Shadow and the Witch

Morozov Family #2

by Bailey Grayson

He likes to think he's a shadow, but he doesn't know, the shadows belong to me.

Wilder
I'm a witch with no purpose and too many secrets. Secrets that are starting to catch up to me.

If I want to survive, I'm going to need the help of the one person I can't stand. Byron Blake. A man without a soul. A murderer and a complete pain in my ass. Why did fate decide that he was the only man who could possibly help me?

Byron
Wilder Rowan is a thorn in my side. He's constantly getting in between me and my twin and I'm about to bury his body at the bottom of the ocean when my Boss orders me to protect him.

Now I can't kill him and I'm stuck with him in the middle of nowhere trying to escape a fate that wants revenge. I'm half tempted to let fate win. Except, somewhere along the way, Wilder started to get interesting. The only problem with things I find interesting, is that they soon turn to obsession.

Join Wilder and Byron on a journey that will test them, frustrate them and maybe even surprise them. Recommended for 18+ due to bad language, hitmen who like to play with their kills and explicit scenes.

Genres: M M Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Vampires

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2026

Reviews

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 4 out of 5]

*MM
*Paranormal
*Dual-1st-PoV
*Mafia Romance
*Pyscho Assassin
*Super Rare Witch
*Abusive Past
*Magical Bonds
*Insta-Attraction
*Mid Burn
*Standalone
Obsessiveness!!
This is exactly as unhinged as you would expect it to be for Byron 😅 he sees what he wants and he’s going to do whatever it takes to have Wilder….even if it is RED FLAGs 🚩 yet we also see a really endearing side to him as Byron comes to terms with the feelings he’s having and what it means - he’s super protective and caring in his own way 😍 Wilder is not receptive at first and yet the unhinged obsession and declarations soon show a side he can fall for despite his protests 🥹 there’s some serious heat between them and let’s just say some of their scenes match their characteristics 🌶️🌶️🔥
Wilder is in significant danger and it’s going to take all the Byron has to keep him safe, yet it might just be Wilder and the tether they share that saves them both 🥰

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I've been a little torn on how to rate this book. On the one hand, a good time was had. There was an interesting plot and a great twist on the characters. The steamy scenes were a little too rough for my taste, but I'm not gonna yuck someone else's yum. But on the other hand, I can't not mention the atrocious editing and the AI cover. I felt like the author wasn't really putting their best foot forward.

Would I recommend it? Sure, but there would be caveats.

[Darcy’s Good Opinion · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Spice: 4/5

MM
Paranormal
Unaliver MMC
Witch MMC
Vampire Mafia
Found Family
Primal Chase
Dom/Sub Dynamics
Good Boy

Dual POV
First Person

Shadow and the Witch is book two of the Morozov Mafia series. The books can be read as standalones but the characters do crossover and you may get spoilers for previous books.

Byron is a unique and unapologetic morally pitch black character who does not play well with others. He seems something he wants and doggedly pursues it until it belongs to him. When his obsessive tendencies focus on Wilder, a witch in the Morozov mafia family, the impossible happens. Byron learns to care about someone other than himself and his twin. He will do absolutely anything to protect and keep Wilder.

Wilder suffered a horrific childhood. The trauma affected him deeply - causing memory loss, night terrors, and a block on his power. He’s told that his true gift will manifest on his 25th birthday, if he survives that long.

The unlikely pair, against all odds, have an unbreakable bond. The duo fight and fvrk with abandon. This was a great enemies-to-lovers romance with (despite one being a psychopathic unaliver) evolving and dynamic characters.

[Katelyn Livezey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Standalone (Our MMCs from book 1 show up though)
MM
Paranormal
Dual-1st-PoV
Mafia Romance
Pyscho Assassin
Very Rare Witch
Abusive Past
Magical Bonds

Wilder, our rare witch, is in significant danger. He’s saved from his abusive psycho father and becomes part of the family for his protection. Byron, the families psycho twin assassin, has been obsessed with Wilder for a while but he finally decides he isn’t going to wait any longer and take what he wants. And when Byron wants something? Well lets just say it’s never a small thing. The only person he’s ever really cared about is his twin, so everyone is concerned about this new obsession with Wilder at first.

Wilder may be on the fence about Byron at first, but his magic chooses him so he knows he safe on a deeper level and is secretly very happy with how possessive and protective Byron is of him. The two come together explosively and I’m here for it! The two work together to unlock memories and to beat the bad guy, aka dear ol’ dad. They grow closer to each other the more time they spend. They are so cute together, even with all the red flags!

Definitely recommend reading this, but if you haven’t read book 1 read that, too, it was amazing!!! I can’t wait to see who we get a book of never!

[Leigh The Spoonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Nothing says ‘dedicated couple’ more than a night of breaking and entering, a threat of murder and being each other’s alibi”

I love a good dark romance, where despite his faults you still end up falling for the ‘bad’ guy. Ryder is a psychopath and an assassin you’d think the guy would have no redeemable book boyfriend qualities but think again! Loved this character so much, so well written and loved the pull between his feelings for Wilder and for his twin. The way he got to experience things through the bond too was so well done. Wilder was a great character and it was lovely to see him grow and find himself both magically and within the relationship.
Some great sarcastic one liners thrown in that made me laugh, my favourite being when someone was complaining it was cold “it wasn’t tropical but I could still feel my balls” which definitely made me giggle.
Really enjoyed this book as I did the previous book in this series (interconnected standalones) and looking forward to book 3.

[Julorie Siefert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, the story does pick up with Benji being recused, after some work with a lawyer Damyr had procured a divorce from centuries before. Damyr and Benji are getting married, Byron is watching and now that is twin Bishop was with him, Bryon Blake was an assassin, and a very good one, also he was a psychopath with narcissistic tendencies and an antisocial personality disorder. And he did not play well with others. However, with his other half Bishop his twin back he should be doing ok, so, why is Bryon feeling like something is missing. Now what happens when a man like Bryon sees Wilder Rowan. Wilder is a special witch and what is waiting for him on his 25th birthday. While he has no memory of his youth. What do you think will happen when Wilder gets his memories back? Will Bryon destroy Wilders father for what he did to his son? Wow imagines meeting Ray, I hope I don’t meet him for a long long time. This author has a great story, with back stories, and mysteries to unravel. What is up with Bishop? Oh no fans you will have to jump feet first into this story to see all.

[TXBRITGAL · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chase has begun 😉✨💜

Welp, it's official...I couldn't put this delicious read down until I read straight through to the very last word! Safe to say this is definitely two thumbs up 👍👍💜. I dove right into this vampiric dark mafia world of Wilder + Byron, and didn't look back. Yup, our friendly (ok, ok grumpy gus) assassin is back and his sights 😍 are set on the little shadow witch Wilder. The chase is officially afoot. Get ready for hidden memories, family secrets, action, heat, chosen family, supernatural bada$$ery, and more than a little snarky humor 😉. This fast paced read was so much fun to read even though there was much darkness within the twisted family tree. I thoroughly enjoyed the introduction of a few characters (you'll known them when ya see them). Here's hoping we get to know more about them and include them into this dynamic world. Buckle up folks for one doozy of a ride.

[Marilyn (yuu.nemi_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for this story, and it was everything and more that I expected.

These two since the previous book had this interaction that fueled my need for them.

What started as a short hate-to-love situation between Byron and Wilder rapidly became involved with each other. Because Wilder is a new witch that carries unique powers that have not been seen in a long time in his coven. He has been trying to figure out what is meant for him. Byron for some reason seems to be connected to Wilder, and he becomes obsessed with him because something deep in him craves Wilder’s vulnerability.

Their relationship is just so intense, filled with so much possessiveness and obsession, perfect for them. They both are able to explore so much of themselves as they interact and spend time together. Wilder needs someone that will always choose him no matter what and love him in an intense way. Byron learned to love and be taken care of in such a tender way but always kept him on his toes.

Overall such a fantastic read with amazing world-building and characters that were fleshed out in such a unique way. Definitely excited for more in this series!!

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilder is a Shadow Witch, a man with great powers although only coming to them, and a troubled past full of pain and secrets. Byron is a psychpatic assassin working for the Morozov mafia family, who found Wilder interesting and now is completely obsessed with him. While they figure out the dynamic between them, wild, primal chemistry versus possible boundaries, they also stand side by side against the threat of Wilder's father - and his dangerous business associate.
Well, and there is a wendigo on the scene, too. I quite like him.
This M/M story is dark, violent, and rather... animalistic. Reading the trigger warnings is very much recommended. But if you like a very dark romance, and unhinged characters, this might be a real treat for you, steam and all. I quite enjoyed the book, violence and all, and there were even some moments when I could not stop laughing. Some of the side characters are great entertainment, too :)

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Shadow And The Witch and it picks up with Benji and Damyr getting. I found book 2 of the Morozov Family series to be a deep dark romance with lots of action that kept me captivated so much that I couldn't put it down. Miss Grayson did not disappoint; I loved the romance between the Psychopath and the Shadow Witch. Their connection was strong and full of passion with a dark twisted side to it.
I loved the dynamics of the Hate-to-Love/Enemies-to-Lovers vibe between the Masochistic Psychopath Byron and the Shadow Witch Wylder. Seeing their romance and love develop for each other was beautiful. They were perfect for each other the moment they saw one another. They both got under each others skin so beautifully.
So, if you love Dark M/M Romance, Paranormal, Unaliver MMC. Witch MMC. Vampire Mafia,
Found Family, Primal Chase, Dom/Sub Dynamics and Good Boy Praises then this series is for you.
🚨🚨 I warn you to read the trigger warnings in the beginning of the story.

[Missy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two of the Morozov Family was so very good. Now the first book was really good and I thought surely book two would be just as good. Turns out it was better! This is a mm and I normally do not read them, but this one was so well written and the characters so good, I have to pass it on how great it is.

Wilder and Bryon are such good characters that had me hooked. Wilder is a witch who suffers from an abusive father, but is saved by the family. Enter Bryon who is a vamp but has wanted Wilder for awhile. And what I like so much about Byron is that what he wants, he gets. He is obsessed with him. Another thing about Bryon I like, he is a twin. I love reading about twins.

Reading about these two finding their love and life has been so good. Their chemistry and banter are so fun to read. I would recommend reading book one first. I really cant wait to see who we get next.

[Millie James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, but please pay attention to the trigger warnings at the start. It's hot, but very dark at some points.

Byron is an assassin for the Morozov vampire mafia. He's known for being emotionless, psychopathic and very good at his job. Wilder is a witch who has come under the protection of the family - and is Byron's latest obsession.

I loved both MCs, they're a bit different from the ones I normally read, but are very well suited to each other. There's also the interesting question about whether someone like Byron is *capable* of love.

The story is hot and heavy, enemies to lovers, fast burn, dark and all the good stuff. The plot line about Wilder's background is well thought out, and has a satisfactory conclusion, although I can't help thinking there's still something we need to learn! And the breadcrumbs for the next book look really interesting.

Loved this, and am loving the series so far, can't wait for the next one!

[Joy Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey gives us another brilliant book in the Morozov Family series! This is Wilder and Byron's story, although you still have bits of Damyr and Benji in it as well. Wilder is a very rare shadow witch having lived a horrible life because of his father siphoning his power until his sister, Dara, saved him. Byron is a human assassin and a psychopath, who is completely obsessed with Wilder. Together they are brilliant and I loved the snark they have going on. They are trying to fight Wilder's father when he resurfaces. To meet all of the other awesome beings and find out how they get to their hard won HEA, dive into this wonderfully written story with complex characters and plot twists that keep you guessing and turning pages throughout. I loved reading this story and highly recommend the series as I impatiently wait for the next book! Don't miss out on this book!!

[Naurarwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my little psycho Byron, how I love him! I was intrigued by not only him but also his brother Bishop in a short story that the author wrote, and I wanted to know more about their lives. The author managed to fit in elements from that short story with this one beautifully. I now adore Wilder too; he's a shadow witch who doesn't exactly know what he is, and he's not exactly been told the truth either. Byron takes a fancy to Wilder, and well, that's it, there's no escaping him.

Byron is red flags galore, but he won't let anything happen to Wilder, and while Wilder isn't exactly receptive at first, that soon changes. These two are perfect for each other, but it has also brought up two other characters I'm now intrigued by, with Orson and Vee. I really hope these two get their own stories, and I can't wait to see what happens to them.

Can I just say, bring on book three cause that epilogue has me shouting at the book.

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with Byron’s psychotic ass in Sunshine and the Vamp, and was beyond excited to learn that he was getting his own book!

Byron is unapologetically himself and embraces his dark nature, reveling in his job as an assassin, and only cares about one thing: Bishop, his twin brother. That is until he meets Wilder, a witch with a past he can’t remember and a million secrets.

These two are a match made in hell, fucking and fighting like there’s no tomorrow, but are 100% perfect for each other.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- paranormal romance
- assassin + witch
- vampire mafia vibes
- D/s
- found family

🚨 check your triggers

[Cristal Juarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This is the second book of the series. It is Byron and Wilder’s story. Byron is this super possessive scary guy that sets his eyes on Wilder and that’s all that matters to him. Stalker 10,000 this guy. Then we have Wilder who has a traumatizing past that gives him horrible nightmares. He plays hard to get for a while, but he sees a softer side of Byron when he does everything to take care of him and tries to help him through his trauma. He’s got a lot going on. I 100% recommend this book, but if you have triggers please read the warnings. I can’t wait to read the next book.

[... · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun. It could have used some editing, and I flat-out skipped all the sex since blood play, pain kink, rough sex, and primal play aren't my jam, but even with Byron being the epitome of a walking red flag, it didn't actually feel that dark? 🤷‍♀️ I mean, yes, there was plenty of on-page blood, gore, murder, psychopathy, abuse, and codependence, but the author keeps everything fast pace and ridiculous enough that it's hard to take it seriously as anything other than fictional indulgence. I'll probably pick up the next book when it comes out, although I have to admit I'm a little disappointed that Bishop isn't going to be paired up with the wendigo. 😂

[Kerri Vogel · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Sunshine and the Vamp, I was super excited to read Byron's book and it did not disappoint. He was delightfully unhinged and is determined to take Wilder no matter what he wants. He is psychotic at it's best and Wilder just happens to love it. Wilder is a shadow witch with a traumatic past who eats up being "cared for" by Byron. Loved everything about their story. I did feel like we didn't really see much of Bishop, Byron's twin brother, after all the backstory about them being inseparable, but I have a feeling that the next book in the series might feature him.

[Laci Steimel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Byron and Wilder were perfect together! I love how they sass each other, and they both give as good as they get! Byron's relationship with his twin was great to see again, and I love how Wilder accepted it and bonded with Bishop when he needed someone to be with him. Also, Byron's friends are amazing. I adore how they let him be who he is. He is definitely full of red flags, but those flags matched Wilder for sure *wink.* Such a great read, I could not put it down. I cannot wait to see what happens with Bishop next!!

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Byron’s book and it is well worth the read. He is delightfully unhinged and is determined to take Wilder no matter what he wants. Wilder is a shadow witch with a traumatic past who enjoys being carried for by Byron. I can say that I loved every aspect about their story. We didn't really see much of Bishop, Byron's twin brother, I noticed this because of all the backstory about them being inseparable, but is that because the next book in the series might feature him, I certainly hoping so. PS Byron is a little psychotic

[Angela Gray]

OMG! This story was just as awesome as the first book! Thought that I wasn't going to enjoy this book as much as the first due to the trigger warnings, but I was proven wrong. The depravity of Byron, who is a diagnosed psychopath, and his obsession with Wilder, who is definitely a masochist, is just too hot to ignore. The chaos, the obsession, the obvious love that flows on these pages and sucked me right in. I definitely recommend this book or series of books and can't wait for the next one.

[June McKibben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can be read as a standalone but will understand the characters more if read all. Byron and Wilders story is one hot ride. If you enjoy and obsessive psycho and mm touch him and die vibe you will love this paranormal mafia story. I enjoyed the characters and the plot for Byron to protect Wilder and the powers that come to light. This world sucked me in and had me enthralled from the first page. Loved every seconf of it.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good! I didnt think anything could top the first one but, this one did.

I loved the 2 main characters, the witch Wilder and Vampire Byron. Byron was dark but, in the best way towards Wilder. Wilder was what you'd call a "chaotic gremlin." I loved how he lived to get under Byrons skin.

These two characters journey was a thrilling and spicy one! I loved the cameos of the characters from Book 1 too.

I can't wait to read the next one in this series!

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was a wild and oh-so-pleasing ride that I will definitely get back on again because I can not stop thinking about it, even after I read thr last page! Such great storytelling that brings, not only the characters, but the world in which the inhabitants, to life! The complexity of the [not so] human relationships is etched into the pages from the first book, to the last page of thr final book. A must read of you're looking for a good MM supernatural read.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Byron is by far one of my favorite psychopaths. I absolutely adored watching him and Wilder. The crazy obsession that is Byron was perfection. Bailey has a way with building her characters so that you can’t help but root for them. I loved this story from start to finish. Although I’m desperately needing Bishops story now. I loved Byron and Bishops taboo twin relationship from the first story of theirs. This world has been amazing so far and I can’t wait for the next story!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilder has many secrets hidden away but those secrets are getting difficult to keep as someone targets him. There is only one man who can help him but it is the last person he wanted to ask. They want to kill him but their boss tells them that they need to keep him safe. That cannot believe this is happening as they wanted revenge but now things are slowly changing between them. See where they will take you

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book! It had some dark themes and a couple of graphic scenes that wasn’t really for me, however, I truly enjoyed the premise of it.
I liked getting to know Byron and Wilder more, and see their relationship grow deeper the further they uncover things about themselves and the world they live in.
For a psycho, Byron showed surprising depth and growth. I like how they initially had such a mutual hate for each other! Despite the heavy topics, I really enjoyed it!

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly, holy smoke....that was hot!
This is now my favourite book of baileys I've read so far. I love the relationship dynamic, I love the obsession and possessiveness......I just loved it all. It was fun, a little dark but all in the best ways.
You can definitely tell that bailey had so much fun writing this.

So, if you're wanting a little darker book with a psychopath who would burn down the world then jump right into this book!

[Suzanne McNeill Taviner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowsers, what a fab, unhinged read this was. Byron is a psychopath and assassin who only cares about his brother, until something in Wilder calls to him and he becomes obsessed.
I loved his obsession and the way Wilder reacted to it and him and, when Wilder realised that he felt safe with Byron, I almost cheered! I loved his trust in Byron and the way he fought for him at the end was so good.

[Otakish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omgggggg Byron is so crazy and I love him. And Wilder like lord have mercy! Now I know that ending left open about his tethers and I know Bishop might be one but who’s the other 😥 Also Bishop next with HIM sign me up!

Also Vee is my new favorite and I need him to have his own book too (did I sense a little mhhhm between him and Vlad 😍🤔)! And please Archeron because that man is a riot ❤️