Secrets and Lies

Silvercrest U #5

by Willow Dixon

Anthony

Three years ago, I hooked up with one of my frat brothers during a house challenge, and between the darkness and the masks we were wearing, I had no idea it was West until after it was over. And what was supposed to be nothing more than a chance to have a little fun and indulge in some of my darker desires ends up being so much more.

I don’t understand the pull between us, but West feels like mine, and while he does his best to hide it, I know he wants me too.

After accidentally catching his fiancée cheating on him, I send West an anonymous text asking if he wants to know the truth. That text sparks a conversation, then another, and before I know it, West is telling me his deepest, darkest secrets, even though he has no idea who I am.

Then he issues me a challenge I can’t resist, and my prize is I get to do whatever I want to him. I already know West is into the same things I am, but I had no idea just how compatible we really are. Or how much we both like it when I wear a mask.

At the same time all of this is going on, West and I are paired up to work on a project together, and it’s then I realize that what I feel for him goes beyond anything I ever thought possible. I don’t just want him, I need him. And now that I’ve claimed him, I’m never letting him go.

West is mine until I decide he isn’t, and I dare anyone to try and come between us because I promise it won’t end well for them.

Secrets and Lies is the fifth book in a new dark romance series set in an elite, invite only college, and is a classmates to lovers story between two frat brothers who have more in common than they think. You can ex frat brothers, a bi-awakening, anonymous texting, masks, sensualism and sensory play, mild bondage, D/s vibes, Caretaking, hurt/comfort, found family, a protective MC, morally ambiguous heroes, not-so-secret societies, and lots of spicy times that will fog up your kindle screens as these two frat brothers realize that in sometimes what you need has been in front of you all along.

Genres: M M Romance, College, Romance, Dark Romance, Friends To Lovers, Dark, Contemporary

427 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 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

[martina (the life of a chaotic reader)]

at first i thought i was having a stroke.
but no, this author really decided to make another set of characters completely identical to the first books.

it’s an interesting choice, one i won’t keep reading. y’all have fun tho.

[TashiexReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐ Ant & West
I really wanted to love this more!! The chemistry between them was great, the anonymous texting was fun, and I really did feel their connection.
However, everything happening outside of them was quite confusing. I assume it’s setting up plot for future books, but it didn't make much sense to me and made parts of the story feel a bit slow.
I still love this series—books 1 & 2 are favourites of mine! But I do hope the author changes it up more. Keen to see what the next instalment brings 😊

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*** stars


first of all, this did absolutely not need to be over 400 pages long. believe me. second of all, babe is not a suitable endearment between passionate new lovers. it’s actually not sexy at all.

i don’t know why i came back here. the plot was uninspired, everything that would’ve given this at least some depth or intrigue was as always very vague on the details or just flat out lazy writing. but thank god we got some random animal facts.

yes, you probably guessed it, i skimmed a lot. (400+ pages, i mean, seriously?) but here is what i did like: the hidden identity part, the messaging, anthony taking care of west, the kinky mask sex and the tenderness.

overall, not really worth my time but i’m very likely guilty of ending up here once again, when the next one drops. *shrug

***********
Silvercrest U Series

Book 1 - Wicked Games - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - Hide and Seek - 4.0 stars
Book 3 - Fight or Flight
Book 4 - X Marks the Spot
Book 5 - Secrets and Lies - 3.5 stars
Book 6 - Like a Villain - release 11/26
Book 7 - tbd

[Nkmdee⚚ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh wow, we're improving we added an extra star compared to the last book...Yay🙁
I was so desperate, I wished desperately to like this book but alas here we fucking are. This shit almost put me in a reading slump😭😭

