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echoingbooks's review
5.0
This novella was a perfect bridge to the new series. I mean I always wondered if Orlando found happiness after Remy’s death and now we finally know. :D I feel like all these characters from the Marked Men, the place, this family has been a part of me for so long that I fall more and more in love with them. Orlando “Lando” Frederick is one of the characters that deserved more than what he ended up with; at the time; with losing his first love the way he did. That has scarred him and there has not been anyone else who has challenged him to really heal from Remy’s death, until one particular wounded cop walks into his practice in need for physical therapy.
Dominic Voss just wants to finish his therapy so he can get his badge back. He never expected to feel all those sparks flying when he meets Lando for the first time, recommended by a mutual friend. Sparks flew between them and that surprised both with their intensity and their persistence. There was healing but also pain. Both of these characters faced their fears and experience things that make them realize just how lucky they are. Overall this theme is forgiveness, life and a love overcoming fear.
Leveled exceeded my expectations. It made me fall for the two broken men who found their way to each other. These two men was on the verge of losing it, both for different reasons. If you notice when you read this novella you will notice that Dom is in his own personal hell trying to heal so he can go back to work. He always dreamt of being a cop and his terrified he will never go back to it. Orlando on the other hand spent years after losing the love of his life utterly lost before being in a good place again. While this was a novella, it still felt like a full-length novel. It never felt rushed and the reluctant relationship was given a chance to develop. What I also loved about this book was the cameos of the characters from the Marked Men series.
This novella was truly a perfect bridge to the end of The Marked Men series and the beginning of the Saints of Denver series. I also did not know what to expect from this book as it was the first ever M/M novel from Jay and so closely tied to all those we loved. I love the little conversation in the gym with Sayer, and Dom’s keen observation between Sayer and Zeb. Those little glimpses just made me even more antsy to dive into Built and see what’s going on between the pretty lawyer and the gruff contractor. As always Jay brought the angst, the troubled leading men, the romance, the hot sex and a fantastic story to back all of that up. I suggest you get off your ass and get your hands on this novella so you can get ready for Built!!!
Dominic Voss just wants to finish his therapy so he can get his badge back. He never expected to feel all those sparks flying when he meets Lando for the first time, recommended by a mutual friend. Sparks flew between them and that surprised both with their intensity and their persistence. There was healing but also pain. Both of these characters faced their fears and experience things that make them realize just how lucky they are. Overall this theme is forgiveness, life and a love overcoming fear.
Leveled exceeded my expectations. It made me fall for the two broken men who found their way to each other. These two men was on the verge of losing it, both for different reasons. If you notice when you read this novella you will notice that Dom is in his own personal hell trying to heal so he can go back to work. He always dreamt of being a cop and his terrified he will never go back to it. Orlando on the other hand spent years after losing the love of his life utterly lost before being in a good place again. While this was a novella, it still felt like a full-length novel. It never felt rushed and the reluctant relationship was given a chance to develop. What I also loved about this book was the cameos of the characters from the Marked Men series.
This novella was truly a perfect bridge to the end of The Marked Men series and the beginning of the Saints of Denver series. I also did not know what to expect from this book as it was the first ever M/M novel from Jay and so closely tied to all those we loved. I love the little conversation in the gym with Sayer, and Dom’s keen observation between Sayer and Zeb. Those little glimpses just made me even more antsy to dive into Built and see what’s going on between the pretty lawyer and the gruff contractor. As always Jay brought the angst, the troubled leading men, the romance, the hot sex and a fantastic story to back all of that up. I suggest you get off your ass and get your hands on this novella so you can get ready for Built!!!
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG:
diana_acc's review against another edition
5.0
Este fue el primer libro de lgbt que leí y me impresionó demasiado, está super bien escrito y está bien cuidado.
Lando y Dom son personajes que ya conocía debido a la serie Marked Men, pero aquí se produndiza en sus personalidades.
A ambos les apasiona su trabajo, pero mientras Dom pone su vida en peligro, Lando es todo sobre recuperación,e gusta ese contraste entre ambos, que Orlando sea todo fino y delicado pero con un cuerpo bien definido y ejercitado, mientras que Dominic es más músculos y personalidad abierta y explosiva.
Ya no recordaba con lujo de detalles la situación, pero me hubiera encantado una última escena de cama después de la adquisición de metal en esa ese epílogo.
Lando y Dom son personajes que ya conocía debido a la serie Marked Men, pero aquí se produndiza en sus personalidades.
A ambos les apasiona su trabajo, pero mientras Dom pone su vida en peligro, Lando es todo sobre recuperación,e gusta ese contraste entre ambos, que Orlando sea todo fino y delicado pero con un cuerpo bien definido y ejercitado, mientras que Dominic es más músculos y personalidad abierta y explosiva.
Ya no recordaba con lujo de detalles la situación, pero me hubiera encantado una última escena de cama después de la adquisición de metal en esa ese epílogo.
michalice's review
5.0
Leveled is a book that definitely took me out of my safe place and pushed the boundaries for me. In all honesty, if it wasn't written by one of my favourite authors I would not have given this book a second glance. Male and Male romance is not something I generally read, nor is it something I go out of my way to read, I just didn't think it was for me. But after finishing the sexiness that is Leveled I am willing to have a change of mind and venture into a new genre for me.
Leveled is a short book, and a way to merge The Marked Men, with the Saints of Denver. Leveled does a great job of not only merging these two series and forging a strong connection, but also giving us the much needed information on Orlando that readers of The Marked Men series desperately needed.
Leveled is Dom's and Lando's story, and it picks up with Dom getting an appointment with Lando for physical therapy, to help recover from his accident and get his leg and shoulder back in working order so he can go back to work and be a part of the force again. The moment this duo meet sparks fly, and I really liked how quick these two were attracted to each other. However, Lando is still recovering from a loss of his own that happened years ago, trying to recover his lost love, someone who he will never get back. He doesn't want to fall for someone who actively goes out every day and puts themselves into the firing line, whose job it is to walk on the edge of danger. But we all know that fighting your heart is not an easy thing to do, and Lando soon realises that he can't live his life in the past, that he has to move forward at some point, he has to take a risk.
Leveled was a quick read, one that I finished in an hour or two. This was also my first foray into male/male romance, and I had no idea what to expect from that aspect itself. All I knew was that Jay would make this an incredible read. Leveled is full of romance, hot sexy boys, and some very steamy sex. I loved how it was a mix of the old and new, that we get to see some old faces that we love, but that we also see some new faces. I not only enjoyed catching up with the gang, but also seeing an ending that Lando deserved.
Final Verdict
Leveled is a great introduction to the new series from Jay, but you definitely need to have read The Marked Men series in order to understand the history of Orlando an
Leveled is a short book, and a way to merge The Marked Men, with the Saints of Denver. Leveled does a great job of not only merging these two series and forging a strong connection, but also giving us the much needed information on Orlando that readers of The Marked Men series desperately needed.
For every injured hockey player or football player that came into my clinic, I made sure that the cost of their care and rehab would be enough to cover the rehab of at least two disabled veterans or first responders injured in the line of duty.
Leveled is Dom's and Lando's story, and it picks up with Dom getting an appointment with Lando for physical therapy, to help recover from his accident and get his leg and shoulder back in working order so he can go back to work and be a part of the force again. The moment this duo meet sparks fly, and I really liked how quick these two were attracted to each other. However, Lando is still recovering from a loss of his own that happened years ago, trying to recover his lost love, someone who he will never get back. He doesn't want to fall for someone who actively goes out every day and puts themselves into the firing line, whose job it is to walk on the edge of danger. But we all know that fighting your heart is not an easy thing to do, and Lando soon realises that he can't live his life in the past, that he has to move forward at some point, he has to take a risk.
Leveled was a quick read, one that I finished in an hour or two. This was also my first foray into male/male romance, and I had no idea what to expect from that aspect itself. All I knew was that Jay would make this an incredible read. Leveled is full of romance, hot sexy boys, and some very steamy sex. I loved how it was a mix of the old and new, that we get to see some old faces that we love, but that we also see some new faces. I not only enjoyed catching up with the gang, but also seeing an ending that Lando deserved.
Final Verdict
Leveled is a great introduction to the new series from Jay, but you definitely need to have read The Marked Men series in order to understand the history of Orlando an
jeslowe115's review
5.0
Wow, Jay did it again. Another great book.
I was a little hesitant when I started this book because I never read a M/M book. I've read a couple M/M/F. I didn't know what to expected but I wanted to read this book because I loved the Marked Men series.
The drama was good. I am happy that Lando and Dom worked everything out and I was happy to see my favorites from Marked Men but they didn't overpower the whole book.
I can't wait to see what Built has to offer to the series.
I was a little hesitant when I started this book because I never read a M/M book. I've read a couple M/M/F. I didn't know what to expected but I wanted to read this book because I loved the Marked Men series.
The drama was good. I am happy that Lando and Dom worked everything out and I was happy to see my favorites from Marked Men but they didn't overpower the whole book.
I can't wait to see what Built has to offer to the series.
aldarakamey's review
4.0
Esta es la historia de Lando y Dom, que se habían tardado en conocerse, porque literalmente tuvieron que haberse conocido antes, por todas las personas que tienen en común.
Lando es un fisioterapeuta muy bueno en su área, Dom un policía que por motivos de trabajo, necesita ayuda del guapo fisioterapeuta.
Obviamente porque conocemos a la autora, sabemos como maneja la evolución de sus parejas, así que pasa lo que tiene que pasar.
Side note: Las autoras heterosexuales cuando vayan a escribir m/m deberían buscar más, sobre como funciona el sexo anal. Plus podemos normalizar la palabra ANO, que son esas mamadas de ponerle muchos nombres bonitos, describir la parte pero no nombrarla.
Bueno me gusto, es una bonita historia sobre seguir adelante con las cosas.
Lando es un fisioterapeuta muy bueno en su área, Dom un policía que por motivos de trabajo, necesita ayuda del guapo fisioterapeuta.
Obviamente porque conocemos a la autora, sabemos como maneja la evolución de sus parejas, así que pasa lo que tiene que pasar.
Side note: Las autoras heterosexuales cuando vayan a escribir m/m deberían buscar más, sobre como funciona el sexo anal. Plus podemos normalizar la palabra ANO, que son esas mamadas de ponerle muchos nombres bonitos, describir la parte pero no nombrarla.
Bueno me gusto, es una bonita historia sobre seguir adelante con las cosas.
silvyinwonderland's review against another edition
4.0
Sono contenta che Lando abbia avuto il suo lieto fine, e che abbiamo potuto dare un'altra occhiata alla nostra gang preferita! Ora possiamo iniziare ufficialmente con la nuova serie spin-off <3
greylandreviews's review
2.0
2.5 stars
it was okay...
11/20/2015 To the person who is bitching about how I review books↓↓↓↓↓
it was okay...
11/20/2015 To the person who is bitching about how I review books↓↓↓↓↓
hijinx_abound's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this as the book to link this new spin off. Remy's death kicked a lot of these crossover characters in the teeth. His inability to admit who he was to those who loved him most was hard on everyone. I was glad to see Lando take a step forward and Dom connect in with Royals new family.
downthebookhole's review against another edition
5.0
WOW! I absolutely adored this novella and I am not sure I will be able to review it without gushing completely. I was a little nervous about picking this up because I haven't finished the Marked Men series and did not want to ruin anything. Besides the characters appearing in this and finding out who ends up with who nothing is really mentioned. I also thought it was wonderful that this was a M/M story. I think the book community needs more LGBTQIA!
Dom and Lando are such amazing and complex characters! I absolutely loved the relationship between Dom and Royal. It reminds me of my own friendships. And the family ties and relationship that Lando had was so nice to see. The boys each had amazing qualities that you couldn't but to swoon over. Dom is so protective and has some wild stubbornness, whereas Lando is so compassionate and a little wounded. The chemistry between the two was full of lust and was super steamy! I enjoyed that they were each dealing with fear and overcoming lose in order to deal with fighting for their love of each other.
They had to work on their relationship and we were able to see that development form. We see them trying to figure out how to fit into each other's life while still remaining true to themselves. Beyond the blooming relationship we get to see other amazing characters. I absolutely lover the Archer's and think the relationship they have with Lando is beautiful. I also enjoyed hearing more about Remy and how much he has affected all of those around him.
Overall I thought this was a beautiful, steamy and heart warming story. The relationships were intense and complex, but so worth fighting for. The main characters were struggling and finding the help from each other lead to a great romance. Their banter really had me and made me fall in love with each of them. The family and friendship support was absolutely fantastic! It is always nice to see things like that happen when people are going through such struggles in life. My only problem with this novella is that I wanted more. I wanted more of the playfulness the boys had and the love and compassion that exuded from this story!
Dom and Lando are such amazing and complex characters! I absolutely loved the relationship between Dom and Royal. It reminds me of my own friendships. And the family ties and relationship that Lando had was so nice to see. The boys each had amazing qualities that you couldn't but to swoon over. Dom is so protective and has some wild stubbornness, whereas Lando is so compassionate and a little wounded. The chemistry between the two was full of lust and was super steamy! I enjoyed that they were each dealing with fear and overcoming lose in order to deal with fighting for their love of each other.
They had to work on their relationship and we were able to see that development form. We see them trying to figure out how to fit into each other's life while still remaining true to themselves. Beyond the blooming relationship we get to see other amazing characters. I absolutely lover the Archer's and think the relationship they have with Lando is beautiful. I also enjoyed hearing more about Remy and how much he has affected all of those around him.
Overall I thought this was a beautiful, steamy and heart warming story. The relationships were intense and complex, but so worth fighting for. The main characters were struggling and finding the help from each other lead to a great romance. Their banter really had me and made me fall in love with each of them. The family and friendship support was absolutely fantastic! It is always nice to see things like that happen when people are going through such struggles in life. My only problem with this novella is that I wanted more. I wanted more of the playfulness the boys had and the love and compassion that exuded from this story!
tartbarbie's review against another edition
4.0
Leveled is the story of two men finding what they needed each with something broken that together they can fix. Dom is a cop and when his injury has forced him to be in physical therapy he knows that if he can’t pass his test his life may be over. His only hope is that Orlando can help him heal the injury and return to work. Lando hasn’t stopped feeling guilty for Remy’s accident they had been having a fight and he left to help his brother. Lando doesn’t think he deserves a chance at love after the loss of his prior love, but that may just change when Dom comes in being his next client.
Neither guy can deny the attraction that they have for each other but acting on it is whole different game. When they guys take the chance turning it from a working relationship Lando decides he’s not ready to talk about Remy and just gives Dom that it ended badly. The more time they spend together they find themselves developing deeper feelings but when feelings get hurt, trust is questioned will the guys be able to figure it out and save the one important thing in their lives or will they just let it go.
I like Lando he’s got issues which I think anyone would have after what’s happened to him. However I think Dom is just the perfect guy to give Lando what he really needs and maybe he just hasn’t figured it out for himself. I also think the Lando complements Dom well to the point that it just works. The chemistry between these two is hot and sizzling and I’m happy that they found each other. While this is a relationship between to men don't let that turn you away it's so well done.
Leveled is the novella that connects the Marked Men to The Saints of Denver which is the new series by Jay Crownover. I received Built for review from the publisher but I had to read the prequel because I refuse to skip or read out of order. I admit that Leveled did take me out of my comfort zone when it comes to choosing books to read but it honestly works. I haven’t read the Marked Men yet but I feel that need to more than ever. The author does a great job creating a captivating novel with new and old characters (after glancing at the titles of the Marked Men I can see where the other characters come from. I got the impression that this ties up loose ends for that series by giving all the characters a happy ever after at least I hope. I really enjoyed the writing style it’s well written and beautifully done it touched my heart and I’m still in aww at how much I enjoyed it. This is my first novel by the author and I look forward to reading Marked Men so I can enjoy all these characters stories.
Neither guy can deny the attraction that they have for each other but acting on it is whole different game. When they guys take the chance turning it from a working relationship Lando decides he’s not ready to talk about Remy and just gives Dom that it ended badly. The more time they spend together they find themselves developing deeper feelings but when feelings get hurt, trust is questioned will the guys be able to figure it out and save the one important thing in their lives or will they just let it go.
I like Lando he’s got issues which I think anyone would have after what’s happened to him. However I think Dom is just the perfect guy to give Lando what he really needs and maybe he just hasn’t figured it out for himself. I also think the Lando complements Dom well to the point that it just works. The chemistry between these two is hot and sizzling and I’m happy that they found each other. While this is a relationship between to men don't let that turn you away it's so well done.
Leveled is the novella that connects the Marked Men to The Saints of Denver which is the new series by Jay Crownover. I received Built for review from the publisher but I had to read the prequel because I refuse to skip or read out of order. I admit that Leveled did take me out of my comfort zone when it comes to choosing books to read but it honestly works. I haven’t read the Marked Men yet but I feel that need to more than ever. The author does a great job creating a captivating novel with new and old characters (after glancing at the titles of the Marked Men I can see where the other characters come from. I got the impression that this ties up loose ends for that series by giving all the characters a happy ever after at least I hope. I really enjoyed the writing style it’s well written and beautifully done it touched my heart and I’m still in aww at how much I enjoyed it. This is my first novel by the author and I look forward to reading Marked Men so I can enjoy all these characters stories.