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To Win a Dark Heart
Falling for the Wolf: A Villainous Twist on Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella
Not yet published
Expected 6 Mar 26A woman who betrayed her family
A rogue hiding a hairy secret
And a blackmail arrangement with unexpected consequences
After her stepsister marries the crown prince, Tasia is shipped out of the country to live with relatives she’s never heard of before. Blamed and scorned for her role in that debacle, Tasia struggles to make a new life for herself amongst a community that doesn’t care for outsiders. But even that is less nerve wracking than her weekly trips through the woods to deliver a basket of “goodies” to the sinister old woman known only as Grandmother.
Mitch helped a naive girl travel through the woods once before. After having his heart viciously yanked out and stomped on, he’s not doing that ever again. When Tasia comes along, all innocent smiles and no sense of self-preservation, he vows to stay far away. But she stumbles upon his furry little secret and he reluctantly agrees to play protector in exchange for her silence.
What seems like a simple arrangement soon becomes complicated as enemies from the past begin cropping up in unexpected places. When Mitch and Tasia stumble onto a villainous plot with far-reaching consequences they must choose between looking out for themselves or risking everything for faceless strangers. With lives–and possibly their hearts–on the line, how will two recovering villains decide what to do? And will their choices be compatible? Or just another betrayal?
Falling for the Wolf is a retelling that combines elements of Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella. Set after the events of each of these stories, this no spice romantasy is the 8th book in the To Win a Dark Heart series which retells fairy tales as old as time, but this time it’s the villain’s turn to get a happy ending.
A rogue hiding a hairy secret
And a blackmail arrangement with unexpected consequences
After her stepsister marries the crown prince, Tasia is shipped out of the country to live with relatives she’s never heard of before. Blamed and scorned for her role in that debacle, Tasia struggles to make a new life for herself amongst a community that doesn’t care for outsiders. But even that is less nerve wracking than her weekly trips through the woods to deliver a basket of “goodies” to the sinister old woman known only as Grandmother.
Mitch helped a naive girl travel through the woods once before. After having his heart viciously yanked out and stomped on, he’s not doing that ever again. When Tasia comes along, all innocent smiles and no sense of self-preservation, he vows to stay far away. But she stumbles upon his furry little secret and he reluctantly agrees to play protector in exchange for her silence.
What seems like a simple arrangement soon becomes complicated as enemies from the past begin cropping up in unexpected places. When Mitch and Tasia stumble onto a villainous plot with far-reaching consequences they must choose between looking out for themselves or risking everything for faceless strangers. With lives–and possibly their hearts–on the line, how will two recovering villains decide what to do? And will their choices be compatible? Or just another betrayal?
Falling for the Wolf is a retelling that combines elements of Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella. Set after the events of each of these stories, this no spice romantasy is the 8th book in the To Win a Dark Heart series which retells fairy tales as old as time, but this time it’s the villain’s turn to get a happy ending.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 6, 2026
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January 25, 2026Full review and rating to come!
January 3, 2026
ARC Review - Falling for the Wolf by Megan Charlie.
This was a cute story with Little Red Riding hood and Cinderella vibes. It was filled with adventure and mystery and some interesting secrets and twists.
I liked our FMC, Tasia, she was not the general soft and whiny girl, but always hopeful and happy despite her situation. If it was me (I’d be the black heart of the story for sure) I would have taken Mitch, maybe Chara and my stash and skipped town. They were not worthy.
Mitch was a bit of a Debby downer at the beginning, but he was understood and I forgive him.
I liked the little sarcasm and humorous parts here and there that made me smile and the fact that poor “Red Riding hood” had no sense of direction! Loved it.
I just feel the ending was a bit rushed and weird. Felt like there was no real feelings of love between them and it’s kind of laughed off.
But all in all, I still enjoyed the story and will recommend to readers who enjoy a fast paced clean fairytale retelling.
This was a cute story with Little Red Riding hood and Cinderella vibes. It was filled with adventure and mystery and some interesting secrets and twists.
I liked our FMC, Tasia, she was not the general soft and whiny girl, but always hopeful and happy despite her situation. If it was me (I’d be the black heart of the story for sure) I would have taken Mitch, maybe Chara and my stash and skipped town. They were not worthy.
Mitch was a bit of a Debby downer at the beginning, but he was understood and I forgive him.
I liked the little sarcasm and humorous parts here and there that made me smile and the fact that poor “Red Riding hood” had no sense of direction! Loved it.
I just feel the ending was a bit rushed and weird. Felt like there was no real feelings of love between them and it’s kind of laughed off.
But all in all, I still enjoyed the story and will recommend to readers who enjoy a fast paced clean fairytale retelling.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An interesting mashup of Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella (I loved the LRRH aspects, but felt the Cinderella parts could have been just a random backstory and been stronger for it, but it appears the creator of this anthology required a mashup of two stories for all the authors involved, so I don't fault this author for that). I didn't really get the Dark Heart part or the Villainous Twist part...a great story overall, but maybe better marketed without the constraints of this anthology? The villains with dark hearts couldn't in any way have been the main characters!
Fantastic chapter titles. A beautiful slow burn between reluctant friends to more. The MMC has a strong character arc/growth. I don't feel like the FMC changed much by the end of the book, as she seems to just be the catalyst for his growth. Still a great character--her anxiety is described well and her personality (while vastly different from my own) is totally relatable.
I did feel like the book started 20% of the way into the story...so much of the initial backstory isn't explained or just glossed over like the reader should already know things, so I was quite lost at the beginning. In the back matter, the author mentions that these characters appear in another series she wrote, and this book is 3.5 in that series, so I'm wondering if this book is better read after those others in that series.
A few mentions of magic and curses, but only in passing and not at all delved into in this book. Not sure how intense the magic is in her other books as this book was my introduction to this author.
All in all, I'm glad I decided to sign up for this arc. I'm definitely interested in checking the author's other books out.
Fantastic chapter titles. A beautiful slow burn between reluctant friends to more. The MMC has a strong character arc/growth. I don't feel like the FMC changed much by the end of the book, as she seems to just be the catalyst for his growth. Still a great character--her anxiety is described well and her personality (while vastly different from my own) is totally relatable.
I did feel like the book started 20% of the way into the story...so much of the initial backstory isn't explained or just glossed over like the reader should already know things, so I was quite lost at the beginning. In the back matter, the author mentions that these characters appear in another series she wrote, and this book is 3.5 in that series, so I'm wondering if this book is better read after those others in that series.
A few mentions of magic and curses, but only in passing and not at all delved into in this book. Not sure how intense the magic is in her other books as this book was my introduction to this author.
All in all, I'm glad I decided to sign up for this arc. I'm definitely interested in checking the author's other books out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The FMC (whose name is Tasia, and believe me, you won't forget it) was likeable and sweet. Her horrible sense of direction was so relatable! She kept a great attitude and continued to try making friends in a village that shuns outsiders. The relationship growth between her and Mitch was great and I loved the mystery element.
So… if there was so much that was good about it why not 5 stars? Expectations. This is part of a series where the villains get a happy ending from two fairytales that are mashed together. If this had been pitched as a Little Red Riding Hood retelling, it probably would have been five stars. However there was also supposed to be one of the evil step sisters from Cinderella. Tasia was never evil. She wasn't the villain at all. There's a short section where Tasia recounts to Mitch what happened/why she was sent to an out of the way village, and it honestly sounds like it would have been a good Cinderella retelling. But it made for an unsatisfactory villain getting a happily ever after.
The reason you won't forget Tasia's name is because the first chapter felt like a game of ‘How many times can we say her name?’ The answer: 73. Yes, it bothered me so much that I went back and counted. It didn't seem so bad after the first chapter though.
In short: Read this for a pretty cool take on Red Riding Hood and just forget Tasia is supposed to be an evil step sister from Cinderella. (She kind of makes for a good Cinderella. I'm not sure why the author didn't do a straight up retelling, but went for a what happens after.)
So… if there was so much that was good about it why not 5 stars? Expectations. This is part of a series where the villains get a happy ending from two fairytales that are mashed together. If this had been pitched as a Little Red Riding Hood retelling, it probably would have been five stars. However there was also supposed to be one of the evil step sisters from Cinderella. Tasia was never evil. She wasn't the villain at all. There's a short section where Tasia recounts to Mitch what happened/why she was sent to an out of the way village, and it honestly sounds like it would have been a good Cinderella retelling. But it made for an unsatisfactory villain getting a happily ever after.
The reason you won't forget Tasia's name is because the first chapter felt like a game of ‘How many times can we say her name?’ The answer: 73. Yes, it bothered me so much that I went back and counted. It didn't seem so bad after the first chapter though.
In short: Read this for a pretty cool take on Red Riding Hood and just forget Tasia is supposed to be an evil step sister from Cinderella. (She kind of makes for a good Cinderella. I'm not sure why the author didn't do a straight up retelling, but went for a what happens after.)
February 4, 2026
🐺🌹🐇ARC Review: Falling for the Wolf by Megan Charlie
⭐ 5/5 Stars — a darkly romantic fairytale where danger, secrets, and hearts collide
Falling for the Wolf feels like walking through a forest painted with morning light, sharp twigs underfoot, and the scent of pine in the air where every glance hides a secret and every step could be the start of love or disaster.
🌹 Tasia is bright, brave, and endlessly compassionate. A woman blamed for betrayal, she navigates new lands, sinister “grandmothers,” and a forest full of secrets with courage, charm, and red-haired determination.
🐺 Mitch is the mysterious wolf-shifter mercenary with a scarred past and a heart guarded like armor. Gruff, stoic, and secretive, he never meant to fall for anyone. But Tasia’s laughter and warmth slowly break through, and his protective instincts grow impossible to ignore. He falls first quietly, fiercely, inevitably.
✨ This story is rich with enchanted forests, moonlit walks, cursed pasts, secret alliances, poisoned punch, and a slow burn romance that balances danger and tenderness. Every moment hums with tension, humor, and the thrill of discovery.
🌑 If you love: 🗝️ Shifter romance 🌹 Enemies to lovers & slow burn 💜 He falls first 📚 Fairytales retold with danger & heart
⚠️ Content Warnings: • Violence & blood • Threats & past betrayals • Mentions of poison & danger
📖 Final Thoughts: Megan Charlie delivers a wild, enchanting romance where survival, trust, and love are all tested. Falling for the Wolf is lush, heartfelt, and a story where hearts break and heal under the moonlight.
— Elizabeth
Falling for the Wolf feels like walking through a forest painted with morning light, sharp twigs underfoot, and the scent of pine in the air where every glance hides a secret and every step could be the start of love or disaster.
🌹 Tasia is bright, brave, and endlessly compassionate. A woman blamed for betrayal, she navigates new lands, sinister “grandmothers,” and a forest full of secrets with courage, charm, and red-haired determination.
🐺 Mitch is the mysterious wolf-shifter mercenary with a scarred past and a heart guarded like armor. Gruff, stoic, and secretive, he never meant to fall for anyone. But Tasia’s laughter and warmth slowly break through, and his protective instincts grow impossible to ignore. He falls first quietly, fiercely, inevitably.
✨ This story is rich with enchanted forests, moonlit walks, cursed pasts, secret alliances, poisoned punch, and a slow burn romance that balances danger and tenderness. Every moment hums with tension, humor, and the thrill of discovery.
🌑 If you love: 🗝️ Shifter romance 🌹 Enemies to lovers & slow burn 💜 He falls first 📚 Fairytales retold with danger & heart
⚠️ Content Warnings: • Violence & blood • Threats & past betrayals • Mentions of poison & danger
📖 Final Thoughts: Megan Charlie delivers a wild, enchanting romance where survival, trust, and love are all tested. Falling for the Wolf is lush, heartfelt, and a story where hearts break and heal under the moonlight.
— Elizabeth
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely adored this mashup of Cinderella and Red Riding Hood and absolutely did not see the twists and topsy-turvy coming!
After a mishap with her stepsister Cinderella, Tasia is exhiled to distant cousins. When she finally manages to find employment, it’s the third try at a bodyguard through a forest en route to Grandmother’s that sticks around and doesn’t scare the creep out of her.
The twists here were amazing - loved them! Why does everyone think old grannys are sweet and innocent? What if Red wasn’t as innocent as the original tale says? What if she was wolf’s first, unlucky love that scarred him for the rest? What if the next girl in a red cape triggers him so much that he is loathe to talk to her….until she displays remarkable - and sweet - feats of topographic cretinism. Yeah, the road to granny’s is a bit complicated. Loved Tasia’s and Mitch’s interactions and how she drew him out of his shell. And the loner redhead in a village of complete hostile strangers - awww, broke my heart. The interweaving of Cinderella with her own surprise twist was genius. Could not put this down.
Recommended for lovers of mashup clean mixed gen (YA/NA) retellings, especially of Cinderella and Red Riding Hood.
After a mishap with her stepsister Cinderella, Tasia is exhiled to distant cousins. When she finally manages to find employment, it’s the third try at a bodyguard through a forest en route to Grandmother’s that sticks around and doesn’t scare the creep out of her.
The twists here were amazing - loved them! Why does everyone think old grannys are sweet and innocent? What if Red wasn’t as innocent as the original tale says? What if she was wolf’s first, unlucky love that scarred him for the rest? What if the next girl in a red cape triggers him so much that he is loathe to talk to her….until she displays remarkable - and sweet - feats of topographic cretinism. Yeah, the road to granny’s is a bit complicated. Loved Tasia’s and Mitch’s interactions and how she drew him out of his shell. And the loner redhead in a village of complete hostile strangers - awww, broke my heart. The interweaving of Cinderella with her own surprise twist was genius. Could not put this down.
Recommended for lovers of mashup clean mixed gen (YA/NA) retellings, especially of Cinderella and Red Riding Hood.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Falling for the Wolf by Megan Charlie is the mix up between Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella you didn't know you needed.
When the Big Bad Wolf isn't actually as bad as you think and society's enemy is judged just based on looks, this books starts you off on looks are everything. The fun thing about this series is that, that though you know where the books are going to go with the basic knowledge that you have with the fairy tales you are aware of, you never know how the twist are going to go. The conversations and the banter were cozy to read. It was cute that despite the seemingly big differences in personality the candid conversations, the openness, and the honesty from both of the main characters led to a strong relationship. The antics of both of them were amazing and I loved reading.
If you want a mixture of Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella I recommend this book to you.
Thank you Megan Charlie for the free book.
When the Big Bad Wolf isn't actually as bad as you think and society's enemy is judged just based on looks, this books starts you off on looks are everything. The fun thing about this series is that, that though you know where the books are going to go with the basic knowledge that you have with the fairy tales you are aware of, you never know how the twist are going to go. The conversations and the banter were cozy to read. It was cute that despite the seemingly big differences in personality the candid conversations, the openness, and the honesty from both of the main characters led to a strong relationship. The antics of both of them were amazing and I loved reading.
If you want a mixture of Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella I recommend this book to you.
Thank you Megan Charlie for the free book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The combination of the step-sister's tale and the wolf's tale in this book is sassy, plausible and just so right. Tasia's apparent sweet naivety pairs well with Mitch's gruff standoffishness, and that makes for a surprisingly solid yet lighthearted partnership. That results in the resolution of a villainous mystery with many teeth, blows and punch (and the ever-useful iron frypan). This was fun and sweet and wholesomely romantic for two outsiders who discover that they belong together. I would love to give this to my niece but she is too young for a young adult romance; too bad, she does not know what she is missing.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2026
Tasia and Mitch started working together because she found out his secret.
I liked the backstory of the characters and how they went from just walking in the woods together to trying to stop a bad guy.
I liked the little red riding hood part of this story but felt the Cinderella part wasn’t as prominent. I could see where it was but it felt like if you didn’t mention it you might not have realized. Tasia is supposed to be one of Cinderella’s evil stepsisters but she isn’t evil she’s misunderstood. I also feel like the romance between the characters didn’t really exist much until the very end.
Overall I liked this book and found their story interesting. I’d give it 3.5 stars but I rounded up to 4. I read this book as an arc.
I liked the backstory of the characters and how they went from just walking in the woods together to trying to stop a bad guy.
