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Burned, Inc. #2
Ravaged
From USA Today bestselling author Naima Simone comes an electrifying romance about a pro basketball player and a graphic novelist who can’t seem to stay in the friend zone.
Miriam
It’s no coincidence that my family’s breakup service is called BURNED Inc. I know what it’s like to be dumped. I’ve been there.
Long story short, I’ve got a rule when it comes to my love life: no athletes. As it happens, my best friend, Jordan, is a professional basketball player. He also has a delicious body and sexy tattoos.
But rules are rules.
Jordan
Miriam is my best friend. She’s also the love of my life, the woman I’ve been dreaming about since we met. But she doesn’t do athletes.
I get it. I really do. And I just want Miriam to be happy. Which is why I set her up with a teammate to help her find the man she deserves—even though I can tell she’s into me from that one hot-as-hell night we shared months ago. Still, rules are rules.
But here’s the thing: I’m a competitor.
And sometimes you have to break the rules to win.
Miriam
It’s no coincidence that my family’s breakup service is called BURNED Inc. I know what it’s like to be dumped. I’ve been there.
Long story short, I’ve got a rule when it comes to my love life: no athletes. As it happens, my best friend, Jordan, is a professional basketball player. He also has a delicious body and sexy tattoos.
But rules are rules.
Jordan
Miriam is my best friend. She’s also the love of my life, the woman I’ve been dreaming about since we met. But she doesn’t do athletes.
I get it. I really do. And I just want Miriam to be happy. Which is why I set her up with a teammate to help her find the man she deserves—even though I can tell she’s into me from that one hot-as-hell night we shared months ago. Still, rules are rules.
But here’s the thing: I’m a competitor.
And sometimes you have to break the rules to win.
251 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2022
379 people are currently reading
2454 people want to read
About the author
Naima Simone
168 books2,131 followersPublished since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
November 17, 2022
This right here is why I love Naima’s writing. She writes characters that feel so real with real issues. This was an IR with a one night stand turned friends to lovers. I love when the hero is head over feet first. The angst in this was so palpable that you could feel it. The emotions and feelings of the past that these two worked through made the s*x scenes soooo much better. Naima always knows just what to write to hit that sweet spot.
November 8, 2022
Ok so Ravaged is the perfect title for this book because it literally ravaged my emotions in, like, the best possible way. The best. I don't even know where to start with this review, other than drying my eyes.
Miriam. Is. Brilliant. Yes, she is a genius, but her brilliance is in who she is, who she has to be, and the parts of her that she has to hide. She hides at work and with her family, from the whole world, but the one person she can be most of herself with is Jordan... Which is terrifying for her in every single way. Friend zoned it is.
Jordan is pretty much my perfect cinnamon roll of a book boyfriend. He has his own past that has hurt him and he needs to accept and move through... Not to mention a burning desire for a certain best friend that he can never have. Better to be near her as her bestie than to not be in her life at all, right?
Growth is hard and painful and tears you up inside. But to get to the point of joy and happiness and love? All that angst will be worth it.
Miriam. Is. Brilliant. Yes, she is a genius, but her brilliance is in who she is, who she has to be, and the parts of her that she has to hide. She hides at work and with her family, from the whole world, but the one person she can be most of herself with is Jordan... Which is terrifying for her in every single way. Friend zoned it is.
Jordan is pretty much my perfect cinnamon roll of a book boyfriend. He has his own past that has hurt him and he needs to accept and move through... Not to mention a burning desire for a certain best friend that he can never have. Better to be near her as her bestie than to not be in her life at all, right?
Growth is hard and painful and tears you up inside. But to get to the point of joy and happiness and love? All that angst will be worth it.
November 3, 2022
I read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Naima Simone novel, and I was excited to give her a shot. The premise was promising, but sadly, this novel fell short for me. In short, it’s a masterclass in what NOT to do as a writer if you have any trust in your readers.
Miriam and Jordan had a one-night stand a few months ago, then agreed to be just friends because God forbid they admit they like each other. Miriam has decided all athletes are “narcissistic manwhores,” Jordan excluded. No, he’s just a Viking god who makes her lady parts quiver every time they’re together. And he fantasizes about her too, constantly telling himself he needs to move on and stop wishing she shared his feelings. Of course, she does share his feelings, they just never talk about it.
I didn’t connect with the writing style at all. I’ve never read so much telling in one book. The author seems to have zero trust in the reader because she SHOWS through dialogue, body language, or action, then proceeds to TELL too, as though we’re idiots. And the telling goes on and on. There is a ton of inner monologue, often pages of it between lines of dialogue so that I forget what they’re talking about. Why do we need to hear their every thought? I don’t need to constantly be told WHY a character is doing something; I can figure it out. If you’ve done your job as a writer, trust your reader to connect the dots. You don’t need to hammer the same point home again and again or rely so heavily on isolated sentences for emphasis. The writing was so distracting, it became impossible to connect to the characters or ever think of them as real people I could care about.
Writing issues aside, I can’t stand romance novels where the grown adults act like pining teenagers for 75% of the story—this angsty slog could have been much shorter if they’d had a conversation about their feelings in chapter one. On the bright side, the steamy bits were well done (although it took WAY too long to get there).
One last note: the cover is all wrong. As a pro basketball player, Jordan is supposedly “closer to seven feet than six” but that model doesn’t look nearly tall enough to fit the description.
This was my first Naima Simone novel, and I was excited to give her a shot. The premise was promising, but sadly, this novel fell short for me. In short, it’s a masterclass in what NOT to do as a writer if you have any trust in your readers.
Miriam and Jordan had a one-night stand a few months ago, then agreed to be just friends because God forbid they admit they like each other. Miriam has decided all athletes are “narcissistic manwhores,” Jordan excluded. No, he’s just a Viking god who makes her lady parts quiver every time they’re together. And he fantasizes about her too, constantly telling himself he needs to move on and stop wishing she shared his feelings. Of course, she does share his feelings, they just never talk about it.
I didn’t connect with the writing style at all. I’ve never read so much telling in one book. The author seems to have zero trust in the reader because she SHOWS through dialogue, body language, or action, then proceeds to TELL too, as though we’re idiots. And the telling goes on and on. There is a ton of inner monologue, often pages of it between lines of dialogue so that I forget what they’re talking about. Why do we need to hear their every thought? I don’t need to constantly be told WHY a character is doing something; I can figure it out. If you’ve done your job as a writer, trust your reader to connect the dots. You don’t need to hammer the same point home again and again or rely so heavily on isolated sentences for emphasis. The writing was so distracting, it became impossible to connect to the characters or ever think of them as real people I could care about.
