Red

by Taylor K. Scott

The rules: go straight to Grandma’s house, keep to the path and never speak to strangers. I broke them all…

Once upon a time, I met a wolf.

Small, black, injured, but with the most dazzling blue eyes I’d ever seen. Eyes that captivated me from the moment they connected with mine. Eyes that saw right into my soul.

Perhaps I should have run, sought help from my grandmother like I did whenever my parents fought. But I was a child then; too curious and trusting to stay on the safe path. So I stayed and cemented my fate to him.

Years passed with my wolfy wandering in and out of my life, as if he also knew he should have run on that day. But, like me, he couldn’t stay away.

By the time I discovered he was more than a lost wolf pup, it was already too late. There would be no escape. The wolves would be at our door, both the real ones and those posing in sheep’s clothing.

But as it turns out, I would turn out to be more than just a little girl lost in the woods.

As for living happily ever after? I would have to find out if such a thing could ever last.

About the author

You'd think being a writer, I would find this an easy feat, but talking about myself always leaves me a little stumped. So, I beg for your forgiveness when I attempt to give you a little bit of waffle about me. I'm a mother, wife and primary school teacher, who has found a passion for reading and writing. It's become so addictive I no longer watch TV, instead I get lost in alternative realities and frequently lie awake in the middle of the night with random ideas for what to put my characters through next. Music is often my muse but I also love to include real life experiences in my books. I want people to be able to relate to my characters and to know that they're not the only ones to go through certain difficulties, anxieties or embarrassing situations. I like to think my stories are different from one another, some being romantic comedies whilst others are full of suspense. Hopefully you agree and will enjoy getting lost inside of my head for a while. My serving suggestion is to indulge with a side dish of something sweet, something comfy and where possible, a golden retriever to curl up next to.

Reviews

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her grandmother's cottage has always been an escape for Scarlett when her parents are fighting, but the woods are full of dangers for the young girl. When she first meets Wolfy he was just a wolf pup with beautiful blue eyes, but he soon becomes her protector, drawn to her through the years when she's in danger. But Wolfy is more than he seems and she finds out he's a shifter named Failim. She loves both the man and the beast, but being together is forbidden and she's not even supposed to know his kind exists. After Failim is sent away by his pack, Scarlett feels like a part of her has been ripped away.
This is a spicy adult retelling of the Red Riding Hood fable with a supernatural twist. I liked being able to follow their bond through the years from childhood on and I laughed out loud when she firsts meets Failim in his "natural" state! The world seemed like it was against them and the story turned dark with her depression and forced separation. I'm so glad for their hard won HEA!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Captivating Shifter Romance Based On A Fairytale

I am a fan of the author and was not yet familiar with this genre of hers, but I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping young adult romantasy novel that is based on „Little Red Riding Hood“ and has a supernatural twist. The dark plot is very well written, has friends to lovers, fated mates, star-crossed lovers, forbidden love and mental illness rep tropes, and is packed with heartfelt emotions, angst, drama, suspense, danger, violence, domestic abuse, sexual assault, a touch of magic and steamy love scenes. I really liked the characters and loved how their relationship developed—from their instant, heartwarming bond in childhood to their strong attraction, connection, and sizzling chemistry as fated mates. Red is a caring human with family and mental health issues, and Failim is a sweet and protective beta wolf shifter. Their attraction, pain and longing are palpable throughout the book.

Whenever her father becomes violent at home or she feels sad or unwell, young Scarlett flees to her grandmother's cottage in the forest. One day, she discovers a young wolf there. Wolfy becomes her best friend, comforting her and always protecting her. But one day, she finds out that Wolfy, aka Failim, is a wolf shifter. The love and attraction between the two is strong, but Failim knows that they can never see each other again, because as a human and descendant of the hunters who hunted and killed his kind, a relationship between them is impossible and Red is in danger of being killed by the alphas of his pack, even though separation due to an ancient curse leads to heartbreak and deep depression for Red...

If you like dark fairytale variations with a twist and shifter romances filled with emotion, suspense, and spice, you'll love this book!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Red Ridding Hood do I need to say more …. I mean we all know how that begins and ends but hold on this isn’t that get comfortable 😊. Red goes to visit her grandmother, yes, she is instructed by grandmother to stick to the path of course curiosity gets the best of her on that path she meets wolfy where they become fast friends and when she feels unsafe or needs to get away from fighting parents it is off to grandmother’s house. Failim sexy as all get out wolf shifter known as Wolfy who has watched Red visit her grandmother knowing he is inviting trouble she is his mate but he can’t stay away especially when she needs him considering her parents are no good for her, her grandmother is the only one who seems to care for her and so when she hurts it hurts him knowing he will take care of for her but they aren’t supposed to be together in fact she was supposed to just stick to the path. But neither of them can walk away from the magnetic pull between them despite their differences or the twist, the turns that are throw their way the pull is too strong to walk away from but where are they headed, will they realize they are stronger together than apart, will they accept everything about one another, and will they get their very own HEA after working so hard for it?

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Dark, Addictive Fairytale Retelling You Won’t Forget

RED absolutely blew me away. Taylor K. Scott takes the bones of Little Red Riding Hood and transforms them into something haunting, emotional, and completely mesmerizing. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by Scarlett’s voice—raw, vulnerable, and brave in ways she doesn’t even understand yet.

The relationship between Scarlett and Failim is the heart of this story, and it is written beautifully. Their connection feels fated from the moment Scarlett meets the small, injured black wolf with those striking blue eyes. What starts as a childhood encounter slowly grows into something deeper, darker, and far more complicated. Watching their lives weave in and out of each other over the years kept me turning the pages long after I should’ve gone to sleep.

Scott builds an eerie, atmospheric world filled with real wolves, monsters in disguise, and secrets that unravel at the perfect pace. As Scarlett grows older and begins to uncover Failim’s true identity, the tension skyrockets. The danger feels real, the twists are sharp, and every revelation hit exactly the way it was meant to.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ingrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This retelling of Red Riding Hood offers a creative twist: the wolf isn’t the villain at all, but her friend, and the grandmother becomes a true safe haven. Moving the story into present-day settings gives it a fresh feel and adds an interesting layer to the world-building.

While I appreciated the concept, I didn’t fully connect with Red Riding Hood herself — she felt a bit flat to me, which made it harder to stay emotionally invested. The wolf, however, was a standout character and easily the one I found myself rooting for.

Overall, it’s an okay read with a unique premise. It offers a new take on a classic fairy tale, even if it didn’t end up being particularly memorable for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! a fantastic re-telling of little red riding hood... she was told to stay on the path... she went to grandmas a lot... her parents fought a lot... she was told to stay on the path... and one day , she left the path, just a little bit... a little black wolf was injured, she had to see him and stay with him .. they became friends and he had the most bluest eyes... he knew even then , that she was his mate.. he should have stayed away but, he couldn't... he was her Wolfy and they loved each other... over the years , he watched her, keep her safe... but, there were others, dangerous ones that walked the path... so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SusanT62 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A retelling of “Little Red Riding Hood” with the wolf, Red and grandma.

Red visits her grandma and meets Wolfy. Wolfy is a shifter and his name is Failim. This story follows them as they grow up and fall in love. The story will pull you in as you will want to find out what happens. There are twists that will make you sad. Ultimately this is a love story between two lovely characters. You become invested in their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a spicy, adult retelling of "Red Riding Hood" with a supernatural twist. The story follows Scarlett, who finds refuge at her grandmother's cottage whenever her parents argue. The surrounding woods, however, are dangerous. Scarlett first encounters Wolfy as a blue-eyed wolf pup. He quickly becomes her protector, always appearing when she is in danger. Scarlett later discovers Wolfy is a shifter named Failim. I was deeply invested in their journey and pleased by their hard-won happy ending. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story and the supernatural spin on Little Red Riding Hood was perfect. Red and Wolfy have an instant connection, but are destined for disaster. Watching them grow and their bond strength over the years was pure magic. This book has great tension and heartbreak, suspenseful moments, and several extra spicy scenes. One of the best takes on a classic fairytale I've ever read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Priscilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was written in a different style of how this author usually writes but maybe it is due to the nature of this book. It does take place in the modern world but it feels like a whole different world when the cottage is involved which can be confusing. The characters are not very well developed. Overall, the book is ok.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice: 4/5
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Shifter Romance,
ARC Source: I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thoughts: Red by Taylor K. Scott is a fascinating take on a fairytale retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. One of the most enjoyable aspects of this version of Red is being able to watch the characters grow up together and experiencing the ups and downs of their relationship along the way. It’s an enjoyable blend of character development and spice.

[Amber Novak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and entertaining take on the classic Little Red Riding Hood story. Red and wolfy are fated and it was fun getting to read their friendship over the years. A little suspense, a little action, lots of love, just the right amount of spice, and a perfect ending make this a good story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing story that was fun to read. I liked the similarities to the fable. I loved the characters. I loved their amazing chemistry which added to my enjoyment of the book. The drama was entertaining along with the suspenseful nature of the storyline.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anita Balthazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Romantasy is always a winner with me. Little Red Riding Hood is retold with all the spice. Taylor K. Scott has an amazing imagination, I'm so looking forward to the other books by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ladnamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a reimagining of the Little Red Riding Hood story but with spice and a twist on the wolf. I enjoyed the reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.