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Saints of Denver #4
Salvaged
Hudson Wheeler is tired of being the nice guy. He’s ready to start living in the moment but when he meets Poppy Cruz, her sad eyes hook him in right away. Wheeler can see Poppy’s pain and all he wants to do is take care of her and make her smile, whatever it takes.
After a lifetime of being hurt, Poppy’s determined to keep herself safe by keeping everyone else at arm’s length. Wheeler’s sexy grin shouldn’t captivate her, but every time she’s with him, she can’t help being pulled closer. Though she’s terrified to trust again, Poppy soon realizes it might hurt even more to shut Wheeler out – and her intense feelings are making it near impossible to resist him.
The only thing Poppy is sure of is that her heart is in need of some serious repair, and the more time she spends with Wheeler, the more she’s convinced he’s the only man with the tools to fix it.
After a lifetime of being hurt, Poppy’s determined to keep herself safe by keeping everyone else at arm’s length. Wheeler’s sexy grin shouldn’t captivate her, but every time she’s with him, she can’t help being pulled closer. Though she’s terrified to trust again, Poppy soon realizes it might hurt even more to shut Wheeler out – and her intense feelings are making it near impossible to resist him.
The only thing Poppy is sure of is that her heart is in need of some serious repair, and the more time she spends with Wheeler, the more she’s convinced he’s the only man with the tools to fix it.
368 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2017
323 people are currently reading
5272 people want to read
About the author
Jay Crownover
129 books14.6k followersJay Crownover is the International and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men Series, The Saints of Denver Series, The Point and Breaking Point Series, and the Loveless, Texas series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.
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GUYS!!! I finally have a newsletter, so if you want to sign up for exclusive content and monthly giveaways you can do that right here:
https://www.jaycrownover.com/subscribe
You can email me at: JayCrownover@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 659 reviews
June 20, 2017
"Sometimes it takes a nudge to get the knight in shining armor to drop that shield he's using to protect you."
I end every Jay Crownover with tears streaming down my face. Sometimes those tears start early and stay etched in my eyes the whole time reading. Some move in ebbs and flows like the tide. All of my tears hit me like a hurricane: powerful, with a force I never quite see coming. That's what Jay's books are: heart-hitting hurricanes. Salvaged is a heartwarming and heart-wrenching hurricane, and oh did this romance RAVAGE and WRECK me.
The only way you can read a Jay Crownover book is to go ALL-IN: body...mind...heart...soul. I ditched life, took Salvaged, and made it MINE. I went FULL THROTTLE. I was ALL IN and I felt this story SEEP THROUGH MY SOUL.
There is no other author whose books I read that gives readers a GIFT, a personal chapter through the Introduction like the passion poured into Salvaged. Jay Crownover documents her writing journey of her books through their introductions that engage the readers' emotions—feelings in full force—as much as the stories themselves. These introductions, like in Salvaged, are pieces of this author poured into her books, glimpses into what makes Jay 'Jay,' what hits her heart and surfaces in her soul. Life lessons are poured into these pre-book pieces, ones that make you really ponder your life. With each of Jay’s beautiful and brilliant books, I’m inspired and moved before I even start the story as I was with Salvaged.
He took something worthless and made it priceless. I couldn't deny that there was a part of me that wanted to know if he could do the same thing with me.
I knew Poppy's story would entangle me in a blanket of emotions where I would experience a mix of chills and heat. I knew her story would be a battle of feels, one I would feel with every ounce of me. I just didn't expect to FEEL SO MUCH. Watching Poppy morph from an awkward duckling into a confident swan was a beautiful journey of self-discovery and healing from a life of hell.
I knew it was selfish and that I was walking on very dangerous ground, but I couldn't stay away. She was hiding and I was seeking.
Wheeler is the perfect man: gorgeous, inked, compassionate, thoughtful, protective, and sexy. He is not Jay's usual broken hero. Wheeler, a beauty inside and out, is the perfect knight-in-shining armor who knows when to wield his shield and go to battle for those who matter.
"I saw you, Poppy. When I had no right and no reason to be looking, I saw you."
I MELTED into a puddle of goo.
Poppy and Wheeler are WARRIORS, a BEAUTIFUL build-up of strength and colliding souls. Both Poppy and Wheeler have broken pasts. A lone wolf seeks acceptance. A battered lamb seeks strength. Both seek love. Poppy and Wheeler are made for each other and I loved their journey of growth.
"I see you, Wheeler. Even when I wasn't looking, I saw you."
I MELTED even more.
Wheeler and Poppy brought each other back to life while Salvaged BROUGHT ME TO LIFE. This story grabbed my heart, holding it in its grasp, as it delved deep into my soul.
"When I didn't know anything or believed in myself, I believed in you."
I MELTED until I couldn't melt anymore.
Salvaged, this SLOW BURN of a romance seeped into my soul, hitting my heart hard like a hurricane, and I FELT EVERY WORD...EVERYTHING. Salvaged is a splash of sun on top of a storm. Salvaged is strength and salvation after the hardest fought battle of and with life. Salvaged is EVERYTHING, and I LOVED THIS STORY HARD!!!
Jay Crownover takes you on an incredible journey with each book, and oh was Salvaged a heart-wrenching, heart-healing, and heartwarming HIGH. Salvaged left its mark, a mark that has lifted this story to a top 2017 read. Salvaged was my SOUL STORM, a hurricane of heart-wielding words that made me yield to every one.
I just can’t turn the feels left in the wake of Hurricane Jay off from Salvaged and I don’t want to; I want to keep living through her wondrous words that are LOVE AND LIFE. My heart is forever imprinted with Jay's passionate and poignant words that pierce every part of me every time. That 'Crownover Crack', my term for Jay's addicting words, coined after Rule was born, is my drug for life. This author writes MY KRYPTONITE. I'll never stop chasing Jay's words and hungering for more.
💋💋💋💋💋💋 sweet and strong 'honey' kisses
A MUST-CLICK ---> http://amzn.to/2tmnUK8
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March 6, 2017final edits!
June 20, 2017
NOW LIVE
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This is the book that Jay Crownover has had me craving for what feels like an eternity. Poppy and Wheeler stole the show more than a few times throughout this series and I just knew their story was going to be amazing. And I wasn't wrong!
Both Poppy and Wheeler had been dragged through the worst that life could throw at them and came out barely surviving. Fresh wounds haunted them both and kept them isolated from the rest of the world. But when they start putting their trust in each other they realize that they may not be able to fight their battles on their own, but together they're undefeatable.
I absolutely adored both of these characters and I was so happy I got to see them finally get the HEA they deserved. After having so much bad in the world, getting to see them experience some good was a beautiful experience. It definitely wasn't an easy journey that these two had to take, but it was a breathtaking one that I loved every second of.
Salvaged became my favorite book from this series, and in saying that I wish I could have given it 5 Stars instead of 4, but I did have a few minor issues. I just wanted more Wheeler! I feel like Poppy took over the story a little too much, and while I understood why hers was a story that needed to have a lot of focus it just felt like it pushed Wheeler in the background too often.
Overall, I loved this story and it was truly beautiful how these two helped each other to heal. I'm actually really sad to see this series end but I can't wait to see what Jay has in store for us next.
Amazon * B&N * Kobo
This is the book that Jay Crownover has had me craving for what feels like an eternity. Poppy and Wheeler stole the show more than a few times throughout this series and I just knew their story was going to be amazing. And I wasn't wrong!
Both Poppy and Wheeler had been dragged through the worst that life could throw at them and came out barely surviving. Fresh wounds haunted them both and kept them isolated from the rest of the world. But when they start putting their trust in each other they realize that they may not be able to fight their battles on their own, but together they're undefeatable.
I absolutely adored both of these characters and I was so happy I got to see them finally get the HEA they deserved. After having so much bad in the world, getting to see them experience some good was a beautiful experience. It definitely wasn't an easy journey that these two had to take, but it was a breathtaking one that I loved every second of.
Salvaged became my favorite book from this series, and in saying that I wish I could have given it 5 Stars instead of 4, but I did have a few minor issues. I just wanted more Wheeler! I feel like Poppy took over the story a little too much, and while I understood why hers was a story that needed to have a lot of focus it just felt like it pushed Wheeler in the background too often.
Overall, I loved this story and it was truly beautiful how these two helped each other to heal. I'm actually really sad to see this series end but I can't wait to see what Jay has in store for us next.
June 26, 2017
A blazing hot, irresistible romance jampacked with feels. It’s the kind of book that puts your heart and soul through the emotional wringer and leaves you with the most happy and satisfied feeling at the end.
I fell in love with Jay Crownover’s writing from the moment I picked up Rule and was unable to put it down. It was sizzling hot, with exceptionally well layered characters that I would no soon forget and an addicting plot written with edginess, almost painfully gritty about two people who need to heal from their heartbreak in order to find their happiness together. Every subsequent book has somewhat followed these lines. Every single one is worth reading. Over and over. Salvaged is a fantastic addition.
By her own admission (I love all of Jay’s introductions), she gives good yet messy romance. Salvaged is a bit different because both characters are good people who were looking for love, acceptance, family but life handed them a raw deal, Poppy more so than Hudson. Still, they’re both young and hopeful, optimistic and determined.
Hudson Wheeler didn’t want to be the poster boy for Green Day’s “Nice guys finish last” and yet he was. He was nice, did everything right and yet he ended up with a canceled wedding and his pregnant girlfriend leaving him for someone else. He was just about ready to throw his nice guy card away when he met the stunning yet incredible sad and broken Poppy Cruz. His instincts demand he take care of her, her caring heart demand he go out of his way to make her happy.
Poppy’s trust has been broken by the people who should have loved the most. After a series of horrific experiences she’s finally had enough and is determined that the best way to protect herself if to keep everyone at bay. But when she goes in to get a car and meets the extremely sexy mechanic whose sadness is a twin of her own, she can’t find it in her to keep away especially after she gets him a puppy and promises she’ll help train him and that he’ll be good practice for when his baby comes. Even though she knows her heart is in shambles, the more time they’re together, the more she’s sure Wheeler is the right man for her.
Even though both Poppy and Wheeler had had awful past and both deserved happiness. It was Poppy whose strength I admired the most. She was so full of optimism, goodness and love, all of which beautifully blossomed under the careful, caring and patient Wheeler. Of course I can’t say enough about the man who saw how precious Poppy was and took care of her in a way that was decidedly sweet and swoon worthy. They were perfect for one another and I loved how their relationship strengthened and deepened in a wonderfully organic way even when smooth sailing is still a pipe dream.
When you love a book, there are many thing you’d like to share and comment on, but I neither want to bore nor spoil you so I close with few more things. The chemistry between Hudson and Poppy was explosive, it threatened to burn my eReader. Happy, the Rottweiler puppy, was adorable and gave the story added sweetness. Finally, besides having some of the previous characters return, and have their place in Poppy and Wheeler’s story, Jay treats us with and incredible double epilogue where we get to catch up with all the past characters and the happy endings are all perfect.
Salvaged is book #4 in the Saints of Denver series by Jay Crownover. It is a standalone contemporary romance. It was touching, it was sexy, it was heartwarming and so full of all the feels which make it a must read. Told from two points of view with a deliciously sweet double happy ending.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2sr9tGn
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via InkSlinger. The excerpts taken are from that copy. *
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I fell in love with Jay Crownover’s writing from the moment I picked up Rule and was unable to put it down. It was sizzling hot, with exceptionally well layered characters that I would no soon forget and an addicting plot written with edginess, almost painfully gritty about two people who need to heal from their heartbreak in order to find their happiness together. Every subsequent book has somewhat followed these lines. Every single one is worth reading. Over and over. Salvaged is a fantastic addition.
By her own admission (I love all of Jay’s introductions), she gives good yet messy romance. Salvaged is a bit different because both characters are good people who were looking for love, acceptance, family but life handed them a raw deal, Poppy more so than Hudson. Still, they’re both young and hopeful, optimistic and determined.
Hudson Wheeler didn’t want to be the poster boy for Green Day’s “Nice guys finish last” and yet he was. He was nice, did everything right and yet he ended up with a canceled wedding and his pregnant girlfriend leaving him for someone else. He was just about ready to throw his nice guy card away when he met the stunning yet incredible sad and broken Poppy Cruz. His instincts demand he take care of her, her caring heart demand he go out of his way to make her happy.
Poppy’s trust has been broken by the people who should have loved the most. After a series of horrific experiences she’s finally had enough and is determined that the best way to protect herself if to keep everyone at bay. But when she goes in to get a car and meets the extremely sexy mechanic whose sadness is a twin of her own, she can’t find it in her to keep away especially after she gets him a puppy and promises she’ll help train him and that he’ll be good practice for when his baby comes. Even though she knows her heart is in shambles, the more time they’re together, the more she’s sure Wheeler is the right man for her.
Even though both Poppy and Wheeler had had awful past and both deserved happiness. It was Poppy whose strength I admired the most. She was so full of optimism, goodness and love, all of which beautifully blossomed under the careful, caring and patient Wheeler. Of course I can’t say enough about the man who saw how precious Poppy was and took care of her in a way that was decidedly sweet and swoon worthy. They were perfect for one another and I loved how their relationship strengthened and deepened in a wonderfully organic way even when smooth sailing is still a pipe dream.
When you love a book, there are many thing you’d like to share and comment on, but I neither want to bore nor spoil you so I close with few more things. The chemistry between Hudson and Poppy was explosive, it threatened to burn my eReader. Happy, the Rottweiler puppy, was adorable and gave the story added sweetness. Finally, besides having some of the previous characters return, and have their place in Poppy and Wheeler’s story, Jay treats us with and incredible double epilogue where we get to catch up with all the past characters and the happy endings are all perfect.
Salvaged is book #4 in the Saints of Denver series by Jay Crownover. It is a standalone contemporary romance. It was touching, it was sexy, it was heartwarming and so full of all the feels which make it a must read. Told from two points of view with a deliciously sweet double happy ending.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2sr9tGn
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via InkSlinger. The excerpts taken are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
July 21, 2017
4.5 stars
January 12, 2022
I’m starting this review off by letting readers know that this is my first book I’ve read in the Saints of Denver series. Salvaged is book 4 and even though these characters had backstories in the previous books I had no problem following along with their current love story.
Wheeler has been dealt a crap hand. His fiancee has dumped him and she’s carrying his child. To find out he’ll be a dad and not be together with the mom isn’t how he saw his future. He was ready to be the family guy into a bombshell was dropped on him.
Poppy comes from an equally crappy situation. Her now dead husband had kidnapped her and tortured her before taking his own life. She’s now trying to piece her life together after so much trauma.
Both, Wheeler & Poppy, are hurting and lonely. Slowly and cautiously they begin to form a friendship over caring for a puppy. This homeless puppy has found his forever between these two who decide to share custody and take turns raising it.
”I was supposed to have my eyes locked on my future and doing whatever I could to salvage it.”
Watching these two salvage their lives which had been put through both an emotional and physical ringer was a beautiful process to witness. You couldn’t help but cheer these two on as they took the necessary steps to becoming a healthy functioning couple.
Salvaged is the fourth book in the Saints of Denver series. While it’s part of an overall series it can be read as a standalone.
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
RELEASE DATE: June 20, 2017
**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
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Wheeler has been dealt a crap hand. His fiancee has dumped him and she’s carrying his child. To find out he’ll be a dad and not be together with the mom isn’t how he saw his future. He was ready to be the family guy into a bombshell was dropped on him.
Poppy comes from an equally crappy situation. Her now dead husband had kidnapped her and tortured her before taking his own life. She’s now trying to piece her life together after so much trauma.
Both, Wheeler & Poppy, are hurting and lonely. Slowly and cautiously they begin to form a friendship over caring for a puppy. This homeless puppy has found his forever between these two who decide to share custody and take turns raising it.
”I was supposed to have my eyes locked on my future and doing whatever I could to salvage it.”
Watching these two salvage their lives which had been put through both an emotional and physical ringer was a beautiful process to witness. You couldn’t help but cheer these two on as they took the necessary steps to becoming a healthy functioning couple.
Salvaged is the fourth book in the Saints of Denver series. While it’s part of an overall series it can be read as a standalone.
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
RELEASE DATE: June 20, 2017
**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
Follow Foxy Blogs at: Blog ♥ Twitter ♥ Instagram ♥ Facebook
September 9, 2018
" Te prometo que si me dejas te dare solo cosas buenas con las que soñar de aqui en adelante Poppy. Una vez me dejes entrar voy a cazar a todos tus demonios. "
Aun no puedo creer que al fin haya tenido la oportunidad de leer esta novela, tengo la sensacion de que espere leerla durante mucho tiempo, quizas por eso apenas me duro un dia y medio.
La historia de Poppy y Wheeler la he esperado desde que lei Built, no solo debido a que lo poco que sabia de Wheeler me tenia totalmente cautivada sino tambien porque Poppy fue un personaje que consiguio encogerme el corazon con todo lo que tuvo que superar en su vida y ansiaba leer que tuviera su final feliz.
Si soy completamente honesta debo reconocer que los primeros capitulos me parecieron un poco lentos, en parte porque Jay Crownover dedica bastante tiempo en asentar las bases de la historia antes de empezar a desarrollar la relacion entre los protagonistas o quizas esa fue solo mi impresion por las ganas que tenia de llegar a las partes romanticas y lindas entre ellos * se encoge de hombros *.
Salvaged fue una lectura fantastica, dulce, sentimental, profunda y muy real. Me encanto absolutamente todo : los protagonistas, la trama, las apariciones de los protagonistas de las novelas anteriores, la pluma de la autora ... no le cambiaria ni un solo detalle.
Sinceramente es una historia que te provoca miles de emociones distintas, a mi en un momento me tenia el corazon encogido por el pasado de Poppy y al siguiente me tenia con una sonrisa cursi por lo adorable y romantico que era Wheeler.
Realmente este se ha convertido en mi libro favorito de Jay Crownover, es tan hermoso y tiene unos personajes tan bien creados y memorables que nunca me cansare de recomendarlo una y otra y otra vez, es de esas historias que tienes que leer en algun momento de tu vida, no solo porque tiene un mensaje importantisimo sino tambien porque es imposible que Poppy y Wheeler no te roben un pedazo de tu corazon.
" No quiero ser un invitado en tu vida, Poppy. No estoy interesado en visitar tu corazon. Quiero mudarme, reclamar mi parte y plantar raices tan profundas que nada sera capaz de moverme. "
En resumen, Salvaged se hizo esperar pero vale tanto la pena que merece todos y cada uno de los dias que espere para tenerla en mi Kindle.
Simplemente preciosa!
4.5 Estrellas!!
Want to read
June 17, 2016Yup...DEFINITELY about Poppy & Wheeler (just finished Charged & it sooo hints toward them)...can't wait!!
June 20, 2017
When I pick up a book by Jay Crownover, I know a few things. Her men are hard and gritty. Her girls are women with a sense of self and know what they want. I know her books are filled with an abrasive kind of love. The kind that leaves scars on me, the reader, with a lingering fascination into a darker kind of world where love will remain even if it comes with a few scuff marks.
Salvaged is such a departure from all the books preceding it. It took me by surprise. When an author goes over a perceived comfort zone and into a new type of romantic territory it’s a scary thing. I was doing a double take to make sure this was a Crownover book. All I can say after reading is… Kudos! Kudos for branching out, kudos for taking a risk and inviting in a muse you haven’t had before.
The softness and beauty of Hudson and Poppy are both a relief and much needed salve on the burning past each has endured and lived until now. Nothing compares to the abuse heaped upon Poppy and I could not think of a more perfect man to welcome her into the life she has always deserved. Again, this is so unexpectedly perfect and feels so incredibly fresh in the Saints of Denver Series… it exactly what was needed.
Please don’t skip the introduction before diving in. Much insight and personal thought is shared and I think it lends itself to the overall feel of the book. I am enamored and humbled that I was given the opportunity to read Salvaged before release and I hope that you get the same surprised yet content fulfillment that I did.
I loved every moment of it, even when it was hard. Thanks for moving out of your comfort zone Jay Crownover, and I hope you continue to do so. Brilliance happens when you do.
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Salvaged is such a departure from all the books preceding it. It took me by surprise. When an author goes over a perceived comfort zone and into a new type of romantic territory it’s a scary thing. I was doing a double take to make sure this was a Crownover book. All I can say after reading is… Kudos! Kudos for branching out, kudos for taking a risk and inviting in a muse you haven’t had before.
The softness and beauty of Hudson and Poppy are both a relief and much needed salve on the burning past each has endured and lived until now. Nothing compares to the abuse heaped upon Poppy and I could not think of a more perfect man to welcome her into the life she has always deserved. Again, this is so unexpectedly perfect and feels so incredibly fresh in the Saints of Denver Series… it exactly what was needed.
Please don’t skip the introduction before diving in. Much insight and personal thought is shared and I think it lends itself to the overall feel of the book. I am enamored and humbled that I was given the opportunity to read Salvaged before release and I hope that you get the same surprised yet content fulfillment that I did.
I loved every moment of it, even when it was hard. Thanks for moving out of your comfort zone Jay Crownover, and I hope you continue to do so. Brilliance happens when you do.
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June 20, 2017
5 Salvaged Stars
Wheeler & Poppy
I am in awe of this book; I knew it was going to be good. No I knew it was going to be freaking fantastic and I was NOT wrong.
If you followed the Marked Men Series, Poppy is Salem’s Sister. And Salem is Rowdy’s girl. So right from that series your heart is bleeding for Poppy.
She has so much in her that she is trapped. It’s trapped inside her and she is desperate to let it out. But she is also so very afraid all the time.
Wheeler is struggling with responsibility and inadequacy from the break-up of a long time relationship.
These two souls find each other and it was like they knew they were meant for each other, it was the rest of them that had to catch up.
The love and support and the growth these characters go through will break your heart and mend it. I can’t even tell you how perfect this story is for them. It has all the ups and all the downs and everything in-between.
It might just be my all-time favorite of Jay’s books I have read. And that is saying something because Nash and Church have taken up huge chucks of this girl’s heart.
You won’t find a better man than Wheeler and you won’t find a gentler soul than Poppy and their story is a reflection of everything they have been though and their determination to move forward and have the best possible life, because it is precious and should be cherished.
Love this book, can’t wait for the audiobook to come out in a few hours. I am going to be diving it to it just as fast.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
Wheeler & Poppy
I am in awe of this book; I knew it was going to be good. No I knew it was going to be freaking fantastic and I was NOT wrong.
If you followed the Marked Men Series, Poppy is Salem’s Sister. And Salem is Rowdy’s girl. So right from that series your heart is bleeding for Poppy.
She has so much in her that she is trapped. It’s trapped inside her and she is desperate to let it out. But she is also so very afraid all the time.
Wheeler is struggling with responsibility and inadequacy from the break-up of a long time relationship.
These two souls find each other and it was like they knew they were meant for each other, it was the rest of them that had to catch up.
The love and support and the growth these characters go through will break your heart and mend it. I can’t even tell you how perfect this story is for them. It has all the ups and all the downs and everything in-between.
It might just be my all-time favorite of Jay’s books I have read. And that is saying something because Nash and Church have taken up huge chucks of this girl’s heart.
You won’t find a better man than Wheeler and you won’t find a gentler soul than Poppy and their story is a reflection of everything they have been though and their determination to move forward and have the best possible life, because it is precious and should be cherished.
Love this book, can’t wait for the audiobook to come out in a few hours. I am going to be diving it to it just as fast.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
June 12, 2017
*ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review*
If you don't luv Wheeler after this your crazy.
I was really really dying for this book since Rowdy. Poppy is broken girl life as,just been pure mean to her. She as had to deal with every man in her life hurt her really bad the only guy that was ever nice to her was Rowdy. Poppy hasnt felt anything for a man in a really long time since what she had gone through. The only people she was close to was her sister Salem Rowdy Sawyer and Dixie. Until she got a look at Wheeler. It's the first time she had felt something for someone in a long time but the fear was still there and she didn't know if it would ever go away.
Wheeler as also been through a lot growing up but he made the most with what he had. Then life got even more complicated with Kallie. So he needed a woman that was goin to need him but give him something back. He knew a bit about Poppy but there was something between them that was strong. They couldn't keep away from each other. He made Poppy feel good and she did the same to him.
This story was really good I really liked the connection between both main characters. It was great to see the way Poppy got stronger and would open up more. I really liked Wheeler in the other books and I knew he would be amazing in this book as well. He is so sexy sweet cute caring I could keep goin on i really liked him he is just perfect for Poppy. I did find the book very emotional my heart broke for both of them. I did think that I the book needed a lil more of Salem and Rowdy with them being her family I wanted to see how her relationship was with them now. Overall I really enjoyed it I m a big fan of this author and her books I would highly recommend it.
If you don't luv Wheeler after this your crazy.
I was really really dying for this book since Rowdy. Poppy is broken girl life as,just been pure mean to her. She as had to deal with every man in her life hurt her really bad the only guy that was ever nice to her was Rowdy. Poppy hasnt felt anything for a man in a really long time since what she had gone through. The only people she was close to was her sister Salem Rowdy Sawyer and Dixie. Until she got a look at Wheeler. It's the first time she had felt something for someone in a long time but the fear was still there and she didn't know if it would ever go away.
Wheeler as also been through a lot growing up but he made the most with what he had. Then life got even more complicated with Kallie. So he needed a woman that was goin to need him but give him something back. He knew a bit about Poppy but there was something between them that was strong. They couldn't keep away from each other. He made Poppy feel good and she did the same to him.
This story was really good I really liked the connection between both main characters. It was great to see the way Poppy got stronger and would open up more. I really liked Wheeler in the other books and I knew he would be amazing in this book as well. He is so sexy sweet cute caring I could keep goin on i really liked him he is just perfect for Poppy. I did find the book very emotional my heart broke for both of them. I did think that I the book needed a lil more of Salem and Rowdy with them being her family I wanted to see how her relationship was with them now. Overall I really enjoyed it I m a big fan of this author and her books I would highly recommend it.
June 18, 2017
It's official—Jay Crownover just saved the sweetest, most heart melting and BEST book in this series for last. This author's books just never fail to shake me up inside. Ever since Rowdy's book, I've always yearned to get Hudson Wheeler and Poppy Cruz's story—especially Poppy. If you've read Rowdy and got that glimpse of a hell—complete understatement—this woman went through, you'd most likely feel the same. Probably out of all the Marked Men and Saints of Denver, THIS woman deserved to get her HEA the most. Hands down. And guess what, Jay Crownover just knocked me over sideways and freaking nailed it. Right from that introduction, I was a goner.
I'd have to say, Salvaged is one of the most emotional, bittersweet and EPIC finales I've ever read. I didn't think Asa (final book of the Marked Men series) could ever be topped. But I was wrong. This author already owned my heart ever since Rule and when she announced that Poppy will be getting her book. But then she stole it even further after I read this. Cover to cover, this book will have you, not by the balls, but by the heart. It was so heartbreakingly adorable. Every page you turn will tug at your heartstrings like crazy. Wheeler and Poppy were so broken and shattered deep inside, you'd wonder how much else they can withstand after everything they went through in the past. But they found each other and that safe haven in each other's arms. That special friendship and unique relationship they built must be one of the strongest, bravest ones I've read about. And witnessing it all was truly a balm to my aching soul.
An empowering tale full of heat, passion and that sense of family and belongingness, Ms. Crownover will absolutely make you drown in feels and even a few tears with Wheeler and Poppy's book. You'll end up wanting to read pages over and over, just to let it all sink in. I never want to let go of this series, of these two brilliantly written characters. All of them will always hold a special place in this hurting heart of mine. Come to think of it, if someone could just peek inside this little organ beating inside my chest, they'd find it filled to the brim with all the men and women of the Marked Men series and the Saints of Denver series. Absolutely incredible. A definite MUST READ!
I'd have to say, Salvaged is one of the most emotional, bittersweet and EPIC finales I've ever read. I didn't think Asa (final book of the Marked Men series) could ever be topped. But I was wrong. This author already owned my heart ever since Rule and when she announced that Poppy will be getting her book. But then she stole it even further after I read this. Cover to cover, this book will have you, not by the balls, but by the heart. It was so heartbreakingly adorable. Every page you turn will tug at your heartstrings like crazy. Wheeler and Poppy were so broken and shattered deep inside, you'd wonder how much else they can withstand after everything they went through in the past. But they found each other and that safe haven in each other's arms. That special friendship and unique relationship they built must be one of the strongest, bravest ones I've read about. And witnessing it all was truly a balm to my aching soul.
An empowering tale full of heat, passion and that sense of family and belongingness, Ms. Crownover will absolutely make you drown in feels and even a few tears with Wheeler and Poppy's book. You'll end up wanting to read pages over and over, just to let it all sink in. I never want to let go of this series, of these two brilliantly written characters. All of them will always hold a special place in this hurting heart of mine. Come to think of it, if someone could just peek inside this little organ beating inside my chest, they'd find it filled to the brim with all the men and women of the Marked Men series and the Saints of Denver series. Absolutely incredible. A definite MUST READ!
June 14, 2017
I love this series <33 :)
April 1, 2017
So freaking good. Seriously, it's her best book EVERRRR.
June 21, 2017
Jay Crownover brings the feels with Salvaged and I mean THE FEELS. Poppy and Wheeler’s histories are far from roses and rainbows, but with Jay’s deft writing, all of the injustices of the past are skillfully explored. She takes you on a journey of two lost souls who need salvation more than anything in the world that will make you feel for and root for these characters until the very end.
If there were ever two people (albeit fictional) who deserve a chance at happiness and a happily ever after it would be Hudson Wheeler and Poppy Cruz. They are both so lonely and scared and sad and angry, it will break your heart. All it takes is an abandoned puppy to start the beautiful healing process and bring these two broken people together. Seeing them deal with the past and look to the future is so rewarding, since you know that it has been a hard-fought battle the whole way.
I’m so happy to finally read Poppy’s story, I could cry. Knowing about the horrific experience she had at the hands of her husband made me want to finally see her at peace. Wheeler is the perfect man for her and I am so happy that Jay put them together. He is so patient and kind with Poppy, but he’s also supportive and gives her the nudges she needs to step out of her broken shell. I loved them so much together.
"Everyone ends up a little bit out of place every now and then. I’ll put you back where you’re supposed to be, Poppy.”
Whether you have been reading this series from the beginning or just starting with this, the fourth book, I think you love Poppy and Wheeler as much as I do. It’s funny, but with each book Jay releases, that couple becomes my new favorite. I can’t wait to see what she gives us next, as I am sure that will be my newest favorite of hers.
ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
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September 6, 2017
This book didn't quite live up to its potential or my expectations.
Things I really liked:
Hudson Wheeler, he was a man of almost unreal caring proportions. I could help but be won over by him, I loved his patience with Poppy. Poppy was another win, she was like a rose bud opening up and eventually flowering. I liked where the story was in the first half of the book.
Things I struggled with:
The dialogue from Wheeler after time became a little cheesy and disingenuous in my opinion, if it was toned down a little more I could have got on board with it. The hour long sex scene (I was listening on audio) told from each POV one after the other, why is that necessary? That kind of repetition turns me off a book and in this case off the chemistry. Just a little too much overkill on the drama for my liking, less is sometimes more.
Still, this book is a 3 star, but it could have been 4 or above with some different play out of narrative.
Things I really liked:
Hudson Wheeler, he was a man of almost unreal caring proportions. I could help but be won over by him, I loved his patience with Poppy. Poppy was another win, she was like a rose bud opening up and eventually flowering. I liked where the story was in the first half of the book.
Things I struggled with:
The dialogue from Wheeler after time became a little cheesy and disingenuous in my opinion, if it was toned down a little more I could have got on board with it. The hour long sex scene (I was listening on audio) told from each POV one after the other, why is that necessary? That kind of repetition turns me off a book and in this case off the chemistry. Just a little too much overkill on the drama for my liking, less is sometimes more.
Still, this book is a 3 star, but it could have been 4 or above with some different play out of narrative.
May 4, 2022
5 Salvaged Stars
Wheeler & Poppy
I am in awe of this book; I knew it was going to be good. No I knew it was going to be freaking fantastic and I was NOT wrong.
If you followed the Marked Men Series, Poppy is Salem’s Sister. And Salem is Rowdy’s girl. So right from that series, your heart is bleeding for Poppy.
She has so much in her that she is trapped. It’s trapped inside her and she is desperate to let it out. But she is also so very afraid all the time.
Wheeler is struggling with responsibility and inadequacy from the break-up of a long time relationship.
These two souls find each other and it was like they knew they were meant for each other, it was the rest of them that had to catch up.
The love and support and the growth these characters go through will break your heart and mend it. I can’t even tell you how perfect this story is for them. It has all the ups and all the downs and everything in-between.
It might just be my all-time favorite of Jay’s books I have read. And that is saying something because Nash and Church have taken up huge chucks of this girl’s heart.
You won’t find a better man than Wheeler and you won’t find a gentler soul than Poppy and their story is a reflection of everything they have been though and their determination to move forward and have the best possible life, because it is precious and should be cherished.
I very much enjoyed the female narrator she bring that sound of Poppy I had in my head from reading the book. I liked the male narration, but I sometimes felt like he was just saying the words and not really feeling them. Don’t get me wrong it’s a great addition to the audio versions of this series. I just wanted a little more from him. But I have to say his female voices were pretty freaking great.
I will re-listen and it’s very much worth the credit.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
Wheeler & Poppy
I am in awe of this book; I knew it was going to be good. No I knew it was going to be freaking fantastic and I was NOT wrong.
If you followed the Marked Men Series, Poppy is Salem’s Sister. And Salem is Rowdy’s girl. So right from that series, your heart is bleeding for Poppy.
She has so much in her that she is trapped. It’s trapped inside her and she is desperate to let it out. But she is also so very afraid all the time.
Wheeler is struggling with responsibility and inadequacy from the break-up of a long time relationship.
These two souls find each other and it was like they knew they were meant for each other, it was the rest of them that had to catch up.
The love and support and the growth these characters go through will break your heart and mend it. I can’t even tell you how perfect this story is for them. It has all the ups and all the downs and everything in-between.
It might just be my all-time favorite of Jay’s books I have read. And that is saying something because Nash and Church have taken up huge chucks of this girl’s heart.
You won’t find a better man than Wheeler and you won’t find a gentler soul than Poppy and their story is a reflection of everything they have been though and their determination to move forward and have the best possible life, because it is precious and should be cherished.
I very much enjoyed the female narrator she bring that sound of Poppy I had in my head from reading the book. I liked the male narration, but I sometimes felt like he was just saying the words and not really feeling them. Don’t get me wrong it’s a great addition to the audio versions of this series. I just wanted a little more from him. But I have to say his female voices were pretty freaking great.
I will re-listen and it’s very much worth the credit.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
February 19, 2018
RECENSIONE COMPLETA SUL BLOG http://camminando-tra-le-pagine.blogs...
“Amore senza ombre” è il quarto e ultimo capitolo della serie Saint Of Denver di Jay Crownover, la serie spin-off della Marked Men series. I personaggi che abbiamo conosciuto tra le pagine che la compongono ci tengono compagnia da diverso tempo e solo un avido lettore può comprendere quanto sia penoso dover salutare e dire addio a protagonisti che hanno fatto emozionare, sospirare e anche innamorare con le loro storie.
È triste.
Una tristezza che è difficile da spiegare a voce e che in pochi riescono a comprendere, Ma solo quelli che amano davvero leggere e immergersi totalmente tra le pagine di un libro possono capire, e quindi è sempre con un po’ di rammarico e tristezza nel cuore che parlo dell’ultimo capitolo di una serie che ho tanto amato.
“Amore senza ombre” è senza dubbio il migliore romanzo della serie Saint Of Denver, so bene di avere detto queste parole per ogni libro scritto dalla Crownover e so bene che la mia credibilità sta precipitando in picchiata, ma sono dannatamente sincera e dovete credermi.
Questo libro è molto diverso da quelli a cui la Crownover ci ha abituati in passato. Generalmente tra le pagine dei suoi scritti troviamo storie d’amore un po’ cattive, passatemi il termine un po’ pericolose e molto incasinate. Storie dove i protagonisti sono dei bad boy dal cuore tenero e ci fanno patire le pene dell’inferno, storie ad alto tasso emozionale che io amo profondamente, ma qui l’autrice cambia rotta e ci presenta una storia mielosa e delicata ed è stata, questa, una graditissima sorpresa. La Crownover ha dichiarato che è stata una nuova sfida per lei scrivere un romanzo di questo tipo, e quello che posso dire è che la nostra Jay ha superato la sfida in maniera splendida.
La storia che ci viene narrata tra queste pagine è quella di Hudson Wheeler e Poppy Cruz, due personaggi che abbiamo già avuto il piacere di incontrare nella serie Marked Men e che non vedevo l’ora di conoscere meglio, soprattutto Poppy. Aspettavo con ansia la sua storia da quando ho terminato la lettura di “Oltre il destino” (click sul titolo per la mia recensione).
Poppy e Wheeler sono due anime simili, due personaggi che in passato hanno attraversato l’inferno e meritano un happily ever after degno di questo nome.
Poppy Cruz vive in un inferno da tutta la vita... CONTINUA SUL BLOG
“Amore senza ombre” è il quarto e ultimo capitolo della serie Saint Of Denver di Jay Crownover, la serie spin-off della Marked Men series. I personaggi che abbiamo conosciuto tra le pagine che la compongono ci tengono compagnia da diverso tempo e solo un avido lettore può comprendere quanto sia penoso dover salutare e dire addio a protagonisti che hanno fatto emozionare, sospirare e anche innamorare con le loro storie.
È triste.
Una tristezza che è difficile da spiegare a voce e che in pochi riescono a comprendere, Ma solo quelli che amano davvero leggere e immergersi totalmente tra le pagine di un libro possono capire, e quindi è sempre con un po’ di rammarico e tristezza nel cuore che parlo dell’ultimo capitolo di una serie che ho tanto amato.
“Amore senza ombre” è senza dubbio il migliore romanzo della serie Saint Of Denver, so bene di avere detto queste parole per ogni libro scritto dalla Crownover e so bene che la mia credibilità sta precipitando in picchiata, ma sono dannatamente sincera e dovete credermi.
Questo libro è molto diverso da quelli a cui la Crownover ci ha abituati in passato. Generalmente tra le pagine dei suoi scritti troviamo storie d’amore un po’ cattive, passatemi il termine un po’ pericolose e molto incasinate. Storie dove i protagonisti sono dei bad boy dal cuore tenero e ci fanno patire le pene dell’inferno, storie ad alto tasso emozionale che io amo profondamente, ma qui l’autrice cambia rotta e ci presenta una storia mielosa e delicata ed è stata, questa, una graditissima sorpresa. La Crownover ha dichiarato che è stata una nuova sfida per lei scrivere un romanzo di questo tipo, e quello che posso dire è che la nostra Jay ha superato la sfida in maniera splendida.
La storia che ci viene narrata tra queste pagine è quella di Hudson Wheeler e Poppy Cruz, due personaggi che abbiamo già avuto il piacere di incontrare nella serie Marked Men e che non vedevo l’ora di conoscere meglio, soprattutto Poppy. Aspettavo con ansia la sua storia da quando ho terminato la lettura di “Oltre il destino” (click sul titolo per la mia recensione).
Poppy e Wheeler sono due anime simili, due personaggi che in passato hanno attraversato l’inferno e meritano un happily ever after degno di questo nome.
Poppy Cruz vive in un inferno da tutta la vita... CONTINUA SUL BLOG
June 21, 2017
Love these two and their story is amazing. So sexy and romantic and sweet. True to a Crownover story, the female is strong but Poppy is unique in her fierceness. She is quiet and unassuming (her backstory breaks my heart and hits home for me and so many women), that she doesn't even realize how strong she is. And also like any Crownover novel, the women are loyal and love with all that they have-- some might say to a fault. This is what I love about the women in these stories, they have so much to give from their hearts but aren't afraid to stand on their own two feet.
Wheeler-- oh my heck, Wheeler. Sexy, protective, noble, all man with a warm soul. Another sexy book boyfriend to add to the list. I'm pretty sure my top ten list is made up of Jay Crownover book boys.
Together Poppy and Wheeler make for amazing chemistry-- not only between the sheets but the care, kindness and attentiveness they have for one another and give to each other is impenetrable. It's as if there is an invisible tether that keeps them forever bonded.
Salvaged gave me all the feels and all the emotions. This book filled my heart and it was a perfect way to end the series. Definitely get your one click on.
D 5/5
Wheeler-- oh my heck, Wheeler. Sexy, protective, noble, all man with a warm soul. Another sexy book boyfriend to add to the list. I'm pretty sure my top ten list is made up of Jay Crownover book boys.
Together Poppy and Wheeler make for amazing chemistry-- not only between the sheets but the care, kindness and attentiveness they have for one another and give to each other is impenetrable. It's as if there is an invisible tether that keeps them forever bonded.
Salvaged gave me all the feels and all the emotions. This book filled my heart and it was a perfect way to end the series. Definitely get your one click on.
D 5/5
October 31, 2020
Este libro es un buen serie para esta serie y de la serie principal.
Poppy y Wheeler me gustaron mucho, me agradó la manera en que él la entendía le daba su espacio y estuvo en sus momentos más oscuros nunca la presionó y le dio la libertad de que ella decidiera estar con él a su ritmo.
Poppy es la protagonista que más sufrió a lo largo de estos libro con un padre manipulador machista y un esposo que la golpeaba y abusaba de ella no la tuvo nada fácil pero con la ayuda de su familia amigos de Wheeler pero sobre todo de ella de querer salir adelante y no quedarse en ese lugar oscuro pasó de ser víctima a una sobreviviente.
Él epílogo extendido me gustó mucho porque nos muestra como están todos las parejas, quien se casó, quien tuvo hijos y nos dio un gran cierre aunque me hubiera gustado uno mejor para Wheeler y Poppy.
Poppy y Wheeler me gustaron mucho, me agradó la manera en que él la entendía le daba su espacio y estuvo en sus momentos más oscuros nunca la presionó y le dio la libertad de que ella decidiera estar con él a su ritmo.
Poppy es la protagonista que más sufrió a lo largo de estos libro con un padre manipulador machista y un esposo que la golpeaba y abusaba de ella no la tuvo nada fácil pero con la ayuda de su familia amigos de Wheeler pero sobre todo de ella de querer salir adelante y no quedarse en ese lugar oscuro pasó de ser víctima a una sobreviviente.
Él epílogo extendido me gustó mucho porque nos muestra como están todos las parejas, quien se casó, quien tuvo hijos y nos dio un gran cierre aunque me hubiera gustado uno mejor para Wheeler y Poppy.
June 13, 2017
Salvaged was my most anticipated book of 2017. I have been wanting Poppy's book since we met her back in the Marked Men series. She was so broken I cried for her. I couldn't imagine who Crownover would bring into her life in order to heal her, but Wheeler is the man for the job! Salvaged is the salvation of two people who have been hurt; two souls who need and deserve each other! This book was everything I anticipated and more.
Jay Crownover's Introductions in her books are always ones I read. There is always a bit of insight into her process and into the character evolution. I find her words in the intros fascinating! She is the only author whose intros I actually have highlighted passages from!
In order to do these two justice, it took some digging deep, some honest self-evaluation and self-examination, on my part to get to the soft center of myself that I usually keep hidden from the world.
Once the story started, the tears began for me. I was tearing up from the prologue and it kept going until about the 25% mark when things got a little lighter. But seriously: Wheeler's tragic past, Poppy's tragic past, and an abandoned puppy! Too many emotions!!!!!!!
"I can count on one hand the number of times in my life someone bothered to ask if I was okay, Poppy"-Wheeler
These two are just heartbreaking yet beautiful. Wheeler has such a need for belonging and family since he grew up without one. Poppy has such a need for independence since everyone in her life controlled her and abused her. The beautiful thing is, they both thrive with the other! Wheeler is able to care for someone and Poppy is able to trust someone. They feed the needs of the other. This isn't a story of a hero saving a broken girl, or a heroine saving a sad boy. Its a story of two broken people making the choice to accept the love and compassion of another. Crownover has written Poppy and Wheeler in a deep, dynamic way that shows us what a person is like long after a life changing event. The struggles that one encounters in the days, weeks, and months of a very traumatic time are different that the struggles of someone whose trauma happened years ago. Where Poppy and Wheeler are in life its the stage of years after some of their trauma and they are just starting to realize what their coping mechanisms have cost them. Its incredibly powerful and very emotional.
Salvaged is that rare story that comes along and gives you something you never knew you needed. It reminded me that sometimes, you have to save yourself with the help of others. Sometimes, what you have is an illusion that slips through no matter how tight you try to hold. Sometimes, you have to listen to your inner voice and learn to trust again. What Jay Crowonver does with Poppy and Wheeler in Salvaged is help us learn to live life.
POV: dual 1st
Tears: oh hells yeah
Trope: tortured hero, domestic violence
Triggers:
Series/Standalone: stand alone within in an interconnected series (but really, you should at least read Rowdy from the Marked Men series before reading this so you understand Poppy)
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Idol by Kristen Callihan, The Player by K. Bromberg, Lost Rider by Harper Sloan...then you will probably like Salvaged!
Salvaged
June 6, 2017
Hudson Wheeler and Poppy Cruz are both deserving of some happiness after the things they have been through. We have seen them in other books: Poppy is Salem's sister and Wheeler is best friends with both Dixie and Zeb. Wheeler did not have a stable childhood, and he just cancelled his wedding with this longtime fiancee' because she cheated on him. But he is now dealing with the fact that she is having his baby. Poppy's home life was even more challenging and her relationships with men nearly destroyed her.
They are both lonely, broken, lost, and have issues that affect them. He has always felt invisible or left behind. He is a good guy and has always taken care of those he cares about, but usually does not get the same care and attention in return. He has always had goals of having a stable life with a family, but his life has recently imploded. His knee jerk reaction is to sow some wild oats does not help him cope or move on. He is scared of his unsure future and the new responsibilities that will come with it.
Poppy barely survived her last ordeal and has been slowly healing. She is guarded, skittish, anxious, hesitant, and haunted. All the men in her life have not only let her down, but mentally or physically caused her pain. Her sister, Salem has helped her find a new group of friends in Denver and she is making baby steps towards taking her life back. Their lives and needs are complicated. But they find a connection that brings them together more and more. Wheeler cannot help but want to make the sad girl smile and help her, and he makes her feel comfortable and safe.
They are both good people with bad histories that they did not deserve. They both felt like no one really saw them before or truly had their best interests in mind. Wheeler is the first man to ask her what she wants, and treat her with kindness and care. And she will accept what he wants to give and appreciates it, while also showing him the same respect and attention. He is a mechanic who rebuilds and fixes cars to make them beautiful again, and he seems to be able to do the same with her. He chases her monsters away, provides safe touch, and protection. She thinks of his needs and gives back. They both have such big, giving, loving hearts that had been tattered and torn.
This is a story about putting their broken dreams together and making new ones. The Denver group really took these two in and gave them the family that they needed to grow and thrive. This is about feeling, connecting, healing, living life, and really saving each other. It is a process not only to build their relationship, but also show individual growth as they wade through their fears and insecurities to try to let go of the past to move on. If any two people are in need of unconditional love, understanding, and acceptance it is these two.
Their story was emotional, passionate, and heartfelt. I really liked both of these complex characters and getting both of their points of view. There was definitely some drama, challenges, and a bit of danger to deal with. There are a couple of surprises as well. These characters had a maturity about them due all the things they had been through. I was totally invested in them finding their little bit of happiness even in a complicated situation. It was such a beautiful story of love rising out of the ashes.
And Jay Crownover gives fans of these series an epic epilogue that brings it all together, and it left me with the biggest smile on my face. These characters have all become so embedded in my heart and I loved getting more with them.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
They are both lonely, broken, lost, and have issues that affect them. He has always felt invisible or left behind. He is a good guy and has always taken care of those he cares about, but usually does not get the same care and attention in return. He has always had goals of having a stable life with a family, but his life has recently imploded. His knee jerk reaction is to sow some wild oats does not help him cope or move on. He is scared of his unsure future and the new responsibilities that will come with it.
Poppy barely survived her last ordeal and has been slowly healing. She is guarded, skittish, anxious, hesitant, and haunted. All the men in her life have not only let her down, but mentally or physically caused her pain. Her sister, Salem has helped her find a new group of friends in Denver and she is making baby steps towards taking her life back. Their lives and needs are complicated. But they find a connection that brings them together more and more. Wheeler cannot help but want to make the sad girl smile and help her, and he makes her feel comfortable and safe.
They are both good people with bad histories that they did not deserve. They both felt like no one really saw them before or truly had their best interests in mind. Wheeler is the first man to ask her what she wants, and treat her with kindness and care. And she will accept what he wants to give and appreciates it, while also showing him the same respect and attention. He is a mechanic who rebuilds and fixes cars to make them beautiful again, and he seems to be able to do the same with her. He chases her monsters away, provides safe touch, and protection. She thinks of his needs and gives back. They both have such big, giving, loving hearts that had been tattered and torn.
This is a story about putting their broken dreams together and making new ones. The Denver group really took these two in and gave them the family that they needed to grow and thrive. This is about feeling, connecting, healing, living life, and really saving each other. It is a process not only to build their relationship, but also show individual growth as they wade through their fears and insecurities to try to let go of the past to move on. If any two people are in need of unconditional love, understanding, and acceptance it is these two.
Their story was emotional, passionate, and heartfelt. I really liked both of these complex characters and getting both of their points of view. There was definitely some drama, challenges, and a bit of danger to deal with. There are a couple of surprises as well. These characters had a maturity about them due all the things they had been through. I was totally invested in them finding their little bit of happiness even in a complicated situation. It was such a beautiful story of love rising out of the ashes.
And Jay Crownover gives fans of these series an epic epilogue that brings it all together, and it left me with the biggest smile on my face. These characters have all become so embedded in my heart and I loved getting more with them.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
June 20, 2017
3.5-3.75 stars. I liked this book but I didn't love it. I was slightly disappointed because I really loved the previous book, Riveted, and was looking forward to Poppy and Wheeler's story. I was looking forward to Poppy getting the HEA she deserved, but too many things bothered me to totally love it. I had to reread this book immediately after I finished so that I could clarify my feelings.
This is Poppy and Wheeler's story. Poppy has had a hard time. She recently moved to Denver after being kidnapped, raped and beaten by her husband (who then killed himself). She is scared to be around people and leave her house. She is slowly recovering with the help of new friends and her sister. Wheeler is a car mechanic who recently broke up with his long term girlfriend after she cheated on him, only to find out she was actually gay AND pregnant with his baby. Poppy feels bad for him and makes overtures to become friends, bringing him a puppy she got from her job at a vet clinic. Wheeler has been intrigued by Poppy since he met her, but the puppy might be too much responsibility with a baby on the way, so he offers joint-custody of the puppy with Poppy. They begin spending time together, becoming friends, and it gradually leads to more. But things are very messy with Wheeler's ex, the baby on the way, and Poppy's past coming back to haunt her. They manage to make it through all of that together, but it is a rough ride.
I liked Poppy and Wheeler. They were both good people who had been through a lot in life through no fault of their own. Wheeler never had a father. His mother was a drug addict that left him at a fire station as a small child. He bounced from foster home to foster home. His only "family" figures were his girlfriend's family so when she cheated on him and he called off the wedding, he lost them from his life. Poppy had religious zealot parents who mistreated her. She lost a baby after the father beat her up to make her miscarry. Then she married an abusive husband who beat her. When she ran away to safety, he followed her and beat and raped her, before killing himself in front of her. They just both had a bad time and a lot to recover from. Poppy especially was very damaged and skittish around people, especially men. They really deserved some peace and happiness.
I did have a few problems that kept me from tipping from like to love for this book:
- At times, I felt like Poppy got the short end of the stick with Wheeler. I felt like Wheeler was too nice to Kallie, his ex who cheated on him. It felt like she still leaned on him a lot and they were still very close. I know they were together for years, but he let her walk on him. He, Kallie and the baby were a family. Poppy felt like an outsider to me. I felt really bad for Poppy because she lost a baby when she wanted it so bad. She had been through so much. She deserved to be someone's number one priority and have her dreams come true. She definitely was not his priority. I felt like Kallie and the baby were such a huge part of the storyline that it overshadowed the romance. I think Wheeler would have stayed with her if he hadn't found out Kallie was gay. He got drunk and very upset on the day that was supposed to be his wedding day with Kallie. I didn't understand why he was so upset if he was over her and moving on. Poppy got the consolation prize of being an "auntie" figure to the baby (her word) and she was going to soak up anything she could get. I felt really sad for her. Wheeler was a nice guy and he had to be careful with Poppy because of her past abuse, so he was timid with her. He did not chase her or go after her, instead let her come to him. I understood why, of course, but he was not the instigator in the relationship. He didn't pursue her and I'm not sure he would have if she hadn't made the first move. I know it was realistic and I understood that intellectually, given everything Poppy had gone through. I just never really felt that epic love between Wheeler and Poppy.
- I felt like the pacing of the book was a bit off. There are parts where the story skips weeks or months at a time. That made it hard for me to see the couple's relationship growth and comfortableness with each other. At other times, the relationship moved really slowly for me, but it was realistic.
- The ending Again, I understood this intellectually and it was realistic, but I like my romance novels with firm HEA's tied up in a bow.
But I did like this book. I thought the story was interesting. I liked Poppy and Wheeler. They became friends first and their relationship moved slowly and realistically into more. I loved the addition of their shared dog, Happy. I liked catching up with the gang from the rest of the series. Overall, this was a good read, just not exactly what I was expecting. I still definitely think it is worth reading. And there is a great epilogue to end the series and catch up with all the other couples.
*an arc was provided in exchange for an honest review*
This is Poppy and Wheeler's story. Poppy has had a hard time. She recently moved to Denver after being kidnapped, raped and beaten by her husband (who then killed himself). She is scared to be around people and leave her house. She is slowly recovering with the help of new friends and her sister. Wheeler is a car mechanic who recently broke up with his long term girlfriend after she cheated on him, only to find out she was actually gay AND pregnant with his baby. Poppy feels bad for him and makes overtures to become friends, bringing him a puppy she got from her job at a vet clinic. Wheeler has been intrigued by Poppy since he met her, but the puppy might be too much responsibility with a baby on the way, so he offers joint-custody of the puppy with Poppy. They begin spending time together, becoming friends, and it gradually leads to more. But things are very messy with Wheeler's ex, the baby on the way, and Poppy's past coming back to haunt her. They manage to make it through all of that together, but it is a rough ride.
I liked Poppy and Wheeler. They were both good people who had been through a lot in life through no fault of their own. Wheeler never had a father. His mother was a drug addict that left him at a fire station as a small child. He bounced from foster home to foster home. His only "family" figures were his girlfriend's family so when she cheated on him and he called off the wedding, he lost them from his life. Poppy had religious zealot parents who mistreated her. She lost a baby after the father beat her up to make her miscarry. Then she married an abusive husband who beat her. When she ran away to safety, he followed her and beat and raped her, before killing himself in front of her. They just both had a bad time and a lot to recover from. Poppy especially was very damaged and skittish around people, especially men. They really deserved some peace and happiness.
I did have a few problems that kept me from tipping from like to love for this book:
- At times, I felt like Poppy got the short end of the stick with Wheeler. I felt like Wheeler was too nice to Kallie, his ex who cheated on him. It felt like she still leaned on him a lot and they were still very close. I know they were together for years, but he let her walk on him. He, Kallie and the baby were a family. Poppy felt like an outsider to me. I felt really bad for Poppy because she lost a baby when she wanted it so bad. She had been through so much. She deserved to be someone's number one priority and have her dreams come true. She definitely was not his priority. I felt like Kallie and the baby were such a huge part of the storyline that it overshadowed the romance. I think Wheeler would have stayed with her if he hadn't found out Kallie was gay. He got drunk and very upset on the day that was supposed to be his wedding day with Kallie. I didn't understand why he was so upset if he was over her and moving on. Poppy got the consolation prize of being an "auntie" figure to the baby (her word) and she was going to soak up anything she could get. I felt really sad for her. Wheeler was a nice guy and he had to be careful with Poppy because of her past abuse, so he was timid with her. He did not chase her or go after her, instead let her come to him. I understood why, of course, but he was not the instigator in the relationship. He didn't pursue her and I'm not sure he would have if she hadn't made the first move. I know it was realistic and I understood that intellectually, given everything Poppy had gone through. I just never really felt that epic love between Wheeler and Poppy.
- I felt like the pacing of the book was a bit off. There are parts where the story skips weeks or months at a time. That made it hard for me to see the couple's relationship growth and comfortableness with each other. At other times, the relationship moved really slowly for me, but it was realistic.
- The ending Again, I understood this intellectually and it was realistic, but I like my romance novels with firm HEA's tied up in a bow.
But I did like this book. I thought the story was interesting. I liked Poppy and Wheeler. They became friends first and their relationship moved slowly and realistically into more. I loved the addition of their shared dog, Happy. I liked catching up with the gang from the rest of the series. Overall, this was a good read, just not exactly what I was expecting. I still definitely think it is worth reading. And there is a great epilogue to end the series and catch up with all the other couples.
*an arc was provided in exchange for an honest review*
January 26, 2018
LA RECENSIONE COMPLETA QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/2...
Leggere un romanzo di Jay Crownover significa entrare nella storia come un uragano, immergersi completamente con anima, corpo, mente e cuore e lasciarsi travolgere da ogni emozione descritta e dai sentimenti intensi che vuole trasmettere. L'autrice riversa tutto il tormento in questo romanzo, arrivando al cuore e all'anima. I suoi libri fanno riflettere sulla vita, ci trasmettono un messaggio, una lezione di vita. L'autrice prende qualcosa senza valore e lo rende inestimabile. Sapevo che la storia di Poppy mi avrebbe intrappolato in una nuvola di emozioni in cui avrei sperimentato un misto di brividi, calore e dolore, sapevo che la sua storia sarebbe stata un uragano di sensazioni che prima o poi avrei provato con tutta me stessa. Assistere alla rinascita di Poppy, alla sua guarigione dal dolore e da una vita infernale che ha dovuto provare sulla propria pelle, è stato un viaggio bellissimo, un viaggio che rifarei altre mille volte ancora. Wheeler e Poppy sono dei guerrieri, un tripudio di forza e collisione. Entrambi hanno un passato sbagliato e cercano l'amore, l'accettazione e la famiglia. Lei è piena di sensi di colpa e rivolge il suo sguardo sempre al passato, lui invece, non ha mai messo radici in nessun post e cerca la stabilità. Sono fatti l'una per l'altro, sono un tutt'uno ben assortito. Ho ammirato Poppy, la sua forza, la sua bontà, il suo sguardo triste e il suo cuore pieno di cicatrici. Ho adorato Wheeler. E' molto paziente con Poppy, non ha paura di esprimere ciò che sente ed è terribilmente attraente. L'amore, il sostegno e la crescita attraversano e spezzano i loro cuori, ma al tempo stesso li riparano dalle ferite del passato. Wheeler accoglie le ferite di Poppy nel suo cuore, le ama e le cura una ad una, giorno dopo giorno e la fa rinascere come un fiore che ai primi raggi di sole primaverili, sboccia e rinasce da un inverno freddo...
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/
Leggere un romanzo di Jay Crownover significa entrare nella storia come un uragano, immergersi completamente con anima, corpo, mente e cuore e lasciarsi travolgere da ogni emozione descritta e dai sentimenti intensi che vuole trasmettere. L'autrice riversa tutto il tormento in questo romanzo, arrivando al cuore e all'anima. I suoi libri fanno riflettere sulla vita, ci trasmettono un messaggio, una lezione di vita. L'autrice prende qualcosa senza valore e lo rende inestimabile. Sapevo che la storia di Poppy mi avrebbe intrappolato in una nuvola di emozioni in cui avrei sperimentato un misto di brividi, calore e dolore, sapevo che la sua storia sarebbe stata un uragano di sensazioni che prima o poi avrei provato con tutta me stessa. Assistere alla rinascita di Poppy, alla sua guarigione dal dolore e da una vita infernale che ha dovuto provare sulla propria pelle, è stato un viaggio bellissimo, un viaggio che rifarei altre mille volte ancora. Wheeler e Poppy sono dei guerrieri, un tripudio di forza e collisione. Entrambi hanno un passato sbagliato e cercano l'amore, l'accettazione e la famiglia. Lei è piena di sensi di colpa e rivolge il suo sguardo sempre al passato, lui invece, non ha mai messo radici in nessun post e cerca la stabilità. Sono fatti l'una per l'altro, sono un tutt'uno ben assortito. Ho ammirato Poppy, la sua forza, la sua bontà, il suo sguardo triste e il suo cuore pieno di cicatrici. Ho adorato Wheeler. E' molto paziente con Poppy, non ha paura di esprimere ciò che sente ed è terribilmente attraente. L'amore, il sostegno e la crescita attraversano e spezzano i loro cuori, ma al tempo stesso li riparano dalle ferite del passato. Wheeler accoglie le ferite di Poppy nel suo cuore, le ama e le cura una ad una, giorno dopo giorno e la fa rinascere come un fiore che ai primi raggi di sole primaverili, sboccia e rinasce da un inverno freddo...
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/
July 2, 2017
Rating: 4.5
If you preorder Salvaged and fill out a form you will get the first chapter of Dignity and a Salvaged coloring sheet.
Here is the link to Salvaged preorder incentive form:
https://a.pgtb.me/MdHvvG
Link to an excerpt:
https://vagabondareads.com/2017/06/15...
Here's a bonus teaser since I lost a week somewhere along the line...lol #writerlife
Also times running out to get your doodle...its very cool....you want one...trust me!
I was perfectly okay with that plan because this was something more than sex. This was more than our bodies moving together and our hearts racing side by side. This was more than feeling good and chasing away bad memories. This was more than an orgasm that made us weak and turned us inside out. This was my soul telling her soul that it had been waiting for a long time to find its other half. This was me dreaming a new dream and her making it come true just like she promised she would.
This was healing.
This was starting over.
This was reinvention.
New Excerpt:
(I'm pretty sure this is the FIRST kiss.... so you know.... it gets HOT)
This was the kind of yearning that had teeth. The kind that sank into your bones and worked its way deep under your skin. This was the kind of longing that could and would push out everything else until it was the only thing left. There was no room for fear or regret because craving and hunger took up all the available space inside. Instead of being empty, I was full of all the amazing things this man made me feel. My starving soul and hungry heart wanted to be greedy and gluttonous. They wanted to eat him up and go back for more.
He turned his head, slanted his mouth a little, and then moved in deeper and with more determination. His hands stayed firmly at his sides but I still felt like he was touching me from head to toe. His breath whispered across my lips, the very tip of his tongue slicked across the seam, and I opened without a second thought. He didn’t touch me with his hands but his tongue left no damp, slick surface unexplored.
He tasted.
He teased.
He taunted when I asked for more with no words. He was endlessly gentle but there was no mistaking the fact that he was kissing me in a way that would be remembered. The imprint of his lips on mine, the flavor that was all Wheeler, was going to be lingering forever on the tip of my tongue. He was everywhere and yet the only places where we were touching were the places where I was clinging to him.
Excerpt from Wheeler's pov for Salvaged
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJayCro...
Excerpt from Salvaged:
http://www.stuckinbooks.com/2017/05/s...
Teaser Tuesday!
4 weeks to go! Feel free to share the goods 🖤🖤
God, he was nice. Even when he was looming over me looking not very nice at all.
“There’s something about you, something about those eyes and the soft way that you speak, that makes me want to tell you all my secrets . Secrets that sting, like the fact that the last time my life was this fucked up was when my junkie mother was dropping me off at a fire station in some rinky -dink mountain town in the middle of a snowstorm. Our car broke down, because it always did. She didn’t take care of it and she sure as shit didn’t take care of me.”
I felt my mouth drop open in shock but couldn’t move as his voice dipped lower and his eyes got even colder. His words sent shivers up and down my spine.
TEASER TUESDAY.
5 WEEKS TO GO
He used his heart, not his fists, to win wars. I couldn’t respond with words, so I reached up and cupped his cheek.
I tapped the spot where his dimple was missing until he took the hint and lowered his lips to touch mine. I didn’t want to waste a second worrying about what had hurt either of us in the past. Those things weren’t changing and there would always be reminders to keep us humble and keep us kind. It was the things that made us happy, the things that restored us, that I wanted to focus on from this point on.
We deserved happy.
We fought for it and we won.
He was my victory and I was his triumph.
We were victorious and no one could ever take that win away from us.
I kind of hope that Kallie is lying or there will be some twist. She lied about other things. Kallie is a real piece of work. I wouldn't want poor Poppy to have to deal with that drama. I have been wanting a story for Poppy for since Rowdy. I really do like Wheeler a lot but I hope the bombshell Kallie dropped at the end of Riveted isn't true.
If you preorder Salvaged and fill out a form you will get the first chapter of Dignity and a Salvaged coloring sheet.
Here is the link to Salvaged preorder incentive form:
https://a.pgtb.me/MdHvvG
Link to an excerpt:
https://vagabondareads.com/2017/06/15...
Here's a bonus teaser since I lost a week somewhere along the line...lol #writerlife
Also times running out to get your doodle...its very cool....you want one...trust me!
I was perfectly okay with that plan because this was something more than sex. This was more than our bodies moving together and our hearts racing side by side. This was more than feeling good and chasing away bad memories. This was more than an orgasm that made us weak and turned us inside out. This was my soul telling her soul that it had been waiting for a long time to find its other half. This was me dreaming a new dream and her making it come true just like she promised she would.
This was healing.
This was starting over.
This was reinvention.
New Excerpt:
(I'm pretty sure this is the FIRST kiss.... so you know.... it gets HOT)
This was the kind of yearning that had teeth. The kind that sank into your bones and worked its way deep under your skin. This was the kind of longing that could and would push out everything else until it was the only thing left. There was no room for fear or regret because craving and hunger took up all the available space inside. Instead of being empty, I was full of all the amazing things this man made me feel. My starving soul and hungry heart wanted to be greedy and gluttonous. They wanted to eat him up and go back for more.
He turned his head, slanted his mouth a little, and then moved in deeper and with more determination. His hands stayed firmly at his sides but I still felt like he was touching me from head to toe. His breath whispered across my lips, the very tip of his tongue slicked across the seam, and I opened without a second thought. He didn’t touch me with his hands but his tongue left no damp, slick surface unexplored.
He tasted.
He teased.
He taunted when I asked for more with no words. He was endlessly gentle but there was no mistaking the fact that he was kissing me in a way that would be remembered. The imprint of his lips on mine, the flavor that was all Wheeler, was going to be lingering forever on the tip of my tongue. He was everywhere and yet the only places where we were touching were the places where I was clinging to him.
Excerpt from Wheeler's pov for Salvaged
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJayCro...
Excerpt from Salvaged:
http://www.stuckinbooks.com/2017/05/s...
Teaser Tuesday!
4 weeks to go! Feel free to share the goods 🖤🖤
God, he was nice. Even when he was looming over me looking not very nice at all.
“There’s something about you, something about those eyes and the soft way that you speak, that makes me want to tell you all my secrets . Secrets that sting, like the fact that the last time my life was this fucked up was when my junkie mother was dropping me off at a fire station in some rinky -dink mountain town in the middle of a snowstorm. Our car broke down, because it always did. She didn’t take care of it and she sure as shit didn’t take care of me.”
I felt my mouth drop open in shock but couldn’t move as his voice dipped lower and his eyes got even colder. His words sent shivers up and down my spine.
TEASER TUESDAY.
5 WEEKS TO GO
He used his heart, not his fists, to win wars. I couldn’t respond with words, so I reached up and cupped his cheek.
I tapped the spot where his dimple was missing until he took the hint and lowered his lips to touch mine. I didn’t want to waste a second worrying about what had hurt either of us in the past. Those things weren’t changing and there would always be reminders to keep us humble and keep us kind. It was the things that made us happy, the things that restored us, that I wanted to focus on from this point on.
We deserved happy.
We fought for it and we won.
He was my victory and I was his triumph.
We were victorious and no one could ever take that win away from us.
I kind of hope that Kallie is lying or there will be some twist. She lied about other things. Kallie is a real piece of work. I wouldn't want poor Poppy to have to deal with that drama. I have been wanting a story for Poppy for since Rowdy. I really do like Wheeler a lot but I hope the bombshell Kallie dropped at the end of Riveted isn't true.
June 14, 2019
3.5/4
Lo stile Crownover non si discute. Sempre scorrevole, sempre coinvolgente, ma...
La serie è stata tirata un poco troppo per le lunghe con troppi personaggi in questo ultimo volume della serie, soprattutto se consideriamo che sono presenti anche tutti quelli della Tattoo, la maggior parte dei quali non hanno avuto interazioni con Wheeler, ma soprattutto con Poppy e questo mi ha creato più di qualche perplessità. La storia fra loro due è molto interessante, ma è come se fosse troppo veloce e riassunta per dare spazio appunto a tutti, ma proprio tutti i personaggi che ci hanno accompagnato dall'inizio. Rimane un buon libro, ma la valutazione stavolta si ferma a un 3.5.
Lo stile Crownover non si discute. Sempre scorrevole, sempre coinvolgente, ma...
La serie è stata tirata un poco troppo per le lunghe con troppi personaggi in questo ultimo volume della serie, soprattutto se consideriamo che sono presenti anche tutti quelli della Tattoo, la maggior parte dei quali non hanno avuto interazioni con Wheeler, ma soprattutto con Poppy e questo mi ha creato più di qualche perplessità. La storia fra loro due è molto interessante, ma è come se fosse troppo veloce e riassunta per dare spazio appunto a tutti, ma proprio tutti i personaggi che ci hanno accompagnato dall'inizio. Rimane un buon libro, ma la valutazione stavolta si ferma a un 3.5.
June 27, 2017
Original review: The Daydreaming Bookworm
*4.5 Stars!*
THE SAINTS OF DENVER SERIES HAS FINALLY COME TO AN END!
I honestly don’t know where to start when it comes to this review. I mean, how does one even go about reviewing a book they’ve been waiting two years for?! How does one go about reviewing the final book in one of their favorite series ever?! How does one go about discussing all their feelings for a book that left them emotionally dead?! Okay, I’m going to cool it with the dramatics, but fair warning, this review may be a jumbled mess of word vomit so bear with me while I attempt to get my thoughts out in a coherent manner.
Salvaged is the final installment in the Saints of Denver series and follows the story of Poppy Cruz and Hudson Wheeler. Poppy Cruz, the girl who has been to hell and back, has finally started to gain some sense of normalcy as she adjust to being on her own. She’s ready to put the past behind her, but not without a few hesitations. Hudson Wheeler is fighting his own battles as he tries to move on from a relationship that left him with nothing. He never thought he would ever be able to let another woman in, but there’s something about Poppy that’s got him letting his guards down and the same goes for Poppy. Can these two wounded hearts find a way to heal together, or will the damage done prove to be beyond repair.
I remember when Poppy first landed on the page of Rowdy and we learned about all her troubles and all I could think about was that I needed her story. I needed to know more about her. I needed to know if she would make it through the hell she’s been living in and I could only hope that she would somehow find her happily-ever-after. That was two years ago and let me just say the wait was worth it! Salvaged is a story about loss, healing and finding the ability to let love in again. Poppy’s story is a difficult one to read as it touches upon some heavy subject matter like family abuse, domestic abuse and rape and even though we already read about the things she’s been through in Rowdy’s book, reading about it again through Poppy’s eyes just left me in pieces. Like I knew Jay Crownover was going to fuck up my emotions, but I don’t think any amount of preparation could’ve prepared my feelings for this.
Poppy Cruz is a survivor and dammit if anyone ever deserved a happily-ever-after, it was this girl right here. She’s come a long way and even though she still has a few more obstacles to overcome, I’m so freakin’ proud of her. Despite all that she’s been through, she still has the capacity to love and her heart is so big. Like y’all, Poppy is my FAVORITE HEROINE EVER so I’m sorry if I sound like a proud mama, but I’m so happy for her right now!
Hudson Wheeler took me by surprise because I never paid much attention to him when we saw him in the previous installments. I was curious to learn more about the local mechanic and I’m actually shocked because he’s such a sweetheart. He too has had to deal with hell after being abandoned by both his parents, but he still made something of himself. Having a family and a place to call home was always his main goal in life and even though things didn’t end up working out with the woman he thought would be his forever girl, I think the alternative was a lot better.
The romance was a slow-burn at it’s finest! I LEGIT DIED BECAUSE WHEELER IS A GENTLEMAN AND HE MADE SURE THAT POPPY WAS OKAY AND HE TOOK HIS TIME WITH HER. He made her feel safe and reminded her that there are still good guys out there. Gosh, I never wanted this book to end because these two are just OTP GOALS!
But the best part was getting to see all the characters from both the Marked Men series and Saints of Denver series come together for one last time. EVERYONE WAS GETTING MARRIED AND HAVING BABIES AND STARTING NEW LIVES AND JOBS AND FAMILIES YET THEY STILL STAYED CONNECTED. If you ever wanted to read a series where characters felt like family THIS IS IT! I’m going to miss these characters so much and if Crownover ever chose to write a series revolving around the little munchkins, I would totally be here for it.
AND WITH THAT, THE MARKED MEN/SAINTS OF DENVER SERIES HAS FINALLY COME TO AN END.
Salvaged was everything I wanted and more and was the perfect ending to two of my favorite series. Jay Crownover definitely saved the best for last and I’m so happy my girl Poppy got everything she deserved. I’m going to be re-reading this series for years to come because that’s how much I love these books and these characters. I totally urge y’all to check this series out and trust me, I had a rocky start with the Marked Men series too, but I promise you Jay Crownover will make you fall in love with these characters and their stories. Now excuse me while I go stock up on more tissues for my re-read of these books.
*4.5 Stars!*
THE SAINTS OF DENVER SERIES HAS FINALLY COME TO AN END!
I honestly don’t know where to start when it comes to this review. I mean, how does one even go about reviewing a book they’ve been waiting two years for?! How does one go about reviewing the final book in one of their favorite series ever?! How does one go about discussing all their feelings for a book that left them emotionally dead?! Okay, I’m going to cool it with the dramatics, but fair warning, this review may be a jumbled mess of word vomit so bear with me while I attempt to get my thoughts out in a coherent manner.
Salvaged is the final installment in the Saints of Denver series and follows the story of Poppy Cruz and Hudson Wheeler. Poppy Cruz, the girl who has been to hell and back, has finally started to gain some sense of normalcy as she adjust to being on her own. She’s ready to put the past behind her, but not without a few hesitations. Hudson Wheeler is fighting his own battles as he tries to move on from a relationship that left him with nothing. He never thought he would ever be able to let another woman in, but there’s something about Poppy that’s got him letting his guards down and the same goes for Poppy. Can these two wounded hearts find a way to heal together, or will the damage done prove to be beyond repair.
I remember when Poppy first landed on the page of Rowdy and we learned about all her troubles and all I could think about was that I needed her story. I needed to know more about her. I needed to know if she would make it through the hell she’s been living in and I could only hope that she would somehow find her happily-ever-after. That was two years ago and let me just say the wait was worth it! Salvaged is a story about loss, healing and finding the ability to let love in again. Poppy’s story is a difficult one to read as it touches upon some heavy subject matter like family abuse, domestic abuse and rape and even though we already read about the things she’s been through in Rowdy’s book, reading about it again through Poppy’s eyes just left me in pieces. Like I knew Jay Crownover was going to fuck up my emotions, but I don’t think any amount of preparation could’ve prepared my feelings for this.
Poppy Cruz is a survivor and dammit if anyone ever deserved a happily-ever-after, it was this girl right here. She’s come a long way and even though she still has a few more obstacles to overcome, I’m so freakin’ proud of her. Despite all that she’s been through, she still has the capacity to love and her heart is so big. Like y’all, Poppy is my FAVORITE HEROINE EVER so I’m sorry if I sound like a proud mama, but I’m so happy for her right now!
Hudson Wheeler took me by surprise because I never paid much attention to him when we saw him in the previous installments. I was curious to learn more about the local mechanic and I’m actually shocked because he’s such a sweetheart. He too has had to deal with hell after being abandoned by both his parents, but he still made something of himself. Having a family and a place to call home was always his main goal in life and even though things didn’t end up working out with the woman he thought would be his forever girl, I think the alternative was a lot better.
The romance was a slow-burn at it’s finest! I LEGIT DIED BECAUSE WHEELER IS A GENTLEMAN AND HE MADE SURE THAT POPPY WAS OKAY AND HE TOOK HIS TIME WITH HER. He made her feel safe and reminded her that there are still good guys out there. Gosh, I never wanted this book to end because these two are just OTP GOALS!
But the best part was getting to see all the characters from both the Marked Men series and Saints of Denver series come together for one last time. EVERYONE WAS GETTING MARRIED AND HAVING BABIES AND STARTING NEW LIVES AND JOBS AND FAMILIES YET THEY STILL STAYED CONNECTED. If you ever wanted to read a series where characters felt like family THIS IS IT! I’m going to miss these characters so much and if Crownover ever chose to write a series revolving around the little munchkins, I would totally be here for it.
AND WITH THAT, THE MARKED MEN/SAINTS OF DENVER SERIES HAS FINALLY COME TO AN END.
Salvaged was everything I wanted and more and was the perfect ending to two of my favorite series. Jay Crownover definitely saved the best for last and I’m so happy my girl Poppy got everything she deserved. I’m going to be re-reading this series for years to come because that’s how much I love these books and these characters. I totally urge y’all to check this series out and trust me, I had a rocky start with the Marked Men series too, but I promise you Jay Crownover will make you fall in love with these characters and their stories. Now excuse me while I go stock up on more tissues for my re-read of these books.
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August 19, 2017Not for me right now. Heroine's backstory was just too angsty with good reason, and the H is all over the place. One minute he's sleeping his way through Denver to get over his idiot ex, and the next he wants to be everything to the h and polish her nice and shiny like one of his cars or something like that.
June 20, 2017
Original review on Julalicious Book Paradise
Rating: 4.5/5
I was really happy when Jay finally gave us a book about Poppy and Wheeler. I was really hoping that they could have their happily ever after.
From the moment Poppy was introduced in the Marked Men series, you just want to hold her close and protect her at all cost. Most books that followed in this world (Marked Men, Saints of Denver), we always catch a glimpse of where Poppy is at but you never get the whole picture. In this book, you finally got in depth about her. What is most obvious about Poppy is that she is a survivor even if she doesn't seem to realize it. She struggles a lot to try and live a normal life. Her past isn't easy to push away, but as much as she's still scared, she is still willing to help others, even those who don’t want her help.
Wheeler is a genuinely a good person. Though he is not in the best place right now with all the news he got one after the other, but still, he still shows compassion towards others; especially Poppy. Wheeler’s dreams of having a family because he lacked of one shattered as he is no longer with the woman he thought would become his wife. He drinks a lot and goes from woman to woman trying to fill the void, but nothing works, until Poppy becomes kind of a steady fixture in his life. He knows her past and he would love to be the one to mend her heart once again. From the first moment he saw her, he was not able to look away.
Together, these two help one another. Wheeler is there for Poppy, but he understands that she needs to take the steps herself; he's simply there to catch her if she falls. He knows how to read her and he'll be there in a heartbeat. Poppy, on the other hand, helps Wheeler coming to term with fatherhood; showing him that even if the situation isn't ideal, it's still a good thing. She brings the colours in his life he seemed to be lacking for the last few years. I liked how they didn’t jump suddenly into each other’s arms and they just are taking baby steps as they can both adjust themselves to each other and the future ahead of them.
We also see a lot of Wheeler’s ex in the story and I feel for her; the way she also struggles to come clean about herself and though you want to be mad at her for what she put him through, I couldn’t bring myself to be. Dixie and Wheeler often described her as selfish and spoiled, but from the moment she learned she was pregnant, she put her baby before her and showed she could be better than what she used to be.
Though if the two are learning to be together and enjoy their new found happiness, trouble is never too far away. Poppy’s past will come haunting her once more and she will need to face her demons once again.
So yea, Jay gave us another amazing book in this amazing series. I recommend that you start this series like right now. You won’t be disappointed. Jay’s writing will make you go through all kind of emotions and it will leave you wanting more from her.
I was giving an advanced copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Rating: 4.5/5
I was really happy when Jay finally gave us a book about Poppy and Wheeler. I was really hoping that they could have their happily ever after.
From the moment Poppy was introduced in the Marked Men series, you just want to hold her close and protect her at all cost. Most books that followed in this world (Marked Men, Saints of Denver), we always catch a glimpse of where Poppy is at but you never get the whole picture. In this book, you finally got in depth about her. What is most obvious about Poppy is that she is a survivor even if she doesn't seem to realize it. She struggles a lot to try and live a normal life. Her past isn't easy to push away, but as much as she's still scared, she is still willing to help others, even those who don’t want her help.
Wheeler is a genuinely a good person. Though he is not in the best place right now with all the news he got one after the other, but still, he still shows compassion towards others; especially Poppy. Wheeler’s dreams of having a family because he lacked of one shattered as he is no longer with the woman he thought would become his wife. He drinks a lot and goes from woman to woman trying to fill the void, but nothing works, until Poppy becomes kind of a steady fixture in his life. He knows her past and he would love to be the one to mend her heart once again. From the first moment he saw her, he was not able to look away.
Together, these two help one another. Wheeler is there for Poppy, but he understands that she needs to take the steps herself; he's simply there to catch her if she falls. He knows how to read her and he'll be there in a heartbeat. Poppy, on the other hand, helps Wheeler coming to term with fatherhood; showing him that even if the situation isn't ideal, it's still a good thing. She brings the colours in his life he seemed to be lacking for the last few years. I liked how they didn’t jump suddenly into each other’s arms and they just are taking baby steps as they can both adjust themselves to each other and the future ahead of them.
We also see a lot of Wheeler’s ex in the story and I feel for her; the way she also struggles to come clean about herself and though you want to be mad at her for what she put him through, I couldn’t bring myself to be. Dixie and Wheeler often described her as selfish and spoiled, but from the moment she learned she was pregnant, she put her baby before her and showed she could be better than what she used to be.
Though if the two are learning to be together and enjoy their new found happiness, trouble is never too far away. Poppy’s past will come haunting her once more and she will need to face her demons once again.
So yea, Jay gave us another amazing book in this amazing series. I recommend that you start this series like right now. You won’t be disappointed. Jay’s writing will make you go through all kind of emotions and it will leave you wanting more from her.
I was giving an advanced copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
July 4, 2025
Loved it! От първата до последната страница. Джей се е отнесла с толкова много грижа, любов, състрадание и разбиране към болките, травмите и битките на жертвите на домашно насилие и сексуално посегателство, че човек чувства една малка част в ума си омиротворена и излекувана. Дали на моменти беше трудно човек да слуша какво се е случило с главната героиня и главния герой? Да, определено. Авторката не ни е спестила нищо. Но не е и преекспонирала с цел сензационност. Не това е целта на Salvaged. Основният мотив беше силата на духа. Самосъзерцанието. Изцелението. И надеждата.
Попи беше вдъхновение. Уилър беше мечтата на всяка жена. И двамата бяха възхитителни, земни и любящи хора с души, обсипани с бойни белези от нелеки житейски битки, които вместо да ги направят жестоки, са ги направили едни от най-прекрасните и всеотдайни хора. Хора, които знаят какво е да нямаш нищо и за това ценят по достойнство това, което имат. Любовта им беше пропита с търпение, разбиране, грижа за другия, всеотдайност. Една зряла, спокойна любов, която те изпълва с благодат. Damn, бях забравила колко харесвам тази авторка!
Попи беше вдъхновение. Уилър беше мечтата на всяка жена. И двамата бяха възхитителни, земни и любящи хора с души, обсипани с бойни белези от нелеки житейски битки, които вместо да ги направят жестоки, са ги направили едни от най-прекрасните и всеотдайни хора. Хора, които знаят какво е да нямаш нищо и за това ценят по достойнство това, което имат. Любовта им беше пропита с търпение, разбиране, грижа за другия, всеотдайност. Една зряла, спокойна любов, която те изпълва с благодат. Damn, бях забравила колко харесвам тази авторка!
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