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Bastard of the Alpha
Not yet published
Expected 27 Mar 26My name’s Francesca Lucia Salazar—Frankie, if you don’t feel like choking on the syllables.
The title I usually get stuck with? The Alpha’s Bastard.
My father, Antonio Salazar, Alpha of the Queens Pack, had an affair and got stuck raising me when my mom died giving birth. Guilt made him keep me; shame made him ship me off to Colombia at thirteen.
Big mistake.
He thought I’d disappear. Instead, I became La Loba Blanca—the White She-Wolf of Colombia. An urban legend who hunted the monsters terrorizing the streets.
Then my mentor called. My father’s dead—killed by his beta, Tian Láng—and I’m headed back to New York City to protect the family that once threw me away. But the city I return to isn’t the same. Wolves are vanishing. The ones found aren’t just dead—they’re poisoned in ways no one can explain.
That’s when I meet Elias Láng—the God of Death. Cold, brilliant, impossible. My rival. My equal. My worst mistake waiting to happen. Then there’s Angel Rodriguez—a tattooed ex-con lone wolf fresh out of Ironwood, all charm and chaos, who shouldn’t care but somehow does.
Between the Alpha’s son who challenges everything I am and the lone wolf who sees everything I hide, I’m walking a line thinner than a blade.
I have one trust no one.
But when loyalty and lust start to look the same, even legends can bleed.
New York’s full of secrets, and I’m done being exiled from my own story.
They can call me a bastard all they want.
But this bastard bites back.
The title I usually get stuck with? The Alpha’s Bastard.
My father, Antonio Salazar, Alpha of the Queens Pack, had an affair and got stuck raising me when my mom died giving birth. Guilt made him keep me; shame made him ship me off to Colombia at thirteen.
Big mistake.
He thought I’d disappear. Instead, I became La Loba Blanca—the White She-Wolf of Colombia. An urban legend who hunted the monsters terrorizing the streets.
Then my mentor called. My father’s dead—killed by his beta, Tian Láng—and I’m headed back to New York City to protect the family that once threw me away. But the city I return to isn’t the same. Wolves are vanishing. The ones found aren’t just dead—they’re poisoned in ways no one can explain.
That’s when I meet Elias Láng—the God of Death. Cold, brilliant, impossible. My rival. My equal. My worst mistake waiting to happen. Then there’s Angel Rodriguez—a tattooed ex-con lone wolf fresh out of Ironwood, all charm and chaos, who shouldn’t care but somehow does.
Between the Alpha’s son who challenges everything I am and the lone wolf who sees everything I hide, I’m walking a line thinner than a blade.
I have one trust no one.
But when loyalty and lust start to look the same, even legends can bleed.
New York’s full of secrets, and I’m done being exiled from my own story.
They can call me a bastard all they want.
But this bastard bites back.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 27, 2026
2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Karina Espinosa
99 books471 followersKarina Espinosa is a Colombian-American author best known for the Mackenzie Grey series, the Blood Weaver Trilogy, and her latest romantasy hit, The Dragon’s Ballad. When she’s not writing fierce heroines and magical chaos, she’s globe-trotting, bingeing Asian dramas, or teaching college students how to write essays—with a coffee in hand and fictional body count on the rise.
Follow her for more coffee-fueled chaos and character heartbreak.
Follow her for more coffee-fueled chaos and character heartbreak.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 18, 2026
THIS BOOK! Everything about this book is just amazing. If you ever read Mackenzie Grey, you will LOVE this book.
Frankie is one of the strongest FMC’s I’ve come across. She took everything she was dealt when she was younger, and came back stronger and almost unstoppable. She loves fiercely, is loyal to a fault, and let’s not forget, the famous La Loba Blanca.
It was incredible to see how her and her team work together, how she put everything aside to help the very same people who cast her out, and the new friends she’s made since being back in New York.
Can we also have a 3 cheers for Lucien and Cass? 2 of my favourite characters from MG! I loved the crossover.
Now, the plot. The author has a way with the plot that has you second guessing everything, and then third guessing again. I loved all the twists and turns, the suspicion, and the way nothing is what it seems.
Now, that ending?! Oh my life I need help! If you could’ve seen my facial expressions in the last chapter, you probably would’ve laughed. The ending is everything! And I’m absolutely counting down the days until the next one, because YESSSSSS! I need more, the cliffy was cliffing and I’m not sure how I’m going to survive the wait because I just need to know what happens next.
10/10 read, couldn’t put it down. The plot is gripping, the characters are amazing, with the side eye exception of those who aren’t what they seem (I’m wishing them horrendous suffering and I can’t wait to see Frankie’s next moves).
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Frankie is one of the strongest FMC’s I’ve come across. She took everything she was dealt when she was younger, and came back stronger and almost unstoppable. She loves fiercely, is loyal to a fault, and let’s not forget, the famous La Loba Blanca.
It was incredible to see how her and her team work together, how she put everything aside to help the very same people who cast her out, and the new friends she’s made since being back in New York.
Can we also have a 3 cheers for Lucien and Cass? 2 of my favourite characters from MG! I loved the crossover.
Now, the plot. The author has a way with the plot that has you second guessing everything, and then third guessing again. I loved all the twists and turns, the suspicion, and the way nothing is what it seems.
Now, that ending?! Oh my life I need help! If you could’ve seen my facial expressions in the last chapter, you probably would’ve laughed. The ending is everything! And I’m absolutely counting down the days until the next one, because YESSSSSS! I need more, the cliffy was cliffing and I’m not sure how I’m going to survive the wait because I just need to know what happens next.
10/10 read, couldn’t put it down. The plot is gripping, the characters are amazing, with the side eye exception of those who aren’t what they seem (I’m wishing them horrendous suffering and I can’t wait to see Frankie’s next moves).
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for providing me with an ARC of this book.
February 21, 2026
Oh. My. God. 😭🔥
I have officially become feral over this book.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The writing felt sharp, immersive, and so incredibly detailed. Every character was fleshed out. Every interaction carried weight. I didn’t just read this story—I lived in it.
Francesca Lucia Salazar—Frankie—“The Alpha’s Bastard.”
Shipped off at thirteen after her mother died giving birth to her. Cast aside in shame. Sent to Colombia as if she were something to be hidden.
Big mistake. 💀
Instead of breaking, she became La Loba Blanca—the White She-Wolf. An urban legend who hunted monsters in the shadows. And when her father was murdered by his own beta, she returned to New York—not for revenge alone, but to protect the very pack that once exiled her.
And that? That wrecked me in the best way. 😭
Frankie was one of the strongest FMCs I had ever read. She endured everything and came back sharper. Harder. Fiercer. She loved deeply. She was loyal to a fault. And she carried her pain like armor. Watching her walk back into a city that whispered her name like a curse? Powerful.
The plot had me second-guessing everything. Then third-guessing. 🧠💥
Wolves were vanishing. The dead weren’t just dead—they were poisoned in ways no one understood. The mystery layered so beautifully with pack politics, betrayal, and secrets that ran deeper than blood.
And then there was Elias Lang.
Cold. Brilliant. Calculating. The God of Death. Her rival. Her equal. Her biggest possible mistake. ⚔️🔥
And Angel Rodriguez? Tattooed, chaotic, ex-con lone wolf energy with a heart he pretended not to have? I am unwell. UNWELL. 😩
The tension was sharp. Loyalty and lust blurred together. Trust was currency—and no one was rich.
The twists? Brutal.
The reveals? Painful.
The last chapter? I need emotional support. 😭
That cliffhanger was not just cliffing—it was launching me off the edge. I could physically feel my facial expressions changing. I am not okay. I need book two immediately.
This book was perfect for fans of:
🐺 Strong, morally complex FMCs
🔥 Enemies-to-lovers tension
💀 Rivals to something dangerous
🌆 Urban fantasy with pack politics
🕵🏽♀️ Murder mystery & conspiracies
🩸 Found family
⚔️ Alpha drama & power struggles
💋 Slow-burn romantic tension
This was gripping. Emotional. Addictive.
I couldn’t put it down. Not even for a second.
Thank you so much to Karina Espinosa and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity. I’m so grateful I got to fall in love with this world early. 💖
Now excuse me while I spiral and count down the days until the next book. Because this bastard?
She bites back. 🐺🔥
I have officially become feral over this book.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The writing felt sharp, immersive, and so incredibly detailed. Every character was fleshed out. Every interaction carried weight. I didn’t just read this story—I lived in it.
Francesca Lucia Salazar—Frankie—“The Alpha’s Bastard.”
Shipped off at thirteen after her mother died giving birth to her. Cast aside in shame. Sent to Colombia as if she were something to be hidden.
Big mistake. 💀
Instead of breaking, she became La Loba Blanca—the White She-Wolf. An urban legend who hunted monsters in the shadows. And when her father was murdered by his own beta, she returned to New York—not for revenge alone, but to protect the very pack that once exiled her.
And that? That wrecked me in the best way. 😭
Frankie was one of the strongest FMCs I had ever read. She endured everything and came back sharper. Harder. Fiercer. She loved deeply. She was loyal to a fault. And she carried her pain like armor. Watching her walk back into a city that whispered her name like a curse? Powerful.
The plot had me second-guessing everything. Then third-guessing. 🧠💥
Wolves were vanishing. The dead weren’t just dead—they were poisoned in ways no one understood. The mystery layered so beautifully with pack politics, betrayal, and secrets that ran deeper than blood.
And then there was Elias Lang.
Cold. Brilliant. Calculating. The God of Death. Her rival. Her equal. Her biggest possible mistake. ⚔️🔥
And Angel Rodriguez? Tattooed, chaotic, ex-con lone wolf energy with a heart he pretended not to have? I am unwell. UNWELL. 😩
The tension was sharp. Loyalty and lust blurred together. Trust was currency—and no one was rich.
The twists? Brutal.
The reveals? Painful.
The last chapter? I need emotional support. 😭
That cliffhanger was not just cliffing—it was launching me off the edge. I could physically feel my facial expressions changing. I am not okay. I need book two immediately.
This book was perfect for fans of:
🐺 Strong, morally complex FMCs
🔥 Enemies-to-lovers tension
💀 Rivals to something dangerous
🌆 Urban fantasy with pack politics
🕵🏽♀️ Murder mystery & conspiracies
🩸 Found family
⚔️ Alpha drama & power struggles
💋 Slow-burn romantic tension
This was gripping. Emotional. Addictive.
I couldn’t put it down. Not even for a second.
Thank you so much to Karina Espinosa and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity. I’m so grateful I got to fall in love with this world early. 💖
Now excuse me while I spiral and count down the days until the next book. Because this bastard?
She bites back. 🐺🔥
Read
February 27, 2026If you like crime solving, paranormal books, and found family this may be for you.
Frankie is sent away by her father. (She has an evil step-mother). She goes to Colombia, where she earns a reputation for hunting down bad dudes. When her father dies, she returns to New York for the funeral and begins investigating ongoing crimes in the neighborhood of Queens New York. Her pack comes to join her after she is almost abducted by the henchmen of people committing the crimes. (I don't know the rest because I am DNFing this book).
I'm really trying to like this book, but I can't. This is not the story for me. I love shifter stories, but I'm 60% of the way through this book and they've only partially shifted. I do not care for the FMC or any of the characters. I did enjoy the tension between the step-mother and Frankie. I also enjoyed moments within the book, just not the book as a whole.
The author used English and Spanish within the story, but, for me, it was not integrated smoothly. The Spanish phrase was said and immediately followed by the english version of what was said. I don't speak fluent Spanish by any means, but I knew enough from the context and my previous knowledge to understand the phrase. Reading it twice, felt very repetitive.
I also found this book as a whole to repetitive. For example, when her pack arrived in New York, Frankie reviewed what had happened so far in the story to them twice. So I heard the story three times as a reader. The FMC described the smell of things way to often. Overall, the writing was a bit simplistic and the story didn't grip me.
I will be DNFing this book at 60%. I will not give this a star rating as I did not complete the story. The characters, storyline, and writing style are all not for me.
