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My Prison Penpals
Not yet published
Expected 27 Jan 26
Her letters saved them. Now they’ll destroy everything to save her.
Wren
My brother says he only wants what’s best for me.
He says the world is dangerous. That I’m safer at home.
That he'll teach me everything I need to know.
I believed him.
Until the day I found a letter that changed everything.
He had made a deal with the devil—one that traded my future for his power.
So I ran.
No plan. No destination. Just one final letter to the four men who had accidentally become my closest and only friends.
My prison penpals.
I never expected them to come looking for me.
I certainly never expected them to find me.
And I definitely didn't expect them to be equal parts appealing as they are terrifying.
They’re dangerous, obsessive, and unapologetically mine.
And when my past catches up to me, they’re the only ones willing to burn the world to keep me safe.
Four men who should have been a mistake—might just be my salvation.
***The Undertakers is a trilogy, and this book ends on a cliffhanger. It's a hurt/comfort, why choose, MFMM+ romance novel with dark themes. If you like your men morally gray and over the top obsessive and possessive then read on! No mm/ff/cheating/owd. The FMC will not have to choose between her love interests.
Wren
My brother says he only wants what’s best for me.
He says the world is dangerous. That I’m safer at home.
That he'll teach me everything I need to know.
I believed him.
Until the day I found a letter that changed everything.
He had made a deal with the devil—one that traded my future for his power.
So I ran.
No plan. No destination. Just one final letter to the four men who had accidentally become my closest and only friends.
My prison penpals.
I never expected them to come looking for me.
I certainly never expected them to find me.
And I definitely didn't expect them to be equal parts appealing as they are terrifying.
They’re dangerous, obsessive, and unapologetically mine.
And when my past catches up to me, they’re the only ones willing to burn the world to keep me safe.
Four men who should have been a mistake—might just be my salvation.
***The Undertakers is a trilogy, and this book ends on a cliffhanger. It's a hurt/comfort, why choose, MFMM+ romance novel with dark themes. If you like your men morally gray and over the top obsessive and possessive then read on! No mm/ff/cheating/owd. The FMC will not have to choose between her love interests.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 27, 2026
318 people want to read
About the author
Shona Knight
20 books283 followersReverse Harem Author
If you love a reverse harem romance with heart, heat and happily ever after, then you've come to the right place! Shona writes full length MFMM+ why choose reverse harem stories that vary from fantasy to contemporary to paranormal. The FMC will always be the main focus of her men!
A lot of her stories focus on women that come from some sort of tortured background, but you will also find some lighthearted fun reads scattered in between!
If you love a reverse harem romance with heart, heat and happily ever after, then you've come to the right place! Shona writes full length MFMM+ why choose reverse harem stories that vary from fantasy to contemporary to paranormal. The FMC will always be the main focus of her men!
A lot of her stories focus on women that come from some sort of tortured background, but you will also find some lighthearted fun reads scattered in between!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Imagine being told your whole life that you had to cook your older brother every meal and curtsy to everyone you meet. All of this while never leaving the house. Only allowed to eat oatmeal and salads. This is your entire world except for the prison penpals you secretly write to.
That premise alone hooked me… and the first chapter totally hooked me.
Shona Knight has an amazing talent where she writes dark themes in a way that still feels safe, cozy, and oddly comforting. You never forget the darkness exists but it never overwhelms the heart of the story. Instead, it makes the softness, the healing, and the love hit even harder.
The MMCs? Absolute sweethearts. Swoon-worthy, protective, gentle, and emotionally present in a way that made my heart ache in the best way. Each of them carries their own version of a prison—physical or emotional—and watching them come together with the FMC to help one another stay free was genuinely beautiful.
The FMC’s growth is powerful and emotional, and the found family dynamic is everything I love in a why-choose romance. This story isn’t just about romance—it’s about reclaiming autonomy, learning what love should feel like, and choosing freedom over fear.
I loved every page, every quiet moment, and every tender interaction. I already know I’ll reread this when I need comfort with a dark edge.
I cannot wait for the next two books in this series. Shona Knight never misses and this one is something truly special. 💔✨
That premise alone hooked me… and the first chapter totally hooked me.
Shona Knight has an amazing talent where she writes dark themes in a way that still feels safe, cozy, and oddly comforting. You never forget the darkness exists but it never overwhelms the heart of the story. Instead, it makes the softness, the healing, and the love hit even harder.
The MMCs? Absolute sweethearts. Swoon-worthy, protective, gentle, and emotionally present in a way that made my heart ache in the best way. Each of them carries their own version of a prison—physical or emotional—and watching them come together with the FMC to help one another stay free was genuinely beautiful.
The FMC’s growth is powerful and emotional, and the found family dynamic is everything I love in a why-choose romance. This story isn’t just about romance—it’s about reclaiming autonomy, learning what love should feel like, and choosing freedom over fear.
I loved every page, every quiet moment, and every tender interaction. I already know I’ll reread this when I need comfort with a dark edge.
