The Summer of Broken Rules: A Young Adult Heartfelt Summer Romance

The summer of broken rules by K.L. Walther is a fantastic summer romance read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I love the main characters, and I adore the plot. The way they all play the game of assassins was hilarious and heartwarming. The family vacation setting was also cute. Plus, it deals with grief, which makes it emotional but handled well. The book is full of great energy and some shocking turns. I also love the use of some of my favorite Taylor Swift songs, which made the book even more special. I couldn’t get enough of Meredith and Wit’s story. What a wonderful journey they went on! I couldn’t stop reading this book; it was so good. What a great five-star read!

This was a cute romcom and yet such a tear jerker. A grieving twin goes to her family island for a wedding. In her memory they play a game called assassin which helps the grieving twin comes to terms with what happens and to make amends with her friends and family. This book is extremely slow and kinda repetitive. It's a comfy read. It wasn't amazing, but a good read overall. The author did great when it came to the toxic ex. She didn't make it a reoccurring thing throughout the book and she also made it so that the MC could say her peace, block him, and then move on in a healthy manner. She gave the character self respect and courage which is what so many authors don't give their female nowadays. It's a great example for any young woman reading. I don't know why there is a description of a Taylor Swift type book. Her music is mentioned maybe a handful of times throughout the book. Seems more of a tactic to sell copies and make money off of the singer than anything else. No Spice - Great for Middle school or older

This is a great book and the cover feels really really nice. However, it is extremely predictable and I think it is more geared towards teen readers. It says a romance, but there is no smut involved, which I don’t really mind because I’m not super into smut however, it’s just not what I was expecting for the hype that was involved with it. The characters involved are very over reiterated and it just gets a little old after a while but the book is very well written, and its cover definitely feels super nice (soft) and the pages are very beautiful.

Star Rating: —> 5 Stars Ahhh! You're telling me that there was a YA contemporary rom-com that actually lived up to my massive expectations/ absolute NEEDS?! WOOHOO! If you're looking for something that has a sugary sweet, with depth in flavor like a well made a sea salt caramel cupcake vibe... look no further ! This may (WILL DEFINITELY) fill the craving that you're having, because I swear there is a science that lies behind these types of super successful (IMO) rom-coms, but it also felt like it went one step further for me (which is saying A LOT), & felt so ultimately authentic & real, as well! ***drumroll please!!!*** THE SUMMER OF BROKEN RULES IS A WINNER, GUYS! It truly FEELS like K.L. Walther bottled up summer, used a water gun to spritz/soak each page with it, and then finally let it dry onto the pages of her book! I mean, is it REALLY too great a set of expectations for a YA rom-com to be/have (everything this book is): – actually laugh out loud funny at all the right times – smiles or happy tears most of the rest of the way – emotional & relatable especially if there's been a traumatic event (there has been, in this book 🥺) – golden WIT—lots of it... gotta love that back & forth & the chemistry it creates(!) – filled with juuust the right amount of romance that makes your heart swoon & swoon & swoon some more (either slow burn or even insta-love as long as it works & makes sense to the story, idc) – amazing family and/or friend dynamics, – diversity – in a fun setting/ have a fun premise – a fabulous either HEA/HFN ending that makes you happy AF & feel like you're floating ANDDDDD – just an absolute blast to read the whole way through?!? Okay it kind of is a big ask there😅, but this book truly has it ALL. All o' the above, my friends! So let's talk the main character, MER & the love interest/ main supporting character, WIT ('Cause I can't help it if you look like an angel, can't help it if I want to kiss you in the rain, so... ' #swiftieeeees where you at?!) THEY ARE SO FREAKING SWEET & PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER! I was smiling at every encounter, it was love at first kick in the face, for me ;) ! I just wanted moremoremore at all times, and I def got what I came for ! :)) WOOOO #HITCHMETOWITRY! ;););) The Fox family is truly THE BESTTTTTT. Their dynamic holds the bindings of this book together! It's just EVERYTHING! Every character has their quirks & I loved them all; they are all also so real & relatable! This book just had me sittin' happy with a huge grin on my face the entire time I read it & well after, and happy with sappy tears available at any given moment, for any & every little cute thing (that's just who I am, okay?! Don't judge me!). I honestly ADORED & LOVED every moment of this novel! It is just SUCH a FUNNNN read! Also, the author is a swiftie soooo... yes, you heard it here, there are a few fun passing refs, and one big nod! So basically... that's just like the cherry on top for me! The author ALSO just has wonderful taste in music in general (I repeat: SWIFTIE IN THE HOUSEEEE, so duhhh), & created a Spotify playlist for this book that is just freaking BEYOND SPOT ON, & is aptly titled the same as the book. :) You can find said accompanying Spotify playlist HEREEE: The Summer Of Broken Rules Official Playlist EVERY single song & the culmination of said songs honestly made the reading experience just PERFECTION— rom-com NIRVANAAA. I loved it SO much. If you have to (or just like to) listen to music while reading like I do, I am so happy you will get to experience this treat while reading, it's like pairing the perfect wine to go with each course of a long, fancy schmancy, DELICIOUS, meal! It's an experience! I truly just loved this book SODAMNMUCH!! I had to get the word out there, so you all can have the BLASTTT that I had while reading this! ** Really quickly though I want to mention— TW// Death of a family member ** I wholeheartedly recommend this book & its antics to anyone & everyone! It is so much fun, & just so, so adorable, but also SO REALLLL!

