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The Lion's Den II: Unleashed
***EZRA***
I loved her. I asked her to marry me. Her answer was to set my fucking world on fire.
She lied to me. Betrayed me. Took something from me. Something I didn’t know was mine.
I should’ve killed her when I had the chance.
Now there’s a bounty on her head, and every criminal with a gun and something to prove is coming for her.
They can try.
But her punishment belongs to me.
No one else gets to touch her.
No one else gets to hurt her.
And if keeping her alive means taking on the entire underworld, I’ll burn that down too.
***SAVANNAH***
The man I love tried to kill me.
That should’ve changed everything.
It changed nothing.
Maybe I am a monster.
I’m no longer the woman who once walked into the lion’s den. She didn’t survive him.
I grew fangs and claws. Learned how to play by their rules. I understand that everyone has something they’re willing to kill for… Including me.
Now I’m the kind of creature that hunts its threats.
Well, I was, until the demon that owns my soul kidnapped me and dragged me back to hell on his terms.
Only, he has no idea what walked out of here last time. No one does.
And they’re about to find out.
I loved her. I asked her to marry me. Her answer was to set my fucking world on fire.
She lied to me. Betrayed me. Took something from me. Something I didn’t know was mine.
I should’ve killed her when I had the chance.
Now there’s a bounty on her head, and every criminal with a gun and something to prove is coming for her.
They can try.
But her punishment belongs to me.
No one else gets to touch her.
No one else gets to hurt her.
And if keeping her alive means taking on the entire underworld, I’ll burn that down too.
***SAVANNAH***
The man I love tried to kill me.
That should’ve changed everything.
It changed nothing.
Maybe I am a monster.
I’m no longer the woman who once walked into the lion’s den. She didn’t survive him.
I grew fangs and claws. Learned how to play by their rules. I understand that everyone has something they’re willing to kill for… Including me.
Now I’m the kind of creature that hunts its threats.
Well, I was, until the demon that owns my soul kidnapped me and dragged me back to hell on his terms.
Only, he has no idea what walked out of here last time. No one does.
And they’re about to find out.
506 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2026
About the author
Alina Hurtado
3 books13 followersAlina Hurtado writes emotional, character-driven 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.
Alina is currently working on the next novel in The Lion's Den series.
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Alina Hurtado escribe romance de suspenso mafioso donde la emoción y el peligro se entrelazan. Sus historias, intensas y centradas en los personajes, exploran paisajes emocionales cargados de tensión, identidad, reinvención y deseo peligroso. Su obra se adentra en la transformación que nace cuando una mujer se atreve a enfrentar quién es… y quién está dispuesta a convertirse.
Alina is currently working on the next novel in The Lion's Den series.
--------------------------------------------------------
Alina Hurtado escribe romance de suspenso mafioso donde la emoción y el peligro se entrelazan. Sus historias, intensas y centradas en los personajes, exploran paisajes emocionales cargados de tensión, identidad, reinvención y deseo peligroso. Su obra se adentra en la transformación que nace cuando una mujer se atreve a enfrentar quién es… y quién está dispuesta a convertirse.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 14, 2026
First of all I would like to thank the author for considering me again for an ARC of her book.
I would like to preface this review by saying that I read the first installment of the series in spanish, it was terribly redacted and most of the book felt like it was translated literally from one language to the other. Apparently she also has a lot to work on her redacting skills in english. Some sentences didn't make sense. In some instances Ezra or Van would be talking to someone or about someone and out of nowhere that person would change.
It did feel rushed at the very last bunch of chapters, we neeeded to get X back to Z but W wouldn't say what they knew (and no it wasn't Van with her secrets). And by no means am I against a jump in time but you got to make it work so it doesn't come out of nowhere and the reader doesn't feel blindsided.
Now to what concerns us, HE'S ALIVE? HE DID NOT DIE? I had a feeling with all the regret that came from Van towards Beth, I mean Steph, but reading it is a completely different thing.
Also, I'm sorry to all the Donny lovers/apologists, he's annoying, he's blinded by the love he feels for Savannah, the loyalty he should be giving to her he's wasting it on a abussive boss by the looks of it. On that note, Kenia sweetie, go to hell.
I'll still be looking forward to reading the next installment since I cannot live with the unkown of what happens next and who we're looking for.
Again, thanks so much to Alina Hurtado for trusting me to do an honest review of her book.
I would like to preface this review by saying that I read the first installment of the series in spanish, it was terribly redacted and most of the book felt like it was translated literally from one language to the other. Apparently she also has a lot to work on her redacting skills in english. Some sentences didn't make sense. In some instances Ezra or Van would be talking to someone or about someone and out of nowhere that person would change.
It did feel rushed at the very last bunch of chapters, we neeeded to get X back to Z but W wouldn't say what they knew (and no it wasn't Van with her secrets). And by no means am I against a jump in time but you got to make it work so it doesn't come out of nowhere and the reader doesn't feel blindsided.
Now to what concerns us, HE'S ALIVE? HE DID NOT DIE? I had a feeling with all the regret that came from Van towards Beth, I mean Steph, but reading it is a completely different thing.
Also, I'm sorry to all the Donny lovers/apologists, he's annoying, he's blinded by the love he feels for Savannah, the loyalty he should be giving to her he's wasting it on a abussive boss by the looks of it. On that note, Kenia sweetie, go to hell.
I'll still be looking forward to reading the next installment since I cannot live with the unkown of what happens next and who we're looking for.
Again, thanks so much to Alina Hurtado for trusting me to do an honest review of her book.
June 1, 2026
These characters have literally become my family and I live for these plot twists!!!! I wish I read It slower because I didn’t want It to end.
June 3, 2026
Paris Rona's ARC review
Can I just say this has been one of my most anticipated follow-up books I've had in a while? The ending of The Lion's Den made me shook, with Ezra and Savannah separating, finding out about her secret identity and all that. I thought we were just going to deal with the fallout of Savannah's pregnancy and her relationship with Ezra that is facing insurmmountable odds.
Boy was I completely wrong.
The ending of this book, while not as cliffhangery as the first one, still left me shook and rattled. I did not see that coming. I thought I could trust the one person that has been with Savannah since the beginning, but I never anticipated them to betray her trust like that. Like Savannah lies and stuff but eventually we figure it out but that person (iykyk) played their cards right every time that I was devastated by the reveal because I NEVER saw it coming tbh.
Looking back at it, I should have anticipated Savannah having another alias but until that got revealed, I genuinely didn't know lmao. I love books that catch you by surprise.
And then the one person we thought was dead was actually alive?!! what the actual fuck?!!! omg here we are being haunted by their death from the last book and coping with the fact they're no longer with the gang, only for us to find out he's locked up somewhere and Savannah knows and wants him to help her capture someone she's looking for.
The Ezra and Savannah scenes were devastating!!! The stakes were incredibly high and that made me nervous for them because one wrong move and either one of them, or everyone could be killed. Every time they interacted I felt like that was the last time they were ever going to see each other. And then when Ezra left to protect her after they finished the mission assassinating Pedro...it was giving like Secret Baby vibes a bit and that made me super sad. I know why he had to do it but it still hurt. Ezra missed out on a lot of things as a result, and we see the evolution of Ezra as a father, less hasty, more calculating and careful than before throughout the book.
That dream that he had with him and Savannah and Ava (their baby) when everything was going to shit, that was what made it so devastating, to have the dream so close, only for it to slip away.
Compared to the last book, it felt like Savannah and Ezra were more of an equal partnership and supported each other even when they weren't being completely honest. The scenes when Ezra gets jealous because of Donny and Savannah's friendship were crucial to develop their relationship. The last book, there was a sense of Donny and Savannah being more than friends, but through Ezra discovering the truth that they hooked up, and everything that happened, we know for sure that Ezra and Savannah are endgame. They just had to address major obstacles there first.
Fabio might be my favorite character in this entire book. Her brother Scott is up there for me too. Their bromance was everything (and Fabio's bromance with Ezra too). Fabio is one of those grumpy teddy bears. He has his soft side and he only really shows it to Ezra and Savannah. Savannah's frenemy friendship with him made me laugh a lot and it was giving siblings even though they literally had only met this book. You really got a sense that everyone is family, even if they hate each other. The way Fabio stepped up when Ezra couldn't (bc of the feds watching), in helping Savannah through labor was incredibly sweet...and then Ezra and Savannah's wedding...it was EVERYTHING.
I knew the moment the author brought up the real in person Fabio in her Author's Note, I knew I was going to love his character.
Kenia...I can't speak too much on her but yeah..by the end I was like :/ After everything Savannah did to protect her from Ezra's ire...it'll be interesting to see that develop later. On the other hand, Steph would be me in the book lowkey and that's why I love her. I would constantly be freaking out and crying--no sense of self preservation here lol. But she's so motherly, and cares deeply for Savannah even when it becomes overbearing and annoying, so I get why Savannah protects her so hard.
