What do you think?
Worst-Case Scenario: A Novel
An enemies-to-lovers romance about nemeses who are forced to share their school’s Queer Alliance presidency following a tie in the election, new from beloved author Ray Stoeve
Sidney has one goal for their junior year. Well . . . two, if they’re being honest. Number become president of their school’s Queer Alliance club. And number keep their self-diagnosed anxiety in check so their grades don’t tank like they did last year.
But when the election results in a tie with none other than Sidney’s arch nemesis, the class clown Forrest, the two are forced to share the presidency until a revote at the end of term. Sidney expects Forrest to be insufferable, but it turns out that working together is . . . kind of nice?
As surprising feelings for Forrest emerge, Sidney’s techniques for managing their anxiety stop working. With the reelection approaching and assignments starting to pile up, will all this pressure be too much for Sidney to handle on their own?
Sidney has one goal for their junior year. Well . . . two, if they’re being honest. Number become president of their school’s Queer Alliance club. And number keep their self-diagnosed anxiety in check so their grades don’t tank like they did last year.
But when the election results in a tie with none other than Sidney’s arch nemesis, the class clown Forrest, the two are forced to share the presidency until a revote at the end of term. Sidney expects Forrest to be insufferable, but it turns out that working together is . . . kind of nice?
As surprising feelings for Forrest emerge, Sidney’s techniques for managing their anxiety stop working. With the reelection approaching and assignments starting to pile up, will all this pressure be too much for Sidney to handle on their own?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2026
About the author
Ray Stoeve
6 books199 followersRAY STOEVE is the author of The Summer Love Strategy, Arden Grey, and Between Perfect and Real. They also contributed to the young adult anthology Take The Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance. They created the YA/MG Trans and Nonbinary Voices Masterlist, a database that tracks all books in those age categories written by trans authors about trans characters. When they’re not writing, they can be found gardening, making art in other mediums, or hiking their beloved Pacific Northwest. Find them online @raystoeve and www.raystoeve.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 19, 2026
✰ 3 stars ✰
16yo Sidney's anxiety was on a whole other level. 😣 It was exhausting and stressful to the point that there was no real distinction between reality or imagination. And I guess that is what makes it a convincing portrayal of the brain's inability to shut off to successfully differentiate between the two. 😵
So, the anxiety movie of their thoughts that streamed without warning certainly overwhelmed the narrative to the point of overtaking it, while also going down a rather dark route, before it ultimately exploded. 😟 And while I feel it is a struggle a lot of teens may be unaware of how to deal with, I did not know if my own mental health could tolerate being inundated with so much of the continuous THAT’S NOT REAL. IT’S NOT HAPPENING; even if it is very much a real feeling. 😞
“... it’s a highlight reel of my worst fears.”
I had thought that I'd over-contextualize reactions to extremities, but Sidney's jumping to the Worst Case Scenario for literally everything - anxiety on steroids - certainly gave me a run for my money. 🙆🏻♀️ I'm not downplaying its adverse effects, I'm not. But it just felt a bit too much to deal with. And then, my rational mind argues, then think of those who have to live with it?? 😔
The writing was good, though. It was amenable; like, I was able to digest the story relatively easily. 👍🏻 The animosity between Sidney and Forrest at the start was convincingly portrayed, as to how through casual interactions and mutual family issues, their feelings changed to that of something more pleasant - something akin to affection and then, a crush. 😳
“Ohmygodohmygodohmy-god. This is terrible, and wonderful, and I don’t know what to do about it.”
It also had a very diverse cast of queer characters, each discovering what it means to be true to themselves and being brave enough to change. Sidney's own fears of losing those close meaningful friendships was a relatable sentiment. I really liked Anna. 🥲 Calm and level-headed, she was a strong supportive friend to Sidney, and honestly radiated a lot of positive energy. I would not mind if she did get her own story to tell.
