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Joey Santana #1
Cursed
The headlines read: Human Bitten by Werewolf.
Story of my life.
The names Joey Santana and my twenty-fifth birthday didn’t necessarily go as planned. In a world where supernaturals and humans live together, I was attacked and saved by none other than the Alpha of the Los Angeles Pack. But with survival came a price. And I wasn’t sure if I was ready to pay it.
Fast forward and I’m waking up the next morning in some stranger’s house with a half-naked man coming out of a bathroom. Awkward. And it so happens to be the Alpha’s son, Reed Stone. Right off the bat, he knows I’m trouble with a capital T since there haven’t been any humans turned into supes since supernaturals were outed five years ago. But if he thinks I’m going to sit back and take whatever he’s got coming, he’s painfully mistaken. I might have been human, but I now have canines, and I bite.
We’re forced to work together to wade through the supernatural politics and threats that await me. Our personalities clash in a battle of wills for dominance as the two of us grow closer together to solve the biggest mystery of all—why the hell would my father want to kill me?
Story of my life.
The names Joey Santana and my twenty-fifth birthday didn’t necessarily go as planned. In a world where supernaturals and humans live together, I was attacked and saved by none other than the Alpha of the Los Angeles Pack. But with survival came a price. And I wasn’t sure if I was ready to pay it.
Fast forward and I’m waking up the next morning in some stranger’s house with a half-naked man coming out of a bathroom. Awkward. And it so happens to be the Alpha’s son, Reed Stone. Right off the bat, he knows I’m trouble with a capital T since there haven’t been any humans turned into supes since supernaturals were outed five years ago. But if he thinks I’m going to sit back and take whatever he’s got coming, he’s painfully mistaken. I might have been human, but I now have canines, and I bite.
We’re forced to work together to wade through the supernatural politics and threats that await me. Our personalities clash in a battle of wills for dominance as the two of us grow closer together to solve the biggest mystery of all—why the hell would my father want to kill me?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2021
251 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Karina Espinosa
107 books466 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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June 11, 2023I am deleting this review. listen, this book wasn't my cup of tea but I don't want my opinion discouraging someone else from finding something they might like. the author put their sweat and tears into this story and created something original and creative. I could never put together a coherent story. This author did it and that is something to be praised even if I personally don't enjoy the results. but not every story will appeal to every reader and that's the way it should be. I won't crap on this author's effort. New readers, give it a go. if it's not for you, put it in your dnr pile and let it go. chances are that if you found this book, you got it on Kindle Unlimited so you aren't out of any money. Who knows, maybe you'll enjoy it. plenty of people have. Enough people that there are 4 full books in the series. that should speak louder than my one review.
October 7, 2021
Joey Santana, 25 year old girl. Because of a family crises her life turns upside down. To stay alive she's saved by a man she has known for 7 years. The man and his family take her in there home, helps her with all there might and thats nearly not enough. She trys to make up for her life, to make it right. But its not so easy.
A book that has something happening all the time. Easy to get hooked in the book. Harder to put the book away! Not a boring moment and I love the comments between Reed and Joey! I cant wait for the rest!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A book that has something happening all the time. Easy to get hooked in the book. Harder to put the book away! Not a boring moment and I love the comments between Reed and Joey! I cant wait for the rest!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2021
I absolutely loved reading Cursed and am already in love with all the characters thus far. I can't wait to read more of the series. I love the twist Karina Espinosa brings to the paranormal characters in Joey Santana and the world she built. I feel even though they are paranormal they face real situations that are valid within the real world. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down, I just couldn't get enough of these characters. Joey and Reed are definitely my favorite, their back and forth banter will keep you on the edge of your seat and begging for more.
October 10, 2021
Welcome to the Pack . . .
Joey Santana was attacked when she turned 25-years-old and it changed her life. Her parents had been harassing her to come home. She left at 18 and had no intention of going back. So they came to her workplace, dragged her out to an alley, and her father stabbed her in the stomach and left her bleeding to death. At least her mother cried, although she did nothing to stop him. She would not have survived without the intervention of Mr. Stone, the Alpha of the Los Angeles Pack who saved her life that night; but she is not sure she wants to pay back that debt. In fact, she threatened to sue him for leaving a scar when he bit her before she had bled out.
She wakes up to meet the Alpha’s son, Reed Stone, who still considers her human and despicable. He was appalled that she was a werewolf now. So she stuck her tongue out at him and glared. He refused to let her use his bathroom and called her a “muggle”. She called him “Malfoy”. (If you’re not getting what these insults mean, you have lots of reading to catch up on in the Harry Potter series.) She ended the argument by kicking him in the shin.
Apparently they are to work together over inevitable issues she will face, and their personalities are not very compatible as they continue fight for dominance. He may be the wolf, but she was a feisty human who won’t be pushed around. So already we’re off to a great start and laughable banter as the two growl their way through the story line while trying to solve the mystery of what’s going on with this situation and why Joey’s father tried to kill her!
This is one of those action-packed books that refuses to slow down. Parts are immature, other parts are hilarious. But stick with it and I think you’re going to like this series.
Joey Santana was attacked when she turned 25-years-old and it changed her life. Her parents had been harassing her to come home. She left at 18 and had no intention of going back. So they came to her workplace, dragged her out to an alley, and her father stabbed her in the stomach and left her bleeding to death. At least her mother cried, although she did nothing to stop him. She would not have survived without the intervention of Mr. Stone, the Alpha of the Los Angeles Pack who saved her life that night; but she is not sure she wants to pay back that debt. In fact, she threatened to sue him for leaving a scar when he bit her before she had bled out.
She wakes up to meet the Alpha’s son, Reed Stone, who still considers her human and despicable. He was appalled that she was a werewolf now. So she stuck her tongue out at him and glared. He refused to let her use his bathroom and called her a “muggle”. She called him “Malfoy”. (If you’re not getting what these insults mean, you have lots of reading to catch up on in the Harry Potter series.) She ended the argument by kicking him in the shin.
Apparently they are to work together over inevitable issues she will face, and their personalities are not very compatible as they continue fight for dominance. He may be the wolf, but she was a feisty human who won’t be pushed around. So already we’re off to a great start and laughable banter as the two growl their way through the story line while trying to solve the mystery of what’s going on with this situation and why Joey’s father tried to kill her!
This is one of those action-packed books that refuses to slow down. Parts are immature, other parts are hilarious. But stick with it and I think you’re going to like this series.
November 10, 2021
DNF: Completely juvenile
The main characters act like children. It's absolutely ridiculous. I only made it 15% into the book. There is no maturity or depth to any of these characters.
The main characters act like children. It's absolutely ridiculous. I only made it 15% into the book. There is no maturity or depth to any of these characters.
January 28, 2024
Carton plein pour ce premier tome ! Le récit est entraînant, l'action très présente et les personnages sont fort attachants. Joey et Reed ont 25-27 ans mais se comportent comme deux ados. Ça peut surprendre puis ça se noie dans l'ambiance générale. On n'y pense plus, car tout va très vite ! C'est vraiment chouette.
