i think i would’ve enjoyed this book a lot more when i was younger, but at 22 it just felt very frustrating. obviously their relationship was more on the immature side because they’re literally teenagers, but a lot of it was just too geared towards a younger audience for me to enjoy. i like ali novak’s writing, and the book wasn’t bad, i’m just outgrowing YA romance 💔

First, I really did enjoy this book. The only reason why I won't be purchasing it for the teen collection at my library is because the teen librarian didn't purchase "My Life with the Walter Boys." With that being said, I was expecting more from this book. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I just felt like not a lot happened. We learned so much about the Walter family in the first book, and I felt like all of the family members were just kind of brushed over this go around, especially Nathan. I just wish things were flushed out more. If Novak plans on writing another installment then I take this all back. Maybe she'll flush out some things in the third book?

This was a page turner! I couldn’t stop reading it. Ali Novak’s writing style will keep you wanting more and more of the story. This reminded me of my teenage years, what a great narrative!. The story is very realistic and doesn’t sound like “that would never happen in real life” at all. The main plot between Jackie and Cole is captivating, however the subplots are not weak at all. Nathan’s and Isaac’s characters are very round and will make you want to know more about their lives. I recommend this book to anyone who like YA books and teenage romance with challenges.
I’m giving a 4.5/5 stars because the end of the book was very rushed for me. While I don’t know if there will be a third book, it felt like something was missing.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooksfire for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
This book will be published on April 15th, 2025. Don’t miss out, it is worth every page!

In 2016, discovered this author.
It's been nearly 10 years since devoured "My Life with the Walter Boys" and her other series, Heartbreak Chronicles.

A testament to how much I enjoyed her writing was to maintain her name on my "ATF" (Authors to Follow) list. Despite the years that have flown by, her name remained in the hopes that future novels would make its way to readers.

Then this book came out...

She's grown up so much-Jackie, since we first met her. There's a level of emotional maturity and an introspection that appreciate in this character. Enjoyed her interaction with the Walter cousins and brother who had their own stories to share. The way the book ended seemed to imply a continuation of sorts in the series. Fingers crossed !

This ARC was provided by the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Fire | Sourcebooks Fire , via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a perfect sequel to My Life with the Walter Boys. Every scene either picked up where we last left off in the story or explained the backstory enough that you wouldn’t have to necessarily read the first book. The story was easy to picture in my head and kept me engaged all the way to the end. This would be a great book for a mature high schooler or young adult.

This one just wasn't doing it for me personally. It was written very well, but I just feel there wasn't enough substance to the story. I know it's YA, but it felt very juvenile. There was a lot of arguing, drama.
So much back, and forth that I just didn't like, nor felt was needed really. Jackie really seems to date a lot within the Walter House. I feel like Nathan would better suit her. He seems less drama, complicated, and they seem to really click well. Personally I didn't care for the book as much as I thought I would. That's not to say this wouldn't be a great book for someone else. Just wasn't my cup of tea. But I'm very grateful for the early reading opportunity. Also want to make note that the reading level is 14-18 years. I do feel the topics covered is more 16 years and up depending on your parental opinion. Does cover some adult topics that I personally wouldn't let my 14 year old read about just yet.

Finally a sequel!! I have been waiting for one for what feels like eternity and thankfully this did not disappoint. For me this was the perfect way to tidy everything up. It was the perfect amount of romance and angst I had come to expect with the Walter boys.

Thank you Ali Novak, Sourcebooks Publishing, and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC. I read My Life With the Walter boys when I was in high school and loved it, so I was SO excited to get my hands on this. I had such a fun time reading this. It was just so nice to see all the characters again, and see what they were up to. I was also very happy to see more of Jackie and Cole. Like in the first book, they had such good chemistry and banter. I loved to see them finally get their timing right, and be happy together. It was also nice to get to learn more about some of the other Walter boys. I again, an so glad that I got to read this. My high school self is very happy right now!

Alvi Novak did an amazing conclusion to “My Life With the Walter Boys”. It’s a great YA novel that dips into grief, love, family and friendship. The story is overall light hearted and a nice pleasant read. There was more character insight to some of the “Walter Boys” you may have not learned much about in book 1, but also some insight into other characters you already love. Cough Cole cough.

I did feel like the book was slightly rushed, sitting at roughly 200 pages it was a very quick read and things could have been drawn out more. I do feel that this series could have been one big book.

I very much enjoyed this book! I loved the first book in the series and the TV show. It has such a fun, romantic, lighthearted story with some serious topics and hardship. I really enjoyed getting to see Jackie grow and learn more about herself while working through her grief. All while trying to figure out her love life. It’s fun to see her opening up and getting more comfortable and sassy with the family.

This was perfect!
This is one book I have been looking forward to and it didn't disappoint at all!
I geniunely did not think it would be as good as it was but alas I was wrong lol

I hope more is in store!

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

Finally answers to all of those burning questions we have all had since book one! The Netflix show only served to remind every one of how much was left unsaid and now finally we have the story we have been waiting for. In true reader fashion I must admit, I want more!

Just as good as the first one. Oh my gosh.

This is an exceptional duology that everyone needs to read! I could not put down either of the books!!

My life with the Walter Boys is my favorite read of the year so far! Thank you, Ali Novak! You know what you're doing!

I loved the dirt racing element in this book!! Considering my dad is a dirt race car driver, and I spend so much of my time at race tracks, I loved reading about it! I've never read a book where they went to a race track!!

Thank you, NetGalley.com, for the arc!! Make sure you guys check this book out when it releases on April 15th!!

Book one was great for my middle school readers, however this book moves into a high school territory.

When I first read My Life with the Walter Boys, I really enjoyed it. Maybe it was when I was reading it or the mood I was in, but the story was decent and I was able to look past Jackie choosing to not only date someone in the house where she was living but also to pit brothers against each other. Not so this time. The writing is good and certainly better than other Wattpad to published author conversions I have read that gained traction because of being brought to the small screen (ahem, Kissing Booth). And maybe the Netflix show had something to do with upping the creepy factor, but I just really struggled to enjoy the characters and the story. Jackie drove me nuts. Sure, she is still grieving, but she managed to grieve all through the first book and still start romances; this time, she seems to use her grief as a crutch to avoid feelings.

Cole was a true saint in his patience and willingness to help Jackie through all of this. I mean, he wasn't perfect by a long shot. But he seems to have grown up a bit more than she has and, as a result, came across as a more sympathetic character. The other thing that irritated me and contributed to my 1 star rating was that this felt sooooo long and drawn out. Very little really happens in this story and I wanted so much more meat,

All in all, a disappointment. I am not going to be reading more of the series after this. For someone who really enjoyed the first book, this may be enough to keep you satisfied. Just wasn't for me. And definitely do start with book 1 if you are new to the series, even if you watched the show and want to read on from the first season.

I am so glad that Ali Novak wrote a sequel to My Life with the Walter Boys! It was honestly everything I hoped it would be, too. I loved how the relationships have grown and developed and how Jackie was welcomed into the Walter family. I really enjoyed reading it and if you liked the first one, you’ll most likely like My Return to the Walter Boys, as well!

I was given an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.

I was so excited to see Jackie's story continue! Watching her come to terms with her grief and allowing herself to feel it felt very authentic. Her core personality traits rang true as she struggled with her feelings for Cole and the rest of his family. I wish there was more clarification at the end, it felt like it just dropped off abruptly without wrapping up, but also without being a cliffhanger. Parker's sister relationship with Jackie was precious and I wanted more Jackie and Katherine moments! I want to see this story continue on, following Jackie through college!

Thank you NetGalley & Ali Novak for the ARC! I flew through this book and its first book in less than 24 hours- needless to say that I loved it! I liked the long awaited continuation of Jackie and Cole’s story- as well as seeing how Jackie helped the Walter siblings through their troubles, and just really became part of the family! I felt like everything just tied up in a sweet bow- aside from the fact that there was far too little of Danny :,). GREAT. READ.

I loved following the continuation of Jackie’s new life with the Walter’s! I recently read the first book and rewatched the show because I didn’t remember everything & there was a lot of differences but I still really enjoyed both! Im genuinely curious if this book was written just out of how Ali Novak wanted the story to continue, or if she wrote it similar to how season two of the show will go! I am excited to see the next season hit & to compare, but aside from that, I really enjoyed My Return To The Walter Boys and loved the direction it took!

There was a lot of back and forth between Jackie & Cole, and I know that’s usually where people get annoyed, but in my opinion it makes sense. Jackie is still grieving and was trying to figure out her own emotions before jumping into a relationship, after realizing thats what she was doing, and I respect that. She had her priorities of healing and was doing the best she could for her circumstances and managing her fears. There is no right way to grieve and at the end of the day, her story is more than just about the romance along the way, so I did not mind the back and forth because it showed the reality of ups & downs that people can face internally while grieving.

I loved seeing the sweet side of Cole the whole time, and I am very curious to see where the story continues to go if more books come out!

I give this book 3.5/5 complicated boyfriends!

I was excited to get the opportunity to read this book as an arc from NetGalley. I’ve read the first book and watched the TV show. Cole and Jackie are a pretty frustrating couple, but then I must remind myself they are also supposed to be 16 and 18 so I should probably cut them some slack.

This novel is super fast paced, I read through it in one day, which can we attributed to Ali’s writing. I was hooked from chapter one and I was rooting for our characters to work it out. My only issues with this book is the whiplash you get from both Jackie and Cole in regard to their relationship and each other, but return to my earlier comment, they are supposed to be kids. And I know when I was 16 I was hopeless!

Highlights of this story include;
The visit to the thrift shop
A phone call with Danny
Jackie working through her grief
Literally every time Isaac is present on the page. He is everything!

Fun read! Has me excited for season two of the show.