Step into the steamy, heartfelt world of Saints of Denver, where tattooed bad boys and resilient heroines collide in a whirlwind of romance and redemption! Penned by New York Times bestselling author Jay Crownover, this contemporary romance series is a sizzling spin-off from her beloved Marked Men books. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Denver, Colorado, Saints of Denver weaves tales of love, second chances, and personal growth that keep readers hooked.
With its mix of emotional depth and electrifying chemistry, this four-book series, published between 2016 and 2017, follows a cast of complex characters as they navigate their pasts to find their happily-ever-afters. Whether you’re a romance aficionado or new to Crownover’s world, Saints of Denver promises a rollercoaster of feels!
How Saints of Denver Began
Jay Crownover, a Colorado native with a passion for tattoos and music, crafted Saints of Denver as a natural extension of her Marked Men series. After fans fell in love with the gritty, inked-up characters of Marked Men, Crownover saw an opportunity to dive deeper into the lives of secondary characters who deserved their own stories. Inspired by Denver’s eclectic culture and her own love for writing flawed yet relatable heroes, she launched the series with a novella, Leveled, in 2015, setting the stage for a new romantic saga.
Crownover’s goal was to blend the raw intensity of her earlier work with fresh narratives, focusing on characters who rebuild their lives through love. Her signature style—steamy, character-driven plots with a touch of suspense—shines through, making Saints of Denver a fan favorite from the start.
The Heart of Saints of Denver
The series kicks off with Built, where Zeb Fuller, a rugged ex-con turned contractor, falls for Sayer Cole, a reserved lawyer haunted by her emotionally abusive past. Their opposites-attract romance sets the tone for the series, blending heartwarming moments with steamy encounters. Charged follows Avett Walker, a troublemaker with a knack for bad decisions, and Quaid Jackson, a slick lawyer who helps her find redemption amidst danger.
Riveted explores the slow-burn love between Dixie Carmichael, a bubbly bartender, and Dash Churchill, a brooding former soldier, while Salvaged, the series finale, delivers a powerful story of healing as Hudson Wheeler, a kind-hearted mechanic, helps abuse survivor Poppy Cruz reclaim her strength. Themes of redemption, acceptance, and chosen family run deep, with Denver’s urban landscape—think tattoo parlors, bars, and construction sites—serving as a gritty, authentic setting. Crownover’s alternating first-person perspectives and vivid dialogue bring each couple’s journey to life, making every book a standalone yet interconnected gem.
Why Saints of Denver Resonates
Saints of Denver has carved a niche in contemporary romance for its raw honesty and relatable characters. Fans praise Crownover’s ability to craft heroes who are tough yet tender, and heroines who are strong despite their scars. The series’ focus on overcoming trauma and embracing second chances resonates with readers seeking stories that balance heat with heart. Its diverse cast, including a male-male romance in Leveled, adds inclusivity, broadening its appeal.
With thousands of Goodreads reviews averaging around 4 stars, the series has solidified Crownover’s status as a romance powerhouse. Its lasting appeal lies in its universal themes—love conquers all, and everyone deserves a fresh start—making it a go-to for readers craving emotional, sexy escapes.
- Publication Years: 2015–2017
- Number of Books: 4 novels, 1 novella
- Genre: Contemporary Romance
- Setting: Denver, Colorado
Ready to fall in love with Denver’s sexiest saints? Grab Built and dive into Jay Crownover’s irresistible world of romance and redemption!