Leveled

*received an arc in exchange for an honest review***


3⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you are looking for a quick steamy, hot read then this is the book for you. While this book had potential it just fell short for me. I do love the dynamic of Jamie’s family though, you feel welcome and a part of them.

Deliciously Sexy! Cathryn Fox brings the sizzle as well as heart to this fantastic story that was captivating from the first page to the last. Prepare for thick sexual tension, off the charts chemistry and sex scenes so hot and tender your fingers and heart may burn. I loved the dynamics between this couple.
Jamie Owens has been burned before by a rich pampered woman and was left heartbroken and battered. He is still living in the shadows under scrutiny by all in the small coastal town of Blue Bay.
Kylee Jensen is spending the summer in the house her father bought for her when she graduated from Law School. She is tired of doing everything that her father wants her to do. This summer is to relax and have fun by the beach, because starting in September, she will be working 12 to 14 hour days with no time for a life, at her fathers’ firm. So when Kylee sees a hunk of a man with a tool belt on the roof of the house next door she is taken by his gorgeous tattoos and muscular build. Now she just needs to get his attention and leave a lasting impression with this hunk of a man.
But what starts out as a one night summer fling turns into a exhilarating, loving and fun summer affair. But as these two become entangled in each other’s dreams of the future, they soon find they have more in common than they would ever would’ve expected. And soon their hearts are invested. But soon Jamie is again traveling down a road that could just leave him broken for good. Will Kylee give up her career and family for a future with Jamie? You will have to read to find out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book two of the Blue Bay Crew gives more sexy time with the Owen's clan. More heat, and more passion and more family bonds is what makes this one of my favorites.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

While I like some erotica in my reading, this was a little heavy on the description of their "fling." It just seemed that it was a string of bedroom exploits with a little plot thrown in. I really enjoyed the background story with Sean and Summer and the new baby, Jamie finding out his father supported his dreams by getting a tattoo, Gram, and the side story about the New Hope rescue people.

I did enjoy reading the book and the Owens are such a great bunch of guys! There were a few things that I did not like - Jamie hiding their relationship from his family but feeling hurt when she did the same thing!! Their game with the "this girl" was funny for a bit but got to be too much for me.

I think the break up and the weeks before they decide to do anything was kind of a let down for me. I guess I find it annoying that Kylee sat around in Atlanta for several weeks before she worked up the courage to leave her job and go back to Blue Bay. At least, Jamie was getting his surprise ready for her before he decided to "fight for her"!

Overall, I enjoyed the book, and hope that there will be future books for the remaining brothers/cousins!

Wow, this was one steamy, sexy, fun and romantic read!

Kylee is spending the summer at the beach before turning her life completely over to her father and his demands for her to practice law. When she meets Jamie she decides it won’t hurt to spend a little time with a local bad boy, just this once.

Jamie has returned home to help his brothers fix the family business. His dream is a tattoo shop and while he’s working on that, deep inside he knows the idea of it was always a disappointment to his dad. He’s been burned, badly by an incident in his past and he’s learned to stay away from the rich tourist women that frequent his town. However, when pretty little Kylee comes on to him he can’t walk away

I loved Jamie and Kylee. When they were together the chemistry was off the charts. Both of them had a history of fathers not believing in them or their passions and dreams. Together they learned how to reach out and grab hold of those things that make them happy and embrace life and all the love it had to offer.

The twist was a bit expected but still well done as well as the angst it added to the end of the story. I enjoyed this book very much. I would instantly recommend it to anyone looking for a quick spicy read, that doesn’t ask more from you than for you to sit back and just enjoy.

This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.

The synopsis pretty much lays it all out in a nutshell. I will say Leveled is equal parts sweet to hot and the characterizations are incredibly deep for such a quick read.

Jamie has returned to his hometown to help his siblings with the family construction business despite his reservations and the negative emotional impact it has on his confidence. Scarred emotionally and figuratively from an encounter in his younger years as well as the verbal damage inflicted from his father has left Jamie with a lot of emotional barriers where relationships are concerned especially with someone he deems as privileged. Causing him to make snap judgments where Kylee is concerned.

Kylee may lead a privileged lifestyle but it has cost her dearly, her hopes and dreams are pushed aside to comply with her overbearing father's wishes. not taking into account the economic divide between Jamie and Kylee it is quickly apparent they are very similar, both artistic and with subtly concealed hearts of gold. equally obvious is the simmering attraction between the pair, although Jamie struggles with his desire there is no avoiding the collision course they are on, especially when Jamie's family take Kylee under their wing ;)

What they don't take into account is the ease with which they fit together, filling the void the negative events in their past has left. Cheesy as it sounds they really do complete each other beautifully.

Cathryn throws minimal angst into the mix as well as a very clever twist within the narrative. Hot, sweet, incredible characters and a family I would love to be a part of - you won't be able to put it down :)

This was a sweet romance to spend an afternoon with. Kaylee and Jamie both have people in thier lives that doubt them. Together they have to face thier respective pasts so they can be together. Their relationship was sweet and I sighed over their slow fall from friendship to love. I am definitely planning on reading the other books in the series.

Leveled is book two in the Blue Bay Crew series by Cathryn Fox. I first fell in love with this bunch of guys in the first book, Demolished, which was the oldest brother, Sean’s story. Now it’s Jamie’s turn. And wow, this one blew my mind.

Jamie Owens was called back to Blue Bay, Connecticut by his older brother, Sean. All his brothers and cousins were called back after their father died so they could try to save his construction business. Jamie has four brothers and three cousins. All eight of them were raised by his Grandma Nellie, who is a force to be feared.

When Jamie was younger, he thought he had fallen love with a rich girl. He was picturing a future with her, white picket fence and all. Until her Daddy found out. It turns out all he was to her was a fling with a bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. He now has scars, both on the inside and the outside from that situation. Never again will he trust his heart like that.

In the years Jamie was away, he learned the art of tattooing. His designs are beautiful and original. His father always called him a dreamer and told him there was no future being a tattoo artist. That he needed to work construction. But now that he’s back in Blue Bay, he is working for his brother during the day but at night he is working on opening up a tattoo shop of his own. It’s his dream, to own his own shop.

Jamie is working on a roof when he first sees her laying in the sun in her bikini. She looks like a rich, pampered girl but boy is she worth looking at, just no touching. But, she has other ideas.

Kylee Jensen has passed the bar exam and is expected in Atlanta at the end of the summer to start work for her Daddy’s law firm. Working for her Dad is what is expected of her, just not what she wants to do. Kylee loves to design clothes and she’s talented at it. At least she used to think she was until her father repeatedly told her she was no good. Kylee’s father has controlled every aspect of her life, even going so far as to telling her who she will marry. At least Kylee has this summer of freedom. And she sees just how she wants to spend her free time when she sees him working on the roof next door.

“If I’m going to be bad this summer, I want to be bad with him.”

Kylee and Jamie start a sex only type of relationship. The first time was supposed to be the only time, but they couldn’t stay away from each other. And let me tell you, these two together are like gasoline and a match! They are hot, hot, hot! Kylee finds a closeness in Jamie’s family she never had. Grandma Nellie and Summer immediately accept her into their group. As Kylee and Jamie get to know each other, feelings begin to develop. The closer they get to the end of the summer, the more they both dread the time when Kylee will have to leave. Jamie can’t ask her to give up everything to stay, can he? He hasn’t told her yet of what happened to him all those years ago. Will it make a difference when she finds out? And who is Kylee constantly texting with? Where is she running off to when she goes out?

“I’ve always been a good girl, but there is something so deliciously naughty – almost taboo – in the way we’re making out in his tattoo shop. How will I ever go back to white-collar after a night with him?”

“My body is yours, Jamie.”
“Good, because Kylee, I have to touch you everywhere. It’s not a want, it’s a need.”

I love this family so much. Can you imagine raising eight boys? Grandma Nellie is a tough one! I love that this book is the perfect mix of sexy, sweet, and a little bit of suspense. I’m not sure who will get their story next but I can’t wait to find out.

Oh wow this book!! It was such a great read! I was hooked from the first page. Jamie and Kylee were such amazing characters to get to know. This release is just as hot and sexy as other books by Cathryn Fox. But this one really captured my emotions as well. My only complaint is that I wanted more.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

This is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone. The series is about a family coming together to run a business. They have scattered across the country and come home following the death of their father and uncle. This is Jamie and Kylee's story. Kylee has come to Blue Bay for the summer. Jamie is working with his brothers at Owens construction and happens to be working on the roof of the house next door when he sees Kylee for the first time. ( their first meeting is quite funny) Initially reluctant to get involved with someone who will be leaving at he end of summer, they end up agreeing to a no strings attached summer affair. I like the 2 POVs in the story. The sibling / cousin relationship was a lot of fun, the grandmother continues to charm, both Kylee and Jaime demonstrate a kindness and the story itself is very heartwarming
And bonus: The chemistry of off the charts hot!!!

Leveled is all about the shirtless construction worker. Okay, it has a storyline. It does. It's distracting- the hot tattooed construction worker makes you want to lick your lips. Even more so when you read the description of Jamie, it's all about self control. I would throw myself at him. (Don't tell my hubs.)

Blue Bay Crew is a tough knit group and an amazing family. To be in their presence would be fun and a bit overwhelming. A lot of testosterone and more panty melting smiles than a girl can handle.

This girl tries hard. What starts out as a fling with the rough guy from the other side of the tracks becomes a huge complication for both parties...

When feelings get involved things tend to go off the rails...

Leveled is the second book in the Blue Bay Crew series but can be read as a stand alone. Cathryn Fox creates a world of interesting (& very sexy) characters & their stories will keep you reading late into the night.

I liked both of the main characters & loved watching their story unfold. One of my favorite people in the series has been the Grams- she is feisty & tough. And loves her boys.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I just could not put down this book!!! In fact I finished it in less than a day and that is only because I have a four year old who needs my eyes on him constantly because he is determined to get into trouble. It's not suspense or anxiety that kept me from putting "Leveled" down. It's the constant and intense chemistry between the hero and heroine. The spark and sizzle that never ebbs. It's how their relationship morphs from a physical and sex-only relationship into trust, loyalty and finally love. But don't take my word for it, read it and you will see that this book is passion personified.

Jamie Owens has returned to Blue Bay after having to leave his hometown many years ago due to a horrific lie told by a spoiled rich girl whom he trusted and cared about. Left with the scars to prove her deceit, Jamie is trying to make a new life for himself while chipping in in his family's construction business. He may be good at what he does, but his dream is to open a tattoo parlour, which he is diligently working to realise. His determination to avoid sexy, rich and entitled girls comes to a screeching end when he lays eyes on a sexy blonde in a bikini while working on the construction next door to her cottage. But try as he might, fate intervenes and he finds himself not only making her acquaintance but also unable and unwilling to avoid her in the small seaside town.

Kylee is on a summer long vacation before she has to give in and go work in her father's law firm in Atlanta. She has been the obedient and good daughter her whole life, giving up her dreams and needs to make her parents happy. All she wants is to design clothes and burn the sheets with the hot man covered in tattoos. But what starts out as a one time thing, becomes two then three and turns into a summer fling. But with summer quickly coming to an end, will Jamie and Kylee be able to go their separate ways and forget this intense chemistry?

A HOT HOT HOT romance that will leave you wanting more and anxiously waiting for the next Owens man to find his own happily ever after. I'm truly glad that there are a lot of Owens brothers and cousins and hope that this series will be a long one!!

Cathryn Fox makes sure readers feel the burn with book 2 in her Blue Bay Crew Series. A spark of attraction is the beginning of heartache, regret and guilty pleasure for Jamie, a working class stiff and Kylee, the poor little rich girl. Leveled offers more than sensual delights, Ms. Fox makes sure she tackles issues like social class and prejudice. Burned by love at a young age, Jamie has a hard time trusting women, particularly ones with money. Kylee is tempting him to rethink that rule, until his past comes back to darken his present. Can two people with the weight of the world on their shoulders defy the odds and build their own happily ever after? Wrapped up in a saucy little romance is a valuable lesson that we all should live by. Respect has no basis in money but in who we are and the code we live by.

Having had a bad experience with someone in the past, Jaime is hesitant to start anything with another rich woman. Kylee is spending the summer at the beach before she starts working at her father's law firm. What Kylee really wants to do is design clothing, but her father won't have it. Jaime and Kylee are attracted to one another from the start. The two decide to spend the summer together, but there are a few obstacles standing in their way.

This was a good read. I liked the connection Kylee had with Jaime and his family.

Unfortunately the book was not for me, no review was publicly posted on Amazon, B&N, Goodreads or Twitter etc, so no ratings were affected in relation to it.

It basically read like a teenage boys, dirty fantasies, and I struggled with the lack of story depth because all Jamie thought about was having sex and his constant erection, the poor little rich girl trope having the summer off before starting her grown up life also fell flat.

Shame really, as I enjoyed the first book which although was full of sex, had a half decent story to back it up.

Short, sexy story. Easy read. The sex scenes were really hot and the cover was just yummy. I am not just accustomed to read books with the characters telling the story . I rather prefer the third person telling.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review that is all my own.

This romance was so-so for me. I liked the chemistry and heat between Jamie and Kylee, but this romance felt like one of lust more than love. Also, I didn't like some of Kylee's decisions towards the end and wished she stood up to her father more. I also thought Jamie's way to show that he loved Kylee was kind of crazy. What if she didn't return the sentiment? Then you have a meaningless sentiment a part of you forever. While this read wasn't terrible, it just wasn't for me.

3.5☆
This was a good read. That had lots of likable characters. Plenty of heat and enough angst to hold my interest. However this is a trope that has been done before and unfortunately Leveled didn't offer anything fresh. But it was quick, enjoyable and engaging and anyone who is a fan of the Owens Brothers and Cousins is sure to enjoy it.