If you thought the era of modern Shakespeare adaptations peaked with 10 Things I Hate About You or last year's Anyone But You, think again. Audible is about to drop a fresh, beach-ready rom-com that puts a contemporary spin on the Bard's Love's Labour's Lost. Titled The Summer Oath, this Audible Original audiobook stars Maya Hawke and KJ Apa in a story that's equal parts witty, swoony, and sun-drenched.
Written by Claire Friedman, The Summer Oath follows Livia Gaines (Hawke), a writer who swears off romance after a painful breakup. Her publisher sends her to a Hamptons house to focus on her manuscript, but her friends Zara (Ego Nwodim) and Eloise (Milly Alcock) tag along. Things get complicated when a divorced couple's social circle collides with theirs—and Livia comes face-to-face with her college crush, Ezra Keats (Apa).
In our exclusive sneak peek, listeners hear the first awkward reunion between Livia and Ezra after seven years apart. Narrated by Hawke's Livia, the clip reveals her inner turmoil: she used to dodge Ezra's study invites because she thought he was trying to one-up her academically, but now she admits she's spent way more time daydreaming about him than she'd ever confess aloud.
The full-cast production also features Milly Alcock, Alexandra Shipp, Gavin Casalegno, and Peri Gilpin, making it a star-studded listen perfect for summer road trips or lazy beach days.
A Modern Shakespeare Revival
Shakespeare's comedies have long inspired Hollywood, from She's the Man to Get Over It. The trend saw a major resurgence with Anyone But You, which adapted Much Ado About Nothing for a new generation. The Summer Oath continues that tradition by giving Love's Labour's Lost a Hamptons makeover—think sun, sand, and simmering tension.
For fans of slow-burn romance and witty banter, this audiobook promises all the charm of a classic rom-com with a literary twist. And if you're craving more modern Shakespeare adaptations, you might also enjoy our piece on Prime Video's 'Seeking Persephone', a Regency-era slow burn that Bridgerton fans will adore.
The Summer Oath drops on Audible on April 30. Pre-order now to get an early earful, and in the meantime, maybe it's time for a 10 Things I Hate About You rewatch?
