Landing Levi

Shore Thing #2

by Jaclyn Quinn, Kirt Graves (Narrator)

Sage Rafferty

I've wanted Levi ever since my friend Cole introduced us. When Levi moved to my hometown of Coral Pointe Inlet, I thought I finally had a chance to land the sexy, misunderstood man. After months of trying, though, it's clear he doesn't want me the way I want him. Putting some space between us is the only way to reclaim some of my dignity. I'll suffer through as many bad dates as it takes to get over the oblivious man. It's time to face the facts: He's never going to notice me when he's too busy looking at someone else.

Levi Hansen

The life I have in Coral Pointe Inlet is one I never dreamed possible, but watching one of my best friends fall in love has me questioning everything I thought I wanted. When my friends try to convince me that Sage—the sexy owner of Bluefin—has feelings for me, they have to be out of their minds, right? So, how the hell do I end up volunteering to help the man—and manage to make a complete fool of myself in the process? The answer is staring me right in the face, but is it too late to admit I've been completely Saged?

***This book picks up after the last chapter of Convincing Cole, before the epilogue. It may be read as a standalone, but it’s suggested the books be read in order as shenanigans between these five best friends begins from the start of the series.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Audiobook, Contemporary, LGBT, Queer

8 pages, Audible Audio

First published July 26, 2021

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING 4.5 STARS

Landing Levi is book two in the Shore Thing series by Jaclyn Quinn. I loved the first book in this series and have been looking forward to Levi’s story and it was amazing.

Levi Hansen and his four best friends moved to Coral Pointe a year ago and went in to business together. Levi would prefer to be behind the scenes so he handles the numbers for Coral Pointe Inn. Levi’s four best friends are his family, with his own childhood something he would rather forget.



Sage Rafferty is living his dream owning and managing his own restaurant, Bluefin, in Coral Pointe. Sage and Levi met years ago and his attraction to Levi was instant. But when Levi moved to Coral Pointe full time, he was sure he would finally get his shot. But no amount of flirting or hinting seemed to get Levi’s attention. He’d been trying for a year. Finally he convinces himself he needs to try to move on with a series of terrible dates. But at least he’s trying. No matter what, though, it’s Levi that still makes his heart do those little somersaults in his chest every time he sees him.



Levi’s friends keep telling him he is missing all of Sage’s signals, that the man is seriously crushing on him. But how could they be right? Sage is way out of his league. A man like him would never want a man like Levi, right?! But when a night that includes a little too much alcohol loosens Sage’s tongue, some secrets are revealed. Now Levi is just waiting for his chance to make Sage his. Or, did he wait too long?



I love Jaclyn’s writing. With both of these books, once her characters go in, they are all in! There is no push away, no broken hearts. It just took these two awhile to finally figure things out. Sage was definitely just what Levi needed. He gave him that sense of belonging, made him feel seen, loved, cared for. But Levi still has trouble accepting that he is good enough, that Sage will stay. Sage has no problem, though, proving just what Levi means to him.



These characters are wonderful. They made me smile, swoon, and their chemistry was crazy hot! It looks like the next book might be Ford’s book and I can’t wait to see what his story will be.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Leslie]

DNF. Time of death: 51%. Bummer in the Summer! I thought for sure I would enjoy this one more. Can’t really say why I didn’t. It just felt kind of meh. Could 💯 be my mood and wanting something a little more intense. So I’m not going to rate it because I think many would enjoy it. I’m for reals going back to my regularly scheduled Ashochist pain now. 🤣

[Megan [At The Cottage] · Rating 4 out of 5]

MM Romance
Friends to Lovers
3.5 Stars Rounded Up


REREAD via Audiobook-Kirk Graves- I don’t know why I said I preferred book one over this one when Levi is a treasure. Absolutely adored him in this book and decided to reread this series for the special novella with him and Sage to wrap up these books. During the last audible sale each book in this series was $2. Best deal ever!

***************

So, I read Convincing Cole yesterday just to read this book and I liked that one better LoL It figures. I actually thought Levi and Sage were an adorable couple but once they got together, this book kind of fizzled out. There was this unrequited type longing before they got together so I just thought there would have been more fireworks once they gave in.

Sage has had a crush on Levi since the day they met and he’s tried to get his attention in every way possible for a year but Levi is oblivious. Sage decides he can’t wait forever and starts using apps to go on dates, terrible dates that his friends always have to save him from. This is the start of how their friendship turns into more.

I’m happy I read book one because man was Levi oblivious to Sage’s flirting and it was an ongoing joke throughout the friend group in both books. The dates Sage went on were hysterical as was the banter between all the friends. Levi was an enigma. On one hand he was this shy, awkward guy (who made me laugh out loud) but underneath that he’s a snarky, sensitive and surprisingly dominant man. Levi’s backstory was a bit sad and it explained why Levi was so oblivious to Sage for so long. I just wanted to wrap him up in a hug. Once again the town people were a bit much but I’m so excited to continue this series especially because there is an enemies to lovers story brewing throughout this and those are my favorite. Looks like Ford’s story is next though and will be a second chance romance.

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Sage and Levi

I really enjoyed the first book in this series but Sage and Levi's romance was just gorgeous.

There's something really engaging about two people who've danced around each other and always thought their feelings weren't returned discovering the exact opposite.

With the same feel good beach vibes as book one, this was a great easy read where everything just nicely fell into place.

[yaishin · Rating 3 out of 5]

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you get cavities🤡.

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my review for books 1 - 4 of the Shore Thing series HERE.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should have reviewed this immediately after I read it, but I waited too long and now I don't remember the details.

All I know is that I enjoyed this more before these guys got together. It got a little sappy after they became a couple.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A beautiful story about friendship and love.
Sage gets it, he isn’t wanted, Levi has only eyes for someone else. He has to use the dating app to find the one.

The circle of friends is close, honest, and stands for each other, fiercely! They told Levi about Sage who has feelings for him. No way! And now he can’t get him out of his mind, Sage who’s dating one guy after another.

It’s a slow burn, there is so much fun and endearment. My heart!
All the fun and laughter in the bedroom were so great to watch.

Levi is vulnerable, badly hurt in his life. Every time he expects Sage to run away. Thank goodness for Sage who is over his head in love.
This story gave me goosebumps and blurry eyes.
Beautiful heartwarming moments, honestly, dedication, deep friendship, and a lot of love.
This author knows how to write about people, give characters layers, how to let them interact.
I fell in love with both men.
Wonderful story, recommendation worthy!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve wanted Levi ever since my friend Cole introduced us. When Levi moved to my hometown of Coral Pointe Inlet, I thought I finally had a chance to land the sexy, misunderstood man. After months of trying, though, it’s clear he doesn’t want me the way I want him. Putting some space between us is the only way to reclaim some of my dignity. I’ll suffer through as many bad dates as it takes to get over the oblivious man. It’s time to face the facts: He’s never going to notice me when he’s too busy looking at someone else.
Sage Rafferty is a happy, gay man living the best life while running his dream...his restaurant, Bluefin, in his hometown of Coral Pointe Inlet, Florida. Sage has lived there his whole life, and he was ecstatic when his childhood friend, Cole, returned to town a year ago. That meant Cole’s four college besties also moved to town to open their hospitality company. Finally, Levi Hansen, is around all the time, instead of only just for brief visits.

Sage first met Levi when he tagged along to Coral Pointe Inlet on trips with Cole, and Sage has been captivated by the tall, dark, broody man ever since. He has often flirted with Levi, but without much success. After a year of no progress of getting Levi’s attention, Sage is going to move on and find himself a husband. He wants a family. He'll even go on bad blind dates with men that he finds incompatible to find someone besides Levi.

Levi does like Sage...he likes him a lot. He sees Sage is smart and confident and attractive. However, Levi also believes that Sage is way out of his league. Levi’s always had a problem with connecting to people, mostly because of his childhood of the casual neglect from his self-centered single mother. Making friends with Cole and the rest of their crew was his lifeline in college, but his insecurity makes Levi a little insecure when it comes to Sage’s teasing. Levi doesn't know how to take it...and doesn't want to make any mistakes. His friends tell him to "go for it"...but just when Levi has convinced himself to ask Sage out, he learns that Sage has met a man that he seems to be compatible with. Levi is crushed...but he won’t leave a friend in need, so he pitches in at the Bluefin when Sage is short staffed due to illness....And...YEAH TEAM...they finally both connect.

This is a sweet romance, with lots of fun and flirty moments. I really enjoyed the story. I got lulled into it, even as the beginning overlaps with the time frame of the first book, Convincing Cole. Sage and Levi are great characters, with one being one "larger than life", and the other who just wants to be important to someone special. Their sweetness and their sexy times are fun and steamy. We also get to better know the other three friends. The way these characters all lean on one another was "special", for lack of a better word.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Didn’t enjoy it as much as the first and it probably would’ve been an even lower rating if I wasn’t reading this in order. I still love everyone in the group and I was happy to see Levi finally saw what was right in front of him. Wasn’t a fan of how the beginning half was them still being a little oblivious but it made sense.

Loved seeing Cole and Aiden again 🥰

Not particularly excited for Ford’s but for once I’m not gonna skip any in a series. 😵‍💫I’m off to the next one!

[Elyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely adore these characters. Levi, Sage, Cole, Aiden, Burke, Ford, Noah and Jared (even all the side characters in Coral Pointe) are lovable as heck. They’re a tight band of friends that have proven their loyalty and faithfulness to each other time and again. They’re all kind to each other, and to other people. They love with their whole hearts.

But that’s also one of my reasons why this is only 3 stars. Although I wanted to read low angst, and no drama books for a little bit as a reprieve - this was too fluffy for me. There just wasn’t anything fueling the relationship between Levi and Sage for me. They were a cute couple, but how they started and stayed together was a bit unrealistic for me. Pretty much the only way I know how to summarize this book is : Levi is oblivious to Sage crushing on him for a year, Sage moves on and tries dating, Levi comes to the rescue when Sage is understaffed, Levi and Sage make out, Levi and Sage have now been dating for two months, Levi and Sage are now in love. That’s pretty much the gist of it. Not a bad thing, but also just…not enough.

But again, that’s just me. If you love 100% fluffiness with nothing in between - you’ll absolutely love this book. You’ll most definitely love the characters.

I still look forward to the next book. Ford’s love interest isn’t one that lives in Coral Pointe, so it will be interesting to have a new character in the mix.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Levi, sweet, sweet Levi. He’s such a special guy, never having felt like enough for anyone, thanks to his horrible and selfish mother, until he met the boys. This amazing group of guy friends who love fiercely and razz each other just as hard!

“What I said earlier… You know that, right? That I’m not going anywhere? I don’t care what kind of family you have or don’t have. I don’t care if you were raised by wolves—unless you’re part werewolf, cuz that would be hot. Just sayin’.

I love this series so much, and I wasn’t disappointed for a minute with Levi and Sage. This was a lovely, mushy, perfect feel-good read. With a smidge of sadness just to make sure we get all the feels. Trust me when I say, Levi deserves to be wrapped up in a big ole blanket of love. Thankfully Sage is ready and waiting to do just that.

[ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish Levi could see himself the way Sage sees him. His self esteem is SO low. It’s brutal to read at times. It’s not surprising that Levi doesn’t believe that Sage has had a thing for him for a LONG time.

This was fairly low angst but Levi is his own worst enemy. You just want him to be happy. He figures it out. Sage is his safe place. Their chemistry is hot and I’m glad they finally got together.

My fave part wasn’t romantic in nature but when Levi has that final conversation with his mother. That was epic!

I’m really enjoying this series. I’m glad the mysterious Ford is next!

[Tare · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine. Enjoyable enough but also forgettable. I liked the MCs. Didn't really have any issues with the story but also there was just a lack of any tension so 🤷‍♀️

I am going to continue with this series though because I want to see all the friends in this group find love so I guess onto the next...

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for the series

Another series binge-read from this author.

[Marthea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yep. Ciągle leżaczek 😁🍹🌊⛱

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Levi and Sage!

I was so excited to get another book in this series! I adored book 1 and was eagerly anticipating more from this group of friends that I have grown to love. I already knew I loved Sage from book 1. He was such a spitfire--bold, energetic, deeply loved by his family and friends--and pining for Levi. Clueless Levi. My heart hurt for Levi. He had some deep insecurities he let hold him back, until he let his guard down and let himself be Saged! 
This took a bit to get going for me, I wanted Sage and Levi to connect a little more in the beginning instead of dancing around things. But once they did, the book totally sucked me in.  It was so satisfying to see Levi build his confidence and start to believe in his worth.  His connection with Sage shook something loose that his four best friends have been trying to convince him of for years.  The relationship that followed was so swoony, so sexy, and so heartwarming.
I am really enjoying this series. The author has me totally in love with these 5 BFFs as they each find their HEA. The interactions between them, the love and care they show for one another, the dialogue between them all--so enjoyable to read and gives me all the feelings! I cannot wait for book 3!

[Liya · Rating 3 out of 5]

~ 2.5 - Summer boredom
Sage was pining for Levi for a year while Levi was completely oblivious to it. And just when Sage decided to move on from his crush, Levi's friends finally pointed out to him that Sage was into him. And now he is interested. But Sage tries dating other people - unsuccessfully - he is still hung up on Levi. And Levi is sure he lost his chance. And this continues for half of the book. Maybe it wouldn't be that bad if this time was used to showcase their friendship but it was too much info about Sage's restaurant, constant pining and inner monologs on how great the other is and what if. I wanted to scream at both. Less on Sage - at least he had a year of unsuccessful flirting as an excuse, but Levi didn't even try. I get he was insecure but by 50% mark I was frustrated and bored.
Then they got together and it didn't improve much. Still lots of inner monologs plus time spent surrounded by other people. Sage's sister and her kids, Levi's friends, Sage's family, restaurant's workers, nosy town folks. Time alone was mostly sex and one conversation. And Levi thought too much during sex. I just couldn't get into their romance, there wasn't anything bad per se but nothing that would make it special either.
The only thing I truly liked were Levi's friends and the relationships between the 5 of them. I love found families and this series is a wonderful example of one. Despite the disappointment of this book I'm interested enough in Ford, Burke and Noah to give a try to their stories. So rounded up.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does one wrote down what she thought about a story that has so much in common with one of the main characters??
With every page I turned I could see the resemblance between me and Levi. I too was clueless a life time ago and it brought me so much joy to see Levi getting HEA with Sage that I didn't get (don't worry my life turned out great too).

They were so different but somehow made perfect sense. Sage was the outgoing, loud speak you mind kinda guy while Levi is the quite, absorbing and as his friends put it logical one. I'll finish this off by saying while I loved the physical aspect of their relationship what I loved the most was the growth they experienced while being together.

And now the dreaded wait for the next book because I have a feeling Ford will turn out to be my favorite.

[TeeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This was so adorable and sweet. But also frustrating. Sage and Levi took a long time to get themselves together and have a conversation. They both had their issues, especially Levi. I just wanted to give him a hug so badly. I will say that once they finally had a chat and officially got together, it was so satisfying. I was cheering for them. I was so happy for Levi, and practically outwardly cheered for him when he finally confronted his mother. She's horrible and sweet Levi deserves so much better. I love the found family we have at Coral Pointe. It just felt so cozy. So far, I think Sage is my favorite character. I loved him as a side character in book one, so it was nice getting more one on one time with him in his own book. All in all, this was a fun and easy read that I quite enjoyed.

[Earlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being Saged

What a lovely read. The connection was there once Levi woke up.
This was a fun easy read. The characters, the story line
this a happy read.
Cannot be read as a standalone. Flowed with the first book.
Looking forward to the third

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Landing Levi is a delightful friends to lovers romance by Jaclyn Quinn. The second book in the Shore Thing series, it's best read in order.

Gah! I adore these men. Poor Levi just can't see himself in a good light. He's low on self esteem, but Sage definitely is the one to help him with that. Levi was so clueless about Sage's feelings for him. You can't help but to root for these two. And you can't help but to root for Levi to believe in himself.

This is a story of two parts. First is the pining. And then comes the two trying to navigate their path from friends to lovers. Both parts are full of emotion and wonderfully done. Seriously, the emotions jump off the pages for sure.

Their story has some great humor and plenty of laughs. And damn, it's smoking hot.

I love stories with groups of friends, and this one has just that. But it was a little tough for me at times since I can't remember all the details of the previous book. There's a large group of friends and families who add greatly to the story. But it helps to have the backgrounds fresh in your mind.

Oh god, I can't wait for Ford's story. The set up is intriguing. Can't wait.

Landing Levi is a fabulous addition to this series. Be sure to check out this Jaclyn Quinn tale the next time you're in the mood for a sweet friends to lovers romance.

[therese ˃ᴗ˂ · Rating 3 out of 5]

probably wont read the next book. this was so underwhelming and levi is such a meh character. the sex... so boring.. conversation so boring. sage deserves better. just waiting for burke's book then im done.

[Sarah C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to Lovers is one of my favorite tropes. I love seeing it done again and again and this book? It delivered. The second book in Quinn's Shore Thing series is a beautiful follow up to Convincing Cole. It delves further into the wonderful friendship between the five boys who lead this series and it builds up even more of the universe of Coral Pointe. It also has some beautiful things to say about self-esteem and the effects of a neglectful parent.

So let's dive in.

Sage has had a thing for Levi ever since Levi first arrived to town. He's made passes. He's made flirty comments. He's done almost everything short of dancing the can can naked to get Levi's attention. After so many years of trying, he gives up and decides to go on dates. The problem that we, the readers, get to see that Sage doesn't is that Levi never thinks he's serious. Because Levi doesn't think he's good enough to attract someone as himself as Sage.

However through a series of bad first dates, Sage and Levi begin to get closer and Levi starts to realize that there is more to Sage. That he might actually like Sage. He doesn't fully realize it, nor does he realize those feelings might have been reciprocated, until his friends literally beat him over the head with the truth stick. From there, there are a few miscommunications but by the time Sage and Levi finally get things together, its beautiful.

They understand one another so well. The foundation of friendship that they're building on makes things stronger. Sage makes Levi stronger in a lot of ways and Levi makes Sage happy, makes Sage realize he can have the life that he wants. Which the life he wants is white picket fence, husband, children, the whole nine yards.

This is a light beach read with low angst and some good heat. It is a love story, yes, but at its core it is also the story of friendship and of how found family can be more meaningful than the family you're born into. So really, it hits two of my tropes: friends to lovers and chosen family.

I eagerly await book three and the next set of antics.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Levi & Sage

I really enjoyed Levi and Sage’s story. We first met them in the first book of this new series, and I immediately sensed a story there! I was excited to dive in, and both these men really endeared themselves to me right away! Sage finally felt like he needed to throw in the towel in his quest to get Levi to notice him. After not so subtle hints to Levi, Sage endured many a horrible date in trying to forget Levi. Some of those were quite humorous, needing his best friends to bail him out! Their friends finally cued Levi into the fact that Sage was only going on these horrible dates to forget him! Cue lightbulb moment for Levi! It wasn’t that Levi wasn’t interested in Sage, but that he didn’t think he was good enough. Levi had a rough go from family from the start and never felt worthy of the love he deserved. I loved how once these two got on the same page that their chemistry and connection just sparked. Sage was so good for Levi in showing him he was worthy and he was more than he thought he was. It wasn’t just Sage showing Levi he deserved more, but his best friends reminding him they were his family. Family. That’s one of the themes I love about this series, the family these friends have built around each other. I’m loving seeing how each of these friends are starting their HEAs and how their friendships are becoming stronger as they evolve. I can’t wait to see what is next from this group of friends!

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sage’s enthusiastic and effervescent personality is a great match for Levi’s more subtle humor and sweetness, and it’s easy to want the best for both of them. It’s hard to watch Sage throwing himself against the brick wall of Levi’s obliviousness, but my heart really went out to Levi, who was so convinced that Sage was out of his league that he didn’t even notice the not-so-subtle flirtation. I was a bit frustrated that Sage spent a year pining without ever explicitly *telling* Levi that he liked him, but I understand it intellectually-- taking that kind of risk and being that emotionally vulnerable is hard, especially when the dynamics of a close-knit friend group are also potentially at stake. The parts of the novel that are the two of them obliviously dancing around each other weren’t my favorite-- they’re charming enough, but the real magic comes from when they finally get on the same page, and then it’s sweetness, and heat, for days. I liked that Levi made so many strides in this novel-- toward finding a partner, toward reimagining his own worth, to himself and others, and toward removing unhealthy elements (looking at you, Levi’s awful mother). The coastal town that is the backdrop, like most of the characters that inhabit it, is a fun, quirky, and close-knit place, and I liked seeing it again. A solid installment of a really likeable series, well worth a read.

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars!

This was a good follow up to Cole’s story and I loved revisiting these five besties. I love a good found family and these best friends are everything. And hello Sage. I adored him in book one and he did not disappoint here. If you are looking for a fun, sweet, sexy read with no angst I would recommend this. Sage is bright and snarky and Levi is this precious marshmallow you want to just love

We know in the first book Sage is pinning for Levi and is not subtle about it, but Levi doesn’t understand people and is completely clueless. It also doesn’t help that he thinks he may be in love with his best friend. I liked that that was cleared up pretty quickly, but it did take a bit for Sage and Levi to get on the same page and once they did is was super sweet and sexy. I liked that the transition was smooth, but I wish there was just a bit more ache. I also loved that Sage was so solid for Levi and Levi has such a strong support in his friends but in the end Levi was the one to stand up for himself and own what he wanted.

Again, these five besties have my whole heart and I will patiently wait to see how Ford handles the potential mess he’s just made.

[Mary]

This is steamy, sweet and entertaining. Sage had been crushing on Levi for years, and practically throwing himself at him for a year, while Levi was thinking about Ford. After finally giving up on Levi, he ends up going out on a bunch of really bad dates, but then meets a guy who's pretty ok. When Levi shows concern over what Sage is doing, his friends clue him in as to the why. Levi doesn't believe them, he thinks that Sage is out of his league, and he gave up hope of them ever being a thing before it could sprout any ideas. Sage is an out and proud, bold and confident man, and Levi is not. Levi has felt unwanted by most people in his life, and he just accepts that it's because of him. When they do get together neither can believe it, and it happened so easily that they're both afraid it will end. It has some very amusing parts, some sad parts and lots of steamy parts. The storyline and characters will keep you turning the pages because you can't wait to see what comes next. I loved everything about it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.