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Never Vacation with Your Ex
Forgetting Sarah Marshall meets Crazy Stupid Love in a YA second chance romance from fan-favorite author couple #Wibbroka!
Seventeen-year-old volleyball star Kaylee Jordan lives a life of player rankings, constant training, and a carefully curated social media full of followers watching to see if she'll go pro out of high school like her famous mom. Her one refuge, and the thing she looks forward to every summer? The vacation her family spends in Malibu with the Freeman-Yus. This year, there’s only one problem: Kaylee and their son, Dean, dated for the past three months, and Kaylee just unceremoniously dumped him. Hoping to spare them the worst summer ever, Kaylee comes to Dean with her unconventional solution: she’s going to walk him through her rules for getting over an ex. When Dean grudgingly cooperates, Kaylee’s got her work cut out for her. But helping Dean follow her own rules starts becoming difficult when the pressures of Kaylee’s family legacy and perfect life start to feel less like a plan and more like a prison…and amid warm California nights and stolen laughs, Kaylee feels herself falling for Dean for the same reasons and some new ones. With their trip coming to an end, Kaylee has to make the complicated choice between doing what’s expected and taking a (second) chance on love.
Seventeen-year-old volleyball star Kaylee Jordan lives a life of player rankings, constant training, and a carefully curated social media full of followers watching to see if she'll go pro out of high school like her famous mom. Her one refuge, and the thing she looks forward to every summer? The vacation her family spends in Malibu with the Freeman-Yus. This year, there’s only one problem: Kaylee and their son, Dean, dated for the past three months, and Kaylee just unceremoniously dumped him. Hoping to spare them the worst summer ever, Kaylee comes to Dean with her unconventional solution: she’s going to walk him through her rules for getting over an ex. When Dean grudgingly cooperates, Kaylee’s got her work cut out for her. But helping Dean follow her own rules starts becoming difficult when the pressures of Kaylee’s family legacy and perfect life start to feel less like a plan and more like a prison…and amid warm California nights and stolen laughs, Kaylee feels herself falling for Dean for the same reasons and some new ones. With their trip coming to an end, Kaylee has to make the complicated choice between doing what’s expected and taking a (second) chance on love.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2023
150 people are currently reading
18173 people want to read
About the author
Emily Wibberley
21 books2,254 followersEmily Wibberley attended Princeton University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Austin Siegemund-Broka, with whom she is author of The Roughest Draft, as well as several love stories for teens.
Visit her and Austin's website at www.emilyandaustinwrite.com.
Visit her and Austin's website at www.emilyandaustinwrite.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 646 reviews
April 22, 2023
i aaaaalmost rounded this up to 3 stars just because of how much i really wanted to love this but, the more i thought about it, the more i realised i just didnt enjoy it.
which is shocking because ive always had fun with the stories EW and ASB have written together. some definitely more than others, but they have always been cute and entertaining reads. and this one wasnt.
kaylee is insufferable. dean has no backbone. and there is absolutely no chemistry between them. i dont even know why they are friends, thats how bad their connection is. the parents are children and the least adult adults i have ever read. and its unfortunate that neither the characters, nor the story, redeemed themselves in any way.
so a miss for me and i will be pretending like this book doesnt exist in EW and ASBs bibliography. lol.
↠ 2.5 stars
which is shocking because ive always had fun with the stories EW and ASB have written together. some definitely more than others, but they have always been cute and entertaining reads. and this one wasnt.
kaylee is insufferable. dean has no backbone. and there is absolutely no chemistry between them. i dont even know why they are friends, thats how bad their connection is. the parents are children and the least adult adults i have ever read. and its unfortunate that neither the characters, nor the story, redeemed themselves in any way.
so a miss for me and i will be pretending like this book doesnt exist in EW and ASBs bibliography. lol.
↠ 2.5 stars
April 6, 2023
I have a bad feeling I'm in a slow-moving breakup with this author duo. The magic is fizzling out, if not outright gone, and clearly I need to follow the path of this protagonist's story and drop it like it's hot.
Because, yeah, I could not muster up any sympathy for Kaylee. There was no ambivalence, even, or moments where I felt for her, she just made me frustrated. And the whole guide to getting over a break-up/ex routine she played off on Dean, her ex, just rubbed me the wrong way the whole time. But I can't even say that I felt more for Dean or sympathized with him, either, because he frustrated me, too. And so did the parents. Honestly, the only characters that escaped my irritation were the younger sisters. I wish you hundreds of family game night wins to ensure endless Mamma Mia! rewatches, girls. You deserve it.
