Taming the Alpha

by Tina Moss

Caitlin Spring wants nothing more than to become a doctor, but as she completes her junior year of pre-med and prepares for an intensive summer of studying, her grandfather’s unexpected death turns all her well laid plans to dust. She’s devastated over the loss and shocked to find that he’s left her his life’s work—ownership of the Spring Wildlife Sanctuary.

When Caitlin treks to the wide expanse of the Montana sanctuary, she’s forced to confront the domineering ways of her childhood crush, the alpha werewolf her grandfather left in charge, Jake Stone. As an eight-year-old who’d lost her parents in a tragic accident, Jake had seemed like a knight in shining armor, ready to slay her nightmares.

Fourteen years later, he’s grown into a devil-be-damned, sexy as hell dream. But, although the years may have turned his princely looks into matured ruggedness, he’s become deeply protective of the sanctuary and suspicious of any outsider interference, including Caitlin.

Now, as the sanctuary debt mounts, Caitlin must make the difficult decision to uphold her grandfather’s legacy and breakthrough the walls Jake’s erected around his lone wolf heart or let it all go to follow her life’s dream of medicine—alone.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

256 pages, Paperback

Published July 16, 2023

About the author

Tina Moss is a USA Today Bestselling Author of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and sci-fi romance. She lives in NYC with a supportive husband and corgi Bear, though both the males hog the bed and refuse to share the covers. Her corgi Chuck now lives in her heart. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching cheesy horror flicks, and traveling. As a 5’1″ Shotokan black belt, she firmly believes that fierce things come in small packages.

Be sure to follow Tina across social media for the latest on book releases, sales, and fun at smarturl.it/tinamosslinks

Reviews

[Jessica Lyman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book through a GoodReads giveaway. I found there to be a lot of repetitive wording. Conflicts were rushed through and not fleshed out.

[Katelyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and ThunderMark for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

1 🌟

Caitlin was 8 years old when she became an orphan, forcing her grandfather to take her in. Jake is a werewolf her grandfather also took in is 10 years older than her. She cares for him deeply and when she admits her feelings to him and he rejects her she flees the Sanctuary. 5 years later she gets a call from a hospital in Montana, something has happened to her grandpa and she has to go back home. When she returns to the sanctuary, she discovers financial trouble and she's the sole inheritor who has been tasked with selling off the property or fixing the damage and saving her grandather's legacy.

I didn't feel connected with the characters, with the plot or the story. I was bored, this felt like Wattpad.

I'm probably going to catch hate for this but whatever. There are times where you can tell it's an indie author (by the lack of experience/poor writing) and then there are times where you can't tell and it's AMAZING. I could tell this was an indie author and that was disappointing. Not that I could write any better.

The other biggest issue was that it kept bouncing back and forth between past and present and you just couldn't tell where you were in the story.

That's all I have to say on the matter. I always finish books but this would should've been a DNF. This will probably put me back into a reading slump, that's how much I hated this book.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.

This was such an engaging and entertaining read that pulled me in right from the start. Taming the Alpha delivers a story full of tension, chemistry, and emotional moments.

One of the highlights for me was the dynamic between the main characters. There’s a strong push and pull from the beginning, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop over time. The chemistry was undeniable, and the banter added a fun layer that made their interactions feel natural and engaging. Caitlin just wants what is best for her grandfather's sanctuary as well as what is best for her, she thought leaving this place was best for but the more that she is there she is reminded of all the things she loved about this place and seeing Jake here all the time isn’t too bad. Jake is now ready to open up to Caitlin and explain why he said everything he did years ago, but he fears that she might not want to hear him out.

I also appreciated the emotional depth woven into the story. While there’s plenty of intensity and romance, there are also moments that explore vulnerability, trust, and personal growth. Watching the characters navigate their struggles and slowly open up to each other added a meaningful layer to the overall story.

The pacing worked well, balancing lighter moments with more emotional and intense scenes. It kept the story moving without feeling rushed, and I found myself wanting to keep reading to see how everything would unfold. Overall, Taming the Alpha is a fun, emotional, and engaging romance with strong chemistry and character-driven moments. If you enjoy alpha dynamics, tension-filled relationships, and stories that balance intensity with heart, this is definitely one to check out.

I would like City Owl Press for the opportunity to review this book.

[Mouse Princess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review of Taming the Alpha By Tina Moss
I need to state before getting into this review that I was given this book through Booksprout. Now that has been stated, I can now get into the book review. There are going to be spoilers in this review. This is an ARC copy.

Taming the Alpha was honestly a bit of a mixed experience for me. There were parts I really enjoyed, and others that didn’t quite land the way I’d hoped.

What kept me reading the most was Caitlin and Jake’s relationship. There’s a lot of history between them, and that tension is there right from the start. I love a good push-and-pull dynamic, and this definitely delivered on that. Their chemistry felt real, and I especially enjoyed the banter. It made their interactions feel more natural and less forced. Seeing Jake finally try to open up about the past added some emotional weight, and Caitlin’s struggle between protecting herself and facing her feelings felt relatable.

I also liked the emotional side of the story. There’s a strong focus on trust, vulnerability, and growth, especially with Caitlin returning to the sanctuary and everything it represents. Her past, her grandfather, and the life she thought she left behind. That aspect gave the story more depth than just a typical romance.

That said, not everything worked for me. Some of the conflicts felt rushed, like they were introduced and resolved too quickly without really being explored. I also noticed quite a bit of repetitive wording, which pulled me out of the story at times. The back-and-forth between past and present could be confusing too. I found myself having to pause and figure out where I was in the timeline.

I’ll be honest, there were moments where I struggled to fully connect with the characters or stay invested, and the writing style didn’t always feel as polished as I would’ve liked. It’s one of those books where I can totally see why some people would love it, but it just didn’t fully click for me.

Overall, I think Taming the Alpha has a solid foundation. Especially with the character dynamics and the world it’s building. If you enjoy alpha romances, second-chance relationships, and emotional tension, it’s still worth giving a try. For me, it was a decent read with some really good moments, even if it wasn’t a favorite.


Now for the star ratings I’m giving this book.
I’m giving this book an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.
The story is getting a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
The writing style is getting a rating of 2 out of 5 stars.
The spicy level is getting a rating of 2 out of 5 stars.
The spicy rating would be a 3 or 4 according to romance.io stem rating guide. I’m taking a guess on what the rating would be as this book is not out yet.

[Mary Kirkland · Rating 3 out of 5]

We get to know Caitlin when she gets a phone call telling her that her grandfather has died. She falls to pieces but picks herself up to go to the Spring Wildlife Sanctuary that her grandfather ran. There she meets with Maggie and Jake who she hasn't seen in quite a while. After the will is read, Caitlin has some hard choices to make since her grandfather left her with a hefty debt on the sanctuary.

Jake is the sanctuary caretaker but he's also a wolf shifter as is the rest of his pack who lives on the sanctuary's land. Because the animal sanctuary is in trouble financially, there are those who own land in the surrounding area trying to get Caitlin to sell all or part of the land to pay off the debt she now owes. But Jake is very much against it.

Jake and Caitlin have known each other since she was a little kid and came to live with her grandfather when her parents passed away. These two have feelings for each other but Jake has been pushing her away because he feels like she's too young for him and he doesn't want to go there. But Caitlin is no longer a teenager, she's a grown woman who knows what she wants and right now, she wants Jake. But she has a lot on her plate at the moment with her grandfather dying and now trying to figure out what to do with the animal sanctuary.

The story bounced from past and present a lot and I can understand setting up the story so we know the characters and what they've gone through, but it happened a lot.

I was really expecting to see more of the wolf shifters since this is a paranormal romance but the paranormal part of this story ended up being very much on the back burner. We know Jake is a wolf shifter but we don't see much of the shifters in this story which was sad to see.

I liked the ending and was glad to see how they found a way to bring everything together for a happy ending.

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.


Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jocelynne Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one caught me off guard in the best way. I went in expecting a more typical alpha shifter romance, but Taming the Alpha leans into something softer, more emotional, and ultimately more satisfying than I anticipated.

Caitlin’s journey really grounded the story for me. She’s dealing with grief, the pressure of her future, and suddenly inheriting a life she never planned for—and it all feels real without becoming heavy. I appreciated how determined she is to do right by her grandfather’s sanctuary, even when she’s completely out of her depth. Watching her slowly reconnect with the place (and herself) added a lot of heart.

The sanctuary itself almost feels like a character. There’s a strong sense of found family and healing woven throughout, and it gives the story a warmth that balances out the tension and emotional weight.

Jake was another highlight. He has that classic guarded, protective alpha energy, but he’s not overbearing or unlikable. His history with Caitlin adds depth to their dynamic, and the slow unraveling of their past made their connection feel earned. The push-and-pull between them had just the right amount of tension, with enough vulnerability and chemistry to keep me invested.

Their relationship builds at a steady pace, mixing emotional moments with lighter banter, and I liked that the story took time to explore trust, growth, and second chances rather than rushing straight into romance.

Overall, this is a heartfelt, engaging read with a nice balance of slow-burn romance, emotional depth, and character-driven storytelling. If you’re in the mood for something a little softer than your typical alpha romance—but still full of tension and chemistry—it’s definitely worth picking up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ash’s Book Stack · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐3 🌶️2

This paranormal romance follows Caitlin, who returns to her hometown after her grandfather’s death to take over the wildlife sanctuary he owned. While there, she reconnects with Jake, a werewolf who helps run the sanctuary and also happens to be her childhood crush.

The premise of this story immediately caught my attention, and I really enjoyed the glimpses we got into the past. However, I wish the flashbacks had been longer and more clearly defined. At times, it was difficult to tell whether we were in the present or reminiscing, and I think dedicating full chapters to the past could have made those moments more impactful.

I also struggled to fully connect with the characters. Because of that, when key moments happened or the relationship progressed, I found myself feeling a bit emotionally detached. Seeing more of their history and what they went through when they were younger would have helped build a stronger emotional foundation, not just for their romance, but also for the stakes surrounding the wildlife sanctuary.

As for the paranormal aspect, I was hoping for more from the werewolf element. While Jake being a werewolf added some context, especially in relation to his understand of the wolves at the sanctuary, it didn’t lean heavily into common werewolf tropes or themes. At times, this felt more like a contemporary romance with a light paranormal layer rather than a true werewolf romance.

Overall, this wasn’t quite the right fit for me, but readers who enjoy themes of grief, second chance romance, age gap, protective MMC, childhood friends to lovers, and small town settings...with a touch of paranormal...may still want to give it a try.

Thank you to NetGalley and City Owl Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Glitched.Havok · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one surprised me in a really good way. It leans softer and sweeter than my usual reads, but it still pulled me in and kept me invested the whole time. There is a quiet emotional thread running through the story that really worked for me.
Caitlin carries a lot on her shoulders, and you can feel it in the way she pushes forward even when everything in her life shifts at once.

The grief, the pressure of school, the financial stress, it all felt grounded and relatable without dragging the tone down. Watching her step into something completely unfamiliar and still fight to do right by it added a lot of heart to the story.

What stood out most to me was the sense of found family. The sanctuary didn’t just feel like a setting, it felt like a place that slowly stitched her back together. Those connections gave the story warmth and made the emotional moments hit harder.

Jake was also a strong point for me. He had that guarded, protective energy, but he never crossed into being unlikable. You could see where his walls came from, and it made the way he showed up for Caitlin feel earned. Their dynamic had tension, but also a sense of history that added depth instead of just conflict for the sake of it.

Overall, it is a heartfelt, easy to enjoy read with emotional weight, a touch of slow burn, and characters that grow on you the more time you spend with them. Definitely worth picking up if you want something a little softer but still meaningful.

[BookForAHeart · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of emotional journeys, alpha protectors, and a touch of Montana magic, Taming the Alpha is an absolute must-read! Caitlin Spring’s dreams of becoming a doctor are turned upside down when she inherits her grandfather’s beloved Spring Wildlife Sanctuary after his sudden passing. Her plans for a summer of studying are replaced by a trip to the rugged wilderness of Montana, where she meets the brooding yet irresistibly sexy Jake Stone, her childhood crush and the alpha werewolf in charge. 🐺❤️

Jake had always been her knight in shining armor as a little girl, but now, as a fierce and rugged man, he’s determined to protect his sanctuary at all costs. His protective instincts and mysterious charm make it impossible not to fall for him, even as he keeps his distance. 🌲🌙 As the debt on the sanctuary grows and secrets threaten to tear everything apart, Caitlin faces the toughest choice of her life: follow her heart and break down Jake’s walls, or leave her wolf behind and chase her dreams of medicine alone. 💔✨

This story is a perfect blend of heartfelt emotion, sizzling chemistry, and wild Montana scenery. The chemistry between Caitlin and Jake is electric, and their journey of trust, love, and sacrifice will tug at your heartstrings. 💕🔥 Whether you're swooning over Jake’s alpha protectiveness or cheering Caitlin on as she fights for her future and her family legacy, you’ll be hooked from start to finish!

[Nicola Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was intrigued by the premise of Taming the Alpha and loved the design of the cover, particularly the slight fantasy/paranormal element suggested by the werewolf aspect.

The story is written in dual POV, which I really enjoyed as it gave insight into both main characters and their perspectives and I felt it did this very well achieving a nice balance between the two MC's.

I very much enjoyed the setting of the wolf sanctuary where the story takes place, where rescued wolves are cared for and gives a little insight into pack structure (as a kid I was always fascinated with wolves having read books by William Horwood). The wolf pack and their dynamics runs throughout the story which a lovely nod and reflection to the relationships between the MC's and their families. I appreciated this strong theme throughout the story - of loyalty and friendships to overcome issues, learning to forgive when loyalty and trust comes above all else.

Unfortunately, the paranormal aspect itself felt very minimal in the overall story. Aside from the mention of the main character being a werewolf, which I never really understood why, it read more like a contemporary romance, and I found myself wishing the fantasy elements had been explored more and played a bigger role in the plot. I also struggled a little with the character development and backstory, as I found myself wanting more depth to better connect with the characters and their motivations however I appreciate that this can be very hard to do in a standalone.

That being said, it is a sweet, feel-good love story in a fabulous setting where everything comes together in the end, and I enjoyed reading it for what to is. Readers looking for a lighter romance with only a touch of paranormal may still enjoy it.

Thank you again for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Mandamoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

*ARC Review | Out April 21st*

Thank you to NetGalley and Tina Moss for the opportunity to read and review *Taming the Alpha*.

While I can appreciate the story and the themes it explores, this one just wasn’t for me. The premise had a lot of potential—grief, legacy, and a return to a place filled with history—but I personally struggled to fully connect with the characters and the pacing.

The dynamic between Caitlin and Jake had its moments, especially with the childhood connection and underlying tension, but I found myself wanting a bit more depth and emotional pull to really stay invested in their journey.

That said, I can see this appealing to readers who enjoy slower-paced, character-driven wolf shifter romances with a strong focus on atmosphere and internal conflict.

Although it didn’t quite hit the mark for me, I’m still grateful for the chance to ARC read and share my thoughts.

Thank you again to NetGalley and Tina Moss for the copy.

[ruvzo · Rating 1 out of 5]

I finished it. I am happy I did.

The whole time I was reading this book, I felt nothing. There was romance, there was suspense, a desire to save their land. However, how does that affect me??

I believe the author was able to describe the plot very well. The immersion aspect was missing.

The romance was nothing unique, nor was the writing or the plot.

I feel like the 'werewolf' plot was almost non-existent. It quite literally changed nothing. It did not add to the story, luckily it did not deplete the story of anything either.

I guess it just wasn't my cup of tea tbh, but I do like the werewolves as a species in fiction, take from it what you will.

Thank you to NetGalley, City Owl Press and Tina Moss for the opportunity to receive a free copy to review!💙

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you City Owl Press and Netgalley for an early digital copy!

🐺 Second chance romance
🐺 Childhood friends to lovers
🐺 Wolf shifter MMC
🐺 Age gap (10 years)
🐺 Small town

Taming the Alpha by Tina Moss was my first time reading this author and I was really intrigued by the premise. The animal sanctuary setting was honestly one of my favorite parts because it felt unique and super cool, and I found myself wishing it had been explored more. I also wanted to feel a little more connected to the characters as the story went on. I did enjoy following Caitlin and Jake’s story though and seeing them find their way back to each other for a second chance at love. Their history added some emotional weight and I liked the moments where you could see their connection resurface. I was a bit confused about the mix of real wolves at the sanctuary while the MMC is also a wolf shifter, especially since the paranormal side of the story felt pretty light overall. That said, I think with a little more development in the writing this series could have so much potential and I am curious to see where it goes next. 🐺
3.5 stars (rounded up)

[Michelle Shamy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. I loved that Caitlin and Jake had a history. That they both lived on her grandfathers ranch. I could understand her feeling humiliated when she expressed her feelings towards Jake at such a young age. But this caused her to leave. Note returning five years later because her grandfather had passed, she the sole heir to his property. Jake is still there caring for the land. Kept things safe for the shifters. I loved that as they got to know one another again, they found a connection and eventually love. I truly enjoyed seeing these two with through things. My only complaint, I wish this was longer. I really loved these two.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of the series. And a wonderful start it is! Look forward to more from this world.

'Taming the Alpha is a gripping paranormal romance with second chances, small-town secrets, age gap, and a sanctuary where hearts—and wolves—run wild.'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Diggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Tina Moss for giving the chance to ARC, I am a big fan of shifter books.

The dynamic between Caitlin and Jake had its moments, especially with the childhood connection and underlying tension. This shifter romance follows Caitlin, who unexpectedly returns to her hometown, after her grandfather’s death to take over the wildlife sanctuary he owned. While there, she sees him, her child hood crush, she reconnects with Jake, whos a werewolf who helps run the sanctuary

This was a delight to read a slow burner. Just wish there was more werewolf activity.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the Blackwell Wolves series, a paranormal romance featuring pre-med student Caitlin Spring. After returning to the Montana wilderness to inherit her late grandfather’s indebted wildlife sanctuary, Caitlin must navigate a complex reunion with the sanctuary’s caretaker and alpha werewolf, Jake Blackwell. The story explores second chances, small-town secrets, and an age-gap dynamic as Caitlin chooses between her medical career and the childhood protector she left behind.I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna's Book Addiction Book review Arc Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taming the Alpha
by Tina Moss
Pub Date: 21 Apr 2026
This one had a strong premise with themes of grief, legacy, and returning to the past, but it didn’t fully connect for me.
While the dynamic between Caitlin and Jake had potential, I found myself wanting more emotional depth and a stronger pull to stay invested.
That said, I can see this working well for readers who enjoy slower-paced, character-driven wolf shifter romances.
Not quite for me

[Jen Is Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed watching Caitlin and Jake’s story; leaving the pain of the past behind and them finding their way to each other. Their history of hurt and rejection added an emotional element, and the moments where you could see their connection made me root for them as a couple. I'm curious to read more of this new series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carla Zanghellini · Rating 4 out of 5]

we won't give up!
This is a slow-paced shapeshifter story. I like the emphasis on preserving the natural environment around them. The main characters must find a way to finance their land, maintain a civil relationship, and find a solution to the threats of people who want to take control. I recommend this read to anyone who wants a little peace in a fantasy world.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dual POV

Tropes/TW:
Small town second chance paranormal romance
Med student FMC x Possessive wolf shifter MMC
Childhood friends to strangers to lovers
Forced proximity
Age gap
Grief / death / miscarriage

Thank you Tina Moss and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC copy.

*I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

[sTaTic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty easy read. The overall writing and shallow story had a wattpad feel. The characters were interesting but I didn't find myself invested in them. The Montana woodsy feel went well with the shifter theme. However, the shifter worldbuilding and overall lore wasnt very present. It's a swcond chance romance with a lot of flashbacks and grumpy angst.

[ajscenic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book about reconnection, history and deep hidden feelings. I like the characters, and the situation that are in now.
I suppose my only niggle is the flashbacks and how they need to be clearly defined as I wasn’t sure if ai was reading one or not and that distracted me from the story. Overall a good read!

[Ada’s Book Review · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC Review | Taming the Alpha by Tina Moss | 2⭐️

I was kind of excited to start this book but was a bit disappointed by it. The writing style was off, sentences didn’t make sense or flowed well and it was repetitive. While I understand it’s under 300 pages, it definitely did need to be fleshed out way more.

[Steph Albas · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC!

This wolf shifter romance has strong Yellowstone-style vibes with a second chance, age-gap dynamic. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. The insta-love felt too quick to really connect with, and the timeline jumps back to the past were a bit confusing and took me out of the story.

It’s a super quick read, and I can definitely see others enjoying it—especially if you like fast-paced, trope-heavy shifter romances. Just not quite my taste!

[Angeliena · Rating 5 out of 5]

(eARC received by the publisher)

This was a really good book and I really appreciate the characters in this. Like WOW. Alpha romances are pretty common, so it was a quick and easy read for me. The romance was peak though.

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

REVIEW IF ARC READ FROM NETGALLEY

Caitlin and Jake’ story is a cozy romance with the background of a beautiful animal sanctuary.

Being honest i felt the werewolf/ paranormal aspect was secondary to the story, and while the story still worked, i felt the title and blurb slightly misrepresented the main theme of the book.

Overall it’s an enjoyable read.

[LizJ. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taming the Alpha book 1 of Blackwell Wolves by new to me author Tina Moss is okay. I liked the premise (blurb) of the story, but I just didn't connect with the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nena Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the writing style author had. I loved the face pace of the book. It kept me glued to each and every single page just waiting to see what was gonna happen next

[Taylor Idema · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book and following Caitlin's story/journey on trying to save the sanctuary her grandfather had left her. Along with facing her past she ran away from. She had to make touch choices and I admired her determination and willingness