The Lion's Den

by Alina Hurtado

Donny arrives wearing a sharp suit and the kind of cool control that makes people nervous. His gaze cuts through the crowd with quiet authority as he makes his way through his employer’s sprawling estate, towards the patio where a celebratory dinner awaits him as the guest of honor. He receives congratulatory remarks on his recent promotion, he wears a tight smile, says thank you, and introduces the pretty brunette on his arm.

The young woman he towers over is his girlfriend, Laura. It’s her first time attending an event with his associates. She's doing her best to make a good first impression but she’s nervous. Donny keeps Laura close, he pays attention to who’s looking at her and how. He’s well aware of where they are, she may not, but he knows they’re in the lion’s den.

Here’s the thing, Donny is not the kind of businessman you think he is. His promotion is more of an initiation and his associates are very dangerous people.

And Laura, well, she’s a lie, everything about her is a lie, even her name.

544 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

About the author

Alina Hurtado writes emotional, character-driven mafia romantic suspense that blends heart-pounding tension with emotional depth. She is known for weaving tense emotional landscapes with themes of identity, reinvention, and dangerous desire. Her work explores the powerful transformation that happens when a woman confronts who she is—and who she might become. The Lion’s Den is her debut novel.


The Lion’s Den is her debut novel.

Reviews

[Ashley Villalobos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of the most attention grabbing book I have read. I was not able to put this book down until I finished it. Has a mix of romance, drama, comedy, thriller, action- I mean really it is a very well written book. The plot twist at the end really threw me for a loop but tied the whole book together. I hope that there is a part 2!!!!!!

[Alina Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It has the perfect mix of suspense, action, romance, and unexpected twists that keep you hooked from beginning to end. Every chapter pulled me in deeper, and I couldn’t put it down. This one is a must read!!

[Aislynn Moraguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is EVERYTHING. A roller coaster of every emotion. I was laughing, crying, screaming, and furious. I love the secrets, the lies, the betrayal, THE BANTER! Favorite book ever. P.s- I’ll always love u Donny

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. The plot twist….PLOT TWISTED. Everything I suspected turned out to be far from the truth. The life and death decisions that Laura had to make made me want to keep reading. Now I want a second book!

[Gabby Velardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book! I love Donny!! Love everything about this book. Felt all the emotions through the whole book. Can’t wait for the second book!