Like Enemies (1986) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The book contains heavy romantic tension, frequent kissing, and suggestive dialogue between Robin and Guy. While emotional intimacy is the focus, there are several descriptions of physical longing and scenes where characters remain alone together in private residences, though anatomical descriptions are absent. Guy's pursuit often borders on aggressive, reflecting the era's romance tropes where he forces physical contact through hand-holding or sudden embraces. Robin frequently describes the 'burning' sensation of…

Physical violence is entirely absent from the narrative, as the conflict is strictly interpersonal and psychological. The 'enemies' dynamic is played out through sharp-tongued dialogue and social manipulation rather than physical altercations. Robin’s anxiety over her family's past reputation serves as the primary source of tension, manifesting as internal panic rather than external threat. There are no scenes of battery, gore, or physical peril. The only 'force' present is the dated romantic trope of a hero…

The language is moderate for the time period and generally polite, adhering to the standards of 1980s category romance. It includes occasional mild profanity like 'hell' or 'damn,' used mostly by Guy when he is frustrated by Robin's emotional walls. There are no racial slurs, graphic anatomical terms, or harsh four-letter obscenities. The dialogue is sophisticated and formal, reflecting the characters' high-status professions in interior design and business. Most linguistic intensity comes from the emotional…

Social drinking of wine and champagne occurs during dinners and professional consultations, typical of the 1980s business and social setting described. Guy often offers Robin a drink to help her 'relax' during their tense negotiations at his home or in restaurants. While alcohol is present in multiple scenes, there is no depiction of clinical alcoholism or drug use. Characters remain in control of their faculties, using drink as a social lubricant or a way to mark the end of a business day. The consumption is…

The narrative explores the weight of public scandal, fear of intimacy, trust, and the impact of family reputation on personal identity. Robin is haunted by a ten-year-old secret regarding her father that makes her wary of any public attention or emotional vulnerability. Much of the book deals with the power imbalance between a wealthy, influential man and a woman trying to maintain her independence. Themes of forgiveness and letting go of the past are central to the resolution of the plot. The story also touches…