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Silvercrest U #4
X Marks the Spot
Xave
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.
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.
Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2026
289 people are currently reading
829 people want to read
About the author
Willow Dixon
23 books1,364 followersWhat 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
March 18, 2026
I’m sorry I just can’t get over the fact that someone is literally trying to
kill him
, yet the biggest problem they have is that they’re from DIFFERENT FRATS???
it goes:
Xave : I’m seeing someone
Friends: cool
Xave : He’s a guy
Friends : cool
Xave : he got kidnapped and targeted twice
Friends: we’ll figure it out
Xave: he’s from a rival frat
Friends : WHAT?
also there were SO many unnecessary details and inner monologues that took up way too many pages.
it goes:
Xave : I’m seeing someone
Friends: cool
Xave : He’s a guy
Friends : cool
Xave : he got kidnapped and targeted twice
Friends: we’ll figure it out
Xave: he’s from a rival frat
Friends : WHAT?
also there were SO many unnecessary details and inner monologues that took up way too many pages.
March 1, 2026
this book could be good if:
-the author worked on pacing;
-the author didn’t play a game let’s see how many paragraphs i can use to say something that only takes a sentence to really bloat this book;
-the characters weren’t talked about like they’re these really dangerous and edgy people when they’re kids that simply think they’re so cool but they’re actually losers. like, i’m sorry but if you have to say out loud “i don’t like liars and my friends here don’t like them as well” and you’re talking about knives, you can’t expect me to take you seriously. and don’t make me talk about the “oh we used each other for target practice” “oh yes we skinned someone alive in our spare time” etc etc. i genuinely can’t.
so why three stars?
because if i keep reading this shit it’s on me. it’s the fourth book in the series and i started complaining by book 2, i deserve this humiliation ritual🤣🤣
let’s all pray that i get some sanity back before the next one.
-the author worked on pacing;
-the author didn’t play a game let’s see how many paragraphs i can use to say something that only takes a sentence to really bloat this book;
-the characters weren’t talked about like they’re these really dangerous and edgy people when they’re kids that simply think they’re so cool but they’re actually losers. like, i’m sorry but if you have to say out loud “i don’t like liars and my friends here don’t like them as well” and you’re talking about knives, you can’t expect me to take you seriously. and don’t make me talk about the “oh we used each other for target practice” “oh yes we skinned someone alive in our spare time” etc etc. i genuinely can’t.
so why three stars?
because if i keep reading this shit it’s on me. it’s the fourth book in the series and i started complaining by book 2, i deserve this humiliation ritual🤣🤣
let’s all pray that i get some sanity back before the next one.
March 6, 2026
Tropes: rival frats to lovers, found family, forbidden relationship
Feels: 1.5/5
Steam*: 2/5
Kinks: Primal play, mild dubcon, stalking, semi public sex, dirty talk, dick piercing
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: past death of parent (overdose due to medical malpractice), statutory rape (Damon's mom by his dad), Damon's dad is a sexual predator and horrible person, drug use, murder, violence, kidnapping, homophobia
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: Xave says that he has no problem hooking up with girls who are in relationships, that's a bad attitude towards cheating. Damon's dad and stepmom are cheating on each other
Other person drama: neither of them hook up with anyone else after their first hookup.
2.75 stars
Xave is the older cousin in a family of psychopaths. He's the one that reins his cousins in. He is from a rich family, is part of a secret society/frat, and he's murdered threats before. He's always identified as straight.
Damon is in his final year at college, part of a rival frat to Xave's frat. His mom got knocked up by his predator much older father when she was 17. Damon was raised by her for 11 years, with the dad paying support only, but then the mom died from an overdose due to medical malpractice post-surgery. And his dad took him in. His dad has been abusive, and is a serial sexual predator. Damon wants to dismantle his legacy. The only reason he stays close to the family is so he can be close to his stepsisters who are younger. Damon is also keeping a secret, he moonlights as a celebrity DJ, keeping his identity a secret from the public.
They are both at a rave where Damon is performing. They hook up. And then they are both kidnapped, Damon was the target. They were both drugged. Xave gets the upper hand on the kidnappers, kills them all and they escape. Then he gets asked eventually to spy on Damon and that puts him back in his orbit. Watching turns to Xave getting obsessed and possessive and they start hooking up. The conflict that comes up is that someone is trying to kill Damon, and they have to figure out who the threat is. And also, they have to get people to accept their relationship, because apparently it's forbidden for members of different frats/secret societies to hook up (I was eye rolling hard at that).
The found family was nice enough. The minor characters were nice enough. The relationship from 70% onward was good.
But this book was a major fail as a romance for the first 70% of the book. A romance novel shouldn't go so many pages of them not even interacting. Authors need to use their words wisely to build both a story and a relationship between the mmcs. For the first 70%, this book was not giving romance, it was giving fiction. I was also bored and frustrated with the number of pages that were devoted to describing their rooms at their frats. There must have been about 30 pages devoted to describing their frat houses and rooms. Why do their frat houses and rooms matter so much?! They don't. I don't care how quirky or swanky they are. Spend your pages wisely, make everything pack an emotional punch or serve a good purpose.
This was the timeline:
- After the kidnapping ordeal, they part at 19%.
- The first time they mutually lay eyes on each other after that is at 45%. That is an appalling number of pages with no interactions or development of the relationship.
- The first time they speak to each other since 19% is at 48%.
- By 60%, there has still been no developing of any kind of relationship between Damon and Xave. There's no intimacy between them. There's no talking, they just hook up in kinky silence in semi-public places. There's so much more talking, trust, and intimacy between Xave and his family and Damon with his friend West. The most important relationship in a romance is between the mmcs, focus on them!
- At 69% through the book, they still don't have each other's phone numbers.
- The first time the mmcs actually talk about anything other than their casual kinky hook ups is at 70%.
Mild complaint: at 59%, I don't like that instead of being worried about the fact that his love interest has had a third attempt on his life, Xave's joking about it not being fun because it was too easy to shoot the would-be assassin. It doesn't show any emotion or care for Damon.
Some notable moments:
"If not prey, why prey shaped?"
"“You knew I was hooking up with someone?” I ask belatedly. He points to his neck. “It was kind of obvious unless you suddenly have issues with bumping into things neck first.” He glances at Xave again."
"“So, as Damon’s best friend, it’s my duty to tell you that you’d better treat him right. I won’t kill you if you don’t because I know for a fact that you could break me in half with one hand tied behind your back and blindfolded, but I will flood your emails and social media and phone with strongly worded messages of condemnation if you hurt him.”"
I love a supportive parent! "“How long have you known you like men?” she asks quietly. “I didn’t. Not until we got together.” “So this is new?” I can practically hear the hope in her voice. “You haven’t been keeping this secret for years or anything?” “No. I had no clue until we hooked up. And he’s the only guy who does it for me, so to speak.” “Oh, thank god,” she says, breathing out an enormous sigh of relief. “I was so worried that you’ve been keeping this to yourself and that I made you feel like you couldn’t tell me—”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 1.5/5
Steam*: 2/5
Kinks: Primal play, mild dubcon, stalking, semi public sex, dirty talk, dick piercing
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: past death of parent (overdose due to medical malpractice), statutory rape (Damon's mom by his dad), Damon's dad is a sexual predator and horrible person, drug use, murder, violence, kidnapping, homophobia
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: Xave says that he has no problem hooking up with girls who are in relationships, that's a bad attitude towards cheating. Damon's dad and stepmom are cheating on each other
Other person drama: neither of them hook up with anyone else after their first hookup.
2.75 stars
Xave is the older cousin in a family of psychopaths. He's the one that reins his cousins in. He is from a rich family, is part of a secret society/frat, and he's murdered threats before. He's always identified as straight.
Damon is in his final year at college, part of a rival frat to Xave's frat. His mom got knocked up by his predator much older father when she was 17. Damon was raised by her for 11 years, with the dad paying support only, but then the mom died from an overdose due to medical malpractice post-surgery. And his dad took him in. His dad has been abusive, and is a serial sexual predator. Damon wants to dismantle his legacy. The only reason he stays close to the family is so he can be close to his stepsisters who are younger. Damon is also keeping a secret, he moonlights as a celebrity DJ, keeping his identity a secret from the public.
They are both at a rave where Damon is performing. They hook up. And then they are both kidnapped, Damon was the target. They were both drugged. Xave gets the upper hand on the kidnappers, kills them all and they escape. Then he gets asked eventually to spy on Damon and that puts him back in his orbit. Watching turns to Xave getting obsessed and possessive and they start hooking up. The conflict that comes up is that someone is trying to kill Damon, and they have to figure out who the threat is. And also, they have to get people to accept their relationship, because apparently it's forbidden for members of different frats/secret societies to hook up (I was eye rolling hard at that).
The found family was nice enough. The minor characters were nice enough. The relationship from 70% onward was good.
But this book was a major fail as a romance for the first 70% of the book. A romance novel shouldn't go so many pages of them not even interacting. Authors need to use their words wisely to build both a story and a relationship between the mmcs. For the first 70%, this book was not giving romance, it was giving fiction. I was also bored and frustrated with the number of pages that were devoted to describing their rooms at their frats. There must have been about 30 pages devoted to describing their frat houses and rooms. Why do their frat houses and rooms matter so much?! They don't. I don't care how quirky or swanky they are. Spend your pages wisely, make everything pack an emotional punch or serve a good purpose.
This was the timeline:
- After the kidnapping ordeal, they part at 19%.
- The first time they mutually lay eyes on each other after that is at 45%. That is an appalling number of pages with no interactions or development of the relationship.
- The first time they speak to each other since 19% is at 48%.
- By 60%, there has still been no developing of any kind of relationship between Damon and Xave. There's no intimacy between them. There's no talking, they just hook up in kinky silence in semi-public places. There's so much more talking, trust, and intimacy between Xave and his family and Damon with his friend West. The most important relationship in a romance is between the mmcs, focus on them!
- At 69% through the book, they still don't have each other's phone numbers.
- The first time the mmcs actually talk about anything other than their casual kinky hook ups is at 70%.
Mild complaint: at 59%, I don't like that instead of being worried about the fact that his love interest has had a third attempt on his life, Xave's joking about it not being fun because it was too easy to shoot the would-be assassin. It doesn't show any emotion or care for Damon.
Some notable moments:
"If not prey, why prey shaped?"
"“You knew I was hooking up with someone?” I ask belatedly. He points to his neck. “It was kind of obvious unless you suddenly have issues with bumping into things neck first.” He glances at Xave again."
"“So, as Damon’s best friend, it’s my duty to tell you that you’d better treat him right. I won’t kill you if you don’t because I know for a fact that you could break me in half with one hand tied behind your back and blindfolded, but I will flood your emails and social media and phone with strongly worded messages of condemnation if you hurt him.”"
I love a supportive parent! "“How long have you known you like men?” she asks quietly. “I didn’t. Not until we got together.” “So this is new?” I can practically hear the hope in her voice. “You haven’t been keeping this secret for years or anything?” “No. I had no clue until we hooked up. And he’s the only guy who does it for me, so to speak.” “Oh, thank god,” she says, breathing out an enormous sigh of relief. “I was so worried that you’ve been keeping this to yourself and that I made you feel like you couldn’t tell me—”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2026
★Read- Feb26-28💕★
Before I go into a rant about this book, is this a safe space to admit I've been shipping Jordan X Eden??? Another step-sibling romance??? I keep thinking they’ll have an epic “enemies” to lovers side story?? Also does Nico get a book or this the last Silvercrest U book??(now that i think about it, i don’t want any more books for this series, wrap it up)But now i kinda wont mind an MMM romance between Nico, Axel & Jordan...
Now lets start the rant because wow I have LOTS of things to say, Brace yourself~<33
Things I didn’t Like
1. The VERY insta love, I don’t mind insta love when it’s done right, when you understand and see how they instantly fell in love but in this case it all happened so fast omg. They barely knew each other and were already in each other's face saying “I love you”...bitch, i’ve never been in love but i don’t think thats how it works..🧍
2. The similarities between Xave & Jax, actually Xave is a temu version of Jax, and it’s not because of the same kinks, the chasing, the predator & prey thing but also the way they spoke.
3. Damon & Xave’s chemistry or rather the lack of it, even my glasses couldn’t help me see the chemistry(Im basically blind without it so maybe i should have removed it when reading this book cuz the chemistry was nonexistent) Cuz why tf did Xave have more chemistry with Jace's butterfly knife & Carter than with his love interest
4. The fact that Xave’s book did not start at the end of Fight or Flight, so we could get all couples already together but instead it starts before Jace & Shane and Jax & Myles are officially together(in front of others) like excuse me!?!! Don’t you know I’m mostly reading this for the found family? If they aint a family to be found then wtf am I even doing here? I barely even got Shane crumbs, like i got crumbs for no one!!!! WHAT THE HELLY
5. The same mystery. The love interest is in trouble blah blah someone is tryna kill him, same shit
6. The “He doesn’t know it yet but he’s mine”. Look, I LOVEEEE possessive characters, I loved all the possessiveness other characters had in the other books but in this book…it just felt ugh, cringe and annoying esp since it happened so fast
7.The fact that we were TOLD how they were interacting with each other, like the only time we saw them “talking” was when they were having sex or talking about the threat, then the author hits us with We spend most of our time talking when we’re together now, and Xave isn’t just incredibly smart; he’s also funny and sweet and an amazing listener, all while still being the rough and dangerous enforcer everyone on campus thinks he is. How about you fucking show me that instead of slapping me in the face with that, i don’t see it so ofc i dont fucking know.
8. Xave dirty talking…just don’t, its fine to just groan and grunt when having sex like that's okay too yk right?
9. The butterfly knife Jace can’t seem to stop spinning in “complicated” patterns, bitch what the helly are you doing, every single scene involving Jace he has that fucking knife, i enjoyed that in his book but in this it was just No. Everytime it’s always “Jace spins his butterfly knives around his hands in a complicated pattern that would make a serial killer piss himself.” Sweetie, no…nooo…NOOO
10. TOO MUCH SPICEEEE, i get it’s a “dark romance” and a “spicy” book but this felt like an erotica with occasional talking. They would literally fuck one second, talk about the case then suddenly Damon is looking a little too sexy and Xave can’t keep his damn hands to himself and they’re going at it again, and idm that, i love the fact that your sexual drive is so high(just try talking care of your body too<33) but why is everything explicit?!?!?! Can’t the second fucking be fade into black!?!??!
11. The amount of times Damon says “what you just said should be a red flag but it just makes me blah blah” We get it, he’s such a HUGGEEEEE red flag and you should be running for your life but you won’t cuz you’re soooo obsessed(which equals horny).
12. The “we always protect our own shit” it just…wait,atp I'm hating on the whole book and this hurts cuz I'm not usually a hater and I really liked the other 3 books so i wanted to like this one too but this was just ugh, yawn, wtv. Ugh. Also sometimes I read a line in this book and that's exactly what an MMC said in the other 3 books and it's just annoying. Like they don’t have to be the same people, even identical twins don’t have the same fingerprints!!
★★
Okay thats enough ranting, despite how much i (seem to) hate this book trust me I have something I liked here ... .I just have to reach into the deepest part of my brain and find it…Give me just one second..
Oh! I have three things I did like
1. When the book ended. You don’t understand how happy I was to see “The End.”
2. Xave’s mother.
3. This scene “Sit,” I tell Xave, and he drops onto the corner of the bed without hesitating. Ykw hell yeah, walk 'em like a dog.
I did say i was not gonna read any more of this series so if you see me adding “Secrets & Lies” in my to be read list..you did not. (OMG ANTHONY & WEST im excited but im trying not to have any expectations cuz i had too much expectations for this one)
★pre-read-Dec 2025★
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!!!
Before I go into a rant about this book, is this a safe space to admit I've been shipping Jordan X Eden??? Another step-sibling romance??? I keep thinking they’ll have an epic “enemies” to lovers side story?? Also does Nico get a book or this the last Silvercrest U book??(now that i think about it, i don’t want any more books for this series, wrap it up)But now i kinda wont mind an MMM romance between Nico, Axel & Jordan...
Now lets start the rant because wow I have LOTS of things to say, Brace yourself~<33
Things I didn’t Like
1. The VERY insta love, I don’t mind insta love when it’s done right, when you understand and see how they instantly fell in love but in this case it all happened so fast omg. They barely knew each other and were already in each other's face saying “I love you”...bitch, i’ve never been in love but i don’t think thats how it works..🧍
2. The similarities between Xave & Jax, actually Xave is a temu version of Jax, and it’s not because of the same kinks, the chasing, the predator & prey thing but also the way they spoke.
3. Damon & Xave’s chemistry or rather the lack of it, even my glasses couldn’t help me see the chemistry(Im basically blind without it so maybe i should have removed it when reading this book cuz the chemistry was nonexistent) Cuz why tf did Xave have more chemistry with Jace's butterfly knife & Carter than with his love interest
4. The fact that Xave’s book did not start at the end of Fight or Flight, so we could get all couples already together but instead it starts before Jace & Shane and Jax & Myles are officially together(in front of others) like excuse me!?!! Don’t you know I’m mostly reading this for the found family? If they aint a family to be found then wtf am I even doing here? I barely even got Shane crumbs, like i got crumbs for no one!!!! WHAT THE HELLY
5. The same mystery. The love interest is in trouble blah blah someone is tryna kill him, same shit
6. The “He doesn’t know it yet but he’s mine”. Look, I LOVEEEE possessive characters, I loved all the possessiveness other characters had in the other books but in this book…it just felt ugh, cringe and annoying esp since it happened so fast
7.The fact that we were TOLD how they were interacting with each other, like the only time we saw them “talking” was when they were having sex or talking about the threat, then the author hits us with We spend most of our time talking when we’re together now, and Xave isn’t just incredibly smart; he’s also funny and sweet and an amazing listener, all while still being the rough and dangerous enforcer everyone on campus thinks he is. How about you fucking show me that instead of slapping me in the face with that, i don’t see it so ofc i dont fucking know.
8. Xave dirty talking…just don’t, its fine to just groan and grunt when having sex like that's okay too yk right?
9. The butterfly knife Jace can’t seem to stop spinning in “complicated” patterns, bitch what the helly are you doing, every single scene involving Jace he has that fucking knife, i enjoyed that in his book but in this it was just No. Everytime it’s always “Jace spins his butterfly knives around his hands in a complicated pattern that would make a serial killer piss himself.” Sweetie, no…nooo…NOOO
10. TOO MUCH SPICEEEE, i get it’s a “dark romance” and a “spicy” book but this felt like an erotica with occasional talking. They would literally fuck one second, talk about the case then suddenly Damon is looking a little too sexy and Xave can’t keep his damn hands to himself and they’re going at it again, and idm that, i love the fact that your sexual drive is so high(just try talking care of your body too<33) but why is everything explicit?!?!?! Can’t the second fucking be fade into black!?!??!
11. The amount of times Damon says “what you just said should be a red flag but it just makes me blah blah” We get it, he’s such a HUGGEEEEE red flag and you should be running for your life but you won’t cuz you’re soooo obsessed(which equals horny).
12. The “we always protect our own shit” it just…wait,atp I'm hating on the whole book and this hurts cuz I'm not usually a hater and I really liked the other 3 books so i wanted to like this one too but this was just ugh, yawn, wtv. Ugh. Also sometimes I read a line in this book and that's exactly what an MMC said in the other 3 books and it's just annoying. Like they don’t have to be the same people, even identical twins don’t have the same fingerprints!!
★★
Okay thats enough ranting, despite how much i (seem to) hate this book trust me I have something I liked here ... .I just have to reach into the deepest part of my brain and find it…Give me just one second..
Oh! I have three things I did like
1. When the book ended. You don’t understand how happy I was to see “The End.”
2. Xave’s mother.
3. This scene “Sit,” I tell Xave, and he drops onto the corner of the bed without hesitating. Ykw hell yeah, walk 'em like a dog.
I did say i was not gonna read any more of this series so if you see me adding “Secrets & Lies” in my to be read list..you did not. (OMG ANTHONY & WEST im excited but im trying not to have any expectations cuz i had too much expectations for this one)
★pre-read-Dec 2025★
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!!!
March 13, 2026
Pulling the plug at 78%...
can't be bothered to force myself to finish.
This series went completely off the rails
after the first two entries. Ugh! 😣
Less is more, Ms. Dixon.
Adding a bunch of meaningless words and repetitive scenes
to inflate a 250-page (at best) plot into a 425-page
bloated and dull book is not a wise move.
can't be bothered to force myself to finish.
This series went completely off the rails
after the first two entries. Ugh! 😣
Less is more, Ms. Dixon.
Adding a bunch of meaningless words and repetitive scenes
to inflate a 250-page (at best) plot into a 425-page
bloated and dull book is not a wise move.
Review of advance copy received from Auteur
ARC review
3.75⭐
This book really started off great. I mean, I was seriously hooked. Kinda mysterious, I had a great time. 😍
But I'm not gonna lie, the more it went on, the more it felt like a repeat of the previous books. I was like: oh yeah, but it's kinda the same as the other books… I still really enjoyed it, though. I feel like if you haven't read the other ones, you will definitely enjoy this one.
The writing was still great, as always. I'm just a little disappointed that it felt like a repeat, because the beginning was super, super promising. 😭
3.75⭐
This book really started off great. I mean, I was seriously hooked. Kinda mysterious, I had a great time. 😍
But I'm not gonna lie, the more it went on, the more it felt like a repeat of the previous books. I was like: oh yeah, but it's kinda the same as the other books… I still really enjoyed it, though. I feel like if you haven't read the other ones, you will definitely enjoy this one.
The writing was still great, as always. I'm just a little disappointed that it felt like a repeat, because the beginning was super, super promising. 😭
February 26, 2026
It’s LIVE!
He was supposed to be a mistake.
A stranger from a rave.
A hookup in the middle of chaos.
A rival I didn’t recognize until it was too late.
Now someone wants him dead.
And I’ve realized something terrifying...
Damon is mine.
If you love dark M/M romance with rival frats, obsession, danger and “I’ll burn the world down for you” energy…
Then get your copy of X Marks the Spot officially LIVE on Amazon Kindle & Kindle Unlimited today!
https://www.amazon.com/Marks-Spot-Sil...
And if you do grab a copy, we would love to for you to:
~ Mark it as “Currently Reading”
~ Drop a reading update.
~ Add it to your favorite dark romance shelves.
He was supposed to be a mistake.
A stranger from a rave.
A hookup in the middle of chaos.
A rival I didn’t recognize until it was too late.
Now someone wants him dead.
And I’ve realized something terrifying...
Damon is mine.
If you love dark M/M romance with rival frats, obsession, danger and “I’ll burn the world down for you” energy…
Then get your copy of X Marks the Spot officially LIVE on Amazon Kindle & Kindle Unlimited today!
https://www.amazon.com/Marks-Spot-Sil...
And if you do grab a copy, we would love to for you to:
~ Mark it as “Currently Reading”
~ Drop a reading update.
~ Add it to your favorite dark romance shelves.
February 28, 2026
I’m sorry, but this really disappointed me. I really loved this series, but the repetition and the lack of story line really fell flat here. The beginning was promising but didn’t continue til the end, so unfortunately if I had to be honest it’s really a 1.5/5.
February 8, 2026
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. 😌
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. 😌
March 4, 2026
⭐️
4.5 stars rounded up!
⭐️
Finally, Xavier, aka Xave, gets his romance, and it's with Damon, a rival frat brother who also happens to be Helix, a DJ who is massive (think Marshmellow) - as in he's booked for many venues, even very big ones where can make half a million or even almost a million a gig, that's how big he is - and yet his real identity is unknown to the public.
Xave has been around in every story up until now, but mostly in the background, and he was a bit of a mystery because he wasn't always with the three cousins as much as they hung out with each other. He just popped up occasionally. So who knew that while Jax and Myles and Jace and Shane were having their romances, so was Xave. And a lot was going on plot wise, too.
At a more private rave, Xave is there at the same time as Helix, aka Damon, and there's a connection between them even though Xavier can't see his face and doesn't know that Damon, his rival frat brother, is Helix.
But Damon knows who he is and keeps his hood up as he approaches him after he does his set. Although pretty soon into their action, it's apparent that they were both drugged by a third party. But they have enough time to sneak off and hook up, and they're both very into it. Unfortunately right after they do, the drugs really kick in and they're knocked out and taken by people, kidnapped together to some remote cabin in the woods.
Xave is used to this shit, though, as a part of the Hawthorne family, and being cousins to people like the twins all his life. So he's able to get them free from the zip ties and kill all three of their - seemingly incompetent - kidnappers.
They also find out before that that Damon was their primary target, and they picked up Xave because they assumed he was working with or helping Damon when they saw Damon approach and then go into a back room with Xave.
It seems at first that they were just after Damon because of the money he made from that rave (almost a million dollars) which would make sense, but once they're back on campus, it's apparent that more is going on when Damon is attacked again.
The beginning of this was great and I was really into it, but then once they parter ways, there was a long stretch in this where they didn't interact at all and that part was just slow for me. They had this encounter, and it was both their first time with a guy, but Damon has known he's bisexual for years and Xave thought he was straight but is very cool about find himself attracted to a guy, so I thought there wouldn't be much time at all before they see each other again, but it's weeks before they see each other again.
And it's only when Damon befriends Eden, Felix's best friend and whose brother, Jordan, is weirdly possessive of, and Xave is tasked by Jordan to watch Damon and do a deep dive on him, that they even really see each other again.
So that stretch of the book from after their opening kidnapping to when they really meet up again and do things - so about around 50% in - that it started to pick back up. So my main reason for .5 stars off is because of that. Also later on, near the end when more people start finding out about them, it all just felt a bit too easy and like everything wrapped up nice and tidy in a bow. Just perhaps more time could have been spent on them together, and then people finding out so it didn't feel quite so convenient when everyone just seemed to know or if they didn't, they took it really well.
Because the book makes it know that them as rival frat brothers is a Big Deal, and both of their frats knowing about it would be Bad and potentially cause Problems, and yet nothing really comes of it. They tell who they have to tell, and they have moments of "what you're dating a rival frat member?" and then sense prevails and no one does anything about it.
I just wanted perhaps a bit more drama when it came to that, even with the drama of the main plot.
But it ultimately wasn't too big a deal, so it was just included in my .5 stars of of this.
Otherwise I absolutely loved this, and it was back on parr with how I've loved this series after the last one about Jace and Shane was a bit of a miss for me overall.
Xave and Damon had amazing chemistry and were really damn hot together. It was close to retreading ground that Jax and Myles already tread in the sexual kink shared between them department, but it was still really good and really well done and a bit fresh in the way these two and their dynamic was a bit different that I was finding I didn't care.
It warns for CNC, but there isn't too much of that in this, to be honest. It is very clear that Damon wants everything they do and he doesn't pretend to put up much of a fight, so don't expect much when it comes to CNC in this book. I do wish we had gotten a bit more, but that's okay.
It was also just nice to get more Xavier, to really get to know him and see what he was like. I had no idea that he was blond and green eyed where his cousins have darker hair and blue eyes (although Killiam might have brown eyes, I can't remember), and he's been around since the beginning of this series. So I was definitely excited to get more of him and he was a great character.
Damon was too, and their dynamic was great, sexually and otherwise. They just fit together so well.
So overall I definitely recommend this, it has a great plot that makes sense and a great main couple. This was definitely back to the quality of storytelling and chemistry between the two main leads that I felt in the first two books, and which the third struggled with a bit.
I'm excited for future books in this series, even if we're kind of saying goodbye to the four cousins group and moving onto other characters on campus, such as Carter who is also a hacking wiz and West, Damon's best friend and Anthony, another member of their frat. Although West is engaged to be married so are we gonna get some cheating with each other trope there? That would be juicyyyy. Guess we'll see!
Until then, I can't wait to get more from this wonderful series! 🥰
My Ratings for the Silvercrest U Series:
⭐️ Wicked Games: 5 stars (my review)
⭐️ Hide and Seek: 5 stars (my review)
⭐️ Fight or Flight: 3.5 stars (my review)
⭐️ X Marks the Spot: 4.5 stars
Finally, Xavier, aka Xave, gets his romance, and it's with Damon, a rival frat brother who also happens to be Helix, a DJ who is massive (think Marshmellow) - as in he's booked for many venues, even very big ones where can make half a million or even almost a million a gig, that's how big he is - and yet his real identity is unknown to the public.
Xave has been around in every story up until now, but mostly in the background, and he was a bit of a mystery because he wasn't always with the three cousins as much as they hung out with each other. He just popped up occasionally. So who knew that while Jax and Myles and Jace and Shane were having their romances, so was Xave. And a lot was going on plot wise, too.
At a more private rave, Xave is there at the same time as Helix, aka Damon, and there's a connection between them even though Xavier can't see his face and doesn't know that Damon, his rival frat brother, is Helix.
But Damon knows who he is and keeps his hood up as he approaches him after he does his set. Although pretty soon into their action, it's apparent that they were both drugged by a third party. But they have enough time to sneak off and hook up, and they're both very into it. Unfortunately right after they do, the drugs really kick in and they're knocked out and taken by people, kidnapped together to some remote cabin in the woods.
Xave is used to this shit, though, as a part of the Hawthorne family, and being cousins to people like the twins all his life. So he's able to get them free from the zip ties and kill all three of their - seemingly incompetent - kidnappers.
They also find out before that that Damon was their primary target, and they picked up Xave because they assumed he was working with or helping Damon when they saw Damon approach and then go into a back room with Xave.
It seems at first that they were just after Damon because of the money he made from that rave (almost a million dollars) which would make sense, but once they're back on campus, it's apparent that more is going on when Damon is attacked again.
The beginning of this was great and I was really into it, but then once they parter ways, there was a long stretch in this where they didn't interact at all and that part was just slow for me. They had this encounter, and it was both their first time with a guy, but Damon has known he's bisexual for years and Xave thought he was straight but is very cool about find himself attracted to a guy, so I thought there wouldn't be much time at all before they see each other again, but it's weeks before they see each other again.
And it's only when Damon befriends Eden, Felix's best friend and whose brother, Jordan, is weirdly possessive of, and Xave is tasked by Jordan to watch Damon and do a deep dive on him, that they even really see each other again.
So that stretch of the book from after their opening kidnapping to when they really meet up again and do things - so about around 50% in - that it started to pick back up. So my main reason for .5 stars off is because of that. Also later on, near the end when more people start finding out about them, it all just felt a bit too easy and like everything wrapped up nice and tidy in a bow. Just perhaps more time could have been spent on them together, and then people finding out so it didn't feel quite so convenient when everyone just seemed to know or if they didn't, they took it really well.
Because the book makes it know that them as rival frat brothers is a Big Deal, and both of their frats knowing about it would be Bad and potentially cause Problems, and yet nothing really comes of it. They tell who they have to tell, and they have moments of "what you're dating a rival frat member?" and then sense prevails and no one does anything about it.
I just wanted perhaps a bit more drama when it came to that, even with the drama of the main plot.
But it ultimately wasn't too big a deal, so it was just included in my .5 stars of of this.
Otherwise I absolutely loved this, and it was back on parr with how I've loved this series after the last one about Jace and Shane was a bit of a miss for me overall.
Xave and Damon had amazing chemistry and were really damn hot together. It was close to retreading ground that Jax and Myles already tread in the sexual kink shared between them department, but it was still really good and really well done and a bit fresh in the way these two and their dynamic was a bit different that I was finding I didn't care.
It warns for CNC, but there isn't too much of that in this, to be honest. It is very clear that Damon wants everything they do and he doesn't pretend to put up much of a fight, so don't expect much when it comes to CNC in this book. I do wish we had gotten a bit more, but that's okay.
It was also just nice to get more Xavier, to really get to know him and see what he was like. I had no idea that he was blond and green eyed where his cousins have darker hair and blue eyes (although Killiam might have brown eyes, I can't remember), and he's been around since the beginning of this series. So I was definitely excited to get more of him and he was a great character.
Damon was too, and their dynamic was great, sexually and otherwise. They just fit together so well.
So overall I definitely recommend this, it has a great plot that makes sense and a great main couple. This was definitely back to the quality of storytelling and chemistry between the two main leads that I felt in the first two books, and which the third struggled with a bit.
I'm excited for future books in this series, even if we're kind of saying goodbye to the four cousins group and moving onto other characters on campus, such as Carter who is also a hacking wiz and West, Damon's best friend and Anthony, another member of their frat. Although West is engaged to be married so are we gonna get some cheating with each other trope there? That would be juicyyyy. Guess we'll see!
Until then, I can't wait to get more from this wonderful series! 🥰
My Ratings for the Silvercrest U Series:
⭐️ Wicked Games: 5 stars (my review)
⭐️ Hide and Seek: 5 stars (my review)
⭐️ Fight or Flight: 3.5 stars (my review)
⭐️ X Marks the Spot: 4.5 stars
February 28, 2026
This was by far the best of the 4 books in this series!
Xade who was on the periphery of the other 3 books finally takes center stage. He did NOT disappoint!
Damon and Xade meet at an out of town rave and things get hot very quickly. Then things go into total chaos! Yikes. Kidnapped and possibly about to be murdered Xade saves Damon. NGL, I was hoping they’d hook up in the hotel especially after describing that hotel shower! That would have been memorable but alas you have to wait and wait and then wait some more for them to get together. When it finally happens… They have explosive chemistry! Wowser!
The AV scene was OTT hot! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
All the primal play was especially good.
The main plot…Damon has an enemy and they are trying to kill him. That part was a bit comical and then Xade gets his family involved and things begin to unravel fast. Those are good guys to have on your side! AND Murder and mayhem is what makes this series fun.
The end was perfection. Loved it!
I have high hopes that the spinoffs are epic. ♥️♥️
Xade who was on the periphery of the other 3 books finally takes center stage. He did NOT disappoint!
Damon and Xade meet at an out of town rave and things get hot very quickly. Then things go into total chaos! Yikes. Kidnapped and possibly about to be murdered Xade saves Damon. NGL, I was hoping they’d hook up in the hotel especially after describing that hotel shower! That would have been memorable but alas you have to wait and wait and then wait some more for them to get together. When it finally happens… They have explosive chemistry! Wowser!
The AV scene was OTT hot! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
All the primal play was especially good.
The main plot…Damon has an enemy and they are trying to kill him. That part was a bit comical and then Xade gets his family involved and things begin to unravel fast. Those are good guys to have on your side! AND Murder and mayhem is what makes this series fun.
The end was perfection. Loved it!
I have high hopes that the spinoffs are epic. ♥️♥️
March 2, 2026
This was a fun read. Easy, stalkery vibes. Damon has a secret side hustle. Xave is at the right time at the right place to save Damon. And so it goes. I am sure now no one at Silvercrest is actually there for their education, no one is studying that’s facts. What is happening is lots of stalking and getting into compromising situations in the forests surrounding the school. I loved Damon, his anxiety and his unwillingness to fit in appealed to me. He was sweet and cute, even if he said way too much many times “this should bother me” or “this is a red flag” far too many times. Xave is a solid one, not a single second of hesitation, gotta give it to him, he was always prepared. I am excited about West story next, definitely would read that one. Great easy to read series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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
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
March 2, 2026
I was pretty excited to read this, but it left me very disappointed.
I know almost nothing about either main character after finishing the book and I dont understand why they fell in love. This book felt rushed, which is upsetting because i love Willow Dixon's books.
I hope any spin offs for this series are better
I know almost nothing about either main character after finishing the book and I dont understand why they fell in love. This book felt rushed, which is upsetting because i love Willow Dixon's books.
I hope any spin offs for this series are better
March 3, 2026
Why didn't I DNF this garbage? Good question!
I definitely started skimming towards the end. I've realized that this series is the same regurgitated BS every novel but this one was even worse than the previous. We barely even know who Damon and Xave are. They're like 2D flat characters who just fuck. There's no chemistry.
I think I can finally say I'm done with this series.
I only have myself to blame for wasting my time finishing this. :|
I definitely started skimming towards the end. I've realized that this series is the same regurgitated BS every novel but this one was even worse than the previous. We barely even know who Damon and Xave are. They're like 2D flat characters who just fuck. There's no chemistry.
I think I can finally say I'm done with this series.
I only have myself to blame for wasting my time finishing this. :|
February 27, 2026
MM
This one had a better non rushed ending than the last one (still not over that) but still felt like it was missing something idk I still enjoyed this one tho
Safety
At the start of book they meet at a rave and one H was there because he was waiting for his date but she never showed and he didn’t care about her.
They both haven’t hooked up with anyone since eachother. They’ve both thought about it, one said he tried but couldn’t before anything even started.
Theres a jealousy scene at party where one is dancing with a girl (gave off heated rivalry club scene if yk what I mean)
Neither had been with another guy before
This one had a better non rushed ending than the last one (still not over that) but still felt like it was missing something idk I still enjoyed this one tho
Safety
At the start of book they meet at a rave and one H was there because he was waiting for his date but she never showed and he didn’t care about her.
They both haven’t hooked up with anyone since eachother. They’ve both thought about it, one said he tried but couldn’t before anything even started.
Theres a jealousy scene at party where one is dancing with a girl (gave off heated rivalry club scene if yk what I mean)
Neither had been with another guy before
February 21, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
I love this series! And finally we get to hear Xave's story! I've been wondering about it for a long time. I like seeing how Xave's raw, tough side meets his protective, loving side. From the beginning, he never lets himself be unsettled by his attraction and feelings toward Damon, and knows pretty much right away that he's the one for him. Damon is also a great character, I really love that he's so multifaceted! He blends in inconspicuously with the crowd on campus, but at the same time he's a mysterious DJ with some pretty dark fantasies. He would do anything for his sisters, which makes him all the more endearing to me ❤️.
The chemistry between the two is right from the start – and I'm telling you, it gets pretty hot 🔥. As always, the spice is very well done and I enjoyed it very much 🌶️! The found family aspect is also a big theme in this story and at the top level!
But not only that, in addition to the love story, we also experience a lot of suspense in this book, some mysteries are solved and some remain open ⚡️. I was very happy at the end of the book when I found out that the series is continuing. And with characters who also aroused my curiosity and sympathy while reading! I can highly recommend this book, indeed the whole series, so grab it and read it!
I love this series! And finally we get to hear Xave's story! I've been wondering about it for a long time. I like seeing how Xave's raw, tough side meets his protective, loving side. From the beginning, he never lets himself be unsettled by his attraction and feelings toward Damon, and knows pretty much right away that he's the one for him. Damon is also a great character, I really love that he's so multifaceted! He blends in inconspicuously with the crowd on campus, but at the same time he's a mysterious DJ with some pretty dark fantasies. He would do anything for his sisters, which makes him all the more endearing to me ❤️.
The chemistry between the two is right from the start – and I'm telling you, it gets pretty hot 🔥. As always, the spice is very well done and I enjoyed it very much 🌶️! The found family aspect is also a big theme in this story and at the top level!
But not only that, in addition to the love story, we also experience a lot of suspense in this book, some mysteries are solved and some remain open ⚡️. I was very happy at the end of the book when I found out that the series is continuing. And with characters who also aroused my curiosity and sympathy while reading! I can highly recommend this book, indeed the whole series, so grab it and read it!
March 5, 2026
Wish we got to see Damon in the others books but I love how he comes into tbs picture. Some parts were a little repetitive but didn’t really take too much from the story. But I’m glad Damon found people who would do anything for him cause he was with Xave. I’m glad Xave found someone for him and that all the Hawthorne boys all found someone to complete them. Such a great series.
March 8, 2026
great ending to a great series
“Damon is mine. He just doesn’t know it yet.”
I love the possessiveness Xave showed the moment he connected with Damon. Knowing how unattached these men are and finding them getting jealous just hypes me up. This author writes great MM but man, why do I feel like Jordan and Eden would be a great story? Jealous/obsessive step brother and the outcast? YES 🙌
“Damon is mine. He just doesn’t know it yet.”
I love the possessiveness Xave showed the moment he connected with Damon. Knowing how unattached these men are and finding them getting jealous just hypes me up. This author writes great MM but man, why do I feel like Jordan and Eden would be a great story? Jealous/obsessive step brother and the outcast? YES 🙌
March 1, 2026
Book 4 of the series and I’m finally used to the ridiculous amount of violence (ridiculous violence too) in these books. 🤣 It took me a while to get there, but here we are. This book is fun! I really enjoyed reading it. And I love that I’m on the authors list of ARC readers!
I loved the development between Xave and Damon. And also Damon’s secret life. It’s al so unrealistic but so fun at the same time. Of course all these weird threats happen to the mc’s. And they are always obviously stronger and smarter than any of the attackers.
So the story itself is very entertaining and had me turning pages like crazy. The characters are fun and for this series quite lovable. Why not 5 stars you wonder?
Because the dynamic reminded me too much of book 2. So much so that you’d almost expect them to exchange partners at some point. Ok maybe not, but still. I think there could have been another angle. Also this book appears to take place at the same time as book 3. Air even a bit earlier. And sometimes that didn’t make sense. Maybe I should read all four books in a row, to see if everything is clearer when you read them back to back. I read all of them right before publication and that’s apparently too far apart for me to understand and remember details from prior books that you kind of seem to need for all of it to really make sense.
Since I now do under the type of series this is I really should go back and see if I’d bump up the rating for the first book. I remember dropping a star because of the ridiculous violence. (I mean, this is the author of the adorable Stepbrother Dearest where everything could happen in real life and the mc’s are just edible).
Anyway, I’m definitely going to reread. And I advise anyone who’s wondering if this is a book they should read, to just pick it up and go for it. It’s very well written, no useless extra information, everything exciting happens on page, and the chemistry is excellent.
ARC Review
I loved the development between Xave and Damon. And also Damon’s secret life. It’s al so unrealistic but so fun at the same time. Of course all these weird threats happen to the mc’s. And they are always obviously stronger and smarter than any of the attackers.
So the story itself is very entertaining and had me turning pages like crazy. The characters are fun and for this series quite lovable. Why not 5 stars you wonder?
Because the dynamic reminded me too much of book 2. So much so that you’d almost expect them to exchange partners at some point. Ok maybe not, but still. I think there could have been another angle. Also this book appears to take place at the same time as book 3. Air even a bit earlier. And sometimes that didn’t make sense. Maybe I should read all four books in a row, to see if everything is clearer when you read them back to back. I read all of them right before publication and that’s apparently too far apart for me to understand and remember details from prior books that you kind of seem to need for all of it to really make sense.
Since I now do under the type of series this is I really should go back and see if I’d bump up the rating for the first book. I remember dropping a star because of the ridiculous violence. (I mean, this is the author of the adorable Stepbrother Dearest where everything could happen in real life and the mc’s are just edible).
Anyway, I’m definitely going to reread. And I advise anyone who’s wondering if this is a book they should read, to just pick it up and go for it. It’s very well written, no useless extra information, everything exciting happens on page, and the chemistry is excellent.
ARC Review
March 4, 2026
I’m bored.
I think it’s because I’m truly sick of this plot.
I thought I’d love Xave’s book but turns out it’d bore me the most.
I think it’s because I’m truly sick of this plot.
I thought I’d love Xave’s book but turns out it’d bore me the most.
Review of advance copy
This series continues to have me in a chokehold! These characters have a way of just pulling you in. I was excited to see Xave find his person! Xave and Damon were intense and lit the pages on fire! Their chemistry kept me intrigued through the whole book and I loved to see their soft sides come out for each other.
I think the only flaw was that the pacing was a bit slower in the beginning, but once it picked up, it picked up! I think there were a couple of pitfalls with this book because of pacing issues, but despite this, I love this couple and their story. I cannot wait for the next book!
***I received this ARC from Foreword PR and this is my honest review.
I think the only flaw was that the pacing was a bit slower in the beginning, but once it picked up, it picked up! I think there were a couple of pitfalls with this book because of pacing issues, but despite this, I love this couple and their story. I cannot wait for the next book!
***I received this ARC from Foreword PR and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
This is one if these series I keep thinking about even months after finishing the books and this one made the list, too 🙈
I love Willow's work so much, the way the characters and their worlds are described always make you feel like you’re a part of it. That's definitely a special talent right there 🥰
Xavier and Damon don’t really know each other. But Xave pretty soon feels an attraction towards him and decides to act on it, and Damon can’t deny he really much likes that.
They are like custom-made for each other, physically and mentally and they have so much in common it bonds them very fast.
I'm so excited for more from this series and count the days until the next book ✨️
I love Willow's work so much, the way the characters and their worlds are described always make you feel like you’re a part of it. That's definitely a special talent right there 🥰
Xavier and Damon don’t really know each other. But Xave pretty soon feels an attraction towards him and decides to act on it, and Damon can’t deny he really much likes that.
They are like custom-made for each other, physically and mentally and they have so much in common it bonds them very fast.
I'm so excited for more from this series and count the days until the next book ✨️
March 9, 2026
Round up at end:
How did a series I love 💕 get just 2 stars??? 🌟 🌟
sheer Laziness of plot mostly because seriously 😒
The start of this was SO FUN. Damon is a secret DJ? Xave (no spellcheck it’s not Cave) trying out his bi-ness in the dark back hook up room? I loved it. Even when they were kidnapped (for vague nefarious reasons) was it still fun? Yes.
Look, the author has created this crazy world where people can go to college and while also sort of being in the mafia and also like the whole world is a Wild West scenario. You suspend belief. It’s a roll in the hay, a chase down a dark hallway with knives flying and a it’s good time.
This installment fell short. The plot dragged and frankly by the end, I couldn’t really tell you what it was. Xavier was fine in this. It was his love interest, Damon that was a mess.
First off, the “but he’s not like other boys” trope was painful here because he was in fact, just like other boys. Besides the DJ bit that is NEVER BROUGHT UP AGAIN, he’s remarkably without a personality.
Secondly, I refuse to believe a person who can become a SUPER famous secret DJ commanding over a million $$ per gig, is this dumb about his survival. Again and again he’s useless in a crisis. He makes stupid decisions and if Xave wasn’t literally stalking his every move or if Eden didn’t save him, he would dead like 4 times over by halfway through the book.
And yet, with each murder attempt, he becomes more dumb. There is nothing but insta love tying him to Xave either though he’s obsessed. For the first time… I’m kind of like why? They never even really have a conversation the whole book.
My last complaint is a bad guy stalks and almost chokes Damon to death. Xavier, then knowing this, stalks and choke plays CNC with Damon. No conversations about consent or likes or dislikes or anything.
I would maybe not strangle my lover if he had just been horrifically strangled in a murder attempt a few weeks prior. The text doesn’t even recognize the action at all. Like maybe I could see it as rewriting trauma, but it’s never acknowledged.
The story also takes place simultaneously as the plot in the last book and so there’s a lot of like kind of confusing crossover. Especially if you only vaguely remember the last book.
Overall, I spent more time reading this being annoyed at factual errors or plot problems, then enjoying the story.
However Favs:
- it’s fun to see the cast of characters, especially Felix and the twins.
- I enjoyed learning more about the universe, though unfortunately this kind of poorly done and contradicted previous statements in other stories
- the opening concept was a lot of fun.
- in general the author’s writing is enjoyable and visceral. She’s fun to read.
Spice: 3.5/ 5
Angst: medium- high
Favorite side character: Eden- I really felt bad for her continued toxic harassment from her step bro.
Least favorite: Jordan I guess, he didn’t really have a point. And stop harassing Eden
Would I read more: sigh, yes. This author can make it work when she puts her head in the game and locks in
HEA: yes
How did a series I love 💕 get just 2 stars??? 🌟 🌟
sheer Laziness of plot mostly because seriously 😒
The start of this was SO FUN. Damon is a secret DJ? Xave (no spellcheck it’s not Cave) trying out his bi-ness in the dark back hook up room? I loved it. Even when they were kidnapped (for vague nefarious reasons) was it still fun? Yes.
Look, the author has created this crazy world where people can go to college and while also sort of being in the mafia and also like the whole world is a Wild West scenario. You suspend belief. It’s a roll in the hay, a chase down a dark hallway with knives flying and a it’s good time.
This installment fell short. The plot dragged and frankly by the end, I couldn’t really tell you what it was. Xavier was fine in this. It was his love interest, Damon that was a mess.
First off, the “but he’s not like other boys” trope was painful here because he was in fact, just like other boys. Besides the DJ bit that is NEVER BROUGHT UP AGAIN, he’s remarkably without a personality.
Secondly, I refuse to believe a person who can become a SUPER famous secret DJ commanding over a million $$ per gig, is this dumb about his survival. Again and again he’s useless in a crisis. He makes stupid decisions and if Xave wasn’t literally stalking his every move or if Eden didn’t save him, he would dead like 4 times over by halfway through the book.
And yet, with each murder attempt, he becomes more dumb. There is nothing but insta love tying him to Xave either though he’s obsessed. For the first time… I’m kind of like why? They never even really have a conversation the whole book.
My last complaint is a bad guy stalks and almost chokes Damon to death. Xavier, then knowing this, stalks and choke plays CNC with Damon. No conversations about consent or likes or dislikes or anything.
I would maybe not strangle my lover if he had just been horrifically strangled in a murder attempt a few weeks prior. The text doesn’t even recognize the action at all. Like maybe I could see it as rewriting trauma, but it’s never acknowledged.
The story also takes place simultaneously as the plot in the last book and so there’s a lot of like kind of confusing crossover. Especially if you only vaguely remember the last book.
Overall, I spent more time reading this being annoyed at factual errors or plot problems, then enjoying the story.
However Favs:
- it’s fun to see the cast of characters, especially Felix and the twins.
- I enjoyed learning more about the universe, though unfortunately this kind of poorly done and contradicted previous statements in other stories
- the opening concept was a lot of fun.
- in general the author’s writing is enjoyable and visceral. She’s fun to read.
Spice: 3.5/ 5
Angst: medium- high
Favorite side character: Eden- I really felt bad for her continued toxic harassment from her step bro.
Least favorite: Jordan I guess, he didn’t really have a point. And stop harassing Eden
Would I read more: sigh, yes. This author can make it work when she puts her head in the game and locks in
HEA: yes
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨️📚 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
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
March 2, 2026
I was really excited for this book, and I think I might have enjoyed it more if it didn’t feel like a carbon copy of the first and second installments. Out of the series, I may have liked Jace’s story the most — maybe because it felt slightly different — but even then, it followed a similar pattern and context. It always seems to revolve around someone trying to kill the MC while one of the Hawthorne cousins steps in to protect them. The formula feels repetitive at this point.
What frustrated me most is that the author focused heavily on the fact that someone was trying to kill Damon, rather than exploring the many other compelling storylines that could have been developed further. His alter ego, Helix, for example, had so much potential for depth and intrigue. His relationship with his fraternity, coming out to them about the fact that he's in love with Xavier.. I would’ve loved to see more tension around his family’s reaction, particularly his dad’s, or even deeper drama involving the different fraternities and the alumni.
Those elements felt far more interesting and promising than centering everything around the murder attempt. Even the identity of the culprit, once revealed, wasn’t particularly shocking or mysterious.
Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to expand on richer plotlines instead of repeating the same core structure again.
But one thing really intrigued me throughout this whole series, is Eden and Jordan's storylines. hope they get their own book sometime in the future.
What frustrated me most is that the author focused heavily on the fact that someone was trying to kill Damon, rather than exploring the many other compelling storylines that could have been developed further. His alter ego, Helix, for example, had so much potential for depth and intrigue. His relationship with his fraternity, coming out to them about the fact that he's in love with Xavier.. I would’ve loved to see more tension around his family’s reaction, particularly his dad’s, or even deeper drama involving the different fraternities and the alumni.
Those elements felt far more interesting and promising than centering everything around the murder attempt. Even the identity of the culprit, once revealed, wasn’t particularly shocking or mysterious.
Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to expand on richer plotlines instead of repeating the same core structure again.
But one thing really intrigued me throughout this whole series, is Eden and Jordan's storylines. hope they get their own book sometime in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much Willow for the arc!
I am LOVING this series, and this latest installment featuring Xave and Damon?? Ugh it was perfection.
I couldn't think of a stronger argument for forest preservation than this right here. I'll just leave that here and not elaborate.👏 😂
My jaw was on the floor from the chemistry these two have from the start. Also the tension and suspense??
The book is over 400 pages and it went by in a flash bc it was that good.
Okay, let's not get ahead of ourselves! Let me tell you what this is about
Xave is one of the members of rebel house, with his cousins.
They all attend this elite university where you need to have had your parents attend first. There's secret societies, and everyone is not as they seem.
He's been featured in the other books, kind of in the background and doing his own thing. You're kinda wondering if he would get his own book, so I was so happy when he did!!
He's investigating these people, which leads him to a rave, and getting drugged.
He wakes up with Damon who is also tied up, and they work to get free.
Xave makes quick work of the henchmen and then they go their separate ways.
Or do they???
Damon has a secret. Well....a few secrets.
Fortunately for him, he manages to get abducted alongside a very capable guy who can take down henchmen, steal a car and get them to safety.
Unfortunately for Damon, it doesn't seem to be an isolated incident, people are out to get him and possibly want him dead.
I love the growing family in these books. Everyone has their own unique voice as well as what skills they bring to the table.
I cannot wait for the next one!
I am LOVING this series, and this latest installment featuring Xave and Damon?? Ugh it was perfection.
I couldn't think of a stronger argument for forest preservation than this right here. I'll just leave that here and not elaborate.👏 😂
My jaw was on the floor from the chemistry these two have from the start. Also the tension and suspense??
The book is over 400 pages and it went by in a flash bc it was that good.
Okay, let's not get ahead of ourselves! Let me tell you what this is about
Xave is one of the members of rebel house, with his cousins.
They all attend this elite university where you need to have had your parents attend first. There's secret societies, and everyone is not as they seem.
He's been featured in the other books, kind of in the background and doing his own thing. You're kinda wondering if he would get his own book, so I was so happy when he did!!
He's investigating these people, which leads him to a rave, and getting drugged.
He wakes up with Damon who is also tied up, and they work to get free.
Xave makes quick work of the henchmen and then they go their separate ways.
Or do they???
Damon has a secret. Well....a few secrets.
Fortunately for him, he manages to get abducted alongside a very capable guy who can take down henchmen, steal a car and get them to safety.
Unfortunately for Damon, it doesn't seem to be an isolated incident, people are out to get him and possibly want him dead.
I love the growing family in these books. Everyone has their own unique voice as well as what skills they bring to the table.
I cannot wait for the next one!
February 26, 2026
This is one of those series I get extremely excited for, where I drop everything to start reading and Willow never disappoints me.
First of all, the covers are absolutely beautiful. I’m absolutely obsessed with every single one. I love how ruthless, morally ambiguous, toxic, and completely unhinged these men are. It makes this series so addictive.
I loved the way Xave and Damon met. It was a meet cute, but in the most messed up way. The fact that they belong to rival societies only made them wanting each other even better.
This was another great story that kept me completely intrigued. I’m loving the spice Willow keeps giving us.
I adore this family and the way they protect each other and the people they care about. I just love Jax and Jace, they are the most unhinged characters, but so entertaining.
First of all, the covers are absolutely beautiful. I’m absolutely obsessed with every single one. I love how ruthless, morally ambiguous, toxic, and completely unhinged these men are. It makes this series so addictive.
I loved the way Xave and Damon met. It was a meet cute, but in the most messed up way. The fact that they belong to rival societies only made them wanting each other even better.
This was another great story that kept me completely intrigued. I’m loving the spice Willow keeps giving us.
I adore this family and the way they protect each other and the people they care about. I just love Jax and Jace, they are the most unhinged characters, but so entertaining.
February 27, 2026
4.2 Stars⭐️
4 Spice🌶️
Tropes and Tags:
- 1st Person, Dual POV
- Dark Romance
- Stalking
- Bi-Awakening
- Forced Proximity
- Hurt/Comfort
- Primal Play
I love this series. There’s just something about a dark romance with morally grey characters who are actually big softies that will always hit!!👏🏽
Xave and Damon were great. Their connection and passion for each other worked so well, especially with how possessive Xave is.
These two are just as kinky and freaky as everyone else in this series and we love them for that.
I always enjoy the plot and “mystery solving” these books bring. Them falling in love while trying to protect each other and figure out who the big bad is, always has me turning pages so fast!
4 Spice🌶️
Tropes and Tags:
- 1st Person, Dual POV
- Dark Romance
- Stalking
- Bi-Awakening
- Forced Proximity
- Hurt/Comfort
- Primal Play
I love this series. There’s just something about a dark romance with morally grey characters who are actually big softies that will always hit!!👏🏽
Xave and Damon were great. Their connection and passion for each other worked so well, especially with how possessive Xave is.
These two are just as kinky and freaky as everyone else in this series and we love them for that.
I always enjoy the plot and “mystery solving” these books bring. Them falling in love while trying to protect each other and figure out who the big bad is, always has me turning pages so fast!
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