Not Really Over

by Sarai Peña

A good girl breaks out of her shell and grapples with how far she's willing to go to keep the love of her life--even if he happens to be the scariest drug lord in the city...

Matias Rojas lost a lot, but nothing cuts like losing the only woman he’s ever loved.

For years, the drug lord watched her from afar. Makes sure no one disturbs the normal, mundane existence she’s created, far away from their world of violence. To the rest of Los Angeles, he’s a boogeyman. A nightmare come to life, claiming deals in loyalty and blood. But in the dark, he always seeks her out.

Natalia is used to keeping everyone’s secrets. Especially her own.

As the youngest daughter of Los Angeles’ most powerful drug lord, she was used to a life of rules. A people-pleasing sister who lived to hold her dysfunctional family together. Until a secret love affair with Matias shattered it all.

The world has moved on--but she hasn’t. Foolish as it sounds, she sees traces of him everywhere. Feels his presence every time she closes her eyes. But When the FBI corners her with an ultimatum, Natalia must decided whether to betray the man who broke her heart or protect the man she fell in love with.

And although their relationship is over...the simmering fire between them isn't.

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2026

Reviews

[Auros Hackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a really great follow-up to the first book in the series, although I think Sylvia and Aaron still have my heart. I loved seeing Natalia grow into her own and find herself, and most importantly for me, I liked that she grew outside of her relationship with Matias. The author doesn't lean into the trope of the shy, quiet girl finding purpose and meaning in life only because of her romance with a man. She is able to stand up to her father, her sister, and even the FBI because of herself, not just because she is in love with Matias. I do feel like the time jumps/changes could have been a little more stated, there were times I was a little bit confused about when the setting was, mostly when it would switch back to present day. And if I was gonna criticize anything, I sort of wish that Natalia had held out a little bit longer! It seems like she gave into Matias really quickly, which was great for the spice level, but I expected her to have a bit more resistance lol.

Speaking outside of the main characters, I absolutely loved the energy between Alma and Santos. I was surprised at how much I liked Santos! When he was introduced, I thought I was gonna hate him but he was actually delightful as a character. Peña does such a great job at making these fully fleshed out, realistic characters. I felt like I knew him as a real person.

Overall, greatly enjoyed and cannot wait for more in this series!

[Maya.Enriquez01gmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely incredible from beginning to end. I loved everything about it. Every chapter left me wondering what was going to happen next, and I found myself completely invested in the story and its characters.

The romance was beautifully written, and I loved watching each character grow and develop throughout the book. The relationships felt meaningful, the emotions felt real, and I became deeply attached to the people and the world the author created. Even the character names, the concept, and the overall storytelling were memorable and thoughtfully crafted.

This was one of those books that was difficult to put down because I was constantly eager to see what would happen next. Finishing it left me wanting more in the best possible way.

I cannot wait to go back and read Book 1, and I am already counting down the days until Book 3 is released. I’m so excited to continue exploring the different stories within this series and to see where these characters and future books take us.

A truly wonderful read that I would happily recommend to others.

[Abigail Books Addiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up enjoying this book even more than the first one! The drama, the chaos, and the sheer messiness had me completely hooked from beginning to end. One of my favorite things about the heroine was that she actually had a backbone and wasn't afraid to stand her ground when people refused to listen to her. It made her such a satisfying character to follow.

The second-chance romance worked so well, especially with all the history between the characters unfolding through the dual timelines. Watching their past and present collide added so much emotional depth and made every interaction feel more meaningful. And I have to admit, the little bits of revenge she got on her ex were incredibly entertaining.

The spice was absolutely top-tier, bringing plenty of tension and chemistry to an already complicated relationship. Add in all the family drama, secrets, and emotional baggage, and there was never a dull moment. If you enjoy dark romances filled with messy relationships, second chances, family conflicts, and plenty of spice, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Stephanie Manzano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was packed with nail biting panic, danger, love, heat like no other and constant twists. The Latina FMC, Natalia was an undercover bad ass. She used her past and childhood trauma to her advantage as knowledge and always stood her ground. Matias, MMC was down bad the moment he laid eyes on Natalie and I'm all over that. He leaves you speechless in multiple times of the book and I'll leave it at that. I really enjoyed the different POV chapters from both main characters but also the insight of the past that brings you up to speed from how things played out. It had the feel of a mystery with how many pieces needed to be put together throughout the story to ultimately figure out the ultimate ending which was not disappointing. The side characters didn't disappoint either!! I want a story for Dom, Alma and Santos. They all interested me and I want to know more about them. Can't wait to read more from this author!

[Courtney Borgard · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I would like to thank Sarai Peña for choosing me to ARC read this book. Though I arc read this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this story. Natalia and Matias were made for each other even if it took a lot of obstacles and hurdles to coax them together for good. The romance, the spice, the banter … all incredible. This book was so well written and I enjoyed every part of it. If you like a bad boy MMC who turns to mush for his girl, this is for you. If you like a seemingly innocent but bad ass on the inside FMC, this book is for you. If you love a second chance romance in the heat of a gun fight, this book is for you.

I am so happy to have been able to arc read this book and I recommend it to all my romance loving girlies who enjoy the above listed things. ♥️

[Neris G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A then and now, second chance romance between new mafia lord and ex mafia lords daughter.

It’s been 4 years since the night Natalia betrayed her father. The same time when Matias left her heart broken on the hospital bed. 4 years where she never told the FBI any of his secrets because somewhere deep down she thought he’d come back. So when the FBI come knocking again with pictures of Matias moving on, she does what any woman scorned does. She sets his car on fire & plans revenge.

We get double the tension & angst as we jump between timelines of their love story. This book had me cheering for the red flag behavior along with mystery brewing in the plot.

I now want a story for Jake, the hacker and Dom lol

Thank you to the author, Sarai, for the ARC in return for my honest thoughts.

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalia and Matias love🥹

This was such a cute and well written book I loved everything about them. The way they are each other’s peace even when they haven’t seen each other and a long time. The love never left when it came to them. Natalie reminds me so much of me which made me love her even more. She doesn’t ask to do things anymore and I love that she now makes her own decisions even if people think she’s wrong and then their is Matias that would literally do anything to keep her safe even if it means not being able to be with her. The love they have for each other was shown the whole book and I love that we also had the flashbacks to see how everything was before she got hurt.This book was a 10/10. Can’t wait for the next one.

[anidayneow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is for the girls who watched Bad Boys for Life and thought Armando needed more screentime.

Enter Matias Rojas. Natalia didn't fold quick enough the first time around but she didn't try as hard the second time. Both Matias and Natalia have yearned for each other for 4 years, separated by circumstance and guilt. Nati just needed an excuse to get close to him this time. But the lines are blurred once again. There were so many moving parts to this plot that came together so well in the end. Santos and Alma were fun too. It's great to be able to read about latina/o characters, especially when their written as well as these were. I can't wait to see what's next.

[Jeanette Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I’ll be picking up book 1 of this interconnected standalone series. I want to read how it all started! I loved Natalia and Matias’ story. This book gave me all the feels. It had a great balance between romance and action! I also really enjoyed the rest of the characters in this book! I can’t wait to see if we get more stories! Will we get an Alma and Santos book? Will we get a Jake and Bee book? 🤭 Thank you so much to Sarai Peña for an early copy of this book! I loved it! Can’t wait to see what’s next!

[Jessica G · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride!! Natalia and Matias were perfect for each other. The way he helped her develop into her own person was amazing. I enjoyed the dual timeline. It didn’t hinder the story and really helped move the story along. The timing of the flashbacks were perfect and allowed me to see how Natalia and Matias’ worlds changed in the past but still tied them together. Will definitely reread their story.

[Talya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t able to put Not Really Over down. I love a good second chance romance, especially when it’s a bad boy and a good girl (not-so-good anymore). We even got some fake dating in there too. I really loved Natalia and Matias’s story, and once I hit the halfway mark, I couldn’t stop reading. I just needed to know what was going to happen next.
I’m also so happy to see the Latine representation. Now I’m definitely going to go back and read book one to get Sylvia’s story.

[Veronica Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spicy, Caliente! This is the 2nd book in the, “Not Really Strangers “ series but this can also be read as a stand alone. The author provides flashbacks that gives the reader backstory on the characters. A naive daughter of the cartel meets more than she bargains with another cartel member who protects her. This had action with the cartel, witness protection, and corruption but there is also love and redemption.

[Yadira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Not Really Over by Sarai Peña as an ARC! I loved this so much!! Reading it made me feel like I was watching a novela with like Kate del Castillo. It had romance, spice, suspense, drama and everything in between. I loved Natalia’s character so much and how her story developed. Love reading a book with Latino characters! Definitely recommend this book!!

[Rose Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Latina reader being able to find great Latina Authors that can pull me into their pages wow thank you. Natalia the fmc who found herself outside of the relationship she had with Matias the mmc to stand up for herself even though she still is in love with him and will do crazy things like set his car one fire. I definitely recommend this read.

[TheNovelCat22 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I started this, I could not put it down! It was such a good book. The FMC and MMC are very much made for each other, and have such a long history. It was an easy read but captured my attention. There is some suspense and some fake dating, all wrapped within a cartel world.

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of the book was a great speed for developing the main characters without staying focused on the past. You got little glimpses of how the FMC has changed and grown since then, and then you get to see that continue throughout the book!

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Latina authors who write romance ! This one was one of them ! Sarai ate with this one. Loved the couple and the writing was amazing.

[Suly Deida · Rating 5 out of 5]

ADVANCE READER COPY

The suspense 10/10 spicy 20/20 Story 100/100 Writing also 10/10,I would like to know more about the kids and how they get along with her

[Klarissa Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review


- I love how the story went by as it went close to the end. Ugh the yearning.

[Yvelisse93 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is face pace, romance and action. I love it.

[Danielapolk · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good read.

Love the story of a woman coming into her own and eventually getting to be with the love of her life.

[Delicate · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

3.5 book 1 was slightly better which is odd these two MCs really loved each other but we barely got to see them together