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Level Up
Jackson
They say nothing in life is promised, I know that now. When everything I've ever known imploded I made the impulsive decision to leave it all behind by moving to this small town where nobody knows my name.
They also say to expect the unexpected, and I just might like that more.
Alex
They say you can't have it all and I'm starting to think they're right. I have a thriving business and great friends- so why is it I've yet to find The One?
Something else they say? Good things come to those who wait- and I've been one hell of a patient man.
This is a standalone novella.
They say nothing in life is promised, I know that now. When everything I've ever known imploded I made the impulsive decision to leave it all behind by moving to this small town where nobody knows my name.
They also say to expect the unexpected, and I just might like that more.
Alex
They say you can't have it all and I'm starting to think they're right. I have a thriving business and great friends- so why is it I've yet to find The One?
Something else they say? Good things come to those who wait- and I've been one hell of a patient man.
This is a standalone novella.
- GenresM M Romance
100 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2023
5 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Sadie Rose
15 books85 followersSadie Rose is an American author who pens fantasy novellas and romance novels. When she isn't writing she enjoys spending her free time reading, watching television and traveling.
She lives on the west coast with her husband, son and cat.
*Instagram @SadieRoseAuthor
She lives on the west coast with her husband, son and cat.
*Instagram @SadieRoseAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 28, 2023
I haven’t read many books by Sadie Rose but from the moment I read the blurb for this, I knew I needed to read it. I just recently got into reading more MM and bi-awakening and this short novella met all of my expectations! It was packed with amazing characters and a story line that kept the pages turning! I’m also a sucker for the small town meet cute so this was right up my alley. I do wish it was a little longer though but I’ll take it and hope for more in the future!
August 6, 2024
3.5 stars. Cute quick read. Good characters
June 25, 2023
Readers looking for a little afternoon delight will get just that with this sweet tale of self-discovery and starting over in a small town. When two men find themselves suddenly single after the end of their relationships, sparks soon start flying in the basement of a hardware store in an endearing meet-cute that put an immediate smile on my face. Amidst talk of nuts and bolts, both men discover mutual attraction that leaves both of them questioning their future in a straightforward talk that I truly appreciated.
Though this is a novella, making it a quick read, I still found their burgeoning romance satisfying. Alex and Jackson are a very likable pair with interactions that were crackling and teeming with sexual tension. Their scenes warmed my heart and were utterly charming as they navigated their new feelings. On a whole I enjoyed their journey, but with a quickly rushed conclusion I'm left hoping that we see more of them in the future. The only other issue about this book revolved around the lack of editing. For me it's not a big issue, but it did have me rereading some sentences to clear up confusing moments. Despite that small quibble I definitely fell for Alex and Jackson, fell for their sweet small town personalities, and was rooting for them from start to finish...and by the turn of the final page you'll be rooting for them too!
Though this is a novella, making it a quick read, I still found their burgeoning romance satisfying. Alex and Jackson are a very likable pair with interactions that were crackling and teeming with sexual tension. Their scenes warmed my heart and were utterly charming as they navigated their new feelings. On a whole I enjoyed their journey, but with a quickly rushed conclusion I'm left hoping that we see more of them in the future. The only other issue about this book revolved around the lack of editing. For me it's not a big issue, but it did have me rereading some sentences to clear up confusing moments. Despite that small quibble I definitely fell for Alex and Jackson, fell for their sweet small town personalities, and was rooting for them from start to finish...and by the turn of the final page you'll be rooting for them too!
June 23, 2023
A book where a good few chapters are set in a hardware store and the author doesn’t know the difference between aisle and isle. Evidently there’s a lot of water locked land mass in this store as isle is mentioned about 40 times. Go on to discover the author doesn’t know the contraction they’re.
“their a thousand miles away in sunny Florida”
When a character says “se la vie” I wondered at what point an author’s poor grasp of English should be tolerated? Let alone French.
The author goes on to tell us about a decapitated house.
“So now I know exactly where Jackson lives. The Sellers place was a huge farm house that thrived for decades. Slowly as the family died off, it began to decapitate.”
I get it. An author just has to tell a story: it’s the editor’s job to polish, and that’s where one star comes in. Because it’s clear Ms Rose doesn’t have an editor. It appears she doesn’t even have useful alpha/beta readers (unless our definition of useful alpha/beta readers differs and all she cares about is those generic five star reviews that sound like the reviewer read the blurb and not much else).
“their a thousand miles away in sunny Florida”
When a character says “se la vie” I wondered at what point an author’s poor grasp of English should be tolerated? Let alone French.
The author goes on to tell us about a decapitated house.
“So now I know exactly where Jackson lives. The Sellers place was a huge farm house that thrived for decades. Slowly as the family died off, it began to decapitate.”
