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The Deal Dilemma
I want her. She wants to feel wanted. Those are two very different things...I never expected my best friend's little sister to become the one I craved, but it happened anyway.In the beginning, we were both young, then she was too young, and then suddenly...she wasn't. Unfortunately for me, things got complicated, so I took off, but this girl?She followed.Now she's sitting across from me, asking me to do something I've thought about more times than I'll admit. Something I really shouldn't do.She wants me to take her virginity.The problem?No way I could kiss her and not keep her, but she's not looking to be claimed.She wants to feel, not fall, but walk away and allow someone else take what's meant to be mine?Yeah, that's not about to happen....
504 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2022
About the author
Meagan Brandy
35 books13.2k followersUSA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Meagan Brandy writes New Adult romance books with a twist. She is a candy crazed, jukebox junkie who tends to speak in lyrics. Born and raised in California, she is a married mother of three crazy boys who keep her bouncing from one sports field to another, depending on the season, and she wouldn't have it any other way. Starbucks is her best friend and words are her sanity.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,284 reviews
October 23, 2022
Yeah babes this was not for me. I didn’t DNF bc I rarely do but believe me I wanted to. I tried this book bc I loved Say You Swear but this is definitely not that.
There is no real plot until about 70% into the book and then even when it shows up it’s weak and choppy at best straight up ridiculous at worst.
Before that it’s just a girl chasing after a boy to take her virginity….. for over half the book!
Speaking of characters
Davis (FMC) is so cringy I almost had second hand embarrassment reading her, she is a twenty one year old grown ass woman who is supposed to be a math/science genius but is also the most infantilized female character I’ve seen. She’s obsessed with candy ( like it’s almost her whole personality) and despite her enormous IQ doesn’t know the basics of sex or human interaction apparently. I know she is supposed to be “quirky” but it missed the mark big time.
Crew (MMC) isn’t much better. He fights, he’s has anger management and inferiority issues and is obsessed with Davis. That’s it.
The writing is super disjointed and choppy.
Not what I was expecting after reading and loving Say You Swear.
There is no real plot until about 70% into the book and then even when it shows up it’s weak and choppy at best straight up ridiculous at worst.
Before that it’s just a girl chasing after a boy to take her virginity….. for over half the book!
Speaking of characters
Davis (FMC) is so cringy I almost had second hand embarrassment reading her, she is a twenty one year old grown ass woman who is supposed to be a math/science genius but is also the most infantilized female character I’ve seen. She’s obsessed with candy ( like it’s almost her whole personality) and despite her enormous IQ doesn’t know the basics of sex or human interaction apparently. I know she is supposed to be “quirky” but it missed the mark big time.
Crew (MMC) isn’t much better. He fights, he’s has anger management and inferiority issues and is obsessed with Davis. That’s it.
The writing is super disjointed and choppy.
Not what I was expecting after reading and loving Say You Swear.
October 5, 2022
3 stars
This book was... fine? I didn't love it but I also didn't dislike it. After reading 'Say You Swear' earlier this year and being straight up obsessed with it I was so excited to get to Meagan's newest release. SYS was one of those unputdownable books and though it was much longer than this, it didn't feel long. I think that was my biggest issue with this book. It felt long. It didn't need to be 500+ pages imo but I see a lot of readers that love it, so it could be a me thing.
This book was... fine? I didn't love it but I also didn't dislike it. After reading 'Say You Swear' earlier this year and being straight up obsessed with it I was so excited to get to Meagan's newest release. SYS was one of those unputdownable books and though it was much longer than this, it didn't feel long. I think that was my biggest issue with this book. It felt long. It didn't need to be 500+ pages imo but I see a lot of readers that love it, so it could be a me thing.
September 19, 2022
'🆃🅷🅴 🅳🅴🅰🅻 🅳🅸🅻🅴🅼🅼🅰' Is a full length romance novel by author Meagan Brandy. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.' Davis (Twenty-one) & Crew
This was so easy to get into, and so hard to put down, the feels came out of nowhere and continued to hit me until that very last page. Crew our grumpy hero stole the show like he stole my heart with every beat it took, I couldn't get enough of him and is everything us girls seek in our book boyfriends.
I loved how unique this was, the push and pull between them, his alpha ways, her sweet ways, they were so perfect for each other.
Davis (Baby Franco or Sweets) goes to Crew with a proposition, prepared to strike a deal with all she's got. It's been at least three years since she's seen Crew, it went from seeing him nearly every day to not seeing him at all. When he walked away from them all. He's the boy her family took under their wing and fostered him, her brother's best friend. Now ex best friend. But that's a whole other story.
Davis wants Crew to take her virginity, she trusts him, she's had a crush on him since she was younger, and she's even written a persuasive essay detailing why he'd be the best candidate for the job. And if he's not up for the task or turns her down she'll find someone else who will. But to sweeten the deal even more she's willing to throw in her brothers rebuilt 1939, dusty red Chevy Half-Ton.
'𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕖𝕩𝕔𝕚𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕤 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕝𝕦𝕤𝕥.
𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕣𝕦𝕤𝕙. 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕔𝕝𝕠𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕒 𝕞𝕒𝕟.
𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕕𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕚𝕟 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕, 𝕤𝕙𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕣𝕖.'
She's relentless, and ensues little lessons as he teaches her the art of seduction, unawares that he was grooming her for himself.
'𝕀 𝕟𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕'𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕞𝕪 𝕓𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕗𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕕 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕙𝕦𝕣𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕠 𝕙𝕒𝕥𝕖, 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕀 𝕟𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕞𝕪 𝕓𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕗𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕕'𝕤 𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕤𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕕.'
Their close friendship was so beautifully believable, from following her brother and Crew everywhere, to years later when she's still following him and yearning for more. I loved how easily they fell into friends after being apart for so long to more.
* Teaser used is off the authors facebook page *
September 23, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: brother’s best friend, foster sibling, good girl/bad boy
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Absolutely FLOVED this story! Sweet, emotional, tension filled, and super smexy all rolled into one book ♥️. This is one of those books that you think it's going to go one way and then, BAM! the author completely throws you for a most awesome loop. Davis has had a thing for Crew for forever. When he was her brother's best friend. When he moved into their house and become her foster brother. And now, at college, he's been dodging her and she doesn't know why. But Davis has a plan. A plan that includes her cherry for a fully restored, antique truck. What she doesn't know is that Crew has been the man with the plan the entire time, and she's only just pushed up the timetable.
"𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘸-𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦? 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘐 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴' 𝘮𝘢𝘯?"
Aaargh!! This book really was just super sweet and angsty, but not in a bad, overdramatic way, lol. Super well written with lots of twists and turns that keep you on your toes. This is really just the perfect bad boy/good girl story with characters that get you rooting for them early in the game. Davis is really just a nice person who will do anything for the people she loves, and believes the best about them. Crew has led a pretty difficult life, but knows what he has in Davis and will do ANYTHING to keep that girl safe and happy. Just an all around great read that I'd definitely recommend!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes contain spoilers
Trope: brother’s best friend, foster sibling, good girl/bad boy
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Absolutely FLOVED this story! Sweet, emotional, tension filled, and super smexy all rolled into one book ♥️. This is one of those books that you think it's going to go one way and then, BAM! the author completely throws you for a most awesome loop. Davis has had a thing for Crew for forever. When he was her brother's best friend. When he moved into their house and become her foster brother. And now, at college, he's been dodging her and she doesn't know why. But Davis has a plan. A plan that includes her cherry for a fully restored, antique truck. What she doesn't know is that Crew has been the man with the plan the entire time, and she's only just pushed up the timetable.
"𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘸-𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦? 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘐 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴' 𝘮𝘢𝘯?"
Aaargh!! This book really was just super sweet and angsty, but not in a bad, overdramatic way, lol. Super well written with lots of twists and turns that keep you on your toes. This is really just the perfect bad boy/good girl story with characters that get you rooting for them early in the game. Davis is really just a nice person who will do anything for the people she loves, and believes the best about them. Crew has led a pretty difficult life, but knows what he has in Davis and will do ANYTHING to keep that girl safe and happy. Just an all around great read that I'd definitely recommend!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes contain spoilers
April 23, 2024
My problem with this book was the length. There is barely enough plot for a 300 pages book let alone 500!!😵💫 But the spice…Whew!😮💨 the only reason I finished this.
September 28, 2022
Ok this had no business being this long. Honestly, I didn't even finish it. I got as far as 78%. Too repetitive and kind of pointless
Shelved as 'dnf'
September 30, 2022DNF @ 21% - heroine is so cringetastic - the H seems like an uninterested (ing) bump on a log. No chemistry to speak of. This trope is getting on my nerves. I don’t like it when the H tries to teach the h how to be with OM. 🥴
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2022
The only good thing about this book is the cover. This has to be one of the worst books I’ve read all year. The plot was so incredibly thin. I thought it had a fun idea so I decided to give it a go. Firstly, this was just way too long and it was so dragged out. The heroine was so annoying, she kept asking Crew to take her virginity and it was so stupid. She was practically begging him, like get some self respect. The things said about anatomy and the hymen were untrue. The hero was so bland and I hated how he would call the heroine sweets. The writing wasn’t particularly good. There was nothing compelling about the story. It seems like this was written to do well on TikTok because there was no true romance in this book. The things that happened with the heroines brother just felt thrown in there. Crew’s friends were ridiculous. I won’t be reading a book by this author ever again. I really hated it.
September 21, 2022
This is up there for SYS. I'm not even joking, the emotions, the banter, the pure sexual tension that just radiates off the damn page -- omg it was so fucking good. And the love? Oh goodness. I swoon every time one of Meagans heroes refer to their girl as "My baby" and we get that in spades here. Honestly this is just the perfect book and I loved every second of it.
Plus the heat?! GODDAAAAAMMMMMMNNN. I needed dick and a cold shower at the same time.🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
Go one click when this goes live!
**Full RTC
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
Plus the heat?! GODDAAAAAMMMMMMNNN. I needed dick and a cold shower at the same time.🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
Go one click when this goes live!
**Full RTC
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
September 24, 2022
🍬Quirky Heroine
🍬Brothers Ex Best Friend
🍬Found Family
🍬Forbidden
Meagan is that author that has me begging for her stories, and this plot and trope! You always think you have the plot figured out when you see the tropes, and boy are you always wrong. This story is definitely soo different, what started out as your typically Virgin heroine wanted to lose her V Card, turned into so much more.
This story has incredible depth, a way of dragging you in and not letting you get out until the very last page. In some ways it felt like a slower burn for Meagan, there was so much sexual tension, with bits of the dirtiest talk mixed in, I was begging for more throughout the story. Crew is probably one of Meagans hottest Heroes to date. Like definite book boyfriend material. He understand Davis in a way no one else will, and the way he builds her up and created this new found confidence for Davis, was beautiful to see.
Davis, I really did love her. I found her really refreshing. The thing I love most about Meagan, is none of her characters are the same. The heroines aren’t a carbon copy of the next, and Davis was so different then any character I have read so far. She’s outspoken with this innocent naivety about her. She’s the type that is kind to everyone and gives everyone the benefit of the doubt, even if it hurts her in the end. I found a kindred spirit in her in some ways, there were moments she felt so alone, and there’s times where I feel that too. She’s very relatable in many ways, and for that reason I really loved her.
This story will have you in a choke hold waiting for the other shoe to drop. The build up knowing these two have secrets and knowing you will find out the reasons behind their motives throughout the first half of the story, had me on the edge of my seat. This story is emotional at times, angsty, steamy, hilarious and so much more. Meagan has shown time and time again why she will always be one of my favorite authors. I definitely recommend this story.
🍬Brothers Ex Best Friend
🍬Found Family
🍬Forbidden
Meagan is that author that has me begging for her stories, and this plot and trope! You always think you have the plot figured out when you see the tropes, and boy are you always wrong. This story is definitely soo different, what started out as your typically Virgin heroine wanted to lose her V Card, turned into so much more.
This story has incredible depth, a way of dragging you in and not letting you get out until the very last page. In some ways it felt like a slower burn for Meagan, there was so much sexual tension, with bits of the dirtiest talk mixed in, I was begging for more throughout the story. Crew is probably one of Meagans hottest Heroes to date. Like definite book boyfriend material. He understand Davis in a way no one else will, and the way he builds her up and created this new found confidence for Davis, was beautiful to see.
Davis, I really did love her. I found her really refreshing. The thing I love most about Meagan, is none of her characters are the same. The heroines aren’t a carbon copy of the next, and Davis was so different then any character I have read so far. She’s outspoken with this innocent naivety about her. She’s the type that is kind to everyone and gives everyone the benefit of the doubt, even if it hurts her in the end. I found a kindred spirit in her in some ways, there were moments she felt so alone, and there’s times where I feel that too. She’s very relatable in many ways, and for that reason I really loved her.
This story will have you in a choke hold waiting for the other shoe to drop. The build up knowing these two have secrets and knowing you will find out the reasons behind their motives throughout the first half of the story, had me on the edge of my seat. This story is emotional at times, angsty, steamy, hilarious and so much more. Meagan has shown time and time again why she will always be one of my favorite authors. I definitely recommend this story.
September 19, 2022
"He says he won't allow me in his bed... but I wonder what it would take to get him to play in mine for a bit?"
I've enjoyed reading Meagan Brandy's Brayshaw series and I enjoyed this one too! I loved the dynamics that Davis & Crew had. They knew everything about each other and it seemed like three years of distance that Crew put between them didn't mean that they were unaware of each other's life but there's definitely a missing piece to the puzzle that comes into light towards the end. The story has the grit, angst, thrill and some suspense that I liked very much. I fell in love with Davis & Crew. While she was soft, kind and caring and just a ray of sunshine, he was the fierce, broody, strong and grumpy sunshine protector! It was so funny when Crew got jealous because those scenes never failed to amaze me. I loved the side characters (Crew's friends) they were loyal and funny and accepted Davis very quickly into their circle. The ending was so cute and perfect. Needless to say, this book did not disappoint, I couldn't put it down untill I finished it!
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review
I've enjoyed reading Meagan Brandy's Brayshaw series and I enjoyed this one too! I loved the dynamics that Davis & Crew had. They knew everything about each other and it seemed like three years of distance that Crew put between them didn't mean that they were unaware of each other's life but there's definitely a missing piece to the puzzle that comes into light towards the end. The story has the grit, angst, thrill and some suspense that I liked very much. I fell in love with Davis & Crew. While she was soft, kind and caring and just a ray of sunshine, he was the fierce, broody, strong and grumpy sunshine protector! It was so funny when Crew got jealous because those scenes never failed to amaze me. I loved the side characters (Crew's friends) they were loyal and funny and accepted Davis very quickly into their circle. The ending was so cute and perfect. Needless to say, this book did not disappoint, I couldn't put it down untill I finished it!
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review
January 27, 2023
The Deal Dilemma - Meagan Brandy
⭐️⭐️⭐️
“She’s got a sweet tooth she’s looking to satisfy, and in her eyes, I’m candy to be consumed.”
I was lucky enough to receive the ARC of this book and I was super excited after loving Say You Swear so much!
Unfortunately this did not hit the mark for me. I feel like for the length of this book the main plot was fine if that was all, but the sub plot was supposed to be the reason Crew was hesitant in the first place and once it came to light we were already 3/4 of the book in and everything just happened all at once.
The ending for me was kind of out of left field and slightly unbelievable for me. For example at the end Crew makes a life changing choice for himself that was in no way referenced prior to that moment. It felt undeveloped for the story and just thrown in.
I wanted to love this so much because Meagan is such a great story teller.
With all of that being said!! The spice was 😘 Crew had a mouth on him and the chemistry between him and Davis was what made the book readable for me.
“I want to catch her. Keep her. Punish her, oh so fucking good.”
***ARC provided by Wildflower Marketing Solutions***
⭐️⭐️⭐️
“She’s got a sweet tooth she’s looking to satisfy, and in her eyes, I’m candy to be consumed.”
I was lucky enough to receive the ARC of this book and I was super excited after loving Say You Swear so much!
Unfortunately this did not hit the mark for me. I feel like for the length of this book the main plot was fine if that was all, but the sub plot was supposed to be the reason Crew was hesitant in the first place and once it came to light we were already 3/4 of the book in and everything just happened all at once.
The ending for me was kind of out of left field and slightly unbelievable for me. For example at the end Crew makes a life changing choice for himself that was in no way referenced prior to that moment. It felt undeveloped for the story and just thrown in.
I wanted to love this so much because Meagan is such a great story teller.
With all of that being said!! The spice was 😘 Crew had a mouth on him and the chemistry between him and Davis was what made the book readable for me.
“I want to catch her. Keep her. Punish her, oh so fucking good.”
***ARC provided by Wildflower Marketing Solutions***
November 25, 2022
4.5 stars
I didn’t expect to love this as much as I did, but I really did. You cannot go wrong with a brother’s best friend romance and then you throw in the quirky girl with the bad boy who strikes up a deal to lose it? A true win win.
But what I love about this is how possessive he is, how much he LOVES her and how deep down he truly is nothing of a bad boy and everything of boy who is so good and so in love with her.
This could’ve been five stars but the last 10% seemed rushed but truly sensational.
I didn’t expect to love this as much as I did, but I really did. You cannot go wrong with a brother’s best friend romance and then you throw in the quirky girl with the bad boy who strikes up a deal to lose it? A true win win.
But what I love about this is how possessive he is, how much he LOVES her and how deep down he truly is nothing of a bad boy and everything of boy who is so good and so in love with her.
This could’ve been five stars but the last 10% seemed rushed but truly sensational.
September 27, 2022
the last 25% made no sense… MEAGAN UR BETTER THAN THIS
September 30, 2022
If you adored this book, feel free to move along. But I have a few things I want to call out about the content of this story. I want to be clear, I DNF at the 25% mark, so I am not a reliable source for the remainder of the story. But here is why I DNF.
I want to start by saying I adored Say You Swear. Like, obsessed. But this book really rubbed me the wrong way.
What should have come off as quirky / funny felt...wrong to me.
1. Davis felt almost infantilized
- why is she wearing a candy necklace in college?
- drinking Hershey's strawberry syrup with milk in the mornings
- Willy Wonka doormat
- Cherry hair clips
- "So I start toward one of my favorite places on Earth. 7-Eleven." BFFR. One of your fav places on earth is 7-Eleven?!?!
2. pub1c hair shaming
"If I pull down your mom jeans, are you going to have braids sticking out of your granny panties?"
I understand that this was written this way because we're meant to see Davis as naive and not dressed fashionably, but it just came off like shaming her for having pub1c hair. I hate that! Not all men care. It's a woman's decision. And reading this just gave me the ick.
3."It's the ones who don't try for the attention who end up earning it."
I cannot STAND this in books. We get it, not every girl wants to be the certain of attention. Lord knows I'm like that!! But whenever I see this it just feels like it's encouraging this idea that men will find women attractive if they don't want to be noticed. Like if they were confident and seeking attention it would be unattractive? I don't necessarily think that's what the author was purposely trying to say, I just think this mindset ends up coming off that way anyways.
4. And downright bizarre:
- Davis walks into a party that Crew invites her to and meets a new, very attractive friend of his, and thhis was the initial convo:
"I'm Julius."
"I'm a virgin."
His eyes go wide.
Mine go wider"
Funny, yes. But not funny haha, funny weird.
5. Crew was over-s3xualized
- Lines like, "Yeah, he's textbook 'take me to bed,' as the headline would read if you opened a book cataloging men and the thoughts they induce on sight. He'd be the first photo featured." made me feel like Crew was reduced to a s3x object. She treated him like a s3x object.
- She felt that she had to CONVINCE him to take her V💳. She wrote a persuasive essay. I've read this kind of trope in other books but have NEVER felt like she was almost coercing him into it?
- There is an actual conversation between them when she's trying to convince him to agree to take her V💳 where in addition to the persuasive essay she writes, she tries to bribe him with her brother, and his best friends, truck that seems to hold major sentimental value for them both. The conversation goes like this:
"This is kind of fucked up." I nod toward the folded paper. "You're trying to back me into a corner."
"I know," she admits in a whisper. "But I only raised Thor's hammer after you have me the here goes delusional Davis look."
"You had it ready, Davis. An essay and this. Why?"
"Because I know you," she mutters. "And I knew you'd need something worth your while to...touch me."
Okay, look. We've had SO MANY conversations about consent in recent years. And this feels like the opposite of what we're trying to say. This is a girl who has to CONVINCE a man into the bedroom with her. And he says no and she tries to bribe him...like... ???
It's a plot I've read many times before and none have ever felt so coerced and wrong!!!
I want to start by saying I adored Say You Swear. Like, obsessed. But this book really rubbed me the wrong way.
What should have come off as quirky / funny felt...wrong to me.
1. Davis felt almost infantilized
- why is she wearing a candy necklace in college?
- drinking Hershey's strawberry syrup with milk in the mornings
- Willy Wonka doormat
- Cherry hair clips
- "So I start toward one of my favorite places on Earth. 7-Eleven." BFFR. One of your fav places on earth is 7-Eleven?!?!
2. pub1c hair shaming
"If I pull down your mom jeans, are you going to have braids sticking out of your granny panties?"
I understand that this was written this way because we're meant to see Davis as naive and not dressed fashionably, but it just came off like shaming her for having pub1c hair. I hate that! Not all men care. It's a woman's decision. And reading this just gave me the ick.
3."It's the ones who don't try for the attention who end up earning it."
I cannot STAND this in books. We get it, not every girl wants to be the certain of attention. Lord knows I'm like that!! But whenever I see this it just feels like it's encouraging this idea that men will find women attractive if they don't want to be noticed. Like if they were confident and seeking attention it would be unattractive? I don't necessarily think that's what the author was purposely trying to say, I just think this mindset ends up coming off that way anyways.
4. And downright bizarre:
- Davis walks into a party that Crew invites her to and meets a new, very attractive friend of his, and thhis was the initial convo:
"I'm Julius."
"I'm a virgin."
His eyes go wide.
Mine go wider"
Funny, yes. But not funny haha, funny weird.
5. Crew was over-s3xualized
- Lines like, "Yeah, he's textbook 'take me to bed,' as the headline would read if you opened a book cataloging men and the thoughts they induce on sight. He'd be the first photo featured." made me feel like Crew was reduced to a s3x object. She treated him like a s3x object.
- She felt that she had to CONVINCE him to take her V💳. She wrote a persuasive essay. I've read this kind of trope in other books but have NEVER felt like she was almost coercing him into it?
- There is an actual conversation between them when she's trying to convince him to agree to take her V💳 where in addition to the persuasive essay she writes, she tries to bribe him with her brother, and his best friends, truck that seems to hold major sentimental value for them both. The conversation goes like this:
"This is kind of fucked up." I nod toward the folded paper. "You're trying to back me into a corner."
"I know," she admits in a whisper. "But I only raised Thor's hammer after you have me the here goes delusional Davis look."
"You had it ready, Davis. An essay and this. Why?"
"Because I know you," she mutters. "And I knew you'd need something worth your while to...touch me."
Okay, look. We've had SO MANY conversations about consent in recent years. And this feels like the opposite of what we're trying to say. This is a girl who has to CONVINCE a man into the bedroom with her. And he says no and she tries to bribe him...like... ???
It's a plot I've read many times before and none have ever felt so coerced and wrong!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
Tropes:
- brother’s best friend
- second chance, kinda
- virgin
- good girl/bad boy
I know I say this about pretty much every MB MMC ever, but Crew Taylor is god tier book boyfriend status. Everything this man gave up, every secret he kept, every plan for his future... EVERYTHING was for Davis, and his love was always unfaltering. *swoon*
I went into The Deal Dilemma expecting another brother's best friend takes my virginity type book, something super fluffy and full of smut... In some ways, yes, this is exactly that, but TDD is so much deeper and came with an unexpected heaviness.
Just read it!
Tropes:
- brother’s best friend
- second chance, kinda
- virgin
- good girl/bad boy
I know I say this about pretty much every MB MMC ever, but Crew Taylor is god tier book boyfriend status. Everything this man gave up, every secret he kept, every plan for his future... EVERYTHING was for Davis, and his love was always unfaltering. *swoon*
I went into The Deal Dilemma expecting another brother's best friend takes my virginity type book, something super fluffy and full of smut... In some ways, yes, this is exactly that, but TDD is so much deeper and came with an unexpected heaviness.
Just read it!
September 28, 2022
Wasn’t as good as I had hoped. Stopped at 70% ish. May be other people’s vibe.
September 6, 2023
Meagan is the kind of author that when you finish one of her books, you immediately want to read it again. The effortless way you fall into her stories utterly entranced, utterly intoxicated is the mark of a truly talented writer. I knew that this book was going to be no different. And I was right, the minute I finished I immediately had to do a reread just in case I missed something. I needed to relive every moment, every touch, every word over again because I did not want to leave these characters.
Davis is this beautifully sweet and kind person. She’s so smart and determined with these adorable little quirks that you can’t help but fall in love with. This girl is the epitome of the girl next door. Her innocence and pure heart bleed from the pages and just pour this warmth onto you. But she’s not a push over she’s adorably naïve but not in a way that’s annoying she just genuinely doesn’t realize the draw that she has.
Crew, Crew, Crew oh lordy this man and his wickedly dirty mouth. Seriously, panties will be combusting everywhere. I cannot get enough of him. The way he goes caveman on Davis multiple times without a smidge of hesitation left me with a permanent smile on my face. I’m pretty sure I squealed multiple times while reading and in the most embarrassing of ways, but you know what, I can’t wait to do it again. I died for this man, the way that he builds himself up by pure will and resilience, forging a path that he wants that he could be proud of, made my heart and soul ache.
Meagan never fails to write stories that will live with you long after you’ve finished. The character’s chip away at your very marrow imbedding themselves inside you. This is one reason why she will always be a one-click author for me.
Voluntarily Review an Advanced Complimentary Copy
Davis is this beautifully sweet and kind person. She’s so smart and determined with these adorable little quirks that you can’t help but fall in love with. This girl is the epitome of the girl next door. Her innocence and pure heart bleed from the pages and just pour this warmth onto you. But she’s not a push over she’s adorably naïve but not in a way that’s annoying she just genuinely doesn’t realize the draw that she has.
Crew, Crew, Crew oh lordy this man and his wickedly dirty mouth. Seriously, panties will be combusting everywhere. I cannot get enough of him. The way he goes caveman on Davis multiple times without a smidge of hesitation left me with a permanent smile on my face. I’m pretty sure I squealed multiple times while reading and in the most embarrassing of ways, but you know what, I can’t wait to do it again. I died for this man, the way that he builds himself up by pure will and resilience, forging a path that he wants that he could be proud of, made my heart and soul ache.
Meagan never fails to write stories that will live with you long after you’ve finished. The character’s chip away at your very marrow imbedding themselves inside you. This is one reason why she will always be a one-click author for me.
Voluntarily Review an Advanced Complimentary Copy
September 21, 2022
The opening chapter was going along sweetly with Franco "Sweet" pining for her brother's best friend and her crush.. I'm thinking she's adorable & he's obviously hung the moon for her cause I wonder why crew can't see she is all heart eyes for him every time he deigns a glance in her direction.
Ohhhh but he's aware. He wants her but her family took him in, fostered him. This is forbidden and has mega disaster written all over it.
Then she offers him a Deal
Cherry in exchange for red half ton
Ooooh boy.
The heat, push & pull, head and heart war starts from here.
Try as he might he can't look away, she's persistently seductive and as is predicted, situation implodes.
Nice writing, good characters, pleasurable read
4 stars
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Ohhhh but he's aware. He wants her but her family took him in, fostered him. This is forbidden and has mega disaster written all over it.
Then she offers him a Deal
Cherry in exchange for red half ton
Ooooh boy.
The heat, push & pull, head and heart war starts from here.
Try as he might he can't look away, she's persistently seductive and as is predicted, situation implodes.
Nice writing, good characters, pleasurable read
4 stars
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
September 20, 2022
HOLY FUCKIN’ SPICE BATMAN 🥵
I’m not ashamed to say I’ve highlighted almost the whole book 😅😅
As always Meagan killed it. You know she loves to throw us curveballs and twists tropes around like no other, which is why she is one of my favorite authors.
Davis is absolutely hysterical. Crew is hot AF and his mouth is OFF THE CHARTS. I loved their story and I fell in love with the side characters so incredibly much (here’s to hoping we get X’s story at some point! 🤞🏼)
I won’t tell y’all a thing about it, aside from go and read it as soon as it comes out. But just warning y’all, this if by far Meagans spiciest book yet!!
I’m not ashamed to say I’ve highlighted almost the whole book 😅😅
As always Meagan killed it. You know she loves to throw us curveballs and twists tropes around like no other, which is why she is one of my favorite authors.
Davis is absolutely hysterical. Crew is hot AF and his mouth is OFF THE CHARTS. I loved their story and I fell in love with the side characters so incredibly much (here’s to hoping we get X’s story at some point! 🤞🏼)
I won’t tell y’all a thing about it, aside from go and read it as soon as it comes out. But just warning y’all, this if by far Meagans spiciest book yet!!
October 4, 2022
4.5 ✨
I’m rounding up to 5 bc I liked all the side characters.. except Memphis lmao
Anyway, this author is typically a 4 or 5 star read. I think there was 1 book she wrote that I didn’t really enjoy. But otherwise, basically everything she writes is really good.
Very enjoyable read overall, the story is good. The romance is there, you can tell they actually have a connection. If you’re really into the jealous “touch her and I’ll kill you” trope this is a good read for you.
I’m rounding up to 5 bc I liked all the side characters.. except Memphis lmao
Anyway, this author is typically a 4 or 5 star read. I think there was 1 book she wrote that I didn’t really enjoy. But otherwise, basically everything she writes is really good.
Very enjoyable read overall, the story is good. The romance is there, you can tell they actually have a connection. If you’re really into the jealous “touch her and I’ll kill you” trope this is a good read for you.
January 23, 2023
Honestly, I already expected to love this book!
You just can't go wrong with a brother’s best friend, second chance, and an MMC absolutely enamored with the FMC. Then you add the inexperienced good girl-trope who wants the broody bad boy to help her lose her V-card and give her ✨lessons✨? A banger.
Not only did I love the MCs and their chemistry and interactions, but I also loved the side characters and the found-family feeling they gave me.
Crew motherfreaking Taylor, people! Crew did everything for Davis, and I loved him for it. Davis was a lovable, quirky FMC who was pining after Crew for ages. Her candy addiction was cute AF.
The only reason this wasn't a five-star read were the last 10% of the book. The ending seemed rushed and over-dramatic, and I couldn't understand the actions of some characters .
The deal dilemma took elements I love and put its own spin on them. I definitely want to read more Meagan Brandy!
🗂Genre: Contemporary Romance
📕Type: Standalone
🏷Tropes:
- Brother’s Ex Best Friend & former foster brother
- Pining
- Unrequited love
- Second chance
- Adorkable FMC
- Broody FMC
- Spice
- And they were roommates
⚠️Safety: no cheating, no owd, slight omd, alcohol abuse & gambling (not MCs), toxic family relatives, fighting
📖Audiobook: 1st person, Dual POV (Sebastian York & Savannah Peachwood)
You just can't go wrong with a brother’s best friend, second chance, and an MMC absolutely enamored with the FMC. Then you add the inexperienced good girl-trope who wants the broody bad boy to help her lose her V-card and give her ✨lessons✨? A banger.
Not only did I love the MCs and their chemistry and interactions, but I also loved the side characters and the found-family feeling they gave me.
Crew motherfreaking Taylor, people! Crew did everything for Davis, and I loved him for it. Davis was a lovable, quirky FMC who was pining after Crew for ages. Her candy addiction was cute AF.
The only reason this wasn't a five-star read were the last 10% of the book. The ending seemed rushed and over-dramatic, and I couldn't understand the actions of some characters .
The deal dilemma took elements I love and put its own spin on them. I definitely want to read more Meagan Brandy!
🗂Genre: Contemporary Romance
📕Type: Standalone
🏷Tropes:
- Brother’s Ex Best Friend & former foster brother
- Pining
- Unrequited love
- Second chance
- Adorkable FMC
- Broody FMC
- Spice
- And they were roommates
⚠️Safety: no cheating, no owd, slight omd, alcohol abuse & gambling (not MCs), toxic family relatives, fighting
📖Audiobook: 1st person, Dual POV (Sebastian York & Savannah Peachwood)
September 24, 2022
Meagan Brandy is queen of “all will be revealed in good time”. OMG her writing style is why I always feel the need to devour her books. I always know going in I am missing important pieces of the story.
I love that Crew and Davis knew each other as children. How Crew winds up coming to live with her will break you heart.
Davis is the best character. I love her quirky brilliance and often naive nature. I will admit “pure” characters often get an eye roll from me but this one is done well.
The first part of this book is one big tease. Will they or won’t they? Holy Hotness… can these two heat up the paper with all their back and forth? Can you say smexy?
That isn’t all the book is. The later part had me on the edge of seat. It deals with even more hard hitting topics. So yep, buckle up and hang on. Eek.
Happy Reading Everyone!
I love that Crew and Davis knew each other as children. How Crew winds up coming to live with her will break you heart.
Davis is the best character. I love her quirky brilliance and often naive nature. I will admit “pure” characters often get an eye roll from me but this one is done well.
The first part of this book is one big tease. Will they or won’t they? Holy Hotness… can these two heat up the paper with all their back and forth? Can you say smexy?
That isn’t all the book is. The later part had me on the edge of seat. It deals with even more hard hitting topics. So yep, buckle up and hang on. Eek.
Happy Reading Everyone!
September 23, 2022
“I loved you when I shouldn’t have, and I’ve loved you every day since.”
The Deal Dilemma is the newest standalone by Meagan Brandy. Following Davis and Crew. Crew Taylor, is Davis’ brothers ex best friend, turned foster brother. We have all the tropes with this book. Virgin heroine, forced proximity, grumpy/ sunshine, slow burn. The list goes on.
“He’s my favorite everything.”
I found that the start of the book dragged a little for me and it took me a little while to get into it but Once the drama started happening though, I couldn’t put the book down. I absolutely adored the side characters and the found family relationship between them all. I really hope we get to see books for them all.
The Deal Dilemma is the newest standalone by Meagan Brandy. Following Davis and Crew. Crew Taylor, is Davis’ brothers ex best friend, turned foster brother. We have all the tropes with this book. Virgin heroine, forced proximity, grumpy/ sunshine, slow burn. The list goes on.
“He’s my favorite everything.”
I found that the start of the book dragged a little for me and it took me a little while to get into it but Once the drama started happening though, I couldn’t put the book down. I absolutely adored the side characters and the found family relationship between them all. I really hope we get to see books for them all.
September 18, 2022
I received an ARC and like always Meagan ruined me in the best possible way! I devoured this book and I couldn’t put it down. The story came together perfectly and crew and Davis were perfect together! Crew is definitely one of my top favorite characters from Meagan and my heart ached terribly for him but he was something else in the best way possible. He is definitely book husband materia. And Davis what can I say she stole my heart she’s the sweet quirky girl and I loved her! If you like a possessive alpha male then this is your book! I can’t really say much more without giving the story away but this is one where you should go in blind. Just start reading and let the story make you feel everything. I cried, I laughed, I loved, and I felt those freaking butterflies in my stomach as if I were the one who was living all those things lol 😂 the power of a book! Enjoy it!
September 26, 2022
I love Meagan Brandy's work and after reading Say you Swear which is one of my top fav books, I was a bit disappointed in this one. I just didn't care for it and I can't exactly pinpoint it. I can say that this book could have been shorter. I pretty much stopped reading and skimmed at 80%.
I'll continue to one-click Meagan's books but this one was a no for me. I appreciate the arc copy though!
I'll continue to one-click Meagan's books but this one was a no for me. I appreciate the arc copy though!
November 4, 2022
Hands down, this is my favourite of Meagan Brandy's books.
September 24, 2022
ALL THE ANGST AND LONGING! This book had tropes that I adore written all over it- and it was OH so yummy! Brother’s best friend (or ex best friend), forbidden, quirky heroine and the bad boy, and a cherry popping quest. The burn on this one is a bit slower than I’m used to with Meagan, for obvious reasons- the Deal Dilemma is all about the sexual tension, the build up and angst- the PUSH and PULL. And holy moly the push-pull was dynamic. Cyclical and perhaps even repetitive towards the end, but captivating nonetheless- Crew does not cave easily- and the linger smoldering longing between them gives us time and space to really delve deeply into their chemistry and their history, finding out the layers and nuances to their longing, the depths of their feelings, and just how swoony bad boy Crew is underneath his indifferent bravado.
I really really loved this couple- their relationship has so many layers, and I simply loved the opposites attract dynamic. There’s angst, there’s drama, but there is also so much tenderness between them. The romantic part of this story is just so very sweet- it’s gentle, adorable, and OH SO SWOONY. And I loved both of our characters. Davis is a unique and lovable Brandy heroine- she’s openly vulnerable, honest, endearingly earnest. And she’s also quirky and adorkable- her frequent foot in her mouth and lack of filter had me cackling on more than one occasion. But most of all I love her optimistic and gentle heart- she loves hard, she loves openly, and she loves compassionately, and I just adored her goodness. While I don't want to reveal too many plot elements, I loved her the most with how she carries herself in some of the complications in the ending. Not only is it a fun surprise to see tropey obstacles be thwarted with open communication and honesty- it’s so refreshing- but I also adored how loyal and mature she is in the face of real pain and confusion. I just adored her. And Crew- OMG. He’s a classic Brandy hero- and I’m here for it. Seemingly detached, alpha, and arrogant, he’s just a big ole swoon fest underneath it all. He’s thoughtful, possessive, protective, and caring. But he’s also a man with secrets. With every passing page I fell more in love with him. He’s ridiculously delicious. I loved their friendship, how they support each other- and the STEAM! Holy smokes- pretty sure this is Meagan Brandy’s hottest book.
Their relationship is definitely slower to progress- and we spend a lot of time in a static phase of Davis trying to strike a deal and Crew resisting. I did chafe a bit with the pace- mostly because I was so desperate to see these two fall into each other. We also have quite a few secondary characters jumping in, and then later on a secondary plotline that I didn’t quite expect that felt a bit off proportion pacewise with the rest of the story- a bit rushed and resolved too easily. But, even though the plot progression may not have been perfect, I did really enjoy the relationship- it’s the star, and I loved them so much that that outshine any squabbles I had with pacing. (and truth be told, Meagan’s stories often have a slower start and a fast finish- a narrow crescendo that expands quickly at the end. But when the chemistry is there, the crescendo is worth it- which I felt here). The couple itself sparkles brightly- and that’s the heart and soul of the story.
I’m loving the more swoony and emotionally rich side of Meagan- first love angst, tender connections, and endearing characters!
I really really loved this couple- their relationship has so many layers, and I simply loved the opposites attract dynamic. There’s angst, there’s drama, but there is also so much tenderness between them. The romantic part of this story is just so very sweet- it’s gentle, adorable, and OH SO SWOONY. And I loved both of our characters. Davis is a unique and lovable Brandy heroine- she’s openly vulnerable, honest, endearingly earnest. And she’s also quirky and adorkable- her frequent foot in her mouth and lack of filter had me cackling on more than one occasion. But most of all I love her optimistic and gentle heart- she loves hard, she loves openly, and she loves compassionately, and I just adored her goodness. While I don't want to reveal too many plot elements, I loved her the most with how she carries herself in some of the complications in the ending. Not only is it a fun surprise to see tropey obstacles be thwarted with open communication and honesty- it’s so refreshing- but I also adored how loyal and mature she is in the face of real pain and confusion. I just adored her. And Crew- OMG. He’s a classic Brandy hero- and I’m here for it. Seemingly detached, alpha, and arrogant, he’s just a big ole swoon fest underneath it all. He’s thoughtful, possessive, protective, and caring. But he’s also a man with secrets. With every passing page I fell more in love with him. He’s ridiculously delicious. I loved their friendship, how they support each other- and the STEAM! Holy smokes- pretty sure this is Meagan Brandy’s hottest book.
Their relationship is definitely slower to progress- and we spend a lot of time in a static phase of Davis trying to strike a deal and Crew resisting. I did chafe a bit with the pace- mostly because I was so desperate to see these two fall into each other. We also have quite a few secondary characters jumping in, and then later on a secondary plotline that I didn’t quite expect that felt a bit off proportion pacewise with the rest of the story- a bit rushed and resolved too easily. But, even though the plot progression may not have been perfect, I did really enjoy the relationship- it’s the star, and I loved them so much that that outshine any squabbles I had with pacing. (and truth be told, Meagan’s stories often have a slower start and a fast finish- a narrow crescendo that expands quickly at the end. But when the chemistry is there, the crescendo is worth it- which I felt here). The couple itself sparkles brightly- and that’s the heart and soul of the story.
I’m loving the more swoony and emotionally rich side of Meagan- first love angst, tender connections, and endearing characters!
March 6, 2024
There were definitely some major red flags from the MMC and the FMC was sooo naive and cringey but I ate this shit up. It was just what I needed and idk if I’ll ever read it again because the last 15% was soo unnecessary. but I still loved it and if I reread it tbh I probably wouldn’t :)
September 23, 2022
First things first -- SPICE !!! God the spice! This book certainly delivered on the angst and spice.
Davis is a virgin.
Crew is her brothers best friend.
Second chance trope.
Family struggles.
Davis sparks a deal with Crew that in exchange for taking her virginity, he gets something. Years ago, they exchanged a kiss. Her first kiss. One she never forgot. There is no one else in the world she wants to take her virginity than him. He's reluctant and instead offers her lessons for how to get a man. But he turns POSSESSIVE and wont allow another man to touch her.
Meagan brandy is an auto-buy author for me. This book won't change that for me. I promise. And my honest review is that i didn't absolutely love this one. The last 40% of the book did it for me though. I enjoyed the drama and the excitement that happened then. The beginning was slower for me. With that being said, i did enjoy the spice and the rest of the story line for the most part. This WILL IN NO WAY, stop me from reading anything by her. In fact so much of her stuff is still on my TBR and i fully intend to read it. Say You Swear is still and will forever be a top 3 book of the year for me. Up there with Boys of Brayshaw high on the list of favorite books of the year.
Thank you Wildflower Marking for allowing me to review this early in exchange for an honest review.
Davis is a virgin.
Crew is her brothers best friend.
Second chance trope.
Family struggles.
Davis sparks a deal with Crew that in exchange for taking her virginity, he gets something. Years ago, they exchanged a kiss. Her first kiss. One she never forgot. There is no one else in the world she wants to take her virginity than him. He's reluctant and instead offers her lessons for how to get a man. But he turns POSSESSIVE and wont allow another man to touch her.
Meagan brandy is an auto-buy author for me. This book won't change that for me. I promise. And my honest review is that i didn't absolutely love this one. The last 40% of the book did it for me though. I enjoyed the drama and the excitement that happened then. The beginning was slower for me. With that being said, i did enjoy the spice and the rest of the story line for the most part. This WILL IN NO WAY, stop me from reading anything by her. In fact so much of her stuff is still on my TBR and i fully intend to read it. Say You Swear is still and will forever be a top 3 book of the year for me. Up there with Boys of Brayshaw high on the list of favorite books of the year.
Thank you Wildflower Marking for allowing me to review this early in exchange for an honest review.
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