The final scene between the two made me smile and I do give props to the author for how it brought reality and anxiety down to happiness and acceptance. 🥹 As much as that repetitive phrase became almost a trigger for me, it turned into something warmer and sincere that gave hope to Sidney that things were on the path towards something better. 🌼
“... I’ve been caught up in my own head, in my stupid feelings, in these stupid thoughts.”
16yo Sidney's anxiety was on a whole other level. 😣 It was exhausting and stressful to the point that there was no real distinction between reality or imagination. And I guess that is what makes it a convincing portrayal of the brain's inability to shut off to successfully differentiate between the two. 😵
So, the anxiety movie of their thoughts that streamed without warning certainly overwhelmed the narrative to the point of overtaking it, while also going down a rather dark route, before it ultimately exploded. 😟 And while I feel it is a struggle a lot of teens may be unaware of how to deal with, I did not know if my own mental health could tolerate being inundated with so much of the continuous THAT’S NOT REAL. IT’S NOT HAPPENING; even if it is very much a real feeling. 😞
“... it’s a highlight reel of my worst fears.”
I had thought that I'd over-contextualize reactions to extremities, but Sidney's jumping to the Worst Case Scenario for literally everything - anxiety on steroids - certainly gave me a run for my money. 🙆🏻♀️ I'm not downplaying its adverse effects, I'm not. But it just felt a bit too much to deal with. And then, my rational mind argues, then think of those who have to live with it?? 😔
The writing was good, though. It was amenable; like, I was able to digest the story relatively easily. 👍🏻 The animosity between Sidney and Forrest at the start was convincingly portrayed, as to how through casual interactions and mutual family issues, their feelings changed to that of something more pleasant - something akin to affection and then, a crush. 😳
“Ohmygodohmygodohmy-god. This is terrible, and wonderful, and I don’t know what to do about it.”
It also had a very diverse cast of queer characters, each discovering what it means to be true to themselves and being brave enough to change. Sidney's own fears of losing those close meaningful friendships was a relatable sentiment. I really liked Anna. 🥲 Calm and level-headed, she was a strong supportive friend to Sidney, and honestly radiated a lot of positive energy. I would not mind if she did get her own story to tell.
The final scene between the two made me smile and I do give props to the author for how it brought reality and anxiety down to happiness and acceptance. 🥹 As much as that repetitive phrase became almost a trigger for me, it turned into something warmer and sincere that gave hope to Sidney that things were on the path towards something better. 🌼
October 16, 2025
I loved this—it felt so real to actual (queer) teenagers, and the mental health rep was at times hard to read (complimentary) but real. I also loved it as a former GSA advisor—I only wish my students were as motivated as these amazing kids 😂
June 9, 2026
Even with the heavier subject matter this was still so cute. I loved them and I'm always so happy to read t4t bi4bi couples in romance books
June 29, 2026
4.5*?
Daug "sunkesnė" nei tikėjausi iš aprašymo ir YA žanro, bet pagrindinės veikėjos psichinė savijauta perteikta neįtikėtinai įtaigiai ir vaizdžiai, ir vietomis buvo taip sunku klausytis, priminė Alexis Hall "Paris Daillencourt Is About to Crumble".
Daug "sunkesnė" nei tikėjausi iš aprašymo ir YA žanro, bet pagrindinės veikėjos psichinė savijauta perteikta neįtikėtinai įtaigiai ir vaizdžiai, ir vietomis buvo taip sunku klausytis, priminė Alexis Hall "Paris Daillencourt Is About to Crumble".
May 25, 2026
REALLY enjoyed this one, which was shocking because I wasn’t a big fan of Between Perfect & Real by Stoeve. However, their character and dialogue writing has gotten so much better over the years! This book felt so realistic, from the high school crush feelings, to the coming out as non-binary, to the anxiety/OCD intrusive thoughts, to the unreliable alcoholic dad. The only unrealistic thing was the whole breakdancing crew that Alexander was a part of lmaoooo. I loved the whole romance between Sidney & Forrest, and I loved Sidney’s friends so much!
I also loved that Dean from Between Perfect & Real was featured as a panelist for the Queer Alliance!! Such a cute lil Easter egg
I also loved that Dean from Between Perfect & Real was featured as a panelist for the Queer Alliance!! Such a cute lil Easter egg
November 11, 2025
overall a very good read, for me i got a tad confused in the pro nouns and who was trans, gay, bi etc as i felt there were to many characters.
the setting was perfect the storyline flowed well and i loved the ending in where Sidney finds something out ........
the setting was perfect the storyline flowed well and i loved the ending in where Sidney finds something out ........
May 24, 2026
3.5 stars a REALLY SOLID YA book! Doesn’t do too much, nothing too deep but enough to give me something to work with. Very authentic of a high school situation. Pretty predictable but it’s YA what are you gonna do. Definitely recommend!!!
February 20, 2026
this book was really cute but i just wasn’t too interested in it the whole time. the idea was very great i just felt it was easy to guess and just not what i expected. i think everything was portrayed wonderfully though and the ending was super cute !!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ray Stoeve is one of the best YA writers in the industry right meow, and they deserve way more recognition. Worst-Case Scenario is a much needed book giving readers a glimpse into living with OCD. it's also a much needed shot of queer joy.
March 17, 2026
4.5 stars. This YA novel gave me all the feels. I picked it as one of the books off my TBR for the Trans Rights Readathon and it really fit the bill with a very diverse cast of characters, including a few trans and nonbinary teens. Aside from all the different genders, sexualities and identities, the book also delves into mental health. I thought the treatment of Sidney's issues was done thoughtfully and very realistically. I liked how Sidney came around to seeing Forrest in a different light and how their relationship changed and grew. I had severe anxiety as a teen and I really felt for Sidney, trying to figure out how to handle things on their own, then getting their friends and family involved. Their relationships with all their friends was great, even seeing things from their POV, thinking their friends were going to ditch them. I think this a great book for teens going through any mental health problems or questioning their identity. Even people who just want to understand teens going through stuff should read this.
Want to Read
March 5, 2025"...an enemies-to-lovers romance about nemeses who are forced to share their school’s Queer Alliance presidency following a tie in the election."
my first 2026 cover!
my first 2026 cover!
November 16, 2025
Worst-Case Scenario captured my heart from the start. It gave real Heartstopper vibes—minus the graphic art & the British teens—but with the same warmth, sweetness, focus on young people finding their place. The club in the story is one of the book’s best features, offering the characters a sense of belonging & community. Honestly, I found myself wishing the author had shown how the club formed in the first place; that would’ve added such an interesting layer.
Representation-wise, the book shines. There are multiple sexual & gender identities present throughout, & it’s refreshing to see that in YA lit. That said, I wasn’t completely comfortable with how the author depicted characters of color. I can’t fully articulate it—just something in the milk ain’t clean there.
Sid’s mental health journey is the emotional core of the book. Poor Sid suffers for over a year with worsening OCD & intrusive thoughts, & it’s rough to witness. Thank goodness for their best friend Anna, because everyone else noticed Sid acting “off” but basically chose to be bystanders. Serious trigger warnings are necessary for this title—the way Sid describes what’s happening in their mind had my anxiety spiking!
One thing I wish had been developed more was Sid’s relationship with her father. Sid spends so much of the book criticizing him for & mulling over their sentiments about his addiction, while also wanting acceptance & understanding for their own struggles with OCD. The book gives a minimal glimpse at the connection between the two, but never fully explores it.
It felt like the story skimmed the surface before tying everything up too neatly & sweetly. I can appreciate that from a fairy-tale-ish YA angle, but if the goal was to reflect the realities of mental-health struggles, the author could’ve gone deeper & rawer.
Still, I love that this book expands awareness of the different types of OCD. So many people think “OCD = neat freak,” when there are so many forms, many of which are much darker & far less understood.
I’m not giving it less than 5 stars, though. It is a YA book, & maybe the author wanted to keep things gentler for younger readers. Despite its flaws, it’s heartfelt, affirming, & important—especially for teens navigating identity & mental health.
*I received an advance review copy for free & I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
#ThankGodForARCs
Representation-wise, the book shines. There are multiple sexual & gender identities present throughout, & it’s refreshing to see that in YA lit. That said, I wasn’t completely comfortable with how the author depicted characters of color. I can’t fully articulate it—just something in the milk ain’t clean there.
Sid’s mental health journey is the emotional core of the book. Poor Sid suffers for over a year with worsening OCD & intrusive thoughts, & it’s rough to witness. Thank goodness for their best friend Anna, because everyone else noticed Sid acting “off” but basically chose to be bystanders. Serious trigger warnings are necessary for this title—the way Sid describes what’s happening in their mind had my anxiety spiking!
One thing I wish had been developed more was Sid’s relationship with her father. Sid spends so much of the book criticizing him for & mulling over their sentiments about his addiction, while also wanting acceptance & understanding for their own struggles with OCD. The book gives a minimal glimpse at the connection between the two, but never fully explores it.
It felt like the story skimmed the surface before tying everything up too neatly & sweetly. I can appreciate that from a fairy-tale-ish YA angle, but if the goal was to reflect the realities of mental-health struggles, the author could’ve gone deeper & rawer.
Still, I love that this book expands awareness of the different types of OCD. So many people think “OCD = neat freak,” when there are so many forms, many of which are much darker & far less understood.
I’m not giving it less than 5 stars, though. It is a YA book, & maybe the author wanted to keep things gentler for younger readers. Despite its flaws, it’s heartfelt, affirming, & important—especially for teens navigating identity & mental health.
*I received an advance review copy for free & I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
#ThankGodForARCs
May 9, 2026
Spice Level: 0/5 Sweet Romance
Sidney has one goal… to become the president of their school’s Queer Alliance club during their Junior Year. However, two things stand in their way: Sidney’s self-diagnosed anxiety disorder AND their arch nemesis, Forrest.
Forrest is more known for his class clownery and slacking off. It’s close to that time when students need to start padding their college applications, and he thinks being president of the Queer Alliance club will help his future aspirations. A tie ensues during the race for presidency and Sidney and Forrest must be co-presidents until a recount is held. Are Sidney and Forrest able to work past their differences for the club’s benefit? Will the pressure be too much for Sidney and her self-diagnosed anxiety?
I received this book from NetGalley and the Author in return for my honest review. To begin, this is a Teen / YA book that is Queer-centered and deals with topics of anxiety and OCD. If any of those topics bother you, then this isn’t the book for you. Next, this is a book I wish I had to read when I was younger. Not only from the queer standpoint and knowing that there are other people out there like me, but from a mental health standpoint. Sidney’s brain puts them through the wringer and I can sympathize with them.
This book is mainly about Sidney and their quest for Queer Alliance club presidency, but I feel like the author captures the essence of high school life accurately. There is always that one person who is your nemesis and gets on your nerves, and then the next thing, you’re inseparable. There are a lot of highs and lows in this book, but the good thing is that things end on a high note. Sidney is a kid you just root for and want what’s best for them.
Teen / YA
Queer Romance
High School Setting
Unaliving Thoughts
Anxiety / OCD
Non-Binary
Trans
Coming-of-Age
Enemies to Lovers
Opposites Attract
Sidney has one goal… to become the president of their school’s Queer Alliance club during their Junior Year. However, two things stand in their way: Sidney’s self-diagnosed anxiety disorder AND their arch nemesis, Forrest.
Forrest is more known for his class clownery and slacking off. It’s close to that time when students need to start padding their college applications, and he thinks being president of the Queer Alliance club will help his future aspirations. A tie ensues during the race for presidency and Sidney and Forrest must be co-presidents until a recount is held. Are Sidney and Forrest able to work past their differences for the club’s benefit? Will the pressure be too much for Sidney and her self-diagnosed anxiety?
I received this book from NetGalley and the Author in return for my honest review. To begin, this is a Teen / YA book that is Queer-centered and deals with topics of anxiety and OCD. If any of those topics bother you, then this isn’t the book for you. Next, this is a book I wish I had to read when I was younger. Not only from the queer standpoint and knowing that there are other people out there like me, but from a mental health standpoint. Sidney’s brain puts them through the wringer and I can sympathize with them.
This book is mainly about Sidney and their quest for Queer Alliance club presidency, but I feel like the author captures the essence of high school life accurately. There is always that one person who is your nemesis and gets on your nerves, and then the next thing, you’re inseparable. There are a lot of highs and lows in this book, but the good thing is that things end on a high note. Sidney is a kid you just root for and want what’s best for them.
Teen / YA
Queer Romance
High School Setting
Unaliving Thoughts
Anxiety / OCD
Non-Binary
Trans
Coming-of-Age
Enemies to Lovers
Opposites Attract
January 22, 2026
Content warnings for Worst-Case Scenario include: descriptions of mental health issues, intrusive thoughts, harm-based OCD, and suicidal OCD.
☆
☆
Sidney has one goal for their junior year. Well . . . two, if they’re being honest. Number become president of their school’s Queer Alliance club. And number keep their self-diagnosed anxiety in check so their grades don’t tank like they did last year. But when the election results in a tie with none other than Sidney’s arch nemesis, the class clown Forrest, the two are forced to share the presidency until a revote at the end of term. Sidney expects Forrest to be insufferable, but it turns out that working together is . . . kind of nice? As surprising feelings for Forrest emerge, Sidney’s techniques for managing their anxiety stop working. With the reelection approaching and assignments starting to pile up, will all this pressure be too much for Sidney to handle on their own?
~
"It's like, how do cis people know they are the gender they are? No one asks them to pinpoint it. They just feel it. So why can't we just feel it, without having to explain it?" I legitimately hate how accurate this is. It's a question and discussion I've had with multiple people over time.
~
I really enjoyed the exploration of OCD and the intrusive thoughts that some people deal with because of that. And I enjoyed the fact that it wasn't the stereotypical germ-based obsessions and hand-washing compulsions, though that was mentioned. It was also nice to see Sidney feel able to start being open with their friends about the intrusive thoughts they'd been dealing with. It was also nice to see trans characters where their transness isn't at the forefront of the story.
•
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC copy of this book.
☆
☆
Sidney has one goal for their junior year. Well . . . two, if they’re being honest. Number become president of their school’s Queer Alliance club. And number keep their self-diagnosed anxiety in check so their grades don’t tank like they did last year. But when the election results in a tie with none other than Sidney’s arch nemesis, the class clown Forrest, the two are forced to share the presidency until a revote at the end of term. Sidney expects Forrest to be insufferable, but it turns out that working together is . . . kind of nice? As surprising feelings for Forrest emerge, Sidney’s techniques for managing their anxiety stop working. With the reelection approaching and assignments starting to pile up, will all this pressure be too much for Sidney to handle on their own?
~
"It's like, how do cis people know they are the gender they are? No one asks them to pinpoint it. They just feel it. So why can't we just feel it, without having to explain it?" I legitimately hate how accurate this is. It's a question and discussion I've had with multiple people over time.
~
I really enjoyed the exploration of OCD and the intrusive thoughts that some people deal with because of that. And I enjoyed the fact that it wasn't the stereotypical germ-based obsessions and hand-washing compulsions, though that was mentioned. It was also nice to see Sidney feel able to start being open with their friends about the intrusive thoughts they'd been dealing with. It was also nice to see trans characters where their transness isn't at the forefront of the story.
•
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC copy of this book.
January 27, 2026
In Worst-Case Scenario by Ray Stoeve, the author has created a refreshing and honest teen romance that deals with gender identity, anxiety, OCD and mental health in a way that is authentic and realistic. From the start, Sidney is easy to like but so too is Forrest, even though the two seem to be very different, but those differences just add layers to the romance and the relationship the pair develop.
I love the way that relationship does develop as the two talk to the other and change how they interact. Sometimes in life, we don’t realize that we are missing out on a connection unless we open ourselves to the possibility and I love that aspect of the story, especially within the friend groups that surround Sidney and Forrest.
What is most interesting is how the depiction of Sidney’s mental health is handled, with respect but also with authenticity, showing us how Sidney feels but also how it is not seen as a terrible thing but as something Sidney just needs help with. I especially like how it depicts OCD outside the typical form we see on television.
If you like novels that deal with young adult relationships and mental health journeys, this one is worth taking a look at, especially for its refreshing and honest approach that also shows respect for those who struggle with any mental illness. I love the ending but also the relationship between Sidney and Forrest. It is a beautiful story.
I love the way that relationship does develop as the two talk to the other and change how they interact. Sometimes in life, we don’t realize that we are missing out on a connection unless we open ourselves to the possibility and I love that aspect of the story, especially within the friend groups that surround Sidney and Forrest.
What is most interesting is how the depiction of Sidney’s mental health is handled, with respect but also with authenticity, showing us how Sidney feels but also how it is not seen as a terrible thing but as something Sidney just needs help with. I especially like how it depicts OCD outside the typical form we see on television.
If you like novels that deal with young adult relationships and mental health journeys, this one is worth taking a look at, especially for its refreshing and honest approach that also shows respect for those who struggle with any mental illness. I love the ending but also the relationship between Sidney and Forrest. It is a beautiful story.
July 30, 2026
This is one of those books that I put down a little while ago, but picking it up when I was in the right mood (and in audiobook format this time) did the trick! I was invested from the get-go, and I really enjoyed getting to join in Sidney’s journey.
Although there is a romance storyline, the plot is much more focussed on Sidney as an individual, and their own journey. They struggle a lot with their mental health, made more difficult by a challenging relationship with their dad. While I don’t have personal experience with OCD, Stoeve’s depiction of it felt very true to what friends with OCD have described. I really understood the fear and confusion that Sidney felt, and I thought it was portrayed very sensitively, with sincerity but without sensationalising it.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
There’s also a great supporting cast of friends and family, and I would have liked to dig a bit deeper into some of their stories. Nevertheless, I enjoyed that they had their own things going on, that intersected with Sidney’s life, keeping the story quite grounded. There were a couple of pacing issues too, but otherwise it was a very enjoyable and absorbing read.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
Although there is a romance storyline, the plot is much more focussed on Sidney as an individual, and their own journey. They struggle a lot with their mental health, made more difficult by a challenging relationship with their dad. While I don’t have personal experience with OCD, Stoeve’s depiction of it felt very true to what friends with OCD have described. I really understood the fear and confusion that Sidney felt, and I thought it was portrayed very sensitively, with sincerity but without sensationalising it.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
There’s also a great supporting cast of friends and family, and I would have liked to dig a bit deeper into some of their stories. Nevertheless, I enjoyed that they had their own things going on, that intersected with Sidney’s life, keeping the story quite grounded. There were a couple of pacing issues too, but otherwise it was a very enjoyable and absorbing read.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
August 5, 2026
Ray Stoeve is quickly becoming one of my favorite YA authors.
One of Stoeve's greatest strengths is their ability to capture the voice of a teenager with remarkable authenticity. The friendships, academic pressures, family expectations, awkward social dynamics, and constant uncertainty of high school all feel incredibly real. Reading this book was immersive enough that it reminded me why I'm grateful not to be a teenager anymore.
The protagonist's internal world is especially well written. Their anxiety and relentless intrusive thoughts are portrayed with so much honesty that I found myself feeling stressed right alongside them. It's an empathetic portrayal of a young person trying to make sense of their own mind while juggling all the other challenges that come with growing up.
The enemies-to-lovers romance is another highlight. Rather than relying on instant chemistry or predictable beats, the relationship develops gradually through changing perceptions and genuine character growth. Watching the two leads move from mutual frustration to understanding felt completely earned. The romance surprised me more than once, but never in a way that felt forced.
If you enjoy contemporary YA with nuanced characters, authentic LGBTQ+ representation, and a romance that takes its time earning every emotional beat, I highly recommend Worst Case Scenario.
One of Stoeve's greatest strengths is their ability to capture the voice of a teenager with remarkable authenticity. The friendships, academic pressures, family expectations, awkward social dynamics, and constant uncertainty of high school all feel incredibly real. Reading this book was immersive enough that it reminded me why I'm grateful not to be a teenager anymore.
The protagonist's internal world is especially well written. Their anxiety and relentless intrusive thoughts are portrayed with so much honesty that I found myself feeling stressed right alongside them. It's an empathetic portrayal of a young person trying to make sense of their own mind while juggling all the other challenges that come with growing up.
The enemies-to-lovers romance is another highlight. Rather than relying on instant chemistry or predictable beats, the relationship develops gradually through changing perceptions and genuine character growth. Watching the two leads move from mutual frustration to understanding felt completely earned. The romance surprised me more than once, but never in a way that felt forced.
If you enjoy contemporary YA with nuanced characters, authentic LGBTQ+ representation, and a romance that takes its time earning every emotional beat, I highly recommend Worst Case Scenario.
August 28, 2025
Thank you Abrams Books and Edelweiss for this eARC, these opinions are my own. So sweet! Sidney is starting their junior year of high school and they have just two goals this year. One they are sure to get and that’s to become the President of their schools Queer Alliance club. And the other is to get their anxiety in check. Things seem to be going to plan that is until Forrest, the class clown, is also nominated for President. Sidney can’t believe him, a few years ago he thought the Queer Alliance was a joke. He only joined last year shortly after coming out as trans. Plus he’ll take it all as a joke. Then the worst happens and they are named co-presidents. Can Sidney handle working with someone they consider an enemy? As the two work together Sidney slowly realizes there is more to Forrest than they originally thought. They’re even more surprised to find they enjoy working with him. Maybe all their anger and frustration towards Forrest has really been masking something else? With reelection coming up, homework piling up, and feelings they weren’t expecting can Sidney handle the pressure? A quick read that was highly delightful! Ray Stoeve writes a charming story full of heartfelt moments, laughter, anxiety struggles, and love!
June 3, 2026
thank you to netgalley for the arc!! enough cheese for a four cheese pizza, but ultimately — had a good ol time.
i know eighth grade me is EATING THIS UP so if you are in that demographic and you feel really strongly about representing queer people and making a difference in the world even though you are under sixteen. consider this an endorsement. twenty year old me still had fun but i am well aware that i am getting old already.
the relationships in this were very sweet and the friendships didn’t feel pushed aside at all for the main romance. if this was real high school all of these gay people would probably just have pined forever but it is more interesting when they get together!!
when i finished this it was a solid four stars but i’ve dropped it slightly because its been a few days and i’ve forgotten most things besides the major plot points. not lifechanging, but enjoyable during that time :)
i know eighth grade me is EATING THIS UP so if you are in that demographic and you feel really strongly about representing queer people and making a difference in the world even though you are under sixteen. consider this an endorsement. twenty year old me still had fun but i am well aware that i am getting old already.
the relationships in this were very sweet and the friendships didn’t feel pushed aside at all for the main romance. if this was real high school all of these gay people would probably just have pined forever but it is more interesting when they get together!!
when i finished this it was a solid four stars but i’ve dropped it slightly because its been a few days and i’ve forgotten most things besides the major plot points. not lifechanging, but enjoyable during that time :)
December 21, 2025
(2.5/5) As far as representation (especially concerning mental illness), this was very well done and detailed. However, as far as books go, I struggled to get through this one. It gave me a lot of second hand anxiety and didn’t really give me a lot to latch onto. To be fair, I am also slowly aging out of YA, so reading about high school affairs are not the most intriguing to me. I think calling this book an enemies-to-lovers romance is really downplaying the main plot points and hyping up a substory that is lowkey underdeveloped.
January 23, 2026
Worst Case Scenario is a very relatable read that includes many different representations. I really liked the bonds formed between the characters because they felt very real to me. This story is something that many people have experienced and I think the relationships between the characters correlate to the story being told. Many messages stand out to me in this book also relating to my own personal experiences, but this is so much more than just a story. This is not a book that I would read for entertainment or to take a break, but this is a book I would read to feel seen and understood.
May 9, 2026
I adored this story. I'm a sucker for a good friends to lovers scenario, and this one having rainbow rep on top of that really sealed the deal.
Sidney has big plans for this year, and one of their main goals is to be president of Queer Alliance. The only problem is, Forrest, Sid's nemesis, is also vying for the role. Now they must collaborate to keep Queer Alliance running smoothly or risk the demise of the group.
Throughout the story, there is a running inner monologue of Sidney's anxiety - they're conscious of every little thing around them and what it could mean for them; between a father who is rarely around and a friend who keeps disappearing, Sid's thoughts go into a tailspin. They fight these inner demons by themselves until a time comes when they can no longer hide it.
This story not only has diverse representation, it also broaches the topic of mental health, addiction, and anxiety. It's a breath of fresh air to have so many different characters represented without seeming like it's thrown in as a token.
Well written story with a lot of heart. Highly recommend.
Sidney has big plans for this year, and one of their main goals is to be president of Queer Alliance. The only problem is, Forrest, Sid's nemesis, is also vying for the role. Now they must collaborate to keep Queer Alliance running smoothly or risk the demise of the group.
Throughout the story, there is a running inner monologue of Sidney's anxiety - they're conscious of every little thing around them and what it could mean for them; between a father who is rarely around and a friend who keeps disappearing, Sid's thoughts go into a tailspin. They fight these inner demons by themselves until a time comes when they can no longer hide it.
This story not only has diverse representation, it also broaches the topic of mental health, addiction, and anxiety. It's a breath of fresh air to have so many different characters represented without seeming like it's thrown in as a token.
Well written story with a lot of heart. Highly recommend.
May 14, 2026
(4.5) I was barely five pages in before I realized, no honey, that IS NOT anxiety.
The kids in this book go through it, although it is deeply realistic to actual teen experiences with mental health struggles. Sid’s point of view was a struggle to read, not in actual diction, but in the amount of horror their mind feeds them.
So so so good, a really touching story with copious queer and mental health rep, alongside a cute romance.
The kids in this book go through it, although it is deeply realistic to actual teen experiences with mental health struggles. Sid’s point of view was a struggle to read, not in actual diction, but in the amount of horror their mind feeds them.
So so so good, a really touching story with copious queer and mental health rep, alongside a cute romance.
September 9, 2026
This is a young adult book, and although I am decades beyond “youth” reading, I enjoyed this book because it exposed me to different types of self-identifications and medical conditions. It was fascinating to read about a Queer Alliance school group, and especially how supported it was in this school. Sadly, I guess that made it pretty clear this was fiction, but it sure would be nice to see such acceptance everywhere.
February 27, 2026
This was an amazing portrayal of a more obsessional form of OCD! OCD is not just about being neat or physical rituals, but also dealing with distressing intrusive thoughts.
I loved all the positive queer representation too!
I loved all the positive queer representation too!
June 2, 2026
Sidney’s goal is to be president of their school’s queer alliance club but when archnemesis Forrest is elected co-president with Sidney, Sidney is devastated. Can they figure out how to work together?
September 9, 2025
E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus
January 31, 2026
muito bom em tudo que se propõe a fazer 👍
February 5, 2026
lots of queer rep, easy read
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