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VITALITY: Dowde Crew Book Two
To survive him, you'll have to let your demons dance together.Maddox Wade Kingston
The one they’ve called a monster his entire life, lives up to the reputation. Violent. Angry. Mean. Unless you’re in the Crew. Tragedy struck him as a teenager in the worst way. Losing the one person he cared the most about. He’s determined to find out what actually happened to him. Through his work with Frequency and the Crew, he might finally be getting somewhere.
Then she comes home from college. The one he stayed away from, because as a teenager, a four year age gap made her jail bait. But now? She’s back permanently and he’s determined to get a date. She refuses him for two years. Even though she wanted him, too. Their histories just wouldn’t work. Their demons would not play well together.
She avoids him for a year and then she befriends Trina. They’re suddenly expected to be in social situations together.
One night on the beach, where secrets are spilled, she finally realizes that maybe her own demons have met their match in his.
For him, she finally says yes and he’s determined to keep her now that he has her. Nurturing her demons instead of shaming them.
Will the demons from their pasts be what breaks them apart? Or will those demons be what binds them together?
The one they’ve called a monster his entire life, lives up to the reputation. Violent. Angry. Mean. Unless you’re in the Crew. Tragedy struck him as a teenager in the worst way. Losing the one person he cared the most about. He’s determined to find out what actually happened to him. Through his work with Frequency and the Crew, he might finally be getting somewhere.
Then she comes home from college. The one he stayed away from, because as a teenager, a four year age gap made her jail bait. But now? She’s back permanently and he’s determined to get a date. She refuses him for two years. Even though she wanted him, too. Their histories just wouldn’t work. Their demons would not play well together.
She avoids him for a year and then she befriends Trina. They’re suddenly expected to be in social situations together.
One night on the beach, where secrets are spilled, she finally realizes that maybe her own demons have met their match in his.
For him, she finally says yes and he’s determined to keep her now that he has her. Nurturing her demons instead of shaming them.
Will the demons from their pasts be what breaks them apart? Or will those demons be what binds them together?
632 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 9, 2026
Vitality by S Vixyn is the second book in the Dowde Crew Series and is scheduled to be released on September 1st. I absolutely love the content note! Vitality was a freaking phenomenal read. I wasn’t prepared for the emotional rollercoaster that the MMC and MFC’s demons took me on, but I loved every single minute of it. I enjoyed reading more of the crew’s story and seeing how protective each of the crew members are.
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher.
As this was a pre-release edition, some content may differ from the final published version.
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher.
As this was a pre-release edition, some content may differ from the final published version.
August 27, 2026
ARC Review -
Maddox. Kayden. It does NOT get any better than them. I could not put this book down, it was such a rollercoaster of emotions. I was gigglin’ kick’ my feet, i was tearing up, i was wanting to throw my kindle, then i was back to kickin’ my damn feet again. Sarah was such a ball of fire and seeing her confidence grow and watching her become a badass was 🤌🏻
Also - some of the best mfm scenes i have ever read, not even exaggerating. I was sweating.
Again with the ending tho - i need to know what is happening.
Gimme book 3
And i am begging for Kayden’s story 😭
Maddox. Kayden. It does NOT get any better than them. I could not put this book down, it was such a rollercoaster of emotions. I was gigglin’ kick’ my feet, i was tearing up, i was wanting to throw my kindle, then i was back to kickin’ my damn feet again. Sarah was such a ball of fire and seeing her confidence grow and watching her become a badass was 🤌🏻
Also - some of the best mfm scenes i have ever read, not even exaggerating. I was sweating.
Again with the ending tho - i need to know what is happening.
Gimme book 3
And i am begging for Kayden’s story 😭
August 21, 2026
Book 2 in the Dowde Crew series: Maddox and Sarah. This is a small town, found family, childhood secret crushes to lovers, reformed pl@yboy, years of pining, slow burn, both has sworn of relationships, mental health rep, touch her and d!e, OTT protective caveman MMC, morally grey vigilante hitman, secret society, hitmen/vigilante MMC, touch her and d!e, OTT protective and obsessive MMC, kismet love story, slow burn,
By far the best found family series I have read yet, this crew is incredible to each other. A true found FAMILY dynamic and I couldn’t get enough of it. I loved the new characters added to this series and how much more in depth this went with the Crew’s “extra circular” vigilante storyline.
This is the second book in the series and I strongly recommend it being read in order to have a better note in depth understanding of characters and plot and because Gravity (book 1) was so incredible! It was one of the few 5⭐️ reads of the year. I definitely recommend this series and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
By far the best found family series I have read yet, this crew is incredible to each other. A true found FAMILY dynamic and I couldn’t get enough of it. I loved the new characters added to this series and how much more in depth this went with the Crew’s “extra circular” vigilante storyline.
This is the second book in the series and I strongly recommend it being read in order to have a better note in depth understanding of characters and plot and because Gravity (book 1) was so incredible! It was one of the few 5⭐️ reads of the year. I definitely recommend this series and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
September 18, 2026
Holy moly. The story of Maddox and Sarah. This is freaking amazing. I fell in love with these two in the first book and was not sure what would happen in the second book.
Well, let me tell you......It was incredible. Maddox and Sarah just help you understand how sometimes we find our person or how they were destined for us.
How our stories sometimes don't follow a linear plot line and how what seems to be unconventional may be just the right thing for you.
The story of Maddox and Sarah is just so well written, and I love the way they have made things work for them and how it has helped them both overcome some serious trauma in their lives.
Please keep in mind. These books talk about some real-life dark places we go to. Your mental health is important. So please read all trigger warnings before reading these books.
Well, let me tell you......It was incredible. Maddox and Sarah just help you understand how sometimes we find our person or how they were destined for us.
How our stories sometimes don't follow a linear plot line and how what seems to be unconventional may be just the right thing for you.
The story of Maddox and Sarah is just so well written, and I love the way they have made things work for them and how it has helped them both overcome some serious trauma in their lives.
Please keep in mind. These books talk about some real-life dark places we go to. Your mental health is important. So please read all trigger warnings before reading these books.
September 1, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Book 2 of the Dowde Crew Series was emotional, spicy, adventurous and honestly such a beautiful addition to the Dowde Crew series.
Maddox and Sarah had feelings brewing for years, but watching them finally confront those emotions was worth it. Maddox was DOWN BAD, persistent, protective and completely smitten and I loved every bit of it 😂.
What stood out for me was how intentional he was about understanding and supporting Sarah. The mental health representation and inclusion of therapy were handled with care and added emotional depth to the story.
The found family dynamic remains one of my favourite parts of this series because everyone genuinely shows up for each other.
Sarah and Maddox's relationship was soft, intimate, emotional and yes VERY spicy 👀🌶️ and adventurous 🫦 I almost thought I was getting a throuple 🤭 the MFM scenes were undeniable so hot 🫦
There is also enough suspense and mystery surrounding the crew to keep you invested beyond the romance. Overall, this was a beautiful, emotional and adventurous read, and I can't wait for the next book 💖
Book 2 of the Dowde Crew Series was emotional, spicy, adventurous and honestly such a beautiful addition to the Dowde Crew series.
Maddox and Sarah had feelings brewing for years, but watching them finally confront those emotions was worth it. Maddox was DOWN BAD, persistent, protective and completely smitten and I loved every bit of it 😂.
What stood out for me was how intentional he was about understanding and supporting Sarah. The mental health representation and inclusion of therapy were handled with care and added emotional depth to the story.
The found family dynamic remains one of my favourite parts of this series because everyone genuinely shows up for each other.
Sarah and Maddox's relationship was soft, intimate, emotional and yes VERY spicy 👀🌶️ and adventurous 🫦 I almost thought I was getting a throuple 🤭 the MFM scenes were undeniable so hot 🫦
There is also enough suspense and mystery surrounding the crew to keep you invested beyond the romance. Overall, this was a beautiful, emotional and adventurous read, and I can't wait for the next book 💖
Review of advance copy received from Author
5/5 ⭐
3-4/5 🌶
TW’s: suicide attempt (discussed on page), kidnapping (on/off page, details discussed on page), trafficking (off page), child SA (off page), child abuse (on/off page), depression, anxiety, anxiety attacks (on/off page), depressive episodes (on page), intermittent explosive disorder episodes (on page. THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION, DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY OF THE ‘CALMING STRATEGIES’ IN THE BOOK), self depreciation, accidental pregnancy, death of a sibling, stabbing of eyes, murder, violence, MFM scenes, light BDSM, edging, forced orgasm, bondage, praise kink, voyeurism (consensual), exhibitionism, detailed/descriptive sex scenes, light dom/sub dynamic, consensual ‘sharing’, orgasm denial, and breeding/pregnancy kink.
Second installment of the Dowde Crew and let me tell ya’ll, S. Vixyn f*ckin’ nailed it…..again. I absolutely loved every single second of this book, so much. Minus the mental issues that Maddox and Sarah have, they are a dream/wish/fantasy partner(s) (I honestly didn’t expect anything less with the Dowde Crew). Everything about the MC's scream adult, emotional intelligence (minus the short fuses when it comes to the ones they love), logical & realistic mind sets, just freaking perfection.
This book hurt my heart (AGAIN!) in the best possible way; just like the first book, but I was better prepared. I want to just copy/paste my review for Gravity, because I feel the exact same for Vitality as I did for the first book. I love how these characters love. I love how these characters take care of their family. I just f*ckin love everything about this series so far. My only issue: I was having a hard time connecting with Sarah because of her anxiety. Don’t get me wrong, everyone’s anxiety is different and people handle it very differently, but I developed coping mechanisms from a very young age and so I can handle extreme anxiety without it spiralling. I found myself rolling my eyes every time Sarah went into a spiral or a panic attack.
This book was hard to put down, was very well written, MINOR typos/grammatical errors, the flow was amazing, and THAT F*CKIN PLOT TWIST BABE!!! UUGGGHHHH!! Wasn’t expecting that and I have my theories.
Anyways, this book has romance, love, spice, family (real family, the ones you choose), and emotions. This book is not a waste of time. Buy it, read it, & hopefully you love it as much as this reader does.
Thank you S. Vixyn for the opportunity to ARC this. I am leaving a review voluntarily.
3-4/5 🌶
TW’s: suicide attempt (discussed on page), kidnapping (on/off page, details discussed on page), trafficking (off page), child SA (off page), child abuse (on/off page), depression, anxiety, anxiety attacks (on/off page), depressive episodes (on page), intermittent explosive disorder episodes (on page. THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION, DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY OF THE ‘CALMING STRATEGIES’ IN THE BOOK), self depreciation, accidental pregnancy, death of a sibling, stabbing of eyes, murder, violence, MFM scenes, light BDSM, edging, forced orgasm, bondage, praise kink, voyeurism (consensual), exhibitionism, detailed/descriptive sex scenes, light dom/sub dynamic, consensual ‘sharing’, orgasm denial, and breeding/pregnancy kink.
Second installment of the Dowde Crew and let me tell ya’ll, S. Vixyn f*ckin’ nailed it…..again. I absolutely loved every single second of this book, so much. Minus the mental issues that Maddox and Sarah have, they are a dream/wish/fantasy partner(s) (I honestly didn’t expect anything less with the Dowde Crew). Everything about the MC's scream adult, emotional intelligence (minus the short fuses when it comes to the ones they love), logical & realistic mind sets, just freaking perfection.
This book hurt my heart (AGAIN!) in the best possible way; just like the first book, but I was better prepared. I want to just copy/paste my review for Gravity, because I feel the exact same for Vitality as I did for the first book. I love how these characters love. I love how these characters take care of their family. I just f*ckin love everything about this series so far. My only issue: I was having a hard time connecting with Sarah because of her anxiety. Don’t get me wrong, everyone’s anxiety is different and people handle it very differently, but I developed coping mechanisms from a very young age and so I can handle extreme anxiety without it spiralling. I found myself rolling my eyes every time Sarah went into a spiral or a panic attack.
This book was hard to put down, was very well written, MINOR typos/grammatical errors, the flow was amazing, and THAT F*CKIN PLOT TWIST BABE!!! UUGGGHHHH!! Wasn’t expecting that and I have my theories.
Anyways, this book has romance, love, spice, family (real family, the ones you choose), and emotions. This book is not a waste of time. Buy it, read it, & hopefully you love it as much as this reader does.
Thank you S. Vixyn for the opportunity to ARC this. I am leaving a review voluntarily.
