Shadow: A Forbidden, Friends to Lovers MC Romance

by Kate Bonham

Blurb to come...

Friends to Lovers, MC Romance, Dark Romance, Forbidden Romance, Mentor's Daughter

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2026

About the author

Kate grew up in Western Sydney, in Australia, and remains there today. She has always loved the written word, being influenced by the likes of Edgar Allan Poe, JR Ward and Anne Rice, she ventured into writing at a young age.

Finally taking the plunge in 2016 and publishing for the first time. Ever since, she’s been trying to bring the worlds she’s created in her head to the page for everyone else to enjoy as much as she does.

When she’s not writing, she’s looking after her bevvy of pets including snakes, lizards, axolotls, birds, a turtle and a dog with her husband Kyle.

Reviews

[Kayla Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

SCREAMING. CRYING. BANGING MY HEAD AGAINST A WALL.

I freaking LOVED this book.
Shadow and Savanna had me feeling every possible emotion. Did I spend half the book wanting to grab them both by the shoulders and bang their heads together until they communicated properly? Absolutely.
But watching them work through everything, fight for each other, and finally sort their shit out made every frustrating, heart wrenching moment worth it.

The tension? Incredible.
The chemistry? Perfection.
My sanity? Gone.

I laughed, I swooned, I suffered, and I loved every second of it.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m sitting here desperately needing Chaos’s book immediately because I am NOT okay and I need more. Right. Now.

5⭐️ A million stars. All the stars

[Cris Campisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow by Kate Bonham is the third book in the Shackled Sons MC: Sydney Chapter series, and it delivers another gripping, emotional ride.

Shadow and Savanna share a complicated history, having known each other since they were teenagers. The chemistry and unresolved feelings between them leap off the page, making every interaction feel charged with emotion. Their path to happiness is anything but straightforward, with plenty of obstacles standing in their way. To make matters even more complicated, Savanna is keeping secrets from the people who love her most, and watching those truths slowly come to light adds another layer of tension to the story.

This is another flash of brilliance from Kate Bonham. She has a real talent for creating strong, character-driven stories that unfold at the perfect pace, balancing romance, emotion, and suspense with ease. Every chapter leaves you wanting just one more.

An easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read. If you're a fan of MC romance with history, heart, and plenty of emotional tension, you won't want to miss this one.

[caitys.booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

2026:

"Only she could make the beast inside of me quieten."

This book hit me in the feels so many times!
What is it about the way Kate writes her bikers that constantly has my heart in knots?!
Throughout this story, my heart bled for Shadow and Savanna - losing out on 20 years together when they always loved each other - a true friends to lovers story!

"I wanted my happy ever after, and that was only ever going to be with Shadow."

Savanna is my favourite Ol' Lady that Kate has written thus far - she is so strong willed and confident. Her willingness to be there for Shadow no matter where he is in his life or who he is with at the time, is everything.

Shadow is incredible. How can you not love a man, broken as he is, who will be there in seconds to defend you and make sure you're safe! The way in which he wants to protect Savanna, not only from the world, but also from himself...I just can't even with how much I adore him.

This book had me in a chokehold before slam dunking me into a reading slump. It was fantastic and I wish I could read it over for the first time, just to feel the feels all over again!

"You don’t need permission to be with the man you love. You just need to love him as much as he loves you."

[Maureen Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Shadow by Kate Bonham was an enjoyable read with a writing style that flowed effortlessly from beginning to end.

That said, while I liked this book, I didn’t quite love it. Savanna and Emerson often came across as much younger than their actual ages, and at times their immaturity made it difficult for me to fully connect with them. There was also a lot of focus on their physical attraction to one another, horny as f$$k, which sometimes felt repetitive. I found there was a lot of pushing between them and not enough pulling, making their journey toward a relationship feel more frustrating than compelling at times.

I wanted them to end up together, but I never formed the emotional connection with the couple that I was hoping for. Additionally, the storyline involving Savanna’s time in Melbourne didn’t entirely ring true for me and took me out of the story on occasion.

Overall, this is a very readable book with strong writing, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me emotionally.

Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kirsten Eliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has me completely invested from the start. The banter between Shadow and Savanna was so good, and I absolutely loved how protective Shadow was. Twenty years of pining, forbidden feelings, secrets, and danger? Sign me up.

There were moments where I genuinely questioned whether we were getting a HEA, and a few silent tears escaped along the way. My heart was hurting for these two more than once.

Savanna is determined, brave, and willing to risk everything, while Shadow is the ultimate protective book boyfriend who would do anything for the woman he loves.

A rollercoaster of emotions with plenty of angst, action, and heart. By the end, my heart was full and I was happy with how their story played out.

And Kate… you are an absolute queen 👑 Every time I pick up one of your books, I know I’m about to be emotionally wrecked in the best possible way. I love your writing, I love your characters, and I already can’t wait for the Chaos that comes next

[Angiee.Fallenpages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate is back with the Shackled Sons and as per usual she does not disappoint!
I was hooked from the start - “adopted” siblings who long for each other - yes please sir!

Shadow has been part of the family since he was a teen
Him and Savannah have been best friends for that long but it’s always been forbidden. Savannahs always had a boyfriend…but what if she doesn’t?

Savannah is making decisions she knows will cause chaos but chooses them anyways, it’s time to bring down her ex…but at what cost!

All it takes is one phonecall and all bets are off!
This book is full of angst and longing, it will keep you on your toes and have you guessing! Kate will push you off the edge and maybe catch you right before fall…🤭
But no matter how often she does it - I will ALWAYS come back
I cannot wait for this series to keep going ;)
And trust me - neither can you!

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This installment of Shackled Sons MC just wasn't my favorite. Shadow and Savanna frustrated me to no end. I kept hoping for an aha moment that never came. I truly feel these 2 don't belong together.

We never really quite understand what Savanna was doing as a "civilian" undercover whatever for law enforcement and then she was just done. Shadow is just fighting a against himself in keeping her at a distance. Let's not forget about Pope and his confusing advice to both of them. I just felt like there was so unnecessary start and stops to their relationship. These MC guys have no problem hooking up or even marrying woman other than the ones they really love because they don't want to put them at risk but they have no problem doing that to some unsuspecting other woman.

I love this MC but unfortunately this book just wasn't for me.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
The third installment in the Shackled Sons MC is Shadow/Emerson and Savannas story.

This is a family friend to lovers with a lot of pining.

I was a little frustrated with the couple and also Pope, he was puzzling for someone who usually gives sound advice. I never quite understood Savanna going undercover and would have loved a bit more of Shadows background, he was a cop, he was married a couple of times but we only get brief glimpses of those. Becoming a cop with a background in underground fighting and MC ties seems an odd choice?

Once they decided to finally come together, it was still a struggle but they love hard.
I loved that Emerson was able to connect with his family, especially the connection to his Indigenous heritage. There was brief mention of the struggle he faced with that side of himself and the conflicts he faced but it was done respectfully.

It was a decent read, I just felt it left me with some questions that i couldn't quite figure out. I do enjoy the overall series, getting glimpses of the previous couples still going strong.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great addition to the Shackled Sons MC and I like that previous couples were included in the story.

Now, the relationship between Shadow and Savanna was fraught with so much frustration, that there were times I wanted to knock their noodles. If felt like a real relationship with all the insecurities, indecision, and inability to just commit to the relationship and work it out. I understood that Shadow's past played a big part in why he vacillated between going for it and then backing off and wanting to put distance between him and Savanna. You are a big bad biker dude, act like it and claim your woman.

And I like how it ended, once he was all in, for real, there was so stopping him from making her his old lady and wife. Swoon. 💍🤵🏼‍♂️👰🏼

[Hannah Garrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** ARC REVIEW FOR SHADOW!!! ****

FORBIDDEN ROMANCE DID YOU SAY!!!!

Yessssss !

I really enjoyed this book! It has a lot of realistic elements to the story and what happens in the novel!

I would absolutely recommend! Shadow is certainly a do now ask for forgiveness later type of guy! He is working through a lot and we can read all about it in the book with all that’s happened in his life!

That bonus scene was gold I loved it!

Definitely a 5 out of 5

Spicy scenes 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️

Tropes!
Best friends to lovers
Forbidden romance
He would burn the world for her
Protectiveness
Betrayal - keeping secrets
They calm each other! His the darkness to she’s the sunshine! 🌞

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Shackled Sons MC

Although the story was really good, I didn’t quite feel the main characters ‘energy’

The story begins ‘19yrs ago’ and starts the connection between Emerson & Savannah…..then the ‘now’ story begins

Emerson ‘Shadow’ has always felt like he’s not ‘enough’ and we see him in his role of ‘enforcer’ for the Shackled Sons

Savannah, ends up needing help, but how will Shadow feel about her once he sees her????

As I say, the story is really good and leads to som many other ‘officers’ that will get their turn, but I just didn’t feel that these characters ‘gelled’ as well as the others in this series

[Jodi S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome instalment of the Shackled Sons MC: Sydney series.
Shadow battles his inner demons believing he will never be good enough for his beloved Savanna.
She has kept secrets from him thinking it's for his protection but almost destroyed everything in the process.
The back & forth struggle between attraction and mental self destruction keeps you enthralled waiting to see what will happen next.
I won't give away any spoilers but I may have shed a tear or two towards the end.
Keep 'em coming Kate! Waiting with baited breath for Book 4

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars. Shadow's past weighed heavily on him and made it hard for him to believe the truth in front of him. He was loyal to the club and protective of Savanna, and didn't have a great hold on his anger, though he had a way to let it out. Savanna was intelligent though she had her secrets related to her abusive boyfriend. I loved how she tried to fight back to be trusting. With a lot of ups and downs, doubts and love, these two struggled to move beyond the chemistry of their long-overdue connection. I enjoyd the story.