This is the perfect beach read or if it’s winter when you read it, like I did, it’s perfect to ride out a cold. It’s light, lovely and fun without a lot of big ideas to ponder. Not to say its examination of grief isn’t true, but the story doesn’t get weighed down by sadness. Structured over a week with each day its own section, this book is easy to pick up and put down. There are a lot of characters and even a family map of the bride’s family at the front. I could’ve used one for the groom’s family as well but eventually I just gave up worrying about who was who and just focused on the romance plot. This book is enjoyable and a perfect frothy story for when you want to take a breather from more weighty matters.

K.L. Walther's "The Summer of Broken Rules" is a delightful coming-of-age story that beautifully intertwines themes of loss, love, and the power of family traditions. I was immediately drawn into Meredith's emotional journey as she grapples with the heavy weight of her sister Claire's absence while trying to reconnect with the world around her. The setting of Martha’s Vineyard adds a charming backdrop to the family wedding and the lively game of assassin, making it the perfect playground for both fun and self-discovery. Meredith’s alliance with the charming groomsman brings a delightful romantic tension that kept me invested, rooting for them to navigate their feelings amidst the playful chaos. Walther's writing strikes a lovely balance between humor and heart, capturing the essence of summer while delivering poignant moments of reflection. "The Summer of Broken Rules" is a touching tribute to the bonds of family and the healing power of love, making it a must-read for fans of heartfelt young adult fiction. Highly recommended!

This was the perfect end of summer read for me! The NOSTALGIA was breath taking! Highly recommend this book for Young adult all the way to Adult readers. I think you'll enjoy this book thoroughly if you knowingly go into the book knowing it is YA and does not have the adult spice that some prefer. Let the nostalgia engulf you and the pages nearly turn themselves. My ratings: 4.5/5 stars 0.5/5 spice (more romantic tension than spice) This book centers around Meredith and Wit, who an had instant connection. One that runs deeper than just the week longer summer trip at the Vineyard. Even though Meredith made some personal and some unspoken rules for herself, Whit seems to be a big part of how and why she breaks these so called rules. K.L. Walther, found a way to put nostalgia into words and make all the emotions of my childhood come rushing back. Not only nostalgia that one may have experienced but also the hopes and dreams some wished for and longed to find with family, friends and a special someone. This book deals with the residual effects of death and the trauma that comes with it, it has hilarious banter between characters of all ages, and it undeniably expresses the found family vibes. I embarked myself in a journey filled with the nostalgia when reading this book. I acknowledged that it gave that large family dynamic and ever seeking welcoming warmth most people yearn for. The author found a way to capture my attention and I deeply felt the sorrow and sadness when moments of death and trauma are discussed, I found myself laughing until tears bellowed in my eyes, and I found myself on the edge of my seat in moments of suspense of what was to come next. I connected with this story on a deeper level than some because of many reasons. I come from a large family and my family like this one had fun when gathered together despite the ages, everyone from the seasoned grandparents down to the youngsters could all come together to enjoy each others company on an even playing field. I remember as a young girl dreaming to find a respectful and handsome fellow that would treat me the way that Wit treats Mer. This book was the PERFECT summer read. It is a YA novel and reads as one. There is not a lot of spice. However, that's what I expect from a young adult novel. As a seasoned adult I loved this book and I think it is a perfect read for readers from YA to Adult.

‘The Summer of Broken Rules’ has so much to offer, I hope this review can do it justice. It is brilliantly written with witty banter, clever dialog, a fully fleshed-out whirlwind new romance, and so much more. Author K. L. Walther creates the perfect storm in which Meredith and Wit become tangled up in each other’s lives and it’s so easy to root for them as they fall for each other. Walther expertly entwines the detailed threads of young love, self-discovery, large family gatherings, and a wide-spread game of Assassin, with all the best parts of a summer vacation. I love being inside Meredith’s head – love her narrating through memories of prior summers, the loving moments between sisters including snarky moments, her feelings towards her family, friends, and her crush on Wit. This book is also a wonderful illustration of how loved ones who’ve passed away too soon are “always with us.” There are numerous ways in which Meredith feels her sister Claire’s presence, both on her own and with the help of family and friends pointing it out to her. This is a truly lovely way to share the story of a main character who is still reeling from losing her sister, but is starting to find her way back to joy – with the memory of her sister by her side helping her find happiness, rather than despite her recent loss. This book handles grief over a loved one spectacularly well without taking anything away from the light-hearted, comedic, or romantic aspects of this book. Meredith’s older sister, Claire, had passed away approximately a year and a half before this story begins, and so while we don’t see Meredith and her family process fresh, brand-new grief, we do follow how they’re doing after some aspects of life have gone “back to normal.” Grief does not go away overnight, and this book handles that beautifully. Claire is in Meredith’s every memory of the island they’ve spent all their summer vacations on. Claire is in her thoughts in every chapter of this book, and is discussed between characters many times throughout. Meredith discovers that Claire is, indeed, still with her in most things she does on the island. Claire was the reigning champion of the family’s massive summer game of Assassin played each year. This year’s game is dedicated to Claire and will be played to honor her memory during a busy week of festivities leading up to a cousin’s wedding. By strategizing and taking a more active role than usual, Meredith finds greater enjoyment in the game and feels closer to her sister. ‘The Summer of Broken Rules’ brought back wonderful memories of summer moments, and can do the same for you! We follow Meredith through many scenes on hikes, at the beach, a pond, a nearby town, driving over sand in Jeep-type vehicles – there’s a scene for every reader to connect with and fondly remember our own joys under the sun. While the scenery is a wonderful jog down memory lane, the fully fleshed-out characters and plotline are even more amazing. The attention paid to the little details, such as side characters with their own goals and relationships, help bring the summer atmosphere to life. #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. Then I gladly purchased and re-read it because it is truly *that* amazing.

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Amazing book. It's really fun and will keep you hooked from the first page also loved all the taylor swift references.

Thoroughly enjoyed this read, my favourite of her books so far, the entire story was filled with a sense of humour. No spoilers in this review but a cute very sweet and fun friends to lovers read

I don’t really read YA books anymore. Maybe because I’m 36 and I can’t relate with the main characters. So I usually avoid them. But I don’t know, I wanted this one to change my mind. I loved the summer vibes. The tradition to come to the same place every year, knowing everybody and making a lot of memories with friends and family are my favorite things in summer romances. There’s a feeling of freedom at eighteen, being in a place you know since childhood and doing what you want when you want, without any parents supervising. I had this beautiful feeling while reading and I think, that was what I liked the most ! Meredith is going through a roug period and the grief was really well described. Coming to a place without the person you loved the most is something hard, especially for someone so young. She was walking trough memory lane and paying a beautiful tribute to her sister. Teenage feelings were really well described and I could remember how it felt to live grief at such a young age. Well done ! Her relation with Wit was cute and I’m glad she found him at this period of her life. I loved how realistic the end was. Not a perfect happy ending but a mature choice.

This was the first family/friend celebration she'd attended since she lost her.... she wasn't expecting shenanigans to follow her or for her to test her alliances within a family game or for her to not only get over her ex but heal.... This story has a beautiful telling of a lost soul finding their place again. About two hearts finally meeting and just the right timing. A clean romance with a hint of heat. A beautiful family and one's journey.