Becoming Shadows

Shadows of Synd #3

by Emilia Abraham

Embracing the shadows may be the only thing that can save her.

Hawk
My life as the Vice President in the Reapers MC is what I thought I needed. Until Willow St. James crashes into my world. When our anonymous one-night stand turns into guarding her from threats unknown, I realize that finding my hope in this woman might not be enough. She may be a part of a past I left behind, but I'm determined to make her mine. I'll fight to keep her by my side--no matter the cost.

Willow
I came to Synd for a break--from my life, from my stepfather's controlling ways, and from a secret admirer I can't seem to shake. I wanted just one night to be free. When I find the man I played hide the sausage with is actually second-in-command of the Reapers, I wish I would have kept my pants on. Except now my problems from home are bleeding into Synd. I've spent so long being what everyone else expects, I don't know if I can trust the promise of salvation shining in Hawk's eyes. Becoming part of the shadows I've run to might be the only thing that saves me--once and for all.

This is the third book in the Shadows of Synd series. These are a series of interconnected standalones, but they are best enjoyed in publication order. Becoming Shadows is a dark, MC romance with mature themes. Please see author's website for content guidance.

387 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2023

Reviews

[Gigi ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★⁵/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

*Definitely check TWs before reading!
(A few of them are Kidnapping, Murder, PTSD, Violence, Emotional Abuse, Stalking and more) Also there are mentions of kinks/Light BDSM!


I devoured it tbh! The plot, the characters and writing were amazing!

Hawk really is my favourite of all of them! Him being a biker and MC VP really did it for me! Mo dochais! He really fell first and hard! His touch her and you die character trait was the cherry on top! She was IT for him ever since they got together!

Willow sometimes frustrated me and i didn't know if i wanted to hug her or strip her a new one, but it was totally understandable because of what she's been through! Her always falling to her ass and being clumsy AF gave me mixed feelings like please get it together and don't be a fool!

Sam is my spirit animal for sure!

Tropes:
•Dark Romance
•He Falls First
•Found Family
•MC Romance
•Touch Her and Die

Thank You Emilia for the ARC 🙏🏻

[꒰ঌAlejandra໒꒱ ♥️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming Shadows by new-to-me author Emilia Abraham is the third book in the Shadows of Synd series. This is Willow and Hawk’s story and can be read as a standalone. To get a better grasp on all the characters and their world, I’d recommend reading the previous two books. Based on this book, I’m very impressed with the author’s writing style and storytelling so far.

I couldn’t put this book down. I loved Hawk even if he infuriated me a couple of times. The pacing is smooth and the spice is good. It gave me Wreck and Ruin vibes.

Spice level (1-5): 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Kink level (1-3): ⛓️ bondage, edging, blindfold, primal play, etc.

Willow decides to go on an impromptu visit to her best friend in Synd to run from her troubles back home. She decides to try something new and pick up a hot guy from a bar. Unbeknownst to them, Willows BFF is part of the same MC Hawk belongs to. And now he is stuck babysitting her. But when her troubles follow her to Synd, can she count on anyone to help her? And if they do, would that drag them down with her?

I would recommend Becoming Shadows to everyone! It’s a really good story, well written and the characters are memorable. If you like MC romances, forced proximity, morally grey men, stalker (not MC), kink, spice, action, you’ll enjoy Becoming Shadows. Read the trigger warnings. This book does include gore, unaliving, mentions of abuse, mentions of death of a parent, stalking, kidnapping, etc. For the MC romance fans this one is for you!

Warning: Reading Becoming Shadows may make you want someone who would float someone for you. May make you want to be someone’s hope. May make you want to ride a motorcycle. May make you want to pick up a hot biker at a bar, because why not. YOLO. May make you cautious of one nighters. May make you love a man who is sure of his feelings. Read responsibly.

*I received an Advance Reader Copy for free and I am leaving an honest review of my own volition. All thoughts are my own.*

[Rebecca Vito · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely ate this book up! I've been a fan of Emilia Abraham since reading the first book of this series (Under The Shadows), and her writing has gotten even better. The action starts right at the beginning with a one-night stand, and picks up steam from there. There's really never a dull moment.

If you love an MC/mafia romance (Sam and the Kings are in this book so I'm including mafia), an FMC that grows throughout the book and becomes a confident bad a$$ in the end, a touch her and die MMC that knows how to take over in the bedroom but is also stressed out af, this book is for you. The spice is *chef's kiss*, but don't worry, the book is plot-driven. I'm sure I'll end up rereading this as many times as I've read the first two books.

This is an interconnected standalone so you don't HAVE to read the first two, but you should. The books are a lot more fun when you know the stories of the other characters.

[I read the ARC and will end up buying the book when it comes out]

[Ravyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was blessed with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


Loved loved loved.

I love how the last two book especially, had FMC that are relatable.

I love the story and the characters.

Now I did want to throw the FMC around a bit in frustration 😆
But at the same time I just wanted to coddle her and hide her in a closet. 😆
but in the end I just chuckle due to the fact that she really reminded me of me when I was younger.

HAWK is my favorite and like a little toxic but it’s fine.

Trauma. Strength. Love.
🥹


Tropes:

MC ROMANCE x one night stand x Dark Romance x Found Family x touch her and die

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so hard to put down! I loved Willow and Hawk and their chemistry! After reading the first two books in the series I was really looking forward to Hawk’s book and this one might be my favorite! I loved the plot, pacing, and writing!



Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[j a y • d e p r a v e d - .dammnitjay. · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHH
There is so much I wanna say about this AMAZING ARC read but I refuse to spoil even a second of it !!
Just oh my god.
I have become fully immersed into this world and I am so glad!
The characters hold such amazing stories and as each progresses you feel like you are coming upon this HUGE turning point and your wondering who will be left!

Can’t wait for the next installment

[Chey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becoming Shadows

Willow needs protection as she tries to run away from her old life. She gets it from the Reapers MC, but unfortunately for her she finds that her one night stand she had coming to Synd is part of this club, and the one who will be protecting her. Will Hawk be able to keep her safe or will her old life find her and drag her back?

Hawk and Willow had some of the more intense chemistry I've read yet. Just starting off as one night stands already makes their relationship more interesting as it progresses. The author made sure that this book was fast paced and that we had a jam packed story full of action, drama and tons of steam. Hawk's abilities as a Dom were incredible and I loved how realistic he was.

My biggest complaint with this book was the back and forth Willow and Hawk had with her leaving him, him pushing her away, and then repeating. It was constant and irritating, so much so I wanted to drop kick her multiple times.

Overall rating
4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
3 🌶🌶🌶

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book that I have read from this author, and all I can say is WOW. The world building is spectacular, and I love that every character is unique and maintains throughout the series. For example, Sam goes through her character arc, but she is Sam through and through in every interaction that she's in. You can tell who's talking through the dialogue basically without the tags, so I knew when Hawk was speaking vs Ink vs Doc, vs Shane vs Alex and on and on.
I would say that's pretty impressive when you have an entire city full of colorful characters that are all making appearances in the books.
When I signed up to be an ARC reader, it was specifically for Becoming Shadows. I was encouraged to read Under the Shadows, and Running From Shadows, books 1-2 in the series, and I'm so glad that I did. I loved experiencing Sam's story and Mac's journey of healing and love.
Some spoilers ahead!!

Willow and Hawk are a unique couple with their own challenges and obstacles to overcome, but I love that Becoming Shadows started strong by throwing the characters together and forcing them to figure out what they each wanted and needed and how far they were willing to go for it.
I gave the book 4 stars because I had some frustrations with this couple (which I understand most of which are provided for dramatic effect, it wouldn't be fun to read a story about a perfect romance), mostly with their inability to communicate and the fact that she was ALWAYS falling or tripping or seemingly incapable of standing on her own feet, and that she ran so many times. I also felt like they were constantly staring over each other's shoulders instead of addressing the miscommunications between them. Again, I get that there has to be some drama, but it did get to be a little tiring.
The other reason for the 4 star is that we learn that Hawk hates her stepdad, but then we don't really get the story, and he never tells her. And doesn't Willow wonder why he's so cold after their one night stand? And he never brings up that he left a note, even though she believes he just abandoned her?
However, 5 stars for Willow overcoming her shyness in and out of the bedroom, and finding her inner strength. I wanted her to understand that even if Hawk decided that he wasn't going to be the guy for her (which, obviously wouldn't happen, but even IF) she didn't need him to be able to stand up for herself and be confident and strong. It was so satisfying when Willow's self-worth snapped to attention and she became the woman she was meant to be.
This was especially true for me as I started reading Running From Shadows back in March and then had to pause while I went through a breakup that was shattering. He was a motorcycle guy and I couldn't bear to read Mac's story at the time, and now that I've finished Becoming Shadows I wish I had skipped ahead to read about Willow coming into her own. It probably would have helped!

All in all, this book was amazing. The fight scenes, the love scenes, the arguing, the chemistry, the peaceful interactions between Hawk and Willow, the friendship between Willow and Sam, the sometimes strained relationships between Hawk and the Kings and Mason, everything was terrific. E. Abraham can really write, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Elyse Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I raced through this book (sleep is mostly optional). Willow is quirky and I love it. She’s lost, she’s shy trying to be something worth holding onto. I was Willow (with a few less euphemisms). She’s definitely an acquired taste, but her struggle to accept a safe place and shed the costume—the mask she’s been holding, is not unique, it’s some of ours journeys (even if we haven’t finished becoming shadows yet).

Hawk is real. He has a lot of strength and has so much responsibilities, but there is also inner turmoil. Being strong for others is not synonymous with having it all together and not struggling with your own crap. The inner struggles bleed into other parts of his life, as it always has to, and he does not have all the answers for it either.

The story escalates fast with different elements coming together. The book felt really short because of this, turning the page again and again to know what’s happening. With so much clashing and ready to irrupt like a volcano, there is no other way but to move quickly. I liked the pace, felt it driving me to read more until the words stop on last page.

So yea, I loved it. I recommend it to everyone (and my friends/family had it on the TBR immediately). So again I’ll ask, what are you doing reading this review when you could be reading this book?

[Phyllica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The city of Synd is a twisting, turning, and an unforgiving monster with danger around every corner.

The chaos continues in Reaper territory and it doesn't appear to be ending anytime soon.
Emilia Abraham has created such a captivating city, its nearly impossible to stop reading. Every emotion Willow and Hawk feel seeps out of the book and leaves you breathless. Fear, anxiety, lust, and rage, are just some of the turmoil that these two face and I devoured it.

"For some reason, we were thrown together and I want something...normal. I don't know if this is normal, to want someone so badly I can feel it in every breath I take, every brush of skin, every passing glance. Even when he's pissing me off, he's turning me on."

The Shadows of Synd books are all standalones with their own gripping plot but the underlying threat of these stories is growing and becoming more menacing. I can't wait to read the next book and dive head first into Emilia's future works.

THIS BOOK IS FOR 18+ MATURE AUDIENCES SO PLEASE READ ALL TRIGGER WARNINGS.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟
I have loved this series since the first book (Under the Shadows), so I was very excited to receive this ARC. While you don't HAVE to read the previous two books, I would recommend it.
Willow and Hawke have immediate chemistry. However, they are constantly butting heads because they both have a lot of baggage in their pasts that they have to work through. Willow is a sweet, innocent girl who's always trying to do the right thing and always blames herself when something goes wrong. She is used to people leaving and feeling like she is not wanted. The more time she spends with Hawke and his friends, the more emotional and physical strength she gains. I love watching Willow's transformation in this book. If you like alphaholes, light domination, mafia/MC romances, and a guy that falls first, you should read this book

[Brittany Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This is an honest review in exchange for an ARC from the author*

Becoming Shadows is book 3 in the Shadows of Synd series but can be read as a stand alone.

**Check TWs prior to reading**

Hawk is the Vice President of the Reapers MC but is otherwise a mystery. He keeps his past close to the vest and lives in the present.

Willow arrives in Synd under the guise of visiting a friend but is running from a thing or two in her own life.

Their worlds collide when Willow stumbles into a biker bar, leading to what they both believe to be a one night stand but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In Becoming Shadows, we learn more about Hawk’s past and watch Willow struggle through and overcome obstacle after obstacle.

E Abraham does it again with the perfect amount of both plot and spice and now I’m waiting for the ARC of book 4.

[Kim Concannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do y’all like a little bossy biker smut? Well let me tell you… this is the book for you! Willow is a naïve regular person while Hawk is a bad ass biker vice president who absolutely falls first. Willow fights her way into becoming a strong, confident woman and hawk watches her while also loving her from the first moment. Hawk will do everything in his power to protect her while also trying to run the reapers. Can he manage both?! You’ll just have to read it to find out! This book surprised me more than once and watching Willow Flourish into a confident character was amazing. The smut in this book is next level and even the goofy little sayings willow has couldn’t turn off the heat. and of course contains all our regular loves from book one and two. Highly recommend. 5/5!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I'll make this very clear for you, Willow, I have no intention of letting you go. You're exactly what I've been searching for my entire goddamn life. I'll fight anyone to keep you by my side. Eventually, you'll see how much you belong with me. Until then, don't do anything stupid—like run. You'll only force me to chase you and drag you back to my side, where you belong."

"Do you know how sexy you are when you're putting me in my place, mo dóchais? You blush such a pretty pink. Fire burns in your eyes and I want to leap straight into the flames. See what you do to me?"

"Oh, mo dóchais. You thought you could run from me,"

"Don't you remember? I'll always catch you. No matter how far you run, how hard you try, I'm always here."

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Synd Series. They are all stand alones, however I recommend reading them in order to better understand the details.

This is story is about Hawk, the VP of the Reaper MC, and Willow, Mac’s friend from Rima.
Willow is running away from her life in Rima or so she thinks. Willow picks up Hawk in a bar. What she thinks is a one night stand…. Ends up being a little longer.

I enjoy the development of timid Willow into badass MFC!! She really comes into her own!! Hawk helps her and has his own realizations.

When the spice hits it hits hard!!! 🥵🥵🥵🥵
I melted at Hawk’s “good girl” and dominant side!!

Thank you E. Abraham for yet another book boy friend. 🥰🥰🥰

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willow needs to runaway from her life and family for awhile.
Hawk already has and found a new life with the Reapers.
Willow runs right into Reaper territory and Hawk's life when he least expects it.

I really liked this book for multiple reasons. I was really able to relate with Willow and how she had to shed her masking from her upbringing. She was always taught she was too much, too loud, too stupid. She was to be seen and not heard, always second guessing herself. Hawk was terrible at communicating with her but that's to be expected from a guy of not many words and the world currently on his shoulders. Willow really grows into herself in this book, I felt that there was good character growth with her. Also, let’s not forget Willow’s sense of humor! Willow had me laughing to the point of tears with her ridiculous sexual euphemisms, “churning butter” had me texting friends.

I also liked the flow of this book much better than the last one. I couldn't put this one down!

Thank you to Emilia Abraham and her team for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Megan Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I love that the spice started right away and the chemist was there for both whether or not they wanted to acknowledge it. Willow is breaking out on her own and becoming her own person and I can relate to that. A MMC who is obsessed and stresses over the FMC is also a favorite story line for me. I like that we get some cross over from the previous books.
I loved this book almost more than the others and can’t wait to get a physical copy and for the next book in the series.

[Kat Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️ I really enjoyed this book! Hawke is grade A premium beef that I would eat every night of the week. Willow was cute but as an FMC she kind of bothered me. Her behaviour was really frustrating and i felt she didn't deserve him (she'd probably agree with me). The stalker storyline was super interesting and what Willow does to save herself was genius writing.

I have to say, though, I was quite bored with the last 25% of the book. If those parts would have been shaved off, this read would have been a 5⭐️read.

[Darian · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, I loved the next addition to the synd series. Hawk was a presh little baby who needed love and then up popped out new bestie to save the day. They were perfect for each other because she needed the love probably even more. I was legitimately on the edge of my seat to find out who the stalker was and then when the accomplice popped up?😨 Each time she took back her power I screamed her on. Im so glad she got all of them back and started standing up for herself!

[Gina Burkart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast pace read for me. This is Hawks and Willow story and their are hardships and strength that build relationships. This story tells how willow grows to be stronger and able to take care of herself as she struggles daily. Hawk hates her first but after their one night stand Hawk will give up anything for her. Love this story.

[Mert Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming Shadows )Shadows of Synd Book 3)

This was an awesome story, with the love and action going on with threats being made subtle or not scary when you don’t know what is happening or why. Took long enough to find out who it was, and for Hawk to find Willow running off more than once. Great read thank you.

[Stevie Maertens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! Every chance I got (which isn't much) I flew through this book! Beautifully written and the plot was absolutely perfect. A great addition to the Synd world.
The spice was breathtaking and the dialog was funny and captivating. Amazing book!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this amazing book as an ARC… I can’t voice how much I loved this book. Amazing writing can’t wait to see how the story continues. Amazing! Thank you for the opportunity to read and review for you!

[Danielle R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another win. I love this series and can never put them down once I start. Hawk has always been a favorite so his story has been long awaited for me! Thank you so much for the arc and absolutely love it and cannot wait for more!

[Amber Dilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dark romance so please check the TWs!
I really liked this story and felt like Willows clumsiness was on par with my own. As much as I as a reader understand that they super fell for each other, I was still yelling JUST KISS in the background. Love the world already that Emilias built and these characters are just as amazing!

[Kelly Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book for this series. In order to fully understand the story, you should really make sure that you have read the other two books.

These two are fire. The connection and tension between these two is so good! I loved this book so much! I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Jessica Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

book 3 in the series.
arc reader.
check your triggers before reading.
Mc and stalker fully of actions and spicy. Hawks is one hot bike who will burn down the world to have willow.
enemies to lovers and burn the world.

[Calandra Helms · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish had me spellbound. I would love to give it more stars.

[Crosby Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by E. Abraham! I can’t want for the next one and anything else they put out!

[Nebka Galyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my new favorite of the series!! I loved reading it so much. The relationship, the action, the twists... all AMAZING!