Built audiobook

Audiobook Review. Zeb is a flawed man. He's made some serious mistakes but he's honest about who he is. He likes to build and restore homes and knows that there is more to something, or someone, than what one can see in the surface. Sayer is Rowdy's uptight attorney sister who is learning to accept that not everything has to be perfect. That she can feel, laugh, and enjoy life. She fights the attraction that Zeb ignites with all she's got until they finally come together. When they do? It's hot as hell. Seriously hot. Although this can totally be read as a standalone, I am really enjoying the connections between the characters in this series and that of the Marked Men. It almost feels like puzzle pieces sliding into place. The scenes that intersect are written extremely well in the contrasting POV. In general, I felt the writing was strong but at times long winded in scenes that didn't progress the story. The characters were fleshed out well and complimented one another for the contrast that they offered. The plot was interesting and set up character growth solidly. The secondary characters supported the story line well and opened up future series contributions in a natural way. The narrators did a great job with this. They were pleasant to listen to with good tone and pacing. I am looking forward to continuing this series.Safety: No others for either of them. No rape. Some emotional abuse.

4.5 stars! “After everything the past has tried to bury us under, we owe it to ourselves to be brave, to do more than float.” We caught a glimpse of Zeb and Sayer in the Marked Men series, and now we have their full story in a new series! Zeb Fuller has made some mistakes in his life, leading to him doing a turn in jail. Zeb has reformed himself, building up a successful construction business, but it’s hard for people to look past his rough, tattooed exterior. Sayer Cole is Rowdy’s half-sister who moved to Colorado the second she found out she had a brother. Sayer hires Zeb to renovate her house, and the two seem to spark an attraction. But every move Zeb makes is shut down until he gives up hope of ever wooing the pretty lawyer. Now, the house is complete and Zeb has no concrete reason to stay in Sayer’s life, until he finds himself in a situation where he needs a lawyer. Now the two are working together, and soon Sayer gives into Zeb’s attention. But inside her head is a myriad of issues holding her back, and it’s up to Sayer to overcome them. I think my favorite part of all of Jay Crownover’s books is that they make me think. After finishing them, I often find myself reflecting back on them instead of powering on to the next book. Built was no exception, I found my head filled with thoughts of Sayer and Zeb. I was totally enraptured by these two characters, together and as individuals. Sayer is a more complicated heroine with insecurities (which I LOVE), and Zeb has his own insecurities as well. I love stories where the man has to break through the woman’s walls instead of the woman chasing the bad boy.I loved going through Sayer’s personal journey, seeing the reasons why she was so closed off and how hard she worked to overcome them. I wouldn’t say Zeb helped her get over them but more so was the reason why she fought to overcome her insecurities and issues. Sayer in return helped Zeb realize his worth, that he was a good man deserving of love without judgement. Despite their physical differences, the two were perfect for each other. Crownover’s books contain an excellent theme on how appearance has nothing to do with who someone is on the inside, and not to make snap judgements about someone based on their appearance and to look deeper. And I love how the old series mixed with this new one, it was like visiting with old friends.I would have liked to see more dialogue and action than inner monologue with the writing. There were times when a character would have an inner monologue and it interrupted a scene, leading me to forgot what was going on or I skimmed ahead to continue the scene and then returned back to read the inner monologue. I would have liked to see more of Sayer and Zeb outside the bedroom, but I can also understand how plot wise that wouldn’t have worked.Overall I think this is an amazing start to the series and I am dying to read the next one. No really, Quaid and Avett gave me freaking chills in the small amount they were shown together in this book. I can only hope it’ll be explosive in the next book. “I choose you, Sayer. Lover, lawyer, and all the shit you are in between that, I choose it. I choose us. When you’re ready to accept that, you come find me.” ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review