I liked the little red riding hood part of this story but felt the Cinderella part wasn’t as prominent. I could see where it was but it felt like if you didn’t mention it you might not have realized. Tasia is supposed to be one of Cinderella’s evil stepsisters but she isn’t evil she’s misunderstood. I also feel like the romance between the characters didn’t really exist much until the very end.
Overall I liked this book and found their story interesting. I’d give it 3.5 stars but I rounded up to 4. I read this book as an arc.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fun book and again my five stars go to the man! Mitch is at first reclusive as he is a wolf shifter, misunderstood. There was no indication that he has a black heart, the opposite is true. He's quiet, but helpful and opened up to the overly chatty Tasia, who is a stepsister of Cinderella, not evil just a bit too trusting and self-sacrificing. Tasia gives of herself to her so called cousins, and gets involved in quite the plot that is discovered by Mitch. There were strong elements of Red Riding Hood, Granny really had the black heart, and of course, a red cape! No spoilers for the plot climax!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved Mitch & Tasia in this mash up of Little Red Riding Hood & Cinderella! This story blends both fairy tales together into a very entertaining read full of interesting characters and a few twists along the way. The relationship between Mitch & Tasia was fun to see develop and the epilogue at the end was great.
Steam Rating: 🔥
🐺 I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author through the To Win a Dark Heart ARC Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Steam Rating: 🔥
🐺 I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author through the To Win a Dark Heart ARC Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Falling for the Wolf was a fun and lighthearted adventure. I like that it followed one of the evil stepsister from Cinderella, after the original storyline took place. The addition of the big bad wolf from the Little Red Riding Hood tale kept things engaging. Mitch is a good broody/grumpy MMC and Tasia is bubbly sunshine. The writing style was fun and easy to read and the characters were interesting to read. This has no swearing, some violence and a level 1 intimacy. I enjoyed reading this book. I did receive an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Falling for the Wolf, the 8th book in the To Win A Dark Heart series is a villainous Twist on Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella mashup. Outstanding, brilliant and gorgeous world building leaving you with wanting the story to keep going. There is action, adventure,, twists and turns, and even a few surprises. I absolutely enjoyed everyword, every page, from the beginning to the end. I highly recommend reading this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a fun, light read that takes Cinderella's 'ugly' step-sister as she lives with the fallout from her part in the events of that tale and places her in the centre of 'Little Red Riding Hood'. It's light and cosy with some great twists and delightfully sweet romance.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tasia is so sweet and naive and has been hurt so many times because of it. But she kept smiling and being kind to everyone. Mitch also has been through a lot and drew further into his shell. I love how Tasia pulled Mitch out of his shell during their walks by just being herself ❤️ They both are the outcasts of the town but have no other choice but to remain in the town.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed the villainous twist on the Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella fairy tale retellings! An adventure not to be missed!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
'Falling for the Wolf' is a fun, light novel. Though it starts slow, it becomes very enjoyable. The romance is sweet, and the mystery is intriguing. I recommend it to anyone looking for a light fantasy novel.
I also highly recommend the whole series! If you like one author, you will love them all.
I also highly recommend the whole series! If you like one author, you will love them all.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25 stars! Ok. So I finished my 11th book of 2026 today. It was Falling for the Wolf by Megan Charlie.
I loved this retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella. This story line was not what I expected to be; it was so much better. I loved how Granny was portrayed; it really brought a whole new meaning to this book. I loved how the rest characters were portrayed. If you are looking for a good retelling, check this book out!
I loved this retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella. This story line was not what I expected to be; it was so much better. I loved how Granny was portrayed; it really brought a whole new meaning to this book. I loved how the rest characters were portrayed. If you are looking for a good retelling, check this book out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a unique retelling of Red Riding Hood!! Not everyone sees who the wolf and granny really are, so this story brings a new light on what happened after the initial ever-after. I loved the characters and their fun dynamic! Absolutely one I’ll be rereading!
Thank you for the arc.
Thank you for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Cinderella/Red Riding Hood Mix--but the wolf is protecting you from Grandmother!
this was a fun story and I enjoyed the confidence that they gave each other!
this was a fun story and I enjoyed the confidence that they gave each other!
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