I cannot wait for the next two books in this series. Shona Knight never misses and this one is something truly special. 💔✨
January 15, 2026
SHONA KNIGHT HAS DONE IT AGAIN!! I was hooked from the very beginning and finished this book in just under SIX hours!! I don’t want to give away any spoilers but all the coincidences between the guys stories on what they were convicted of and then how Wren ended up finding their information, I love how its all tying together. I absolutely hate Robert and the way he treated Wren… all the psychological abuse and then to turn around and try and sell her… Finding out who was behind helping the guys escape and helping them to find Wren, as well as the persons overall role in her life, at the end of the book made that cliffhanger!! I’m definitely wondering if we are going to see her harem add another? With two books left there still so much that can happen.. I can’t wait for book TWO!!!! I’m so happy I don’t have to wait months upon months to read what happens since book two comes out in February and book three comes out in March! Shona Knight will forever be an instant read author for me!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was SO good! I absolutely devoured this and now I have the biggest book hangover ever! I have to know what happens next! It left us on such a cliffhanger! I loved Wren and all the guys. I will admit that when reading RH's I sometimes have trouble telling the men apart but that wasn't the case in this book. They were all so unique and their characters developed so completely. There were moments in this book that made me laugh out loud (thanks Pete). And then there were so many suspenseful moments that kept me from putting the book down. I really loved Wren and I felt bad for her. I also really enjoyed that this was a slow burn because it built the relationship and intimacy between the characters. I literally cannot recommend this book enough. I can't wait to see what happens next!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read "My Prison Penpals" when I was supposed to be sleeping and through a migraine. Not much could make me put this book down!
Wren thought she was living a pretty good life. She loved doing things for her older brother, making him happy. After all, he had supposedly done so much for her, looked after her, protected her. Things changed when she discovered he had been grooming her to be the perfect, submissive wife for whoever benefited him most, which ended up being a Russian mob head. So, despite not having any experience with the outside world, she ran.
Luckily for her, due to a mistake she made nearly a year earlier, she had some pretty good friends and protectors on the other side of the walls she was raised in. Four prison inmates who, miraculously, were able to escape one night and come find her. On the run from her brother and the authorities, they try to stay under the radar while Wren decides to do what she can to help keep them from going back to prison.
Wren is completely in the dark about the real world. So many things her brother taught her while raising her were lies, so the guys help her discover new things and open her eyes to life around her where they can. This eventually leads to learning about more "intimate" things since she knows practically nothing, though they all take their time with her physically. If you're looking for a spicy book, you won't find it here (at least not yet!). Don't get me wrong - the guys are tempted, and Wren starts wanting more from them, but they want to ease her into things.
The characters all have their own unique personalities, which I love. Pete is, of the four, a bit of a loose cannon. Dex is known as a bit of a caveman when it comes to looking after Wren and protecting her. Jagger is silent (literally - he's mute), but watchful and more serious, for the most part, but he's soft with Wren. He's her rock. Then there's Sly, who seems to be the unofficial leader of the group. He's dominant (though still takes care of how he is around Wren), and is pretty much tied with Jagger in levels of being the more serious and responsible one.
The plot thickens as the story goes on, and in my opinion, is really well written! I've already been suggesting it to people for when it releases (as of this point, it doesn't come out for a month, as I'm a Beta reader). You definitely need to check it out!
Wren thought she was living a pretty good life. She loved doing things for her older brother, making him happy. After all, he had supposedly done so much for her, looked after her, protected her. Things changed when she discovered he had been grooming her to be the perfect, submissive wife for whoever benefited him most, which ended up being a Russian mob head. So, despite not having any experience with the outside world, she ran.
Luckily for her, due to a mistake she made nearly a year earlier, she had some pretty good friends and protectors on the other side of the walls she was raised in. Four prison inmates who, miraculously, were able to escape one night and come find her. On the run from her brother and the authorities, they try to stay under the radar while Wren decides to do what she can to help keep them from going back to prison.
Wren is completely in the dark about the real world. So many things her brother taught her while raising her were lies, so the guys help her discover new things and open her eyes to life around her where they can. This eventually leads to learning about more "intimate" things since she knows practically nothing, though they all take their time with her physically. If you're looking for a spicy book, you won't find it here (at least not yet!). Don't get me wrong - the guys are tempted, and Wren starts wanting more from them, but they want to ease her into things.
The characters all have their own unique personalities, which I love. Pete is, of the four, a bit of a loose cannon. Dex is known as a bit of a caveman when it comes to looking after Wren and protecting her. Jagger is silent (literally - he's mute), but watchful and more serious, for the most part, but he's soft with Wren. He's her rock. Then there's Sly, who seems to be the unofficial leader of the group. He's dominant (though still takes care of how he is around Wren), and is pretty much tied with Jagger in levels of being the more serious and responsible one.
The plot thickens as the story goes on, and in my opinion, is really well written! I've already been suggesting it to people for when it releases (as of this point, it doesn't come out for a month, as I'm a Beta reader). You definitely need to check it out!
January 15, 2026
I wasn’t sure I could love a series as much as I loved Shona Knight’s Desert Island duet or her Shattered Silence duet, but I’m pretty sure this Undertakers trilogy will be in the running. I loved meeting each of these characters and can’t wait to read more about their histories in the next books.
The slow burn in this book will have you panting for the spicy scenes in the next books. The characters will make you want to laugh one minute and cry the next.
If you love a good mystery and a good reverse harem, this is the book for you!
The slow burn in this book will have you panting for the spicy scenes in the next books. The characters will make you want to laugh one minute and cry the next.
If you love a good mystery and a good reverse harem, this is the book for you!
January 15, 2026
“Psycho, broken… it didn’t really matter, as long as I was hers.”
Shona Knight’s new series started off with a bang! Her why choose stories always walk the line between dark romance & swoony worthy, and I love the combination!
“I’ll take her anyway I can have her. Innocent, corrupted, she’s perfect no matter what.”
We have Wren who was completely sheltered and groomed by her older brother since she was 5. Although she is 26 years old, everything she believes a woman should be is deeply controlled by her brother. That man is a POS y’all! This is a trilogy so I know it’s going to be a while for some justice but I can’t wait for her men to get ahold of him!
“You’ll always be my queen, whether you’ve got me on my back or between your legs.”
After discovering her brother’s plans she runs away only informing her prison penpals that she had to get away. I LOVED HER GUYS! Each one has their own dark back story and reason they ended up in jail (all falsely imprisoned). If I had to pick a favorite out of the bunch it’s a tie between Dex (with his flowers, love books, and dates; and our mute dark knight, Jagger. (Jagger’s letters were so DEEP and emotional. I seriously love him!) Pete was also really entertaining and sweet!
“I’m not sure how I got so lucky. I certainly don’t deserve you, angel. But I’ll spend every day for the rest of my life trying to prove myself worthy.”
The spice in this book was pretty tame because Wren is relearning everything she knows about spice & intimacy. Her guys do a great job of helping her vocalize her feelings and teaching her new things. 🤭
“Don’t play with fire, little bird,” he warns. “Why? You gonna burn me, Sly?”
There’s a plot twist at the end that I loved! I’ll just be twiddling my thumbs waiting for book two to come out next month!
Tropes:
❤️🔥 Why Choose
💌 Strangers to Lovers
🫶🏼 Innocent FMC x Dangerous Men
🤭 Soft Only for Her
🥵 Good Girl Praise
💋 Spicy Lessons
💖 Men Who Share
Shona Knight’s new series started off with a bang! Her why choose stories always walk the line between dark romance & swoony worthy, and I love the combination!
“I’ll take her anyway I can have her. Innocent, corrupted, she’s perfect no matter what.”
We have Wren who was completely sheltered and groomed by her older brother since she was 5. Although she is 26 years old, everything she believes a woman should be is deeply controlled by her brother. That man is a POS y’all! This is a trilogy so I know it’s going to be a while for some justice but I can’t wait for her men to get ahold of him!
“You’ll always be my queen, whether you’ve got me on my back or between your legs.”
After discovering her brother’s plans she runs away only informing her prison penpals that she had to get away. I LOVED HER GUYS! Each one has their own dark back story and reason they ended up in jail (all falsely imprisoned). If I had to pick a favorite out of the bunch it’s a tie between Dex (with his flowers, love books, and dates; and our mute dark knight, Jagger. (Jagger’s letters were so DEEP and emotional. I seriously love him!) Pete was also really entertaining and sweet!
“I’m not sure how I got so lucky. I certainly don’t deserve you, angel. But I’ll spend every day for the rest of my life trying to prove myself worthy.”
The spice in this book was pretty tame because Wren is relearning everything she knows about spice & intimacy. Her guys do a great job of helping her vocalize her feelings and teaching her new things. 🤭
“Don’t play with fire, little bird,” he warns. “Why? You gonna burn me, Sly?”
There’s a plot twist at the end that I loved! I’ll just be twiddling my thumbs waiting for book two to come out next month!
Tropes:
❤️🔥 Why Choose
💌 Strangers to Lovers
🫶🏼 Innocent FMC x Dangerous Men
🤭 Soft Only for Her
🥵 Good Girl Praise
💋 Spicy Lessons
💖 Men Who Share
January 18, 2026
Ok, so think sweet and innocent FMC who has not been allowed to leave her house since she was five. She has been groomed by her brother to be the perfect woman, the perfect wife… well, perfect in a man’s eyes anyway.
To keep herself entertained, she starts writing to penpals. By accident, they turn out to be four hawt, morally grey prison inmates.
From there, the story unfolds. An arranged marriage and being on the run eventually lead them to meet, and it becomes a surprisingly cute, comforting journey of discovery.
This book is all about learning, the slow burn, and the build up. The plot quietly ticks away in the background while staying very character driven. And of course, in true Shona fashion, we are left on a cliffhanger.
This felt like a gentle but emotional start to a darker story. Watching the FMC slowly learn, experience freedom, and build connections made this such a comforting read despite the heavier themes. The focus on character and relationship growth even with a fast plot in the background really worked for me, even with the tension quietly building underneath everything.
Tropes:
Reverse harem
Mute MMC
Forced proximity
Hurt comfort
Naive FMC
Age gap
Obsessed MMCs
Touch her and 💀
To keep herself entertained, she starts writing to penpals. By accident, they turn out to be four hawt, morally grey prison inmates.
From there, the story unfolds. An arranged marriage and being on the run eventually lead them to meet, and it becomes a surprisingly cute, comforting journey of discovery.
This book is all about learning, the slow burn, and the build up. The plot quietly ticks away in the background while staying very character driven. And of course, in true Shona fashion, we are left on a cliffhanger.
This felt like a gentle but emotional start to a darker story. Watching the FMC slowly learn, experience freedom, and build connections made this such a comforting read despite the heavier themes. The focus on character and relationship growth even with a fast plot in the background really worked for me, even with the tension quietly building underneath everything.
Tropes:
Reverse harem
Mute MMC
Forced proximity
Hurt comfort
Naive FMC
Age gap
Obsessed MMCs
Touch her and 💀
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the distinct personalities of Wren, Pete, Sly, Jagger and Dex, and all the sweet nicknames.
The 4 MMC's are fiercely protective of Wren, and will do anything to help her thrive, discover her own identity without influence, and protect her from harm.
All 5 are on the run, Wren from her controlling and abusive brother, and 4 convicts who have escaped prison to save the girl they all fell for as their pen pal.
It's beautifully sweet, and a blend of trauma, healing, connection and love.
Wren's brother is a manipulative piece of work, and I can't wait to see them all take their revenge!
The psychological conditioning Wren has endured is heartbreaking, but I love that she has 4 patient guys willing to teach her everything about the world and herself.
I felt that something was coming in those final chapters, but what a cliffhanger!
Can't wait for more!
"Sorry, little bird, but now I've found you, I'm never letting you go"
"What? I licked her, so she's mine"
"I may be the one behind bars, but you're in a cage too, my little flame. I wish you could see what we see"
The 4 MMC's are fiercely protective of Wren, and will do anything to help her thrive, discover her own identity without influence, and protect her from harm.
All 5 are on the run, Wren from her controlling and abusive brother, and 4 convicts who have escaped prison to save the girl they all fell for as their pen pal.
It's beautifully sweet, and a blend of trauma, healing, connection and love.
Wren's brother is a manipulative piece of work, and I can't wait to see them all take their revenge!
The psychological conditioning Wren has endured is heartbreaking, but I love that she has 4 patient guys willing to teach her everything about the world and herself.
I felt that something was coming in those final chapters, but what a cliffhanger!
Can't wait for more!
"Sorry, little bird, but now I've found you, I'm never letting you go"
"What? I licked her, so she's mine"
"I may be the one behind bars, but you're in a cage too, my little flame. I wish you could see what we see"
Review of advance copy
I was so not prepared for this book to end! I need more....yesterday! If Wren's start with her brother doesn't make you feel violent... I have questions. I knew based on the teasers that I would love these guys, but I wasn't ready for just how much. Sly, Jagger, Dex, and Pete all have such big and different personalities, and they are all so incredible in how much they care about and for Wren. The story follows Wren and her guys as they finally unite after accidentally becoming penpals. Both Wren and the guys were in cages of different kinds, and they all really needed each other. This is a slow burner, and it will make your heart hurt and happy in equal turns. I am so happy that Shona will only be making us wait a month for book 2, because I need to be back in their lives and story ASAP!
Read
January 11, 2026So good! If I hadn't had so sleep at one point, I probably would have read the book in one sitting! Loving the characters and their flow, going from sweet to psycho, great lines and some twists and turns - looking forward to book two!
Review of advance copy received from Author
♡ “I would burn the world for her even if I didn’t deserve her.” 🖊
At this point, Shona is firmly an auto-read author for me, and this book only solidified that status even more. First of all, Shona absolutely knows how to write a villain, because I hated this book’s antagonist with a fiery passion. Every time he appeared on the page, my blood pressure spiked, and I genuinely cannot wait to see him, and his little friends, get exactly what’s coming to them.
♡ “It didn’t mean I was okay with anybody else touching them, either. Did that make me crazy? Maybe a little, but I didn’t care. They were a little crazy, too.” 🖊
Wren was such a sweet, compelling FMC, and I completely understood why the men were so fiercely protective of her. At the same time, it was incredibly satisfying to watch her begin to discover who she is outside of the walls she was trapped within for her entire life. I loved that each of the guys played a role in that journey in their own unique way, helping her grow without ever pushing her beyond what she was ready for.
🖊 “She didn’t just worm her way into my heart; she jumped in with both feet and redecorated the place.” ♡
The MMCs themselves were a standout. It’s rare for me to genuinely struggle to pick a favorite, but they were all so well written and distinct that none of them faded into the background. Their care for Wren, and for one another, felt authentic and deeply earned. I also really appreciated that this story leaned fully into a slow burn. Given Wren’s past, anything faster would’ve felt unrealistic, and the fact that her comfort and safety were always the top priority added such a wholesome undercurrent to the romance.
♡ “Psycho, broken…it didn’t really matter, as long as I was hers.” 🖊
There’s a constant sense of mystery threading through the story; how did the men escape, did they have help, and what’s really been happening behind the scenes? Watching those questions slowly unravel was incredibly engaging, and the eventual reveal at the end genuinely caught me off guard. I loved how Shona structured the story like an intricate map, gradually filling in details as you move forward. Wren being instrumental in piecing together parts of that mystery, despite her limited real-world experience, was especially satisfying and really highlighted just how brilliant and essential she is to what comes next.
🖊 “Does that make me queen of this mountain?” ♡
What impressed me most was how the book managed to focus so heavily on character growth and relationship development without sacrificing plot or momentum. Everything felt intentional and well balanced. And that cliffhanger? Absolutely brutal. I am beyond relieved that book two releases next month, and book three the month after, because if I had to wait any longer, I’d be inconsolable.
Spice: 1/5
Tropes:
🖊 RH ♡
♡ Age Gap 🖊
🖊 Inexperienced FMC ♡
♡ Touch Her & ☠️ 🖊
🖊 “I don’t need you to say a word. I just need you.” ♡
🖊 ---ARC Review--- ♡
At this point, Shona is firmly an auto-read author for me, and this book only solidified that status even more. First of all, Shona absolutely knows how to write a villain, because I hated this book’s antagonist with a fiery passion. Every time he appeared on the page, my blood pressure spiked, and I genuinely cannot wait to see him, and his little friends, get exactly what’s coming to them.
♡ “It didn’t mean I was okay with anybody else touching them, either. Did that make me crazy? Maybe a little, but I didn’t care. They were a little crazy, too.” 🖊
Wren was such a sweet, compelling FMC, and I completely understood why the men were so fiercely protective of her. At the same time, it was incredibly satisfying to watch her begin to discover who she is outside of the walls she was trapped within for her entire life. I loved that each of the guys played a role in that journey in their own unique way, helping her grow without ever pushing her beyond what she was ready for.
🖊 “She didn’t just worm her way into my heart; she jumped in with both feet and redecorated the place.” ♡
The MMCs themselves were a standout. It’s rare for me to genuinely struggle to pick a favorite, but they were all so well written and distinct that none of them faded into the background. Their care for Wren, and for one another, felt authentic and deeply earned. I also really appreciated that this story leaned fully into a slow burn. Given Wren’s past, anything faster would’ve felt unrealistic, and the fact that her comfort and safety were always the top priority added such a wholesome undercurrent to the romance.
♡ “Psycho, broken…it didn’t really matter, as long as I was hers.” 🖊
There’s a constant sense of mystery threading through the story; how did the men escape, did they have help, and what’s really been happening behind the scenes? Watching those questions slowly unravel was incredibly engaging, and the eventual reveal at the end genuinely caught me off guard. I loved how Shona structured the story like an intricate map, gradually filling in details as you move forward. Wren being instrumental in piecing together parts of that mystery, despite her limited real-world experience, was especially satisfying and really highlighted just how brilliant and essential she is to what comes next.
🖊 “Does that make me queen of this mountain?” ♡
♡ “You’ll always be my queen, whether you’ve got me on my back or between your legs.” 🖊
What impressed me most was how the book managed to focus so heavily on character growth and relationship development without sacrificing plot or momentum. Everything felt intentional and well balanced. And that cliffhanger? Absolutely brutal. I am beyond relieved that book two releases next month, and book three the month after, because if I had to wait any longer, I’d be inconsolable.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spice: 1/5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tropes:
🖊 RH ♡
♡ Age Gap 🖊
🖊 Inexperienced FMC ♡
♡ Touch Her & ☠️ 🖊
🖊 “I don’t need you to say a word. I just need you.” ♡
Review of advance copy received from Author
My Prison Penapals it he first book of The Undertakers, a dark themed contemporary why choose romance. I received an advance review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author for my eArc.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Why choose (mfmmm)
✨Naive but smart FMC
✨Prior psychological abu$e and grooming
✨Mute MMC
✨Hurt/comfort
✨Forced proximity
✨Age gap
✨Touch her and die
Rating: 5/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Nicknames: Little bird, Tiny flame, Angel
The Lovely: This book had me all over the place in the best possible way - revulsion at the FMC’s brother, trepidation and then adoration of the MMCs and absolute anxiety over the ending. This author consistently excels when it comes to hurt/comfort and FMCs in bad situations. I felt for not only the FMC but the MMCs as well and loved how the revelations surrounding the mystery were dropped gradually.
Recommendation: So that ending was *rough*. But, the good news is the author is going to rapid release the remaining two books in February and March, meaning only a short wait to find out what happens. If you like a contemporary why choose romance with darker themes and all the hurt/comfort moments, I think you would love this book.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Why choose (mfmmm)
✨Naive but smart FMC
✨Prior psychological abu$e and grooming
✨Mute MMC
✨Hurt/comfort
✨Forced proximity
✨Age gap
✨Touch her and die
Rating: 5/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Nicknames: Little bird, Tiny flame, Angel
The Lovely: This book had me all over the place in the best possible way - revulsion at the FMC’s brother, trepidation and then adoration of the MMCs and absolute anxiety over the ending. This author consistently excels when it comes to hurt/comfort and FMCs in bad situations. I felt for not only the FMC but the MMCs as well and loved how the revelations surrounding the mystery were dropped gradually.
Recommendation: So that ending was *rough*. But, the good news is the author is going to rapid release the remaining two books in February and March, meaning only a short wait to find out what happens. If you like a contemporary why choose romance with darker themes and all the hurt/comfort moments, I think you would love this book.
January 21, 2026
Dark RH Romance
Umm what?? Loved this! Wren has been unknowingly groom€d by her much older brother who has raised her since she was 5. She knows nothing of the real world and only lives to serve and keep him happy. Her only form of rebellion and comfort comes from 4 wrongly convicted inmates. In turn they are utterly obsessed with her. These MMCs did not know each other before becoming roommates 9 months ago.
She finally reaches her breaking point and runs….. and somehow they escape and finding their way to her. The take care of her, show her how the real world actually works and shows her all her ‘lessons’ from her brother were wrong and did not come from a place of love….. they also decided to give her lessons in other things that she has an interest in 😉.
This is a slow burn with low spice as the MMCs are all about consent and showing that’s not all they care about.
There’s a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Definitely kept me interested.
This was book 1 of 3 I can’t wait for the next book as this does end on a cliffhanger.
No cheating no OWD
* Hurt / Comfort
* Groom€d FMC
* Naive but Smart FMC
* Touch Her and ☠️
* Mute MMC
* Morally Grey MMCs
* Unh!nged & Obsessed MMCs
* Forced Proximity
Umm what?? Loved this! Wren has been unknowingly groom€d by her much older brother who has raised her since she was 5. She knows nothing of the real world and only lives to serve and keep him happy. Her only form of rebellion and comfort comes from 4 wrongly convicted inmates. In turn they are utterly obsessed with her. These MMCs did not know each other before becoming roommates 9 months ago.
She finally reaches her breaking point and runs….. and somehow they escape and finding their way to her. The take care of her, show her how the real world actually works and shows her all her ‘lessons’ from her brother were wrong and did not come from a place of love….. they also decided to give her lessons in other things that she has an interest in 😉.
This is a slow burn with low spice as the MMCs are all about consent and showing that’s not all they care about.
There’s a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Definitely kept me interested.
This was book 1 of 3 I can’t wait for the next book as this does end on a cliffhanger.
No cheating no OWD
* Hurt / Comfort
* Groom€d FMC
* Naive but Smart FMC
* Touch Her and ☠️
* Mute MMC
* Morally Grey MMCs
* Unh!nged & Obsessed MMCs
* Forced Proximity
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shona has quickly become one of my auto read authors. What I love is this book is definitely a slow burn, and it's a slow burn that makes sense. The FMC is very very sheltered to the point she is very naive about how the world works, relationships, etc. She only knows what her brother has told her. As she begins her relationship with her men, you are right there are she discovers that everything she's been told is a lie and you get to experience her firsts right with her. The men are all patient, kind and caring towards her. Yes, they want her, but never do they push. They help open her eyes to things. Things many people probably take for granted as just part of their normal day.
One of my favorite parts is the letters themselves. I love that those are included in the book. It gives the reader insight into how these relationships started. They also allowed Wren to be herself when she couldn't be at home. She could vocalize her thoughts and concerns on paper without feeling judged.
I'm definitely left wanting more after the cliffhanger at the end of the book. I cannot wait until February to continue their story.
One of my favorite parts is the letters themselves. I love that those are included in the book. It gives the reader insight into how these relationships started. They also allowed Wren to be herself when she couldn't be at home. She could vocalize her thoughts and concerns on paper without feeling judged.
I'm definitely left wanting more after the cliffhanger at the end of the book. I cannot wait until February to continue their story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Could not put this book down!
Listen, Shona Knight is a fantastic writer and has beautifully woven a few stories of many people, so it's no surprise that this book is another success. Knight provides readers with clever and well written breadcrumbs that lead to an exciting reveal. Additionally, the way she's written Wren to be both naive and incredibly bright is such a delicate balance, which Knight clearly has the earnestness to write.
I genuinely love these characters and how they evolve together, particularly with the way the MMCs handle the FMC with care. While this first book is low on spice, it's absolutely within character and makes complete sense with the story.
I seriously cannot wait for the next two books in this series as I'm eager for the group to find their happily ever after with lots of spice (because you know these men are gonna be filthy!!) and for the villain to get his due (because, truly, F that guy!)
Thank you for gifting me an advanced reader copy. Review reflective of my personal opinions
Listen, Shona Knight is a fantastic writer and has beautifully woven a few stories of many people, so it's no surprise that this book is another success. Knight provides readers with clever and well written breadcrumbs that lead to an exciting reveal. Additionally, the way she's written Wren to be both naive and incredibly bright is such a delicate balance, which Knight clearly has the earnestness to write.
I genuinely love these characters and how they evolve together, particularly with the way the MMCs handle the FMC with care. While this first book is low on spice, it's absolutely within character and makes complete sense with the story.
I seriously cannot wait for the next two books in this series as I'm eager for the group to find their happily ever after with lots of spice (because you know these men are gonna be filthy!!) and for the villain to get his due (because, truly, F that guy!)
Thank you for gifting me an advanced reader copy. Review reflective of my personal opinions
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great Shona Knight book! I loved everything about it.
I loved adorable and innocent Wren. Her finally being out in the world and experiencing life for the first time was the best. Sly, Jagger, Dex and Pete are my favorite. I love how obsessed they are with Wren. The constant back and forth of some of the guys trying to "corrupt" her vs the rest trying so hard to take it slow and protect her innocence was so fun to read. I thought the dynamic of the guys was so good. Even though they had only known eachother for the past nine months in prison it felt like they had known eachother their whole lives. They fought and teased eachother just like brothers and I loved it. They are adorably unhinged and I love them taking care of and protecting Wren.
I really liked the incorporation of the letters throughout the book that Wren and the guys wrote. I liked getting to read them and seeing how their connection began.
Overall I loved this book and can't wait for more of Wren and the guys in next books.
Thank you to the author Shona Knight for the eARC!
I loved adorable and innocent Wren. Her finally being out in the world and experiencing life for the first time was the best. Sly, Jagger, Dex and Pete are my favorite. I love how obsessed they are with Wren. The constant back and forth of some of the guys trying to "corrupt" her vs the rest trying so hard to take it slow and protect her innocence was so fun to read. I thought the dynamic of the guys was so good. Even though they had only known eachother for the past nine months in prison it felt like they had known eachother their whole lives. They fought and teased eachother just like brothers and I loved it. They are adorably unhinged and I love them taking care of and protecting Wren.
I really liked the incorporation of the letters throughout the book that Wren and the guys wrote. I liked getting to read them and seeing how their connection began.
Overall I loved this book and can't wait for more of Wren and the guys in next books.
Thank you to the author Shona Knight for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
💌 📭💌 📭Did y’all ever have a pen pal? Someone that it was easier to get to know because putting pen to paper to share your thoughts was less intimidating than having a face-to-face conversation? The things you can say are easier when writing than when face to face. The excitement of getting mail and/or wondering when the next letter would arrive? The relationships in this book were built on those letters!
People, I’m INVESTED! This was a great start to this trilogy. You know there is something wrong. You know things went too well and it was too easy. You KNOW there is something else going on, but you’re just not sure what the heck it is! The ending of book 1 (My Prison Penpals – Shona Knight) gives you a small clue. 🧩 I NEED MORE. I am very glad this is a rapid release trilogy and by the end of March all will be pieced together.
Oh..and if you want a peek into the letters that went back and forth between the FMC and MMC’s….check out the bonus content. 💌 📭💌 📭
People, I’m INVESTED! This was a great start to this trilogy. You know there is something wrong. You know things went too well and it was too easy. You KNOW there is something else going on, but you’re just not sure what the heck it is! The ending of book 1 (My Prison Penpals – Shona Knight) gives you a small clue. 🧩 I NEED MORE. I am very glad this is a rapid release trilogy and by the end of March all will be pieced together.
Oh..and if you want a peek into the letters that went back and forth between the FMC and MMC’s….check out the bonus content. 💌 📭💌 📭
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ok. This was just UGH! So amazing!
I absolutely fell in love with Wren and her guys so quickly! Poor naive Wren. She has so much to learn still. But with those four guys? I would love to be in that girls shoes.
What started as penpals turned into something so much more. The world building once again was so perfect, it was so easy to fall into the story. The characters are all so deep and learning about them as the story progresses was fantastic.
The whole plot line had me hooked so quickly. I didn’t want it to end. And boy the ending? You’ll have to read to find out but it was just…it leaves me wanting so much more.
Spice wise, what few spice scenes were there were pure perfection. Four peppers out of five.
Overall I absolutely LOVED this book and am chomping at the bit for the second one!
I absolutely fell in love with Wren and her guys so quickly! Poor naive Wren. She has so much to learn still. But with those four guys? I would love to be in that girls shoes.
What started as penpals turned into something so much more. The world building once again was so perfect, it was so easy to fall into the story. The characters are all so deep and learning about them as the story progresses was fantastic.
The whole plot line had me hooked so quickly. I didn’t want it to end. And boy the ending? You’ll have to read to find out but it was just…it leaves me wanting so much more.
Spice wise, what few spice scenes were there were pure perfection. Four peppers out of five.
Overall I absolutely LOVED this book and am chomping at the bit for the second one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wren is locked in a beautiful gilded cage, kept from the world and intentionally being groomed as the perfect wife by her brother. Pete, Dex, Sly, and Jagger are the four prison inmates she is secretly writing to. One night, Wren discovers an awful secret her brother is keeping and runs away. A set of mysterious circumstances lead to her men escaping prison. Will they find each other before its too late?
This was a fun and suspenseful read! I felt for poor Wren, as she was made to be so naive about the world. But her men? They were fierce and protective of her, and I loved how they each filled a role in keeping her safe and making her feel loved. That cliffhanger was killer, and I'm so excited for book two to find out what happens next!
I recommend this if you love FMCs that find their hidden strengths, and the protective, obsessive, and brutal men that love her.
This was a fun and suspenseful read! I felt for poor Wren, as she was made to be so naive about the world. But her men? They were fierce and protective of her, and I loved how they each filled a role in keeping her safe and making her feel loved. That cliffhanger was killer, and I'm so excited for book two to find out what happens next!
I recommend this if you love FMCs that find their hidden strengths, and the protective, obsessive, and brutal men that love her.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I first read the blurb, I knew this wanna gonna be a must read for me. Well, it was definitely worth it! The plot held me captive! I loved Wren and her men!
This book had secrets, betrayal, drama, and danger. There were also emotional moments, humor, and some spice.
I really liked Wren. She is definitely naive (not her fault), but she is very smart and sweet too. It was good to see her gain some confidence and start to discover who she is though. I loved each of her guys. The author does a great job, keeping them each unique.
I feel like a lot of the book was the developing relationships between Wren and the guys. Which I think was important.
Overall, I think this was a fantastic beginning to Wren's story! I cant wait for book 2!! That ending!!
This book had secrets, betrayal, drama, and danger. There were also emotional moments, humor, and some spice.
I really liked Wren. She is definitely naive (not her fault), but she is very smart and sweet too. It was good to see her gain some confidence and start to discover who she is though. I loved each of her guys. The author does a great job, keeping them each unique.
I feel like a lot of the book was the developing relationships between Wren and the guys. Which I think was important.
Overall, I think this was a fantastic beginning to Wren's story! I cant wait for book 2!! That ending!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shona Knight has DONE IT AGAIN 🤩
I am absolutely foaming at the mouth with my need for book 2 asap 🤯 Holy moly I believe that The Undertakers will quickly move to being my favorite Shona Knight series 💕
I absolutely love our FMC and every single MMC. Each MMC is so unique and it makes it so much fun. Our FMC Wren has already made progress in letting herself bloom and I absolutely love that. Can't wait for her brother to get what's coming 👊🏻🔪😅
The tension is absolutely panty melting 🫠 and killing me in the BEST way. I can't wait to continue watching everyone bond in the next books.
Thank you Shona for this ARC reading opportunity. I highly recommend starting the wild journey of The Undertakers by snagging My Prison Penpals 🖤 you won't regret it!
I am absolutely foaming at the mouth with my need for book 2 asap 🤯 Holy moly I believe that The Undertakers will quickly move to being my favorite Shona Knight series 💕
I absolutely love our FMC and every single MMC. Each MMC is so unique and it makes it so much fun. Our FMC Wren has already made progress in letting herself bloom and I absolutely love that. Can't wait for her brother to get what's coming 👊🏻🔪😅
The tension is absolutely panty melting 🫠 and killing me in the BEST way. I can't wait to continue watching everyone bond in the next books.
Thank you Shona for this ARC reading opportunity. I highly recommend starting the wild journey of The Undertakers by snagging My Prison Penpals 🖤 you won't regret it!
January 16, 2026
Well, I absolutely loved this and devoured it. Wren, such a sweet, kind and naive but such an intelligent person. I have to say so far Jagger is my fave, and love the fact Wren learned ASL for him which made him feel more connected with the group. Dex and Peter seem similar in personality, golden retriever like but Pete is the more unhinged one which we love😂 Dex reading a book on love and courting is so sweet and him wanting to give Wren flowers🥹 Sly seems so mysterious at the moment but is the ultimate protector. Shona; you are so cruel leaving us there on that cliffy😂 Cannot wait for the second and third instalments to this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Her letters are their lifeline – now they'll stop at nothing to shield and protect her"
Meeting the beautifully sweet, naive wren you immediately just like our FMC, she has been what she perceives as protected, never questioning her brother's actions. But he has been grooming her, she is never allowed to leave the house. She is sheltered and believes him and his rules for her, but Wren has one secret, just one that's all her own. She has penpals 4 prison penpals she has been writing to.
Literally best to go in with not much else.
Our 4 MMCs are all so uniquely different, I love them all. And I am shattered and excited at that cliffhanger ending...
Meeting the beautifully sweet, naive wren you immediately just like our FMC, she has been what she perceives as protected, never questioning her brother's actions. But he has been grooming her, she is never allowed to leave the house. She is sheltered and believes him and his rules for her, but Wren has one secret, just one that's all her own. She has penpals 4 prison penpals she has been writing to.
Literally best to go in with not much else.
Our 4 MMCs are all so uniquely different, I love them all. And I am shattered and excited at that cliffhanger ending...
Review of advance copy received from Author
WELP… I’m sad, excited, and frustrated!🤣
This story follows Wren who is kept in a “pretty cage” for all of her life. Her guys… they are in a different kind of cage.🫣
They wrote to each other by accident but became each others lights in their dark days!💖
Wren found out a truth about what her brother was planning and goes on the run… this is when the story truly got going for me!
On the run and trying to evade her brother as well as the awful possibilities of that life!
The cliffhanger is 🫣😅
I need book 2 like NOW!!! Please SHONA😘🤣
This story follows Wren who is kept in a “pretty cage” for all of her life. Her guys… they are in a different kind of cage.🫣
They wrote to each other by accident but became each others lights in their dark days!💖
Wren found out a truth about what her brother was planning and goes on the run… this is when the story truly got going for me!
On the run and trying to evade her brother as well as the awful possibilities of that life!
The cliffhanger is 🫣😅
I need book 2 like NOW!!! Please SHONA😘🤣
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG! I knew I would love this book but I didn't know I would be so obsessed that I couldn't put it down. I'm not sure that there are words to describe how amazing this book is. Wren is just so sweet around her men and that she isn't sure of the world. But reading her learn it all through her men. Oh boy! And her men are just spice and everything not so nice. I am jelly!
It leaves on a cliffhanger. But man I can not wait for book 2.
It leaves on a cliffhanger. But man I can not wait for book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely devour anything Shona writes! Her writing is amazing, so easy to read, and she blends trauma with humour and attractions beautifully. All her characters always have great personalities, and yes, I would visit any of her worlds anytime. Even though I love spice, I always appreciate how nothing is rushed, but it builds with tension and trust. That ending went with a bang, and I can't wait to read more of Wren's story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great book from Shona Knight. This is a newer to me author, but every book so far has been 5 stars. I love how every mmc has their own personality in the RH. My favorite theme of the book is pen pals, especially prison penpals. There is also hints of mafia in the series as well. I also enjoyed how the fmc is naive and the guys help guide her through life after escaping her brother. It does end on a cliffhanger and I can not wait for book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
All Wren knows is to act a certain way, dress a certain way, and to take care of her brother because that’s what she is supposed to do. Her only source of communication outside of her home is writing letters to her pen pals Sly, Pete, Jagger, and Dex who are also inmates.
This book was such a good time and Shona sure knows how to write some swoonworthy heroes who are only gentle for their girl.
Reverse harem
Touch her and 💀
Mute MMC
Possessive heroes
Thank you for the arc!
This book was such a good time and Shona sure knows how to write some swoonworthy heroes who are only gentle for their girl.
Reverse harem
Touch her and 💀
Mute MMC
Possessive heroes
Thank you for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shona Knight um beautiful you did it again! You never disappoint with any of your books at all! You made me fall in love with your book! It’s definitely 5 stars! I love enjoying your books to the fullest 🥹🫶🏻 I can’t wait until the next book Shona! 🥰
Review of advance copy
My Prison Penpals (The Undertakers Book 1) By :Shona Knight. This was an interesting twist Wren was raised by her brother. Her Penpal Pete, Sly, Jagger, Dex and then there is Elias. Wren is so innocent and yet very brave . A great story
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