The Renegade

Texas Safehouse #1

by Silvia Violet

I followed my gut and defied orders.

I'd do it again even though I was left with a stain on my record and no where to go until an old friend pulled me back into the world of organized crime.

Now I spend my days doing two things I love, raising horses and protecting people. Just like before, my life is filled with danger, bad men, and their badder enemies.

I didn't think I had time for anything else. Then a scared young man came to me for help.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Military Fiction, Romance, Crime, BDSM, Gay

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2022

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Drusilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wellllllll …. shall we say "it was okay"?
The story is quite good, the characters are interesting and have a nice dynamic. I also liked the secondary characters, who certainly whet the appetite for the follow-up books. The sex scenes were super hot and shall we say delicious.
But the dialogues ... I don't know if I've ever read a book with so much dialogue ...
All this chattering and bickering and the repetition of the bickering really got on my nerves. However, it is apparently still well written, because I literally inhaled the book. So although I was annoyed, it was somehow good?
I would say if you like hot possessive bodyguards who have a strong caveman streak and if you like a story with lots of hot scenes and not so much of a plot, then this book is recommended. But please don't read it if you're looking for something with depth ...

I nibbled my way along his jaw, then kissed his neck, loving the feel of his rapid pulse against my lips. Then he wrapped a leg around me, opening himself up so I could grind against him harder. I knew if I didn’t slow down, I was going to be too rough. I wanted to own him in a way I wasn’t sure he was ready for. He’d loved the hard, deep fucking I’d given him in my truck, but I wanted to let my most primal self loose, and that couldn’t happen yet, maybe not ever. 🤤🌶️🤤

He gasped when I pushed my half-hard cock into his stretched-out ass. “Remember when I told you I wanted to fall asleep with my cock inside you.”
“I… I thought you were teasing.”
“No, sweetheart. I want you to know your ass is mine even when you’re sleeping.” 🤤🌶️🤤

[♡ sorcerer supreme ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was actually... good. i'm shocked. okay, miss violet didn't come here to play. i mean the story is bascially almost the carbon copy of her previous works but this one just hits different. an interesting series opener no doubt. looking forward to the next ones!

[Hanna W · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review*
[I received a digital ARC for an honest review]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reading the blurb I was so excited to read this book and let me tell you, Silvia did not disappoint. The story itself was very well described and easy to read.
The plot was intriguing and action filled as well as partially hilarious.
It kinda gave me “who did this to you”-vibes, so obviously I was there for it.

The characters were really well written and I liked them individually.
The start between them was a little fast paced and I am not quite sure if I liked their instant connection. However Grant and Jacob still had perfect chemistry and really belonged to each other. And the spice 🌶… , yeah was definitely a nice addition.

This book is definitely worth reading and a good start to this series!
I am exited to what’s to come🥳

[Kaity · Rating 2 out of 5]

2-2.5 stars

Well this was a lot of telling rather than showing… and VERY instalovey haha and cheesy/corny and I was not in to it this time haha I love my fair share of corny/cheese books but this wasn’t doing it for me.

Also Jacob who was running away from a possessive/bossy ex, ran in to the arms of a possessive/bossy ex marine… haha I don’t get that sometimes.. 🤦🏽‍♀️😂 that can sometimes work for me but this just was missing all the marks…

also the snitch on the ranch was very easy to figure out.. idk this book felt very elementary to me and I know this author can do better.

There was also lots of eye rolling and zoning out when the main characters were boning it out (too corny…ehh don’t care haha), but jesus there was a lot of sex and not a lot of substance haha

I was looking forward to this story since the last “Theriot Family” series, but I was sadly let down.. idk I am hit or miss with Silvia Violet’s writing and to me this was a miss.. I am interest in the possible couple for the next book… (TJ and Rhys..? Maybe) haha but idk if it is anything like this book I don’t know if I’ll want to continue.

Oh well on to the next!

[Lilly [Hiatus due to School] · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was initially excited about this book, but I felt like it really missed the mark for me. I love ex-military stories, especially with the alpha male dominant/submissive dynamic with the couple too. The plot and story just did not translate for me. I could not get into this story or even care about the main characters. It was disappointing, and at points, I was almost skimming - that is never a good sign. The writing style also made it difficult to engage and get immersed. I wanted to like and enjoy this, but it fell flat. I also realized - I think this is the third book this month - that despite being the first in the series, it seems like it is loosely connected with another. So once again, I felt like I was missing information. While I was initially interested in reading about TJ and Rhys, I do not think I will continue this series. I am generally easy to please, but this was not for me, sadly. Overall, I tried to give this a fair chance, but until the end, I couldn't be invested and it felt more like a chore to read.

[Cassandra]

DNFing at 17% so not rating.

This is a new-to-me author and now also a not-for-me author. Can't do this writing. I'm finding it atrocious.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me all of Silvia Violet's books are alike with minor differences here and there. Does that bother me? You'd think it would, but not. Her books work like a charm for me and I've loved every single things she's written.

Renegade was no exception of course and I had a great time while reading it. It was fast paced, kind of insta-lovey but not, and it had the right amount of action and romance I needed.

[Amos24601 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start

This was a very promising start to the Texas Safehouse series. While slightly formulaic, I still enjoyed the book from start to finish.

Grant and Jacob meet and have an encounter in the back of Grant’s car. A month later, it comes back to bite him when his brother brings his friend, Jacob, to the safehouse for protection. Turns out, Jacob is on the run from his mafia ex-boyfriend. Grant and Jacob have such great chemistry together. They were explosive in bed and the scenes were well written and spicy.

I didn’t love how hard Grant tried to push Jacob away time and time again. It took several other people pointing out how much they should be together for Grant to even budge a little bit. The background story was just okay for me. I wish it had been a little more fleshed out, but I also understand that this books needs to set up a whole series.

Overall, I really, really loved Grant and Jacob together. They were fun and sexy and I was so happy to see their HEA at the end.

[Kelli D · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 67%

I have read several Silvia Violet books and usually enjoy the but while this one started out really hot...it got pretty boring, pretty quickly. By the time I still had no connection with either MC and wasn't invested in them or their relationship.

[Mia Phillips (currently in a book slump) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Renegade really wasn’t for me unfortunately I found the book very boring and the relationship between Grant and Jacob was bland, it seemed that it was just extremely sex based that was it.

[Kk · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for a hot ride !

Wow.. I am gotten out of the habit of reading.. I never thought I would write that or think that, but it was true... I am listing to audiobooks now as its something to do while I drive a lot. Still, I am glad I picked up this book. The author is one I have read before and tends to write hotter mm scenes, but its a great read.

This is no different...

Grant is a marine vet who been done wrong by his upper ranks... I don't always like those plots because the idea that military screws over its people just peeves me... However, Grant deals and gets out of the Marines & gets a 2nd chance when his buddy, X, comes along... Taking over a safehouse ranch in Texas suits him just fine.. & having a hot hookup with waiter at the local bar suits him better..

Jacob is on the run. An ex treats him like dirt and now, he needs a place to hide... Grant's brother, Rogue, gives him a hand and Jacob heads to the ranch... and the sparks really fly..

[Ana Nimity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot, hot, hot

Silvia Violet does not get the recognition she deserves for the amount of spice she puts in her books. The Renegade is high-heat, instalove...in this case, really more like obsession...with a side of mob danger.

If you like possessive, dominant MCs paired with sweet young MCs who love being dominated but can still think for themselves, you should enjoy this book.

It's connected to the Theriot series, but can easily stand alone.

[Alexis]

dnf

I don’t think this author is for me :(

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

Another great spin-off!!

[P Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this one so freaking fast. I really enjoyed Grant and Jacob’s story - it was fast paced and steamy.

Eagerly looking forward to the next one.

*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*

[Mel Bradley · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot was good, but the writing read like it was AI generated...

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was so bad. Zero tension, zero chemistry, zero realism.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacob and Grant story is a fast paced, thrilling and wild ride. These two have epic chemistry right from the start, when Jacob is Grant’s server in a bar. After a crazy hot hook up in Grant’s truck, they go their separate ways, but soon meet up again when Jacob has to flee his terrible ex. I thought the idea of a Texas ranch serving as a mobster safe house was so original. It was also a great way to put lots of sketchy characters all together… very fun and tons of tension. Grant has been a protector his whole life, first for his brothers, then for his fellow Marines, and now for Jacob. But, who is going to protect the protector? Jacob, that’s who. This was my favorite aspect of their story and made their relationship more real and meaningful. While Grant is focused on keeping Jacob safe and Jacob is focused on making Grant see that he deserves to be happy and loved. Loved it.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has just the right blend of cowboy, danger, and red hot passion. Grant and Jacob first meet when they randomly hook up in the back of the restaurant where Grant works. As strongly as they connected, they went their separate ways without exchanging contact information because Grant decided to accept a position as a ranch manager at a ranch which also doubles as a covert safe house mostly for the criminal element. Jacob in hiding out and on the run from his dangerous, mafia ex-boyfriend who has promised to stalk and locate him. When Grant and Jacob unexpectedly cross paths at the ranch, they have a second chance. Will they take it or is life too dangerous to risk a relationship? This book has a lot of action, some exciting twists and turns, and a thrilling love that just keeps coming.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me just Jacob and Renegade belong with each other. They are each running from egly past that gives them nightmares. What neither expects is the explosive chemistry that is brewing between the two. The love that tackles these two is a breathe of fresh air. I love the apologizes given from both sides as they man enough to know when they did gid. I'm in love with this series even if only two 😍 that will never stop me from buying all her books. I'm a reader for life. This series is her best work yet. I can't wait for more. These mem keep getting hotter and hotter.

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic start to a new series, where the readers not only old beloved characters again but also meet new intriguing ones.

Grant and Jacob meets by chance and after one hot encounter, fate brings them back together again. Their developing relationship is threatened by several factors.

I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series, because the author definitely knows how to get her reader completely hooked.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book.

Grant and Jacob sizzle for each other from the first heated moment they saw each other in the restaurant, to their ups and downs and interaction with family and friends. This is a good start to a new series and can't wait for the next book, hoping it Rhys and T.J. turn.

[Oley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series. Highly recommended!

[Justin Sanchez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Quick read. Decent story. Nothing new. Bodyguard trope/savior trope. Finding out that’s just not my biggest cup of tea.

[Reverly Kerner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repetition

I was so disappointed with this story First of all every sex scene the same words were used Got it he's in charge Grant, Jacob says I can't but he does stereotypical .Read the Marchesi family stories all the books with X and you'll realize my rational....There was no story line that was credible ...This was trying too hard using sex the whole story

[Dreamcatcher · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

-Possible spoilers-
Meh, I didn't enjoy The Renegade that much. The blurb seemed interesting enough: a ranch that's actually a safe house for criminals. Unfortunately, the story is rather dull and carelessly written.
Zion, Grant's gelding, turns into a mare after a couple of pages. A few chapters later, and he's a gelding again. Very sloppy.
To top it off, there was too much sex. It dragged the story down and that's a real shame.

[Kosh Gott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've enjoyed others of this author's antihero stories set in the same universe as this novel, but this tale didn't work for me at all. The characters were stock characters that were not developed. I found the insta-romance to be generic, and the sex didn't save it either because it was between characters I cared nothing about.

[Mrs C · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 36% - when you start flicking pages more than reading, it’s time to quit.

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Renegade by Silvia Violet is the first book in her Texas Safehouse series. It is the story of Grant and Jacob. Grant has been not so honorably discharged from the marines after not following orders that could hurt others. He is wondering what to do since it is hard for him to find a job so he meets with another somewhat shady friend who offers him the job of manager at Paradise Ranch which is a working horse farm but also a safehouse for somewhat shady characters who need to stay away from the law. While meeting with his friend at a bar he notices one of the servers, Jacob, who really catches his eye and they meet during his break. Jacob is also on the run from an ex who has ties to the mob, which he didn’t know at first. They both know this is a one-time thing but they can’t get each other out of their minds because the attraction is so strong. Grant is a protector with a capital P and is out to help his twin brothers who both decide to work at the ranch with him. Unbeknownst to him, one of them has befriended Jacob and when he hears his ex has located him, he brings him to the ranch to work. It takes several days until Grant notices him but when he does, he wants to send him away because of his attraction and fear for him but is talked out of it. Jacob is feisty and sticks up for himself and Grant loves this. He tries to stay away but can’t and eventually they get together and their love grows. They have to stay strong while outside events happen around them with the FBI and Jacob’s ex but they win in the end. I am not usually a fan of mob stories but this one is “mob adjacent” with Grant and his family fighting on the good side, even though they have to harbor those that are not so good. There is some violence, but again, it is to keep the family and Jacob safe. I enjoyed the characters, especially Grant’s protectiveness and Jacob’s willingness to stand up for himself and the twins were also entertaining because they wouldn’t put up with Grant’s bossiness and called him on it. There is some angst and suspense that keeps you reading to find out what happens next and the love scenes are very hot. I highly recommend this story and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Grant is an ex-military not by his choice, and now he got the offer to run a ranch slash safehouse. Not the safehouse for innocent people who need protection, no, no! It’s more for criminals who have to lay low for a while.
Paradise Ranch with its horses, was exactly what Grant wanted for him and his brothers, not so much the side things it brought with it, but he needs the well-paid job.

One eye on the small, shy guy, who’s the waiter at their table, and Grant’s body knew what he wanted. Jacob and Grant have the best fuck they had in times. While it was a one-time thing, they can’t get the other out of their thoughts. They had a click and fit.

Imagine Grant’s surprise when, after weeks, his brother brings in Jacob who needs a safe place.

Jacob feels cherished by Grant, he loves it to be claimed by him, the big possessive protector can eat him any time he wants. Grant has doubts, he’s not the best guy for Jacob. Jacob is afraid Grant will get enough of him and has to leave.

There’s a threat that needs to be eliminated!

Sometimes I just need a read like this one, where I can step out of real life and dive into a world with rough, tough, physical guys with soft hearts, the wham bam thank you ma’am kind of men. Their vocabulary was minimal, and their body language instead very punctual and clear. They work on the grey side of the law and have a huge organization that’s got their backs.

Just take this read as it is, don’t expect finesse or conversations with depth, their thoughts and talks are even repetitive and mostly about pounding, fucking, possession, mine mine, and to protect. It’s a story with rough muscles guys, who act as if they are the only ones who can save the world, utterly protective of the ones they love, and above all… they like to fuck, hard!
The writing was solid, focused, and captivating, I had a few hours of fun reading this one.

Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews