X Marks the Spot

Silvercrest U #4

by Willow Dixon

Getting kidnapped while at a rave wasn’t on my list of things to do. Neither was finding out that the guy I was abducted with isn’t just a rival frat member, we also hooked up that night, and I had no idea who he was.

Now we’re back at school, and instead of moving on and forgetting what happened, I can’t stop thinking about it.

Or about him.

Then I’m tasked with looking into Damon to see if he’s involved in a plot to take down my frat, and the more I watch him, the more obsessed I become.

I don’t just want Damon; I want things I’ve spent years denying myself. Things no one is supposed to want. And it doesn’t take long to realize that we’re not so different after all.

I don’t understand this pull between us, but everything changes when I find out that someone is trying to kill him.

Damon is mine, and I will burn the world down to protect him.

You want him? Come and try to get him.

I f*cking dare you.

X Marks the Spot is the fourth book in a new dark romance series set at an elite, invite-only college, and is a strangers to lovers story between a man who feels like an outsider in his own life, and a rival frat member who awakens his darker side. You can expect strangers to lovers, opposites attract, a bi-awakening, stalking, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, mild CNC, primal play, dirty talk, “touch him and die” vibes, sensualism and sensory play, outdoor fun, a protective MC, morally ambiguous heroes, not-so-secret societies, and lots of spicy times that will steam up your kindle screen as these two men realize that sometimes what you need is the one thing you tell yourself you shouldn’t want.

Genres: M M Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, LGBT, College Romance, Contemporary

ebook

Expected publication February 26, 2026

About the author

What can I say about myself? It’s kind of like being the new kid in school and being asked to tell everyone a bit about yourself. Anyone else forget everything they’ve ever liked, thought of, and even their name in those moments?

A few facts about me; I’m a veteran, I’m Canadian, and I love books! I’ve been writing my own stories since I was eight and wrote my first novel at sixteen. I’m the first to admit those attempts weren’t my best work, but they started me on a journey of creating stories that has led me to fulfilling my dream of becoming an author. I’ve written and published in several genres under different names, but MM is by far my favorite, and I’m so happy to be able to share my stories with people today.

I currently live on Canada’s east coast with my kiddo and my cats. I have a shoe collecting addiction, and I enjoy taking long walks, discussions with friends, and reading anything and everything I can get my hands on.

Reviews

[369Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
We finally get Xave’s story in the 4th book!
When Xave goes to see one of his favourite DJs, he thinks he’s going to have a great time. At first, it is great! Said DJ sucks him off in a a back room, and it’s super hot. What could go wrong?
Damon hides his identity, and keeps his side gig a secret. With a dark family history, and someone seeming to be out to get him, Damon has a lot to deal with. Luckily the dark and mysterious Xave is there to keep him safe (and keep things spicy)

This book has:
-dark college romance
-CNC and other similar k*nks
-rival frat member MCs
-hidden identity
-action and finding hidden truths

This book has a lot of the elements the previous books in the series had. It’s dark and fun, and the characters have to work together to find their foes and get rid of them. The beginning of this book is fantastic, and definitely my favourite part. It starts with a bang, and really does a great job introducing Damon. He’s such a cool character, and definitely my favourite in this book!

Though book 2 is definitely still my favourite, I still had fun continuing this series. 😌

[Dee Light]

pre-read

OMG IM SO EXCITED!!! I WAS WAITING FOR XAVE TO ALSO BE PART OF THE GANG AND YESS HE BI!! Also excited for the crumbs of Jace, Jax, Myles, Felix, Killian and Shane!!!

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

X Marks The Spot
Silvercrest U book 4
Willow Dixon

Xave & Damon

This series has been incredible

I loved these two.

These two meet in a not so cute meet-cute rave / kidnapping lol

I love the mystery and intrigue this series provides along with a slowish burn relationship and perfect found family.

Their relationship felt natural.

Xave was there for Damon when I think Damln felt he had nobody in his corner.

Also, the spice was spicing. These two had chemistry and their desires matched.

I just adore all the side characters as well.

I pretty much read this in one day. The plot kept me engaged while swooning at these two falling for eachother

I can't wait to read more from this world

Wonderful book
Fantastic series

So thankful for this arc

[Flora.reads.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[sixteenpawssevenears · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️📚 Arc - Review 📚✨️


Xave & Damon



Rating: 5 ⭐️



- Stalking
- Strangers to Lovers
- Opposites Attract
- Bi- Awakening
- Forced Proximity
- Hurt/ Comfort
- "TouchHimandDie"
- Some Primal Play
- Mild CNC
- Sensualism/Sensory Play
- Outdoor and Public Fun
- A Protective MC
- Morally Ambiguous Heroes
- Not-So-Secret Societies
- High Heat
- Lots of Spicy Times






Aaaand we're back at Silvercrest University.

Well, kind of.

No worries - we're getting there 😽

It starts with a secret rave, then a kidnapping, then a obsession (mutual - mind you).

It's action-packed, spicy, I loved every second 💙

But - what I loved the most (yeah I know, maybe that seems weird, but still....) is how Xave, who was NERVER attracted to men before, just shrugs a shoulder at his attraction/ obsession with Damon and just goes with it.
No gay- panick, no second guessing.
Just - I am attracted to this person, I want him. He's a him? Dick and all? Alright, fuck if Xave cares. (Is it weird to love that??? I think not. Because this is how things SHOULD be!!!!)

Anyway.

This was a little different than the previous books, but I kind of loved it the most..?

I mean - what's not to love about both of them???

Also, all the others make an appearance from time to time, insane, a little murdery and just weird as always 💙


And that's why I really, really recommend reading the series in order, because it is very obvious that this story takes place at the same timeline as the others with some references to Jace's & Jax's books.


Read it! Read them all!!! ( Oh - and read the Legacy Mechanics Series while you're at it. If not all, at least read Off Limits - it's my favorite 🩵🩵🩵)


I always have fun at SU, and I hope you'll have some too 😽😽😽








Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Duo/ Frist Person
Breakup: No
Cheat: No

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavi and Damon are so fun together. I really enjoyed the primal play elements of their courtship. Also, the absolute best way to start a relationship is trauma bonding over being kidnapped together. One of the things I love about this series is an element of mystery to find out who is behind the bad things. Having read Willows' other books, I knew she could write, but this series really shows that she can piece together a dark mystery subplot as well. I knew I would love this book, and I really did. I also just dig murder twins no matter the series or book.

[Mirjam]

Part of the Silvercrest U dark romance series, set at an elite, invite-only college. While not necessary to read in order, doing so will most likely enhance your reading enjoyment.

[SaintDelicate _Edits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Girl, here's the thing. I've never really understood the hype around Willow's books. Yes I tried reading them but they fell flat with my taste somehow. I keep coming back though because her covers and blurbs are always bomb. I'd never get further than four chapters though, except this time.

Oh let me tell you about this time.

The arc landed in my reader, I looked at the cover and thought here we go again, then I proceeded to go through the entire first chapter with my jaw on the floor. That's how much of a surprise and good the book was, I continued on and on until I finished chapter 16 and thought to myself, "yea wow, this book is best of 2026 material." Nodding to myself and saving the rest for the next day, I tried going to sleep but I couldn't as I kept thinking about Xavier and Damon's chemistry and their people and everything else happening with and around them. So just like Xavi said 'phuck it' in chapter 16, i also said 'phuck it' with the same urgency, spun myself around and shoved the book back in my face because I didn't want to miss out on anything, not a word, not a line, not a feeling, not a scene. Because this book had it all packaged beautifully.

Every word, every line, each character was a work of well thought out and finely put together art. The locations, the scenes, literally everything gave, served and ate, with nothing mid rate. I swear on my heart!

Do you know how surprising that is, especially coming from an author you didn't expect that from. Do you know how rare it is to enjoy a book so well and wish other characters in it, like Jace and Jax and West had their own books too. Only to find out at the very end in the author's notes that they already do!!!! Then surprising yourself that you read and thoroughly enjoyed a book mid series as a proper standalone written well enough you don't suffocate on all this love the existing couples have for each other. Allowing you to enjoy it well enough you forget that it was part of an already existing interconnected series.

Now I gotta go back and read the twins books and also impatiently wait for West's book. Oh gosh, I love West, I want to baby brother the living shyness out of him, as a self proclaimed big sister.

I hope he's as sweet as Damon.

The thing that sold me about Damon was the way he gave his firsts away to Xavi, ugh, I have a thing for sweet, almost shy slutty 'virgins' going after their crushes. And I liked it even more when they get wrecked and showered with affection the way Xavi did that, each time. Oh I loved how even though they are all for CNC Xavi still wore a condom when he could've taken that him bare since him and the team had already gone through his medical results so he knew both of them were safe for that. So when they ditched them sigh swoon...I'm nothing but boneless mush because nothing in this world is as sexier as adventurous safe sex, even in make believe worlds.

And now I'm screaming, I wish I could read this book for the first time again, heaven knows I've already gone through chapters 16, 23 and 24 more than twice already in a span of 24hrs!!!!

If any of you have Willow Dixon's favor tell her, there's this one girl you know that's begging for MORE.

X Marks The Spot......right to my sweet little heart.

[Ay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

If not prey, why prey shaped?

I will keep this review shorter than I did for the ones of the previous books in this series, as I feel like I do not have much to say...

Was it a surprise to anyone that I would enjoy and love this book? I hope not. This was right up my alley and I have enjoyed other books by this author as well, mainly the first two books in this series. And that is also my biggest complaint? I feel like Xavier was way too similar to all the other Hawthrones. I was already disappointed of Jace being different in his own book compared to how he is in other books and this is a similar situation but not quite as deep. I feel like we did not get too much of Xavier in the previous books, but I wish his character was more unique? He felt like a copy of the other Hawthrones and it didn't help that this had a similar plotline of the Hawthrone being the stalker and falling for his mark and then hunting them in the woods... sounds familiar if you have read this series, because this also happened in Hide & Seek, which is one of, if not THE, best book in this series. Yes, while the overarching plot is not similar at all, I just wish we got something else. Another kink explored or just something that didn't feel reused. Another issue, that is in every book in the series, not just this one, is the last 20% of it. The villains are always easily taken care of and the parents etc all accept the relationship and no problems at all. But, I guess, I am used to this by now.
While it might seem like I am complaining a lot, I actually had my fun with this book and I cannot wait for Carter's book! Anthony does intrigue me, but I am looking more forward to Carter's.

*I received an ARC, but this is my honest review on it.*

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavier never imagined that going to a rave would lead not only to being kidnapped but hooking up with a guy who happens to go to his school and be in a rival frat is kidnapped with him. Hooking up with Damon is probably the crazier part than the kidnapping. But even more so? The fact that Xave wants to hook up again. And when Xave learns that Damon is still a target? All bets are off. Because Xave protects what is his. And Damon? Most definitely his. Damon can’t believe there is someone out there who wants to kill him. Because why? What enemy could he possibly have? But even more crazy is what is happening between him and Xave. Damon knew he was attracted to guys but he never hooked up with one before. And after Xave? There is no one else for him. And after seeing the darker side of Xave and his family, Damon knows that maybe he should be scared, but he is anything but. Because Xave makes him feel safe. Seen. And cared for in a way he never has been before. He trusts Xave to help him figure out what is going on. And hopefully they can find the culprit before they try to come after Damon again. Another great book in this series! Loved that we finally got Xave’s story! We knew something has been going on with him and I’m glad we finally got the details. And I loved getting to know Damon and the dynamic between him and Xave. These two were such a great pair. It’s an interesting world and while the Hawthorne cousins’ stories may be done, there are plenty of others’ stories to tell and I can’t wait!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebecca Morin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 stars

To start, I have loved this series, and I’m really happy to see that it looks like it’s continuing, whether within the same series or through spinoff books. I’m especially excited that the upcoming stories will feature both a character we met in this book and a character we’ve already gotten to know in previous books.

That said, going into this one, I was especially excited for Xave. Based on how he was described in earlier books, I really thought his story was going to be incredibly entertaining. Unfortunately, once I actually started reading, this ended up being one of my least favorite books in the series.

I’m not entirely sure what shifted for me, but the last few books felt very plot-driven, with strong and engaging storylines. In this one, I felt like a large portion of the book was taken up with descriptions, especially of the settings and locations. I completely understand more detailed world-building in the first book, but by book four, it felt like we were deep-diving into how places looked and exactly where everything was, and that started to take away from the momentum of the story. I found myself getting bored during those moments.

Overall, I still did enjoy parts of the story. I loved our couples, and I really liked the kinks we got in this book. I’m also very excited for future books to come. I just hope we return to the more plot heavy, fast paced storytelling that I loved so much in books one and two.

[maisie]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

X Marks the Spot by Willow Dixon hooked me because of its incredible characters. The main duo have such distinct personalities that every interaction between them sparkles. Their banter is sharp and funny, but there’s also a vulnerability underneath that makes their connection feel genuine. Watching them slowly learn to trust each other while chasing clues and facing obstacles was just as exciting as the adventure itself.

I especially loved how Willow Dixon gives each character clear motivations and flaws. Their fears, stubborn streaks, and moments of courage make them feel real, and their growth over the course of the story is so satisfying. The supporting cast adds even more depth, creating a world that feels lively and immersive.

The mix of character-driven emotion and twisty mystery kept me turning pages late into the night. By the end, I felt completely invested in their journey and relationships. This is a story that shines because of its characters, and I’ll be thinking about them for a long time.

I can’t wait to read more, and I’m so excited for the next book!!

[This.Girl.Readss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I have found a new favorite MMC and I didn’t think anyone could beat Jace from book 3 but here we are. Xave might be the hottest MMC I’ve read in a long time. He’s fun, protective, possessive, with just a little bit of the chaos that we expect from the Hawthorne cousins. Damon is a little less chaotic, a little bit more emo and a whole lot of hot. When these two come together, the chemistry is intense! And the sex….scorching 🔥🔥🔥

I really enjoyed the plot of this one and the mystery of it all. Without giving too much away, it was nice to see the Hawthorne cousins doing what they do best- protecting the ones they love. I do wish we got to see Jace and Jax with their boyfriends and have them interact with the family too but otherwise, I have zero complaints. I’m excited to see what kind of mayhem is next at Silvercrest U!

🖤 Strangers to Lovers
🖤 Stalking
🖤 Bi Awakening
🖤 Touch Him and ☠️
🖤 Primal Play
🖤 Morally Grey MMC
🖤 Pierced MMC

[Wicked River Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This as expected was a fun time! Xave has always been a bit of a mystery to me. He’s around but we never knew that much about him so I was excited to get his story and learn a little more. I really enjoyed Xave and Damon together. They fit perfectly with each other. Xave lived a darker form of chaos and Damon craved this way of life, with Xave he got it. Xave made Damon feel safe, comfortable and cared for and Damon gave Xave understanding and reason. They both gave each other love without conditions. It was sweet to see. Not everything was sweet, this is Silvercrest, so we got to see Xave be fiercely protective of Damon when it came to those targeting him which with these cousins is always a creative and fun time! I really love the found family in this series. Jace, Jax, Killian and Felix are all so loyal and loving with one another and the significant others. I’m excited to see what’s next!!


🤍ARC REVIEW💚

☑️ Trigger Warnings

[chaoticpageturner · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

This book is definitely plot driven. There is so much more than just this budding attraction between Xave and Damon. It will definitely keep your attention. As someone who enjoys a good suspenseful plot, I enjoyed this. I do wish we had a bit more of their romance in the second act of this book, but it rounds out in the third act with several spicy scenes and some very possessive love declarations. Also we get a bit of “but daddy I love him” vibe which made me giggle.

I absolutely love this series and can’t wait for more!

Negatives: There definitely were little things about this book that bothered me. Xave has some repetitive lines in all the spicy scenes which kinda annoyed me. We also got some seriously descriptive world building which didn’t make sense at the time for book FOUR but since we’re going to get another Keeper in the next book, maybe that’s why? Overall still a great book.

[Sam Vautier · Rating 5 out of 5]

While attending a rave, Xave finds himself drawn to the elusive and anonymous DJ, Helix. After his set, Helix realizes he knows who Xave is, and the two end up in a side room together but both feel giddy and a little out of it. Only to then both get kidnapped and locked in a cellar together.

Thinking it’s just because of the money from the gig, the two part ways after Xave gets them out and go their separate ways. But then Xave is asked to follow Damon and he can’t stop thinking about the fun they had in the smash room.. and when it turns out the threat to Damon is more real then they realize Xave won’t let anything happen to someone who is his.

Just absolutely adore this series and this was no exception! Xave and Damon were so perfect! The stalking, primal goodness and possessive energy were fab!

[2am_book_readers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth book in this series sees Xave and his darker side, which I loved.
After a steamy encounter at a rave both Xave and Damon find themselves in a hunter/prey relationship. Both drawn to each other and couldn't stop the game they are playing, even if they tried.
When Xave gets tasked with watching Damon for the Rebels, he takes it a step further and has his cousins look into everything they can find.
What Jax and Jace uncover is so much more than they expected. And what started as a desire come true for Xave, becomes him and his cousins protecting what's Xave's.
If Damon is Xave's then Xave is also Damon's.
X Marks The Spot is as dark and far fetched as the other books in this series. And as with my previous reviews I would say to go in open minded and just enjoy the ride rather than try to relate this to real life

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

X Marks the Spot is book four in Willow Dixon’s Silvercrest U, a series I truly enjoy. By this point, the world feels very immersive, and I liked how Damon and Xave’s story overlaps with the larger timeline, showing familiar events from a new perspective.

This installment felt different from the previous books, though. There was a lot more explaining and talking about places, feelings and situations and less action that kept me fully engaged in the earlier stories. While I loved Damon and Xave and their dynamic, I found myself struggling a bit to stay interested in the story at times.

That said, this didn’t lessen my love for the series overall. I’m still invested in the Silvercrest U universe and definitely plan to keep reading. I’m already looking forward to the next book.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Tasha Thrall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh what can I say about this book! I absolutely loved it, I am always recommending Willow Dixon books. And this just proves my point! I could not put this book down, and I can't wait for the rest of the series.
Xave getting stood up at rave, sucks. But he stays the rave to fan boy over the DJ that he been following. Then having his first time experience with a guy.. how to thr make the night even better they both get kidnapped..
Damon can't remember what happen, or if it actual happen. But he get small parts of the night coming back to him. Finally doing something with a guy, and the guy is his frats rival.
They both can't stop thinking about eachother.. They dont anyone else but eachother..
Are they worth it? Or are they going to lose everything?

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has had me in a chokehold from the first book, and this latest one is another home run. Xave and Damon are so scorchingly hot together, and I absolutely loooove the “touch him and die” “I’ll burn down the world for you” vibes that both of them have in spades. The suspense and mystery surrounding Damon and who was after him was so intriguing and had me hooked from the beginning. I also love the banter between the twins, they’re my favorites of the series lol. I wish we’d had some interactions with Myles and Shane, I’m not sure why they got left out but hopefully we’ll see them in future books. Overall this was a great read and I’m just as obsessed with the boys of Silvercrest as I was from the start.

[Lea Branov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising to no one, I loved this! There hasn’t been a single book Willow has written that I haven’t loved. This series for a (not super) dark romance is just so much fun! Xave and Damon’s story started off with a bang and I absolutely devoured this whole book in just a day. Xave and Damon were surprisingly cute and I really enjoyed their relationship. I do wish we got a tad bit more of them interacting more in the beginning/middle but I didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this book at all. As always I loved seeing the other hawthorn’s again and I thought having the timeline of this book line up with the other three books was super interesting (in a good way). I really thought this would be the last book in this series but I’m so so happy to say it’s not and I’m very interested about the next two characters story!

[A reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

My fave couple so far, love Xave and Damon! Same timeline as book 2 and 3 without any spoilers but recommend reading in order for better context on the characters and campus dynamics. On the lighter end of the dark romance spectrum. Outrageous, sweet, hot read that's just a bit murder-y. Dig the epilogue jumping ahead a few years for a glimpse into what their life looks like after graduation. Stoked it seems like the series isn't ending and continuing with other peeps from campus.


**ARC for honest review**

[Keely · Rating 5 out of 5]

X Marks the Spot is my new favorite of the series!

Such a fun read! Xave and Damon get into so much trouble and fun together - they're so perfect for each other. The mystery subplot was extremely well done (i didn't guess it immediately), and we get to see all the Hawthorne cousins in action several times too! Could definitely be read as a standalone if you wanted to just read this book in the series (but you should definitely read them all!)

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damon + Xave

-mm dark romance
-secret society
-strangers to lovers
-opposites attract
-forced proximity
-hurt/comfort
-stalking

damnnn this plot was deep & was woven so intricately that it seemed simple but then as stuff just kept happening it all started to connect & you're like omg going crazy!! allll awhile, damon & xave are secretly breaking frat rules & fxckingggg hahaha i loved them!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xave find himself if a little bit of a jam but that jam could just be the best thing to happen to him. Damon just wants to keep his head down and graduate school. But of course there is some twist and turn in this book that you’re not going to want to miss. And you also get to see the Hawthorne twins and Killian along with Felix. I cannot wait for the next installment in this series.

[Christina Cebollero · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good story! I love that Xave was a fan of Damon before knowing who he was and then helped him the way he did. I also like that Xave didn't make it a big deal that he was interested in another man and didn't have a freak out. These two were so good together with their likes and dislikes. Another great read from Willow Dixon!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xave and Damon had chemistry off the charts. This had a really good mix of background storyline but also the build up of their relationship and spicy scenes. Loved that Damon has a found family in the Hawthorne crew and am looking forward to any future books in this world.

[Kayla Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I don’t want to give details so I don’t spoil it for others but it was absolutely fantastic and everything you want in a dark romance!

[Rachel Kreger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the start! I’ve been waiting for Xave’s book since Hide and Seek. It was well worth the wait!


𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