October 7, 2021
When I heard that this author was bringing out a new series and after reading some of her other titles, I was eager to read this new one. I love the cover, the way it depicts the main character in the book, Joey Santana. It’s good to have an image to go with the person you are reading about. Though having said that upon reading the descriptions about the different characters in the book, I don’t have any issue visualising what they all look like. The image of Joey on the front cover certainly fits my idea of what she would look like too. The genres that this book would fit into are urban fiction, paranormal, fantasy but there are also elements of mystery, thriller and its certainly action-packed, with lots of human vs supernatural politics as well as all the inner politics within the supernatural’s and then the different laws, policies and customs within each individual race. So, there is a lot to learn about the world this book and series is set in.
In the “world” in this book the humans know of the existence of the different supernatural races. In fact, they have known for about five years, so you would think all the different races would have integrated somewhat by now but sadly that is not the case. The largest split is Humans vs Supernatural’s each living in their own areas of Los Angeles. Even the humans seem split with some taking a live and let live attitude, others wanting nothing at all to do with the supernatural races. Then the more extreme humans who join organisations like Human’s United led by Darius Blackburn, a group of people that want to restore order in the favour of the human race again and purify the land they all live on. They consider the supernatural’s to be abominations and want to get rid of them all.
The supernatural races are happy enough living in their own area of Los Angeles and want no trouble nor wish no harm on the vast majority of humans. Each individual type of supernatural has their own section within the supernatural district of Los Angeles. There are a few supernatural’s that prefer to live alone and choose to live in the Long Beach area. This is the area that the “Guild” holds their regular meetings. There is a representative from each type of people. The werewolf representative is the Alpha and is called Mr Elliott Stone, the Witch representative is Cordelia, the Vampire representative, is Cassius the leader of the local clan. The Seelie representative is a seelie called Fiona chosen by the Seelie Queen to sit at the meetings in her place. The Seelie Queen does not leave the seelie realm. The final representative is the one for the humans, and is Mr Norman Wright, who is also a member of Humans United.
It seems that life has kind of been plodding along with the odd flare up between supernaturals, and individual races and humans but nothing major. The latest disturbance to peace is that Senate Representative Marissa Beauchamp is trying to push through a law which would mean all supernaturals would have to be registered. Within this registration would be the name, address and also the supernatural ability listed and kept on record. The humans seem to want to control the supernatural community, perhaps using this law to treat them as second class, citizens or even pets with little to no rights! The talk of this law has been going too and fro for quite some time and it seems to have reached a stalemate, in that if put to a vote the decision could go either way.
Joey Santana, works at Sloane’s Restaurant waiting on tables. Sloane’s Restaurant is frequented by both humans and all the different supernatural’s. In fact Joey gets along with all types of customer, whatever race they are. Joey has made friends over the years with some of the supernaturals and talks to them and serves them just as she does anyone else in the restaurant. Joey is at work tonight despite it being her birthday and after some gentle harassment and persuading has agreed to meet up with her best friend, Kit, who she has known since they were at school together. Joey hasn’t had a great upbringing, never really feeling any love from her parents. In Joeys mind Kit is her family and the only one in the world that loves her, which is why she gets herself so easily talked into meeting him after work despite the fact she will no doubt be super tired. Unfortunately, later that evening Joey is attacked and left in an alley to die. Mr Stone, the Alpha of the Los pack makes a split-second decision and bite’s Joey to save her life. This does save Joey’s life but it also changes it beyond all recognition and it certainly adds fuel to the fire for the Humans United members who want all supernaturals registered. They manage to twist a desperate act of kindness to save a young girls life to the first act of the supernaturals turning humans to form an army, to then wage a war and take over from the humans!! It also reignites the embers of discontent within Elliott Stone’s pack. There are some that do not like Elliott and this action just adds another thing to dislike him for. Elliott has to plead his case, and prove that his perhaps in hindsight rash decision was not premeditated to the Guild. Joey also attends the meetings to explain what happened and why.
There are lots of characters to get to know in this book and I hope we will learn even more about them as series goes on. Of course, I love Joey, a fantastic kick-butt female character, the way she continues to push the boundaries that Elliott Stone asks her to keep to whilst she is in transition. I think Joey ends up seeing Elliott and his wife Lillian as surrogate parents. Then there’s Reed Stone, son of Elliott and Lillian, who finds some of the situations Joey gets herself into amusing where as other times he finds her exasperating. I can see a love triangle forming in this book already or will it be love pentagram as quite a few of male characters in this book seem to have certain feelings for Joey and become rather flirty with her on different occasions within the book. As for female friends, Joey doesn’t seem to have ever had them in her previous “human life,” she didn’t need one, Kit was the only human friend she ever needed or wanted. However, in her new supernatural life she finds a firm friend in the Crows Nest. After going out “to meet new friends” following the instructions from Elliott, she decides to ditch the increasingly irritating Reed, who Elliott tasked with introducing her to people. Joey heads straight to the bar and watches the barmaid interacting with the customers and mixing up different strange looking drinks. It’s not long until Joey and Eugenie are firm friends. The fact that Eugenie is Reed’s ex-girlfriend and their newly formed friendship irritates him is a bonus.
The characters I enjoyed despite them being the bad, troublemaker ones were Darius Blackthorn leader of Humans United and Norman Wright the human representative who sits on the Guild board. I started off strongly disliking Joey’s parents, particularly her father but further into the book, there is a scene that made me feel a little sorry for him. Other characters that I think are ones to watch are the Seelie Queen, and Levi a werewolf who is within Reeds friends circle, and maybe even Ava who is also a werewolf who is besotted with Reed. I already adore and feel attached to Joey and it’s clear to see, even though Joey doesn’t see it right now, that both Kit and Reed have feelings for her and quite possibly love her.
The action begins within the first few pages and doesn’t really stop until the very last page. Then you are left with so many questions and ideas about what may or may not happen next.
I really, truly enjoyed this book a lot, it didn’t take long for me to become totally engrossed. I loved all the sections where Joey is learning about her new life. Despite everything being new and strange, Joey is determined to make the best of her life. Though she is throwing herself into this new way of life she wants to keep her human best friend Kit in her life, despite being warned he may snub her, now she is so longer human. Joey insists Kit will be different, her being a werewolf won’t change their friendship at all. Unfortunately, Kit quickly becomes a target for the people who want to get their hands on Joey. Can Joey and Kit continue to be friends, or would it be safer for Joey to cut all human ties, and immerse herself in her new life. There are so many different aspects of this book, so many different plot lines to follow, it honestly is an amazing read!
My immediate thoughts upon finishing reading this book were, Wow! What a fantastic start to another amazing series by Karina Espinosa.
To sum up I can’t wait to read more!
In the “world” in this book the humans know of the existence of the different supernatural races. In fact, they have known for about five years, so you would think all the different races would have integrated somewhat by now but sadly that is not the case. The largest split is Humans vs Supernatural’s each living in their own areas of Los Angeles. Even the humans seem split with some taking a live and let live attitude, others wanting nothing at all to do with the supernatural races. Then the more extreme humans who join organisations like Human’s United led by Darius Blackburn, a group of people that want to restore order in the favour of the human race again and purify the land they all live on. They consider the supernatural’s to be abominations and want to get rid of them all.
The supernatural races are happy enough living in their own area of Los Angeles and want no trouble nor wish no harm on the vast majority of humans. Each individual type of supernatural has their own section within the supernatural district of Los Angeles. There are a few supernatural’s that prefer to live alone and choose to live in the Long Beach area. This is the area that the “Guild” holds their regular meetings. There is a representative from each type of people. The werewolf representative is the Alpha and is called Mr Elliott Stone, the Witch representative is Cordelia, the Vampire representative, is Cassius the leader of the local clan. The Seelie representative is a seelie called Fiona chosen by the Seelie Queen to sit at the meetings in her place. The Seelie Queen does not leave the seelie realm. The final representative is the one for the humans, and is Mr Norman Wright, who is also a member of Humans United.
It seems that life has kind of been plodding along with the odd flare up between supernaturals, and individual races and humans but nothing major. The latest disturbance to peace is that Senate Representative Marissa Beauchamp is trying to push through a law which would mean all supernaturals would have to be registered. Within this registration would be the name, address and also the supernatural ability listed and kept on record. The humans seem to want to control the supernatural community, perhaps using this law to treat them as second class, citizens or even pets with little to no rights! The talk of this law has been going too and fro for quite some time and it seems to have reached a stalemate, in that if put to a vote the decision could go either way.
Joey Santana, works at Sloane’s Restaurant waiting on tables. Sloane’s Restaurant is frequented by both humans and all the different supernatural’s. In fact Joey gets along with all types of customer, whatever race they are. Joey has made friends over the years with some of the supernaturals and talks to them and serves them just as she does anyone else in the restaurant. Joey is at work tonight despite it being her birthday and after some gentle harassment and persuading has agreed to meet up with her best friend, Kit, who she has known since they were at school together. Joey hasn’t had a great upbringing, never really feeling any love from her parents. In Joeys mind Kit is her family and the only one in the world that loves her, which is why she gets herself so easily talked into meeting him after work despite the fact she will no doubt be super tired. Unfortunately, later that evening Joey is attacked and left in an alley to die. Mr Stone, the Alpha of the Los pack makes a split-second decision and bite’s Joey to save her life. This does save Joey’s life but it also changes it beyond all recognition and it certainly adds fuel to the fire for the Humans United members who want all supernaturals registered. They manage to twist a desperate act of kindness to save a young girls life to the first act of the supernaturals turning humans to form an army, to then wage a war and take over from the humans!! It also reignites the embers of discontent within Elliott Stone’s pack. There are some that do not like Elliott and this action just adds another thing to dislike him for. Elliott has to plead his case, and prove that his perhaps in hindsight rash decision was not premeditated to the Guild. Joey also attends the meetings to explain what happened and why.
There are lots of characters to get to know in this book and I hope we will learn even more about them as series goes on. Of course, I love Joey, a fantastic kick-butt female character, the way she continues to push the boundaries that Elliott Stone asks her to keep to whilst she is in transition. I think Joey ends up seeing Elliott and his wife Lillian as surrogate parents. Then there’s Reed Stone, son of Elliott and Lillian, who finds some of the situations Joey gets herself into amusing where as other times he finds her exasperating. I can see a love triangle forming in this book already or will it be love pentagram as quite a few of male characters in this book seem to have certain feelings for Joey and become rather flirty with her on different occasions within the book. As for female friends, Joey doesn’t seem to have ever had them in her previous “human life,” she didn’t need one, Kit was the only human friend she ever needed or wanted. However, in her new supernatural life she finds a firm friend in the Crows Nest. After going out “to meet new friends” following the instructions from Elliott, she decides to ditch the increasingly irritating Reed, who Elliott tasked with introducing her to people. Joey heads straight to the bar and watches the barmaid interacting with the customers and mixing up different strange looking drinks. It’s not long until Joey and Eugenie are firm friends. The fact that Eugenie is Reed’s ex-girlfriend and their newly formed friendship irritates him is a bonus.
The characters I enjoyed despite them being the bad, troublemaker ones were Darius Blackthorn leader of Humans United and Norman Wright the human representative who sits on the Guild board. I started off strongly disliking Joey’s parents, particularly her father but further into the book, there is a scene that made me feel a little sorry for him. Other characters that I think are ones to watch are the Seelie Queen, and Levi a werewolf who is within Reeds friends circle, and maybe even Ava who is also a werewolf who is besotted with Reed. I already adore and feel attached to Joey and it’s clear to see, even though Joey doesn’t see it right now, that both Kit and Reed have feelings for her and quite possibly love her.
The action begins within the first few pages and doesn’t really stop until the very last page. Then you are left with so many questions and ideas about what may or may not happen next.
I really, truly enjoyed this book a lot, it didn’t take long for me to become totally engrossed. I loved all the sections where Joey is learning about her new life. Despite everything being new and strange, Joey is determined to make the best of her life. Though she is throwing herself into this new way of life she wants to keep her human best friend Kit in her life, despite being warned he may snub her, now she is so longer human. Joey insists Kit will be different, her being a werewolf won’t change their friendship at all. Unfortunately, Kit quickly becomes a target for the people who want to get their hands on Joey. Can Joey and Kit continue to be friends, or would it be safer for Joey to cut all human ties, and immerse herself in her new life. There are so many different aspects of this book, so many different plot lines to follow, it honestly is an amazing read!
My immediate thoughts upon finishing reading this book were, Wow! What a fantastic start to another amazing series by Karina Espinosa.
To sum up I can’t wait to read more!
October 6, 2021
This first instalment had me glued from the beginning. The book is fast paced, just how I love them and the author makes you travel into the world they've built with all your senses wide open. It is well written, entertaining and leaves you on a cliffhanger, which is the only part I was sad about. Otherwise, I totally recommend this book and can't wait for the next instalment in this series.
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, 2022
I made it 36 pages. The main character is a prejudiced idiot without a shred of common sense. She's rude and presumptuous without reason, she's annoying as hell, and stupid. I won't continue, because I can't take one more page of her nonsense.
The author needs beta readers to tell her how off-base she is either her main character. There was not a single scene where I enjoyed her.
The author needs beta readers to tell her how off-base she is either her main character. There was not a single scene where I enjoyed her.
November 9, 2025
Audiobook - Audible
Narrated by
Nicole Poole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well, I don't remember this.
I will probably do re-listening later on, and my review will then be updated.
Narrated by
Nicole Poole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well, I don't remember this.
I will probably do re-listening later on, and my review will then be updated.
February 8, 2022
4.5/5 Stars
The synopsis really drew me into this book. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down!
I really am quite taken with this book. I devoured this book in one sitting because I literally couldn't pull myself away from it. I loved the relatable writing and the writing style is one that I really meshed with straight away. There were twists and turns in the plot that were interesting and shocking. The book definitely kept my attention. I love how unpredictable the story was. The world-building was great. I was really absorbed into the story.
I really loved the cast of characters in this book. I thought that they were all very relatable. There were instances where I thought that the two main characters, Joey and Reed, were portrayed as younger than they actually were. But that didn't take any enjoyment out of the read for me. I really loved Joey and Reed. They were such fiery lead characters and I just enjoyed all of their moments. I loved Joey's character development in this book. She really goes through so much trauma and has to navigate a new world all while terrible things keep happening. We get to see a bit of Reed's inner personality but I am eager to find out more about him as the series goes on. This book has an incredible cast of secondary characters. I literally love them all! (Except for the villains because, yeah.) All of the different characters and personalities bring interesting dynamics into the story and I am eager to see the author explore them more.
I was rooting for Joey and Reed from the start. Their antagonistic enemies-to-lovers-style relationship was so entertaining. You could tell that there were really some feelings there underneath all of the sparring words they were throwing at each other left and right. They really had amusing banter and definite chemistry with one another. I also thought that the information about werewolves and mating was interesting and I wonder how that will play into their romance.
Overall, I was really impressed with this book. I loved the creative plot and the memorable characters. This is a new-to-me author but I am totally sold! I will have my eyes on this author from now on. I can't wait to dive into the second book in this series!
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The synopsis really drew me into this book. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down!
I really am quite taken with this book. I devoured this book in one sitting because I literally couldn't pull myself away from it. I loved the relatable writing and the writing style is one that I really meshed with straight away. There were twists and turns in the plot that were interesting and shocking. The book definitely kept my attention. I love how unpredictable the story was. The world-building was great. I was really absorbed into the story.
I really loved the cast of characters in this book. I thought that they were all very relatable. There were instances where I thought that the two main characters, Joey and Reed, were portrayed as younger than they actually were. But that didn't take any enjoyment out of the read for me. I really loved Joey and Reed. They were such fiery lead characters and I just enjoyed all of their moments. I loved Joey's character development in this book. She really goes through so much trauma and has to navigate a new world all while terrible things keep happening. We get to see a bit of Reed's inner personality but I am eager to find out more about him as the series goes on. This book has an incredible cast of secondary characters. I literally love them all! (Except for the villains because, yeah.) All of the different characters and personalities bring interesting dynamics into the story and I am eager to see the author explore them more.
I was rooting for Joey and Reed from the start. Their antagonistic enemies-to-lovers-style relationship was so entertaining. You could tell that there were really some feelings there underneath all of the sparring words they were throwing at each other left and right. They really had amusing banter and definite chemistry with one another. I also thought that the information about werewolves and mating was interesting and I wonder how that will play into their romance.
Overall, I was really impressed with this book. I loved the creative plot and the memorable characters. This is a new-to-me author but I am totally sold! I will have my eyes on this author from now on. I can't wait to dive into the second book in this series!
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June 28, 2023
I really enjoyed the lead females inner voice. It was engaging, lively and fun.... and got me thru all the inconsistencies and stupidity that were legion in the story.
Following are just the major ones involving the alpha wolf:
Then, at 80%, I hit the part where apparently God (yes, that is the christian deity we are talking about) cursed an entire bloodline for a trivial reason with a really, really, really fucked up way to break the curse (although definitely in line with biblical ideals)...
...and I gave up.
Following are just the major ones involving the alpha wolf:
Then, at 80%, I hit the part where apparently God (yes, that is the christian deity we are talking about) cursed an entire bloodline for a trivial reason with a really, really, really fucked up way to break the curse (although definitely in line with biblical ideals)...
...and I gave up.
January 18, 2024
Quoi de mieux pour changer de la romance contemporaine qu'un bon Urban Fantasy ? Des loups ? Je dis oui ! Une intrigue qui démarre sur les chapeaux de roue... je suis comblée !
Pas de tergiversations, on est directement plongé dans l'histoire avec la petite Joey qui voit sa vie complétement bouleversée ! Et elle ne fait pas dans la dentelle, puisque pour lui éviter de mourir, Elliott, l'alpha de la meute de Los Angeles prend la décision de faire d'elle un membre de son clan. Seulement ce n'est pas si simple pour Joey... Accepter sa nouvelle condition, se rendre compte que les métamorphes n'ont quasi aucun droit, dire adieu a son ancienne vie et surtout cohabiter avec Reed !
On ne s'ennuie pas un seul instant dans ce roman. On va de surprises en rebondissements dans un rythme effréné. On comprend que la pauvre Joey ait bien du mal à suivre ! C'est un véritable aimant à ennuis ! Heureusement Reed n'est jamais bien loin... La plume est très addictive, fluide et ne s'embarrasse pas de descriptions à rallonge qui pourraient nous perdre. Non, Karina Espinosa va droit à l'essentiel et j'ai adoré !
Reed et Joey... Tout un poème ! Elle ne peut pas l'encadrer, lui non plus, mais ils vont devoir apprendre à faire avec, puisqu'ils vont vivre sous le même toit ! Évidemment cela va donner lieu à des joutes verbales piquantes comme je les aime, des situations grotesques dignes d'adolescents. Pour des adultes matures, on repassera ! Mais c'est tellement bon de les voir tisser ces liens un peu bancals... Joey est pile l'héroïne badass que j'aime retrouver en Urban Fantasy et je prend un plaisir fou à suivre ses péripéties, ses maladresses et ses moments de faiblesse. Pour Reed, on entrevoit déjà le côté overprotecteur propre aux loups de meute et il me fait marrer. Un loup bougon mais sexy, qui ne craquerait pas ?
D'autres créatures seront au rendez-vous, comme les vampires et les seelies. des humain évidemment. Les factions sont au bord de l'explosion et Joey pourrait bien être la mèche allumée qui fera tout péter... La différence fait peur, pousse les hommes à la discrimination, à la méchanceté gratuite. Quelle espèce est-elle donc la plus monstrueuse dans cette histoire ?
Un début de série qui m'a conquise et c'est une évidence, je vais guetter la suite avec une réelle impatience ! Je n'ose imaginer ce que l'auteure à réservé à la pauvre Joey... rendez-vous au prochain tome !
Pas de tergiversations, on est directement plongé dans l'histoire avec la petite Joey qui voit sa vie complétement bouleversée ! Et elle ne fait pas dans la dentelle, puisque pour lui éviter de mourir, Elliott, l'alpha de la meute de Los Angeles prend la décision de faire d'elle un membre de son clan. Seulement ce n'est pas si simple pour Joey... Accepter sa nouvelle condition, se rendre compte que les métamorphes n'ont quasi aucun droit, dire adieu a son ancienne vie et surtout cohabiter avec Reed !
On ne s'ennuie pas un seul instant dans ce roman. On va de surprises en rebondissements dans un rythme effréné. On comprend que la pauvre Joey ait bien du mal à suivre ! C'est un véritable aimant à ennuis ! Heureusement Reed n'est jamais bien loin... La plume est très addictive, fluide et ne s'embarrasse pas de descriptions à rallonge qui pourraient nous perdre. Non, Karina Espinosa va droit à l'essentiel et j'ai adoré !
Reed et Joey... Tout un poème ! Elle ne peut pas l'encadrer, lui non plus, mais ils vont devoir apprendre à faire avec, puisqu'ils vont vivre sous le même toit ! Évidemment cela va donner lieu à des joutes verbales piquantes comme je les aime, des situations grotesques dignes d'adolescents. Pour des adultes matures, on repassera ! Mais c'est tellement bon de les voir tisser ces liens un peu bancals... Joey est pile l'héroïne badass que j'aime retrouver en Urban Fantasy et je prend un plaisir fou à suivre ses péripéties, ses maladresses et ses moments de faiblesse. Pour Reed, on entrevoit déjà le côté overprotecteur propre aux loups de meute et il me fait marrer. Un loup bougon mais sexy, qui ne craquerait pas ?
D'autres créatures seront au rendez-vous, comme les vampires et les seelies. des humain évidemment. Les factions sont au bord de l'explosion et Joey pourrait bien être la mèche allumée qui fera tout péter... La différence fait peur, pousse les hommes à la discrimination, à la méchanceté gratuite. Quelle espèce est-elle donc la plus monstrueuse dans cette histoire ?
Un début de série qui m'a conquise et c'est une évidence, je vais guetter la suite avec une réelle impatience ! Je n'ose imaginer ce que l'auteure à réservé à la pauvre Joey... rendez-vous au prochain tome !
January 15, 2024
Dans ce roman, nous découvrons les aventures de Joey Santana. La jeune femme est à priori une jeune femme des plus normales dans un monde ou les surnaturels. Elle travaille comme serveuse dans un restaurant et vit seule dans un appartement. Cependant, à l’approche de ses 25 ans, pour une raison qu’elle ignore, ses parents souhaitent absolument qu’elle retourne chez eux. Leur relation n’étant pas au beau fixe, Joey n’en a pas la moindre envie. Et ce n’est pas la tentative de meurtre de son père à son encontre qui va lui donner envie de revenir. Les conséquences de cette attaque n’auront d’ailleurs aucun retour en arrière possible : afin qu’elle puisse survivre, un loup-garou présent va la mordre et ainsi la transformer. Cet évènement marquera pour Joey le début d’une nouvelle vie. Cependant, sera-t-elle à l’abri de ses parents auprès de la meute ? Quelles conséquences auront sa transformation sur les relations déjà tendues entre les humains et les surnaturels ? Pourquoi son père tient-il tant à la tuer ?
On est ici avec un roman que j’ai tout simplement adoré. J’ai beaucoup aimé la manière dont le monde surnaturel est régit ici. Le monde entier connaît leur existence mais ils vivent tout de même en marge de la société car certains humains ne les acceptent pas du tout. Malgré le fait que l’existence du surnaturel soit connue, les différentes factions gardent leurs secrets pour elles, nous allons donc pouvoir les découvrir en même temps que Joey. La cohabitation avec le fils de l’alpha ne sera pas toujours simple et les joutes verbales entre eux sont vraiment chouettes à suivre, j’ai rigolé quelques fois ! J’ai beaucoup aimé les différents personnages que ce soit Joey ou les personnages qui transitent autour d’elle comme Elliott, Reed, Emilio, Kit et Eugénie. L’intrigue ne manque pas de rebondissements ou d’actions, il se passe toujours quelque chose et on ne peut dès lors pas s’ennuyer. J’ai vraiment hâte de voir ce que la suite nous réserve et ce qu’on apprendra sur la malédiction.
On est ici avec un roman que j’ai tout simplement adoré. J’ai beaucoup aimé la manière dont le monde surnaturel est régit ici. Le monde entier connaît leur existence mais ils vivent tout de même en marge de la société car certains humains ne les acceptent pas du tout. Malgré le fait que l’existence du surnaturel soit connue, les différentes factions gardent leurs secrets pour elles, nous allons donc pouvoir les découvrir en même temps que Joey. La cohabitation avec le fils de l’alpha ne sera pas toujours simple et les joutes verbales entre eux sont vraiment chouettes à suivre, j’ai rigolé quelques fois ! J’ai beaucoup aimé les différents personnages que ce soit Joey ou les personnages qui transitent autour d’elle comme Elliott, Reed, Emilio, Kit et Eugénie. L’intrigue ne manque pas de rebondissements ou d’actions, il se passe toujours quelque chose et on ne peut dès lors pas s’ennuyer. J’ai vraiment hâte de voir ce que la suite nous réserve et ce qu’on apprendra sur la malédiction.
September 1, 2022
I grabbed this last month when it was on offer for 99p because I wanted something Paranormal/Urban Fantasy.
This starts with human Joey working a shift at the diner/bar on her 25th birthday and serving the werewolf pack alpha, Elliott, before her father storms in and drags her outside where he attacks her and leaves her for dead. Elliott appears and offers to change her and she agrees. Waking up the next day, Joey finds it hard to adjust to being a supe in a world where supes are feared and reviled by most humans. When her father discovers she's still alive he comes and tries again, revealing his reasons why: their family is cursed and the first female born - Joey - must die before her 26th birthday for their family to be happy again. With the help of Elliott, his son Reed and the friends she's managed to make in the month she's been turned, she must try and solve the mystery of the curse while dealing with a world that is slowly turning against the supes.
I wasn't sure about this to start with. Joey seemed great but her interactions with Reed from their very first meeting seemed rather childish but the more I read, the more I understood that urge to needle away at someone because you enjoy the interaction. I definitely sensed something happening between Reed and Joey - but especially on Reed's side of things with his moody outbursts and the looks his best friend kept throwing him. Nothing actually happened romantically in this one, though. I am slightly disappointed by that.
As for the curse thing itself? I don't think I'm interested enough in that part of the story to continue. maybe if something romance-wise had happened between any of the characters I might have carried on but the whole Human's First wanting to keep track of the supes of the world and the curse are not enough to keep me reading with this one.
This starts with human Joey working a shift at the diner/bar on her 25th birthday and serving the werewolf pack alpha, Elliott, before her father storms in and drags her outside where he attacks her and leaves her for dead. Elliott appears and offers to change her and she agrees. Waking up the next day, Joey finds it hard to adjust to being a supe in a world where supes are feared and reviled by most humans. When her father discovers she's still alive he comes and tries again, revealing his reasons why: their family is cursed and the first female born - Joey - must die before her 26th birthday for their family to be happy again. With the help of Elliott, his son Reed and the friends she's managed to make in the month she's been turned, she must try and solve the mystery of the curse while dealing with a world that is slowly turning against the supes.
I wasn't sure about this to start with. Joey seemed great but her interactions with Reed from their very first meeting seemed rather childish but the more I read, the more I understood that urge to needle away at someone because you enjoy the interaction. I definitely sensed something happening between Reed and Joey - but especially on Reed's side of things with his moody outbursts and the looks his best friend kept throwing him. Nothing actually happened romantically in this one, though. I am slightly disappointed by that.
As for the curse thing itself? I don't think I'm interested enough in that part of the story to continue. maybe if something romance-wise had happened between any of the characters I might have carried on but the whole Human's First wanting to keep track of the supes of the world and the curse are not enough to keep me reading with this one.
October 5, 2021
“Cursed” is the first instalment in Karina Espinosa’s new urban fantasy “Joey Santana Series” that introduces a new urban fantasy world, in which the existence of supernaturals has been discovered broad human population only five years previous, and the convivence between species is still in a very uneasy state.
Joey Santana is young human who works at Sloan’s a restaurant in the outskirts of Los Angeles, a relative unsavoury part of town, whose patrons are humans and supernaturals alike, and who is more of less satisfied with her life until the unthinkable happens: she gets bitten by a werewolf and finds herself at the other side of the social boundary. With the turn, Joey enters a new world of hierarchies and political threat, as the first known human to have been turned. However, human or not, Joey isn’t the type to remain passive as fate explodes on her nose.
The book is nicely written, fast-paced and entertaining. Joey is relatable, witty, funny, and determined. The world is very well-rendered, fully realistic within an urban fantasy. Every one of the secondary characters are fully developed, all of them with very distinctive personalities, that endear them to reader at first sight (aka read). The build-on attraction is not only highly entertaining but remains credible and realistic at all times. The book has but one caveat, should you make that rookie mistake of trying to ‘just peruse a little before bed’, you can easily find yourself in the middle of the night, having to make that impossible decision between ‘beauty sleep’ and finding out what happens in the next chapter which unavoidably leads to find yourself again seventeen chapters into the book screaming oh no!... is over! Thus… beware of lost sleep hours… it happens to the best of us 😉
Joey Santana is young human who works at Sloan’s a restaurant in the outskirts of Los Angeles, a relative unsavoury part of town, whose patrons are humans and supernaturals alike, and who is more of less satisfied with her life until the unthinkable happens: she gets bitten by a werewolf and finds herself at the other side of the social boundary. With the turn, Joey enters a new world of hierarchies and political threat, as the first known human to have been turned. However, human or not, Joey isn’t the type to remain passive as fate explodes on her nose.
The book is nicely written, fast-paced and entertaining. Joey is relatable, witty, funny, and determined. The world is very well-rendered, fully realistic within an urban fantasy. Every one of the secondary characters are fully developed, all of them with very distinctive personalities, that endear them to reader at first sight (aka read). The build-on attraction is not only highly entertaining but remains credible and realistic at all times. The book has but one caveat, should you make that rookie mistake of trying to ‘just peruse a little before bed’, you can easily find yourself in the middle of the night, having to make that impossible decision between ‘beauty sleep’ and finding out what happens in the next chapter which unavoidably leads to find yourself again seventeen chapters into the book screaming oh no!... is over! Thus… beware of lost sleep hours… it happens to the best of us 😉
February 9, 2024
J'ai lu ce premier tome en une soirée. Vous l'aurez
compris je me devais de tourner les pages pour
connaitre la suite de l'histoire. Un tome un que j'ai
adoré, un tome deux que j'attends à présent avec
impatience !
J'apprécie de plus en plus l'Urban Fantasy. Les
romances dans cet univers sont toujours pleines
d'action et de sentiments forts.
Dans ce premier tome on découvre Joey, une humaine,
qui après une tentative de meurtre le soir de son 25
ème anniversaire devient une surnaturelle, plus
précisément un loup-garou. Plongée dans une guerre
entre Humains Unis et Surnaturels, elle va devoir
apprendre à vivre dans sa nouvelle réalité et auprès de
sa nouvelle famille, sa meute. Elle devra également
apprendre à cohabiter avec son baby-sitter attitré :
Reed, le fils de l'Alpha. Des échanges pleins
d'électricité en prévision !
J'aime que dans ce livre les surnaturels ne soient pas
présentés comme des êtres exceptionnels, mis sur un
piédestal où chaque humain rêve secrètement de
rentrer dans leur monde. Ici, bien que le monde
surnaturel soit connu, les surnaturels sont des parias et
doivent rester en marges de la société.
Bien qu'il y ait de la romance, c'est un slow burn qui
reste pour le moment en second plan et qui a fait
palpiter mon petit cœur lors de certaines scènes entre
Joey et Reed. On se concentre sur Joey et la
découverte de ce nouveau monde pleins de mystère.
Un voile de mystère plane sur la tentative de meurtre
qu'elle a vécue, le rejets de la part de son paternel, des
secrets de famille bien enfouis. J'ai hâte de découvrir
ce qui se cache derrière tout ça !
Secrets enfouis, révélations, rebondissements, un
premier tome plein d'énergie et très prometteur pour la
suite !
compris je me devais de tourner les pages pour
connaitre la suite de l'histoire. Un tome un que j'ai
adoré, un tome deux que j'attends à présent avec
impatience !
J'apprécie de plus en plus l'Urban Fantasy. Les
romances dans cet univers sont toujours pleines
d'action et de sentiments forts.
Dans ce premier tome on découvre Joey, une humaine,
qui après une tentative de meurtre le soir de son 25
ème anniversaire devient une surnaturelle, plus
précisément un loup-garou. Plongée dans une guerre
entre Humains Unis et Surnaturels, elle va devoir
apprendre à vivre dans sa nouvelle réalité et auprès de
sa nouvelle famille, sa meute. Elle devra également
apprendre à cohabiter avec son baby-sitter attitré :
Reed, le fils de l'Alpha. Des échanges pleins
d'électricité en prévision !
J'aime que dans ce livre les surnaturels ne soient pas
présentés comme des êtres exceptionnels, mis sur un
piédestal où chaque humain rêve secrètement de
rentrer dans leur monde. Ici, bien que le monde
surnaturel soit connu, les surnaturels sont des parias et
doivent rester en marges de la société.
Bien qu'il y ait de la romance, c'est un slow burn qui
reste pour le moment en second plan et qui a fait
palpiter mon petit cœur lors de certaines scènes entre
Joey et Reed. On se concentre sur Joey et la
découverte de ce nouveau monde pleins de mystère.
Un voile de mystère plane sur la tentative de meurtre
qu'elle a vécue, le rejets de la part de son paternel, des
secrets de famille bien enfouis. J'ai hâte de découvrir
ce qui se cache derrière tout ça !
Secrets enfouis, révélations, rebondissements, un
premier tome plein d'énergie et très prometteur pour la
suite !
March 26, 2024
Lots of potential
I think that this had an amazing amount of potential but it flopped at certain parts. I felt that our MC switched from rough and tough to meek and scared frequently with little rhyme or reason. And some of the dialogue was really childish. For 25 year olds they sure talk like they're 10. It was actually really infuriating how childish Reed and Joey acted. That whole "I pick on her because I like her" schtick is something elementary school kids do. It seemed that the author didn't think through a lot of the actions and principles of the world.
The logic in this book didn't make sense most of the time either. At one point during the book, the human representative brings her parents in hopes to convince her to come back over to the human side of things. The problem with that is that he brought her parents then told a bold face lie that no one would believe and then started talking about them owning her because she was human first. If you really wanted her to come back, why didn't you try to make a believable excuse other than "he was drunk and that's why he stabbed his daughter". Like you could have thought of any excuse to convince her to come back to the human side of things or guilt her or pull on emotions, but instead you plainly lied to her face and make it very clear that you don't have her best intentions in mind. You think that a 40-year-old white male in leadership would know how to manipulate somebody.
There were some really funny and engaging parts to this book but not enough for me to want to read book 2.
I think that this had an amazing amount of potential but it flopped at certain parts. I felt that our MC switched from rough and tough to meek and scared frequently with little rhyme or reason. And some of the dialogue was really childish. For 25 year olds they sure talk like they're 10. It was actually really infuriating how childish Reed and Joey acted. That whole "I pick on her because I like her" schtick is something elementary school kids do. It seemed that the author didn't think through a lot of the actions and principles of the world.
The logic in this book didn't make sense most of the time either. At one point during the book, the human representative brings her parents in hopes to convince her to come back over to the human side of things. The problem with that is that he brought her parents then told a bold face lie that no one would believe and then started talking about them owning her because she was human first. If you really wanted her to come back, why didn't you try to make a believable excuse other than "he was drunk and that's why he stabbed his daughter". Like you could have thought of any excuse to convince her to come back to the human side of things or guilt her or pull on emotions, but instead you plainly lied to her face and make it very clear that you don't have her best intentions in mind. You think that a 40-year-old white male in leadership would know how to manipulate somebody.
There were some really funny and engaging parts to this book but not enough for me to want to read book 2.
February 15, 2024
A new transformed werewolf and a protective werewolf! An adorable romance beginning. The slow burn is so adorable and attractive. They act like brother and sister at the beginning of the novel, but gradually Reed becomes protective and doesn't want Joey to be with anyone else. The verbal jousts and their discussions had me dying of laughter throughout.
The relationship between Elliott (Reed's father) and Joey is just adorable. In his eyes, she is like a daughter to him, after 7 years of coming to his restaurant and becoming friends with Joey. For the first time, I read a story where the alpha is neither arrogant, nor cruel, nor cold. It’s the complete opposite of what I’m used to reading (and I loved it, obviously). I loved every one of his discussions with Joey. We likely feel the paternal bond between him and Joey. It's a change from the usual alpha who is cruel and savage just because he is more powerful than other wolves.
In this novel, there is action in every chapter. Every time I finished one, I had to turn the page to find out what happened next. I devoured every single page. An excellent read that makes me want to read more with joy!
I can't wait to read the rest of the adventures of Joey and his friends. Especially with an ending like this.
Good reading !
The relationship between Elliott (Reed's father) and Joey is just adorable. In his eyes, she is like a daughter to him, after 7 years of coming to his restaurant and becoming friends with Joey. For the first time, I read a story where the alpha is neither arrogant, nor cruel, nor cold. It’s the complete opposite of what I’m used to reading (and I loved it, obviously). I loved every one of his discussions with Joey. We likely feel the paternal bond between him and Joey. It's a change from the usual alpha who is cruel and savage just because he is more powerful than other wolves.
In this novel, there is action in every chapter. Every time I finished one, I had to turn the page to find out what happened next. I devoured every single page. An excellent read that makes me want to read more with joy!
I can't wait to read the rest of the adventures of Joey and his friends. Especially with an ending like this.
Good reading !
November 21, 2021
I love a great shifter series and this one is no exception. This one is about Joey Santana who is turned on her 25th birthday after being stabbed in an alley. The family she has is terrible and they treat her horribly so she has nowhere to go. Joey finds a new family within her Pack but not all want her there. The war between the paranormal is growing and Joey is the center of it. There are some secrets that she discovers about her past and the involvement of her parents. She must find a way to survive and navigate the pack and that includes making friends with some unusual people.
This is a great fast paced read that Karina Espinosa has given us. The characters are fun and sometimes frustrating. I love Joey but she does need to grow up a bit. Her banter with Reed is hilarious and I can't wait to see where their relationship goes. I love the work politics that Espinosa has introduced into the story. This is a great read for those that love shifter stories with political intrigue. I tore through the book in one day and can't wait to read book 2. This one get 5 crazy stars from me
This is a great fast paced read that Karina Espinosa has given us. The characters are fun and sometimes frustrating. I love Joey but she does need to grow up a bit. Her banter with Reed is hilarious and I can't wait to see where their relationship goes. I love the work politics that Espinosa has introduced into the story. This is a great read for those that love shifter stories with political intrigue. I tore through the book in one day and can't wait to read book 2. This one get 5 crazy stars from me
June 10, 2022
Good Start 💖
I've been eagerly awaiting for this series to be complete so that I could binge it all. This is the second series by Karina I'm reading and I'm really loving her writing style. Cursed is the first book in this four book series and i can't wait to see where this story goes.
In a world where supes are known to the world Joey is trying to make ends meat working at a dinner. When she's left for dead in the alley behind her work, Elliot the local pack alpha and long time customer does the only thing he can to save her... turn her.
Joey is the thrust into the supe world and has to adjust to what that means exactly, her life as she knew it changed forever. But turning her comes with complications especially with supernaturals only being outed recently. When Joey learns that the real reason her father tried to kill her is to end a century long curse on her bloodline she'll have to race against the clock to find another alternative that doesn't end with her death but knowing who to trust will only be one of the problems she encounters.
Definitely Recommend Reading 📚
I've been eagerly awaiting for this series to be complete so that I could binge it all. This is the second series by Karina I'm reading and I'm really loving her writing style. Cursed is the first book in this four book series and i can't wait to see where this story goes.
In a world where supes are known to the world Joey is trying to make ends meat working at a dinner. When she's left for dead in the alley behind her work, Elliot the local pack alpha and long time customer does the only thing he can to save her... turn her.
Joey is the thrust into the supe world and has to adjust to what that means exactly, her life as she knew it changed forever. But turning her comes with complications especially with supernaturals only being outed recently. When Joey learns that the real reason her father tried to kill her is to end a century long curse on her bloodline she'll have to race against the clock to find another alternative that doesn't end with her death but knowing who to trust will only be one of the problems she encounters.
Definitely Recommend Reading 📚
September 3, 2025
I love a good “oops, now I’m supernatural” story, and Cursed delivered exactly that.
Joey Santana thought her 25th birthday would be normal..until a werewolf bite changed everything.
Waking up in the Alpha’s house (with his very attractive son coming out of the bathroom no less 👀) sets the stage for a story full of supernatural politics, family secrets, and plenty of sass.
What I loved most about Joey is her attitude. She doesn’t just roll over (pun intended) when thrown into this new world. She pushes back, bites back, and demands answers even when those answers shake her to her core. Reed, the Alpha’s son, is the perfect foil for her: stubborn, broody, and way too easy to fall for despite their constant clashes.
This book is fast paced, full of banter, and gives just enough mystery to keep me turning the pages.
The supernatural politics and the whole “your father might want to kill you” twist really raised the stakes.
If you’re into werewolf transformations, enemies to lovers sparks, and a FMC who refuses to play nice, you’ll enjoy diving into Joey’s chaotic new world. A great start to the series.
Joey Santana thought her 25th birthday would be normal..until a werewolf bite changed everything.
Waking up in the Alpha’s house (with his very attractive son coming out of the bathroom no less 👀) sets the stage for a story full of supernatural politics, family secrets, and plenty of sass.
What I loved most about Joey is her attitude. She doesn’t just roll over (pun intended) when thrown into this new world. She pushes back, bites back, and demands answers even when those answers shake her to her core. Reed, the Alpha’s son, is the perfect foil for her: stubborn, broody, and way too easy to fall for despite their constant clashes.
This book is fast paced, full of banter, and gives just enough mystery to keep me turning the pages.
The supernatural politics and the whole “your father might want to kill you” twist really raised the stakes.
If you’re into werewolf transformations, enemies to lovers sparks, and a FMC who refuses to play nice, you’ll enjoy diving into Joey’s chaotic new world. A great start to the series.
October 19, 2021
Look out Mackenzie Grey because Joey Santana is on your Six!
I was sad to see the Mackenzie Grey series come to an end but I have to say that this new series from Karina Espinosa is going to capture your attention and make you want to grab hold of this book and not put it down! Joey's first meeting with Reed (the Alpha's son) doesn't really go well. The tension between the two of them is so thick that it's a wonder that they can stay in the house together. But as you read the book you start to see what the real underlining problem is. Although not everyone is happy that Joey was turned they also don't want to see her in the hands of their enemies. And their enemies really want to get their hands on Joey! I can't wait to see what happens next for Joey and Reed!!!!
All I can say is if you liked the Mackenzie Grey series then I know you'll love the Joey Santana series. Karina Espinosa a truly mind-blowing amazing author that her books will make it to your to be read list.... I know she's one of my always to be read authors!
I was sad to see the Mackenzie Grey series come to an end but I have to say that this new series from Karina Espinosa is going to capture your attention and make you want to grab hold of this book and not put it down! Joey's first meeting with Reed (the Alpha's son) doesn't really go well. The tension between the two of them is so thick that it's a wonder that they can stay in the house together. But as you read the book you start to see what the real underlining problem is. Although not everyone is happy that Joey was turned they also don't want to see her in the hands of their enemies. And their enemies really want to get their hands on Joey! I can't wait to see what happens next for Joey and Reed!!!!
All I can say is if you liked the Mackenzie Grey series then I know you'll love the Joey Santana series. Karina Espinosa a truly mind-blowing amazing author that her books will make it to your to be read list.... I know she's one of my always to be read authors!
October 11, 2021
Our heroine is new to life in the pack and she has a lot of questions. But the answers are not going to be easy to get and she might not like them when she gets them.
This is book one of the series, so a fine place to start.
This is an urban fantasy story with werewolves at the center of the story. The story is well written and easy to read. The setting is very intriguing with lots of details that I really want to explore in more depth. The characters are well done with solid personalities. I particularly liked our heroine who is a non-nonsense type of gal. The plot included plenty of action and intrigue to keep things moving at a good pace. Overall, a great start to the series and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is book one of the series, so a fine place to start.
This is an urban fantasy story with werewolves at the center of the story. The story is well written and easy to read. The setting is very intriguing with lots of details that I really want to explore in more depth. The characters are well done with solid personalities. I particularly liked our heroine who is a non-nonsense type of gal. The plot included plenty of action and intrigue to keep things moving at a good pace. Overall, a great start to the series and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
October 6, 2021
I quite enjoyed this author’s From the Ashes trilogy (please tell me there will be more!), and I was anxious to start this latest series starter. It wasn’t long at all before I was completely engrossed in this book. Joey is a very sympathetic character, and I like that she is fearless with a little bit of recklessness. I didn’t like that sometimes her and Reed fought like immature children and that her old life was let go without much discussion, but I did love almost everything else. This was a fun book, and I’m ready to find out more about her ancestor, Humans United, and where they’ll all go from there. Oh, and how could I forget Eugenia: great side character! Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
October 6, 2021
Fast paced start to new Urban fantasy series
Enjoyed this first book to Joey Santana series, the pace is fast and i found it entertaining, the world building is intriguing and drew me in.
The supernatural world has only recently been revealed in this world so lots of twists and turns to come.
The characters and secondary characters are well developed, that i look forward to reading more about.
This is my first book by Karina Espinosa and now i am looking at all her books to read, i love when this happens with a new author for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Enjoyed this first book to Joey Santana series, the pace is fast and i found it entertaining, the world building is intriguing and drew me in.
The supernatural world has only recently been revealed in this world so lots of twists and turns to come.
The characters and secondary characters are well developed, that i look forward to reading more about.
This is my first book by Karina Espinosa and now i am looking at all her books to read, i love when this happens with a new author for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2021
First book in the series introducing a world where supernatural beings are no longer a secret and have few rights. Joey is stabbed by her father in the night of her 25th birthday and bitten by the Alpha of the LA Werewolves.
Joey’s life is upended and threatened, and she tries to fit into the supernatural world and elude attempts on her life. This story is full of non-stop action and drama as the author world builds for the series.
Many characters are introduced and storylines introduced. This is an intriguing storyline that leaves you wondering what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Joey’s life is upended and threatened, and she tries to fit into the supernatural world and elude attempts on her life. This story is full of non-stop action and drama as the author world builds for the series.
Many characters are introduced and storylines introduced. This is an intriguing storyline that leaves you wondering what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2021
In so glad this beauty appeared on Amazon whilst scrolling through... I haven't read any of Karina's books before but I liked the blurb so went for it!!!
I read this book in 2 sittings, it wasn't intentional I just couldn't put it down.
I loved the story and the characters, something was always happening.
Joey and Reed together was my fave, the back and forth banter between the two. It was effortless and throughout the story you could see them begin to trust each other and grow closer.
I noticed a few hints and I'm really hoping I'm correct with my assumptions, I think Reed and Joey together would be awesome.
Looking forward to book 2.
I read this book in 2 sittings, it wasn't intentional I just couldn't put it down.
I loved the story and the characters, something was always happening.
Joey and Reed together was my fave, the back and forth banter between the two. It was effortless and throughout the story you could see them begin to trust each other and grow closer.
I noticed a few hints and I'm really hoping I'm correct with my assumptions, I think Reed and Joey together would be awesome.
Looking forward to book 2.
July 10, 2022
Cursed Human turned Werewolf
Good book, probably an even better series. The humans know about the supernatural world and there has been a truce of sorts that isn't going to last.
Joey works at a bar that caters to both humans and supes. After an attack that will claim her life, Joey is turned into a werewolf to save her. So not only is her life in danger due to a curse on her family, she is also wanted by the humans that are against the supes in hopes of finding their weaknesses. A war is brewing and Joey needs to break her own family curse as well.
Joey and her band of friends have work to do.
Good book, probably an even better series. The humans know about the supernatural world and there has been a truce of sorts that isn't going to last.
Joey works at a bar that caters to both humans and supes. After an attack that will claim her life, Joey is turned into a werewolf to save her. So not only is her life in danger due to a curse on her family, she is also wanted by the humans that are against the supes in hopes of finding their weaknesses. A war is brewing and Joey needs to break her own family curse as well.
Joey and her band of friends have work to do.
November 7, 2021
This is the first book in the Joey Santana series and I really enjoyed it. This book is a fun read and I look forward to the next installment. I feel like it was a bit too short and felt like a novella. I think that hurt character development just a bit.
I think with a bit richer character development and an expansion of the story-line will make this series a home run. I am hoping to see all f this in book two. It definitely left me wanting more which is still a win in my book. I will definitely read the next book.
I think with a bit richer character development and an expansion of the story-line will make this series a home run. I am hoping to see all f this in book two. It definitely left me wanting more which is still a win in my book. I will definitely read the next book.
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