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Shadowed Souls #1
Forged by Shadows
Avery thought her suffering had ended.
She thought wrong.
After a traumatic start to life, being adopted was Avery‘s saving grace. She finally had parents who loved her and an entire mansion to call home. Her days were spent reading in the library and exploring her passion for ballet. Until a fateful accident changed everything, and left her at the mercy of her step-brother.
Transferred to his boarding school, Avery’s solace comes to an abrupt end. Especially as the moment she stepped through the gates, her stepbrother and his gang of tormented souls branded her as fresh meat. He hates her, they want her. Whoever prevails, Avery refuses to surrender her mind or body without a fight.
She thought wrong.
After a traumatic start to life, being adopted was Avery‘s saving grace. She finally had parents who loved her and an entire mansion to call home. Her days were spent reading in the library and exploring her passion for ballet. Until a fateful accident changed everything, and left her at the mercy of her step-brother.
Transferred to his boarding school, Avery’s solace comes to an abrupt end. Especially as the moment she stepped through the gates, her stepbrother and his gang of tormented souls branded her as fresh meat. He hates her, they want her. Whoever prevails, Avery refuses to surrender her mind or body without a fight.
438 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2024
1509 people are currently reading
4290 people want to read
About the author
Maddison Cole
39 books638 followersMaddison Cole is a married mum of two, and a serial daydreamer. As a huge fan of fantasy romance novels for the past 7 years, she has finally decided to put pen to paper (finger to keyboard doesn't sound as poetic) and begin to write her own.
As a child, life was moving around the UK and a short stint in the Caribbean, before Maddison has found herself back in the south east of England where she is now happily settled. With a double award in applied arts and an A-level in art history, Maddison is just your average musical-loving, Disney-obsessed, jive-dancing woman with a dark passion for steamy fantasy books.
As a child, life was moving around the UK and a short stint in the Caribbean, before Maddison has found herself back in the south east of England where she is now happily settled. With a double award in applied arts and an A-level in art history, Maddison is just your average musical-loving, Disney-obsessed, jive-dancing woman with a dark passion for steamy fantasy books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 434 reviews
August 30, 2024
'𝐅O𝐑G𝐄D B𝐘 𝐒H𝐀D𝐎W𝐒' is the first full length romance book within the 'Shadowed Souls' series by new to me author Maddison Cole. The cover was what caught my eye straight away, the blurb sealed the deal when it came to purchasing it. After seeing this pop up in my newsfeed a time or two I couldn’t wait to jump in.
This pulled me in from the get go, easy to get into, even harder to put down, the storyline, the characters, the angst, the spice, the romance got its grip into me and didn’t let go.
Avery was found at the age of ten, dirty and unkempt and Wyatt's parents adopted her, he hated her on sight, and strived to stay away from home as much as he could. Avery barely left their mansion, was homeschooled and only had one close friend. When her adoptive mother passes away Avery's life changes within a blink of an eye and is sent away to school, the same one Wyatt attends.
Avery has a dark past, one we're not really privy to (yet) she has scars which mar her back, and has triggers which Wyatt plays upon since he stole her therapists notes, so he knows her triggers. But don't be fooled by Avery, she's a lot stronger than even I gave her credit for.
When these boys push and pull under Wyatt's orders, she pushes and pulls even harder, she's doesn't take any crap and before long she has these boys wrapped around her little finger.
Wyatt's always felt like the discarded child, the one his parents replaced with Avery, so he forms a group made up of boys who need him, ones who have survived a thing or two in their pasts.
A stalker, a diary which uncovers a scandalous secret which threatens the strong foundation these characters hold dear.
These boys bonds were forged by one boys will to protect them..
Then I fell over that brutal cliffy. Book 2 to drop in October..
March 23, 2025
First book by this author and I will definitely be finishing this series! Be prepared for lots of secrets, angst, spice, bullying, and a doozy of a cliffhanger which can only mean there’s more secrets to be uncovered. Please be sure to check the TW for this book has there are several for sure.
September 6, 2024
If you enjoy is a dark college story with a strong FMC, Avery, with five MMC, Wyatt, Garrett,Axel, Dax and Huxley, that are equally strong. They may be strong characters but they all had messed up childhoods. The author does an excellent job working us through all their dark past and abuse. There is another stupendous twisted plot that effecting their group. It is a doozy and had me screaming at the end. It kept me on the edge of my seat til the last page. Excellent story and of course I want more. **check the author homepage for triggers**
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August 12, 2025Dnf not for me
August 31, 2024
Despite this book taking me a while to read, it was such a rush and a joy to experience. I kept itching to get back into the story every time I had to work or do schoolwork.
It was dark, beautiful, captivating, sexy. I want moreeeee. I am so excited for the sequel I can squeal- Bleh lmao. (There’s a giant cliffy btw, in case you couldn’t tell).
The FMC was a gift from above. A strong and soft female character is so hard to come by these days but Avery delivered. I love her. The MMCs were varied and unique.
I would rate this a 5⭐️ but for me personally I’m not as much into the bully themes in my romance. I love enemies to lovers and it can be done without that. However it did add a lot to the story as well as the characters development which I always appreciate.
Twas a slow burn which is unusual for me lol Combine that with being called away to work and it was torture 😂. Anywho, this was a fantastic novel and I’m so glad I read it. Def recommend. Plus, awesome writing style.
It was dark, beautiful, captivating, sexy. I want moreeeee. I am so excited for the sequel I can squeal- Bleh lmao. (There’s a giant cliffy btw, in case you couldn’t tell).
The FMC was a gift from above. A strong and soft female character is so hard to come by these days but Avery delivered. I love her. The MMCs were varied and unique.
I would rate this a 5⭐️ but for me personally I’m not as much into the bully themes in my romance. I love enemies to lovers and it can be done without that. However it did add a lot to the story as well as the characters development which I always appreciate.
Twas a slow burn which is unusual for me lol Combine that with being called away to work and it was torture 😂. Anywho, this was a fantastic novel and I’m so glad I read it. Def recommend. Plus, awesome writing style.
dnf
August 7, 2025DNF at 27%. I so badly want a decent trilogy or long story to grab me and keep me interested that I've resorted to trying things I *know* I won't like, just in case maybe I'm different now. Spoiler Alert: I am not different now. I historically don't love RH's and when I do try them I prefer no more than 3 MMC's and this has freaking 5. I also don't like when there are relationships inside relationships among the harem and this....god, there is so much going on! Garrett and Axel swap personalities back and forth and it's hard to keep track. I was really mostly interested in Wyatt and Avery's relationship, I'm a sucker for step-brother/adopted brother tropes, but there was so little development there. Also, the author seems to be one of those people that holds the title "fiction" up as a license to write whatever they want without researching or taking the time to make sure facts as presented in the book add up or make sense. The fact that these are all 20-22 year olds who are being treated and acting like 16 year olds was baffling. How was Avery even being forced to go to school there as a 21 year old? It's like she wanted to write a highschool boarding school book, but wanted to make it kosher for the pearl-clutchers and so made everyone early 20's. Avery was confusing, the way she instantly developed attraction to these guys was strange, especially after they put her through these harrowing events. I finally decided to check on the reviews to get an idea where this all was heading and if it would be worth it, but seeing as her and Wyatt don't sort things out until late in the 2nd book/ early in the 3rd book and then book 3 was considered overall a let down, it just doesn't seem like it's going to be worth my time. Probably as much a me thing as it was the book itself not being a good fit. Maybe next time
August 26, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
• Why Choose
• Forced Proximity
• They Fall First
• Stalker
It should be a crime to end a book like that. I need book 2 like I need my next breath!!!!
Wow. Just wow. I loved this book. It grabbed my attention from start to finish I just couldn't stop reading it.
It was hard to choose a favorite but Huxley & Axel has my heart. My sweet poor baby Axel I just wanted to end his disgusting ass mother and kiss his sweet face & Huxley ughhhh sooooo sweetttt and so hard on himself!!
Avery is such a strong and complex FMC.
I connected with every single MC in this book (with the exception of Dax I wasn't too fond of him but I can't really explain why).
Fantastic freaking book wow!!!
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
• Why Choose
• Forced Proximity
• They Fall First
• Stalker
It should be a crime to end a book like that. I need book 2 like I need my next breath!!!!
Wow. Just wow. I loved this book. It grabbed my attention from start to finish I just couldn't stop reading it.
It was hard to choose a favorite but Huxley & Axel has my heart. My sweet poor baby Axel I just wanted to end his disgusting ass mother and kiss his sweet face & Huxley ughhhh sooooo sweetttt and so hard on himself!!
Avery is such a strong and complex FMC.
I connected with every single MC in this book (with the exception of Dax I wasn't too fond of him but I can't really explain why).
Fantastic freaking book wow!!!
June 10, 2025
Whilst this book is readable there’s something missing - the story didn’t hook me, the characters are all a little sub par, it’s missing a darkness or an edge.
Most of the kids are rich right? Why aren’t you hiring private investigators, I know there’s a mention of a PI but he’s clearly doing nothing, they don’t mention them again after the first note, they are all supposed to be super smart and cunning, damaged and a little mentally unwell - but they’re not? They do nothing except surround the FMC which does nothing but make more sex scenes. After being locked in the cupboard by Wyatt I was at least expecting Avery to get a bit of revenge or play some kind of game instead she just jumps into bed with them all, it’s just a little boring - where’s the drama? The snark? Something??
Most of the kids are rich right? Why aren’t you hiring private investigators, I know there’s a mention of a PI but he’s clearly doing nothing, they don’t mention them again after the first note, they are all supposed to be super smart and cunning, damaged and a little mentally unwell - but they’re not? They do nothing except surround the FMC which does nothing but make more sex scenes. After being locked in the cupboard by Wyatt I was at least expecting Avery to get a bit of revenge or play some kind of game instead she just jumps into bed with them all, it’s just a little boring - where’s the drama? The snark? Something??
April 5, 2025
OKAY WAIT A MINUTE.. 4⭐️this was such a good, dark, why choose and i was absolutely SAT for it. I love when there’s balance in a book and this book.. the plot, the romance, the spice, the twists & turns, the secrets UGH, it just gave and I loved the found family aspect in this book and the depth to all the characters, they all deserved so much better omg but I’m still iffy about Wyatt and after that cliffhanger??? I am RUNNING to read book 2🏃🏽♀️
June 1, 2025
Forged by Shadows by Maddison Cole appears to be a popular choice for RARE. It’s also on the morally grey reading list.
Avery thought she’d got everything she wanted when she found a family to adopt her. When her new mum dies she ends up at boarding school with her step brother. Their connection is anything but sibling like.
Avery’s now in Wyatts playground and there’s a new set of rules to her life. This does end on a cliffhanger and there’s a lot of spice to go around.
✅ Stepbrother romance
✅ Dark romance
✅ Wyatt and his friends, RH.
Avery thought she’d got everything she wanted when she found a family to adopt her. When her new mum dies she ends up at boarding school with her step brother. Their connection is anything but sibling like.
Avery’s now in Wyatts playground and there’s a new set of rules to her life. This does end on a cliffhanger and there’s a lot of spice to go around.
✅ Stepbrother romance
✅ Dark romance
✅ Wyatt and his friends, RH.
August 6, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🖤 Tropes 🖤
🩰 Academy Setting
🩰 Stepbrother
🩰 Why Choose
🩰 Billionaire
🩰 Stalkers & Secrets
🩰 S3xual Healing
🩰 Past Traumas
🩰 Forced Proximity
🩰 Confident FMC
🩰 Who Did This To You?
🩰 Enemies to Lovers
🩰 Instant Attraction
🩰 MM Couple in Harem
🩰 Fast Burn
🩰 Group Scenes
We're introduced to Avery when she's grieving her mothers death; it's clear from the beginning that up until being adopted, she had live a traumatic childhood which she had worked so hard to move on from, choosing to stay safe in her tower.
She's forced to leave her tower of safety and move away to college by her adopted father, who insists that her adopted brother, Wyatt, can keep her safe. In actual fact, Wyatt hates her guts and would much rather hurt her in anyway possible.
We're introduced to Wyatt's band of misfits, also known as the Shadow Souls. I must say, despite the annoyance that they follow Wyatt along instead of sticking up for Avery, I instantly fall in love with every single one of them, despite the Morally grey stance.
There's so much to unpack in the story, and I loved every second of it. The plot, the characters (including Wyatt) and I was left wanting more.
Madison has a way of simply pulling the reader into the story, you feel solely immersed, and after a month long book slump, I went willingly!
Be warned that it is left on a cliffhanger, but the beauty is these books will be released in quick succession so you won't be left waiting for long. I'm now on the edge of my seat waiting for the next release!
I'd highly recommend picking up this book if you love the tropes listed like I do!
⚠️Please make sure you read the trigger warnings before reading⚠️
🖤 Tropes 🖤
🩰 Academy Setting
🩰 Stepbrother
🩰 Why Choose
🩰 Billionaire
🩰 Stalkers & Secrets
🩰 S3xual Healing
🩰 Past Traumas
🩰 Forced Proximity
🩰 Confident FMC
🩰 Who Did This To You?
🩰 Enemies to Lovers
🩰 Instant Attraction
🩰 MM Couple in Harem
🩰 Fast Burn
🩰 Group Scenes
We're introduced to Avery when she's grieving her mothers death; it's clear from the beginning that up until being adopted, she had live a traumatic childhood which she had worked so hard to move on from, choosing to stay safe in her tower.
She's forced to leave her tower of safety and move away to college by her adopted father, who insists that her adopted brother, Wyatt, can keep her safe. In actual fact, Wyatt hates her guts and would much rather hurt her in anyway possible.
We're introduced to Wyatt's band of misfits, also known as the Shadow Souls. I must say, despite the annoyance that they follow Wyatt along instead of sticking up for Avery, I instantly fall in love with every single one of them, despite the Morally grey stance.
There's so much to unpack in the story, and I loved every second of it. The plot, the characters (including Wyatt) and I was left wanting more.
Madison has a way of simply pulling the reader into the story, you feel solely immersed, and after a month long book slump, I went willingly!
Be warned that it is left on a cliffhanger, but the beauty is these books will be released in quick succession so you won't be left waiting for long. I'm now on the edge of my seat waiting for the next release!
I'd highly recommend picking up this book if you love the tropes listed like I do!
⚠️Please make sure you read the trigger warnings before reading⚠️
October 7, 2024
Literally no plot, like at all. There were mysterious situations brought up that could have been interesting but there were no answers, like i get it’s so you read the second book but nothing was resolved. There was stupid cliffhangers in the middle of the book to build tension that we never find the answers to and are never eluded to again. Then there is an incest plot? Massive waste of time.
The only things that happen in this book are:
1. The FMC having sex with an entire friend group (i am not opposed to this trope except that is about 75% of the book)
2. The FMC doing ballet (literally 2% of the book is that) 3. The FMC has a stalker.
The stalker plot could be interesting except it is not mentioned that much and the FMC doesn’t seemed that bothered by them even though he shot one of her love interests.
She is also in love with her brother. That brother also hates her guts for literally no reason at all, hates her to the point of torturing her by locking her in a cupboard and smashing a bottle of whiskey above her head. i think we are supposed to feel sympathy towards him even though he has literally strangled her and spoken about murdering her?
I think the author tried to make the characters interesting by giving them tragic back story’s but they are not fleshed out at all so everyone has no personality traits except for wanting to have sex with the FMC. Even the FMC has no personality! Just a generally weird and a pointless read. I’ve never written a review this long before but this book just irked me. I normally enjoy a silly romance with no plot but this was just bad.
The only things that happen in this book are:
1. The FMC having sex with an entire friend group (i am not opposed to this trope except that is about 75% of the book)
2. The FMC doing ballet (literally 2% of the book is that) 3. The FMC has a stalker.
The stalker plot could be interesting except it is not mentioned that much and the FMC doesn’t seemed that bothered by them even though he shot one of her love interests.
She is also in love with her brother. That brother also hates her guts for literally no reason at all, hates her to the point of torturing her by locking her in a cupboard and smashing a bottle of whiskey above her head. i think we are supposed to feel sympathy towards him even though he has literally strangled her and spoken about murdering her?
I think the author tried to make the characters interesting by giving them tragic back story’s but they are not fleshed out at all so everyone has no personality traits except for wanting to have sex with the FMC. Even the FMC has no personality! Just a generally weird and a pointless read. I’ve never written a review this long before but this book just irked me. I normally enjoy a silly romance with no plot but this was just bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2025
When Avery was ten she was basically living on the street searching for food in trash cans. When Christy Hughes saw Avery alone, dirty and unkept she was struck with the need to protect her, so she and her husband Nixon adopted her. Christy's son, Wyatt, was not accepting and not happy about the new addition to the family making his feelings known. Wyatt spent less and less time at the family home, not building a relationship with Avery. Avery spent days and years alone in that mansion, she was loved and happy with her new life but her parents traveled a lot, so she found her peace in ballet, books and her best friend Meg.
Years later when once again Avery's world has been shaken to its core, she is forced to leave the safety of her home and go to boarding school under the protection of her adoptive brother Wyatt. Avery is in unknown territory in this world, Wyatt's world. Here he rules as king and has his friends, Dax, Axel, Garrett, and Huxley to follow his word.
Wyatt hates Avery, he is convinced she is the reason he has a horrible relationship with his parents, so when his friends start to show interest in the girl he lashes out, hurting Avery mentally and physically, and pushing his friends away.
As much as Avery wants to go back to her old life, she is finding joy in the everyday at this new school and these men. When the past comes knocking Avery falls into the hands of these men hoping they can help and protect her.
I really enjoyed this book. My first from my author. I am looking forward to the rest of this series.
Avery is a badass, I would have liked more of her background, hopefully will get that in book 2.
Each of the guys is pretty perfect for her, they each settle something in her. I really wanted to see more of her and Wyatt and with that cliffhanger im not sure we will get more of them until book 3.
Years later when once again Avery's world has been shaken to its core, she is forced to leave the safety of her home and go to boarding school under the protection of her adoptive brother Wyatt. Avery is in unknown territory in this world, Wyatt's world. Here he rules as king and has his friends, Dax, Axel, Garrett, and Huxley to follow his word.
Wyatt hates Avery, he is convinced she is the reason he has a horrible relationship with his parents, so when his friends start to show interest in the girl he lashes out, hurting Avery mentally and physically, and pushing his friends away.
As much as Avery wants to go back to her old life, she is finding joy in the everyday at this new school and these men. When the past comes knocking Avery falls into the hands of these men hoping they can help and protect her.
I really enjoyed this book. My first from my author. I am looking forward to the rest of this series.
Avery is a badass, I would have liked more of her background, hopefully will get that in book 2.
Each of the guys is pretty perfect for her, they each settle something in her. I really wanted to see more of her and Wyatt and with that cliffhanger im not sure we will get more of them until book 3.
August 22, 2024
This is a dark, bully, why choose romance.
I absolutely loveeeee these tropes and could not WAIT to get my hands on this.
Avery grows up with a rough start and is adopted when she’s 11. Her stepbrother , Wyatt, has loathed her for her entire life she’s lived with them.
After their mom passes, her stepfather sends her away to the same college as Wyatt and his “crew”.
She doesn’t realize the h311 she is walking into. She now isn’t facing the wrath of Wyatt, but his entire crew.
The “hazing” she begins to face quickly gets blurred the more time she spends in their presence.
There is a lot of chemistry amongst all of these characters, but a lot of deep rooted emotion and trauma as well.
Each character has their own “shadows” they carry with them.
I totally ate this one up.
I loved the darkness, the spice , the emotion and of course, the twists that I never anticipated.
I want more immediately.
I’m also SUPER excited to jump into this author’s backlist !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loveeeee these tropes and could not WAIT to get my hands on this.
Avery grows up with a rough start and is adopted when she’s 11. Her stepbrother , Wyatt, has loathed her for her entire life she’s lived with them.
After their mom passes, her stepfather sends her away to the same college as Wyatt and his “crew”.
She doesn’t realize the h311 she is walking into. She now isn’t facing the wrath of Wyatt, but his entire crew.
The “hazing” she begins to face quickly gets blurred the more time she spends in their presence.
There is a lot of chemistry amongst all of these characters, but a lot of deep rooted emotion and trauma as well.
Each character has their own “shadows” they carry with them.
I totally ate this one up.
I loved the darkness, the spice , the emotion and of course, the twists that I never anticipated.
I want more immediately.
I’m also SUPER excited to jump into this author’s backlist !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 22, 2024
Almost wished I had waited until October to read this book because it just gives some spooky and mysterious vibes. Plus the whole back to school time period leading up to thanksgiving. Ah what a MOOD.
Such a good book! I am dying over here waiting on the next book. Secrets are being unveiled, emotions are being played with (mostly mine), the conspiracies!
A great group of guys that’ll make the perfect harem once everyone gets their heads out of their butts! They start as a bullying group but it doesn’t take long for each guy to start toppling over into the good guy category.
Love the FMCs backstory and entire personality, BUT I wish we knew more about her father and apparently what is constantly hinted at. We get bits and pieces but not a grand story which I think would have helped more.
Such a good book! I am dying over here waiting on the next book. Secrets are being unveiled, emotions are being played with (mostly mine), the conspiracies!
A great group of guys that’ll make the perfect harem once everyone gets their heads out of their butts! They start as a bullying group but it doesn’t take long for each guy to start toppling over into the good guy category.
Love the FMCs backstory and entire personality, BUT I wish we knew more about her father and apparently what is constantly hinted at. We get bits and pieces but not a grand story which I think would have helped more.
September 6, 2024
Forged by Shadows is the first book in the Shadowed Souls series. This ends in a brutal cliffhanger.
Although this took me a while to finish this thicc boi, I freaking loooved everything about it. Avery has been through so much, yet she is sooo strong. I seriously admire characters like that. There's so many of my favorite tropes that left me completely hooked. You have Academy, 4 hot guys w/MM, Stepbrother, bully, a stalker, I am obsessed. Maddison Cole is such an amazing author and this 💯 proves it! Can't wait to read more from this series!!
Although this took me a while to finish this thicc boi, I freaking loooved everything about it. Avery has been through so much, yet she is sooo strong. I seriously admire characters like that. There's so many of my favorite tropes that left me completely hooked. You have Academy, 4 hot guys w/MM, Stepbrother, bully, a stalker, I am obsessed. Maddison Cole is such an amazing author and this 💯 proves it! Can't wait to read more from this series!!
February 27, 2025
Me ha gustado, es un harén inverso todos los personajes tienen traumas de la infancia y se necesitan para sentirse mejor, debo reconocer que en algunos momentos me he perdido un poco...
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January 18, 2026"Ese es el problema, Avery. Sí que me importa. Acabo de verte morir en mi sueño, así que puedes alejarme todo lo que quieras. No me voy a ir a ningún lado."
August 26, 2024
This book was about Avery and what she’s goes through until she’s adopted. Then it switches to her going to her step brother’s school and what happens while she’s there and made me feel like I was apart of the story. My favorite part was Avery finally getting adopted. My favorite character was Avery because of all she’s been through. How she won’t let her step brother and his friends break her. I recommend this book for people who love dark romance, RH, MMF romance.
August 13, 2024
Omg, this was just argh, so many emotions right now. Forged by Shadows is a wild emotional ride, packed with tension, angst, and steamy scenes that had me hooked from start to finish. The characters, especially the guys, share deep, traumatic pasts that bind them together in powerful ways. The author masterfully explores their dark histories and the impact of their troubled childhoods.
Wyatt's relationship with his adoptive sister, Avery, is particularly compelling. They certainly hate each other, that’s for sure. One minute Wyatt’s hot, then he’s cold as ice. However, his friends all want what they shouldn’t have, and once you taste the forbidden fruit, there’s no going back.
Avery is resilient and fits right in with the Shadowed Souls. Her past is just as dark and traumatic as theirs, and it adds depth to her character. There is another stupendous twisted plot that affects their group. It is a doozy and had me screaming at the end. It kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page.
The plot twists are jaw-dropping, especially the cliffhanger—I never saw it coming! I’m so invested in these characters and can’t wait to see what happens next.
This book is definitely going on my shelf. The cover is stunning, too! 😍
⚠️ check trigger warnings prior to reading.
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn:🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Multi
Ending: Cliffhanger
I was given an ARC for my honest review.
Wyatt's relationship with his adoptive sister, Avery, is particularly compelling. They certainly hate each other, that’s for sure. One minute Wyatt’s hot, then he’s cold as ice. However, his friends all want what they shouldn’t have, and once you taste the forbidden fruit, there’s no going back.
Avery is resilient and fits right in with the Shadowed Souls. Her past is just as dark and traumatic as theirs, and it adds depth to her character. There is another stupendous twisted plot that affects their group. It is a doozy and had me screaming at the end. It kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page.
The plot twists are jaw-dropping, especially the cliffhanger—I never saw it coming! I’m so invested in these characters and can’t wait to see what happens next.
This book is definitely going on my shelf. The cover is stunning, too! 😍
⚠️ check trigger warnings prior to reading.
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn:🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Multi
Ending: Cliffhanger
I was given an ARC for my honest review.
August 14, 2024
I went into this story pretty much blind, having decided to not read the synopsis but I have read from this author before and I adore her stories. It's equal parts bully romance, dark romance, and so much more. When Avery is forced to leave the home she has lived in since she was young, a place where she feels safe and is sent out into the world it's the one thing she doesn't want to do. Not only that but her adoptive father tasks the "brother", Wyatt, who hates even looking at her to look after her.
This brings in his friends, men he will do anything for and has in the past. He warns them away from Avery but they all feel a pull to her and can't stop from approaching her. They are all from broken homes and they feel like Avery is one of them even if Wyatt doesn't want anything to do with her, or does he?
Then there was that ending, like omg I can't even with that. I got to the last page and nearly screamed at my kindle because it can't end like that. A definite cliffhanger ending and one I can't wait for the second book to come out so I can see what happens with these characters.
This brings in his friends, men he will do anything for and has in the past. He warns them away from Avery but they all feel a pull to her and can't stop from approaching her. They are all from broken homes and they feel like Avery is one of them even if Wyatt doesn't want anything to do with her, or does he?
Then there was that ending, like omg I can't even with that. I got to the last page and nearly screamed at my kindle because it can't end like that. A definite cliffhanger ending and one I can't wait for the second book to come out so I can see what happens with these characters.
August 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wyatt, Garrett, Axel, Dax, Huxley & Avery
This book was insanely good from the setting to the university, the characters and definitely the plot. I loved that each character had a pov and you get a glimpse of them.
This book pulled me in wondering who keeps stalking and sending her the letters, and I didn’t want it to stop but that ending holy shit I was definitely not expecting it and I can’t wait for book two and three to come out.
Before reading please check Tw’s
🖤 Academy Setting
🖤 Stepbrother
🖤 Stalkers & Secrets
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Mmc Couple In Harem
🖤 Fast Burn
🖤 Why Choose
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wyatt, Garrett, Axel, Dax, Huxley & Avery
This book was insanely good from the setting to the university, the characters and definitely the plot. I loved that each character had a pov and you get a glimpse of them.
This book pulled me in wondering who keeps stalking and sending her the letters, and I didn’t want it to stop but that ending holy shit I was definitely not expecting it and I can’t wait for book two and three to come out.
Before reading please check Tw’s
🖤 Academy Setting
🖤 Stepbrother
🖤 Stalkers & Secrets
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Mmc Couple In Harem
🖤 Fast Burn
🖤 Why Choose
August 26, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
4 🔥
Dark Romance
Why Choose
MMFMM(M)
Academy Setting
Dancer FMC 🩰
Basketball Player MMCs 🏀
Forced Proximity
Stalker
Step Brother
Enemies to Lovers
Stalker
Shadowed Souls
Traumatic Pasts
Found Family
Suspense
Cliffhanger
⚠️ This is a very dark romance & can be triggering to some. Please check content warnings. ⚠️
Wow! I am blown away by this book!! The first 75% is pretty character heavy, then the last 25% the plot really picks up!! 🤯 I absolutely loved all the characters, yes, even Wyatt. They all have been through something traumatic & are still dealing with their demons. But the bond the Shadowed Souls have found with each other is absolutely beautiful!! This book follows step siblings Avery & Wyatt, who have a deep seated hate for each other. Avery was adopted by Wyatt’s parents, in which Wyatt had then totally disconnected with his family & refused to be involved in anything to do with Avery. He absolutely refused to claim Avery as his sister & blamed her for taking his family away from him. Because of Avery’s traumatic past, she is extremely sheltered & has hardly left the family mansion. But that all changes when their mother Cathy suddenly dies & Avery is forced outside her comfort zone & to attend the same academy as Wyatt. Wyatt is told to protect Avery at all costs, but no one understands how literal that really is. Now, while at the academy, Wyatt has called in the other Shadowed Souls as reinforcements to help guard Avery. But quickly regrets his choice because now, not only has he lost his family by blood, but is slowing losing his family by choice as they all fall for Avery. There are definitely some twists & turns in the last 25% that blew my mind! I can’t wait for the rest of the series!!
Thank you Maddison Cole & Chaotic Creatives for the ARC!
4 🔥
Dark Romance
Why Choose
MMFMM(M)
Academy Setting
Dancer FMC 🩰
Basketball Player MMCs 🏀
Forced Proximity
Stalker
Step Brother
Enemies to Lovers
Stalker
Shadowed Souls
Traumatic Pasts
Found Family
Suspense
Cliffhanger
⚠️ This is a very dark romance & can be triggering to some. Please check content warnings. ⚠️
Wow! I am blown away by this book!! The first 75% is pretty character heavy, then the last 25% the plot really picks up!! 🤯 I absolutely loved all the characters, yes, even Wyatt. They all have been through something traumatic & are still dealing with their demons. But the bond the Shadowed Souls have found with each other is absolutely beautiful!! This book follows step siblings Avery & Wyatt, who have a deep seated hate for each other. Avery was adopted by Wyatt’s parents, in which Wyatt had then totally disconnected with his family & refused to be involved in anything to do with Avery. He absolutely refused to claim Avery as his sister & blamed her for taking his family away from him. Because of Avery’s traumatic past, she is extremely sheltered & has hardly left the family mansion. But that all changes when their mother Cathy suddenly dies & Avery is forced outside her comfort zone & to attend the same academy as Wyatt. Wyatt is told to protect Avery at all costs, but no one understands how literal that really is. Now, while at the academy, Wyatt has called in the other Shadowed Souls as reinforcements to help guard Avery. But quickly regrets his choice because now, not only has he lost his family by blood, but is slowing losing his family by choice as they all fall for Avery. There are definitely some twists & turns in the last 25% that blew my mind! I can’t wait for the rest of the series!!
Thank you Maddison Cole & Chaotic Creatives for the ARC!
September 6, 2024
This was spicy and I loved this one! Why choose girlies you don’t want to miss this one! Boy does this book give you a choice! 😉😮💨😍 AND the spice top tier!!
August 15, 2024
*Why Choose
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Academy Setting
*Step-brothers
*Band of Brothers
*Stalker
*Established Harem (4/5?)
*MM coupling
*Fast Burn
*1/3
Superb Start
Yikes there’s so much goooood stuff to this book! As a dark contemp RH lover this was a great read for me 🖤 There’s are definitely darker elements to this one in each of the characters backstories so do check your TWs.
Avery has had a tough start in life and her security is ripped from underneath her when she’s forced to attend college and honestly things only get worse from there…she’s targeted by her step brother who just seems to hate her no matter what and his bunch of yes men, her stalker seems to be upping the anti, and dealing with the fallout with her family 😳 but she learns to fortify herself and thankfully the buffoons start to come around 🥰 and you begin to learn about their own backstories which are harrowing and realise they’ve tried to create their own family 🥺 there’s plenty of intrigue to keep you wondering and reading….especially with that cliffhanger the next book is going to be everything 😮
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Academy Setting
*Step-brothers
*Band of Brothers
*Stalker
*Established Harem (4/5?)
*MM coupling
*Fast Burn
*1/3
Superb Start
Yikes there’s so much goooood stuff to this book! As a dark contemp RH lover this was a great read for me 🖤 There’s are definitely darker elements to this one in each of the characters backstories so do check your TWs.
Avery has had a tough start in life and her security is ripped from underneath her when she’s forced to attend college and honestly things only get worse from there…she’s targeted by her step brother who just seems to hate her no matter what and his bunch of yes men, her stalker seems to be upping the anti, and dealing with the fallout with her family 😳 but she learns to fortify herself and thankfully the buffoons start to come around 🥰 and you begin to learn about their own backstories which are harrowing and realise they’ve tried to create their own family 🥺 there’s plenty of intrigue to keep you wondering and reading….especially with that cliffhanger the next book is going to be everything 😮
August 28, 2024
“Forged by Shadows” was an unfortunate miss for me. While the premise is interesting, I found the characters to be quite one dimensional and flat. The FMC, Avery, was written to be this tough girl, yet I found her to be more of a brat than anything. The multiple MMCs were very similar and none of them stood out to me.
While this wasn’t the book for me I would certainly give this author another chance.
While this wasn’t the book for me I would certainly give this author another chance.
September 4, 2025
It started okay and interesting. But it felt repetitive and dragged by mid to end. I was getting bored at 70% and forced myself to finish. Not sure if I'll read the next book. The character building wasn't good, and I didn't feel any connection with the characters except probably Garrett. All other characters seemed inconsistent.
Basically this is about the FMC (Avery) and 5 MMC (Wayne (brother), Garrett, Axel, Huxley and Dax). Avery was adopted (or so we thought) by Wayne's rich family (the Hughes). Wayne and Avery hated each other. The story started at a funeral service for their mom (Cathy) - she was in an accident but later implied that she was killed. Turns out she was killed by her former lover/Avery's bio dad (Walter). In the Cathy's diary, it was implied that Nixon was not Wayne's bio dad - by the end of the book, after Wayne and Avery almost hooked up, they were sent the diary's missing pages. Saying that Cathy actually had twins and one of them is a girl (Avery). So it looks like Wayne and Avery are twins? And Avery was stolen, raised by Walter until Cathy adopted her/stole her back?
I'm confused but not engaged enough to find answers. I think I would've been more into this if the author didn't isolate Wayne so much. It just felt like his brothers (shadowed souls) for a decade - I might add, didn't have his back at all and just traded him for a p*ssy (Avery). Like seriously? All of these men just jumped ship like that? It was annoying when they were presented as "brothers" who have been through a lot and were supposed to be loyal with each other. I think the sequence of events were wrong and didn't make sense. They should've forced Wayne and Avery to repair their relationship first before hooking up with Avery. IDK, I was just very annoyed about the whole thing TBH.
Basically this is about the FMC (Avery) and 5 MMC (Wayne (brother), Garrett, Axel, Huxley and Dax). Avery was adopted (or so we thought) by Wayne's rich family (the Hughes). Wayne and Avery hated each other. The story started at a funeral service for their mom (Cathy) - she was in an accident but later implied that she was killed. Turns out she was killed by her former lover/Avery's bio dad (Walter). In the Cathy's diary, it was implied that Nixon was not Wayne's bio dad - by the end of the book, after Wayne and Avery almost hooked up, they were sent the diary's missing pages. Saying that Cathy actually had twins and one of them is a girl (Avery). So it looks like Wayne and Avery are twins? And Avery was stolen, raised by Walter until Cathy adopted her/stole her back?
I'm confused but not engaged enough to find answers. I think I would've been more into this if the author didn't isolate Wayne so much. It just felt like his brothers (shadowed souls) for a decade - I might add, didn't have his back at all and just traded him for a p*ssy (Avery). Like seriously? All of these men just jumped ship like that? It was annoying when they were presented as "brothers" who have been through a lot and were supposed to be loyal with each other. I think the sequence of events were wrong and didn't make sense. They should've forced Wayne and Avery to repair their relationship first before hooking up with Avery. IDK, I was just very annoyed about the whole thing TBH.
September 1, 2024
Maddison Cole has blown me away with Forged by Shadows, the first book in the Shadowed Souls series and I am hooked!!!
Our beautifully shy heroine Avery has had quite the tragic life, coming from a past of abuse she was lucky enough to find a home and love with new adoptive parents…until tragedy hit once again and ripped her world apart. Now no longer able to hide in the safety of her home, she finds herself forced to attend a prestigious university of Waversea, under the supposed wrath and care of her step brother Wyatt. A step brother that hates her beyond passion and only aims to make her life a miserable hell. However his friends, Dax, Axel, Huxley and Garrett…not so much. And in a stalker and some mystery and let the fun and games, and on the edge of your seat tensions, commence!
If you love a good why choose, enemies to lovers, step brother, academy, stalker mystery romance then this is the one for you!
Our beautifully shy heroine Avery has had quite the tragic life, coming from a past of abuse she was lucky enough to find a home and love with new adoptive parents…until tragedy hit once again and ripped her world apart. Now no longer able to hide in the safety of her home, she finds herself forced to attend a prestigious university of Waversea, under the supposed wrath and care of her step brother Wyatt. A step brother that hates her beyond passion and only aims to make her life a miserable hell. However his friends, Dax, Axel, Huxley and Garrett…not so much. And in a stalker and some mystery and let the fun and games, and on the edge of your seat tensions, commence!
If you love a good why choose, enemies to lovers, step brother, academy, stalker mystery romance then this is the one for you!
August 29, 2024
This was my first time reading a book by Maddison Cole, but halfway in this book and I went looking for all the other books she has written so far. Right from the start the book sucked me in and held me 'till the last page. And let me tell you, I loved it from start to finish.
Each of the characters in this why choose story has their own story to tell. And it's not all rainbows and sunshine, these are the stories that are hidden in darkness. And Cole did an amazing job with the characters and giving each of them a total different background. The storyline was amazing, working towards an cliffhanger at the end of the book. I cannot wait for the second book to read!
If you are looking for a story with an amazing plot, yummie MMC's, a strong and fierce FMC, spice, great character development, working towards a cliffhanger and why choose one when you can have them all, this is the book you need to read!
Each of the characters in this why choose story has their own story to tell. And it's not all rainbows and sunshine, these are the stories that are hidden in darkness. And Cole did an amazing job with the characters and giving each of them a total different background. The storyline was amazing, working towards an cliffhanger at the end of the book. I cannot wait for the second book to read!
If you are looking for a story with an amazing plot, yummie MMC's, a strong and fierce FMC, spice, great character development, working towards a cliffhanger and why choose one when you can have them all, this is the book you need to read!
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