Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, I get it—forbidden romance, bad boy, enemies-to-lovers. But this ain't it.

My Fault went viral on BookTok, but that doesn't make it good or appropriate. This is a Wattpad story that made it to print, and it shows. The writing is weak, the characters are immature (despite one being 22), and the central romance is between a 17-year-old girl and her 22-year-old stepbrother who exhibits controlling, dark behavior that the book treats as sexy rather than scary.

Parent reviews on Common Sense Media are unanimous: this relationship is unhealthy and inappropriate. The five-year age gap crosses the minor/adult line, the power dynamics are terrible, and nothing about this models healthy relationship behaviors. If your teen is reading this, it's a prime opportunity to talk about red flags, consent, and what actual healthy relationships look like—because this book won't teach them.

The 4.4 Amazon rating reflects the BookTok hype machine, not quality literature. There are so many better YA romances out there that don't require you to overlook statutory rape vibes. Pass.

Age Fit

This is marketed as YA but is really only appropriate for older teens (17+) and adults who can critically analyze toxic relationship patterns. Even then, it's a hard sell—the step-sibling premise and age gap (minor/adult) make this inappropriate for the high school audience it targets.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

15

This step-sibling romance between a 17-year-old and 22-year-old normalizes a controlling, dark sexual relationship with significant power imbalance. Parent reviews on Common Sense Media explicitly flag the relationship as unhealthy and inappropriate. The book features illegal street racing, toxic relationship dynamics, and models behaviors that are emotionally unhealthy rather than constructive.

Imaginative

25

While the premise of sudden wealth and LA lifestyle change has potential, reviews consistently note the writing quality is poor with 'antiquated sayings' and immature character development. The forbidden romance trope is executed without fresh perspective despite one positive quote. Multiple reviews describe it as failing to 'truly shine in any area' and lacking originality in a crowded Wattpad-to-published landscape.

Safe

20

Contains explicit sexual content between a minor (17) and adult (22) who are step-siblings, creating both legal and ethical concerns. Reviews mention dark, controlling relationship dynamics, child abuse content warnings, and themes of danger throughout. The age gap, power imbalance, and romanticization of toxic behavior make this unsafe for the YA audience it targets.

Enriching

10

This book offers virtually no developmental value. It models unhealthy relationship patterns, controlling behavior, and poor decision-making without meaningful consequences or growth. Parent reviews emphasize the immaturity of characters and lack of redeeming lessons. The 'drama and romance' mentioned in reviews doesn't translate to insight, empathy-building, or skill development—just problematic relationship modeling.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Fast-paced plot keeps pages turning if you can ignore the problematic premise
Explores themes of sudden wealth and lifestyle disruption
Popular on BookTok, so teens might feel culturally connected to the conversation
Could spark discussions about what healthy vs. unhealthy relationships actually look like (as a cautionary tale)

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What to Watch For

Sexual relationship between a 17-year-old high schooler and her 22-year-old stepbrother—yes, really
Dark, controlling relationship dynamics that are romanticized rather than critiqued
Explicit sexual content and mature themes throughout
Poor writing quality with immature character development despite characters' ages
Content warnings for child abuse themes

Conversation Starters

"What makes a relationship unhealthy or controlling? What are the warning signs Noah should have noticed?"
"Why do you think books that romanticize toxic relationships become so popular on social media?"
"If you were Noah's friend, what advice would you give her about Nick?"
"What's the difference between 'passionate' and 'controlling' in a relationship?"

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