The Summer of Broken Rules
-
-
4.2 • 29 Ratings
-
-
- $14.99
-
- $14.99
Publisher Description
A romance novel inspired by the songs of Taylor Swift!
*NOW A USA TODAY BESTSELLER*
This BookTok sensation is perfect for fans of Jenny Han's The Summer I Turned Pretty and Sarah Dessen's Along for the Ride.
Meredith's family's annual game of assassin at Martha's Vineyard during a summer wedding is the perfect chance to honor her sister's legacy, and finally join the world again. But when she forms an alliance with a cute groomsman, she's at risk of losing both the game … and her heart.
When Meredith Fox lost her sister, Claire, eighteen months ago, she shut everyone out. But this summer she's determined to join the world again.
The annual family vacation to Martha's Vineyard seems like the perfect place to reconnect. Her entire extended family is gathering for a big summer wedding, and although Meredith is dateless after being unexpectedly dumped, she's excited to participate in the traditional Fox family game of assassin that will take place during the week of wedding festivities. Claire always loved the game, and Meredith is determined to honor her legacy.
But when Meredith forms an assassin alliance with a cute groomsman, she finds herself getting distracted. Meredith tries to focus on the game and win it for her sister, but she can't help falling for him. And as the week progresses, she realizes she's not only at risk of losing the game, but also her heart.
"The feel-good summer read of my dreams!"—Alicia, Goodreads Reviewer
"Boy, did it also give me all the summer feels."—Larissa, Goodreads Reviewer
"This book is bound to become a favorite of all who love contemporary romance."—Kelly, Goodreads Reviewer
"If beachy contemporary romances are your jam, then trust me—you do NOT want to miss this book."—Jessica, Goodreads Reviewer
Customer Reviews
The Perfect Summer Read
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the e-ARC for review!
Before sneaking back into the Annex that night, I visited the ancient oak tree on the edge of the lawn and ran my fingers over the notches carved into the trunk. Summer after summer, Claire used an ax to keep track of her victories. “I’m going to win,” I whispered once I’d reached the final mark. “I’m going to win this thing.”
You ever read a book that makes you want to listen to the seagulls caw and take a warm nap in the sunshine? That was The Summer of Broken Rules. It was a warm hug. And LOOK AT THAT GORGEOUS COVER.
One of the best things about Walther's writing is how atmospheric it was. I felt like I was at Paqua farm with Meredith. I felt like I was scheming with Mer and Wit in the Assassin game. I could see everything so clearly - could smell the salt air and coconut sunscreen, could feel the love this huge family had for each other. I think I especially loved the setting because Martha's Vineyard has been a dream trip of my mother's for decades, and she's never gotten the chance to go. This novel made me want to take her.
It's usually difficult, when you have such a large cast of characters, to really flesh them out, but the Foxes, Duprés, Witrys, and friends reminded me so much of my large family that I had to smile. More than anything, I loved Meredith; her strength, her humour, her confidence even as she grieved for her sister, even as she was constantly reminded of her loss. Were there moments she frustrated me? Of course. But it's summer. She's 18. As the title of the book suggests, rules don't apply.
Usually I'm not a fan of pop-culture references in books (they always feel like something older authors throw in to their YA books to "connect" with readers) but in this case, I loved the constant allusions to Taylor Swift (but I am a Swiftie, so that's a given).
The writing was great. Never too expositional, but detailed enough that, as I've mentioned, I felt like i was there with Meredith. This kind of book is my perfect happy medium - Young Adult but just edging into New Adult territory. Campy, but in the best way. Elevated teen romance. Babies! Summer! Wedding! Assassin game! Family! Good food! Honestly, even writing this review, I'm getting a little jealous of Meredith (except for, you know, the life-altering loss and crippling grief).
4.5 stars rounded down, and only because of some very specific things that made me go "huh" that I won't bother mentioning because I don't want to spoil anything! BRB, gotta go find me a Wit.