A Wife For The Wolf: Steamy Historical Romance Novella

by Viola Grey

Something hungry is in the woods, and his heart growls… Mine.

Hanna is desperate. Alone and dismissed from her position at the manor in disgrace, she works herself to the bone every day in the village to care for her babe, knowing that at any moment she could lose everything. When Alaric Wolff steps from the forest one day, his eyes on her like a brand scorching her skin, Hanna knows she is in trouble. But how can she say no to his proposal, knowing that he offers her everything she wants… And all the things she doesn’t know she needs.

When Alaric, the stoic gamekeeper, first set eyes on the beauty crying in the forest, he knew that she belonged to him. Now, he just needs to hide his obsession long enough to make her his, no matter how fast she runs from him. But Hanna fears his touch, and so Alaric is determined to win her trust with patience and care, to protect her from all that would harm her. After all, Hanna is his woman now, and Alaric is determined to show her exactly how hungry he is for her… when the time is right.

This is a sweet and scorching hot Red Riding Hood retelling short romance featuring a hardened gamekeeper and the sweet young woman in need of protection who steals his heart and soul. HEA guaranteed.

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2026

Reviews

[Natasha]

 Who doesn't love a growly, protective hero who, after one sighting of the fair maiden, thinks 'mine'? Alaric Wolff is a gamekeeper and Hanna is an unmarried woman, without means and struggling to keep food on the table for her babe after losing her job for becoming pregnant. Even her father treats her terribly for the shame she has brought to him. The entire village spurns her except for a couple of kind-hearted women, one of whom is a wonderful secondary character.

This is a short novella inspired by Red Riding Hood but with the wolf playing the role of hero. This story is described by the author as "sweet and scorching hot" and I would wholeheartedly agree with that description. Despite a short 113 pages, this story manages to fit in a very decent plot, some wonderful secondary characters and four deliciously steamy bedroom scenes. It more than adequately addresses Hanna’s post-abuse trauma. Some readers may find the hero a little too obsessed/possessive as he stalks Hanna through the woods for weeks before revealing himself but he soon proves himself to be a perfect hero with a romantic streak to woo this lady and win her trust. The villain is heinous enough for the reader to understand Hanna's fear of him.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Catheryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting take of Red Riding Hood. I thought the romance was very sweet and I loved Alaric. I love VG novellas because she pack so much story and relationship development in just a few pages. A bit of a slow burn for a novella but still plenty spicy.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aleric Wolffe, the son of the manor’s gamekeeper, fell instantly for a young woman with torn clothing that he discovered sobbing in the woods. Unfortunately, he was on his way to London to find his wayward younger sister and bring her home, and he could not stop to comfort her. After searching unsuccesssfully for almost two years, Aleric returned home and took over the gamekeeper’s job from his now retired father. Meanwhile, Hanna Weatley was living with her father in disgrace. She had been a maid at the manor house and sorely misused by Lord Emsley’s son Henry, resulting in her losing her position and gaining a son named James. Now that he was back, Aleric kept an eye on Hanna and it wasn’t long before he offered to marry her and raise James as his own. What follows is a tale of determination and healing. Aleric is gruff and strong, but he is also compassionate, loyal and loving. With the aid of her late mother’s friend Maria, who has been helping care for James, and Aleric’s patience, Hanna learns what safety and happiness feel like. When Henry returns stirring the pot with threats and lies, Aleric proves that Hanna is his to love and protect. There is a dark cloud that looms over this tale, and I often found myself waiting for the other shoe to drop, even with Aleric’s intense protectiveness. This is a raw and steamy tale where one stand-up guy repairs the damage caused by a self-indulgent lord’s son.

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

[Stacie Irwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. Alaric and Hanna were just perfect.

Hanna’s plight was palpable and you couldn’t help but feel for her. Alaric was the perfect blend of possessive and protective and caring. He was a swoony hero for sure. I loved their HEA and how Alaric was determined to provide and give Hanna all she could want. I especially loved that this was HR, but with commoners.

It wasn’t too long and it was perfect!

Thank you to the author for letting me read and ARC!

[Debbie Steed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! For a novella of just over 100 pages this story packed a lot of intense emotions and a great plot.
Alaric and Hanna’s story is a steamy retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. I truly love Alaric and how he instinctively knew what Hanna needs to bloom into the woman she truly was. She had strength and determination but lacked self worth. She had been abused physically and emotionally by men in her past. Alaric changed everything for her and slowly, at her own pace, he brought comfort, confidence, light and love to her life. He showed patience and understanding to her and even when there’s a misunderstanding and she was scared for her future, Alaric was her rock and showed her how he would always be there for her.
This was a beautifully written story that touched my heart and I want my own Alaric. Hanna was transformed from an almost broken woman into a much more confident woman. I’m going to be reading the other books in this series as I enjoyed this one so much. The plot flowed well and didn’t feel rushed at all.

I received a special copy from the author for an honest review and I honestly really enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend it to anyone who loves a hero who feels protective of Hanna from the first time he saw her and there’s plenty of steam packed inside it too.

[Marion Löw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming Fairytale Retelling

I really enjoyed this sweet and spicy retelling of the fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood." The captivating plot is well written, emotional, and has a very good pace, considering that it is a novella of just over 100 pages. Hanna and Alaric are endearing characters. He is a protective and possessive hero, and she is a strong heroine, struggling with rejection by society and personal difficulties. I liked Alaric's devotion and patience, the way he slowly earned her trust and love and the way he took care of her, her son and her friend Maria.

Gamekeeper Alaric Wolff has been obsessed with Hanna Weatley since the moment he first secretly saw her, but personal reasons forced him to leave.
The former servant girl was seduced, impregnated, and then abandoned by her employer's son. Since then, she has been supporting herself and her son with odd jobs and is ostracized by the village people.
When Alaric returns home after two years, he is determined to court Hanna and protect her. Although Hanna agrees to marry him to protect her son, it takes time for him to win her trust and affection...

Overall, an enjoyable romance with likable characters, a touch of suspense, heart, and heat, which I‘m happy to recommend!

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

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this short story and this is my freely given opinion.

This seems to be a play on little Red Riding Hood, and packs a lot of story into a short novella.

Hanna is a young woman who was in service as a maid in the local manor, but was ill abused by one of the men there. She was turned off when he ends their affair, and returned to her father's home, with her reputation in shreds, alone, scorned and pregnant. She is noticed in her private despair in the woods, by the gameskeeper, Alaric. He is drawn to her and watches from afar as she endures the hardship of being a scarlet woman, including maltreatment by her own father.

But Hanna, despite her hardships, has birthed a baby boy she loves and despite her straitened circumstances, she works hard to provide for him and spend what time she can with him, while having him secretly raised in the woods.

Alaric wants more than to just watch her and after his version of a courtship, offers Hanna a future with him, as a family, including her son.

A spicy, sweet tale with a maltreated heroine left in despair who finds hope and a future with a rough hewn, terse woodsman who offers her far more than the smooth lord who turned out to be a villain.

3.5 stars out of 5

[Carmel Zumbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hanna is alone and desperate. She has been dismissed from her post at the manor. Always having to work hard to provide for her baby and also brought low by her disgrace, she has few that care about her. When Alaric Wolff first saw her she was sobbing away because she had been abused. He instantly became obsessed with the thought of protecting her and making her his. So he tries to win her over, knowing she is damaged goods. She doubts his intentions but how can she say no to his offer of an honest life and a father for her child.
Alaric understands what she needs even if she fears his motives and so he is determined to win her trust by providing her with every care and support. Hanna slowly comes around to his attempts to make her see she is his woman in every sense, and Alaric slowly wins her heart. A sweet, sexy tale of love under difficult and unique circumstances. A strong heroic male character who champions a sweet imperilled young woman. This will have you cry and ultimately smile at their HEA.

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

[Poppet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced novella inspired very loosely by Red Riding Hood. Hanna flees her post as a maid at the manor house after being accosted by the Lord’s son. She lives in shame in the village with her uncaring father seeking out any honest work she can for a few coins.
Alaric Wolf, the gamekeeper, frequents her father’s leather workshop. Alaric falls first, having seen Hanna upset in the forest the night she fled the manor. He becomes very driven to connect with Hanna but she is scared. He wants to protect and love her and offers to marry her. She eventually agrees due to a hovering threat. Alaric slowly wins hers trust and their bond grows. When the threat to Hanna reappears, Hanna runs fearing the worst but she later learns that Alaric protected and defended her.
The author manages to squeeze a lot in, but it does not feel rushed. There is character development, a threatening menace, a slow burn romance with enough heat and a HEA.

[Deborah Durand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patience

Grey usually writes about characters that align with common folk and sometimes about nobility who are unusual. That is what makes her novellas interesting. This particular romance has some elements of the fairy tale. There is a frightened young woman, with a tattered red cape, who walks in the woods. There is a grandmotherly figure who visits at Hanna’s cabin, and there is a wolf, who stalks Hanna. The rest of the story bears no resemblance to the fairy tale. This is for adults only. But know this, Alaric Wolff mates for life. Enjoy this very steamy romance between a hunter and a sweet compromised young woman. I have received an ARC from Booksprout and this is an honest review.
My favorite novella by this author is about an obsessive Lepidopterist. This novella is a close second.

[Catherine Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wife For The Wolf is an engaging historical romance that blends passion, tension, and emotional depth into a satisfying novella. The story quickly draws the reader into a historical setting filled with intrigue and strong character dynamics.

The characters are compelling, especially the brooding “wolf” hero whose intense personality contrasts nicely with the heroine’s strength and determination. Their connection develops with a mix of tension, chemistry, and heartfelt moments that make the story both entertaining and romantic.

Readers who enjoy steamy historical romance, strong personalities, and dramatic love stories will likely enjoy this novella. It’s a quick but memorable read that leaves a strong impression.

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

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This novella is dual POV, well written, and a sweet and steamy, historical romantic erotica tale between Hanna, the female lead, and Alaric, the male game warden lead. I empathised with Hanna’s emotional pain and her fears around her future and the reality of what Alaric was offering. I enjoyed Alaric’s patience and gentleness, and his sincerity and compassion. I enjoyed Hanna’s gradual confidence in their relationship. I enjoyed Alaric’s decisive dealings with the antagonist. I enjoyed the slow building to steamy intimate scenes and the enjoyment of a new mother’s body - I would have enjoyed more in this vein.

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

[Berlin Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you like historical romance retellings with a bit of spice, this is the book for you! I read A Wife for the Wolf in one day and was completely hooked within the first 10 pages.
The story flows really well, and the characters are incredibly likable. I found myself rooting for Hanna and Alaric the entire time. And speaking of Alaric… what a dreamy male lead! Tall, dark, mysterious. but with the softest spot for the FMC. Honestly, sign me up. The yearning between them just makes the romance even better.
This was such a fun, engaging read and perfect for a cozy weekend binge. I wholeheartedly recommend it and will definitely be checking out more of Viola Grey’s books in the future!

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

[Ms. Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something a little different from the other books I have read from this author. This is a loose retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, the ‘wolf’ being our hero Alaric, a gamekeeper. He encounters Hanna in his woods, distraught from the aftermath of an assault by the young lord of the manor. He immediately knows she is ‘his’. He is on a journey to London though to look for his sister, (maybe another book for the future?) so it is nearly two years later before he returns to claim her. The lord is suitably evil and entitled. Maria, who is the only person who does not shun Hanna is a lovely side character. Alaric is silent, watchful, and intensely possessive but still able to give Hanna the space before becoming his wife in truth. A steamy romance with an immensely satisfying happy ending.

[Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is hard for me to rate because it just really wasn’t for me, but it was well written and I really enjoyed the other two in this series. So it’s a 1-2 star for me, 3 for people who don’t mind what I’m about to say. For me the SA was so foundational and pervasive throughout, that I was in fight/flight mode the entire story. It was obvious there would be another SA-related conflict so we just waited for it and had no opportunity to settle into the characters and enjoy their connection and growth. It ended (somewhat) sweet, but there was so little throughout and overall it just wasn’t close to being balanced enough for me. I also get that this is a historical romance so there will be unsavory perceptions of women as property but damn if it wasn’t exhausting.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the "His Unexpected Bride" series, another engaging story featuring a "Red Riding Hood" retelling. The story follows Hanna, a disgraced woman working tirelessly in a village to care for her child. Her life changes when she meets Alaric Wolff, a stoic gamekeeper immediately captivated by her. Though Hanna is hesitant and fears his intensity, Alaric is determined to win her trust patiently and protect her from harm. This short romance offers a blend of sweet and scorching moments, featuring a hardened hero and a young woman who steals his heart. A happily-ever-after is guaranteed. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! a great re-telling of little red riding hood... love Hanna and Alaric... this is their story... a fast paced shorter rom/drama... Hanna is beside herself... she's lost her position at the manor, has a babe and it left to survive in this cruel world alone... Alaric is the gamekeeper and sees her crying in his woods... she is now his !! but, she is afraid and alone... he will protect her but, first he has to get her to trust him.. and that's a lot after what she went through... this is so good !!!.

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

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Enchanting Delightful Romance
The story reminded me a little of Cinderella and Red Riding Hood combined together. 
There is a wolf like villain that gets his comeuppance and a prince of a man that finishes
this love story with my pages igniting as this very wonderful story reaches a very rewarding ending
I truly loved the characters and the deep emotional connection the couple had.
I loved that this author wrote this thrilling story in first person. It makes it so easy to read.
Mature Advisory:3/5

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My GOODNESS that was hot. Alaric saw a woman crying in the woods one day, and then he didn't see her again for two years. Hanna starts to notice gifts and the feeling of being followed. At first I wasn't too sure about Alaric, whether he was a predator or not. But he turned out to be a consent king and a green flag. I always appreciate authors who can get a lot of character development and plot in a shorter story! Hanna and Aleric were very sweet together.
Thank you to Viola Grey for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Josee A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed a Wife for the Wolf. Alarac, aka, the Wolf in this story, is intense but knows what he wants. Hanna, is a great character who is strong and has lived through a horrific experience. Alarac "sees" her as no one can. As they come together, he allows her to slowly begin to trust him. He is a gamekeeper so he knows how to soothe a wounded animal so to speak. I loved how he is with her. It was a pleasure to see how Hanna grew with Alarac's steadfast protection and love.

[Saydi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this red riding hood retelling. It was simple but it had some good details and story-telling, which I feel some novellas lack. The only problem that I had with it is that the ending stopped very abruptly and was a bit rushed. I do wish that it had been drawn out a bit more. However, it had a good 'happily ever after' ending and it was a nice change with a familiar story line.

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

[Shuvai · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wife for the Wolf is a touching historical short romance about love, resilience, and acceptance. Hannah, marked by a painful past and treated as an outcast, finds herself chosen by Alaric, who sees beyond her struggles to the woman she truly is. Viola Grey weaves a heartfelt story of hope and belonging, showing that love can triumph even in the midst of challenges. short, tender, and uplifting.

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

[Mistie Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alaric sees Hanna in his woods and knows she's meant to be his but life gets in the way. When he returns two years later, he's determined to make her his, but his biggest hurdle is Hanna herself. Loved how sweet and protective he was and how determined he was to overcome her fears.

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

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story packs a lot into it. The MMC starts out as a kind of gruff person but he is very compassionate and protective. The FMC has been ill used by her employer’s son and turned away to have her baby. There are some secondary characters that either help or hinder the HEA. It was a quick read.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book in His Unexpected Bride series was an intense and steamy slowburn historical romance novella. It was a beautifully written heartwarming story of a broken woman and a fierce protector. I really enjoyed their passionate chemistry that wvoled into a strong and everlasting love. I highly recommend reading!

[Carolyn Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The was a cute short read with an obsessed and protective boy and a skittish girl. I loved Alaric and thought Hanna handled things pretty well for her age and place in time. Well written with wonderful characters and good steam. I will be reading more by the author.

[J.T. Kingsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4am release day download.

I freaking love this series so much. I am a Viola Grey stan and will be forever. She writes such wonderful books, and this one came out at the perfect time.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short historical romance with plenty ofsteam. There's a good plot and interesting characters. I really enjoyed this author’s books and look forward to more in the future. Thank you for the ARC.

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

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A twist of Red Riding Hood., with passion, steam and romance. Fresh plot line, good characters and some secondary ones as well. A bit of stalking and obsession to cover insecurities yet the hero more than makes up for these flaws. Quick read but wholly engaging.

[Anita Balthazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alaric and Hanna what a perfect combination. I loved this short but steamy retelling of Red Riding Hood. Loved the HEA. This is my first time reading this author an it was excellent.

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