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Hidden In The Shadows

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“I want to be that for you. Xara, I’m your man. The only thing you should have to worry about is opening your eyes in the morning. I’m supposed to have you for all the rest.”

For Mike Huang, the only redemption he’s ever been granted for every sinister thing he’s done in his life is his wife, Xara Merritt.

Years ago, he and Xara escaped their small town with nothing but their dreams and each other.
Now, they’re happily married, their passion burns hotter than ever, and he and Xara feel like they’re ready to become a family of three.

So far, his personal and private lives have remained separate, and he’s been able to avoid retaliation falling back onto Xara for the darkest of his deeds.

But then the Sarayev clan puts a bounty on his head and a red dot on the back of his skull.
A clan he cares nothing about...until they take a knife to his wife's face.

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 2, 2022

168 people are currently reading
111 people want to read

About the author

K. Alex Walker

34 books556 followers

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5 stars
378 (70%)
4 stars
125 (23%)
3 stars
30 (5%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for LovelyLady Fox.
204 reviews4 followers
September 21, 2022
Let me just reiterate, this series is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.

MIKE is a F*cking maniac😝😝. Why did Mosvar think it was ok to even look at Xara🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️(that is all I am saying, you have to read it to know.) #IYKYK

I read a reviewer wrote something to the fact that this series can be a television series and that person is 100% correct.

I am glad I started this series late because if I had read it when it initially was published I would be pissed to wait until next year for JOEL & AYESHA’s story. (Since 2023 is a few months away I am good to wait.)
504 reviews6 followers
August 16, 2022
Very good........

I love these books. They are so in depth about each character. The only thing is that you write about each character in depth in each book, then you write their own story. Gio is still crazy. An innocent man can even look at Mo or he will loose his mind and kill them. I love Mike and Xara. As a matter of fact, they are all wonderful couples. The wives are awesome in their understanding of their husbands' job. This was a very good book. Keep cranking them out!!!
Profile Image for Tracy - loves to read .
1,013 reviews
October 3, 2022
I didn’t expect to get so emotional

I thought I couldn’t handle Pozza’s story but Joel and Esh connecting despite suffering losses had me cutting onions. Mike is a badass of epic proportions! His and Xara’s story was so heart wrenching and now that they’re together a psycho can’t take the word no.
Mos was a sick man who needed to be dealt with instead of coddled and having his sins wiped away by his family. He was a sexual predator and deviant who had very little remorse for his actions. He set his sights on the wrong one tho because none of the crew played about their women and Mike definitely was not the exception.
Xara and Mike were a tight unit and they just needed something to make them complete. Can’t wait for Joel and Ayeesha 2nd chance at love.
I enjoyed this read!
Profile Image for G.
256 reviews
October 17, 2025
Tropes
♡ Touch Her And ☠️
♡ Dark Romance

Overall:
Mike and Xara try for a baby while Xara is unsolicitedly pursued by Mosvar, who is part of the last remaining Chechen Republic teip.

Feels:
Gray

Season:
Autumn

What I enjoyed:
- It's clear through his actions that Mike is loyal to his friends and wife before all else, including his own well-being.
- The foreshadowing for Joel and Ayesha was too cute - her kids love Joel, and he's there to support her and the kids no matter what.

What I didn’t enjoy:
- The beginning "woe-is-me, I'm a monster" is a tired trope.
- The dialogue between Xara and Mike about planning for a baby was repetitive.
- What even happened to Mary? 😅

Favorite quotes:
"You told me that a lot of Black women feel like they're Atlas. You're expected to hold everything up and hold it together, but you also want to be able to rely on someone. Be taken care of. Be loved and treas- ured and desired. I want to be that for you. Xara, I'm your man. The only thing you should have to worry about is opening your eyes in the morning. I'm supposed to have you for all the rest." - Mike

"I mean, everyone already knows my dad's you know, but I figured, since you're here and if I'm being honest, I think you'd make a great dad...' He swallowed. 'I was wondering if you'd be my 'dad for the day.'" - Josiah

"Now that Joel's here, he makes it easier to breathe," Xara finished, "You had this whole life planned, and in that life, you had to control everything. Be everything. And, for years, it's what you had to be. It was just the three of you, and the boys need you, especially Theo. Then, someone comes along and has the audacity to carry you when you can't walk anymore, without a complaint."

Mike pinned Tracy with a glare. "First off, Joe isn't into the fake, ignorant, arrogant, thirsty-ass fuck-and-forget them types. Next, you sat here and insulted a woman he obviously cares about if he signed up as her son's father for this event What the fuck makes you think he'd want you after that? Leave the 'mean girl' shit in high school where it belongs. Lastly, my wife and Eesh as sweet as they are, won't tell you to fuck off. Me, I have no such problem. Fuck off. And don't take
me the wrong way. I'm just sayin'."

Current ranking as book bfs:
1 Gio
2 Mike
3 Julien
4 Dez
5 Gage

On a related note: I'm still mad at Kindle Unlimited for not allowing me to download all the books in this series - it let me download #1-4, 6 and 7 but not 5 or 8! So now I can't rate Mike or Joel fairly. 😂
1 review
August 10, 2022
Wheww Chile!!!

This whole series is Afreaknmazinggggg!!
I read these books in 4 days!!! I literally could not wait to see what happens next lol. Yhe author has done an amazing job with weaving these stories together. I like how they all give a back story. To know where and how they all came to be. Its almost like writing it backwards to see how they all came together as a familu, but forward at the same time to see how they all end up happy ((with all the other stuff goin on in the background)). I normally don't like series as much as I used to, but this right here...Hawt Damn!! Considering I read Doms book first by this author lol was a surprise to see him even. Great job and kudos!! Keep them comin love!!
Profile Image for Nock Leighton.
373 reviews9 followers
March 29, 2023
Another good one from Ms Walker! I love that you’re feeling the family connection between the teams and she’s managed to keep all their personalities separate but still loveable. Something I’ve noticed a lot of authors struggle with when writing a series. I’m hoping the next book with focus on Curtis/ayesha and Joel/Sydney past to present. This book was 70% xara/Mike and 30% Joel/Ayesha and also introduced Dominic solokov from the brotherhood series (a must read). Love love love interlinking series as well
Profile Image for Victoria Ziglor-smith.
780 reviews5 followers
November 24, 2023
Love 💕 it

These stories can make me smile all day, especially a good one like this series.
Finally came across one I haven’t read yet. It’s like you’re hearing a story about someone you know or family. For Xara to be to target, and the difficult of getting pregnant for the sister that can be very stressful. The love that Xara & Mike, and all the others is priceless.
I remember when my daughter and her husband were trying to have a baby. Also because of an infection, my daughter had got when she was 18, dropped the chance of her being able to get pregnant. For some reason this infection attack her body 3 times, and each time it lowered her chances. The thing is my sister gave her a cleanses my daughter became pregnant a month later. What’s especially funny is after she had her baby, she didn’t use protection and she didn’t get pregnant again until my sister gave her another cleanse. We laughed over that after we figured it out after baby number 3.
But I really enjoyed this and I see some new people have been added, so if there’s a story for Dom & his brother Dimitri then I’m going to have to re-read this series to get reacquainted with the series.
This is a very good read that you are going to want to read over and over.
854 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2022
Hidden In The Shadows

Every aspect of an engaging read to devour…

Schools, children, proud parents, principal’s office, manipulation, atonement, delusional circumstances, suited men, birthday parties, obsessive behavior, revenge, relocated to unknown residence, cages, phone tangled in covers, missions, last-minute adjustments, perceived betrayal, unexpected guardian angel, pregnancy tests, sonograms, plot of destruction, and finally family bringing a loved one home…

Mike & Xara are #marriage commitments…
Profile Image for Yvonne Daniels.
2,702 reviews22 followers
September 30, 2023
So Enjoyable

WOW this is a amazing story! One that you will definitely enjoy. There is so much excitement with such awesome characters, they have such great chemistry. It's funny, thrilling and very passionate with parts that will bring tears to your eyes along with their drama element, but there is a lot of laughter and it's one thing I enjoyed the most! What I enjoyed is the time spent with all of the couples their relationships are so beautiful and enjoyable Overall this is a five star romance which l greatly enjoyed and I'm excited about the next story.
1,018 reviews17 followers
August 3, 2022
Really enjoyed it

The book was fun. Although it really was about 2 couples it’s fun than Xara got inducted into the family with the right of passage. The only reason I dropped a star is because the ending left some loose ends. Such as are they all living in Sweden, and hat is Mary’s real relationship with the doctor ? How are they planning to walk away from the « lifestyle « ?
I’m looking forward to the next book as I really love Aysha and Joel’s relationship.
37 reviews
August 13, 2022
The story I didn’t know I was waiting for

I have loved every story in this series. I have a thing for these strong pseudopsycho men and the women they absolutely adore. Mike and Xara got me so deep in my feelings not just because of what they were going through, but how they refused to let any of their setbacks destroy the love between them. When I tell you I was fighting back tears! Now if Joel can just get his act together….
67 reviews
December 13, 2022
I mean....

We all knew it was going to be good. Didn't disappoint. Adore this crew and all of the Angels and Assassin's book. I also like the acknowledgement of the pain and mental anguish they are in. I like it a lot. Acknowledging the crazy makes the stories that much more enjoyable.

I hope they have all bowed out of their Assassin-ey ways for good.

.. except Mo and Gio. I think they need to go ahead and keep killing things FOR their mental health.
286 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2023
I love these books!

I can't wait until the next book. I love Joel and aya story thrown in to the mix. But Xara and Mich story had me almost crying what all the two them been through and still went through just to be together. This was a beautiful story , we all got to wait until October to get why Aya 's husband was kill and why team omega want team alpha gone. All I can say is keep reading. Happy reading 😋.
Profile Image for Colee Porter.
1,144 reviews26 followers
May 12, 2023
No words - speechless

There are no words to describe how amazing this book is. Mike and Xara’s love is the best love story. It was so magical and beautiful. It was real and hard to watch.

I love the group of guys in this series is really amazing. The love that they have for each other is overwhelming.

I am eager for more. I am looking forward to reading about Joel, in book 8.

Happy reading and wine drinking.
Profile Image for Alisa.
1,509 reviews9 followers
December 28, 2023
Perfect

I love this series and all of the characters. This book didn't exclusively focus on one couple, which made it a bit different from the previous books. Instead, this one tells a story that very nicely includes all of the couples and does it so well that the family vibe comes through loud and clear. Of there's lots of action, excitement, and some serious steam because this group couldn't have a story told any other way. Love it!
279 reviews
November 29, 2024
Mike was a warrior, and yet, she was the one bringing him to his knees.

I can’t say enough about this whole series! I love Mike and his team. The women are loyal, down for their men and sexy with it. The men are crazy gorgeous alpha’s with a kill you first then ask questions type personality lol. I love them all and their dominating ways, how they throw it down in the bedroom… or out of it.
Profile Image for Caroline.
128 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2022
Awesome Read!

This book was just so much fun! I loved how Mike and Xara really know each other and lean on each other. Theirs is a great love story. It's always good to catch up with the rest of the crew. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. And, I hope Dom and Dimitri get their own spin off books with stories from the Bratva.
1 review
August 8, 2022
Action adventure romance and erotica

Love this book love this series. Her character craft is top tier bar none. Multi-faceted. The relationships and storylines in this series keep you wanting more. The first book of Mike and Zara was my favorite but somehow K. Alex Walker made me love this one just as much.
294 reviews
August 14, 2022
Part of a great series

Great to catch up with Cars and Mike. Even better that they now have the longer for child. All the couples in the series are great. Clarke and Dez are well suited and one of my favourite couples along with Gage and Tayler. Also loved Zara and Mike. Looking forward to Joel and Ayesha own book story. Solid read.
Profile Image for Betty.
587 reviews
November 21, 2022
Mike & Xara, perfect together!

This was a fascinating extension to the story of Mike and Xara! It was nice to get an update on all of the Alpha Group members! They truly were a team that stuck together and an attack on one was like an attack on All! Because All were in it together to defend against any attack! Also, great to see the beginning of the romance between Joel and Ayesha and to meet Dominik and Dimitri, who fell for Sydney! Enjoyed this travel through their lives! 🤗
551 reviews
November 27, 2022
Outstanding

This will keep you on edge of your seat. There is intense love making and lots of "the bad" guys blood. The characters are intense, strong ,A little over the top regarding the women they love. The book is fast moving and there is a strong and powerful family dynamics. Overall an awesome read.
471 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2022
Mike and Xara

I didn't think this couple could get any more perfect. I love the two of them. I especially love the dark and crazy ass Mike. They way he's so all in with his love for Cars is so amazing. This particular book kept me on edge for most of the book, I loved it!
I'm anxious to see more about them and now I'm invested in Ayesha and Joel. I love those two as well!
Profile Image for Rita .
1,675 reviews
September 14, 2023
Loved it

Aside from Gio being by far my favorite, Mike takes a cool second. I love all the couples and their kids, not sure about this Sydney chick. She doesn’t belong. Mosarv was crazy. Loved Dominik, he fits the dynamic. Will there be more stories? I have cried and laughed my a$$ off. Definitely recommend this series.
Profile Image for Cydella.
48 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2023
Another one

Great read had me feeling all kind of emotions reading this book. Love the family unity and everything this book had to offer. Another one I could not put down unless I really had to even then I had to back into the story just to know what was happening next. Love this author.
4 reviews
February 10, 2024
Another Great Read

Another great book in this series! I always hesitate to read/finish a book in the series because I’m afraid that there won’t be another one to follow. I have resolved within myself that I will HAVE TO reread the series again…just to be sure I didn’t miss anything. I do truly love this series.
107 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2024
This is my first book from this author and I really enjoyed it. It's been a while since a book had me holding my breath.

I haven't read the other books in the series yet, but I was able to follow well enough without knowing the backgrounds of the characters. I look forward to reading the other books in the series, especially the one about Gio. I love me a psycho. Lol
138 reviews
August 29, 2024
Family…

Oh my goodness, this book was so good! I love every emotion that was evoked in me. It had all my favorite characters in it. I like the way they were mentioned throughout the book. It was often, instead of just one or two times. I loved the adventure, the suspense and the passion that Mike and Xara. Awesome book! Can’t wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Dudi.
409 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2025
Another winner!!! This was Mike’s and Xara’s love story. It was interesting, funny at some times, and endearing. I don’t think this counts as a spoiler but the reader can always count on someone being kidnapped/abducted in this series. It’s always enjoyable to read about and catch up with all of the members of Team Alpha.
348 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2022
I LOVE this series and I couldn't put this book down. I fell in love with Mike. For such a passionate guy he can be a cold SOB when you cross his family, especially Xara. I'm looking forward to keeping up with them and all the other couples in the next book.
92 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2022
Not a fan of this one

Xara is tiresome. And naive. Sorry but she is. She is very much aware of Mike's lifestyle. And her utter naivety that the whole thing with Mos would just go away is irksome.
I was more interested in the other characters like Gage and Joel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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