A review by cecez_libraryy
The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

adventurous dark informative mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I can’t believe it took me putting on a blue dress and trying to match it to my book to finally pick this up. 😅

As a die-hard Criminal Minds fan, I’m disappointed it took me this long to join the hype. At first, it felt super YA—but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. Quick, easy, and the perfect palate cleanser.

I was so sure I had it all figured out. I knew the unsub. I knew the twist. Except I didn’t. That reveal?! I audibly gasped. It was giving “WHAT THE HELLY?!” energy. 🤯 The whole book played like a Criminal Minds episode in my head, and I finally get why everyone loves this series.

I buddy-read this with Shaylaa @elodiesreads and we were unhinged at 2am over that ending like we didn’t have places to be the next day 😭 I was ready to binge the next one immediately but Élodie reminded me that this book wasn’t even on my July TBR 😭😂 The rest of my books are now judging me from the shelf.

Have you read this series? If so…

✨Team Dean or Team Michael?✨

I’m leaning Dean—there’s something about the broody, quietly intrigued MMC—but Michael might be on the rise after that last moment with Cassie 👀

Criminal Minds comparisons? For me:

Cassie = Reid (in female form)

Dean = Hotch

Sloane = Garcia (or maybe Reid too?)

Michael = Derek

Lia = ??? (Not JJ or Emily for me… yet)

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual assault, Kidnapping, Murder