I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Donna M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shadow and Savanna's story was good, but I had a hard time getting over the constant "road blocks" of life they found themselves dealing with.

It's a beautiful love story; Shadow has always loved Savanna, Savanna is trying to get away and take down her x.

Strong female characters are always appealing and appreciated!
Shadow deals with constant feelings of inadequacy, interesting from a male perspective as many women deal with imposter syndrome.

I recommend you read this one, it's a great addition to the Shackled Sons MC series

[Ann L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to have your heart absolutely ripped out, stamped on, and handed back to you in pieces. Honestly, this isn't just a romance, it’s a total emotional onslaught.

The sheer, agonising weight of twenty years of suffocating longing, combined with the looming dread of a secret that could destroy them both? It’s a beautiful torture. I was a sobbing wreck by the end of it, screaming at the pages as their Shadow and Savanna’s world hangs in the balance.

This is an absolute triumph of angst and devotion that will leave you utterly breathless.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow & Savanna's story had me invested from the very beginning!

The heat simmering just under the surface for all of their adult lives as the universe kept putting up obstacles and getting in the way of their happily ever after.

So much of their lives were wasted fighting against the inevitable. But once they gave in to their desires, Shadow was prepared to set the world on fire to get his girl!

[Jodie Mihas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

Shadow and Savanna have known each other for 20 years, Shadow as part of the family,as best friends and they have pined for each other the whole time but never did anything about their attraction. Savanna wants to bring down her ex without anyone knowing what she’s doing Shadow just wants Savanna. Lots of action,angst,secrets, danger,off the charts chemistry,tension and above all lots of love. Do yourself a favour and read this book,series and author ❤️🖤

[Vivien R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this romantic suspense MC story. Shadow and Savanna have both had a thing for each other for many years but for certain reasons they think the other is off limits. Savanna decides to take matters into her own hands regarding a problem ex and puts herself in great danger. I love how protective Shadow is, he not about to let the woman he loves be harmed. I enjoyed the push and pulled between these two and the suspense parts of the plot was really entertaining, good story.

[Wendy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an excellent read, I absolutely loved Shadow and Savanna’s story ❤️❤️❤️ although they were a bit frustrating getting to the point of a true relationship lol 😂 I wanted to bang their heads together a few times. A definite page turner and very entertaining. 100% recommend this book to everyone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ you will not be disappointed 😎🖤

[Patricia Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way that Savanna's character was in this story. Both her and Shadow were a train wreck but they survived through it all. With the odds against them this couple made their way through the trouble that came to their door.
5 star rating. I loved everything about this book. Please can we see a book for Chaos???

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow is book 3 in the Shackled Sons MC, Sydney Chapter series and is Shadow and Savanna's journey. From start to finish this book had me feeling everything. Shadow and Savanna lost so much time together and experienced so much heartache and I felt all of it right along with them. Their journey is absolutely fantastic and completely consuming. Most definitely a must read!

[Rhian Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chemistry in this book is off the charts, I felt every emotion with shadow and savannah while also wanting to shake them both at times, this is an amazing book and cant wait to see what happens next with the rest of the series.

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the romantic suspense feel to this story, Savanna is such a badass and Emerson deserves all the goodness in life. Getting more of his backstory was heartbreaking but beautiful at the same time! And I have to say, I’m hoping for a book about Silvana!! I adored this book!

[beautiful A Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate never disappoints ! She’s back with another banger of a book that makes you feel all the emotions and the plot is equally just as good. If you love Motorcycles and a story that builds from childhood this ones for you

[valley_girl_36]

Emotional read. This book tugged at my heart strings. One of the cruelest things in life is time and losing time from being with who you love. This book was an easy read but it certainly poked at lots of my feelings and I can say I’m glad I have found this writer, I definitely want more.

[LuAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, this was my first book by Kate Bonham and I will be reading more. I enjoy MC romance books, and this was one that held my attention.

[Ros · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Paige Davila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow/Emerson and Savannah's story. Best friends to Lovers. These 2 fight their attraction to each other and have since they were young and Savannah's dad took Emerson in. I wanted to really knock their heads together but we get there in the end! Can't recommend this read enough!

[Bonnie Mancuso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate brings us another fantastic addition to the Shackled Sons MC series with Shadow's story. He and Savanna have been best friends ever since her dad took him in when he was younger. Even though they fought their attraction to one another through the years, everyone around them could see it. What happens when these two finally decide to act on their feelings? You'll definitely want to read their story to find out. There's plenty to keep you on your toes as Kate holds you captive from the very start. You're gonna love it.

[Hannah Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing MC story by Kate. The yearning between the two main characters was top notch and made me yearn for their sort of love.

The plot twists in this series is so well writtennand come totally unexpected. But these bikers need to stop stuffing up with some audacity.

The sexual scenes as usual are top tier and amazingly well written. Can't wait for the next instalment!