Without a Witness: A Hidden Wolf Shifter Romance

by Jaeger Rose

A Mafia princess trapped, waiting for an arranged marriage.
A second-born son and hacker fascinated by what he can’t have.
Attraction. Obsession. Fate.

Leticia

I’m used to Father’s strict control and the security cameras in every room. But the feeling of being watched is new.

With the newly established truce, I’ve been granted tiny freedoms like having a friend. It’s nice having someone to text with.

Royal Cavanagh is unlike anyone I’ve ever met. He unlocks a desire to experience life in a way I never thought possible.

But college classes are nearly over, and I’m running out of time.

Soon I’ll be an obedient housewife to a made man. I don’t have a choice, never did.

Royal

Being the resident tech genius is exhausting yet fulfilling. With no shortage of work, life is predictable — until a certain Mafia princess awakens something within me.

She’s off-limits, according to everyone except my wolf.

I should focus on my family’s security because something dangerous is stirring. I can feel it.

Instead, I’m stalking Leticia D’Medici.

When the time comes, will I be able to turn off the video feed and walk away or be forced to find a way to keep her?

Genres: Shapeshifters, Paranormal

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2026

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I overall enjoyed this book, I did find it a little too long, unfortunately. I think it could be a good one hundred pages shorter. That being said, I enjoyed the characters, I enjoyed the relationship. There were some things added that didn't seem super important, but I don't really have any real complaints.

Sex Stuff: Period sex, double penetration (with a toy), phone sex.

[De Rijdende Boekenwurm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Flying Pig PR for providing the eARC. This is my honest opinion.

Love That Keeps You on Edge

‘Without a Witness’ by Jaeger Rose is such a captivating read that it’s hard to put down. The way Leticia and Royal first meet is both fun and intriguing, and as their relationship develops, the intimacy between them grows in ways that feel natural and deeply engaging. Watching them navigate their connection, both tender and intense, adds layers to the story that make their romance truly satisfying.

The world itself is richly atmospheric, a dark and thrilling mix of the mafia underworld and hidden wolf shifter lore. The setting amplifies every interaction and every whispered conversation, making even quiet moments feel charged with tension. I loved how their bond unfolds amidst danger, with clever twists and original moments that kept me smiling and my heart racing.

Even though the book can be enjoyed as a standalone, reading the series in order gives extra depth to the characters and their world. The pacing is perfect, alternating between suspense, emotional beats, and romantic tension that never feels forced.

‘Without a Witness’ is a beautifully immersive and original paranormal romance that delivers danger, emotion, and passion in equal measure. It is the kind of story that lingers long after the last page, leaving both your heart and imagination fully engaged.

Mafia romance | Wolf shifter | Paranormal romance | Dark romance | Slow-burn romance | Fated mates | Protective male lead | Strong female lead | Suspense and danger | Steamy romance | Standalone-friendly but series-enhanced

[Hayley Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book from the very first page until the end and it was was well written.

I fell in love with royal in the first book and was excited to see that this book was his story.
It was such a sweet story love between mafia princess and hacker of enemy family
It had forbidden love and spicy scenes between them that would make you melt.

Royal is obsessed and the way he stalked her was a red flag but sweet all the same.

I loved the slow burn romance and getting to know royal and leticia made me fall in love with the book more

His inner dialogue with his wolf was so funny throughout the book his wolf was very protective of her from not even meeting her in person

I nearly threw my Kindle across the room at the twists and turns and sobbed my heart out at emotional parts of the book.

Please check your trigger warnings while reading the book.

Thankyou for allowing me to be an arc reader

Can't wait to read more from you

This is my honest review

[Kelly - Kelly's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's a techie/hacker WOLF SHIFTER obsessed with her.

She's an innocent mafia princess waiting for an arranged marriage.

Life brings these two together even though they aren't meant to be...ALL THE FEELS. And the SPICE...SPICY GOODNESS!

This book is soooo good. It has some of my FAVORITE tropes - wolf shifter, hacker, stalking, he's OTT obsessed, mafia and more! My shifter romance heart is sooooo happy. Check this book out!

(Alpha/beta reader)

[Queen Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book more than I liked the first one! I didn't think I would like a softer story but this one was definitely that. It picks up some of the things that we saw from the first book and takes us to Leticia and Royal's POV. Then we advance with their story and how things are able to work out for the rest of them. I am definitely hoping to get a story for Berto at this point. I almost feel like he's the misunderstood brother who isn't as bad as he seems. Back to our current couple though, I really liked getting to know more about Royal and him being Pan made so much sense. I loved how open and honest he was with his feelings and his wants. I liked how Leticia was pretty much the same way. The way that their romance seemed almost conflict free for the two of them was such a breath of fresh air. Like I just really liked reading this. The issues came from outside instead of the two of them having miscommunications and other crazy stuff with each other. Their relationship was pure and I just really ate that up. Don't get it twisted though, Royal was still out here throwing hands and letting people know not to mess with him nor his woman and I loved that. Softer doesn't necessarily mean that he's a push over. He has a different kind of strength and I admire that. Leticia also had a lot to go through and I hope that we can catch more glimpses of these two as they go through more of their relationship. There are definitely some things I would love to get answers to with them but their main story is done and beautiful.

The spice in this one was nice. Royal is one to talk you through it and he definitely did for Leticia and it was HOT! I would give this a 3 out of 5 on the spice scale. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it felt like a breath of fresh air. In a world where people have issues with communication and being open with each other, these two and their relationship felt easy and just beautiful to see. I can't wait for more in this series and I would definitely recommend Royal and Leticia's story if you are looking for something spicy but with great communication. The shifter and mafia girlies will eat this up for sure!

[JeAna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Spice 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️.5

Leticia is an Italian Mafia princess(she doesn't like to be called princess) who is waiting for a marriage through an arranged marriage. But currently ,Royal (a brilliant hacker), the second son of the Irish Wolf shifter Mafia, stalks her family to find out whether the Italian Mafia intends to end their truce (you need to read My solemn Vow to know about it). When Leticia wanted to spend more time with her cousin Antonella, who is married to Royal's older brother, Valour, she reached out to Royal via Royal's Security Company. Without their families knowing, Royal and Leticia become best friends that day by exchanging phone numbers and being in constant communication. Leticia is the person of Royal's wolf's intense obsession, and he claims that she is his fated mate. Royal doesn't believe him until he meets Leticia in person. Would they go beyond being best friends? Will Royal's family secret prevent Leticia from accepting him?


Although you can read this novel as standalone, I suggest starting with "My Solemn Vow" because you'll see a lot of the characters from that book (Valour & Antonella) in this story.

I adore Leticia and Royal's friendship and how Royal treated her with kindness, patience, and support. Leticia is a lovely, gentle, and sweet girl who didn't have many life experiences. However, when she meets Royal, all of these things will come to an end. Because she wanted to have wonderful memories of all her first experiences before getting married to a madman, he was ready to encourage and assist her in experiencing all of her firsts.
They have a strong enough attraction to go beyond being best friends and even develop affections for one another. Their discussions and interactions were incredibly passionate, caring, and dangerous all at once.
This story was fantastic in every way. I am looking forward to read more books by Jaeger Rose.

[Susan (Purplegalaxyreads94) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I’d like to thank Jaegar Rose and Flying Pig PR for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest and spoiler free review!

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My Thoughts:
I really enjoy wolf shifters and mafia romance so when I saw this was a hidden shifter mafia romance, I just knew that I was going to really enjoy this book. And, no surprise there…I actually enjoyed this one!

This story follows the lives of Leticia and Royal. Leticia is our mafia princess who does not like being called a princess, and Royal is a second-born son and a hacker that ends up wanting Leticia. After wanting to get in contact with her best friend, Leticia and Royal end up being in contact with each other.

I honestly felt like their story was so sweet. I loved seeing the wolf shifter dynamics included in the story and seeing the sweet back and forth that Royal had with his wolf in his mind. I loved that Royal and his wolf just wanted to protect Leticia any way that they could. They wanted to give her a safe space away from her family and just wanted to claim her as theirs in every possible way. Seeing Leticia slowly trust in Royal and seeing how she was willing to discuss her firsts and just things she cannot tell her family was honestly so sweet to see. Although under the circumstances, they started off as an interesting couple and I really loved how this author told their story.

[She Dreams In Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in one sitting. I absolutely love Royal and Leticia's story. Jaeger Rose has a way of writing that has you drawn in addicted from the moment you start reading. The world building and character development throughout the book had me totally engaged in the story. Both Leticia and Royal's characters and chemistry really made this such a great book. Jaeger Rose is a fantastic author who draws you in with her words and amazing detail to main and side characters.

A mafia shifter romance with forbidden love, fated mates a little bit of stalking thrown in. I actually found the stalking to be of the sweet and caring side, even if Royal was a tad obsessed.

I loved Leticia. She had an innocence and strength about her, just like Cinderella.

Ahhh Royal. 🖤🖤🖤 They say the quiet ones are usually the ones to look out for, and boy it is true for Royal. Holy crappoli, throw those pearls away people, and be prepared for some Royal loving! 🥵 There is enough steam between them pages to fog your glasses.
Spicy goodness is definitely 🌶🌶🌶🌶.

I absolutely loved My Solemn Vow, the first book in the series and Without a Witness was just as good. Could you read it as a standalone? Yes. But, I definitely recommend you read My Solemn Vow first.

[Joda Bodily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't want to like this book. I don't even know why. I didn't like the cover much & that kinda threw me. As said though, you can't judge a book by it's cover!

Within the first few chapters, I fell in love with it. The chemistry between Leticia & Royal was so magical. And honestly relatable, for me. Having experienced the love they have (which I thought was only in books & movies), made me eat this up!

The Cavanaughs' were such an amazing family. I really enjoyed Betty. Valor was an unexpected like as well. I did not like Leticia's family. The men I expected not to like but her mother, she irritated me. The bond between Leticia & Antonella was wonderful! Glad they had each other, especially for Leticia.

I found myself going through lots of emotions, even laughing out loud & shedding some tears. That's exactly what I love for a book to do, give me emotions! Let me feel what the characters are feeling.

There were a few things I wanted more from the book.... More Wolf presentation, & more from Leticia & Royal's ending. Hopefully there's a follow up?

Overall, I enjoyed the story & read it quicker than I have most books!

[Jinane Abou Hassan zahran · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This forbidden fated-mate romance blends mafia tension with wolf-shifter instincts. Leticia, a sheltered mafia daughter promised to an arranged marriage, lives under constant surveillance until she forms a secret connection with Royal, a brilliant hacker whose wolf already knows she is his mate and urges him to claim her. What begins with messages and shared secrets quickly turns into a dangerous and sensual bond as the line between protection and obsession blurs. The tension is intense, with strong stalker vibes and protective touch-her-and-die energy. As Leticia slowly tastes freedom for the first time, the story balances sweetness, danger, and fated-mate intensity, with a strong sense of found family. The chemistry, especially with the elements of cameras and sexting that heighten the tension, and the stakes, particularly Royal’s determination to save her (whatever the price), keep the pages turning. I loved both Leticia and Royal... Be sure to check the trigger warnings first.

[Pricilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that it's a mafia romance mixed with shifter romance. I haven't read one like it before, so it was a nice change. I enjoyed the book. It was good.
Royal is a hacker and is in charge of all things tech in his mafia family. He's tasked with keeping an eye on his brother's wife and family. That is when he comes across Leticia and his obsession is born. He becomes her stalker. He knows it's wrong, but he can't help himself. His wolf has also become attached. They mainly chat through text and calls. Until they finally meet in person. They chat about anything and everything.
Leticia knows that one day she will be married off and have no say. Her every move is watched, but lately she's been feeling more eyes on her than normal. She just puts it off as her safety and moves on. After her best friend is married and is busy, she finds a friend in Royal. Although she wants more from him, she knows it could never happen. Until it does, but is then suddenly ripped away from her as her dad has found a marriage for her. But Royal won't let her go without a fight.

[Jade Godfrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book and I’m so grateful I got the chance to read it.

The story follows a Mafia princess who hasn’t had an easy life. She’s been sheltered from the world and raised within a family that isn’t exactly loving or supportive, which makes her character really interesting to follow.

Then we meet the MMC, who quickly becomes completely obsessed with her. He watches her, stalks her, and needs to know everything she’s doing. But the twist? He isn’t just an obsessive man… he’s a werewolf. 🐺

Watching their story unfold is addictive. There’s tension, danger, and that constant pull between them that keeps you turning the pages. The slow burn between the characters builds really well and keeps you hooked as you wait to see what will actually happen between them.

With rival families, Mafia drama, a supernatural twist, and plenty of tension, this book has a bit of everything. If you enjoy slow burns, obsessive MMCs, Mafia stories and shifters, this is definitely one I’d recommend. 📚🔥

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tension in this one had me grinning like omg stoppppp in the best way. That mix of sweet but dangerous felt electric because every quiet moment had this nervous energy under it, like something huge was about to snap. The romance was soft in the way that makes your chest ache a little because they actually cared, but also messy and obsessive in a way that kept things spicy and unpredictable.

I loved the vibe of brains-meets-bad-decisions energy because the characters were clever but still totally ruled by their feelings, which made everything feel chaotic and real. The protective moments hit hard because they felt earned, not cheesy, and the longing felt loud even in the small scenes.

Also the world had that moody, shadowy atmosphere that made everything feel intense without needing constant action. It felt heavy and romantic at the same time, like danger wrapped in soft touches, and I ate that up. I just wanted more of them being dramatic and obsessed forever honestly.

[Anna Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a perfect crossover blend of mafia romance and shifter/fated mates romance. I loved that the author didn’t just throw us straight into insta-lust and spice—we actually get to know the characters and care about them before the wilder side is shown. This is such a well-written relationship; every call and text made me giddy. While this was spicy, I personally found myself skipping some of those scenes, but it was still such a good read emotionally.

The MMC is a standout—in a world of morally grey characters (that are often more black), he was a true morally grey character. His heart and POV were my favourites! Great writing!

Please check content warnings, as there are some darker themes of abuse present (though not involving the MMC). Overall, I loved this read and believed in their relationship.

[Christine Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review from an ARC

This was my first shifter romance. That has never been appealing to me, but this is combined with Mafia romance which is certainly my vibe. I actually truly enjoyed this book. It was well-written, flowed well, and kept me engaged to the point I was aggravated that I would have to put it down to address reality. lol. The relationship and banter between Leticia and Royal cracked me up. I loved how Leticia was able to just be blunt with him and he was patient with her musings.

I downgraded it 1 star because I felt like I needed a bit more suspense on the mafia side of things and the ending, while HEA, didn’t have enough closure or something. Something was just missing at the end. Overall, I really enjoyed this read and look forward to reading more from Jaegar Rose.

[Nicole Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a Witness by Jaeger Rose completely pulled me in from the first chapter.

If you love dark, obsessive romance with high emotional stakes, this one delivers. The wolf shifter hero is intense, possessive, and unapologetically feral in the best way. The mafia princess heroine is easy to root for and brings a quiet strength that balances the story beautifully.

The arranged marriage tension, forbidden elements, and heavy atmosphere create constant pressure that keeps the pages turning. The first person present tense makes everything feel immediate and immersive, so you feel every look, every threat, and every charged moment.

This is dark romance through and through. It is intense, obsessive, and addictive. If you enjoy morally gray heroes, powerful family dynamics, and paranormal romance with a mafia edge, you will want this on your TBR.

[Marlou Klijn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from the author through Flying Pig PR, opinions are entirely my own.

I've been friends with the author for a while now and it's always such a delight and honor to get to read her books before they come out.

I loved Royal and Leticia. This book was fun, wholesome, adorable and very sex positive without being filthy. I usually don't like mafia romances, because it's a bit of a dark, gruesome and usually kinky genre. This was pure wholesome comedy wrapped in mafiosos and wolf shifters. It was just plain cozy, if we ignore some of the more violent parts 😂 Well, Jaeger, you did it again, had me finish a book of your within 24 hours because I got so damn hyper fixated on your characters 😍

[Kaylee Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antonella is marrying Royals brother through an arranged marriage to make the Irish mob and the Italian mafia partners. Her cousin Leticia has been texting her on her wedding day. What they didn’t know is Royal cloned Antonellas phone and has been reading their messages. Of course due to that Royal gets a little obsessed with her if you will and a little stalkerish. I love a wolf shifter and a mafia romance so it was kind fun to have a book with both. I think it’s my first one that’s both (hopefully not my last) I absolutely loved the tension and chemistry between the two. I was immediately pulled in and couldn’t put the book down once I started. I can’t wait to checkout what else the author has written.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a Witness was feel good dark romance. The interactions between the main characters had all the feels, while the plot had these dark undertones, mafia, stalking, forced marriage. And the modern twist on staking, it was solid gold and allowed for both humorous and steamy scenes.

Readers will love watching both Royal Cavanagh and his wolf become obsessed with Leticia through his computer screen and then Leticia falling for the voice on the other side of the phone. By the time they meet in person, readers will be chanting their names. But of course nothing can be smooth sailing when you mix the mafia and shifters.

Alls fair in love and war, plus what's a little stalking between rival mafia families?

[Kelsey Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥰🥰🥰

I don’t even know where to start. This was so amazing. I absolutely loved Royal immediately and his “penchant for surveillance” just made me love him more. Leticia was such an interesting character. She’d been raised to expect a certain life as a m a f ¡ a princess and Royal was the catalyst to change it all. Her parents were horrible and the way they treated her and basically just disregarded her do not pass the vibe check. I loved how patient Royal was with Leticia and how much he was constantly checking in with her. I love a consent king. The spice in this was 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨 I really enjoyed the differences between the Cavanagh family and the D’Medici family and how that came into play towards the end of the book especially. This was a really really incredible read.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal and Leticia's story is too sweet! I picked up on the wolf shifter aspects with the hints Royal's family dropped to Leticia before telling her the whole story. Betty and Ian Cavanagh are hilarious! I loved seeing how loving and caring they were with their kids vs. how cold and calculating the D'Medicis treat their kids. I'm not even sorry about what Berto did, good riddance to his pathetic ass! I'm so proud of Leticia for finding her own way and following her heart, even if at first it was to spite her impending arranged marriage. Aa for Steffano, also got what he deserved so good for his pompous ass too 🖕🏼. Royal talking Leticia through her first time, whew 🥵. This was a great story! Thank you @author.jaeger.rose for the privilage to be part of your ARC team!

[Angie Crumpton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book. I loved the combination of shifter and mafia. It was a new concept for me and I really enjoyed it.
What I wish was different- the mafia aspect was great. But I needed more regarding the shifter aspect.
One character- loved this character, but an aspect of their sexual orientation was made known and it didn’t serve the story or character development (that I could tell). So it felt like something thrown in to check a box.
Overall it is a good book and I do recommend it to others. Very quick read for me, and it did keep my interest. The spice was very well written and the story itself was great.
I did receive this an an ARC.

[Mrs Reads Between The Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without A Witness by Jaeger Rose is a forbidden, fated mates romance. Leticia is a mafia princess—who doesn’t like that moniker—waiting for the inevitable arranged marriage. Royal is a genius tech/hacker, wolf shifter whose wolf has decided Leticia is their fated mate. Their journey is full of sweet stalking, funny banter and twists and turns that will have you turning the pages.

If you’re looking for a book that’s more light than dark, but still morally grey, then Without A Witness is worth the read.

*Please read trigger and content warnings.*

I received an advanced copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet but deadly, Royal is stalking Leticia as they strike up a friendship. With late night "podcasts" they get to learn more about each other, but Leticia is a mafia princess and despite wanting a career, she is effectively bargained off to an Italian mafia boss. Royal is desperate to save her and comes up with a plan that is either genius or stupid, only time will tell. With betrayal and surprises, this story has many twists and turns that make it a book that you won't be able to put down. I enjoyed My Solemn Vow and loved Without A Witness, two books that are well worth reading, but make sure you read the tropes.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good read. I love Royal and his family, with the quirks, banter, the dark humour a d how family always comes first. Leticia‘s family is the polar opposite, and stifles her growth. She is practically invisible and is the good princess, but with Royal she is vibrant, snarky and fun.
This is a great story, that is totally engrossing from start to finish!

I have to give kudos to the author as this story flows partially during the same time as the first book and I always find it fascinating how authors find a way to keep them in sync. Plus I love how those scenes flowed, especially from a different perspective!

[Erica Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

You should probably read the first book My Solemn Vow first only to understand some of the plot and getting to know the characters.

Arc review

Romeo and Juliet vibes, mafia,wolf shifters, and yummy spice. Who wouldn’t want all this in a book?
Being a mafia daughter she’s highly sheltered and he well isn’t, but he’s so sweet to show her how to say goodbye to her innocence.
I love Royal he’s sensitive and sweet not at all what you get as a member in the mafia or a wolf shifter, but he does show he has touch her and die vibes!

[Lucie Rangel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need a book that will make you smile, look no further! This was such a sweet story. Love between mafia princess and hacker form enemy family.
Forbidden love...what can be better than that?! Royal was boy obsessed. The way he was stalking her was so sweet! Yeah... I never thought I would use stalking and sweet in the same sentence, but here we are! And the inner dialog between him and his wolf?! Hilarious!
Human/ shifter romance is my favorite sub genre of paranormal romance. So this was absolute perfection for me!

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without A Witness is book two of The Mafia Arrangement Series.

Leticia has to accept her lot in life as the mafia princess, but she does fight it a bit. Enter Royal - what begins as just a polite conversation turned into something so much more. They had so much chemistry together and we see them try to fight their feelings as they know they cannot have a future together. She awakens something inside of him that he is not able to resist. I loved seeing how much Royal was willing to fight for a future with Leticia.

[Carleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! From the start, it pulled me in. I like how in this book he actually has a “wolf side” that he can communicate with almost in his head. A lot of other shifter books don’t make that connection between the wolf being different/another part of them.

I FELT SO BAD FOR LETICIA!! I just wanted her to get away from her family and find a happy ending! Her personality was super likable and her story made you want to learn more about her!

I love when a man is immediately obsessed. If you aren’t obsessed with me GO AWAY!

[Jenn O'Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a Witness is a fantastic forbidden, mafia shifter/fated mates romance.
Leticia is a dutiful mafia princess and Royal is a shifter and his families techy/hacker.
I absolutely loved Royal and Leticia, and their dynamic so much and did not want this book to end.
I think Royal is one of my favorite Jaeger Rose characters!!!
Make sure to check the trigger warnings before jumping into this book.