The Recommended Reading Order for Saints of Denver
The best way to read the Saints of Denver series is in its publication order, which also matches its chronological order. Because the characters' lives intersect and the background events build on top of each other, following the timeline as Jay Crownover released it provides the most cohesive reading experience.
- Leveled (2015) — This prequel novella acts as Book 0.5. It follows Orlando "Lando" Frederick and police officer Dominic Voss as they find an unexpected connection amidst past grief.
- Built (2016) — Book 1 features Sayer Cole, a reserved lawyer haunted by an emotionally abusive past, and Zeb Fuller, a rugged ex-con turned contractor.
- Charged (2016) — Book 2 centers on Avett Walker, a woman facing serious legal trouble, and Quaid Jackson, the straight-laced defense attorney hired to save her.
- Riveted (2017) — Book 3 highlights the slow-burn romance between bubbly bartender Dixie Carmichael and brooding, battle-scarred former soldier Dash "Church" Churchill.
- Salvaged (2017) — Book 4 completes the series with a healing journey between car mechanic Hudson Wheeler and Poppy Cruz, a resilient survivor of severe domestic abuse.
Understanding the Connection to the Marked Men Series
While the Saints of Denver series stands on its own, it is a direct spin-off of Jay Crownover's popular Marked Men series. Reading the Marked Men books first is highly recommended for the best experience. The characters in Saints of Denver are secondary figures or relatives of the protagonists from the parent series:
- Orlando Frederick (from Leveled) has a deep backstory tied to Remy Archer from the Marked Men book Rule, while Dominic Voss is partners with Royal.
- Sayer Cole (from Built) is the half-sister of Rowdy St. James, a central character in Marked Men.
- Avett Walker (from Charged) is the sister of Asa Cross, whose story is told in the sixth Marked Men book, Asa.
- Dixie Carmichael and Hudson Wheeler both appear as recurring local community figures in the Marked Men social circle before getting their own dedicated stories.
What to Know Before You Start
Saints of Denver features Jay Crownover's signature style: flawed heroes, resilient heroines, heavy tattoo culture, and emotional intensity. However, readers should be prepared for heavy themes. The stories deal with characters overcoming trauma, including domestic abuse (Poppy's arc in Salvaged), past incarceration (Zeb in Built), and PTSD (Church in Riveted). Additionally, Leveled is a male-male (M/M) romance, adding diverse representation to the series' overarching focus on chosen family and second chances.