Remain (2025) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The book contains moderate romantic intimacy and sexual tension between Tate and Wren. While descriptions focus more on emotional connection and sensory details than explicit anatomy, there are scenes of passionate kissing and implied or partially described sexual encounters consistent with contemporary adult romance. The chemistry builds slowly through Chapter 10, leading to more frequent physical contact as the two spend nights together at the Cape Cod estate. Readers will encounter descriptions of bare skin…

Moderate suspense and peril characterize the second half of the book. There are threats of physical harm driven by greed and jealousy, scenes involving the unsettling presence of spirits/ghosts, and a climactic confrontation that puts the protagonists in life-threatening danger. A character is threatened with a blunt object, and there are descriptions of the physical toll of supernatural possession. Earlier chapters feature the psychological weight of feeling watched, creating a sense of dread rather than physical…

Moderate use of profanity is present throughout the dialogue, including 'hell,' 'damn,' 'shit,' and the occasional 'f-word,' typical of contemporary fiction written for an adult audience. The language is most concentrated during moments of high stress, such as when Tate feels he is being gaslit or when the supernatural elements become physically threatening. Some minor characters use slightly more abrasive speech during tense business or legal discussions. However, the dialogue between the primary couple is…

Social drinking (wine and beer) occurs in Cape Cod settings, often as a way for characters to unwind during dinner or social gatherings. The protagonist, Tate, discusses his psychiatric history, which includes references to medication used to treat acute depression, though no recreational drug abuse is depicted. The use of antidepressants is treated with clinical realism, reflecting the character's journey toward stability. There are brief mentions of other characters having a cocktail at a bar, but no scenes of…

Heavy themes of grief and mental health are central, specifically Tate’s recovery from depression and his sister Sylvia's death. The narrative also explores the supernatural, the existence of an afterlife, and the concept of 'tethered' spirits who cannot move on. Readers follow Tate through the harrowing experience of psychiatric discharge and the social stigma that follows his recovery. The plot delves into familial secrets and the burden of inheritance, particularly the 'gift' passed down through his lineage…