We're a Bad Idea, Right?

Name: We're a Bad Idea, Right?
Brand: Penguin Random House
Availability: InStock
Author: K. L. Walther
ISBN: 9798217172009

Author: K. L. Walther

Narrator: Abigail Reno

Unabridged: 10 hr 36 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Listening Library

Published: 03/31/2026

Categories: Young Adult Fiction, Social Themes, Coming Of Age

Synopsis

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.

About The Author

K.L. Walther is the bestselling author of The Summer of Broken Rules and While We’re Young. Born and raised in the rolling hills of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, she is happiest when reading a romance on the beach or bantering with her better half.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Anisa on January 22, 2026

I love YA romance, friends to lovers and I love Fake dating all of which this story had. While I did enjoy the story and the uniqueness of the FMC being a glass blower, I didn't enjoy what felt like love triangles between multiple characters. I was thrown off of the actual love interest and their lo......more

Goodreads review by Angie on April 05, 2026

She got into Wharton and wants instead to go to glass blowing school. Absolutely not.......more

Goodreads review by Emily on September 26, 2025

Thank you netgalley and Penguin Random House for letting me read this one early. This was my first K.L. Walther novel. I loved it. I loved the pop culture references in the novel. I also loved the plot with the rental property. I thought that Henry and Audrey's relationship was cute. I thought that......more

Quotes

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