SOLVED. YA Fiction. Man released from prison after faking being a drug dealer as a teen to help mom get elected. [s]

[Mary]

Fiction. Man is released from jail after being convinced as a teen by his stepfather (?) drug dealer to help his mom get elected by being so tough on drugs she’ll support her own son going to jail. Turns out it was just a way to get rid of him, although it does help his mom get elected. Gets out and teams up with a lawyer/PI(???) and falls in love with the guy’s sister. At the end the sister and main character are still together and the main character gets into law school, I think?

[Brenna]

Jude by Kate Morgenroth

[Mary]

Yes! Thank you!!