I have no idea if it was me or the book or even possibly both but this was not what I expected.

The main concept of a brake up company initially seemed really interesting to me, I was curious to see how that would work in a romance.
And the beginning was great I had a few laughs but as pages went on so did the internal monologue and absolutely nothing was happening.

The fake dating started after the 50% mark, the relationship was not built up enough to be believable, it took them a week to go from “3 months and we’re done” to “I love you” and I don’t like when authors use stupid communication issues as the only way to keep the plot moving.
On top of all that I can acknowledge the fact that I read an uncorrected version of the script but when even me, someone who’s not a native English speaker, gets distracted by the numerous grammatical and syntax errors I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for other readers get through this. It cheapened the whole experience, worse than reading a fanfic even.

So yeah, the overall feeling this book left me with is lost. Because it made little to no sense at all..

Thank you NetGalley & Montlake for the digital ARC.

Zora and her siblings are in the business of break ups. When their company is hired and Zora has to end a client’s relationship with Cyrus, sparks fly.

Cyrus has a serious life plan and it’s all progressing accordingly. That is until Zora shows up at his front door and it all comes crashing down.

Undeniable attraction leads to a fake relationship deal being made, but keeping real feelings out of it proves impossible.

⇢ this story is such a unique premise. Zora is relatable and absolutely hilarious, Cyrus is serious and knows what he wants, and then you have the side characters who add so much to the story. While this is a fun romance, it dealt with some difficult real life topics which I liked. There’s also so much fantastic witty sarcasm. The pacing did seem a little off to me. Then there were some moments that seemed very long winded, while I wish I could have gotten more from other parts instead.

I liked it (and I think this author has tons of potential).

This book has a lot of potential. I can see what the author is trying to do. She has an amazing storyline, fun characters, and a sexy world to work with. However, I deeply believe this book needs heavy editing. If there was an editor at any time, they must have only edited grammatical errors and forgotten about the rest. So much of the writing is redundant. There seems to be a lot of rambling. I get a clear vision of what the author wants but then it keeps going. I eventually started tuning out of the book and then tuning back in when things get interesting. The characters are fun and I enjoy them all. I just think there is so much rambling and explaining that I unfortunately was taken out of the story too much to enjoy this book. If there were more editing I know id enjoy reading this.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am going to be honest that I had a very hard time getting into this book. I am not normally this way, but I felt like the plot was a little eh. It was good, but I wasn't swooned by it. It just didn't have "it" for me.

Things I loved:

- The interracial relationship. I love how that setup opens communication about race between the MCs as well as the readers.

- Both our MCs are self-made in their chosen careers. Our heroine co-owns her business with her siblings, which is essentially a breakup service company that helps people break up with their partners in the most amicable way. Our hero is an entertainment lawyer who climbed his way up to success despite being orphaned at a young age and passed around from relative to relative as a kid.

Things I didn't love:
- The pacing. I noticed that around the 85% mark, the hero and heroine are still in dating fake dating, friends with benefits stage. Not to mention whatever relationship they initially had was still tainted with the heroine's lies. Things started blowing up at around 90% and I didn't believe that the remaining 10% was sufficient enough to resolve their conflict. I was right.

-A great chunk of this book has the heroine's lie shadowing their relationship. To be fair, both of them had their faults. But I think the heroine should have owned her mistake more. The hero forgave her too easily.

Sometimes I choose to read because I have become so concerned about the declining state of affairs in the world around me and seek to ease my mental anxiety by increasing my own knowledge through literature. At those times it is my hope to be able to advance my thinking, reasoning, and overall self through written word; therefore, I choose books that are enlightening, thought provoking, and cognitively challenging. Other times, I may be over stressed, worn out, and looking to read as a form of relaxation, stress-relief, and “me time”. At those times, I don’t necessarily want a book that is quite as thought provoking or mentally intense. I would rather look for a book that catches my interest and allows me to escape reality. This book is certainly not the first as it does not challenge me cognitively or provoke self reflection. But it most definitely is not the latter as every sentence is so intense and full, I could not “lose myself” in the simple pleasure of reading because it literally tired my brain trying to keep up with the constant internal monologue. On several occasions one character would make a comment or ask a question, then there would be so much internal monologue that by the time it was done and the second character responded, I couldn’t remember what question they were responding to and would have to flip back several pages to remind myself. This happened quite often! However, It does make for some very steamy romantic scenes!! The author does get extra bonus points from me because she used the word “subconsciously” correctly where 95% of authors tend to incorrectly use “unconsciously” instead. Overall a good book, and I did like it, I just had to work harder than I would have liked to keep up with the word volley.

I thought this story was ok, there were some things that I didn't really care for. The characters didn't seem to really have that much chemistry. I think that the friendships and family relationships in this story were stronger and better written than the romance between Zora and Cyrus. I wish I had better things to say because this is my first book by Naima and I was looking for a new author to get into.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book!

3.5 out of 5 stars.

Heated is about a woman named Zora and a man named Cyrus. Zora is part owner of a business called BURNED, Inc., which she owns with her two siblings. At BURNED, Inc., they take on clients who want to break up with their significant others and do it for the clients. Zora meets Cyrus through work and instantly has an attraction to him. I can't say much more than that without spoiling, in my opinion!

I quite liked this book! Zora's an amazing character. She's strong but also honest with herself when it comes to her insecurities. Cyrus is also likeable, and he becomes even more so when you learn his backstory. I enjoyed each character separately and together, which always makes the reading more enjoyable for me. They brought out the best in each other and I could really feel their connection and attraction to each other.

There were some very small things that I didn't really like or understand. Zora's reaction to seeing a picture of Cyrus was a little too much for me, personally. I also thought the climax of the book came a bit late, though everything was wrapped up nicely in the end.

This is my first Naima Simone novel and I'm definitely interested in reading more. I wonder who the next book will be about, since this says it is the first in a possible series!

I could not find anything heated in this book. I have tried getting through until I realized that I am just wasting my time. The writing was not too bad so it gets 2 stars, only the characters are too blah.

Thanks to Netgalley for a free copy in exchange of the honest opinion.

This was the first Naima Simone book that I've read, and after reading Heated, it surely won't be the last.

Zora Nelson runs a successful business with her siblings. Borne out of a tumultuous home life with challenging parents, the Nelson siblings make their living doing break-ups by proxy. Zora is what you'd expect from a successful entrepreneur -- articulate, confident, and dedicated to her job and her colleagues.

Cyrus Hart was orphaned at a young age. His early loss dictated his life plan from which he refuses to deviate. A successful entertainment attorney, he's friends with a famous basketball player and dating a rich blonde from the "right" social circles. That is until that blonde hires Zora to dump him and he finds Zora on his doorstep with a Dear John letter.

Zora and Cyrus begin an ill-fated relationship in hopes of helping Cyrus along in his career. Little does he know the effect their relationship is having on Zora's career, as she struggles with the guilt of dating a client's ex. Will they be able to overcome these challenges and acknowledge the chemistry and true connection they share?

Supported by some fantastic minor characters, like Zora's siblings and Cyrus's best friend, this book managed to be funny, angsty, and sexy. There isn't one thing I didn't like about Zora. The fact that she's a confident, successful plus-sized woman made her seem all the more realistic. It was also great to read a book about an interracial couple in which the main conflict wasn't their race. I am hopeful that we will see books about the other Nelson siblings in the future!

The only reason I gave this 4 stars out of 5 is it lacked the wow for me -- fake relationships have been done thousands of times before, and Heated didn't bring anything super new or interesting to the trope.

Sweet, funny and engaging, Heated is an entertaining read.

With great rapport and dead-pan hilarious sarcasm, alongside deep and emotional moments, this is a heartfelt story of honesty and self assurance. Although the premise of a break-up company seems a little silly, and at times the story felt a little disjointed, it has wonderful, shining, witty moments that had me laughing out loud, touching moments that had me shedding a few tears, and steamy moments that are sure to raise your temperature.

4 stars and a Dear John letter

Blurb: Zora
I’m Denver’s unmatchmaker. Every city needs one.
Why? Because people break up—and sometimes they should. But when I learn that entertainment attorney Cyrus Hart is someone else’s mistake, I can’t believe it. He’s smart, successful, and sexy as hell.
When a chance encounter with Cyrus turns into something more, I can’t help but fall for him. Our chemistry is undeniable. But his ex used my company to send him that letter—and that’s a problem. Especially since he doesn’t know I own the company.
How can this possibly work? I know from experience that the riskiest ventures are the worthiest ones…but falling for Cyrus Hart may be my biggest gamble yet.
Cyrus
I’m a man with a plan—college, law school, a great career. So far, so good.
Until a stranger shows up on my doorstep and reads me a breakup letter from my girlfriend. My carefully laid plans unravel.
But then I meet someone new. It’s spontaneous. It’s electric. And it’s not according to plan.

I have no words for his book. I couldn't put it down once I started it. I absolutely loved it, and nothing to change about the book. THis is my first book from the author and I will be checking out more of their writing. I will recommend this to anyone.

I read the uncorrected proof so much of this will probably change in before publishing. The story itself was interesting it just wasn't my cup of tea personally. This could change during the final draft however so I recommend waiting and reading yourself.

While I enjoyed parts of this novel such as the interracial relationship and the hero, I didn’t care for Zoe’s. I felt like she was manipulative and annoying. Additionally, the premise is far fetched and not realistic and the pacing is off. Also, the book is too long and it really drags in too many chapters. Lastly, I felt very little spark between Cyrus and Zora and felt let down by this novel.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy for review.

Heated is the first book in a new series Burned, Inc. The plot was an interesting twist on the fake dating trope. Zora is a professional breakup artist who helps others gracefully end relationships. Cyrus is the handsome attorney who she has to deliver a breakup letter to. What seems like it may be an opposites attract situation, leads Zora and Cyrus to see that maybe they are so different.

The book is a bit of a slow burn so if you’re looking for “instant gratification” this may not be for you. The pacing of the storyline was a little off. It was a lot of hurry up then stop as far as the momentum. I really didn’t connect with either character. Early on in the book, Cyrus refers to his girlfriend as a reward and that was off-putting. The writing was good but maybe a few too many repeated phrases. The chapters felt quite long for this type of book. It took me much longer to read than expected.

This is the first book that I have read from this author. Although I didn’t particularly care for this one, I’m willing to give some of her other works a shot.

First of all - the cover is STUNNING! I wish I could say the same about the inside though.. this was just very mediocre and rushed. While it was a quick read, I couldn’t wait to finish it and move on to something else.

An ARC read from NetGalley and Montlake publisher in exchange for a review! I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was witty, entertaining, funny, and an easy read. I loved the dual POV between the two main characters. I thought the premise of this book — a professional relationship break-up service — was entirely unique and new.

This book contains the following tropes: fake-relationship, working with family, unexpected love, interracial relationship

Zora is a professional relationship unmatchmaker: getting paid to break up for her clients. One of her targets for breaking up is Cyrus, described as a Greek god of a man and an entertainment attorney. The two meet and find instant chemistry, despite the unfortunate first introduction. They cannot stay away from each other and begin a fake-relationship to help Cyrus look good in front of his firm. However, Zora’s profession is hidden from Cyrus and she dreads telling him the truth. Can their fake-relationship-turned-real survive her betrayal?

I really liked this book but I found the book to be rushed. I would have preferred more details in certain scenes, and provided a deeper story to the main characters’ union. I loved the interracial relationship and how it served as a communication starter between the characters. I loved the inter-connectedness of the siblings and how Zora feels protective of them. Overall, I thought this book was good. Would recommend.

**Received a copy for review.**
This book..... As a plus size, former peacemaker/fixer in my family, this book made me feel so seen. Man it sucks that these things follow us into adult hood and we don't recognize it easily. We may understand the role we play in the family but we aren't able to see all the ramifications.
Both of these characters are so well written.
Zora is a peacemaker/protector. Her parents are extremely dysfunctional and she takes the brunt of that dysfunction to protect her siblings. Even as an adult, she is in the middle.
Cyrus is a self made man who lost his parents young and spent the rest of his youth as a foster child. He has a plan for how his life is going to go and he's determined to follow that plan to the letter.
The introduction is more of a meet cringe than a meet cute. Zora has a business where someone will break up with a partner for a client so they don't have to. She is sent by a woman to break up with Cyrus and he is blindsided.
There is a fake relationship and some seriously amazing conversation. Even when he is leveraging his advantage, they go toe to toe. I love her crazy ass sister and his friend Jordan. Levi is interesting too.
The power dynamic in this book is HOT. The moment he keys into her desires was fire. The level of sexual tension is off the charts.
I have read a lot of Naima's work and I have to say this is the best I've read.

After debating on what rating I'd give this book, I finally settled on giving it a 3/5.

Things I loved:

- The interracial relationship. I love how that setup opens communication about race between the MCs as well as the readers.

- The heroine's openness about her insecurities. She was very open about her feelings on her size and race and how she isn't fit for the hero. It was heartbreaking but relatable.

- Both our MCs are self-made in their chosen careers. Our heroine co-owns her business with her siblings, which is essentially a breakup service company that helps people break up with their partners in the most amicable way. Our hero is an entertainment lawyer who climbed his way up to success despite being orphaned at a young age and passed around from relative to relative as a kid.

- Sibling love. It's obvious that the heroine has a great relationship with her siblings. Their banter was on point. Their dialogue with each other had me laughing at some parts.

- Swoony moments. A bookstore "date"????? A man after my heart if you ask me. There was also a scene where the hero acted on the heroine's needs without her even saying anything. We love a man who pays attention.

- The steam. The steamy scenes DEFINITELY delivered. I think this speaks for itself.

Things I wasn't a fan of:

- I can't believe I'm saying this, but I believe the hero is too good for the heroine. A great chunk of this book has the heroine's lie shadowing their relationship. To be fair, both of them had their faults. But I think the heroine should have owned her mistake more. The hero forgave her too easily.

- The looooooooong chapters. I opted to read a significant portion of this book on ny kindle. According to my kindle, one of the chapters takes 42 MINUTES to read. Considering I'm a pretty slow reader, that translates to more than an hour of my reading time. The very long chapters made me feel like the story dragged on at the beginning, then suddenly picked up its pace at the end. Which brings me to my next point.

- The pacing. I noticed that around the 85% mark, the hero and heroine are still in dating fake dating, friends with benefits stage. Not to mention whatever relationship they initially had was still tainted with the heroine's lies. Things started blowing up at around 90% and I didn't believe that the remaining 10% was sufficient enough to resolve their conflict. I was right.

- Some phrases were used too excessively for my taste. Phrases with "I loose a ____" (e.g. I loose a breath, I loose a sigh) and certain actions like forming a fist with "nails digging into soft flesh". It's minor, and it may also be just a me thing, but I found it quite distracting.

Overall, I still think this was a solid read. I liked it but it wasn't my favorite. I'm hoping the author writes love stories for the heroine's siblings and the hero's best friend. Their characters were very interesting and I would love to see them fleshed out more!

The book is steamy. Encounters of electric chemistry and story is great as well. Highly recommend!

A quick and enjoyable read. Fake-dating is one of my preferred tropes. I really like both Zora and Cyrus. Both they and the side chracters (I assume we will see most of them in subsequent books) are well-realized with clear poersonalities. The main conflict between the two characters is really predictable which keeps this in the good not great category for me.