What do you think?
Rate this book
The Undertakers #1
My Prison Penpals
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.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
1308 people are currently reading
1393 people want to read
About the author
Shona Knight
21 books357 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!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
February 2, 2026
First of all - I am so very sorry for this rant. Please forgive me.
⭐️⭐️ (2 stars, and I’m being generous because I was aroused against my will)
My Prison Penpals by Shona Knight
This book is a chaotic fever dream written by someone who decided rules—grammar, logic, character development—are a suggestion, not a requirement.
First of all: the plot holes.
Not holes. Sinkholes. Full-on geological disasters. You could lose a small village in these plot gaps. Things happen with ZERO explanation, consequences evaporate into thin air, and logic is apparently serving a life sentence without parole. I stopped asking why halfway through because the book clearly did not care.
Now let’s talk about the FMC, because oh my god.
She does not read like an adult woman. She reads like a confused, impulsive child who wandered into a prison romance by accident. And yes, of course I understand why she is this way. But, still... Her reactions are immature, her thought process is baffling, and her emotional regulation is nonexistent. At times it was genuinely uncomfortable—like ma’am, please grow a frontal lobe before engaging in this level of sexual chaos.
And THE WRITING.
WHO approved the past tense / present tense mashup???
The POV jumps and tense switches had me questioning my own literacy. One paragraph I’m in the past, the next I’m in the present, and by the end I’m dissociating. It’s not stylistic. It’s not edgy. It’s confusing as hell and reads like the manuscript forgot what tense it woke up in that morning.
And yet.
AND YET.
The spice is illegal. The chemistry has no business going this hard in a book that otherwise feels like it was duct-taped together at 3 a.m. The vibes are filthy. The attraction is unearned but effective. I was rolling my eyes while actively sweating. Furious. Aroused. Conflicted. A personal attack.
This book is:
Poorly written ❌
Structurally unhinged ❌
Emotionally shallow ❌
Logically offensive ❌
Disturbingly hot ✅
I hated it.
I kept reading it.
I finished it with regrets and questions.
Two stars because it failed as a novel but succeeded as chaotic horny nonsense. If you’re here for plot, run. If you’re here for mess, confusion, and “why am I like this” energy—welcome to prison, babe. 🔥🔒
Would I recommend it?
No.
Would I read something this feral again?
Unfortunately… yes. 😩
⭐️⭐️ (2 stars, and I’m being generous because I was aroused against my will)
My Prison Penpals by Shona Knight
This book is a chaotic fever dream written by someone who decided rules—grammar, logic, character development—are a suggestion, not a requirement.
First of all: the plot holes.
Not holes. Sinkholes. Full-on geological disasters. You could lose a small village in these plot gaps. Things happen with ZERO explanation, consequences evaporate into thin air, and logic is apparently serving a life sentence without parole. I stopped asking why halfway through because the book clearly did not care.
Now let’s talk about the FMC, because oh my god.
She does not read like an adult woman. She reads like a confused, impulsive child who wandered into a prison romance by accident. And yes, of course I understand why she is this way. But, still... Her reactions are immature, her thought process is baffling, and her emotional regulation is nonexistent. At times it was genuinely uncomfortable—like ma’am, please grow a frontal lobe before engaging in this level of sexual chaos.
And THE WRITING.
WHO approved the past tense / present tense mashup???
The POV jumps and tense switches had me questioning my own literacy. One paragraph I’m in the past, the next I’m in the present, and by the end I’m dissociating. It’s not stylistic. It’s not edgy. It’s confusing as hell and reads like the manuscript forgot what tense it woke up in that morning.
And yet.
AND YET.
The spice is illegal. The chemistry has no business going this hard in a book that otherwise feels like it was duct-taped together at 3 a.m. The vibes are filthy. The attraction is unearned but effective. I was rolling my eyes while actively sweating. Furious. Aroused. Conflicted. A personal attack.
This book is:
Poorly written ❌
Structurally unhinged ❌
Emotionally shallow ❌
Logically offensive ❌
Disturbingly hot ✅
I hated it.
I kept reading it.
I finished it with regrets and questions.
Two stars because it failed as a novel but succeeded as chaotic horny nonsense. If you’re here for plot, run. If you’re here for mess, confusion, and “why am I like this” energy—welcome to prison, babe. 🔥🔒
Would I recommend it?
No.
Would I read something this feral again?
Unfortunately… yes. 😩
February 3, 2026
i should’ve held back when i saw only the first book was out 😭 well at least the sequels come out within a month of each other thank god
January 30, 2026
Look, I really wanted to love this, but it just wasn't very good. The characters are almost cartoonishly one dimensional, wren is TSTL and the guys (who are supposed to be 30+ year old hardened killers) are basic, obsessed with her and find her out of nowhere.... I was expecting more gritty realism and romance, but this is so over the top and unrealistic it made my eyes roll.
SLIGHT SPOILERS BELOW!
- The story follows our heroine Wren who is basically a martian. she's been raised since she was little by her brother who controlled every aspect of her life and she knows nothing about how the real world operates. she manages to find out that her brother is going to sell her off to a Russian mobster for guns (through finding a ridiculous and vague note mind you). So she steals his cash and escapes the house. again..... she's supposed to be basically brainwashed for the last 20 years or so but she leaves with no issues and acclimates to life on the run REAL quick.
- seriously.... a creepy old Russian man with a beard, who loves ballet, is in the mob and traffics guns, called Ivan? is everything a cliche cardboard cutout of a character?
- wren gets on a bus, flees town with a sack full of money and goes somewhere she knows nothing about. she makes friends, people are kind and like her and boom, she meets a bad guy who almost rapes her.
- conveniently, SOMEONE LEFT THE DOOR OPEN on the same day her pen palls get her letter and they escape jail. (are u kidding me). She's been writing to a bunch of strangers for a while (and her brother who controls everything never found out lol?). she's developed a surface level friendship with them and that's that.
- the guys are... interesting. they are all super jacked, hot and totally obsessed with her in a single minded way. you're telling me 4 super hot felons are so obsessed with a bland girl they've never met that they go on the run, find her in a small town and stop her rapist RIGHT as it's going to happen. they don't have much personality aside from being hot either.
- oh and she RECOGNIZES them??? men she's never met or seen described etc. but when they save her she knows it's them AND can successfully identify each one.
- at this point my eyes were rolled super far back but I kept reading. I was hoping for some good smut but even that is kind of bland and boring.
Wren is just TSTL and NEVER grows beyond that boring, naive, wide eyed, needs to be protected-princess vibe and ugh. I really think this book would have been amazing with Jagger and her ONLY tbh. the other guys are just basic, unfleshed out fuck boys imo.
look if you're looking for realism and gritty dark romance, you're not going to get that here
SLIGHT SPOILERS BELOW!
- The story follows our heroine Wren who is basically a martian. she's been raised since she was little by her brother who controlled every aspect of her life and she knows nothing about how the real world operates. she manages to find out that her brother is going to sell her off to a Russian mobster for guns (through finding a ridiculous and vague note mind you). So she steals his cash and escapes the house. again..... she's supposed to be basically brainwashed for the last 20 years or so but she leaves with no issues and acclimates to life on the run REAL quick.
- seriously.... a creepy old Russian man with a beard, who loves ballet, is in the mob and traffics guns, called Ivan? is everything a cliche cardboard cutout of a character?
- wren gets on a bus, flees town with a sack full of money and goes somewhere she knows nothing about. she makes friends, people are kind and like her and boom, she meets a bad guy who almost rapes her.
- conveniently, SOMEONE LEFT THE DOOR OPEN on the same day her pen palls get her letter and they escape jail. (are u kidding me). She's been writing to a bunch of strangers for a while (and her brother who controls everything never found out lol?). she's developed a surface level friendship with them and that's that.
- the guys are... interesting. they are all super jacked, hot and totally obsessed with her in a single minded way. you're telling me 4 super hot felons are so obsessed with a bland girl they've never met that they go on the run, find her in a small town and stop her rapist RIGHT as it's going to happen. they don't have much personality aside from being hot either.
- oh and she RECOGNIZES them??? men she's never met or seen described etc. but when they save her she knows it's them AND can successfully identify each one.
- at this point my eyes were rolled super far back but I kept reading. I was hoping for some good smut but even that is kind of bland and boring.
