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Pretty Girls Shouldn't Cry
Life can be perfectly good. Life can be everything you have ever dreamed it could be.
Until it isn’t.
Paisley has worked hard to have everything in her life the way she had wanted it to be since she was a little girl. Until, after one fateful basketball game her hopes to be a world famous cheerleader is threatened to be taken away from her. The path in front of her is no longer simple, lines become blurred and dreams seem to be further and further out of reach.
Watching from the shadows is her adoptive brother, but he’s never seen Paisley as a sister. Could he be the support she needs or will he pull her into the shadows with him?
Until it isn’t.
Paisley has worked hard to have everything in her life the way she had wanted it to be since she was a little girl. Until, after one fateful basketball game her hopes to be a world famous cheerleader is threatened to be taken away from her. The path in front of her is no longer simple, lines become blurred and dreams seem to be further and further out of reach.
Watching from the shadows is her adoptive brother, but he’s never seen Paisley as a sister. Could he be the support she needs or will he pull her into the shadows with him?
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 22, 2025
3.5 star so round up
NZ author!
Talia is the queen of plot twists and shock value and this book definitely received its fair share of them too. Nate is Paisleys adoptive brother and the story follows their journey to admitting their feelings.
There are several dark themes and multiple partners in the spicy scenes so it's definitely a check the triggers type book.
If you read this and want more 1 highly recommend reading "the haunted past of Birdie" by Talia it's sooo good!
NZ author!
Talia is the queen of plot twists and shock value and this book definitely received its fair share of them too. Nate is Paisleys adoptive brother and the story follows their journey to admitting their feelings.
There are several dark themes and multiple partners in the spicy scenes so it's definitely a check the triggers type book.
If you read this and want more 1 highly recommend reading "the haunted past of Birdie" by Talia it's sooo good!
May 23, 2025
Pretty Girls Shouldn’t Cry is my second book read of Talia’s, and once again she hammered the nail perfectly!
A fast paced forbidden love/taboo romance you can’t go wrong with!
I loved how Paisley and Nates characters developed through out the story. I would have the touch her and die vibes again any day!
Despite being fast paced the development of this plot captures everything perfectly, just like all of Talia’s other books!
Talia is now automatically a default read/buy for me ! Can’t get enough of how much her books keep you on the edge and unable to put down!
A fast paced forbidden love/taboo romance you can’t go wrong with!
I loved how Paisley and Nates characters developed through out the story. I would have the touch her and die vibes again any day!
Despite being fast paced the development of this plot captures everything perfectly, just like all of Talia’s other books!
Talia is now automatically a default read/buy for me ! Can’t get enough of how much her books keep you on the edge and unable to put down!
October 2, 2025
“Do you want me to punish you harder than your parents can?” - Nate
Pretty Girls Shouldn’t Cry by Talia Atkins pulls you straight into its intense, edgy world. The story follows Paisley, a driven young woman whose dream of becoming head cheerleader is suddenly threatened by a serious injury. What starts as a story about ambition quickly unravels into something deeper, exploring her complicated relationship with her adoptive brother Nate and the heavy weight of family expectations.
One of the things that really works here is how easy and accessible the writing is it’s not overloaded with details, which makes it a quick, engaging read. At the same time, Talia nails the emotional depth, especially when it comes to capturing the teenage mindset: raw, dramatic, and messy in a way that feels true. The relationship between Paisley and Nate is a major hook, full of tension, forbidden attraction, and layered family drama.
The book leans hard into taboo themes and darker subject matter, so it definitely isn’t for everyone. It’s a story that comes with trigger warnings and is best for mature readers who are comfortable with those themes. Some might also find the teen dialogue or behavior over the top, but it fits with the chaotic headspace of its characters.
Overall, Pretty Girls Shouldn’t Cry is a compelling, emotionally charged dark romance that blends angst, forbidden tension, and family drama in a way that keeps you turning the pages. If you’re into intense stories with messy, complicated characters, this one is worth picking up just go in knowing it’s not a light read.
Pretty Girls Shouldn’t Cry by Talia Atkins pulls you straight into its intense, edgy world. The story follows Paisley, a driven young woman whose dream of becoming head cheerleader is suddenly threatened by a serious injury. What starts as a story about ambition quickly unravels into something deeper, exploring her complicated relationship with her adoptive brother Nate and the heavy weight of family expectations.
One of the things that really works here is how easy and accessible the writing is it’s not overloaded with details, which makes it a quick, engaging read. At the same time, Talia nails the emotional depth, especially when it comes to capturing the teenage mindset: raw, dramatic, and messy in a way that feels true. The relationship between Paisley and Nate is a major hook, full of tension, forbidden attraction, and layered family drama.
The book leans hard into taboo themes and darker subject matter, so it definitely isn’t for everyone. It’s a story that comes with trigger warnings and is best for mature readers who are comfortable with those themes. Some might also find the teen dialogue or behavior over the top, but it fits with the chaotic headspace of its characters.
Overall, Pretty Girls Shouldn’t Cry is a compelling, emotionally charged dark romance that blends angst, forbidden tension, and family drama in a way that keeps you turning the pages. If you’re into intense stories with messy, complicated characters, this one is worth picking up just go in knowing it’s not a light read.
May 15, 2025
I ate this story up!
It’s a twisted taboo romance that will have you begging for more 🤤
🧁 Forbidden Love
🧁 College Romance
🧁 Brothers Best Friend
🧁 Small Town
🧁 Touch her and die
“They say your darkest hour comes before your dawn. But you have to survive the darkness first.”
Paisley is a driven college cheerleader, with her entire life ahead of her but when an injury occurs her life takes a dramatic turn….
Nate her adoptive brother (yes you heard me right 🥵) is always there for her but can he be the support she needs or will he pull her further into the dark….
“I will accept him as your first love, because I plan on being your last.”
If you love books with dark twists this one is for you!
Paisley & Nate’s story was a roller coaster, I would happily ride again 🥹
“If your heart is ever broken, I would happily give you mine. If you felt your soul was lost, I would walk with you in the darkness and find it for you.”
It’s a twisted taboo romance that will have you begging for more 🤤
🧁 Forbidden Love
🧁 College Romance
🧁 Brothers Best Friend
🧁 Small Town
🧁 Touch her and die
“They say your darkest hour comes before your dawn. But you have to survive the darkness first.”
Paisley is a driven college cheerleader, with her entire life ahead of her but when an injury occurs her life takes a dramatic turn….
Nate her adoptive brother (yes you heard me right 🥵) is always there for her but can he be the support she needs or will he pull her further into the dark….
“I will accept him as your first love, because I plan on being your last.”
If you love books with dark twists this one is for you!
Paisley & Nate’s story was a roller coaster, I would happily ride again 🥹
“If your heart is ever broken, I would happily give you mine. If you felt your soul was lost, I would walk with you in the darkness and find it for you.”
May 16, 2025
Oh my gosh guys !!! No words can even start to describe how much I absolutely adored this story . The way Paisley and Nate just hooked me . The way I found myself becoming so utterly invested in their journey. All the emotions I was reeling with while reading. Not to mention the sleep that was definitely lost . Why you ask . Well it really is quite simple !!’ This romance is just that addictive. These two definitely had many obstacles to overcome. And their journey was anything but easy . All the layers and complexities . The angst , the humor , the witty banter , the secrets , the intrigue and suspense, the drama , the love , the passion , the pain , the moments that were heartbreaking and heartfelt you literally felt like your heart was being torn right outta your chest . But then somehow and so flawlessly at that Talia manages to put it right back together. This story really was quite beautiful and extremely emotional, I honestly cannot recommend it highly enough.
May 23, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Pretty Girls Shouldn’t Cry and—whew—it did not disappoint. This book was sizzling hot, full of taboo tension and deliciously messy dynamics that had me hooked from the start.
The adopted brother trope is front and center here, and Talia Atkins nails the overprotective, possessive energy without crossing into cringe territory. The chemistry is absolutely electric, and it’s made even more intense by the forbidden nature of the relationship.
What really stood out was the sexual openness of the book. There’s a boldness in the way different couplings are explored—nothing felt off limits, and it made for a wild, steamy ride that wasn’t afraid to break a few rules. It’s unapologetically spicy, with just the right dose of emotional complexity to keep it grounded.
If you’re into high-heat romance with taboo twists and plenty of steamy variety, this one should be at the top of your TBR. 🔥
The adopted brother trope is front and center here, and Talia Atkins nails the overprotective, possessive energy without crossing into cringe territory. The chemistry is absolutely electric, and it’s made even more intense by the forbidden nature of the relationship.
What really stood out was the sexual openness of the book. There’s a boldness in the way different couplings are explored—nothing felt off limits, and it made for a wild, steamy ride that wasn’t afraid to break a few rules. It’s unapologetically spicy, with just the right dose of emotional complexity to keep it grounded.
If you’re into high-heat romance with taboo twists and plenty of steamy variety, this one should be at the top of your TBR. 🔥
December 29, 2025
Paisley’s world revolves around cheerleading and perfection—so when she injures her knee, everything starts to unravel. The injury exposes her people-pleasing tendencies and fear of becoming irrelevant if she can’t perform.
At the center of the story is Nate, lifelong protector, and the one person who sees her. Their chemistry is intense, uncomfortable, and deliberately wrong. Nate’s possessiveness and control aren’t romanticized—they’re unsettling, and that tension drives the story.
Leith represents the “safe” option, but he never stands a chance against years of emotional entanglement with Nate. As Paisley grows closer to Leith, Nate’s behavior escalates, forcing Paisley to confront feelings she’s spent years suppressing.
The story loses a star because I would have liked for them to have sex the first time, not her with Leith...
At the center of the story is Nate, lifelong protector, and the one person who sees her. Their chemistry is intense, uncomfortable, and deliberately wrong. Nate’s possessiveness and control aren’t romanticized—they’re unsettling, and that tension drives the story.
Leith represents the “safe” option, but he never stands a chance against years of emotional entanglement with Nate. As Paisley grows closer to Leith, Nate’s behavior escalates, forcing Paisley to confront feelings she’s spent years suppressing.
The story loses a star because I would have liked for them to have sex the first time, not her with Leith...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2026
i wish this was told across a longer timeline. i really really liked the plot, but it wasn’t impactful as it could’ve been. if we’d seen the relationships (paisley & nate, nate & bradey, paisley & sara, nate & lance, paisley & cheerleading, their family dynamics) develop over the years, i think i would’ve cried.
i initially thought this was only leaning towards a heartwarming taboo romance like “June First”, so when the halfway plot happened and we see nate in his most fucked up form, i got shocked lol although he doesnt really commit to his dark side unlike “Torment”. i’d say “Pretty Girls Shouldnt Cry” falls between those two books.
safety: (spoilers ahead)
* no OW/OM drama but nate shared her with his friends without her consent and in return, she shared him with her friend without his consent. it gets pretty far physically with the third parties, but it stops short of actual sex.
* kidnapping
* drug addiction
— 3.75 stars.
i initially thought this was only leaning towards a heartwarming taboo romance like “June First”, so when the halfway plot happened and we see nate in his most fucked up form, i got shocked lol although he doesnt really commit to his dark side unlike “Torment”. i’d say “Pretty Girls Shouldnt Cry” falls between those two books.
safety: (spoilers ahead)
* no OW/OM drama but nate shared her with his friends without her consent and in return, she shared him with her friend without his consent. it gets pretty far physically with the third parties, but it stops short of actual sex.
* kidnapping
* drug addiction
— 3.75 stars.
May 16, 2025
I won't lie. The title is what caught my attention! I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but I do sometimes, and honestly, it works, lol. This book has my has a lot of my favorite tropes as well. This is what helps me determine if I would like the book or not... This method has not let me down, lol.
This was such a beautiful read. This book has that taboo that I always eat up: Forbidden Love. Touch her and Die (my two favorite Tropes).
My favorite quote:
❤️ They say your darkest hour comes before your dawn. But you have to survive the darkness first. ( I love it because it is so true. without the darkness, I wouldn't be who I am today).
🎂 Forbidden Love
💐 College Romance
🎂 Brothers Best Friend
💐 Small Town
🎂 Touch Her and Die
This was such a beautiful read. This book has that taboo that I always eat up: Forbidden Love. Touch her and Die (my two favorite Tropes).
My favorite quote:
❤️ They say your darkest hour comes before your dawn. But you have to survive the darkness first. ( I love it because it is so true. without the darkness, I wouldn't be who I am today).
🎂 Forbidden Love
💐 College Romance
🎂 Brothers Best Friend
💐 Small Town
🎂 Touch Her and Die
May 13, 2025
"Toxic together but broken apart".
Nate and Paisley - brothers best friend and adopted siblings but Nate didn't ever see Paisley as his sister, he just knew that she was his to protect and love.
In true Talia style, this book took some dark twists and turns that had me wondering what was going to happen next. One of the few authors out there who I find I can never predict the plot as it happens.
Pretty girls shouldn't cry has a lot going on throughout it and had hints of sweet, then spicy then the dark romance elements hit, so please check ya triggers, but overall an enjoyable, emotional, fast paced read.
Nate and Paisley - brothers best friend and adopted siblings but Nate didn't ever see Paisley as his sister, he just knew that she was his to protect and love.
In true Talia style, this book took some dark twists and turns that had me wondering what was going to happen next. One of the few authors out there who I find I can never predict the plot as it happens.
Pretty girls shouldn't cry has a lot going on throughout it and had hints of sweet, then spicy then the dark romance elements hit, so please check ya triggers, but overall an enjoyable, emotional, fast paced read.
July 18, 2025
mm mixed feelings
I have mixed feelings. Not sure if this is my kinda of book. I was hooked from the beginning but there are no cw or tw. Couldnt find any online. I am not fan of some of the steamy scenes where there was sharing and thats saying something when i really like rh. But in those book it did not felt right. Like there was no need for the story for that to happen. Dunno. Not for me.
Happy has a hea at least. But i had to push through the book ngl.
I gave it 3 stars but more like 2.5*
To much drama angst and too many plot twists.
Anyway thanks for reading my tedtalk xoxox
I have mixed feelings. Not sure if this is my kinda of book. I was hooked from the beginning but there are no cw or tw. Couldnt find any online. I am not fan of some of the steamy scenes where there was sharing and thats saying something when i really like rh. But in those book it did not felt right. Like there was no need for the story for that to happen. Dunno. Not for me.
Happy has a hea at least. But i had to push through the book ngl.
I gave it 3 stars but more like 2.5*
To much drama angst and too many plot twists.
Anyway thanks for reading my tedtalk xoxox
May 6, 2025
Taboo, nobody touches her romance. A few triggers of abuse and use on this one. Paisley has only ever wanted one thing, cheer captain. Working her whole life to get to where she is and always coming out on top. Until it all comes crashing down. Her brother Bradey and adopted brother Nate have always been there to protect and watch out for paisley, but they both have secrets they have been keeping from her.
May 4, 2025
Ummm amazing!! Loved this so much. Fast paced and didn’t want to put down. Definitely felt the love that the main characters had for each other. Nate made me fell like a giggly teenager 😅
“Sorry Princess, you have fallen in love with a monster. You wanted me to bare my true self to you, so fu*king feel free to indulge in it. Run…..”
“Sorry Princess, you have fallen in love with a monster. You wanted me to bare my true self to you, so fu*king feel free to indulge in it. Run…..”
May 21, 2025
Paisley and Nate's story is a wild ride. Paisley's life had been focused on one thing -getting cheer captain - and the pressure on her to achieve this from her parents was intense. Things change when an accident means chances of her ever achieving the goal are minimal.
Nate lives in her house, her adopted brother (but absolutely no relation) and the chemistry between them was insane. He is totally protective of her, and the spicy scenes? Hot!
A forbidden romance, that is emotional and a little twisty!
Nate lives in her house, her adopted brother (but absolutely no relation) and the chemistry between them was insane. He is totally protective of her, and the spicy scenes? Hot!
A forbidden romance, that is emotional and a little twisty!
July 18, 2025
2.0⭐️
I’m no quitter so of course didn’t dnf.
I can understand why some people like this. I just did not feel emotionally connected to the characters at all. I tried really hard to like them— I just feel like everything was happening and there was no background or context.
Had some good elements but needed way more overall.
I’m no quitter so of course didn’t dnf.
I can understand why some people like this. I just did not feel emotionally connected to the characters at all. I tried really hard to like them— I just feel like everything was happening and there was no background or context.
Had some good elements but needed way more overall.
May 10, 2025
What a great story I loved Paisley and Nate. And I personally don't think you can go wrong with a forbidden love/taboo romance. I wish we had gotten Nate points of view more he is so unhinged it would have been nice to know what was going on behind it all.
May 15, 2025
A good read
I wasn't sure I was going to like this story. But the further in I got, the more I liked it. It got to the point that I could not put the book down. Paisley and Nates story is fraught with ups and downs, heartbreak, and mending. I will read it again.
I wasn't sure I was going to like this story. But the further in I got, the more I liked it. It got to the point that I could not put the book down. Paisley and Nates story is fraught with ups and downs, heartbreak, and mending. I will read it again.
May 16, 2025
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. It had lots of emotional depth throughout the entire book and had some darkness to it that I liked. I loved how obsessed he was with her and how they brought it out of each other. There were definitely times I cried. This was a great read overall
May 24, 2025
Nate and paisley are the opposites attract kind of love. She’s an over thinker and he’s a I don’t care what people think. He’s a protector and she’s a girl next door. This book will have you all up in your feelings. I highly recommend this book.
May 25, 2025
This is my first book ive read by her and I love it. From the title I knew the story would have feels and get me feeling alot and it did 🫶. From pretty cover to feel story will make your heart break and be happy.
May 14, 2025
Forbidden romance is definitely my jam, so once I came across this book, I knew I had to read it. I must say that I liked it a lot. It was dark, twisty, spicy and emotional.
May 22, 2025
Another great book for me. Boy do I love my dark, broody, touch her and die boys. Such a great story. Paisley and Nate have an all consuming obsessive love for each other and I'm here for it.
May 24, 2025
Good story I will read again
May 27, 2025
I consumed this book.
honestly never wanted it to end, it was taboo, spicy, fast paced and everything you need in a book. I want more!
honestly never wanted it to end, it was taboo, spicy, fast paced and everything you need in a book. I want more!
October 30, 2025
I thought I already had read my worst book of the year but apparently I needed to go lower.
May 14, 2026
Really liked this book, the characters kept it interesting and made me keep wanting to read. Great book.
May 15, 2025
Tropes:
Brothers best friend
Adopted brother
Grumpy x sunshine
Nate is adopted into his best friends family but he has never considered Paisley his sister. She was always just supposed to be his. He is a college swimmer with the dark broody personality and all the red flags.
Paisley is the good girl who’s whole goal in life is to be cheer captain and then dance around the world. She hasn’t had a boyfriend because her brother and Nate keep them all away. She never knew Nate was keeping them away from what was his.
The story starts out well. When Nate reveals his feelings things get weird. The dark romance part comes out but it feels a little off. Once we got past that dip into darkness things seemed to get back on track and I enjoyed the book.
Brothers best friend
Adopted brother
Grumpy x sunshine
Nate is adopted into his best friends family but he has never considered Paisley his sister. She was always just supposed to be his. He is a college swimmer with the dark broody personality and all the red flags.
Paisley is the good girl who’s whole goal in life is to be cheer captain and then dance around the world. She hasn’t had a boyfriend because her brother and Nate keep them all away. She never knew Nate was keeping them away from what was his.
The story starts out well. When Nate reveals his feelings things get weird. The dark romance part comes out but it feels a little off. Once we got past that dip into darkness things seemed to get back on track and I enjoyed the book.
May 28, 2025
I knew this was going to be a rollercoaster because Talias books always are but WOW….this one had everything! It was light and fluffy, then it was spicy and shocking and then I even got some emotional trauma in there and my god I loved every second of it!
While this book wasn’t like Talias usual, it also was! It was fast paced and shocking which is what Talia does so so well!! My jaw was on the ground multiple times!
Be prepared, if you ever decide to read this or anything of Talias (which you should) that you will not be able to put it down…. Her books are addictive.
While this book wasn’t like Talias usual, it also was! It was fast paced and shocking which is what Talia does so so well!! My jaw was on the ground multiple times!
Be prepared, if you ever decide to read this or anything of Talias (which you should) that you will not be able to put it down…. Her books are addictive.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews