They Hate Each Other

Jonah and Dylan are high school enemies who, after a misunderstanding at a party, decide to enter a fake relationship to eventually stage a blow up and prove they are wrong for each other. As they spend time together, they uncover the deep-seated issues the other is facing, including Jonah's struggle with his father's alcoholism and Dylan's pressure to be the perfect golden boy. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals directly and realistically with parental alcoholism, domestic neglect, and mental health struggles. The approach is secular and contemporary, focusing on the psychological impact of these environments. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in the reality that healing is a process. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story starts with a high-energy, sarcastic tone typical of the enemies to lovers trope, but it quickly deepens into a heavy, emotional exploration of trauma. It builds toward a cathartic and healing conclusion. IDEAL READER: A high schooler who enjoys sharp-witted banter but is also looking for a story that acknowledges the difficult realities of living with a parent who has an addiction or the weight of high expectations. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might see their teen becoming increasingly defensive about their social life or showing signs of burnout from trying to maintain a perfect image. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of the frequent use of strong language and scenes involving underage drinking and the aftermath of a parent's substance abuse. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger teens (14) will focus on the romance and the humor of the fake dating scheme, while older teens (17-18) will likely resonate more with the themes of breaking away from family cycles and mental health struggles. DIFFERENTIATOR: It subverts the lighthearted fake dating trope by grounding it in significant, gritty realism regarding family dysfunction and mental health, making it much more than a standard rom-com. """