The Wolf

by Leah Holt

I watched you. I observed your every move. I devoured your very existence, and you didn't even know it. I was the monster in the shadows. I was the noise in the dark.

Your tight red dress called to me. It drew me in like a bull to a crimson flag. Hair the color of Merlot. Eyes so green they look like painted glass. Lips so plump and soft like the flesh of a peach. I touched your skin. I smelled your perfume. I felt your heart beating beneath the surface. I wasn't supposed to take you. I wasn't supposed to keep you. But I couldn't stop myself.

I was the hunter, and you were my prey.

Now, you're mine.

ebook

First published July 8, 2025

Reviews

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romance was more than just a romance. It had so many twists and turns that you will read it right to the end to find out what happens next.

Vega, also known as the Wolf, is a paid assassin. However, he is one with a conscience - he does not just take a job, he researches whether the target deserves the judgment first.

Poppy, has seen so much in her young life. She knows her step-father is her only family now but she is at the point in life where she much rather have her independence and make her own life choices. She is at the point now that she feels everyone is fake.

When Vega and Poppy meet sparks fly between them. But is it real? Vega was contracted to kill Poppy but he keeps her alive. Here is where the twists and turns of this story start! What a rollercoaster!!

The Wolf is well written, with interesting characters and dynamics.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Original, Twisted, Wonderful characters

[Linda Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy feels like she is losing her mind. She has dreams that seem real but her father tells her that they are not real. Poopy’s mother had a mental illness. Poppy’s father owned a pharmaceutical company and handed out pills to her mother and then to her. Vega is a hired hitman just as his father before him was. Vega has been hired to kill Poppy by her father. Poppy and Vega met at a gala. The moment Vega saw Poppy he knew she shouldn’t be killed. Dylan who works for Gerard has been trying to get with Poppy for awhile and she has always turned him down. Dylan corners Poppy in an empty room where he tries to take advantage of her. Poppy runs after she knees him and she is caught by two men who kidnap her. Poppy wakes in a basement and then she sees Vega, she thinks he has kidnapped her. Vega wants to save Poppy from her father and he wants her to get her memories back naturally. Will Vega and Poppy ever get together? Will Vegas be able to protect Poppy from her father? Will Poppy ever confront her father about what happened to her and her mother?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Magnificent Hunter and Prey romance!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why is it that we are drawn to the one thing that we cannot have - or shouldn't have? Poppy and Vega are fascinated by and drawn to each other but that isn't the end of their story. Danger, deception, craving, carnality.. all merge together in this dark romance.

[CherylB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very suspenseful and hot! Is he a bad guy or a hero? Can she trust him?

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow I am speechless and a crying sobbing mess. This story did not go the way I thought it would but the emotional punch it packs is unrivaled.

Piper and Vega have a passionate moment together and a series of events leads to him becoming her villain but as the story unfolds we discover that things are not as they seem. The forced proximity and lust that still lingers has these two toeing the line of love and hate!

Be prepared to experience a wild story that will pull you in and keep you even after the last emotional word!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, great story, could have done without the C word, that’s disappointing and disgusting cuz the story was good, wasn’t prepared for the ending as I only read happy ending stories but it is what it is however, the writer knows how to keep you interested and knows how to tell a story, so for that gets a 5 star from me.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy and Vega's steamy and intense journey of love is a captivating one. From their first meeting to their unpredictable love story, this is a fantastic read. The writing is well done, the characters are intriguing, and the story is filled with danger, suspense, drama, unexpected twists, steam, and so much more. I loved every delicious page. I recommend this book and this author to everyone who loves reading great stories. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
I received a free ARC from the author. This was a fast read for me. A dark romance story with spice.

The story takes you on a rollercoaster ride from the beginning until the end. Poppy’s life pulls at your heart. Vega is everything he seems to be and not.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a really good read. Poppy and Vega were great characters and I loved every moment until the end and then I was sad. Worth every minute of your time.

[Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. This author never seizes to amaze me with her talents in telling a story. This book from the get go sucked me in and had me on the edge of my seat as the twists and turns just kept coming. The chemistry between the mc's Vega and Poppy was like a match waiting to be lit, all it needed was that spark.

You definitely need to read it.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Poppy and Vega and thought their story was quite intriguing. Drama, twists, steam, emotion, action, danger, intensity and darkness take you on an unpredictable ride that steals your breath more than once.

[Heather Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poppy grew up in a very wealthy family. Her father has been CEO of a pharmaceutical facility as long as she can remember. She's never wanted for anything, except love. Her mother died when she was younger and she didn't have much from her father. She went to work at the pharmaceutical building when she was a teenager. We don't know if she was in private school/prep or home school. Nothing was written about her education. Piper is usually around at large fundraiser events, mainly for arm candy for her father to show her off.

Vega meets Poppy one night at an event the pharmaceutical company is throwing. He sees Poppy in her red dress, and they dance together. Vega is instantly taken with her. When he leaves her after the dance he knows that one dance won't be enough with her. Once he finds her again in the back of someone's car in the trunk he knows he must protect her. Which is something he wasn't hired to do, he was hired to do the opposite, then he met her and fell for her.

Will Vega be able to keep Poppy safe? Will Poppy believe what Vega tells her about her father?

I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.

This is the story of Vega and Poppy. I will go ahead and tell you that I loved this book. Once you pick it up you will not be able to lay it down. Vega is also known as Wolf. He is a paid assassin that really takes this job seriously. He is not about to just take any job and do it. He researches it to make sure the crime deserves the punishment someone has decided they need. Poppy is a girl who has seen so much in her life. The only family she has left now is her step-father. However she is so tired of not having her own independence and make her own life choices. All the people in her life feel fake to her. However when she meets Vega, the sparks are flying all over the place. However, the problem is that Vega has been hired to take care of Poppy. But will he be able to do it? Or will he want to keep her safe and sound with him? I loved this book. I love the interactions between these two and the moments they have together are amazing. You do not want to miss this book.

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I wasn’t sure what to expect with that title, but boy oh boy, it definitely was not what I was expecting at all and that’s a good thing. Poppy is living in a world that she no longer can stand, everyone’s fake, no one is real. It’s just not like it used to be. She’s been made to believe she has the same illness as her mother and all her father wants is to help her through it, but there is always a catch. When Poppy and Vega meet, he’s everything she shouldn’t want, but she’s drawn to him and can’t help herself, little does she know he’s not a good man by any means. He's a contract for hire kind of guy and she’s his mark or so he thought. No spoilers here, this book was hot, steamy, emotional, secrets and lies and twisted. I didn’t see the end coming and I was blown away. If you haven’t had a chance to reach this author, grab this book and get started. I loved it and I’m excited for more from this author.

[Hanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Wolf.
The characters, Poppy and Vega, are interesting and intriguing.
Poppy lived a life of luxury. Never lacking for anything.
But her life felt hollow and fake because of the people she had to associate with.
Vega is a complex man. So many layers to him. He really fascinated me.
Holy smokes the twists and turns in the story are just stunning!
The chemistry between Poppy and Vega is hot and intense.
Their story is also emotional and suspenseful.
I couldn’t read fast enough.
So that I could get to the next page to see what was happening and go to happen next.
By the end of the book I was a mess of different feelings.
And yes I may have shed a tear or two or three.
Ms. Holt delivered a gripping and captivating story.
With characters that I fell in love with.
And a storyline and plot that kept and held my interest and attention from start to finish.

[Misty Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a rollercoaster ride for my emotions!!!

Be ready for some heart pounding, blood pumping twists and turns that take your emotions on a rollercoaster ride. Be warned the rollercoaster doesn't stop even after you've finished this book. The characters are absolutely amazing and you get to know them on a deeply personal level. Trust me when I say you will be devouring this book like a madman! The story is engaging and keeps you turning the pages to the very end. Absolutely fantabulous story from an outstanding author. If you love dark romance with a lot of spice, then this is definitely a book you will want to grab as soon as you can!!!

[Jean Dewsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wolf
This was a brilliant storyline filled with passion, fear, betrayal, loss, love and sacrifice
Poppy Aneska was a simple young girl who has had her life mapped out by her father especially after the death of her mother.

Her life has often been a blur. After a night of kaos Poppy wakes as a prisoner, her life becomes more than she could have ever imagined.
The dark and mysterious Vega Lobos. It is his job to hunt and kill. That was until a certain young Poppy brought doubt to his just catch and kill job.
The twists and turns will have you captivated a real in-depth story with plenty of danger darkness and sacrifice.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story until the end and then I was crying so much I could barely read. This is a very different story, a retelling of red riding hood but Poppy has flash backs and believes she has schizophrenia. Vega knows better and falls for her. As Poppy’s memory clears so her memory returns and the reader becomes aware of what really happened. She and Vega have amazing chemistry and through all the twists and threats there are some very spicy scenes. The ending will blow your mind and be warned, life is not fair was said several times in this story and this ending is the same - not fair.

[lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Another fantastic story by this author. I loved Poppy and Vega's story and believe me it is quite the story. Poppy grew up believing her step father when he was telling her that her mother was sick and that when she took her life that it was due to her sickness. So she always believed him when he said that she could follow in her mothers footsteps in having the same sickness. Vega and Poppy met at a Gala that her dad has put on unbeknownst to her, Vega has been stalking her for sometime, watching and waiting for the perfect time to make her his. And he will protect her with his life if it comes to that. Their story is filled with many emotions from heartbreak, angst, betrayal, loss and love. That ending, wow I didn't see that coming. I can't say too much because I don't want to give anything away, but just read it and enjoy.

[Erin OBrien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can honestly say that I’m not sure how to feel about this book. I loved Vega and Poppy’s first meet. It was exciting and mysterious. What follows is a rollercoaster of emotion and intensity. I was totally with it until the end. I don’t want to spoil it but I was left wanting.
Leah Holt really kept me going with the storyline and then I wanted to cry. Left a bit unfulfilled. This one might bother me until I get into my next read. Haha!
It was really well written and might be just the thing for other readers. I’ve 100% loved other stuff of Leah’s and will continue to do so.
4 stars.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wolf y Leah Holt is an intense, emotional rollercoaster with an exciting and mysterious first meeting between Vega and Poppy. The gripping storyline kept me hooked, but the ending left me unfulfilled and wanting more. Despite this, the book is well-written and may resonate with other readers. I’ve loved Leah Holt’s other works and will keep reading her, but this one gets 4 stars.

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

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this read! Has some twists and turns I definitely wasn't expecting, and the ending was not really cool at all. Vega and Poppy had this connection right from the start, but that connection turned into so much more. I don't want to say much more as that would ruin the entire read for the next reader, and I won't do that to anyone. I absolutely loved this read tho, I devoured it.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me on the edge of my seat. Poppy and Vega's story was an emotional roller coaster. There are twists and turns but also a love story full of passion and steamy scenes. The ending was a shock to the system. This is worth the read!

[rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

as always this author writes great books. I have read them all. This one is about a hit man that takes a woman that doesn't like the way her life is going. This two are both pig headed but of course things happen. The ending floored me. Enjoyed.

[Thea™ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It could have been a great read (all the ingredients were there), but somehow, for me, it was not. 😔 At some point I just didn't care anymore.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leah Holt is back in the best way. I was captivated by Poppy & Vega and their journey. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Poppy & Vega’s chemistry was off the charts.

I can’t wait to see what Leah Holt comes up with next!

I voluntarily reviewed this book.