I recently finished reading My Fault by Mercedes Ron, the first book in her Culpable trilogy, and I couldn’t wait to share my thoughts. As someone who enjoys YA romances with a touch of suspense, I was drawn to the book primarily because of its forbidden enemies-to-lovers trope, which promised plenty of angst and emotional drama. Plus, the buzz surrounding the book, with its roots in TikTok and Wattpad, piqued my interest. I’d heard it was to be adapted into a movie by Amazon Prime, which only added to my excitement.
The story revolves around Noah Morgan, a seventeen-year-old who finds her normal life turned upside down when her mother marries a billionaire and relocates them to L.A. Here, she encounters her new stepbrother, Nicholas, who embodies the arrogant, dangerously attractive bad boy. This setup provides a vast playground for emotional turmoil and the kind of simmering tension that draws readers in.
What I adored most about My Fault was how vividly Ron portrayed Noah’s inner turmoil. She’s a relatable protagonist—tough yet vulnerable, juggling her trauma while trying to navigate a treacherous new world filled with wealth and chaos. The character development is quite rich, and I found myself rooting for her, even when she made decisions that could easily be criticized (and often are, as several reviewers point out). Nicholas’s character complements her well; he’s layered, moving from a classic bad boy archetype to someone more complex as the story unfolds. The chemistry between Noah and Nicholas simmers off the pages, fueled by their shared pasts and the dangers that surround them.
Of course, it’s not without its drawbacks. While I was swept up in their emotional drama, I completely understand the concerns raised by other readers, particularly regarding the problematic elements woven into the narrative. Like Holly Payton, I found myself caught up in the rollercoaster ride of feelings and morally questionable decisions. This book, after all, didn’t shy away from emotional manipulation and toxic dynamics, which can push away readers who prefer more polished or stable relationships in their romances.
Other critiques were directed towards pacing issues. Ashlei Ross noted it took until Chapter 16 for the story to really pick up, and I can see how the slow burn might test the patience of some. I, however, found that while the early chapters had their slower moments, they were crucial for fleshing out the characters and their intricate backstories.
Another recurring point made by readers, including Richelle Galbraith, was the age of the protagonists. Noah being only 17 made some scenes feel a little uncomfortable, especially given the relationship dynamics. I can agree that an older age would have alleviated much of the discomfort. However, within the context of the narrative, I found that Ron manages to explore the theme of young love amidst chaos effectively.
The suspense element also kept me on the edge of my seat. There’s a real sense of danger lurking in the background, largely stemming from Noah’s past, which adds depth to their forbidden romance. I appreciated how this blend of drama and thrill wrapped around their love story, keeping me guessing about the outcome until the very end.
Overall, My Fault successfully met my expectations as a gripping, emotional read with relatable characters and a strong narrative arc. It’s a story that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of life and love. It may not cater to every taste due to its darker themes and pacing, but for readers who appreciate the tangled web of young love and self-discovery, it’s an addictive read.
I would definitely recommend this book for those who love passionate, high-stakes romances filled with emotional depth, as long as they are prepared for a wild ride. If you’re a fan of series such as After or Ugly Love, Mercedes Ron’s My Fault will likely leave you craving more, much like it did for me. I’m eager to dive into the next installment of the Culpable trilogy!