Tempting the Outlaw: a sizzling, suspenseful shapeshifter/fated mates paranormal romance

Sherwood Forest Shifters #2

by Anna Lowe

You just can’t count on outlaw s these days...

I’m Willa Scarlet, and my mother taught me never to depend on a man. She was right. Case in point: my secret mission to keep a trunk full of priceless treasure safe from Prince John. When the outlaws of Sherwood Forest fail to help, all my carefully laid plans are thrown askew. And it’s all the fault of one burly, infuriating bandit who has a bee in his bonnet when it comes to me. Men!

I’m John Little, bear shifter, and I can assure you, there’s nothing little about me. Quite the opposite. I’ve also got a big dose of *stubborn* — and an issue with humans. I’m perfectly content with my reclusive life in the forest until Willa Scarlet saunters along. Now, I want the bite-sized redhead with an oversized attitude as far away as possible — the farther, the better.

The only things Willa and I have in common are sizzling chemistry, ruthless enemies, and responsibility for a treasure more valuable than either of us suspected. Before we know it, we’re on the run, deep in trouble and in love, even if neither of us is ready to admit it. But we can’t hide away forever, and soon, I’m forced to make hard choices. Do I follow my heart or my head? And where does my allegiance lie — with Willa, or with the shifters of Sherwood Forest?

SHERWOOD FOREST SHIFTERS
Steamy, suspenseful paranormal romance!

Book 1: Tempting the Sheriff
Book 2: Tempting the Outlaw
Book 3: Tempting the Maiden

A steamy, suspenseful paranormal romance series that corrects all the errors of the Robin Hood legends. If you enjoyed the humor of "The Princess Bride" and the action-packed romance of "Outlander," you’ll love this fresh new twist on a classic, complete with brave knights, cunning bandits, fire-breathing dragons, and forbidden lovers. Get your copy of "Tempting the Outlaw" today!

Genres: Paranormal, Retellings

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

USA Today and Amazon best-selling author Anna Lowe loves putting the "hero" back into heroine and letting location ignite a passionate romance. She likes a heroine who is independent, intelligent, and imperfect — a woman who's doing just fine on her own. But give the heroine a good man (not to mention a chance to overcome her own inhibitions) and she'll never turn down the chance for adventure, nor shy away from danger.

On any given weekend, you might find her hiking in the mountains or hunched over her laptop, working on her latest story. Either way, the day will end with a chunk of dark chocolate and a good read.

Reviews

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Series: Sherwood Forest Shifters #2
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it

Willa Scarlet is on a mission to keep a trunk full of priceless treasures safe from Prince John. But when the outlaws of Sherwood Forest fail to rob her, all her plans are messed up and she is left with dealing with a surly outlaw Little John who is determined to keep his distance, but his bear has other ideas.

After reading the first book, I was excited to jump into this one and see what the outlaws of Sherwood Forest would do next. Little John is the unspoken second in command of the merry men and while he may be quiet and prefer Robynne to lead, we do see him step up and take charge when necessary. John was a sweet, quiet, and scared man who doesn’t trust any humans because of his experiences but Willa gets through his barriers the more time they spend together.

Willa is a headstrong and independent woman who doesn’t rely on anyone, especially men. She has been trained in all kinds of weapons and combat and has no problems fighting for what she wants. I really liked Willa from the very beginning. We see her learn to lean on others and not be such an independent operator for her missions. John and Willa’s relationship was a fast paced, fated mates relationship that was very enjoyable and kept me hooked.

I am really enjoying this shifter retelling of Robin Hood and look forward to seeing what happens next in Nottingham with Robynne and Daniel, especially since now one of their main enemies is dead.

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

[Shayay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun series!! This continues the story from the first book, but focuses on Little John and new character, Willa Scarlet. Love that this is Robin Hood reimagined! Willa has been tasked with getting a treasure stolen by the great thieves Robin Hood and the Merrymen, but things don’t quite go as planned. Willa needs to take matters into her own hands, but that puts her on the wanted list of Nottingham. Willa needs some help from Robin and company, but gets off on the wrong foot with John. A bit of forced proximity helps these two stubborn people see things differently. Always enjoy the shifter aspect too! Looking forward to the next book!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willa and John have a few things in common. They are both stubborn, determined and proud. She just wants to do as her Mistress tasked her to do. Something about her makes him not rob her and her companion. This leads to all kinds of antics.
I am loving this series and can't wait to see what happens next for the Merry Men and Robynne Hood.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging second book in series with the romance of Willa Scarlet and Little John. Now that the premise and characters were set in book one, it was so easy and fun to become immersed in Book 2 with new characters and more ongoing adventures and action. It was also great to further understand some of the characters introduced in Book 1 and I am really looking forward to the outcome of the romance of Robynne and the Sheriff in Book 3.

[Suzzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willa and John’s story is definitely a new take on Robin Hood. Got to say I love strong characters and both of these are very well matched. I received this book as an ARC. This is my honest review, I loved it. Hard to put down.

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is written after listening too the audio version of this book.

This series gives a wonderful, intriguing twist to the tale of Robin Hood we are used to hearing, this second book takes place in December 1193 in Nottingham, England, and tells the story of John Little, a bear shifter who doesn't trust humans. He's about to meet his fated mate, whether he wants to or not! John is Robynne's Second in Command, years ago he found himself trapped in his bear form in a bear trap and was freed by a human girl with bright red hair. Whilst Robynne is away from Sherwood John and the band of merry men hold up a coach intending to take all the valuables on board but as soon as John sees one of the passengers he recognises her as the girl from the forest who freed him all those years ago. So in an attempt to repay her good deed and much to the chagrin of his fellow bandits he insists on letting the woman's coach pass through Sherwood without taking any of the treasure it held.

The red-headed human inside the coach is Willa Scarlett, a feisty, strong-minded woman who has been brought up by an equally strong-minded mother to never depend on a man. She had been tasked by her mistress to take a considerable amount of treasure through Sherwood so that it would find its way into the hands of Robynne's band to help pay King Richard's ransom and keep it out of the hands of his evil brother Prince John. But when the. outlaws fail to take any of the priceless treasures intended for them Willa sets out for Sherwood taking a few items of treasure with her intending to make contact with Robynne and complete her mission.

Unfortunately, the first person she encounters is John Little who challenges her to a fight before he will allow her to cross the river! What follows is an amusing, exciting and entertaining story peopled by engaging mostly loveable characters. Anna Lowe's writing style is so descriptive and some of the scenes between our fated mates had me laughing out loud whilst others had me reaching for a cool drink! Their chemistry is palpable and the love they come to share is genuine and deep. I found myself amused by Willa’s reaction to discovering John’s bear side. I loved Willa and John they were perfect for each other.

I'm looking forward to the next instalment telling Tuck's story and when Robynne and Daniel will finally get to be together forever.

The narration is wonderfully performed by Kelsey Osborne, who has narrated all of the books I have listened to by Anna Lowe and Chris Merlin, the pair make a beautiful partnership and I look forward to hearing more books done in this way

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is a woman's best asset? Get your minds out the gutter. It's her weapons. Her mind was the first. But a woman who could yield a knife, sword, dagger, and battle-ax is not a woman to trifle with. Yes, Robynne Hood could hold her own with her bow and arrows and sword, but Willa Scarlett was a bad kick-azz woman. She had one mission and one mission only. To deliver the treasure chest, her lady asked to be kept out of the hands of Prince John and used to help with the ransom of King Richard. If only John Little would've done things according to plans and robbed their coach in Sherwood Forest. But nope. So this started a game of hide and seek. But in the midst of hiding out from the corrupt peons of Prince John, John(of the Sherwood Merrymen) and Willa hole it up at the mill house with the help of friar Tuck. This story is so juicy. The two have history, but only one knows for sure. When all seems to be going swell their happy ever after ends because Robynne calls her second in command to come take over in her time of need while she go look for the sheriff in Darby and Willa goes in search of the treasure and gets herself captured. Of course, John realizes she's his mate, and they go to rescue his woman. In pursuit, a fight break out. What a way to show her you're one of the monsters she thinks shifters are after telling her he loved her. She realizes that just like not all people are good or bad, the same applies to shifters. Again, Robynne and Daniel have to go their separate ways when she see that he is safe. I loved this book. I can't wait to read the last installment. Fingers cross that Robynne and Daniel get their happily ever after.

[Sherill · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUSPENSE, ACTION & SPICY ROMANCE

Tempting the Outlaw is book 2 in the retold tale of Robin Hood. You meet human fiery red-headed Willa Scarlet instead of a man. She believes all shifters are monsters. John Little bear shifter Robynne Hood’s right-hand guy is not fond of humans and wants sassy Willa far away from him; until he doesn’t. There is plenty of action, spine-chilling suspense, witty banter, a bit of magic and spicy romance.

It’s December 1193 in Nottingham, England. Willa finds herself in a jam when the Sherwood bandits don’t steal the priceless treasure intended for them. A treasure needed as ransom for King Richard, safe from his greedy brother’s hands, Prince John. Willa meets bandit leader Robynne, doesn’t follow her orders and ends up fleeing with John to escape the hands of cold-blooded Sir Guy. How they get their happy is quite a wild ride.

Wonderful, intriguing twist in the folklore tale of Robin Hood. Characters are engaging. Some scene descriptions had me laughing, while others left me breathless. Willa is a strong-willed heroine and John shows his sweet side. Their love is genuine. It was entertaining to read Willa’s reaction to John’s bear side. Enjoyed this read and look forward to learning how Robynne and Daniel get their happy forever in the last book of this series. Reviewed a pre-released copy.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Driving each other crazy seemed like Willa and John Little's mission. Stubborn, proud, and determined, everything was difficult between them despite the great attraction they felt for each other. Her constant bickering was amusing, Willa would not remain silent and faithful to her mother's teachings, her ideas of what should be done excluded men. John Little was one step down in the eyes this fierce woman that he couldn't get out of his mind, but what fate had planned for them had to happen. I liked the fact that Willa was a key figure despite her being the human among all the shifters and that the predicament she was caught in taught her an important lesson. Girl, most of the time things are not as we want them to be. And then, magic and off with a problem! That was a good riddance, and the origin of the rich treasure was becoming more and more mysterious. I'm intrigued by Robynna and the undercover sheriff, better say ‘acting sheriff’s' relationship. The merrymen, especially the not-so-bright Robert, entertain me a lot with their funny comments that make me chuckle. The story of John Little develops in an interesting way, easy to read, action, some suspense, a lot of stubbornness, fun scenes, romance, and passion.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful second book in the series, I loved the characters and scenario thoroughly

Willa Scarlet is a determined woman that is on a mission that is highly secret and that is highly important and she knew that she had to keep her secret safe from Prince John. The Outlaws of Sherwood Forest are all working together in their effort to help the poor and I am sure that you will enjoy every moment of this simply wonderful read.
John Little is a Bear shifter and I assure you that there is nothing that you have to understand, he is a stubborn and determined man and I am sure that you will love this book as much as the first book in the series and I am sure that you will love this book and enjoy the read immensely.
As a shifter John enjoys his life immensely and knows the was of humans well as he has a fair deal of interaction with them however, when he had been overcome by a pint-pot sized red heat by the name of Willa Scarlet he knew his life would never be the same again.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willa Scarlet is on a mission. Take the priceless treasure to a location where it will be safe from Prince John. Her plan is simple: take the trunk full of treasures into Sherwood Forest where the bandits led by Robin Hood will steal it an keep it safe. Unfortunately, her plan is disrupted by one of the bandits who seems to have taken an instant dislike to her. Infuriating as it is to admit, her mother was right; you can't depend on a man. John Little is a bear shifter and aver large man. He immediately recognizes the fiery and beautiful little red head in the carriage, and much to the chagrin of his fellow bandits, he insists on letting the woman pass without robbing her of her valuables.
All of the characters in the book are well written, compelling, and unique. I loved Willa and John, they are funny and even though they might not realize it, they are perfect for each other. Exciting action, some suspense, and humor in a steamy paranormal romance with unexpected twist in the plot make this a must read, I highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jean Marie]

This is book 2 in the Sherwood Forest Shifters series. You don't need to read the first one to enjoy this one.

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

Willa is a human heading through Sherwood Forest with her mistress's treasure chest. She's hoping to be robbed so that the treasure will be safe in the forest. How could it be safe amongst thieves?! She doesn't want it in the hands of an evil leader she's hoping this will keep it from his hands. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned and unbeknownst to her one of the robbers is a bear shifter that she rescued many years ago when he was in bear form. While Little John (the bear shifter) recognizes her, he lets her go with the treasure, but she's mad.

She now has to hide it before the evil Sir Guy gets it, but she doesn't have much time and now she's running from them. Before you know it, Little John and Willa are hiding away together and stealing sweet moments with each other. But Willa's stubborn and goes off on her own and gets captured. Now she's locked in the stocks and about to be hung and then quartered the next morning. Can anyone save her? What will happen to the treasure? What about Little John?
This book had battles, chemistry, hidden secrets and more! I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

[Ahima Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,75 stars for John and Willa

This Robynne Hood story continues, with the story of John Little and Willa. Willa sent to Sherwood Forest to be robbed of box of treasures is more than mildly unhappy, that the hunk of a thief refuses to actually rob anything from her carriage. The treasure should go to the loyal king Richard people to support their fight against King Richard's enemies. When Willa returns to Sherwood Forest to meet Robynne Hood, a battle of will and sharp tongues starts between the two. And on the way to rescue the treasure Willa has to learn, that not all shifters are monster and Will has to find ways around his straight and superior and very bear grumpy intervening into other people's affairs.

Oh my gosh, did I laugh hard. It was like Willa took residence in my head and the way John tapped from one verbal mudhole into the next and how his bear swooned over his mate in secret. I melted right away. So far my favorite couple. Look forward to read the third part of the story and see Tuck again.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willa and her group met the only honest thieves in the forest who would not rob them, thanks to John Little. When the coach was stopped, there was recognition between Willa, a human and John, a bear shifter. He initially intended to rob the coach but in an attempt to repay a good deed Willa did in his past, he wants to let the coach go. Even Robert Hood was surprised. It was so funny when Robert was intimidated by a woman. I loved it! Willa is not happy about this because she is on a mission for her mistress' treasure not to reach Nottingham and end up in the hands of the horrible Prince John. Unfortunately, they do reach it with the treasure and Willa was a bad@ss like Robynne Hood. She was able to escape using a personal female issue. She was able to take some of the jewels, hide them, and get back to the forest. Like book 1, this book also had humor, suspense, and romance and I found the characters very likeable. Both Robynne and Willa were such strong women.

[Jamoz23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUDIBLE
Very enjoyable in audible with both narrators doing a great job. Though I found the male narrators female voices a bit weak.
Still found Willa’s attitude rude, demeaning and stubborn. Even though she admits to her faults, it is annoying.
I was kindly gifted this audible book by the author.
BOOK REVIEW
Though I understand the struggles of women in those times of being just chattel, Willa is just a bit too women’s liber in her attitude and thinking. To be truthful, she is quite rude, opinionated and demeaning at times.
Though she does apologise quite nicely to John, she then goes back to being stubborn, with disastrous results.
Thankfully she learns her lesson.
The second half is much more enjoyable story wise for me as we get to some seriously good situations.
This is my honest review of this book.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, Sherwood Forest!!

Willa Scarlet is on a mission; keep a priceless treasure out of the hands of Prince John. Bear shifter John LIttle is part of the merry men who stop her, yet don’t take her treasure. John LIttle is usually not a fan of humans, but there is something about Willa. Only fair, as Willa thinks all shifters are “monsters”.

As these two spend some time together they both realize they have some misconceptions. They will need to work together to achieve their combined goals, with the assistance of the merry men, the sheriff and some open minds.

Witty, ironic, intriguing and romantic. Number two of a three-part series. I’m looking forward to the conclusion!

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Jennine · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐻👩‍🦰FEEL GOOD ROMANTIC ACTION ADVENTURE with Robynne Hood and the enthusiastic band of merry men, although there was this one guy not very enthusiastic and that is when things get very interesting. Anna Lowe manages to pack her stories full of the characters back story, action packed present and promise of a magical mate filled future. Good and evil always fight for balance but here those with good hearts come out on top in a feel good ending with the promise of another characters story to come. I have the Audible book as well and found it wonderfully narrated in male deep rumbly voices by Chris Merlin and perky, independent female voices by Kelsey Osborne, always a pleasure to listen too.
RECOMMENDED PARANORMAL ROMANTIC ADVENTURE.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let the good times roll!

Anna Lowe gives another twist to the Robin Hood legend. This time John Little is the victim, I mean the love interest, for another feisty woman. I don’t think any of the Merry Men are ready for Willa… So let the good times roll! Hold onto your corset and enjoy all the crazy shenanigans that ensue. The Merry Men & Women are having way more fun in the Middle Ages than I ever suspected!

Don’t worry, Willa & John will eventually stop working at cross purposes and settle down into a very sweet (and LOUD) romance. I can’t wait until Tuck gets his comeuppance, I mean reward!

I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the wry humor of the varied characters. Such as Will Scarlet now being Willa, but Willa is human. And even though she knows about shifters she thinks they are evil monsters. Thank goodness she doesn’t know she is amongst a whole band of shifters. Of course she doesn’t know she is destined to be there or to be John Little’s mate either. The plot is original even if similar to the old standard, the action is well paced and just enough, but the romance takes center stage and is sweet sexy perfection.

[Sydney Hopke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little John's turn for romance thought it doesn't start out all that great when he lets Willa pass through the forest without taking their valuables. What good is going through the forest to have them stolen if they won't taken them Willa grumbles. Their romance moves fast and more happens with Robynne and the Sheriff. I had to smile and enjoy some giggles while reading it, it's a great continuation to the series continuing with the story line while adding a new couple. Can't wait for the next book!

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Sherwood Forest Shifters series by Anna Lowe and now this is Willa Scarlet and John Little’s (Little John) turn to have their story. Their characters are so very well written and believable. Their story is one where you will find humour, mistrust, intrigue and everything else that makes for a good read. I just love the rewriting of a true and trusted tale! and I am really looking forward to the outcome of the romance of Robynne and the Sheriff in the next book as well as the comeuppance of Friar Tuck! 😇🤭

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 Tempting the Outlaw by Anna Low.
Wilma Scarlett is a lady on a mission given by her Mistress.
When entering Sherwood Forest with a chest full of money but when attack by rebels things get complicated.
Little John meets Wilma and decides not to take her treasures but what he doesn’t know is they were given by Wilma mistress to be given to the merry men.
Absolutely loved Kelsey Osborne that does a fantastic narration for all Anna Lowe books but this time is complimented nicely by Chris Merlin.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 Continues the Strong Story Telling

While Robynne and Daniel are conveniently off on another adventure, Little John meets his match in Willa Scarlet. As in Book 1, the main characters of Robin Hood are there in name with some significant differences. The story of their attraction and fighting is well written. The character development is very well done. You have to root for them to find their way to a happy ending. I really like the way shifters are blended into the legend.

[Beryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book 2 of this fascinating re-imagining of the Robin Hood classic tale, two more of the classic characters are reimagined as shifters in the 12th century Sherwood Forest! Will Scarlet becomes Willa Scarlet, who meets bear shifter John Little and their lives are changed forever ... Again, this is the second book of a trilogy and the final ending of this story is at the end of the third book - but it's definitely worth reading the entire trilogy to get the full story!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better and better. John meets his match in Willa. She is tough and sassy. She has a job to do and does whatever it takes to get it done. John and Willa are pretty much enemies. But they end up saving each other's lives and John finds his mate with Willa. They work with the men from Sherwood Forest to try to get the King released and fight his enemies. There is still much to be done.

[Cheryl Drake johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adventure for John the bear shifter and the human's coach that the merry men meet up with in Sherwood Forest brought a blast from the past. Willa was sent on a mission by her mistress but things are not going as they had planned and she has to improvise but if this brute of a man would work with her. The story line makes you feel like you right there with the characters. Very entertaining romantic drama. I read a copy without obligation. I volunteered an honest review.

[Teresa Stirewalt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story, kept me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath waiting to see what was going to happen next for the 2 main characters, had me giggling in a few places.. talk about stubborn. I have fallen head over in love with books 1 and 2 of this series and all the twisting curves of the plots, I cant wait to read book 3 and see what the author has cooked up for us next.

[Renee Leeann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Sherwood Forest Shifters series and it is a home run! Loved the characters and the action never stopped. There’s also some laugh out loud moments along with the thrills, romance and shifters.

[Jane Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

💜💜💜🔥🔥

This series is just too delicious!
"You just can’t count on outlaws these days…"
I mean, really? Traveling through Sherwood Forest, in Robin Hood's territory, with a trunk full of treasure, and what happens? Read on and find out! 🤣🤣

[Hilary Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Series

Tempting the Outlaw (Sherwood Forest Shifters Book 2) by Anna Lowe. Willa Scarlet has been tasked with getting treasure to the outlaws in Sherwood Forrest to help towards the ransom for King Richard. It all goes wrong.