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Blue Beard, Red Hood: A Marriage of Two Fairytales
A spicy, adult romantasy retelling of "Bluebeard" and "Little Red Riding Hood," two of Charles Perrault's most famous stories.
Sybil Fallon has a habit of summoning demons unintentionally and at the most inconvenient times. When she, her mother, and her sister are invited to an upcoming dinner at the estate of the mysterious Theron Beresford, Sybil is desperate to ensure that her ability won't manifest and ruin the evening. But when she seeks help from her reclusive former mentor, Grandmother Riquet, she discovers that the old woman has changed in dangerous and disturbing ways... and so has the forest in which she lives.
As Sybil struggles to control an ability she doesn't understand, she becomes strongly attracted to Beresford, the brawny, handsome estate owner. His distinctive blue beard isn't his only unusual trait. In addition to socially acceptable dinner parties, he also likes to host secret gatherings in the refurbished barn on his property. Sybil's first invitation to one of his naughty midnight parties opens her mind to a world of new pleasures. But with local disappearances inciting the suspicion of the neighbors, and Beresford's secretive nature raising questions in her own mind, Sybil must navigate an increasingly treacherous path through the forest of her circumstances in pursuit of the future she wants.
Content guidance can be found in the front matter of the book or on the author's website.
Sybil Fallon has a habit of summoning demons unintentionally and at the most inconvenient times. When she, her mother, and her sister are invited to an upcoming dinner at the estate of the mysterious Theron Beresford, Sybil is desperate to ensure that her ability won't manifest and ruin the evening. But when she seeks help from her reclusive former mentor, Grandmother Riquet, she discovers that the old woman has changed in dangerous and disturbing ways... and so has the forest in which she lives.
As Sybil struggles to control an ability she doesn't understand, she becomes strongly attracted to Beresford, the brawny, handsome estate owner. His distinctive blue beard isn't his only unusual trait. In addition to socially acceptable dinner parties, he also likes to host secret gatherings in the refurbished barn on his property. Sybil's first invitation to one of his naughty midnight parties opens her mind to a world of new pleasures. But with local disappearances inciting the suspicion of the neighbors, and Beresford's secretive nature raising questions in her own mind, Sybil must navigate an increasingly treacherous path through the forest of her circumstances in pursuit of the future she wants.
Content guidance can be found in the front matter of the book or on the author's website.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2025
194 people are currently reading
1931 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca F. Kenney
72 books2,918 followersRebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories... pirates, warlords, demons, Fae, and royals. Her main series are the "Wicked Darlings" series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the "Dark Rulers" series (standalones in a shared world), and the "For the Love of the Villain" series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy ("The Vampires Will Save You"), a demon romance "Interior Design for Demons," a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.
Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.
For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney
Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.
For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
December 5, 2025
Probably one of the most fun books I read this year because I truly didn’t know where the romance or plot was going so I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!! It is SPICYYY!! And truly unhinged I was sitting up saying “WTF” several times 😂
If you want an easy-to-read book that’s super fun I’d definitely recommend this one!
If you want an easy-to-read book that’s super fun I’d definitely recommend this one!
December 18, 2025
4 Summoned Demon Stars ⭐️
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Blue Beard, Red Hood was a delightful little present that I honestly did not expect, which is surprising because Rebecca F. Kennedy is my favourite romantasy author. I often move away from her writing when I go down contemporary rabbit holes, but every time I am drawn back into one of her romantasy books, it reminds me how much I love her writing. She has this excellent ability to write an amazing story, to take inspiration and make it so unique and so unashamedly hers, while still keeping the elements of the traditional stories that you know and love.
This is a twist on two fairy tales. The tale of Bluebeard, which I did not know much about going in, and the tale of Little Red Riding Hood, which I think everybody has heard. Sybil is our Little Red Riding Hood. She lives on the edge of the forest with her sister and her mother, and life is a little difficult for them. She is ostracised by the society around her because whenever she experiences heightened emotions, she summons a demon, and naturally people find this strange and unsettling. One day, she meets a mysterious man, Theron Beresford, who invites her family to a dinner party. From there, Sybil and Beresford instantly hit it off. The attraction is immediate and intense, and when he later invites her to a secret party where she can finally unleash her desires, she is drawn even deeper into his world of charm and forbidden pleasure. At the same time, strange things are happening in the forest. People are going missing, including her mysterious grandmother who lives in a cottage in the woods, and all the while, Sybil is falling madly in love with the man with the blue beard.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
If the introduction has not already made it clear, I have genuinely never read a Rebecca F. Kennedy book that has disappointed me. This one is very fast-paced in terms of the instalust. They jump together quickly. It is raunchy, it is spicy, it is going to make your toes curl, and it does it in the kinkiest ways possible. This is definitely one of the spicier books I have read from Rebecca F. Kenney, almost to the point where it toes the line of erotica, but not quite. BUT what I really love is that she still manages to balance the spice with plot and characterisation.
Sybil is innocent in a sheltered, naïve way. She is not the smartest girl in the class, but she is hardworking and she loves her family. She has this innate curiosity about things, but she is scared to act on it because of the demons she summons, and that fear constantly holds her back and makes her feel incredibly real and human.
Beresford himself is the sweetest little cinnamon roll villain. He is charming, sexy, and endearing, and I absolutely adored him and his backstory. I thought he was an excellent and intriguing character and really well written. The chemistry between him and Sybil is intense, even though for most of the book it feels unsettling because of this reader-known foreshadowing that he is a bad guy. That same unsettling feeling carries into Sybil’s romance. I mean as the reader, you know something is not right. You can see the red flags, and I found myself wanting to scream at Sybil because she is not seeing them. You know this man has a hidden agenda. You know he is the villain. The series is literally called "Beloved Villains"... So you sit there watching this innocent girl fall for him, waiting for the moment when she finally realises that he is not who he says he is and that she needs to ask the hard questions.
The entire story exists in this strange push and pull between creepy and sweet, dark and sensual, innocence and corruption, and it just solidified why I have always loved the way Rebecca F. Kenney balances her descriptive, almost poetic prose with actual story progression so that neither ever feels too heavy. What you are left with is this rich embodiment of a sentence that has the best of both worlds. It never feels like it is waffling, but it is also never so minimal that it feels juvenile or lacking depth. It honestly feels like a Goldilocks situation where everything is just right.
I also really want to commend the worldbuilding in this book, because the descriptions of the animals and the demons Sybil summons are both delightful and terrifying at the same time. You get these vivid images of twisted, deformed creatures made up of different animal combinations, and imagining them being pulled into the world through Sybil’s magic is equal parts cute and deeply unsettling.
There were numerous twists and turns. Some I saw coming, some I did not, and it kept me on my toes. This book has such an intriguing and erotically charged twist to it, but it is balanced with this constant unsettling tension about what is happening in the background. It is darkly sensual and atmospheric, and it feels like a blend of creepy and sweet. You are constantly pulled back and forth between the two. Especially because the book is told almost entirely through Sybil’s point of view, you experience everything through her innocent eyes and her simplistic way of seeing the world.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨, 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 and 𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙨:
▶ Fairytale Retelling
▶ Villain Gets the Girl
▶ Public Sex and Voyeurism
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Sex/Kink Club
▶ Fast burn
▶ Demons
▶ Potato Sack over his Shoulder
▶ "You taste like", "More", "Beg Me", "It Wont Fit", "Look at Me"
▶ Pushes it Back In
Overall, I loved the way the story progressed. I loved how it balanced the writing, the plot, and the spice, and it felt so full-bodied. If you are looking for a very easy-to-read, standalone romantasy that you just want to get lost in, this is absolutely the kind of book I would recommend. You are going to get spice, excellent worldbuilding, and cute but weird animals that are twisty and strange.
Thank you so much to Rebecca F. Kenney for this gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Blue Beard, Red Hood was a delightful little present that I honestly did not expect, which is surprising because Rebecca F. Kennedy is my favourite romantasy author. I often move away from her writing when I go down contemporary rabbit holes, but every time I am drawn back into one of her romantasy books, it reminds me how much I love her writing. She has this excellent ability to write an amazing story, to take inspiration and make it so unique and so unashamedly hers, while still keeping the elements of the traditional stories that you know and love.
“I love you, you fucking idiot. I love who you are at your core, and I love who you try to be. Neither of us will be the same souls in ten years, or twenty, or thirty, but I’m willing to change together, if you are.”𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
This is a twist on two fairy tales. The tale of Bluebeard, which I did not know much about going in, and the tale of Little Red Riding Hood, which I think everybody has heard. Sybil is our Little Red Riding Hood. She lives on the edge of the forest with her sister and her mother, and life is a little difficult for them. She is ostracised by the society around her because whenever she experiences heightened emotions, she summons a demon, and naturally people find this strange and unsettling. One day, she meets a mysterious man, Theron Beresford, who invites her family to a dinner party. From there, Sybil and Beresford instantly hit it off. The attraction is immediate and intense, and when he later invites her to a secret party where she can finally unleash her desires, she is drawn even deeper into his world of charm and forbidden pleasure. At the same time, strange things are happening in the forest. People are going missing, including her mysterious grandmother who lives in a cottage in the woods, and all the while, Sybil is falling madly in love with the man with the blue beard.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
If the introduction has not already made it clear, I have genuinely never read a Rebecca F. Kennedy book that has disappointed me. This one is very fast-paced in terms of the instalust. They jump together quickly. It is raunchy, it is spicy, it is going to make your toes curl, and it does it in the kinkiest ways possible. This is definitely one of the spicier books I have read from Rebecca F. Kenney, almost to the point where it toes the line of erotica, but not quite. BUT what I really love is that she still manages to balance the spice with plot and characterisation.
Sybil is innocent in a sheltered, naïve way. She is not the smartest girl in the class, but she is hardworking and she loves her family. She has this innate curiosity about things, but she is scared to act on it because of the demons she summons, and that fear constantly holds her back and makes her feel incredibly real and human.
Beresford himself is the sweetest little cinnamon roll villain. He is charming, sexy, and endearing, and I absolutely adored him and his backstory. I thought he was an excellent and intriguing character and really well written. The chemistry between him and Sybil is intense, even though for most of the book it feels unsettling because of this reader-known foreshadowing that he is a bad guy. That same unsettling feeling carries into Sybil’s romance. I mean as the reader, you know something is not right. You can see the red flags, and I found myself wanting to scream at Sybil because she is not seeing them. You know this man has a hidden agenda. You know he is the villain. The series is literally called "Beloved Villains"... So you sit there watching this innocent girl fall for him, waiting for the moment when she finally realises that he is not who he says he is and that she needs to ask the hard questions.
The entire story exists in this strange push and pull between creepy and sweet, dark and sensual, innocence and corruption, and it just solidified why I have always loved the way Rebecca F. Kenney balances her descriptive, almost poetic prose with actual story progression so that neither ever feels too heavy. What you are left with is this rich embodiment of a sentence that has the best of both worlds. It never feels like it is waffling, but it is also never so minimal that it feels juvenile or lacking depth. It honestly feels like a Goldilocks situation where everything is just right.
I also really want to commend the worldbuilding in this book, because the descriptions of the animals and the demons Sybil summons are both delightful and terrifying at the same time. You get these vivid images of twisted, deformed creatures made up of different animal combinations, and imagining them being pulled into the world through Sybil’s magic is equal parts cute and deeply unsettling.
There were numerous twists and turns. Some I saw coming, some I did not, and it kept me on my toes. This book has such an intriguing and erotically charged twist to it, but it is balanced with this constant unsettling tension about what is happening in the background. It is darkly sensual and atmospheric, and it feels like a blend of creepy and sweet. You are constantly pulled back and forth between the two. Especially because the book is told almost entirely through Sybil’s point of view, you experience everything through her innocent eyes and her simplistic way of seeing the world.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨, 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 and 𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙨:
▶ Fairytale Retelling
▶ Villain Gets the Girl
▶ Public Sex and Voyeurism
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Sex/Kink Club
▶ Fast burn
▶ Demons
▶ Potato Sack over his Shoulder
▶ "You taste like", "More", "Beg Me", "It Wont Fit", "Look at Me"
▶ Pushes it Back In
Overall, I loved the way the story progressed. I loved how it balanced the writing, the plot, and the spice, and it felt so full-bodied. If you are looking for a very easy-to-read, standalone romantasy that you just want to get lost in, this is absolutely the kind of book I would recommend. You are going to get spice, excellent worldbuilding, and cute but weird animals that are twisty and strange.
Thank you so much to Rebecca F. Kenney for this gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own
December 1, 2025
As many know I am a sucker for retellings, they make up like 45% of my reading personality.
A Blue Beard and Red Riding Hood mash up was not on my bingo reading card and yet…it belongs there. How Kenney tied them together was genius and I loved every minute of this book.
Sybil, the FMC, is the youngest daughter and not the son her father so desired, despite going to great lengths to try and assure it. As a result she is cursed and has no idea how to reverse it, leaving the villagers weary of her asa result.
Beresford, the MMC, is as mysterious as he is handsome…blue hair and all. Wealthy, charming, and with eyes only for Sybil. But he has secrets and he does not want to share them.
Yet, their connection is immediate and all-consuming. Their feelings for each other impossible to ignore. Can a marriage be successful when they agreed to keep their secrets? Can their love be enough? Are they connected in more ways than they realize?
A Blue Beard and Red Riding Hood mash up was not on my bingo reading card and yet…it belongs there. How Kenney tied them together was genius and I loved every minute of this book.
Sybil, the FMC, is the youngest daughter and not the son her father so desired, despite going to great lengths to try and assure it. As a result she is cursed and has no idea how to reverse it, leaving the villagers weary of her asa result.
Beresford, the MMC, is as mysterious as he is handsome…blue hair and all. Wealthy, charming, and with eyes only for Sybil. But he has secrets and he does not want to share them.
Yet, their connection is immediate and all-consuming. Their feelings for each other impossible to ignore. Can a marriage be successful when they agreed to keep their secrets? Can their love be enough? Are they connected in more ways than they realize?
December 6, 2025
Sybil Fallon has a talent for summoning demons at exactly the wrong moment, so when her family receives an invitation to dine with the enigmatic - and undeniably alluring - Theron Beresford, she’ll do anything to keep her unruly magic under control. Seeking help from her reclusive mentor only leads her into a forest that’s turned strange and sinister, and Sybil realizes the dangers surrounding her go far beyond a few ill-timed demonic manifestations. Drawn into Beresford’s world of refined charm by day and forbidden pleasures by night, Sybil must navigate desire, unease, and a rising body count if she hopes to carve out a future that’s actually hers.
This is an intriguing, erotically-charged twist on two classic fairy tales, and while it isn’t my personal favorite from Kenney, it still delivers the dark, sensual atmosphere she excels at. Her ability to blend erotic tension with genuinely unsettling undertones remains unmatched, and the plot strikes a surprisingly effective balance between creepy and sexy. The writing is smooth and vivid, with excellent scene-setting and tension-building that makes it easy to binge. I particularly liked Sybil’s magical abilities and the relationship she has with her mother and sister, which added a warmth that contrasted nicely with the darker elements.
The pacing wobbles a bit in the middle and toward the end, and Sybil herself felt a little bland compared to other Kenney heroines, but neither issue stopped me from enjoying the experience overall. Beresford, meanwhile, is a fantastic MMC: magnetic and mysterious. This is the kind of book that’s perfect when you want something quick, spicy, and just edgy enough to keep you on your toes. Fans of fairy-tale retellings and darkly erotic fantasy will find plenty to savor. Many thanks to the author for this ARC. This is my honest review.
3.5/5 Not your local farmer’s barn parties.
This is an intriguing, erotically-charged twist on two classic fairy tales, and while it isn’t my personal favorite from Kenney, it still delivers the dark, sensual atmosphere she excels at. Her ability to blend erotic tension with genuinely unsettling undertones remains unmatched, and the plot strikes a surprisingly effective balance between creepy and sexy. The writing is smooth and vivid, with excellent scene-setting and tension-building that makes it easy to binge. I particularly liked Sybil’s magical abilities and the relationship she has with her mother and sister, which added a warmth that contrasted nicely with the darker elements.
The pacing wobbles a bit in the middle and toward the end, and Sybil herself felt a little bland compared to other Kenney heroines, but neither issue stopped me from enjoying the experience overall. Beresford, meanwhile, is a fantastic MMC: magnetic and mysterious. This is the kind of book that’s perfect when you want something quick, spicy, and just edgy enough to keep you on your toes. Fans of fairy-tale retellings and darkly erotic fantasy will find plenty to savor. Many thanks to the author for this ARC. This is my honest review.
3.5/5 Not your local farmer’s barn parties.
December 23, 2025
Another fun, smutty fairytale retelling by Rebecca Kenney! Her books are always entertaining and I love a standalone book! This is a Blue Beard and Red Riding hood retelling which is obvious from the title of the book.
Sybil is our FMC and accidentally summons demons on occasion. Sybil is also in a marrying age and lives in poverty, so her marital prospects are lacking. The mysterious fellow townsman, Beresford, reappears and Sybil is shocked by his stunning looks and electric blue hair. Like most of Rebecca’s books, the spice starts quick and gets spicy quick after Beresford invites Sybil to a spicy party at his house. These two fall hard and super quick and each have their own secrets they don’t want the other to know about.
Read this if you like:
❤️ red riding hood retelling
💙 blue beard inspired MMMC
❤️ forced proximity
💙 insta love/lust
❤️ accidental demon summoning
💙 complex world with mythical creatures and demons
❤️ spicy parties/exhibitionism
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much to Rebecca Kenney for the eARC!!
Sybil is our FMC and accidentally summons demons on occasion. Sybil is also in a marrying age and lives in poverty, so her marital prospects are lacking. The mysterious fellow townsman, Beresford, reappears and Sybil is shocked by his stunning looks and electric blue hair. Like most of Rebecca’s books, the spice starts quick and gets spicy quick after Beresford invites Sybil to a spicy party at his house. These two fall hard and super quick and each have their own secrets they don’t want the other to know about.
Read this if you like:
❤️ red riding hood retelling
💙 blue beard inspired MMMC
❤️ forced proximity
💙 insta love/lust
❤️ accidental demon summoning
💙 complex world with mythical creatures and demons
❤️ spicy parties/exhibitionism
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much to Rebecca Kenney for the eARC!!
November 26, 2025
Blue Beard, Red Hood by Rebecca F Kenney is a spicy blend of two dark fairytales and filled with folklore, debauchery, uncontrollable magic, ominous mysteries and otherworldly creatures.
Sybil, our FMC, struggles to suppress her demon summoning powers, which are unpredictable and seemingly tied to her emotions. Theron Beresford is our mysterious, wealthy and charming MMC with a distinct allure and dangerously magnetic pull.
I read this in one night as a quick stand alone and palate cleanser. I struggled connecting with the characters in a meaningful way, though, and would’ve liked Beresford’s perspective introduced earlier and more frequently. The chemistry and spice was well done (and plentiful) but at times the story felt off in its pacing.
Blue Beard, Red Hood releases on December 5th, 2025. I recommend this for fans of spicy fairytale retellings, standalones, morally grey MMCs, age gap, debauched secret parties and obsessive & devoted MMCs!
Sybil, our FMC, struggles to suppress her demon summoning powers, which are unpredictable and seemingly tied to her emotions. Theron Beresford is our mysterious, wealthy and charming MMC with a distinct allure and dangerously magnetic pull.
I read this in one night as a quick stand alone and palate cleanser. I struggled connecting with the characters in a meaningful way, though, and would’ve liked Beresford’s perspective introduced earlier and more frequently. The chemistry and spice was well done (and plentiful) but at times the story felt off in its pacing.
Blue Beard, Red Hood releases on December 5th, 2025. I recommend this for fans of spicy fairytale retellings, standalones, morally grey MMCs, age gap, debauched secret parties and obsessive & devoted MMCs!
December 8, 2025
RATING 4.5 (rounded up).
In the world of fantasy retellings, Rebecca F. Kenney is one of my absolute favorites and I am always on the lookout for anything new that she puts out. In her latest release, Blue Beard, Red Hood, Kenney takes on a combination of two French fairy tales by Charles Perrault. It is a standalone in her Beloved Villains series and she delivers a dark goth tale set amidst the Winter chill of a small village.
In Blue Beard, Red Hood, we meet Sybil, a young woman who is 'cursed' with a gift that has kept her isolated from most, never having the chance to experience true freedom. In times of heightened emotion, Sybil summons demon like creatures, whose appearance is otherworldly. Amidst the shame of a power she cannot control, Sybil hides many of the creatures in the mysterious woods near her house. However, much like the demons she summons, Sybil finds herself burdened by the secrets of dark magic that is building in the woods and past bargains that she does not yet understand.
Soon, Sybil finds herself drawn to the mysterious and magnetic Theron Beresford, a wealthy neighbor who until recently has lived on the fringes. Beresford with his blue beard and extravagant parties, opens a world to Sybil that she had never envisioned for herself. With a voracious appetite for pleasure and enjoyment, Beresford allows Sybil to indulge in fantasies and needs that she has never been able to before. She feels an inexplicable pull to Beresford and the attraction between them is instantaneous and profound.
However, Beresford is not all he seems with a past cloaked in a darkness that he lets no one near. As Beresford and Sybil grow closer, the weight of the secrets they carry threaten to destroy the tenuous foundation of their relationship. All the while, there is a growing evil spreading in the woods and Sybil cannot help but fear that it may be linked to the magic flowing in her veins, to the unknown of who Beresford truly is, and to the evil deity known as the Barrow Man, whose gateway lives deeps within the forrest.
While I am familiar with the Little Red Riding Hood tale, I did not know the story of Blue Beard and I almost preferred it that way because it really helped build the suspense of Kenney's story. I really adored the way that Kenney slowly unravels the dark layers of mystery behind Beresford's past. The atmospheric quality to the story telling was very Poe-like and left me unable to put the book down as the twist and turns left my hair standing on end and goose bumps breaking out on my skin. I never saw the twist coming and I always love that!
Amidst the painful and traumatic themes of Sybil and Beresford's pasts, I adored the way that Kenney represented the relationship between the women in Sybil's life. The way that her sister Anne and her mother are always there to protect herand show up for her is beautiful. Each is fierce and powerful in her own way and it is a touching part of the story. Also, without spoiling, there is a side character who definitely snuck up on me and by the end of the book had absolutely gained a place in my heart. Their steadfastness and sacrifice are a much needed counterpoint to all of the darkness that threatens to drown our main characters.
Once again, Kenney has given us a retelling that balances perfectly between themes and tropes that are dark and even at times a touch horrific, with a message of perseverance, acceptance, hope and love. It is another one to add to your to read list!
In the world of fantasy retellings, Rebecca F. Kenney is one of my absolute favorites and I am always on the lookout for anything new that she puts out. In her latest release, Blue Beard, Red Hood, Kenney takes on a combination of two French fairy tales by Charles Perrault. It is a standalone in her Beloved Villains series and she delivers a dark goth tale set amidst the Winter chill of a small village.
In Blue Beard, Red Hood, we meet Sybil, a young woman who is 'cursed' with a gift that has kept her isolated from most, never having the chance to experience true freedom. In times of heightened emotion, Sybil summons demon like creatures, whose appearance is otherworldly. Amidst the shame of a power she cannot control, Sybil hides many of the creatures in the mysterious woods near her house. However, much like the demons she summons, Sybil finds herself burdened by the secrets of dark magic that is building in the woods and past bargains that she does not yet understand.
Soon, Sybil finds herself drawn to the mysterious and magnetic Theron Beresford, a wealthy neighbor who until recently has lived on the fringes. Beresford with his blue beard and extravagant parties, opens a world to Sybil that she had never envisioned for herself. With a voracious appetite for pleasure and enjoyment, Beresford allows Sybil to indulge in fantasies and needs that she has never been able to before. She feels an inexplicable pull to Beresford and the attraction between them is instantaneous and profound.
However, Beresford is not all he seems with a past cloaked in a darkness that he lets no one near. As Beresford and Sybil grow closer, the weight of the secrets they carry threaten to destroy the tenuous foundation of their relationship. All the while, there is a growing evil spreading in the woods and Sybil cannot help but fear that it may be linked to the magic flowing in her veins, to the unknown of who Beresford truly is, and to the evil deity known as the Barrow Man, whose gateway lives deeps within the forrest.
While I am familiar with the Little Red Riding Hood tale, I did not know the story of Blue Beard and I almost preferred it that way because it really helped build the suspense of Kenney's story. I really adored the way that Kenney slowly unravels the dark layers of mystery behind Beresford's past. The atmospheric quality to the story telling was very Poe-like and left me unable to put the book down as the twist and turns left my hair standing on end and goose bumps breaking out on my skin. I never saw the twist coming and I always love that!
Amidst the painful and traumatic themes of Sybil and Beresford's pasts, I adored the way that Kenney represented the relationship between the women in Sybil's life. The way that her sister Anne and her mother are always there to protect herand show up for her is beautiful. Each is fierce and powerful in her own way and it is a touching part of the story. Also, without spoiling, there is a side character who definitely snuck up on me and by the end of the book had absolutely gained a place in my heart. Their steadfastness and sacrifice are a much needed counterpoint to all of the darkness that threatens to drown our main characters.
Once again, Kenney has given us a retelling that balances perfectly between themes and tropes that are dark and even at times a touch horrific, with a message of perseverance, acceptance, hope and love. It is another one to add to your to read list!
December 3, 2025
⭐️4.75
ARC Review
Blue Beard hosting orgy parties at his house barn was something I didn't know I needed until I read this.
I loved this from start to finish. I really like fairytale retellings, so I was wondering how the Red riding hood and Blue beard stories would come together, but honestly, this was pure genius. I loved the dark undertones, the whole woods part as well with the Barrow-Man, I loved that everything felt so thought-out and it was the perfect mixture of tense, funny, mysterious, dark and cute (that's literally my favourite mixture).
I loved all the characters in this, with Sybil's mother being my favourite. I find that most of the fantasy books I've read have either dead parents for the main characters, or they're just shitty/evil people (there's always an evil king isn't there..) so it's always so refreshing when I stumble upon a parent who is actually alive and cares for their child and will sacrifice anything to help them.
I also absolutely loved how I couldn't decide until near the end if our MMC is gonna be proper evil like the fairytale or if there's gonna be a twist and he'll turn out nice. I was gonna be happy either way to be honest, but I thought the ending was fantastic and how everything tied up together ✨
ARC Review
Blue Beard hosting orgy parties at his house barn was something I didn't know I needed until I read this.
I loved this from start to finish. I really like fairytale retellings, so I was wondering how the Red riding hood and Blue beard stories would come together, but honestly, this was pure genius. I loved the dark undertones, the whole woods part as well with the Barrow-Man, I loved that everything felt so thought-out and it was the perfect mixture of tense, funny, mysterious, dark and cute (that's literally my favourite mixture).
I loved all the characters in this, with Sybil's mother being my favourite. I find that most of the fantasy books I've read have either dead parents for the main characters, or they're just shitty/evil people (there's always an evil king isn't there..) so it's always so refreshing when I stumble upon a parent who is actually alive and cares for their child and will sacrifice anything to help them.
I also absolutely loved how I couldn't decide until near the end if our MMC is gonna be proper evil like the fairytale or if there's gonna be a twist and he'll turn out nice. I was gonna be happy either way to be honest, but I thought the ending was fantastic and how everything tied up together ✨
December 9, 2025
(Actual rating: 4.5 stars)
It’s been a while since I read one of Kenney’s books and I forgot how much I love her writing style.
This story immediately sucks you in. I really enjoyed the melding of the two fairytales and how I was left wondering how everything was going to tie together. The setting almost felt Gatsbyish at times with rich, decadent parties, just with a lot more sex.
And of course the spice was 10/10.
My only time complaint (I can’t even really call it that) is that the ending came really fast and everything tied up very quickly. Which isn’t a bad thing I just wasn’t ready for it to end and I was hoping the villain would get more screen time.
Overall I really loved this story and it makes me want to dive into another of Kenney’s books.
*I received and ARC from BookFunnel and this is my honest, voluntary review.*
It’s been a while since I read one of Kenney’s books and I forgot how much I love her writing style.
This story immediately sucks you in. I really enjoyed the melding of the two fairytales and how I was left wondering how everything was going to tie together. The setting almost felt Gatsbyish at times with rich, decadent parties, just with a lot more sex.
And of course the spice was 10/10.
My only time complaint (I can’t even really call it that) is that the ending came really fast and everything tied up very quickly. Which isn’t a bad thing I just wasn’t ready for it to end and I was hoping the villain would get more screen time.
Overall I really loved this story and it makes me want to dive into another of Kenney’s books.
*I received and ARC from BookFunnel and this is my honest, voluntary review.*
December 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this one!
I always love a Rebecca F Kenney book and this one did not disappoint.
I adored the vibes of Wormsloe and the forest and the twist on the Blue Beard story. Beresford was an amazing MMC, and I really liked Sybil as well.
Would definitely recommend to anyone who loves a dark fairytale retelling.
The plot was plotting and spice was spicing!
Thank you so much for the ARC. ❤️
I always love a Rebecca F Kenney book and this one did not disappoint.
I adored the vibes of Wormsloe and the forest and the twist on the Blue Beard story. Beresford was an amazing MMC, and I really liked Sybil as well.
Would definitely recommend to anyone who loves a dark fairytale retelling.
The plot was plotting and spice was spicing!
Thank you so much for the ARC. ❤️
November 17, 2025
I could not put it down! It was so good!
Every page had me guessing and I loved it so much! This is absolutely a recommendation!
I immediately fell in love with the characters even when the secrets got revealed! The writing was beautiful and the story was incredible
I cannot wait to read more of her books🖤
Tropes
🥀Dark Fantasy
🖤Otherworldly Powers/Beings
🥀Secrets
🖤Touch her and unalive
🥀Lots of Steamy Scenes
🖤Poor FMC x Rich MMC
Every page had me guessing and I loved it so much! This is absolutely a recommendation!
I immediately fell in love with the characters even when the secrets got revealed! The writing was beautiful and the story was incredible
I cannot wait to read more of her books🖤
Tropes
🥀Dark Fantasy
🖤Otherworldly Powers/Beings
🥀Secrets
🖤Touch her and unalive
🥀Lots of Steamy Scenes
🖤Poor FMC x Rich MMC
November 27, 2025
I devoured this and the opportunity to have eARC of this because I’m a sucker for reimaginings/retellings of fairytales and folklore. Add in dark romantasy and plenty of spice it checks all my interests with plenty of magic, intrigue and plot to keep me interested. It’s my first book by this author and now I want to read more.
November 22, 2025
I got the opportunity to read this as an eArc and I ate it all up! I loved the combination of two stories and did not see several things coming (in a good way). Sybil is the FMC and I adored her!
Fave quote:
“I love you, you fucking idiot. I love who you are at your core, and I love who you try to be. Neither of us will be the same souls in ten years, or twenty, or thirty, but I’m willing to change together, if you are.”
Fave quote:
“I love you, you fucking idiot. I love who you are at your core, and I love who you try to be. Neither of us will be the same souls in ten years, or twenty, or thirty, but I’m willing to change together, if you are.”
December 3, 2025
The vibes were immaculate. This was such a creative, chaotic twist on two fairytales that absolutely shouldn’t go together… and yet somehow totally did. I had so much fun with it. I love Rebecca F. Kenney and this book just reminded me why.
December 13, 2025
this was insanely interesting book about people abs creatures who can love and accept their secrets together and grow. I had my what in the world moments to aw moments. wonderful job Rebecca
January 9, 2026
I just couldn’t with this book. It’s my fault for choosing it I suppose, I read the description. Just not my kind of book.
December 31, 2025
I got to read this while on the beach in Cabo and it was much spicier than I was prepared for haha but man, did I love it. I LOVED it so much. The retelling was perfection. It was so much fun and I was highly entertained the entire read through. I had fun telling my hubby all about what was happening and my theories as I went. I was excited when some theories came true while others I missed FAR. I love all Rebecca Kenney books and I was so excited for the invite to read this one for free. It made my time in Cabo even better.
Phenomenal retelling!!! I loved all the red riding nods and the twists and turns. The worldbuilding was so good. Absolutely everything about this was great.
Phenomenal retelling!!! I loved all the red riding nods and the twists and turns. The worldbuilding was so good. Absolutely everything about this was great.
November 30, 2025
Rebecca F Kenney has taken two classic tales, dusted them off, mixed them together and put wonderful new twists on them to give us Blue Beard, Red Hood. This book was an unexpected delight of exotic mystery that is still woven with threads of the original classic tales. It was truly the best of both worlds and I loved the sensual new tale.
Sybil visits her grandmother in the forest, swinging a basket of goodies, and wears scarlet, like Little Red Riding Hood in the classic fairytale. However, where the tale deviates, Sybil's forest is filled with demon-like creatures that she herself has conjured and has no idea how her magic works. She lives with her sister Anne and her mother who support her, knowing her oddities, knowing her future of a prospective husband are most likely limited, and yes...this has the classic tale feel of living in the late 18th century where one hopes for such things. The desolation and potential of starvation, the bleak and cold winter felt very real, for which the writing was excellent. It contrasts nicely for when Sybil meets Beresford and attends his parties which are grand and lush by comparison.
Theron Beresford is the second part to this mashed-up fairytale as he has a blue beard. No, he doesn’t like when people ask him about it nor when people ask him questions about his past, and he adores that Sybil doesn't do either. She too doesn’t like talking about her oddness of summoning demons, so she doesn't ask about what upsets him. Is that all kinds of red flag warnings...sure, but does she care...not really. Sybil likes him. He's the first man to pay attention to her, to cherish her, to want her in a deep, almost obsessed, way. So, she's willing to overlook one red flag after another.
Beresford is the "it" man within their small town. He is known for hosting lavish parties, along with midnight naughty parties. Once Sybil enters Beresford's world, it was like falling down into Wonderland. I loved the juxtaposition of this book feeling like an early 19th century piece mixed with a smutty fantasy. It was fantastic 👏 😍 I loved all the great twists that popped up, I honestly never expected any of them. As a matter of fact, all the secondary characters were great, but kudos to Sybil's mother 👏 IYKYK 😉
Theron Beresford is a dirty-bedroom talker🥵, or even out of bedroom 😏Theron is obsessed with Sybil and I 👏was 👏there👏 for👏 it! I love an obsessive man. 💖 Can I get an amen?! 🙌 What drew out the want and need of this plot was the mystery and single view point for most of the book. We hear Sybil's frame of reference for the majority of the book and since she too is obsessing over Beresford it leads to this very singular focus which heightened everything else that had been hiding in the background jump to the foreground with an "aha" when it occurred. It made for wonderful plot twists that I never saw coming. This was truly a delightful, spicy, twist on some classic tales.