I get it. An author just has to tell a story: it’s the editor’s job to polish, and that’s where one star comes in. Because it’s clear Ms Rose doesn’t have an editor. It appears she doesn’t even have useful alpha/beta readers (unless our definition of useful alpha/beta readers differs and all she cares about is those generic five star reviews that sound like the reviewer read the blurb and not much else).
June 16, 2023
4 Star review Level Up by Sadie Rose
Sadie Rose is a new author, but what I have read I have really enjoyed. This is a MM story that ticked numerous boxes for me. I love stories set in small towns and was quickly drawn into Jackson (Jack) and Alex’s story.
Although not a long book, it was well written, and the storyline was entertaining. I fell hard and fast for both Jack and Alex; they were easy to like. Both know that there is something missing in their lives but do not know what it is, until they meet.
After catching his fiancé and ex-best friend together, Jack, shattered is determined to make a new life far away from the memories. Meeting Alex in a hardware store was an unusual meet cute and rocked him to the core for a number of reasons.
I felt that the book ended rather abruptly, just when it was getting interesting and hope we get an update on what happens with Jack and Alex in the near future.
Sadie Rose is a new author, but what I have read I have really enjoyed. This is a MM story that ticked numerous boxes for me. I love stories set in small towns and was quickly drawn into Jackson (Jack) and Alex’s story.
Although not a long book, it was well written, and the storyline was entertaining. I fell hard and fast for both Jack and Alex; they were easy to like. Both know that there is something missing in their lives but do not know what it is, until they meet.
After catching his fiancé and ex-best friend together, Jack, shattered is determined to make a new life far away from the memories. Meeting Alex in a hardware store was an unusual meet cute and rocked him to the core for a number of reasons.
I felt that the book ended rather abruptly, just when it was getting interesting and hope we get an update on what happens with Jack and Alex in the near future.
June 22, 2023
Alex and Jackson's story is a delightful and entertaining read that earns a solid four stars. This charming novel follows the journey of the protagonist as she navigates the world of online gaming and discovers newfound confidence and unexpected friendships. Sadie skillfully combines humour, heartwarming moments, and a touch of romance to create a captivating story that had me hooked from the first page.
Alex and Jackson's characters are vibrant and endearing, each with their own unique quirks and struggles. I found myself rooting for the main character as she faced challenges both inside and outside the game. The exploration of self-discovery and personal growth is beautifully woven into the narrative, making it relatable and inspiring. With its engaging plot, lovable characters, and uplifting message, Level Up is a delightful escape into the world of gaming and the power of embracing one's true self.
Alex and Jackson's characters are vibrant and endearing, each with their own unique quirks and struggles. I found myself rooting for the main character as she faced challenges both inside and outside the game. The exploration of self-discovery and personal growth is beautifully woven into the narrative, making it relatable and inspiring. With its engaging plot, lovable characters, and uplifting message, Level Up is a delightful escape into the world of gaming and the power of embracing one's true self.
June 22, 2023
3.75 Stars
Jackson and Alex had a very sweet meet-cute in the hardware store and even if Jackson has never been interested in men before meeting Alex, he finds himself attracted to the gorgeous baker.
I liked Jackson and Alex and I was really invested in seeing where their encounter may lead. They had great chemistry and I found it refreshing that Jackson didn't question his sudden attraction. Unfortunately, the book ended rather abruptly. I hope the author will write more of their Jackson and Alex's story in the future. As it is, I found that this was a sweet short story, with a HFN ending (if that), that I have no problem recommending.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Jackson and Alex had a very sweet meet-cute in the hardware store and even if Jackson has never been interested in men before meeting Alex, he finds himself attracted to the gorgeous baker.
I liked Jackson and Alex and I was really invested in seeing where their encounter may lead. They had great chemistry and I found it refreshing that Jackson didn't question his sudden attraction. Unfortunately, the book ended rather abruptly. I hope the author will write more of their Jackson and Alex's story in the future. As it is, I found that this was a sweet short story, with a HFN ending (if that), that I have no problem recommending.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
June 19, 2023
I haven’t read many books by Sadie Rose but as soon as I read the blurb for her MM story I was excited and I wasn’t disappointed. This may be a quick read but it still packed a might punch with wonderful characters and a captivating story but that being said it did end rather abruptly so I’m hoping we will get more from Jack and Alex down the line.
Alex has recently caught his fiancé and now ex best friend together and he is determined to start a fresh and put the memories behind him. What he didn’t think was a chance meeting with Alex in the hardware store was going to the start of something very special.
A quick read with wonderful characters that left me wanting more.
Alex has recently caught his fiancé and now ex best friend together and he is determined to start a fresh and put the memories behind him. What he didn’t think was a chance meeting with Alex in the hardware store was going to the start of something very special.
A quick read with wonderful characters that left me wanting more.
June 27, 2023
This wasn't a "sweet MM romance" as the tagline indicates, this was a random meet cute that goes nowhere full of mistakes. It is absolutely riddled with the word "isle" instead of "aisle"; "their" is used instead of "they're," a house is described as "decapitated" rather than "dilapidated," and the author actually tried to use French with "se la vie." I was fuming when the epilogue suddenly ended when they left the hardware store, and all we know is that they exchanged numbers, hugged, and had a barely there kiss when only one of these guys is gay. This wasn't a story at all; it was the worst kind of tease.
June 16, 2023
This was super cute! Alex and Jackson have a meet cute in a small town hardware store after both experience rough breakups. Jackson is new to town, and Alex is the hot bakery owner.
I enjoyed the story and the main characters. Both felt wholesome and the characters were really intriguing, even with the short time to get to know them.
My only gripe is that I wish it was longer! This is a small slice of life, and I would love to read more about this duo and follow along on their journey.
Sadie is a new-to-me author but I’ll definitely be checking out their other books!
I enjoyed the story and the main characters. Both felt wholesome and the characters were really intriguing, even with the short time to get to know them.
My only gripe is that I wish it was longer! This is a small slice of life, and I would love to read more about this duo and follow along on their journey.
Sadie is a new-to-me author but I’ll definitely be checking out their other books!
June 21, 2023
Level Up is a sweet novella centered on a chance meeting in a small town home improvement store. Jackson moved to town after a bad breakup- taking him as far as possible from running into his ex(es). Alex is in dough, I mean, he's the owner/operator of the town bakery!
This was an easy read and great palate cleanser! While I would love to get more of their story, I can appreciate the short and sweet meet-cute.
Thank you to Sadie Rose and Wildfire Marketing for sending me this ARC! My review is honest and entirely my own.
This was an easy read and great palate cleanser! While I would love to get more of their story, I can appreciate the short and sweet meet-cute.
Thank you to Sadie Rose and Wildfire Marketing for sending me this ARC! My review is honest and entirely my own.
June 22, 2023
I got this arc in turn for an honest review from Wildfire Marketing. This was a very short and sweet novella. It was a meet cute at a hardware store in a small town lgbtq read. Perfect for Pride Month. Jackson and Alex were so adorable. I love that even though this was very short, there was so much background, depth, and detail. I felt like I could connect with Jackson and Alex. The story pulled me right in, and I was upset when it ended.
June 22, 2023
‘Level Up’ was a sweet clean novella focused on the first meeting of two souls drawn together in a hardware store. Alex and Jackson aren’t looking for anything more than home improvement products when they stumbled across each over but the instant draw they experience makes them both want more.
This book ends abruptly, like a cliff hanger. I wanted more of these characters. I hope they get another book.
This book ends abruptly, like a cliff hanger. I wanted more of these characters. I hope they get another book.
July 3, 2023
Unfinished story in need of an editor
It’s a sweet story about a first meeting. There is no romance, just potential. The spelling and grammar errors make it hard to read, and then to come to the end, only to be left hanging, just adds to the frustration.
It’s a sweet story about a first meeting. There is no romance, just potential. The spelling and grammar errors make it hard to read, and then to come to the end, only to be left hanging, just adds to the frustration.
January 15, 2024
This is no “MM Romance”, this an MM Scene at best 🥲. I’ve read small books/novellas but this was just one scene and there’s no “romance”. It’s literally just a meet cute 😅😅. Hopefully this author gives Alex and Jack their story as they really didn’t get a chance of it 🥲🥲🥲.
August 4, 2024
Loved it
I went into this story blind and was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved this story and how I wish it was longer than it is. The narrator did an amazing job voicing both men in this story. I will definitely be listening to this one again when I want a quick listen.
I went into this story blind and was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved this story and how I wish it was longer than it is. The narrator did an amazing job voicing both men in this story. I will definitely be listening to this one again when I want a quick listen.
June 18, 2023
This sweet PG15 small-town second-chance MM meet-cute takes less than two hours to read. I had an ARC via Kindle and this is my voluntary review.
June 22, 2023
This is such a cute, sweet book. Jackson and Alex meet at a hardware store after they both experience bad break ups. Jack is new in town after moving away from his ex. Alex is the hot baker and after catching his fiancé, and now ex best friend in a compromising situation is not looking for a relationship. That is, until he met Jack in the hardware store.
June 26, 2023
Cute
This was a sweet little story that kept a smile on my face the whole time I read it. Wish there was more though.
This was a sweet little story that kept a smile on my face the whole time I read it. Wish there was more though.
June 28, 2023
Very short, like very.
August 8, 2023
Proofreader needed. Too painful to read.
June 22, 2023
Short, sweet novella.
A chance meeting in a hardware store brings two souls together. They aren't looking for love, but you never know when Cupid will strike.
I do wish it was longer, I need their first date and their first everything really, lol
A chance meeting in a hardware store brings two souls together. They aren't looking for love, but you never know when Cupid will strike.
I do wish it was longer, I need their first date and their first everything really, lol
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews