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Claiming Red
They called me Red for the cloak I wore. Soon they'd call me Red for the blood I spilled.
I saw my own death in a vision. Hands bound, water in my lungs, the village elder drowning me for witchcraft.
So I ran into the forest they warned us about. Into the dark that had swallowed my husband and six armed men and sent back pieces.
I didn't make it far.
I woke up in my dead grandmother's cottage with boards on the windows and a bar on the door. The man who put me there was tall, scarred, and living in these woods like he'd grown out of the trees. He said he was keeping me safe. He said the forest had things in it that hunted by scent. He said I couldn't leave.
He cooked for me. Argued with me. Watched me with amber eyes that tracked every move I made like I was something he'd been starving for his whole life.
Then I saw what he really was. Black fur. Gold eyes. A wolf the size of a nightmare standing where the man had been seconds before.
Wolves and blood-keepers have been enemies for centuries. He should have torn my throat out. I should have run.
Neither of us did what we were supposed to.
But he wasn't the only wolf in this forest. And the other one was older, hungrier, and already knew what I was worth.
When the village came hunting, when the thing in the dark came for what it believed was its, I had to choose. Run again, or fight beside the man who was never really a man at all.
I chose blood.
Claiming Red is Book 1 of the Once Upon A Monster series. Each book can be read as a standalone. MF dark paranormal romance. HEA.
A dark paranormal Red Riding Hood retelling with werewolf romance, forced proximity, captive-to-lovers, a plus-size FMC over 35, and a dangerous hero who'd rather die than claim her without consent.
I saw my own death in a vision. Hands bound, water in my lungs, the village elder drowning me for witchcraft.
So I ran into the forest they warned us about. Into the dark that had swallowed my husband and six armed men and sent back pieces.
I didn't make it far.
I woke up in my dead grandmother's cottage with boards on the windows and a bar on the door. The man who put me there was tall, scarred, and living in these woods like he'd grown out of the trees. He said he was keeping me safe. He said the forest had things in it that hunted by scent. He said I couldn't leave.
He cooked for me. Argued with me. Watched me with amber eyes that tracked every move I made like I was something he'd been starving for his whole life.
Then I saw what he really was. Black fur. Gold eyes. A wolf the size of a nightmare standing where the man had been seconds before.
Wolves and blood-keepers have been enemies for centuries. He should have torn my throat out. I should have run.
Neither of us did what we were supposed to.
But he wasn't the only wolf in this forest. And the other one was older, hungrier, and already knew what I was worth.
When the village came hunting, when the thing in the dark came for what it believed was its, I had to choose. Run again, or fight beside the man who was never really a man at all.
I chose blood.
Claiming Red is Book 1 of the Once Upon A Monster series. Each book can be read as a standalone. MF dark paranormal romance. HEA.
A dark paranormal Red Riding Hood retelling with werewolf romance, forced proximity, captive-to-lovers, a plus-size FMC over 35, and a dangerous hero who'd rather die than claim her without consent.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2026
10 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Sephyrra
13 books85 followersSephyrra watched Nightmare on Elm Street with her mom as a kid. She was terrified. But she didn't hate Freddy. That was the confusing part. Then came Beauty and the Beast, and when the Beast turned into a prince she felt cheated. She wanted him to stay the Beast. Then she saw Dracula take Lucy in werewolf form and that was it for her.
Villains over heroes. Creatures over men. She found her people on Tumblr, spent years writing the love stories no one was publishing, and eventually decided to publish them herself.
She writes dark romance and monster romance with plus size heroines over 35. The monster stays monster. The scenes don't fade to black.
Villains over heroes. Creatures over men. She found her people on Tumblr, spent years writing the love stories no one was publishing, and eventually decided to publish them herself.
She writes dark romance and monster romance with plus size heroines over 35. The monster stays monster. The scenes don't fade to black.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 8, 2026
This is the best book I’ve read all year.
I genuinely enjoyed all of it and can say with certainty it’s the most well written werewolf book I’ve ever read. Often times I feel like the werewolf trope lacks maturity and/or depth, that was not the case here.
Claiming Red was remarkably written, the pace and storyline are unique and left me repeatedly saying just one more chapter. I loved the world building and I’m praying we get more in this really captivating universe.
I loved how dark and gritty the world was but the MMC was so soft for the FMC 🥹😭💗 the definition of yearning and all the feels!!
M/F
Werewolf x Witch
Touch her and 💀
THE YEARNING
He’s never been shown/touched with kindness trope
Knotting 🥵🥵🥵
Primal play 👀
I genuinely enjoyed all of it and can say with certainty it’s the most well written werewolf book I’ve ever read. Often times I feel like the werewolf trope lacks maturity and/or depth, that was not the case here.
Claiming Red was remarkably written, the pace and storyline are unique and left me repeatedly saying just one more chapter. I loved the world building and I’m praying we get more in this really captivating universe.
I loved how dark and gritty the world was but the MMC was so soft for the FMC 🥹😭💗 the definition of yearning and all the feels!!
M/F
Werewolf x Witch
Touch her and 💀
THE YEARNING
He’s never been shown/touched with kindness trope
Knotting 🥵🥵🥵
Primal play 👀
April 6, 2026
This was such a wonderful story. The FMC Talia was such a lovable strong character. Dietrich was the perfect MMC. Powerful, thoughtful, willing to do whatever it took to protect her. I loved this take on mates and bonds. I hope we see more of these characters in the future because that ending 👀.
I'm super excited for this series and can't wait to see who's next. If you love retellings then don't sleep on this one.
I'm super excited for this series and can't wait to see who's next. If you love retellings then don't sleep on this one.
April 5, 2026
Claiming Red by Sephyrra easily elevated this author to my absolute favorite! While dark as her Primal Sins series, it was certainly not a light, fluffy read. A Little Red Riding Hood retelling, complete with a smoking-hot werewolf and strong feminine empowerment, with medicinal women/midwifery vibes of the 1700’s, kept me captivated from the very first openning scene. Clearly framed in a historical context of 1690’s amongst the witch hunt hysteria, we know any female who rejects a male immediately puts themselves at risk, made worse by the knowledge and talent of our female main character. As a pagan who loves researching the spiritual and medicinal uses of herbs and flowers, I found Sephyrra really captured their uses with high accuracy in the story, which gave me a great appreciation for it. Following along with our FMC as she is forced out of the only home she knows to be saved or captured by our very stubborn yet golden retriever love interest, he enraptured me. I finished this book extremely fast for my on average six-day slow reading style, in just three days. Whether you love shifter stories with some great spice, fairytale retellings, or feminine empowerment with magical realism, this book is absolutely for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
From the moment I opened "Claiming Red" by Sephyrra, I felt like I had stepped into something ancient, dangerous, and deeply personal—and by the end, I realized I hadn’t just read a story, I had lived alongside it.
Talia, our Red, is not just a heroine; she is a legacy. As a blood-keeper, her existence is steeped in generations of power, sacrifice, and mystery. What struck me most was how beautifully Sephyrra wove the concept of blood-keepers through lineage, making it feel both mythic and intimate. This isn’t just magic for spectacle—it’s inherited, earned, and carried like both a gift and a burden. Each thread of her ancestry adds weight to who she is, and I found myself completely captivated by the idea that her strength is the culmination of every woman who came before her.
The atmosphere of the village is suffocating in the best way. The witch hunts aren’t just background noise—they are brutal, ever-present, and chillingly real. Klaus’s grip on the people is terrifying, and the fear he instills seeps through every page. You don’t just understand the danger Red is in—you feel it. That tension kept me on edge constantly, and it made every act of defiance feel monumental.
And then there are the women who shaped her. Sophia, her aunt, is nothing short of extraordinary—fierce, resilient, and unwavering in the face of unimaginable danger. Red’s grandmother carries the same quiet, formidable strength, and together they embody the bloodline's legacy in such a powerful way. I loved how each generation contributed something different: different abilities, different wisdom, making the blood-keeper lineage feel rich and layered rather than repetitive.
When Dietrich enters the story, the dynamic shifts in the most compelling way. Without taking anything away from Red’s strength, his presence adds depth, tension, and something undeniably magnetic. Their connection felt earned, not rushed, and it grounded the story in something deeply emotional amidst all the darkness.
What truly stayed with me, though, was how personal this story felt. I didn’t just root for Red—I connected with her. Her struggle with identity, with carrying the weight of her lineage, with finding her place in a world that fears her… it resonated on a level I didn’t expect. And through it all, the story carries this beautiful, unwavering truth: love, real love, finds a way. No matter the fear, the oppression, the history working against it, it endures.
Sephyrra lays an incredible foundation in this book, and it only gets more consuming as it unfolds. The deeper I got, the harder it was to put down. I told myself “just one more chapter” more times than I can count—and I never meant it. I had to know what happened next.
I do want to note for anyone interested—this is a dark paranormal romance, and as the author states in the table of contents, it is “A Dark Red Riding Hood Retelling.” There is a content advisory at the beginning that readers should absolutely take a moment to review. If those elements aren’t triggering for you, I cannot recommend diving into this story enough; it is truly something special.
This is a five-star read without hesitation, and long after I turned the final page, I found myself still thinking about Red, her strength, her love, and the legacy she carries, like a story that quietly settles into your bones and refuses to let go. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Talia, our Red, is not just a heroine; she is a legacy. As a blood-keeper, her existence is steeped in generations of power, sacrifice, and mystery. What struck me most was how beautifully Sephyrra wove the concept of blood-keepers through lineage, making it feel both mythic and intimate. This isn’t just magic for spectacle—it’s inherited, earned, and carried like both a gift and a burden. Each thread of her ancestry adds weight to who she is, and I found myself completely captivated by the idea that her strength is the culmination of every woman who came before her.
The atmosphere of the village is suffocating in the best way. The witch hunts aren’t just background noise—they are brutal, ever-present, and chillingly real. Klaus’s grip on the people is terrifying, and the fear he instills seeps through every page. You don’t just understand the danger Red is in—you feel it. That tension kept me on edge constantly, and it made every act of defiance feel monumental.
And then there are the women who shaped her. Sophia, her aunt, is nothing short of extraordinary—fierce, resilient, and unwavering in the face of unimaginable danger. Red’s grandmother carries the same quiet, formidable strength, and together they embody the bloodline's legacy in such a powerful way. I loved how each generation contributed something different: different abilities, different wisdom, making the blood-keeper lineage feel rich and layered rather than repetitive.
When Dietrich enters the story, the dynamic shifts in the most compelling way. Without taking anything away from Red’s strength, his presence adds depth, tension, and something undeniably magnetic. Their connection felt earned, not rushed, and it grounded the story in something deeply emotional amidst all the darkness.
What truly stayed with me, though, was how personal this story felt. I didn’t just root for Red—I connected with her. Her struggle with identity, with carrying the weight of her lineage, with finding her place in a world that fears her… it resonated on a level I didn’t expect. And through it all, the story carries this beautiful, unwavering truth: love, real love, finds a way. No matter the fear, the oppression, the history working against it, it endures.
Sephyrra lays an incredible foundation in this book, and it only gets more consuming as it unfolds. The deeper I got, the harder it was to put down. I told myself “just one more chapter” more times than I can count—and I never meant it. I had to know what happened next.
I do want to note for anyone interested—this is a dark paranormal romance, and as the author states in the table of contents, it is “A Dark Red Riding Hood Retelling.” There is a content advisory at the beginning that readers should absolutely take a moment to review. If those elements aren’t triggering for you, I cannot recommend diving into this story enough; it is truly something special.
This is a five-star read without hesitation, and long after I turned the final page, I found myself still thinking about Red, her strength, her love, and the legacy she carries, like a story that quietly settles into your bones and refuses to let go. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Claiming red
Wow. Where do I even begin??? This was an absolutely amazing and wonderful book. I was excited from the blurb alone but it exceeded my expectations. The beginning of this book had me hooked straight away, the description was perfection - not too long and boring, not too short it left you empty. It was enough for you to envision exactly what the author wanted. I expected a version of little red riding hood, but I was met with witchcraft/witch trials. An exciting add-on to the classic fairytale. I feel lost now 😂 this was raw and perfection. The letter from Sophia had me in tears, I felt every single one of Reds emotions. From her stubbornness, to her grief. From her love to her absolute rage upon the men that took everything from her. The way she defended all those who had been lost, I just cannot fault this book enough. This would be perfect as a stand alone but I am hoping for another one - one where she can find more people like her and delve into her magic in depth. I feel right now she is only touching the surface.
The happy ending is something I’ve become bored of in many romantasy, I’ve been craving something heartbreaking and yet, this. This happy ending is something I think every female who has ever wanted and been trying for *that* happy ending (I don’t want to spoil anything) can relate too, and for me it hit something in my heart I had been missing.
I really enjoyed the mature characters (35-40) and I really enjoyed the fact the fmc was plus sized. This was an easy read, but in the sense you get completely and utterly absorbed feeling as one with Red.
Wow. Where do I even begin??? This was an absolutely amazing and wonderful book. I was excited from the blurb alone but it exceeded my expectations. The beginning of this book had me hooked straight away, the description was perfection - not too long and boring, not too short it left you empty. It was enough for you to envision exactly what the author wanted. I expected a version of little red riding hood, but I was met with witchcraft/witch trials. An exciting add-on to the classic fairytale. I feel lost now 😂 this was raw and perfection. The letter from Sophia had me in tears, I felt every single one of Reds emotions. From her stubbornness, to her grief. From her love to her absolute rage upon the men that took everything from her. The way she defended all those who had been lost, I just cannot fault this book enough. This would be perfect as a stand alone but I am hoping for another one - one where she can find more people like her and delve into her magic in depth. I feel right now she is only touching the surface.
The happy ending is something I’ve become bored of in many romantasy, I’ve been craving something heartbreaking and yet, this. This happy ending is something I think every female who has ever wanted and been trying for *that* happy ending (I don’t want to spoil anything) can relate too, and for me it hit something in my heart I had been missing.
I really enjoyed the mature characters (35-40) and I really enjoyed the fact the fmc was plus sized. This was an easy read, but in the sense you get completely and utterly absorbed feeling as one with Red.
April 24, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from author
Talia es una mujer que ha pasado por mucho; el tener premoniciones que de alguna manera la atormentan y la hacen pensar que algo está mal en ella, la muerte de sus padres a temprana edad, la muerte de su esposo, etc.
Ella vive en una pequeña aldea donde se dedica a sanar a las personas a base de medicina herbal aprendida por su abuela. Pero un día esta misma ayuda que brinda se vuelve en su contra y es acusada de brujería.
Talia debe huir al bosque donde se encuentra con Dietrich un humano que no es del todo humano; es un hombre lobo (un cambiaformas), un depredador natural de la especie de Talia. Pero juntos es la única manera en la que podrán enfrentar lo que amenaza bajo las sombras del bosque.
Amo que la autora escriba personajes +30. Y en Talia podrás encontrar a una mujer fuerte, muy valiente y con una determinación inquebrantable. Dietrich por su parte es un hombre cuidador, una persona que sabe brindar apoyo.
Está reinterpretación oscura me dio lo que alguna vez quise leer. A una caperucita que ya no es una niña, una caperucita que incluso puede llegar a ser más letal que el mismo lobo y sobretodo a una caperucita que ve diferente al lobo 🔥😉
Talia es una mujer que ha pasado por mucho; el tener premoniciones que de alguna manera la atormentan y la hacen pensar que algo está mal en ella, la muerte de sus padres a temprana edad, la muerte de su esposo, etc.
Ella vive en una pequeña aldea donde se dedica a sanar a las personas a base de medicina herbal aprendida por su abuela. Pero un día esta misma ayuda que brinda se vuelve en su contra y es acusada de brujería.
Talia debe huir al bosque donde se encuentra con Dietrich un humano que no es del todo humano; es un hombre lobo (un cambiaformas), un depredador natural de la especie de Talia. Pero juntos es la única manera en la que podrán enfrentar lo que amenaza bajo las sombras del bosque.
Amo que la autora escriba personajes +30. Y en Talia podrás encontrar a una mujer fuerte, muy valiente y con una determinación inquebrantable. Dietrich por su parte es un hombre cuidador, una persona que sabe brindar apoyo.
Está reinterpretación oscura me dio lo que alguna vez quise leer. A una caperucita que ya no es una niña, una caperucita que incluso puede llegar a ser más letal que el mismo lobo y sobretodo a una caperucita que ve diferente al lobo 🔥😉
Review of advance copy received from Author
Still Thinking about this, "Staring at the Wall"
Sephyrra has been on my tbr for a while now, but this description grabbed me and pulled me in. Which I am very glad for, as I have been out of my wolf shifter phase and I would have missed a wonderful story and experience. I've read a lot of fairy tale retellings, and this one is unique but still true to the original (with a tip of the cap to lines we all know, as well).
This is not fast paced, but builds a rich back story, supported by beautiful language and descriptions. It gradually built up like an avalanche; increasing speed and pulling everything together, taking you out emotionally and burying you with everything to finish processing at the ending. It is raw, dark but not for shock value and emotionally complex. I loved the origin story and the way she supplied the history needed. The main characters grew and developed, had flaws and were relatable, sometimes contradictory as well as endearing. The foreshadowing at the end is hopefully is an indicator that we will get more. I'll certainly be waiting for it.
Thank you Sephyrra for letting me read this and I loved the chance to leave my honesty review.
Sephyrra has been on my tbr for a while now, but this description grabbed me and pulled me in. Which I am very glad for, as I have been out of my wolf shifter phase and I would have missed a wonderful story and experience. I've read a lot of fairy tale retellings, and this one is unique but still true to the original (with a tip of the cap to lines we all know, as well).
This is not fast paced, but builds a rich back story, supported by beautiful language and descriptions. It gradually built up like an avalanche; increasing speed and pulling everything together, taking you out emotionally and burying you with everything to finish processing at the ending. It is raw, dark but not for shock value and emotionally complex. I loved the origin story and the way she supplied the history needed. The main characters grew and developed, had flaws and were relatable, sometimes contradictory as well as endearing. The foreshadowing at the end is hopefully is an indicator that we will get more. I'll certainly be waiting for it.
Thank you Sephyrra for letting me read this and I loved the chance to leave my honesty review.
April 24, 2026
This one?? Dark, brutal, and completely addictive—I was hooked immediately 👀🔥
A Red Riding Hood retelling but make it feral. The atmosphere is heavy, dangerous, and constantly feels like something is lurking just out of sight. From the very beginning, there’s this sense of dread that never really lets up—and I loved it.
The tension?? INSANE.
Forced proximity, enemies-to-something-more, and that slow, charged pull between them that builds with every interaction. He’s protective but dangerous, controlled but barely—and the fact that consent actually matters to him just makes everything hit even harder 🖤
And when the reveal happens?? Yeah… I was DONE.
Between the blood, the wolves, and the constant feeling that survival isn’t guaranteed, this story just keeps raising the stakes. It’s intense, emotional, and a little bit savage in the best way.
✨ If you love:
• dark paranormal romance 🐺
• twisted fairytale retellings
• forced proximity / captive vibes 👀
• morally grey, dangerous heroes
• tension that feels like it could snap
This one is gritty, haunting, and impossible to put down 👀🔥
A Red Riding Hood retelling but make it feral. The atmosphere is heavy, dangerous, and constantly feels like something is lurking just out of sight. From the very beginning, there’s this sense of dread that never really lets up—and I loved it.
The tension?? INSANE.
Forced proximity, enemies-to-something-more, and that slow, charged pull between them that builds with every interaction. He’s protective but dangerous, controlled but barely—and the fact that consent actually matters to him just makes everything hit even harder 🖤
And when the reveal happens?? Yeah… I was DONE.
Between the blood, the wolves, and the constant feeling that survival isn’t guaranteed, this story just keeps raising the stakes. It’s intense, emotional, and a little bit savage in the best way.
✨ If you love:
• dark paranormal romance 🐺
• twisted fairytale retellings
• forced proximity / captive vibes 👀
• morally grey, dangerous heroes
• tension that feels like it could snap
This one is gritty, haunting, and impossible to put down 👀🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.75 & 3🌶
This is another dark fairytale retelling. Toss out what you think you know about little red riding hood. Add in some witchcraft and an older established FMC Talia and you get the beginning of this enjoyable redone.
This tale weaves in the historical aspect of the witchcraft trials and the underlying misogyny that was inherent to the mob mindset. If you float instead of drown, you're a witch and then you'll be burned alive, if you drown you're innocent and you'll be redeemed in heaven.
I think adding in that trial and persecution element and twisting the other supernatural aspects (werewolf shifters) and this becomes almost a new story. I don't want to give too much away but if you like a darker telling, don't let this one pass you by.
Tropes and triggers: witchcraft, puritanical persecution, fairytale retelling, forced proximity, ancient magic, power discovery, enemies to lovers, touch her and ☠️, dark romance
I received an advanced copy for an honest review.
This is another dark fairytale retelling. Toss out what you think you know about little red riding hood. Add in some witchcraft and an older established FMC Talia and you get the beginning of this enjoyable redone.
This tale weaves in the historical aspect of the witchcraft trials and the underlying misogyny that was inherent to the mob mindset. If you float instead of drown, you're a witch and then you'll be burned alive, if you drown you're innocent and you'll be redeemed in heaven.
I think adding in that trial and persecution element and twisting the other supernatural aspects (werewolf shifters) and this becomes almost a new story. I don't want to give too much away but if you like a darker telling, don't let this one pass you by.
Tropes and triggers: witchcraft, puritanical persecution, fairytale retelling, forced proximity, ancient magic, power discovery, enemies to lovers, touch her and ☠️, dark romance
I received an advanced copy for an honest review.
April 24, 2026
This book was absolutely unhinged in the best way 😮💨
Claiming Red is a dark Little Red Riding Hood retelling and when I say dark… I mean CHECK. THE. TRIGGERS. because this story does not hold back.
We’ve got:
🐺 werewolf shifters
🩸 magic + chaos
🔥 forced proximity
🖤 captive-to-lovers tension
and somehow?? It all just WORKED.
The way he was the virgin??? obsessed.
The way she survived everything thrown at her??? Even more obsessed.
And when they said “fine, we’ll burn it all down together” and chose revenge??? Yeah… that did something to me.
Also can we talk about a dangerous MMC who refuses to claim her without consent?? Because THAT is how you write a morally gray monster. That is how we can see that the real monster isn't always the one who is hiding in the forest, it could be the man just down the street "protecting the city".
This was gritty, violent, a little feral, and honestly just a wild ride from start to finish.
Claiming Red is a dark Little Red Riding Hood retelling and when I say dark… I mean CHECK. THE. TRIGGERS. because this story does not hold back.
We’ve got:
🐺 werewolf shifters
🩸 magic + chaos
🔥 forced proximity
🖤 captive-to-lovers tension
and somehow?? It all just WORKED.
The way he was the virgin??? obsessed.
The way she survived everything thrown at her??? Even more obsessed.
And when they said “fine, we’ll burn it all down together” and chose revenge??? Yeah… that did something to me.
Also can we talk about a dangerous MMC who refuses to claim her without consent?? Because THAT is how you write a morally gray monster. That is how we can see that the real monster isn't always the one who is hiding in the forest, it could be the man just down the street "protecting the city".
This was gritty, violent, a little feral, and honestly just a wild ride from start to finish.
Read
April 14, 2026This is the story of Talia and Dietrich. Talia was raised by her aunt and her grandmother, but after their passing and the death of her husband she’s lived a quiet life in the village as a widow and healer. She’s had visions since she was young, so when she has one of a woman facing trial by drowning she fears it’s her own death that she’s foretelling …….
I loved this book. The plot was good, as was the pace of the story, and Talia was an amazing character with the way she dealt with everything thrown at her. Dietrich was a gem too with his hidden depths and the way he tried to protect Talia when all she wanted to do was escape him. Hopefully from the epilogue their story isn’t over yet, so I’ll certainly be looking out for more from this author 🐈⬛
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this book. The plot was good, as was the pace of the story, and Talia was an amazing character with the way she dealt with everything thrown at her. Dietrich was a gem too with his hidden depths and the way he tried to protect Talia when all she wanted to do was escape him. Hopefully from the epilogue their story isn’t over yet, so I’ll certainly be looking out for more from this author 🐈⬛
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So the good of the story was I appreciated that the FMC was older and that it was actually the MMC who was the inexperienced one of the two. I also enjoyed that everyone got their comeuppance. The author has a way of writing that definitely throws you into the time period of their stories.
Now the bad, I felt there were so many phrases reused over and over again making the story feel repetitive. I wanted to like the FMC, but overall found her annoying and she was just kind of flat. The romance between the FMC and MMC, felt like the reader being told, there was no chemistry between them. And I feel like there were underlying plot points the author was trying to get across that just weren’t fully flushed out.
I wanted to love this story, usually retellings are my jam but this one just missed the mark for me.
Now the bad, I felt there were so many phrases reused over and over again making the story feel repetitive. I wanted to like the FMC, but overall found her annoying and she was just kind of flat. The romance between the FMC and MMC, felt like the reader being told, there was no chemistry between them. And I feel like there were underlying plot points the author was trying to get across that just weren’t fully flushed out.
I wanted to love this story, usually retellings are my jam but this one just missed the mark for me.
Review of advance copy
I received this book as an ARC and was glad I did. This is a very different PNR and the story is simply amazing. The writing is flawless and detailed character development. This story is in a different time period and Talia is a healer and Dietrich is a man that is as complex as he is kind and patient. Yes it’s a version of Red Riding hood and it has a very hard to convince Talia who is not a young girl going to grandmothers house. Dietrich is not your big bad wolf but rather a man who has been alone for his whole life living in her grandmothers hidden cottage. This is a slow burn and a deep romance but has all the heat that I crave in a dark read. The ending is amazing and revenge tasted sweet! Read this book it’s from an Author who draws us into a world you’ll hate to leave.
Review of advance copy
Dark and Layered Red Riding Hood Retelling
This dark romance retelling of Red Riding Hood offers a complex and layered story with strong world-building and well-developed characters. The narrative goes deeper than a typical retelling, creating a rich and sometimes intense reading experience.
Because of its depth and darker tone, it’s not a light or quick read, but one that requires a bit more attention and investment. The journey is worth it, though—the ending feels earned, and the happily-ever-after comes after significant challenges.
Overall, an intriguing and thoughtfully crafted retelling for readers who enjoy darker, more complex romances.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This dark romance retelling of Red Riding Hood offers a complex and layered story with strong world-building and well-developed characters. The narrative goes deeper than a typical retelling, creating a rich and sometimes intense reading experience.
Because of its depth and darker tone, it’s not a light or quick read, but one that requires a bit more attention and investment. The journey is worth it, though—the ending feels earned, and the happily-ever-after comes after significant challenges.
Overall, an intriguing and thoughtfully crafted retelling for readers who enjoy darker, more complex romances.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 24, 2026
I received a free copy of this book and i am voluntarily leaving a review
Sephyrra's version of Little Red Riding Hood may be my favorite retelling yet. This was a spectacular read and it might be the first book I've read in years where the FMC (Talia) was older than me. She's nearly 40 and a total badass who shows that you're never too old to evolve. She is the karma for all men who've ever wronged a woman and I'll be rooting for her forever.
The relationship between Talia and the MMC Dietrich was so well done in my opinion. There's none of the instalove falling all over each other at first sight that is typical of most werewolf romances. It took them a while and I loved every moment of it.
Sephyrra's version of Little Red Riding Hood may be my favorite retelling yet. This was a spectacular read and it might be the first book I've read in years where the FMC (Talia) was older than me. She's nearly 40 and a total badass who shows that you're never too old to evolve. She is the karma for all men who've ever wronged a woman and I'll be rooting for her forever.
The relationship between Talia and the MMC Dietrich was so well done in my opinion. There's none of the instalove falling all over each other at first sight that is typical of most werewolf romances. It took them a while and I loved every moment of it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shifter romance? Yes please! Talia. I dont even have words to describe how badass she is. Truly one of a kind. Absolutely loved this take on Mates and Shifters and how each branch came to be. Not explained like super in depth, but enough to understand and be relevant and totally unique. I love how the story grew and blossomed and you almost forget foretelling from the beginning until it literally smacks you in the face, because like why would you want to keep that in mind as you're going through this amazing story. And it happens and sadly you realize, of course it happened, because it was bound to do so. Definitely a good read.
Review of advance copy
I will never look at Little Red Riding Hood the same way again….
Yes in a good way.
I loved this retelling with a twist. It was dark from the offset.
The plot was really good. The story was resonably fast paced.
It was a breath of fresh air to read a story with an older FMC & MMC, not the typical late teens to mid twenties. And a plus sized FMC…. Bonus!!!!
And the MMC who was still a virgin in his 40s (no shame) it was so sweet and the bond between both was just soooo heartwarming.
And a baby after the whole plot, even better.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Yes in a good way.
I loved this retelling with a twist. It was dark from the offset.
The plot was really good. The story was resonably fast paced.
It was a breath of fresh air to read a story with an older FMC & MMC, not the typical late teens to mid twenties. And a plus sized FMC…. Bonus!!!!
And the MMC who was still a virgin in his 40s (no shame) it was so sweet and the bond between both was just soooo heartwarming.
And a baby after the whole plot, even better.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was great! Not dark at all, the relationship between the main characters was very consensual and the MMC was a sweetheart underneath all that tough exterior. There were some off page darker moments concerning other characters and lots of violence, but it was all well placed to progress the story.
I'd say it's a Red Riding Hood retelling with LOTS of Beauty and the Beast vibes - the captivity, the falling for a "monster" and finding a way to his heart etc. It's really well written, although some parts get a little repetitive, but it doesn't really distract from the story. I loved the ending, and I'm curious what book 2 is going to be about. No cliffhangers, though!
I'd say it's a Red Riding Hood retelling with LOTS of Beauty and the Beast vibes - the captivity, the falling for a "monster" and finding a way to his heart etc. It's really well written, although some parts get a little repetitive, but it doesn't really distract from the story. I loved the ending, and I'm curious what book 2 is going to be about. No cliffhangers, though!
Review of advance copy
I felt the FMC was a bit naive, though maybe that was intentional, which drove me a little crazy sometimes as the reader being able to know things before it was spelled out. Overall though, it flowed really nicely. The story held a good pace and it was fun to see where the journey would take me.
Not five stars because certain lines were repeated within pages of each other in a way that seemed as though the author had forgotten they already used that line, and because the FMC was too smart to be that naive.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Not five stars because certain lines were repeated within pages of each other in a way that seemed as though the author had forgotten they already used that line, and because the FMC was too smart to be that naive.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Claiming Red really pulled me in with its tense, almost simmering atmosphere. It’s less about big plot moments and more about how everything feels—there’s a constant sense that something is about to shift, which kept me hooked.
The character dynamics stood out most. The push and pull felt raw and sometimes uncomfortable, but in a way that made the relationships feel more real and impactful. The quieter moments hit surprisingly hard too, adding emotional depth.
It’s not the lightest read, but if you’re in the mood for something immersive and emotionally charged, it definitely lingers after you finish.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The character dynamics stood out most. The push and pull felt raw and sometimes uncomfortable, but in a way that made the relationships feel more real and impactful. The quieter moments hit surprisingly hard too, adding emotional depth.
It’s not the lightest read, but if you’re in the mood for something immersive and emotionally charged, it definitely lingers after you finish.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 24, 2026
To begin, I must commend the book for its engaging storyline. While I noticed elements reminiscent of a Red Riding Hood retelling, the connection was not entirely clear to me. The initial chapters felt somewhat prolonged, and I nearly stopped reading as a result. Overall, it was an enjoyable story, though I would have appreciated more depth in the dark romance aspects. The narrative explores themes of witches and werewolf lore. I finished the book in just a few hours over two days. As a fan of fantasy, I found the story compelling, but I believe additional detail in the romantic elements would have enhanced the experience.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
"My name is Talia.
They call me Red.
I am a blood-keeper. One in a line of women who carried the old blood and paid the price for it."
I'm new to this author but enjoyed very much her writting style.
Claiming Red is based lightly on Little Red's fairytale.Darker and spicier.
While the theme is not original, the author did a good work with a blend of angst,longuing and self-discovery.Add to that a cruel villain hungry for power and ruthless enough to use any means against Red.
There's some sensitive themes that may be triggers for some,so check the CW.
They call me Red.
I am a blood-keeper. One in a line of women who carried the old blood and paid the price for it."
I'm new to this author but enjoyed very much her writting style.
Claiming Red is based lightly on Little Red's fairytale.Darker and spicier.
While the theme is not original, the author did a good work with a blend of angst,longuing and self-discovery.Add to that a cruel villain hungry for power and ruthless enough to use any means against Red.
There's some sensitive themes that may be triggers for some,so check the CW.
Review of advance copy
I received this as an ARC and I am so glad I did. A good retelling just feels do good, and this one did not disappoint. I LOVED that the FMC was of mature age and had lived a little. That's my jam. I didn't particularly like that the MMC had 0 experience, but it worked for the story.
I was definitely screaming to the FMC like she could hear me, but so glad she figured out all the things. I totally got my HEA 😍
I completely enjoyed this book and I will probably read more from this author. Thanks for letting me be part of this journey.
I was definitely screaming to the FMC like she could hear me, but so glad she figured out all the things. I totally got my HEA 😍
I completely enjoyed this book and I will probably read more from this author. Thanks for letting me be part of this journey.
Review of advance copy
3.5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed this one with the mix of witchcraft, werewolves, and red riding hood retelling! Once I got through a few chapters, I was hooked. The author does such a good job at portraying what women go through, especially with the era the book was set in. I absolutely loveedddd Dietrich—he was such a softie.
The author does love run-on sentences which kind of took me out of the book, but overall I really liked this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this one with the mix of witchcraft, werewolves, and red riding hood retelling! Once I got through a few chapters, I was hooked. The author does such a good job at portraying what women go through, especially with the era the book was set in. I absolutely loveedddd Dietrich—he was such a softie.
The author does love run-on sentences which kind of took me out of the book, but overall I really liked this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the idea of twisting classic stories/fairy tales. I do think this book started a little slow but just keep reading, it does get intense at times. The story and the relationships were great. I would like to know more about Erik's past. I would consider this book a lower spice level so it would be good for beginner readers. Hopefully there will more books in the future about different characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an absolutely amazing book! Basically a dark retelling of Little Red Riding Hood but so much better!! The FMC was amazing and even when things went wrong she didn't let it get her down for too long. The MMC was not what you would expect at first..but I absolutely loved him and his protectivness. I will definitely be recommending this in a few book groups I am in! I cant wait to read more..and there better be more after the way things ended 😉 I recieved an advance review copy for free for an honest voluntary review.
April 24, 2026
Claiming Red was very well written. I enjoyed it immensely. The storyline and the pace are unique and made it to where I didn't want to put this book down. I enjoyed the world building, and I hope we more of this universe. I loved how the MMC was so soft for the FMC but the world was dark and gritty. I loved Talia she was such a loveable character. Dietrich was the perfect MMC. He was powerful, thoughtful, and was willing to do whatever it took to protect her. If you love shifter stories with great spice, fairytale retellings, feminine empowerment with magical realism, this book is for you.
April 24, 2026
I enjoyed this story so much. I loved Red. I loved that she was older. I loved that she had experienced life, that she had strong, loving relationships. I felt her loneliness, her struggles, and her fears.
Then there was Dietrich, so strong in so many ways, and yet so innocent in so many others. Reading about his vulnerabilities really made this story for me. Both Dietrich and Red were outstanding enemies-to-lovers.
This was one of those stories I wish I could read for the first time all over again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Then there was Dietrich, so strong in so many ways, and yet so innocent in so many others. Reading about his vulnerabilities really made this story for me. Both Dietrich and Red were outstanding enemies-to-lovers.
This was one of those stories I wish I could read for the first time all over again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
This book was such a captivating story. It grabbed me and wouldn't let me go. Talia is such a different FMC and the ties between them both is so refreshing. I also love that Talia is an older more mature FMC. That alone make this book perfect and the little red riding hood story is top teir. The spicy is awesome and the story is just as enjoyable which I always appreciate. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!
Review of advance copy
I loved every minute of this. I was sucked in from the first page. The thrill was not expected but loved it through the entire book. I couldn't put it down. I read it in a day! Talia was so very relatable. I loved her fierceness, her never say never attitude. The first love scene grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go. It was beautifully created. I felt every moment in the book like i was there, very well written.
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