The Summer of Broken Rules - book cover
Literature & Fiction
  • Publisher : Sourcebooks Fire
  • Published : 04 May 2021
  • Pages : 384
  • ISBN-10 : 1728210291
  • ISBN-13 : 9781728210292
  • Language : English

The Summer of Broken Rules

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

Editorial Reviews

"[A]n engaging read... Recommended for larger collections with dedicated romance readers." ― School Library Journal

"[It's] a rose-tinted romance that readers will want to toss into a beach tote for some relaxing, enjoyable fun." ― The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"The mix of budding romance, competitive hijinks, a close-knit circle, as well as dealing with loss make for a satisfying read." ― Kirkus Reviews

"Seamlessly weaves in the importance of family, and by the end, I felt like I had joined the Fox family and their traditions...a quick and easy read recommended for anyone who is looking for a lighthearted book sprinkled with elements of reality." ― Sachi Sharma, Manhattan Book Review

"[I]deally suited for those who enjoy contemporary romance...a perfect summer or beach read!" ― Andrea Reid, The Nerd Daily

Readers Top Reviews

Nicole BurdgeLisa
I loved this book. I thought it was a perfect fun and cute summer read. It was lighthearted but also had some depth while talking about characters trauma. I would highly suggest this book as a great summer read for anyone.
madrigal17Nicole
The Martha’s Vineyard setting, the large family and friends reunion, the wedding, the game of Assassin - I loved it all! I felt as if a much younger me was there. I haven’t gone to the Vineyard since I was in my 20s, and I’m 73 now. I have never gone to the places described in the book, and as far as I know, they might be fictional, but they felt real to me.
Angelicamadrigal1
I loved this story! Such an easy read that’s perfect for a beach/pool day. Now I need to plan a trip to Martha’s Vineyard 🤩
renee nicoleAngel
The beginning picked up a bit slow for me but once I got deeper into it, I was smiling time and time again. Such a young and wholesome story about a girl finding herself, and love, again after a loss. I may have teared up a bit towards the end. Definitely a quick and fun summer read 💕🥧💦🔫
iseeskiesiseeskie
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 ...

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