What do you think?
Maple Hollow #1
Big Bad Wolf
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Dream Harbor series, comes a brand new paranormal romance set in the small town of Maple Hollow.
The darker the woods, the bigger the secrets...
Ruby Bellerose lives on the edge of the woods, in a cottage more akin to a fairy tale than modern day life. Her love life is basically non-existent, and she keeps away from the whispered gossip that travels through Maple Hollow.
Until a chance encounter with Rafe.
As mysterious as he is brooding, Ruby is drawn to the woodsman, curious to find out more about the stranger who lives deep within the woods.
But Rafe is hiding a secret. And with something lurking in the shadowy forest, will Ruby find that Rafe is her knight in shining armor or something altogether more dangerous...
The darker the woods, the bigger the secrets...
Ruby Bellerose lives on the edge of the woods, in a cottage more akin to a fairy tale than modern day life. Her love life is basically non-existent, and she keeps away from the whispered gossip that travels through Maple Hollow.
Until a chance encounter with Rafe.
As mysterious as he is brooding, Ruby is drawn to the woodsman, curious to find out more about the stranger who lives deep within the woods.
But Rafe is hiding a secret. And with something lurking in the shadowy forest, will Ruby find that Rafe is her knight in shining armor or something altogether more dangerous...
Audible Audio
First published September 8, 2026
About the author
Laurie Gilmore
26 books17.4k followersLaurie Gilmore is a #1 New York Times, Sunday Times, and Globe & Mail bestselling author who writes steamy small-town romance. Her Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk, cozy settings, and swoon-worthy romance. The first book in the series, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, was featured on Good Morning America and was named the TikTok Shop Book of the Year 2024.
She loves finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strives for that in her own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then her books are definitely for you.
She loves finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strives for that in her own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then her books are definitely for you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 869 reviews
July 13, 2026
“Is that what you wanted, brave girl? You wandered through the woods hoping the big bad wolf would find you?”
“Not the big bad wolf,” she breathed. “You.”
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
“ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴍᴇ ɴᴏᴛ” x ʀᴀᴠʏɴ ʟᴇɴᴀᴇ
0:58 ───♥─────── 3:33
Paranormal romance has never really been my thing, so I genuinely did NOT know what to expect going into this one. Ruby finds herself caught up in a world she never expected, with Rafe being very much at the center of it all. And somehow… I was hooked almost immediately.
PHEWWWW WEEEEE 🤣 I was honestly shocked by how much I enjoyed this, especially after reading another book from this author’s most well-known series and not being impressed. I originally requested this because I was obsessed with the cover, then saw the author’s name and immediately got nervous. Thankfully, those nerves disappeared pretty quickly because this felt SO different. There was constantly something happening, and I genuinely felt like I could barely keep up in the best way.
I absolutely loved Ruby. She was strong, confident, and so sure of herself, and I especially loved how accepting she was of Rafe. I did struggle a little with how easily she accepted his secret, but I loved that she never tried to change him or make him into something he wasn’t. She loved every part of him, and I think that was such an important part of his journey because she helped him realize that he could be exactly who he was without being the monster he’d always been told he was. 🥹
Now, Rafe… sir. PLEASE 🤣 The back-and-forth with Ruby had me so irritated at times. He would want her, tell her he wanted to be with her, get close to her, and then pull away AGAIN. Like my guy PICK A LANE. I was definitely getting frustrated by the constant push and pull.
Also, this was spicier than I expected. There was definitely tension and buildup before their first physical interaction, but I ended up wishing there had been a little more story and a little less spice in some parts. Still, considering I basically never read paranormal romance, this kept me completely interested. And thank goodness for that HEA because I needed it after all the emotional chaos… 😭 although that little cliffhanger?! 👀 I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW
favorite quotes ↓
“That was what it had become. An obsession. Ever since he’d laid eyes on Ruby, he’d wanted her. More than wanted her. Needed her.”
“He would give up his own soul to keep holding her forever.”
“He wanted her more than he wanted his next sunrise, more than his next race through the woods, more than any part of his own worthless life. Wanting Ruby made existing possible.”
things to know about the book ↓
🐺 paranormal
🐺 forced proximity
🐺 fated mates
🐺 Little Red Riding Hood inspired
🐺 protective MMC
🐺 strong FMC
🐺 written in 3rd person
swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 20, 22, 32, 37, 38, 43, 55, 56, 57
Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 🐺 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
july 13- ive read one book by this author and wasn't super impressed but here's to my second chance 🤞🏼 the cover is cutie!!
"To my readers who like their fictional men with a few more red flags; I think you'll have fun in Maple Hollow" 🙂↕️🙂↕️
“Not the big bad wolf,” she breathed. “You.”
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
“ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴍᴇ ɴᴏᴛ” x ʀᴀᴠʏɴ ʟᴇɴᴀᴇ
0:58 ───♥─────── 3:33
Paranormal romance has never really been my thing, so I genuinely did NOT know what to expect going into this one. Ruby finds herself caught up in a world she never expected, with Rafe being very much at the center of it all. And somehow… I was hooked almost immediately.
PHEWWWW WEEEEE 🤣 I was honestly shocked by how much I enjoyed this, especially after reading another book from this author’s most well-known series and not being impressed. I originally requested this because I was obsessed with the cover, then saw the author’s name and immediately got nervous. Thankfully, those nerves disappeared pretty quickly because this felt SO different. There was constantly something happening, and I genuinely felt like I could barely keep up in the best way.
I absolutely loved Ruby. She was strong, confident, and so sure of herself, and I especially loved how accepting she was of Rafe. I did struggle a little with how easily she accepted his secret, but I loved that she never tried to change him or make him into something he wasn’t. She loved every part of him, and I think that was such an important part of his journey because she helped him realize that he could be exactly who he was without being the monster he’d always been told he was. 🥹
Now, Rafe… sir. PLEASE 🤣 The back-and-forth with Ruby had me so irritated at times. He would want her, tell her he wanted to be with her, get close to her, and then pull away AGAIN. Like my guy PICK A LANE. I was definitely getting frustrated by the constant push and pull.
Also, this was spicier than I expected. There was definitely tension and buildup before their first physical interaction, but I ended up wishing there had been a little more story and a little less spice in some parts. Still, considering I basically never read paranormal romance, this kept me completely interested. And thank goodness for that HEA because I needed it after all the emotional chaos… 😭 although that little cliffhanger?! 👀 I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW
favorite quotes ↓
“That was what it had become. An obsession. Ever since he’d laid eyes on Ruby, he’d wanted her. More than wanted her. Needed her.”
“He would give up his own soul to keep holding her forever.”
“He wanted her more than he wanted his next sunrise, more than his next race through the woods, more than any part of his own worthless life. Wanting Ruby made existing possible.”
things to know about the book ↓
🐺 paranormal
🐺 forced proximity
🐺 fated mates
🐺 Little Red Riding Hood inspired
🐺 protective MMC
🐺 strong FMC
🐺 written in 3rd person
swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 20, 22, 32, 37, 38, 43, 55, 56, 57
Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 🐺 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
july 13- ive read one book by this author and wasn't super impressed but here's to my second chance 🤞🏼 the cover is cutie!!
"To my readers who like their fictional men with a few more red flags; I think you'll have fun in Maple Hollow" 🙂↕️🙂↕️
July 22, 2026
1 1/2⭐️
ARC
If one of those moody werewolf graphics and a hot topic employee from 2008 came together it would be this romance. I struggled so much to get through this. It’s baseline every werewolf romance you’ve ever read before. If I had to read about Rafe being like “oh I need to leave you to keep you safe I’m a monster” one more time I think I would have evaporated. I hoped the highland wolves would have gotten to them both in the end.
ARC
If one of those moody werewolf graphics and a hot topic employee from 2008 came together it would be this romance. I struggled so much to get through this. It’s baseline every werewolf romance you’ve ever read before. If I had to read about Rafe being like “oh I need to leave you to keep you safe I’m a monster” one more time I think I would have evaporated. I hoped the highland wolves would have gotten to them both in the end.
Did Not Finish
September 8, 2026Pre-read :
He is a BIG BAD WOLF? literally my sign to read it.
He is a BIG BAD WOLF? literally my sign to read it.
September 8, 2026
Be Aware - this book is a pure repackaging of an existing book that has an abysmal rating - A Curse of Blood and Wolves (3.1 at time of writing this) by Melissa McTiernan. Publisher is trying to trick readers into buying and reading this by redoing the cover, renaming it and publishing it under the author's other pseudonym which has a much better sales record.
I have only read the original, but it was horrendous. Make sure you don't fall for these sleazy publishing tricks.
I have only read the original, but it was horrendous. Make sure you don't fall for these sleazy publishing tricks.
September 16, 2026
Adorably smutty FALL romance 🍁🧡🐺 cozy small town vibes with a loner WEREWOLF that doesn’t believe in fated mates…yet!
She needs his protection and he needs her undying love and care.
Fall in a small town should be for cozying up at the fire with your favorite book ✨ Not for Ruby though! She has to take care of her sick twin, pay the bills and now also fight of large wolves?! The only thing keeping her spirits up is a mysterious lumberjack that doesn’t talk much but can’t stop staring 🐺 slow burn romance gradually overwhelms a rough werewolf who can’t believe he deserves this kind of LOVE *sad cry*
Werewolf romance for beginners! This was such a cozy read overflowing with a autumnal vibes 🍂 the werewolf romance added that additional sprinkle of tension & (uncontrollable) chemistry making it feel smuttier than it actually was.
🐺 cozy small town with heartwarming characters
🍂 he has an Etsy shop!
🐺 twin’s mystery illness
🍂 strong fmc that pursues & initiates
BOLDER & smuttier! This felt different from Gilmorem’s PSC series and I loved it. The addition of her twin’s mysterious illness made for a more engaging read and I’m excited to learn more about this world. My only complaint is the hot & cold mmc!! It got a bit annoying after the 3 time he left Ruby behind.
4.5 ⭐️ perfect fall inspired read!!
protective mmc
feisty fmc
fated mates
werewolves & other paranormals
dirty talk (mild)
small town
found family
HEA
She needs his protection and he needs her undying love and care.
Fall in a small town should be for cozying up at the fire with your favorite book ✨ Not for Ruby though! She has to take care of her sick twin, pay the bills and now also fight of large wolves?! The only thing keeping her spirits up is a mysterious lumberjack that doesn’t talk much but can’t stop staring 🐺 slow burn romance gradually overwhelms a rough werewolf who can’t believe he deserves this kind of LOVE *sad cry*
Werewolf romance for beginners! This was such a cozy read overflowing with a autumnal vibes 🍂 the werewolf romance added that additional sprinkle of tension & (uncontrollable) chemistry making it feel smuttier than it actually was.
🐺 cozy small town with heartwarming characters
🍂 he has an Etsy shop!
🐺 twin’s mystery illness
🍂 strong fmc that pursues & initiates
BOLDER & smuttier! This felt different from Gilmorem’s PSC series and I loved it. The addition of her twin’s mysterious illness made for a more engaging read and I’m excited to learn more about this world. My only complaint is the hot & cold mmc!! It got a bit annoying after the 3 time he left Ruby behind.
4.5 ⭐️ perfect fall inspired read!!
protective mmc
feisty fmc
fated mates
werewolves & other paranormals
dirty talk (mild)
small town
found family
HEA
September 17, 2026
3.75 stars
August 24, 2026
I wanted to love this. So much. I was enjoying it in the beginning & even thought I’d like it more than her other series…but then, nothing.
This book delivered nothing but lack of communication and “I need to leave you for your own good but I just can’t” vibes. There were so many repetitive thoughts and words that I was starting to get really annoyed.
Seriously, nothing happened in this entire story and nothing was fleshed out! I can’t really say a couple of specific things because it would cause spoilers but GAH there was just zero character development and certain situations/comments didn’t make sense.
If I read the word growl one more time, I was going to throw my kindle at the wall.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc.
This book delivered nothing but lack of communication and “I need to leave you for your own good but I just can’t” vibes. There were so many repetitive thoughts and words that I was starting to get really annoyed.
Seriously, nothing happened in this entire story and nothing was fleshed out! I can’t really say a couple of specific things because it would cause spoilers but GAH there was just zero character development and certain situations/comments didn’t make sense.
If I read the word growl one more time, I was going to throw my kindle at the wall.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc.
Want to Read
February 28, 2026um! i did not know this was happening!
September 15, 2026
3 stars
This is my first book by this author. I think I have her Pumpkin Spice Cafe novel on my tbr as well but in truth none of them felt particularly appealing to me. Surprisingly my Libby hold came in right after it released and I needed a break from the 500+ page books I've been reading lately.
Fair warning about Big Bad Wolf: I think you'll enjoy it much more if you approach it with a "cozy fantasy" mindset and not "dark romantasy". You sort of get that vibe from the cover alone but it's not tagged that way in the genre description. It's in third person, which hurt my enjoyment overall, but that is completely personal preference. I don't connect to the characters as strongly, especially when it's a romantic plotline. Third makes more sense when you're focusing on world building / politics / etc.
I read this review comparing Rafe to Edward Cullen and I have to agree completely. The whole back and forth "I'm not good for you because I'm a monster" thing goes on for way, way too long. And in my opinion, Edward had a lot stronger basis for thinking that way! I can't explain why without a spoiler sadly.
I didn't love where it ended, there's no real resolution to the plot. I realize there will be two more books following two other couples, but the way it just seemed to randomly cut itself off felt unsatisfying to me. The reason I'm giving this 3 stars and not something lower is that there were times when Gilmore's writing was both genuinely charming and entertaining. I think I actually laughed out loud at one point, which is rare for a book. And despite my grievances with the storyline it still kept me mostly engaged throughout.
Will I read the sequel? I don't know, the next featured couple is sort of giving me the ick. It's friends to lovers, which is not a trope I like, and the guy was flirting with Ruby quite a bit while his love interest was in the same house. I might though because I peeked at the summary of the third book and I would be interested in that paring. This book has reignited my interest in reading werewolf romances (that are not cozy) so ... there's that ...
This is my first book by this author. I think I have her Pumpkin Spice Cafe novel on my tbr as well but in truth none of them felt particularly appealing to me. Surprisingly my Libby hold came in right after it released and I needed a break from the 500+ page books I've been reading lately.
Fair warning about Big Bad Wolf: I think you'll enjoy it much more if you approach it with a "cozy fantasy" mindset and not "dark romantasy". You sort of get that vibe from the cover alone but it's not tagged that way in the genre description. It's in third person, which hurt my enjoyment overall, but that is completely personal preference. I don't connect to the characters as strongly, especially when it's a romantic plotline. Third makes more sense when you're focusing on world building / politics / etc.
I read this review comparing Rafe to Edward Cullen and I have to agree completely. The whole back and forth "I'm not good for you because I'm a monster" thing goes on for way, way too long. And in my opinion, Edward had a lot stronger basis for thinking that way! I can't explain why without a spoiler sadly.
I didn't love where it ended, there's no real resolution to the plot. I realize there will be two more books following two other couples, but the way it just seemed to randomly cut itself off felt unsatisfying to me. The reason I'm giving this 3 stars and not something lower is that there were times when Gilmore's writing was both genuinely charming and entertaining. I think I actually laughed out loud at one point, which is rare for a book. And despite my grievances with the storyline it still kept me mostly engaged throughout.
Will I read the sequel? I don't know, the next featured couple is sort of giving me the ick. It's friends to lovers, which is not a trope I like, and the guy was flirting with Ruby quite a bit while his love interest was in the same house. I might though because I peeked at the summary of the third book and I would be interested in that paring. This book has reignited my interest in reading werewolf romances (that are not cozy) so ... there's that ...
September 11, 2026
It was when I read the line, “Get naked wolf man, I want to see you”, I realized I shouldn’t give Laurie Gilmore a 3rd try.
September 17, 2026
**𝔄ℜℭ ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴** 𝔅𝔦𝔤 𝔅𝔞𝔡 𝔚𝔬𝔩𝔣 𝔟𝔶 𝔏𝔞𝔲𝔯𝔦𝔢 𝔊𝔦𝔩𝔪𝔬𝔯𝔢
Release Day: September 8, 2026
4⭐️4🌶
This is a delectable Little Red Riding Hood retelling. With a characters living out their days in a cozy little paranormal town. I loved this little Paranormal Cozy Fantasy, and can't wait for the next one in the series.
Minor Spoilers Ahead:
Ruby is a twenty something working at the local bar nearly every night, and she has lived in Maple Hollow for approximately 10 years since her parents died in a tragic accident, but all the "locals" still call her the "outsider". When their parents died, Lena and Ruby moved in with the Aunt's cottage (who is also passed) and they later find out that their Aunt is a witch and both of them have untapped Seer powers.
It's just a local night at the bar when Rafe walks in to talk to the owner about hand crafting some tables for her establishment. He sees Ruby immediately and it's game over for him.
However, he was raised to believe that humans and wolves can't be together. Plus, he knows he's not good enough for his perfect Ruby because he abandoned his pack and his position with them as Alpha when he couldn't do what was "necessary."
This was such a layered little small town paranormal romance. It definately has more than your usual just "meet-cute" monster romance, and I can't wait to see where these set of characters go in the next installment.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Fated Mates & Shifter Romance
🍁Grumpy x Sunshine
🍁Small Town Gossip & Quirkiness
🍁Forced Proximity
🍁Found Family
🍁High Steam / High Spice
🍁Embracing Inner Monsters vs. Humanity
🍁Secret Supernatural Demographics
🍁Protection vs. Autonomy
TW:
✨Werewolf Violence & Gore
Abuse.
✨Murder
✨Blood & Injury Details
✨Stalking
✨Kidnapping / Captivity
✨Death of a Parent
✨Medical Episodes
Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC read!
Release Day: September 8, 2026
4⭐️4🌶
This is a delectable Little Red Riding Hood retelling. With a characters living out their days in a cozy little paranormal town. I loved this little Paranormal Cozy Fantasy, and can't wait for the next one in the series.
Minor Spoilers Ahead:
Ruby is a twenty something working at the local bar nearly every night, and she has lived in Maple Hollow for approximately 10 years since her parents died in a tragic accident, but all the "locals" still call her the "outsider". When their parents died, Lena and Ruby moved in with the Aunt's cottage (who is also passed) and they later find out that their Aunt is a witch and both of them have untapped Seer powers.
It's just a local night at the bar when Rafe walks in to talk to the owner about hand crafting some tables for her establishment. He sees Ruby immediately and it's game over for him.
However, he was raised to believe that humans and wolves can't be together. Plus, he knows he's not good enough for his perfect Ruby because he abandoned his pack and his position with them as Alpha when he couldn't do what was "necessary."
This was such a layered little small town paranormal romance. It definately has more than your usual just "meet-cute" monster romance, and I can't wait to see where these set of characters go in the next installment.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Fated Mates & Shifter Romance
🍁Grumpy x Sunshine
🍁Small Town Gossip & Quirkiness
🍁Forced Proximity
🍁Found Family
🍁High Steam / High Spice
🍁Embracing Inner Monsters vs. Humanity
🍁Secret Supernatural Demographics
🍁Protection vs. Autonomy
TW:
✨Werewolf Violence & Gore
Abuse.
✨Murder
✨Blood & Injury Details
✨Stalking
✨Kidnapping / Captivity
✨Death of a Parent
✨Medical Episodes
Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC read!
Want to Read
April 21, 2026HELLO??? I DID NOT KNOW THIS WAS COMING AND I NEED A MOMENT 😱
September 2, 2026
1.5 ⭐️
Okay... where do I start? I honestly went into this wanting to love it. But man, take out big and wolf from the title and that's what you're left with... BAD. This book was so bad.
The two MCs basically 'fall in love' within the first few chapters, you think that means that they must be to be fated mates right? But oh, how does that work.. she's a human, he's a werewolf.
Oh no, but it takes him until he eats her out to realised.. omg she's actually IS his mate.
Then it's the whole "I'm bad for you, I'm a monster" but "oh I can't live without you because we are MATES" back and forth the whole book.
There was literally no storyline, I swear literally NOTHING happened. The writing did feel a little lazy with the main character being called Ruby and then Rafes ex lover being called Scarlett, oh and her lipstick colour is "sexy red riding hood" ... I also couldn't stand the nicknames "brave girl" and "wolf man".. CRINGE.
Also, why is she not freaked out to discover he's a werewolf when she's never been around anything otherworldly like this before...
and then let's not get me started on Rafe killing Wyatt and others from his werewolf pack just for stalking Ruby & her sister, which we don't actually get any answers too at all. Like we know something is going on but it isn't addressed at all. The last 50 pages were basicially just sex and I was skim reading just to get it done...
Thank you to the publisher for my ARC copy of this book, I really did want to love it (being a little red riding hood retelling and all) I'm very disappointed it wasn't for me.
Okay... where do I start? I honestly went into this wanting to love it. But man, take out big and wolf from the title and that's what you're left with... BAD. This book was so bad.
The two MCs basically 'fall in love' within the first few chapters, you think that means that they must be to be fated mates right? But oh, how does that work.. she's a human, he's a werewolf.
Oh no, but it takes him until he eats her out to realised.. omg she's actually IS his mate.
Then it's the whole "I'm bad for you, I'm a monster" but "oh I can't live without you because we are MATES" back and forth the whole book.
There was literally no storyline, I swear literally NOTHING happened. The writing did feel a little lazy with the main character being called Ruby and then Rafes ex lover being called Scarlett, oh and her lipstick colour is "sexy red riding hood" ... I also couldn't stand the nicknames "brave girl" and "wolf man".. CRINGE.
Also, why is she not freaked out to discover he's a werewolf when she's never been around anything otherworldly like this before...
and then let's not get me started on Rafe killing Wyatt and others from his werewolf pack just for stalking Ruby & her sister, which we don't actually get any answers too at all. Like we know something is going on but it isn't addressed at all. The last 50 pages were basicially just sex and I was skim reading just to get it done...
Thank you to the publisher for my ARC copy of this book, I really did want to love it (being a little red riding hood retelling and all) I'm very disappointed it wasn't for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2026
3.5 stars! Big Bad Wolf is the first book in the Maple Hollow series, a small town paranormal romance series. The author originally released this (and book 2) under her former penname, but after the success of her Dream Harbor series she re-branded/re-edited and re-published this one with her popular penname. I hadn’t heard the best things about it when it was first written, but figured I’d try it since it was re-done and I did enjoy her cozy small town series.
This was fun overall. I think it still does have that small town charm that we already expect from Laurie Gilmore. But it also adds the layers of paranormal and cozy fall vibes which I was so here for! Ruby works at the local bar and lives with her twin sister Lena, who has been experiencing “episodes” recently that they’re still trying to figure out. Early into the story Ruby meets Rafe, a new woodworker in town who builds furniture but is very in tune with her. He’s super pulled to her and protective and obsessive (in good ways) and of course he has a secret…!
Cute and fun, slow burn (as far as the spicy bits for reasons), loved how protective he was over her and pointing out she shouldn’t be walking home to her cottage in the dark. We do meet the couple of book 2 in here, and get a bit of a cliffhanger as far as the fate of a character in an upcoming book. I appreciated getting to know more of Rafe’s history/backstory and the short chapters, made me fly through the read! This book is the perfect example of why I wish we could do half star ratings since it was a solid 3.5!
This was fun overall. I think it still does have that small town charm that we already expect from Laurie Gilmore. But it also adds the layers of paranormal and cozy fall vibes which I was so here for! Ruby works at the local bar and lives with her twin sister Lena, who has been experiencing “episodes” recently that they’re still trying to figure out. Early into the story Ruby meets Rafe, a new woodworker in town who builds furniture but is very in tune with her. He’s super pulled to her and protective and obsessive (in good ways) and of course he has a secret…!
Cute and fun, slow burn (as far as the spicy bits for reasons), loved how protective he was over her and pointing out she shouldn’t be walking home to her cottage in the dark. We do meet the couple of book 2 in here, and get a bit of a cliffhanger as far as the fate of a character in an upcoming book. I appreciated getting to know more of Rafe’s history/backstory and the short chapters, made me fly through the read! This book is the perfect example of why I wish we could do half star ratings since it was a solid 3.5!
July 29, 2026
Communication was their greatest enemy
September 11, 2026
I feel like after all these years I got what I imagine as the pov of the werewolves in twilight.
Give me more fluffy wolves please.
I absolutely loved the aesthetic of this book, the vibes were giving 00s paranormal tv show and I love those!!!
We have werewolves, nymphs, witches and seers. HOW I LOVE SUPERNATURAL CREATURES.
Laurie Gilmore not only gives us those amazing small town vibes that we are used to but a whole new aspect and so well written!!!
I'm so excited to read the books with the other characters, and we have another one this year so.. I will come back
Give me more fluffy wolves please.
I absolutely loved the aesthetic of this book, the vibes were giving 00s paranormal tv show and I love those!!!
We have werewolves, nymphs, witches and seers. HOW I LOVE SUPERNATURAL CREATURES.
Laurie Gilmore not only gives us those amazing small town vibes that we are used to but a whole new aspect and so well written!!!
I'm so excited to read the books with the other characters, and we have another one this year so.. I will come back
August 6, 2026
🍂🐺 Ik mocht Big Bad Wolf alvast vooruit lezen van uitgeverij HarperCollins en als fan van Laurie Gilmore haar boeken en schrijfstijl vond ik dit zó leuk!
Ik rolde weer gelijk in het verhaal. En yes, zoals Laurie zelf in haar dankwoord schreef: ik ben net zo verliefd geworden op Maple Hollow als op Dream Harbor. De knipoog naar Dream Harbor in het verhaal vond ik ook echt heel leuk. En ik hou nu alweer van alle side characters, de cozy small town sfeer, de heerlijke herfstvibes én het familiegevoel dat de bewoners van Maple Hollow met elkaar hebben.
Wat ik wel iets minder vond, is dat dit boek naar mijn mening vooral een opbouw is naar het volgende deel. Daardoor gebeurt er in dit eerste boek qua plot niet heel veel. Maaaar… daardoor ben ik nu juist wel heel benieuwd naar het vervolg.
Ik rolde weer gelijk in het verhaal. En yes, zoals Laurie zelf in haar dankwoord schreef: ik ben net zo verliefd geworden op Maple Hollow als op Dream Harbor. De knipoog naar Dream Harbor in het verhaal vond ik ook echt heel leuk. En ik hou nu alweer van alle side characters, de cozy small town sfeer, de heerlijke herfstvibes én het familiegevoel dat de bewoners van Maple Hollow met elkaar hebben.
Wat ik wel iets minder vond, is dat dit boek naar mijn mening vooral een opbouw is naar het volgende deel. Daardoor gebeurt er in dit eerste boek qua plot niet heel veel. Maaaar… daardoor ben ik nu juist wel heel benieuwd naar het vervolg.
September 11, 2026
Honestly, reading this felt like being on a rollercoaster. I had to roll my eyes at the insta attraction. I know it’s a staple in werewolf books, but come on. They eventually grew on me tho, but then the MMC’s constant push and pull just kinda got on my nerves. It was a fine read overall, but I’m definitely more invested in book three
September 18, 2026
Literally written terribly. No plot
September 13, 2026
This was… painfully bad
August 31, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC! First of all, I really love the covers of both of these books. They’re stunning. Which is why I’m sad I disliked the book as much as I did.
Let me list the elements that made this a Red Riding Hood retelling: she wore a red coat twice, he was a wolf, he made her a basket at the end, and…that’s it. That’s literally it. I personally think it would have just been better to promote this as a paranormal romance rather than a retelling.
Maybe I’m the problem but WHY are all romance books only taking place over the space of 2 months?? If a random man walked into a bar and became stalker obsessed with me in the span of 2 weeks, I think I’d be afraid—fated mates be damned! Also, if this man changed his mind about their relationship one more time I was going to be PISSED. I was already mad, but that would have sent me over the edge.
There is a second book in this series but I can’t imagine that it’s going to resolve any of the problems that are created in the first book. So maybe she is planning on writing more in this series.
Let me list the elements that made this a Red Riding Hood retelling: she wore a red coat twice, he was a wolf, he made her a basket at the end, and…that’s it. That’s literally it. I personally think it would have just been better to promote this as a paranormal romance rather than a retelling.
Maybe I’m the problem but WHY are all romance books only taking place over the space of 2 months?? If a random man walked into a bar and became stalker obsessed with me in the span of 2 weeks, I think I’d be afraid—fated mates be damned! Also, if this man changed his mind about their relationship one more time I was going to be PISSED. I was already mad, but that would have sent me over the edge.
There is a second book in this series but I can’t imagine that it’s going to resolve any of the problems that are created in the first book. So maybe she is planning on writing more in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
✨ Rating: 3.5⭐️
🫧 Vibes: red riding hood retelling
🎶 Song: Monsters - Hurricane Bells
📖 Favourite Quote: "You take care of everyone. That’s clear right away. It’s time someone took care of you."
📚 Would I recommend? sure!
💬 tldr thoughts: a fun paranormal romance!
In the package:
📦 forbidden romance
📦 push and pull
📦 supernatural creatures
📦 fated mates
Plot: Ruby and her twin sister live in a cottage on the edge of woods and they both keep to themselves in the small town of Maple Hallow. Until she meets Rafe, who is harbouring a big secret. She's determined to learn more about him and as they're instantly drawn together, she might not like what she finds.
Thoughts: Was this anything groundbreaking? No. But it's a fun read if you're looking for something simple and easy to read! I had a great time with this one though it did drag at times, especially throughout the middle where I felt like the story wasn't really going anywhere. Rafe is constantly at war with himself and telling Ruby they can't be together because he's not good for her and he's a monster (like okay Edward Cullen lmao) and this got repetitive real quick. The reveal happens pretty early on in the book and I think this may have been the problem.
I loved the world Laurie created here with the various supernatural creatures. We have witches, seers and nymphs as well! This book does end on a cliffhanger (which I did see coming) so I will be reading the next book to find out what happens! Aside from Rafe and Ruby's relationship, I also loved Ruby's protective relationship with her sister.
Thank you Harper Collins Canada for the physical ARC!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on instagram ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
🫧 Vibes: red riding hood retelling
🎶 Song: Monsters - Hurricane Bells
📖 Favourite Quote: "You take care of everyone. That’s clear right away. It’s time someone took care of you."
📚 Would I recommend? sure!
💬 tldr thoughts: a fun paranormal romance!
In the package:
📦 forbidden romance
📦 push and pull
📦 supernatural creatures
📦 fated mates
Plot: Ruby and her twin sister live in a cottage on the edge of woods and they both keep to themselves in the small town of Maple Hallow. Until she meets Rafe, who is harbouring a big secret. She's determined to learn more about him and as they're instantly drawn together, she might not like what she finds.
Thoughts: Was this anything groundbreaking? No. But it's a fun read if you're looking for something simple and easy to read! I had a great time with this one though it did drag at times, especially throughout the middle where I felt like the story wasn't really going anywhere. Rafe is constantly at war with himself and telling Ruby they can't be together because he's not good for her and he's a monster (like okay Edward Cullen lmao) and this got repetitive real quick. The reveal happens pretty early on in the book and I think this may have been the problem.
I loved the world Laurie created here with the various supernatural creatures. We have witches, seers and nymphs as well! This book does end on a cliffhanger (which I did see coming) so I will be reading the next book to find out what happens! Aside from Rafe and Ruby's relationship, I also loved Ruby's protective relationship with her sister.
Thank you Harper Collins Canada for the physical ARC!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on instagram ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
September 14, 2026
Thanks to the author and publisher for my arc. The opinions are my own.
I was so excited for this and it fell kinda of flat for me, the romance felt so instant , she accepted he was a werewolf too easily, it never feels like a red riding hood retelling and I just couldn’t get into it. I do really love her writing style and can’t wait to see what her next book will be
I was so excited for this and it fell kinda of flat for me, the romance felt so instant , she accepted he was a werewolf too easily, it never feels like a red riding hood retelling and I just couldn’t get into it. I do really love her writing style and can’t wait to see what her next book will be
September 16, 2026
Jup dit was niet mijn ding.. sorry Laurie 🥲
September 13, 2026
Ruby lives in a cottage on the edge of the woods with her sister, who's been having a hard time. She has been saying strange things and having visions. One night while Ruby is working a stranger named Rafe comes in. They both are drawn to each other but try to keep their distance. But one night when Ruby is attack Rafe is there to save her and thus thrown together.
I had a really fun time with this one. It had both a cozy small town feel and also a looming since of dread. For me it read similar to the series that inspired True Blood just without vampires.
There was a will they won't they relationship as Rafe dealt with issues from his past. I could have done with one less Rafe breakdown but the rest felt fine to me.
There were clan politics, which I would be excited to see more of in the second book. I'd also love to see more of the sister's and possibly Ruby's powers. A few of the people in town are keeping secrets too which was a fun aspect.
I had a really fun time with this one. It had both a cozy small town feel and also a looming since of dread. For me it read similar to the series that inspired True Blood just without vampires.
There was a will they won't they relationship as Rafe dealt with issues from his past. I could have done with one less Rafe breakdown but the rest felt fine to me.
There were clan politics, which I would be excited to see more of in the second book. I'd also love to see more of the sister's and possibly Ruby's powers. A few of the people in town are keeping secrets too which was a fun aspect.
July 18, 2026
Dit boek begon echt heerlijk, ik vloog er doorheen! Op ongeveer een derde merkte ik echter dat ik mijn aandacht begon te verliezen. Desondanks heb ik van dit boek genoten. Je weet altijd was je van Laurie Gilmore kunt verwachten (cozy, spicy, lekker cliche) en dit boek past ook weer precies in dat rijtje. Ik had wel iets meer weerwolf slang verwachten tho, alpha, omega, etc (knotting???? lmaooo)
September 11, 2026
4.5; i don’t care if this was cringe and not always the best written, i had so much fun with it
July 23, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Laurie Gilmore for the eARC! All opinions are my own. This review may contain spoilers.
The plot:
Ruby lives in a small town with her twin Lena. Rafe lives on the edge of the small town. By chance, they happen to meet at the restaurant Ruby works at. And they are instantaneously drawn to each other. At the same time, Ruby's sister is unwell and these weird men at the restaurant keep looking for Ruby... what could possibly be happening? If you couldn't tell, this is a retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood where she is seduced by the wolf.
The review:
So, this was my first Laurie Gilmore. I've never read the Pumpkin Spice Cafe and associate novels, but have always been interested due to their popularity. When I saw that Big Bad Wolf was available, I snatched it up. Unfortunately, this was a toughhh read. No wonder Laurie Gilmore publishes like 3 books a year. The writing is the fast fashion equivalent of rom coms: high quantity, low quality.
This book was all plot. There were zero characters and a scrap of interesting dialogue. I couldn't even tell you anything about Ruby except her lips are red. Took me multiple chapters to realized she dresses in dark colors and gothily and that it was a big part of her personality. Lena is nothing beyond her illness. Rafe is big wolf. I was thirsting for nuance or dimension to these characters but I fear I stayed thirsty.
Some of these characters are kind of pointless. I understand we are the first book of a series and we could be introducing some regulars but damn did these folks not contribute to the plot.
Of course they're mates. That's why they're instantly attracted to and totally hot for each other. No building of tension needed. I love a mate trope but the way mate was used to justify their instant attraction and not build any kind of yearning was lazy writing.
Rafe is hot and cold uncharacteristically and for no reason. One second he's like "I can't". Ruby so much as takes in a breath of air, and Rafe's like "oh well I guess I can". His motives rarely made sense and I was not convinced.
For my banter fans, you will not find it here. Instead of kicking your feel and squealing, you will want to pinch yourself out of this bad dream.
I recognize I may have been a little harsh, but my expectations were quite high given the popularity of Laurie Gilmore's works. I am disappointed in how rushed this book felt.
If you are looking for shifter romance, I would recommend Bride by Ali Hazelwood or The things we water by Mariana Zapata instead.
The plot:
Ruby lives in a small town with her twin Lena. Rafe lives on the edge of the small town. By chance, they happen to meet at the restaurant Ruby works at. And they are instantaneously drawn to each other. At the same time, Ruby's sister is unwell and these weird men at the restaurant keep looking for Ruby... what could possibly be happening? If you couldn't tell, this is a retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood where she is seduced by the wolf.
The review:
So, this was my first Laurie Gilmore. I've never read the Pumpkin Spice Cafe and associate novels, but have always been interested due to their popularity. When I saw that Big Bad Wolf was available, I snatched it up. Unfortunately, this was a toughhh read. No wonder Laurie Gilmore publishes like 3 books a year. The writing is the fast fashion equivalent of rom coms: high quantity, low quality.
This book was all plot. There were zero characters and a scrap of interesting dialogue. I couldn't even tell you anything about Ruby except her lips are red. Took me multiple chapters to realized she dresses in dark colors and gothily and that it was a big part of her personality. Lena is nothing beyond her illness. Rafe is big wolf. I was thirsting for nuance or dimension to these characters but I fear I stayed thirsty.
Some of these characters are kind of pointless. I understand we are the first book of a series and we could be introducing some regulars but damn did these folks not contribute to the plot.
Of course they're mates. That's why they're instantly attracted to and totally hot for each other. No building of tension needed. I love a mate trope but the way mate was used to justify their instant attraction and not build any kind of yearning was lazy writing.
Rafe is hot and cold uncharacteristically and for no reason. One second he's like "I can't". Ruby so much as takes in a breath of air, and Rafe's like "oh well I guess I can". His motives rarely made sense and I was not convinced.
For my banter fans, you will not find it here. Instead of kicking your feel and squealing, you will want to pinch yourself out of this bad dream.
I recognize I may have been a little harsh, but my expectations were quite high given the popularity of Laurie Gilmore's works. I am disappointed in how rushed this book felt.
If you are looking for shifter romance, I would recommend Bride by Ali Hazelwood or The things we water by Mariana Zapata instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2026
This book was a mixture of weak characters, no world building, and him leaving for her own good.. all things I’m not a fan of unfortunately
August 4, 2026
04.08.2026
Essentially a temu version of Bride
Essentially a temu version of Bride
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