natanacreativepineapple's reviews
39 reviews

Choose Me by Beck Grey

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5.0

I have read this series from the first book to this one, the third. Beck blows my expectations out of the water, EVERY TIME. These novels can be read as standalone but you definitely get more out of developing relationships if you follow along with the family and others that pop in and out.
A light-hearted, no-angst, high heat-when-you-get-to-it story that is perfect for curling up with a blanket and reading for comfort.
Jules has SEVERE social anxiety. I just want to put him in a bubble, get a whiteboard for communication, and remember all of his favorites.
Erik has family baggage, but who doesn’t? A gentle viking giant that will stand up for those he cares about…and then is unable to do it for himself.
Worried to let the people around them down if things go south, they keep things on the down low while working on their own personal issues together. Friendship almost caught kissing moments, and don’t forget the dry sassiness.

I received a digital ARC of this novel and this is my honest review.
A Quick Buck by K.L. Hiers

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5.0

→ A brat that never knew what he truly craved
→ A Daddy that won’t stand for disrespect
→ Forced Proximity

Alistair Star is enticingly confident and drool worthy. He commands the room even when his name is spoken, the morally grey guy that would kill for you if needed, not out of a jealous fit.

Tbh I hated Noah in the beginning. I loved seeing him put in his place- someone finally teaching him some freaking manners and appreciation. He grows on you as his character develops, at least he did for me. I could eventually see his perspective with enough back story.

I’ve read shorts done by this author, this was my first full novel read by them. The spice level in this book is fire and well written. I definitely had to take some breaks reading it when wandering eyes were around lol. Always make sure to check your triggers, it is a mafia romance with d/s dynamic. There is a slight mystery to the story, I was able to figure it out with clues in the writing about ¾ of the way through, I enjoyed how it was woven in.
I quite literally just bought their holiday bundle so that I can dive deeper into their mafia romance writing.
Laurent and the Beast by K.A. Merikan

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5.0

I had read a short story by this author and didn’t realize it until I was searching for more stuff to read haha. This book tosses you straight into the mystery from the start and I loved it. This series is dark - like someone is violently having their arm cracked on concrete within the first few chapters. Once I found the original posting for book 1 (currently listening to the boxset on Audible), the trigger warnings are accurate and I highly recommend reading them before reading the book - I did not read the trigger warnings until I was a few chapters in and I went in search of them to mentally prepare myself before listening to more.

I feel the author put necessary dark themes for the plot, it flows well and it makes sense. I think my biggest complaint is that Merikan describes what people look like often. I don’t particularly enjoy being reminded of what the MC’s look like throughout the novel - definitely a personal preference and does not affect my rating of this novel.
Ghost of Lies by Alice Winters

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4.0

This was my first read by Alice for two reasons
I bought it because I wanted to listen to a whole book narrated by Greg
My friend said there were ghost strippers and lots of laughs
Oh my, they were not kidding. I couldn’t listen to this while driving because it was too funny - I couldn’t focus on the road when I tried. I apparently seem to have a thing for the grumpy sunshine trope cause that has been a lot of my book choices lately. Maddox is a grumpy guy who doesn’t want to change his ways and will do whatever he can to be right. I believe the mystery was a little far-fetched with the ending but the story made sense leading up to it and I really cared that the couple got together. The adventure was a subplot for me haha. The aspects that were in the mystery were interesting enough to keep my attention and I
was able to focus on hoping for the couple to have a happy ending. I don’t know if I’ll read the next one in this series, however, I will try another series from Alice for sure.
To Trust and to Touch by Vivi Anne Hunt

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4.0

I found this author on Twitter and reached out to receive an ARC of this novel. This is my honest review.
Honestly, when a sex club is mentioned, my mind immediately goes to the gutter haha. This book was much different than I expected. Filled with varied big emotions, an LGBTQ charity, and a tiny mystery in business that I did not expect at all.

I will say that Alex is a downer, they have very low self-esteem - certain scenes made me wanna reach into the book and just shake him. Sigh is a soft daddy that cares so deeply for those in his world that it is all-consuming. Vivi wrote a story that you can submerse yourself in, feeling the emotions of the characters, and the triggers are accurately described so you can know any surprises to watch for.

I enjoyed the story, although a bit annoyed with Alex at times, and I plan to read more written by this author.