I don't have as much complaints I did with...what's the name again? THE Xave and Damon book.
Here goes.
Firstly, i think we need to let these kids graduate, Im so done with the school and how more houses keep getting added. Like bruther.
Secondly, can we stop with the twins? I thought we was done with Jax and Jace or wtv his name is and now we have new twins? and ofc guess how they're described? CRAZYYYYY. OH WOW NEVER HEARD THAT ONE BEFORE, twins who are crazy and have strong abilities in Silvercrest? OMG, isn't that a new one.
Thirdly, oh the insta lust & the insta love. WE WERE GETTING DOWN IN THE PROLOGUE! can i at least be introduced to chapter one before im introduced to your naked ass?
Also something that made me wanna yeet myself off a cliff was the mention of "aura" EWWWWWWWW. And it wasn't just the mention of aura it's the "whoever did that has some major aura" DOUBLE EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW.
This is me being picky but they were wearing a whole lotta hoodies, "he pulls me by the string of my hoodie", "he wears my hoodie", "he pulls off his hoodie"
Also the kinks are so similar, it's starting to confuse the fuck outta me. Also this book was sooo fucking boringggg, but at least West and Anthony were having conversations and not just getting their freak on, even though those conversations were basically west rambling about his life and how he's having problems and Anthony comforting him, rinse & repeat.
ALSO THE "WE TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN" SHIT AGAIN LIKE GIVE ME A BREAKKK. The stories are so confusing i'm starting to confuse who from who. It was good for the first 3 books, they were new and it was exciting but then we kept dragging it out and im sooo doneeee.
well the one good thing about this is that Anthony wasn't considered a "pyscho" YAYYY we have a different character blow the trumpets, sound the alarm!!
(also i might have lied cuz i am going to be reading the next book...cuz wdym it involves a nerd....heeheee count me in...hopefully we'll be adding an extra one or two stars from that one)
Bye :)
I DON'T LIKE TO JUDGE BUT YALL RATING THIS BOOK 5 STARS I NEED TO SEE YOUR 1 STAR RATINGS 😭😭😭 ALSO IM HEARING"I love how Anthony was yearning" Yearning where? Someone point it out to me cuz my glasses didn't see that one

🧸Pre-read🧸
Did i absolutely hate the last book? Yes yes. Am i still gonna be sat for this one because the synopsis eats? YESSS!!! I lied saying i wouldn't be reading anymore of her books cuz im so excited for this!!😭

[raccoon reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

Lacked the usual vibe of impending danger and villainry I've come to expect in this series.

This felt like more of a bridge book that helped connect the two frats into a working partnership against (possibly) the kings.

Sloppy writing (one night Damon was supposed to come over the next morning and walk to school with West. Not only does he not show up for this, but West skips school the next day and his friend nor the author never mentions the loose end ever again.)

Another example is their group project? What was it about? We’ll never know. The author was too tired or bored to give it any real answer .

A filler book without much substance. May be the product of an author determined to drag out a series way past when they should’ve ended it. Guess we’ll see next book release…

[Kelsey’s Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Going into this I wasn’t sure how the dynamic of these two would play out. I knew that one had caught the other's fiancé cheating and there's some anonymous texting but I absolutely loved the direction this took. Anthony, who seemed to be a bit intimidating in the previous book, is actually a dirty talking, caretaker who I just loved! There’s some d/s, mild noncon with a mask (so hot!) and a new friend group too which means more silvercrest adventures! I want to thank Willow for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Monikat · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars 🤗

I really, REALLY, wanted to love this more. It has all the elements I love in this series plus anonymous texting/hooking up. But my main problem was timing and ott obliviousness.
Timing because things dragged out and lost steam and obliviousness because realization came literally in the last pages. Plus, the forgetfulness of important things and not fully talking things over while allowing serious discussions to wander off the path. Things like that ruined it for me. Still, this is one of my favorite series so no real harm done since we see all our beloved characters.

[haletostilinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to dive into this 5th installment as I love this series. West has a fiance but he's going to fall for Anthony? Sign me the fuck up!

And overall, it was quite enjoyable. West and Anthony were my favorite part of this and they were so good together - their chemistry was off the charts good and I couldn't get enough of them. I absolutely adored the focus mainly being on them for most of this story as well, I was giddy whenever we got scenes with them - which, soon enough, was many.

The problem with this book, really, wasn't our main couple, but a few things adding to be the reason for my star off.

First off, the first 23% of this dragged. We barely got any interaction between these two and it focused on a whole lot of nothing that I gave a shit about. It seemed like set up for more, but none of that really pays off - maybe just sprinkling for future plot, I guess? - I didn't really see the point of wasting 20% of this story on the nothingburger plot.