Writing issues aside, I can’t stand romance novels where the grown adults act like pining teenagers for 75% of the story—this angsty slog could have been much shorter if they’d had a conversation about their feelings in chapter one. On the bright side, the steamy bits were well done (although it took WAY too long to get there).
One last note: the cover is all wrong. As a pro basketball player, Jordan is supposedly “closer to seven feet than six” but that model doesn’t look nearly tall enough to fit the description.
August 9, 2022
I loved this book. But, I have to tell you, the angst starts right from the beginning, and I was on the edge of my seat, cursing and hoping. I wanted to shake these two so hard. But, they needed their journey to the happiest of ever afters, which was completely wonderful!
March 9, 2023
Basketball and brainy artist
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
Jordan was more than the persona that he was gifted with his basketball status. Miriam was the smart artist with a quick mouth and a job she loves.
Miriam had a bad experience with and athlete and it has colored her relationships with others. One night of complete abandon gives her a glimpse at a world she wanted no part of. It also gave her the man she would find so hard to resist. She could not would not kick him out of her life.
Jordan was so much more than a one time hook up. He was put in the friend zone after one blissful night with his dream girl. After understanding clearly that he was in love with her and she would joy love him back. He tries to set her up with a teammate. Feeding him information on her likes and dislikes. Then it all comes out and he has to be honest with Miriam and himself.
Narration moved things along but honestly after finishing. I do not remember the narrators individually. I found it smooth running.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining Funny Wonderful characters Easy-to-read Realistic
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
Jordan was more than the persona that he was gifted with his basketball status. Miriam was the smart artist with a quick mouth and a job she loves.
Miriam had a bad experience with and athlete and it has colored her relationships with others. One night of complete abandon gives her a glimpse at a world she wanted no part of. It also gave her the man she would find so hard to resist. She could not would not kick him out of her life.
Jordan was so much more than a one time hook up. He was put in the friend zone after one blissful night with his dream girl. After understanding clearly that he was in love with her and she would joy love him back. He tries to set her up with a teammate. Feeding him information on her likes and dislikes. Then it all comes out and he has to be honest with Miriam and himself.
Narration moved things along but honestly after finishing. I do not remember the narrators individually. I found it smooth running.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining Funny Wonderful characters Easy-to-read Realistic
April 18, 2023
Author Naima Simone is a master storyteller of super sweet and romantic stories. A sports romance and so much more, Ravaged writing, plot and dialogue is superb. Miriam and Jordan's journey from friendship to love was truly a roller coaster full of angst, emotion and passion. Loved this continuation of the Burned Inc. series. #Ravaged #NetGalley
September 3, 2022
*I received a free copy of Ravaged. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review which is honest and unbiased.*
Ravaged was so much fun! I especially enjoyed the company BURNED, because I think it's something we might all need in our lives.
The romance was hot, and I loved how reluctant the protagonists was when it came to love.
Ravaged was so much fun! I especially enjoyed the company BURNED, because I think it's something we might all need in our lives.
The romance was hot, and I loved how reluctant the protagonists was when it came to love.
November 11, 2022
I really wanted to like this book but I have to say that I was not a fan of Miriam. Written as a strong, smart character, there were too many internal monologues that made me question her strength as a female character. Her blanket statement regarding how she was not going to get together with Jordan was also a little odd, given they were best friends and then the whole book, we had to hear about how attracted to him she was. It all just ran a little odd to me. There were plenty of funny moments and I liked how Miriam was with her family and how Jordan (who was a really great character) was with his best friends. I just wished the book didn't drag so much as we waited for Miriam to warm up to the idea of Jordan. And of Jordan's kind of weak character when it came to Miriam- like not speaking up when his best friend wanted to ask Miriam out. All of these made the story just feel slow.
July 30, 2024
I liked this one. Naima never steers me wrong, but I fell like the run around went on a little too long this time. I still enjoyed it though, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe is probably my life long most favorite book much Jordan. Plus the ending was golden. Happy reading!
August 2, 2022
Don't mind me, literally dropping everything I was doing the moment I knew this book was available in NetGalley! Not sorry at all! After reading Heated just a couple of weeks ago, my heart craved so hard for more of the Nelson siblings and especially for a Jordan and Miriam story!
So, get ready for a delicious cocktail:
- Interracial couple (BWWM)
- Friends to lovers.
- The sweetest, hottest mutual pining.
- Hot, tattoed, most selfless and romantic basketball player hero.
- Badass AF, witty, smart (like Einstein smart) and take-shit-from-no-one Black Queen heroine.
- A beautiful, incredibly satisfying slow burn.
I am so in love with this story. It checked all the boxes for me. It made me swoon, blush and it made me laugh so hard in the least expected moments. Jordan and Miriam were the most perfect couple. Their chemistry as friends was as intense and explosive as it was when they became lovers. It wasn't an easy transition, though. They had to fight their demons and confront their past, make mistakes and put their hearts on the line. I loved the fact that both of them had the same amount of insecurities and fears and even though it took them a little bit to figure it out, they learned and grew together. The growth they experienced as a couple and as individuals was written so beautifully and in the most inspiring way.
The themes Naima is touching in this series are so real. Their family dynamics have been a little bit frustrating at times because they are so relatable and relevant, especially now that this generation of women is fighting so hard to break generational curses. Naima did an amazing job at showing how these cycle in Miriam's (and also Jordan's) life were stopping them from finding their true selves and true happiness, not just with one another but also in with themselves. They were finding their way to each other and at the same time their way to leave their pasts and other people's expectations behind. They saw each other for who they truly were, believed in each other's dreams and loved the hell out of each other because of the same reasons and it was the most romantic thing in the world.
Did I mention it was a slow burn to die for? Good Lord, I have to fan myself just thinking about it. That pining these two had going on was hotter than July. The build up was the sweetest chef's kiss in the world. It was steamy, emotional and full of promises. Worth every single second of the wait.
Can't wait for November to re-read it in paperback!
A million thanks to Naima Simone and Montlake for gifting me this ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I am so, so, so, soooooo happy right now.
So, get ready for a delicious cocktail:
- Interracial couple (BWWM)
- Friends to lovers.
- The sweetest, hottest mutual pining.
- Hot, tattoed, most selfless and romantic basketball player hero.
- Badass AF, witty, smart (like Einstein smart) and take-shit-from-no-one Black Queen heroine.
- A beautiful, incredibly satisfying slow burn.