Wren is just TSTL and NEVER grows beyond that boring, naive, wide eyed, needs to be protected-princess vibe and ugh. I really think this book would have been amazing with Jagger and her ONLY tbh. the other guys are just basic, unfleshed out fuck boys imo.
look if you're looking for realism and gritty dark romance, you're not going to get that here
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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 27, 2026
"𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞. 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐈 𝐦𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐢𝐟 𝐬𝐡𝐞’𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐞."
i will eat up any book that has letter writing in it. so when Shona Knight announced this series and it was about The Undertakers which have been mentioned in her other contemporary series, i was even more excited. i liked that this book actually seems like a prequel to the other stories, bc the guys have not been established as a group. they all come together in prison separately without knowing each other and then stay together for our fmc, Wren, who starts (accidentally) writing to them. sometime i like seeing a group come together for the fmc and work out their dynamics and what roles each will play in their group/family.
“𝐈’𝐝 𝐝𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐦𝐞.”
i will say that this fmc is VERY naive. she’s been groomed by her older brother to be the perfect wife and obey and she’s been isolated her entire life so knows nothing else. so you start to see her unpacking and unlearning all these habits which have been engrained in her her entire life. you do get glimpses of potential of her being unhinged like her men, so i am excited to see Wren’s development.
the book does leave off on a cliffhanger and right before that a big reveal, so i am even more like, WHAT IS HAPPENING. i can’t wait to see what happens next and how they get out of the mess they’re all in.
thank you Shona Knight for an e-ARC of 𝑴𝒚 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝑷𝒆𝒏𝒑𝒂𝒍𝒔💜💌
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
MFMMM, 1st person multi-POV, contemporary
26 fmc / 30 mmc / 31 mmc / 35 mmc / 39 mmc
virgin fmc, unhinged golden retriever mmc, soft only for her mmc, dom mmc, mute mmc, age gap, forced proximity, cliffhanger, 1st book in trilogy
i will eat up any book that has letter writing in it. so when Shona Knight announced this series and it was about The Undertakers which have been mentioned in her other contemporary series, i was even more excited. i liked that this book actually seems like a prequel to the other stories, bc the guys have not been established as a group. they all come together in prison separately without knowing each other and then stay together for our fmc, Wren, who starts (accidentally) writing to them. sometime i like seeing a group come together for the fmc and work out their dynamics and what roles each will play in their group/family.
“𝐈’𝐝 𝐝𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐦𝐞.”
i will say that this fmc is VERY naive. she’s been groomed by her older brother to be the perfect wife and obey and she’s been isolated her entire life so knows nothing else. so you start to see her unpacking and unlearning all these habits which have been engrained in her her entire life. you do get glimpses of potential of her being unhinged like her men, so i am excited to see Wren’s development.
the book does leave off on a cliffhanger and right before that a big reveal, so i am even more like, WHAT IS HAPPENING. i can’t wait to see what happens next and how they get out of the mess they’re all in.
thank you Shona Knight for an e-ARC of 𝑴𝒚 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝑷𝒆𝒏𝒑𝒂𝒍𝒔💜💌
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
MFMMM, 1st person multi-POV, contemporary
26 fmc / 30 mmc / 31 mmc / 35 mmc / 39 mmc
virgin fmc, unhinged golden retriever mmc, soft only for her mmc, dom mmc, mute mmc, age gap, forced proximity, cliffhanger, 1st book in trilogy
February 7, 2026
the only reason this isn’t five stars is because she said “dios mio” every five seconds and it really annoyed 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!!
February 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Okay this was super fun read to me, and the only reason it’s a full 5 stars its because it absolutely criminal and cruel to me as a reader that Jagger only had one ONE chapter in his point of view I waited for so long for it and it wasn’t enough really I need all of their point of view evenly distributed throughout the book!
Anyways I absolutely adore the FMC she might be a little naive but it’s because of what she went through and it was stuff each character’s backstory was hard and I can’t wait to learn more about them.
And like the FMC I can’t choose between the MMCs and that’s the point they are all unique in their own way and each character has their own quirks and great qualities and personalities that I absolutely adore!
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Okay this was super fun read to me, and the only reason it’s a full 5 stars its because it absolutely criminal and cruel to me as a reader that Jagger only had one ONE chapter in his point of view I waited for so long for it and it wasn’t enough really I need all of their point of view evenly distributed throughout the book!
Anyways I absolutely adore the FMC she might be a little naive but it’s because of what she went through and it was stuff each character’s backstory was hard and I can’t wait to learn more about them.
And like the FMC I can’t choose between the MMCs and that’s the point they are all unique in their own way and each character has their own quirks and great qualities and personalities that I absolutely adore!
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 27, 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!
February 2, 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!
February 5, 2026
Pretty standard for Shona's books. Abused, sheltered, and naive girl meets overprotective scary men. Everything felt pretty convenient but might read the next one.
February 10, 2026
Why choose/ virgin FMC/ MFM/ MFMM/ MMFMM/ age gap/ slow burn/ forced proximity/ touch her and die/ mafia/ morally gray MMCs/ found family/ no OW drama/ no third act breakup/ cliffhanger
Trigger warning: murder/ death of a loved one/ grooming/ psychological abuse/ SA/ attempted r*pe/ violence/ torture/ kidnapping
This book was so good. The fugitive aspect was interesting and each of the characters seemed different enough to keep the story enjoyable. The author wrote the MMCs to be over the top and protective yet they don’t feel overbearing at all. I think their “touch her and die” mentality was endearing and I can’t wait to see where their story goes from here.
Trigger warning: murder/ death of a loved one/ grooming/ psychological abuse/ SA/ attempted r*pe/ violence/ torture/ kidnapping
This book was so good. The fugitive aspect was interesting and each of the characters seemed different enough to keep the story enjoyable. The author wrote the MMCs to be over the top and protective yet they don’t feel overbearing at all. I think their “touch her and die” mentality was endearing and I can’t wait to see where their story goes from here.
February 7, 2026
3.5 stars — rounded up because it was addicting.
I was going through a massive reading slump and needed something easy to read that would pull me back in. This book was perfect for that purpose.
The story follows our FMC, Wren, who has been groomed her entire life to be the perfect wife. Her brother keeps her captive under the guise of being protective and caring—and it couldn’t be further from the truth. He’s told her that women can’t eat certain things, can’t work, can’t wear pants, and an infinite amount of other crap. She’s 26 years old, and after their parents were murdered when they were teens, she’s been kept completely under his thumb ever since. She’s not allowed to go outside or meet new people, apart from her brother’s guards and associates.
Her life takes a turn when one day she starts sending letters—supposedly to kids in an orphanage—after being encouraged by her brother to get pen pals. The letters she writes are actually sent to a prison, where she begins corresponding with our MMCs: Sly, Pete, Jagger, and Dex. She finds out who they really are but still wants to keep talking, stealing their heart as letters are exchanged. They are by no means saints, but they were sent to prison for crimes they didn’t commit.
I’ll be completely honest here: the four of them blurred together for me, and I couldn’t really pinpoint their individual personalities until almost the end of the book. I did have a special interest in Jagger—his way with words was beautiful. He can’t speak, but his gentle and poetic communication was really captivating. Out of the four, I think Pete and Dex blended together the most.
Their journey truly begins when Wren has to run away, and they find out through the last letter she sends them.
I can’t say much more without getting into spoilers, but it was a really enjoyable read and definitely pulled me out of my reading slump.
Because of her upbringing, the FMC is extremely naive, so the reader does need to be patient and understanding. And yes—she is really naive. That said, the guys are gentle with her and do their best to explain the world without overwhelming her. I loved how sweet she was. I think I’m currently in the mood for genuinely kind FMCs. It’s been a while since I read one who wasn’t fierce and strong, and this felt refreshing.
What to expect
Naive and sweet FMC who has been lied to her entire life
4 MMCs who are possessive, extremely protective, and in love with the FMC
Virgin FMC
No OW/OM drama
Mafia elements (the MMCs aren’t mafia, but the plot includes mafia-related violence)
Ends on a cliffhanger
Spice level 🌶🌶 (2/5) — it will definitely escalate in the next book
I was going through a massive reading slump and needed something easy to read that would pull me back in. This book was perfect for that purpose.
The story follows our FMC, Wren, who has been groomed her entire life to be the perfect wife. Her brother keeps her captive under the guise of being protective and caring—and it couldn’t be further from the truth. He’s told her that women can’t eat certain things, can’t work, can’t wear pants, and an infinite amount of other crap. She’s 26 years old, and after their parents were murdered when they were teens, she’s been kept completely under his thumb ever since. She’s not allowed to go outside or meet new people, apart from her brother’s guards and associates.
Her life takes a turn when one day she starts sending letters—supposedly to kids in an orphanage—after being encouraged by her brother to get pen pals. The letters she writes are actually sent to a prison, where she begins corresponding with our MMCs: Sly, Pete, Jagger, and Dex. She finds out who they really are but still wants to keep talking, stealing their heart as letters are exchanged. They are by no means saints, but they were sent to prison for crimes they didn’t commit.
I’ll be completely honest here: the four of them blurred together for me, and I couldn’t really pinpoint their individual personalities until almost the end of the book. I did have a special interest in Jagger—his way with words was beautiful. He can’t speak, but his gentle and poetic communication was really captivating. Out of the four, I think Pete and Dex blended together the most.
Their journey truly begins when Wren has to run away, and they find out through the last letter she sends them.
I can’t say much more without getting into spoilers, but it was a really enjoyable read and definitely pulled me out of my reading slump.
Because of her upbringing, the FMC is extremely naive, so the reader does need to be patient and understanding. And yes—she is really naive. That said, the guys are gentle with her and do their best to explain the world without overwhelming her. I loved how sweet she was. I think I’m currently in the mood for genuinely kind FMCs. It’s been a while since I read one who wasn’t fierce and strong, and this felt refreshing.
What to expect
Naive and sweet FMC who has been lied to her entire life
4 MMCs who are possessive, extremely protective, and in love with the FMC
Virgin FMC
No OW/OM drama
Mafia elements (the MMCs aren’t mafia, but the plot includes mafia-related violence)
Ends on a cliffhanger
Spice level 🌶🌶 (2/5) — it will definitely escalate in the next book
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
February 6, 2026
Author- Shona knight
Stars- 4 🌟
Spice - 🌶️ 0/🌶️
Would I recommend- yes if you enjoy more then one MMC
I approached this book with a fair amount of scepticism. The title led me to expect little more than gratuitous smut and a predictable fantasy of hardened men from prison orbiting a soft-spoken, fragile girl. While the story does lean into some of those tropes, I was genuinely—and pleasantly—surprised by how much more substance it offered beneath the surface.
The FMC, Wren, is profoundly sheltered, having been shaped and constrained by years of psychological abuse inflicted by her older brother. This upbringing fractures her sense of self, and that tension is powerfully reflected in her inner monologue. What she thinks, what she wants to say, and what she is actually allowed to express exist in constant conflict. That disconnect—between silence and suppressed defiance—creates a striking juxtaposition between her yearning for autonomy and the invisible cage she has been forced to live in.
What I loved most was witnessing Wren slowly reclaim her voice. Watching her stand up for herself and begin to experience the world as it truly is for women—raw, imperfect, and unfiltered—felt deeply satisfying. It starkly contrasts the rigid, fear-driven restrictions her brother imposed, and her growth feels earned rather than convenient.
The MMCs serve as deliberate contrasts to one another, each embodying a different aesthetic and emotional presence that appeals to the female gaze. Their distinct personalities and styles are shaped by their own histories of trauma, and those shared wounds are what ultimately bind them to Wren. Rather than feeling interchangeable, each character adds a different layer to her journey, reinforcing her transformation rather than overshadowing it.
Overall, I was completely hooked. This was the kind of book I couldn’t put down—I finished it in a single day. That said, certain sections did begin to drag, particularly during the repeated moments of stopping and hiding, which dulled the pacing. I also felt the initial rescue early in the story lacked the shock and intensity it deserved; the moment could have benefited from a stronger sense of climax and urgency.
Still, for what this book sets out to be, it delivers. Despite its flaws, it was an engaging, emotionally charged read that exceeded my expectations.
March 4, 2026
At this point I've spent almost as much time trying to write this review as I did reading this book. I cannot put my thoughts into words without me feeling like I am using run on sentences to describe an abstract thought or feeling like I'm being too harsh.
So here are a few facts:
* dnf page 184
* "my brain hurts" (translation "there is something indescribablely wrong about the writing that pulls me out of the story and makes it difficult to read." AKA "I'm too focused on the actual reading to focus on the story.")
* fmc is to stupid to live. I get she'd was groomed and all so she would understand basics, but not be on the same page as someone living an average life. And yet
* mmcs all sound the same. If you just black out the names, any of them could be the pov character in their chapters.
* not a huge fan of the whole virgin fmc and experienced mmcs trope as it is, but there is an added gross factor to it when she is groomed to a certain way that makes this a not for me trope. (I didn't get to any smutty scenes so idk how they are handles, but I decided I don't want to get to those scenes.)
So here are a few facts:
* dnf page 184
* "my brain hurts" (translation "there is something indescribablely wrong about the writing that pulls me out of the story and makes it difficult to read." AKA "I'm too focused on the actual reading to focus on the story.")
* fmc is to stupid to live. I get she'd was groomed and all so she would understand basics, but not be on the same page as someone living an average life. And yet
* mmcs all sound the same. If you just black out the names, any of them could be the pov character in their chapters.
* not a huge fan of the whole virgin fmc and experienced mmcs trope as it is, but there is an added gross factor to it when she is groomed to a certain way that makes this a not for me trope. (I didn't get to any smutty scenes so idk how they are handles, but I decided I don't want to get to those scenes.)
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"
February 26, 2026
Although it isn't my favourite it is still a very good book that I recommend! She's with her brother who's grooming her to become the perfect wife for a mafia boss (that she doesn't know about..yet), she just assumes oh "woman can't wear pants" "woman can't eat certain foods" etc etc and she begins to write to who she thinks are foster kids. Turns out they're actually prison inmates, who as soon as they receive their first letter from her they become obsessed with her. Eventually, she writes to them she has to leave, bc she just found out about the marriage and wtv that's planned for her, and they're all like omg we have to help her this cannot happen. So, they all literally break out of prison for her and eventually find her and begin to go on the run together. They treat her as though she is the most delicate and precious person ever; it's honestly adorable how these men can go from stone cold, large, scary men to sweet little teddy bears for her. I def recommend this!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2026
3.75 ⭐️’s. While this book was good, I wish it had more spice but that’s just a personal preference. By the ending of the book, it seems they may be adding a 5th guy to the harem and while I love that her best friend is back and he helped them, I think 5 is a bit too much and hate that he came in at the very end. I could be totally wrong and he’s not apart of the harem but the vibes are vibing lol. I will be reading book 2 & 3 to see how it all plays out and ends. Hopefully Wren’s brother gets what’s coming to him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2026
That Cliffhanger!
*SPOILERS*
-
-
-
-
-
I knew it was Elias who helped them as soon as we found out about her best friend being a man. I’m in love with this story! I love the direction it’s going. I love how all of the men are obsessed with her. I’m so hoping she never ends up back in her brother’s clutches but something tells me it’s not gonna be easy for her.
5/5 ⭐️
*SPOILERS*
-
-
-
-
-
I knew it was Elias who helped them as soon as we found out about her best friend being a man. I’m in love with this story! I love the direction it’s going. I love how all of the men are obsessed with her. I’m so hoping she never ends up back in her brother’s clutches but something tells me it’s not gonna be easy for her.
5/5 ⭐️
February 5, 2026
MFMMM. Virgin fmc/non virgin mmcs(no history)
Wren: (26/Raven haired/fmc) Sweetheart.
Sylvester/Sly: (Raven haired/mmc) Grumpy.
Peter/Pete: (30/blonde/mmc) Crazy golden retriever.
Dexter/Dex: (brunette/mmc) Unhinged sweetheart.
Jason/Jagger: (39/brunette/mmc) Mute. Intense.
Wren: (26/Raven haired/fmc) Sweetheart.
Sylvester/Sly: (Raven haired/mmc) Grumpy.
Peter/Pete: (30/blonde/mmc) Crazy golden retriever.
Dexter/Dex: (brunette/mmc) Unhinged sweetheart.
Jason/Jagger: (39/brunette/mmc) Mute. Intense.
March 18, 2026
The amount of completely coincidental things that happened in their favor bothered enough that I DNF’d pretty early.
You mean the prison just so happened to magically unlock when you needed to leave. A car just so happened to be where you escaped from prison. The destination on the GPS just happened to be where she was.
You mean the prison just so happened to magically unlock when you needed to leave. A car just so happened to be where you escaped from prison. The destination on the GPS just happened to be where she was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2026
2.5 Stars
January 27, 2026
Dios mio! Shona has outdone herself with this one
Long story short, Wren has lived a very sheltered life being raised by her brother since the age of 5.
He basically groomed her to be this obedient, naive woman.
She ended up writing to 4 convicts instead of kids in foster care. Dex, Sly, Jagger, and Pete.
These men were sent to prison for something they didn’t do.
This story may have some predictability but it still captures your attention from page one. I love to dynamic between Wren and her guys. The way they are teaching her about life. Everything her brother taught her was a lie. Ex. Women are only allowed to wear dresses.
Wren is finding out who she really is thanks to her guys.
I can’t wait for book 2. It left off in a cliffhanger and I desperately need to know what happens next.
Long story short, Wren has lived a very sheltered life being raised by her brother since the age of 5.
He basically groomed her to be this obedient, naive woman.
She ended up writing to 4 convicts instead of kids in foster care. Dex, Sly, Jagger, and Pete.
These men were sent to prison for something they didn’t do.
This story may have some predictability but it still captures your attention from page one. I love to dynamic between Wren and her guys. The way they are teaching her about life. Everything her brother taught her was a lie. Ex. Women are only allowed to wear dresses.
Wren is finding out who she really is thanks to her guys.
I can’t wait for book 2. It left off in a cliffhanger and I desperately need to know what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2026
Yes ma’am. I really liked this book, it was so yes, but a little bit cringe to be honest with y’all. Also what the heck kinda name is Pete, PETE! For a hot, blond Pete was not doing for me what it should have been doing. Other than that I’m ok.
February 11, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. I received it as an arc and almost didn’t read it because of an unexpected loss in my family. I’m so glad I did though. It got me out of my head and made me laugh, cry, throw a couple things imagining it hitting her brother lol.
This book is a little on the darker edge but there are moments that are so full of light and sweetness it’s hard to remember the trauma that lives in the fmc.
The fmc is naive, sweet, definitely got some hidden street smarts in there. She reminds me of another fmc, Lilah, who is my all time favourite comfort character. It made me love wren even more.
Her men on the other hand are a perfect blend of hot, chaotic and possessive. The holy trinity of fictional men in my opinion. I love them I want to punch them I want to do all sorts of things and that’s all I’m going to say on that subject.
The ending is a cliffhanger and I need a lot of answers and things to happen that I’m hoping will be sorted in the next book. I can’t wait to read it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️/5
This book is a little on the darker edge but there are moments that are so full of light and sweetness it’s hard to remember the trauma that lives in the fmc.
The fmc is naive, sweet, definitely got some hidden street smarts in there. She reminds me of another fmc, Lilah, who is my all time favourite comfort character. It made me love wren even more.
Her men on the other hand are a perfect blend of hot, chaotic and possessive. The holy trinity of fictional men in my opinion. I love them I want to punch them I want to do all sorts of things and that’s all I’m going to say on that subject.
The ending is a cliffhanger and I need a lot of answers and things to happen that I’m hoping will be sorted in the next book. I can’t wait to read it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
Unputdownable. I feel like that is the best way to describe how much My Prison Penpals by Shona Knight is while reading. From the very beginning, when we meet Wren, you'll be hooked. Seeing how she was raised & how she's being treated will easily have you wishing you could jump into the book to hit some people! Due to a twist of fate, Wren becomes Penpals with some inmates who easily become obsessed with her. I love the banter with Sly, Dex, Pete, and Jagger. Their dynamics are ones you have to read for yourself, but trust me, you aren't going to want to miss this adventure. This book ends on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to read book 2 to see what will happen next.
February 15, 2026
what just happened?
This book is so incredibly unrealistic I couldn’t finish it. The FMC is way too naive for my liking. The prison “escape” was a joke….actually made me laugh. Would not recommend in a million years. Don’t waste your time.
This book is so incredibly unrealistic I couldn’t finish it. The FMC is way too naive for my liking. The prison “escape” was a joke….actually made me laugh. Would not recommend in a million years. Don’t waste your time.
January 27, 2026
So 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!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews