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.
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Meh.. this was okay. Friends to lovers is always a difficult sell for me. Like why aren’t you together already??

Two best friends who are very attracted to each other but decided againist it. Of course, it doesn't matter what they decided... they end up falling for each other anyways.

It's sexy, funny and steamy. I really enjoy this book. Great fun.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

I loved this - amazing chemistry between Miriam and Jordan.

I loved Miriam’s and Jordan’s character development.

Overall a really great book perfect for escapism.