Dax

Bad Boys of Willow Valley #1

by Shannyn Leah

Dax Colyn is one of the bad boys of Willow Valley. A fearless volunteer firefighter and hard ass mechanic, he makes all the woman swoon and he likes it that way. He keeps people at a distance since his mother died. He doesn’t want to let anyone in, much less a woman he knows he could fall in love with.

Ava Anderson keeps people away, too. Haunted by her tortured past and constantly fearful of the future, it’s only her daughter Olivia and Dax’s dad Rowdy that she’s let in.

But when tragedy strikes, it pushes Dax and Ava together, forcing them both to let go of their fears. They soon learn how hard it is to keep pretending and how easy it is to let others in. Especially when those people are family.

“Dax” is the first in the “Bad Boys of Willow Valley” series from author Shannyn Leah.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Ebooks, Friends To Lovers, Firefighters

Paperback

First published November 5, 2020

About the author

Choose Your Own Romance & 3 FREE books

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

USA TODAY Bestselling romance author Shannyn Leah loves olives, lip gloss and reading (and writing) romance novels.

Currently you'll find her lost in her writing cave as she's co-writing an 8-book YA Fantasy series with her nine-year-old nephew, C.S. Cowell. They are launching a Kickstarter May 3rd, 2022 where you can purchase their eBooks, paperbacks, RARE hardcovers, and Imperium-themed swag!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

Her love of words started at an early age and soon grew until, during her teenage years, she’d started writing her own novels. When her mom pushed to finally publish some of the stories, she quickly amassed a collection of romance series.

In 2018, she joined romance author Kelly Moore and together, they co-wrote the first season of The CRD series.

Alongside Connie Dave, Brea Viragh, and Nikki Lynn Barrett, Shannyn is one of the four founder's of a Cinnamon Bay Romance. Readers can immerse themselves in love stories based in a small-town book world centered around a Matchmaker Trio and mythical love spice. You never know what the Trio of Trouble will do next.

Shannyn is a Sponsorship Event Co-Ordinator with Ignite Your Soul Book Signing in London Ontario where not only local authors, but authors from all around the world gather for a fantastic greet and meet, pictures, and building friendships.

When she's not writing books into the early hours of the morning, Shannyn can be found antiquing with her two favorite people, her momma and sister, in their picturesque London, Ontario hometown.

Shannyn would love to get to know her readers as you get to know her (just don’t send her any carrots!)

To be notified when new books, exclusive excerpts and contests are released, join her mailing list here: http://www.shannynleah.com/contact.php

For extras, check out Shannyn’s webpage here: www.shannynleah.com 

If you enjoy Shannyn’s books, please join her Facebook page here to share the love: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shanny... 

And if you would like to contact Shannyn directly, email her at Shannynleah@gmail.com

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Boy Alert! Dax is coming and Shannyn Leah has a Pre-release Giveaway to Celebrate!

Click on Banner to Enter! $10 Gift Card & 3 eCopies of DAX are up for grabs! November 3 -20, 2017

He is everything a girl could ask for, handsome, rugged, daring and good with his hands. Dax is also a love ‘em and leave ‘em kind of guy, ever since he saw firsthand what caring for someone could do. Dax watched the strongest man he knows fall to pieces the day his mother died and like Humpty Dumpty, he didn’t have anyone who knew how to put him back together again, at least not until a young mother and her infant daughter, Olivia came along. For as much as young Olivia has softened his dad’s heart, there is still no way Dax can let Ava anywhere near him, because she alone has the power to bring him to his knees and he'll be damned if he will give her the chance.

Ava’s past didn’t give her much hope for the future until Rowdy Colyn took her in and made her family, becoming a doting grandpa to Olivia. Ava really shouldn’t even be looking at Dax, let alone thinking about who or what the brooding male is doing. Definitely not, the man is bad news and Ava can't afford to be one of his conquests.

When tragedy strikes, Cupid will get a little help from beyond as two souls, terrified of being hurt, learn to leave the past where it belongs and let the future be a daring leap of faith for their hearts.

DAX by Shannyn Leah is a tale of frozen and fearful hearts thawed by love. Ms. Leah writes with a passion that does not need flowery phrases or misty fields of green. She writes of real people, flawed, afraid and still hoping to find that special someone. From moments of intense intimacy to the sweet innocence of a small child, this new series is going to be an emotional scorcher! If you haven't already read Shannyn's work, this is the perfect place to get your Bad Boy Fix!

I received an ARC edition from Shannyn Leah!

Series: Bad Boys of Willow Valley - Book 1
Publisher: Pronoun (November 21, 2017)
Publication Date: November 21, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 235 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Shannyn Leah writes a contemporary romance I always beg to read it. Her characters are natural and flawed. Even so, they have heart and spirit that I love to read about. This book is about Dax and for a bad boy (read ladies man) when he makes a decision it sticks.

Dax has had a foolproof plan his entire life up until everything changes. Then he sees life totally different and sets about to make Ava see that different future too. Hard fought and charming chapters follow.

I want to move here and find me a man like Shannyn sees. These men are exceptional. The women are super amazing, strong, and human. Another great series starter.

[Shannyn Leah]

I can't wait to share this story with all of you. I am SO in LOVE with Dax and Ava. Coming soon.

xoxox, Shannyn

[Carlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dax is the town bachelor, a single mechanic and volunteer firefighter who spends his evening drinking and enjoying the various women who visit Willow Valley as tourists. He's got no desire to settle down, but when the loss of his father hurts the only girl he ever had some sort of feelings for he finds himself a changed man. Ava and Olivia were the apples of his father's eyes and Dax feels like he finally understands why his dad was pushing him to let Ava in. Together they stumble through the loss of Rowdy and the uncertainty that comes with trying something new. When Ava must rely on Dax to protect her and Olivia from the past she discovers he is a changed man and might be the right one to give her heart, and trust, to.

"Hot and cold. Water and fire."

Dax, book one in the Bad Boys of Willow Valley series by Shannyn Leah, was a great bad guy turns good read. From the very first page Leah thrusts us into the small town of Willow Valley, allowing us to see the beach, the fire station, the mechanic's shop, and the quaint streets that us city people dream about. It's a classic small town romance, everyone knows everyone's business, but there's a twist that makes Dax a bit more exciting. Dax is your classic handsome alpha with a distaste for real romance. Ava is the sweet teacher, the goody-two shoes, and the mother of little princess Olivia. She has a past, a background that we only get a glimpse at, but it's enough to tell us things with her aren't as they seem. She and Dax share chemistry, a blazing inferno that everyone can see, but them. Their romance really is the entire story, but Olivia and Rowdy, Dax's father, really make it that much better. They're the best kind of secondary characters, especially for a story like this one.

"It was crazy. He was crazy. Heck, she felt a little crazy lately..."

Dax is a story about love, loss, grief, forgiveness, and strength. Dax and Ava must face the terrible loss of Dax's father and together they work through the mess that they made when they failed to acknowledge how much they care for one another. They work trough the grief, they work through caring for Olivia, they deal with Dax's history as a playboy, and they face Ava's ugly past when it catches up to her. The story is similar to many others, but I enjoyed the characters and I really enjoyed how Shannyn Leah worked through their differences. The moments with Olivia were so perfect, I just wish that the past Ava kept from Dax, and Olivia, wasn't such a surprise. I knew there would be twists, but I wish some of it had been teased in the beginning on the novel. In this case, we get over 50% through before it is brought up and it felt like an addition to the story rather than something that was a part of it from the start.

"There is an us. There's always been an us."

I love bad boys, I love single mom stories, and I really love a book that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. Ava and Dax are the kind of couple that makes you say awe, especially as Dax embraces the changes he has to make in order to win over a woman like Ava. Olivia is the comedic relief and really makes the story the right level of complex. Dax is definitely a great new release from Shannyn Leah and I look forward to the rest of the men known as the Bad Boys of Willow Valley.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

The old adage of don’t judge a book by a cover couldn’t be truer than it is here.

I’m a mixed bag of emotions when it comes to Dax. Overall, I can say that I it is a very enjoyable read which can be gathered by my 4-star rating.

But there were some things that made me question now why, why would you do that?

The Bad Boys of Willow Valley now get their turn to find love. It is now Dax & Ava’s turn to fall in love.

Ava was taken in after a truly awful childhood by Rowdy being pregnant at the age of 19 didn’t help. Dax is Rowdy’s son so there never was a way to avoid the unavoidable. Dax and Ava have known one another for years. They have always had feelings for each other but each year it is getting harder and harder not to act on those feelings. But a tragedy brings them together.

Dax’s way of dealing with those unwanted feelings and a certain fear that could make him weak he is a playboy. He is a grouch and acts like he is a tough guy but deep down he is a good guy. He cultivated his image and now he must prove that he isn’t really that person.

I had my issues with Dax to begin with but the more I got to know him and see him for who he is I really liked him a lot.

Ava has found a home with Rowdy for her and her daughter Olivia. A town she feels comfortable in and dating men that are sensible. No one wants to date boring and sensible men. She is strong and independent but she pulled that card out at the wrong moments. She should have leant on Dax and not be a pain about it. Then the end where she is being dumb, yeah, no words for that. So, I like her barely.

What I didn’t like was that Dax’s manwhore ways were constantly brought to the front of the plot. The heroine needed it to protect herself which I get but it was mentioned at least one too many times. When it came to this she had major insecurities and asked if he’s slept with one woman. Why would you do that woman?

There is a lot of push and pull in the relationship that they have. There were so many obstacles for them to overcome and currently I can’t decide if they were necessary or not.

I enjoy the author’s writing style very much and she knows how to suck you in and keep you entertained and on the edge of your seat. There is angst, there is romance and there is honesty with characters that are real and flawed and not perfect. There are sweet moments, heartbreaking moments and laugh out loud moments all tightly wrapped up into a wonderful package.
The secondary characters of Stone, Olivia, Wanda, Rowdy and yes even Hawk added to the book and I hope to see Stone get a book. Hmmm, not too sure about Hawk but I’m sure that Ms. Leah will rock it.

Until the next book in the series Ms. Leah

[Tpagirl Loves Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dax by Shannyn Leah was the first book in the Bad Boys of Willow Valley series. It was also my first book by Leah. I received an ARC for an honest review.

Dax Colyn was the gorgeous, brooding, full time mechanic and volunteer fireman. He was a playboy but only with the tourists, he stayed away from the locals. He vowed to enjoy life but never let anyone get close except his friends and family.

Ava Anderson arrived in Willow Valley seven years ago pregnant with her daughter, Olivia. Her family had died in a fire and she was starting over in a fresh new town. Rowdy Colyn became a second father to Ava and grandfather to Olivia.

Dax was close to his father, Rowdy, but he kept his distance from Ava for years. There was an attraction but nothing that neither wanted to explore, so they let it be, until Rowdy died unexpectedly and threw the two together to help cope from the devastating loss they experienced from a shared love.

Dax was told in a dual POV. It was a journey of loss, healing, acceptance and new beginnings. Leah also included a little suspense in addition to a fun and sexy plot.

It was a great start to a new series. Leah provided depth and dimension, not only with the storyline, but also with the strong supporting cast of characters. I’m not sure where the series takes us next, but I’m hopeful for either Stone or Hawk. Either way, I plan to read more of Leah. In the meantime, I’ll be exploring her other series.

[✎• нuѕηαн | On Hiatus until next year · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Dax (Bad boys of Willow Valley #1) was my first book by Shannyn and I'm really happy that I received an arc for a honest review.

This was a really enjoyable read. I loved the characters and I really dig the author's writing style.

Dax Colyn, a full time mechanic and also volunteer at the fire departement was a playboy who very much enjoy spending his time at the local pub and with the tourist. He refused to settle down with one woman as he doesn't want to give the woman control over his heart and emotions. He grew up in a warm and loving home but after the death of his mother, he watched his father crumpled to the loneliness and the absence of his wife. Having this fear in him, he made sure to stay far away from love.

Ava Anderson, a lovely single was taken in by Rowdy, Dax's father when she was pregnant and had lost her whole family in a fire. She was the daughter that Rowdy didn't have and her daughter, Olivia became the granddaughter that Rowdy always wanted. The fact that Ava stayed at Rowdy's place, She and Dax met on close basis. There were underlying attraction between them but neither acted on it as Dax didn't want to settle down and Ava had some baggage from her past.

After a devastating loss, Dax and Ava grew closer in their grief and they no longer could hide their feelings towards each other. Ava was scared to pursue a relationship with Dax because of his playboy past. I love how Dax didn't give up on their relationship and gave Ava time to adjust to the new change. I really love this book because the content were fresh, like we don't have annoying past hookup from Dax's life coming to cause problem between MCs. Even the side characters were really good, like Stone and Wanda. I really love the honesty between the main characters as well, they were so open to talk about their feelings. I really love Rowdy and when I read that he had a heart attack I was hoping he wouldn't die but well it brought Dax and Ava together though I would appreciate it if Rowdy was here to witness it.

All that aside, Dax was a really good read but dearest author, an epilogue would be very much appreciated, like some 5 years in the future where Dax and Ava have other kids and a big HEA.

[Amanda Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Provided by NetGalley.

5 amazing stars!!

First off I absolutely LOVED this book. I won’t lie I had some issues with it. Not anything bad. Just some things hit VERY close to home. I loved Dax. I want MORE so much more. All the characters in this book were so like and loveable. This was my first book from this author and I have to admit I won’t be my last. I’ve even connected with her and she is the sweetest lady. Love when an author likes to get to know and is amaze balls with her readers. Check this book out ASAP!!!

[Zoe Jones-Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hankies required!
Ava & Dax have been hiding their attraction for each other for years. Ava has a past and does not trust easily, but when tragedy strikes is it enough of a push for them to take a chance on each other. I loved the help and support of all their friends during this emotional, gripping read.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire Chief, Rowdy Colyn, took in Ava when she was pregnant and homeless after losing her family in a fire. She and her daughter, Olivia, have a good life, but Ava fears another part of her past could catch up to her at any time. Rowdy’s son, Dax, has been like a brother to Ava, even if there’s an attraction he won’t ever let himself act on. He saw how devastated his father was when his mother died, so he keeps his encounters of the female persuasion shallow and brief so he’ll never love and risk the loss his father suffered. But when Dax and Ava experience a devastating loss of their own, they find they have no choice but to lean on each other.

The advance copy I read of this book was my first by this author, and I’m thrilled to have found her! This book had a little of everything – romance, chemistry, humor, suspense, twists and turns, and gut-wrenching emotion. I fell head over heels for both of these main characters. They were amazingly realistic, well developed, complex and larger than life. Both strong and mature, yet vulnerable and uncertain. Both a little damaged and flawed, yet perfectly imperfect and so endearing. Dax is tough, protective, and just the right amount of cocky, and when he decides he wants Ava, he’s 100% in, and nothing will stand in his way. Ava is a wonderful mother and presents a calm, brave façade, but fear is always lurking and makes it difficult for her to trust and have faith.

This book is such a yo-yo of emotions, in the very best way. From the heartbreaking, devastating loss that had me saying, “No way! That did NOT just happen!!” to adorable Olivia, and loveable Sloan and Hawk, that had me laughing out loud, to twists and surprises that left my jaw hanging and my brain screaming “O. M. Gee!!” It ripped out my heart, then had me biting my nails, then left me with that full sense of contentment and a happy sigh at the end. It’s such a terrific story and I can’t wait to read more of the Bad Boys of Willow Valley! (*Gleefully rubs hands together in anticipation of Hawk’s story*) One click this one now! You won’t be sorry. 😉

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single Mum meets Sexy Firefighter romance (Bad Boys of Willow Valley 1)

I loved it! For all that this is about Bad Boy Dax Colyn, sexy volunteer fire fighter, classic car restorer and connoisseur of woman (read this as vastly experienced), it is also about learning valuable lessons in love, taking chances in life, and learning that not everything or everyone around you can be controlled.

The family that Dax grew up in was warm and loving, his father Rowdy, was a happy man, until his wife, Dax’s mother died. As Dax watched the strong man he’d admired, become someone who could barely get up in the morning, he decided never to give his heart to a woman. “I would never lose the power of my own control and follow his path of weakness.” EVER.

Ava, having escaped the fire that killed her family, has learned that she would be the only person to look after her and her daughter, Olivia, until she met Rowdy, who took her in, gave them a place to live. Together the girls brought Rowdy back to life, but even so, Dax maintained his distance.

That is, until a devastating loss has the potential to bring them together, for more than one night. Apparently to Dax, Ava is not like any woman he’s been with before, she is THE woman. She doesn’t think so, even when he says he’s going to be claiming her.

But in the end, while Dax may have one hell of a past when it comes to women, Ava thinks her is so much worse.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book, and I highly recommend it to those who love romances with that reluctant man with high values and an unrecognised love for a single mother and her tenacious seven year old daughter who also loves restoring her Rowdy gifted classic car, insisting that it is a ‘he’. 5 Stars, from an impatient reader eagerly awaiting the next book about a Willow Valley Bad Boy.

[Nikki Landis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a bad boy with a heart of gold and Dax is just that sort of man. He's got a lot of hurt bottled up inside and those walls are built high to prevent falling in love and losing someone so close to him. Love is the last thing he's looking for but it's just what he finds in single mother Ava. Ava's been hurt in the past and she'll do anything to keep from becoming another one night stand in Dax's long list of conquests.

Their attraction and chemistry leaps off the pages and sweeps the reader up in a tale of love and sacrifice, trust and healing. After tragedy strikes they must come together and decide if taking a chance and losing their hearts is worth the risk of finding the love of a lifetime. Powerful and emotionally engaging, the story is well written and full of sexy moments while also being a clean read.

I LOVED this novel. It's my first by the author and I can't wait to read more. An excellent contemporary romance that you won't want to miss! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
World Building: 5/5
Story Flow: 5/5

Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 5/5

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author writes such heartwarming and endearing romances. There is just enough steam in the love scenes without getting too intense. In other words, this book is teenage friendly or for those who just want pure romance.

The main male character, Dax is a part-time firefighter and auto mechanic. I really hated him at first because he was quite pompous and annoying to Ava. Then things changed because of turn of events. I would have to say I have a hate/love of Dax.

Ava is an adorable, independent single mom. He puts her daughter before herself, including her social life. When tragedy strikes Dax and Ava need to rely on each other. This is when their relationship trurns from friends to lovers. Ava is still unsure of Dax's intentions and he strivea to prove he has changed. Their are issues that test their love and trust. I enjoyed this sweet love story.

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

I’m warning you now – make sure you have enough time to read this story from start to finish in one sitting! While the story started a bit slow it took only a few chapters for me to be hooked. I ended up staying up until the wee hours – on a work night no less – so I could read until the end…

A bit of frenemies, a dash of forbidden and a whole lot of heart and emotion made Dax and Ava’s story a pleasure to read. Each had pain in their pasts, history that affected everything they did today and spilled into all their relationships. Needless to say, it directly impacted their friendship and any hopes of that leading to more. I loved Rowdy, Dax’s dad, and Ava’s daughter Olivia, who provided touchstones and a unique relationship all their own.

A good story – a great story - has me laughing and crying along with the characters, for the characters and I am not ashamed to admit… Many Kleenex were sacrificed as Dax and Ava’s tragedy felt like my own. From quiet remarks that said so much, to the sweetness of a new love found and savoured, I loved this quiet, emotional powder keg romance.

“One day you’ll thank me for not giving up on us.”

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed several of Shannyn Leah's books, I was excited to see the beginning of a new series. And I have to say this is my favorite one yet! Dax is a playboy, one of the bad boys of Willow Valley. But is he really? Ava is a single mom and trying to fight her attraction to Dax. She isn't looking for a relationship because of her past but she also doesn't just want to be another one of Dax's women. This book had plenty of romance, drama and suspense - a perfect mix. Looking forward to more in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.

[Amanda Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It had such an emotional impact on me. I found myself stopping to take a break cause the emotions were so real. When the tragedy strikes, it impacted the characters Ava and Dax deeply. There were also twists that I didn't see coming that made the story more than just the tragedy. It was well written and intriguing. I loved the banter between Dax and Ava. There refusal to admit attraction made for more twists that had me liking the characters more! Definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes an emotional read that you can see yourself in the characters shoes!

[Kelly Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I'm loving this hot new sexy alpha male. Dax comes off as a tough dude, but he quickly wins your heart when he figures out who he wants. His eyes are set on one woman, Ava. She is a tough little firecracker that comes with some baggage. She came from the wrong side of the tracks but has fought for a life after tragedy. I don't want to give anything away. It was an awesome fun read. Love, love, love.

[Tonya Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with dax he is such a loving guy even though he has fear of loving. But one day his father told him something that got through to him and he changed..that day was sad. This book was sad and it was funny and it was a mystery to the end and I loved every page of it

[Darcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Dax and Ava from the first page. This story had me smiling, laughing, and crying. My heart broke and got pieced back together. The love these two shared was beyond amazing. Olivia was such a sweet and tough little girl that had so many people who loved her.

[Christina Salem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to get a copy of this book at a book signing. All I can say is I am happy to have been able to find this book and author.

The talent that I found in this author is amazing. I loved that there wasn't to much detail with the love sence. Very classy and I love that.

I must say that I found my new book boyfriend and he is ALL MINE and I don't like to SHARE...#sorrynotsorry. I can't wait to read the next one

[Ayekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I kind of held off deciding to read this, but I'm sure glad I did. What a great story Shannyn wrote about Dax, Ava and the rest of the family, related or extended. I loved Rowdy, Dax's father and his relationship with Ava's little girl Olivia. Olivia was quite a little firecracker.
Read the blurb for the overall and I'll just hit the highlights of the book and why I loved it and there wasn't anything I didn't like. It's got a little bit of everything in it and a great story as well.
I loved Ava, Olivia and Rowdy and their relationship. How Rowdy was a grandpa to Olivia and took Ava in after her family was killed in a house fire and she found herself pregnant and no place to go.
Dax is Dax, a firefighter like his father and co-owner in their auto body shop. Dax pretty much spends his time working and sitting at the local bar with his two buds drinking and man whoring.
We get a good glimpse into Rowdy and Dax's background, when Dax's Mom died Rowdy fell apart for a while and Dax decided he wasn't giving that power over to any woman. That pretty much shaped his attitude and behavior. Dax and Ava always kept their distance. Ava didn't much care for his lifestyle choices. Ava is a schoolteacher now and still lives with Rowdy.
When a life altering event occurs Dax and Ava must come together and put their differences aside.
Dax drowns himself in alcohol and Ava isn't having any part of that. When his best friend and co worker calls Ava to come get him from the bar, she doesn't want to, but she does. The event and the following short period turn the story in a totally different direction and man, did I love it even more.
Dax is a changed man, Ava is scared witless and they're both trying hard to restore normalcy for Olivia. I loved how Dax just kind of nudged his way in. Olivia was so excepting. Ava was a tough nut to crack. Then there's another twist you won't see coming. Dang. I was happy without the twist thinking Ava and Dax could just duke it out but the twist did add to Ava's story.
Great read. Great plot. It's a romance yes, but also deals with real life events. Great work Shannyn!

**arc from NetGalley and publisher**
*I received a copy of this book for review. The above is my honest and fair review**

[Timothy Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. My three favorite authors are Shannyn Leah, Kait Nolan, and Liz Isaacson. I love their books. This book is written by Shannyn Leah and this is the tenth book of hers that I have read and I love all of them and I am currently reading Dax the Halls.

One of the things that I like about all 3 of these authors is they center there books around one particular town. There the kind of towns where everyone knows everyone for the most part in this case Willow Valley. Another thing that I like is being able to revisit with characters I came to know in previous books by the author. I think it adds depth to the characters and to the story.

I like each of the characters in this book, Dax, Ava, Olivia, Rowdy, and all the others.

In this book, Dax is not the Bad Boy here. He is the Good Man in the story. I mean we all have issues and Dax is no different; but under it all he's a good man. The bad boy in this story, and not just a bad boy; but an evil man is Ava's ex.

Thinking about this book and Dax and the title being, "Dax (Bad Boys of Willow Valley)" reminds me of a line in a song called, "Real Good Men" by Tim McGraw. It says, "I may be a real bad boy, but baby I'm a real good man." That is who Dax is in this story. I plan to read the next books in this series as they come out and I am hoping as Dax is in this story that the bad boys are really real good men.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannyn Leah does it again with a story that will pull at your heartstrings. You will want to have the tissues handy for this one. Both Ava and Dax fight the attraction that they feel, not wanting to get close to the other due to tragedies in their pasts.

I thoroughly enjoyed the different relationships that are throughout this book. Rowdy took Ava in when she had no place else to go and I loved Olivia's close relationship with Rowdy. Along the way, you meet Stone and Hawk. You will want to reach out and slap Hawk from time to time but I'm sure Shannyn has plans for him. You also see the dynamics of the firefighting family. Just because you aren't related doesn't mean you're not family. When heartbreaking tragedy strikes, you will really need your tissues here, it pushes Dax and Ava to overcome their fears and to come together.

I can't wait to read the next installment of this series. Shannyn never disappoints. If you haven't read any of her work yet, what are you waiting for? You can't help but fall in love with her characters.

[Amy Fudge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly wonderful story! So full of emotion, it had me hooked from page 1. I couldn't read it fast enough. Ava is a single mother to a delightful little girl, Olivia. She is her whole world, and she would do anything to keep her safe. Dax is a hot, sexy auto mechanic and volunteer firefighter with a ladies man, love em and leave em reputation. Both are equally stubborn. It takes a truly sad event to get them together, but their inability to completely trust each other might tear them apart before they really even begin.

This story will take you on an emotional roller coaster of humor, sadness, jealousy, love of family, fear, and explosive passion. It is a well written story with amazing characters that you will enjoy getting to know. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.

[Ola Adamska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good romance with characters that could make you cry or scream at them.
Dax is a man that has a lot of secrets and opinion of a womanizer. He is a son of Rowdy that took care of Ava and her daughter Olivia. When something happens he feels devastated. And what will happen when he started seeing Ava in other light. Will he manage to prove himself to her?
Ava young mother of Olivia. She was taken by Rawdy he was like family to both of them. She has a past that she doesn;t want to think about, but will she manage to start trusting Dax? What will happen when her walls will fall and she would decide to trust Dax in the end?
Really good book with great characters that kept me on the edge all the time!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava and Dax find themselves in need of each other support due to a loss in their family. Ava came into Dax’s life through his father but when Dax’s father passes away Dax finally opens his eyes fully to the wonderful family he has been given. With his father looking down on him Dax has to overcome his own fears and believe that love is forever. I truly enjoyed this stand along book by Shannyn Leah.

[Brandi Sartin lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!! This book will have so many emotions going through you. You will be bawling your eyes out, laughing, angry, etc. make sure you have lots of tissues!! You will need them. You will love Dax and you will want to smack him upside of his head at times but you will go back to loving him...hopefully!

[dawn hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad boy...single mom...Love these stories

They have loved each other for years, or rather, lusted each other for years. and when they finally get together, KABOOM!!!
enter the scumbag ex, baby daddy...and their feelings come to life.
Love this so much!!

[Ang -PNR Book Lover Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

DAX (The Bad Boy of Willow Valley)
By Shannyn Leah

This was my first book by this author, this book in fact was a review request. Overall for me the story was a solid 3 stars.
This story is about Dax, Ava and her daughter Olivia. I enjoyed these characters, and I think everyone who will read this story will too.

Ava was taken in and given a second chance at life when she was taken in by Dax’s father Rowdy when she was 19. Dax and Ava have always had this connection but never acted on it, Dax is a player and had no needs to want to settle down. Dax comes off as a tough douchie male in the beginning but as the story unfold I began to like him more and more, till I enjoyed him more than Ava. Both characters have baggage and that alone calls for drama.

I enjoyed their relation unfolding, there are some ups and downs, some mega plot twist and it made me sad a few times. I enjoyed the secondary characters and will look forward for their stories in the future.

I did feel like I have read this before, but I liked this author’s spin on it. And I also enjoyed the authors writing, it was written in dual pov and I really enjoyed getting to be in both characters heads. This first book in the series was a fun, enjoyable read that is perfect for a lazy day.

What I did enjoy the most was that there was not a lot of drama, and no angst. I love that when Dax pulled his head from his butt, he knew what he wanted and we after what he wanted. I loved that about it. I love that also there is no cheating, not unnecessary BS that we sometimes get in other stories.

Arc was received for an honest review
PNR Book Lover Reviews.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received a copy of Dax from Net Gallery in exchange for an honest and voluntary review**

Dax is the first book in Ms. Leah's Bad Boys of Willow Valley, I haven't read her previous books about Willow Valley and can truly say that this can be easily read as a stand alone. I did have some concerns about Dax due to his wandering eye but he was there when he was needed most for Ava & Olivia.

Dax Colyn is part owner in his families car restoration business and also a volunteer firefighter but he's never met a willing woman in the local bar that he couldn't get into bed. But he's a loyal firefighter in Willow Valley and is very interested in Ava whom his father took into his home when she needed it most. He runs a tight shop and won't let a newbie student slack off when restoring one of the vehicles brought into his shop. When tragedy strikes in the fire house it will be Ava who will come to his rescue but can he save her when someone from her past kidnap her child?

Ava Anderson came to Willow Valley, young, broke and pregnant and Rowdy Colyn took her in. Now seven years later he patiently guides Olivia through restoring "Charlie" back to its glory. He hopes that someday Dax will fall in love with Ava and Olivia even though she is completely against Dax and his rotating bed mates. Her early life was from the wrong side of town and when losing her family in a fire. Now she's a high school teacher, loves her daughter Olivia and is determined to help her students who need extra help because no one helped her. When a person from her past decides to take Olivia from her it will be Dax she'll turn to. Can she let someone into her heart again and will it be Dax?