The Summer of Broken Rules: A Happily Ever After Beach Read Paperback – May 4, 2021

Star Rating: —> 5 StarsAhhh! 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 floatingANDDDDD– 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 PlaylistEVERY 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 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 book should be considered a Young Adult read. Skimmed through most of this youthful book.

‘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.