A cursed alpha wolf. A girl bound by fate. A forbidden bond that could destroy them both.
Scarlett Vale never believed in bedtime stories—until the wolf stepped out of the woods and kissed her like he meant to claim her.
Now she’s trapped in Wolfe Manor, bound by a bargain her grandmother made. Lucien Wolfe isn’t just a brooding recluse with a castle full of secrets—he’s the last heir of a cursed bloodline. A predator. A king. And Scarlett? She’s either his mate… or his sacrifice.
Every kiss ignites dangerous power inside her. Every touch pulls her deeper into his darkness. And every choice she makes risks binding her to the beast forever.
🔥 Alpha Wolf King 🔥 Forbidden Fated Mates 🔥 A Dark Fairytale Retelling
Perfect for fans of Raven Kennedy, Carissa Broadbent, and Amelia Hutchins, Bound to the Alpha Wolf (Red’s Disenchantment) is a steamy dark fantasy romance filled with obsession, dangerous passion, and a bond that defies destiny.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I wanted to read this book because I knew I‘d love the vibes..gothic architecture, enemies to lovers, dom and a bratty sub and all deliciously put in a beauty and the beast meets red riding hood plot. But I really struggled and contemplated dnfing, but I read another review that the book would get better in the other half.
So here we are I finished it and I do agree that the second half of the book made up for the first half. At the beginning I really struggled because I felt like I started a series with book three (I double checked it‘s a standalone) and I was really lost in the plot. The same with the characters, at the end of the book I really like them their chemistry and humour but I would have loved more of a introduction at the beginning. Especially the FMC came in running like a freight train, which took some time adjusting. I was glad that others had the same problem, because at first I thought it was because english is not my first language.
But now at the end I can state that the book is worth a read, if you don‘t mind having to double check once or twice. I enjoyed the dual Pov with a narrator kind of writing style. Some chapters were journal entries from the FMC which gave more personal views, which I really enjoyed to complement the narrator-style writing. Overall I really enjoyed the plot, but would have loved to get a more gradual entry to the story and some more backstory from the beginning to help the plot move along.
Red's DisEnchantment by Ruthie Clark At first, I thought this story would be just like a fairy tale, but it turned out to be so much more. Scarlett's grandmother made a deal with Lucien: she would stay with him for a year and do as he said, and then she would be free, but would she ever be completely free again? I highly recommend this book. There are so many twists and turns in this story. I loved this story, and I know I will read it again. It is so interesting, and I want to make sure I didn't miss a thing. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily; this is my honest opinion.
Think Red Riding Hood wandered into a dark fantasy romance. It’s rich with atmosphere, dripping with slow tension, and wrapped in the sort of dangerous intimacy that makes your spine shiver.
The FMC – Scarlett Vale:
Scarlett is not the damsel you expect. She walks into the Wolf’s den with her head high, even if her knees shake. She’s smart, sarcastic, and refuses to cower.
Our MMC – Lucien Wolfe:
If torment had a six-pack and a tragic backstory, it would be Lucien. Silver eyes, deadly calm, and a voice like velvet sin. He’s the kind of cursed antihero who says “kneel” and you’re not sure if you want to obey or fight, and that’s the point. He is intense, broken, reverent, and built to wreck you emotionally.
Spice Level:
🌶🌶🌶
Slow burn that builds into a wildfire. Once they cross that line? It’s primal.
Dominance, submission, edge of pain, and lots of consensual tension that feels like foreplay for both body and soul.
The pacing:
For me, here’s where it wobbles a bit. The story starts a little slow in areas, there’s a lot of focus on their vibe but not a huge amount of world building. I was confused a few times in the first half of the book as things seem to jump around and I had to check back here and there. There’s a lot of setup and simmer before anything really moves. But once it does? That last third hits the gas like it stole a getaway car. Major reveals and emotional climaxes are delivered fast, almost too fast, with little time to breathe between them. I would have loved to see the tension in the end develop more and explore the lore.
Final thoughts:
Despite a slow burn start and a rushed finale, Red’s Disenchantment delivers a deliciously dark fairytale with claws, chemistry, and a heroine who owns her power. If you’re craving submission with bite and a beast who worships your ruin, this one’s for you.
🔔 8/10 would let the Wolf collar me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This reimagining of Red Riding Hood doesn’t follow the script you might expect—the wolf doesn’t devour Grandma, but he definitely sinks his teeth into Red in other ways. From the first page, it’s clear this isn’t a bedtime story; it’s a sensual, emotional rollercoaster wrapped in folklore and heat. I’ll admit, the narrative was occasionally disorienting. Scarlett’s journal entries sometimes pre-empt events that unfold differently in the subsequent chapters. For instance, on day 20, her journal paints a tender, almost dreamlike scene: Lucien rescuing her, nursing her wounds, and comforting her as she cries in his lap. But the following chapter sharply contrasts that vision—Lucien leaves her, bloodied and barefoot, to make her own way through the mansion’s cold marble halls. Similarly, her note on day 366 - “Tomorrow I become his bride” - is followed by a chapter that inexplicably jumps six months ahead. These discrepancies were jarring, but oddly intriguing, adding a touch of unreliability to Scarlett’s narration that made me question what was fantasy or memory. Despite those inconsistencies, I was absolutely hooked on this seductive take on the classic tale. The premise was bold and fresh, and I fell hard for Lucien—the brooding, enigmatic wolf with a tragic past. When Scarlett is bound to serve him for a year (not just a month, as the blurb misleadingly suggests), her fury is palpable. She fights him every step of the way, and yet Lucien remains composed, never cruel, always in control. His so-called “punishments” blur the line between discipline and desire, intensifying the slow burn until it’s practically scorching. The blurb also claims Lucien wants to “break” Scarlett, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, he craves her complete submission, but only if she gives it freely. The real thrill lies in watching him wrestle with his own restraint, even as Scarlett constantly tests his limits. Their chemistry crackles on the page, making each interaction charged with tension and meaning. The lore behind the Wolfe and Vale families slowly unravels, with the real emotional punch landing in the second half of the book. Hints are sprinkled throughout, but the full picture doesn’t come into focus until much later. The introduction of the Morrigan and the final confrontation did feel a bit rushed, but it was worth it for the message it carried: that unity is strength, and love—when chosen, not coerced—is the most powerful force of all. In the end, this story was more than just sexy and suspenseful—it was about resilience, trust, and transformation. With its dark romance, gothic atmosphere, and deliciously adult twists, this isn’t your grandmother’s fairytale. And honestly? That’s exactly what made it unforgettable. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A wickedly dark fairytale where defiance meets desire, and the wolf doesn’t just hunt—he claims.
Bound to the Alpha Wolf: Red’s DisEnchantment is a dark, seductive twist on fairytale lore, where the forest whispers, collars wait, and bargains run deeper than blood. Scarlett Vale is sharp-tongued, reckless, and impossible not to root for as she collides with a presence that is equal parts temptation and danger.
The writing balances razor-edged banter with gothic atmosphere, layering heat, humor, and tension until every chapter leaves you wanting just one more page. It’s a story of power, surrender, and the kind of chemistry that burns straight through the rules. Bound to the Alpha Wolf: Red’s DisEnchantment is a dark, seductive twist on fairytale lore, where the forest whispers, collars wait, and bargains run deeper than blood. Scarlett Vale is sharp-tongued, reckless, and impossible not to root for as she collides with a presence that is equal parts temptation and danger.
The writing balances razor-edged banter with gothic atmosphere, layering heat, humor, and tension until every chapter leaves you wanting just one more page. It’s a story of power, surrender, and the kind of chemistry that burns straight through the rules.
If you’re after a paranormal romance that’s wicked, witty, and unapologetically dark, this one doesn’t just lure you in — it devours you.
If you’re after a paranormal romance that’s wicked, witty, and unapologetically dark, this one doesn’t just lure you in — it devours you.
I give it four stars because at some areas in the books, it "jumps" some details and at some areas it becomes a bit "boring" - but the overall story is stunning. I loved the twists and the turns and the suspension.
In the first pages of ‘Red’s Disenchantment’, Scarlett was highly defiant, confidently cunning, and determined to maintain control. Her responses were oftentimes snapped, snide, bratty, crass, and more crude than was warranted. Then she recognizes something in Lucien that resonates deep and she … gives up. Then she takes it back. Then … well, I’M not telling. They face people that wish to harm Scarlett, wish to take her from Lucian, use her for their own purposes. Together, Lucian and Scarlett, will find their HEA —but, MAN, what a ride!
The concept of the plot is very interesting. The delivery is good—the first half of the book has a collection of platitudes, that take away rather than add, without these this book would be phenomenal. Still worth the read. I enjoyed the read and Recommend this read.
Lucian and Scarlett. Walking through the woods her grandmothers warnings come back to her… dont stray, dont answer, beware the wolves. Shes not frightened. Shes on her way to Wolfe Manor and Gran telling her about the Vale men. Theres something in her bloodline. Something is pulling her in becides the agreement made before she was born. Her mother never told her, her father cant know and her grandmother only gave her a journal to guide her. Shes at the castle in her room and on the bed lay a collor and a note that says wear this. Then he enters and says .. "You'll learn quickly or you wont learn at all" .. "You're not here to broken you're here to be remade." … So begins the journey that was laid out for her before she was born. You wont want to miss this. It grabs you and imbeds itself in your being to the end. With charecters that are both intriguing, strong and entertaining. The things he says to her sort of a riddle and all sorts alpha promises that sends shivers. Couldnt put it down. Pick it up and enter their world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really wanted to love this book. I do love the fantasy genre, particularly wolves and vampires, but this one just wasn't a homerun for me.
I found the first half of this book confusing and somehow got lost along the way. I found myself having to go back and re-read certain things to make sure I didn't forget something or misread the previous chapter(s). I did contemplate a DNF, but I didn't and about half way through this book, it really picked up and I found myself enjoying the story.
** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ***
The relationship between the MMC and the FMC was beyond a surface-level connection. The FMC is a fierce and knows she has a debt to repay on behalf of her grandmother. She is required to provide a year of service... Ultimately, she is angry and bitter about this and does everything she can to prove she is independent and will comply, on her terms. Throughout the book, this thinking is challenged and eventually learns what she wants versus what she is supposed to want.
Overall, I think some critical detail was missing that had me second-guessing myself as read this story. Although not a hit for me, I do think it is worth a read if you enjoy fantasy books.
A great guilty pleasure book. A spicy retelling of Red Riding Hood. It did take a while to get into the actual meat of the story and the secrets behind it. What Ruthie Clark has fine really well in keeping the anticipation and tension going for the first half of the book.
Scarlet has been told she is being sent for a year of servitude to Lucien Wolfe. At first, she is angry and feels manipulated, as she should, but the longing between them seems to destroy her resolve like a hot knife through butter. Most infuriating to her is the forward she in the more Lucien pulls back. What are the secrets between these two families? What dangers are hidden from her?
As slow and tense, the majority of the book is. I did think the ending felt a bit rushed. This could be because the book is at a steady pace of 10 mps, switching to 100 mps at the end. However, the book is a real page turner as soon as I finished a chapter. I wanted to read the next one.
It wasn't what I expected. Our MMC is supposed to be a grumpy wolf, dominating and possessive. Yet he has some answers that are "funny" or "flirty" right off the bat.
I mean, the edging, degradation, "teaching her a lesson", it was all hot and I enjoyed the read, but it didn't feel coherent all the time.
I also cringed with the format of the diary/letters. I know her mom won't read them, but addressing them to her and proceed to talk about sex life in detail is a bit weird (and I'm into really questionable things in books, but I guess I found a soft limit lol)
I would give this author another try, and I do recommend the read if you don't over-analyze everything, or if smut is enough to keep you going, it WAS steamy, not gonna lie!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The sass and snark! The spice!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Red gives as good as she gets. Lucian is a man of a rare amount of patience, but when he "loses" it! The character development and the relationship that is created is amazing! The history and descriptions of places, sensations, and everything were incredible. The journal entries are a neat insight into Red's mind, but they sometimes throw you for a loop when you're trying to keep them in the timeline. Just used a little more thinking to keep straight. There are somethings that you hit the "I believe" button and go with. It's a world of magic, not everything makes sense to our mortal minds! And that's ok and keeps it interesting. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was a little bit afraid to see it was in 3rd pov because I never read books with this kind of pov, but my fear of not being able to truly enjoy the story evaporated really quickly. I was sucked in the story from the very beginning. The plot was really good and written beautifully. The characters are complex and amazingly written as well. I really enjoyed the plot with its complexity and its secrets, as well as the characters' development. It was my first time reading a book from this author and I can tell with certainty it won’t be my last !
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Witty, Spicy, and Surprisingly Heartfelt Red’s Disenchantment was such a fun and engaging read! The banter between the FMC and MMC was top tier—witty, sharp, and full of chemistry. Their back-and-forth added so much charm and made their connection feel real and earned. The spice was definitely there (and delicious!), but it never overshadowed the story. It struck a great balance—not over the top, just the right amount to complement the emotional journey. And the plot? So much more than I expected. There was real substance, character growth, and moments that stayed with me. If you’re into fantasy romance with heat, humor, and heart, this one’s a gem.
I enjoyed this book more than others of Ruthie Clark's fairy tale retellings. This was extremely loosely based on Little Red Riding Hood, and I think the story was better for not sticking closely to the original. I wish there was a bit more backstory because I have tons of questions, but I enjoyed the original portion of the plot and the magic system. I think this book would've been better if it was 50 pages more because the ending was wrapped up really quickly so I didn't really get to anticipate what was going to happen.
Thank you to BookSirens and Ruthie Clark for the free ARC!
A brilliant mix of passion, dark control, and snarky humour that is just entrancing, gripping, and oh so enjoyable.
The two main characters (Scarlet & Lucien) are superbly described - introduced, developed, and combined in a believable & understandable way. The supporting characters (mostly Eleanor and the Morrigan) are brought in with shadow, a bit more revealed at a time, culminating in a classic finale.
Overall, this has been simply excellent!
(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)
I received this book as an ARC copy in exchange for a book review.
This book is spicy!!! Watching Lucien struggle to maintain control as Red constantly pushed his buttons was wildly entertaining. I loved the addition of Scarlett's letters to her mom. It was very sweet and a great way to see deeper into her personality. Seeing her come into her own was very rewarding. The idea of a red riding retelling with two werewolves was very refreshing. I recommend this book for a fun and spicy read.
This was such an unique take on Red Riding Hood. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. It kept me so invested because I want to know what was going to happen next who's the bad guy who was going to happen how it was going to happen. In the spice between Lucien and Scarlet delicious. My only gripe about this book was the fact that it was written in third person That's the only reason this was not a 5 star read and why is it 4.5.
Interesting story. Scarlet is destined to be sent to the big bad wolf by her grandmother. She has a role to learn. Lucien is the wolf and he is determined to control 'Red' anyway he wants. Red will defy him on everything, but Lucien will win in the end. This book is full of sexual encounters, emotional manipulation and a happy ending. I enjoyed this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Red's DisEnchantment was an interesting mix of paranormal and steamy romance. Dark, brooding Alpha males who have an appreciation for sassy, strong women who don't know their own power make for sexy romance. This story makes you look at the Big Bad Wolf in a whole new way. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I did enjoy this story. I found parts of the beginning were confusing and considered a dnf as my head was spinning trying to lock the information in, to understand what was going on. I'm glad I persevered. The ending made up for the confusion.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Perfect for fans of twisted fairytales, ruthless antiheroes, and heroines who refuse to play nice, Red’s DisEnchantment is a searing, subversive retelling of Little Red Riding Hood that explores obsession, power, and the line between pain and pleasure. Wow!
The power of love rules it all. What starts off as an obligation, morphs into something hot and heavy. Sparks fly between Red and Lucien from the get go. It was fun to see their story unfold with twists, turns, and some dark moments. The story unfolded bit by bit to reveal how Ted and Lucien found themselves where they were at. A very steamy read 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ with a plot that isn’t completely revealed until the end. As always, I am leaving an honesty and voluntary review after receiving an advance review copy.
Absolutely loved this spicy retelling of little red riding hood! It’s such a good read! If you loved little red riding hood as a kid you’ll love this as an adult!
Spice: 5/5 Content Warnings: BDSM, kink Fairytale retelling of Little Red Riding Hood ARC Source: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thoughts: I feel it’s liberally based on the fairytale, there’s a girl named Red and dude named Wolfe. Maybe it’s just me but that’s where the similarities begin and end. It’s starts off with lots of spicy and little plot but then does a bit of a 180 and ends with more plot and less spice. I got lost at time with the timeline in the book but I don’t think it’s meant to be thought too much about anyways. Overall, more for people looking for a spicy spin on a fairytale that doesn’t look too closely at the plot.