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 one: become president of their school’s Queer Alliance club. And number two: 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?

“[T]he writing is readable and straightforward, depicting Sidney’s feelings and experiences authentically and poignantly. Teens seeking a realistic and compassionate depiction of mental health challenges and those who enjoy low-key love stories will find this novel resonates … An honest depiction of OCD paired with a cute queer romance.”—Kirkus Reviews