I didn't care about the inner workings of the frats - I've already learned enough about them and I get that some people might read this without having read others, but as someone who has read all 4 before this, being reprised on all the frat rules and regulations is *snore* boringgg. And Anthony trying to figure out who is sneaking into their frat only for it to be Xave sneaking into see Damon from the last book so it wasn't even a plot point about Anthony or West, really, so we didn't need so much focus on it at first before Anthony discovered Xave was just there to be with Damon.

And as for West, he discovers this hard drive from these two guys doing an exchange and one of them drops it, so he just takes it and puts in his room and there's one scene where he checks out what's on it, but otherwise it's forgotten until the end where it just has to do with this overarching blackmail plot from the first few books and that has *nothing* to do with West or Anthony. Literally they meet with our Rebels guys to discuss the hard drive and Anthony and his 3 buddies all contemplate if it even has anything to do with them...SO LIKE....what was the point of that plot point? A connection should have been made to the Keepers quartet so at least there was some point to this barely touched upon plot.

I think there was a vague "we could potentially be connected, maybe not, we'll see" vibe to it and that was it. It was a waste of a plot point and honestly boring.

The best of this book is when it came to Anthony and West, although even then I wish more time had been spent with them. I don't know why this author felt the need to have all these guys' romances interconnected, happening around the same time/year with somewhat of an overarching plot, because it kind of backed her into a bit of a corner.

Not too bad of a one, but enough that Anthony and West's romance really starts after spring break, and that's only about 2 months before school is out so we spend a LOT of time with them for just about 1 week, and then it kind of moves forward a bit more, but not much before we get to the culmination of everything and them declaring love for each other - after about 6 weeks of being together, and not even officially at that. I think it would have been okay for the other couples to have moved on and graduated by now and this having started in a whole new year to get them months together so this didn't feel a bit rushed by the end.

Like West goes from being engaged - although yes, their relationship is clearly falling apart - one day to getting fucked by Anthony later that night after they break up. Very quickly West forgot her - not that she deserved remembering, but it was still quite rushed.

Also Anthony thought to himself that he was a bad guy, and he messed with West a *bit* but not to the extent an actual bad person would, he actually felt like a pretty good guy overall - even if he would go far for anyone he loves, yes, he didn't actually come across as dark all that much. Jax and Jace still hold the title of actually fucked up guys with an exception to their men.

Also I will admit at this point the kinks are getting a bit repetitive. I still absolutely loved and enjoyed their sex scenes and as long as I love the couple and enjoy the sex scenes, I don't mind if they're a bit repetitive, but I will admit this series could use a change of pace, something a bit different. We've done the masked mystery man bit already. It would be nice for an actual change up in their kinks - and the narrative actually committing to what it promises. Like yeah there was somnophilia, for all of 2 seconds before West wakes up, and it's the only scene of that kink in the whole book. Like...boooo, give me more!

So yeah, all these niggles frustrated me and I had to give this a star off, as much as I loved Anthony and West together.

I also loved the epilogue, it made me so so happy - and yay for actually focusing on the couple of this book and not the next one! - and seeing these two happy and in love by the end was great.

But yeah, some frustrations with it being a bit slow at first, focusing on other things except these two, and some niggles here and there added up to a star off of this.

But it was still, overall, very enjoyable and these two definitely carried this story. If their chemistry hadn't been so on point and I hadn't enjoyed them so much, this would have gotten a lower rating, I have to say. Thankfully after 23% the focus on these two ramped up like crazy and it was all systems go until the end. These two are definitely one of my more favorite couples of this series, although I will say the first two couples - Killian/Felix and Jax/Myles - still hold the top 2 spots for me. But these two are definitely my 3rd favorite of this series, no doubt about it.

I'll be excited to see Hazen and Liam's story next, and hopefully we'll change things up a bit, kink wise as well to have it be new and exciting.

Can't wait! 😘

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 (my review)
⭐️ Secrets & Lies: 4 stars

[Kyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me an embarrassingly long time to realize West was Damon’s best friend West, even with Damon being mentioned🤣 I love all the books in this series but I think this one is officially my favorite. Ant and his pining over West for years, West finally exploring his bisexuality, Ant being absolutely everything West needs without hardly trying. These two were absolute perfection. I couldn’t have asked for a better story for West. I had hoped when we met him in X Marks the Spot that we might get a book for him because something just seemed off with his relationship, I’m so so glad Willow gave us his story. Absolutely amazing.

[ML · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! West was SO endearing and Anthony was his perfect partner. He treated him so well and very dirty like West wanted.

Side note: if authors were to have a comment box I would request more sleep sex scenes please! I read MANY books and this is a rare occurrence! More somnophilia please authors! The one scene we get in this book was HOT… there was a slight plot hole but I overlooked it because of the hotness 🤣🤣


West puts himself down often in this book. It was hard to read at times. The way Anthony handled that is so well done. Bravo 👏🏻 Willow for that!

This book felt a bit like a spin off. We get some of the characters from book 1-4 but this is not the Rebels frat but The Keepers frat so we get more characters introduced. It was fun figuring out how everything fit together in the overall plot.

West’s bi-awakening was well done as well.

“Yeah, there’s no maybe about it. I’m definitely into guys. Maybe not a lot of guys, but I like dick. And I apparently really like it when that dick is attached to a dominating predator in a mask who talks dirty and rubs off on me in the woods.” 🤭🤭🤭

The Mr. X stuff 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥plus some of the side plots were also intriguing enough I’m definitely excited this series will continue with Liam’s book.

West and Anthony’s HEA was SO 🤯🥰🥰🥰

[Gems · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book.

Ohhhh, how I love West. He’s genuinely a well-thought out character, naive but beautifully vulnerable. I love how he’s chaotic in both his verbal and internal thoughts and I enjoyed reading his never ending questions and ideas. Contrasting this, Anthony acts as an anchor for West. He’s calm and he’s intelligent and articulate in regard to grounding West. It’s what made their dynamic for me so refreshing to read.

The introduction of the other characters, Hazen, Connor & Rath was also much enjoyed. I’d have to say my favourite of them is Rath, but I’m a sucker for a calm character.

I didn’t have much problems with this book, other than I’ve realised that I don’t particularly like mask play. Which is fine, because there is other aspects of the book that smooth it over for me.

Can’t wait for Hazen and Liam’s book!

[Swoony and Spicy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars ⭐️
4 Spice 🌶️

Tropes and Tags:
- 1st Person, Dual POV
- Dark Romance
- Masks
- Anonymous Texting
- D/s Vibes
- A Protective MC
- Frat Brothers to Lovers

I’m Absolutely in love with this series! I love a dark romance where the MC’s are actually just so soft and squishy for each other, while also being ridiculously kinky. This was probably the “lightest” of this series so far, Anthony is still arguably morally grey, but he’s also just the biggest softie for his man.

As with this whole series, there is plenty of debauchery, and we dived back into some hidden identity between the characters, and masks *wink wink* which was such a delicious treat!🔥

I’m so invested in the overarching plot, and I’ve really enjoyed the way it keeps building and involving all the new characters introduced, while also bringing back past couples as well.

Super excited for what’s coming next, I just know the next book is going to be a hit as well!👏

[Queenbeereads_sugarandspice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I did love this one! Ant and West had me glued to the page.

I adooooooored West. He’s got this rather chaotic charm to him, and I related to him in many ways – the constant apologising, the oversharing, the nervous babbling, the overthinking(!). Bless him, how oblivious he is to how serious his and Ant’s relationship is as he tries to convince himself not to get too attached. It upset me so much how he’s treated as lesser than his brothers in his family *sob* when I thought he was so incredibly endearing. I loved those little sassy moments of his!

And Ant, he bided his time with West for three years, ‘casually stalking’ him, but in that time, he noticed so much about the other man, and he shows this in the little things he does to look after West. To me, Ant’s not as intimidating as the Rebels, but he still holds that vibe of being able to protect himself and those he loves. I absolutely loved who Ant is with West – his caretaking, especially – and how he appreciates West for being who he is. He’s my favourite kind of possessive.

Oooo, how I loved the anticipation built up by the text messages to show what we can expect in the spicy scenes – it was soooo gooooooood! I was practically panting for the scenes to play out. And boy, were they great when we got them! West submits so beautifully, giving himself completely and obediently to Ant, and he’s so darn responsive, while Ant gives him exactly the right amount of encouragement and praise. I really appreciated his gentle handling and assurance when it was needed to ease West’s self-doubts, both outside the bedroom and in.

And my gawd, that epilogue! I LOVED that so much for these two, and especially for West because it’s exactly what he deserves. I was so excited for him to have finally found his person!

I’d say this one wasn’t as dark as the other books in the series and there was less of the ongoing plot than there has been in the others, but I didn’t mind this one bit because I was too busy enjoying everything about West and Ant. 

This series continues to keep me gripped and I only crave more with every book I finish. I’m excited for our next couple and how the plot unfolds from here. 

-----

Some of my favourite quotes

Yeah, there’s no maybe about it. I’m definitely into guys. Maybe not a lot of guys, but I like dick. And I apparently really like it when that dick is attached to a dominating predator in a mask who talks dirty and rubs off on me in the woods.
 
Ant looks gorgeous any day of the week, but the black leather motorcycle jacket and boots he’s wearing with a pair of dark wash jeans and a black tee elevate him from hot to god tier, 

“You need to stop putting yourself down. You’re not a moron or dumb or any of the other things you call yourself.” “I feel like all of those things,” “You’re not. There’s nothing wrong with you.” 

I didn’t expect this, and I didn’t predict it, but there’s no denying that West feels like mine. 

“It wasn’t casual. I showed you more of myself while I was wearing a mask than I’ve ever shown anyone in my entire life. I dropped defenses for you that I’ve never even considered dropping before. It might have been anonymous, and it was definitely kinky, but make no mistake, West. It wasn’t casual. Not for me, and not for you, either.” 

“Just be yourself and don’t worry about all the bullshit you worry about when you’re with other people.” 

“I loved you before I even understood what love was.”

“I didn’t think romantic love existed. I thought love was just friendship with good sex, but it’s so much more than that. It’s the most real thing I’ve ever felt, and you’ve been mine since that first night I snuck into your room.” 

He belongs with us, but more than that, he belongs with me.

West is mine, but I’m also his, and now that I have him, I’m never letting him go. And I know he’ll never let me go either.

“I’ve loved you since that first night back at school, and I’ve loved you a little bit more every day. You didn’t just show me that love is real, you taught me that it’s the most precious and incredible thing you can experience.” 

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've missed Silvercrest U! It was great to be back and I really enjoyed Anthony and West's story!
This series does need to be read in order, because there is an overarching plot and there are things that build on scenes in other books. We saw less of the Rebels, but we got to know the Keepers better. On the surface there were less nefarious things happening, but I feel like things were in motion behind closed doors.
I loved how over the top Anthony and the crew are. I really enjoyed Anthony being so attentive with West! As a neurodivergent person myself, I felt like a lot of West's struggles were things that I struggled with. Safe to say that I really emphasized with West. I loved that Anthony payed attention to him and never saw him as a burden. I really enjoyed their dynamic, their banter and how they went from tentative friends to lovers. I loved seeing Anthony help West calm down and feel safe enough to be his rambling self. I loved that West helped Anthony see that love did exist. West also brought out a playful and open side of Anthony that no one else got to see.

I loved the new characters we got to know and I'm excited to eventually read their stories as well. I lived the banter between Anthony and his friends a lot.

If you're in the mood for over the top characters, not so secret secret societies, hurt/comfort, anonymous texting and frat brothers/friends to lovers, then this is the book for you.

[AnnaMeansFun · Rating 3 out of 5]

So here’s the deal: it was a cute story. The boys were adorable, West with his ADHD (I get you, buddy) and Anthony with his demisexuality and the spice was hot, too, but… nothing really happened in that book.

I was hoping for some fun banter and general involvement from the side characters (they were barely there, we were pretty much just getting two main characters all the time with no other dynamics), as well as some frat storylines to add depth to the plot.

All we got was a cute, relatively basic and unproblematic romance that really didn’t need that many pages. A novella would suffice.

[Han · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

I had issues with the timeline and spacing in this book but I’ve noticed that in this series (book 3🫩 yes I’m still bitter about that one sue me) still couldn’t put it down though!

Safety
They hooked up 3 years ago. both with others after, one H1 has ex fiancé and his only experience with a guy was H2
Neither came off as man whores H2 was with men before too and I like that he still had some firsts to give to H1

[ReadingRed125 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the text exchanges and hidden identity in this one. There were a few parts that were a little boring/repetitive but overall I am really enjoying this series and can’t wait to read about the next couple.

[Sammi Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good!! Like omg this whole series has been so amazing! It’s honestly one of the best series I’ve read I have loved every single book so much. This book is no different it was so funny, spicy, sweet everything wrapped up in one!

[Christina’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I just love this series and I’m enjoying this new group of guys and exploring a new fraternity on the campus!

This one was not dramatic like the first four but it clearly shows what’s the mystery will be through these next ones involving what one of our MMCs found!

Eager for more!

[gab_e_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series! I just really love it, and I’ve enjoyed every single one of these stories so far. This one is something truly special!

Anthony catches West's fiancée cheating on him and sends West an anonymous text message. And so, things take their course…
The way Anthony takes care of West from the very beginning is enough to make you melt. He accepts West just as he is, unconditionally! And West, with all the thoughts swirling around in his head that sometimes drive him absolutely crazy, is just so incredibly lovable ❤️! You just want to give him a big hug.

But of course, it's not all sunshine and roses; alongside the love story, there are still all those secrets and shady dealings within the fraternities that gradually come to light.
The book also comes with a good dose of super-hot (sometimes kinky) spice! I absolutely love that 🔥🌶️!

If you've enjoyed the series so far, you're going to love this episode too! I highly recommend it.

[Sussu {Romance Obsessed} · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Willow for the ARC!

Yesssss this series is sooo good!

I love dark romance with characters that are soft for each other.


I loooved Anthony and West!

I was kind of worried that there would be a cheating trope in this due to knowing West as having a fiancee, but I'm so glad that wasn't an issue.


I was also unsure about Anthony from the previous book, but he's a total caretaker and honestly really in tune with what West needs.

Plus, the masks?? And the CNC?? I'm obsessed lol


I loved their chemistry, and how they actually went back years, quietly obsessing over each other since the hunt.


Anthony also not only looks after West, but he's also getting him to break bad habits.

Not able to get up in time for class? He'll help with that. He brings food and sends meals to him too bc West forgets to eat.

Also getting him to stop apologizing for things that aren't his fault?? Yes, please!


This book was a bit different than the others, the focus really felt more on the couple rather than one of the guys being in mortal danger.

It was a good change of pace, and suited them!


I always say that the best type of couples are a mix with a chaotic, anxious, overthinker and another partner who is laid-back and helps organize everything.


There was such a good mix with the old couples, and new characters, with each frat having their own cliques.


I also feel like Willow is setting up for a future series with the introduction of new characters 🍿 so I'm here, sat, hungry for more!

[Madam Ra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wished I liked this more, but the pacing was so off… and maybe it was a bit longer than it should. Nothing all that happens, so many inner monologues for both of them. The little action is in the final 15-20 percent which is just odd, nothing is resolved with that enigmatic flash drive. The entire book felt like a spin off of this series.
I relate liked West, but daamn that boy is clueless, I was so happy when Damon told him “Oh, honey”, because I was “oh, honeying” him the entire book. Ant was okay, but I didn’t like that he uses the same phrases repeatedly, it was kinda annoying. So not terrible, but not that great either.

[Sasha [latenightswithabook] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another really solid addition to this series. We’re focusing on another house now, having paired everyone from the original group of Rebels, and I’m super excited to explore the new characters.

I really enjoyed Ant and West’s relationship. West is a bit of an oblivious golden retriever and I loved that Ant had enough patience to just wait for him to figure everything out. This series has a lot of twists and turns, but for a book that had one of the mc’s in a long term relationship (and engaged) at the start, this was wonderfully low-angst.

I’d highly recommend this entire series.

⭐ 4/5

[❥ Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tbh if I didn’t like the kinks/tropes in this story it’d be a big nothingburger

Plot? There was an (abandoned) attempt
Relationship development? Uhh I gueeessss?
Resolution of character’s family issues? Barely

But the mask play was fun! This author writes some good smut and I always love her books with a hidden identity trope

[Amanda Anderson (Beauty.and.the.bookies) · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely love this series

I wish I could read this series from the beginning for the first time. I am so enamored with all of these men in this series. I always think each book has the best characters until I read another one. I LOVED Anthony and West. SO SO MUCH. & I cannot wait for Hazen and Liam!!! Cannot get here fast enough

[Rebecca Morin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded to 4 for good reads

For the most part, I have really loved this series, but unfortunately, even though I liked this book, it ended up being my lowest-rated one so far. It pains me to say that because the kinks were absolutely chef’s kiss and exactly what I wanted.

