“You promise?”
Unfortunately, I think my expectations were sky-high because of Say You Swear, so this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The miscommunication—I hated it, and not only that, but to bring Chase back into the mix with assumptions flying around was a bit much. Chase is a good friend, but I can see why people might be frustrated with him in this book, especially after what happened in the first book.
Also, the nickname—Pretty Little—was so wack. I was so tired of it 😂
Anyway, moving on to the things I enjoyed. The angst—I loved the angst! I couldn’t help but imagine myself in Payton’s shoes, it had me feeling so emotional. Mason’s sense of dread was utterly heartbreaking. And Mason with Little Deaton? Absolutely adorable!
I love, love, love the snippets of Noah and Ari! I adore those two 🥹🫶🏼
Cameron’s story is next, y’all! I’m guessing it’s another love triangle, and I don’t know how I feel about that, because I’m not really a fan of love triangles anymore 🤷🏻♀️
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookwormsoflemon8 #readersoflemon8
Okay, so beyond the intense emotions and character dynamics I talked about in my review, can we just take a moment for the book cover of Meagan Brandy's 'Promise Me Not'? Seriously, it's such a crucial part of the whole reading experience for me, and this one truly sets the tone. When I first saw it, the dark aesthetic immediately caught my eye. The deep, rich background with those striking blue and pink accents and star-like patterns just screams 'angst' and 'hidden depths,' which is exactly what you get with Mason and Payton's story. It's not just a pretty design; it feels like it’s hinting at the secrets and the emotional turmoil waiting inside. I remember seeing a quote in the background of one of the editions, something like, 'What kind of man falls for a girl who's already on her knees?' and it instantly made me think, 'Whoa, this isn't going to be a light read.' That kind of provocative imagery on a book cover really draws you in and prepares you for the intensity Meagan Brandy is known for. It's interesting too, how it contrasts with 'Say You Swear,' but still maintains that signature Meagan Brandy vibe. You can tell they're from the same author's universe, and there's a certain consistency in the way she presents her stories visually. For me, a great cover makes me want to pick up the book, flip through it, and dive right in. This one definitely did that! I also loved seeing the 'Promise Me Not' book playlist mentioned in some of the visuals. As a reader, I often create my own soundtracks for books to immerse myself even further, so knowing there's a curated playlist out there makes the whole experience even richer. It's like the author or publisher understands that reading isn't just about the words; it's about the entire sensory journey. Imagine reading those heartbreaking Mason scenes with the perfect song playing in the background – it just amplifies everything! The way the cover art is designed, especially with its slightly mysterious and seductive undertones, perfectly encapsulates the push-and-pull dynamic between the characters. It reflects the emotional complexity and the dramatic twists that keep you hooked. It's a cover that you won't easily forget, much like the story itself. It's not just a book; it's a piece of art that tells a part of the story before you even open the first page. For anyone looking for a book that visually promises an emotional rollercoaster, the 'Promise Me Not' cover absolutely delivers.




Such a pretty cover