Levelling the Score (1991) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The book contains heavy sexual tension and several descriptions of passionate kissing and physical arousal. Early chapters focus on the longing Jenna feels for Simon, while mid-book scenes escalate into forceful kisses and instances where Simon uses his physical presence to overwhelm her. There are scenes of moderate descriptive intimacy, though they stop short of modern 'graphic' anatomical detail; the focus is on sensory reaction and emotional intensity. Descriptions include the feeling of a man's hard body…

Violence is absent, though there are moments of physical dominance where the male protagonist grabs the female lead's arms or forces her to stay in a room during an argument. In one instance, Simon blocks a doorway to prevent Jenna from fleeing, a common trope in 1990s romance. There is no physical harm intended, but the narrative reflects a traditional 'alpha-male' behavior where the male lead uses his size to exert control. Jenna occasionally feels a sense of panic due to his looming presence, particularly in…

Very mild; occasional use of words like 'damn,' 'hell,' or 'idiot.' It relies more on sophisticated vocabulary and legal jargon given Simon's profession as a barrister. Characters use sharp, cutting remarks to hurt one another rather than vulgarity, focusing on psychological barbs. Simon often uses clinical or dismissive language to belittle Jenna's maturity early in the book. Readers will find the dialogue articulate and formal, typical of the genre and time period. There are no racial slurs or extreme…

Social drinking of wine and Scotch is common throughout the book, particularly in the evening or during stressful conversations between the protagonists. Simon is frequently depicted pouring a glass of Scotch in his study to help him process his frustrations or work through legal documents. During dinners and social gatherings, characters consume wine as a standard accompaniment to their meals. There is one specific scene where Jenna uses a drink to steady her nerves after a confrontation with Simon's family. No…

Themes include revenge, class differences, professional ambition, and the shift from childhood infatuation to adult desire. There is a focus on the 'compromising situation' trope where characters are forced into marriage or cohabitation due to social optics and family pressure. Simon is motivated by a perceived slight from the past, leading to a plot of emotional manipulation and 'levelling the score.' The story explores the difficulty of moving past childhood reputations to be seen as an adult. Jenna’s struggle…