I am so in love with this story. It checked all the boxes for me. It made me swoon, blush and it made me laugh so hard in the least expected moments. Jordan and Miriam were the most perfect couple. Their chemistry as friends was as intense and explosive as it was when they became lovers. It wasn't an easy transition, though. They had to fight their demons and confront their past, make mistakes and put their hearts on the line. I loved the fact that both of them had the same amount of insecurities and fears and even though it took them a little bit to figure it out, they learned and grew together. The growth they experienced as a couple and as individuals was written so beautifully and in the most inspiring way.
"No one has seen me the way you have. Truly seen me. And accepted me. But you did. You do. In your eyes, I'm bold when I want nothing more than to hide. I'm brave when I'm scared shitless. I'm brighter than the sun when I feel invisible."
The themes Naima is touching in this series are so real. Their family dynamics have been a little bit frustrating at times because they are so relatable and relevant, especially now that this generation of women is fighting so hard to break generational curses. Naima did an amazing job at showing how these cycle in Miriam's (and also Jordan's) life were stopping them from finding their true selves and true happiness, not just with one another but also in with themselves. They were finding their way to each other and at the same time their way to leave their pasts and other people's expectations behind. They saw each other for who they truly were, believed in each other's dreams and loved the hell out of each other because of the same reasons and it was the most romantic thing in the world.
Did I mention it was a slow burn to die for? Good Lord, I have to fan myself just thinking about it. That pining these two had going on was hotter than July. The build up was the sweetest chef's kiss in the world. It was steamy, emotional and full of promises. Worth every single second of the wait.
Can't wait for November to re-read it in paperback!
A million thanks to Naima Simone and Montlake for gifting me this ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I am so, so, so, soooooo happy right now.
January 18, 2024
“Ravaged” is the second novel in the Burned Inc. duology focusing on BURNED Inc. co-owner Miriam Nelson and professional basketball player Jordan Ransom.
The novel consists of sixteen chapters and an epilogue.
The novel begins with the reader being introduced to main character twenty-seven-year-old Miriam Nelson who describes herself as one of three owners of BURNED Inc. (aka breaking up, reversing, nuptial & evading disasters) with her older siblings Zora and Levi. Miriam’s background is that she was raised by parents who put overwhelming pressure on her as a child since she has a high IQ. Along with working with her family, she admits she is emotionally repressed, socially inappropriate, and has a high-IQ leading to lack of dating opportunities. Miriam is annoyed because she has been put into the unusual position of having to deliver breakup news to a friend’s teammate. Miriam hates having to breakup with people in person and especially hates athletes for how callously they discard women they are involved with and views them as narcissistic with low emotional IQs. Despite her feelings about athletes, she is best friends with professional basketball player Jordan Ransom.
Chapter two introduces to the second main character, thirty-year-old Jordan Ransom, Miriam’s newest best friend and basketball player for the Denver Nuggets. Jordan is currently stuck at home for two weeks with a groin injury. Jordan is best friends with Cyrus Hart, his attorney and boyfriend of Miriam’s sister Zora. Liked that Jordan live of ���The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” as a child led to him creating Narnia themed man cave with secret entrance as an adult. Jordan’s background is that he was raised by a single mother and three aunts with eight children between them. As Jordan is hanging out with his friends, he internally admits that he is afraid to be alone and the dark feelings he has when by himself. Jordan worries that the longer he’s away from the basketball court, the more likely he worries about losing his place on the team. After Miriam and Jordan have a one-night stand, they agree to not have a romantic relationship and to remain friends. Unbeknownst to Miriam, Jordan is in love with her.
As the novel progresses, Jordan accepts that him Miriam has permanently friend zoned him, and as a way to break his attraction to her, sets her up with his widowed teammate Daniel as a favor to him. Although Miriam is initially hesitant of dating Jordan’s teammate, she softens when she learns he’s a widower. As Miriam and Daniel go on more dates, Miriam becomes softened by his honesty and is flattered by how attentive and kind Daniel is towards her without knowing that he’s gotten relationship help directly from Jordan regarding her likes and dislikes.
Miriam shares with the reader that although her siblings view her as intelligent and talented, they also view her as a teenager in a woman’s body. Miriam views her personality and live-out-loud demeanor as an act of liberation after a childhood of oppression from her parents and is saddened that Zora or Levi haven’t dug deeper to determine what caused a drastic change in Miriam upon returning from college.
Unbeknownst to everyone, Miriam is the author/illustrator of a the successful online “Ravaged Lands” graphic novel series. Miriam uses “Ravaged Lands” as a way to purge her romantic feels and fascination for Jordan with no success. While reading the novel, I was surprised to learn that the quotes used at the beginning of each chapter are dialogue from “Ravaged Lands.”
Other characters including in the novel are Miriam’s family members including older siblings Zora and Levi, as well as her parents social studies teacher Monica and pastor Reggie who have pretended to be happily married for decades despite being unhappily bickering behind closed doors. Miriam, Zora, and Levi have been permanently impacted by their parent’s lack of intimacy, trust and love in different ways.
Eventually, Miriam and Jordan make amends and he inadvertently discovers Miriam’s graphic novel. Miriam trusts Jordan enough to share her graphic novel with him and he discovers that he is a direct inspiration for one of her characters. When Jordan asks why Miriam doesn’t focus on the graphic novel full time, she responds that she worries about losing the stability of working at BURNED with Zora and Levi.
After Miriam and Jordan become intimate, he is worried because although his love from Miriam has increased, she refuses to label the nature of their relationship. Professionally, Jordan is happy to be able to return to the basketball court but is happiest seeing Miriam elated with a surprise related to her graphic novel.
The novel ends with an epilogue occurring six months later with Miriam having left daily operations at BURNED to focus on Ravaged Lands and has moved into Jordan’s house and the couple celebrating Miriam finishing her most recent graphic novel.
As I finished the novel, I enjoyed the alternating narrator by Miriam and Jordan. Likewise, I was also engaged with the “Ravaged Lands” dialogue provided which made me long to read a real copy of the graphic novel. In closing, I felt that “Ravaged” was a satisfying end to the “Burned Inc.” book series.
The novel consists of sixteen chapters and an epilogue.
The novel begins with the reader being introduced to main character twenty-seven-year-old Miriam Nelson who describes herself as one of three owners of BURNED Inc. (aka breaking up, reversing, nuptial & evading disasters) with her older siblings Zora and Levi. Miriam’s background is that she was raised by parents who put overwhelming pressure on her as a child since she has a high IQ. Along with working with her family, she admits she is emotionally repressed, socially inappropriate, and has a high-IQ leading to lack of dating opportunities. Miriam is annoyed because she has been put into the unusual position of having to deliver breakup news to a friend’s teammate. Miriam hates having to breakup with people in person and especially hates athletes for how callously they discard women they are involved with and views them as narcissistic with low emotional IQs. Despite her feelings about athletes, she is best friends with professional basketball player Jordan Ransom.
