It Started at the Party: A Little Red Riding Hood Story

by Jessie Marie

Brandon Hemingway wanted to settle down…

I knew it was a risk as soon as we kissed.
Falling head over heels for Brooklyn wasn’t smart.
After all, she was my brother’s wife’s best friend.
Accomplished. Beautiful. Smart.
And definitely not into anything permanent.

But when I see her at the airport, I had to make a
Go on an adventure, where I might find myself, finally,
Or stay home and risk never finding love.

What other choice did I have?

It Started at the Party is an opposites attract, he-falls-first romance loosely based on Little Red Riding Hood. Readers should be prepared for an adventure, a headstrong couple, and a sweet, sweet slow burn. It is the second full-length novel in the Hemingway Fairytales series and can be read as a standalone.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 31, 2024

About the author

Crisis handler by day and writer by night, Jessie often finds herself wrapped up in the tales of humanity. She cultivated an appetite for a good love story from the moment she read her first Sarah Dessen book, and it led to her desire to create some stories of her own.

When she’s not writing or providing resources for students at a small SoCal college, she can be found driving into the sunset while listening to the Foo Fighters, sinking her toes in the sand, or reveling in the beauty of a good meal. She also enjoys hanging out with her better half and her favorite tiny human.

You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, her website, Goodreads and Amazon.

Reviews

[Jessie Marie]

**It Started at the Party is now live!**



Make sure to get your copy today! On Amazon and KU: https://a.co/d/bYnUTuG


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[Anita White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually liked the back and forward between Brooklyn and Brandon they definitely don’t back down for nothing or nobody. Then to see them soften up towards each other🥰 that trip to California definitely healed them in some ways like for instance Brooklyn being in her soft girl era and to know that she doesn’t have to have this burden of being everyone caretaker. I will most likely read the first book in this series because I definitely am intrigued to see how Ciara and Nathan journey went.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read from this author, and It won't be my last. I really enjoyed this book and will work on reading the first book in the series (although It read like a stand alone. ). It took me a minute, about 30% in before i realized what fairy tale it was referencing to (That was totally a me thing, and not the author). And I had to apologize to a character, because as i was reading, my mind went a totally different way, and once I realized what was really happening, i was like, oops,. I absolutely loved the relationship between Brooklyn and Brandon. They were just right for each other. Many times i would cheer Brooklyn on, then start fussing at her like, girl, what are you doing (I understood her, tho, because I'd probably act the same way). I will definitely be looking for more books from this author.

I received a copy of the book via the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.

[Amy (amysbooksnthings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was a fun little twist on “Little Red Riding Hood” and I was definitely intrigued with how everything would ultimately play out. Brandon and Brooklyn were so different but ended up being quite perfect for each other. There were a couple moments when my heart kind of broke for Brandon - he had such a sensitive soul. Brooklyn really was just the right balance for him. This was delightful and I'm glad I picked it up.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

*squeal* This is my first completed read for the New Year, and I loved it!
Thanks to Jessie Marie I was able to kick off 2025 with seetness, spice, attempted (but not really) avoidance of one another, a fiercely independent FMC, a broody and moneyed MMC, and an adventure! What more could I want?
I'll tell you what: banter! And I got that, too! I thoroughly enjoyed Brooklyn's and Brandon's back and forth; a balance of challenges, teasing, and enjoyable bossiness. They're not perfect, but they find they're muddling their to figuring out if and how they fit together.
This is part of the Hemingway Fairytales series, but it was the first book I read by this author. If you're looking for me, you can find me diving into Jessie's catalog for more.

[Roslyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Marie did an excellent job telling the story of Brandon and Brooklyn. Bradon came from a wealthy family but felt that he didn't measure up to the rest of the family. His mother never seemed to understand his anxiety problems. Brooklyn has her own problems that are opposite from Brandon but together they find love. I loved reading this story of people overcoming obstacles together.

[Tee Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

It Started at a Party was a great read. I wasn't sure what to expect from a Red Riding Hood retelling, but she definitely delivered. It gave spice and adventure. The way Brandon and Brooklyn orbit each other is captivating. We also get to see Nathan and Ciara from book 1. Great job, Jessie.

[Nisha32 reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book slow burn really pulls you in the characters are lovable really good read