Book Review – Built (Saints of Denver #1)

Built by Jay Crownover
Series: Saints of Denver #1
Published by HarperCollins on January 5th 2016
Genres: Contemporary, Contemporary Women, New Adult, Romance
Pages: 352
Format: eBook
Goodreads

Sometimes a real hero lets you save yourself . . .Sayer Cole and Zeb Fuller couldn’t be more different. She’s country club and fine-dining, he’s cell-block and sawdust. Sayer spends her days in litigation while Zeb spends his working with his hands. But none of that has stopped Zeb from wanting the stunning blonde since the moment he laid eyes on her—even if the reserved lawyer seems determinedly oblivious to his interest.Sayer is certain the rough, hard, hot-as-hell Zeb could never want someone as closed off and restrained as she is, which is a shame because something tells her he might be the guy to finally melt her icy exterior. When he shows up at Sayer’s door needing her professional help, she’s both disappointed and relieved that she won’t get the chance to find out just how good he could be.But as they team up to right a wrong and save a family, the steam created when fire and ice collide cannot be ignored.“Crownover weaves a tale that touches every emotion and keeps the pages turning.” —Liliana Hart, New York Times bestselling author

 

Lynn’s Review:

I am an enormous fan of Jay Crownover’s Marked Men series. And I approached the new Saints of Denver series with both excitement and trepidation. Would I like these new characters as well? Would I love them? If Built is any indication, then yes. Yes I would.

In the Marked Men series, it was always the women who had their acts together, and were waiting for the men to figure it all out. Ms. Crownover has flipped that with Built. Here, Zeb Fuller rebuilds Victorian houses and drives a restored International pickup truck. He is forthright, and takes responsibility for his actions, including those in the past. Essentially Paul Bunyan with a super sexy beard. To help you visualize this:

a guy who looked like he could cut down a tree with one swipe and had unruly dark brown hair that looked like it rarely saw a comb or brush, let alone any type of product. It was a guy who made a sweaty T-shirt and town jeans look like high fashion …

Most importantly, Zeb is a full-grown adult man. Who knows who he wants. And isn’t afraid to tell her. I would even go so far as to say Zeb has surpassed book boyfriend. As he is definitely not a boy. I imagine him like this:

Taking responsibility for past actions has Zeb asking for legal advice from Sayer Cole, former client, and half-sister of Rowdy. Sayer is controlled, professional, and always put together. I love this description from Zeb:

While she wasn’t exactly overflowing with welcome and warmth, … I wanted to feel her to see if she felt as smooth and polished as she looked. I wanted to leave streaks of dirt on her perfect face to mark the fact that I had touched her, that she had let me touch her. It was a primal and visceral reaction …

And this quote from Sayer:

Where I was the frozen tundra when it came to emotional availability, he was the blazing heat of the desert.

Sayer and Zeb help each other. Sayer helps Zeb gain custody of a son he didn’t know existed. And Zeb helps Sayer realize that she is worthy of love.

Ms. Crownover has always excelled at writing sexy romances. And Built is a prime example. Let’s just say I’ll never look at a set of stairs, or a Victorian home the same way! With Built, though, I fell in love with the characters. Both Zeb and Sayer. I love the progress they both make throughout the book. Sayer progresses from staid power suits in black or neutral tones to full on color by the end of the novel. She realizes the emotional abuse she sustained as a child. And begins to triumph over it. Zeb is just super sexy. And only grows more so by the end of the book.

If you are looking for a contemporary romance, check out Built. It’s a solid read. Not overly emotional. And definitely NSFW. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. And I’m ready for the second in the series, Charged. Now. 

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