We're a Bad Idea, Right?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The business of love gets messy when two best friends decide to fake a relationship in this uproarious and swoony novel by the New York Times bestselling author of The Summer of Broken Rules.

“As always, Walther’s characters leap off the page. Come for the perfectly executed fake dating romance and stay for the endearing cast of weirdos who feel like real friends.”—Becky Albertalli, bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Audrey Barbour has had enough of following the rules. Eighteen years of being the perfect daughter—exceptional grades, enviable college acceptances, tame dating history—and still, her parents don’t trust her enough to let her study her passion, glassblowing, on a prestigious fellowship.

So when her best friend Henry proposes an outrageous fake-dating scheme to win back his ex-girlfriend, it feels like the first step to shaking up her perfect life. And the second? That comes when Audrey’s parents go out of town, sparking a high-risk, high-reward solution to pay for her fellowship—renting out her family’s Connecticut mansion online. With the help of her new fake-boyfriend, it shouldn’t be hard to pull off… right?

But when her best intentions start to unravel, Audrey will have to reckon with who she is, what she wants, and what it really means to play life by her rules—all with her heart on the line.

K.L. Walther grew up Pennsylvania surrounded by family, dogs, and books. Her childhood was spent playing ice hockey, watching romantic comedies, and singing along to Taylor Swift. She earned a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia, where she fell in love with writing and completed the first version of What Happens After Midnight, her third young adult novel. Just like Maybe Meant To Be and The Summer of Broken Rules, it is filled with humor, heart, and a Swiftie scavenger hunt! Find her on Instagram @klwalther9, or visit her at klwalther.com

Praise for We're a Bad Idea, Right?:

“As always, Walther’s characters leap off the page: earnest, ambitious Audrey is my new favorite glassblowing girlboss, and Henry’s sweetness and charm are off the charts. Their chemistry is palpable, with a depth that feels wholly sincere. Come for the perfectly executed fake dating romance and stay for the endearing cast of weirdos who feel like real friends.”—Becky Albertalli, New York Times bestselling author of Simon Vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda

“K.L. Walther expertly balances humor, friendship, and romance in We’re A Bad Idea, Right?. Best friends Audrey and Henry are a perfect match, and I rooted for their fake relationship to become real every step of the way! Readers are sure to kick their feet as they page through this unputdownable novel.”—Tif Marcelo, USA Today bestselling author of The Holiday Switch

“Swoony, tender, and downright fun! Matters of the heart—and ‘bad ideas’ that can change everything—are a risky business that only K.L. Walther can deliver with her signature expertise and whip-smart characters. Readers will fall head over heels!”—Matthew Hubbard, author of The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge

"A light and entertaining plot-driven romance."—Kirkus Reviews

"Walther’s writing is evocative and brings the community to life." —School Library Journal

“Another swoony read that is not afraid of inspiring us to follow our true passions and maybe even fake date your BFF to make your biggest dreams come true.” —Cosmopolitan

“A whirlwind of schemes, chemistry, and unintended feelings. Read this when you want something fun, busy, and rom-com breezy.” —BiblioLifestyle

“A swoony fake dating romance with the idyllic backdrop of a coastal Connecticut town….A delightful, fake dating romance full of intimate chemistry, rental shenanigans, and feel-good vibes. We loved everything about it!” —The Honey Pop

Praise for While We’re Young:

An Instant New York Times bestseller!

“While We’re Young brings Ferris Bueller’s senior skip day adventures to today’s teens, with a Taylor Swift soundtrack and a fresh cast of characters . . . It might tempt even the strictest rule follower to be a little reckless.” —Kaitlyn Hill, author of Wild About You

“A stunning love letter to friendship, first love, and the city of Philadelphia.” —Elle Gonzalez Rose, author of 10 Things I Hate About Prom

“Perfectly captures the exhilarating rush of unexpected adventure.” —Robin Reul, author of My Kind of Crazy

“Equal parts delicious romantic longing, hilarious hijinks, and a tribute to the power of friendship.” —Becky Dean, author of Love & Other Great Expectations

“Readers are in for an absolute treat with Walther’s latest.” —Liz Lawson, New York Times bestselling author of the Agathas series

★ “A delightful whirlwind. Filled with romance and shenanigans in spades, it effortlessly captures the rush of being young and doing something the adults wouldn’t like but is, nevertheless, exactly what you need.” —Booklist, starred review