Claiming Adelaide: The Devil's Knights - Motorcycle vs. Mafia, Reverse Harem Dark Romance RomCom

by Alexandra Shaw, Roxanne Taylor (Editor)

Adelaide

For all intents and purposes, I’m a nobody. My family is successful, but I’ve always been the quiet one—going through life unnoticed—until the day everything changes. One moment I’m walking home from the lab where I intern, the next, I’m caught in a nightmare. Trapped, desperate, and fighting to survive, I must make snap decisions and trust those I never thought I could, all to uncover truths I never wished to face.

Jason

I’m a tattoo artist who doesn’t take life too seriously—first and foremost, I’m a Devil’s Knight. One second, I’m meeting with the Bratva, the next a little woman, near collapse runs and jumps onto my bike. Something about her makes me ferociously protective. So rather than force her off, I take her home—and that’s when everything changes.

Brandon

I’m Devil’s Knight through and through. And when he brings her home, she does something to me—something I can’t ignore. She makes me feel things I never thought I could, pushes me to do things I never imagined I’d have the bravery to do. Years I’ve restrained myself, years I’ve wanted him… and because of her, I finally realize I can take what has always been mine.

Xavier

I seek information, destroy those who threaten us, and protect my own. I never thought I’d find someone who could accept the beast inside me—but the moment I see her, I know I’ll do anything to shield her from harm. Can she be the woman I need her to be? Can she accept the darkness that lurks inside me? Is she the missing piece that can finally bring us all together?

Genres: Dark Romance, Ebooks

489 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2025

Reviews

[🐷Shay loves books🐷 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 ⭐️ read from the wonderful and talented Alexandra Shaw! For her first dark romance, she did a fantastic job, if I didn’t know this was her first, I wld have never been able to tell.

It’s very spicy I’d say a 4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, but the story and the plot was phenomenal! I enjoyed this book so much. X is and will always be my favorite book boyfriend. He is simply amazing.

This story is told through different POVs. We have the FMC Adelaide, the MMC Xavier, MC Jason and Brandon. They have an amazing connection that brings the story to life and the family dynamic of them all together was beautiful.

Adelaide was kidnapped and held hostage, when she escaped and was running her for life, she hopped on the back of a random motorcycle, little did she know that, that decision wld change her life forever. She quickly learns that the she hopped onto Jason’s bike that they were a part of The Devils Knight Motorcycle club and they vowed to protect her and keep her safe and to find out why and who kidnapped her, and she finds out real quick that blood isn’t always family and sometimes they will sell you out for their own benefits.

You will laugh and cry and be down right angry with different parts of this book, you will feel all the emotions! Adelaide, X, Jason and Brandon form a bond that nobody cld ever sever, no matter how many bodies drop trying to do so. They are a self made family and will stop at nothing to stay together and keep each other safe

[Natasha Malagisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much I want to say about this book but without spoiling the story for you I’ll just sum this book up with a few works. BOLD, FILTHY & ENTIRELY ENGROSSING.

If I tell you I cannot put a book down, it means it was amazing. I literally read started this book at 6pm at night and by 3am I was finished.

now let’s go through this book a little.

This book was about Adelaide. She escaped from a bad situation with the Russian Mafia by jumping into a strangers arms. Come to find out this stranger and his “brothers” would turn her life upside down. These men would protect her, kill for her, die for her. Also, do extremely graphic things to her that had me giggling. Read Adelaide’s journey through trauma, heartache and fast found love.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Nicole Kralis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive this book as an arc. There is something about a reverse harem that just does it for me and this book is no exception. I loved adi’s character and loved all 3 of the guys but especially loved Xavier. His devotion and protectiveness over Adi just melted my heart. There was the perfect ratio of spice to plot in this book. It was filthy in the most perfect ways. I would love to see more books about other members of the club or other povs. Great book!!!!

[Melanie Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first ARC first mafia dark romance.
Alexandra you didn’t disappoint.
Thank you for the opportunity you gave me to read your book.
Put on your helmet,Because Alexandra is taking you on a ride of you life she not even driving 🤣🤣.
If you like dark romance motorcycle mafia with all the spice this one is for sure the one.

[Melissa Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book so much!!!

What a wild ride!!! This is the first book I’ve read with a motorcycle club involved (though I did thoroughly enjoy the SoA TV show). I was drawn in from the start and didn’t want to stop reading it until I finished.

Adelaide, a daughter of an influential politician, is “kidnapped” by the Russian mafia but escapes by hopping on the back of a motorcycle ridden by a Devil’s Knights member, Jason. He vows to protect her even though he knows he’s in the mafia’s territory, and it could be very dangerous to help her. Back at the compound, Jason and Brandon, get Adi the help she needs to heal from starvation, dehydration, cuts and bruises, along with the agreement from the club to protect her.

Then Xavier, aka Lucifer, strolls in. That’s where things get really interesting and super spicy. X and Adi are immediately drawn to each other, and Jason gets jealous when X claims her for his own. But since the “brothers” share everything, Adi quickly becomes their 4th (IYKYK).

Then the real reason Adi was taken by the Russians is discovered. That’s where things get violent and Adi learns how X acquired the name Lucifer. But despite everything, she still loves X profusely.

I was very fortunate to ARC read this book. I will DEFINITELY buy a physical copy when it’s published. I give this 4.5 out of 5 spice level. It does have explicit MM and MFMM content, which does not bother me but may bother others.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 I really loved Adelaide and Xavier together. I loved their connection from the beginning.

I felt like the other two guys were just a tag along at times

Lots and lots of spice!

Love a good HEA!

[Jenna Matheny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book!! I hope she makes another book so we can see if Adi has kids with Jason or Brandon as well. This was such a fun read.

[Tish · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been awhile since I've read a reverse harem or a mafia story, let alone both in one book. But wow, was this story epic!

It was exciting right from the beginning and just kept going full steam ahead.

Very edgy and thrilling. Was impossible to put down.

[Judy Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally couldn’t put the book down ! This book made me fall back in love with dark romance! I don’t even know where to begin it held my attention from the get go! I never knew I would love a motorcycle club so much! I’m not giving any spoilers away but let’s say I will definitely be buying a copy of this book for my shelf’s when it comes out! A round of applause for this author!

[Faith Farina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an advanced copy. I really enjoyed this book & wouldn’t have known it was her first dark romance. This is a why choose with morally grey men. From a tragic event and betrayal Adeline ends up finding the family she deserves. In a desperate escape she jumps on a strangers bike and ends up under the protection of the mc. Two best friends finally give into the pull of their mutual hidden attraction and love. They did handle it a bit clumsily but were trying to respect Adeline by giving her space. It did leave her feeling unwanted and I’m glad they figured it out. The four of them end up in a relationship fulfilling their emotional and physical needs. It does get spicy and there is some violence. I read this quickly within a day of receiving because I couldn’t put it down. This was my first read by Alexandra Shaw and I am a fan!

[Melanie Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast Bikes, Fierce Love, and Mafia Mayhem — Alexandra Shaw Delivers

The story (no spoilers) 📖
Adelaide (“Adi”) finds herself thrust into a terrifying situation when she is kidnapped by a mafia force she never saw coming. Her escape is as sudden as it is chaotic. In desperation she jumps onto the back of a stranger’s motorbike. 🏍️ That stranger turns out to be Jason, a member of the Devil’s Knights motorcycle club. From that moment, her entire life changes. She’s pulled into a dangerous world of clubs, loyalties, secrets and betrayal. Alongside Jason are Brandon and Xavier — both part of the club and both entwined in the story that becomes Adelaide’s new reality. 💫 The themes: danger from mafia ties, MC (motorcycle club) brotherhood, found-family bonds, reverse harem dynamics, and a steamy, dark romance vibe.

What works:
   •   Adelaide is a strong-willed heroine: She’s not skittish or passive. She survives the kidnapping, she acts, she reacts, she grows.
   •   The three male leads (Jason, Brandon, Xavier) each bring something different: protective, playful, haunted. That variety gives the story more texture than a straight hero/heroine tale.
   •   High stakes, lots of tension: The mafia vs MC dynamic gives measurable danger. That danger heightens the urgency of the romance and the protections they promise.
   •   Chemistry and heat: the spice level is very high, with reverse-harem and MF/MMM elements. 🌶️ If you’re into bold romance with multiple partners and high emotional stakes, this hits.
   •   Fast-paced. Once you get into it, the story doesn’t drag. You’re pulled into the action, the romance, the fear, the protectiveness of the club.

Things to consider:
   •   Trigger-warning territory: Kidnapping, violence, mafia brutality, and dark themes. If those are hard for you, be prepared.
   •   Reverse harem + multiple main male characters means the dynamic is more complex than a typical one-man/one-woman romance.
 
My overall take:
4.5/5 🌟 for dark romance + MC/mafia + reverse harem. It checks a lot of boxes and delivers what it promises: danger, passion, protective heroes (plural), a heroine who fights back. It may not be perfect in every character-arc or emotion-beat, but it’s a thrilling ride.

[Anna Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
🌶🌶🌶🌶

Okay listen… this book was SPICY. Like, heart-racing, thighs-pressing-together, “I need a minute to cool down” kind of spicy 🔥 And I LOVED it. Every. Single. Page.

Adelaide and the men? Oh my GOD. That dynamic was everything I didn’t know I needed and then some. The tension, the jealousy, the possessiveness, the softness that crept in when you least expected it.... hit just as hard as the filthy ones... it all blended perfectly. Each man brought out a completely different side of her, and I ate it up. She wasn’t some clueless girl caught between them; she owned it, and they worshipped the ground she walked on. She wasn’t torn between them either. She owned them. And I was eating it up page after page.

The chemistry was unreal...In the first few chapters it had that slow burn that makes you scream “JUST DO IT ALREADY,” at your screen one second, then has you fanning yourself or the playoff that has you blushing like you just got caught reading something you shouldn’t 😭🔥. I laughed, I gasped, I maybe kicked my feet once or twice (don’t judge me).

And for this being the author’s first dark romance? Chef’s. Freaking. Kiss. 👏 It was everything. WHY CHOOSE INDEED!! 😮‍🔥

This book had emotion, heat, and just the right amount of chaos to keep me obsessed. 4.5 stars because it had me giggling, gasping, and grinning like a fool. I’ll 100% be rereading this when I need a hit of chaos, spice, and all-consuming tension.😩🔥

[Gil-Lana Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC READER

Claiming Adelaide delivers exactly what dark romance readers crave—intensity, passion, mystery, and characters who are equal parts broken and irresistible. From the very first chapter, the story pulls you into a world of secrets and simmering tension, and it never once lets go.

Adelaide is a heroine with fire—resilient but haunted by her past, determined to survive even when the world keeps trying to break her. When she’s pulled into the orbit of a powerful and dangerous man (or men—no spoilers!), the chemistry explodes. The authors do a fantastic job building emotional tension alongside physical attraction, making every stolen glance and heated argument feel electric. The passion is raw, consuming, and full of that delicious push and pull.

The plot is full of twists and turns, with betrayals, hidden motives, and shocking reveals woven throughout the story. Just when you think you’ve figured out someone’s true intentions—boom—another secret comes crashing through. The darker themes are handled with care, giving the story emotional weight without losing the addictive pace.

If there’s one reason it isn’t a full five stars, it’s that a few emotional beats could’ve been explored more deeply, and certain side characters felt like they needed a little more page time. But honestly? This is still an incredibly compelling read. The writing flows, the characters grip your heart, and the suspense keeps you flipping pages long after you planned to stop.

[Sherri Hernandez]

**From the very first page, this book completely captivated me—I genuinely couldn’t put it down. The pacing was spot-on, keeping me hooked with every twist and turn. The author masterfully blended romance and adventure, creating just the right amount of spice to make the story exciting without overpowering the emotional depth.**

**The characters were incredibly well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. I especially loved Xavier; his fierce loyalty and willingness to risk everything for the woman he loves made him stand out. His protective nature and the sacrifices he was willing to make—even if it meant dying for her—added so much intensity and heart to the story.**

**The chemistry between the main characters was palpable, and their interactions felt authentic and meaningful. The supporting cast also brought richness to the world, making it feel vibrant and alive. I found myself genuinely invested in their journeys and rooting for their happiness.**

**As I reached the final chapters, I didn’t want the story to end. The world the author created is so immersive and compelling that I’m already hoping for a sequel or even a whole series. If there are more books to come, I’ll be first in line to read them—continuing this adventure would be absolutely out of this world!**

[Laurie Bristow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well Adelaide was certainly claimed. No shortage on the spice 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

Adi finds herself in a room, not knowing how she got there or even why.
But a big russian takes her from the room. He shoves her against a wall
and tells her to stay. She does not, she ran hit the door, and finds herself
outside in a parking garage, and just keeps running. Then she spots Xavier
on his motorcycle, and with no thought other than getting out of dodge.
Yells at him to just go, and to take her with them. That is how she finds
the Devils Knights.

Well Adi finds herself rescued by Xavier, Jason, and Brandon. And while they
are trying to piece together why the Russians want her, spicy times with all three begin. Tropes be troping, if I list them it will give too much away. Comedy? meh. Dark romance? on the lighter side. But I do read some really dark stuff.

This was a fun read, there was a decent plot. Could it have been shorter? Yes. Was there a Happily Ever After? Yes. Was this a cookie cutter mafia/motorcycle/MMFM why choose poly read? Also yes. Overall not bad. 3.25. This was a decent story overall. If you want a nice pallet cleanser in-between heavier reads, this is definitely the book to choose. Thank you for the ARC of your book.

[Phillip Essenpreis]

Disclaimer I am a ARC reader and do not get paid or know this person in real life. I do follow this author on social media and applied to be a reader for her and was selected. With that being said let's jump into my review of this book.

This was kind of a new read for me as I have never really read Mafia style books. This book was amazing. It has kidnapping, care taker, hero/rescuer vibes, definitely hot steamy sex, definitely romance vibes... and the main female character is a virgin... just saying every mans fantasy. The spice level is about a 3.5 or 4 max depending on your opinion on spice. I don't want to give away any details about the book but it's definitely a great read and I love this book and all the vibes which took me by surprise. I literally read this book in like 6 hours it was so good plus don't judge me on my reading speed.

This is only the second book I have read of this author with the first book being a historical romance storyline which is a complete opposite of this book. Go check out her books she is a great author go check her books out. On a side note she said this was the spiciest book she has ever written.

[Jamie Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is dark, and super spicy like all 5 chili peppers— definitely one for readers who enjoy intense romance with a mix of motorcycle club grit and mafia ties. The story follows a woman who escapes a kidnapping and finds protection with an MC, only to end up in a complicated, one-woman-three-lovers relationship that’s equal parts wild and chaotic.

The first half of the book focused heavily on explicit scenes — a little too much for my personal taste — I learned I do have a limit to spice. There were some interesting twists and moments that pulled me in with the plot, but I found myself wishing for more story and character development in between all the spice.

Some of the scenes crossed into territory that just wasn’t for me, so I’d definitely recommend checking content warnings before diving in. If you’re someone who loves very steamy, dark romance, this could be your thing — it just wasn’t entirely mine. I know some that will LOVE this.

That said, I truly appreciate being given an ARC and the chance to read and review it. The author’s creativity and boldness definitely shine through.

[Erica Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning if life isn’t busy and you have time to read you might not be able to put it down.
Adelaide gets put through the wringer, but the lucky girl finds herself in the arms of three men. She might not be experienced in their world or even sexually, she embraces everything that is thrown at her.
Jason is the jealous protector one and sometimes acts like a toddler.
Brandon is the caretaker of the group.
Xavier is also a protective type, but he’s also the big scary one in the group.
I mean she did end up with three guys in a motorcycle group so they are all hard asses in their own ways, but each one is exactly what she needs.
This is an MFMM there’s a really HOT scene between two of the guys.
There’s also really hot group scenes, this book gets you in your umm feels 😜. Highly suggest you read it!

Oh and it’s not all smut there’s a story line there with action.

[Kristen Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the first page you feel Adelaides fear after being kidnapped by the Russians. The fear she has as she finally escapes and the fear that holds onto her heart even as shes protected from the men who took her in the first place.

You feel the love each of the main characters have for each other and the happiness they give one another. You feel the frustration, the anger, the tension, you feel everything they feel with each word written on each page.

This book is the spiciest one Alexandra has written yet, but the spice doesn't over shadow the plot. A plot where you hope for that happy ending but become scared with every turn of the page not knowing what the Russians or even the people she thought she could trust will do next.

[Mama Myres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra Shaw’s writing always pulls me right in, and Claiming Adelaide was no exception! The mix of dark romance, mafia danger, and motorcycle-club chaos made this story such an exciting ride. The chemistry and banter between the characters had me grinning and flipping pages to see what would happen next.

There were a few moments that left me a little unsure how the pieces connected, and the timeline jumped a bit in places — and honestly, that made me want to go back and reread to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Even with the chaos, the story stayed engaging, and Alexandra’s writing style kept it easy to follow overall.

If you love found-family vibes, protective MMCs, danger, and spice with heart, this one definitely delivers. I love seeing Alexandra explore darker stories, and I can’t wait to see what she creates next! 💕

[Mirandia · Rating 5 out of 5]

{arc review} if you don’t add this to your TBR you’re missing out. I was hooked from the beginning. If you love reverse harem, rom, biker gang, mafia and why choose this is the book for you. The SPICE WAS GHOST PEPPER SPICE, and it made me want to jump into the book and be the FMC because I was jealous. 3 mmc who protected her, loved her and shared her like excuse me?!?!. The betrayal from the FMC family was shocking, I loved the ending. I couldn’t put it down all I thought about was this book. This book was written so good and I might just have to re-read it again when it’s published. Alexandra knew what she put in this book and how to get a reading hooked. This might be one of my top reads of 2025 and I will be recommending it people 🤭

[Nancy H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ARC Review.
I know this is way late but here it is
I absolutely loved this book! I'm a girl that loves big tough, hot biker guys and the plus was it took place in Massachusetts where I grew up! I felt so connected to it!
I knew within the first few pages that I was going to love this book and not want it to end. I was right.
Jason, Brandon and Xavier all captured my heart. I feel like Xavier had it a little bit more because he was so dark and misunderstood. Addy comes ong and knocks these guys off their rockers.
Absolutely loved them! Loved the slow burn between Jason and Brandon as well as Xavier and Addy. When they all finally came together to love and protect her, my heart soared. I didnt want it to end!

The story is intriguing. The spice was hotter than hot and of course there was HEA. With no third act break up.

Thank you Alexandra Shaw, for letting me ARC this book! I enjoyed every minute of it!!

If you drop an ALC, sign me up!!

Plot: 5/5-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 4.5/5-🌶🥵🌶🥵🌶

[Meagan Thornburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing!!! I love me a long book! I loved all the characters in this book. I was soo happy how the spice took off quickly. FMC is so strong but also needs all of the MMCs in their own individual ways. Love how Brandon and Jason finally gave into their feelings was funny to see how they seemed to be the only ones who didn't see it! There were lots of funny parts to this story. I am definitely not a fan of her eldest brother like what an Ahole

spoilers: I was not a fan of how Brandon and Jason pushed Adelaide to the side. ( I understood why just didn't like how they went about the whole thing )

I would definitely recommend this book! I was given this book as an ARC!!!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a dark romance that pushes boundaries and leaves you breathless, Claiming Adelaide is the book to read. This MFMM romance is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re ready to dive into a world of passion, tension, and moral gray areas, put on your helmet—because this one’s a wild ride. The spice level? 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Through the roof! I found myself blushing more times than I’d like to admit—these scenes are intense, raw, and unapologetically sensual. This book is hands-down one of the spiciest, most provocative dark romances I’ve ever read. Just be prepared to feel all the feels—it’s a rollercoaster, and you’ll love every minute of it.

[KindleandCauldrons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wild, spicy ride! 🔥

I really enjoyed the Russian and MC connection …it gave the story a unique edge and made for some really interesting dynamics. The plot itself was well written, and I loved how all the characters were intertwined. The twists kept me guessing right up until the end!

That said, this one was very spicy…definitely more than I usually go for 😅 While it pushed past my personal comfort zone, readers who love high heat with solid storytelling are going to eat this up.

If you’re into MC romances with danger, loyalty, and enough steam to fog your Kindle screen, this is your book. 🔥

[Jenny Leger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was an ARC reader for this book and oof! Where to begin! The spice. THE SPICE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥Adi is kidnapped and has no idea by who or why. Seeing her chance to escape, she takes it and hops on the back of a random motorcycle. Owner of said motorcycle is in the DK MC. Jason, Brandon, and Xavior vow to protect her as they try to figure out whos behind her kidnapping, and simultaneously all falling for her. Why choose romance, hot MMCs, betrayal make this a damn good book that I couldn’t stop reading! I need more of this story!

[Monica R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dirty. Dark. Intoxicating. Three words to describe this book. From the first page I was sucked into the story the great Alexandra Shaw created.

This book is a MC vs Mafia story line. You will laugh, you will cry and most of all you will be captivated.

There is a lot of spice in this book, it is tasteful done. It was honestly my first experience with MM, but she definitely has a way with words. There is also some MFMM too.

I do not think you will be disappointed if you give this book a chance!

[Samantha AdamsMcCord · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adelaide was supposed to be sold to the Russians and got away ran as fast to get on a devil knight motorcycle club that she knew nothing about. Ended up with not one love in her life but four. Finally free and in love with four amazing protectors. Getting all she ever needed in her life and saving herself. Adelaide proves in the story to be amazing and strong. Stand against the worst of the worst and still end up on top proving to herself and family she means business! Remarkable story and need more to this between the backstabbing and twist in this story is amazing.

[Angela Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started claiming Adelaide, I forgot the fact that it was a why choose dark romance. When I first started reading it and the first spicy scene came up I literally had to set my phone down because I was in the middle of reading it around my family. I get very flustered when it comes to super spicy scenes. And let me tell you this book has a bunch of spicy scenes. This is definitely not a book to read around people, unless you have a brilliant poker face and can hide the fact that these steamy parts are occurring.


Choosing to read this was the best decision I ever made, you get three incredible love interests, a mostly wholesome polygamy, I’m going to try not to boil anything for those of you who haven’t read it but I gotta say if a sequel involving Adelaide and her loves came out, I would definitely read it. I ended up ordering the hardback Copy to keep on my shelf as a trophy, and it’s signed so that’s a bonus!

The author is super nice and very active on TikTok. I definitely recommend supporting her, I know I intend to and I’m even planning to sign up for any early reads she has of any of her next books. Heck, I’ll probably try to grab some of her other series when I can.

[Heather Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I just want to say Wow! I will try not to give any spoilers. This was a hot dark romance read with a whole lot of spice! I had a hard time putting this one down! This has a little bit of everything. It has mafia, motorcycle gangs, kidnapping, reverse harem and so much more. You will love these characters and how they fight for each other. The plot was so good and I loved how this story played out. Be warned you may need a fan on you as you read this one!!!🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️