natanacreativepineapple's reviews
39 reviews

Ethan & Jag Destroy the World by Maz Maddox

adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

OH MY GOODNESS I will be definitely be finding their other writings to devour.

Ethan — mischievous, emotional, and adorable. 

Jag — HOT, extremely literal, the sexy kind of cocky 

The world building is tied into the seams of the character development. I find it hard to describe exactly how they did it,it is captivating. I didn’t want to put this story down, finding any chance to finish it. 

Sins That Find Us by E.M. Lindsey

adventurous dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I requested an ARC of this novel and this is my honest review. E.M. Lindsey is an author I already had in my tbr, just not yet got too, so I was excited to find this opportunity. 

First and foremost, read your triggers. This is a dark mafia series featuring a variety of different triggers. There is a cliffhanger with the second novel coming soon! 

Oh these boys. All of them. I fell for them already and I wish to see Alice do the same. Nearly all of them psychopaths, and if I had been through what they have, I may be worse. The raw emotions, the communication styles depicted, I am enthralled and started the second book before I came to write this since I have access to be completely frank haha. Recommend if the novel still appeals after reading all triggers! 

Lap Dance! For Dystopia by Lysander Arden

adventurous reflective sad slow-paced

4.0

I found this novella on Twitter and it’s adorable. I definitely feel 1984 vibes as inspiration but the story is original and the world is well thought out. 

There are so many things from our present life that get lost in the future, in this world. People become numbers, and all resources are portioned. 

Soren is naive, though a fast learner. There is little left for the bottom people in this hierarchy. Soren is inquisitive and kind, and my kind of person for emphasizing dresses with pockets haha. The character growth, to see Soren’s eyes open up to opportunities and knowledge just as his life progresses, I loved it. 

Zale is matter of fact and vague, sometimes it felt like trying to read his mind, that is just the character. He even admits that he doesn’t do great at expressing what he really wants. 

There is a content warning listed above - Soren is 17 at the beginning of the story. I did not get the Icks or anything with the writing, it kept everything far away from crossing the line into ahhhh, at least for me. This is a short read, I enjoyed it overall and stayed engaged to finish it in one sitting. 

Sins That Bind Us by E.M. Lindsey

dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I signed up to receive this entire series for ARC and this is my honest review.  The writing flows from one books cliffhanger into the next with such elegance. E.M.’s writing is still fairly new to me, this only being my second read, and has put themselves into my top 5. 

Check your triggers. There are detailed triggers listed before the story starts. 

The more I read over the guys and get familiar with them, the more I get like really dark adult mutant ninja turtle vibes - comedic relief, fearless leader, anger, and a techy. I loved TMNT so this is my freaking JAM. 

This one is angsty, I mean expect drugs and violence and secret spy type missions from chapter one.

Unwrapping His Heart by Vin George

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I won this novel in a giveaway a few months back and am slowly pushing them my back library. This was my first read by Vin George and I don’t have many complaints. 

A few trigger warnings would have been nice like dealing with A family member recovering from addiction appearing. The story was mostly low angst, with Matt and Zeke flopping back and forth with feelings cause that’s just what happens in life sometimes. 

I would read the next book, I did like Matt and Zeke — It’ll be on my list for future. 

To Protect, to Love, to Command by Blake Ellis Paige

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

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

5.0

I follow Blake on Twitter and found her book on KU. 

If you like smutty filthy reads with a little
Bit of plot to tie together the smex/relationship, this is for you! 

Classic grumpy sunshine, slight d/s feels, service motivated partners - all over yummy. Im happy I found it and I’d read it again if I owned it.

Paint by Colin Brooks

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Although I have not been to a university, I have been to college and this is pretty spot on. Highschool doesn’t usually properly prepare individuals for being on their own, choosing their own work loads, etc.

I did get some Burlesque vibes (if you haven’t seen it, it’s a coming of age musical with Cher & Christina Aguilera)<spoiler). 

I have very little knowledge about drag, so regardless if it’s fully accurate, I wanna be able to go to the club that Tucker finds. The costumes, the flair, the acceptance. The romance is a side plot, and I always enjoy a good slow fall. Reading this has inspired me to be look into reading more books involving drag 🥰

Embrace Me by Beck Grey

4.0

Single Riders: A YA Novella by Selys Rivera

4.0

Coming out November 1st!

I was provided a digital ARC and this is my honest review of the novella.

This is a short read that keeps you engaged, asking questions from start to finish. The story flows with details explaining each main character, their complicated backgrounds, and how they come together to get closure.
The coming of age confrontations in this novella hit me right in the heart. I could put myself in their shoes, all of the main characters, and imagine how I would want the situations to work out. We meet fun, unique individuals who learn communication skills and how to find their own voice.
This was my first read from this author and I’ll be adding more to my TBR!

It by Stephen King

5.0