The Whole Time: part 2

The Whole Time #2

by Maizy Ren

Within the underground infestation of crime organizations, Pests are the most powerful, and Hunter Key has just been handed everything he’s always the title of Informant, a chair at the Inner Circle’s table, and the chance to one day lead.
All he has to do is one simple Kidnap Locklyn Elwell, the inheritor to Elwell Enterprises and collect the hefty ransom to hand over to the Pests.
But through setbacks of bodyguards, security cameras, and Locklyn’s impossible lack of cooperation, Hunter finds himself facing obstacles he didn’t sign up for.
As histories resurface and secrets come to light, Hunter’s reality is shattered as he begins to question every truth he’s ever known about the Elwells and more importantly, the organization he’s dedicated his life to.

305 pages, Paperback

First published January 22, 2025

About the author

Maizy Ren is an art school survivor living in Illinois with her husband and pack of wild fur children. When she isn't writing or wrangling dogs, she can be found reading, hiking, or drinking Gatorade (said in Henry Winkler's voice). Probably all at once.

Reviews

[Victoria Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. God. This. Book. 😭 I’m speechless. This series has a chokehold on me ♾️⭐️s like holy crap! I’m not sure if I can even put into words what I am feeling. So for now this is what you get emojis on my feelings as I stare at the wall 🤣


😭🥰🥹😮‍💨😭🧐😮🤯😱😍

Full review coming after I process🤣🙈

The way she has gotten me to be completely attached to these characters is unreal! I felt every emotion! Swooning, laughing, giddy, shook, sobbing. Watching Lockyln and Hunters forbidden love bloom is just so good! So many aspects to the plot that she slowly brings together one step at a time. My goodness this is a damn masterpiece! Immediately dove into book 3! This might be a top series for the year for me!

[Jay The Book Girly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had me bawling my eyes out and screaming at the wall! Dayton was her only parental figure! 😩
“Take care of my baby girl!”😭😭
Who’s going to take care of me?! 😭
The way this series has had me in a chokehold!

[Emily Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has me HOOKED. Maizy Ren is going to be the next big thing and I’m here for it 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[Emma Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

the YEARNING are you kidding, this is what we WANT

ok i do hate that it’s SO high school and Im feeling so many twilight vibes. Im really really enjoying this story, it reads like a movie, but i can’t stop thinking that i wish it was fantasy. Some of the pest nonsense, Locklyn rules nonsense (12 guards for a literal infant???) etc is just sort of unbelievable for regular life. also why is plainville nowhere town some special place?? like how powerful can the elwells be?? like who has this many guards and staff in a random american town.

but whatever the yearning makes up for, it give me more yearning. two books in an spice level still like .25 and im still loving it

the ending was so frickin sad also dang i’m gonna miss dayton (if this was fantasy (which i wish it was) we could bring him back w a spell or ask the gods or something) (just sayin)

edit: I just realized this only has 7 reviews?? this book just came out in january??? why isn’t everyone reading this???

[Justina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just take my heart and smash it with a hammer next time, it will be less painful 😭

[Rayne🌙 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just ripped my heart out with this one!! The burn between Locklyn and Hunter as heating up and I am eating it up but loooord, I was not prepared! Can’t wait to see what happens.

[Cayla Pitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moment I finished part one, I dove straight into part two—I couldn’t stop myself. The tension, the yearning, the slow realization of what Locklyn and Hunter truly mean to each other—it’s absolutely intoxicating. Watching their story unfold as Hunter transforms from potential captor to her ultimate protector had me hooked. And let me tell you, I am HERE for it!

Part two is nothing short of an emotional roller coaster, and the ending completely wrecked me—I was bawling my eyes out. I don’t know how I’m going to recover from this, and I’m dreading how Locklyn will react when she finds out Hunter’s truth.

Maizy’s writing is pure perfection. Her vivid, immersive storytelling pulls you in so deeply, it feels like you’re living the story right alongside the characters, feeling every twist, every heartbreak, and every tender moment. I’m completely in love with this world, these characters, and their journey, and I can’t wait to dive into part three—though I know it’s going to shatter me all over again!

[Raegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoa… book 2 really moves through life as an 18 year old trying to figure herself out. Hunter is really toying with the line of his moral code and Locklyn is trying to figure out who she can trust and how much to let people in.
I will say the way Hunter begins to fall for her is freaking precious. As an adult dark romance reader I feel like his character is very well written in the “will he won’t he” kind of way

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Book 5/5 Heartbreak. I can’t say much because I don’t wanna spoil but when I thought I couldn’t get more attached to these characters…I was so wrong. Again jer writing wss just so beautiful in this part abd the storyline just gets better. I was all happy with my kindle and my heart broken slowly but am I also adding part 3 right now as we speak? Yes, obviously. 5/5🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

[Jessica Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t get enough of the two main characters and the angst they drive between each other. Her heart is so huge and his toughness is slowly melting away with her. Other boys don’t stand a chance and trust me, they try. The second book dives little deeper into her past and he’s past making you love these characters even more. Hold onto your butts… this one’s good!

[reading.with. Madds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am speechless and so so heartbroken… 💔 😭

This story makes you connect with the characters like no other . I can’t even form a coherent thought after finishing this book all I can say is wow…. Beautifully heartbreaking

[Alliecat_90 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I immediately had to pickup book 2 is crazy!! Im not sure what this author puts in her books but this was another 5 star read in my opinion!

[Courtney Lindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️😭

[Deanna Hopkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really really really need some answers here.

[Taylor Balkema · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly will never forget this book. It was so sweet and real and absolutely soul crushing. The fact that this is from a “newer” author blows my mind. I am not a person that cries usually…so when a book makes me physically cry, I know it was something special.

[Ashlee Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your looking for a dark romance series where he’s from the wrong side of the tracks and she’s the untouchable heiress this series is for you. A host of characters, some who are darker than you think, and a twist I didn’t see coming....

He has one job to achieve what he wants in life. Falling in love with her was never apart of the plan.

Book 2 continues the evolution of Locklyn and Hunter's relationship, and lines begin to blur, especially for Hunter and the job that he is suppose to be completing. Will the lies and betrayal be too much in the end?

"All I've done is lie to her. Use her. She gave me peace, and I gave her, her own personal hell."