Chapter two introduces to the second main character, thirty-year-old Jordan Ransom, Miriam’s newest best friend and basketball player for the Denver Nuggets. Jordan is currently stuck at home for two weeks with a groin injury. Jordan is best friends with Cyrus Hart, his attorney and boyfriend of Miriam’s sister Zora. Liked that Jordan live of ���The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” as a child led to him creating Narnia themed man cave with secret entrance as an adult. Jordan’s background is that he was raised by a single mother and three aunts with eight children between them. As Jordan is hanging out with his friends, he internally admits that he is afraid to be alone and the dark feelings he has when by himself. Jordan worries that the longer he’s away from the basketball court, the more likely he worries about losing his place on the team. After Miriam and Jordan have a one-night stand, they agree to not have a romantic relationship and to remain friends. Unbeknownst to Miriam, Jordan is in love with her.
As the novel progresses, Jordan accepts that him Miriam has permanently friend zoned him, and as a way to break his attraction to her, sets her up with his widowed teammate Daniel as a favor to him. Although Miriam is initially hesitant of dating Jordan’s teammate, she softens when she learns he’s a widower. As Miriam and Daniel go on more dates, Miriam becomes softened by his honesty and is flattered by how attentive and kind Daniel is towards her without knowing that he’s gotten relationship help directly from Jordan regarding her likes and dislikes.
Miriam shares with the reader that although her siblings view her as intelligent and talented, they also view her as a teenager in a woman’s body. Miriam views her personality and live-out-loud demeanor as an act of liberation after a childhood of oppression from her parents and is saddened that Zora or Levi haven’t dug deeper to determine what caused a drastic change in Miriam upon returning from college.
Unbeknownst to everyone, Miriam is the author/illustrator of a the successful online “Ravaged Lands” graphic novel series. Miriam uses “Ravaged Lands” as a way to purge her romantic feels and fascination for Jordan with no success. While reading the novel, I was surprised to learn that the quotes used at the beginning of each chapter are dialogue from “Ravaged Lands.”
Other characters including in the novel are Miriam’s family members including older siblings Zora and Levi, as well as her parents social studies teacher Monica and pastor Reggie who have pretended to be happily married for decades despite being unhappily bickering behind closed doors. Miriam, Zora, and Levi have been permanently impacted by their parent’s lack of intimacy, trust and love in different ways.
Eventually, Miriam and Jordan make amends and he inadvertently discovers Miriam’s graphic novel. Miriam trusts Jordan enough to share her graphic novel with him and he discovers that he is a direct inspiration for one of her characters. When Jordan asks why Miriam doesn’t focus on the graphic novel full time, she responds that she worries about losing the stability of working at BURNED with Zora and Levi.
After Miriam and Jordan become intimate, he is worried because although his love from Miriam has increased, she refuses to label the nature of their relationship. Professionally, Jordan is happy to be able to return to the basketball court but is happiest seeing Miriam elated with a surprise related to her graphic novel.
The novel ends with an epilogue occurring six months later with Miriam having left daily operations at BURNED to focus on Ravaged Lands and has moved into Jordan’s house and the couple celebrating Miriam finishing her most recent graphic novel.
As I finished the novel, I enjoyed the alternating narrator by Miriam and Jordan. Likewise, I was also engaged with the “Ravaged Lands” dialogue provided which made me long to read a real copy of the graphic novel. In closing, I felt that “Ravaged” was a satisfying end to the “Burned Inc.” book series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2022
Ravaged by Naima Simone slowly creeps in your heart with the brilliant humor, blinding hot passion and heartaching feels. Miriam and Jordan took me through all the swoony, confusing, sinful and beautiful stages of love!
Miriam is the woman with many talents. She is not only the partner of BURNED Inc with her siblings..she is also secretly creating the popular graphic novel Ravaged Lands. Celebrity basketball player Jordan Ransom has serious feels for her but after one spontaneous night of passion, Miriam has friendzoned him though she also has deep feels for him. She is just refusing to accept it.
It is my first Naima Simone book and I loved her writing style. It was poetic and sharp and a very unique storytelling. Three cheers for a heroine who is not only sexy but has the sharp brains to match. She is super smart and has an enviable academic career. But she has joined the business because she wanted to blend. She has sharp tongue, sassy attitude and fierce personality but she hides a lot of vulnerability and uncertainty behind the mask. She has been hurt and idea of love makes her want to run. And Jordan Ransom is hard to resist. Now he is what I call a perfect book boyfriend. Charismatic, enigmatic, confident, drop dead gorgeous..and yet unusually reserved and hesitant when it comes to Miriam. And it almost cost him everything. But like any good man, he managed to win her heart. They became great friends and stayed so even after that one steamy night. And that friendship is so precious. They tease and taunt each other but they stood by each other through thick and thin. Miriam felt seen and loved and understood with Jordan and he definitely played the role of devoted ,doting, supportive ,caring and possessive man very well. I wanted to kill them for being so stubborn but the slow burn just intensified their connection. And when I slow burn..it is like the slowest slow burn book I read recently and yet it captivated me.
Ps Idk why Goodreads is showing the review for Audible. I received e ARC from Netgalley and Montlake.
Miriam is the woman with many talents. She is not only the partner of BURNED Inc with her siblings..she is also secretly creating the popular graphic novel Ravaged Lands. Celebrity basketball player Jordan Ransom has serious feels for her but after one spontaneous night of passion, Miriam has friendzoned him though she also has deep feels for him. She is just refusing to accept it.
It is my first Naima Simone book and I loved her writing style. It was poetic and sharp and a very unique storytelling. Three cheers for a heroine who is not only sexy but has the sharp brains to match. She is super smart and has an enviable academic career. But she has joined the business because she wanted to blend. She has sharp tongue, sassy attitude and fierce personality but she hides a lot of vulnerability and uncertainty behind the mask. She has been hurt and idea of love makes her want to run. And Jordan Ransom is hard to resist. Now he is what I call a perfect book boyfriend. Charismatic, enigmatic, confident, drop dead gorgeous..and yet unusually reserved and hesitant when it comes to Miriam. And it almost cost him everything. But like any good man, he managed to win her heart. They became great friends and stayed so even after that one steamy night. And that friendship is so precious. They tease and taunt each other but they stood by each other through thick and thin. Miriam felt seen and loved and understood with Jordan and he definitely played the role of devoted ,doting, supportive ,caring and possessive man very well. I wanted to kill them for being so stubborn but the slow burn just intensified their connection. And when I slow burn..it is like the slowest slow burn book I read recently and yet it captivated me.