September 2, 2026
S. Vixyn. Take your well deserved bow. Girl you’re fire! 🔥
You put this book to bed and then some. I thought Gravity was amazing. And it was. But this one blows everything out of the water. This book brought it all. Intensity, chaos, hurt and pain. Beautifully written mental health reps. Sweet and spicy. And that spicy was hot! 🌶️🥵 Sarah and Maddox finally connected after all those years. Her being a minor at the time. Well she’s all grown up and that spark never died. It grew into a full blown fire that felt like an explosion.
I was deep in this one. I knew once I started I wasn’t going to be able to stop. That finish line was screaming my name. I devoured this as slowly as I could because I wanted to savor every moment. These two were everything. This book was amazing. And I cannot wait to get the third book. Vixyn, you are a true novelist that knows how to bring these characters to life, write with a depth that keeps you invested, and can build a world that lives in your mind rent free for life.
You put this book to bed and then some. I thought Gravity was amazing. And it was. But this one blows everything out of the water. This book brought it all. Intensity, chaos, hurt and pain. Beautifully written mental health reps. Sweet and spicy. And that spicy was hot! 🌶️🥵 Sarah and Maddox finally connected after all those years. Her being a minor at the time. Well she’s all grown up and that spark never died. It grew into a full blown fire that felt like an explosion.
I was deep in this one. I knew once I started I wasn’t going to be able to stop. That finish line was screaming my name. I devoured this as slowly as I could because I wanted to savor every moment. These two were everything. This book was amazing. And I cannot wait to get the third book. Vixyn, you are a true novelist that knows how to bring these characters to life, write with a depth that keeps you invested, and can build a world that lives in your mind rent free for life.
September 3, 2026
I couldn't put this book down--amazing! 5 stars the story and the spice!
This could be read as a standalone but you'll get more background of the Crew, the found family that are there for each other. Plus it's fun and funny to see the women antics when they are drunk and giving the guys grief and sexy time ;) I do suggest if you have triggers to read them as there are some sensitive issues this book touches.
It's always been you type of trope, pining, he falls hard for Sarah, and it takes awhile to get to that path together. They both struggle with emotions one way or another, and love how they help each other out along with the crew.
There is plenty of action happening in the story with finding out who is behind the trafficking.
Sarah is at first shy in the book but she comes around later and is feisty and fierce when she needs to be.
I actually enjoyed and like this book more than the first.
Definitely worth reading!
I received this as an Advanced Readers Copy, and my review is my fair and honest opinion
This could be read as a standalone but you'll get more background of the Crew, the found family that are there for each other. Plus it's fun and funny to see the women antics when they are drunk and giving the guys grief and sexy time ;) I do suggest if you have triggers to read them as there are some sensitive issues this book touches.
It's always been you type of trope, pining, he falls hard for Sarah, and it takes awhile to get to that path together. They both struggle with emotions one way or another, and love how they help each other out along with the crew.
There is plenty of action happening in the story with finding out who is behind the trafficking.
Sarah is at first shy in the book but she comes around later and is feisty and fierce when she needs to be.
I actually enjoyed and like this book more than the first.
Definitely worth reading!
I received this as an Advanced Readers Copy, and my review is my fair and honest opinion
October 15, 2026
Tender, intense and surprisingly honest about mental health
Vitality is Maddox and Sarah's story, and I loved how it picks up the world from Gravity while telling something new. The prologue about their childhoods is heartbreaking, and it made me care about both of them right away.
The close-knit brotherhood and found-family loyalty felt like Sons of Anarchy, and the careful way it handles anxiety, depression and a hero's explosive temper reminded me of Silver Linings Playbook. The tech-and-trafficking mystery, with Garrett decoding the clues, had a Criminal Minds team feel. And the way the men protect their women has a Black Dagger Brotherhood energy.
What stood out most is how openly the characters talk about boundaries, consent and healing. I appreciated that the author included clear content notes and didn't glamorize the hard parts. The rescue scene near the end is fun and satisfying, and the final twist left me eager for more.
If you want a spicy, emotional romance with real heart and a crew you'll want to hang out with, I'd recommend it.
Vitality is Maddox and Sarah's story, and I loved how it picks up the world from Gravity while telling something new. The prologue about their childhoods is heartbreaking, and it made me care about both of them right away.
The close-knit brotherhood and found-family loyalty felt like Sons of Anarchy, and the careful way it handles anxiety, depression and a hero's explosive temper reminded me of Silver Linings Playbook. The tech-and-trafficking mystery, with Garrett decoding the clues, had a Criminal Minds team feel. And the way the men protect their women has a Black Dagger Brotherhood energy.
What stood out most is how openly the characters talk about boundaries, consent and healing. I appreciated that the author included clear content notes and didn't glamorize the hard parts. The rescue scene near the end is fun and satisfying, and the final twist left me eager for more.
If you want a spicy, emotional romance with real heart and a crew you'll want to hang out with, I'd recommend it.
October 17, 2026
I cannot get over how good this series really is. I'm ready to move to Dowde.
The mental health representation in the series is PERFECTION. The friend group needs to exist in my life. The spice...don't get me started. It gets better with each book.
The way each book is woven together is unlike nothing else I've read before. The way each book reminds you of the events from the one before blew my mind. Not to mention how each book ends, and the overarching storyline proceeds throughout each story.
At this point though, I can't decide which couple is my favorite, but even after two books, I want another twenty... Sorry (not sorry) to the author. 🫣
If you're not reading the Dowde Crew series, stop procrastinating.
Thank you, S. Vixyn, for the ARC opportunity. This honest review has been left voluntarily.
The mental health representation in the series is PERFECTION. The friend group needs to exist in my life. The spice...don't get me started. It gets better with each book.
The way each book is woven together is unlike nothing else I've read before. The way each book reminds you of the events from the one before blew my mind. Not to mention how each book ends, and the overarching storyline proceeds throughout each story.
At this point though, I can't decide which couple is my favorite, but even after two books, I want another twenty... Sorry (not sorry) to the author. 🫣
If you're not reading the Dowde Crew series, stop procrastinating.
Thank you, S. Vixyn, for the ARC opportunity. This honest review has been left voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
S. Vixyn has done it again. I loved seeing Maddox's journey and story, especially since we met him in the first book. Gravity.
Check the trigger warnings, as someone who has had experience with someone close to me with IED, the beginning of the story definitely hurt my heart for Maddox.
Seeing the relationship unfold between Maddox and Sarah was amazing. Between the protectiveness, waiting, yearning, spice, and everything in between, those two were meant for each other, and its very evident throughout the storyline.
The Crew is my favorite, the way they all fight for each other until the very end, lean on each other, its just a perfect found family representation.
I can't eait to see what the third book holds.
Check the trigger warnings, as someone who has had experience with someone close to me with IED, the beginning of the story definitely hurt my heart for Maddox.
Seeing the relationship unfold between Maddox and Sarah was amazing. Between the protectiveness, waiting, yearning, spice, and everything in between, those two were meant for each other, and its very evident throughout the storyline.
The Crew is my favorite, the way they all fight for each other until the very end, lean on each other, its just a perfect found family representation.
I can't eait to see what the third book holds.
Review of advance copy received from Author
After book one i was worried book two wouldn't live up to it. Boy was i wrong.
This book had me laughing & crying all throughout! There are some great spicy scenes but I absolutely love how this author makes the spice part of the story.
I dont know who my favorite character is because I love them all!
Thank you so much to the author for the advance copy and for writing such amazing books!
This book had me laughing & crying all throughout! There are some great spicy scenes but I absolutely love how this author makes the spice part of the story.
I dont know who my favorite character is because I love them all!
Thank you so much to the author for the advance copy and for writing such amazing books!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The writing is pretty straightforward and there’s no miscommunication between our MCs. I enjoyed the found family between everyone. Maddox is always there for Sarah. Plus, the MFM scene was so good! It’s pretty fast paced, which I love seeing in stories! I also found some scenes to be realistic and it is refreshing to see.
September 2, 2026
S. Vixyn did it again!!
This book was just as good as the first one. When i tell you i was on a roller coaster, i was on a roller coaster! May have been an emotional one but it was well worth it. I enjoyed every minute of this book but that ending!! I need the next one, like yesterday, thank you very much.
This book was just as good as the first one. When i tell you i was on a roller coaster, i was on a roller coaster! May have been an emotional one but it was well worth it. I enjoyed every minute of this book but that ending!! I need the next one, like yesterday, thank you very much.
September 10, 2026
Far out!! Another amazing read in this series! At this stage I am addicted to the Crew. I adore found family and I love the closeness of the Crew. This book had brilliant mental health representation as well as genuine love and bonds. And the spice 🤯🤯 I absolutely need more from this series!!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews