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Shadows of Synd #1
Under the Shadows
To them, I’m a mafia princess, but shadows can be deceiving.
My life goes from bad to worse when I save Emma King from a fate worse than death.
Now I’m on their radar: Shane, Ren, and Alex, rulers of the west side of Synd.
Surviving them is the least of my worries with the Byrns mafia in shambles, and I’m running out of shadows to hide within.
We’re fighting a battle against something that moves through our city like ghosts, snatching people in the dead of night and I’m afraid I might be next.
Now I must decide-the devils I know or what lurks within the shadows. Will they help me, even though I’m a Byrns? Will it even matter since a Byrns can never trust a King? Regardless, I’ll be forced to show them exactly who I am. And I am no princess.
Samantha and the Kings story is a mafia romance with enemies-to-lovers and a guaranteed HEA where the main character will end up with more than one love interest. Under the Shadows does contain adult content with violence, extra spice, themes of trafficking, and other mature concepts. For more see author’s website.
My life goes from bad to worse when I save Emma King from a fate worse than death.
Now I’m on their radar: Shane, Ren, and Alex, rulers of the west side of Synd.
Surviving them is the least of my worries with the Byrns mafia in shambles, and I’m running out of shadows to hide within.
We’re fighting a battle against something that moves through our city like ghosts, snatching people in the dead of night and I’m afraid I might be next.
Now I must decide-the devils I know or what lurks within the shadows. Will they help me, even though I’m a Byrns? Will it even matter since a Byrns can never trust a King? Regardless, I’ll be forced to show them exactly who I am. And I am no princess.
Samantha and the Kings story is a mafia romance with enemies-to-lovers and a guaranteed HEA where the main character will end up with more than one love interest. Under the Shadows does contain adult content with violence, extra spice, themes of trafficking, and other mature concepts. For more see author’s website.
494 pages, ebook
Published July 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
July 14, 2022
I received this as an ARC and really enjoyed it. It was a bit more slow paced than I thought it would be at the beginning. It has really good character development, and an intriguing plot line in this enemies-to-lovers, with a HEA. I knew the villain early on in the book, and kept yelling at them all! I would say it has more angst and tension than actual spice, though the 3 or 4 scenes were hot… cant help but say I wanted more! Wish there had been a scene with all four of them, but on the whole, definitely recommend for mafia RH! 🌶🌶🌶/5
Want to read
February 7, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/27/2022)! 🎁
September 7, 2022
**I was given an ARC Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review**
*Check trigger warnings*
✨ 5 ⭐️ / 4 🌶 ✨
Tropes:
Dark Mafia Romance
Why Choose
Touch Her and You Dye
Slow Burn
Slow Burn Squared
Found Family
Multi Point of View
The world building was good but the characters.... OBSESSED!!! The flow from one point of view to another was seamless and each character was written so well. I was able to have separate feelings during each POV and the fact that the transition between characters was so smooth was impressive.
This was the perfect introduction to the Shadows of Synd Series and it definitely left em wanting more. Recommend this to all Why Choose lovers.
*Check trigger warnings*
✨ 5 ⭐️ / 4 🌶 ✨
Tropes:
Dark Mafia Romance
Why Choose
Touch Her and You Dye
Slow Burn
Slow Burn Squared
Found Family
Multi Point of View
The world building was good but the characters.... OBSESSED!!! The flow from one point of view to another was seamless and each character was written so well. I was able to have separate feelings during each POV and the fact that the transition between characters was so smooth was impressive.
This was the perfect introduction to the Shadows of Synd Series and it definitely left em wanting more. Recommend this to all Why Choose lovers.
July 19, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶
.
Debut novel and I really enjoyed it and this would have been a higher rating except for a couple aspects of the story. Sam's relationship with Shane felt very hot and cold without any real resolution. The main conflict plot, "The Guild," was just this nebulous group out in the ether, and Sam was either super emotional or a BA throughout the book, so it kind of bugged me. All in all I really enjoyed the book and look forward to what Emilia has in store for us next.
Triggers: mafia romance, unaliving, RH, Kidnapping, gangs, drugs, weapons, assault.
🌶🌶
.
Debut novel and I really enjoyed it and this would have been a higher rating except for a couple aspects of the story. Sam's relationship with Shane felt very hot and cold without any real resolution. The main conflict plot, "The Guild," was just this nebulous group out in the ether, and Sam was either super emotional or a BA throughout the book, so it kind of bugged me. All in all I really enjoyed the book and look forward to what Emilia has in store for us next.
Triggers: mafia romance, unaliving, RH, Kidnapping, gangs, drugs, weapons, assault.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶🌶.75
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!! This is a why choose book!! Samantha was such a badass!! I loved Shane, Ren, and Alex with Sam. I loved that they saw her as family at the end of the book.
There were three things I didn’t like and one of them was that Shane would be mean to Sam for no damn reason. I also didn’t like that Sam was super emotional. The last thing I didn’t like was that Shane and Sam relationship was so up and down.
🌶🌶.75
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!! This is a why choose book!! Samantha was such a badass!! I loved Shane, Ren, and Alex with Sam. I loved that they saw her as family at the end of the book.
There were three things I didn’t like and one of them was that Shane would be mean to Sam for no damn reason. I also didn’t like that Sam was super emotional. The last thing I didn’t like was that Shane and Sam relationship was so up and down.
October 18, 2022
Overall I loved reading this book.
Some entities that were involved but kinda didn’t go anywhere. Some felt like it was unresolved.
Spice scenes were few-wished there was more and more with all of the .
Why choose, HEA.
I felt like this was an easy read, liked the plot. Badass females can be vulnerable and still kick ass. 🖤
ALEX,REN, SHANE
Some entities that were involved but kinda didn’t go anywhere. Some felt like it was unresolved.
Spice scenes were few-wished there was more and more with all of the .
Why choose, HEA.
I felt like this was an easy read, liked the plot. Badass females can be vulnerable and still kick ass. 🖤
ALEX,REN, SHANE
Shelved as 'dnf'
February 16, 2023Dnf at 47%.
Just couldn't get into the story, and the characters didn't speak to me (besides the fmc - love her!). Writing is good, but plot is quite slow. Felt like it was moving at a snails pace, but that might just be me and my mood. 🤷♀️
Just not a good fit for me right now.
Just couldn't get into the story, and the characters didn't speak to me (besides the fmc - love her!). Writing is good, but plot is quite slow. Felt like it was moving at a snails pace, but that might just be me and my mood. 🤷♀️
Just not a good fit for me right now.
July 27, 2022
ARC Review:
Check TWs!
This is a mafia-themed enemies-to-lovers reverse harem romance novel. In the first book of the Shadows of Synd series, author Emilia Abraham immediately drew me into her multi-POV novel in the first chapter, intriguing me with character descriptions told from the FMC’s POV. As the drama unfolds and the spiciness increases, the need to keep reading continues to build. I fell in love with each main character as I read on, being able to experience the story through everyone’s eyes. The storytelling, character development, and the HEA ending kept me reading late into the night. This book was the perfect introduction into mafia romance novels for me!
Check TWs!
This is a mafia-themed enemies-to-lovers reverse harem romance novel. In the first book of the Shadows of Synd series, author Emilia Abraham immediately drew me into her multi-POV novel in the first chapter, intriguing me with character descriptions told from the FMC’s POV. As the drama unfolds and the spiciness increases, the need to keep reading continues to build. I fell in love with each main character as I read on, being able to experience the story through everyone’s eyes. The storytelling, character development, and the HEA ending kept me reading late into the night. This book was the perfect introduction into mafia romance novels for me!
August 7, 2022
From the first few pages I knew I was going to love this book. I received this book as an ARC and read it so fast because I did not want to put it down. I stayed up well past 2am to read as much as possible before my body demanded sleep. I loved Sam as the main character. She is strong, independent, and can for the most part take care of herself. And the guys were amazing book boyfriend material (My favorite is Ren) They all have different pet names for her and all have a different dynamic, the mix of spice and plot was perfect. This book had everything I would look for in a mafia romance.
July 24, 2022
I loved this
What a great read! I love how Sam, the heroine, is strong and fierce but also has insecurities and lots of feelings. I like how all three Kings are so vastly different. But man they drove me mad sometimes with the stupid stuff they would say to or about her. I liked the action and the storyline. Very entertaining, with a good balance of romance and steam thrown in. I will for sure read more from this author in the future.
What a great read! I love how Sam, the heroine, is strong and fierce but also has insecurities and lots of feelings. I like how all three Kings are so vastly different. But man they drove me mad sometimes with the stupid stuff they would say to or about her. I liked the action and the storyline. Very entertaining, with a good balance of romance and steam thrown in. I will for sure read more from this author in the future.
October 23, 2022
This story sucked me in. Partially because I wanted to predict what what was happening and needed to know I was right. (I was). But honestly the story really kept me interested in more than just the spice! Even though I also loved the spice! Mafia romance, why choose, badass FMC, need I say more? No. Go read this. Thank me later.
March 29, 2023
4⭐️
First ever mafia-romance. Love the why choose. Excellent writing. Wasn't as spicy as I would have liked but I have to say that Ren is everything and his scene with Sam is one of the best smut scenes i've ever read. Sam is a great FMC and i love how she puts all those boys in their place! Looking forward to the next installment
First ever mafia-romance. Love the why choose. Excellent writing. Wasn't as spicy as I would have liked but I have to say that Ren is everything and his scene with Sam is one of the best smut scenes i've ever read. Sam is a great FMC and i love how she puts all those boys in their place! Looking forward to the next installment
May 5, 2024
I don't remember adding this to my TBR, but holy hell am I glad I did.
This was written sooo well. There were some parts in the beginning where I was like 'come on get it moving' but that's just me being the impatient ass I am.
I can't wait to read the other guy's stories as well.
I wish there was more, Ren hinted at knowing her when he was little, but really didn't go into it. Just mentioned remembering her hand in his and her helping him hide or some shit. IDK it feels like maybe I am missing something? But it's not that big of a deal, it's more like background / world building shit. Nothing really pertaining to the plot.
I actually ended this story still hating Shane. Like all the shit he said to her, especially when she thought they had finally worked through their shit and he turns on her and intentionally hurts her, like there was really nothing from him proving himself to her. Even when she woke up he seemed kinda distant, yeah he told her he lied or whatever, but was that really enough? It wasn't enough to settle my petty soul, that's for sure.
Also, how every one else treated her when she was really this secret badass. I'm surprised she wasn't taking some of those assholes out herself haha.
Either way, it was still a really good read. Almost impossible for me to set it down.
One thing I really hated though was that there was only one scene between her, Alex, and Ren. Her and Shane were on the outs so he wasn't included and I was REALLY hoping for one with all of them. Really needed some group sex there, but it never came.
Spice 2/5
Humor 1/5
Emotional 1/5
World Building 4/5
Overall 5/5
This was written sooo well. There were some parts in the beginning where I was like 'come on get it moving' but that's just me being the impatient ass I am.
I can't wait to read the other guy's stories as well.
I wish there was more, Ren hinted at knowing her when he was little, but really didn't go into it. Just mentioned remembering her hand in his and her helping him hide or some shit. IDK it feels like maybe I am missing something? But it's not that big of a deal, it's more like background / world building shit. Nothing really pertaining to the plot.
I actually ended this story still hating Shane. Like all the shit he said to her, especially when she thought they had finally worked through their shit and he turns on her and intentionally hurts her, like there was really nothing from him proving himself to her. Even when she woke up he seemed kinda distant, yeah he told her he lied or whatever, but was that really enough? It wasn't enough to settle my petty soul, that's for sure.
Also, how every one else treated her when she was really this secret badass. I'm surprised she wasn't taking some of those assholes out herself haha.
Either way, it was still a really good read. Almost impossible for me to set it down.
One thing I really hated though was that there was only one scene between her, Alex, and Ren. Her and Shane were on the outs so he wasn't included and I was REALLY hoping for one with all of them. Really needed some group sex there, but it never came.
Spice 2/5
Humor 1/5
Emotional 1/5
World Building 4/5
Overall 5/5
September 11, 2023
I LOVED This Book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
I loved this whole story and it was beautifully written. You get all perspectives without it being too much and as the story develops you get a really good feel for all of the characters. The world building was spot on too. Plus a nice, unexpected plot twist towards the end of the book but not the type that you have to sit and think on how it makes sense and fits. It just does.
Sam is the perfect female main character. She has great development and doesn’t have the typical whining/poor me attitude when things get tough. We love that 💗
Ren and Alex… I see you and I love you both 💗
I highly recommend reading this hidden gem and I cannot wait to continue on with the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
I loved this whole story and it was beautifully written. You get all perspectives without it being too much and as the story develops you get a really good feel for all of the characters. The world building was spot on too. Plus a nice, unexpected plot twist towards the end of the book but not the type that you have to sit and think on how it makes sense and fits. It just does.
Sam is the perfect female main character. She has great development and doesn’t have the typical whining/poor me attitude when things get tough. We love that 💗
Ren and Alex… I see you and I love you both 💗
I highly recommend reading this hidden gem and I cannot wait to continue on with the series.
March 21, 2023
Organized crime. Badass heroine. Dark Romance.
Under the Shadows was well written and well thought out.
Immediately you're devoured by their world and thrown into the chaos with a twisting and turning plot line and sprinkles of spice.
Not every character is who they appear to be but you're sure to fall in love with them as their outer shells are broken down. Can you handle their darkness?
"I was prepared to do whatever it took to keep her with us before, but now-now, I will burn the world down just to keep her."
TW's: Guns, knives, violence, explicit scenes, human trafficking, adult language, criminal activities, drugs & kidnapping.
Under the Shadows was well written and well thought out.
Immediately you're devoured by their world and thrown into the chaos with a twisting and turning plot line and sprinkles of spice.
Not every character is who they appear to be but you're sure to fall in love with them as their outer shells are broken down. Can you handle their darkness?
"I was prepared to do whatever it took to keep her with us before, but now-now, I will burn the world down just to keep her."
TW's: Guns, knives, violence, explicit scenes, human trafficking, adult language, criminal activities, drugs & kidnapping.
March 20, 2024
Amazing read!
I was a little hesitant in going into this book, because it was my first dark-ish mafia why choose romance. The first 40% were a bit slow to get into because of the world building, but I'm so glad I stuck with it! You have enemies to lovers, mafia, why choose, forced proximity, a little bit of mystery, and spice! So good! Can't wait to read the next book in this series!
I was a little hesitant in going into this book, because it was my first dark-ish mafia why choose romance. The first 40% were a bit slow to get into because of the world building, but I'm so glad I stuck with it! You have enemies to lovers, mafia, why choose, forced proximity, a little bit of mystery, and spice! So good! Can't wait to read the next book in this series!
January 14, 2023
An emotional ride with plenty of spice
I am going to keep this short and sweet. The plot is on point. Very story driven, complete with action and enough twist to keep you going. The spice is top not and plentiful once it starts. I also love how Samantha, Alex, Shane, and Ren are each very much their own persons.
I am going to keep this short and sweet. The plot is on point. Very story driven, complete with action and enough twist to keep you going. The spice is top not and plentiful once it starts. I also love how Samantha, Alex, Shane, and Ren are each very much their own persons.
March 13, 2023
wow!!
My first mafia romance and I have to say I was thoroughly impressed! I love the fmc’s progression throughout the book and the why choose is just pinnacle! I love the way the families were written, very dark romeo and Juliet/ montegues and capulets retelling vibe. It was really good, and I am excited to read more in book 2!
My first mafia romance and I have to say I was thoroughly impressed! I love the fmc’s progression throughout the book and the why choose is just pinnacle! I love the way the families were written, very dark romeo and Juliet/ montegues and capulets retelling vibe. It was really good, and I am excited to read more in book 2!
February 25, 2024
I enjoyed this book but it wasn’t without its issues.
For the most part I liked Sam but she blew so hot and cold she made my head spin. And don’t get me started on Shane.
The story was good but slow so very very slow. I wasn’t going to move on but then I read this was a debut novel. So I’m reading the next book hoping it’s paced better.
For the most part I liked Sam but she blew so hot and cold she made my head spin. And don’t get me started on Shane.
The story was good but slow so very very slow. I wasn’t going to move on but then I read this was a debut novel. So I’m reading the next book hoping it’s paced better.
February 29, 2024
I really enjoyed reading Under the Shadows, and I'd highly recommend checking it out!
August 17, 2024
It was a slower start than I expected, but about halfway through it picked up. It was heavier on the mafia than I'm used to but I liked it. And the spice! I will definitely keep reading the series.
February 11, 2024
Loved the story
Loved the story. It had decent pace, the main female character is amazing. 2 of the main male characters leave you wanting more.
Loved the story. It had decent pace, the main female character is amazing. 2 of the main male characters leave you wanting more.
December 29, 2022
E. Abraham is a GENIUS! I have only read one other MC/Mafia book before this and oh man after reading this one I am HOOKED!! I can not wait to read book 2. I am starting as soon as I post this! The character build up was phenomenal! I thought with multiple POVs I might get lost but NOT AT ALL! Grab this book today and read it! I HIGHLY recommend it!
October 19, 2022
4⭐️3🌶4.5🔥2⛓2.5⛈check TW⚠️. This is a great debut novel from Emilia Abraham! It’s the first book of three in the Shadows of Synd series. A mafia why choose romance with clever wit and sexy slow burn banter. I enjoyed the well written plot, interesting characters and the sexy spice! I’m excited to read the next book in this series called Running From Shadows.
******ALERT: POTENTIAL SPOILERS******
GOOD✅
✅I enjoyed the writing. I thought it was polished, especially for a debut author, and it drew me into the story and away from sentence structure and wording allowing me to fully focus on the story playing out in my head.
✅I really liked the FMC, Samantha; moreover, the contrast between her strong capable assassin side, and her soft kind passionate side, created a well balanced kick ass female main character.
✅I appreciated the small nuances that Emilia Abraham used to differentiate her characters and get their personalities across to the reader. I absolutely loved how she had Ren using high brow humour to illustrate his depth and personality. Each character was boldly and subtly different, while all working towards the same goals.
BAD ❌
❌I was a little annoyed with how sloppy Sam (FMC) was a couple of times when it came to “contracts” or defending herself. For such a kick ass character, and a paid assassin, she had moments of sloppiness that wasn’t consistent with her character. (On the other hand, perhaps, this served to show her humanity and vulnerability)
❌This issue is completely a personal preference- this book is very plot driven, whereas, I prefer more character and relationship driven romance. I would have enjoyed this just a touch more if it was a faster burn with more spice.
❌I was disappointed that there wasn’t a thorough group scene with all 4 of the characters, as this is something I look for in my why choose reads.
Overall, I very much enjoyed reading this book and I recommend to anyone who enjoys mafia, why-choose and enemies-to-lovers romance!
******ALERT: POTENTIAL SPOILERS******
GOOD✅
✅I enjoyed the writing. I thought it was polished, especially for a debut author, and it drew me into the story and away from sentence structure and wording allowing me to fully focus on the story playing out in my head.
✅I really liked the FMC, Samantha; moreover, the contrast between her strong capable assassin side, and her soft kind passionate side, created a well balanced kick ass female main character.
✅I appreciated the small nuances that Emilia Abraham used to differentiate her characters and get their personalities across to the reader. I absolutely loved how she had Ren using high brow humour to illustrate his depth and personality. Each character was boldly and subtly different, while all working towards the same goals.
BAD ❌
❌I was a little annoyed with how sloppy Sam (FMC) was a couple of times when it came to “contracts” or defending herself. For such a kick ass character, and a paid assassin, she had moments of sloppiness that wasn’t consistent with her character. (On the other hand, perhaps, this served to show her humanity and vulnerability)
❌This issue is completely a personal preference- this book is very plot driven, whereas, I prefer more character and relationship driven romance. I would have enjoyed this just a touch more if it was a faster burn with more spice.
❌I was disappointed that there wasn’t a thorough group scene with all 4 of the characters, as this is something I look for in my why choose reads.
Overall, I very much enjoyed reading this book and I recommend to anyone who enjoys mafia, why-choose and enemies-to-lovers romance!
March 12, 2023
Soooo .... anyone who knows me, knows I love a GOOD Dark mafia
And this one hit everything right on the head for me all while giving me that dueling family type ordeal as well.
Sam is a strong FMC and she is portrayed in the correct way. She masks everything great, and can truly adapt to anything thrown her way.
The Kings .... well they are something else but you get every aspect of every kinda perfect man in this why choose.
You got Ren - smart, not big on small talk, but so dominate.
Alex - The goofball for sure who is all about that insta love.
Shane - the brooding asshole you wanna hate but just cant, so instead, you fall head over heels for him.
Now if you ask me to pick a favorite guy - it will not happen!
This story starts off strong, and it really doesnt let you go.
You get into this underbelly of things, and you see that not everything is always what it seems.
There were twists, turns, layers upon layers in the dynamic of the plot, but in the end, you still got that HEA.
You go through different emotions with this book.
Im sure I screamed and wanted to throw my kindle more than once.
I cannot wait to dive into book 2 and keep going down this rabbit hole.
Also ... fuck the ducks.
Didnt get it - Now I do.
This is a DEF read for me, and I cant wait to put the paperbacks on my shelves.
And this one hit everything right on the head for me all while giving me that dueling family type ordeal as well.
Sam is a strong FMC and she is portrayed in the correct way. She masks everything great, and can truly adapt to anything thrown her way.
The Kings .... well they are something else but you get every aspect of every kinda perfect man in this why choose.
You got Ren - smart, not big on small talk, but so dominate.
Alex - The goofball for sure who is all about that insta love.
Shane - the brooding asshole you wanna hate but just cant, so instead, you fall head over heels for him.
Now if you ask me to pick a favorite guy - it will not happen!
This story starts off strong, and it really doesnt let you go.
You get into this underbelly of things, and you see that not everything is always what it seems.
There were twists, turns, layers upon layers in the dynamic of the plot, but in the end, you still got that HEA.
You go through different emotions with this book.
Im sure I screamed and wanted to throw my kindle more than once.
I cannot wait to dive into book 2 and keep going down this rabbit hole.
Also ... fuck the ducks.
Didnt get it - Now I do.
This is a DEF read for me, and I cant wait to put the paperbacks on my shelves.
July 31, 2022
I seldom give 5 stars but this book really passed the test for me. There was great storytelling, excellent character development, read easily in pace and with cleanliness in writing. Poor editing does not deter me from reading a book, but good editing sure does make a difference.
This is the story of Samantha Byrns, Princess to the Byrns Mafia Family. Samantha is no ordinary princess socialite as she is typically perceived. She has a whole closet full of secrets. When her family needs her, she steps up and shows all her cards. She only needs a little help from her competition, the Kings.
Sam is one of my favorite characters in any book I’ve read. She’s tough, yet vulnerable. She’s like a ninja - but a goofy, clumsy ninja. She’s gorgeous, but a little insecure. She is so easy to relate to because of these little quirks and that makes her so completely lovable. Then we meet Shane, Ren and Alex. This is one RH that’s more Ravenhood than Psychos in Love but with a sexy Mafia twist. It’s an enemies-to-lovers with a grand slam HEA. You can’t get much better than that!
Thank you Ms. Abraham! You knocked this one right outta the park!!
*I received a free ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of Samantha Byrns, Princess to the Byrns Mafia Family. Samantha is no ordinary princess socialite as she is typically perceived. She has a whole closet full of secrets. When her family needs her, she steps up and shows all her cards. She only needs a little help from her competition, the Kings.
Sam is one of my favorite characters in any book I’ve read. She’s tough, yet vulnerable. She’s like a ninja - but a goofy, clumsy ninja. She’s gorgeous, but a little insecure. She is so easy to relate to because of these little quirks and that makes her so completely lovable. Then we meet Shane, Ren and Alex. This is one RH that’s more Ravenhood than Psychos in Love but with a sexy Mafia twist. It’s an enemies-to-lovers with a grand slam HEA. You can’t get much better than that!
Thank you Ms. Abraham! You knocked this one right outta the park!!
*I received a free ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2022
I have been a kick with mafia books, and I am so glad I took a chance! The plot and characters were all fleshed out, you got to know them and their world but the story line kept moving. It also fit with this book that the plot line was greater than the 🌶 . Usually I'm all over 🌶 but we needed the plot line to be what it was otherwise we would've missed crucial parts.
Our FMC Samantha "Sam", is a bada$$ mafia princess, she's strong, fierce and has a soft side too. She's a Byrn and after saving Emma King, she's on the King's radar. But, does she want to be? They rule the west side and have set their sights on Sam. The guys, Shane, Ren, and Alex are all different and I like how they all mesh with Sam differently.
I like that Sam is strong and is trained but she has such a facade that she wears in public. It's almost believable, that you doubt the one person that doesn't look like they'd be dangerous at all. There was so much angst, action, horribly tempered alpha-holes, and so much more. Sam stands her ground with the guys, and makes sure that she isn't being walked all over.
The ending shocked me a bit, but I'm definitely interested to see where we're taken next. I'd really like to see more about the MC, Mason and Emma maybe in a few years?
Our FMC Samantha "Sam", is a bada$$ mafia princess, she's strong, fierce and has a soft side too. She's a Byrn and after saving Emma King, she's on the King's radar. But, does she want to be? They rule the west side and have set their sights on Sam. The guys, Shane, Ren, and Alex are all different and I like how they all mesh with Sam differently.
I like that Sam is strong and is trained but she has such a facade that she wears in public. It's almost believable, that you doubt the one person that doesn't look like they'd be dangerous at all. There was so much angst, action, horribly tempered alpha-holes, and so much more. Sam stands her ground with the guys, and makes sure that she isn't being walked all over.
The ending shocked me a bit, but I'm definitely interested to see where we're taken next. I'd really like to see more about the MC, Mason and Emma maybe in a few years?
November 30, 2022
Do you like badass woman? Hot as fuck mafia guys? A twist you didn’t see coming and an explosive ending? Well this is definitely the book for you!! I was sucked in from the beginning and immediately downloaded book 2 when I finished. Let me tell you the mirror scene!!! Fucking Christ. And the tag teaming?!? HOT. Sam is my hero and Alex is the love of my life. Fucking read this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. The main character Samantha was strong and fierce. I like that she also had some flaws, and a softer side. The men were incredible as well. I mean at first I wanted to knock their heads together. But eventually I fell in love with each of them. The story line kept me sucked in from the first page. Even the side characters in this kept me intrigued. There was never a boring chapter that I just wanted to rush through. I soaked in and hung on every word. I haven't done many Arc reviews at all, in fact this is only my third. This is also the first one that I was truly in love with. I also very rarely give five stars, but i don't know, I just really loved this story. Samantha wasn't weak when it comes to letting anyone walk all over her, which I really enjoyed. I hate when the female lead let's men treat her like crap. I honestly can't say enough good things about this book. I would love to go into more detail, but I don't want to spoil anything. I was surprised and just super happy that this book exceeded my expectations. I love strong female leads, and Samantha was exactly that. I am definitely excited to see more from this author!
July 14, 2022
I received Under the Shadows as an ARC. It is a mafia reverse harem romance with a guaranteed HEA and the first book in a series of interconnecting standalones. It started off a bit slow for me but it kept me wondering what was going to happen next. Samantha Byrns is a bad a$$ heroine who didn’t need anyone to help her with anything. Her family controls one side of Synd with the King family controlling the other side. Sam is trying to figure out where she belongs in this mafia word as a female. She has a closet full of secrets that she is not about to let out. After a meeting goes bad, Sam ends up having to ask Shane, Alex, and Ren King for a bit of help to help save her family and the city that they all care about. The book was fantastic and I found myself wanting a bit more at the end. The last few chapters seemed to be a bit rushed but I am excited about a few possible bonus chapters being released soon! I am so excited for the next books in the series!
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