Pretty Little Fears by S.J. Ryder Review

Library of Angels Rating: 5 stars

On Kindle Unlimited: Yes

Publication Date: August 13, 2024

HEA: Yes

Version: Physical Book

“Blair has cut open my chest and dug her little claws into my heart, effectively forcing it to beat solely for her.”

Happy Valentine’s Day! Want to know how many times did this book found a way to pierce my heart? Too many times to count, honestly.

Emmett and Blair are such uniquely lovable characters and this storyline made my heart ache for them. Not only for the pain they’ve both endured, but also the people they were becoming as they transformed in spite of their pain. This is a story that I was so underprepared for, but in the best way. The plot twists, revenge, and spice all gave me reasons to give this a billion-and-one stars instead of 5, but alas - 5 it is.

I absolutely smashed my book with notes, annotations, and sticky tabs. This is one of those reads where the moody and dark MMC has a million hauntingly beautiful things to say about the woman he loves. Emmett in fact burned the world just t save her and that’s exactly how I like my book boyfriends!

My Overall Rating - 5 Stars

My definition of a 5 star read:

10/10 read. Spice hit on all levels. Plot had me absolutely hooked. Happy to add this to my end of year ‘5 star’ list. Very likely a book that I would recommend frequently if asked about the category that it falls under.

Emmett and Blair both have the most insane character development over the course of the novel. It’s like they both had to suffer; in order to come out on the other side, the best versions of themselves. The trauma that they endure should not be romanticized, however, their experience does allow us to acknowledge the sentiment that our pain and suffering doesn’t define us. We are more than our circumstances and obstacles and at the end of it all, we will rise.

“She’s taken her fears and molded them into ammunition. Her gun is locked and loaded, ready for anyone who comes her way and tries to fuck with her. My heart swells thinking of my brave girl and how far she’s come in such a short amount of time.”

Emmet is obsessive and unhinged, whereas, Blair is sweet and dependable. Their personalities mesh in a beautiful symphony of understanding and patience. Blair is the one with most of the patience, obviously.

I have been on a kick where looking for books with mental health representation is present. While this book doesn’t explicitly state that either characters have PTSD or a panic/ anxiety disorder, it is absolutely implied based on their given trauma. There are so many instances where I could relate to emotions that presented themselves as such from both Emmett and Blair’s perspectives. Oddly enough, it’s comforting to know that an author is able to illustrate exactly what I’ve felt or experienced through characters who are experiencing trauma entirely different than my own.

My Spice Rating - 5 Stars

My definition of 5 chili pepper spice rating:

Romance with 5-10 smutty/spicy scenes or mentions of spicy things.

THE MOUTH ON EMMETT. Y’all. Please come douse me with a hose because, wow!

He needs an award for his excellence in praise kink-ery. The way he was talking Blair THROUGH IT had me quaking in my boots girl! There is not a SINGLE scene in which he isn’t showering her with praise and adoration. Even in his degradation, you can still feel the love.

Tropes:

• Dark College Romance

• Stalker Romance

• Obsession

• Touch Her & Die

• Virgin

• Insta Lust

• Trauma

• Possessive MMC

• Found Family
  

Book 2 is releasing in a few months and I hope you’re all ready for the next installment because I know I sure am! Each book will be about a different couple, but this is an interconnected series. Get a head start now so you can be ready for book 2!