The Plot was Plotting, the Spice was Spicyyyy (those scenes were my favs because we saw a level of intimacy that we hadn't seen before with them, especially with them worried over their baby and Savannah's bounty). Honestly it was a great continuation of the first book and I was left shocked and feeling the same way I felt last time, amazed and yearning to know what happens next!!
Thank you to Alina Hurtado for the opportunity to review this amazing book! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!!
Can I just say this has been one of my most anticipated follow-up books I've had in a while? The ending of The Lion's Den made me shook, with Ezra and Savannah separating, finding out about her secret identity and all that. I thought we were just going to deal with the fallout of Savannah's pregnancy and her relationship with Ezra that is facing insurmmountable odds.
Boy was I completely wrong.
The ending of this book, while not as cliffhangery as the first one, still left me shook and rattled. I did not see that coming. I thought I could trust the one person that has been with Savannah since the beginning, but I never anticipated them to betray her trust like that. Like Savannah lies and stuff but eventually we figure it out but that person (iykyk) played their cards right every time that I was devastated by the reveal because I NEVER saw it coming tbh.
Looking back at it, I should have anticipated Savannah having another alias but until that got revealed, I genuinely didn't know lmao. I love books that catch you by surprise.
And then the one person we thought was dead was actually alive?!! what the actual fuck?!!! omg here we are being haunted by their death from the last book and coping with the fact they're no longer with the gang, only for us to find out he's locked up somewhere and Savannah knows and wants him to help her capture someone she's looking for.
The Ezra and Savannah scenes were devastating!!! The stakes were incredibly high and that made me nervous for them because one wrong move and either one of them, or everyone could be killed. Every time they interacted I felt like that was the last time they were ever going to see each other. And then when Ezra left to protect her after they finished the mission assassinating Pedro...it was giving like Secret Baby vibes a bit and that made me super sad. I know why he had to do it but it still hurt. Ezra missed out on a lot of things as a result, and we see the evolution of Ezra as a father, less hasty, more calculating and careful than before throughout the book.
That dream that he had with him and Savannah and Ava (their baby) when everything was going to shit, that was what made it so devastating, to have the dream so close, only for it to slip away.
Compared to the last book, it felt like Savannah and Ezra were more of an equal partnership and supported each other even when they weren't being completely honest. The scenes when Ezra gets jealous because of Donny and Savannah's friendship were crucial to develop their relationship. The last book, there was a sense of Donny and Savannah being more than friends, but through Ezra discovering the truth that they hooked up, and everything that happened, we know for sure that Ezra and Savannah are endgame. They just had to address major obstacles there first.
Fabio might be my favorite character in this entire book. Her brother Scott is up there for me too. Their bromance was everything (and Fabio's bromance with Ezra too). Fabio is one of those grumpy teddy bears. He has his soft side and he only really shows it to Ezra and Savannah. Savannah's frenemy friendship with him made me laugh a lot and it was giving siblings even though they literally had only met this book. You really got a sense that everyone is family, even if they hate each other. The way Fabio stepped up when Ezra couldn't (bc of the feds watching), in helping Savannah through labor was incredibly sweet...and then Ezra and Savannah's wedding...it was EVERYTHING.
I knew the moment the author brought up the real in person Fabio in her Author's Note, I knew I was going to love his character.
Kenia...I can't speak too much on her but yeah..by the end I was like :/ After everything Savannah did to protect her from Ezra's ire...it'll be interesting to see that develop later. On the other hand, Steph would be me in the book lowkey and that's why I love her. I would constantly be freaking out and crying--no sense of self preservation here lol. But she's so motherly, and cares deeply for Savannah even when it becomes overbearing and annoying, so I get why Savannah protects her so hard.
The Plot was Plotting, the Spice was Spicyyyy (those scenes were my favs because we saw a level of intimacy that we hadn't seen before with them, especially with them worried over their baby and Savannah's bounty). Honestly it was a great continuation of the first book and I was left shocked and feeling the same way I felt last time, amazed and yearning to know what happens next!!
Thank you to Alina Hurtado for the opportunity to review this amazing book! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2026
I rated this book 5 stars.
I didn’t think Alina Hurtado could outdo the emotional wreckage and slow burn mystery of Book 1, but Book 2 doesn’t just raise the stakes, it obliterates them.
Where Book 1 focused on unraveling Laura’s identity, Book 2 is about surviving the fallout of Savannah’s choices. This shift is done so well. The pacing is faster, while the danger and the emotional stakes are higher than ever. Savannah is juggling secrets, loyalties, lies, and consequences, and every one of them threatens to destroy her entire world.
This book is chaos in the best possible way. The banter is sharp and genuinely funny, and the tension never lets up. The reveals made me stop and reread scenes because my brain needed a moment to catch up.
The characters are even stronger this time. I love them all! Every one of them feels layered, flawed, loyal, dangerous, and painfully human. Savannah continues to wrestle with her dual identities. Ezra’s mask cracks in ways that are subtle and devastating. Scott’s chapters add so much heart. And Fabio completely steals the show. He's unhinged, loyal, dramatic, terrifying, and unintentionally hilarious, and he brings so much levity to a story that could have become too heavy without him. He’s basically my favorite!
What I love most is how this book continues the series theme of masks. Who we pretend to be and who we become when the pretending stops. What happens when the truth finally breaks through. What happens when people really see us.
Book 2 pushes that theme into more morally complex territory. The betrayals cut deeper and left me completely shocked again. The loyalties and consequences feel real and heavier. The final twist left me stunned! I knew something was coming with only 6% left, but I still wasn't prepared! It reframed everything and sent me back to Book 1 to confirm details I thought I understood.
This was intense, emotional, chaotic, and unforgettable. I absolutely loved it and I am fully obsessed.
I really hope there are more Lion’s Den books coming, because there are questions I still need answered. I would also love a prequel about Steven and Lola when they first met, or even a novella for Fabio.
Alina, thank you so much for this ARC. I can't wait to see what you have next!
I didn’t think Alina Hurtado could outdo the emotional wreckage and slow burn mystery of Book 1, but Book 2 doesn’t just raise the stakes, it obliterates them.
Where Book 1 focused on unraveling Laura’s identity, Book 2 is about surviving the fallout of Savannah’s choices. This shift is done so well. The pacing is faster, while the danger and the emotional stakes are higher than ever. Savannah is juggling secrets, loyalties, lies, and consequences, and every one of them threatens to destroy her entire world.
This book is chaos in the best possible way. The banter is sharp and genuinely funny, and the tension never lets up. The reveals made me stop and reread scenes because my brain needed a moment to catch up.
The characters are even stronger this time. I love them all! Every one of them feels layered, flawed, loyal, dangerous, and painfully human. Savannah continues to wrestle with her dual identities. Ezra’s mask cracks in ways that are subtle and devastating. Scott’s chapters add so much heart. And Fabio completely steals the show. He's unhinged, loyal, dramatic, terrifying, and unintentionally hilarious, and he brings so much levity to a story that could have become too heavy without him. He’s basically my favorite!
What I love most is how this book continues the series theme of masks. Who we pretend to be and who we become when the pretending stops. What happens when the truth finally breaks through. What happens when people really see us.
Book 2 pushes that theme into more morally complex territory. The betrayals cut deeper and left me completely shocked again. The loyalties and consequences feel real and heavier. The final twist left me stunned! I knew something was coming with only 6% left, but I still wasn't prepared! It reframed everything and sent me back to Book 1 to confirm details I thought I understood.
This was intense, emotional, chaotic, and unforgettable. I absolutely loved it and I am fully obsessed.
I really hope there are more Lion’s Den books coming, because there are questions I still need answered. I would also love a prequel about Steven and Lola when they first met, or even a novella for Fabio.
Alina, thank you so much for this ARC. I can't wait to see what you have next!
July 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (11 stars if Goodreads would stop being a coward.)
I don't even know what to do with myself after finishing this book. It completely consumed me from beginning to end, and that ending...wtf. I'm still sitting here staring at the wall trying to process what just happened.
This sequel somehow managed to live up to everything I loved about the first book. The tension never let up, the characters had me completely invested, and I was glued to every page. Then the author decided to end it with a cliffhanger (hopefully another book is coming 🤞🏼) so shocking it literally made me gasp.
Now I'm left with emotional damage, approximately seventeen unanswered questions, and an overwhelming urge to send the author a strongly worded email demanding Book 3 immediately.
If you enjoyed the first book, read this one. Just know you're signing up to have your heart held hostage until the next release.
Five stars, but if Goodreads allowed it, this would, again, be an easy 11.
I received an advanced reader copy and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I don't even know what to do with myself after finishing this book. It completely consumed me from beginning to end, and that ending...wtf. I'm still sitting here staring at the wall trying to process what just happened.
This sequel somehow managed to live up to everything I loved about the first book. The tension never let up, the characters had me completely invested, and I was glued to every page. Then the author decided to end it with a cliffhanger (hopefully another book is coming 🤞🏼) so shocking it literally made me gasp.
Now I'm left with emotional damage, approximately seventeen unanswered questions, and an overwhelming urge to send the author a strongly worded email demanding Book 3 immediately.
If you enjoyed the first book, read this one. Just know you're signing up to have your heart held hostage until the next release.
Five stars, but if Goodreads allowed it, this would, again, be an easy 11.
I received an advanced reader copy and am voluntarily leaving my review.
June 5, 2026
I enjoyed book 2 even more than the first! Fabio is definitely something lol. I think I liked him more than the other side characters. The beginning was raw and emotional and broke heart for Ezra! Savanna girl you shattered that glass and unleashed a beast! And then broke my heart in the process.
There was so much drama and lies unfolding, lots of plotting and action and it just blew my mind! My heart rate was all over the place just like Savanna’s lol. This was absolutely thrilling. The best of the two.
There was so much drama and lies unfolding, lots of plotting and action and it just blew my mind! My heart rate was all over the place just like Savanna’s lol. This was absolutely thrilling. The best of the two.
June 16, 2026
This is the second book and boy, it gets crazy! There is so much going on and surprises abound. The twist and turns will have you reeling and then think did I really read that and yup, sure did! The lead couple are still riveting and I just loved it when they were on page. It sort of ends on a cliffhanger so I want the next one!
I definitely recommend you read the first book before diving into this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I definitely recommend you read the first book before diving into this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2026
Book 2 of The Lion's Den Series
'I barely survived him the first time… when he loved me.
This time?
He hates me.'
What a ride, what a read!
The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and dark. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy the read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'I barely survived him the first time… when he loved me.
This time?
He hates me.'
What a ride, what a read!
The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and dark. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy the read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2026
When I finished book one a few months ago I was counting the days until this books release!
The book starts up right in the action, full of emotion and twists and turns. I love the banter between all of the characters and you can feel the love in the muddled dysfunctional family.
So glad it finally came out, but it was well worth the wait. Also, was that a cliff hanger for book 3??? I can’t wait!!!
June 21, 2026
Buckle up because this story is a wild ride. From begging to end, I was grouping my iPad, edge of my seat, jaw dropping throughout. This was chaotic and intense. The twists and turns had me feeling like I was on the crazy train. But this was such an awesome story. I learned things in this…mind blown. This was one hell of a read.
June 23, 2026
Oh my goodness!! I am speechless! What a fantastic book!! I loved book one but and then I read this one!! The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat!! I will be rereading these two books but I wish I could reread it again for the first time! Absolutely fantastic! Please bring us more!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2026
I loved the first book, but I‘m not sure how I feel about the second one. There was so much going on and it felt all over the place at times. Also to me there were a lot of loose ends at the end of the book.
June 11, 2026
OMG this book was worth the wait!! I laughed, I cried, I was mind blown multiple times throughout with all the twists and turns. I loved it so much and am so sad that it’s over!! Part two was definitely not a disappointment!!
June 27, 2026
It was a satisfying conclusion to the duet. I'm guessing there will be another book in this world, because there's still definitely some questions that I feel we still need answers too, but overall, it was a good happy ending for our couple
July 4, 2026
A well written book, however reading the first book of the series is a must. The love between the female main and the male can be felt yet the event that happened to them in the first book test that love. Then the plot twist at the end. I can not wait for the 3rd book.
June 15, 2026
Sooo good! The first book was a little strange in the beggining, but this one? Is amazing. The plot is amazing and surprising, give it a go!
July 5, 2026
Best book I've read in a long time
This book was excellent. A lot of twists and turns. I didn't want to put it down. It kept you engrossed. Loved it!
This book was excellent. A lot of twists and turns. I didn't want to put it down. It kept you engrossed. Loved it!
July 14, 2026
Wow what a ride… I cannot tell you the last time I rated a book 5 stars. I absolutely loved this series. All I can say is we need more!!! that ending was chefs kiss I did not see coming..
July 16, 2026
Wish there were ten stars to give
I really have no words. Loved both books. Love this author. I could go on, but I’ll leave it that.
I really have no words. Loved both books. Love this author. I could go on, but I’ll leave it that.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews