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Leveled
I’ve become a Vegas cliché.
Woke up next to a strange man? Check.
Wicked hangover? Check.
Small boulder of a diamond on my left ring finger? Also, check.
I’ve never been known for my excellence in decision making. However, this one decision may take the cake. I’ve somehow ended up married to Everett Brown, the world renowned woodworker notorious for being a reclusive grump. That reclusive grump is also tall, dark and handsome as hell.
After Everett’s agent calls congratulating him on his nuptials, and talking about how amazing it will look for the upcoming media showcase on him, I realize we need to stay married and live together. At least for the next few weeks anyways. Now I have to continue running the family hardware store while also playing the role of blissful newlywed. I’ve never been married before, but I’ve got this. Marriage can’t be that hard—right?
Woke up next to a strange man? Check.
Wicked hangover? Check.
Small boulder of a diamond on my left ring finger? Also, check.
I’ve never been known for my excellence in decision making. However, this one decision may take the cake. I’ve somehow ended up married to Everett Brown, the world renowned woodworker notorious for being a reclusive grump. That reclusive grump is also tall, dark and handsome as hell.
After Everett’s agent calls congratulating him on his nuptials, and talking about how amazing it will look for the upcoming media showcase on him, I realize we need to stay married and live together. At least for the next few weeks anyways. Now I have to continue running the family hardware store while also playing the role of blissful newlywed. I’ve never been married before, but I’ve got this. Marriage can’t be that hard—right?
- GenresRomance
Unknown Binding
Published June 19, 2020
39 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Evie Graham
5 books73 followersEvie Graham believes you can do all things with either food smothered in blue cheese dressing, earl gray tea or the right bourbon - especially the bourbon. She's a huge fan of all Boston sports teams, and lives for firing up the Duck Boats. Well known in her family for being a notorious bookworm and reading everything she could get her hands on, her love affair with romance started early. Evie lives on the lakeshores of New England with her husband, two kids and one grumpy old cat.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 26, 2020
Evie Graham's second book Leveled is another hit. This story reads as a complete standalone although there is some cross-over with characters from the first book in the Lilac Harbor series. The story line, the setting and the characters are all amazing and I absolutely adored everything about this book!
Graham's writing is totally on point. She hooked me from the very start and kept me coming back for me. If I didn't have to go to work, I certainly would've finished this book in one sitting!
Mac and Everett were unique and quirky. Mac was just the right amount of "too much"--- I loved her! And big, sexy Everett.....man I would love to climb him like a tree! Together, they made a dynamic couple. I really loved their connection and how they embraced one another and their situation. Their relationship was really fun to watch as it developed.
Leveled with take you on a journey full of love and laughter. It's not all sunshine and roses but Mac and Everett falling in love is worth the ride. I can't wait to see who Graham writes about next! 5 stars
Graham's writing is totally on point. She hooked me from the very start and kept me coming back for me. If I didn't have to go to work, I certainly would've finished this book in one sitting!
Mac and Everett were unique and quirky. Mac was just the right amount of "too much"--- I loved her! And big, sexy Everett.....man I would love to climb him like a tree! Together, they made a dynamic couple. I really loved their connection and how they embraced one another and their situation. Their relationship was really fun to watch as it developed.
Leveled with take you on a journey full of love and laughter. It's not all sunshine and roses but Mac and Everett falling in love is worth the ride. I can't wait to see who Graham writes about next! 5 stars
June 21, 2020
One quiet Sunday morning, I woke up while my family was sleeping, curled up on this couch, and devoured this book in one sitting. What was described as a rom-com following a Vegas wedding, actually turned out to be all that and more.
Mackenzie Davis, hardware store owner and all around quirky individual with a fierce love of food meets Everett Brown, furniture design extraordinaire in Vegas. They end up married and it is quickly determined that in the interest of good publicity, they need to stay married.
Now let me tell you what I was not prepared for. I was not prepared for the sheer emotional investment I found in making sure these characters found their happy ending. I was also not prepared for the amount of tears, both happy and sad, I cried reading this book.
This was a fantastic read that won’t leave you feeling disappointed.
I was a lucky duck and received an ARC for an honest review of this book.
Mackenzie Davis, hardware store owner and all around quirky individual with a fierce love of food meets Everett Brown, furniture design extraordinaire in Vegas. They end up married and it is quickly determined that in the interest of good publicity, they need to stay married.
Now let me tell you what I was not prepared for. I was not prepared for the sheer emotional investment I found in making sure these characters found their happy ending. I was also not prepared for the amount of tears, both happy and sad, I cried reading this book.
This was a fantastic read that won’t leave you feeling disappointed.
I was a lucky duck and received an ARC for an honest review of this book.
June 25, 2020
This is an ARC review. All opinions are solely my own.
Leveled by Evie Graham is book 2 of the Lilac Harbor series. This book is part of a series but could be read as a stand alone. There are cross over characters but their background from the previous book is explained.
Mac and Everett were destined to meet. She's the owner of a local hardware store. He's the reclusive woodworker. They didn't think they'd wake up married in Vegas. They decide to keep the marriage going to help his career. The rest is a funny and sweet trip.
I loved catching up with the characters from the previous book. I can't wait to see which characters Evie Graham graces us with next.
Leveled by Evie Graham is book 2 of the Lilac Harbor series. This book is part of a series but could be read as a stand alone. There are cross over characters but their background from the previous book is explained.
Mac and Everett were destined to meet. She's the owner of a local hardware store. He's the reclusive woodworker. They didn't think they'd wake up married in Vegas. They decide to keep the marriage going to help his career. The rest is a funny and sweet trip.
I loved catching up with the characters from the previous book. I can't wait to see which characters Evie Graham graces us with next.
June 28, 2020
This was really cute! This is the second book of the Lilac Harbor series but it could easily be read as a stand-alone. Grumpy hero, Everett and quirky and adorable, Mac wake up together hungover in Vegas and find that (oops!) they got married last night. They decide to continue the marriage for just a bit longer to help with an magazine interview that's coming up for Everett. Let the fun, sweet, romantic shenanigans commence! I enjoyed this quite a lot and look forward to more from this author.
March 22, 2021
Loved this SO much!!!
I absolutely loved this book!! I usually don’t like accidental marriage romances because they usually start out with the heroine freaking out and over reacting and the hero has to worm his way into her heart. But that’s not how this book went at all.
I loved both Everett and Mac, but Mac totally made this book an absolute joy. She might be my all time favorite heroine. She was gorgeous but she was also hilarious, giving, and so laid back. She wasn’t constantly over analyzing everything—she just followed her gut and had fun. Instead of freaking out about being married, she decided to just make the most of it—since they decide to stay married for a bit to help out Everett’s public image.
Everett was a gorgeous lumberjack kind of guy, but he was the polar opposite of Mac. He was a quiet recluse, while she was kind of wild and totally outspoken. But she was hysterical. They were fantastic together and didn’t fight their attraction for each other at all. I loved the way their relationship evolved. They were just so good together and so funny.
(Spoilers ahead)
Of course when things start to get really intense between them, Everett freaks out and the scene that plays out between them at the restaurant was truly gut wrenching and heartbreaking. Especially when Mac could sense what was happening and she still laid out her heart to him and he broke it anyway.
Everett needs to work some things but they get their HEA and I absolutely loved it!!
I absolutely loved this book!! I usually don’t like accidental marriage romances because they usually start out with the heroine freaking out and over reacting and the hero has to worm his way into her heart. But that’s not how this book went at all.
I loved both Everett and Mac, but Mac totally made this book an absolute joy. She might be my all time favorite heroine. She was gorgeous but she was also hilarious, giving, and so laid back. She wasn’t constantly over analyzing everything—she just followed her gut and had fun. Instead of freaking out about being married, she decided to just make the most of it—since they decide to stay married for a bit to help out Everett’s public image.
Everett was a gorgeous lumberjack kind of guy, but he was the polar opposite of Mac. He was a quiet recluse, while she was kind of wild and totally outspoken. But she was hysterical. They were fantastic together and didn’t fight their attraction for each other at all. I loved the way their relationship evolved. They were just so good together and so funny.
(Spoilers ahead)
Of course when things start to get really intense between them, Everett freaks out and the scene that plays out between them at the restaurant was truly gut wrenching and heartbreaking. Especially when Mac could sense what was happening and she still laid out her heart to him and he broke it anyway.
Everett needs to work some things but they get their HEA and I absolutely loved it!!
June 22, 2020
Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. The second book of the Lilac Harbor series that reads as a standalone; however, if you read the first book, you'll see the same characters interacting with the main characters. Everett and Mackenzie (Mac for short) are a different type of couple and it's a little hard to describe why, but I loved everything about them. Both Mac and Everett are quirky, Mac marching to the beat of her own drum, and Everett who is the brooding artist who is essentially living the life of a hermit. They balance each other out and accept each other as they are, and that easiness between them definitely comes through.
Most book involving drunken nuptials, once the newlyweds wake up and realize what happened, chaos ensues. The author had the opportunity to have a melodramatic over the top scene, which is what a reader would typically expect in this situation, but no, the author took it in the opposite direction and it was delightful. This story could have been filled with angst, but it wasn't, don't worry there is some. You definitely get all of the feels with this story, but the highs and lows weren't so steep and it was refreshing. I'm definitely excited for Madeline's story, which I'm hoping will be the third book in the series.
Most book involving drunken nuptials, once the newlyweds wake up and realize what happened, chaos ensues. The author had the opportunity to have a melodramatic over the top scene, which is what a reader would typically expect in this situation, but no, the author took it in the opposite direction and it was delightful. This story could have been filled with angst, but it wasn't, don't worry there is some. You definitely get all of the feels with this story, but the highs and lows weren't so steep and it was refreshing. I'm definitely excited for Madeline's story, which I'm hoping will be the third book in the series.
June 23, 2020
I adore a Waking up Married trope and this one was an absolute delight to read!
Like so many written before it, we have the hungover grumblings from Mackenzie 'Mac' Davis and the rather large lumberjack-looking guy in her bed, also known as her new husband furniture maker Everett Brown starting us off.
What was a surprising delight was the way Mac dealt with the whole accidental marriage. Not your usual whiny wife who immediately wants to divorce the stranger, Mac is sarcastic and I freakin' loved her! Prodding the big guy whilst still naked, flashing off her new jewelry to prove their nuptials, and agreeing to hang out with him and stay married to help out with an article he's about to be featured in.
Who wouldn't want to hang out with the big hottie for a few more days?!
Everett isn't very fond of people. But the pixie he woke next to has a certain charm about her that has him smiling far more often than he ever has.
I loved this. These guys are perfect together and I will always want more of them I just know it! Ideal amount of heart-punching while Everett gets his head out of his ass! You nailed this one Ms Graham!
Like so many written before it, we have the hungover grumblings from Mackenzie 'Mac' Davis and the rather large lumberjack-looking guy in her bed, also known as her new husband furniture maker Everett Brown starting us off.
What was a surprising delight was the way Mac dealt with the whole accidental marriage. Not your usual whiny wife who immediately wants to divorce the stranger, Mac is sarcastic and I freakin' loved her! Prodding the big guy whilst still naked, flashing off her new jewelry to prove their nuptials, and agreeing to hang out with him and stay married to help out with an article he's about to be featured in.
Who wouldn't want to hang out with the big hottie for a few more days?!
Everett isn't very fond of people. But the pixie he woke next to has a certain charm about her that has him smiling far more often than he ever has.
I loved this. These guys are perfect together and I will always want more of them I just know it! Ideal amount of heart-punching while Everett gets his head out of his ass! You nailed this one Ms Graham!
July 2, 2020
Spoiler-free book review
Fast facts:
Dual POV
Standalone
Trope: Vegas
Main characters: Mac and Everett
Settings: Maine
This is the second book of the Lilac Harbor series, but it can be read as a standalone. Mac and Everett wake up married in Vegas without any recollection of what lead to it. It turns out they both live in neighboring towns.
Mac is a lively independent young woman who owns an runs the family hardware store. Everett is a solitary woodworker famous for his unique tables.
Only Vegas and a certain amount of alcohol could have brought them together.
I loved the first book of this series, but in this one, I had trouble entering the couple dynamic. I felt like something was missing. I needed to better understand why Everett was so reclusive or being more surprised. It’s not that I don’t like uncommunicative grumpy men, just that I need a little more background. All the right contemporary romance components were there, but I felt that the final magic touch was missing for me.
Fast facts:
Dual POV
Standalone
Trope: Vegas
Main characters: Mac and Everett
Settings: Maine
This is the second book of the Lilac Harbor series, but it can be read as a standalone. Mac and Everett wake up married in Vegas without any recollection of what lead to it. It turns out they both live in neighboring towns.
Mac is a lively independent young woman who owns an runs the family hardware store. Everett is a solitary woodworker famous for his unique tables.
Only Vegas and a certain amount of alcohol could have brought them together.
I loved the first book of this series, but in this one, I had trouble entering the couple dynamic. I felt like something was missing. I needed to better understand why Everett was so reclusive or being more surprised. It’s not that I don’t like uncommunicative grumpy men, just that I need a little more background. All the right contemporary romance components were there, but I felt that the final magic touch was missing for me.
June 21, 2020
I absolutely enjoyed this book. I love when authors keep the other characters of the series involved in each book throughout the book not just one or two chapters and Leveled brought back all the best characters from Cross-Checking and introduced some amazing new characters including Everett.
I absolutely love people like Mac who live life on their terms and no one else's. They always do what they want and take everything, even the negative things, in stride. Mac handled every major and minor life event hilariously and in her own terms including her Vegas wedding. On the other hand, Everett was very satisfied with being alone and letting in only a few close people, but I loved seeing him adapt so easily to Mac as their relationship progressed and how neither one of them expected the other to change. They loved each other for all their quirks and all which is all we ever hope for. This book was wonderful and I sincerely hope Madeline's book is next!!
I absolutely love people like Mac who live life on their terms and no one else's. They always do what they want and take everything, even the negative things, in stride. Mac handled every major and minor life event hilariously and in her own terms including her Vegas wedding. On the other hand, Everett was very satisfied with being alone and letting in only a few close people, but I loved seeing him adapt so easily to Mac as their relationship progressed and how neither one of them expected the other to change. They loved each other for all their quirks and all which is all we ever hope for. This book was wonderful and I sincerely hope Madeline's book is next!!
June 27, 2020
I am loving this series and as a reader, you can see the confidence that Ms. Graham has grown with each new story she writes.
This is the story of Mac and Everett and what a funny, steamy, and fabulously quirky story it is!
Mackenzie is such a quirky gal and I absolutely loved this character! She is bold, brash, and funny as all get out! She is a tempest in a teacup and I loved how she brought color and chaos into Everett's world.
Everett is such an old soul! I loved his grumbly, hermit type attitude and I loved reading how Mac was able to bring the real Everett to the surface. He really shows his alpha side and I loved how patient he was and how he knew what Mac needed, even before she did!
I am becoming a superfan of this new author and I cannot wait to see what comes next from her!!
This is the story of Mac and Everett and what a funny, steamy, and fabulously quirky story it is!
Mackenzie is such a quirky gal and I absolutely loved this character! She is bold, brash, and funny as all get out! She is a tempest in a teacup and I loved how she brought color and chaos into Everett's world.
Everett is such an old soul! I loved his grumbly, hermit type attitude and I loved reading how Mac was able to bring the real Everett to the surface. He really shows his alpha side and I loved how patient he was and how he knew what Mac needed, even before she did!
I am becoming a superfan of this new author and I cannot wait to see what comes next from her!!
June 30, 2020
Though this is the second book in the Lilac Harbor series, it can be read as a stand-alone. The story is about Mackenzie “Mac” Davis and Everett Brown. From the first moment she called him “Lumberjack” until the very last page, the author had me hooked. Circumstances brought them together from the start, but their palpable chemistry throughout the book made it a captivating story. Told from both their points of view, it was page worthy to read about the development of their relationship and how they influenced each other, which eventually led them to overcome their fears and address their mutual feelings. I enjoyed the first book in the series, Cross-Checking, but Leveled has me addicted to this series. I am looking forward to the next Lilac Harbor story.
December 27, 2022
Most Leveled Couple 🤭❤❤
I absolutely love this story! I was hooked from the first page. Mac is the girl friend I need. She is smart, loud, fun,and hilarious. She is so pretty from inside and out. Mac made me fall in love with her from the beginning of the book. She is the best for Everett. Everett is reclusive. He is big guy, smart, don't like crowds and quiet. He is a man with few words but growls all the time. He do not like people in his space. Mac is the best for him. I love these two and their journey to their happy ever after. This is my first time reading from Evie catalog of books. I'm so happy I read this book because it gave me all the feels. Now I want to read more. Amazing work Evie Graham! You got yourself another fan in the making.🥰
I absolutely love this story! I was hooked from the first page. Mac is the girl friend I need. She is smart, loud, fun,and hilarious. She is so pretty from inside and out. Mac made me fall in love with her from the beginning of the book. She is the best for Everett. Everett is reclusive. He is big guy, smart, don't like crowds and quiet. He is a man with few words but growls all the time. He do not like people in his space. Mac is the best for him. I love these two and their journey to their happy ever after. This is my first time reading from Evie catalog of books. I'm so happy I read this book because it gave me all the feels. Now I want to read more. Amazing work Evie Graham! You got yourself another fan in the making.🥰
July 14, 2020
I am becoming such a huge fan of this author. In this second book we meet a grouchy, reclusive wood worker who just want to make his beautiful art pieces and be left alone; and a gregarious, quirky, easy going hardware store owner. These two wake up married in Las Vegas with vague recollection of the previous night. From that point on it's a delightful ride on this roller coaster of them trying to navigate this unusual marriage. This book is funny, sweet, sexy, and heartwarming. These characters are so endearing that you can't help but love them. It's one of those books that you just feel good and happy after you read it. I definitely recommend this book and this author.
July 21, 2020
I really liked both Mackenzie and Everett. This was my first Evie Graham read - I didn't read her first Lilac Harbor book. She did a great job writing both characters. They were different from others I've read - and I've read A LOT of contemporary romance novels. I felt like Mackenzie was more realistic than other female lead characters and that was a nice change.
I got to a point where I went, 'oh no' and felt I was heading down a very predictable ending but it wasn't as predictable as I expected and I was pleased with the outcome. This was a good read. I recommend it. I don't think you need to read #1.
I got to a point where I went, 'oh no' and felt I was heading down a very predictable ending but it wasn't as predictable as I expected and I was pleased with the outcome. This was a good read. I recommend it. I don't think you need to read #1.
July 13, 2020
A coincidence romance, Vegas Style. Not usually a fan of strangers falling into bed romances but the author makes this work with humor and two adults acting like adults. A growly alpha who prefers solitude and a feisty strong female who likes that growly man. A romantic at heart, I want the story to begin when the characters meet or at least a flashback to the event. So my only criticism is more my preference than a critique of the author’s writing style. I wanted the banter that led up to the big event. Humor spiced with sexy banter will keep me coming back to this author as a new favorite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2021
Great couple
Imagine waking up in. Evasive with a massive hangover, a stranger in bed with you, and a wedding ring on your finger! Mackenzie (Mac) and Everett are that couple. Opposites in every way. Everett is quiet, controlled and organized and Mac is not.
This story is humorous and not a lot of drama. Interesting and entertaining characters. I really liked this story and these characters were very easy to like.
This is the second book in the series and i believe there will be a couple more books.
Imagine waking up in. Evasive with a massive hangover, a stranger in bed with you, and a wedding ring on your finger! Mackenzie (Mac) and Everett are that couple. Opposites in every way. Everett is quiet, controlled and organized and Mac is not.
This story is humorous and not a lot of drama. Interesting and entertaining characters. I really liked this story and these characters were very easy to like.
This is the second book in the series and i believe there will be a couple more books.
June 29, 2020
What happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas...
Are you a fan of grumpy/growly men? Sassy heroines? Steam? Laugh out loud moments? Then this book is for you. There were moments when I legit laughed out loud, then before I knew it was swooning over Everett. And as for Mac? She's a heroine you won't soon forget.
Five stars!
Are you a fan of grumpy/growly men? Sassy heroines? Steam? Laugh out loud moments? Then this book is for you. There were moments when I legit laughed out loud, then before I knew it was swooning over Everett. And as for Mac? She's a heroine you won't soon forget.
Five stars!
July 15, 2020
On Point, the witty banter between the two love birds is real life. Mac is super strong and independent and knows who she is and that won't change. Everett is a man with layers and Mac gets under them. You can feel all the emotions and just get sucked into this little notch of Maine off the coast. I can't wait to get lost in book number three of Lilac Harbor.
June 21, 2020
Mac and Everett wake up in Vegas married. Starts a beautiful story of
love and redemption. A wonderful
wild ride. An accidental marriage just may lead to true love and happiness.
A bumpy road but very satisfying.
I love this series.
love and redemption. A wonderful
wild ride. An accidental marriage just may lead to true love and happiness.
A bumpy road but very satisfying.
I love this series.
June 22, 2020
My goodness I am so loving this author!!!
This book was another amazing story!
Mac and Everett were like chalk and cheese but man did they work.
Such a lovely feel good story that had it all.
Cannot wait for the next one!
100% 5 star recommendation!!!!!
This book was another amazing story!
Mac and Everett were like chalk and cheese but man did they work.
Such a lovely feel good story that had it all.
Cannot wait for the next one!
100% 5 star recommendation!!!!!
June 26, 2020
So much to love in Lilac Harbor!
Great second book in this series, although definitely can be read as a standalone. Grumpy Gus (Everett) and his little Pixie (Mac) form this beautiful nontraditional love story. Plenty of heat, heart and laughs in this great read!
I received an ARC of this book and am posting my honesy review.
Great second book in this series, although definitely can be read as a standalone. Grumpy Gus (Everett) and his little Pixie (Mac) form this beautiful nontraditional love story. Plenty of heat, heart and laughs in this great read!
I received an ARC of this book and am posting my honesy review.
June 27, 2020
4 stars
This book was recommended to me and was a great introduction to this author. I will be looking for more in the future. The story had a little zaniness, humor, and great banter and was perfect for a warm summer night.
This book was recommended to me and was a great introduction to this author. I will be looking for more in the future. The story had a little zaniness, humor, and great banter and was perfect for a warm summer night.
January 23, 2022
Loved! Can't wait to read th next one in the series!
Want to read
December 20, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/20/2022)! 🎁
July 17, 2025
Made me cry, laugh, and love.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews