I am so grateful that I was able to get an early copy of this book. At the beginning of last summer I read The Summer of Broken Rules and fell in love with the deeply emotional and cool vibe to K.L. Walther’s books. Although a completely new and unique story I loved getting to revisit Meredith and Wit’s love story and seeing them happily ever after.

In this novel with meet Madeline and her family on the night her brother proposes to his longtime girlfriend Katie. Conflicted about her feelings for her soon to be sister in law, “Mads” reluctantly agrees to become a bridesmaid. However as the wedding progresses over the next year it creates such a huge learning opportunity that will change Madeline’s life. Katie has never been one of Mads favorite people; quiet and a bit standoffish Madeline has never really been able to connect with her brothers now fiancé. After a bridesmaids truth or dare game our protagonist is thrown into the dating ponds that she has never had the chance or confidence to join before. There is her longtime best friend, a former classmate and so many new people to teach her how to date. Date after disastrous date Madeline begins to realize what she is actually looking for in love and in the people she wants in her life. Growing not only more comfortable in her own romantic relationships, but learning that she might not know the real Katie until she gives her future sister in law a fair chance.

All together this was very much like the other novel I read by the author. Fun, fluffy, and full of great pop culture references that very much fit the type of niche I love. A bit rushed and slightly disjointed at times, but something you can’t help but enjoy reading and thinking about long after you are done. An incredibly sweet novel about love, life, growing up and growing wiser.

⭐️⭐️⭐️½

A First Time for Everything by K.L. Walther is a sweet and nostalgic coming-of-age story that captures the awkward magic of first love, friendship, and discovering who you are. Set against the backdrop of a school trip abroad, the novel is full of heartwarming and relatable moments, especially for readers who remember the emotional highs and lows of their teenage years.

Walther does a great job of creating an immersive setting and believable teen dynamics. The main character’s journey feels authentic, and the story has an earnestness that’s easy to connect with. The writing is approachable and engaging, perfect for a YA audience.

However, the pacing can drag at times, and while the story hits the emotional beats, it doesn’t always dive as deep as it could. Some of the supporting characters feel a little underdeveloped, and a few plot points are wrapped up a bit too neatly.

Still, it’s a charming read that will especially appeal to younger readers or those looking for a gentle, feel-good escape.

Speak Now... ok I will, AMAZING!👏
K, you can do no wrong 🥹

I love this woman so much!!

Walther's characters are so freaking wholesome and true that you can't help but want to be a part of their families and friends.

"It's you!"

"Because, he wrote, if I hear your voice, I'm never going to hang up the phone."

"I feel like I'm in a dream. "..."But it's not,
I've never been so happy to be awake."

Best Friends to Lovers meets
Favorite person to Lovers
double love triangle 👀 🤭

SO MANY KLW Universe cameos & mentions 🫠 ahhhh 🥰

K.L Walthers masterfully creates fun complex stories and characters! I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Thank you to Netgallery for the ARC!

4/5 stars

Thank you Sourcebooks Fire for the advanced reading copy!

I love KL Walther’s books so much — they’re like a warm hug! This one wasn’t my favorite, but I still really enjoyed it. There were times that the story felt really rushed, and I wish it had slowed down a bit. There were a bunch of weird time jumps and confusing pacing, though I understand that there was a lot to fit into a quick story.

I love the way things turned out -- there were a lot of times when I wasn’t sure where things were going, or who was going to end up with who, but I think that this was really well executed and left me feeling satisfied with the overall plot.

Mads could be infuriating, and so dense, which I hate in a romance. It did feel a little unbelievable — she’s never dated before but all of a sudden has like 10 different suitors. I like the bachelorette game theme a lot though, and it was really fun to see her not only coming to her confidence in dating, but also in friendship.

I would’ve liked to see a little bit more resolution between her and Katie, though I do understand and appreciate the way the author executed this. It wasn't too drawn out, but was satisfying enough to be plausible. Overall, I really enjoyed this one, and thought the premise and execution were super fun, despite a few unbelievable moments.

Okay, this book was really sweet. I'll admit I struggled a bit at the beginning. It felt like a lot was happening, with a lot of characters. I also haven't read "The Summer of Broken Rules", and having Meredith mentioned so much threw me off. Great easter egg for those who have, but I was somewhat confused.

After that first 20%, though, this story really starts to shine, and I felt like the last third of the book stole the entire show.

The first thing I loved was how the author moved the timeline. We meet Mads when she's a junior in high school, and then we follow this through to her being 18 and partway through her senior year. I felt the author did a really good job at adjusting the timeline in proportion to what was going on in her life, especially as she's exploring a love life of her own.

I also liked that we see Mads' character seeing others share their wisdom, and maybe learn some life lessons, and then later on, you can see how it comes back to her. It was a nice amount of growth for a YA character, without seeming overdone. I also loved seeing her dating adventures; I think a lot of us have had some rough dates, and seeing them through the eyes of a teenager was humorous. Mads is a champ, though, and I liked that she never lost herself in her many dates, and I also loved that her character never tolerated the foolishness. I only wish I had that talent when I was younger.

This story was sweet, funny, and it was an easy read. I really ended up loving nearly everything about it.

This was a super cute read! I also loved seeing Meredith and Wit from The Summer of Broken Rules. I loved the concept of the main character Mads going on dates. It was fun to see how each one was going to go. I also loved the family dynamics in this book.



Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This was a cute read overall! Mads definitely had her moments of being a little insufferable, but honestly, she felt like a real teen trying to figure life out, between chasing her sports dreams, applying to colleges, and juggling the chaos of her brother’s wedding. That said, her immaturity made her feel younger than expected, so it leaned more YA drama than coming-of-age, which made it a bit harder for me to stay fully engaged.

I really enjoyed Mads’ journey and the friendships she made along the way, but the relationship with Katie didn’t quite land for me. Both girls frustrated me with how they handled things, and the whole five-years-of-silence plotline felt kind of strange. Everyone kept saying Katie was great, but we weren’t really shown that, so it was tough to root for Katie to marry Austin. Honestly, Mads was totally justified in her feelings toward Katie.

On a brighter note, I loved seeing Meredith and Wit again, and all the little Easter eggs from other KL Walther books were a fun touch. The bachelorette party and group chat scenes were definite highlights.

I usually click with YA characters pretty easily, but this time I struggled, especially with the romance. And that last scene? It didn’t need to happen for us to know Mads got her happy ending. I think this one might’ve worked better if Mads had been heading into college instead of finishing high school. Still, a sweet story for fans of the KLW universe!

4.75 stars. “You are my favorite person, you know?” AMAZING!! First, huge thank you to NetGalley and co for the ARC. Next, I think this is probably my favorite K.L Walther book for a multitude of reasons but first, the plot.

-Overview: Mads is invited to be a bridesmaid for her soon-to-be-sister, Katie, but she’s not quite sure if Katie’s the right person for her brother. Throughout the rest of the book, Mads not only works to figure out if Katie is good enough for her brother, but after confessing to never having been on a date to the other bridesmaids, they set up a Bachelorette-inspired dating scheme. Will Mads end up with the boy next door, the boy with banter, or a boy who’s a complete stranger? Mads works through her feelings, not only romantically, but also about Katie, in a fast-paced but entirely un-put-downable masterpiece.

-Favorite character: Hands down, Mads. Usually, the FMC isn’t my favorite character, but I love Mads and her entire personality. She’s funny, sarcastic, but also just the right amount of a mess. I relate so much to Mads and loved reading about a year of her life. Another thing I love about Mads? Her PASSION for field hockey. While she doesn’t play a whole lot of field hockey in the book, her love for the sport is so apparent and I adore that part of Mads’s personality.

-Thoughts: Initially, I was skeptical of this book, not sure how much I’d like it, despite the amazing cover. Yet here I am, slightly more than twelve hours after picking this book up, writing a raving review about it. Mind you, this book is over 400 PAGES LONG. I was kicking my feet, giggling, smiling like a dork, the whole shebang. There’s so much I love about this book, not just Mads and the plot and the romance, but also EVERY SINGLE OTHER character. I fell in love with almost ALL of the characters in this book. That so rarely happens and I’m so glad it did with this book. Also, all the cameos?!? LOVE THEM. Alongside all the Taylor Swift references (the Christmas Tree Farm? BRILLIANT but also adorable)The love in Mads’s family is so amazing too. I adore Mads’s and Austin’s relationship as well as how supportive and caring their dads are. So refreshing to have an openly loving and not-trauma-causing family in a book. Mads’s relationship with Natalie is super amazing too. There’s honestly so much more I could say about this book, but I think it’d be better if you just went and read it 💚Also… #TeamMarco4Ever 😉

K. L. Walther’s A First Time for Everything is a light, sweet, and slightly chaotic rom-com about first love, family drama, and finding your footing when everything feels like it’s changing. With a charming cast of characters and plenty of awkward-but-funny moments, it’s a breezy coming-of-age read perfect for fans of wedding shenanigans and heartfelt self-discovery.

Madeline—or Mads—is a relatable heroine for anyone who’s ever felt left behind while everyone else seems to be growing up. Her frustration and confusion over her brother’s whirlwind engagement (to someone she’s not exactly close with) sets the emotional tone early on. Agreeing to be a bridesmaid, while secretly plotting to reconnect with her brother and make peace with his fiancée, gives the story its heart.

The wedding-themed “find Mads a date” subplot leans heavily into the rom-com formula—disastrous setups, meddling friends, and lots of secondhand embarrassment—but it’s handled with a good sense of humor and warmth. There’s a fun love triangle (or maybe more of a love tangle) that includes the loyal boy next door, the cocky ex-classmate, and a few unexpected contenders, each bringing something different out of Mads as she figures out what she really wants.

While the book never goes especially deep emotionally, and the pacing occasionally lags during the middle, Walther keeps the tone upbeat. The romantic tension is soft and swoony rather than intense, and the sibling dynamic—while not as developed as it could be—still offers a satisfying thread about growing up and letting go.

A First Time for Everything doesn’t break new ground, but it doesn’t need to. It’s sweet, funny, and ultimately about finding confidence and connection in a time of change. A solid pick for fans of Kasie West or Jenny Han, and for anyone who enjoys a messy path to a happy ending.

I am not a typical YA reader, but I have loved the last two KL Walther books I’ve read, so when I got the opportunity to advance read A First Time for Everything, I couldn’t turn it down!

With a cute plot idea - a high schooler (Mads) admits to never have been on a date or had a kiss, and in order to get closer to her soon-to-be SIL, she agrees to being set up by the bridesmaids - I was impressed how well this story was written. The characters were highly developed and each easy to connect with by the end of the book with their own unique details or mannerisms. Most of the story plays out on the campus of Princeton, and even though I’ve never been there, Philly, or the Jersey Shore, each setting was incredibly described so that the reader felt as if they were there.

There were so many parts of this book that I connected with: wanting to understand better or be closer to them, not feeling seen or heard, trying to juggle one’s own desires with the expectations of everyone else, making judgements on a family member’s significant other, etc. I loved experiencing the journey with Mads as she figured her own way.

I have no doubt readers will form teams. Will you be #TeamConnor or someone else? I loved how the story closed out, with so many HEAs!

If you’re looking for a story that will make you laugh and fill your heart, this one is definitely worth the read! 4.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for an advanced copy.

My students absolutely love “The Summer of Broken Rules”, so I was pretty excited to read “A First Time for Everything” ahead of its release.

I can’t say I loved this one as much as “The Summer of Broken Rules”, but there are still good aspects about this book. I found Mads to be immature, which I think is okay (and maybe even important) for a YA novel. Her voice was genuine— sometimes funny, sometimes annoying and occasionally reflective. It was difficult to fall in love with Mads because of the situation she was in— she didn’t want to participate in the wedding, so there was just a lot of complaining.

The other situation she finds herself in was dating. She’s trying to figure what and who she likes and there is a lot there for young girls to reflect on if they read this book. While I didn’t love how everything wrapped up (the pacing at the end felt too abrupt for me!),it’s an ending I think my students would like.

Overall, I think this will fit in well with the other romance novels I have in my classroom library. I look forward to recommending it in the fall.

4.5 ⭐️

this was so nostalgic. this was a cute one. by far my favorite book from the author. i seen so much of my younger self in madeline so it allowed me to connect to her character.

madeline’s (mads) brother is getting married and his fiancé’s bridesmaid group wants to set her up on dates for them to be a bust. however, she has chemistry with two boys she has known for years, connor, her best friend and marco, a fellow athlete and friend. was it predictable with which one she’d end up with? yes but i still ate it up because i loved her chemistry with him (remaining nameless to keep this spoiler free).

i was curious what was going to happen with her brother austin and his fiancé katie because she was a bit hard to read. as you read on, you learn more about her and how her rocky relationship with mad’s develops (they don’t really have much of a relationship to start).

I’m a K.L. Walther fan, but this book wasn’t my favorite of hers! I had a hard time getting into this one, not to say the storyline wasn’t good! It almost just felt rushed, like Madeline HAD to find a boyfriend, and date, and see all these guys, rather than it happening on her own time! The MFC Madeline just complained so much throughout the book, and didn’t take into consideration other people’s feelings all the time. BUT one of my favorite characters, Meredith (from The Summer of Broken Rules) made appearances throughout the book, and she is just the best, and so supportive of all her friends. While the romance was predictable it was still cute, and I love the friendship to lovers dynamic. I do think the ending “intimate” scene could have not been added, it felt rushed and unnecessary. I don’t have page numbers for that because it was an ARC but it was basically very last chapter!
✨He takes care of her
✨He fell first
✨friends to lovers dynamic
✨Sports romance
Thank you @sourcebooksfire and @netgalley for the Arc! This book comes out June 3rd, 2025! And don’t forget to check out K.L Walthers other books!
The Summer of Broken Rules, What Happens After Midnight, & While we’re Young, are some of our favs!

The way I absolutely DEVOURED this book!! I loved being able to see Mer and Wit again. Genuinely one of my favorite couples so it was super cool to have them show up in this one. The plot of this one was super fun and I was soooo happy with who she ended up with(who I was rooting for). I don’t think I will ever not love K.L. Walther writing. She has such a way with words and they are always such fast paced reads. I ended up reading this one in a night and it was everything I didn’t know and I needed and more! I’m so thankful I got to read this amazing book as an arc from NetGalley!

“wouldn’t it be awesome if your best friend became your favorite person?”

2.5⭐️ rounded up!

this is unfortunately my least favorite book i’ve read by K. L. Walther. there were glimpses of fun and cute romance but it didn’t stick. the best character of course was meredith! every time she popped up it made it better!! i had to give one star for her! the romance, while predictable, was cute and i loved the themes of the fine lines between friendship and love.

my main problem was that the main character was just so insufferable. she complained so much about the wedding/katie it made it hard to read. also the brief sex scene at the end was so weird and rushed. seemed like she just threw that in at the end with no thought. also why was underage drinking brought up so many times?? it gave me an ick.

overall if you love her books you’ll probably enjoy this one as well, it was just a miss for me!

⚠️ spice rating of 1.5 (vague & brief open door scene that is only one paragraph) & language rating of 3/5

This was just too young for me. I don’t like reading about 18 year olds. I also just found a lot of the characters under development. If I was in high school I feel like I would have really enjoyed it.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This might be one of my favorite young adult books yet! There are multiple love stories woven into this story. First, the protagonist, Madeline who is the younger sister of Austin, who is set to be married to Katie. She is invited to be a bridesmaid in the wedding, and Madeline hopes it will allow her a chance to get to know Katie a little bit better. There is a bit of a "supposed" love triangle with Austin, Katie and Austin's first love. The same can be said for Madeline. The bridesmaids are encouraging her to find a boyfriend (she is a senior in high school, while they are all in their 20's) and she also finds herself conflicted on her feelings for her best friend, and other dates that the bridesmaids have set up for her. Up until the very end - I was truly unsure of what was going to happen both with Austin and Madeline. The relationship between Madeline (Mads) and Katie is tested several times throughout the book, which brought a really thoughtful element to the read. The story was more than just the love stories - it was also about feeling seen, vulnerable, and the importance of finding your people. The pacing was on par - and anyone who loves a good slow-burn and small town story will eat this up.

First Time for Everything by K.L. Walther offers a light and relatable coming-of-age story centered around a teenage girl navigating unfamiliar social territory when she's asked to be a bridesmaid in her brother’s upcoming wedding. As she grapples with the pressures of being the youngest in a group of confident women — all of whom are eager to set her up since she's never been in a relationship — the story explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and adolescent insecurities.

While the premise is charming and has plenty of potential for heartfelt and humorous moments, I found the author's writing style somewhat distracting. The narrative frequently jumps forward in time and then retroactively explains how the character got there, rather than letting the scene unfold naturally. For example, instead of building up to a character deciding to go for a drive, the story might abruptly state, “She decided to go for a drive and was now on the road.” These jarring transitions pulled me out of the story and made the pacing feel uneven.

Additionally, the main character's attitude toward her brother’s fiancée often came across as overly negative and whiny. While it's understandable for a teen to struggle with big life changes — like a sibling’s engagement — I found it difficult to fully connect with her.

Overall, First Time for Everything had its endearing moments and captured some of the awkwardness of first-time experiences, but for me, the writing style and character development fell short. It’s a decent read for fans of light YA romance, but it didn’t quite leave a lasting impression.

This was another fun read by KL Walther. Mads, while attending a slumber party with her future sister in law and the other bridesmaids let's them know she has never been kissed or had a boyfriend. The group was determined to find her a date by the wedding. While I was rooting for both Connor and Marco. And kept leaning towards one over the other. Very happy with who she ended with at the end.

4 stars