The Alpha Legend

by Helen Johnston, Stephanie Farrant (editor), Patti Roberts (illustrator)

There is a legend of old, a black wolf who fought the chains that kept him and other wolves captive for many years. As hard as they tried, his captures could not break the spirit of the alpha.

The years heightened his defiance and fed his rage until he shattered his prison walls, freeing himself and the other males.

They prowl across the country, having formed a tight-knit pack.

United by a common purpose to reclaim what was stolen and to exact vengeance,

Ruby

There I was, minding my own business, when this huge man stalks into the club where I dance. He demanded everything from me, and then some.

I am used to depending solely on myself, being brought up in the foster system, mum and dad unknown. Kind of makes you independent.

I am doing all right, I'm putting myself through university and the dancing gig is paying my way.

Then he turns up, and now the things I've learnt are shocking.

The truth about all the films you've seen, is that they aren't just made up,

The monsters are very real...

460 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2024

Reviews

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary-
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book. It was a little hard to get into, but after the first couple of chapters you sink into the story. The story was well formulated and the smut was hot! However, I did find that I kept wanting to skip over the other writing and get to more of the smut towards the end…

Pros-
Loveable characters
Sexy smut (hot!)!

Cons-
Issues with grammar
Flow of wording.

I believe the book needed tweaking a little more, in order to smooth out any inconsistencies, which would allow for better flow.

Would I recommend it? Yes.

I would however, like it to feel more like an in-depth story, with maybe a bit of Ruby’s background, rather than it just being about Lyle and smut. This is only because I felt like with the lack of depth, I found myself just wanting to read about their sex!

Also, when it came down to Lyle telling Felix off, nothing came of it. He said wait for me in (somewhere?), and then he never went to see him to tell him off. Only the time where both him and Jimmie went to see him…

I suppose it depends on what you’re looking for in a book! If you’re looking for hot sex about a wolf and a human, go for it! If you’re looking for something more grammatical, flowy, and with heavy back story, maybe not so much.

The smut will stick with me for a while though! I kept waiting for them to do an*l! Never knew I’d want to read about that so much!

[Elisa Martins · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

First of all, always read the trigger warnings please do not skip it. Second, if after the trigger warnings you decide to go through please go through it with an open mind and remember this is a work of fiction with a lot of nice and spice( paranormal/shifter) that is not for everyone and that’s ok.
Last but not least if you’re looking for some plain vanilla straightforward werewolf romance then this book is not for you 😈😈😈

Now for my review; I got hooked straight away from the beginning upon meeting Lyle and all the mysteries around him. With it being a werewolf (dark) romance and him being an alpha of course our MMC is hot as hot can be and tbh very much loveable 🥵
Enter Ruby, our amazing FMC. I mean what’s there not to like? The woman is sweet and spicy, innocent and a bit of a devil, fierce and strong, intelligent and knows very well what she wants and when she wants it.

If you ever read any of Helen work you’ll know that she doesn’t do vanilla, that in fact the nickname Queen of K!nk fits hers like a glove because she writes some of the best dark and 🌶️ and nice stuff I’ve ever read in my life.

Alongside Brennan, Lyle has now become my fave of Helen’s brilliant list of MMC’s and this book is my favourite of hers so far.

If you think this is for you then pre order it now, coming on the 5th of October.

[T || · Rating 5 out of 5]

thanks to wings and words for recommending this. and of course Helen.

I loved Lyle from the start
And I loved the overwhelming descriptions of technology 🤣
He went through so much at the start of this book, and continued through it even after freedom. To high PTSD, was an incredible thing to do. Ty Helen, no one talks about it enough no one trys to depict its effects enough.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Lyle, Jimmie & Felix. Lyle and Jimmie depicting the father figure - Jimmie basically fathers Lyle - and Lyle fathers Felix! I just loved the dynamic - and the loyalty of the pack to Lyle.

The whole story had me emotionally all over the place. One minute im happy, the next I'm in tears, the next I'm laughing. It was such an emotional rollarcoaster and damn did i enjoy the ride.

I really loved the coming together of the human, Wolf World with Ruby & Lyle & I loved when Ruby had a friend included.

I now want to know more though!!! How did their first shift go??? Did Ruby & Lyle have a litter of pups?! I hope one of the future books in the series flips back to Ruby & Lyle and maybe includes Sarah & Jimmie too!! Like a 4 for 1er in a book. Omg that would be epic!

Tysm Helen for making me an emotional mess. I just adore shifter romances

[CLayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.

Heavy on the spice low on the story.

I wished there was more backstory on Ruby and felt like there wasn't much character growth for her.

I wished there was more about the pack and finding out more about them individually or even a social event with the pack all together socializing.

The overall story was good but I think the execution of it was off.

The grammar made me cringe a lot! The use of male(s) and Bitch was overly used for my taste.

The spice was HOT! I love a good smutty book and this one was practically all smut.

[Sadie P L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did throughly enjoy this book, it was very different, fast paced and a whole lot of spice. With lots of trauma it too. Deffiantly feel it's the beginning of this story so iiii do need more. Which I can't wait for, deffo needs more action that's not the spice( as much as I love the spice) I feel like it's deffiantly needed with a alpha book. So I'm looking forward to what comes from the 2nd as I'm sure it will be just as good, if not, even better. Really loved the writing, and loved that it wasn't really dragged out which some books tend to do. Sooooo when's the next 😜😜😜😜

[kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Absolutely love this story lots of spice a bit taboo and awesome storyline. Definitely recommend reading 😁😁😁 of course check triggers

[Danielle Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review!

wow!! another smash hit from Helen. I thoroughly enjoyed the wolf shifter paranormal dark romance. loved ruby and Lyle together, and lyles past comes back to haunt him, just as he is finally happy. can't wait to read more in this series. check your triggers

[Emily Dooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨

I really enjoyed this paranormal/shifter romance!

The story was fast paced but I feel like it still connected together well. I wish the overall story had a bit more depth/detail to it as it was lost to the spice and I just kind of forgot about it until it popped back up in little bits. I was more interested in the spice up until the drama really kicked off again.

I liked Ruby’s overall character! She was cute, kinky and caring. It would have been nice to know more about her backstory. Lyle was sweet, hot and very protective over both his pack and Ruby which I really liked.

It’s definitely one of the most spiciest paranormal romances I’ve read!

Would I recommend? Yes

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS!!!!
The Alpha Legend by Helen Johnston is a gripping blend of wereshifter lore, dark romance, and fated mates that delivers everything I crave in a paranormal saga. From the first page, the tension is electric—power struggles, primal instincts, and a romance that burns hot enough to scorch.
What sets this story apart is the emotional depth. Both main characters are scarred by past traumas, and Johnston doesn’t shy away from exploring how those wounds shape their choices, their trust issues, and ultimately their bond. Watching them fight their demons while navigating an intense mates connection made the romance feel raw and real. It’s not just about passion—it’s about healing and finding strength in vulnerability.
The spicy scenes? Absolutely on point—steamy without feeling gratuitous, and perfectly timed to amplify the emotional stakes. The world-building is vivid, the pacing tight, and the alpha energy is intoxicating. This is a story that balances danger, desire, and redemption in a way that kept me turning pages long after midnight.
If you love dark paranormal romance with wereshifters, fated mates, sizzling chemistry, and characters clawing their way out of trauma, The Alpha Legend is a must-read. I’m already impatient for the next book!

[Bo-Maree Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Alpha Legend by Helen Johnston is a paranormal romance that tells the story of Lyle, a wolf shifter whose past comes back to haunt him just as he meets his mate Ruby.

Lyle has endured a traumatic past, having been kidnapped and held captive at a young age. He and many others were subject to years of abuse and torture before they were finally able to escape.

Ruby is a dancer just trying to pay her way through a veterinary degree at university when she meets Lyle, and her life is turned upside down. While Ruby looks sweet and innocent, looks can be deceiving - she is strong, fierce, knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to go after it.

The Alpha Legend is written in a way that is easy to read and has you wanting to turn the page to see what happens next. It's easy to fall in love with the characters, especially Lyle. However, I found myself wanting to know more about other members of the pack and Ruby's backstory. I also found myself wanting a little more action as, at times, I felt it was lost to the spice. When the action did hit, it packed a punch, and there are twists that will leave you speechless.

Although I had heard a lot about Helen Johnston, this is the first book of hers that I have read and if it is anything to go by I can see how she got her title of Queen of Kink. The spicy scenes in this book are off the charts but be warned - they are anything but vanilla. They are wild and fierce, and Helen doesn't hold back.

Some of the characters go through things that no one should ever be subjected to and I applaud Helen on how she was able to bring mental health awareness into her story and to demonstrate that it is okay to reach out, ask for help and show emotions to help heal and move on.

This is not going to be a book for everyone but if you are looking for an extremely spucy paranormal/shofter romance with lots of kink, a protective alpha, fated mates and loveable characters then make sure you grab a copy of The Alpha Legend.

There is some very heavy content in this book, but Helen has been extremely thorough with her trigger warnings, so please make sure you read them before you start reading.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alpha and his Ruby

First things first. Please read the trigger warnings before you decide if this book is for you. Your mental health matters and some books are not for everyone.


So this is my first book by Helen and it will certainly not be my last. I like to go into a book without reading any trigger warnings and am a pretty open minded person. This book did not disappoint at all. It was different from the usual shifter books and that's what set it apart. Ruby and Lyle grew up differently with both having traumatic past. When Lyle who is a wolf shifter lays eyes on Ruby who's a human, the world just about dropped away for him. He knew in an instant that she was his. He set out to do just that. His wolf instincts took over and there wasn't anyone that would get in his way.

The spice was spicy and boy did they make use of wherever they were at. They got to know eachother intimately real good. Just when everything looks good the past comes back with a vengeance. Lyle and his pack will have to work together with new friends that they make to take the past down.

I can't wait to see what happens next for the rest of the pack.

[Renata · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review

I really love wolf shifter romances. In most cases, that’s all I need to know to pick up a book. And with Alpha Legend, I also couldn’t resist the cover.

So how did it go? I liked the story, but at the same time I found it a bit off balance. We start with the MMC’s backstory and then jump forward in time to the present, where he meets his mate. After that, it’s basically just smut—which I did enjoy. This was also my first wolf × human action (IYKWIM). Then we circle back to how the story began, with the villain from the MMC’s past. That last part was actually the best section of the book. It was nicely blended, with both the romance and the plot coming together really well.
Since I don’t expect the very beginning of a book to introduce the mate, I did expect a better balance in the middle. Instead, the story seemed to forget about the wolves’ enemy and focused almost entirely on mating heat.

I also had issues tracking the passage of time. It sped up and slowed down unpredictably, and more than once I felt confused about how much time had actually passed.

Overall, I did enjoy this book, but like with other wolf shifter romances I’ve read, I didn’t feel that need to keep reading no matter what—like I’d die if I didn’t finish it.

[Debz78 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well god damn if that isn't the raunchiest, sexiest and drama filled book I've ever read !!

Again the Queen of smut does it again!.....another smash hit from Helen.

Ruby is training to be a vet while she is at college she is working the pole at a club to pay her tuition. It's run by a proper sleeze bag, but she enjoys it and it's safe enough, also she has made friends. One in particular Sarah. Sarah is older than Ruby, like the mum role. Ruby's life wasn't easy in and out of the foster system. Het life is about to change.

Lyle is a werewolf and trapped in a mountain with an unhinged woman who does heinous things to him and others, demons work with her keeping him and others trapped for years ...can he escape?

This will grip you and you will gasp, fall in love, gawp in shock at the scenes that unfold in front of your eyes....Happy reading ;)

[Kayziepops · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely my favourite of Helen's books. It's the first Alpha (wolf) book I have read and I loved it.

Lyle and Ruby had me captivated from the beginning and I loved reading their story. The spicy scenes just made it so much better...although the first wolf spicy scene did shock me (it takes alot to do that). The queen of kink did not dissapoint.

The book is the story of Lyle and his wolf pack who escape from being held captive and try to live a normal life together. On one of their lads nights out Lyle spots his mate Ruby and the attraction is instant. He then does everything in his power to win her over....im not telling you any more as dont want to ruin it.

I am so glad it is not a stand alone as I need to know what happens next for Lyle, Ruby and the rest of the pack.

I highly recommend this book and am so glad Helen allowed me to be an ARC reader for her.

[JenzBookCorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Hell… talk about a hot Alpha Male Wolf Shifter, with a mouth full of sin and says the most delicious dirty things…
When he spots what’s his and howls MINE
I melted behind my kindle

“ you don’t know me yet, but you will, sweetling. I promise you, you will” Lyle

Easy 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me this book I absolutely loved it.
The spice is just 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Lyle is just a true Alpha after what they go through makes you keep turning those pages to see what happens, easy read for me and I was drawn in and wanted more and more. Seeing these characters build and grow was nice to read about.
But what they build up and grow into is just chefs kiss 😘
I cannot recommend this book enough if you haven’t PRE ORDERED yet… get it pre ordered.

Check your triggers like with any book check them first. The Author has been very thorough with her Trigger Warnings

[Printessan · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’re thrown straight into the story, and reading about Lyle and everything he goes through, especially at the beginning is heavy. There’s no point denying that. His experiences are dark, painful, and emotionally intense, which really sets the tone for the book.
As the story unfolds, Lyle builds his own pack, and for me that became one of the strongest themes in the book. It’s about choosing your family. Blood ties alone don’t make a family, they’re just genetics. Loyalty, trust, and shared struggle are what truly matter.
Alpha Legend blends this emotional depth with action, paranormal elements, and romance, making it a gripping and engaging read. A strong start to a werewolf romance that offers both intensity and heart.

This review is voluntary.

Thank you so much Helen and Wings & Words community for letting me be a part of the team.❤️🌺

[Mynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before we go any further, just want yalls to know that I've claimed Lyle. It's not just because of my love for wolves, but the man did the needful and I love me a man that simps. Anyways this is an amazing story (please don't forget to check out the TWs ⚠️) the trauma healing was just point on and hit all the right spots. The spice, well let's just say that Helen is the Queen of Sm*t & K*nk for a reason, because I was legit making sure my room is cold enough when reading her scenes. 😂😂. The dynamic between the characters, especially the pack banter was top notch, I loved that Lyle was a loveable Alpha, and Ruby poked all the right nerves. Highly recommend. 🖤🖤
I believe we deserve a nice short book about Ruby's background, would be amazing to read that 😍

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars 5 Chillies

If you need a smutty paranormal shifter romance this book it for you!!! But please make sure you read the trigger warnings before reading this book.

This is the 1st book I have read by the Author, and I will definitely be reading some of her other work, infact I have already downloaded more to my kindle, and if they are anything like this I know I will love it!!

The characters has depth to them they aren't just your normal run of the mill FMC and MMC and I absolutly loved the plot, but did find that sometimes the writing did get a little one note. The spice was spicing and I can see where she got the title of the queen of smut from. I did find myself speed reading sometimes to get to the next spicy scene. Overall I think that is it definitelty a book that lots of people will love (as long as they know their triggers) and recommend it.

[Alison Birks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book the queen of smut has done it again. This tells of Lyle who was kidnapped at a young age, tortured and abused by the queen and demons, Lyle is a wolf shifter during one of his visits to her he plans an escape with all the other wolves kept in captivity. After they have escaped and he has his pack which are various wolves he goes to a club when his eyes fall on Ruby and his wolf knows she is his mate they form a bond and to know what happens next get the book and please read the trigger warnings as the spice in this book is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[jennifer langdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fierce, addictive, and impossible to put down!

This book completely swept me away. From the very first page, I was hooked by the intensity, the pack dynamics, and the powerful alpha presence that drives the story. This book delivers everything I love in an alpha romance… strength, loyalty, danger, and heart.

The characters are incredibly engaging and well developed. The chemistry between Lyle and Ruby is electric, layered with tension and emotion that made every interaction compelling. I loved how the romance and action were woven together so seamlessly, keeping the story fast-paced while still hitting all the emotional beats.

The worldbuilding and pack dynamics add so much depth, making the story feel rich and immersive. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the world, and I never wanted it to end.

If you love alpha romances with strong characters, high stakes, and a story that grabs you and doesn’t let go, Alpha Legend is an absolute must-read. Helen Johnston nailed it, and I’m already excited for more from this series. 🐺

[Amz.Loves.Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has the foundation to be amazing... BUT for me personally, it was heavily based on the spice and less of the plot.

The Alpha kept saying how much "alpha stuff" he has on his mind but I couldn't tell you want that stuff was as very little of the pack and the workings and life as wolf shifters was explained.
I would have loved this more if the content to spice was more balanced.

I will be continuing with book 2 to see where it goes but you MUST check the trigger warnings before reading.

[Sam Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly think this is the hottest book I’ve ever read! Be prepared for a racing heart and the strangest feelings in certain parts of the book!!!

I love the main and side characters and I can’t wait to read more about them in the next book - the twins story is going to be fun!!!

The only thing I wish had been in the book is Ruby and Sarah’s turning but the storyline and spice in this book is literally sizzling 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is HEAVY on the spice and although the writing is kinda awful, I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline!

I was introduced to this series at an indie book fair and I do not regret buying this one bit.

I really like the curvy girl representation and the protective qualities of Lyle. What I will say is the trigger warnings are long so do check those and proceed at your own risk .. things get a bit crazy 😭 now onto book 2 🌶️

[Michelle Morley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐ | 4.25 🌶

Book one in a new series, this story centres on Ruby and Lyle.

Ruby is a young woman who’s never truly felt like she belongs. Abandoned at birth, her life is split between working as a pole dancer and studying to become a vet — a routine existence that’s turned completely on its head when she crosses paths with Lyle and his pack.

Ruby was an easy FMC to connect with, particularly because she’s refreshingly curvy, enjoys her food, and isn’t written to apologise for either. Seeing a body-positive lead who embraces her appetite felt genuinely validating. Even better? Pairing her with an insanely hot, stacked alpha male who is absolutely feral for her.

Lyle’s attraction to Ruby is intense, and I especially loved how her presence consistently brings out the best in him — and in those around her.

This is a fast-paced read that barely takes its foot off the accelerator and leans heavily into spice and smut, so checking the trigger warnings beforehand is essential.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, I did feel the ending was a little rushed and could have benefited from slowing down slightly — though this is only book one in Helen Johnston’s new series, so there’s clearly more to come.

If there’s one small thing I’d change? The repeated use of the word “juices.” IYKYK!

Overall, a steamy, addictive opener with a relatable FMC, a deliciously intense MMC, and plenty of heat to keep things interesting. Like your spice at the tippy-top of the scoville scale? If yes, this one is for you!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured this in a day. ABSOLUTELY, if you love shifter romance, read it!!! Bloodhound Gang's "Discovery Channel" comes to mind.... if you know, you know 😉😉 if you can connect the dots, read. If you can't get in the gutter enough, this isnt for you! Lots of smut, amazing plot. Can't wait for more 🫶🫶 have added all her books to my immediate buy list!

[Jennifer Ervine · Rating 4 out of 5]

PNR, wolf shifter, fated mates, knotting. Even though Lyle has a traumatic past, he is still able to bring a pack together that thrives. I love the way they protect each other. Lyle and Ruby’s connection is intense and the spice is so yummy. The story kept me reading to the very end. Definitely make sure you check the triggers though!

[Kel Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was NOT prepared for this book lol !!! The way i got hooked !!! “Mine” oh my god i still hear that growled out!! This book is seriously spicey!!! With jalepinos and hot sauce on top!!! I dare anyone to read this and not get flutters lmao … theres a deep story too but its dark … read the triggers first obviously but wow just wow … i need more

[Laura Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Lyle’s journey was such a highlight, especially seeing how far he’s come after such a traumatic upbringing. Watching him grow and then find his true love in Ruby was really satisfying. I would’ve loved to know more about Ruby’s backstory, but I still enjoyed their connection a lot. The side characters were great too. I loved how each of them played a role in the bigger story. A really enjoyable read and the spice was off the charts 🥵

[Emma Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really really wanted to love this book, but sadly it wasn’t for me. I feel there was a great start, then pure smut which was a bit repetitive and an unfinished ending.

I have started book 2 as I feel there’s more story to be told. Which I’m really hoping for this time.

I’d like to thank the wings and words community for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Simplymetaramarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed getting to know Ruby and Lyle, as well as the others in their pack. Be sure to read the trigger warnings. Fans of shifter erotica will enjoy this one. It was a spicy read, with found family, fated mates, protective MMC, Age gap, interspecies and noncon, both implied and one described without being too graphic. Hopefully we'll get some updates on Ruby and Lyle's HEA.