You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
To sum up my reading experience: I very strongly disliked the MC so it made it difficult to enjoy the story over allš
I had previously read The Summer of Broken Rules by this author and loved it. The romance, setting, and characters were all excellent and created the best vibes for a summer book. By contrast the vibes of this book are sour and discontent.
This book follows Mads as sheās participate in being a bridemaid in the lead up to her brothers wedding. The bridesmaids also work to set up Mads on various dates to help her find a man for the wedding.
Mads does not want to be a bridesmaid. So instead of a fun wedding story like SOBR we are in the head of someone that 80% of the time would rather be doing anything else than participate in wedding activities and I just donāt find that a fun vibe to be in. Mads also does not like the bride and while she tries to get closer to her she also complains about her all the time. Personally I found Katie maybe a bit stiff at times but also far from as terrible as Mads paints her. Thereās growth in this but not until the very very end of the book.
As far as the dating goes I wasnāt really that invested. She dated some random people but the focus was mainly on two guy friends she had. One of them didnāt really have a personality past best friend since childhood and the other was in and out of a situationship that made him look like a jerk at times. I didnāt feel a lot of fun chemistry but that could also be because I felt like mostly what Mads did was complain about dating or the wedding. She was just kind of self absorbed.
As far as the writing goes there were a few weird moments were it felt like the author anticipated readers judging something and tried to write an explanation in but it read awkwardly. But other than the story kept up a good pace and I liked the parts of the book being in season.
This book contained one of my new bookish pet peeves, where the male love interest does something sexist but the MC excuses it for them. Just write something else please. We donāt have to sprinkle in the sexism then give them a pass like it was actually a cute or funny thing they did.
Itās last offense came right at the end of the book when it perpetuated the idea that a womenās first time having sex would hurt and it would be normal for her to not enjoy it. I could go on and on about how this narrative is harmful to young girls but I trust that info can be googled.
Overall through it was a miss from me. Thanks to NetGalley and Source Books Fire for a copy of this book, I appreciated the chance to read it!
funny
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to K.L. Walther, Sourcebooks Fire, and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review (unpaid).
First of alll, it took me FOREVER to make the Reese connection. I screamed when Charlie was mentioned. I also screamed every time Mer and Wit were on page. The Grace and Lily cameos got equal enthusiasm.
This book dug a hole into my stomach and lives there now - to be clear, that's a good thing. I love Mads, I love Katie, I need Austin to get his shit together, and even though I am still super confused because I'm shit at geography, I love all the Pennsylvania and New Jersey references in this book (seriously how long was Marco driving from the shore?)
LIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD
The part I loved most about this book was Mads and Katie's relationship because I could tell very quickly that Katie desperately wanted to be Mads' friend - the Prosecco Pong scene hurt my soul (Mads and Katie are prosecco pong partners for life now, that's canon, don't argue with me). I love the ending so, so much and I just wish I got more time with them as friends (fingers crossed for a special epilogue with Katie as Mads' bridesmaid š¤)
First of alll, it took me FOREVER to make the Reese connection. I screamed when Charlie was mentioned. I also screamed every time Mer and Wit were on page. The Grace and Lily cameos got equal enthusiasm.
This book dug a hole into my stomach and lives there now - to be clear, that's a good thing. I love Mads, I love Katie, I need Austin to get his shit together, and even though I am still super confused because I'm shit at geography, I love all the Pennsylvania and New Jersey references in this book (seriously how long was Marco driving from the shore?)
LIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD
The part I loved most about this book was Mads and Katie's relationship because I could tell very quickly that Katie desperately wanted to be Mads' friend - the Prosecco Pong scene hurt my soul (Mads and Katie are prosecco pong partners for life now, that's canon, don't argue with me). I love the ending so, so much and I just wish I got more time with them as friends (fingers crossed for a special epilogue with Katie as Mads' bridesmaid š¤)
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
"You overwhelm me. You overwhelm me in the most amazing way, but I wasn't ready to embrace that. "
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for access to this eARC in exchange for my completely honest review.
This book was a very cute YA contemporary read. It follows Madeline who is really close to her family, but somehow had no idea her brother was proposing to his girlfriend (who she doesn't really vibe with). Madeline feels obligated to bond with her before the wedding, even if that means joining the bridal party. When a game of truth or dare reveals that Madeline has never been on a date, the girls in the bridal party are determined to set her up so she has a plus-one for the wedding. When Madeline finds her heart stuck between two people, her friend Connor and her former classmate, Marco, she is forced to make a decision.
"I feel like I'm in a dream." ...... "'But it's not," he pointed out, then smiled and murmured, "I've never been so happy to be awake.'"
I have loved other things by K.L. Walther but ever since "The Summer of Broken Rules", I think I have been searching for a book with all the raw emotions that that one has. However, all of this author's other work tends to be more lighthearted and fun. This was okay; I don't love a love triangle (especially when it becomes clear who the right choice is). Overall it was cute and lighthearted and would be great for a YA audience. It just wasn't for me.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I was thrilled to get an opportunity to read K.L. Waltherās latest book A First Time for Everything, which featured appearances by the protagonists of one of my favorite young adult books ever, The Summer of Broken Rules.
A First Time for Everything is Madelineās story; Mads is super close to her family - especially her brother Austin, sheās a field hockey superstar, sheās never had a boyfriend, and sheās not so close to her brotherās long-time girlfriend and now new fiancĆ©, Katie. Determined to change the status of her relationship to Katie, Mads throws herself all into being a good bridesmaid for the upcoming wedding.
When her fellow bridesmaids find out that Mads has never had a boyfriend nor has she ever even kissed a boy, they come up with a plan to get Mads her plus-one for the wedding. Their quest results in Mads going on several not so stellar dates while trying to figure out her feelings for her best friend boy-next-door, Connor and sort-of-crush former classmate, Marco.
A First Time for Everything was a delightful and sweet coming of age story in which we get to experience Madelineās journey of emotional growth and self-discovery. I loved it and I look forward to reading more from K.L. Walther.
A First Time for Everything is Madelineās story; Mads is super close to her family - especially her brother Austin, sheās a field hockey superstar, sheās never had a boyfriend, and sheās not so close to her brotherās long-time girlfriend and now new fiancĆ©, Katie. Determined to change the status of her relationship to Katie, Mads throws herself all into being a good bridesmaid for the upcoming wedding.
When her fellow bridesmaids find out that Mads has never had a boyfriend nor has she ever even kissed a boy, they come up with a plan to get Mads her plus-one for the wedding. Their quest results in Mads going on several not so stellar dates while trying to figure out her feelings for her best friend boy-next-door, Connor and sort-of-crush former classmate, Marco.
A First Time for Everything was a delightful and sweet coming of age story in which we get to experience Madelineās journey of emotional growth and self-discovery. I loved it and I look forward to reading more from K.L. Walther.
Queria ter gostado mais deste livro. O triĆ¢ngulo amoroso pareceu-me muito Ć³bvio desde o inĆcio, nem sei se se pode chamar um triĆ¢ngulo amoroso. Gostei das pop culture references, se bem que algumas pareceram forƧadas. NĆ£o achei que nenhuma das personagens fosse particularmente interessante e nĆ£o houve grande development da personagem principal. Gostei das vibes e adorei ver a Meredith e o Wit de "The summer of broken rules". Em geral, sinto que a histĆ³ria nĆ£o foi tĆ£o bem explorada como poderia ter sido, o que Ć© uma pena, pois tinha muito potencial.
lighthearted
medium-paced
if you like K.L. Walther, i see no reason why you wouldn't enjoy this book. it had a cute cast of characters, good meredith and wit cameos, and some interesting family dynamics. despite this being a romance book, i was definitely most invested in the katie storyline. i don't love the way it was resolved, but overall i thought this was a fun read i would recommend if you're looking for something light.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
After thoroughly enjoying The Summer of Broken Rules last summer, I was BEYOND ecstatic to receive an ARC for K.L. Waltherās new release!
Even though Iāve only read this and TSOBR in the Walther-verse so far, I love that family drama seems to be a staple of her romances. As a little sister of married siblings myself, I found Madsā journey with accepting Katie into her familyās life really relatable. It's difficult letting someone new into a tight family unit, and it's especially difficult when it feels like that someone just doesn't fit for whatever reason. I really admired Mads' efforts to try and understand Katie, even if their interactions were frustrating at times.
As far as the romance goes, it was fun to follow Mads as she went on some Bachelorette-esque dates! Despite numerous suitors presented to her, it was pretty obvious that this was really a love triangle situation. I personally enjoy love triangles because I live for the romantic drama in fiction, so I found that aspect really fun. I picked a side pretty much right out of the gate (and Iām pleased to say that my side won š), but it was a toss-up on who sheād end up with for a little while, which definitely makes a triangle more fun!
Admittedly, this story did read a little more juvenile, so Iām not sure it will resonate for my demographic as much as TSOBR did. It also felt like all the points of conflict in this story wrapped themselves up quickly and neatly after abrupt conversations, which felt a bit too easy. But this is definitely a fun YA romance that I fully believe will hit with the true YA demographic!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC (my very first!!)! All opinions are my own. A First Time for Everything releases June 3.
Even though Iāve only read this and TSOBR in the Walther-verse so far, I love that family drama seems to be a staple of her romances. As a little sister of married siblings myself, I found Madsā journey with accepting Katie into her familyās life really relatable. It's difficult letting someone new into a tight family unit, and it's especially difficult when it feels like that someone just doesn't fit for whatever reason. I really admired Mads' efforts to try and understand Katie, even if their interactions were frustrating at times.
As far as the romance goes, it was fun to follow Mads as she went on some Bachelorette-esque dates! Despite numerous suitors presented to her, it was pretty obvious that this was really a love triangle situation. I personally enjoy love triangles because I live for the romantic drama in fiction, so I found that aspect really fun. I picked a side pretty much right out of the gate (and Iām pleased to say that my side won š), but it was a toss-up on who sheād end up with for a little while, which definitely makes a triangle more fun!
Admittedly, this story did read a little more juvenile, so Iām not sure it will resonate for my demographic as much as TSOBR did. It also felt like all the points of conflict in this story wrapped themselves up quickly and neatly after abrupt conversations, which felt a bit too easy. But this is definitely a fun YA romance that I fully believe will hit with the true YA demographic!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC (my very first!!)! All opinions are my own. A First Time for Everything releases June 3.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Ugh this book had me in my feels. I loved it. Thereās something about K. L. Waltherās ability to capture the feeling of being a teenage girl. Itās so interesting because I think youād assume this is a book about a girl finding love, but I donāt think it is. Iām not going to give anything away, but by the end of the book, it felt like it was story between two people but it wasnāt the teenage girl and her love interest.
Really enjoyed it. Devoured it quickly. If you like her other books, for sure read it.
Really enjoyed it. Devoured it quickly. If you like her other books, for sure read it.
lighthearted
medium-paced
A YA romance perfect for fans of 10 Blind Dates and We Canāt Keep Meeting Like This.
š
Madeline is all about family so itās a surprise when her brother proposes to his girlfriend without including them or letting them know it was happening! Mads isnāt a fan of her soon-to-be-sister-in-law, Katie, and is less than enthused to be a bridesmaid. When a game of Truth or Dare with the wedding party leads to Mads admitting sheās never been kissed or on a date, the bride and her posse make it their mission to find Mads a date for the wedding. Now Mads is going on date after date, some fun, some not and some confusing like her thoughts on Connor, the boy next door and Marco, a former classmate who pushes her buttons. As the wedding gets closer Madsā feelings about her suitors and the bride all come to a head.
š
This title is full of family drama, an adorable romance and self-discovery readers will eat up. For me, nothing will live up to The Summer of Broken Rules, but this was a close one! I enjoyed this sweet, coming-of-age book that fans of hers will love. She is the new face in this genre and fans of Kasie West and Lynn Painter will be in good company when this novel releasing June 3!
CW: broken bone, hospitalization, body horror
3.25 āļø
š
Madeline is all about family so itās a surprise when her brother proposes to his girlfriend without including them or letting them know it was happening! Mads isnāt a fan of her soon-to-be-sister-in-law, Katie, and is less than enthused to be a bridesmaid. When a game of Truth or Dare with the wedding party leads to Mads admitting sheās never been kissed or on a date, the bride and her posse make it their mission to find Mads a date for the wedding. Now Mads is going on date after date, some fun, some not and some confusing like her thoughts on Connor, the boy next door and Marco, a former classmate who pushes her buttons. As the wedding gets closer Madsā feelings about her suitors and the bride all come to a head.
š
This title is full of family drama, an adorable romance and self-discovery readers will eat up. For me, nothing will live up to The Summer of Broken Rules, but this was a close one! I enjoyed this sweet, coming-of-age book that fans of hers will love. She is the new face in this genre and fans of Kasie West and Lynn Painter will be in good company when this novel releasing June 3!
CW: broken bone, hospitalization, body horror
3.25 āļø
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I genuinely love a closed-door romance that isn't full of purity culture. It is such a special unicorn in my life.
This book follows a full year of 17/18 year old Mads' life. This starts out when her brother Austin gets engaged to his girlfriend Katie in Paris. Mads feels a bit left out because she assumed she would know Austin was going to propose prior to hearing about it. She likes Katie but doesn't quite love her yet. Then Katie asks her to be a bridesmaid, and she becomes fully part of the bridesmaid culture and group chat. The girls find out that Mads has never had a real boyfriend and they encourage her love life. Throughout the seasons she goes to prom, commits to a college, and dates several different boys as she seeks to find her "favorite person."
There are a couple of different love interests, but for the most part this is essentially a love triangle. I like to keep my reviews spoiler-free, but I will say I was disappointed in which one she ended up with. The really great story, though, is Austin and Katie, their ups and downs, and how Mads learns to love Katie and accept her as a part of her family. That is a story not often told, and that is really well done. Mads is well written, appropriate level of maturity for her age and intelligence. She is both interesting and likable.
If you like YA romance, absolutely recommend this one. Its is fun and heartwarming.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC. Book to be published June 3, 2025.
This book follows a full year of 17/18 year old Mads' life. This starts out when her brother Austin gets engaged to his girlfriend Katie in Paris. Mads feels a bit left out because she assumed she would know Austin was going to propose prior to hearing about it. She likes Katie but doesn't quite love her yet. Then Katie asks her to be a bridesmaid, and she becomes fully part of the bridesmaid culture and group chat. The girls find out that Mads has never had a real boyfriend and they encourage her love life. Throughout the seasons she goes to prom, commits to a college, and dates several different boys as she seeks to find her "favorite person."
There are a couple of different love interests, but for the most part this is essentially a love triangle. I like to keep my reviews spoiler-free, but I will say I was disappointed in which one she ended up with. The really great story, though, is Austin and Katie, their ups and downs, and how Mads learns to love Katie and accept her as a part of her family. That is a story not often told, and that is really well done. Mads is well written, appropriate level of maturity for her age and intelligence. She is both interesting and likable.
If you like YA romance, absolutely recommend this one. Its is fun and heartwarming.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC. Book to be published June 3, 2025.