4 ZEB

FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED: “Now you have two choices: we can sit down and eat this awesome spaghetti I just made . . . clothing optional, or we can go to bed . . . clothing not optional.” His eyebrows snapped low over his mesmerizing eyes and a muscle twitched in his cheek under his beard. “I’m good with either one as long as you realize the second option is happening regardless.” What a truly spectacular read this was! A new author to me, a new fictional world to now obsess over—this was a story that hooked me in from the very first page, and I never wanted it to end. From the impeccable characterisation of its key players—fascinating, realistic, and perfectly imperfect—to a heart-warming, multi-layered storyline that tugs at every last one of our heartstrings, I rarely find myself enjoying a book so completely, so fervently, and with such abandon, but everything about this story ‘got to me’, and made me fall in love with this author’s competent writing style. A great start to a new reading year, an automatic addition to my all-time favourites. “When you’re made to feel like the worst sort of idiot, the biggest kind of failure, for showing any time of emotion—even tears at your mother’s funeral—you learn pretty quickly that if you don’t have feelings, then they can’t be destroyed.” Raised by an emotionally abusive tyrant of a father and an absent mother, and conditioned to believe she would never be worth time or effort from anyone, Sayer Cole has had a lifetime of being made to feel lacking in every aspect of her personality. Being taught from birth that showing emotions was the ultimate sign of weakness has left Sayer entrapped in a carefully crafted shell of self-control and perfection that serves to distance her from everyone around her. But when she learns of the existence of a long-lost brother, she does not hesitate to uproot her entire life in order to find him, leaving behind a structured and predictable existence in favour of the mere possibility of finding someone who has the power to make her feel a little less alone in the world. “Control was everything to me, and Zeb Fuller made me want to lose it even when he was sound asleep in his own bed all the way across Denver.” But nothing prepares Sayer for Zebulon “Zeb” Fuller, her brother’s lifelong friend, their immediate attraction leaving her flustered and unable to stop fantasising about him. The owner of a successful construction business, Zeb is a ‘fixer’ by nature and a firm believer in second chances—both in relation to old buildings that without his restoration skills would be left to decay, as well as giving people a chance to correct past mistakes—and he has spent the past seven years trying to prove to himself and to others that his own past does not define him. Until that very past suddenly comes knocking at his door and changing his life forever. “I would craft her, mold her into something that was made up of nothing more than desire, want, need, and satisfaction if she gave me the opportunity.” Now forced to work together and spend more and more time in each other’s company, it remains as clear as day that they are each other’s opposite in every single way, yet their attraction never dims or becomes anything less than visceral on both sides. But while Sayer fights that attraction by locking her feelings in and hiding them under a façade of cold professionalism and emotional distance, Zeb is a man used to knocking down old walls, and Sayer might very well be the greatest and most rewarding project of his life. “She was like the best treasure, the greatest gift I had ever been handed, and I absolutely planned on appreciating every single part of her.” A stunning love story, complex and emotionally satisfying cover to cover, this book is the full package. The perfect balance of steamy romance and engaging plotline, I never stopped feeling while reading this book, and could not put it down even for a second. The author excelled in giving these characters life, their every trait jumping off the page and instilling itself into our hearts. Their every vulnerability, their every hang-up and flaw serves to make them even more ‘real’ and compelling in our eyes, and we never stop feeling invested in their story. I adored this book, absolutely loved every word in it, and would recommend it unreservedly. “You are more than one thing to me and I want all of them.” See this review on my blog! | Follow me on Facebook! | Follow me on Twitter!Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | iBooks | Paperback

Happy Book BirthdayWildly addictive, touching and heartfelt, super sexy and downright swoony. I love it when a book makes me feel like I'm drowning in so much love, warm and fuzzy feelings that I can't take deep enough breaths to fill my lungs.Growing up Sayer was forced to build an icy fortress around herself with reinforced steel bands around her heart. Her disapproving and uncaring father would have crushed her otherwise. Even after his death he still darkens her life. But she’s taken a few steps into liberating herself. Starting by uprooting her life and moving close to the half-brother she recently found out she had and inserting herself in his life and the colorful family he’s chosen for himself which includes his sexily rugged friend Zebulon Fuller, who makes her want to melt whenever he’s around. But is she enough to the attention of this larger than life, magnetic man? “Tall, tatted and BUILT. Like a guy who hauled heavy stuff around and swung a hammer like Thor should be. Zeb was impressive to say the least.” Zeb knew she was it for him from the first time he saw her. Even though he’s determined and won’t easily be derailed from his plan and the all-consuming feelings he has for Sayer, getting her to fully come around seems hopeless at times. But after restoring her home he finds himself in need of her professional assistance and while they jointly fight for family they can no longer deny their powerful attraction and connection. Can he convince her to take a real chance on him? On them? WIll Sayer overcome her sense of deficiency to take a leap of faith and choose them for forever? “I choose you, Sayer. Lover, lawyer, and all the shit you are in between that, I choose it. I choose us. When you’re ready to accept that, you come find me.” Jay Crownover is a master at opposites attract stories. Sayer and Zeb’s story is reminiscent of Rule and Shaw’s tale. Rule was my first Jay Crownover book and I haven’t stopped craving them ever since. Looking from the outside, Sayer and Zeb are completely different. She’s refined and polished while he’s rugged and rough, she’s pearls, he’s plaid flannel. They’re contrasting except in the things that truly matter. I loved getting swept away in this book about finding the ideal match that makes you happy and is willing to fight for that light and love even when you’re afraid. Both Sayer and Zeb are perfect in their imperfections. He made a huge mistake and end up in jail, but it was an act of love to protect his sister and he’s worked tirelessly to build a good life for himself ever since. Sayer’s issues are a bit more complicated as her feelings of inadequacy are deeply ingrained. Sayer didn’t let anyone in, but she was good, giving and caring which made it easy for others love her even when her heart was hidden behind seemingly impenetrable icy walls, but the way he gave himself wholeheartedly to Sayer and fought for them made it impossible to resist him and me melting in a big pile of goo. Their relationship is intense, passionate and deliciously sexy. I loved every moment of it and there’s so much more going on that made their story so sweet and heartwarming, but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. I also enjoyed catching up, even if briefly, with the couples from the Marked Men series and I can’t wait to get to know the new members in this series. We fleetingly got to know Quaid and just got a glimpse of Avett but I’m sure their story will fascinate me as thoroughly as this one. Built is the first book in the Saints of Denver series by Jay Crownover. A stirring new spin-off series based on the Marked Men books. It is a standalone heartwarming and sexy book told in alternating points of view with an incredibly bright and happy ending.Amazon -> http://amzn.to/1kliLvH* I was graciously given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via InkSlinger PR. The excerpts are from that copy. *More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers

I have to be honest in saying that this storyline has been more than a little overdone and by now it's just cliche. But with that being said, Jay Crownover just proved herself to be an amazing author, because only someone as kick ass as her can turn an overdone storyline into something as amazing as Built and make it so original with the small details.Zeb Fuller is used to people judging him based on his size and tattoo's, and it doesn't help that he did time in prison. He never expected a lady like Sayer Cole to enter his life and sure as shit wasn't expecting her to be one of the people that didn't judge him. Sayer is attracted to the hot, tatted man she hired to work on her house, but she's too shy to do anything about it. She tried all her life to please her father and make him proud of her, an impossible feat, and she's finally given up on living for her dad instead of her, but a man like Zeb she see's as being out of her league so she never acts on her attraction. But Zeb isn't a patient man and can only wait so long before he finally takes what he wants - her.The Sayer we first met, is not the Sayer in this book. She comes off as this very cold lawyer type of person, but when she started to open up we got to see the real personality that's been hidden to keep her dad happy. I loved the warm and sweet woman she really was, especially around the people she cared about. And when she let lose and gave in to Zeb, it was Hot with a capital H.Zeb was the man of my dreams, and by that I mean he will be starring in many of my dreams from now on.I really liked how honorable Zeb was and that he was willing to do anything for his family. He wasn't the typical bad boy that can't keep it in his pants, he was responsible and sweet and knew what he wanted. I loved how he was with Say and that he didn't let the tough lawyer act push him away.The ending came a little fast for me, and I thought Say and Zeb's issues were resolved too quickly, but that was my only problem with this story. Overall, it was a wonderful book that I think many will like and it introduces some new characters that I hope will get a story, and also revisits some old characters that I loved getting to see again.

Built was one of my most anticipated books of 2016. A new series, from an author I love... GAH! There's nothing more exciting than that for a book junkie. I knew I NEEDED to read it and I was thrilled to get a copy. Everything—from the blurb, to the cover—enticed me. And when I cracked Zeb and Sayer's story open, I was so elated, I could hardly sit still. My expectations were huge. And I'm happy to say that I was immensely satisfied with this beautiful, heart tugging, and sweetly sensual romance. The feels... the feels were out of control. So much so, I fell completely, utterly, and hopelessly in love with these characters. It's impossible not to. Though I must admit, it took some time to actually get into the book. I really don't know what it was, but I struggled with the first bit. I expected an instant connection and I didn't get that. It took time to develop my attachment BUT once I reached the moment where I felt the characters plight, I was HOOKED. OH.MY. Was I ever freaking hooked. I felt everything these characters were feeling and I swear, I didn't know what to do with myself when it was done except cry and cry. Seriously, I cried so much. I think the last half was spent with me sniffling. These two are intoxicating. They make you feel so deep, so hard, and so much. And once you get to the meat of the story, you're so invested, you can't see straight. Sayer—Rowdy, from the Marked Men Series, sister—is literally an ice queen when it comes to people and relationships. She doesn't know how to process emotion... Like, AT ALL. For her it's easier to run her life almost as if she's on auto pilot—aloof and uninvested. Sure, she's great at nurturing people, she's sweet to others, goes above and beyond, but she never takes care of herself, and while she may be there in person, she separates herself emotionally. She doesn't feel as though she's good enough, and that screams at the reader page after page. You can feel her awkwardness in intimate settings, her need to keep her guard up, the way she feels like she's no good. She has demons, HUGE, DARK and OVERWHELMING demons. I hated that for her. It broke my heart that her father had raised her to feel she needed to be anything else but the beautiful soul she was. Even dead, Sayers father haunts her every move. His rule, the way he reigned over her, is ingrained in the way she runs her life in present day. And even with a fresh start, a life alerting move to have a relationship with a brother she didn't know existed, but one she now adores, her past is still there. Zeb... Ah, Zeb is on a mission: Never make his mother suffer again. After being released from Prison, for kicking the ass of his sisters ex who beat her, he works to stay on the straight and narrow. At the heart of Zebulon Fuller is the perfect, loveable man, he's warm and caring, laid back and full of easy smiles and quick-witted banter. He's sexy as all can be, and he has his sight set on a certain girl. Sayer has made quite an impression on Zeb. She's never once judged him for his past actions or where they landed him. And he likes that. He likes that a hell of a lot. But Zeb and Sayer and are opposites in every way you can imagine. She's prim and poised. He's tough and rugged, tattooed and mmmm **swoons**. Together these two wouldn't appear to work, but they do. They really do. Sayer may want no part of anything serious, but she can't deny her attraction to Zeb. And when a situation pulls these two together once again, Zeb is set on breaking down Sayers walls, while simultaneously fixing a mistake from his past.The story takes you on a heart warming, emotional journey that is gorgeous and tender, captivating and unbelievably sexy. Everything about it moved my heart in the very best way. I cannot wait for you to read and I am eager to get my hands on the next book in the series. I really can't say enough about these characters and the way they warmed my soul. I recommend Built to everyone who loves a romance that gives you ALL THE FEELS. Zeb and Say are a guaranteed win in my book. Just fanatically terrific. 4.5 SOLID stars.

4 ½ stars – Contemporary RomanceI really enjoyed this one, and I especially loved the amazing, swoony, sweet hero, Zeb Fuller.

I read everything this author writes and I can definitely say this is her best work yet.Sayer and Zeb are everything together!---Zeb and Sayer? So fucking excited for this! But January 2016? That's so far away!

 A new series by Jay Crownover? Yes please!What a perfect combination of opposites. The straight-laced lawyer, sister of Rowdy, Sayer Cole, is new in town and making her mark on Zeb Fuller. He’s a hard working guy and she just hired him to rebuild and renovate her newly purchased old home.A few exchanged glances and some mild conversation is all that goes on during the time when work is being done. It’s after the job is finished that Sayer has trouble sleeping and Zeb seems out of sorts. Maybe the time together meant more to each other than either of them realized.Events happen that send Zeb running to Sayer for legal help. Zeb also decides that’s not all he needs. He needs her too. Laying all his cards on the table, Sayer and Zeb embark on a relationship neither thought would happen.Its funny, sweet, heartbreaking, and ultimately one of the most endearing books Jay Crownover has written. If this is the beginning I can’t wait to see where this series goes. Follow us on  KT Book ReviewsTwitterFacebookPinterest

:: 5 Pretty Little Stars :: I loved this book! It sucked me in from the get-go and I didn’t want to put it down until I was finished! I also have to say that this book was so unexpected! When I initially picked it up I thought it was going to be about a hard-ass ex con with no morals and a “don’t give a f*ck attitude”. However, I was seriously mistaken and PLEASANTLY surprised! This book is really all about second chances and giving into your heart and being there for those you love even if they came about in an unexpected way. Zeb is not a jerk/tough guy character but instead, is as sweet as pie! Woah, I totally LOVED him! If I could fold him up, put him in my pocket, and keep him forever I WOULD! Gah, he is just written as pure perfection- the kinda guy all women would want!Anyway, so this story is about Zeb and Sayer (cool names, huh). Zeb has a past. He went to prison for beating a guy up because this man was abusing his sister. When he gets out he has a drunken one night and all that. But deep down, he doesn’t use women and toss them aside. In fact, he wants a relationship but the woman has to be right for him. In comes Sayer. She is a family attorney and has a very tough exterior due to her past (she grew up in a bad household). When she meets Zeb she is immediately drawn to him but stays away because she isn’t ready for a relationship due to said past. But Zeb won’t give up on her. Especially because the two have to work close together to save someone from his past…. Someone he didn’t know about until a person came knocking on his door….Overall, this is a fantastically written and lovely story. I loved it immediately and never wavered from this love throughout the entire book. It is so different from what I initially thought it was going to be which made me love it even more. This is the first book I have read by the author and now I feel a strong urge to go pick up more of her books. Crownover clearly knows how to write. She can suck in her readers with only a few words and keep them captivated throughout. This is the kind of author you don’t want to miss out on! This is a gorgeous story with gorgeous characters and an amazing plot! Highly recommended!