So, yeah, I won't be recommending this. And I wish I had gone with my gut when I initially hesitated over requesting this, knowing the last few reads by this author (not just YA, but I'm lumping their adult debut in this corner, too) did not go well. But it was almost habit to get excited over a new Wibbroka and therefore the thought of not wanting it in my hands seemed foreign. But.. we (I) shall be moving on from this. We (I) will do better apart. We are, maybe, no longer meant to be. Insert a Taylor Swift lyrics here.
Or, at least, I won't be on the pre-release hype squad. I'll probably still pick them up on the down-low. What can I say, I have endless chances in me for those I once loved. For now, at least.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
Because, yeah, I could not muster up any sympathy for Kaylee. There was no ambivalence, even, or moments where I felt for her, she just made me frustrated. And the whole guide to getting over a break-up/ex routine she played off on Dean, her ex, just rubbed me the wrong way the whole time. But I can't even say that I felt more for Dean or sympathized with him, either, because he frustrated me, too. And so did the parents. Honestly, the only characters that escaped my irritation were the younger sisters. I wish you hundreds of family game night wins to ensure endless Mamma Mia! rewatches, girls. You deserve it.
So, yeah, I won't be recommending this. And I wish I had gone with my gut when I initially hesitated over requesting this, knowing the last few reads by this author (not just YA, but I'm lumping their adult debut in this corner, too) did not go well. But it was almost habit to get excited over a new Wibbroka and therefore the thought of not wanting it in my hands seemed foreign. But.. we (I) shall be moving on from this. We (I) will do better apart. We are, maybe, no longer meant to be. Insert a Taylor Swift lyrics here.
Or, at least, I won't be on the pre-release hype squad. I'll probably still pick them up on the down-low. What can I say, I have endless chances in me for those I once loved. For now, at least.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
July 6, 2023
2.25 out of 5 stars
I know I'd decided a long time ago that this duo's YA books aren't for me. Then I see this trope: friends to lovers to exes to enemies to lovers , and me being the way I am couldn't resist it by not adding this in my tbr-list.
I know I'd decided a long time ago that this duo's YA books aren't for me. Then I see this trope: friends to lovers to exes to enemies to lovers , and me being the way I am couldn't resist it by not adding this in my tbr-list.
May 10, 2023
DNFed. Kaylee was absolutely insufferable. She admits to being a serial dater (which is fine) and is so proud of how good she is at dumping boys. Then she dates her best friend and after saying I love you, she gets a “bad feeling” and breaks up with him, her doesn’t understand why he doesn’t want to be her friend anymore. Never mind that she never gives an explanation for the breakup. The real kicker?? She tells HIM that HE should stay home for their families vacation, SO SHE WILL BE MORE COMFORTABLE. I can not deal with this behavior. She even expect her parents to cancel the vacation. Don’t worry, this was only the first 12%. If you want to tell me if she somehow gets a redemption arc, feel free to read and tell me, because I am never picking this up again.
April 10, 2023
I like young adult books and I like rom-coms so this seemed like a perfect pick. Unfortunately I guess romance in the teen drama world missed the mark for me with this one. I had a hard time liking any of the characters (Dean’s little sisters were ok). I will say it is a light, quick read, but I was disappointed in the romance of it. Kaylee has a lot of pressure. She is planning to play volleyball professionally and is following in her Olympic volleyball player mother’s footsteps. She has about half a million followers and spends ever moment focusing on being perfect. Her mom’s best friend has a son her age, Dean, so they have known each other their whole lives. When they gave in to teenage hormones and dated it only lasted two months before Kaylee dumped Dean without giving him a reason why. This is made incredibly more awkward by their families’ annual 3 week vacation to California coming up.
July 2, 2024
3.5/4
Marking what's probably my 1000th book as rtc
Marking what's probably my 1000th book as rtc
April 4, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ - A second chance YA romance about navigating familial expectations, dreams/desires and young love.
March 25, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for providing an arc copy of this book.
I don’t know where to begin with this book. I guess I will start by saying that I hated almost everything about this book, and I can’t believe I wasted my time reading it. From the man charter to the romance, there was almost nothing redeemable about the book.
Kaylee has to be one of the worst main characters I have ever read about. She is vapid and self-absorbed and not a single thing about her makes her a likable character. I kept reading hoping that she would have a redemption arc, but nope she remained shallow throughout the whole thing.
The romance was also lacking, I could not understand why no one was calling out her bullshit and how she just flits through life playing with people's emotions. There was absolutely no chemistry between Kaylee and Dean and everything felt so surface-level with them.
Honestly, though everything felt surface-level. The relationships with the parents, friends, and siblings had absolutely no depth to them and I kept waiting to actually feel something fro anyone in the book. Even the conversations Kaylee has with her mother don’t actually resolve anything.
That was one of my biggest issues with the book is nothing is actually resolved. Everyone just keeps seeping all the problems under the rug. I kept screaming “please just have an honest conversation.”
Overall this book lacks any real depth or character development. The writing is all surface-level and bland at best. The fact that I finished this book is astonishing and I probably should have DNFed it.
I don’t know where to begin with this book. I guess I will start by saying that I hated almost everything about this book, and I can’t believe I wasted my time reading it. From the man charter to the romance, there was almost nothing redeemable about the book.
Kaylee has to be one of the worst main characters I have ever read about. She is vapid and self-absorbed and not a single thing about her makes her a likable character. I kept reading hoping that she would have a redemption arc, but nope she remained shallow throughout the whole thing.
The romance was also lacking, I could not understand why no one was calling out her bullshit and how she just flits through life playing with people's emotions. There was absolutely no chemistry between Kaylee and Dean and everything felt so surface-level with them.
Honestly, though everything felt surface-level. The relationships with the parents, friends, and siblings had absolutely no depth to them and I kept waiting to actually feel something fro anyone in the book. Even the conversations Kaylee has with her mother don’t actually resolve anything.
That was one of my biggest issues with the book is nothing is actually resolved. Everyone just keeps seeping all the problems under the rug. I kept screaming “please just have an honest conversation.”
Overall this book lacks any real depth or character development. The writing is all surface-level and bland at best. The fact that I finished this book is astonishing and I probably should have DNFed it.
October 17, 2023
Never Vacation with Your Ex is not my book to enjoy. I was wary when I saw this book on my forgotten TBR pile. But hey what the heck, I give it a try.
And yes, this book is not for me. Sorry.
2 stars
And yes, this book is not for me. Sorry.
2 stars
March 31, 2023
Ok, so at first glance at the reviews, I can see what people are getting at. Kaylee doesn’t come off as the likable, peppy, sporty teen you would probably expect in a YA romance. Instead, what you get with her is a look at a teen facing increasing pressure and scrutiny as she pursues her dreams of a professional volleyball career in the shadow of her mother’s success (the Olympic gold medal volleyball legend).
In fact, this tension and internal strife within Kaylee is arguably more center stage than the whole romantic set up and premise, and while I get how that’s misleading given the cover and synopsis, to me— I liked it better. I liked the substance it added and I liked that it talked about issues that many teens, especially those playing competitive sports and looking at longer term professional careers face. The way Kaylee discussed social media as a job, the times she mentions having to wear a mask and be perfect, control and reign in her emotions, and all the times her own family makes her feel like she’s responsible for the emotions of others and how they feel about her — it’s a lot for anyone, and especially a teen who is desperately trying to make herself stand out from her mother’s legacy.
It can come across as whiney and privileged, and at several times, Kaylee acknowledges this, but at the same time, having these privileges doesn’t mean she can’t have hardships or battles of her own, so I’m not keen on the reviews that harp on this aspect. She doesn’t need to be inundated in trauma in order for her feelings of the overwhelming pressure to be perfect and live up to comparisons to her mother, the desire to be enough, and expectations to be perfect, to feel real and affect her. The conflicting ways she feels about her body and how she’s told to feel about it, at times powerful and strong, at other times not sexy enough, are also very valid and reflect a lot of the sexualization and discourse over young women’s bodies that happens all the time today, even if you aren’t a highly visible public persona or athlete. So yeah, while she gets to vacation in sunny Malibu, while we see she’s financially very supported and has a strong family unit backing her dreams, she can still have all these feelings, they’re arguably part of of the teen experience in some ways, and also reflective of the unique and highly visible situation and circumstances Kaylee and other young athletes like her are in. It could at times be annoying to hear repetitively, but again, I think it’s fundamentally part of Kaylee and where we find her at this time and I think it’s valid.
Did the romance and chemistry with Dean suffer a bit because of Kaylee’s own internal demons and battles? Yes, however I still had fun with their second chance romance and I liked that in the end, Kaylee is made to really vocalize and work through her feelings with Dean. Could it have been pushed further? Yes, but again, overall I think Kaylee’s own internal struggles were more valuable thematically. I did want more discussion between Kaylee and her mother, that felt way too short, but still, I liked that these feelings were discussed at all and given the length, I imagine it was a tough call to decide how much time to give that discussion over the romance story.
I think if you can come into this with more of an open mind than just wanting a clear cut YA romance, you’ll enjoy how Kaylee’s internal struggles are laid on the page and reflect a lot of the stress, anxiety, and judgement I think many teens can relate to in some way. Thank you Penguin Random House Audio for my free ALC and Penguin Random House and Netgalley for my galley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, 3.25 / 5, rounding down to 3.
In fact, this tension and internal strife within Kaylee is arguably more center stage than the whole romantic set up and premise, and while I get how that’s misleading given the cover and synopsis, to me— I liked it better. I liked the substance it added and I liked that it talked about issues that many teens, especially those playing competitive sports and looking at longer term professional careers face. The way Kaylee discussed social media as a job, the times she mentions having to wear a mask and be perfect, control and reign in her emotions, and all the times her own family makes her feel like she’s responsible for the emotions of others and how they feel about her — it’s a lot for anyone, and especially a teen who is desperately trying to make herself stand out from her mother’s legacy.
It can come across as whiney and privileged, and at several times, Kaylee acknowledges this, but at the same time, having these privileges doesn’t mean she can’t have hardships or battles of her own, so I’m not keen on the reviews that harp on this aspect. She doesn’t need to be inundated in trauma in order for her feelings of the overwhelming pressure to be perfect and live up to comparisons to her mother, the desire to be enough, and expectations to be perfect, to feel real and affect her. The conflicting ways she feels about her body and how she’s told to feel about it, at times powerful and strong, at other times not sexy enough, are also very valid and reflect a lot of the sexualization and discourse over young women’s bodies that happens all the time today, even if you aren’t a highly visible public persona or athlete. So yeah, while she gets to vacation in sunny Malibu, while we see she’s financially very supported and has a strong family unit backing her dreams, she can still have all these feelings, they’re arguably part of of the teen experience in some ways, and also reflective of the unique and highly visible situation and circumstances Kaylee and other young athletes like her are in. It could at times be annoying to hear repetitively, but again, I think it’s fundamentally part of Kaylee and where we find her at this time and I think it’s valid.
Did the romance and chemistry with Dean suffer a bit because of Kaylee’s own internal demons and battles? Yes, however I still had fun with their second chance romance and I liked that in the end, Kaylee is made to really vocalize and work through her feelings with Dean. Could it have been pushed further? Yes, but again, overall I think Kaylee’s own internal struggles were more valuable thematically. I did want more discussion between Kaylee and her mother, that felt way too short, but still, I liked that these feelings were discussed at all and given the length, I imagine it was a tough call to decide how much time to give that discussion over the romance story.
I think if you can come into this with more of an open mind than just wanting a clear cut YA romance, you’ll enjoy how Kaylee’s internal struggles are laid on the page and reflect a lot of the stress, anxiety, and judgement I think many teens can relate to in some way. Thank you Penguin Random House Audio for my free ALC and Penguin Random House and Netgalley for my galley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, 3.25 / 5, rounding down to 3.
July 12, 2022
this was soooo cute
January 24, 2023
If only Wibbroka could write an MC that was actually, oh I don’t know, LIKABLE, maybe we would all be better off. They have all the makings of a good book- solid plots, funny side characters, good writing, and YA girls who finally say fuck.
But I can’t believe they’ve built an entire empire on this formula of selfish, narcissistic, perfectionist bitches who are the most obnoxious girls in book history. It’s the same story every damn time and I’m so over it. There are no redeeming qualities in any of them and they always learn their lesson in one inspirational sentence in the last two chapters and that is simply not how life works.
The amount of times I rolled my eyes and screamed how much I hated Kaylee and her bullshit was a record. Dean deserved SO MUCH better and if anyone is still on this train…I’m worried about you.
But I can’t believe they’ve built an entire empire on this formula of selfish, narcissistic, perfectionist bitches who are the most obnoxious girls in book history. It’s the same story every damn time and I’m so over it. There are no redeeming qualities in any of them and they always learn their lesson in one inspirational sentence in the last two chapters and that is simply not how life works.
The amount of times I rolled my eyes and screamed how much I hated Kaylee and her bullshit was a record. Dean deserved SO MUCH better and if anyone is still on this train…I’m worried about you.
April 28, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝘼 𝙔𝘼 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙭 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢.
📍 Read if you like:
• Second Chance Romances
• Teen Drama
• Volleyball
• Malibu/Beaches
This book has not been getting the greatest reviews on Goodreads lately - and I get why, I really do - however, there is so much more to the story than this YA romance. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but I did find it enjoyable for the most part.
A lot of the reviews I read about this book mentioned how unlikable Kaylee was, and I truly understand why they would say that. While I do agree a bit, I also understood the harsh reality she was facing. I know how tough living up to expectations can be so I get why Kaylee was like that with volleyball, especially since the stakes were high with her famous mother.
I will say, the YA romance wasn’t as strong in this book. It did lack some meaning, and I feel like the book itself would have worked so much better if it was dual pov. I found myself pushing to get through some of the chapters as I needed a break - aka a second pov from the hero.
This wasn’t at all a terrible book, it just won’t be for everyone. You sort of have to accept the story and enjoy it for what it is: a slight young adult second-chance romance about our two characters navigating through life - in this case a vacation - in Malibu.
I have read two books by this author duo prior to reading this one, and I loved both of them. Seriously though, if you have not read The Roughest Draft then you should definitely pick it up. While I get the low ratings and understand the frustration with the MC, I also feel like the story had so much more to it that was ignored. It was a decent YA romance, and honestly, I would recommend it to the intended reader.
Thank you Penguin Teen and NetGalley for the gifted e-ARC in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts are my own!
𝘼 𝙔𝘼 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙭 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢.
📍 Read if you like:
• Second Chance Romances
• Teen Drama
• Volleyball
• Malibu/Beaches
This book has not been getting the greatest reviews on Goodreads lately - and I get why, I really do - however, there is so much more to the story than this YA romance. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but I did find it enjoyable for the most part.
A lot of the reviews I read about this book mentioned how unlikable Kaylee was, and I truly understand why they would say that. While I do agree a bit, I also understood the harsh reality she was facing. I know how tough living up to expectations can be so I get why Kaylee was like that with volleyball, especially since the stakes were high with her famous mother.
I will say, the YA romance wasn’t as strong in this book. It did lack some meaning, and I feel like the book itself would have worked so much better if it was dual pov. I found myself pushing to get through some of the chapters as I needed a break - aka a second pov from the hero.
This wasn’t at all a terrible book, it just won’t be for everyone. You sort of have to accept the story and enjoy it for what it is: a slight young adult second-chance romance about our two characters navigating through life - in this case a vacation - in Malibu.
I have read two books by this author duo prior to reading this one, and I loved both of them. Seriously though, if you have not read The Roughest Draft then you should definitely pick it up. While I get the low ratings and understand the frustration with the MC, I also feel like the story had so much more to it that was ignored. It was a decent YA romance, and honestly, I would recommend it to the intended reader.
Thank you Penguin Teen and NetGalley for the gifted e-ARC in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts are my own!
March 16, 2023
i'm still thinking but overall this book was weird ? i guess? the pacing felt off the character progression was a bit weird the romance wasn't really romancing i just .... i fear this book was just not for me :( despite being EXTREMELY excited for it
(thank you penguin for the eARC of this book!)
(thank you penguin for the eARC of this book!)
June 29, 2024
good summer read! weird trope but still fun ☺️
April 12, 2023
I love Wibbrokka books. They are so cute and knowing that a married couple is writing them just makes it so much better.
I didn't love this one as much, just because the whole friends to lovers to exs thing isn't my style. I had a bit of a hard time connecting with Kaylee. I think it would've been better as a Dual POV.
Still a super cute rom-com and it had some twists that were pretty unique!
I didn't love this one as much, just because the whole friends to lovers to exs thing isn't my style. I had a bit of a hard time connecting with Kaylee. I think it would've been better as a Dual POV.
Still a super cute rom-com and it had some twists that were pretty unique!
July 14, 2023
What even was this? I got about 50% and had to stop because I remembered that their are way better books out there.
This story was so flat, the characters had no chemistry and Kylee? The MC, was a stuck up chick. It also didn't help that the love interest is bi, which was mentioned right away. But I kept reading just to see if the story was good.
This story was so flat, the characters had no chemistry and Kylee? The MC, was a stuck up chick. It also didn't help that the love interest is bi, which was mentioned right away. But I kept reading just to see if the story was good.
April 30, 2023
What a great start to summer reading!
"Never Vacation with Your Ex" immediately put me into summer mode.
I am now officially ready for the hot sun, beach trips, baseball games, sandals and bon-fires. Bring on the summer.
This was the cutest little young adult story. It's a book that you can pick up to simply enjoy. It's a very sweet and light read. This second-chance, friends-to-lovers, forced proximity romance was very adorable. I thought the romance between, spoiler alert, Dean and Kaylee was the love that we all wanted when we were in high school. Don't tell me you never dreamed of having the swoon-worthy love story where the best guy friend admits his love for you and you end up spending the rest of high school basking in the glow of young love?
Dean and Kaylee had that love story on lock but before the summer starts she breaks it off with Dean but the universe is totally not having it. The pair are "forced" into the annual family vacation to California where they will be spending three months in painfully close proximity. Once Jordan's arrive at the vacation home tension are already running high and Kaylee is already feeling exhausted from the pressure of making vacation perfect outside of her ex sleeping in a room right down the hall for three months. Kaylee comes up with the brilliant idea to not only smooth the waters in California but to help Dean get over her to coach him on her methods of living life freely and independently following a separation.
Surprise...surprise...the vacation and experiment teach Dean and Kaylee that they love each other deeply. Hot rebounds, hobbies and the sandy beaches of California couldn't keep them apart.
I really enjoyed this book. The romance was very sweet. I liked that Dean and Kaylee got their happy ending but I think my favorite part of this whole story was the volleyball.
I NEED MORE VOLLEYBALL STORIES. Why couldn't think book been about Kaylee's volleyball career in high school leading to her grasping a difficult decision of either becoming a professional or compete competitively collegiately plus navigating the pressures of being in the shadow of her mother's professional beach volleyball career. I would have adored that.
Reading about Kaylee and her relationship with volleyball gave me so much nostalgia...and honestly gave me the hankering to go outside and pepper. I totally understood the pressures she felt trying to juggle her academics, practice, workout routine and trying to appear perfect. It's difficult being an athlete at any level. It's mentally and physically exhausting but being a part of a team and playing the sport you love makes it all worth it.
I appreciated that by the end of her summer vacation, Kaylee got her man (Yas queen) but got the more important self-confidence and understanding that no one is perfect. She finally stepped out of her mother's shadow and decided to make her own route on her path to becoming a professional volleyball player. I liked that she learned to let daily pressures wash away and fully enjoy not only the sport she loves but the moment that she is living in.
Emily Wibberley's "Never Vacation with Your Ex" was a great start to summer reading. I highly recommend this sweet romance if you want to feel all the beachy vibes. It will instantly transport you to help you imagine the warmth of the waves, the sand between your toes and the whooshing of the waves.
Thank you Penguin Teen for a copy of Never Vacation with Your Ex. This sweet YA story is out now! Don't forget to support Emily Wibberley and your favorite book publishers by not only purchasing their books but following them on all social platforms.
"Never Vacation with Your Ex" immediately put me into summer mode.
I am now officially ready for the hot sun, beach trips, baseball games, sandals and bon-fires. Bring on the summer.
This was the cutest little young adult story. It's a book that you can pick up to simply enjoy. It's a very sweet and light read. This second-chance, friends-to-lovers, forced proximity romance was very adorable. I thought the romance between, spoiler alert, Dean and Kaylee was the love that we all wanted when we were in high school. Don't tell me you never dreamed of having the swoon-worthy love story where the best guy friend admits his love for you and you end up spending the rest of high school basking in the glow of young love?
Dean and Kaylee had that love story on lock but before the summer starts she breaks it off with Dean but the universe is totally not having it. The pair are "forced" into the annual family vacation to California where they will be spending three months in painfully close proximity. Once Jordan's arrive at the vacation home tension are already running high and Kaylee is already feeling exhausted from the pressure of making vacation perfect outside of her ex sleeping in a room right down the hall for three months. Kaylee comes up with the brilliant idea to not only smooth the waters in California but to help Dean get over her to coach him on her methods of living life freely and independently following a separation.
Surprise...surprise...the vacation and experiment teach Dean and Kaylee that they love each other deeply. Hot rebounds, hobbies and the sandy beaches of California couldn't keep them apart.
I really enjoyed this book. The romance was very sweet. I liked that Dean and Kaylee got their happy ending but I think my favorite part of this whole story was the volleyball.
I NEED MORE VOLLEYBALL STORIES. Why couldn't think book been about Kaylee's volleyball career in high school leading to her grasping a difficult decision of either becoming a professional or compete competitively collegiately plus navigating the pressures of being in the shadow of her mother's professional beach volleyball career. I would have adored that.
Reading about Kaylee and her relationship with volleyball gave me so much nostalgia...and honestly gave me the hankering to go outside and pepper. I totally understood the pressures she felt trying to juggle her academics, practice, workout routine and trying to appear perfect. It's difficult being an athlete at any level. It's mentally and physically exhausting but being a part of a team and playing the sport you love makes it all worth it.
I appreciated that by the end of her summer vacation, Kaylee got her man (Yas queen) but got the more important self-confidence and understanding that no one is perfect. She finally stepped out of her mother's shadow and decided to make her own route on her path to becoming a professional volleyball player. I liked that she learned to let daily pressures wash away and fully enjoy not only the sport she loves but the moment that she is living in.
Emily Wibberley's "Never Vacation with Your Ex" was a great start to summer reading. I highly recommend this sweet romance if you want to feel all the beachy vibes. It will instantly transport you to help you imagine the warmth of the waves, the sand between your toes and the whooshing of the waves.
Thank you Penguin Teen for a copy of Never Vacation with Your Ex. This sweet YA story is out now! Don't forget to support Emily Wibberley and your favorite book publishers by not only purchasing their books but following them on all social platforms.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2023
this was so cute and i had a great time while reading it
June 29, 2023
and the 2023 award for the most obnoxious and self centered MC goes to Kaylee. I have never disliked a MC this much in a WHILE. Dean deserves SOOOOOOOOOOO much better like wow
April 5, 2023
Wow…
This was p.a.i.n.f.u.l.
I was so excited for this… and it was just terrible. I don’t even feel bad leaving a bad review because I think the authors actually wrote the most terrible main character under the illusion that she would be likable. They failed because she was absolutely the worst with no redeemable quality at all. From the very beginning of the book, she is entitled, incredibly full of herself… to the point of it being painful to read.
The premise of the book is that she is going on vacation with her ex. This specific ex (because she has many ((it’s like a whole big thing of hers)) is one of her best friends. More specifically, her childhood best friend; son of her parents best friends, whom she vacations with every single year.
Even though her parents warned her not to date this boy, who has been in love with her for years, she disregarded it and does whatever she wants to do on a whim, and then breaks up with him 2 months later, thinking that it won’t affect everyone else around her. Not to mention so callously breaking someone’s heart just for the sake of doing something because you feel like it.
I am so irritated and I just know that I will not be reading from these authors again. There was no chemistry between Kaylee and Dean. I didn’t even see the friendship chemistry that they were supposed to have. So this was just a definite no for me.
This was p.a.i.n.f.u.l.
I was so excited for this… and it was just terrible. I don’t even feel bad leaving a bad review because I think the authors actually wrote the most terrible main character under the illusion that she would be likable. They failed because she was absolutely the worst with no redeemable quality at all. From the very beginning of the book, she is entitled, incredibly full of herself… to the point of it being painful to read.
The premise of the book is that she is going on vacation with her ex. This specific ex (because she has many ((it’s like a whole big thing of hers)) is one of her best friends. More specifically, her childhood best friend; son of her parents best friends, whom she vacations with every single year.
Even though her parents warned her not to date this boy, who has been in love with her for years, she disregarded it and does whatever she wants to do on a whim, and then breaks up with him 2 months later, thinking that it won’t affect everyone else around her. Not to mention so callously breaking someone’s heart just for the sake of doing something because you feel like it.
I am so irritated and I just know that I will not be reading from these authors again. There was no chemistry between Kaylee and Dean. I didn’t even see the friendship chemistry that they were supposed to have. So this was just a definite no for me.
Read
November 5, 2022I think I've officially outgrown this writing duo.
This is definitely a case of... it's me. Hi, I'm the problem. It's me. It's not the book. It's me. (I hope years from now if I ever stumble across this review, I would remember that that's a T. Swift reference.)
I'm sorry but all I could think while reading about I-forgot-her-name's woes is that there are worse things in life. Some people aren't as lucky as her. And she should learn to appreciate the things she has and the people on her side. Stop being a priviledged, spoiled brat. Also? From the few chapters I read, it was obvious Dean could do better. He deserves someone better.
And to think second chance romance is my second favorite trope right after enemies to lovers. *sigh*
I received an e-arc from the publisher via Netgalley to read and review.
This is definitely a case of... it's me. Hi, I'm the problem. It's me. It's not the book. It's me. (I hope years from now if I ever stumble across this review, I would remember that that's a T. Swift reference.)
I'm sorry but all I could think while reading about I-forgot-her-name's woes is that there are worse things in life. Some people aren't as lucky as her. And she should learn to appreciate the things she has and the people on her side. Stop being a priviledged, spoiled brat. Also? From the few chapters I read, it was obvious Dean could do better. He deserves someone better.
And to think second chance romance is my second favorite trope right after enemies to lovers. *sigh*
I received an e-arc from the publisher via Netgalley to read and review.
May 9, 2023
2.5 stars, rounded down, and I was VERY conflicted about whether to round up or down
I really didn’t like the main character all that much and the volleyball aspects didn’t interest me. Dean and Kaylee had very little chemistry or tension and I couldn’t figure out what Dean saw in Kaylee. Their families were not great (especially the moms). I did enjoy all the beachy vibes, but overall this one was definitely not a favorite.
I really didn’t like the main character all that much and the volleyball aspects didn’t interest me. Dean and Kaylee had very little chemistry or tension and I couldn’t figure out what Dean saw in Kaylee. Their families were not great (especially the moms). I did enjoy all the beachy vibes, but overall this one was definitely not a favorite.
Want to read
June 7, 2022wake up babe new wibbroka got announced
Want to read
March 28, 2022Just tell me when and i'll be up for it.
March 21, 2023
Kaylee & Dean. She’s a volleyball star. He’s a bookish boy, always with his chunky black camera and over the ear headphones. She also has a reputation as a heartbreaker. And they’re recently broken up. Three weeks (together) of family beach days and dinners. Break up expert Kaylee is determined to help Dean move on. Good idea? Or bad idea? Must read to find out!
🌴 THINGS AND STUFF 🌴
-second chance romance
-childhood besties
-content creator & photographer
-coming of age
-overcoming perfectionism
-summer vacation: location, Malibu
-diversity rep
-battle of the movies & game night
-surfing 🏄🏼♀️
-LOTR
-#IsThisAKissingBook: young adult.
Thank you Emily & Austin for an advanced physical galley! And thank you Penguin Teen for an eARC!
Song: everyday by buddy holly
🌴 THINGS AND STUFF 🌴
-second chance romance
-childhood besties
-content creator & photographer
-coming of age
-overcoming perfectionism
-summer vacation: location, Malibu
-diversity rep
-battle of the movies & game night
-surfing 🏄🏼♀️
-LOTR
-#IsThisAKissingBook: young adult.
Thank you Emily & Austin for an advanced physical galley! And thank you Penguin Teen for an eARC!
Song: everyday by buddy holly
April 4, 2023
Dnf @ 17%
February 6, 2023
There’s something so relatable about a YA story that focuses on a teen’s after-school activities, and how they can be so time consuming and full of pressure.
I found Kaylee so easy to connect with on a personal level as someone who was so busy in high school but also for other readers I found so many of her characteristics easy to imagine others being able to understand.
I’m sure many of us at all ages count down the days to a yearly family vacation, a rest from the real world but THIS year, Kaylee has broken up with her boyfriend, who also happens to be a part of her family’s best friends who they go on the trip with each year. With the expectations her sport, social media and family have put on her she’s worried about Dean’s reaction to being on vacation with her ruining the trip, and comes up with a plan to teach him how to get over her.
As always, Emily and Austin dive into a story with great characters, this writing duo will always be a must-read for me and I loved how different this story was from their previous titles and other YA books I’d read. Social media influencers have become so common in titles these days, but I love that Kaylee’s routine, how her sport and brand were so woven into her everyday life and how others perceived her made this book stand out. Her true emotions and how she dealt with all the things on her plate were so well-written, and her second-chance romance with Dean was everything, I think the hide and seek scene was my favorite!
Thank you Penguin Teen for the chance to read and review an early copy!
I found Kaylee so easy to connect with on a personal level as someone who was so busy in high school but also for other readers I found so many of her characteristics easy to imagine others being able to understand.
I’m sure many of us at all ages count down the days to a yearly family vacation, a rest from the real world but THIS year, Kaylee has broken up with her boyfriend, who also happens to be a part of her family’s best friends who they go on the trip with each year. With the expectations her sport, social media and family have put on her she’s worried about Dean’s reaction to being on vacation with her ruining the trip, and comes up with a plan to teach him how to get over her.
As always, Emily and Austin dive into a story with great characters, this writing duo will always be a must-read for me and I loved how different this story was from their previous titles and other YA books I’d read. Social media influencers have become so common in titles these days, but I love that Kaylee’s routine, how her sport and brand were so woven into her everyday life and how others perceived her made this book stand out. Her true emotions and how she dealt with all the things on her plate were so well-written, and her second-chance romance with Dean was everything, I think the hide and seek scene was my favorite!
Thank you Penguin Teen for the chance to read and review an early copy!
May 20, 2023
kaylee is so insufferable my GOD
May 18, 2023
Never vacation with your ex by Emily Wibberly & Austin Siegmund broka is a ya contemporary novel that I have been looking forward to reading since they announced the book & cover! Before I begin my review I want to say thank u to Penguin Teen for sending me an e-arc of this book! It was a perfect summertime read for me!
This book had so many tropes that I loved and those are: Close quarters, friends to lovers one bed trope, grumpy sunshine and so many more!
This follows our main character kaylee who is a volleyball star coming right after her mother! So every year for Kaylee and her family they always go on vacation with their next door neighbor's and then this summer they go to cali and Kaylee falls in love with the next door neighbor boy! It was such a fun fast and easy pace read and I cannot wait to read more from these two authors! 4/5 Stars
This book had so many tropes that I loved and those are: Close quarters, friends to lovers one bed trope, grumpy sunshine and so many more!
This follows our main character kaylee who is a volleyball star coming right after her mother! So every year for Kaylee and her family they always go on vacation with their next door neighbor's and then this summer they go to cali and Kaylee falls in love with the next door neighbor boy! It was such a fun fast and easy pace read and I cannot wait to read more from these two authors! 4/5 Stars
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