Leveled: A Sentient Object Romance

by C.D. Reiss

THE SECOND TOOLBOX BOOK!

My screwdriver turned into a real live man while I was using it to… satisfy myself. You can’t blame me for thinking nothing weirder would ever happen to me.

Complete failure of imagination.

I didn’t believe Caspian (my screwdriver has a name) when he told me there was also a guy (named Tony, for real) in my level.

And sure, I’d love to meet him but the good Lord didn’t give me anything that fits a tool shaped like that. Sorry, Tony.

Except—one problem. We really do need Tony’s particular skill set.

But even solving for the square-peg-round-slot problem, we discover we have to keep it level—literally to the surface of the Earth—as the deed is being done.

Which uncovers the second problem… we’re on a boat.

149 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2026

About the author

CD Reiss is a New York Times bestselling author. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets.

Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.

She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.

If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.

***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***

Reviews

[warhawke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Type: Book 2 of A Sentient Object Romance
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
2.75 Stars



Julia Porter couldn’t seem to catch a break. After the disaster with her last client, she was desperate for cash. Caspian believed his friend Tony could help with the situation. The problem was, they had to figure out how to bring him out of his level form.



Tony was gentle and sweet, and he was willing to find ways to solve their problem. Julia didn’t stand out and felt more like a useless tool to me.

The first half was a struggle for me to get into, even with the minimal plot. Thankfully, the pace picked up a bit with a certain scene that added some excitement.

Leveled is a story of desperation and resourcefulness. It is the second book of the series.



Books in the series:



🔨✖️🔨 . . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . 🔨✖️🔨




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[CC · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5★

With the timeline continuing without interruption, Julia Porter’s financial situation remains dire and Caspian Cavello (the screwdriver) is of the opinion that his friend and fellow tool box roomie, Tony Girardi the level, can assist in the cash flow problem.

“The bubbles had to …kinda…be in the center.”

Narrated in dual POV, there seemed to a good amount of back and forth without Julia, Caspian or Tony gaining much progress. Though, the standout scene was when Tony actually appeared. I am interested reading the next book, but definitely need to see a better developed plot.


*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*


For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Karen_Lee_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leveled: A Sentient Object Romance
by C.D. Reiss

Well one could say I’ve been Screwed and now they can say I’ve been Leveled!

What I really have been is in awe of the fact that this author has the ability to take
Sentient Objects and write a book that makes you laugh, smile, and start looking for
crows and the Montefiores.

A hex, a curse made by a Strega put four men Caspian, Tony, Giancarlo and Enzo inside a tool box - a screwdriver, a level, a hammer and a chisel. While it appears Caspian and Tony have figured out how to break the hex, it’s Julia who thinks she might have figured out how to keep them human once they “appear”.

Julia and Tonya with Caspian and Dan and now Tony are on the run from that crazy person Jaeger Duke. And they really aren’t on the run as much as on a boat and they really need some money because Jaeger Duke is on their heals.

Honestly, the Tool humor runs high, the spice runs higher and there is two more tools that need to *poof* appear

Leveled is a quick read, that has our now five main characters running around Newport Beach Marina, and just when you think things could get better, they might actually get worse because some guy is looking to take a cut of the money they made. He likes to use the word “Capeesh!” and that brings thoughts of the Montefiores showing up again!

This is a five star read because it was fun, it had the Mob and the characters are wonderful.

[Shel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun trip to the toolbox!

Tony is level. Seriously level and a bit OCD. Buy he is the money guy and they need him.

This wavy trip turns into a fun romp with Julia and Tonya trying to stay afloat while Julia is also trying to break a curse.

Enter another bad guy that threatens them and it makes for some jittery, off the wall actions.

There's another little cliffhanger so we must wait for Hammered to see how they all handle this. 😊

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is just something about this series that I cannot get enough of! I mean, we are only two books in, but these characters, and the situations they end up in, are so interesting. Far-fetched, of course; Intriguing, absolutely; Endearing, why yes they all are. I cannot wait to see what happens next, and who gets out of the toolbox!!!

[Tamara Rolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good, fun and spicy novella and CD Reiss delivered with Leveled, book 2 in her Toolbox series. Julia and her tools turned men get into some wild situations but they’re having a lot of fun getting out of it. Can’t wait to read the next installment in the series-Enzo the hammer sounds like he’s going to take the shenanigans to a whole new level.

[Marie Blackwelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok but seriously…. If you didn’t already swoon over Caspian let me intro you to Tony… he’s sweet with OCD tendencies and a sharp mind… plus he has those slutty little glasses that every gal loves!

Julia just can’t seem to catch a break though… and as there is no upcoming date for hammered…. We will wait… until the CD sentient journey can continue!!!

[Brooke · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I didn't know how to rate this. It was weird like the first book but Tony was an enigma. He was strong when he needed to be and willing to retreat when he knew they wouldn't win. That's mainly when the Gerry guy showed his true colors. Caspian was a screwdriver again in this one for part of it. I wish I could figure out what was making the curse flip flop. I hope we don't have to wait until June for Lorenzo's book.

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m gonna level with you, this is such a good time. I’m honestly shocked still at how deep this mafia lore and plot goes in these.

[Jes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild in the best ways

We get to meet Tony. Who knew that a guy who cooks the books could be so resourceful? CD Reiss, please don’t make us wait so long for the next installment!