother would never approve. But one passionate night during their last summer before college changes everything. When Chase pulls away afterward, Arianna is left heartbroken and avoiding the tight-knit friend group that has been her whole world.
Enter Noah Riley, the charismatic quarterback and team captain who sees past Arianna’s walls. As she slowly opens herself to the possibility of new love, the past refuses to stay buried. Now Arianna must decide if first love truly lasts forever—and if that’s what she really wants.
The Characters
- Arianna Johnson: Our protagonist who wears her heart on her sleeve while trying to protect it from further damage
- Noah Riley: The unexpected romance who proves that sometimes the best love stories aren’t the ones we plan
- Chase Harper: The first love who realizes too late what he gave up
- Mason Johnson: Arianna’s protective twin brother caught between his sister and his best friend
- Cameron: Arianna’s ride-or-die best friend who provides both comic relief and emotional support
- Brady Lancaster: The lovable player who rounds out their core friend group
Writing Style & Execution
Strengths
Brandy excels at emotional authenticity and building palpable tension between her characters. The push-and-pull dynamic between Arianna and both Chase and Noah keeps readers invested. The author also masterfully crafts realistic dialogue and group dynamics that make the friends’ interactions feel genuine.
The sports romance elements are well-balanced, providing enough football context to feel authentic without overwhelming readers who aren’t familiar with the sport. The college setting is vividly portrayed, capturing both the excitement and uncertainty of that transitional time.
Areas for Improvement
While the emotional intensity drives the story, there are times when the angst feels slightly repetitive. The pacing in the middle section could be tighter, and some readers may find the number of miscommunications frustrating, even if they serve the plot.
The accident and amnesia plot point near the end, while dramatically effective, might feel rushed to some readers. A bit more development of this arc could have strengthened its impact.
Themes & Impact
Core Themes
- First love vs. true love
- Growth through heartbreak
- Family bonds and loyalty
- The weight of expectations
- Finding yourself while finding love
Character Development
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how it shows Arianna’s emotional journey from a girl defined by her first love to a woman who knows her own worth. Noah’s patient understanding and unwavering support contrast beautifully with Chase’s confusion and regret, illustrating different kinds of love and how timing changes everything.
Series Context
Say You Swear sets up the Boys of Avix series brilliantly, introducing a rich cast of supporting characters whose stories beg to be told. The second book, Promise Me Not, continues in this world while focusing on new main characters, proving the depth of the universe Brandy has created.
Romance Genre Elements
Heat Level
The book features several steamy scenes that are both emotionally charged and tastefully written. The physical intimacy always serves character development rather than feeling gratuitous.
Romance Tropes
- Brother’s best friend
- Second chance romance
- Sports romance
- College romance
- Found family
Comparative Analysis
Fans of authors like Ilsa Madden-Mills and Tijan will find much to love here. Say You Swear sits comfortably alongside other popular college sports romances like The Deal by Elle Kennedy and The Hook Up by Kristen Callihan, while maintaining its own unique voice.
Final Verdict
Pros
- Strong emotional depth
- Well-developed friendships
- Compelling love triangle
- Authentic college setting
- Engaging sports elements
Cons
- Some pacing issues
- Plot occasionally relies on miscommunication
- Late plot developments feel rushed
Reader Recommendations
This book is perfect for readers who:
- Love emotionally intense new adult romance
- Enjoy sports romance with strong friend groups
- Appreciate complex love triangles
- Like their romance with a side of drama
- Don’t mind some angst with their happy endings
Conclusion
Say You Swear is a compelling start to the Boys of Avix series that will leave readers emotionally invested and eager for more. While not perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, delivering a satisfying romance that explores the complexities of first love, second chances, and finding yourself in between. Meagan Brandy proves she understands both the heart of new adult romance and the importance of authentic character development.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of college sports romance or new to the genre, Say You Swear offers an emotional journey worth taking. Just keep some tissues handy – you’re going to need them.