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Court of Midsummer Mayhem #1
Forest of Scarlet: Court of Midsummer Mayhem, Book 1
The fae snatch humans as playthings to torment. The Primrose steals them back. Vowing that no other family would endure the same fear and pain she felt when her older sister was snatched by the fae, Brigid puts on an empty-headed façade while she rescues humans in the shadowy guise of the Primrose, hero to humans, bane to the fae. Her only regret is that she can’t tell the truth to Munch, the young man in the human realm who she’s trying very hard not to fall in love with.
Munch has a horrible nickname, an even more terrible full name, and the shadow of his heroic sister and five older brothers to overcome. It’s rough being the little brother of the notorious Robin Hood and her merry band. His only consolation are the brief visits by Brigid, the messenger girl for the dashing fae hero the Primrose. When an entire village of humans are snatched by the fae in a single night, Munch jumps at the chance to go to the Fae Realm, pass a message to Brigid and through her to the Primrose, and finally get his chance to be a hero just like all his older siblings. But the Fae Realm is a dangerous place, especially for a human unbound to a fae or court like Munch. One wrong decision could spell disaster for Munch, Brigid, and the Primrose.
Will this stolen bride’s sister and Robin Hood’s brother reveal the truth of their hearts before it's too late? Or will they, too, find themselves caught in the whims of fae willing to shed blood to get their darkest desires? Loosely inspired by The Scarlet Pimpernel, Forest of Scarlet is book one in a new fantasy romance/fantasy romantic comedy series of standalones featuring magic libraries, a whimsical and deadly fae realm, and crazy fae hijinks by best-selling author Tara Grayce!
Munch has a horrible nickname, an even more terrible full name, and the shadow of his heroic sister and five older brothers to overcome. It’s rough being the little brother of the notorious Robin Hood and her merry band. His only consolation are the brief visits by Brigid, the messenger girl for the dashing fae hero the Primrose. When an entire village of humans are snatched by the fae in a single night, Munch jumps at the chance to go to the Fae Realm, pass a message to Brigid and through her to the Primrose, and finally get his chance to be a hero just like all his older siblings. But the Fae Realm is a dangerous place, especially for a human unbound to a fae or court like Munch. One wrong decision could spell disaster for Munch, Brigid, and the Primrose.
Will this stolen bride’s sister and Robin Hood’s brother reveal the truth of their hearts before it's too late? Or will they, too, find themselves caught in the whims of fae willing to shed blood to get their darkest desires? Loosely inspired by The Scarlet Pimpernel, Forest of Scarlet is book one in a new fantasy romance/fantasy romantic comedy series of standalones featuring magic libraries, a whimsical and deadly fae realm, and crazy fae hijinks by best-selling author Tara Grayce!
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First published January 27, 2023
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About the author
Tara Grayce
33 books794 followersBorn and raised in Michigan, I enjoy traveling to new adventures that inspire my writing.
Growing up, I read just about every book I could get my hands on, especially fantasy. I currently write YA fantasy and romantic fantasy filled with lots of humor, spunky and tough leading ladies, and broken heroes.
When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with my chocolate lab, Miss Kisses.
Growing up, I read just about every book I could get my hands on, especially fantasy. I currently write YA fantasy and romantic fantasy filled with lots of humor, spunky and tough leading ladies, and broken heroes.
When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with my chocolate lab, Miss Kisses.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
February 2, 2023
This was so fun! (I mean...for a book about someone rescuing mistreated captives. But the emphasis is on the rescuing part.) Munch and Brigid are a great and adorable and well-matched couple (even if their secrets/assumptions/miscommunications for a bit there did make me like YOU GUUUUUUUYYYYYS!!! 😂). The undercover and mastermind plotter bits were really good and fun, even if one pretty big reveal was quite obvious long before the reveal, but it was definitely in a "ah, yep! Very good!" way, not a boring way. The themes of heroism, love, selflessness, and how we judge others and ourselves were good, and appreciation for so soundly skirting "not like other girls" and the characters appreciating (or coming to a more fuller appreciation/understanding of) many expressions of femininity and female strength and talent. Also yay for the guy and girl both getting to be heroic and active. Definitely felt for the leads and their individual struggles and their struggles in romance and the ending was cute and satisfying!
Oh, and *eagerly awaits the next book because TWELFTH NIGHT and it's been set up so well, and waits for a Much Ado retelling announcement, and wonders about possibility of Romeo and Juliet because of that one character...* *waggles eyebrows*
Trigger warnings:
I'd put this at a very low PG-13 for thematic material, but some brief scenes of mistreatment especially of children are upsetting (I mean, they should be).
Kidnapping/human trafficking, reference to drugging via fairy fruit/wine, mistreatment including of children (shown: human captives through magical compulsion forced to do things like dance or play instruments until their fingers bleed or shown being exhausted and afraid; allusions to other magical torture), blood/violence.
Oh, and *eagerly awaits the next book because TWELFTH NIGHT and it's been set up so well, and waits for a Much Ado retelling announcement, and wonders about possibility of Romeo and Juliet because of that one character...* *waggles eyebrows*
Trigger warnings:
I'd put this at a very low PG-13 for thematic material, but some brief scenes of mistreatment especially of children are upsetting (I mean, they should be).
Kidnapping/human trafficking, reference to drugging via fairy fruit/wine, mistreatment including of children (shown: human captives through magical compulsion forced to do things like dance or play instruments until their fingers bleed or shown being exhausted and afraid; allusions to other magical torture), blood/violence.
Want to read
January 27, 2023To say I'm excited for this would be an understatement. Now, to catch up on all the Tara books I've missed in this crazy hectic year before this one releases!!!
February 10, 2023
witty heroine & great themes
First off, I love the Scarlet Pimpernel, so I was very excited about a retelling!
What I loved about this story:
-the heroine, a girly girl who used her brains, not her brawn, to save the day.
-the hero, a youngest brother who’s used to being in his siblings’ shadows.
-the themes of what makes a real hero & of mercy over vengeance.
-the romance: no lust, just young love growing together (and awkwardly honest first kissing)
Not my favorite:
-the character of Robin, whom I remember liking in Bluebeard & the Outlaw. Sword fighting across the table while your siblings are trying to eat breakfast is just Not Couth imo
But overall, a fun and satisfying tale!
First off, I love the Scarlet Pimpernel, so I was very excited about a retelling!
What I loved about this story:
-the heroine, a girly girl who used her brains, not her brawn, to save the day.
-the hero, a youngest brother who’s used to being in his siblings’ shadows.
-the themes of what makes a real hero & of mercy over vengeance.
-the romance: no lust, just young love growing together (and awkwardly honest first kissing)
Not my favorite:
-the character of Robin, whom I remember liking in Bluebeard & the Outlaw. Sword fighting across the table while your siblings are trying to eat breakfast is just Not Couth imo
But overall, a fun and satisfying tale!
April 25, 2025
I did a thing where I listened to this as an audiobook before bed each night for a few days, and WOW! It was both the best idea I ever had because—you know, Tara is AMAZING!—but also the worst because—I DIDN’T WANT TO STOP. And I laughed a lot which is not sleep conducive. 😂
After loving Basil and Meg so much, I was feeling a little salty about leaving them behind, even if Brigid is Meg’s sister. But the story quickly won me over!
Brigid and Munch are adorable. I love the tension between Brigid’s fascade and Munch’s struggle to prove himself beyond being the youngest in his family. It lends to plenty of laughs, heart pounding moments, twists, and in the end, hope. Also, I want to work at that library and pet bookwyrms, thanks.
Love, love, love!!
Content: cute kisses; people (including children) are kidnapped by the fae and forced into horrible servitude (level of debauchery not described and it’s hinted to be horrific)
After loving Basil and Meg so much, I was feeling a little salty about leaving them behind, even if Brigid is Meg’s sister. But the story quickly won me over!
Brigid and Munch are adorable. I love the tension between Brigid’s fascade and Munch’s struggle to prove himself beyond being the youngest in his family. It lends to plenty of laughs, heart pounding moments, twists, and in the end, hope. Also, I want to work at that library and pet bookwyrms, thanks.
Love, love, love!!
Content: cute kisses; people (including children) are kidnapped by the fae and forced into horrible servitude (level of debauchery not described and it’s hinted to be horrific)
December 22, 2025
Builds on the Prequels
I thought this book was good, but I don't think it should be considered Book 1 in the series. It's roughly the fourth or fifth book after a bunch of prequel novellas that I had luckily read previously, or I probably would have been completely lost. I particularly enjoyed Stolen Midsummer Bride, which I believe is sent to anyone who signs up for Tara's mailing list, and I wish that had been listed as the first book instead of 0.5 or whatever it is because that's the story that truly introduces this world and its characters. I'm not really familiar with The Scarlet Pimpernel, so this book didn't do much for me as a retelling, but it did develop Brigid and Munch from the previous prequels, giving them a complete arc. Although this book is longer than the prequels, it felt a little slow at times, particularly towards the end. It's an action-packed and romantic story, but I don't think it's as effective if read as a standalone.
I thought this book was good, but I don't think it should be considered Book 1 in the series. It's roughly the fourth or fifth book after a bunch of prequel novellas that I had luckily read previously, or I probably would have been completely lost. I particularly enjoyed Stolen Midsummer Bride, which I believe is sent to anyone who signs up for Tara's mailing list, and I wish that had been listed as the first book instead of 0.5 or whatever it is because that's the story that truly introduces this world and its characters. I'm not really familiar with The Scarlet Pimpernel, so this book didn't do much for me as a retelling, but it did develop Brigid and Munch from the previous prequels, giving them a complete arc. Although this book is longer than the prequels, it felt a little slow at times, particularly towards the end. It's an action-packed and romantic story, but I don't think it's as effective if read as a standalone.
September 3, 2023
When I was a kid I had a teeny-tiny copy of The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood that I was completely obsessed with, especially with the illustrations. I'm pretty sure it was abridged, and I don't think I even technically finished the thing, but I am positive that it was the thing that awakened my love for the hero being absolutely DESTROYED by their own plotline. That was how I came to be the evil author I am today
Ahem. So when I figured out that all of Munch's family was named for Robin Hood characters I was having a good time. I had similar fun figuring out that all of Brigid's family and friends are named for Shakespeare characters. I thought it was actually a Robin Hood-ish retelling-ish, because I know nothing about The Scarlet Pimpernel, which is what this is actually remixing. It sounds cool though too. Maybe someday I'll read it when I'm not actively drowning in my tbr.
This actually brings me to one of the first things I have qualms over. Yes, it's super fun that the characters are all references to other pieces of literature - but there's so many of them. Except for Brigid, Munch, and Lord Chauvlyn, all of them are minor characters that mostly kind of flit in and out of the story, but that didn't really make it any less overwhelming. I couldn't get a handle on most of them, although I think by the end Queen Hippolyta and King Theseus were my favorite. The end result of all these characters though mostly felt as though I'd been dumped into the middle of a story that already existed. I felt so relieved when I got to the end of the book and found out that Grayce has already written two stories about Robin/Guy and Basil/Meg, which are precisely the two stories that I felt the most at sea about.
Other than this, the story was fun. Sometimes it felt a little too convoluted for its own good, and I felt like the characters were making up the binding laws and how they actually functioned as they went. The final conflict was particularly convenient, and I felt as though a lot of assumptions were made on Brigid's part that worked to her favor. I was fully ready to take all of these thoughts with a grain of salt - it has taken me over a month to finish this book, and I have the retention skills of a sea slug, so it's entirely possible that it was better explained and I just forgot.* It wasn't until they figured out who was behind all of Lord Chauvlyn's evil-ness that I let myself feel indignant. The guy was mentioned once, as one of a group, and he was definitely unnamed before. Now suddenly he has a name, and Brigid was like "you'd have to be stupid not to piece this together!"
That's not a direct quote, but I felt pretty unfairly called out. I couldn't even find the moment they'd been mentioned before, when I went to flip back. Guess I'm stupid then, because I did not see it coming (and not in a good way?).
All in all, this just wasn't for me. The romance was probably the thing that could have redeemed it (I'll excuse a lot for a nice, squishy romance), but I felt like while it was mostly sweet, the
The story itself was fun. The idea of the Primrose sneaking around, stealing children back to the human realm was really satisfying. The writing and dialogue were both generally fine; my issues all had to do with plotting. I'm more than interested in checking out the author's other work, especially if it means I can get the low down on Basil and Meg.
*This is still true, please do take all my thoughts with a grain of salt. Take two, they're small.
Ahem. So when I figured out that all of Munch's family was named for Robin Hood characters I was having a good time. I had similar fun figuring out that all of Brigid's family and friends are named for Shakespeare characters. I thought it was actually a Robin Hood-ish retelling-ish, because I know nothing about The Scarlet Pimpernel, which is what this is actually remixing. It sounds cool though too. Maybe someday I'll read it when I'm not actively drowning in my tbr.
This actually brings me to one of the first things I have qualms over. Yes, it's super fun that the characters are all references to other pieces of literature - but there's so many of them. Except for Brigid, Munch, and Lord Chauvlyn, all of them are minor characters that mostly kind of flit in and out of the story, but that didn't really make it any less overwhelming. I couldn't get a handle on most of them, although I think by the end Queen Hippolyta and King Theseus were my favorite. The end result of all these characters though mostly felt as though I'd been dumped into the middle of a story that already existed. I felt so relieved when I got to the end of the book and found out that Grayce has already written two stories about Robin/Guy and Basil/Meg, which are precisely the two stories that I felt the most at sea about.
Other than this, the story was fun. Sometimes it felt a little too convoluted for its own good, and I felt like the characters were making up the binding laws and how they actually functioned as they went. The final conflict was particularly convenient, and I felt as though a lot of assumptions were made on Brigid's part that worked to her favor. I was fully ready to take all of these thoughts with a grain of salt - it has taken me over a month to finish this book, and I have the retention skills of a sea slug, so it's entirely possible that it was better explained and I just forgot.* It wasn't until they figured out who was behind all of Lord Chauvlyn's evil-ness that I let myself feel indignant. The guy was mentioned once, as one of a group, and he was definitely unnamed before. Now suddenly he has a name, and Brigid was like "you'd have to be stupid not to piece this together!"
That's not a direct quote, but I felt pretty unfairly called out. I couldn't even find the moment they'd been mentioned before, when I went to flip back. Guess I'm stupid then, because I did not see it coming (and not in a good way?).
All in all, this just wasn't for me. The romance was probably the thing that could have redeemed it (I'll excuse a lot for a nice, squishy romance), but I felt like while it was mostly sweet, the
The story itself was fun. The idea of the Primrose sneaking around, stealing children back to the human realm was really satisfying. The writing and dialogue were both generally fine; my issues all had to do with plotting. I'm more than interested in checking out the author's other work, especially if it means I can get the low down on Basil and Meg.
*This is still true, please do take all my thoughts with a grain of salt. Take two, they're small.
October 6, 2023
Have you ever wondered what The Scarlet Pimpernel would be like if The Pimpernel was secretly a human girl saving snatched humans from their fae captors? No? Well, me neither, but that's the tale this story tells. To add to the intrigue, The Pimpernel is in league with Robin Hood and her merry men--er, brothers--and she might just be falling in love with Much--er, Munch.
It took me a while to get into this book. I was already struggling to adjust to getting Bridget instead of Percy, and when the Robin Hood characters (in very altered forms) got humbled into the mix it was all a lot to take in.
However, once both original stories are relegated to Easter egg references and loose inspiration (the loose inspiration WAS warned, the story is quite entertaining. And sweet.
Tara Grace does such a good job, in this book and others, if showing a conflicted path to romance. Characters who have both a desire for and apprehension of risking their hearts, giving up freedom, etc.
I also enjoyed the character flaws so gently shown in this story. Both characters do the right things for not entirely flawless reasons...as we all do. And that felt refreshing. I also LOVE (thank you thank you thank you) the fact that Bridget and Munch's affection and trust in each other doesn't falter when they realize the things they've hidden from each other.
It took me a while to get into this book. I was already struggling to adjust to getting Bridget instead of Percy, and when the Robin Hood characters (in very altered forms) got humbled into the mix it was all a lot to take in.
However, once both original stories are relegated to Easter egg references and loose inspiration (the loose inspiration WAS warned, the story is quite entertaining. And sweet.
Tara Grace does such a good job, in this book and others, if showing a conflicted path to romance. Characters who have both a desire for and apprehension of risking their hearts, giving up freedom, etc.
I also enjoyed the character flaws so gently shown in this story. Both characters do the right things for not entirely flawless reasons...as we all do. And that felt refreshing. I also LOVE (thank you thank you thank you) the fact that Bridget and Munch's affection and trust in each other doesn't falter when they realize the things they've hidden from each other.
July 27, 2023
2,5 Stars
First of all: Robin is SO annoying! 'Haha, you're wounded really bad, thats so funny! Hahaahahaha I am soooo unique and so funny and so cool, I'm swordfighting on the table where everyone's just trying to eat breakfast. Ohhhh what? I have two little children? But i want an adventure, it would be so funny If I'm in danger and my Kids might be growing Up without a mother and my husband would be a widower for the fourth time.' seriously, she's such a wanna-be , reckless, selfish, dumb, annoying Charakter🤢.. I mean If that husband is cool with worrying all the time wether she chooses him and the Kids or her adventure, okay... I think its extremly toxic and to all the Girls: don't be Like Robin, she's a pain in the ...foot...
The romance between the MCs is OK. Did you know that Munch Had such a dignified widow's Peak!? No.. Well If you don't get it the First time, don't worry, it comes Up a few Times...
At least both MCs are Not so superficial and confuse their Attraction with love.. they learn more about each other and themselves and are even willing to admit that they have flaws and want to grow.. I like that.
Other than that it's a relatively mediocre Fantasy Story.
First of all: Robin is SO annoying! 'Haha, you're wounded really bad, thats so funny! Hahaahahaha I am soooo unique and so funny and so cool, I'm swordfighting on the table where everyone's just trying to eat breakfast. Ohhhh what? I have two little children? But i want an adventure, it would be so funny If I'm in danger and my Kids might be growing Up without a mother and my husband would be a widower for the fourth time.' seriously, she's such a wanna-be , reckless, selfish, dumb, annoying Charakter🤢.. I mean If that husband is cool with worrying all the time wether she chooses him and the Kids or her adventure, okay... I think its extremly toxic and to all the Girls: don't be Like Robin, she's a pain in the ...foot...
The romance between the MCs is OK. Did you know that Munch Had such a dignified widow's Peak!? No.. Well If you don't get it the First time, don't worry, it comes Up a few Times...
At least both MCs are Not so superficial and confuse their Attraction with love.. they learn more about each other and themselves and are even willing to admit that they have flaws and want to grow.. I like that.
Other than that it's a relatively mediocre Fantasy Story.
June 13, 2023
I have a soft spot for the Scarlet Pimpernel, though I haven't read any Orczy for a long time. (I'm old enough to remember the 1980s movie fondly though). This is a warm and fitting homage to the old boy in both tone and plot, as well as continuing the characters from the two previous books that I rather liked. (Stolen Midsummer Bride was much better that the title suggests, and probably should be read before this. You could read this without having read Bluebeard and The Outlaw at risk of spoilers)
I'm not automatically in favour of gender swapping beloved characters for the sake of novelty but a gender swapped Pimpernel actually works extremely well here.
The Pimpernel is a Batman like superhero in some sense, working to rescue the hopeless where nobody else will and using only wits and swashbuckle, rather than superpowers or main force, and where the very haziness of his identity is part of the point.
Plus Brigid was very cute.
Next up in the series is a Twelfth Night retelling, one of my favourite of the Bard's comedies, hanging out expectantly for that.
.
I'm not automatically in favour of gender swapping beloved characters for the sake of novelty but a gender swapped Pimpernel actually works extremely well here.
The Pimpernel is a Batman like superhero in some sense, working to rescue the hopeless where nobody else will and using only wits and swashbuckle, rather than superpowers or main force, and where the very haziness of his identity is part of the point.
Plus Brigid was very cute.
Next up in the series is a Twelfth Night retelling, one of my favourite of the Bard's comedies, hanging out expectantly for that.
.
March 28, 2023
Real star-age: 3.5/5. I still rue the fact that there are no half-stars in this system.
I liked this okay! But just okay.
Brigid is good in principle, and I liked her for the most part, but she's a little ... inelegantly drawn? Some aspects of her just don't feel quite fleshed out. Like, I'm told she's really girly and loves makeup, dresses, and pretty things (which is important because it doesn't undermine her seriousness, intelligence, or badassery. Which, valid point) but I feel like I don't actually get to see much of that in action. Her nice dresses are mentioned many times but other than very tell-y internal monologues about how liking pretty stuff is valid, I don't see her actually caring much about anything but saving people from the Fae. Which is good! I'm all for saving people from the Fae! Just an example to back up my point.
Munch annoyed me. I wanted to like him, because I like: a) banter, b) hot archers, c) friends-to-lovers, and d) just a smidgen of angst. But I felt like there were two Munchs: an insecure, whiny, obnoxious Munch who is completely un-socially aware and another Munch who is competent even if he's not very confident, tuned into people, and brave. I got much more of the former than I cared for and I found myself annoyed that Munch had his Eureka! character-growth moment three separate times in the text. In his own internal monologue, no less. You'd think it would sink in.
Which brings me to my main grievance, which is small overall: I don't like being told simple things repeatedly. I want to be trusted as a reader to remember stuff. The problem of why Munch and Brigid each think they shouldn't be together is rehashed, basically word-for-word, dozens of times in the book. This happens with other, smaller things, too: reiterating a plan we just made a page ago, waxing eloquent about injustice in the same manner two paragraphs apart, reminding me about the Fae-deep pockets every single time we use them. But I thought the romantic issue was the most egregious in this book.
I will stop piling on what annoyed me and talk about what I liked, now, because I did still like it (despite the above appearances). It kept me reading and I was compelled by the twisty-turny mystery and heisty bits, and I did like Munch and Brigid enough to ultimately root for them. I also like most of the supporting cast (especially my beloved Basil), so it was fun seeing them and the Fae world some more. I am a fiend for The Scarlet Pimpernel retellings (for another great one, read Rook by Sharon Cameron) and am likewise a fiend for Shakespeare referencing and retelling, so I enjoyed all of that and all of the setup for the future books. (I'm lookin' at you, groundwork-for-a-Much-Ado-adaptation). I thought the finale of the book was really great; it was tightly written, tense, climactic, and heaps of fun. I really loved reading it and I couldn't put it down for that ending.
So, alright! Not my favorite Tara Grayce to date but pretty darn fun, still. A nice, pretty fun, light, quick read. If you like TG, read it. If you're new to her, start with Elven Alliance, it's a better introduction.
I liked this okay! But just okay.
Brigid is good in principle, and I liked her for the most part, but she's a little ... inelegantly drawn? Some aspects of her just don't feel quite fleshed out. Like, I'm told she's really girly and loves makeup, dresses, and pretty things (which is important because it doesn't undermine her seriousness, intelligence, or badassery. Which, valid point) but I feel like I don't actually get to see much of that in action. Her nice dresses are mentioned many times but other than very tell-y internal monologues about how liking pretty stuff is valid, I don't see her actually caring much about anything but saving people from the Fae. Which is good! I'm all for saving people from the Fae! Just an example to back up my point.
Munch annoyed me. I wanted to like him, because I like: a) banter, b) hot archers, c) friends-to-lovers, and d) just a smidgen of angst. But I felt like there were two Munchs: an insecure, whiny, obnoxious Munch who is completely un-socially aware and another Munch who is competent even if he's not very confident, tuned into people, and brave. I got much more of the former than I cared for and I found myself annoyed that Munch had his Eureka! character-growth moment three separate times in the text. In his own internal monologue, no less. You'd think it would sink in.
Which brings me to my main grievance, which is small overall: I don't like being told simple things repeatedly. I want to be trusted as a reader to remember stuff. The problem of why Munch and Brigid each think they shouldn't be together is rehashed, basically word-for-word, dozens of times in the book. This happens with other, smaller things, too: reiterating a plan we just made a page ago, waxing eloquent about injustice in the same manner two paragraphs apart, reminding me about the Fae-deep pockets every single time we use them. But I thought the romantic issue was the most egregious in this book.
I will stop piling on what annoyed me and talk about what I liked, now, because I did still like it (despite the above appearances). It kept me reading and I was compelled by the twisty-turny mystery and heisty bits, and I did like Munch and Brigid enough to ultimately root for them. I also like most of the supporting cast (especially my beloved Basil), so it was fun seeing them and the Fae world some more. I am a fiend for The Scarlet Pimpernel retellings (for another great one, read Rook by Sharon Cameron) and am likewise a fiend for Shakespeare referencing and retelling, so I enjoyed all of that and all of the setup for the future books. (I'm lookin' at you, groundwork-for-a-Much-Ado-adaptation). I thought the finale of the book was really great; it was tightly written, tense, climactic, and heaps of fun. I really loved reading it and I couldn't put it down for that ending.
So, alright! Not my favorite Tara Grayce to date but pretty darn fun, still. A nice, pretty fun, light, quick read. If you like TG, read it. If you're new to her, start with Elven Alliance, it's a better introduction.
February 3, 2023
clever twists!
I truly enjoyed this book! Brigid was as clever as I could have hoped, with fascinating plot twists she managed to keep even from the reader, and Munch’s desire for heroism felt especially real to me. I particularly loved the moment where he realized he had underestimated her, though he loved her, and the scene where they actually thought through whether they were ready for a relationship. The epilogue was a perfect conclusion.
Personally, I think Tara Grayce is exceeding even Elven Alliance with this series’ sense of realism (for a moment, while reading it, I thought I would find faerie circles in the park), and I look forward to the next book.
I truly enjoyed this book! Brigid was as clever as I could have hoped, with fascinating plot twists she managed to keep even from the reader, and Munch’s desire for heroism felt especially real to me. I particularly loved the moment where he realized he had underestimated her, though he loved her, and the scene where they actually thought through whether they were ready for a relationship. The epilogue was a perfect conclusion.
Personally, I think Tara Grayce is exceeding even Elven Alliance with this series’ sense of realism (for a moment, while reading it, I thought I would find faerie circles in the park), and I look forward to the next book.
September 20, 2023
I accidentally read this without reading a prequal book I think, but I was still able to catch up very easily and this was so, so much fun. Also sometimes I am a little dense because I didn't realize until several chapters in that it was a Scarlet Pimpernel retelling, which was brilliant. There were lots of "oh Munch, nooo" moments that were adorable and Brigid and Munch make a sweet pair. Honestly, though, my favorite parts were the scenes with Brigid and Lord Chauvlin which actually had me laughing out loud a few times.
March 6, 2023
This was such a fun, unique story! I loved exploring more of the Fae Realm and all of its magical strangeness, and the plot was great!! 😆 But for me this book just wasn’t as good as I’d hoped it would be. Don’t get me wrong, I greatly enjoyed it and had several moments of needing to keep reading, but the climax was a little lackluster and the romance wasn’t anything grand (we don’t get a kiss until the last chapter, and it’s written in a realistic, awkward way, so I couldn’t even enjoy the moment). But hopefully that’s just this story and the next book in the series will be better!!
May 24, 2025
What a delight! Somehow it was never the right time when I previously tried starting this book. But I finally found the right time and thoroughly enjoyed it. It made my Scarlet Pimpernel loving heart very happy. 😊
That kissing scene near the end was hilarious and rather sweet. ☺️
That kissing scene near the end was hilarious and rather sweet. ☺️
January 3, 2026
Tara Grayce has such a beautiful way of writing that just sucks you in. There is banter, there is wit, there is adventure, and there is sacrifice. This book was so fun and I loved it! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
May 19, 2025
Scarlet Pimpernel and dangerous fae? Sign me up!
Tara Grayce is an auto-buy author for me. She always has a compelling plot, well-developed characters, and a beautiful setting.
What I most liked about this book was that it took certain tropes and twisted them in a fun way.
The Scarlet Pimpernel is a man, but in this book, he is a she. Just like the original tale, the Primrose is smart and a good actress, relying on her wits rather than her strength. This is a reverse of the strong female trope, showing that strength isn't just physical. Her love interest isn't some otherwordly fae, but an ordinary young man who struggles to be confident. It was also a bit more realistic romance with conversations about their awkward kisses. It's sweet, fun, and just a bit dangerous, feeling like Leverage, where it is a single thief seeking to outwit the evil fae who snatch children from the world. Overall, it was fun, witty, and cute. I stayed up all night to read it and I regret nothing.
Tara Grayce is an auto-buy author for me. She always has a compelling plot, well-developed characters, and a beautiful setting.
What I most liked about this book was that it took certain tropes and twisted them in a fun way.
The Scarlet Pimpernel is a man, but in this book, he is a she. Just like the original tale, the Primrose is smart and a good actress, relying on her wits rather than her strength. This is a reverse of the strong female trope, showing that strength isn't just physical. Her love interest isn't some otherwordly fae, but an ordinary young man who struggles to be confident. It was also a bit more realistic romance with conversations about their awkward kisses. It's sweet, fun, and just a bit dangerous, feeling like Leverage, where it is a single thief seeking to outwit the evil fae who snatch children from the world. Overall, it was fun, witty, and cute. I stayed up all night to read it and I regret nothing.
May 17, 2024
I throughly enjoyed this book. It was super intense and plot thick in the middle to the point where I had to dnf it a year ago. But I’m so glad I picked it up again. The ending made all the tension and stress I felt for the characters worth it. I loved everything about the story and watching the character develop was a treat. The two grew as individuals and then became all the stronger when they stood together because of it.
March 31, 2025
A definite pet peeve of mine is when an author repeats an unnecessary word, phrase, or mannerism. “Worked his jaw” was killing me in this book. Creative premise and characters drawing from Robinhood and the Scarlet Pimpernel. Unique system of magic with complicated binding rules. Absolute rush into marriage though between FMC and MMC which raised my eyebrows.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2024
I’m going to bounce around on this review because I swung between enjoyment and finding it just okay.
Munch was a great character and I loved the morning swordplay on the breakfast table between his sister Robin and Guy of Gysburn. I certainly wasn’t expecting such a strong wallop of our band of Merry Men and sister Robin being siblings, but the family dynamics were so fun. Being the baby out of 6 brothers and 1 sister, all of whom are dashing and excellent at what they do… it’s no wonder Munch feels woefully inadequate. It doesn’t help that his growing attraction to Brigid- a human living in the fae realm- is going absolutely nowhere.
Brigid and her family live as Librarians in the Court of Knowledge as her oldest sister, Meg, is married to Basil, one of the head Librarians. Brigid loves working in the Great Library and, while her family knows she is involved somehow, they would be shocked to discover that she is not working with the Primrose, but rather is the Primrose herself- who rumor claims is a male fae who is a traitor to his own kind by snatching back stolen humans and returning them back to the human realm.
Munch can’t figure out why Brigid keeps slipping into a vacuous personality with fake smiles- it is obvious she is hiding a big secret, but he is determined to figure her out so he can step up and act as a hero to elevate himself in her eyes. Brigid just wants to keep Munch in the dark and not draw the attention of any fae who could all to easily realize that Munch has not been claimed by a court and therefore easy to snatch away.
So when the worst fae possible does just that, Munch struggles against the commands he’s been given- his stubbornness and a drop of fae blood from his ancestors allow him to at least try to keep Brigid safe from his own actions, but the struggle is breaking him down.
How will these two save the hostages and work out their own feelings when Brigid keeps him at arms length and Munch is held silent through his fae master’s instructions?
So both Munich’s and Brigid’s families steal every scene they are in- so much so that some of the horror going on around them seems tamer than it should be.
Brigid is likable enough but she holds back so much (understandably) that I found her ditsy persona over-the-top and annoying. If she’s not wearing her fake mask then she spends far too much time patting herself on the back for being just so clever and her ability to manipulate others into acting how she wants. She is far too prideful knowing she’s the Primrose and how no one else knows it so she comes across as vain- especially when being more open to the people she supposedly trusts would have made the story run so much smoother.
Heck, I even came to like her nemesis far more than I liked Brigid- mostly I wanted to whack her upside the head most of the time we spend with her thoughts. Munch, at least garnered sympathy as he really would put his life on the line willingly for another and his pain at being seen as useless is endearing. He does not deserve to be enamored with Brigid as he’s loved an illusion from afar and now that they are both in the fae realm he’s at least seeing he doesn’t know who she really is at all. The fact that it doesn’t stop him from wanting to know more about her and his infatuation flying forward by leaps and bounds just illustrates how kind his heart is whereas Brigid at least comes to realize that despite her good turn freeing captive humans that she loves the adventure and spontaneity more than anything.
I look forward to exploring the realms in the next book of the series, especially since we’ll be following 2 of her siblings this next round.
As for romance? The majority is firmly between Munch and Brigid’s family members who are happily married and those interactions are beautifully done. Brigid does get distracted ever time Munch fights for her, Munch just wants to hold her hand and both keep bringing up how disastrously disgusting their first and only kiss years ago was. And when they finally do kiss a second and third time (etc) they admit it is a little less gross it is.
No kissing chemistry at all between the pair, but the siblings all make up for it in spades with their own playful relationships front and center (thank goodness).
So the lead characters fizzle, the secondaries sizzle and the rest of the players waffle between having purpose or just being page filler (best friend could have been utilized and fleshed out so well but you never get a feel for her). The fact that Brigid supposedly pulls off these great heists without allowing we readers to understand how she came up with the plan feels like a cheat and Munch really does deserve someone who loves him- not a gal who recognizes there is an attraction but selfishly keeps him at arm’s length without letting him go to find someone who will openly love him back.
Munch was a great character and I loved the morning swordplay on the breakfast table between his sister Robin and Guy of Gysburn. I certainly wasn’t expecting such a strong wallop of our band of Merry Men and sister Robin being siblings, but the family dynamics were so fun. Being the baby out of 6 brothers and 1 sister, all of whom are dashing and excellent at what they do… it’s no wonder Munch feels woefully inadequate. It doesn’t help that his growing attraction to Brigid- a human living in the fae realm- is going absolutely nowhere.
Brigid and her family live as Librarians in the Court of Knowledge as her oldest sister, Meg, is married to Basil, one of the head Librarians. Brigid loves working in the Great Library and, while her family knows she is involved somehow, they would be shocked to discover that she is not working with the Primrose, but rather is the Primrose herself- who rumor claims is a male fae who is a traitor to his own kind by snatching back stolen humans and returning them back to the human realm.
Munch can’t figure out why Brigid keeps slipping into a vacuous personality with fake smiles- it is obvious she is hiding a big secret, but he is determined to figure her out so he can step up and act as a hero to elevate himself in her eyes. Brigid just wants to keep Munch in the dark and not draw the attention of any fae who could all to easily realize that Munch has not been claimed by a court and therefore easy to snatch away.
So when the worst fae possible does just that, Munch struggles against the commands he’s been given- his stubbornness and a drop of fae blood from his ancestors allow him to at least try to keep Brigid safe from his own actions, but the struggle is breaking him down.
How will these two save the hostages and work out their own feelings when Brigid keeps him at arms length and Munch is held silent through his fae master’s instructions?
So both Munich’s and Brigid’s families steal every scene they are in- so much so that some of the horror going on around them seems tamer than it should be.
Brigid is likable enough but she holds back so much (understandably) that I found her ditsy persona over-the-top and annoying. If she’s not wearing her fake mask then she spends far too much time patting herself on the back for being just so clever and her ability to manipulate others into acting how she wants. She is far too prideful knowing she’s the Primrose and how no one else knows it so she comes across as vain- especially when being more open to the people she supposedly trusts would have made the story run so much smoother.
Heck, I even came to like her nemesis far more than I liked Brigid- mostly I wanted to whack her upside the head most of the time we spend with her thoughts. Munch, at least garnered sympathy as he really would put his life on the line willingly for another and his pain at being seen as useless is endearing. He does not deserve to be enamored with Brigid as he’s loved an illusion from afar and now that they are both in the fae realm he’s at least seeing he doesn’t know who she really is at all. The fact that it doesn’t stop him from wanting to know more about her and his infatuation flying forward by leaps and bounds just illustrates how kind his heart is whereas Brigid at least comes to realize that despite her good turn freeing captive humans that she loves the adventure and spontaneity more than anything.
I look forward to exploring the realms in the next book of the series, especially since we’ll be following 2 of her siblings this next round.
As for romance? The majority is firmly between Munch and Brigid’s family members who are happily married and those interactions are beautifully done. Brigid does get distracted ever time Munch fights for her, Munch just wants to hold her hand and both keep bringing up how disastrously disgusting their first and only kiss years ago was. And when they finally do kiss a second and third time (etc) they admit it is a little less gross it is.
No kissing chemistry at all between the pair, but the siblings all make up for it in spades with their own playful relationships front and center (thank goodness).
So the lead characters fizzle, the secondaries sizzle and the rest of the players waffle between having purpose or just being page filler (best friend could have been utilized and fleshed out so well but you never get a feel for her). The fact that Brigid supposedly pulls off these great heists without allowing we readers to understand how she came up with the plan feels like a cheat and Munch really does deserve someone who loves him- not a gal who recognizes there is an attraction but selfishly keeps him at arm’s length without letting him go to find someone who will openly love him back.
February 14, 2023
This was a lot of fun once it got going. Actually, I enjoyed the beginning, too, even though I knew the characters and world from the previous novellas and story; but I did think the beginning dragged a bit while Grayce got everyone introduced and the world set up. I didn't read this slowly because it dragged, really. I read slowly because I had a lot going on and chose other books for the limited free time I had for a while. Once I settled back into this book (yesterday), I found I was at the end of all the introductions of people, plot elements, and general world building and the true action began. I think I was around 30% into the book at that point. And then I just kept reading. I had a notion to get to 50% and stop for the night, but something big happened right around there - maybe a bit past there, because I've never been great at stopping at the end of a chapter or whatever, just because it makes sense to get a full night's sleep. But I think if things hadn't picked up significantly and drastically, I probably would have set the book aside sooner rather than later. What actually happened is that shortly after midnight I concluded the main plotline and realized I could not keep my eyes open to see all the character and relationship storylines tied up, so I saved them for my lunch break today. So, basically, once I really committed to this specific book, and/or once I really got into this book, I couldn't put it down. Which I enjoy when a book is short enough to read in one or two sittings, as this one was.
This paragraph is all in reference to things that happen in the last two chapters and/or epilogue:
I liked that there's a complete cliche at 90-something percent, and even though it would usually make me roll my eyes, the way it was written here, it made me feel sappy. I grinned, because it was eye roll worthy. But my insides still did turn to mush. And I liked that these two really love each other and yet acknowledge they need to get to know each other better, and that they have several awkward kisses. Which is real life if neither person has kissed anyone before. But that fact doesn't need to ruin either the mood or the characters' feelings for one another. It doesn't mean they don't have chemistry or aren't meant to be together. It just means they don't have a lot of experience with each other and with kissing. I think it's a nice message for the young adult audience, or maybe any audience.
This paragraph is all in reference to things that happen in the last two chapters and/or epilogue:
I liked that there's a complete cliche at 90-something percent, and even though it would usually make me roll my eyes, the way it was written here, it made me feel sappy. I grinned, because it was eye roll worthy. But my insides still did turn to mush. And I liked that these two really love each other and yet acknowledge they need to get to know each other better, and that they have several awkward kisses. Which is real life if neither person has kissed anyone before. But that fact doesn't need to ruin either the mood or the characters' feelings for one another. It doesn't mean they don't have chemistry or aren't meant to be together. It just means they don't have a lot of experience with each other and with kissing. I think it's a nice message for the young adult audience, or maybe any audience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2025
Normally I don’t go for stories featuring elves but this was a Scarlet Pimpernel retelling so I decided to give it a shot. If I could use one word to describe this book it would be “meh.”
Characters- Both main characters were very one dimensional. We never learn much about them or connect with them in any real way. What do we know about Munch besides the fact that he has a huge family and can’t stop stuffing his face? What do we know about Brigid ? She used to live on a farm and her family was poor. Her sister married into a fae family and her parents are dead. Neither character felt well rounded or interesting. I just couldn’t bring myself to care about either of them throughout the story.
Romance- ???????????? There was no chemistry between Brigid and Munch. We are told that they are friends but are never really shown it or given any reasons as to why they like each other. Supposedly they are in love ? They do a very good job at hiding it. There is almost no attraction between them throughout the book. They never act like they want to be in romantic relationship with each other. Them getting together at the end of the story felt sloppy and underdeveloped. Why are they suddenly talking about their feelings when they haven’t done so at all for the past five years? What changed ?
Plot- Nothing much happened… The pacing was pretty slow.
Retelling elements – Uggggg. We are never given a sense of Brigid’s cleverness, ingenuity, or wit. Her conversations with the Chauvelin character are never amusing or remotely witty. We are never given a sense of why she is so popular in the court of revels- its not like she has status or money. It didn’t make sense for both her and munch to be human. One of them need to be fae to fit with the original story of Marguerite being from France. Brigid withholds information from Munch throughout the book but never because she doesn’t trust him ( this also did not fit with the idea of the original Scarlet Pimpernel ). The marriage at the end felt weird and forced. Couldn’t Munch just be bound to the court of knowledge the same way Brigid was ?
If you are looking for a good Scarlet Pimpernel retelling try Across A Star- Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund
November 30, 2023
Overall, a nice book! 4 stars not necessarily for great quality but for great entertainment
What I liked:
- I love the Scarlet Pimpernel! So this was a fun twist. I actually liked this story almost better than the Scarlet Pimpernel series, cause Chauvelin was way stronger in this one.
- I am such a sucker for hostage stories
- Brigid's banter with her enemy was very funny
- This line goes hard:
What I disliked:
- There was a lot of comma abuse. Example: "grand, garden palace" It's just a grand garden palace, no COMMA!
- A lot of unsubtle telling instead of showing. This unsubtlety goes for a lot of the jokes as well ("stole what we have rightfully stolen") On the other hand, unsubtle jokes can be very funny.
- There's a moment where the Head Librarian waves at Brigid dismissively and then she mentions he has become like her granddad, which was a bit of a weird incongruity.
- We get it, Munch has a "dignified widow's peak"
- The "plot twist" was predicted in the text. But I loved it anyway.
- At one point, Brigid is defeated. She has very negative thoughts.
- WHY DID SHE
- Do I like or dislike the way they dealt with the kissing at the end? Was it realistic or just gross? idk, i've never kissed anyone
Other stuff:
- This book will reference earlier books, but you can read it first and still get everything.
- A side character is called Percy.
- This is another one of those "guess what? women can be beautiful AND smart!" books
What I liked:
- I love the Scarlet Pimpernel! So this was a fun twist. I actually liked this story almost better than the Scarlet Pimpernel series, cause Chauvelin was way stronger in this one.
- I am such a sucker for hostage stories
- Brigid's banter with her enemy was very funny
- This line goes hard:
What I disliked:
- There was a lot of comma abuse. Example: "grand, garden palace" It's just a grand garden palace, no COMMA!
- A lot of unsubtle telling instead of showing. This unsubtlety goes for a lot of the jokes as well ("stole what we have rightfully stolen") On the other hand, unsubtle jokes can be very funny.
- There's a moment where the Head Librarian waves at Brigid dismissively and then she mentions he has become like her granddad, which was a bit of a weird incongruity.
- We get it, Munch has a "dignified widow's peak"
- The "plot twist" was predicted in the text. But I loved it anyway.
- At one point, Brigid is defeated. She has very negative thoughts.
- WHY DID SHE
- Do I like or dislike the way they dealt with the kissing at the end? Was it realistic or just gross? idk, i've never kissed anyone
Other stuff:
- This book will reference earlier books, but you can read it first and still get everything.
- A side character is called Percy.
- This is another one of those "guess what? women can be beautiful AND smart!" books
January 29, 2023
I was so looking forward to this novel! I loved both prequels. I loved how the author created this whole new and original and magical world and still managed to retell a story. Bluebeard and the Outlaw was one of my favorite novels in its series and I instantly fell in love with the library in The Stolen Midsummer bride. So, when my paperback, which was quite big, arrived Friday I knew what I was gonna start on Saturday morning.
This book is loosely based on the story of the Scarlet Pimpernel. I have to admit that I'm not really familiar with that story. I've sung a song from the musical based on the story and that's it. However, despite the fact that I don't know the source material I really enjoyed the story the author wrote and that's mostly because it feels like you don't need to know the original story to join in on the fun. This world and the plot work without that background knowledge.
Since both main character already have some romantic feelings for each other there is no stage of them slowly falling and not willing to admit it. However, in this case they both think the other might not be in love with them and there's also the issue with them witholding information and living in two entirely different worlds. So, there is still more than enough tension when it comes to the romance and they have quite some issues to solve before the romance can happen.
The true star of this novel is the big plot though. Our heroine saves people and children who have been stolen by the Fae as playthings. But it's clear that when loads of humans disappear at once there is more going on. I loved how our heroine used her femininity and her intelligence to deal with the fae and with the antagonist of this story. And that femininity is not an act. She does love pretty dresses. She just also can fight and come up with the tactics to win these fights. I want more heroines like this!
I'm also very happy that it won't be too long until the next book in the series is being released, based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. I can't wait to dive into it.
This book is loosely based on the story of the Scarlet Pimpernel. I have to admit that I'm not really familiar with that story. I've sung a song from the musical based on the story and that's it. However, despite the fact that I don't know the source material I really enjoyed the story the author wrote and that's mostly because it feels like you don't need to know the original story to join in on the fun. This world and the plot work without that background knowledge.
Since both main character already have some romantic feelings for each other there is no stage of them slowly falling and not willing to admit it. However, in this case they both think the other might not be in love with them and there's also the issue with them witholding information and living in two entirely different worlds. So, there is still more than enough tension when it comes to the romance and they have quite some issues to solve before the romance can happen.
The true star of this novel is the big plot though. Our heroine saves people and children who have been stolen by the Fae as playthings. But it's clear that when loads of humans disappear at once there is more going on. I loved how our heroine used her femininity and her intelligence to deal with the fae and with the antagonist of this story. And that femininity is not an act. She does love pretty dresses. She just also can fight and come up with the tactics to win these fights. I want more heroines like this!
I'm also very happy that it won't be too long until the next book in the series is being released, based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. I can't wait to dive into it.
July 3, 2024
Forest of Scarlet is a great book by Tara Grayce. It was sweet and romantic and also funny and hilarious. Brigid was an excellent character, as was Munch. I read Bluebeard and the Outlaw as a standalone story in the Villain's Ever After series and was glad that there was a whole series that took place in that world. I'm delighted that Robin made an appearance in this book too. The worldbuilding and plot was great and original. Normally, I don't really like books that take place in Faerie or have any fae intricacies because of all the detail and complexities, but Tara really made it work, giving just enough information about the fae while not taking away from the story. Munch and Brigid were both great characters who had realised that although they wanted to be heroes, they were doing it for selfish reasons. They were both able to help each other grow and become better people and their romance was so sweet. I also love how their first kiss (or even their second and third kisses) weren't great as many books describe couples first kisses to be an incredible experience. It makes it seem more real somehow. Both of them were also incredibly skilled in different ways. Munch is incredible with archery and even sword fighting while Brigid is great and cloaking her true identity behind an empty headed persona and is great at thinking up excuses on the spot. They were both excellent characters and I loved them. I can't wait to read the prequel of this book to find out Meg and Basil's story and I can't wait to read the other sequels and see the rest of her family again.
March 24, 2025
I appreciate that someone else loves the Scarlet Pimpernel enough to write a retelling
(the Scarlet Pimpernel has my heart forever 🩵🩵🩵 I love it all—the book, the movie, the musical… I love it so much I’ve made merch 👀)
That being said… I may be too invested in TSP to review this book objectively.
Likes—
❣️ all the chauvelin comedy & disguise shenanigans
❣️MCs relationship—long time building and super sweet
❣️ flower connection iykyk
Dislikes—
🗿 high stakes solved with miraculous solutions
🗿 missing key TSP elements—more on that below
🗿 too much magic
Retelling Rating—
As I mentioned above, there were key elements of the OG tale missing, which made this not a great retelling imo. I think a big part of this is the fact that TSP centers around Percy & Marguerite’s relationship *after* their marriage—she has secrets and he can’t trust her, BUT they’re still married & she doesn’t understand what happened to their previous love. There was no personal reason that FMC couldn’t trust MMC—just the general “trust no one” principle—and no loss of previously built trust, so it was much lower stakes emotionally.
(I’m writing this review a while after reading, so that’s the one thing I received specifically standing out.)
Overall, I’m glad that Tara Grayce attempted a TSP retelling!! I just wish it represented the magnificence that is TSP better 😔
(the Scarlet Pimpernel has my heart forever 🩵🩵🩵 I love it all—the book, the movie, the musical… I love it so much I’ve made merch 👀)
That being said… I may be too invested in TSP to review this book objectively.
Likes—
❣️ all the chauvelin comedy & disguise shenanigans
❣️MCs relationship—long time building and super sweet
❣️ flower connection iykyk
Dislikes—
🗿 high stakes solved with miraculous solutions
🗿 missing key TSP elements—more on that below
🗿 too much magic
Retelling Rating—
As I mentioned above, there were key elements of the OG tale missing, which made this not a great retelling imo. I think a big part of this is the fact that TSP centers around Percy & Marguerite’s relationship *after* their marriage—she has secrets and he can’t trust her, BUT they’re still married & she doesn’t understand what happened to their previous love. There was no personal reason that FMC couldn’t trust MMC—just the general “trust no one” principle—and no loss of previously built trust, so it was much lower stakes emotionally.
(I’m writing this review a while after reading, so that’s the one thing I received specifically standing out.)
Overall, I’m glad that Tara Grayce attempted a TSP retelling!! I just wish it represented the magnificence that is TSP better 😔
April 26, 2025
I stumbled across the audiobook of Forest of Scarlet on Spotify and decided to give it a try. I haven’t listened to too many fantasy books, and was nervous I wouldn’t be able to keep up. Thankfully, it was really easy. The 9.5 hour book was honestly the perfect length. It wasn’t too long, but it was long enough to give the full story without feeling like things were left out.
Honestly, at first I wasn’t sure that I was going to enjoy this point. The main female character annoyed the absolute hell out of me. She was ditzy, and I couldn’t figure out how she was the main character. Then after a little while, I started to understand why she acted that way. Before long, I found myself enjoying the book.
However it didn’t take me long to become slightly annoyed with the main male character. He seemed didn’t leave things alone and started sneaking around to try and figure things out. Of course that lead to some problems, but ultimately also lead to them accomplishing what the needed to.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. While I did find some annoyance with the two main characters in the beginning, both grew on me. I’m not sure if I’ll continue this series, but I also heard each book could be read as a standalone. The way Forest of Scarlet ended, I feel no need to continue their story. If looking for an easy and interesting fantasy, definitely give this one a shot.
Honestly, at first I wasn’t sure that I was going to enjoy this point. The main female character annoyed the absolute hell out of me. She was ditzy, and I couldn’t figure out how she was the main character. Then after a little while, I started to understand why she acted that way. Before long, I found myself enjoying the book.
However it didn’t take me long to become slightly annoyed with the main male character. He seemed didn’t leave things alone and started sneaking around to try and figure things out. Of course that lead to some problems, but ultimately also lead to them accomplishing what the needed to.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. While I did find some annoyance with the two main characters in the beginning, both grew on me. I’m not sure if I’ll continue this series, but I also heard each book could be read as a standalone. The way Forest of Scarlet ended, I feel no need to continue their story. If looking for an easy and interesting fantasy, definitely give this one a shot.
May 27, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this cloak and dagger mystery exploring kidnappings of humans to the fae realm and the fun actions of the Primrose, a hero who rescues humans and returns them to the human realm. I really liked how this novel is written like it's the sequel to Robin Hood, but where that legend is provided with a fae twist.
Munch and Brigid made for a fantastic duo. Their character growth and the development of their relationship is so well written and totally believable. I liked how it took them getting to know each other better and to see the truth of the other before the relationship actually took off. There are wonderful nuggets of wisdom, not only as tips for good and healthy romantic relationships, but also fabulous examples of healthy familial relationships and the personal growth and tips for individuals who feel less-than or that they have to carry the responsibility of the world on their own shoulders wihtout sharing the burden.
I loved the adventure, adored the characters, and had so much fun with Brigid and her crazy antics, especially when she was pretending to be an airhead just to get a rise out of her nemesis.
While there were a few plot points that I thought could have been handled better, all things considered, this is a very enjoyable read and I'll definitely be taking a look at the sequel.
Munch and Brigid made for a fantastic duo. Their character growth and the development of their relationship is so well written and totally believable. I liked how it took them getting to know each other better and to see the truth of the other before the relationship actually took off. There are wonderful nuggets of wisdom, not only as tips for good and healthy romantic relationships, but also fabulous examples of healthy familial relationships and the personal growth and tips for individuals who feel less-than or that they have to carry the responsibility of the world on their own shoulders wihtout sharing the burden.
I loved the adventure, adored the characters, and had so much fun with Brigid and her crazy antics, especially when she was pretending to be an airhead just to get a rise out of her nemesis.
While there were a few plot points that I thought could have been handled better, all things considered, this is a very enjoyable read and I'll definitely be taking a look at the sequel.
February 1, 2023
Cute!
This is a charming human/fae story based on the Scarlet Pimpernel!
Like:
-The romantic leads learn to respect each other and are kind to one another
-The romantic leads support marriage
-The romantic leads value kids and are nice to them even though caretaking can be emotionally exhausting
-Detailed world building, intriguing plot machinations, and excellent adventure finale. This book gets forgiveness right!
-Strong and feminine female lead with a realistic HEA that both romantic leads invest in and develop with intention, over time. The story does not normalize violence or emotional abuse as part of the romance! Yea!
-There is no crude language , which is always unnecessary. There are no explicit sex scenes.
This is a safe, healthy adventure novel with depth that shows it’s okay to have high ideals and strive to meet them, even if you don’t always achieve them perfectly because the important part is that you don’t give up trying to love God, yourself, and others. Some spots were slow, but the action is generally well rounded. If novel writing were a musical score, then this book hit every note! I absolutely recommend this book, the characters are adorable!
This is a charming human/fae story based on the Scarlet Pimpernel!
Like:
-The romantic leads learn to respect each other and are kind to one another
-The romantic leads support marriage
-The romantic leads value kids and are nice to them even though caretaking can be emotionally exhausting
-Detailed world building, intriguing plot machinations, and excellent adventure finale. This book gets forgiveness right!
-Strong and feminine female lead with a realistic HEA that both romantic leads invest in and develop with intention, over time. The story does not normalize violence or emotional abuse as part of the romance! Yea!
-There is no crude language , which is always unnecessary. There are no explicit sex scenes.
This is a safe, healthy adventure novel with depth that shows it’s okay to have high ideals and strive to meet them, even if you don’t always achieve them perfectly because the important part is that you don’t give up trying to love God, yourself, and others. Some spots were slow, but the action is generally well rounded. If novel writing were a musical score, then this book hit every note! I absolutely recommend this book, the characters are adorable!
May 3, 2023
I love all of Tara's books, I used to read them for romance now I read them for plot and world-building. I am not much of a fan of Fae, though I make up for that by being a die-hard fan of Tolkien Elves. I liked this book but I still prefer "Stolen Midsummer Bride" to it. I've read many people complaining about "unoriginal names" such as Queen Titania, Lysander, King Oberon, Hestia etc. The prequel to this series, "Stolen Midsummer Bride" was a retelling of the Shakespearean play "A Midsummer Night’s Dream". I highly recommend reading it to get a better sense of the chain of events, though it is not absolutely necessary. The book was pretty realistic, I mean, as realistic as a fantasy novel could get. The character's personalities swing from popular arc. Brigid isn't some kick-butt heroine who is gorgeous and ferocious, loves fight and swords, and would just do anything to spite you. No, she loves dresses and pretty things, loves the parties and her family. She doesn't hold resentment to her past like most of the protagonists I've seen. I loved this one little detail which said Munch is a foodie. Well, I am too, so YOU ROCK MUNCH! He always wanted to help Brigid and when he found out the grand truth (TADA!), he isn't like "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME--" "You should have confided in me" "You didn't trust me enough" He understands and blames himself for being stupid for underestimating her.
Wrapping this review, the book was very good.
Wrapping this review, the book was very good.
September 1, 2023
This story follows Munch (Robin’s brother from Bluebeard and the Outlaw) and Brigid Meg's sister from Stolen Midsummer Bride). It’s inspired by The Scarlet Pimpernel.
Meg lives in the Fae realm and works to save humans stolen and enslaved by the Fae while Munch lives in the human world and protects humans from monsters that come from the Fae realm into the Greenwood. They’ve known, and liked, each other for years but they each have important work and their families on their side of the boundary. Then the Fae start stealing whole towns of humans for a dangerous rite which could change the balance of power between the Fae and humans forever and Munch goes to the Fae realm to help stop it.
The story is fun with lots of Fae lore and power struggles between the different Fae realm. I also tend to like Scarlet Pimpernel retellings and both Brigid and Munch were enjoyable characters. One minor issue I had was that there seemed to be an unnecessary repetition of obvious things as if the author didn’t trust the reader to understand and come to the right conclusions.
Overall however, it’s an enjoyable story set in an interesting world. Another book in the same world is scheduled to be released tomorrow.
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