Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Breezy summer romance is tinged with grief.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
THE SUMMER OF BROKEN RULES takes place on Martha's Vineyard 18 months after Meredith's sister died in a car accident. Meredith isn't sure she's ready to go back to the annual tradition of a week on the island without her sister, but a family wedding on the island this summer is a good reason to try. Meredith is determined to win the family's annual game of Assassin to honor her sister, who dominated the game. So she forms a secret alliance with a cute groomsman, and the two quickly fall for each other. But should Meredith let herself fall for someone she'll only be with for a week?
Is It Any Good?
Fans of the genre (and Taylor Swift fans) will enjoy this breezy romance that checks so many boxes as a fun, light, beach read. The Summer of Broken Rules has warmth, humor, tons of Taylor Swift song references, and of course a dreamy love interest, with mourning a loss adding to the emotional range. But there's also cliches, a lack of suspense over will-they or won't-they, as well as some tacked-on subplots that are unlikely to win over readers who don't already love romance novels.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the sexy stuff in The Summer of Broken Rules. Is it too much? Is reading about it different from seeing it in movies, videos, games, etc.?
What about the strong language? Is it realistic? Does that make a difference? Is it a big deal?
Romantic stories are always popular. What do we love about them? What are some of your favorites, and how does this one compare?
Meredith's family is close and supportive -- how do they show one another compassion and empathy? How do you think this helped Meredith after her sister died?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Gratitude
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Sourcebooks Fire
- Publication date : May 4, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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