Synopsis
Jackie Howard thought she had everything figured out when she left the Walter ranch for a summer in New York — time to think, space to breathe, and maybe a break from the confusing whirlwind that is Cole Walter. But some boys aren’t so easy to forget.
When she returns, Jackie is determined to keep her distance. Cole’s working in town before college, and she’s convinced it will be easy to avoid him… until she sees him again. Cue racing hearts, smoldering glances, and all the unresolved tension that no amount of miles could erase. But life with the Walter family is never simple — and neither are Jackie’s feelings.
Will she take the next step, or keep running from what she truly wants?
Detailed Review
Ali Novak delivers exactly what fans have been craving: a sequel that’s heartfelt, complicated, and deliciously addictive. My Return to the Walter Boys is a warm, tangled mix of family chaos, teenage romance, and self-discovery.
The Walter family dynamic is just as charming (and occasionally overwhelming) as in book one. Every side character adds depth, humor, or drama, and you can’t help but wish you were part of their ranch life. But at the center of it all, it’s Jackie and Cole — and oh, the tension.
This isn’t a “love at first sight” fantasy. It’s messy, frustrating, and oh-so-real, which makes every moment between them hit harder. Ali Novak nails the emotional beats, weaving in that bittersweet ache of growing up, making choices, and risking your heart.
If you loved the Netflix adaptation or devoured the first book, this sequel will feel like slipping back into a favorite hoodie — comforting, but with just enough spark to keep you wide awake at 2 a.m.
About the Author
Ali Novak is a Wisconsin native and the author of My Life with the Walter Boys and The Heartbreakers series. Her debut novel gained millions of reads on Wattpad before being published and later adapted into a hit Netflix series. Known for her swoony romances and relatable characters, Novak has a gift for making you feel like you’re living inside the story.
Books Similar to This One
- The Summer I Turned Pretty – Jenny Han (for the summer romance & family dynamics)
- Love, Lucas – Chantele Sedgwick (for emotional YA romance)
- Since You’ve Been Gone – Morgan Matson (for friendships & self-discovery)
- Better Than the Movies – Lynn Painter (for that teen rom-com energy)
Spice Rating
🌶️ 0.5/5 – Sweet and clean romance. All about the feels, not the steam. Perfect for YA romance lovers who like tension without explicit scenes.
Why You Should Get a Copy
If you’ve been missing the Walter family’s chaos, Cole’s slow-burn romance, or Jackie’s relatable journey of figuring herself out, this book is your invitation back. It’s cozy, romantic, and the kind of sequel that makes you want to binge-read the whole series all over again. Plus, with the Netflix adaptation bringing even more fans into the fold, now’s the perfect time to catch up before spoilers hit your feed.
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Interactive Section – Which Walter Boy Is Your Match? (Mini Quiz)
1. How do you spend your weekends?
a) Fixing up projects and staying busy (Cole)
b) Hanging out with friends and laughing (Isaac)
c) Quietly reading or listening to music (Nathan)
2. Your perfect date night is…
a) Stargazing in the back of a truck (Cole)
b) Playing arcade games and eating pizza (Isaac)
c) A cozy night with hot chocolate and a movie (Nathan)
3. Your ideal personality in a partner?
a) Protective but mysterious (Cole)
b) Funny and lighthearted (Isaac)
c) Thoughtful and dependable (Nathan)
Mostly A’s: You’re a Cole kind of person — steady, intense, and irresistible.
Mostly B’s: Isaac is your guy — fun-loving and warm.
Mostly C’s: Nathan is your heart-match — kind, caring, and safe.
Reading Caffeinated 