What do you think?
Rate this book
The Alpha Legend
There is a legend of old, a black wolf who fought the chains that kept him and other wolves captive for many years. As hard as they tried, his captures could not break the spirit of the alpha.
The years heightened his defiance and fed his rage until he shattered his prison walls, freeing himself and the other males.
They prowl across the country, having formed a tight-knit pack.
United by a common purpose to reclaim what was stolen and to exact vengeance,
Ruby
There I was, minding my own business, when this huge man stalks into the club where I dance. He demanded everything from me, and then some.
I am used to depending solely on myself, being brought up in the foster system, mum and dad unknown. Kind of makes you independent.
I am doing all right, I'm putting myself through university and the dancing gig is paying my way.
Then he turns up, and now the things I've learnt are shocking.
The truth about all the films you've seen, is that they aren't just made up,
The monsters are very real...
The years heightened his defiance and fed his rage until he shattered his prison walls, freeing himself and the other males.
They prowl across the country, having formed a tight-knit pack.
United by a common purpose to reclaim what was stolen and to exact vengeance,
Ruby
There I was, minding my own business, when this huge man stalks into the club where I dance. He demanded everything from me, and then some.
I am used to depending solely on myself, being brought up in the foster system, mum and dad unknown. Kind of makes you independent.
I am doing all right, I'm putting myself through university and the dancing gig is paying my way.
Then he turns up, and now the things I've learnt are shocking.
The truth about all the films you've seen, is that they aren't just made up,
The monsters are very real...
460 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2024
41 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 4, 2024
Summary-
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book. It was a little hard to get into, but after the first couple of chapters you sink into the story. The story was well formulated and the smut was hot! However, I did find that I kept wanting to skip over the other writing and get to more of the smut towards the end…
Pros-
Loveable characters
Sexy smut (hot!)!
Cons-
Issues with grammar
Flow of wording.
I believe the book needed tweaking a little more, in order to smooth out any inconsistencies, which would allow for better flow.
Would I recommend it? Yes.
I would however, like it to feel more like an in-depth story, with maybe a bit of Ruby’s background, rather than it just being about Lyle and smut. This is only because I felt like with the lack of depth, I found myself just wanting to read about their sex!
Also, when it came down to Lyle telling Felix off, nothing came of it. He said wait for me in (somewhere?), and then he never went to see him to tell him off. Only the time where both him and Jimmie went to see him…
I suppose it depends on what you’re looking for in a book! If you’re looking for hot sex about a wolf and a human, go for it! If you’re looking for something more grammatical, flowy, and with heavy back story, maybe not so much.
The smut will stick with me for a while though! I kept waiting for them to do an*l! Never knew I’d want to read about that so much!
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book. It was a little hard to get into, but after the first couple of chapters you sink into the story. The story was well formulated and the smut was hot! However, I did find that I kept wanting to skip over the other writing and get to more of the smut towards the end…
Pros-
Loveable characters
Sexy smut (hot!)!
Cons-
Issues with grammar
Flow of wording.
I believe the book needed tweaking a little more, in order to smooth out any inconsistencies, which would allow for better flow.
Would I recommend it? Yes.
I would however, like it to feel more like an in-depth story, with maybe a bit of Ruby’s background, rather than it just being about Lyle and smut. This is only because I felt like with the lack of depth, I found myself just wanting to read about their sex!
Also, when it came down to Lyle telling Felix off, nothing came of it. He said wait for me in (somewhere?), and then he never went to see him to tell him off. Only the time where both him and Jimmie went to see him…
I suppose it depends on what you’re looking for in a book! If you’re looking for hot sex about a wolf and a human, go for it! If you’re looking for something more grammatical, flowy, and with heavy back story, maybe not so much.
The smut will stick with me for a while though! I kept waiting for them to do an*l! Never knew I’d want to read about that so much!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2025
The Alpha Legend by Helen Johnston
Paranormal Romance
Fated mates
Age gap
Found family
Interspecies 🌶
He falls first
Protective MMC
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
' "Ruby," I groan. "I have only so much control and you are reaching the end of it." '
" Oh, holy shit! Did I just have the best orgasm of my life while dry humping him? Jesus Christ, Ruby! "
Oh my, oh my, its currently 2am and I've binged the last half of this book. Oh she didn't disappoint. The rush of feelings I now have are intense... From the first page of this book I was hooked.
We start off jumping straight into some dark subjects involving our MMC Lyle he is our alpha wolf shifter and is 100% giving me Jason Mamoa/the rock vibes 🥵. Despite all he has been through he is determined to be a better man, a better alpha for his pack.
Then comes Ruby our stunning FMC curvy in all the right places. Shes intelligent, finishing off university to become a Vet, sexy as hell, definitely has a devil side to her 😜
I absolutely loved this was set local to me in the New Forest as I make a running joke that if I was a wolf shifter that would be my home.
Watching Lyle and Ruby's growing connection from the moment he realised she was his mate was intoxicating, showing how intense the Alpha mate bond is even if your mate is a pole dancing human. Of course the only logical thing to do is buy the club she works at.
The spice was absolutely spicing from all angles 🥵🥵 the plot line was gripping 👌 we all love some twists when you least expect it, the characters were funny, sexy, and I felt really connected to them all throughout the book. What more could you want from a spicy paranormal shifter romance. Im very excited to read the next in the series.
The Alpha Legend is a MUST read!!!!
Paranormal Romance
Fated mates
Age gap
Found family
Interspecies 🌶
He falls first
Protective MMC
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
' "Ruby," I groan. "I have only so much control and you are reaching the end of it." '
" Oh, holy shit! Did I just have the best orgasm of my life while dry humping him? Jesus Christ, Ruby! "
Oh my, oh my, its currently 2am and I've binged the last half of this book. Oh she didn't disappoint. The rush of feelings I now have are intense... From the first page of this book I was hooked.
We start off jumping straight into some dark subjects involving our MMC Lyle he is our alpha wolf shifter and is 100% giving me Jason Mamoa/the rock vibes 🥵. Despite all he has been through he is determined to be a better man, a better alpha for his pack.
Then comes Ruby our stunning FMC curvy in all the right places. Shes intelligent, finishing off university to become a Vet, sexy as hell, definitely has a devil side to her 😜
I absolutely loved this was set local to me in the New Forest as I make a running joke that if I was a wolf shifter that would be my home.
Watching Lyle and Ruby's growing connection from the moment he realised she was his mate was intoxicating, showing how intense the Alpha mate bond is even if your mate is a pole dancing human. Of course the only logical thing to do is buy the club she works at.
The spice was absolutely spicing from all angles 🥵🥵 the plot line was gripping 👌 we all love some twists when you least expect it, the characters were funny, sexy, and I felt really connected to them all throughout the book. What more could you want from a spicy paranormal shifter romance. Im very excited to read the next in the series.
The Alpha Legend is a MUST read!!!!
September 8, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
First of all, always read the trigger warnings please do not skip it. Second, if after the trigger warnings you decide to go through please go through it with an open mind and remember this is a work of fiction with a lot of nice and spice( paranormal/shifter) that is not for everyone and that’s ok.
Last but not least if you’re looking for some plain vanilla straightforward werewolf romance then this book is not for you 😈😈😈
Now for my review; I got hooked straight away from the beginning upon meeting Lyle and all the mysteries around him. With it being a werewolf (dark) romance and him being an alpha of course our MMC is hot as hot can be and tbh very much loveable 🥵
Enter Ruby, our amazing FMC. I mean what’s there not to like? The woman is sweet and spicy, innocent and a bit of a devil, fierce and strong, intelligent and knows very well what she wants and when she wants it.
If you ever read any of Helen work you’ll know that she doesn’t do vanilla, that in fact the nickname Queen of K!nk fits hers like a glove because she writes some of the best dark and 🌶️ and nice stuff I’ve ever read in my life.
Alongside Brennan, Lyle has now become my fave of Helen’s brilliant list of MMC’s and this book is my favourite of hers so far.
If you think this is for you then pre order it now, coming on the 5th of October.
5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
First of all, always read the trigger warnings please do not skip it. Second, if after the trigger warnings you decide to go through please go through it with an open mind and remember this is a work of fiction with a lot of nice and spice( paranormal/shifter) that is not for everyone and that’s ok.
Last but not least if you’re looking for some plain vanilla straightforward werewolf romance then this book is not for you 😈😈😈
Now for my review; I got hooked straight away from the beginning upon meeting Lyle and all the mysteries around him. With it being a werewolf (dark) romance and him being an alpha of course our MMC is hot as hot can be and tbh very much loveable 🥵
Enter Ruby, our amazing FMC. I mean what’s there not to like? The woman is sweet and spicy, innocent and a bit of a devil, fierce and strong, intelligent and knows very well what she wants and when she wants it.
If you ever read any of Helen work you’ll know that she doesn’t do vanilla, that in fact the nickname Queen of K!nk fits hers like a glove because she writes some of the best dark and 🌶️ and nice stuff I’ve ever read in my life.
Alongside Brennan, Lyle has now become my fave of Helen’s brilliant list of MMC’s and this book is my favourite of hers so far.
If you think this is for you then pre order it now, coming on the 5th of October.
December 12, 2025
thanks to wings and words for recommending this. and of course Helen.
I loved Lyle from the start
And I loved the overwhelming descriptions of technology 🤣
He went through so much at the start of this book, and continued through it even after freedom. To high PTSD, was an incredible thing to do. Ty Helen, no one talks about it enough no one trys to depict its effects enough.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Lyle, Jimmie & Felix. Lyle and Jimmie depicting the father figure - Jimmie basically fathers Lyle - and Lyle fathers Felix! I just loved the dynamic - and the loyalty of the pack to Lyle.
The whole story had me emotionally all over the place. One minute im happy, the next I'm in tears, the next I'm laughing. It was such an emotional rollarcoaster and damn did i enjoy the ride.
I really loved the coming together of the human, Wolf World with Ruby & Lyle & I loved when Ruby had a friend included.
I now want to know more though!!! How did their first shift go??? Did Ruby & Lyle have a litter of pups?! I hope one of the future books in the series flips back to Ruby & Lyle and maybe includes Sarah & Jimmie too!! Like a 4 for 1er in a book. Omg that would be epic!
Tysm Helen for making me an emotional mess. I just adore shifter romances
I loved Lyle from the start
And I loved the overwhelming descriptions of technology 🤣
He went through so much at the start of this book, and continued through it even after freedom. To high PTSD, was an incredible thing to do. Ty Helen, no one talks about it enough no one trys to depict its effects enough.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Lyle, Jimmie & Felix. Lyle and Jimmie depicting the father figure - Jimmie basically fathers Lyle - and Lyle fathers Felix! I just loved the dynamic - and the loyalty of the pack to Lyle.
The whole story had me emotionally all over the place. One minute im happy, the next I'm in tears, the next I'm laughing. It was such an emotional rollarcoaster and damn did i enjoy the ride.
I really loved the coming together of the human, Wolf World with Ruby & Lyle & I loved when Ruby had a friend included.
I now want to know more though!!! How did their first shift go??? Did Ruby & Lyle have a litter of pups?! I hope one of the future books in the series flips back to Ruby & Lyle and maybe includes Sarah & Jimmie too!! Like a 4 for 1er in a book. Omg that would be epic!
Tysm Helen for making me an emotional mess. I just adore shifter romances
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Heavy on the spice low on the story.
I wished there was more backstory on Ruby and felt like there wasn't much character growth for her.
I wished there was more about the pack and finding out more about them individually or even a social event with the pack all together socializing.
The overall story was good but I think the execution of it was off.
The grammar made me cringe a lot! The use of male(s) and Bitch was overly used for my taste.
The spice was HOT! I love a good smutty book and this one was practically all smut.
Heavy on the spice low on the story.
I wished there was more backstory on Ruby and felt like there wasn't much character growth for her.
I wished there was more about the pack and finding out more about them individually or even a social event with the pack all together socializing.
The overall story was good but I think the execution of it was off.
The grammar made me cringe a lot! The use of male(s) and Bitch was overly used for my taste.
The spice was HOT! I love a good smutty book and this one was practically all smut.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2024
I did throughly enjoy this book, it was very different, fast paced and a whole lot of spice. With lots of trauma it too. Deffiantly feel it's the beginning of this story so iiii do need more. Which I can't wait for, deffo needs more action that's not the spice( as much as I love the spice) I feel like it's deffiantly needed with a alpha book. So I'm looking forward to what comes from the 2nd as I'm sure it will be just as good, if not, even better. Really loved the writing, and loved that it wasn't really dragged out which some books tend to do. Sooooo when's the next 😜😜😜😜
December 29, 2024
Amazing
Absolutely love this story lots of spice a bit taboo and awesome storyline. Definitely recommend reading 😁😁😁 of course check triggers
Absolutely love this story lots of spice a bit taboo and awesome storyline. Definitely recommend reading 😁😁😁 of course check triggers
December 16, 2025
ARC review!
wow!! another smash hit from Helen. I thoroughly enjoyed the wolf shifter paranormal dark romance. loved ruby and Lyle together, and lyles past comes back to haunt him, just as he is finally happy. can't wait to read more in this series. check your triggers
wow!! another smash hit from Helen. I thoroughly enjoyed the wolf shifter paranormal dark romance. loved ruby and Lyle together, and lyles past comes back to haunt him, just as he is finally happy. can't wait to read more in this series. check your triggers
December 22, 2025
Fierce, addictive, and impossible to put down!
This book completely swept me away. From the very first page, I was hooked by the intensity, the pack dynamics, and the powerful alpha presence that drives the story. This book delivers everything I love in an alpha romance… strength, loyalty, danger, and heart.
The characters are incredibly engaging and well developed. The chemistry between Lyle and Ruby is electric, layered with tension and emotion that made every interaction compelling. I loved how the romance and action were woven together so seamlessly, keeping the story fast-paced while still hitting all the emotional beats.
The worldbuilding and pack dynamics add so much depth, making the story feel rich and immersive. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the world, and I never wanted it to end.
If you love alpha romances with strong characters, high stakes, and a story that grabs you and doesn’t let go, Alpha Legend is an absolute must-read. Helen Johnston nailed it, and I’m already excited for more from this series. 🐺
This book completely swept me away. From the very first page, I was hooked by the intensity, the pack dynamics, and the powerful alpha presence that drives the story. This book delivers everything I love in an alpha romance… strength, loyalty, danger, and heart.
The characters are incredibly engaging and well developed. The chemistry between Lyle and Ruby is electric, layered with tension and emotion that made every interaction compelling. I loved how the romance and action were woven together so seamlessly, keeping the story fast-paced while still hitting all the emotional beats.
The worldbuilding and pack dynamics add so much depth, making the story feel rich and immersive. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the world, and I never wanted it to end.
If you love alpha romances with strong characters, high stakes, and a story that grabs you and doesn’t let go, Alpha Legend is an absolute must-read. Helen Johnston nailed it, and I’m already excited for more from this series. 🐺
December 29, 2025
What a book. I absolutely loved it from start to finish.
It's a bit dark and there's some spice while also having a brilliant story to it with some twists I absolutely didn't see coming!
The MMC and FMC are both brilliant and who doesn't love a possessive and dominant main character.
I would absolutely give this book a read. I can't wait for the next part of the story to come out.
It's a bit dark and there's some spice while also having a brilliant story to it with some twists I absolutely didn't see coming!
The MMC and FMC are both brilliant and who doesn't love a possessive and dominant main character.
I would absolutely give this book a read. I can't wait for the next part of the story to come out.
December 22, 2025
loved this, had me gripped the whole way through!
September 8, 2024
✨ ARC Review ✨
I really enjoyed this paranormal/shifter romance!
The story was fast paced but I feel like it still connected together well. I wish the overall story had a bit more depth/detail to it as it was lost to the spice and I just kind of forgot about it until it popped back up in little bits. I was more interested in the spice up until the drama really kicked off again.
I liked Ruby’s overall character! She was cute, kinky and caring. It would have been nice to know more about her backstory. Lyle was sweet, hot and very protective over both his pack and Ruby which I really liked.
It’s definitely one of the most spiciest paranormal romances I’ve read!
Would I recommend? Yes
I really enjoyed this paranormal/shifter romance!
The story was fast paced but I feel like it still connected together well. I wish the overall story had a bit more depth/detail to it as it was lost to the spice and I just kind of forgot about it until it popped back up in little bits. I was more interested in the spice up until the drama really kicked off again.
I liked Ruby’s overall character! She was cute, kinky and caring. It would have been nice to know more about her backstory. Lyle was sweet, hot and very protective over both his pack and Ruby which I really liked.
It’s definitely one of the most spiciest paranormal romances I’ve read!
Would I recommend? Yes
November 17, 2025
4.5 STARS!!!!
The Alpha Legend by Helen Johnston is a gripping blend of wereshifter lore, dark romance, and fated mates that delivers everything I crave in a paranormal saga. From the first page, the tension is electric—power struggles, primal instincts, and a romance that burns hot enough to scorch.
What sets this story apart is the emotional depth. Both main characters are scarred by past traumas, and Johnston doesn’t shy away from exploring how those wounds shape their choices, their trust issues, and ultimately their bond. Watching them fight their demons while navigating an intense mates connection made the romance feel raw and real. It’s not just about passion—it’s about healing and finding strength in vulnerability.
The spicy scenes? Absolutely on point—steamy without feeling gratuitous, and perfectly timed to amplify the emotional stakes. The world-building is vivid, the pacing tight, and the alpha energy is intoxicating. This is a story that balances danger, desire, and redemption in a way that kept me turning pages long after midnight.
If you love dark paranormal romance with wereshifters, fated mates, sizzling chemistry, and characters clawing their way out of trauma, The Alpha Legend is a must-read. I’m already impatient for the next book!
The Alpha Legend by Helen Johnston is a gripping blend of wereshifter lore, dark romance, and fated mates that delivers everything I crave in a paranormal saga. From the first page, the tension is electric—power struggles, primal instincts, and a romance that burns hot enough to scorch.
What sets this story apart is the emotional depth. Both main characters are scarred by past traumas, and Johnston doesn’t shy away from exploring how those wounds shape their choices, their trust issues, and ultimately their bond. Watching them fight their demons while navigating an intense mates connection made the romance feel raw and real. It’s not just about passion—it’s about healing and finding strength in vulnerability.
The spicy scenes? Absolutely on point—steamy without feeling gratuitous, and perfectly timed to amplify the emotional stakes. The world-building is vivid, the pacing tight, and the alpha energy is intoxicating. This is a story that balances danger, desire, and redemption in a way that kept me turning pages long after midnight.
If you love dark paranormal romance with wereshifters, fated mates, sizzling chemistry, and characters clawing their way out of trauma, The Alpha Legend is a must-read. I’m already impatient for the next book!
January 6, 2026
Alpha legend is a fated mates, found family and trauma healing read.
Your MMC is Lyle who is 6ft5 and is described as making Jack Reacher look like a dinky toy. He is delicious.
Your FMC is Ruby, a curvy, sassy, feisty young female that has her hangups, just as any woman does and its refreshing to read it on pages where normally its avoided. Too many FMC’s are stick thin, catalogue ready models of perfection.
Now to the story!
Lyle gets abducted as a boy from his father Alpha’s pack. Imprisoned in a mountain for years, by some ‘she wolf’ known only to us as Queen Bitch for 80% of the book. Chapters 1 through 10 are about Lyle, the first few chapters being from his captivity and his escape (freeing all the other men held in captivity), after that it jumps 20 years to the present time. Lyle is now the Alpha of the misfit wolves having bonded over their traumatic experiences in the mountain. They are now a close knit, strong pack but always over shadowed with fear. Fear of the Queen Bitch coming back to collect what she lost. So the pack is constantly relocating, hunting her down to seek their revenge and peace. They all want to find their mates and settle down to have pups.
Ruby gets introduced in chapter 10. She is a down on her luck university student, studying to be a vet. She grew up in the system, never staying in one place too long, learning to carve her own way in the world. Now Ruby has had a few not so great experiences with the male population, resulting in her having lost hope in the idealistic image the movies paint as the all consuming love, in her mind it doesn't exist. Now to pay her way through university Ruby dances at a club of the erotic variety, this also adds to the bad string of men involved in her life, she sees first hand how leery they can be.
Being a fated mates fantasy book, it is expected to have the world building known to be in the fantasy genre and its stunning how the author makes the 2 worlds collide (the human and the werewolf worlds). Nothing is skimmed over or sugar coated, it's delicious.
I am not going to give the story away with spoilers but i am as always going to tell you to check the trigger warnings before reading this delectably dark shifter romance, however, if you like your dirty and deprived dark (pitch black) romance i suggest not reading them, so there is some element of surprise, but that's just my opinion. There are a few points throughout the story both off and on page that could be triggering to some, but please be assured the trauma healing is written so well that it's a breath of fresh air to see an author invest in the correct healing methods for this trauma.
All of Helen Johnston’s books are smut-a-liscious, I literally can't get enough of them. She is dubbed the Queen of Smut and rightfully so. Her shifter series doesn't disappoint - with the animalistic smex scenes you would expect to read about, no fluff romance. (knotting and rutting).
Honestly my crotch gobbler is always saying “yum yum” when i read Helen’s cliterature!
This is very much a he falls first but Ruby is not far behind him. They get it on fast and soon ends up falling hard. The all consuming love you can only fantasise about as a human.
Now, there is danger ahead and Lyle goes alpha male on Ruby and stows her away at the pack house wanting to protect her, which Ruby is at first against, but after learning of the males going missing and a group of young males from Lyle’s pack, called the six, also is missing, she relents.
This involves Lyle having to be vulnerable with Ruby and tell her about his past traumas. Ruby supports Lyle and shows her understanding caring side, solidifying their ever growing feelings for each other.
A bit down the line the whole pack (bar a few who stay behind due to business) go to watch the pack Beta (Jimmie) have a fight - imagine UFC with paranormal beings! At the fight males start being taken, including Jimmie. Now lyle knows he needs to rescue Jimmie and all the young males from the bitch queen, so he instructs Ruby and her friend to get back to the pack house and call on the other packs for help.
There are some huge plot twists revealed in the mountains this time for Lyle and they make some good OMG moments as a reader. Ruby of course is going out of her mind with worry but little does she know that there is a fail safe if this should ever happen - and a rescue party is soon formed with other packs.
Revenge is had and new information comes into play, this book ends on a major high but also on a cliffhanger where you want to know what happens next. Cant wait to read the next book.
Your MMC is Lyle who is 6ft5 and is described as making Jack Reacher look like a dinky toy. He is delicious.
Your FMC is Ruby, a curvy, sassy, feisty young female that has her hangups, just as any woman does and its refreshing to read it on pages where normally its avoided. Too many FMC’s are stick thin, catalogue ready models of perfection.
Now to the story!
Lyle gets abducted as a boy from his father Alpha’s pack. Imprisoned in a mountain for years, by some ‘she wolf’ known only to us as Queen Bitch for 80% of the book. Chapters 1 through 10 are about Lyle, the first few chapters being from his captivity and his escape (freeing all the other men held in captivity), after that it jumps 20 years to the present time. Lyle is now the Alpha of the misfit wolves having bonded over their traumatic experiences in the mountain. They are now a close knit, strong pack but always over shadowed with fear. Fear of the Queen Bitch coming back to collect what she lost. So the pack is constantly relocating, hunting her down to seek their revenge and peace. They all want to find their mates and settle down to have pups.
Ruby gets introduced in chapter 10. She is a down on her luck university student, studying to be a vet. She grew up in the system, never staying in one place too long, learning to carve her own way in the world. Now Ruby has had a few not so great experiences with the male population, resulting in her having lost hope in the idealistic image the movies paint as the all consuming love, in her mind it doesn't exist. Now to pay her way through university Ruby dances at a club of the erotic variety, this also adds to the bad string of men involved in her life, she sees first hand how leery they can be.
Being a fated mates fantasy book, it is expected to have the world building known to be in the fantasy genre and its stunning how the author makes the 2 worlds collide (the human and the werewolf worlds). Nothing is skimmed over or sugar coated, it's delicious.
I am not going to give the story away with spoilers but i am as always going to tell you to check the trigger warnings before reading this delectably dark shifter romance, however, if you like your dirty and deprived dark (pitch black) romance i suggest not reading them, so there is some element of surprise, but that's just my opinion. There are a few points throughout the story both off and on page that could be triggering to some, but please be assured the trauma healing is written so well that it's a breath of fresh air to see an author invest in the correct healing methods for this trauma.
All of Helen Johnston’s books are smut-a-liscious, I literally can't get enough of them. She is dubbed the Queen of Smut and rightfully so. Her shifter series doesn't disappoint - with the animalistic smex scenes you would expect to read about, no fluff romance. (knotting and rutting).
Honestly my crotch gobbler is always saying “yum yum” when i read Helen’s cliterature!
This is very much a he falls first but Ruby is not far behind him. They get it on fast and soon ends up falling hard. The all consuming love you can only fantasise about as a human.
Now, there is danger ahead and Lyle goes alpha male on Ruby and stows her away at the pack house wanting to protect her, which Ruby is at first against, but after learning of the males going missing and a group of young males from Lyle’s pack, called the six, also is missing, she relents.
This involves Lyle having to be vulnerable with Ruby and tell her about his past traumas. Ruby supports Lyle and shows her understanding caring side, solidifying their ever growing feelings for each other.
A bit down the line the whole pack (bar a few who stay behind due to business) go to watch the pack Beta (Jimmie) have a fight - imagine UFC with paranormal beings! At the fight males start being taken, including Jimmie. Now lyle knows he needs to rescue Jimmie and all the young males from the bitch queen, so he instructs Ruby and her friend to get back to the pack house and call on the other packs for help.
There are some huge plot twists revealed in the mountains this time for Lyle and they make some good OMG moments as a reader. Ruby of course is going out of her mind with worry but little does she know that there is a fail safe if this should ever happen - and a rescue party is soon formed with other packs.
Revenge is had and new information comes into play, this book ends on a major high but also on a cliffhanger where you want to know what happens next. Cant wait to read the next book.
October 4, 2024
The Alpha Legend by Helen Johnston is a paranormal romance that tells the story of Lyle, a wolf shifter whose past comes back to haunt him just as he meets his mate Ruby.
Lyle has endured a traumatic past, having been kidnapped and held captive at a young age. He and many others were subject to years of abuse and torture before they were finally able to escape.
Ruby is a dancer just trying to pay her way through a veterinary degree at university when she meets Lyle, and her life is turned upside down. While Ruby looks sweet and innocent, looks can be deceiving - she is strong, fierce, knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to go after it.
The Alpha Legend is written in a way that is easy to read and has you wanting to turn the page to see what happens next. It's easy to fall in love with the characters, especially Lyle. However, I found myself wanting to know more about other members of the pack and Ruby's backstory. I also found myself wanting a little more action as, at times, I felt it was lost to the spice. When the action did hit, it packed a punch, and there are twists that will leave you speechless.
Although I had heard a lot about Helen Johnston, this is the first book of hers that I have read and if it is anything to go by I can see how she got her title of Queen of Kink. The spicy scenes in this book are off the charts but be warned - they are anything but vanilla. They are wild and fierce, and Helen doesn't hold back.
Some of the characters go through things that no one should ever be subjected to and I applaud Helen on how she was able to bring mental health awareness into her story and to demonstrate that it is okay to reach out, ask for help and show emotions to help heal and move on.
This is not going to be a book for everyone but if you are looking for an extremely spucy paranormal/shofter romance with lots of kink, a protective alpha, fated mates and loveable characters then make sure you grab a copy of The Alpha Legend.
There is some very heavy content in this book, but Helen has been extremely thorough with her trigger warnings, so please make sure you read them before you start reading.
Lyle has endured a traumatic past, having been kidnapped and held captive at a young age. He and many others were subject to years of abuse and torture before they were finally able to escape.
Ruby is a dancer just trying to pay her way through a veterinary degree at university when she meets Lyle, and her life is turned upside down. While Ruby looks sweet and innocent, looks can be deceiving - she is strong, fierce, knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to go after it.
The Alpha Legend is written in a way that is easy to read and has you wanting to turn the page to see what happens next. It's easy to fall in love with the characters, especially Lyle. However, I found myself wanting to know more about other members of the pack and Ruby's backstory. I also found myself wanting a little more action as, at times, I felt it was lost to the spice. When the action did hit, it packed a punch, and there are twists that will leave you speechless.
Although I had heard a lot about Helen Johnston, this is the first book of hers that I have read and if it is anything to go by I can see how she got her title of Queen of Kink. The spicy scenes in this book are off the charts but be warned - they are anything but vanilla. They are wild and fierce, and Helen doesn't hold back.
Some of the characters go through things that no one should ever be subjected to and I applaud Helen on how she was able to bring mental health awareness into her story and to demonstrate that it is okay to reach out, ask for help and show emotions to help heal and move on.
This is not going to be a book for everyone but if you are looking for an extremely spucy paranormal/shofter romance with lots of kink, a protective alpha, fated mates and loveable characters then make sure you grab a copy of The Alpha Legend.
There is some very heavy content in this book, but Helen has been extremely thorough with her trigger warnings, so please make sure you read them before you start reading.
December 31, 2025
Paranormal Romance / Shifter Romance (with a heavy dose of fated-mates, insta-lust, and alpha-hole energy)
The premise is classic comfort food for shifter fans…. tortured ancient alpha wolf, centuries of captivity, revenge pack on the prowl, suddenly smells his fated mate in a strip club… boom. It leans hard into the tropes and doesn’t pretend to be anything else.
Ruby is a reasonably likeable heroine. Orphaned, tough, paying her own way through college by dancing, “strong independent woman” backstory, but she’s not a pushover and she does push back against the hero (at least at first).
The sex scenes are plentiful and steamy if you like very dominant, growly, possessive heroes who call their mate “little one” and bite a lot. (Yes I do 😜)
It’s a quick read (under 200 pages) and ends on a cliffhanger that sets up the rest of the pack finding their mates.
The hero (Cade) is peak alpha-hole. He basically kidnaps Ruby from the club, tells her she belongs to him now, and marks her without consent within 48 hours.
World building is sadly thin in the ground. We’re told the wolves were kept captive for “many years” by vague evil people, but there’s almost no detail about who, why, or how they escaped. The legend in the blurb is literally the entire backstory we get.
The Alpha Legend is aggressively average shifter smut. It’s not going to win any literary awards and it’s not trying to.
If you’re snowed in, out of KU credits, and just want a growly alpha to rail a dancer on pretty much every surface while he calls her his mate…
I have a copy signed by the author. It’s a beautiful book.
I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for future books in this series.
🦋
The premise is classic comfort food for shifter fans…. tortured ancient alpha wolf, centuries of captivity, revenge pack on the prowl, suddenly smells his fated mate in a strip club… boom. It leans hard into the tropes and doesn’t pretend to be anything else.
Ruby is a reasonably likeable heroine. Orphaned, tough, paying her own way through college by dancing, “strong independent woman” backstory, but she’s not a pushover and she does push back against the hero (at least at first).
The sex scenes are plentiful and steamy if you like very dominant, growly, possessive heroes who call their mate “little one” and bite a lot. (Yes I do 😜)
It’s a quick read (under 200 pages) and ends on a cliffhanger that sets up the rest of the pack finding their mates.
The hero (Cade) is peak alpha-hole. He basically kidnaps Ruby from the club, tells her she belongs to him now, and marks her without consent within 48 hours.
World building is sadly thin in the ground. We’re told the wolves were kept captive for “many years” by vague evil people, but there’s almost no detail about who, why, or how they escaped. The legend in the blurb is literally the entire backstory we get.
The Alpha Legend is aggressively average shifter smut. It’s not going to win any literary awards and it’s not trying to.
If you’re snowed in, out of KU credits, and just want a growly alpha to rail a dancer on pretty much every surface while he calls her his mate…
I have a copy signed by the author. It’s a beautiful book.
I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for future books in this series.
🦋
October 10, 2024
Alpha and his Ruby
First things first. Please read the trigger warnings before you decide if this book is for you. Your mental health matters and some books are not for everyone.
So this is my first book by Helen and it will certainly not be my last. I like to go into a book without reading any trigger warnings and am a pretty open minded person. This book did not disappoint at all. It was different from the usual shifter books and that's what set it apart. Ruby and Lyle grew up differently with both having traumatic past. When Lyle who is a wolf shifter lays eyes on Ruby who's a human, the world just about dropped away for him. He knew in an instant that she was his. He set out to do just that. His wolf instincts took over and there wasn't anyone that would get in his way.
The spice was spicy and boy did they make use of wherever they were at. They got to know eachother intimately real good. Just when everything looks good the past comes back with a vengeance. Lyle and his pack will have to work together with new friends that they make to take the past down.
I can't wait to see what happens next for the rest of the pack.
First things first. Please read the trigger warnings before you decide if this book is for you. Your mental health matters and some books are not for everyone.
So this is my first book by Helen and it will certainly not be my last. I like to go into a book without reading any trigger warnings and am a pretty open minded person. This book did not disappoint at all. It was different from the usual shifter books and that's what set it apart. Ruby and Lyle grew up differently with both having traumatic past. When Lyle who is a wolf shifter lays eyes on Ruby who's a human, the world just about dropped away for him. He knew in an instant that she was his. He set out to do just that. His wolf instincts took over and there wasn't anyone that would get in his way.
The spice was spicy and boy did they make use of wherever they were at. They got to know eachother intimately real good. Just when everything looks good the past comes back with a vengeance. Lyle and his pack will have to work together with new friends that they make to take the past down.
I can't wait to see what happens next for the rest of the pack.
December 13, 2025
ARC review
I really love wolf shifter romances. In most cases, that’s all I need to know to pick up a book. And with Alpha Legend, I also couldn’t resist the cover.
So how did it go? I liked the story, but at the same time I found it a bit off balance. We start with the MMC’s backstory and then jump forward in time to the present, where he meets his mate. After that, it’s basically just smut—which I did enjoy. This was also my first wolf × human action (IYKWIM). Then we circle back to how the story began, with the villain from the MMC’s past. That last part was actually the best section of the book. It was nicely blended, with both the romance and the plot coming together really well.
Since I don’t expect the very beginning of a book to introduce the mate, I did expect a better balance in the middle. Instead, the story seemed to forget about the wolves’ enemy and focused almost entirely on mating heat.
I also had issues tracking the passage of time. It sped up and slowed down unpredictably, and more than once I felt confused about how much time had actually passed.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, but like with other wolf shifter romances I’ve read, I didn’t feel that need to keep reading no matter what—like I’d die if I didn’t finish it.
I really love wolf shifter romances. In most cases, that’s all I need to know to pick up a book. And with Alpha Legend, I also couldn’t resist the cover.
So how did it go? I liked the story, but at the same time I found it a bit off balance. We start with the MMC’s backstory and then jump forward in time to the present, where he meets his mate. After that, it’s basically just smut—which I did enjoy. This was also my first wolf × human action (IYKWIM). Then we circle back to how the story began, with the villain from the MMC’s past. That last part was actually the best section of the book. It was nicely blended, with both the romance and the plot coming together really well.
Since I don’t expect the very beginning of a book to introduce the mate, I did expect a better balance in the middle. Instead, the story seemed to forget about the wolves’ enemy and focused almost entirely on mating heat.
I also had issues tracking the passage of time. It sped up and slowed down unpredictably, and more than once I felt confused about how much time had actually passed.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, but like with other wolf shifter romances I’ve read, I didn’t feel that need to keep reading no matter what—like I’d die if I didn’t finish it.
September 8, 2024
Well god damn if that isn't the raunchiest, sexiest and drama filled book I've ever read !!
Again the Queen of smut does it again!.....another smash hit from Helen.
Ruby is training to be a vet while she is at college she is working the pole at a club to pay her tuition. It's run by a proper sleeze bag, but she enjoys it and it's safe enough, also she has made friends. One in particular Sarah. Sarah is older than Ruby, like the mum role. Ruby's life wasn't easy in and out of the foster system. Het life is about to change.
Lyle is a werewolf and trapped in a mountain with an unhinged woman who does heinous things to him and others, demons work with her keeping him and others trapped for years ...can he escape?
This will grip you and you will gasp, fall in love, gawp in shock at the scenes that unfold in front of your eyes....Happy reading ;)
Again the Queen of smut does it again!.....another smash hit from Helen.
Ruby is training to be a vet while she is at college she is working the pole at a club to pay her tuition. It's run by a proper sleeze bag, but she enjoys it and it's safe enough, also she has made friends. One in particular Sarah. Sarah is older than Ruby, like the mum role. Ruby's life wasn't easy in and out of the foster system. Het life is about to change.
Lyle is a werewolf and trapped in a mountain with an unhinged woman who does heinous things to him and others, demons work with her keeping him and others trapped for years ...can he escape?
This will grip you and you will gasp, fall in love, gawp in shock at the scenes that unfold in front of your eyes....Happy reading ;)
September 14, 2024
This is definitely my favourite of Helen's books. It's the first Alpha (wolf) book I have read and I loved it.
Lyle and Ruby had me captivated from the beginning and I loved reading their story. The spicy scenes just made it so much better...although the first wolf spicy scene did shock me (it takes alot to do that). The queen of kink did not dissapoint.
The book is the story of Lyle and his wolf pack who escape from being held captive and try to live a normal life together. On one of their lads nights out Lyle spots his mate Ruby and the attraction is instant. He then does everything in his power to win her over....im not telling you any more as dont want to ruin it.
I am so glad it is not a stand alone as I need to know what happens next for Lyle, Ruby and the rest of the pack.
I highly recommend this book and am so glad Helen allowed me to be an ARC reader for her.
Lyle and Ruby had me captivated from the beginning and I loved reading their story. The spicy scenes just made it so much better...although the first wolf spicy scene did shock me (it takes alot to do that). The queen of kink did not dissapoint.
The book is the story of Lyle and his wolf pack who escape from being held captive and try to live a normal life together. On one of their lads nights out Lyle spots his mate Ruby and the attraction is instant. He then does everything in his power to win her over....im not telling you any more as dont want to ruin it.
I am so glad it is not a stand alone as I need to know what happens next for Lyle, Ruby and the rest of the pack.
I highly recommend this book and am so glad Helen allowed me to be an ARC reader for her.
September 29, 2024
Holy Hell… talk about a hot Alpha Male Wolf Shifter, with a mouth full of sin and says the most delicious dirty things…
When he spots what’s his and howls MINE
I melted behind my kindle
“ you don’t know me yet, but you will, sweetling. I promise you, you will” Lyle
Easy 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me this book I absolutely loved it.
The spice is just 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Lyle is just a true Alpha after what they go through makes you keep turning those pages to see what happens, easy read for me and I was drawn in and wanted more and more. Seeing these characters build and grow was nice to read about.
But what they build up and grow into is just chefs kiss 😘
I cannot recommend this book enough if you haven’t PRE ORDERED yet… get it pre ordered.
Check your triggers like with any book check them first. The Author has been very thorough with her Trigger Warnings
December 22, 2025
You’re thrown straight into the story, and reading about Lyle and everything he goes through, especially at the beginning is heavy. There’s no point denying that. His experiences are dark, painful, and emotionally intense, which really sets the tone for the book.
As the story unfolds, Lyle builds his own pack, and for me that became one of the strongest themes in the book. It’s about choosing your family. Blood ties alone don’t make a family, they’re just genetics. Loyalty, trust, and shared struggle are what truly matter.
Alpha Legend blends this emotional depth with action, paranormal elements, and romance, making it a gripping and engaging read. A strong start to a werewolf romance that offers both intensity and heart.
This review is voluntary.
Thank you so much Helen and Wings & Words community for letting me be a part of the team.❤️🌺
As the story unfolds, Lyle builds his own pack, and for me that became one of the strongest themes in the book. It’s about choosing your family. Blood ties alone don’t make a family, they’re just genetics. Loyalty, trust, and shared struggle are what truly matter.
Alpha Legend blends this emotional depth with action, paranormal elements, and romance, making it a gripping and engaging read. A strong start to a werewolf romance that offers both intensity and heart.
This review is voluntary.
Thank you so much Helen and Wings & Words community for letting me be a part of the team.❤️🌺
October 13, 2024
Before we go any further, just want yalls to know that I've claimed Lyle. It's not just because of my love for wolves, but the man did the needful and I love me a man that simps. Anyways this is an amazing story (please don't forget to check out the TWs ⚠️) the trauma healing was just point on and hit all the right spots. The spice, well let's just say that Helen is the Queen of Sm*t & K*nk for a reason, because I was legit making sure my room is cold enough when reading her scenes. 😂😂. The dynamic between the characters, especially the pack banter was top notch, I loved that Lyle was a loveable Alpha, and Ruby poked all the right nerves. Highly recommend. 🖤🖤
I believe we deserve a nice short book about Ruby's background, would be amazing to read that 😍
I believe we deserve a nice short book about Ruby's background, would be amazing to read that 😍
December 3, 2025
4 Stars 5 Chillies
If you need a smutty paranormal shifter romance this book it for you!!! But please make sure you read the trigger warnings before reading this book.
This is the 1st book I have read by the Author, and I will definitely be reading some of her other work, infact I have already downloaded more to my kindle, and if they are anything like this I know I will love it!!
The characters has depth to them they aren't just your normal run of the mill FMC and MMC and I absolutly loved the plot, but did find that sometimes the writing did get a little one note. The spice was spicing and I can see where she got the title of the queen of smut from. I did find myself speed reading sometimes to get to the next spicy scene. Overall I think that is it definitelty a book that lots of people will love (as long as they know their triggers) and recommend it.
If you need a smutty paranormal shifter romance this book it for you!!! But please make sure you read the trigger warnings before reading this book.
This is the 1st book I have read by the Author, and I will definitely be reading some of her other work, infact I have already downloaded more to my kindle, and if they are anything like this I know I will love it!!
The characters has depth to them they aren't just your normal run of the mill FMC and MMC and I absolutly loved the plot, but did find that sometimes the writing did get a little one note. The spice was spicing and I can see where she got the title of the queen of smut from. I did find myself speed reading sometimes to get to the next spicy scene. Overall I think that is it definitelty a book that lots of people will love (as long as they know their triggers) and recommend it.
September 14, 2024
I absolutely loved this book the queen of smut has done it again. This tells of Lyle who was kidnapped at a young age, tortured and abused by the queen and demons, Lyle is a wolf shifter during one of his visits to her he plans an escape with all the other wolves kept in captivity. After they have escaped and he has his pack which are various wolves he goes to a club when his eyes fall on Ruby and his wolf knows she is his mate they form a bond and to know what happens next get the book and please read the trigger warnings as the spice in this book is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2025
This book has the foundation to be amazing... BUT for me personally, it was heavily based on the spice and less of the plot.
The Alpha kept saying how much "alpha stuff" he has on his mind but I couldn't tell you want that stuff was as very little of the pack and the workings and life as wolf shifters was explained.
I would have loved this more if the content to spice was more balanced.
I will be continuing with book 2 to see where it goes but you MUST check the trigger warnings before reading.
The Alpha kept saying how much "alpha stuff" he has on his mind but I couldn't tell you want that stuff was as very little of the pack and the workings and life as wolf shifters was explained.
I would have loved this more if the content to spice was more balanced.
I will be continuing with book 2 to see where it goes but you MUST check the trigger warnings before reading.
January 24, 2026
I absolutely loved reading this book as the connection between ruby and Lyle was incredible. I loved how much he supported her and the way he saw her as beautiful and stopped her from putting her body down. Lyle was an incredible character the way he loved Ruby and the way so protective of her. I loved the story and found the smut yummy, I found this a five star read and highly recommend it as it’s a fantastic read, I’m really looking forward to reading the second book as getting too know the pack characters and reading where they go now.
September 25, 2024
I honestly think this is the hottest book I’ve ever read! Be prepared for a racing heart and the strangest feelings in certain parts of the book!!!
I love the main and side characters and I can’t wait to read more about them in the next book - the twins story is going to be fun!!!
The only thing I wish had been in the book is Ruby and Sarah’s turning but the storyline and spice in this book is literally sizzling 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I love the main and side characters and I can’t wait to read more about them in the next book - the twins story is going to be fun!!!
The only thing I wish had been in the book is Ruby and Sarah’s turning but the storyline and spice in this book is literally sizzling 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 20, 2025
This book is HEAVY on the spice and although the writing is kinda awful, I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline!
I was introduced to this series at an indie book fair and I do not regret buying this one bit.
I really like the curvy girl representation and the protective qualities of Lyle. What I will say is the trigger warnings are long so do check those and proceed at your own risk .. things get a bit crazy 😭 now onto book 2 🌶️
I was introduced to this series at an indie book fair and I do not regret buying this one bit.
I really like the curvy girl representation and the protective qualities of Lyle. What I will say is the trigger warnings are long so do check those and proceed at your own risk .. things get a bit crazy 😭 now onto book 2 🌶️
December 19, 2025
3.75 ⭐ | 4.25 🌶
Book one in a new series, this story centres on Ruby and Lyle.
Ruby is a young woman who’s never truly felt like she belongs. Abandoned at birth, her life is split between working as a pole dancer and studying to become a vet — a routine existence that’s turned completely on its head when she crosses paths with Lyle and his pack.
Ruby was an easy FMC to connect with, particularly because she’s refreshingly curvy, enjoys her food, and isn’t written to apologise for either. Seeing a body-positive lead who embraces her appetite felt genuinely validating. Even better? Pairing her with an insanely hot, stacked alpha male who is absolutely feral for her.
Lyle’s attraction to Ruby is intense, and I especially loved how her presence consistently brings out the best in him — and in those around her.
This is a fast-paced read that barely takes its foot off the accelerator and leans heavily into spice and smut, so checking the trigger warnings beforehand is essential.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, I did feel the ending was a little rushed and could have benefited from slowing down slightly — though this is only book one in Helen Johnston’s new series, so there’s clearly more to come.
If there’s one small thing I’d change? The repeated use of the word “juices.” IYKYK!
Overall, a steamy, addictive opener with a relatable FMC, a deliciously intense MMC, and plenty of heat to keep things interesting. Like your spice at the tippy-top of the scoville scale? If yes, this one is for you!
Book one in a new series, this story centres on Ruby and Lyle.
Ruby is a young woman who’s never truly felt like she belongs. Abandoned at birth, her life is split between working as a pole dancer and studying to become a vet — a routine existence that’s turned completely on its head when she crosses paths with Lyle and his pack.
Ruby was an easy FMC to connect with, particularly because she’s refreshingly curvy, enjoys her food, and isn’t written to apologise for either. Seeing a body-positive lead who embraces her appetite felt genuinely validating. Even better? Pairing her with an insanely hot, stacked alpha male who is absolutely feral for her.
Lyle’s attraction to Ruby is intense, and I especially loved how her presence consistently brings out the best in him — and in those around her.
This is a fast-paced read that barely takes its foot off the accelerator and leans heavily into spice and smut, so checking the trigger warnings beforehand is essential.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, I did feel the ending was a little rushed and could have benefited from slowing down slightly — though this is only book one in Helen Johnston’s new series, so there’s clearly more to come.
If there’s one small thing I’d change? The repeated use of the word “juices.” IYKYK!
Overall, a steamy, addictive opener with a relatable FMC, a deliciously intense MMC, and plenty of heat to keep things interesting. Like your spice at the tippy-top of the scoville scale? If yes, this one is for you!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews