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When You See Red

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One, Two, what’s Red gonna do
Three, Four, claim a life once more
Five, Six, who’s she gonna pick?
Seven, Eight, do you trust your fate?
Nine, Ten, here she goes again


Aelin

I never asked for this life, it was handed down to me. A burden passed down through generations, all because one person made a decision that would continue to impact the rest of us.The sacrificing of sinners to uphold a promise. The magic that comes along with it is kind of cool, though. Silver Linings and all of that. Our family is history is the thing of legends, with secrecy being top priority. Don’t want the bad guys to figure out who we are after all. But that secret is in danger when a handsome stranger comes into town, determined to figure out what this little legend is all about, and who he saw in the woods that night.


Logan

Walking into this little town, I never expected to be walking straight into some dark fairytale story. This weird rhyme all of the kids are signing, the weird looks I get from some of the locals. Not to mention the women and children who look at me like I might be able to protect them. What is going on in the village of Smokey Hollow, and more importantly what, or who, is lurking in the Ash Forest? I’m determined to find out.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2025

3 people are currently reading
33 people want to read

About the author

Beth Kay

4 books48 followers

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5 stars
22 (46%)
4 stars
20 (42%)
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3 (6%)
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1 (2%)
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1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for April.
623 reviews181 followers
May 30, 2025
Now this is what I call a fairy tale with just the right amount of spice!! But what else would you expect in a town called Smokey Hollow?
 
When you hear this, just know that Red is on the hunt.
”One, Two, what’s Red gonna do?Three, Four, take a life once more.Five, Six, who’s she gonna pick?Seven, Eight, do you trust your fate?Nine, Ten, here she goes again.”

This intriguing story follows Aelin, who's destiny was preset for her simply due to her DNA. A commitment made generations before her, will follow her and any future kids. She has to be a real life shero/vigilante, however sometimes this burden is a heavy one to carry. When her path crosses with Logan, she is smitten and unsure if she should allow him into her world or not.
 
Their underlying love story amongst the suspense and chaos was amazing to see unfold. If you enjoy dark romances, with a heavy presence of mystery and suspense, I would recommend this one. This was my first read by Beth Kay, but will not be my last.
Profile Image for Britni Michelle.
104 reviews11 followers
May 31, 2025
I was given the chance to read this book early and... Oh! My! Goodness! LOGAN!!!


I was not expecting to become immediately attached and wanting more from this golden retriever hunk. He came into Aelin's life like a wrecking ball, and I was all for it and watching their relationship grow over the first half of the book.


I can only picture the look on Logan's face when Aelin pulled out her Onyx friend for him to get acquainted with. Iykyk.


The little song that the kids are singing when Logan wanders into the town, about Red coming for you, I loved that!! The erie vibe and just all together ominousness it brought to the story element was *chefs kiss*.


I love the descriptions of the dreams that Aelin has, where she feels like she herself is one of the girls in the cages, and how determined she is to want to save them, even after her Goddess tells her to move along and go onto the next job. That is the kind of person I want in my corner, someone who isn't going to turn a blind eye to some shady things taking place.


I love the ending. The women empowerment and coming together as a coven and looking out for one another, with a common goal of taking out the shitty people in the world.


THAT CLIFF HANGER!!!! I need more miss Beth!! I am all here for the next book, and finding out more about Logan's backstory maybe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sarah .
279 reviews7 followers
May 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you for the ARC opportunity Beth Kay - I love a strong FMC who really doesn’t need a man to protect her and Aelin is the epitome of this.

This is a re-telling of a fairy tale and is done brilliantly. The FMC has been bound to hunt those who have committed wrongs with her wolf familiar Kieran. Despite all her toughness and the fact that she is in fact a serial killer, she is likeable and has limited choice in her fate, although she finds it challenging.

Logan the MMC is also great. He stumbles across Aelin and immediately becomes obsessed despite her attempts to shun him. He is committed to the cause of getting her to show an interest in him. Both leads are equally as bratty as each other which I liked too.

This is a super quick read which I liked. It’s fast paced, a lot happens and I really enjoyed the plot. There is potential for a second book in the series which I am crossing my fingers for.

If you like a darker romance which is fast paced and makes you smile - this is a good one. There is a real sense to this story that you can be morally grey (really morally grey) and still be a good person.
Profile Image for Amber.
1,022 reviews44 followers
June 1, 2025
I loved this Little Red Riding Hood Retelling. Great story and the spice was just right. Logan was such a great book boyfriend, he was down for anything Aelin wanted. Aelin was strong, smart and fierce. She took on her family's curse and never backed down. The story was great and I loved how Aelin, was able to find her self with Logan's help.
Profile Image for KitKat K8.
75 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2025
I. Loved. This. Book.

The banter. The character development. The plot line. Just yes!
Aelin and Logan learn to trust and love each other in this little red riding hood retelling & it is beautiful!
From the troubled backstories and hard exteriors to becoming the dream team who can’t be separated!

But don’t get it twisted… the spice is there!! We love when p🥚ing makes a feature in the book! 🥳🤭

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Jenni Killin.
83 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2025
When You See Red is a romantic thriller. Aelin has been burdened with a generational matriarchal curse that forces her to go on "hunts" provided to her by the goddesses. This life of hers has to stay secret, or hers will be on the line. When a handsome stranger enters the town and instantly falls in love with her and wont leave, everything she thought she knew changes as he wriggles his way into her heart. This story is a re-telling of a classic fairytale, Little Red Riding Hood, but its done in a way that is nightmarish and dark. I love the way that witchcraft, rituals, and connections to goddesses is described in this one. The plot itself was interesting, a little rushed, but cool to think about. The relationship between Aelin and Logan is very much grumpy x sunshine, which I loved, I just wish it was advertised that way. Its been advertised as enemies-to-lovers, but if they're having sex within the first 80 pages, they didnt seem to be enemies at all, and Logan literally admits to insta-loving her. I will say though, if youre looking for something quick to read, with plentyyyy of spice, you'd enjoy this one. The spicy scenes were *quite good* and the visuals you get will give you hot flashes in the best way. Don't look at this book as a spooky one, look at it as a sexy one, with a killer FMC. The book is great, I just wish it was labeled specifically as a romance, because there isnt really anything "thriller", it'd definitely fall more under dark romance - but that honestly is probably more my fault than the authors, I went into this reading it as a thriller which was going to have a romantic subplot, when it was the other way around.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Booksnliftsdiary.
282 reviews8 followers
May 27, 2025
Rating: 4.5⭐️/5 (rounded up!)

“One, Two, what’s Red gonna do?
Three, Four, take a life once more.
Five, Six, who’s she gonna pick?
Seven, Eight, do you trust your fate?
Nine, Ten, here she goes again.”

When You See Red breathes new life into the old legend of Red and the hunt, reminding us why that nursery rhyme exists—to warn children to stay out of the forest and to be ready when they see Red. This book is just soooo good—storytelling at its absolute finest! It’s beautifully crafted with engaging twists and blends humor, intrigue, suspense, and beauty seamlessly. The banter is on flick, keeping the vibe lively throughout. The story took me completely by surprise—like, wow. I’m definitely holding onto my eARC copy!

Aelin, fierce and fiery, called Yakut by her mother meaning ruby, carries the weight of an ancient family promise. Guided by haunting dreams, she hunts the dangerous shadows lurking in the woods—never backing down, even when the mysterious stranger Logan arrives, axe in hand, ready to face the darkness beside her.

If you’re looking for a thrilling, fresh take on a classic tale, this one is a must-read. For a short story, it has everything you could ever ask for!

A big thanks to Beth Kay for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!

Releasing 05/31/25 on Amazon, KU, and paperback.
E-book pre-orders are available NOW.

#AdvancedReaderCopy
Profile Image for Sabrina Mordini.
404 reviews13 followers
May 25, 2025
4⭐/5
3🌶️/5

When You See Red is a fast-paced, spicy retelling of Little Red Riding Hood—with a dark, serial killer twist that kept me turning the pages. I loved how the traditional dynamic was flipped: the FMC isn’t someone who needs saving; she’s the one hunting evil. She’s powerful, determined, and absolutely in control, and the MMC balances her out perfectly. Their chemistry is strong, and the romance comes with a satisfying dose of spice.

One of the themes that really stood out to me was free will—how our choices, no matter how risky, shape who we are. The story embraces that fully, and it adds depth beneath the action and heat.

The worldbuilding was intriguing, though a little hard to pin down. The FMC mentions turkey, dating, and money, so it feels grounded in our world, yet there are also magical elements like familiars, spells, and even communication with gods. It’s not quite low fantasy, not quite urban fantasy—more of a unique blend. While this added originality, it occasionally left me wishing for a bit more clarity about the setting and the rules of the world.

That said, it was a quick and engaging read. Even if a few parts felt a little rushed, I really enjoyed the journey and hope there’s more to come in this world.
Profile Image for Morgan De La Cruz.
5 reviews
June 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Sometimes you have to burn it all down to find the light"

What if Little Red Riding Hood was the bad ass dominatrix coven leader we all have inside of us? Well that's what you get with Aelin!

It is so refreshing to meet an amazing FMC who knows what she wants and knows how to get it. She fights for whats right, even if the methods are unconventional.

and lets talk about Mr. Tall Brooding and Handsome LOGAN??? give me that man on a plate!!! (which is exactly how he serves himself to Aelin time and time again🥵🥵)
We ALL crave a man that YEARNS for his woman!! "I love you, hellfire. I love you until the sun burns out, and every star along with it." YES PLEASE!!

Aside from some of the best spice I've read in a long time, the magic system in this book is so interesting. And I love that Aelin gives us empowerment in all it's glory. We LOVE a strong, independent, goal driven woman taking down a terrible evil. All while being taken care of by her man, on her terms.

This book got my out of my reading slump and Im so excited to see what else Beth Kay has in store for us!!! Give me more!!😍😍
Profile Image for Tayah Widdicombe.
64 reviews
June 6, 2025
When You See Red by Beth Kay offers a fresh and atmospheric twist on a small town folklore and inherited magic. The creepy nursery rhyme sets the tone early, and the mysterious vibe of Smokey Hollow is genuinely compelling. Aelin’s role as the reluctant heir to a dark, magical legacy is intriguing, and the dynamic between her and Logan has real potential.

However, while the concept is strong, the pacing felt uneven. Some key plot points are rushed while others drag, making it hard to fully connect with the characters at times. Aelin is an interesting protagonist, but her inner conflict could have been explored more deeply. Logan, meanwhile, comes off a bit flat until later chapters. The romance felt a bit underdeveloped and the stakes never fully land with the impact they deserve. I’m also not a huge fan of instalove.

That said, Beth Kay’s writing has a lyrical quality, especially in the more folkloric or eerie moments, and the mystery at the heart of story is enough to keep readers turning pages. This is a solid book with a unique premise, but it left me wishing for just a bit more polish and emotional depth.
Profile Image for LozzyLouReads.
65 reviews6 followers
June 9, 2025
This is my first read by Beth Kay and I really enjoyed this book!
I love how this is a dark fairy tale retelling with urban legends, generational chains, magic, tarot reading and romance.
The main characters I instantly really liked and I enjoyed seeing they relationship develop. I love the FMC - Aelin who is strong willed, morally grey and fierce. I love the MMC - Logan who is instantly besotted with the FMC and a loyal and devoted golden retriever who will do anything for her.
I really enjoyed how Aelin and Logan's relationship transpired quickly but grew stronger and stronger throughout.
The plot was really enjoyable and fast-paced and there are a few strong villains that are identified early on, which grips you with eagerness and anticipation of what's to come.
I was hooked from the beginning to the end, so gripping and very well written. I love how the story ended, very clever, which has left me wondering if we will get more.
I would HIGHLY recommend it! I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Miss Elle2.
27 reviews6 followers
June 1, 2025
Aelin is that girl. Total badass, fiercely independent, and so incredibly rootable from the very first page. This Little Red Riding Hood-inspired retelling brings all the fairy tale vibes…but make it dark, spicy, and witchy.

This was my first fem dom book and…oh I enjoyed. The dynamic between Aelin and Logan? Addictive. Aelin’s confidence and control had me hooked, and Logan was the perfect supportive (and totally adorable) partner.
“I like the way you sound when you beg, Fido. Do it again.”
Yeah. That line lives in my head now. Rent free.

Despite the darker themes, this was such an easy, devour-in-one-sitting kind of read. Indie authors deserve all the love, and my girl @beth absolutely delivered. If you’re into powerful anti-hero, delicious tension, and retellings with bite—When You See RED is a must-read.
Profile Image for Ashley von B.
71 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2025
This was a very unique twist on Red Riding Hood which reeled me in right away. Beth Kay has a really relaxed writing style and creates great banter with characters. And we all know we need banter.

Aelin is a strong, focused and self confident woman which I love to see. I love her determination, and I also love her bond with her wolf. I was really intrigued by that aspect of this twisted fairy tale.

Logan is one of my favourite kinds of MMC, the doting golden retriever who would absolutely burn the world down for her. His instalove was adorable.

I loved how their relationship played out quickly yet still grew throughout the story. And that ending was just perfect. 👌🏼 I definitely need more Hellfire and Fido in my life ❤️

Thank you so much for the ARC Beth Kay, definitely amazing!
Profile Image for Shannon.
67 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2025
I love the nicknames they gave each other. the enemies to lovers was perfect. And this retelling of Little Red Riding Hood was perfection. Aelyn is a boss female character. Strong, resilient, and stuck with a family promise she didn't make but is upholding anyway. Until Fido comes along and shatters her wall she has built around her heart. Her, Fido and her familiar Kieran are one team you don't want to mess with!! The electric tension you feel between them and then when they finally give in... hot tamales!!! The way he is so devoted and patient and understanding of her is beautiful. I was so excited for the HEA but got left in a cliffhanger also lol. I hope there's a part 2. If you love spice, magic and strong female characters this is a book for you!!
Profile Image for kellis.booknook  .
122 reviews9 followers
May 31, 2025
A Red Riding Hood retelling that is exactly what I needed. Aelin is such a badass FMC with the black cat energy I love, and Logan is the perfect doting male companion.

I'm not the biggest fan of "instalove", but in this case, it worked really well and made sense. I AM a big fan of a good anti-hero, and our sweet Red is just that! Fated by past generations to hunt the worst that humanity has to offer (think Dexter meets Little Red Riding Hood ...with a wolf sidekick), Aelin carries the burden alone until she (literally) runs into Logan who will do anything to stay by her side.

This is dark, witchy, spicy 🥵 ...so spicy, and an easy read for a book with so many dark topics. I can't wait to add the physical book to my shelf.
Profile Image for Whitney.
493 reviews
June 5, 2025
I completely love the way that Beth Kay writes her female main characters - they are these complex characters that have this interesting juxtaposition of strength and vulnerabilities. The FMC on When You See Red, Aelin, has had to be tough he entire life but when she meets Logan she begins to see that maybe there can be more to her story. And Logan, the MMC, is an absolute golden retriever that only has a bite when it comes to protecting Aelin.
This book was a fun twist on the little red riding hood fairy tale - it is one part brother's Grimm and two parts femme fatale. Plus there was nice level of spice to this book, readers will not be disappointment. Across the board the book checked all the boxes and was a great read.
Profile Image for Cassandra Barton.
82 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2025
Want a fairy tale retelling? Beth Kay's When you see Red is the book for you.
Want a nursery rhyme stuck in your head? yeah well here:
One, Two, what’s Red gonna do
Three, Four, claim a life once more
Five, Six, who’s she gonna pick?
Seven, Eight, do you trust your fate?
Nine, Ten, here she goes again
Aslin showing she doesnt need a man to help her or protect her in any way possible.Logan wanting to be there. Aslin dealing with a family curse not happy about it and Logan trying to figure out who or what is in the forest. Beth Kay you did amazing with this Red riding hood retelling. I cant wait til you next book.
Profile Image for Rachel.
45 reviews4 followers
May 27, 2025
The fairytale/urban legend retelling I needed in my life. Hot a spicy from the start. A badass alpha female and her adorable golden retriever boy toy make magic in more ways than one! Aelin (Red) is a serial unaliver, of the worst kind of people in the world, due to a deal made generations ago. When Logan walks into her life, everything changes and she makes the decision to go against what she's done her entire life, and not listen to her next assignment, resulting in her freeing many women and adding them to her coven of vigilante women.
Profile Image for Linz.
34 reviews
May 26, 2025
I love this Little Red Riding Hood retelling.
It’s the perfect mix of female empowerment, spice, and story.

Beth Kay has completely changed how I will think of Little Red Riding Hood now. Aelin is such a badass. She knows herself and owns it. Logan is the epitome of golden retriever energy as a MMC. When the two of them are together it’s all the tension and spice you want in a dark, fantasy romance.

The ending gave me chills. I love how it ended but I need so much more.
Profile Image for ashp_reads1875.
109 reviews11 followers
May 31, 2025
ARC review
“One, Two, what’s Red gonna do?
Three, Four, take a life once more.
Five, Six, who’s she gonna pick?
Seven, Eight, do you trust your fate?
Nine, Ten, here she goes again.”
When you see red is a spicy little red riding hood retelling with a twist that I really enjoyed! The FMC Aelin is fierce and doesn’t need anybody to save her….in fact she is often the one people need saving from. But they don’t deserve saving. Logan has typical golden retriever energy and the chemistry between the two works well. I really hope we get more from these two especially after that ending!
A quick easy read
91 reviews
May 29, 2025
This novella is an embodiment of choosing your own path and female empowerment. I love the way Aelin and Logan both recognize that she doesn’t need protection but that she does want his company. As she navigated following what she has been taught she’s supposed to do and what her morality is telling her to do. This twisted retelling of little red riding was so good and now I need a pet wolf cause that’s the coolest.
Profile Image for love,care and self - ashlea.
472 reviews16 followers
May 31, 2025
Wow, what a great twist on a classic fairytale. I love the strong FMC Aelin and Logan our hunter is just golden.
i love Beth’s writing and the easy flow of the story, it was thoroughly entertaining and kept me engaged from beginning to end.
its a short dark read that is sure to have you smiling along with our bratty MCs and their fab story.
excited to see what’s next and whether this story will be a standalone or just the beginning of a fab series.
Profile Image for Crystal Smith.
60 reviews
May 31, 2025
This is one of my all time favorite reads. The author has a way of writing that has you right there with the characters like you’re seeing it first hand. The main characters are so well written. I’m a sucker for insta-love and a hea. I like that the setting was a small village so you don’t feel like you’re trying to keep up with different settings. It’s so spicy. The fact that the fmc was strong and dominant got me screaming from the beginning. Begging for this to be a series. I need more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bethany Latronica.
188 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2025
I fell in love with this story from the get-go. A strong FMC who knows her place in the world and an MMC who is probably the biggest golden retriever character I've read to date. There are horror, mystery and comedy aspects that made this read wonderful! Both the FMC and the MMC have fun personalities and it made reading this book super entertaining. The cliffhanger ending blew me away, I can't wait to see what happens next for this storyline.
Profile Image for Tiffany(Nightshadowitch).
276 reviews15 followers
June 3, 2025
This satisfied my fantasy itch. This is a red ridinghood with a twist. A can not escape her fate no matter how stubborn she maybe. L comes in and disrupts her normal and the plans. Not an instand romance but the jorney and twists getting to the spice was amazing. this captivated me till the very end. Beth Kay is on my radar for future works for sure.
Profile Image for Moon.
118 reviews5 followers
May 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. it was a quick and easy read, the story was really good. sometimes it did feel a bit rushed but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

I hope there are gonna be more books about Aelin and Logan 🥰
Profile Image for Veronica.
168 reviews5 followers
May 25, 2025
this book was sooooo good from the action, suspense, fantasy and definitely the spice 🥵 😮‍💨 and there's nothing more sexier than man with an axe 🪓 and And woman who wears a red cape ♥️ this book was is a 10 outta 10
Profile Image for Mandi.
101 reviews6 followers
May 26, 2025
I am obsessed with retellings, and this one did not disappoint.

Suspense was there, spice was high, characters were lovable. I love a powerful woman being the ficus, with an adorable complimentary man to balance her out.
2 reviews
May 30, 2025
First time reading this Genre and I have to say i am glad I read this book! The author knows how to hook you right away and keep you entertained the entire journey! Very believable characters and an amazing adventure awaits anyone who wants to read this! I finished it in one sitting!
Profile Image for D.M.
41 reviews
June 7, 2025
a dark retelling of red riding hood, I loved this so much and absolutely couldn't put it down. I'm so excited to see what Beth puts out next. Aelin, the FMC, was amazing, she knows what she wants and she gets it. And Logan? oh my GOD, I need him so bad lmao

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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