Dark Wolf Soul

Mafia Pack #1

by Heather Hildenbrand

They say everyone has a price…Unfortunately, I just found mine.

Living in a pay-per-week motel might as well be luxury for someone like me. But if I don’t come up with this month’s rent money, I’ll be back to living in my car.

My only option for getting the money in time is dancing at the club where I waitress.

Except it’s not just dancing. Not in the VIP room. And that’s the final boundary I refuse to cross.

Until a handsome stranger makes me an offer I can’t refuse.

He’s nothing like the other men who come here, and even though I try to resist it, there’s a pull between us I can’t deny.

There’s an aura of danger around him too—something inhuman. A ferocity that is more beast than man. The dark, predatory way he watches me should terrify me. Instead, it makes me feel like the only girl in the room.

When he’s waiting for me after my shift ends, making claims about wolves and packs and me being the chosen one…every instinct I have tells me to run.

Turns out, that’s precisely what I shouldn’t have done.

Because running gives him exactly what he a chase.

Grab this steamy enemies-to-lovers fated mates wolf shifter romance now!

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Werewolves, Paranormal Romance

270 pages, Paperback

Published August 29, 2023

About the author

Heather Hildenbrand lives in coastal Virginia where she writes paranormal and fantasy romance with strong-willed heroines and dark, grumpy heroes who’ll burn the world down for their mate. Her most frequent hobbies are cuddling with her giant goldendoodles, riding country roads on the back of her husband’s motorcycle, and avoiding killer slugs.

You can find out more about Heather and her books at heatherhildenbrand.com.

Reviews

[Mona Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Wolf

I was so excited that Grey was getting his own series, and just wow. This book is everything I was hoping for and so much more.
Lexi is amazing, and I can't wait to learn more about her. This story is full of twists and turns that just smack you upside the head. Once you start reading, you will not be able to stop
Edited: I listened to the audiobook and loved it. The narrator is amazing

[Kaity · Rating 3 out of 5]

<>Audio:
5 stars for Savannah Rivers

Book: 3 stars.

[Jeanette George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone order dangerous with a side of swoony hotness? Then look no further because Dark Wolf Soul has you covered.

Before I talk about the story, I wanted to say I love this title and the excellent cover with its color scheme. I know not actually relevant, but sometimes those things call to you just as much as the blurb does.

The plot is full of action and wondering who to trust. To say Indigo Hills is full of vipers is kind of an understatement. I call major dibs on Grey (you can have Kai and Levi since I can't be totally greedy - ha!)! If that reference is not familiar, stop now and go back to the Lone Wolf series, then the Black Moon series. Not that you have to read those books to enjoy this new series, but they're in the same world, and trust me they are worth the time. Lexi is no slouch either as heroines go as she has a resilience and strength that I always love to see.

I'm so ready for book 2!

[Bailey Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a really good read but I HATE cliffhangers.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen, where do I find a man like Grey? OMG, I’ll even come willingly, ok?

Now that I have that bit out of the way let me just tell you that this book is hot. I absolutely loved it!! A wolf mafia pack! Heck yea! Sign me up. Lexi is the FMC and oh gosh. My heart just aches for her and she just keeps getting hurt but she’s no softie. I love how she’s a tough one. My heart just melts for Grey. I wasn’t expecting that twist at all! Like O.M.G!
The narrator, Savannah Rivers did a great job portraying both Grey and Lexi. I was invested till the very end. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Tashie_LeeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spicy content 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

I really enjoyed this book!
If you are like me and you are into steamy shifter romances with high stakes, intense chemistry, and a dash of danger, this mafia romance is exactly what you need.

From start to finish, I was pulled into a world full of dark secrets, power struggles, and a connection between the main characters that is hot af!

One of my favorite things about this story is the FMC. She is strong, smart, and not afraid to stand her ground, even when faced with the dangerously magnetic and powerful MMC. She's no pushover, and the way she challenges him adds so much tension to their relationship. You can feel the push and pull between them, and it makes every interaction electric. I couldn't help but just want them to be together and happy!

The mafia elements in this are amazing! and there’s a perfect balance between action, romance, and emotional development. The pacing was spot on, and the world-building kept me wanting more without ever feeling overwhelming.

I’m already obsessed with these characters, and I can’t wait to see where the series goes next. The ending left me excited and impatient for the next book. If you're looking for a paranormal romance that’s bold, addictive, and filled with bite (literally and figuratively), this is the one to dive into.

[Renee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could have been better, if things made more sense. There’s a lack of character development and overall story development and depth. There’s supposed to be this large shifter city, that is hidden? A quite large city with high end restaurants and store's/boutiques? All hidden but for hints?
There’s two warring factions, okay, not bad. Then there’s the high alpha who is boss over all the shifters in this city, but there’s war with his underling? Doesn’t make sense. He’s high alpha with power over Grey’s father, can control him, yet there’s longstanding war between the two mafia factions? How? Does not make any sense when the two alphas are not same level.
And why is the high alpha, grandfather of Lexi, so against her? A granddaughter he left to be in the human world? So why would he care that she was taken? How can she be used to create an alliance or give leverage? The high alpha can alpha command Grey’s father!
Grey is suddenly in love with Lexi? I get they’re mates and he feels the pull, same as Lexi does, but there’s nothing supporting it.
Lexi goes shopping with Mia and it’s written that they’ve gone to SIX stores in an hour? Really? They’re clothes shopping for a date and at six different stores in an hour? Big time unrealistic.
Events that follow, just is a big question of why? Then cliffhanger ending that had the second installment not already been out when I found this and finished, I would not have gone on to the second book and I don’t have confidence the second book is going to be better, but maybe it will surprise me.

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge fan of Heather Hildenbrand’s work, I’ve been along for the ride since Dirty Blood and can’t stop myself from pre-ordering every book as they come. I got my hands on Dark Wolf Soul so I could leave a review. Whew. I started around 6pm tonight and have just finished at 11:15pm. The Mafia Pack books are set in a familiar world if you’ve read both or either of the Lone Wolf Pack or Black Wolf Pack series. Familiar characters mentioned and a world that now plays out in my head like a home. From the time I turned the first page I knew I was going to be in love with this series and I am going to absolutely diiiiieeeeee waiting for the second of this series. Grey and Lexi are characters that I cannot get enough of and am going to need SEVERAL more books about. There’s themes that resonate with me as a girl who doesn’t really have a family and wanting to save the younger versions that I see myself in and parts that resonate from another side where the family you do have you almost wish you didn’t because they tear you apart and break you down to your core. This book leaves me shaken but has me craving just ONE MORE PAGE! It’s like a Saturday morning, mumbling “just five more minutes mom” but it’s MORE PAGES HEATHER! Trust me when I say, once you start, you won’t be able to stop!

[June McKibben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet

We get to see Grey and where he comes from in this book and meet Lexi. With more tyrants that need dealt with and people willing to fight for it. There is betrayal and chemistry

[Leslie || original book nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

🐺𝒟𝒶𝓇𝓀 𝒲𝑜𝓁𝒻 𝒮𝑜𝓊𝓁 - 𝑀𝒶𝒻𝒾𝒶 𝒫𝒶𝒸𝓀 𝟣 - 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌🐺

Author: Heather Hildenbrand

Couple: Lexi & Grey

Tropes: Wolf Shifters, Mafia, Enemies to Lovers, Arranged Marriage, Morally Grey Hero, Fated mates

Review: Heather delivers another fast-paced, spicy shifter romance in Dark Wolf Soul and Lexi maybe the most unique FMC yet. This book was a super fast read but man did it pack a punch. Lexi was a fiery and fierce woman who gets the world turned upside down on her as she learns that her small world within the lines is really not the truth of her existence. Heather did a fantastic job with developing her POV and character arc as the story went on and I adored how Grey became ensnared with her from early on!

Lexi was hands down the character I loved in this first book (however, I think Grey is making a comeback) and her evolution in this book shows how resilient she will be later on in this series. From the kidnapp!ng to the arranged marriage to not having her own wolf yet, she is a whirlwind who never backs down. Heather did well with making her stand on her own and also with the moral dilemma she had over her feelings for Grey.

Grey on the other hand was a MMC who knew what he wanted but was tied down by familial obligation. I LOVED his turmoil over what to do with Lexi, how to accept the mate bond and how to overthrow his father. The found family he surrounded himself with added the perfect balance to his character and the steadfast support they offered provided snippets into how fierce they will be as a pack once Grey accepts his evolving wolf. The shaky ground he has with Lexi in this book was eyeopening since it was the first chink inches armor as he began realizing that he wanted to have her and not give into his father’s demands.

Dark Wolf Soul is an intense, action-packed, fated mates romance that ends on a HUGE cliffhanger and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on book 2. Heather truly started this series off with a bang and I am excited to see what Lexi does next to keep Grey on his toes!

Rating: 4/5, a fast-paced introduction to the Mafia Wolf Pack and the fated mates bond between the two heirs to the thrones!

Thank you to Heather for sending me this eARC!

[Treyonna · Rating 1 out of 5]

The ending of this book makes it a 0/5 star for me. It literally does not make sense. The FMC is taken to her grandfather who previously tried to kill her and he demands that she spy on the MMC or he'll kidnap and hurt the MMC. What? The FMC and MMC are from warring families, the grandfather is going to kill the MMC ANYWAY if he can get his hands on him. Now how can he get his hands on him? Oh, I know by the FMC betraying the MMC and selling him out in an effort to "save" him.

It's so painfully obvious to anyone with a modicum of common sense that the only way the MMC can be hurt is if the FMC betrays him to her grandfather. It doesn't make sense for the threat of him being hurt to be enough to give the grandfather the ACTUAL power and tools to hurt him. She's an unintelligent fool and the next book seems like she's going to go along with this plan that doesn't make sense. You're going to ultimately give your grandfather the ability to kill your mate. There is no deep convoluted strategy that you need to have. She could literally just tell her mate about this and about his rat friend and give him the tools to protect himself but that's what an intelligent heroine would do and this author clearly does not write intelligent heroines. They're going to have her jumping through hoops because of some VAGUE threat to harm the MMC, even though harming the MMC is endgame anyway because he is a threat to her grandfather. Her going along with any of this just makes her grandfather's job of killing him easier, foolish girl.

Also, one of the MMC's best friends is the one who kidnapped her and took her to her grandfather. The grandfather obviously already has a rat in the MMC's inner circle, why does he even need the FMC to tell him shit that the betraying friend can already tell him?

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anything that combines the Mafia with the supernatural so when Heather Hildenbrand released the first book in the Mafia Pack there was no question that I was gonna snatch that up. I'm so glad that I did, Dark Wolf Soul was a delectable dark read.



Lexi is the very definition of a spitfire. The sass and her snark are great but it's her intelligence that I like the most. She may be new to the mafia world but she's learning fast and holding her own the best she can in the situation because Lexi is a fighter. 



There has never been a more complex character than Grey. For the first half of this book I didn’t like him but the more I got to know him and understand the situation the more I began to understand. He can't escape the bad situation and has to make the best of the worst. Grey is loyal, dependable, and has a better heart than most. I'm starting to like him, a lot.



Mafia Pack, haha, it should be called Mafia Monsters and not because they shift into wolves. This was everything I would expect from a Mafia book and more. The lieutenants, snitches, the manipulation, the violence, it has it all plus the pack hierarchy, which is some complicated politics, this book is dark but it's good especially when it started to remind me of an even more twisted version of Romeo and Juliet.



Oh, my gods! What was that ending? The sheer shock of it had knocked me off of my chair. I didn't see it coming. What the heck is going to happen now? Plus my curiosity has been piqued after that little tidbit about Lexi was dropped at the end. I wanna know, no I need to know what's gonna happen next. I hope Heather will have mercy on me sooner rather than later. I can't wait to see what happens in Deadly Wolf Bite.

[Queen Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting mix of two genre's that for some reason I never realized go so well together! I enjoyed getting to know Lexi and Grey! They are both on such different journey's that it's interesting to see how they are going to mix these two together and grow. Lexi is someone who is used to being along and having to depend on herself. Being thrown into a world where this is not the norm is something that she is definitely going to have to get used to. Not only that but the luxury that comes with being with essentially a mafia prince is something that she is learning as well. On top of trying to trust him when he ya know...kidnapped her. Grey, is also being faced with stepping into shoes and playing a role that he had hoped to escape. By returning home and bringing Lexi, a domino effect is starting and he is going to have to hang on to make sure that he survives. We have some pretty bad cases of parents behaving badly in this book. I mean, does anyone have one good parental figure here? Maybe one. But other than that they are all pretty trash parents. As Lexi and Grey get closer to each other, the powers that be seek to keep them apart. Then we get this nice little cliffy that had me staring open mouthed at my phone. I was just shocked and couldn't believe what I was reading. Betrayal comes in many forms but when it's from the ones the closest to you, it hurts that much worse. 4 out of 5 for sure. Would and do recommend!

[She Hearts Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is technically the fourth book by Heather that I have read. I say that as I read the Lone Wolf Pack Books 1-3 in preparation to meet her at Rockin Romance Readers Author Event in August. I loved them and enjoyed speaking with her at the event, so when she asked if I wanted to read Dark Wolf Soul I jumped at the chance.

To say that I loved this is such an understatement.

So let's talk about it.



You know you are in for a ride when Indigo Hills is described as a no-go zone with all kinds of badness happening there. With the rumors of the mafia ruling over the town making it even more so. Then you have Lexi. Damn this girl is strong and sassy and unfortunately really out of the loop with who she is and the past that comes with all that. Then swoops in Grey and holy hotness. He takes her to try to free himself and that doesn't work out like he planned. And thank goodness as then comes the fake marriage that maybe is fake and maybe isn't if they can get past all the baggage they bring to the table. There is some serious sizzle with Lexi and Grey. Their story is filled with secrets, betrayals, suspense, and a whole lot of scorch. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it and am dying to read the next one in the series.

I give Dark Wolf Soul 5 hearts!

[Merrit Townsend (always1morebook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 in the Mafia Pack series and these books are meant to be read in order. If you have not read the Lone Wolf or the Black Moon Pack Series'...I highly suggest reading those. They are all interconnected and are set in the same world.

If you have been around my page long enough, you know how much I adore Heather Hildebrand and her shifter series' This is book 1 int he Mafia Pack and feature Grey and Lexi. Lexi is kidnapped by Grey in order to release him from his fathers pack. Secrets and betrayals are a regular occurrence while reading this series so be prepared. The story is incredible and I was obsessed after the first chapter. The writing will keep you in the book but the story......mercy me......So dang good. The angst and suspense had me going until I finished. And in Heather Hildebrand fashion, She left me on a cliffy that had me cussing up a storm. Heather can write PNR and she is one of the best. A forever fan of hers, I will continue to read and shout her praises. If you love a great angsty romance with paranormal aspects, and unstoppable action, Heather is the author for you. I cannot wait for book 2 and will probable be cussing at the cliffy too...LOL. This one gets 5 stars.

[Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I am a wolf shifter girly all day long and Grey and Lexi's beginning hit the spot! Lexi has not had an easy life to say the least. This woman right here just wants a family somewhere to be wanted and cared for someone to protect her for a change. She has always had to look out for herself and take care of herself and dont get me wrong she is a baddie and had done all of that. But then she meets Grey and Lexi is way more than Grey bargained for. He though it was one last job but boy did Lexi turn his world upside down. I love that instant attraction and that need to protect her even if Grey didn't understand what these feelings were or where they were coming from. Sidenote: Grey's dad can choke on a bone. That man is vile!!! There was a part in this book that i seriously had tear running down my face and it felt like my heart was being stomped on. This was such an amazing book and I cannot wait for the next one because I cannot wait to see Lexi's baddie side!! I feel like she is going to be completely EPIC.

[H.Nicole Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I didn’t know I needed. It completely pulled me in and I had to force myself to put it down.

Lexi is a strong independent woman that grew up in foster care. Her parents were killed in a car accident and she has no other known family. She works at a strip club serving drinks just to make ends meet. Struggling to get enough money to pay her rent a handsome stranger comes into the club and offers her a tip she cannot refuse.

Unfortunately for her that same stranger kidnaps her that same night and takes her into his territory as a last favor for his dad for his freedom. She learns his name is Grey And that he’s basically a mafia prince. She puts up a fight the whole way into the city. Grey thinks it’s going to be an easy task until he finds out his dads true plans then he protects Lexi from everything he can.

Throughout the book Lexi learns Grey isn’t the complete bad guy she thought he was and slowly falls in love with him.

I don’t want to give too much away but this book definitely didn’t disappoint at all. This is also a book I will be reading again.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good enemies to lovers story, a wolf shifter story, a kidnapper to lovers story, and especially a mafia story… but combining them all together?? YES!

This was a quick read for me, and really enjoyable! I love the tension between Grey and Lexi, it is so delicious and agonizing and I can’t get enough of it. Their banter. The tensions, the teasing - so so good! The miscommunication and hiding feelings drove me crazy but in a good way!

I like Lexi as a character, I only hope she gets her moment to step into her power or position in the world and take what she is owed, because I will be cheering from the sidelines for her.

I also love Grey - he is morally grey, a wolf shifter, tattooed and just overall yummy. We love a good mafia leader in training, a confident and sexy man, who knows what he wants. His teasing and taunting Lexi is so good, and when he does things that show how much he cares?? Ahhh I can’t deal.

Grey’s crew emulates found family so so well, and warms my heart to see them together.

I hope we see Violet, Lexi’s friend again at some point! And I could use a novella on Mia, I have a feeling she has a good story to tell.

Can’t wait for book 2!

[BlueBug · Rating 5 out of 5]

These series are so intricately woven together that it's not even a jump to move from one into the next. I was so excited to be able to get into Grey's story. He was such a shadowed figure in the previous series, and I found him so intriguing. I was not disappointed. He and Lexi are a force, but it's going to take a lot for them to figure out that part of their relationship. As with all of her characters, these two will have hurdles to navigate before they reach a place of trust, and I can only imagine where the author will take them before they reach that point.

It was an exciting and action-packed first chapter in this series, and I'm looking forward to the second book, knowing it will keep me on the edge of my seat as much as this one did.

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia and hot wolf shifters!? Yes, please. Gray is delicious, and Lexi is my new book bestie. I enjoyed every second of their enemies-to-lovers beginning and can't wait for the realization that they both are harboring the same feelings for each other. Even Grey's crew are entertaining and multi-faceted. Add in one scorching lap dance, a kidnapping or two, brutal punishments, and the constant threat of danger, and the mafia genre just got a whole lot more intriguing.

Can I jump into the book and join the rebellion? Because I know from that cliffy that stuff is about to implode.

This is the best from Heather Hildenbrand that has just been given to us with one classy gold bow.

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexi and Grey start with sexy and go straight to complicated! Great start to a new series: PNR, shifters, forced proximity, and a fake engagement! Lexi grew up not knowing her family history and meeting her grandfather is not stellar.
She is attracted to Grey, but his mafia world is dangerous, cruel, and brutal. I love their interactions: witty banter, great friends, and their bond is much deeper than they realize. The cliffhanger is suspenseful and the betrayal is heartbreaking. I can’t wait to see what happens next!!.

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

[Jeanette Wolfe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fair story but not a fan of cliffhangers

What is worse, it's another story in which the female will have to make all of the concessions to make the relationship work. Lexi will have to choke down all the shit he's put her through, how he has destroyed her life, put her in constant imminent danger with little to NO information, and still falls in love with a self-serving jerk. Ah, well, at least the pathetic fan-girling over the bad boy is wrapped in good basic storytelling even if I hate how the horrific sacrifices fall to the woman everyone wants to use.

[Jumms · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ok start

There are some good tidbits here that could have made this book amazing. Instead, it fell into the usual trope and became predictable. And the cliffhanger here is one I hate. I don't like it when a story stops midway. I understand that if you are doing a series that not all things can be wrapped up, but there should be some sort of conclusion. Also, Lexi's final reactions to Grey and shopping don't make sense. Things are also a bit disjointed in the story. So overall I would say it's a good start, but I'm debating if I want to read the next book in the series.

[M]

DNF @17%. I have passed over this book several times because I didn't think I would like it. The author sent out an email today with a snippet and the tag line lap dance meet cute. So obviously I had to give it a try after that. Unfortunately it really isn't working for me. The tone of the writing feels weird and it makes the characters flat and unlikable for me. The final nail in the coffin is that Lexi is a long lost werewolf princess (who has no idea she is a werewolf) which is why the male lead kidnaps her. That just isn't something I want to read right now so I am putting it down.

[Jeannette dods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia, Mates, & Lap Dances. The sizzle in this story is unreal. Grey and Lexi have undeniable chemistry from the start. When Lexi is thrown into a world she knew nothing about she is forced to adapt while also dealing with her growing feelings for Grey.
I loved the duel character perspective. The book flowed so well and fast that I didn’t even know I was almost done until BAM….now I must wait for book 2.

[Chandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok this book started out good but then ended in the dumbest way. 🤔 Like why would the old man (her grandfather) target the MMC when the dad is still the bigger threat? Also why would he need the MFC when he has the friend that's actually in the inner circle? Also, what motivation does she have to betray the MMC? If she does it right they kill him? I assume if she now loves him, she won't want that? Also the grandfather can't/isn't offering her anything she'd possibly want so... Makes NO sense 🙅🏾‍♀️ I'm out after this book 🤦🏾‍♀️

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m always here for a good shifter romance, and Dark Wolf Soul had a solid start. The writing style was easy to get into, and there were some cool moments that definitely kept me reading.

It did feel a bit rushed in parts, and I wanted more character depth, but overall, it’s a good setup for a new series with lots of potential.

Excited to see where it goes next.

Thank you to the author for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.

[Donna (BookDragonGirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome paranormal romance by Hildenbrand!! This one is filled with mafia wolf shifters and it is so good!!!

I love Grey and Lexi, with their harsh pasts and present making trust a hard thing for them, especially Lexi. But they are falling for each other! It’s their families that are the problem.

The ending had me panicked and wanting the next book ASAP!!!

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read. This book grabbed me from the first page and I could not put it down. It moves along at a pace that makes for an excellent read. The characters are so real that you feel like you know them and no matter what happens you cannot help but love them. This is a mus tread book that needs to be on your TBR list, there is no doubt about it.

[Georgia Tumbleweed McNabb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Audible book ends in a Cliffhanger and the next book in Audible is Not available, which is so frustrating. Thought I liked the basic storyline, I was put off by how everyone starts out just using each other to get what they want.
The 2 Narrator do an excellent job on the characters and the Entire storyline.