Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Krawczyk
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Disappointing stepsibling romance packs in sex, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In MY FAULT, 17-year-old Noah and her mother move from Toronto to Los Angeles to live with her mother's wealthy new husband, whom she met on a cruise. Noah leaves behind her school, friends, and boyfriend. Her new life includes a fancy home on the ocean, a closet full of clothes, luxury cars, and an exclusive private high school. It also includes her 22-year-old stepbrother, Nicholas. Noah quickly realizes that Nick has a secret double life and becomes immersed in his fast-paced lifestyle of parties, car-racing, fights, and weekend vacations abroad. Noah and Nick spar continually but also begin to acknowledge their mutual attraction. As they enter into a sporadic romance, it becomes clear that Noah also has a troubled past and some secrets of her own. What will happen when her secrets catch up with her? Will Noah and Nick's relationship outlast the secrets, lies, and danger?
Is It Any Good?
This intense enemies-to-lovers romance packs in a lot of drama and romance but fails to truly shine in any area. In My Fault, stepsiblings Noah and Nick are either fighting or making out. There's not much of a relationship, or even friendship, between the two extremes. The result is a romance that lacks chemistry. They both make a lot of impulsive decisions, to the point that it becomes annoying. The writing isn't great, with very simple language and general descriptions. For example, characters are often described as "hot" without any details about what makes them so. (Part of this could be due to a subpar translation from the original Spanish.) At 17 and 22 years old, they engage in a sexual relationship in a state where the age of consent is 18, a reality that just isn't acknowledged in the book. Nick's attitude toward Noah is also problematic in that he refers to her in a possessive way. The drinking, sexual content, and violence read over the top at times. But for some teens, the forbidden romance theme -- along with the drama and intensity -- may be appealing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about change and transition in My Fault. Noah moves from Toronto to Los Angeles, leaving behind her school, friends, and boyfriend. She has an instant new family with her mom's husband and stepbrother Nick. Have you ever moved to a new city, state, or country? Have you ever welcomed new members into your family? How did it feel?
Both Nick and Noah make impulsive decisions. Nick resorts to violence when he's angry. Noah drinks when she feels jealous or worried. Can you think of ways they might handle their emotions differently? What are some healthier coping mechanisms?
After Noah and Nick start a sexual relationship, Nick says repeatedly to her things such as, "Now you're mine." What do you think when a person says another person belongs to them? Does this seem normal, or problematic? Why?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Bloom Books
- Publication date : June 6, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 16 - 18
- Number of pages : 416
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Apple Books, Kindle, App
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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