Sybil visits her grandmother in the forest, swinging a basket of goodies, and wears scarlet, like Little Red Riding Hood in the classic fairytale. However, where the tale deviates, Sybil's forest is filled with demon-like creatures that she herself has conjured and has no idea how her magic works. She lives with her sister Anne and her mother who support her, knowing her oddities, knowing her future of a prospective husband are most likely limited, and yes...this has the classic tale feel of living in the late 18th century where one hopes for such things. The desolation and potential of starvation, the bleak and cold winter felt very real, for which the writing was excellent. It contrasts nicely for when Sybil meets Beresford and attends his parties which are grand and lush by comparison.
Theron Beresford is the second part to this mashed-up fairytale as he has a blue beard. No, he doesn’t like when people ask him about it nor when people ask him questions about his past, and he adores that Sybil doesn't do either. She too doesn’t like talking about her oddness of summoning demons, so she doesn't ask about what upsets him. Is that all kinds of red flag warnings...sure, but does she care...not really. Sybil likes him. He's the first man to pay attention to her, to cherish her, to want her in a deep, almost obsessed, way. So, she's willing to overlook one red flag after another.
Beresford is the "it" man within their small town. He is known for hosting lavish parties, along with midnight naughty parties. Once Sybil enters Beresford's world, it was like falling down into Wonderland. I loved the juxtaposition of this book feeling like an early 19th century piece mixed with a smutty fantasy. It was fantastic 👏 😍 I loved all the great twists that popped up, I honestly never expected any of them. As a matter of fact, all the secondary characters were great, but kudos to Sybil's mother 👏 IYKYK 😉
Theron Beresford is a dirty-bedroom talker🥵, or even out of bedroom 😏Theron is obsessed with Sybil and I 👏was 👏there👏 for👏 it! I love an obsessive man. 💖 Can I get an amen?! 🙌 What drew out the want and need of this plot was the mystery and single view point for most of the book. We hear Sybil's frame of reference for the majority of the book and since she too is obsessing over Beresford it leads to this very singular focus which heightened everything else that had been hiding in the background jump to the foreground with an "aha" when it occurred. It made for wonderful plot twists that I never saw coming. This was truly a delightful, spicy, twist on some classic tales.
December 4, 2025
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 (rounded up for rating)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This was my second book by Rebecca F. Kenney and I feel like I’ve done myself a disservice by not devouring everything she’s ever written. I mean, the ingenuity with this fairytale mashup blew me away! I had never read the story of Bluebeard and did so prior to reading, and the way the author took inspiration from both fairytales, and then blended them into something equally dark, compelling and intriguing was incredible!
💙Blue Beard x Little Red Riding Hood Fairytale Mashup
🔥Secret Spicy Parties
🖤Whirlwind Romance
💀A Rotting Forest Full Of Monsters
🥰He Finds Her Injured & Bridal Carries Her
🪴Fun Times in the Greenhouse
🕯️Wandering Through Mansions With Candles At Night
🗝Unraveling Secrets
Sybil Fallon has the uncanny ability to unintentionally summon demons at very inconvenient times…fingers crossed she doesn’t summon anything at the dinner being held at Theron Beresford’s estate. To help her try and control her ability, Sybil goes to visit Grandmother Riquet, but she’s not the old woman she remembers – much like the forest surrounding her home, she’s become darker and disturbing.
Trying to put her worries aside, Sybil’s thoughts are consumed by Beresford, and her infatuation grows once she attends one of his naughty midnight parties. While their connection grows, so does the danger surrounding Sybil – local disappearances, a forest under siege by a malevolent presence, and Beresford's secretive nature has her questioning his motives. Will Sybil be able to navigate the treacherous path ahead, or will the future she desires be ripped away by what she uncovers?
I was all in on Beresford once he was properly introduced to Sybil 👀 *IYKYK* Would I have tried to fight the pull to him? Absolutely not. Would I stake my claim like Sybil did? Sure would. Would I be able to let the man have his secrets? LOL I am nosy AF…I know, I know…“curiosity killed the cat” and all that, BUT it turned out great for everyone involved…eventually. Do I stand by Beresford’s methods? Yes. Yes, I do. Did he do anything wrong? Not in my book. All I saw was a man determined and I was here for it! I loved being taken on this journey to see if Sybil could claim the life and love she so desperately desired, and all of the magic and eerie twists along the way kept me on my toes!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This was my second book by Rebecca F. Kenney and I feel like I’ve done myself a disservice by not devouring everything she’s ever written. I mean, the ingenuity with this fairytale mashup blew me away! I had never read the story of Bluebeard and did so prior to reading, and the way the author took inspiration from both fairytales, and then blended them into something equally dark, compelling and intriguing was incredible!
💙Blue Beard x Little Red Riding Hood Fairytale Mashup
🔥Secret Spicy Parties
🖤Whirlwind Romance
💀A Rotting Forest Full Of Monsters
🥰He Finds Her Injured & Bridal Carries Her
🪴Fun Times in the Greenhouse
🕯️Wandering Through Mansions With Candles At Night
🗝Unraveling Secrets
Sybil Fallon has the uncanny ability to unintentionally summon demons at very inconvenient times…fingers crossed she doesn’t summon anything at the dinner being held at Theron Beresford’s estate. To help her try and control her ability, Sybil goes to visit Grandmother Riquet, but she’s not the old woman she remembers – much like the forest surrounding her home, she’s become darker and disturbing.
Trying to put her worries aside, Sybil’s thoughts are consumed by Beresford, and her infatuation grows once she attends one of his naughty midnight parties. While their connection grows, so does the danger surrounding Sybil – local disappearances, a forest under siege by a malevolent presence, and Beresford's secretive nature has her questioning his motives. Will Sybil be able to navigate the treacherous path ahead, or will the future she desires be ripped away by what she uncovers?
I was all in on Beresford once he was properly introduced to Sybil 👀 *IYKYK* Would I have tried to fight the pull to him? Absolutely not. Would I stake my claim like Sybil did? Sure would. Would I be able to let the man have his secrets? LOL I am nosy AF…I know, I know…“curiosity killed the cat” and all that, BUT it turned out great for everyone involved…eventually. Do I stand by Beresford’s methods? Yes. Yes, I do. Did he do anything wrong? Not in my book. All I saw was a man determined and I was here for it! I loved being taken on this journey to see if Sybil could claim the life and love she so desperately desired, and all of the magic and eerie twists along the way kept me on my toes!
November 18, 2025
Rebecca F. Kenney delivers another darkly enchanting tale in Blue Beard Red Hood, a story that blends sensual folklore, creeping dread, and a heroine whose greatest danger may be the magic she can’t control. From the very first page, Sybil Fallon is an immediately compelling protagonist—earnest, anxious, and harboring a power that flares at the worst possible moments. Her struggle to keep her unpredictable demon-summoning ability in check adds a delicious tension to every scene, especially as she’s pulled deeper into the orbit of the enigmatic Theron Beresford.
Beresford himself is a fascinating twist on the classic Bluebeard figure: charming, magnetic, and carrying an aura of mystery as distinctive as his literal blue beard. Kenney balances allure and foreboding with expert precision, making the blossoming attraction between Sybil and Beresford both irresistible and unsettling. Their chemistry crackles, especially once Sybil receives her first invitation to Beresford’s clandestine midnight gatherings—scenes that pulse with erotic intensity while still feeding the story’s ominous undercurrent.
The novel’s atmosphere is one of its greatest triumphs. The forest surrounding Sybil’s reclusive former mentor, Grandmother Riquet, feels like a character in its own right—one that has twisted into something malevolent since Sybil’s last visit. As Sybil confronts unsettling changes in both her mentor and the woods themselves, Kenney ratchets up the tension, merging fairy-tale eeriness with gothic suspense.
Local disappearances, whispered suspicions, and the shadows lurking behind Beresford’s charm turn the narrative into a seductive labyrinth—one Sybil must navigate if she hopes to claim the life and love she desires. Kenney excels at weaving sensuality with danger, ensuring readers remain as breathless as Sybil herself.
Blue Beard Red Hood is a lush, provocative retelling that offers thrills, heat, and a heroine who shines even when the darkness presses in. Fans of gothic romance, folklore-inspired fantasy, and morally grey love interests will devour this one.
Content guidance is available in the book’s front matter or on the author’s website.
Beresford himself is a fascinating twist on the classic Bluebeard figure: charming, magnetic, and carrying an aura of mystery as distinctive as his literal blue beard. Kenney balances allure and foreboding with expert precision, making the blossoming attraction between Sybil and Beresford both irresistible and unsettling. Their chemistry crackles, especially once Sybil receives her first invitation to Beresford’s clandestine midnight gatherings—scenes that pulse with erotic intensity while still feeding the story’s ominous undercurrent.
The novel’s atmosphere is one of its greatest triumphs. The forest surrounding Sybil’s reclusive former mentor, Grandmother Riquet, feels like a character in its own right—one that has twisted into something malevolent since Sybil’s last visit. As Sybil confronts unsettling changes in both her mentor and the woods themselves, Kenney ratchets up the tension, merging fairy-tale eeriness with gothic suspense.
Local disappearances, whispered suspicions, and the shadows lurking behind Beresford’s charm turn the narrative into a seductive labyrinth—one Sybil must navigate if she hopes to claim the life and love she desires. Kenney excels at weaving sensuality with danger, ensuring readers remain as breathless as Sybil herself.
Blue Beard Red Hood is a lush, provocative retelling that offers thrills, heat, and a heroine who shines even when the darkness presses in. Fans of gothic romance, folklore-inspired fantasy, and morally grey love interests will devour this one.
Content guidance is available in the book’s front matter or on the author’s website.
November 20, 2025
✨Blue Beard Red Hood✨
My first book by Rebecca and I had a great time! A super spicy Bluebeard/Red Riding Hood retelling with monsters and secrets, you get mystery, horror aspects, and a unique love story.
We follow the POV of our FMC, Sybil, who has battled a strange lifelong disposition: she can summon demons. When living around townspeople who despise her finally reaches its limit, a mysterious man with blue hair and beard comes calling. From here we find many new secrets about our MMC, Beresford, and Sybil’s past, as well as a dark entity that may be the culprit of her summoning. The spice starts early and the relationship is initially built on lust and trust, lacking honesty due to the secrets our MCs keep, but as the story continues we see why that isn’t the way to have a healthy relationship. Through this, we get to see a love transpire in several ways: through imperfection and mistakes but thorough commitment, one that will go to great morally compromised lengths to protect, as well as a quiet love that ignores beauty and loves the soul before the body.
While dark, a little gory, and mysterious, BBRH was still full of whimsy, banter, a devoted found family, and a great overall message. I enjoyed the banter and finding out the deep dark secrets of our MMC. I felt like those moments added such depth and revealed a relationship built deeper than how it began in a way that made me look back and reevaluate everything- and when I did, I swooned. The plot twists were so fun, unique, and I didn’t expect the last one!
Tropes you may find in BBRH are forced proximity, secrets, monsters, high spice, exhibitionism, found family, comfort/wound tending, mental health rep, gothic & witchy vibes, FMC demon summoner, MMC with blue hair and secret spicy parties, haunted forest, and a HEA.
It was such a joy to read your work, Rebecca. Thank you for this gifted arc!
My first book by Rebecca and I had a great time! A super spicy Bluebeard/Red Riding Hood retelling with monsters and secrets, you get mystery, horror aspects, and a unique love story.
We follow the POV of our FMC, Sybil, who has battled a strange lifelong disposition: she can summon demons. When living around townspeople who despise her finally reaches its limit, a mysterious man with blue hair and beard comes calling. From here we find many new secrets about our MMC, Beresford, and Sybil’s past, as well as a dark entity that may be the culprit of her summoning. The spice starts early and the relationship is initially built on lust and trust, lacking honesty due to the secrets our MCs keep, but as the story continues we see why that isn’t the way to have a healthy relationship. Through this, we get to see a love transpire in several ways: through imperfection and mistakes but thorough commitment, one that will go to great morally compromised lengths to protect, as well as a quiet love that ignores beauty and loves the soul before the body.
While dark, a little gory, and mysterious, BBRH was still full of whimsy, banter, a devoted found family, and a great overall message. I enjoyed the banter and finding out the deep dark secrets of our MMC. I felt like those moments added such depth and revealed a relationship built deeper than how it began in a way that made me look back and reevaluate everything- and when I did, I swooned. The plot twists were so fun, unique, and I didn’t expect the last one!
Tropes you may find in BBRH are forced proximity, secrets, monsters, high spice, exhibitionism, found family, comfort/wound tending, mental health rep, gothic & witchy vibes, FMC demon summoner, MMC with blue hair and secret spicy parties, haunted forest, and a HEA.
It was such a joy to read your work, Rebecca. Thank you for this gifted arc!
November 25, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ARC Review
I absolutely loved this dark romantasy retelling. Of magical creatures, other worlds, enchantment and magical powers.
There was an excellent back story of mystery and secrets which kept me guessing. Overcoming fears of acceptance, trust issues and commitment. Creating a beautiful enchanted love story between Sybil and Theron.
The spice was excellent 🌶️ The banter of the characters also.The mother made me laugh but also her fierce and protective nature for her children.
A spicy, adult romantasy retelling of "Bluebeard" and "Little Red Riding Hood," two of Charles Perrault's most famous stories.
Sybil Fallon has a habit of summoning demons unintentionally and at the most inconvenient times. When she, her mother, and her sister are invited to an upcoming dinner at the estate of the mysterious Theron Beresford, Sybil is desperate to ensure that her ability won't manifest and ruin the evening. But when she seeks help from her reclusive former mentor, Grandmother Riquet, she discovers that the old woman has changed in dangerous and disturbing ways... and so has the forest in which she lives.
As Sybil struggles to control an ability she doesn't understand, she becomes strongly attracted to Beresford, the brawny, handsome estate owner. His distinctive blue beard isn't his only unusual trait. In addition to socially acceptable dinner parties, he also likes to host secret gatherings in the refurbished barn on his property. Sybil's first invitation to one of his naughty midnight parties opens her mind to a world of new pleasures. But with local disappearances inciting the suspicion of the neighbors, and Beresford's secretive nature raising questions in her own mind, Sybil must navigate an increasingly treacherous path through the forest of her circumstances in pursuit of the future she wants.
I absolutely loved this dark romantasy retelling. Of magical creatures, other worlds, enchantment and magical powers.
There was an excellent back story of mystery and secrets which kept me guessing. Overcoming fears of acceptance, trust issues and commitment. Creating a beautiful enchanted love story between Sybil and Theron.
The spice was excellent 🌶️ The banter of the characters also.The mother made me laugh but also her fierce and protective nature for her children.
A spicy, adult romantasy retelling of "Bluebeard" and "Little Red Riding Hood," two of Charles Perrault's most famous stories.
Sybil Fallon has a habit of summoning demons unintentionally and at the most inconvenient times. When she, her mother, and her sister are invited to an upcoming dinner at the estate of the mysterious Theron Beresford, Sybil is desperate to ensure that her ability won't manifest and ruin the evening. But when she seeks help from her reclusive former mentor, Grandmother Riquet, she discovers that the old woman has changed in dangerous and disturbing ways... and so has the forest in which she lives.
As Sybil struggles to control an ability she doesn't understand, she becomes strongly attracted to Beresford, the brawny, handsome estate owner. His distinctive blue beard isn't his only unusual trait. In addition to socially acceptable dinner parties, he also likes to host secret gatherings in the refurbished barn on his property. Sybil's first invitation to one of his naughty midnight parties opens her mind to a world of new pleasures. But with local disappearances inciting the suspicion of the neighbors, and Beresford's secretive nature raising questions in her own mind, Sybil must navigate an increasingly treacherous path through the forest of her circumstances in pursuit of the future she wants.
December 2, 2025
𝐀𝐫𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐜𝐚 𝐅 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐲
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 : 𝟏𝟐/𝟓/𝟐𝟓
“Being true to you is the easiest thing in the world. I could do it for a lifetime.”
Blue Beard Red Hood feels like stepping into a forest that is both beautiful and quietly hungry. Addictive gore, lore, and unapologetic spice woven into one deliciously twisted fairytale retelling.
Sybil, can’t stop summoning demons, She’s been whispered about, judged, discarded, yet she burns brighter for it. I loved her care and understanding for these creatures even though most found them frightening she is a twisty and semi-brash character that feels real. The dynamic between Sybil, her mother, and her sister adds warmth and levity to a story otherwise soaked in dread and desire.
Beresford radiates mystery from the moment he steps into the light, blue beard, blue hair, and a quiet intensity that borders on predatory charm. His world is full of secrets, only adding to the fun. Sybil and Beresford’s relationship begins with lust, debachery and danger but morphs into love marked by imperfection, by mistakes, and devotion.
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 : ★ ★ ★ ★ .𝟓 / 𝟓
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 : ♥︎ ♥︎ ♥︎ ♥︎/ 𝟓
The horror elements, flourish this book thrives in a gothic, creepy forest with danger lurking And the spice brazen, charged, shamelessly fun. But throughout this story it’s exposing vulnerabilities and desires, peeling back the masks Sybil and Theron both hide behind.
By the end, the story feels like stepping out of a darkened forest with my heart racing. The lore and twists were such a blast. I only knew one of the original tales going in, and researching Bluebeard afterward was SO satisfying
Read If You Like
Dark fairytale retelling
“My Wife”
Gothic Spicy Romantasy
Horror, Gore and Lore
“I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.”
Thank you Rebecca F. Kenney
𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐜𝐚 𝐅 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐲
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 : 𝟏𝟐/𝟓/𝟐𝟓
“Being true to you is the easiest thing in the world. I could do it for a lifetime.”
Blue Beard Red Hood feels like stepping into a forest that is both beautiful and quietly hungry. Addictive gore, lore, and unapologetic spice woven into one deliciously twisted fairytale retelling.
Sybil, can’t stop summoning demons, She’s been whispered about, judged, discarded, yet she burns brighter for it. I loved her care and understanding for these creatures even though most found them frightening she is a twisty and semi-brash character that feels real. The dynamic between Sybil, her mother, and her sister adds warmth and levity to a story otherwise soaked in dread and desire.
Beresford radiates mystery from the moment he steps into the light, blue beard, blue hair, and a quiet intensity that borders on predatory charm. His world is full of secrets, only adding to the fun. Sybil and Beresford’s relationship begins with lust, debachery and danger but morphs into love marked by imperfection, by mistakes, and devotion.
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 : ★ ★ ★ ★ .𝟓 / 𝟓
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 : ♥︎ ♥︎ ♥︎ ♥︎/ 𝟓
The horror elements, flourish this book thrives in a gothic, creepy forest with danger lurking And the spice brazen, charged, shamelessly fun. But throughout this story it’s exposing vulnerabilities and desires, peeling back the masks Sybil and Theron both hide behind.
By the end, the story feels like stepping out of a darkened forest with my heart racing. The lore and twists were such a blast. I only knew one of the original tales going in, and researching Bluebeard afterward was SO satisfying
Read If You Like
Dark fairytale retelling
“My Wife”
Gothic Spicy Romantasy
Horror, Gore and Lore
“I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.”
Thank you Rebecca F. Kenney
December 12, 2025
Rebecca Kenney is the queen of fairytale retellings, and Blue Beard, Red Hood is yet another reminder that she knows exactly how to take something familiar and make it feel dangerous, indulgent, and impossible to put down. I went into this expecting a dark mash-up and came out fully obsessed, slightly unsettled, and already wanting to reread just to catch all the things I probably missed the first time.
This story has such a good slow creep to it. Nothing explodes right away, but the unease is always there, in the woods, in the magic, in the secrets everyone is quietly keeping. Sybil is a great FMC because she feels young in a very real way: earnest, a little impatient, and deeply unsure of herself, yet still brave enough to want more than the life she’s been boxed into. Her magic is messy and inconvenient and honestly kind of terrifying, which made her journey toward acceptance hit even harder.
And then there’s Theron Beresford… listen. From the moment he shows up, the vibes are immaculate and also deeply suspicious. I loved not knowing what to think about him for a good chunk of the book. Is he a walking red flag? Yes. Was I still leaning in every time he appeared on page? Also yes. Their connection starts off very much in the “this might be a bad idea” zone and slowly turns into something intense, devoted, and surprisingly tender, and that progression was soooo satisfying.
What really sold this book for me, though, was how well everything balanced. The spice is there, but it never takes over. The horror elements are unsettling without being overwhelming. The fairytale nods are clever without being heavy-handed, and the mash-up is perfection. And underneath all of it, there’s a story about choice: choosing curiosity, choosing desire, choosing to stop shrinking yourself to make others comfortable.
Blue Beard, Red Hood is dark, fun, eerie, and wildly readable. It’s the kind of retelling that trusts the reader, rewards patience, and leaves you longing for more from Theron and Sybil. If you’re even remotely a fan of twisted fairytales, this one deserves a top spot on your TBR.
This story has such a good slow creep to it. Nothing explodes right away, but the unease is always there, in the woods, in the magic, in the secrets everyone is quietly keeping. Sybil is a great FMC because she feels young in a very real way: earnest, a little impatient, and deeply unsure of herself, yet still brave enough to want more than the life she’s been boxed into. Her magic is messy and inconvenient and honestly kind of terrifying, which made her journey toward acceptance hit even harder.
And then there’s Theron Beresford… listen. From the moment he shows up, the vibes are immaculate and also deeply suspicious. I loved not knowing what to think about him for a good chunk of the book. Is he a walking red flag? Yes. Was I still leaning in every time he appeared on page? Also yes. Their connection starts off very much in the “this might be a bad idea” zone and slowly turns into something intense, devoted, and surprisingly tender, and that progression was soooo satisfying.
What really sold this book for me, though, was how well everything balanced. The spice is there, but it never takes over. The horror elements are unsettling without being overwhelming. The fairytale nods are clever without being heavy-handed, and the mash-up is perfection. And underneath all of it, there’s a story about choice: choosing curiosity, choosing desire, choosing to stop shrinking yourself to make others comfortable.
Blue Beard, Red Hood is dark, fun, eerie, and wildly readable. It’s the kind of retelling that trusts the reader, rewards patience, and leaves you longing for more from Theron and Sybil. If you’re even remotely a fan of twisted fairytales, this one deserves a top spot on your TBR.
December 3, 2025
**ARC READ**
4.5⭐️
2/5🌶️
Dual/first person POV
Book 6 in a series of interconnected standalones
Format: e-arc
Spoiler free
Such a pleasant read
Thank you Rebecca for allowing me to arc read the next book in your Beloved Villains series.
I had such a fun time with this one. I automatically know by now what I’m getting into with RFK but this really took me by surprise. This retelling was genius with the combination of these 2 fairytales. The execution was nicely done. Just when you think you know both of the fairytales & can see where this plot is going… nope, not even close.
The part that surprised me the most is that this entry isn’t as blatantly spicy or smutty like the majority of her work. There’s a nice/healthy😅dose of spice sprinkled throughout without bogging down the story with sex.
I also fell in love with this FMC. She’s so good, like really really good but so young & has no patience. The MMC started out sus 🤣but intrigued me & I fell for him eventually. Now, in all honesty, Their romance was insta-lust but it ended up becoming just the cutest romance.
The side characters were limited but all great additions. By the middle of the book, I was gnawing my nails thinking of all the different possibilities this retelling can go in/so many questions in my head that needed to be resolved.
Negatives
1 The conflict did end up resolving very quick considering the length it took to get there.
2 there were a few inconsistencies in the storytelling throughout the plot.
3 The world building was a little too simple for me but I do also think it fits the book perfectly.
**Releases 12/5/25**
4.5⭐️
2/5🌶️
Dual/first person POV
Book 6 in a series of interconnected standalones
Format: e-arc
Spoiler free
Such a pleasant read
Thank you Rebecca for allowing me to arc read the next book in your Beloved Villains series.
I had such a fun time with this one. I automatically know by now what I’m getting into with RFK but this really took me by surprise. This retelling was genius with the combination of these 2 fairytales. The execution was nicely done. Just when you think you know both of the fairytales & can see where this plot is going… nope, not even close.
The part that surprised me the most is that this entry isn’t as blatantly spicy or smutty like the majority of her work. There’s a nice/healthy😅dose of spice sprinkled throughout without bogging down the story with sex.
I also fell in love with this FMC. She’s so good, like really really good but so young & has no patience. The MMC started out sus 🤣but intrigued me & I fell for him eventually. Now, in all honesty, Their romance was insta-lust but it ended up becoming just the cutest romance.
The side characters were limited but all great additions. By the middle of the book, I was gnawing my nails thinking of all the different possibilities this retelling can go in/so many questions in my head that needed to be resolved.
Negatives
1 The conflict did end up resolving very quick considering the length it took to get there.
2 there were a few inconsistencies in the storytelling throughout the plot.
3 The world building was a little too simple for me but I do also think it fits the book perfectly.
**Releases 12/5/25**
January 4, 2026
The story and main character is so refreshing. I know that this is a retelling of two fairy tales, but it is so refreshing to have a chill FMC. Yes she has special abilities, but she’s not some heroic self sacrificing hero. Don’t get me wrong, I often love those types of stories, but it’s also refreshing to have a character that has abilities and just doesn’t know how they work or wants to go out and save the world. She’s human. She is scared and wants to just live a normal life with the people she loves.
And I love that there was no long drawn out miscommunication or misunderstanding between the FMC and the MMC. Yes there were secrets that had to slowly be uncovered between the two of them. But they had a rational conversation! She waited to hear what he had to say upon discovering part of his secret. I hate when there is miscommunication between characters in a story and I felt this story dealt with it in a relatively realistic way. Like she wasn’t going to overlook the issue right away but was willing to listen.
And I love that the MMC was able to show his fear towards the end of the book. Despite being a big and strong man with special abilities he admitted he was scared. He didn’t want to rush into danger to sacrifice himself to save the love of his life. He freaks out in an appropriate way. But was also willing to listen to a plan and go through with the plan despite his fear.
I wish I could find more books like this because, although I do love the self sacrificing heroics, I also love characters that are human and that I can relate to. And I could relate to these characters.
And I love that there was no long drawn out miscommunication or misunderstanding between the FMC and the MMC. Yes there were secrets that had to slowly be uncovered between the two of them. But they had a rational conversation! She waited to hear what he had to say upon discovering part of his secret. I hate when there is miscommunication between characters in a story and I felt this story dealt with it in a relatively realistic way. Like she wasn’t going to overlook the issue right away but was willing to listen.
And I love that the MMC was able to show his fear towards the end of the book. Despite being a big and strong man with special abilities he admitted he was scared. He didn’t want to rush into danger to sacrifice himself to save the love of his life. He freaks out in an appropriate way. But was also willing to listen to a plan and go through with the plan despite his fear.
I wish I could find more books like this because, although I do love the self sacrificing heroics, I also love characters that are human and that I can relate to. And I could relate to these characters.
December 1, 2025
Here we meet the FMC Sybil Fallon and the MMC Theron Beresford. Sybil lives with her sister and mother in poverty, a financial situation they have been in the last couple of years. Sybil have this ability to summon demon animals looking all kinds of scary and nightmarish.
Then Beresford arrives, having decided to start having dinner parties and org!es (more or less, the latter for the younger people to enjoy). The book gave me some bridgerton feels to the world with clothes and how they talk to each other, but the steamy scenes definitely takes a step further 🔥
There's a lot of secrets in this book. And with the secrets, many things remain a mystery for a long while. But when they start to reveal themselves, and with them the plot twists, it all is insanely crazy and makes sense at the same time. Everything is so nicely put together at the end.
I also love how the MMC takes care of the FMC, as he's rich as balls, and she's definitely on the poor side. But she still shows that she has things to contribute with and what she can give him.
This is a dark fantasy romance and a standalone.
There's another quote that I really liked:
"Something about the glint of his teeth and the ferocity in his eyes sparks a primal twinge of terror in my chest.. an animalistic instinct, warning me that I've wandered willingly into the lair of a predator who sees me as nothing more than a meal."
This gives much of the feels for the book, and I love it!
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
Then Beresford arrives, having decided to start having dinner parties and org!es (more or less, the latter for the younger people to enjoy). The book gave me some bridgerton feels to the world with clothes and how they talk to each other, but the steamy scenes definitely takes a step further 🔥
There's a lot of secrets in this book. And with the secrets, many things remain a mystery for a long while. But when they start to reveal themselves, and with them the plot twists, it all is insanely crazy and makes sense at the same time. Everything is so nicely put together at the end.
I also love how the MMC takes care of the FMC, as he's rich as balls, and she's definitely on the poor side. But she still shows that she has things to contribute with and what she can give him.
This is a dark fantasy romance and a standalone.
There's another quote that I really liked:
"Something about the glint of his teeth and the ferocity in his eyes sparks a primal twinge of terror in my chest.. an animalistic instinct, warning me that I've wandered willingly into the lair of a predator who sees me as nothing more than a meal."
This gives much of the feels for the book, and I love it!
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
December 12, 2025
It is very hard to write a review for this one? Writing style, I think the author is getting better and very good with keeping us on our toes. The story is suspenseful and since I enjoy the horror genre a lot, this was a treat.
In comparison to her other stories I have read - this one was exceptionally spicy and had more shock value as well. It took a while to get used to the spicy exchange between the main characters, but everything was consensual so it helped a lot.
Definitely please head the content warnings - this one doesn't play around.
The side pairing wasn't in the focus - which is good since I struggle with multiple pairings in one book, since I feel pressured to pick favorites and then skip the ones I am not interested in. This was a good balance and I wouldn't mind a short story of even a continue solely focused on them.
On another note - the ending left me caught of guard. I felt almost robbed of prolonged wrap up - I missed a better focused conclusion. At least personally I felt rushed from a run on what's gonna happen next and the end left me unsatisfied - down right frustrated. I kept having so many questions and somehow all the huge changes/things that happened were too fast. I honestly keep thinking on the story and question all the time - is this all, will there be something else from them? This can't be it, right?
So it was a wild rushed ride for me, full of excitement and interest in the unique world building, but leaving me hangry for more :D *in a non mean way really*
In comparison to her other stories I have read - this one was exceptionally spicy and had more shock value as well. It took a while to get used to the spicy exchange between the main characters, but everything was consensual so it helped a lot.
Definitely please head the content warnings - this one doesn't play around.
The side pairing wasn't in the focus - which is good since I struggle with multiple pairings in one book, since I feel pressured to pick favorites and then skip the ones I am not interested in. This was a good balance and I wouldn't mind a short story of even a continue solely focused on them.
On another note - the ending left me caught of guard. I felt almost robbed of prolonged wrap up - I missed a better focused conclusion. At least personally I felt rushed from a run on what's gonna happen next and the end left me unsatisfied - down right frustrated. I kept having so many questions and somehow all the huge changes/things that happened were too fast. I honestly keep thinking on the story and question all the time - is this all, will there be something else from them? This can't be it, right?
So it was a wild rushed ride for me, full of excitement and interest in the unique world building, but leaving me hangry for more :D *in a non mean way really*
November 20, 2025
"I am a devourer of knowledge, but I also happen to love teaching. Would you like a lesson?”
This book follows Sybil who struggles with unintentionally summoning demons. Where they seem harmless enough; it's very much put a damper on how everyone sees her. When her and her family get invited to Theron Beresford's estate for a dinner, her family begs and eventually convinces her to visit Grandmother Riquet. Someone who once tried to teach Sybil how to control her accidental summoning, but they had a bit of a falling out. When Sybil visits her, she notices a shift in the woman; she seems off...and so does the forest.
During the dinner party, Beresford invited Sybill to a private party later in the week, one of quite naughty descent. Now that she's had a taste of Beresford; she can see more for her future. More than being avoided because she's a "witch." A future where she doesn't have to worry about whether or not her and her family will survive another winter. One where she is provided for in both financial security and where her body is worshipped.
What You Can Expect:
📖Secret Spicy Parties
📖Fairytale Retelling
📖Age Gap
📖Hidden Identity
📖Devoted to Her
“Some people only need a few encounters to understand the fundamentals of each other’s being.”
-----
so good 😭🙌🏻 rebecca kept me up until the early hours of the morning reading
This book follows Sybil who struggles with unintentionally summoning demons. Where they seem harmless enough; it's very much put a damper on how everyone sees her. When her and her family get invited to Theron Beresford's estate for a dinner, her family begs and eventually convinces her to visit Grandmother Riquet. Someone who once tried to teach Sybil how to control her accidental summoning, but they had a bit of a falling out. When Sybil visits her, she notices a shift in the woman; she seems off...and so does the forest.
During the dinner party, Beresford invited Sybill to a private party later in the week, one of quite naughty descent. Now that she's had a taste of Beresford; she can see more for her future. More than being avoided because she's a "witch." A future where she doesn't have to worry about whether or not her and her family will survive another winter. One where she is provided for in both financial security and where her body is worshipped.
What You Can Expect:
📖Secret Spicy Parties
📖Fairytale Retelling
📖Age Gap
📖Hidden Identity
📖Devoted to Her
“Some people only need a few encounters to understand the fundamentals of each other’s being.”
-----
so good 😭🙌🏻 rebecca kept me up until the early hours of the morning reading
November 23, 2025
Never in my wildest dreams could I have ever imagined fable mash up such as this. I was skeptical at first of how it would work, but of course I should have just trusted the queen of fairytale retellings- because obviously she always knows best.
Our little Red Hood is an enchanted girlie. Sometimes she accidentally summons demons- don’t we all some days! When she meets the reclusive stranger Beresford, she is immediately enchanted by him and his mystique. The two engage in some illicit acts and a whirlwind romance ensues.
I always love the unique spins that Rebecca Kenney comes up with. She eats with the retellings, but they always end up feeling very unique. Beresford and Sybil were both so haunted by their pasts and I swear from their first meeting you could feel the chemistry between them flying off the page.
The pacing was as usual perfect, and the spice definitely hit- I was a huge fan of our blue bearded MMC. Beresford’s mysterious definitely had me properly engaged right away, who doesn’t want to read about a handsome unique looking stranger who is very very rich!
I always love a fairytale world and the setting was very simple and fit the story beautifully! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good spicy fairytale, books with unique magic systems and good old fashioned romance lovers❤️
Our little Red Hood is an enchanted girlie. Sometimes she accidentally summons demons- don’t we all some days! When she meets the reclusive stranger Beresford, she is immediately enchanted by him and his mystique. The two engage in some illicit acts and a whirlwind romance ensues.
I always love the unique spins that Rebecca Kenney comes up with. She eats with the retellings, but they always end up feeling very unique. Beresford and Sybil were both so haunted by their pasts and I swear from their first meeting you could feel the chemistry between them flying off the page.
The pacing was as usual perfect, and the spice definitely hit- I was a huge fan of our blue bearded MMC. Beresford’s mysterious definitely had me properly engaged right away, who doesn’t want to read about a handsome unique looking stranger who is very very rich!
I always love a fairytale world and the setting was very simple and fit the story beautifully! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good spicy fairytale, books with unique magic systems and good old fashioned romance lovers❤️
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