I really appreciate the opportunity to ARC read this. Thank you The Nerd Fam and the Author for the advanced copy. These are my honest opinions.
Tropes:
Shifters
Crime fighting
Mystery solving
Found family
Quote:
"We weren't executioners. We were wolves with rules."
Frankie is sent away by her father. (She has an evil step-mother). She goes to Colombia, where she earns a reputation for hunting down bad dudes. When her father dies, she returns to New York for the funeral and begins investigating ongoing crimes in the neighborhood of Queens New York. Her pack comes to join her after she is almost abducted by the henchmen of people committing the crimes. (I don't know the rest because I am DNFing this book).
I'm really trying to like this book, but I can't. This is not the story for me. I love shifter stories, but I'm 60% of the way through this book and they've only partially shifted. I do not care for the FMC or any of the characters. I did enjoy the tension between the step-mother and Frankie. I also enjoyed moments within the book, just not the book as a whole.
The author used English and Spanish within the story, but, for me, it was not integrated smoothly. The Spanish phrase was said and immediately followed by the english version of what was said. I don't speak fluent Spanish by any means, but I knew enough from the context and my previous knowledge to understand the phrase. Reading it twice, felt very repetitive.
I also found this book as a whole to repetitive. For example, when her pack arrived in New York, Frankie reviewed what had happened so far in the story to them twice. So I heard the story three times as a reader. The FMC described the smell of things way to often. Overall, the writing was a bit simplistic and the story didn't grip me.
I will be DNFing this book at 60%. I will not give this a star rating as I did not complete the story. The characters, storyline, and writing style are all not for me.
I really appreciate the opportunity to ARC read this. Thank you The Nerd Fam and the Author for the advanced copy. These are my honest opinions.
Tropes:
Shifters
Crime fighting
Mystery solving
Found family
Quote:
"We weren't executioners. We were wolves with rules."
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bastard of the Alpha completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. This book gives everything I want in a paranormal/urban fantasy—strong heroine, dangerous love interests, pack politics, and a plot that keeps twisting when you think you have it figured out.
The story follows Frankie, the Alpha’s illegitimate daughter who was cast aside and sent away as a child. Instead of disappearing like everyone expected, she built her own reputation and became a legend in her own right before being forced to return to New York after her father’s death. What follows is a chaotic mix of pack power struggles, mysterious deaths, and secrets that keep stacking up.
Frankie was easily my favorite part of this book. She’s fierce, stubborn, and refuses to be treated like an outsider anymore. I loved that she isn’t the type of character who waits around to be saved—she walks straight into danger and deals with it herself. Watching her navigate the pack that rejected her while uncovering what’s really happening in the city was incredibly satisfying.
The tension between the characters was also so good. The dynamic between Frankie and Elias had me hooked, and every interaction felt charged with rivalry, chemistry, and a little bit of danger. Add in Angel’s chaotic energy and suddenly you’re dealing with relationships that are messy, complicated, and impossible to look away from.
The plot itself had a darker tone than I expected—in the best way. There’s mystery surrounding wolves disappearing and being found poisoned, and the investigation adds a really gripping layer to the story. It balances action, supernatural politics, and romance without feeling rushed.
If you love:
strong morally gray heroines
werewolf pack drama
enemies-to-lovers tension
dark urban fantasy vibes
then this book will absolutely be your thing.
I’m already invested in Frankie’s story and cannot wait to see where the rest of the series goes. This was a fantastic start and has me ready for the next book immediately.
Bastard of the Alpha completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. This book gives everything I want in a paranormal/urban fantasy—strong heroine, dangerous love interests, pack politics, and a plot that keeps twisting when you think you have it figured out.
The story follows Frankie, the Alpha’s illegitimate daughter who was cast aside and sent away as a child. Instead of disappearing like everyone expected, she built her own reputation and became a legend in her own right before being forced to return to New York after her father’s death. What follows is a chaotic mix of pack power struggles, mysterious deaths, and secrets that keep stacking up.
Frankie was easily my favorite part of this book. She’s fierce, stubborn, and refuses to be treated like an outsider anymore. I loved that she isn’t the type of character who waits around to be saved—she walks straight into danger and deals with it herself. Watching her navigate the pack that rejected her while uncovering what’s really happening in the city was incredibly satisfying.
The tension between the characters was also so good. The dynamic between Frankie and Elias had me hooked, and every interaction felt charged with rivalry, chemistry, and a little bit of danger. Add in Angel’s chaotic energy and suddenly you’re dealing with relationships that are messy, complicated, and impossible to look away from.
The plot itself had a darker tone than I expected—in the best way. There’s mystery surrounding wolves disappearing and being found poisoned, and the investigation adds a really gripping layer to the story. It balances action, supernatural politics, and romance without feeling rushed.
If you love:
strong morally gray heroines
werewolf pack drama
enemies-to-lovers tension
dark urban fantasy vibes
then this book will absolutely be your thing.
I’m already invested in Frankie’s story and cannot wait to see where the rest of the series goes. This was a fantastic start and has me ready for the next book immediately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my GOODNESS!!!
What an incredible book!
I don’t normally go for urban fantasy, but this was just downright fantastic. I could not put it down!
Frankie, our FMC , is a 20 something Colombian -by way of NYC- wolf shifter who is making a prodigal return to NYC to attend her father, and late pack leader, services. He was killed during a righteous challenge against his beta , Láng.
Frankie was sent away at 15 years of age so she’s not super close with her half siblings - 3 males and a sister who was a baby when Frankie was forced away.
But Frankie makes the trip back and here is where the author shines: the NYC world building alongside comparisons with Frankie’s Cali neighborhood, is very expertly done. We aren’t hammered over the head with typical “nyc is her own character” romanticism nonsense (I’ll never forgive Sex & the City) . Instead we get deep descriptions of peeling papered ceilings and the wafting odors of competing districts.
It’s very traditional NYC.
You’re not meant to be a tourist in this book.
Immediately there is conflict. Antonio’s new family aren’t super welcoming of the estranged Frankie, although the rest of the city’s superhuman population knows of her legend enough to be at least curious if not terrified of her.
Speaking of the general population, they are turning up missing or dead. Clear signs of poisoning & Frankie is trying to find out why - something Antonio was just starting to chip away at when he died.
This is a GREAT story and is told in cinematic detail!
If you loved Crescent City, this is a no brainer for you!
I WILL be watching the sequel and honestly I’m a little feral for it.
Such a great book! Thanks Nerd family for another great arc!
What an incredible book!
I don’t normally go for urban fantasy, but this was just downright fantastic. I could not put it down!
Frankie, our FMC , is a 20 something Colombian -by way of NYC- wolf shifter who is making a prodigal return to NYC to attend her father, and late pack leader, services. He was killed during a righteous challenge against his beta , Láng.
Frankie was sent away at 15 years of age so she’s not super close with her half siblings - 3 males and a sister who was a baby when Frankie was forced away.
But Frankie makes the trip back and here is where the author shines: the NYC world building alongside comparisons with Frankie’s Cali neighborhood, is very expertly done. We aren’t hammered over the head with typical “nyc is her own character” romanticism nonsense (I’ll never forgive Sex & the City) . Instead we get deep descriptions of peeling papered ceilings and the wafting odors of competing districts.
It’s very traditional NYC.
You’re not meant to be a tourist in this book.
Immediately there is conflict. Antonio’s new family aren’t super welcoming of the estranged Frankie, although the rest of the city’s superhuman population knows of her legend enough to be at least curious if not terrified of her.
Speaking of the general population, they are turning up missing or dead. Clear signs of poisoning & Frankie is trying to find out why - something Antonio was just starting to chip away at when he died.
This is a GREAT story and is told in cinematic detail!
If you loved Crescent City, this is a no brainer for you!
I WILL be watching the sequel and honestly I’m a little feral for it.
Such a great book! Thanks Nerd family for another great arc!
Review of advance copy
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. The storyline was interested and definitely drew me in, but it almost lacked... depth? Like, there were odd magic things that happened but I wasn't sure if they were "normal" for the book universe or not because I didn't have a firm enough grasp of the world itself.