Ps Idk why Goodreads is showing the review for Audible. I received e ARC from Netgalley and Montlake.
November 15, 2022
First of all, let me admit to being a bit nervous reading this one. While I ended up liking the first book in the series, Heated, I did struggle with it early on. And as much as I love Naima Simone (and I do), it just wasn't my favorite. When added to the blurb here, I was apprehensive and might have put off reading it longer than I should have. As it turns out, I really enjoyed Ravaged, and my apprehension was all for naught. Yes, this one is angstier than my usual fare—especially with Daniel's added backstory putting him squarely in the "this guy needs a HEA ASAP" category—but in the end, I found myself compelled to come back to it in the hopes of seeing how it would all play out.
Now, that's not to say this book was perfect, because it was not. I definitely wanted to give Miriam a piece of my mind at times and Jordan's inability to admit to anyone what was really going on hit my heart a little too hard (see above re: Daniel) at times. Communication is key, people!
Together, those two pieces of this otherwise well-paced and well-written story could have derailed my reading experience, but thankfully that wasn't the case. Why, you ask? Because they were outweighed by all the good. Which included, but are not limited to:
✓ Miriam's secret career
✓ Jordan's unwavering support
✓ The banter and nerdy references
✓ Sibling support and love
✓ All the steaminess
In the end, a good addition to the series, and another book that proves Simone is a talented, engaging author. I look forward to Levi's book next!
Now, that's not to say this book was perfect, because it was not. I definitely wanted to give Miriam a piece of my mind at times and Jordan's inability to admit to anyone what was really going on hit my heart a little too hard (see above re: Daniel) at times. Communication is key, people!
Together, those two pieces of this otherwise well-paced and well-written story could have derailed my reading experience, but thankfully that wasn't the case. Why, you ask? Because they were outweighed by all the good. Which included, but are not limited to:
✓ Miriam's secret career
✓ Jordan's unwavering support
✓ The banter and nerdy references
✓ Sibling support and love
✓ All the steaminess
In the end, a good addition to the series, and another book that proves Simone is a talented, engaging author. I look forward to Levi's book next!
November 20, 2022
I read the blurb for this book and thought it might satisfy my need for a hot romance. This is a first-time author for me.
In Ravaged, Miriam has sworn off athletes, but she has one huge problem -- she's in love with her best friend, Jordan who happens to be a sexy, tatted up basketball player.
And Jordan -- he's in love with his best friend, too. Easy - peasy!
From the first pages, it's clear this is going to be story of these two figuring out what is important to them. I think that was one of the problems I had with this story - there weren't any real surprises here.
When Jordan encourages Miriam to go out with his recently widowed teammate, I wasn't sure if it was misguided or downright mean for him to do this. In any case, it was guaranteed to cause the conflict in the story.
There were some aspects outside of the love story that I enjoyed. Mirian has a secret life as a graphic novelist and that was an interesting part of the story. The family business she's involved with also could have had more page time as it was a unique aspect to the story.
Overall, Ravaged was a predictable romance. I had a bit of trouble connecting with Jordan, partly because the cover of this book was in conflict with how I envisioned the character. The couples do get very steamy which saved the story for me, so if that's what you are looking for, Ravaged could be a good fit for you.
In Ravaged, Miriam has sworn off athletes, but she has one huge problem -- she's in love with her best friend, Jordan who happens to be a sexy, tatted up basketball player.
And Jordan -- he's in love with his best friend, too. Easy - peasy!
From the first pages, it's clear this is going to be story of these two figuring out what is important to them. I think that was one of the problems I had with this story - there weren't any real surprises here.
When Jordan encourages Miriam to go out with his recently widowed teammate, I wasn't sure if it was misguided or downright mean for him to do this. In any case, it was guaranteed to cause the conflict in the story.
There were some aspects outside of the love story that I enjoyed. Mirian has a secret life as a graphic novelist and that was an interesting part of the story. The family business she's involved with also could have had more page time as it was a unique aspect to the story.
Overall, Ravaged was a predictable romance. I had a bit of trouble connecting with Jordan, partly because the cover of this book was in conflict with how I envisioned the character. The couples do get very steamy which saved the story for me, so if that's what you are looking for, Ravaged could be a good fit for you.
August 6, 2022
I picked this book up on NetGalley in hopes of expanding my horizons on Kindle Unlimited reads and I am obsessed! I wasn't aware this was part of a series at first and I haven't read the first book, that said, I didn't feel like I was missing anything by reading this as a standalone. The setting and plot for this book are rather original in the sense that one of the main characters, Miriam and her family operate a break-up service, mainly for NBA players and professional athletes - this is something I've never heard of before that piqued my interest.
Ravaged is a super steamy, slow burn, friends to lovers romance with a unique plot and set of characters. Jordan and Miriam had fantastic chemistry for this being such a short story. Friends to lovers isn't my favourite trope, but I thoroughly enjoy when the attraction between the two friends is so obvious and palpable to everyone but them and this book had that - in spades. I loved how real and relatable the struggles both Miriam and Jordan faced were written so candidly and that we get to see them both grow through their difficulties. Both Jordan and Miriam were vulnerable with one another and that really assisted in making their story so believable and enjoyable.
I had a great time reading Ravaged, it's a fun, witty, strong and spicy romance that is a quick and perfect read for those who love a good, hot, romance!
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC and to the Author, Naima Simone for this fantastic read!
Ravaged is a super steamy, slow burn, friends to lovers romance with a unique plot and set of characters. Jordan and Miriam had fantastic chemistry for this being such a short story. Friends to lovers isn't my favourite trope, but I thoroughly enjoy when the attraction between the two friends is so obvious and palpable to everyone but them and this book had that - in spades. I loved how real and relatable the struggles both Miriam and Jordan faced were written so candidly and that we get to see them both grow through their difficulties. Both Jordan and Miriam were vulnerable with one another and that really assisted in making their story so believable and enjoyable.
I had a great time reading Ravaged, it's a fun, witty, strong and spicy romance that is a quick and perfect read for those who love a good, hot, romance!
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC and to the Author, Naima Simone for this fantastic read!
April 9, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Friends to Lovers
Spice: Yes 🥵
Series: Burned Inc, Book 2
Thoughts - what an emotional roller coaster and one I didn’t expect. Jordan and Miriam’s story was far more in-depth and deep than I expected. Both had parts where they needed to dig deep into aspects of their past in order to learn and grow from. Definitely recommend if you’re after an unapologetically herself MFC, who is passionate, kind and smart. With a strong, vulnerable MMC who just wants to find his person.
Plot - working with her siblings in their break up company Burned has taught Miriam a thing or two in how to break up with someone nicely, that and her own personal bell when she was younger. Her one time friends with benefits and BFF Jordan is a staple in her life and despite him fitting all of her wants he still ticks a few boxes in the unwanted category. Will she be able to move past them or will Jordan always be just a friend.
* Friends to lovers
* Sports - basketball
* Family dynamics
* character growth/vulnerability
“You can’t take on other people’s shit. We have enough of our own. If we carry theirs, too, we’ll buckle under the weight.”
Genre: Friends to Lovers
Spice: Yes 🥵
Series: Burned Inc, Book 2
Thoughts - what an emotional roller coaster and one I didn’t expect. Jordan and Miriam’s story was far more in-depth and deep than I expected. Both had parts where they needed to dig deep into aspects of their past in order to learn and grow from. Definitely recommend if you’re after an unapologetically herself MFC, who is passionate, kind and smart. With a strong, vulnerable MMC who just wants to find his person.
Plot - working with her siblings in their break up company Burned has taught Miriam a thing or two in how to break up with someone nicely, that and her own personal bell when she was younger. Her one time friends with benefits and BFF Jordan is a staple in her life and despite him fitting all of her wants he still ticks a few boxes in the unwanted category. Will she be able to move past them or will Jordan always be just a friend.
* Friends to lovers
* Sports - basketball
* Family dynamics
* character growth/vulnerability
“You can’t take on other people’s shit. We have enough of our own. If we carry theirs, too, we’ll buckle under the weight.”
November 13, 2022
Miriam is smarter than her peers which at times has her feeling isolated. She decided to become partners with her siblings in the business they created partially to work with them and partially so that others didn’t have to repeat the experience from her past which still affects her. She and Jordan shared a steamy night, but she decided that they were destined to be friends only in large part because of his career.
Jordan is a professional basketball player who is in love with Miriam but is willing to accept whatever relationship she will give him. He only wants her to be happy which is why he sets her up with his fellow teammate which will force both of them to finally face their feelings for each and decide if some risks are worth the reward.
Both Miriam and Jordan have difficult pasts but have handled it differently. The chemistry between them is intense but it was the way they supported and shared all their deepest secrets and feelings with each other that made their relationship so special.
Jordan is a professional basketball player who is in love with Miriam but is willing to accept whatever relationship she will give him. He only wants her to be happy which is why he sets her up with his fellow teammate which will force both of them to finally face their feelings for each and decide if some risks are worth the reward.
Both Miriam and Jordan have difficult pasts but have handled it differently. The chemistry between them is intense but it was the way they supported and shared all their deepest secrets and feelings with each other that made their relationship so special.
November 26, 2022
Stars: ☆☆☆
Steam: 🌶️🌶️
Friends to lovers, second chance, miscommunication, stubbornness, and insecurities. Duel POV.
Successful and sexy basketball star Jordan Ransom is secretly in love with his best friend Miriam Nelson except Miriam has friend-zoned him after an amazing night together. Miriam is part owner of BURNED a successful full-service break-up company and has an issue with dating athletes. They both have been secretly pining for each other, but events from their pasts have scarred them. They both need to find a way to break down their walls which are making intimacy and communication very difficult.
An enjoyable read. I just wish the unique idea with Miriam part owning a break-up company was explored more, but sadly that was not the case. Plus, the cover model not matching the way Jordan is frequently described was a bit distracting while trying to connect with the character. This is my honest option, freely given.
Steam: 🌶️🌶️
Friends to lovers, second chance, miscommunication, stubbornness, and insecurities. Duel POV.
Successful and sexy basketball star Jordan Ransom is secretly in love with his best friend Miriam Nelson except Miriam has friend-zoned him after an amazing night together. Miriam is part owner of BURNED a successful full-service break-up company and has an issue with dating athletes. They both have been secretly pining for each other, but events from their pasts have scarred them. They both need to find a way to break down their walls which are making intimacy and communication very difficult.
An enjoyable read. I just wish the unique idea with Miriam part owning a break-up company was explored more, but sadly that was not the case. Plus, the cover model not matching the way Jordan is frequently described was a bit distracting while trying to connect with the character. This is my honest option, freely given.
September 29, 2023
Jordan was more than the persona that he was gifted with his basketball status. Miriam was the smart artist with a quick mouth and a job she loves.
Miriam had a bad experience with and athlete and it has colored her relationships with others. One night of complete abandon gives her a glimpse at a world she wanted no part of. It also gave her the man she would find so hard to resist. She could not would not kick him out of her life.
Jordan was so much more than a one time hook up. He was put in the friend zone after one blissful night with his dream girl. After understanding clearly that he was in love with her and she would joy love him back. He tries to set her up with a teammate. Feeding him information on her likes and dislikes. Then it all comes out and he has to be honest with Miriam and himself.
Miriam had a bad experience with and athlete and it has colored her relationships with others. One night of complete abandon gives her a glimpse at a world she wanted no part of. It also gave her the man she would find so hard to resist. She could not would not kick him out of her life.
Jordan was so much more than a one time hook up. He was put in the friend zone after one blissful night with his dream girl. After understanding clearly that he was in love with her and she would joy love him back. He tries to set her up with a teammate. Feeding him information on her likes and dislikes. Then it all comes out and he has to be honest with Miriam and himself.
October 17, 2022
Miriam and Jordan’s love story delivers all the feels and satisfies with a buffet of tropes: friends-to-lovers, professional athletes, brainy tenderhearted confident women, millionaires, story-within-a-story, big misunderstanding and more. Plus, a clever variation on matchmaking seemingly inspired by Cyrano de Bergerac adds another layer of emotional intrigue to this substantive tale about healing from past trauma. Ravaged unfolds at a nimble pace that balances contextual details with compelling intensity and incendiary sexual chemistry. It’s also funny, celebrates the importance of healthy connections with family and friends, and works as a stand-alone, although reading it immediately generates the compulsion to add the “Burned, Inc.” series to one’s TBR list. Fans of Nalini Singh’s rugby stories should especially enjoy this.
[Profanity is common throughout characters’ casual conversations and thoughts–no judgement, simply a note.]
http://blerdybingereader.blogspot.com...
[Profanity is common throughout characters’ casual conversations and thoughts–no judgement, simply a note.]
http://blerdybingereader.blogspot.com...
November 15, 2022
Ravaged by Naima Simone slowly creeps in your heart with the brilliant humor, blinding hot passion and heartaching feels. Miriam and Jordan took me through all the swoony, confusing, sinful and beautiful stages of love!
Miriam is the woman with many talents. She is not only the partner of BURNED Inc with her siblings..she is also secretly creating the popular graphic novel Ravaged Lands. Celebrity basketball player Jordan Ransom has serious feels for her but after one spontaneous night of passion, Miriam has friendzoned him though she also has deep feels for him. She is just refusing to accept it.
It is my first Naima Simone book and I loved her writing style. It was poetic and sharp and a very unique storytelling. Three cheers for a heroine who is not only sexy but has the sharp brains to match. She is super smart and has an enviable academic career. But she has joined the business because she wanted to blend. She has sharp tongue, sassy attitude and fierce personality but she hides a lot of vulnerability and uncertainty behind the mask. She has been hurt and idea of love makes her want to run. And Jordan Ransom is hard to resist. Now he is what I call a perfect book boyfriend. Charismatic, enigmatic, confident, drop dead gorgeous..and yet unusually reserved and hesitant when it comes to Miriam. And it almost cost him everything. But like any good man, he managed to win her heart. They became great friends and stayed so even after that one steamy night. And that friendship is so precious. They tease and taunt each other but they stood by each other through thick and thin. Miriam felt seen and loved and understood with Jordan and he definitely played the role of devoted ,doting, supportive ,caring and possessive man very well. I wanted to kill them for being so stubborn but the slow burn just intensified their connection. And when I slow burn..it is like the slowest slow burn book I read recently and yet it captivated me.
Ps Idk why Goodreads is showing the review for Audible. I received e ARC from Netgalley and Montlake.
Miriam is the woman with many talents. She is not only the partner of BURNED Inc with her siblings..she is also secretly creating the popular graphic novel Ravaged Lands. Celebrity basketball player Jordan Ransom has serious feels for her but after one spontaneous night of passion, Miriam has friendzoned him though she also has deep feels for him. She is just refusing to accept it.
It is my first Naima Simone book and I loved her writing style. It was poetic and sharp and a very unique storytelling. Three cheers for a heroine who is not only sexy but has the sharp brains to match. She is super smart and has an enviable academic career. But she has joined the business because she wanted to blend. She has sharp tongue, sassy attitude and fierce personality but she hides a lot of vulnerability and uncertainty behind the mask. She has been hurt and idea of love makes her want to run. And Jordan Ransom is hard to resist. Now he is what I call a perfect book boyfriend. Charismatic, enigmatic, confident, drop dead gorgeous..and yet unusually reserved and hesitant when it comes to Miriam. And it almost cost him everything. But like any good man, he managed to win her heart. They became great friends and stayed so even after that one steamy night. And that friendship is so precious. They tease and taunt each other but they stood by each other through thick and thin. Miriam felt seen and loved and understood with Jordan and he definitely played the role of devoted ,doting, supportive ,caring and possessive man very well. I wanted to kill them for being so stubborn but the slow burn just intensified their connection. And when I slow burn..it is like the slowest slow burn book I read recently and yet it captivated me.
Ps Idk why Goodreads is showing the review for Audible. I received e ARC from Netgalley and Montlake.
November 9, 2022
I was happy to be Ravaged. After yesterday I felt ravaged so I need an escape which Simone provided.
Hot
Intense
Molten lava
Unrequited lust and love from both main characters
Jordan calling her sweetheart made me weak in my knees
His loving her from the first Made him endearing.
I’d go down the court with Jordan any day.
Ravaged is a ravishing read!
Thanks to Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for the early read.
Hot
Intense
Molten lava
Unrequited lust and love from both main characters
Jordan calling her sweetheart made me weak in my knees
His loving her from the first Made him endearing.
I’d go down the court with Jordan any day.
Ravaged is a ravishing read!
Thanks to Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for the early read.
November 26, 2022
Hmmm
This book is a repeater. Same key points throughout the book. I have never read a book that makes the effort of what color they were. 46% into the read and she announces she is African American. Why? It had nothing to do with the situation. Then I had to go back through the book and read their dialogue with family members. So what I'm saying is I didn't like the book. That's my opinion. Read the book and compare.
This book is a repeater. Same key points throughout the book. I have never read a book that makes the effort of what color they were. 46% into the read and she announces she is African American. Why? It had nothing to do with the situation. Then I had to go back through the book and read their dialogue with family members. So what I'm saying is I didn't like the book. That's my opinion. Read the book and compare.
September 17, 2022
Ravaged was sweet. It was sexy. It was sassy. It was awesome. I enjoyed Jordan and Miriam’s story despite their stubbornness. They were both quite stubborn. I loved the tension between them. I enjoyed their journey and I’m hoping for more in the series.
Copy provided by publisher through Net Galley
Copy provided by publisher through Net Galley
November 29, 2022
I enjoyed this book but at times it frustrated me because I was thinking just be honest with each as they were best friends and all.
I get close friends develop feelings but once you friend zone someone you shouldn’t continue to do thing that put off you want more than to be just friends, that is where my frustration came from.
In the end I predicted all their truths would come out and they would get their HEA.
Narrators did a great job telling this story .
I get close friends develop feelings but once you friend zone someone you shouldn’t continue to do thing that put off you want more than to be just friends, that is where my frustration came from.
In the end I predicted all their truths would come out and they would get their HEA.
Narrators did a great job telling this story .
January 24, 2023
Moral of the story, find someone that is your 'Narnia'. GAHHHH! Sports Romance doesn't get any more adorkable than Ravaged. Naima Simone struck the perfect balance between funny and sweet, hearty and hot.
I read this directly after reading the first in the series, Heated, and it flowed perfectly. I instantly knew upon meeting Jordan and Miriam that I would love their story. This is friends to lovers that fight their feelings every step of the way, even to their detriment. There is so much mutual pining that you will ultimately combust from sexual tension between the two. However, Miriam lives out her love story through Savage Lands (her graphic novel). Naima decided to bless us with quotes from the novel at the beginning of each chapter leaving us with the need for a full story.
While there is a lot of swooning, the Burned series also has serious underlying themes that a well placed. Both Heated and Ravaged focus on the impact of parental relationships or the lack thereof. In Ravaged we were able to get a full picture of the toxicity of Miriam's parents which added to the understanding of the siblings.
I can't wait to read Levi's book! Hopefully I will be able to get another Advance reader copy from NetGalley!
I read this directly after reading the first in the series, Heated, and it flowed perfectly. I instantly knew upon meeting Jordan and Miriam that I would love their story. This is friends to lovers that fight their feelings every step of the way, even to their detriment. There is so much mutual pining that you will ultimately combust from sexual tension between the two. However, Miriam lives out her love story through Savage Lands (her graphic novel). Naima decided to bless us with quotes from the novel at the beginning of each chapter leaving us with the need for a full story.
While there is a lot of swooning, the Burned series also has serious underlying themes that a well placed. Both Heated and Ravaged focus on the impact of parental relationships or the lack thereof. In Ravaged we were able to get a full picture of the toxicity of Miriam's parents which added to the understanding of the siblings.
I can't wait to read Levi's book! Hopefully I will be able to get another Advance reader copy from NetGalley!
December 4, 2022
First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley and Montlake publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book. This was my first book by Naima Simone and I can honestly say that I loved it.
The plot was entertaining and really well-written. I could feel with both main characters, they fit together like a pair of gloves. What I loved the most though were their thoughts, friendship, and Miriam´s sense of humor.
Through the words of this author, I could see Miriam´s drawn illustrations playing like a movie directly in front of my eyes and her graphical story "Ravaged land" also became alive. I have to admid that alhough I am not the biggest fan of animes I truly appreciated the graphical vision.
This book was definitely a page-turner with everything man loves in a book.
The plot was entertaining and really well-written. I could feel with both main characters, they fit together like a pair of gloves. What I loved the most though were their thoughts, friendship, and Miriam´s sense of humor.
Through the words of this author, I could see Miriam´s drawn illustrations playing like a movie directly in front of my eyes and her graphical story "Ravaged land" also became alive. I have to admid that alhough I am not the biggest fan of animes I truly appreciated the graphical vision.
This book was definitely a page-turner with everything man loves in a book.
November 16, 2022
Ravaged (Burned Inc. Book 2) by Naima Simone is the second book in the Burned, Inc. series, but it can be read as a standalone. It is always nice to catch up with previous couples; Cyrus and Zora appear to be doing well! The same cannot be said about Miriam and Jordan; after a one-night stand, Miriam firmly and concisely placed Jordan in the best friend zone where he has reluctantly languished since. Due to a dysfunctional childhood and emotional trauma, Jordan has difficulty expressing his feelings and has abandonment issues. He has created a small support group but longs for Miriam to really SEE him. Miriam also has problems related to her upbringing and is commitment phobic. How will two people bridge the barriers to their love story? As usual Ms. Simone gives us an angsty story with plenty of heat and generous helping of romance.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC for an honest opinion!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC for an honest opinion!
February 15, 2023
Moral of the story, find someone that is your 'Narnia'. GAHHHH! Sports Romance doesn't get any more adorkable than Ravaged. Naima Simone struck the perfect balance between funny and sweet, hearty and hot.
I read this directly after reading the first in the series, Heated, and it flowed perfectly. I instantly knew upon meeting Jordan and Miriam that I would love their story. This is friends to lovers that fight their feelings every step of the way, even to their detriment. There is so much mutual pining that you will ultimately combust from sexual tension between the two. However, Miriam lives out her love story through Savage Lands (her graphic novel). Naima decided to bless us with quotes from the novel at the beginning of each chapter leaving us with the need for a full story.
While there is a lot of swooning, the Burned series also has serious underlying themes that a well placed. Both Heated and Ravaged focus on the impact of parental relationships or the lack thereof. In Ravaged we were able to get a full picture of the toxicity of Miriam's parents which added to the understanding of the siblings.
I can't wait to read Levi's book! Hopefully I will be able to get another Advance reader copy from NetGalley!
I read this directly after reading the first in the series, Heated, and it flowed perfectly. I instantly knew upon meeting Jordan and Miriam that I would love their story. This is friends to lovers that fight their feelings every step of the way, even to their detriment. There is so much mutual pining that you will ultimately combust from sexual tension between the two. However, Miriam lives out her love story through Savage Lands (her graphic novel). Naima decided to bless us with quotes from the novel at the beginning of each chapter leaving us with the need for a full story.
While there is a lot of swooning, the Burned series also has serious underlying themes that a well placed. Both Heated and Ravaged focus on the impact of parental relationships or the lack thereof. In Ravaged we were able to get a full picture of the toxicity of Miriam's parents which added to the understanding of the siblings.
I can't wait to read Levi's book! Hopefully I will be able to get another Advance reader copy from NetGalley!
July 30, 2022
This is the second book that I’ve started from Naima Simone. The first book in this series didn’t do it for me, and I did not finish it or give a review. I wanted to give this author a second chance and start Ravaged. I’ll start by saying what I did like. I liked Jordan; I liked how good of a friend he was to Miriam and to his Colleagues- other players in the NBA. I also liked the secondary characters in this book, and I wonder if Renae and Daniel will have a spin-off within this series. I also like that this book is multicultural, and I love the friends-to-lover trope.
Where it fell short for me was the length of time it took for the two main characters to decide that they wanted to be together finally. 78% of the book was inter-dialog about how Miriam doesn’t want to be with an athlete due to an athlete that hurt her in the past. For Jordan’s part, he was pining over Miriam but didn’t act on it. If what happened in Miriam’s past was so horrendous, it deserves a flashback chapter own on its own. Don’t tell me how some this “thing” that (no spoilers) hurt you. Show me through the character’s eye.
The steamier scenes also fell short for me, and I felt a little letdown. If I’m going to wait for almost 80% of the book for the friends to lovers to finally get romantic, there better be fireworks.
Overall, I’m giving it three stars, it wasn’t terrible, and I like the sibling dynamic between Miriam and her brother and sister. I also liked Jordan’s love for his mother; as I already stated, he was a good friend to her and the other characters in the book.
I just reviewed Ravaged by Naimi Simone.
www.netgalley.com
Where it fell short for me was the length of time it took for the two main characters to decide that they wanted to be together finally. 78% of the book was inter-dialog about how Miriam doesn’t want to be with an athlete due to an athlete that hurt her in the past. For Jordan’s part, he was pining over Miriam but didn’t act on it. If what happened in Miriam’s past was so horrendous, it deserves a flashback chapter own on its own. Don’t tell me how some this “thing” that (no spoilers) hurt you. Show me through the character’s eye.
The steamier scenes also fell short for me, and I felt a little letdown. If I’m going to wait for almost 80% of the book for the friends to lovers to finally get romantic, there better be fireworks.
Overall, I’m giving it three stars, it wasn’t terrible, and I like the sibling dynamic between Miriam and her brother and sister. I also liked Jordan’s love for his mother; as I already stated, he was a good friend to her and the other characters in the book.
I just reviewed Ravaged by Naimi Simone.
www.netgalley.com
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