Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Travis is my friend's little brother.

I'm supposed to keep him safe. To be a man he can trust. But I haven't seen him in years.

When he turns up hurt and needing a place to stay, protection is only one of the things I want to offer him.

Because Travis isn’t a kid anymore. He’s all grown up now. And the way he looks at me tells me he feels the heat rising between us.

He deserves a lot better than me — a man who can walk with him in the light, instead of pulling him down into the darkness. But every instinct in my body is screaming at me to hold him close…

And there’s no way I’m letting him go.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 27, 2021

180 people are currently reading
211 people want to read

About the author

Silvia Violet

169 books1,190 followers
Silvia Violet writes fun, sexy stories that will leave you smiling and satisfied. She has a thing for characters who are in need of comfort and enjoys helping them surrender to love even when they doubt it exists. Silvia's stories include sizzling contemporaries, paranormals, and historicals. When she needs a break from listening to the voices in her head, she spends time baking, taking long walks, and curling up with her favorite books. Keep up with her latest ventures by signing up for her newsletter.

For insider information, early looks at works-in-progress, and other rewards, join Silvia on Patreon.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
525 (50%)
4 stars
336 (32%)
3 stars
151 (14%)
2 stars
21 (2%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
Profile Image for ♡ cal ♡.
768 reviews350 followers
January 3, 2022
❝ He just looked at me like a predator studying his prey. He was scary as hell, but I wanted him to scare me. I wanted the thrill of it. ❞

my bulleted thoughts:
➵ this book was bad but the enjoyable kind so im not full blown complaining either. it was never boring for me.
➵ i hope i dont get hate on this but damsel in distress kind of storylines are like one of my go-to reads. for some reason, these type of stories always get my interest.
➵ the whole story is 80% cringy lines and 20% display of dax being alpha slash caveman over travis. the abundance of i-own-you lines were concerning. and i kinda liked it for no ones surprise really.
➵ anticlimactic
➵ will surely forget the story after a day or two lmao
➵ excited to read the next one!
Profile Image for Simona.
679 reviews63 followers
March 9, 2022
Dax is 🔥🔥
I love his relationship with Travis and can t wait for Ambrose'story
Profile Image for Devoted❤️Reader.
1,615 reviews31 followers
December 20, 2021
Anchored in Hope

Whoa, I am so ready for Ambrose and his love interest. Let the sparks fly. Speaking of things that are hot, let’s talk about Dax and Travis. These two flame but more than that they belong together. “For the first time, I don’t want to be let go. I want to belong to you.” I love how these two interact and how Dax’s dark angles are brightened by Travis’s, but not too much because it’s Dax and that’s what draws me in with him. And Travis, whose past broke my heart, I’m so happy that he now knows how good and how right love can be, especially when you’re a part of The Theriot family, and he’s exactly what Dax needs in his life. With some surprise humor, lots of action and always one amazing close-knit family, you can’t go wrong with these men or this fantastic series.
Profile Image for Amos24601.
1,289 reviews43 followers
January 6, 2022
Finally a story for Dax

Dax has been my low-key favorite of the series. Always quiet and hanging around in the background of the previous books. Being all dark and mysterious. Travis was a perfect fit for him.

I am so glad this book lived up to what I was hoping for. After being a little disappointed with Lance’s story, I was slight worried. Violet did not do me wrong. I loved all of Dax’s sharp edges and dark spots. Travis knew how to bring them out and then smooth them over again. I really loved how their needs and wants complimented each other so well.

There was a pacing issue or two and some editing errors sprinkled throughout. The end did wrap a little bit tidily. But still, I can forgive anything for Dax and the promise of Ambrose and Eric. I cannot wait.
Profile Image for Suzanne Irving.
2,740 reviews24 followers
December 31, 2021
Fun mm mafia book

This book is a really fun read. There is a fair amount of bad stuff that happens but it’s what I would call “Mafia Lite”. By this I mean that the “bad guy” hero isn’t portrayed as evil or psychotic. There are reasons given for why they are the way they are and it’s obvious that there will be a happy ending. One of the things that I like about Silvia Violet’s writing is her way with intimate interactions. Steam level high with lots of D/s action. If this sounds like something you might like then I recommend this whole series to you.
Profile Image for Aribel Mejia.
523 reviews31 followers
July 28, 2022
one of my favorites in this series, this book was amazing, this author has something and that is that her MCs couples are completely addictive, I never get bored while reading and all their interactions are gold, the casual relationship that the brothers have I love it, even though they are mobsters they have that tender and charming side in them, Travis and Dax were fire and tenderness at the same time, completely in love with this series.
Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews66 followers
January 1, 2022
Dax and Travis have history, which makes it hard for Dax, because he wants to get closer to Travis, but the fact that Travis' big brother is his best friend limits that.

Travis was just both so fragile and so strong. He needed someone who could stand with him and help him when necessary.

I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Lelyana's Reviews.
3,420 reviews400 followers
October 2, 2025
Dax and Travis are perfect for each other. Travis needed someone as pushy as Dax, because Travis is kinda exhausted me :)


Now Ambrose and the Sheriff are goin to be interesting.
I hope.
Profile Image for Sudsana Reads  (mostly smut) .
281 reviews16 followers
September 19, 2025
“He really was the protector I’ve always wanted.” - Travis


📗5. Reread 19th Sept, 2025. Damn this is angsty and so so good!! Michael voice, Travis’ story and Dax’s care and protectiveness. So tender and sweet! Love Language → Positive assurances.
Story- 4.8⭐, Characters- 4.8⭐, Sex- 5⭐, Epilogue- 0.5⭐

Side note: i love Corbin very much! And it’s such a travesty that for a guy who’s seen fucking Beau in everyone else’s book, he is robbed of much sex in his own damn book! So, i get my fix from reading about him like this. Via other people’s books. 😭


Original review:
📗4.6. Read 9th May, 2025.

i’m loving this audiobook binge i’m currently on and also discovering and reading new to me authors. Glad i picked this up cuz of Michael Dean. Read it in one sitting.

Series must be read in order but bcuz i picked this book 1st, i found it starts after the events of a previous book. Even then, i was able to pick things up fairly quickly through context:

This centres on Dax rescuing Travis from the aftermath of abuse. Travis' ex was a groomer who manipulated Travis into betraying his brother Beau (another book’s MC). The guy's already dead by the story’s start, and thank God for that! Trauma lingers, but at least that monster’s gone. 😖 Tropes & Sex acts at the end.


Danny daddy as Dax.

Mike did a fantastic job as usual with the narration. Sometimes though, Dax’s voices blended into Travis’ so i did get confused at times, but that’s on me.

Loved Travis and Dax! Especially Travis, he really needs to be protected at all cost! 🥺😭 Even the side characters were good.

✔ i loved this best friend’s little brother romance! So tender, and I adored how openly they admitted liking each other. They deny but for other trauma reasons. By 44% they’re together & keep assuring how they've liked each other since teens.

✔✔ HOLY SHI— The Sex!!! Rough sex with hand to the throat?! Oof. There are 4 sex scenes and 2 sex acts. 2nd scene @ 69% is an extended one with bdsm elements. This needs a separate sex act tagging so i’ve included it. //i consider sex acts as separate from intercourse.

✔ “Sir” and “baby” pet names. 👀

Lots of care taking: Shower together, read books together, he calls him baby, makes him food. Lots of positive assurances of loving & protecting bbe Travis. 🥺

✔ Rescues a puppy!

✔ This is also very much an action packed, plot focused book about protecting Travis at all cost. There’s planning and taking out the bad guys on page.

✔ The writing style is nice and very show not tell.

Definitely will continue the series, but all out of order ofc! 😃

♦It’s a very angst heavy book (Travis’ past). i guess it’s the angst that made me not give it a 5 stars. But the story is worth it.

♦A lot of bad things had happened to poor Travis in the past and he recounted many of it. It was heartbreaking. Mind the CW!!

Epilogue set at 1 month is not really an epilogue, it’s just another chapter.

Tropes & tags: •Size difference, •mobster x mechanic, •friend’s little brother, •SA victim, abuse victim, •cinnamon roll MC, •grumpy/shy (not sunshine cuz he’s sad), •protector/protected, •touch him & die, •strict Dax t/ b, •care taking, •praising, •pet names, •mafia, •animal rescue, •1st person dual POV, •no cheating, •no breakup, •HFN.

Sex acts: •Spanking, •choking (both by hands & dick), •rimming, •crying (but emotionally healing type), •rough sex, •biting, •head, •jacking together, •feet, •moaning, •full control in bed, •orgasm denial, •“can’t take it!,” •cum play, •slight ass play.

CW spoilers:
Profile Image for Bkwrm24.
1,892 reviews14 followers
January 1, 2022
4.5 Spicy stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Dax and Travis ❤️

I ate this book up just like the others, Dax and his twin Ambrose have been on my wish list since this series started and holy smokes...Dax did not disappoint!!! Travis Omg (he's been on my wish list too, since Beau's story) his story truly broke my heart, he was in a impossible position and to learn what he endured for his brother, heartbreaking....but his redemption was everything! He was just the touch of light Dax was missing in his life and he an Dax were just what each other needed!! Let's talk about Dax....strong, sexy, protective, and hotter than sin🔥 he was everything I wasn't expecting..he was rough, he was demanding, and he was savage but his exceptionally sweet and softer side got me all up in my feels ❤️ I cannot say enough good things about this book, it's a must read for fans of the series and if its your first read...you've gotta read the rest....I can't wait for Ambrose's book 😬 I'm so excited!!! I highly recommend this one.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
December 29, 2021
Dax is dominant and Travis is sweet. Total opposites but so freakin perfect for one another! Loved, loved, loved these two together! They’re scorching hot and steamy together. I love all the recurring characters that come together to help from the previous Theriot stories. Overall, this was well written, definitely recommend. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
181 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2021
Theriot Family

If you like growly over protective mobsters and the sweet not so innocent boys they fall in love with then read the series. Dax and Travis get their HEA but not before a little bit of action in the mob world. Low couple angst, plenty of action and lots of steamy times makes this a great read.
Profile Image for Sarah Baines.
1,472 reviews11 followers
January 24, 2022
Not my favourite

Dax is easily my least favourite in The Theriot Family series. I just didn't like Dax as a character. I know the characters are no boy scouts, but there was something icky about him imo. Also yet again (for me at least) consent sometimes seemed a bit questionable. Maybe it was just my imagination. Hoping Ambrose's book will be better.
3,392 reviews28 followers
December 29, 2021
Wow hot hot hot totally brilliant
Firstly let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me choosing to leave my honest review.
I am so angry with myself that I have never heard of this author before. I can’t wait to start this series from the beginning, Because this book totally blew me away. It is action packed but it’s also full of hot steamy passion an amazing chemistry.
Travis is beau’s Younger brother and that’s how Dax had always saw him. That was until he turned up back in their life as a fully grown adult and one sexy man. He kept trying to tell himself that he saw him as a younger brother but Dax couldn’t fight it forever. Dax was the families man that got answers. He would torture and make people pay until he got the answers that he needed. He didn’t get trained for this job it came apparent as he was growing in his teens but did he want Travis to see him as a monster??
Travis had a lot of explaining to do. He needed them to understand why His ex and him had set up his brother and sent him to prison. Would Beau and Dax Never trust him again?? When Dax Puts him up at his house Travis is worried he won’t be able to hide his feelings for him. Since he was 11 he always felt Dax was the man for him. And it was getting harder and harder to fight it. He wanted to disappear because he knew his exes enemies would come after him and he didn’t want to get his family involved in all that again. But Dax was having none of it, he wanted to protect him.
After an attempt was made on Travis life, Travis and Dax could no longer hide their feels for each other but how would his brother take it??

This is a brilliant read I just couldn’t put it down I am so gutted that I haven’t started the series at the beginning because I am totally hooked. I really like the dynamics of Dax and Travis’s relationship. I am so glad that Travis got to be happy because he had been through so much abuse and hatred and I just wanna hug him and keep him safe but it seems that Dax got to him first and protected him. The style of writing is just brilliant and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Mandy (MP Book Reviews).
4,966 reviews46 followers
January 24, 2024
Travis is Dax's best friend's little brother and he is supposed to keep him safe but he has not seen him for years and s when he turns up hurt and needing a place to stay protection is just one thing he wants to offer him because he is no longer a kid and he looks at Dax as if he also feels heat rising between them. However, Travis deserves a man who can be with him in the light and not have Dax pull him into the darkness even though all his instincts tell him to hold him close.

I loved this story which showed that the pull between the two men was strong and that there was no way that Dax could do the "honourable" thing and just protect Travis. It became clear that Dax needed Travis to balance him and save him from the darkness that could easily take him over. I loved some of their interactions and the way Beau was when he finally realised that Dax and Travis were together was just amusing. Easy to read, feel and understand. This is an MM story with mature content.
1,986 reviews10 followers
December 27, 2021
This book is amazing!

I loved this book! The next Theriot to get his happily ever after and it’s Dax. He will find himself falling for Beau’s brother, Travis. At first, he thinks it’s just the need to protect the man he has known since he was a kid but as time goes on, he finds it’s more than that. Travis’s past relationship has put him in the crosshairs of some very dangerous people and he thinks the answer is leaving town. No one will let him, though, and he soon finds himself not only fixing his relationship with his brother, but getting closer to Dax as well. Their relationship will be what they both need but it will be tested when danger comes for Travis. In the end, all will be well and Dax and Travis will be able to move forward in their journey together.

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
Profile Image for Claire Walker.
359 reviews8 followers
January 2, 2022
Dax is book 4 in The Theriot Family Series.
I can not tell you how much I love this book. It’s everything you can want in a mafia romance.
Dax & Travis together are fire. They’ve know each other for years and Dax has always taken more care with Travis and been a protector.
When everything comes to a head and Travis is back Dax wants nothing more than to be his person and full time protector.
Travis has had a seriously rough ride and doesn’t believe he’s worthy. He needs love, care, understanding and someone who would never leave him.
There lots of edge of your seat action, steamy, hotter than hell scenes that will melt your kindle! A real page turner.
I loved everything about this and couldn’t put it down just wanting to know what happens next.
This has been an amazing series and I definitely want more!
Would highly recommend
Profile Image for Tina.
2,697 reviews15 followers
January 10, 2022
Dax by author Silvia Violet is the fourth book in the Theriot Family series. This story is told in dual POV. I think it works really well for this story. I do think this story is one you should read in order. You can get away with not doing it, but I feel the story is richer if you do. You do meet people we know and love from other books along the way.

Dax offers to take Travis under his wing. Give him a place to stay. Time to gather himself and start again.

Travis is scared. He is sweet, observant, and doesn’t want to be a burden to anyone.

Each man is romantically drawn to each other but they both need some time to really be ready for romance. I liked that these two were friends first. I also liked how this book ties into the rest of the series.

I love this series and cannot wait for more in the future.



Five Shooting Stars
Profile Image for katherine.
326 reviews5 followers
January 6, 2026
This was a very cute and fun read, much like Lancelot. The one thing I want to make note of, and I only mention this at all because I do feel like it hinders the reading experience, is that the writing is really not great. It's not bad, but there are a lot of grammatical errors, punctuation mistakes, characters will suddenly be driving or a character will suddenly be out of the room, I couldn't really tell half the time where anybody was or what they were doing, sometimes it was a little hard to tell who was talking, and big emotional moments would start and end within two or three sentences.

That said, if you just want a fun, spicy, and sweet palate cleanser, this is a very good one to try. I've jumped right into reading Ambrose, and I can't wait to revisit Remington when it's all over ( ˘͈ ᵕ ˘͈♡)
4,913 reviews18 followers
December 31, 2021
We all need to make better choices. Travis, is Beau's little brother. Dax, remembered Travis as a sweet little boy and was surprised to see he grew into a gorgeous man. Travis, shows up to help Beau in his time of need. Turns out, Travis, is on the run needing protection. His past is chasing him and not to give him a hug. Dax, volunteeres to put Travis up and help him. The characters are strong and not greatly reflective of their chosen jobs. Job skillsets, do make life safer with a little kick. Everyone rallies to help Travis. Dax has a strong dominant protective personality, but he marshmallows out for Travis. Good action. Nice story setup, great flow. Great solution strategies. Characters are a hoot. Nice story, well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for JuJu.
196 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2024
⚔️☠️Dax☠️⚔️
𝑹𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏, 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑫𝒂𝒙 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒍 𝒎𝒆. 𝑰’𝒅 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒅𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒔.

I won't go over the blurb as you can read in the description. 🧐🤔
Who doesn't love an MM Special Forces series. 📚
This series is combined with the other series. It is an amazing read, loads of action spice & mystery. 📚 🌶️ 🕵️‍♂️
Dax & Travis, the history they have, Beau younger brother it was insta love enjoyed it.
Thank you, Silivia Violet 💐
Narrator Michael Dean brilliant narration.Thank you🎧
Story 📚📚📚📚
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Narration 👄 👄 👄 👄
#Dax #TheriotSeries #SilviaViolet #Narrator #MichaelDean #DaxAndTravis #Spice #MM #Action #Angst #Adult #Mafia #GreatStart #Audiobooks
Profile Image for Bianca.
1,000 reviews7 followers
December 15, 2021
Dax and Travis story was a thrilling experience filled with action, adrenaline, hope, promises and danger.
The characters dynamics is wonderful executed, the banter and funny moments a nice touch to the moments that are emotional or tensed.
I adored Dax protective side as well as the possessive one when he realises his feelings for Travis.
I loved how their relationship blooms and how they find time to be close and intimate after dire situations.
I loved how the family helps them and how Travis gets his second chance at love with his crush.
It was an exciting read and I'm looking forward to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Nichole.
745 reviews
December 22, 2021
I absolutely love this series. Both this specific and the expanded Mafia series. These guys are so complex - mean when they need to be, but they all have their sweet side. Even when it comes with a little roughness. I was so excited that Silvia Violet was writing the cousins stories. Dax has played the rough and tough man that does the dirty work. Then you had Travis who has been wronged so much in his life that it's nice he finally gets and deserved his HEA. This story gives all what you expect. Drama with the Theriot family, all of them coming together to overcome, and sexy sexy times between the two MCs. Loved it!
Profile Image for Heather.
874 reviews6 followers
December 27, 2021
I enjoyed getting to read Dax’s story. Along with his cousins, Dax loves fiercely and protects those he loves the same way. He took Travis under his wing, and vowed to protect him at all costs. Unlike his cousins who recently met their matches, Dax and Travis have a history that goes back to their childhood. Travis often worried their past was what led to Dax’s protective feelings, and not an actual interest in being more with him. Travis was definitely tough in himself and the role he unwittingly played in the drama unfurling through the Theriot family. I enjoyed the adventure they faced in battling the next threat, and the slow burn to super hot sexy times with these two. I’m even more intrigued for Ambrose’s story, and hope to see a fresh spin on his story!
913 reviews21 followers
December 27, 2021
This was Dax’s story, a bad boy with a very tough exterior that will go to any length to protect the ones he loves.  Travis was definitely more on the timid side, very worried about trouble he has caused in the past.  These two connected and balanced each other well through danger, mystery, family dynamics, lots of steamy encounters, and a roller coaster of emotion.  While I do love the mafia family that falls in love and protects their men at all costs theme, I did feel like the last few books were a little too formulaic for me.  I am definitely intrigued by Ambrose and am looking forward to a fresh perspective with his story, wondering what he has been up to living in the bayou all these years!
Profile Image for Melissa.
573 reviews12 followers
December 29, 2021
4 ⭐

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dax and Travis' story, but I can't give this more than 4 stars because there are SO MANY editing errors that really should have been caught. Multiple instances of adding a quotation where there is no dialogue, quotations missing from dialogue, etc. This got to be really annoying.

Also I feel like the author was a bit heavy handed in trying to hammer it home that Travis was abused. Yes, we get it! We don't need multiple characters droning on about how he was manipulated and abused and that he is actually a good person yada yada. I feel like this could have been handled much more subtly and effectively.
Profile Image for E.Muddle.
1,405 reviews22 followers
December 29, 2021
Travis is just so sweet and innocent that, much like Dax, I wanted to wrap him up in a blanket to keep him safe. But he’s also strong, loyal, and determined to make amends for his past choices, as well as to finally live his life for himself. Dax in protective and dominant mode is super hot, but I lived for the moments when he was all tender-hearted, vulnerable, and mushy even. As with the previous books, this one is light on the action and dark mafia tone, and is much heavier on the romance. I’m still finding myself liking this style; the characters are enough to keep me invested. I’m so glad we got more of Ambrose in this one, and now I am so ready for his book!
393 reviews3 followers
December 30, 2021
Fast paced and suspenseful. Entertaining and sexy. A wild ride. Dax, a part of a Mafia family, is given the job of protecting Travis from a group determined to get rid of him because of Travis' association with his ex. His life is in danger. Travis has been in love with Dax from an early age. Travis is all grown up now. Dax is immediately attracted to Travis and is determined to protect him at any cost. Dax wants to own and possess Travis. There is an intense attraction between the two. This attraction escalates as their lives are thrown into danger. Can Dax protect Travis from danger? Can the two become more? Loved it from start to finish. I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Latecia Jennings.
2,346 reviews10 followers
January 1, 2022
**ARC Review**

OK...I'm loving the Theriots...bad asses and loyal to a fault. Also they love hard and deeply. I love how the author just picks up where things left off...everything is continuous with this series. Dax and Travis has history and it comes to a head in this steamy AF, with a good dose of violence mafia romance. All past transgressions are forgiven and Travis is working on getting his life back together...he has help with his long time crush Dax. This is definitely a rollercoaster...just throw your hands in the air and enjoy the ride...I sure did...now I can't wait for the next installment with Ambrose...NICE!
Profile Image for Natalie.
334 reviews3 followers
December 16, 2021
There’s no shortage of action in this latest instalment of the series. It’s an MM romance with a suspense plot including murder, kidnapping and good old mafia style violence. There’s nothing too explicit on page excluding the steamy scenes which are detailed….
I love this series and the wider world that the author has created.
The story includes lots of involvement from the other family members and we get to find out a bit more about the reclusive brother, which has been set up perfectly for the next book.
Books in this series are one click don’t think downloads.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.