The author's style of writing definitely lends itself well to the chaos of a big city like New York, but the constant sentence fragments and odd metaphors didn't always work for me. I really liked some of the metaphors because they definitely made you think about things in a different way, but not all of them landed and I think they were used a little too much.
It also seemed more like I was told Frankie was an incredible, deadly werewolf than shown it. There are books where a character is built up that way and gets into a crazy amount of trouble and it makes sense, but this wasn't one for me. The other characters keep having to rescue her and her insistence that she's fine falls flat. She keeps stubbornly insisting she's untouchable while constantly getting beaten down. There are ways to draw on others as a strength, and she doesn't seem to do any of that.
So maybe I do know how I feel. I didn't love Frankie, I didn't get to connect with the other characters much as she keeps pushing everyone away, and didn't feel too emotionally connected to the story. But it's written with a fun, different writing style and has a twisty plot that I could get behind. I wasn't shocked at any of the big bombshells, but I appreciated the planning that went into them.
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. The storyline was interested and definitely drew me in, but it almost lacked... depth? Like, there were odd magic things that happened but I wasn't sure if they were "normal" for the book universe or not because I didn't have a firm enough grasp of the world itself.
The author's style of writing definitely lends itself well to the chaos of a big city like New York, but the constant sentence fragments and odd metaphors didn't always work for me. I really liked some of the metaphors because they definitely made you think about things in a different way, but not all of them landed and I think they were used a little too much.
It also seemed more like I was told Frankie was an incredible, deadly werewolf than shown it. There are books where a character is built up that way and gets into a crazy amount of trouble and it makes sense, but this wasn't one for me. The other characters keep having to rescue her and her insistence that she's fine falls flat. She keeps stubbornly insisting she's untouchable while constantly getting beaten down. There are ways to draw on others as a strength, and she doesn't seem to do any of that.
So maybe I do know how I feel. I didn't love Frankie, I didn't get to connect with the other characters much as she keeps pushing everyone away, and didn't feel too emotionally connected to the story. But it's written with a fun, different writing style and has a twisty plot that I could get behind. I wasn't shocked at any of the big bombshells, but I appreciated the planning that went into them.
March 3, 2026
An exciting book filled with pack politics, supernatural creatures and a plot to poison/kidnap the FMC, this book had me hooked and on the edge of my seat from the start!
You follow the FMC, who’s spent the past decade or so down in Columbia in a pack of her own after being cast out by her family in NYC after her father the alpha decided he could no longer handle his bastard with his wife and other children to deal with. She is sent back to NY after her father passes, but when she arrives, there’s more than just the tension between her stepmother and family who rejected her, there’s a new alpha in town and someone has been kidnapping and poisoning and killing supernaturals of all kinds throughout the city. She must work with some unexpected allies to uncover the truth and save the very pack who cast her out!
The ending of this book had me somewhat shocked but after thinking about it more the author left some clues throughout. I enjoyed the found family the FMC built herself and how she cares for them and they care for her and are protective of each other! I also love Angle and the other side characters she meets whilst in NY! There was plenty of pack politics and posturing to keep the book exciting as well as different attacks and attempts on the FMCs life. I enjoyed watching her try to unravel what’s going on and I cannot wait to see what happens next! My rating 4.3/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
You follow the FMC, who’s spent the past decade or so down in Columbia in a pack of her own after being cast out by her family in NYC after her father the alpha decided he could no longer handle his bastard with his wife and other children to deal with. She is sent back to NY after her father passes, but when she arrives, there’s more than just the tension between her stepmother and family who rejected her, there’s a new alpha in town and someone has been kidnapping and poisoning and killing supernaturals of all kinds throughout the city. She must work with some unexpected allies to uncover the truth and save the very pack who cast her out!
The ending of this book had me somewhat shocked but after thinking about it more the author left some clues throughout. I enjoyed the found family the FMC built herself and how she cares for them and they care for her and are protective of each other! I also love Angle and the other side characters she meets whilst in NY! There was plenty of pack politics and posturing to keep the book exciting as well as different attacks and attempts on the FMCs life. I enjoyed watching her try to unravel what’s going on and I cannot wait to see what happens next! My rating 4.3/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
February 27, 2026
I’ve been a fan of Karina’s books for a very long time—honestly, you could say since the very beginning. When you’re a Latina reader, you support Latino authors. That alone made this an immediate request for me because I’m such a huge fan.
That said—this book felt like my heart wrapped in lyrical prose, layered with rich descriptions, and driven by nonstop suspense and action. It’s all woven together into the perfect blend of Colombian and New Yorker vibes.
We get a character who isn’t defined by the circumstances of her life—she rises beyond them and becomes a legend. She’s not your typical shifter who wolfs out every few seconds. Instead, she’s methodical, level-headed, smart, and snarky in the best way. Most importantly, she’s the best representation of a Latina lead I’ve ever read. She doesn’t just exist as a Latina—she exudes it, from her appearance on the cover to every detail on the page.
This book is diversity wrapped in silk and claws, and I loved it. There are so many moments where you don’t just envision the settings—you become part of them. The music, the food, the aromas… as a hyperphantasia reader, I was in absolute heaven.
And can we talk about the bilingual experience? Do I speak Spanish? Sure do. But I really appreciated how the author made it accessible for readers who don’t. There’s no extra homework, no flipping to a glossary in the back. It’s written in a way that naturally immerses non-Spanish-speaking readers into the culture, and I commend her for that.
Finally—the cameos from the Mackenzie Grey series and THAT cliffhanger?! Holy shifter balls! Total curveball!
Also, I am firmly Team Angel. While there’s definitely romantic tension, this is urban fantasy first, with romantic elements woven in. I can appreciate the slow burn and buildup—but still. I love, love, LOVE Angel. He was perfection.
If you’re ready to dive back into urban fantasy and give romantasy a little breather, this series is absolutely the perfect choice.
That said—this book felt like my heart wrapped in lyrical prose, layered with rich descriptions, and driven by nonstop suspense and action. It’s all woven together into the perfect blend of Colombian and New Yorker vibes.
We get a character who isn’t defined by the circumstances of her life—she rises beyond them and becomes a legend. She’s not your typical shifter who wolfs out every few seconds. Instead, she’s methodical, level-headed, smart, and snarky in the best way. Most importantly, she’s the best representation of a Latina lead I’ve ever read. She doesn’t just exist as a Latina—she exudes it, from her appearance on the cover to every detail on the page.
This book is diversity wrapped in silk and claws, and I loved it. There are so many moments where you don’t just envision the settings—you become part of them. The music, the food, the aromas… as a hyperphantasia reader, I was in absolute heaven.
And can we talk about the bilingual experience? Do I speak Spanish? Sure do. But I really appreciated how the author made it accessible for readers who don’t. There’s no extra homework, no flipping to a glossary in the back. It’s written in a way that naturally immerses non-Spanish-speaking readers into the culture, and I commend her for that.
Finally—the cameos from the Mackenzie Grey series and THAT cliffhanger?! Holy shifter balls! Total curveball!
Also, I am firmly Team Angel. While there’s definitely romantic tension, this is urban fantasy first, with romantic elements woven in. I can appreciate the slow burn and buildup—but still. I love, love, LOVE Angel. He was perfection.
If you’re ready to dive back into urban fantasy and give romantasy a little breather, this series is absolutely the perfect choice.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Frankie, a young Colombian wolf shifter raised in NYC, returns home for her father’s funeral after he’s killed in a challenge by one of his pack mates. Sent away as a young teen, she’s now estranged from her half-siblings and stepping back into a pack—and a city—that isn’t sure how to receive her.
The NYC world building is expertly done: gritty, vivid, and immersive without romanticizing the city. It made me hungry that’s for sure. As conflict sparks immediately when her father’s new family keeps their distance, while the rest supernatural community knows her reputation. Meanwhile, people are turning up poisoned, and Frankie picks up the investigation her father began.
If you loved Crescent City, and urban fantasy this is an easy yes.
The NYC world building is expertly done: gritty, vivid, and immersive without romanticizing the city. It made me hungry that’s for sure. As conflict sparks immediately when her father’s new family keeps their distance, while the rest supernatural community knows her reputation. Meanwhile, people are turning up poisoned, and Frankie picks up the investigation her father began.
If you loved Crescent City, and urban fantasy this is an easy yes.
March 3, 2026
5 ⭐️
(I did receive a copy as an arc and this is my honest opinion)
I did finish this book earlier in the day and I gave myself some time to think about what I wanted to rate this book and look more into the author. I absolutely loved this book and it really kept me on my toes I was second guessing everything. Angel I love him and the way he crack jokes but also know when to get serious but I’m kind of iffy about Elias. How is he the god of death but can’t stand up to his father?? And he just stood by when it’s obvious that she was set up. Love Lucian for getting my girl out that cage. After this book ended I need book 2
10/10 highly recommend
(I did receive a copy as an arc and this is my honest opinion)
I did finish this book earlier in the day and I gave myself some time to think about what I wanted to rate this book and look more into the author. I absolutely loved this book and it really kept me on my toes I was second guessing everything. Angel I love him and the way he crack jokes but also know when to get serious but I’m kind of iffy about Elias. How is he the god of death but can’t stand up to his father?? And he just stood by when it’s obvious that she was set up. Love Lucian for getting my girl out that cage. After this book ended I need book 2
10/10 highly recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
I love a good underdog book. When they underestimate you. But you turn around and show them exactly who you are.
Then it all changes, and you need to save them. You know the ones that didn't want you and counted you out?
Frankie meets her rival, and another wolf that is just a mistake waiting to happen.
She trusts no one! But they will be surprised when she stakes her claim and starts living her story. Can't wait for more of this story.
Well, that is exactly what Frankie did.
Thank you, Nerd Fam for the chance to review this story.
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Then it all changes, and you need to save them. You know the ones that didn't want you and counted you out?
Frankie meets her rival, and another wolf that is just a mistake waiting to happen.
She trusts no one! But they will be surprised when she stakes her claim and starts living her story. Can't wait for more of this story.
Well, that is exactly what Frankie did.
Thank you, Nerd Fam for the chance to review this story.
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I really enjoyed this paranormal romance. It had refreshingly descriptive writing although at times it was long-winded. This was a medium paced story punctuated with exciting action scenes. The murder mystery element was well done and kept you guessing to the end. The romance felt more like a subplot of mutual interest between the characters than an actual romantic story line but I’m hoping it develops further in the next book. The cliffhanger ending left me eager for the next book!
March 5, 2026
This book offers a thrilling mix of pack politics, supernatural beings, and a compelling plot involving the kidnapping and poisoning of the main character. The writing is vividly detailed, though it can feel a bit drawn out at times. It's a medium-paced narrative, featuring some intense action sequences that keep things engaging. The cliffhanger ending definitely has me looking forward to the next installment!
Review of advance copy
ARC Review of Bastard of the Alpha by Karina Espinosa provided by The Nerd Fam
Was almost a 3 star read, but the last 9% really did payoff. I am so glad I stuck it out with this one. I will definitely be reading the next one in this series to see where this goes simply because of the ending!
I thought I knew where this was going, and I absolutely did NOT!
Was almost a 3 star read, but the last 9% really did payoff. I am so glad I stuck it out with this one. I will definitely be reading the next one in this series to see where this goes simply because of the ending!
I thought I knew where this was going, and I absolutely did NOT!
Review of advance copy
4.75 stars
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
I couldn't put this book down! An amazing FMC with feminine rage, family drama, political intrigue, and of course supernatural beings.
If you have enjoyed Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson, you will love Karina Espinozas Frankie Salazar.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
I couldn't put this book down! An amazing FMC with feminine rage, family drama, political intrigue, and of course supernatural beings.
If you have enjoyed Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson, you will love Karina Espinozas Frankie Salazar.
March 5, 2026
This was my first read from Karina Espinosa and I really enjoyed it. The FMC is strong and feisty and that's my favorite kind! Of course we ended on a cliffhanger and now all I want to read is the next book!
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