Claimed by Shadows

The Shadowmen #2

by Rosa Lee

When the Shadows set you free…will you let them claim you?

Full blurb to come...

Release date will be moved forward.

Genres: Dark Romance, Why Choose, Dark, Romance, Mafia Romance, Smut, M M Romance

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2024

About the author

Rosa Lee lives in a sleepy Wiltshire village, surrounded by the beautiful English countryside and the sound of British Army tanks firing in the background (it’s worth the noise for the uniformed dads in the local supermarket and doing the school run!).

Rosa loves writing dark and delicious whychoose romance, and has so many ideas trying to burst out that she can often be found making a note of them as soon as one of her three womb monsters wakes her up. She believes in silver linings and fairytale endings...you know, where the villains claim the Princess for their own, tying her up and destroying the world for her.

If you’d like to know more, please check out Rosa’s socials or visit

www.rosaleeauthor.com

https://Linktr.ee/RosaLeeAuthor

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not okay. I need some answers.

[Mia S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read all of Rosa Lee I looooved this because there are references to Tarnished Embers as well as the Highgate Prep series so I had references to my former and forever book boyfriends. The book was the second in trilogy and follows what happens after Iris is taken by the Bratva leader Sergi, I know spelling wrong but seriously ugh don’t want to get it right serious this man tormented his son, waited for the father to dig himself down so much that he has to sell his daughter, and then violates her daily knowing what she is to his kid. The struggle and process was great, and in tears when Iris told a secret that would change their lives- what each did just all the feels! And then my heart was ripped out! And then. Period! Cliffhanger ugh!!!! But of course will continue to wait on tippy toes for the final.

[Formerly Known as Spoiler W · Rating 1 out of 5]

I shouldn't have even read this book. Not continuing with the series.

[Lisa Hawkes · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.8
Not as good as the first one. A few moments were a bit gross and I feel like u saw things coming.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sometimes the brightest light is the one we don’t see at first, but when we do finally discover it, it’s blinding.”

* Claimed by Shadows is available for pre-order now. Publication date is December 4th. I received this ARC for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*

Where do I even begin with this!! Claimed by Shadows is the 2nd book in the Shadowmen series. It starts off right where Kissed ended. Iris was taken by Sergi, Nik was sent away, Roman, Rowan and Hunter were out for blood. The things that Iris went through broke my heart. All I wanted to do was climb through the book and give Iris a hug. She is such a strong MC I absolutely adore her.

The way that the shadows were so patient with Iris once they got her back melted my heart. The love and devotion they have for Iris is one of the reasons why I absolutely LOVE this series so much. The emotional connection between all 4 of them is so natural and never feels forced. The way Hunter, Roman and Rowan comfort Iris without second guessing their decision when she reveals she is pregnant was so touching. That baby is all of theirs no matter how it was conceived.

The spice was SPICY 🥵 anytime all of them are together it feels like the heat is turned up.

Tarnished Embers is what got me hooked on Rosa Lee books so when Ember and her Step Brothers were sprinkled throughout this book it made it so much better. I absolutely love how all her books connect in some way and you get small glimpses of some of your favorite characters.

Once you think everything is going their way, when things settle down the ending happens and you are left in shock! The cliffhanger for Kissed was shocking, but with Claimed I wanted to cry. I cannot wait for Owned by Shadows. I need it ASAP!!!

[zopo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me just say, my heart aches for Iris. This girl has been through so much—it’s nothing short of heart-wrenching!

Without giving away any spoilers, if you read Book 1, we dive right back into the action, and honestly, it’s even more intense than I ever expected. I can't stand Sergi; my hatred for him runs deep!

I was completely drawn into our FMC’s journey of recovery, even if it was tough to stomach at times.

With every new chapter, I fell deeper for these characters and their struggles. Watching them in pain is beyond unbearable, and the ending? It left me utterly SHREDDED. I can’t wait for the next book—seriously, I need it like yesterday!

It turns out this story exists in the same universe as Rosa’s other works, so you can bet those just skyrocketed up my TBR list while I eagerly await the next installment—especially with that jaw-dropping cliffhanger!

I pre-ordered this book months ago, but I couldn't resist finding a way to read it even sooner. Huge thanks to Rosa Lee for the chance to get an early look—I'm literally counting down the days until Book 3, *Owned by Shadows*!

📖 / 4.5⭐

[Diagnosed Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in The Shadowmen Series. I loved it! I am a big Rosa fan and I loved the interlinking characters and events of prior books (Tarnished Embers and the Highgate Prep series). It was so nice to recognize them and understand their individual stories.
My heart broke for Iris in this book. For all of them, but I loved how they all just stuck together and how the guys had such patience with her. This book kept me on edge the whole time, just when you think you can take a breath the next twist comes. The chemistry between these characters as just so good. The spice is SOOOO good.
This story ends on a cliffhanger and it had my heart in a death grip. I cannot wait to start book 3.
Definitely a recommendation from me.
Please do read the trigger warnings, there is a lot of traumatic events in this book.

[KILLERTEMPTRESS · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat with every page, look no further than the second installment of this thrilling series. Book 2 is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Rosa has an undeniable gift for storytelling, weaving together intricate plots, unforgettable characters, and surprising turns in a way that is truly exceptional. The way she connects the dots between events and characters is pure magic. You’ll find yourself getting lost in the world she’s created, one filled with tension, passion, and raw emotion.

The heroine of this series—our fierce FMC—continues to captivate as she faces her traumas with remarkable strength. Despite everything she’s been through, she’s unapologetically open about her needs, and her men are more than willing to help her heal and become the Queen she was always destined to be. Their unwavering support and love make for a dynamic, compelling story that will have you rooting for them every step of the way.

Now, Book 2 ends on one hell of a cliffhanger, but if you've read the first book, you’ll know to expect it. It’s the kind of ending that leaves you craving more, but it’s not one that will completely shatter your expectations.

Overall, this series so far is an absolute must-read. Rosa has truly outdone herself, and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next in book 3. Highly recommend—don't miss out on this phenomenal series!

[Heather Laffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.M.G ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Rosa Lee you have done it again! The way you make us feel for these characters, whether it's loving them, hating them, wanting to throat punch someone at some point (Mainly Sergi LOL)
Daddy Hunter needs to eradicate him STAT. Roo, Ro and Nik can help too. Evangeline would be so happy she would purr 😻
I absolutely devoured this book, I'm telling you, Rosa Lee knows how to fully immerse you into these worlds. I will forever be a fan/follower/loyal servant 🤣🤣
I will most def be recommending this book, however this is Book #2 so you have to start with #1 first to fully understand, you also should check out the highgate prep series as well because then you will REALLY know what's going on.

[Onyx Reads Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw the opportunity of getting this ARC, you'd bet I jumped at the opportunity. Each one of Rosa's books I have read so far I have loved, and this one is just the same.
The love these men have for Iris is intense. They will do absolutely anything to keep her safe and loved. And they did what they could to make sure nothing happened to her again. This ending has me screaming though!! I need book 3 ASAP. I have never needed a continuation more in my life.
And I love that we get the mention of and her men from the Highgate Prep series, which was my absolute favorite. As well as Ember and her men, which was another favorite.

This book picks up right where Kissed By Shadow's left off, so you will want to read that first.

[Svetlana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I am shook!
Mrs.Rosa Lee what are you doing to us with all this torture?
This is a second book in the series and I did not expect to witness that much suffering for the characters! I felt so bad for Iris but also..her men are just beyond incredible- to experience this kind of love and care is just so precious!
I cried, I squirmed , I laughed! I need more Nick and Hunt interaction thats for sure!l
And that cliffhanger….Cant wait for the third book where I hope everyone will find their HEA and I can sleep normally knowing that these characters are safe and happy

[Adriahna Arno · Rating 5 out of 5]

GUT WRENCHING & PULLS AT THE BEART STRINGS

OMG! I was not anticipating half of what happened in this book!!!

The guys are so understanding and Iris is unbelievably strong to be able to keep going after what happened to her and my god I can not believe the freaking cliffhanger!!!!!!!🫣

[Sam Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erm .. Miss Lee?! How could you do that to me?? Leave me hanging like that!!!

This series is divineeeeeeeee.

Daddy Hunter has my heart like I actually NEED him in my life.

The character relationship development throughout this book has me in a chokehold. I’ll never get over the twins 🥹

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Rosa you have done it yet again and talk about a cliffy!! I could not put this book down and but does it get darker, steamier and makes me want to scream. Love love the references to all her other books. We need book 3 before Christmas 😜. This is a must read but beside to read the TW as you know Rosa does not play around, the darker the better as I say!

[Jamie Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! That is not how you end this book! I cant believe we now have to wait so long until the next book. This story is everything!! Sucks you in from the beginning and keeps you on your toes. I love how it involves characters from other story lines as well. One big family!

[mack cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT IS HAPPENING I CANT TAKE THIS

[Jess M · Rating 5 out of 5]

OKAYYYYYYY

When I say I’m obsessed I’m really obsessed. HUNTERRRR

[Andrea Sparks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️ Spice overrode the plot & I honestly skimmed most of the book. The ending made up for it.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can’t start a series and not finish it, not unless it’s a standalone

[Alva Schwung · Rating 3 out of 5]

well I mean that was fucked up but in a like, cool kinda way. yay women 👸🏼🔪 yay Niko, han är den enda anledningen till vrf jag fortsätter är inte jätte investerad i resten tbh. Niko is my baby.

[Paige Willerick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts off as heavy as expected. But, as always, Iris's men make everything better. I enjoyed how her healing journey wasn't always an easy one and it depicted the true time and effort it takes to heal from a traumatic event. That cliffhanger wasn't any easier than the one in the first book. I'm excited to see how the series wraps up.

[Ella Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you ready to embrace the shadows?

Rosa had me HOOKED on these 2! I couldn't put Claimed by Shadows down ❤️‍🔥🌶️

🖤Why Choose
🖤Twins
🖤Dark Romance
🖤Mafia

Book 2 follows the journey of Iris, Roman, Rowan, Hunter and Nikolai. It's a whole rollercoaster of emotions and you'll want to throw your kindle at a wall when you finish

I can’t wait to see where Owned by Shadows takes us!

“Well, now I find myself worrying about the dark-haired Russian, hoping that he’s not doing something stupid that puts him in harm’s way. Again. Or so help me I will fckng bend him over my knee and spank him until he can’t sit down for a week”

^ when these 2 have their MM scene I’ll die a happy girl 😏

[Pyro Aleksandr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nooooooooooe, noooo noooooo no!
You can’t leave it like that, I’m not okay.
Noooooooope.

Full review to come.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cliffhanger

ROSA LEE GO! GET IN TIMEOUT RIGHT NOW!
I can’t even process this cliffhanger.
Cliffhangers are definitely the bane of my existence.


Okay so summary. The plot in book 2 had a steady flow. It was reasonably paced seeing as Iris and the guys needed time to process their traumas. I like that it wasn’t 2 pages then poof her trauma disappeared. It goes through the process and I appreciated that.
Iris: She’s definitely growing into a stronger character. She’s still naive about literally everything. But that’s what makes her HER. It wouldn’t hurt her to want her dad to die via chainsaw though…like come on…
Nik: I swear this man needs to buck up and get on with action of killing his freaking father. Like what’s he waiting for? The seasons to change?The ocean to dry up? One bullet is all it takes. Or drug him idc just get.it.done.
3 Musketeers: hot,understanding,badass,caring,the list goes on. They are just so…peachy and I love it.
Hope we some more funny moments though. A little more fluff wouldn’t do the story any harm.

[Noe Crockett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't like unfinished series and I don't like cliffhangers and yet, HERE I AM. I blame Rosa Lee, this is all her fault. And hats off to her for being so great at connecting her different book characters and not missing a beat. I am petty and look for those slip-ups and have yet to find one. It's super interesting to me especially how the timelines for this and Highgate Prep are aligned, having already read that series. I was giving a bit of side eye at how many people Iris is casually meeting who are also into the poly lifestyle though - it would be one thing if she was actively seeking them out, but the fact that it's meant to be random is a bit unbelievable.

I love the growth we see in Iris in this installment, she's really coming into her own. I wish there had been a bit more character development on Rowan and Roman, I kind of thought they would be the focal point based on the cover, but they really weren't (or at least not as much as I had expected). I also really loved the deeper dive into the relationship between Hunter and Roman. And I was EXCITED about the details being teased throughout about Rosa Lee's new series coming - The Enlightened, etc.

Last, but not least. Johnny had me SCREAMING. I freaking love him so much and I really really really hope he shows up in upcoming books and/or series. I need an MMM with him and his bodyguards immediately.

[Meg 🥀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so lucky to receive the ARC for this fantastic book.

As always, the author has written another banging book. If Rosa Lee has no fans, I’m literally dead. I love the way the this author writes the dark romance genre, especially because the RH trope is incorporated so well with it. The relationship development is phenomenal, the plot was insanely unpredictable and the characters were just perfect. I love Iris as our FMC, because she is the perfect blend of sweet naivety and vicious strength. We can already see her growing into this badass woman who has overcome so much and is ready to take back everything that was stolen from her. I think my favourite thing about Rosa Lee’s novels is that the MMCs are the sweetest morally grey men ever. No matter how psychotic they are or how dangerous their lifestyle is, they always treat their women right. Specifically for this book, the 4 MMCs are so good to Iris. I love that they have a bind with each other also, especially the MM scenes (so hawt).

Now, the plot. Crazy shit. I can already tell, that things are gonna get worse before they get better and I’m actually a bit afraid for our characters. There’s only so many hits they can take before they’re either give up or go psycho (that’s my vote btw). I know they’re gonna get their revenge and I am so EXCITED for it!

Spice: perfect. The kink rep was on point and super sexy and well written. The group scenes were delicious and Iris is one lucky gyal.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Patience · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5🌶️ This books goes through a lot of ups and downs emotionally. It was of course horrific to see what Iris was going through while kidnapped and the fact that she was alone for most of it. I was happy that Nik came back about a month and a half into her being captured so he was there to help a little. Her being saved was anticlimactic but it was still a smart way to do it. Reading about her healing journey was great as well which is also where we find out that she is pregnant and decided to keep it. I really didn’t like that her guys were always off going to help these other groups of people though. Like I get that they are all friends with these people but at the same time Iris is still in danger and Sergi wants revenge for what was taken from him. I am really pissed though that Roman is fucking killed in the last chapter, and that it is Nik who pulls the trigger. I’m hoping that somehow this is a fake death situation but it probably isn’t. Personally I wouldn’t be able to forgive Nik at this point because if I where him I would just kill my dad and if I’m not able to keep power I would leave it and just join the shadows. But he didn’t do that, instead he stayed back while Iris was raped in the room next to him and killed one of the men she loves.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read 2025 -

This is SO good.
I’ve read sooo many why choose this year and looking back now this is by far one of the best.

The dynamic is great, the plot is there, there’s tension and emotion.

——————-
After having a mixed feeling about the first book, I literally could not put this one down.

This book becomes much more than just a spicy mafia romance and actually is quite harrowing and has some really dark moments. There is also a lot of emotion again in this book and though I still find some of the dialogue a bit questionable, there were some vulnerable moments that really got me.

I liked that the author didn’t rush Iris’ journey and displayed true recovery and emotion.

I knew there was going to be some sort of heartbreak towards the end of the book and wow. Can’t wait for book 3

We’ve got mafia, age gap, forbidden romance, forced proximity, why choose

[ÄTEËŹ · Rating 1 out of 5]

What the actual fuck.
If i could clean my brain i would

[Tamarra Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris has been taken. Hunter, Roman, and Rowan are hurting. They're so lost without her light, the fear of falling into darkness so close.

Rowan systematically takes out Sergi's men, not realising the implications that it may have for Iris, yet when they learn what she is enduring at his hands, their hearts break for her, wallowing in self-pity, but when there uncle approaches them with a solution do they come face to face with The Fallen. These men are the elite of the elite, offering them a way in to get their girl back.

When Nikolai returns from his trip and learns that Iris has returned, the anger inside him is burning a rage deep down, and if he is not careful, it will swallow him whole. For when he learns what Iris has endured and he sees with his own eyes, her body, he knows he must tread carefully, because if his love for her is discovered it could result in something more catastrophic that neither could foresee. And on those dark soulness nights, does Nikolai take away from Iris, the pain that she is feeling, replacing his father's memory with his own, but will it be enough to get her through.

An invitation only event puts Iris face to face with her Shadowmen, and when Sergi attempts to claim and IOU, his hand is forced, because what he wants is an in to the inner world of The Fallen. Because on this night, Iris is released back to her Shadowmen.

No sooner do they get her home. Do they do their best to support her, but with the changes to their home environment. In an intimate moment, Rowan shares with Iris his own trauma that he endured as a child. It pains her to learn this, this now connects them more than ever, and when Iris opens up about her own experiences in breaks, Roman and Hunter's hearts anew.

In order to heal, Iris makes a decision to go to a facility that specialises in the type of trauma that she has endured. Iris struggled to find the words in which to tell Hunter what she needs, he feels angry that she couldn't tell him, but he didn't begrudge her choice.

During her time, Iris makes friends with Johnny
and also reconnects with an old school friend Ember. It's where Iris also learns that she is pregnant, and now she's faced with an impossible decision.

Iris works on healing and working through her trauma. Hunter, Roman, and Rowan's visits help her to not only find herself but regain her power and her confidence and to ask for what she wants and needs. They helped with her sexual awakening, yet her sessions with her Shadowmen help her to reacclimate her body back to feeling the intimate sensations of their touch, replacing her nightmares with a positive experience.

Iris has reached that stage in her healing journey. She is ready to return home, and her Shadowmen couldn't be happier. Yet the secret that she's holding within threatens to derail her progress. When Iris's hand is forced, she reveals the truth to Hunter, Roman, and Rowan that she is pregnant. To say they're shocked is an understatement. There are so many warring emotions. But what shocks Iris more is the blood oath that they make, the vow they take, one where they accept her child as there own, vowing to take care of the both of them.

The only thing Iris is concerned about is how Nikolai will react, and when he sees for himself, his feelings mirror Hunter's, yet it was Hunter's choice that lead to Iris's predicament and Nikolai has no compunction in setting the record straight. Nikolai and Iris's love for each other is strong, for she is his heart and will gladly be a part of their child's life whatever the outcome.

But it's not enough to alleviate Iris's worries, because what was supposed to be a routine assignment for Roman and Rowan, turns out like nothing they could have imagined, because when Rowan returns home disoriented, only for him, Hunter and Iris to learn that Sergi has captured him, do they realise the magnitude of this man's reach and the power he wields over Nikolai could be there undoing, because the way the story ended on that cliffhanger the way it did, readers can only hope that Nikolai in someway succeed in his plan to overrule his father, but alas we now must wait until May for Owned by Shadows and the conclusion to their story.

Iris showed true strength and resilience in the way she worked in accepting her situation and the trauma associated. Despite everything, Hunter, Roman, and Rowan stood by her, holding and comforting her through her darkest moments, along with Nikolai. Without them, Iris wouldn't have found herself on a path of healing and light. Because they are her everything and she is theres and they will do anything and everything to give her the life and future she deserves, one without pain, sacrifice, and violence.

I would be remiss in saying that those smexy scenes whilst spicy, were thought-provoking, intimate, and emotional because the connection that they all share is so strong, and the love, tenderness and care they show Iris will have you falling for these Shadowmen hard!

Highly recommend both the author and the book!