My biggest issue was that the beginning didn’t always feel cohesive. There were moments that felt like we read a scene from one point of view and then went backward in time to read the same events from the other point of view. I think it would have flowed much better if those scenes had been arranged in chronological order.

It had also been a little while since I read the last book, so it took me way too long to realize that West was Damon’s friend. I know it was mentioned early on, but it just didn’t fully connect for me. We didn’t hear enough about Damon for me to immediately remember him from the previous book, and I really wish we had gotten more interactions between the two groups, or at least more of Damon and West together. The book kept reminding us that they were best friends, but we rarely got to actually see that friendship on page until a little bit toward the end.

I’m also still confused about what happened with West’s family. It felt like 90% of the reason he struggled to admit he was bisexual was because of how his family would react. Yet once he agrees to go public with the relationship, we never get any resolution there. I was genuinely surprised when the book just ended then I assumed we’d revisit that in the epilogue. Instead, we just hear that West has become closer with Anthony’s family.

I was really waiting to see his family’s reaction. How were they going to treat him? Would they still look down on him even though Anthony came from a prominent family, or would his parents still think him being bisexual was wrong because it wasn’t normal to them. The story spent so much time building up that conflict that it felt strange not to get any payoff. By the end, I honestly felt like I was missing a chapter or an epilogue scene because it seemed like such an important part of West’s journey that never got fully addressed. Either way I’m excited to see what happens next with this new Alliance and all the new friends coming together

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some stories start years before you are actually aware of them starting. West and Ant’s story is one of those. Once you start this book you won’t want to put it down. And I love the on going mystery running thought the books.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. The characters draw me in from the first page, then pull me along on the journey, engaged in their frat activities as well as the developing relationships with the men the eight main characters in the series choose to love. This time, it is Anthony’s turn, one of the four young men in the Oathkeeper frat, juniors now, destined as leaders for their senior year.

Anthony is an intense character, very controlled, says what he means and means what he says, loyal to a fault with his ‘brothers’, intelligent, athletic, definitely creatively kinky, a compelling personality. His interest is drawn to West, a fellow frat member, early in his freshman year, and he keeps watch on and over West for the next two plus years, biding his time. When they share a class together junior year, it becomes a chance for Ant to get closer to West, to learn more about him—his low opinion of himself; constantly apologizing for things not his fault; his ADHD type personality making it hard to focus, calm his anxiety, to quiet the noise in his head; his expectations that people will eventually leave him as not being worthy of their long term interest—all things that Ant focuses on changing for West, to help him realize the valuable and interesting person he is, to build his confidence and self-esteem, to see himself as worthy of affection and caring and support, things lacking in his family dynamic. I also loved the random facts West could throw out on obscure topics (especially the immortal jellyfish), seemingly out of the blue. He must have an incredible memory for the topics which caught his fancy.

I liked the way Anthony always checked with West for consent, if he wanted to know things that might upset him (ie. about his GF), questions raised during texting, the kinky things they did together, making sure West was always ok—all the little ways Ant showed he cared for West without coming out and saying it outright, but showing him over and over how important West was to him as the feelings between them grew, letting West come to the realization himself of what this was, dating and love. Ant didn’t believe in romantic love, but West opened that up to him, the realization there was one person for him that he would do anything to protect. The relationship developed so naturally, they just seemed meant for each other, and I adored West, his doubt, his cluelessness about the depth of his own feelings and Ant’s. When he actually realized the depth of his feelings for Ant, I had a big smile on my face and tears in my eyes, it was so sweet. Loved the epilogue, too, the vulnerability in Ant and the shock from West, a great HEA for these two.

It is so easy to get invested in these characters, each of the eight are so unique, it is fascinating getting to know them, to learn more about individual idiosyncrasies, what makes them tick, and the characteristics they are attracted to in the men that they love. I’m looking forward to Hazen’s story next, then Carter’s, so glad to keep the stories of the guys at Silvercrest U going, and hopefully get to the bottom of the blackmail story that has been in the background all along.

If you are into darker romances with fascinating characters and interwoven stories, this entire series is worth a try. They can each be read as a standalone, but the whole series is richer if read in order. If want one to grab you and get you deeply involved, try Silvercrest U. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed at all.

[Viki · Rating 3 out of 5]

My faith in this series is restored, please continue.

I liked the first book of the series, something went... somewhere at some point but this book reminded me while I came here and what is it we're here for: a touch crazy, influential, hot, smart, capable male characters. And I guess the sweet guy who gets him into bed (with insecurities and flaws so any regular person can see themselves in him).

The love interests in this series (though they have their own POV so I guess both should be considered MCs), are a bit copy-paste in terms of what to expect, kinks included, but the original mold is, as I said, a good one so I am not complaining. I still remember this bit complaining about romance love interests that are treated as feral puppies - absolutely devoted to their human but make a mess and react with violence to any perceived threat. It's been so long since I've seen such a type and I couldn't be more happy about it - yes, a lot of the dark romance types cross lines, ignore social rules or do terrible things but it's not because they are too wild to know any better. A proper hot guy will invade his lover's privacy, break into their house then murmur sweet nothings into their ears, feed them their favourite food and eff up anyone who dares to do anything bad, not because they erupt in random acts of violence but as a deliberate choice. That's the kind of dark we (I) want to see.

We are moving to a new house, which is cool, the side characters that will soon turn into MCs also feel similar but are changed just enough (and the pause between reading them is long enough) I don't mind. The newest couple is Damon's best friend and we don't actually see a lot of Damon and we see a bit too much of the girlfriend/fiancée we already know we don't like, but it's over quickly enough. Anthony is... he stalks and teases West but even my sensitive eyes don't think it went anywhere near bullying, so it feels more like foreplay before their first real encounter. The 3-year gap... eh. All couples need to get together at a certain time so I know why that happened but that just means it makes little sense in the story. Like, yes, let me wait to claim my future husband until the rebels all get boyfriends and his best friend is taken. There's the matter of (minor spoiler? not really?) the girl cheating on him but this is a story, she cheated when the author made her so it still feels more like "a timely excuse" than "properly thought-out plot point" but is that why we're here? No? Thought so.

I wasn't always sure about this series but ya know what, I am looking forward to the next one, I am developing a fondness for series that don't really blow my mind but provide a familiar bit of entertainment with characters I can mostly remember with a trope I already enjoyed.

Recommend.

[Katsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I say this every single time, but West and Anthony are officially my favorite couple in the entire series. ❤️

Their first meeting was somehow even hotter than Damon and Xave's, and I honestly didn't think that would be possible. 🥵🔥

And we finally found out whose girlfriend Xave slept with 😱 Seriously... poor West. 🥺💔

At first, I expected him to be this quiet, shy, and naive guy, but he turned out to be a chaotic, lovable social butterfly with ADHD, and I adored every second of it. 💛✨
Anthony was honestly the perfect person for him because he understood him, balanced him out, and loved every part of who West was. 🫶❤️

One of my favorite things was how completely oblivious West was for most of the story, even when it felt so obvious that the mysterious masked man was Anthony. 😂🎭
The mask trope will never get old for me because it always creates so much tension, mystery, and incredible chemistry. 😍🔥

I actually ended up liking this new society even more than the original one because everyone felt much closer and more supportive of each other instead of constantly trying to rule over everyone else. 🖤🤝
It felt like they were an actual family rather than just a powerful group, and I loved that dynamic so much. 🥹❤️

We also got introduced to another set of twins, Connor and Hazen, along with their best friend Rath, and the three of them were absolutely hilarious together. 😂✨
Every time they were on the page, they made me smile because their friendship and banter were so entertaining. 🤍🤣
I'm already so excited for Hazen and Liam's story, although I'm honestly not sure they'll be able to top West and Anthony for me because this couple completely stole my heart. 🫠💞

And oh my God... we're finally getting Carter's story at the end of the year too, and I genuinely cannot wait. 😭📚

I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end, even if it frustrated me every now and then because the emotional moments hit so hard. 🥹💔
West and Anthony's chemistry was absolutely unmatched, and every interaction between them felt effortless, emotional, and incredibly romantic. ❤️‍🔥✨
They complemented each other perfectly, bringing out the best in one another while accepting each other exactly as they were. 💞

More than anything, I'm just so happy that West finally found someone who truly understands him, supports him, and loves him unconditionally because he deserves nothing less. 🥹❤️