⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Lupa by Alexandra Lattey — Book One of the Winter Soul Series — completely drew me in from the very first chapter. The story follows Natalya, a mysterious and strong heroine with striking green eyes and a hidden past, and James, a calm, blue-eyed operative whose chance encounter with her at a hotel bar sets off an unforgettable chain of events.
What begins as a simple meet-cute quickly evolves into a supernatural, action-packed adventure filled with secret missions, telepathic connections, shape-shifting, ancient bloodlines, and a haunting villain that ties everything together. Lattey skillfully balances romance, fantasy, and suspense, keeping the pacing strong and the emotional stakes high.
I loved the world-building and the blend of mythology and espionage — it’s part paranormal romance, part action thriller, and part spiritual fantasy. The connection between Natalya and James felt both fated and genuine, and their chemistry was undeniable. The supporting cast (especially Natalya’s “uncles” and the Sentinel team) added great depth, and I appreciated how the ending hinted at a much larger world to come.
The writing is captivating, the characters are easy to love, and the tension kept me turning pages late into the night. The cover is absolutely stunning, and the story inside more than lives up to it.
If you enjoy romantic fantasy with espionage, secret organizations, wolf-shifters, and soulmate bonds, this series opener is worth diving into.
CW/TW: Violence, blood, trauma, mind control/manipulation, and captivity.