Before the Red Cloak: A Red Riding Hood Dark Gothic Villain Retelling

by Michelle Deerwester-Dalrymple

Not all wolves hide under sheep's clothing.
We all know what happened to Red Riding Hood.
But what happened before she had her red cloak?
Villains aren't born. Sometimes, we create them.

I have found the love of my life in Lucien -- the local woodsman who lives by his own set of rules and outside of the village proper. Our forbidden love blooms under the dark and ominous trees of Corbeau Woods and the ferocious wolves that live there.

It was too good to be true. Our love has been perfect, too perfect, and just as we are making plans to marry and build our life together, the wealthy farmer's son, Marcel, has set his maniacal sights on me. Lucien and I pretend to go forward with marrying the vile man in hopes that we can set their own, secret plans in motion.
Lies, sometimes, can save us.

But Marcel and his followers are not the only dangers in our village, and when Marcel, Lucien, and the wolves converge over me, only one can be left standing.

And all I want is my future with Lucien.

Before the Red Cloak is a dark, gothic fairy tale retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, low steam but full of passion, ominous tones, and dark secrets. This historical, forbidden love retelling will leave your breathless and pining for more!

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2024

About the author

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Michelle is an author, college writing professor, mother, and wife living on the west coast. Follow her socials here: https://linktr.ee/mddalrympleauthor

This author also writes as M.D. Dalrymple
and Strawberry Chase

Reviews

[Liann Alfaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I would brave all the wolves in the woods for a mere moment with you”

This book! The story is well written, it keeps you wondering what will happen next, will Brigette’s and Lucien be able to marry? Will Brigette have to marry Marcel. Why are the wolves attacking people? The Red Cloak is a symbol of love. Don’t miss out reading this book. If you love magical an forbidden love you will love this book. Find out what happen before the Red Riding Hood.

“We fear the wolves in the woods, but man can be far more dangerous”

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Besides the red cloak, the woodsman and the wolves, I’m not sure how this story relates to the tale that I know as Little Red Riding Hood…..that being said, it is a well written story wherein parents attempt to force an unwanted marriage, but in the end, love prevails. Brigitte and the woodsman Lucien, were in love and trying to keep their relationship a secret, which meant everybody knew about it. His plan was to build them a house so that when they got married they would have an immediate place to live. Unfortunately Marcel, who was the son of the village’s most wealthy and powerful farmer, decided that he wanted Brigitte (although given how he treated her, I can’t imagine why). Despite her obvious objections, her parents agreed to the match and took steps to keep her away from Lucien. Of course just when Brigitte and Lucien were ready to thwart everyone’s plans and get married, things went terribly awry. Meanwhile, the villagers were dealing with wolf attacks, sparking fear, superstitions and tall tales. The odd thing was, that those who were actually attacked and killed seemed to all be troublemakers, or people with less than stirling reputations. Marcel is a most disturbing and disturbed character, a self-centered and dangerous bully. Lucien is the antithesis of that, strong, patient, protective and caring. Brigitte’s parents were blinded by their desire to rise from poverty, and as a result lost that which they should have cherished above all else. This story will break your heart, ignite your ire and generally get your hackles up. It technically has a happy ending, but Brigitte and Lucien pay such a high price that it really doesn’t feel that way.

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

[MysticMadness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the Red Cloak delivers a captivating and haunting reimagining of the classic Little Red Riding Hood story, set in a dark, gothic world. Though the sixth in a series, it stands alone, making it accessible to new readers.

The story follows Brigitte and Lucien, lovers divided by class, with the wealthy Marcel determined to win Brigitte’s heart. This dynamic fuels a narrative rich in betrayal, family obligations, and revenge . The wolves, central to the tale, offer an unexpected twist, emphasizing that humanity itself can be more dangerous than the wild. As one character aptly states, “Think on what I’ve said. We fear the wolves in the woods, but man can be a far more dangerous beast.”

While some plot points are predictable, the atmospheric writing and well-developed characters keep you engaged. The cold, foreboding environment adds layers of suspense, making the story hard to put down.

However, be prepared for heartbreak—this is not a happily-ever-after tale. The exploration of darker themes and tragic consequences leaves a lasting emotional impact. Even with all the heartache the lovers , and the readers, endure, the story in a way ends with a HEA .

Overall, Before the Red Cloak is a well-crafted, engaging novel that offers a fresh take on a classic fairy tale, perfect for fans of dark fantasy and gothic fiction.

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

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the Before... Fairy Tale series, and is a dark gothic retelling of the original Red Riding Hood story. It is a more grown-up take on it, but I felt it still had some of the same nostalgic feel that may be associated with the original.

Something that came as a surprise to me was the way I connected with the protagonist, Brigitte. I enjoyed her rebellious nature, her determination, and saw her as someone that needed to be understood. The relationship between Red Riding Hood and the wolf was something that I hadn't given much thought to before, but in this version, it has a different meaning. I think that made me see the story itself in a different light, and I really enjoyed this take on it.

Each book in the Before... Fairy Tale series can be read as a standalone, so if you enjoy fairytale retellings, this series may be for you.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

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

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a book by this author let me tell you the author did not disappoint.

Before the Red Cloak presents a hauntingly original twist on the classic Little Red Riding Hood tale, set against a dark, gothic backdrop. This is a standalone book.

The narrative centers on the MC’s Brigitte and Lucien, whose romance is challenged by social class differences, with the affluent Marcel intent on winning Brigitte’s affection. This conflict drives a story rich with themes of betrayal, familial duty, and vengeance. The wolves, pivotal to the plot, introduce a surprising twist, suggesting that human nature can be more perilous than the wild.
The suspense in this book made it very hard for me to put down.

Be prepared for an emotional journey this is not a story with a typical happy ending. It has a lot of darker themes and tragic outcomes leaves may leave profound emotional impact.

[Rose Seals · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, fast paced read. Full of drama, love, bullies, villains, society, magic, lies and twists. Follows the idea of Little Red Riding Hood with the wolves in the forest. Lucien is in love with Brigitte as much as she is in love with him. While he was working on a cabin for them, she stays with her parents and would meet up with him in the forest. But this plan is messed up as someone else wants her. He tricks her into saying she would marry him to protect Lucien. But the wolves attack Lucien and he becomes one of them. Her love for him never dies and she follows him into the woods to become one of them. Her way of looking to be with him forever. What a sweet story. Would recommend to all.

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

[Rachel Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the Before... Series. It is the first one of the series I've read; they are definitely a series of standalones. This book was an easy read that kept me interested for the most part. There were a couple points where the writing felt a little redundant to me, however the twist at the end?! I did not see it coming until the last second and I absolutely love it. The characters were well written with their own personalities and their motivations clear. I cannot wait to read more of the series.

[Cottage_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75*

This book was an incredibly interesting retelling of little red riding hood, with mature and dark themes.

The writing reminded me of the storytelling of old, which I really enjoyed.

The story ends on a bitter-sweet note and holds a mirror up to society and its flaws.

I recommend this book if you enjoy:

❤ fairytale retellings
❤️ clean romance
❤️ angst
❤️ damsel in distress

Thank you Booksprout for the ARC.

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

[Hailey Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the Red Cloak by Michelle Deerwester-Dalrymple

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I am so happy to announce that I have joined Michelle’s Street team! This my first ARC by her.

This was such a fun story of love, loss, vengeance, and self worth! I seem to love these fairy tale retellings and this Little Red Riding one was no exception!

The FMC is daunting, daring, and strong! I loved her character so much and laughed at her inner thoughts on multiple occasions.

Lucien…. GIMME GIMME!! Such an amazing male character!

Thank you so much for the copy Michelle!!

[Adrianna Heaney-velu · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Before the Red Cloak,” by Michelle Deerwester-Dalrymple

I loved this book. I love red riding hood type stories. My only issue is that the blurb made it seem like a villain origin story and I didn’t feel like what they did in the book was villainous but justified, and it was HEA, so I just didn’t think it fit the way it was worded. Despite that it was an amazing story and had loved reading it. The main character and her love interest were such good characters. Definitely a book I will reread. 5 out of 5 stars.

-Red Riding Hood Retell
-Magic

Thank you for the ARC, Booksprout.

[Lisa Bentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great red riding hood vibe story! I wasn’t expecting it to turn out the way it did at all! Definitely a happy ending with a difference.
I absolutely detested Marcel as I’m sure will everyone reading this and can’t help but think he got his just desserts! Karma came calling in wolf form.
Poor Lucien and Brigitte, their love story was heartbreaking. To find the love of your life only to have it all go wrong.
Fear not..there is a happily ever after but there’s some tears to shed first.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful dark, gothic fairy tale retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. Well written and told with the authors take on it, you find yourself drawn into this world betrayal, love, loss and vengence. I do love a good retelling and this is a gripping and exciting one with some incredible characters that you hope still get their hea.

[Alonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was well written, the plot was purely amazing, and the storyline is gripping and interesting. If you liked the Red Riding Hood 2011 movie, this book has the same vibes. Lucien was a smooth and swoon worthy interest. His amount of respect and sweetness made me melt. Marcel is a very believable villain, and easy to dislike. The main character Brigitte is well written in her state of sadness as well as joy and I found I emphasized with her on every mood. I wanted to hug her and help her as if she were a real person and I could do that. Amazing book!

[Hanna Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I love a good Red Riding Hood retelling and this was excellent. Will be looking forward to the next book in this series!

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Cayson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very fun read. A dark red riding hood retelling. It has some triggers so I recommend checking them. But I’m all it was a great book.

[DonnaMarie Lerner · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very heroic charming and sweet no spicy but still was good didn't think I was going to like it as much as I did. Recommend to all my fantasy and retelling loves.

[Kearstyn Kutik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Such a good book! will be rereading again! this was my first ARC. such a good experience.

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

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had my favorite ending of all the books.

[Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a page turner story of red riding hood. Love between Lucien and Brigette was magical and lasting love through time.
I don't give spoilers read the book if you like gothic romance😁
I would highly recommend Michelle Deerwester Dalrymple.

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

[Brian Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this Little Red Riding hood retelling. Ever page I turned, I wanted more. Couldn't wait to see what happened next. If you love fairy tale retelling, don't miss this one.

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