Was I Ever Real (Was I Ever, #2)
Naomi Loud
Thirteen years ago, I ran away from a cult, Sacro Nuntio, and became Lenix Taylor. Everyone knows me as a free spirit. Always up for a good time but never the one to be tied down. Except no one knows about the horrible sins rotting in my past. Or how I killed the leader of Sacro Nuntio–my father–in cold blood. I’m comfortable in my life of secrets and lies. But the past never stays where it should for long. Now, after all this time, my brother has found me and is threatening to drag me back to punish me for my crime. Escaping from that life was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But staying free proves more difficult than expected when it involves the only person powerful enough to protect me—Connor Maxwell. He’s Noxport’s most feared crime boss, and also the most arrogant, frustrating man I’ve ever met. Despite his infuriating grins and incessant need to call me darling, I strike a deal with him, and seal my fate to his. Before long, I will need to choose between the devil I know and the devil I married. *Was I Ever Real is the explosive second installment in the “Was I Ever” series. An enemies to lovers, dark romance with a guaranteed HEA. While it can be read as a standalone, characters and events will be better appreciated if the series is read in order. It has mature situations and themes which may be considered triggers for some. Reader discretion is advised.*
Publication Year: 2023
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Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
If you love a good slow burn, this is definitely the book. When I say slow burn, I mean you'll be 90% in to hear the love proclamations.
If you've read the first book, you know that Connor & Lenix have always had insane sexual chemistry. But, naturally, neither of them are willing to admit their actual feelings for each other because she "hates" him, and he loves to annoy her. He can't stay away, and he doesn't believe in love. But they're both can't stay from each other.
As this was Lenix's story, we get a deep insight into her past and how she became "Lenix" after escaping a cult. Her past comes back to haunt in a big way during this novel. I love that Lenix has always been the carefree and strong woman we see portrayed, but we get to see those moments where she is vulnerable. It rounded her character out rather than being the "fun, party girl" all the time.
Connor Maxwell is your typical cocky, arrogant crime boss. Even though he was a possessive, morally grey MMC, I would have liked him to have a bit more depth. His moustache almost seemed like a personality trait at times. He did grow as a character and was able to realise that he had feelings and would do anything for her, but he lacked depth.
Things that needed improvement:
- When Lenix was taken, that plot point went by too fast. It would have been nice to see more of his perspective when it came to finding her. It would've added more suspense to the story.
-Lenix taking her power back during the church scene. I would have preferred her to drag out the punishment.
The above parts felt too rushed when it was really pivotal to the story.
- the past lives point was never fully discussed. It was brought up so many times, but it was never resolved.
- the ending felt really rushed as well.
Other than that, I really enjoyed the book and loved Connor & Lenix's dynamic. Their happy ending was well worth it!
I'm looking forward to reading Lucy & Bastian's story next!
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