Mercedes Ron’s “My Fault” has garnered significant attention, particularly within the young adult and enemies-to-lovers romance genre. The story of Noah and Nick, fraught with tension, drama, and undeniable attraction, promised a thrilling ride. However, for many readers, including myself, the reality of “My Fault” falls drastically short of expectations. While the initial premise might hook you with the allure of forbidden romance, a closer inspection reveals a narrative riddled with problematic tropes, unlikeable characters, and ultimately, a deeply unsatisfying reading experience. Let’s delve into the reasons why “My Fault” by Mercedes Ron leaves much to be desired, moving beyond surface-level attraction to examine the core issues that plague this popular novel.
Problematic Tropes: Age Gap and Step-Sibling Romance in “My Fault”
One of the immediate red flags in “My Fault” is the uncomfortable combination of the age gap and step-sibling tropes. Nick, portrayed as a 22-year-old, repeatedly refers to the 17-year-old Noah as “little sister” and “little girl” from the outset. This power dynamic, coupled with his overtly sexualized thoughts about her, creates an unsettling tone. The narrative attempts to justify their attraction, but the initial power imbalance and the step-sibling element introduce a layer of ickiness that many readers find difficult to overlook. This trope, often used for dramatic effect, feels poorly executed and more disturbing than romantic in “My Fault”. The book struggles to navigate the inherent complexities of these tropes responsibly, instead leaning into them for shock value without addressing the ethical implications.
Character Flaws: Nick – The Red Flag King of “My Fault”
Nick is arguably the central figure of criticism in “My Fault”. Far from being a brooding, misunderstood hero, he embodies a collection of alarming red flags. His behavior throughout the book is consistently problematic, raising serious concerns about the romanticization of toxic masculinity in young adult literature.
Anger Issues and Violence: A Detailing Disaster
Nick’s anger issues are not just hinted at; they are a defining characteristic. He resorts to violence readily, punching a character simply for kissing Noah (even if unwanted) and displaying a general propensity for aggression. While the book attempts to frame this as passionate protectiveness, it comes across as uncontrolled rage and a disturbing lack of emotional regulation. This violent behavior is never adequately addressed or challenged within the narrative; instead, it’s often presented as part of his allure, further normalizing aggression in romantic relationships.
Possessiveness and Consent Issues: “My Fault” in Action
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of Nick’s character is his possessiveness and blatant disregard for consent. He repeatedly ignores Noah’s “no,” both verbally and physically. He operates under the assumption that Noah is “his” and pushes boundaries relentlessly, despite her explicit discomfort. Quotes like, “I want you for myself, Noah, and I won’t stop until I have you,” highlight his possessive mindset. This is not romantic persistence; it’s a disturbing lack of respect for Noah’s autonomy. The book attempts to portray this as passionate pursuit, but it reads as coercive and manipulative, sending a harmful message about consent in relationships. His actions are less “My Fault Mercedes Ron” and more “all his fault, Mercedes Ron should have known better”.
Character Flaws: Noah – Frustrating Naivety in “My Fault”
While Nick’s character is overtly problematic, Noah is not without her flaws. Initially presented as self-centered and bratty, she does undergo some character development throughout “My Fault”. However, her naivety and frustrating tendency to forgive Nick’s egregious behavior are significant weaknesses. Despite recognizing and vocalizing Nick’s toxic traits, she consistently falls back into his orbit, often with minimal groveling or genuine change on his part. Her internal monologue frequently fixates on Nick’s attractiveness, even after he’s displayed abusive behavior, highlighting a frustrating lack of self-preservation and critical thinking. While character growth is expected, Noah’s arc often feels more like regression, particularly when she readily forgives Nick’s actions simply because he declares his love.
Plot and Pacing Issues: Anticlimactic and Unresolved in “My Fault”
Beyond the character issues, “My Fault” also suffers from plot and pacing problems. The narrative builds tension around conflicts that ultimately feel anticlimactic. Noah’s kidnapping, intended to be a suspenseful climax, is resolved too quickly and easily, diminishing any genuine sense of threat or consequence. The constant cycle of breakups and makeups between Noah and Nick, initially presented as dramatic and engaging, becomes repetitive and tiresome as the book progresses. The lack of substantial plot development outside of their tumultuous relationship makes the story feel shallow and ultimately unsatisfying. The pacing suffers from an overemphasis on melodrama and a lack of compelling external conflicts.
The Cringeworthy Dialogue and Inner Monologues of “My Fault”
Adding to the book’s shortcomings is the often cringeworthy dialogue and inner monologues. Both Noah and Nick’s internal thoughts are frequently melodramatic and cliché-ridden. Noah’s constant declarations of Nick’s sex appeal and her internal justifications for his poor behavior become repetitive and tiresome. Nick’s inner monologues are often filled with toxic pronouncements and possessive thoughts, further solidifying his unlikable character. The dialogue between characters often lacks nuance and realism, contributing to the overall feeling of superficiality. Instead of adding depth or insight, the dialogue and inner monologues often detract from the narrative and amplify the book’s weaknesses.
Conclusion: “My Fault” by Mercedes Ron – A Detailing Disaster
In conclusion, while “My Fault” by Mercedes Ron may initially appeal to readers drawn to enemies-to-lovers tropes and dramatic romances, a closer examination reveals a deeply flawed and problematic novel. The book struggles with harmful tropes, unlikeable and poorly developed characters, a weak plot, and cringeworthy writing. Nick’s behavior is consistently toxic and romanticized, while Noah’s character arc often feels regressive and frustrating. Far from being a compelling love story, “My Fault” serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of romanticizing unhealthy relationship dynamics in young adult literature. Readers seeking a genuinely engaging and well-crafted enemies-to-lovers romance would be better served looking elsewhere, leaving “My Fault” firmly in the category of “my fault mercedes ron, I chose to read this”. This book is less of a thrilling ride and more of a detailing disaster, leaving you wanting to scrub away the problematic residue.
