Cursed by the Crimson Moon: A Dark Why-Choose Red Riding Hood Retelling

by Ava Zoe

Two men. One curse. She refuses to choose.

When Lena learns she’s destined to be the next sacrifice to the forest’s curse, she refuses to accept her fate. Desperate to uncover the truth and shatter the Crimson Moon’s grip on her village, she ventures into the forbidden forest. Beside her stands Calder, her fiercely loyal best friend, and Alaric, the cursed Wolf who carries the weight of the village’s darkest secrets.

As ancient trials test their strength and trust, the trio must navigate a web of betrayal, love, and shadowy forces determined to see them fail. But breaking the curse comes at a cost—and the forest isn’t willing to let them leave unscathed.

Will Lena’s strength be enough to challenge the curse and claim a future of her own design?

Cursed by the Crimson Moon is a heart-pounding journey of love, sacrifice, and the battle against fate.

In this steamy wolves dark fairytale, discover a why-choose fantasy romance with dark magic, forbidden love, and fate that collide under the crimson moon. Perfect for fans of Grimm's Fairytales, From Blood and Ash, Serpent & Dove, and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Genres: Why Choose

331 pages, Hardcover

Published March 24, 2026

Reviews

[Jessica Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dark and Enchanting Reimagining of Red Riding Hood

"Cursed by the Crimson Moon" is a beautifully crafted retelling of Red Riding Hood, infused with magic, mystery, and romance. Ava Zoe does an incredible job of building a rich, immersive world that feels both darkly enchanting and utterly captivating. The characters were well-developed, and I especially loved the dynamic between Lena, Calder, and Alaric as they navigated the dangers of the cursed forest.

The spice was the perfect blend—soft yet sizzling—adding to the chemistry without overshadowing the emotional depth of the story. While there were moments where the pacing felt a bit uneven, the overall journey was gripping and well worth the read. If you love fairytale retellings with a touch of darkness and slow-burning passion, this one is a must-read!

[Elayni Kinsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really liked the idea of the story, but a lack of details left me wanting. I wish I knew more about the characters. I didn't understand the relationships the FMC developed. It felt like she went from kissing a guy she grew up with to sleeping with another she just "couldn't resist" in a span of hours. I wanted to know more.

[RedFireLady Reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

This really lacked detail and didnt really make much sense to me.
I get the prmise behind the story, being a Little Red Riding Hood retelling, but she went from her life long friend/love to sleeping g with a guy she just met in like, a day.
The grandma knew things that didnt make sense... she was giving advice and relaying what was happening but there is no explanation as to how she just knows all these things.

This just wasnt for me at all.

[Avasha Lochan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and the unique Retelling of red riding it. This book starts of slow and slightly confusing but eventually builds up into a fast pace ,heart pumping journey. I love the way the curse was physically brought to life alongside the main characters in the book. I love the character development throughout the book as well , We get to see a strong FMC and not 1 but 2 MMC's.

Another seller for me is the amount of Spice in this book 🤭 It's a chefs kiss 💋. THE FACT THAT WE GET A 1 FEMALE 2 MALES SCENE ,I was absolutely engrossed with this ....I even went back to read it a second time 🤭🤭🤭.

The Spice level is around a 3.5 chilly pepper 🌶 but having this Spice really finishes this book of as a real page turner.

[Brooklyn L. Wolves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava Zoe's Cursed by the Crimson Moon is an absolute triumph! From the first page, I was completely captivated by Lena's unwavering determination and the dark, enchanting world Zoe has created. The premise is instantly gripping: a young woman destined for sacrifice, determined to break the curse that holds her village captive. The addition of Calder, her steadfast best friend, and Alaric, the brooding, cursed wolf, creates a delicious tension and a compelling love triangle (or rather, love shape!) that had me hooked.

Zoe masterfully weaves together elements of dark fairytale, forbidden romance, and high-stakes adventure. The trials Lena, Calder, and Alaric face are genuinely challenging, and I was constantly on the edge of my seat, wondering if they would survive. The plot twists are expertly placed, keeping the suspense high and the pages turning late into the night.

What truly sets Cursed by the Crimson Moon apart is the depth of its characters. Lena is a strong, resourceful protagonist you can't help but root for. Calder's unwavering loyalty is incredibly endearing, and Alaric's tortured soul and simmering intensity make him utterly irresistible. The dynamic between the three of them is complex, steamy, and emotionally charged. The "why-choose" element is seamlessly integrated into the narrative, adding another layer of intrigue and passion.

The writing is lush and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the forbidden forest and the dangers that lurk within. The world-building is excellent, creating a believable and captivating magical system. Fans of Grimm's Fairytales, From Blood and Ash, Serpent & Dove, and A Court of Thorns and Roses will undoubtedly devour this book.

Cursed by the Crimson Moon is more than just a fantasy romance; it's a story about fighting for your destiny, the power of love, and the sacrifices we make for those we care about. I highly recommend this book and eagerly await the next installment!

[Ms. Amnah · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)

First of all, thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review 🤍

You had me at dark Red Riding Hood retelling with a why choose romance. Like excuse me??? That combination already had me seated and ready. The atmosphere of the story, the cursed woods, the mystery, the darker vibes… honestly the beginning pulled me in so fast. I was genuinely enjoying the flow of the story and wanted to know more about the world and the characters.

The concept itself was honestly one of my favorite parts. It felt different, dark, and addictive in a way that made me keep turning the pages. I also really liked the idea behind the relationships and the tension between the characters.

BUTTTT… somewhere in the middle things started feeling a little rushed for me. Some developments and emotional connections happened too quickly, and I found myself wishing we had more depth and buildup before jumping into certain moments. I think the story had SO much potential that I just wanted more time with everything.

That being said, I still enjoyed reading it overall. It has all the vibes for readers who love dark romantasy, wolves, curses, twisted fairytales, and morally grey energy 👀🌙

Was it perfect for me? No.
Did I still have fun reading it? Absolutely yes.
And honestly… the premise alone deserves attention because it was such an interesting take on Red Riding Hood, and I’ll definitely be checking out what the author writes next.

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every ten years under the crimson moon a sacrifice must be given to the forest as tribute for the terrifying legacy of the wolf. Lena is the strongest in the village and chosen to appease the curse, but she won't go without a fight.
Determined to help her village but understand the curse to break it, she ventures into the forest to learn its secrets. Calder her loyal friend is by her side, and they meet Alaric, a stranger in the woods, and together they hope to end the cycle.
This is a dark fairytale retelling of red riding hood, where they battle curses, face shadowy threats, confront themselves and challenge fate.
I enjoyed all the mystery and the slow burn passion, I loved Lina's bravery and determination, and her chemistry with Alaric and Calder.
This is a spicy retelling with a lot of intrigue and emotion.

🐺 "If anyone has a chance of breaking the curse, it's her"

🐺 "Whatever you face in those woods, hold onto yourself. Don't let the darkness make you forget who you are"

[Krystal Mire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! Strong independent FMC who throughout the whole book showed perseverance and determination. Lena was a badass! Made me think along the lines of you can do anything you set your mind to you just have to take that first step and boy did she. Dreamy MMCs what more can I say about them. Both Calder and Alaric had me dreaming of ways to jump into this tale myself. I loved Greta she reminded me of my grandmother a little. The retelling of the Red Riding Hood story itself was very well done and I was captivated until the very end. I was along for the ride the whole way and let’s just say the ending without spoilers surprised me. Wasn’t expecting it to go that way. But I liked it 😍

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books is absolutely fantastic!

This book is a why-choose dark red riding hood retelling. It is a fantastic retelling that keeps you hooked throughout the whole story. It has the right amount of romance, spice, action, and thrill to it.

This book has a fantastic plot that kept me reading and I did not want to put the book down! I finished the book in a little over 24 hours!

The book also has fantastic characters that develop and grow a lot throughout the book and leave you rooting for them. The book also has great secondary characters that are integral to the story and help to move the plot along.

[lemmespoilyou.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was an interesting spin on Little Red Riding Hood where there is Wolf shifting, spice and devotion and loyalty, a horrible sacrifice made in the name of fear and protection, a tangible creepy curse, and a haunting forest. How the mystery unfolded was intriguing and had me reading eagerly to see just how they would break the curse and free themselves under the crimson moon.

[Kristen S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lena learns she is to be the next sacrifice to keep the wolf at bay. But when she begins to question everything, she learns more than she thought she would. Having two men by her side that both care for her and want her to succeed for their own reasons, the three of them must work together. Can they break the curse of the wolf? And will the three of them survive until the end?

I very much enjoyed this book. I am very picky with retellings of fairytales but thought this one was very well done. Red Riding Hood is one of my favorites, and I'm very glad I received an ARC of this story. I look forward to seeing others thoughts on this.

[Nichole Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

BEAUTIFUL reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood! I personally love when a book “gets to the point” and from the very first page, we’re instantly transported into the story and hooked. Ava Zoe doesn’t waste time with minute details that detail from pushing the plot along which is refreshing. Plus— the sprinkle of spice was a nice touch!! Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a fantasy adventure that can be a stand alone book!

[Andi Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Village meets Little Red Riding Hood with a hint of The Hunger Games.
Sacrifices, secrets, and love triangles... oh my!
I love a retelling! This one checked off so many boxes: dark fairy tale, secrets, romance, spice and why chose! Ava Zoe does a fantastic job of giving a traditional fairy tale a new, dark twist.

[Laura Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book😍 the spice was so good! Lena was such a good FMC and she definitely did what she needed to do and got it done! Give me another story that Ava Zoe tells and I’m all in for it!

[Alexis DeLong · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are someone who loves fantasy, love triangles, spice and magic then this book is definitely for you! I enjoyed reading this book and it had me at every chapter wanting to know what was going to happen! Cursed by the crimson moon was my first book by Ava Zoe and will not be my last this book is a apart of a mini series of other retelling and i intend to read all of them and you should as well! I cannot recommend this book
enough and it should definitely be on your TBR list!

[Menna Hassan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some girls run from curses. Lena walked into the forest and made it hers.”
I’m not okay. I haven’t been okay since the crimson moon rose and Lena said, “Not today, fate.” 🌕✨
From the first page, this book had me feral.
It’s giving: dark fairytale energy, swoon-worthy chaos, and just the right touch of spice and soul.
Two men. One curse. And a girl who refuses to be anyone’s sacrifice.
Lena is the kind of heroine I’d follow into a haunted forest barefoot, she’s sharp, soft, stubborn, and so full of fight. 🩸🌲
She doesn’t ask for permission. She doesn’t break easy. She chooses, even when it costs her everything.
And the men??
Calder — sunshine with a sword ☀️⚔️, protective in a way that heals, not suffocates.
Alaric — the cursed wolf with grief in his bones and a growl in his throat. 🐺💔 If brooding was a sport, he’d win gold.
I couldn’t pick. Lena doesn’t. And thank the moon for that. 🌙
The three of them?
It’s giving found family meets tension-filled fairytale, with glances that linger and touches that spark and vibes. So many vibes.
Yes, it’s got heat, but it’s the kind of burn that builds, that aches, that means something. 🔥
What made me fall the hardest?
It’s not just romance—it’s resistance. It’s about rewriting your fate, loving without apology, and stepping into your own power even when everything’s falling apart.
The writing? Dreamy as a blood-red sky. ❤️‍🔥
Every word feels like it was carved from moonlight and shadow, soft, dangerous, magnetic. The forest breathes. The magic sings. The danger dances.
If you love:
• Spicy fairytales with bite and bloom 🌹
• A cursed boy who deserves softness and rage 🖤
• Best friends who hold your heart like a blade and a balm 🗡️♥️
• Ancient trials and forbidden forests 🌒
• "Why-choose" slow burns that delight and destroy
• Girls who say “I’ll save myself, thanks”
Then Cursed by the Crimson Moon will wrap around your soul and howl with it.
I’m obsessed. I stayed up past 3AM. I cried. I blushed. I stared at the ceiling whispering “what now??”
To @avazoe.author 🥰
You didn’t just give us a book. You gave us a fever dream laced in thorns and longing. Thank you for the ARC and the emotional damage.
Now if you’ll excuse me… I’ll be running through shadowy woods, waiting for book two and whispering both their names.

[Dorthe Jespersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

En skæbnesvanger forbandelse hænger over en lille landsby der i årtier har frygtet den forbandelse der siges at være umulig at bryde.
Hver 10 år ved rød måne, må en udvalgt indbygger ofre sig for byen og dens indbyggeres overlevelse. Kun ved en ofring vil den store stygge ulv være tilfreds.
De gamle sagn om faren der lure i skoven, bringer Lena dybere ind i skovens hemmeligheder som ingen før har turde udforske.

Men Lena er noget ganske særligt, og har altid været betaget af skoven.
I en hytte der rummer hemmeligheder, bor Lena's bedstemor som viser sig at have den viden som Lena skal bruge for at bryde den forbandelse alle er bange for.
Fast besluttet på at bryde forbandelsen om den store stygge ulv, bliver Lena udvalgt til at bryde forbandelsen.

En mystisk fremmede kommer frem af mørket og snart bliver Lena fanget i et spind af dødbringende løgne, korruption, begær og kærlighed da forbandelsen viser sig at være dybere forbundet til hende end hun gik og troede.

Da hun bliver forelsket i den mystiske og farlige Alaric forsegles hver deres skæbne til hinanden og Lena er fast besluttet på at redde Alaric for en skæbne han ikke selv har valgt.
Men da Calder, som hun i årevis har kendt forsøger at redde hende fra hvad han tror er hendes død, forelsker han sig i hende og vil gøre sit til for også at beskytte hende mod Alaric.

Vil Lena være stærk og klog nok til at bryde forbandelsen. Og vil kærligheden til Alaric og Calder være nok til at hun kan acceptere hendes skæbne.



"REVIEW IN ENGLISH"

A fateful curse hangs over a small village that has feared the curse for decades, which is said to be impossible to break.
Every 10 years, at the red moon, a chosen inhabitant must be sacrifice for the survival of the town and its inhabitants.
Only with such a sacrifice will the big bad wolf be satisfied.
The old legends of the danger that lurks in the forest lead Lena deeper into the secrets of the forest that no one has dared to explore before.

But Lena is something very special, and has always been fascinated by the forest.
In a cabin that holds secrets, lives Lena's grandmother, who turns out to have the knowledge that Lena needs to break the curse that everyone fears.
Determined to break the curse of the big bad wolf, Lena is chosen to break the curse.

A mysterious stranger emerges from the darkness and soon Lena is caught in a web of deadly lies, corruption, lust and love as the curse turns out to be deeper than she thought.

When she falls in love with the mysterious and dangerous Alaric, their fates are sealed and Lena is determined to save Alaric from a fate he did not choose.
But when Calder, whom she has known for years, tries to save her from what he believes is her death, he falls in love with her and will do his part to protect her from Alaric as well.

Will Lena be strong and wise enough to break the curse. And will her love for Alaric and Calder be enough for her to accept her fate?




"READER NOTE IN BOTH ENGLISH AND DANISH"

The tale of Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf takes a whole new turn, Cursed by the Grimson Moon, my first book as an ACR reader written in a historical angle of Dark Fantasy and romance. Ava Zoe, has the ability to write grippingly and filled with plots throughout the book. As a reader, I found Cursed by the Grimson Moon a bit long-winded, but because it has Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, but also as its own independent story, the book is a gripping tale of love, fate and the desire to solve the mystery that can cost innocent people their lives. I was contacted to be an ARC Reader on Cursed by the Grimson Moon, therefore my review will be in both English and Danish.

Cursed by the Grimson Moon 4 out of 5 stars
Spizy 2 out of 5

‐-------‐-----------------***------


Eventyret om Rødhætte og ulven tager en helt ny drejning, Cursed by the Chimson Moon, min første bog som ACR reader skrevet i en historisk vinkel, Dark Fantasy and romance.

Ava Zoe, har evnen til at skrive gribende og fyldt med plots hele vejen igennem bogen.
Jeg fandt som læser Cursed by the Chrimson Moon en smule langtrukken men fordi den har rødhætte og ulven over sig, dog også som sin egen selvstændig historie, er bogen en gribende fortælling om kærlighed, skæbne og higen efter at løse den gåde der kan koste uskyldige mennesker deres liv.

Jeg blev kontaktet, for at være ARC Reader på Cursed by the Chrimson Moon, derfor vil mit review være på både engelsk og dansk.

Cursed by the Grimson Moon
4 ud af 5 stjerner
Spizy 2 ud af 5

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️🌶️🌶️

Thank you for the ALC!

🎧- single narrator

This is a spicy retelling a little red riding Hood, and then the narrator does a great job with distinguishing between the different characters and bringing the story to life. The narrator’s pacing was a little slow for me, but I just increased the speed of the narration.

The story definitely keeps on track with the way a fairytale is written. You have a strong female character, who, of course the village wants to sacrifice, the hunter who is in love with her and the big bad wolf.

What I liked about the story is that I can tell that the author has spent a lot of time creating lore to focus around as well as a good description of the forest, the village and the places that the characters go to which is pretty on point for a fairytale.

I am 50/50 on FMC. While I like her spunk and her determination to not be turned into a victim by her village, I also found her kind of annoying. To me it felt like she was more into the wolf than the hunter (which is totally fine because he’s sexy AF), but seemed more of a giant cock tease to the hunter. While I am all for a woman getting whatever she wants for her pleasure, I just felt bad for the hunter.

I enjoyed the MMC that was the wolf. He definitely had that dark mysterious sexy stranger thing going for him and you know that every girl likes a cursed bad boy.

The other MMC, the hunter, well, I did like him, I didn’t like the fact that he just followed around the FMC like a puppy dog and just accepted that she was banging this wolf dude before even knowing his name. But hey, we accept what we accept for love right? I suppose I can’t fall him for that. 😏

So let’s talk about spice. The spice is definitely spicing in this book. It’s not over the top and I think well done. There is just enough to give you that tingly feeling and not be overwhelmed by it being too much. (and I have definitely read books where the spice is too much and that saying a lot for me).

Overall, I still think this was a pretty good book. The storytelling was great and the character development was good. The pacing is a little slow to start, but it definitely does pick up and definitely gets more interesting as we go into the trials at the trio must face. The specific elements of the trials were wealth thought out and make you think which was great just like a fairytale. The spice good and I think we’ll leave you pretty satisfied.

The author gives a fantastic mental picture of how everything would, kind of like you were watching a movie, if that makes sense. Honestly, I have no regrets reading this book and I would definitely recommend it to people who love fairytales like I do.

[Paris Jodouin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars and honestly I would give it more if I could because Cursed by the Crimson Moon completely consumed me in the best way possible. This book does not just tell a story, it drags you into it and then emotionally wrecks you while you are there.

From the start, the tension feels sharp and almost suffocating, but it is the slow unraveling of the curse that really makes this unforgettable. Watching the main character slowly realize that the curse is not just some distant, abstract threat but something deeply tied to their own identity was so satisfying and painful at the same time. That moment when they discover the truth about the bloodline and how the curse has been passed down intentionally was insane. It completely reframes everything that came before it and makes every earlier interaction feel heavier.

And the romance. I was not prepared for how intense it would get. The push and pull between them felt raw and real, especially once the truth came out that the love interest had known more about the curse than they ever admitted. That betrayal hit hard. The scene where they finally confront each other under the crimson moon was easily one of the best parts of the book. The mix of anger, desperation, and still very obvious love made it impossible to look away.

The climax absolutely delivered. The transformation scene was brutal in the best way, and the fact that breaking the curse required a real sacrifice instead of some easy solution made it so much more impactful. I was genuinely not expecting the main character to go through with it, and that ending left me both satisfied and emotionally destroyed. It felt earned, even if it hurt.

If I had to nitpick anything, there were a few moments where the pacing rushed through things that deserved more time, especially some of the lore reveals. But honestly, the emotional payoff made up for it completely.

This is a five star read without hesitation. Dark, emotional, and addictive in a way that makes it impossible to stop thinking about.

[Alex In Chapters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book. I always appreciate getting to experience a story early, and it is clear there was a lot of creativity and intention behind this one.

Overall, I would rate this book 3 stars. The concept is genuinely really strong. I loved the idea of the curse, the forest, and the Red Riding Hood inspired elements. The foundation of the story is there and it has so much potential to be something really captivating. The world itself is atmospheric and you can see the vision behind it.

For me, where it didn’t fully land was in the depth and development. I found myself wanting more from the characters, especially emotionally. I didn’t feel as connected to them as I would have liked, and I think with more time spent building their relationships and internal struggles, it would have made a big difference in how invested I felt.

The pacing also felt a bit uneven at times. Some parts felt slower and drawn out, while other important moments seemed to move too quickly. Because of that, certain plot developments and character dynamics felt a little rushed or surface level when they could have been explored more deeply.

With the FMC, she is described as one of the strongest in her village, but I personally felt like her actions didn’t always fully match that description. I wanted to see more confidence and consistency in her strength, especially in key moments where it could have really stood out.

I also found myself occasionally confused with the perspective shifts, which pulled me out of the story a bit. Clearer transitions there would have helped with the overall flow.

That being said, this is still a well written story with a great idea behind it. The bones of something really special are here. With more depth, stronger character development, and a bit more balance in pacing, I truly think this could grow into a very compelling and immersive series.

Overall, while it wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I do see the potential and appreciate the creativity that went into creating this story.

[Kaitlyn Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dark retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, Cursed by the Crimson Moon transports readers to a village trapped under an ancient curse, surrounded by an enchanted forest filled with danger and mystery. At its heart is Lena, a young woman believed to be the strongest in the village and the required next sacrifice to the Crimson Moon. But rather than resigning herself to fate, she sets out to break the curse, accompanied by her loyal friend Calder and the enigmatic Alaric, the cursed wolf who may hold the answers she seeks.

One of the book’s strongest aspects is its immersive world-building. Zoe crafts a vivid, almost tangible setting, bringing the dark magic of the forest and the weight of the village’s curse to life. The emotional depth between the main characters is another highlight, with a well-balanced mix of tension, vulnerability, and spice that adds layers to their relationships.

However, the pacing of the story is uneven. After a slow start, some sections feel drawn out—particularly the repeated reliance on seeking information about the curse—while other moments, especially crucial plot developments, are rushed. Lena’s character arc also has some inconsistencies; while she is positioned as the strongest in her village, her moments of strength are often overshadowed by hesitation and self-doubt. While doubts and hesitation fit with a coming-of-age journey, in my opinion, there is too much that makes her development feel unsteady. For me, a strong FMC does not have as much reliance on the MMCs.

Overall, Cursed by the Crimson Moon is an intriguing dark fantasy retelling that will appeal to readers who enjoy lush world-building, forbidden alliances, and a touch of romance. While the pacing and character depth may not work for everyone, fans of atmospheric, slow-burn fantasy will likely find much to enjoy.

I received an ARC copy, and the author asked me to give my honest opinion of the book.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cursed by the Crimson Moon is a dark, spicy, why choose Little Red Riding Hood retelling featuring Lena, Calder and Alaric.

Many years ago, a pact was made to ensure the safety of their villages inhabitants. As payment though, a sacrifice must be made. Every crimson moon, the strongest of the villagers is given to the wolf. This year, Lena learns she has been chosen as the sacrifice and she won't go down without a fight.

Keen to undo this curse, and save not only herself but future sacrifices, Lena ventures into the forbidden forest. Calder, another villager who most certainly has feelings for Lena, wants to save her and is all too ready to try and slay the wolf. His brawn, while appreciated, is not the most helpful in trying to find and solve clues. Fortunately Lena meets a handsome stranger (Alaric) in the woods who tries to caution her from the dangers which lurk. She's determined and refuses to go home to the short-term safety of her village. Together this trio might be able to end the curse that plagues not only the village, but the wolf as well.

Zoe did a great job at developing this world. I was able to picture it easily, and follow along as the characters explored different parts of the forest. I appreciated Lena's determination and heart and Calder's loyalty. Alaric was the most complex character of the three, which makes sense; he is like two characters in one. Their dynamic was interesting with the animosity between Calder and Alaric. It was nice to see the evolution of those relationships.

I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Marie Walker. She did a good job as the storyteller however I didn't feel as though she truly embodied any of the characters.

[Sabrina Mordini · Rating 4 out of 5]

A village hidden in the forest, a curse demanding sacrifice, and a girl determined to protect what she loves—these are the foundations of this atmospheric retelling of Red Riding Hood.

I really enjoyed the characters, especially how their strengths and flaws were intricately woven into the story. Their growth felt organic, making their struggles and choices all the more compelling. The forest itself was almost a character, its dark, mysterious presence pulling me into the narrative and heightening the sense of isolation and inevitability.

While there are wolf shifters, this isn’t your typical shifter story—there’s no pack hierarchy, no fated mates, just a cursed man, a determined woman, and another man whose presence complicates everything. The MFM dynamic isn’t just about romance; it’s deeply tied to the curse itself, shaping the plot and driving the tension almost until the very end.

The writing is immersive and atmospheric, capturing the tension and mystery that surround the curse. Told in third-person POV, the story offers a comprehensive view of the shifting dynamics between characters, making every emotion, conflict, and sacrifice even more impactful. The pacing builds masterfully toward the inevitable, making the reader feel the relentless passage of time and the weight of the approaching doom.

A haunting, beautifully written tale that lingers even after the final page.

[Devon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to have something nice to say about this book, but unfortunately there was nothing I enjoyed about it.

I finished this book in 2 days out of pure spite and my 2026 challenge to not DNF a book. But I will say, I skipped over pages worth of stuff. Primarily the “smut.”

My thoughts on the characters: The only proof of Lena's "strength" was the fact that EVERYONE kept saying it. Calder is a jerk, an actual jerk and an oaf. He says "I'll protect you" but then leaves her every time. And Aldric was in no way "mysterious." He just withheld all information until he felt like giving it up. Plus, how did grandma know all this crap????? Who is she???

1.) POV changes happened in the middle of paragraphs. It was jarring and distracting.

2.) There are no truly descriptive words to their emotions outside of something flickering in their eyes, or a smirk, or us being spoonfed how they felt.

3.) Continuity? That's not a thing. Nothing makes sense, and as a reader with aphantasia, it was detracting. Time? Not real. It was nothing but continuous: "In a few days." Until it suddenly became "tomorrow" and even then the next day (in the story) they said "tomorrow." And the cursed guy was cursed for 200 years, I know because the author said that at some point, but then he kept saying "a couple decades" or "decades" like he didn't know how long he'd been cursed for.

4.) There was no true adventure. All the information they got was from her DREAMS. She would dream about something and be like "Oh yeah, I know now." It was just days upon days of falling asleep and waking up in a cave. None of them actually did any real work.

5.) If this is how ALL "why choose" are written, I don't want that trope. It was so poorly done. She sleeps with a rando she knows after a couple days of roughing it in a forest (no tent or bedroll), while leading on her bestie boy toy. There is no real connection between any of the characters, and it takes multiple NDEs for the men to actually stop fighting (and even then they fight). Good golly goodness, and the smut was bad. The foreplay was non-existent and she was sleeping with the dudes behind each other’s back like a dirty little secret.

6.) Repetition, the same passages were basically copy and pasted throughout, with only a little bit of information changed.

Really... I wish I could get my time back from this story.

[DanniOnThePages · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If a sacrifice is not offered, his wrath will not be contained.”

A dark and spicy retelling of the classic fairytale, Little Red Riding Hood, Cursed by the Crimson Moon, was made for adults. It also gives off The Village vibes as well. The bones of the story are the same as LRR; we have a village and a young woman who ventures off into the forest to see her grandmother, and we hear the warnings of the big bad wolf. That’s where the similarities end.

In this dark retelling, we have a village that must sacrifice someone every ten years when the crimson moon appears. That was the deal struck between the village and the Wolf. With this coming crimson moon, things are different; the Wolf is stronger and the village has only one option, sacrifice their strongest villager — Lena. With the help of her protector and friend Calder, Lena begins the journey of finding the secret to breaking the curse that plagued her village for decades. Along the way, she comes across Alaric…the one person she wasn’t expecting to find. What exactly is his role?

I truly enjoyed reading this story. There’s a nice build in the beginning and the suspense keeps you turning the pages. I should know, I took a nice little nap before having to get ready for work…the next day lol. Can we also talk about the crafty placement of the plot twist?!

For those who love spice, we do get some spicy scenes…fair warning, we get some MFM scenes. If you can stand some jalapeño level heat, and a grownup twist on a believed classic? This book is for you.

[Marleen Spijkerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

First i wanne thank Ava Zoe for arc reading her book.

this book was very well written and is a retelling of red riding hood
it is a stand alone and you dont stay hanging with a cliffhanger or many questions.

Lena lives in a village, a village with a curse.
once many years ago the elders of this village made pact with the forest that the village is in.
a pact that should keep the village save but turned in to a curse.
every 10 years when the crimson moon rises the village have to sacrafice the strongest person in the village to the wolf, they send that person in to the forest and i never comes back.
this year that strongest person is Lena.
but lena doesnt want to be sacraficed and wants to break the curse.

caldar the guy who lena loves and he loves her fiercly back and will always protect her go in to the forest and will try to find clues how to break the curse
they also go to her grandmother and the elders of the village to find more information.

when lena goes in to the forest and there she meets a men, alaric.
the 3 of them togheter will try to break the curse.
find clues, solve riddles and go true tests.

will they succedeed and break the curse????
and who is alaric and where does he come from????

i really liked this book, it kept me on my toes
the romance part does not take over from the plot line and that i like very much

[Lexi Carranza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a fairy tale/folk lore retelling. I love that Zoe went with the Little Red Riding Hood. I always loved retellings of this story. I've also loved how it tends to be a coming of age story. However, Zoe took a different approach with this one. This one gave me slightly dystopian vibes. We have a council that follows traditions out of fear, requiring a sacrifice every 10 years. It's not until our FMC that we see that challenged. Her goal is noble tho, she seeks to end a curse not for herself but for the village and men she comes to love.

There were some frustrations I had through the book. One was a lack of actual timeline. I think keeping track of how long they had to break the curse would have added to the intensity. Another frustration I had was the characters. They took a while to evolve. They liked to bicker and argue too much for me, but it also added to them. They were all fighting inner emotions throughout the book. The last bit of the book made the journey worth it. One more frustration I had was the constant running in circles in the beginning. I just didn't understand why we had to rehash things over and over.

Overall I enjoyed the read and the different spin Zoe put on a classic fairy tale.

[HaukNest Booktok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lena and Calder are determined to end the centuries-long curse that has plagued the woods surrounding their village. Every ten years, a sacrifice is chosen to appease the Wolf, a creature who protects the villagers from the evils lurking in the forest. This time, Lena has been chosen.

But instead of accepting her fate, Lena decides to find a way to break the curse. Calder, unwilling to let her face the danger alone, vows to help her.

As their journey unfolds, they learn that the Wolf is no mere animal—he is Alaric, a cursed being bound to the Crimson Moon, which compels him to demand the sacrifice every decade.

Together, Lena, Calder, and Alaric must decide whether they can break the curse—or if the dark forces lurking in the woods will decide their fate for them.

The spice, world building, and character development in this story were everything I needed in this fractured fairytale. Ava did an amazing job creating these characters and taking a well-known story and turning it into something new!

Although I was quickly drawn into the storyline and characters, it did feel a bit rushed at times. I would have loved to have more details with some parts of the story, however it was a refreshingly quick and easy read if that is what you are looking for.

[Sam Cortez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, narrator, and Bookish Boosters for providing an ALC of this book. This is my honest review.

Cursed by the Crimson Moon is a well-executed dark retelling of Little Red Riding Hood with a why-choose romance twist.

This story is captivating from beginning to end, packed with suspense, mystery, plot twists, and plenty of steamy moments. One of the strongest aspects of the book is how well the romance complements the overarching plot instead of overpowering it. The balance between tension, mystery, and romance keeps the story engaging throughout.

The chemistry between the characters was especially well done. Every interaction felt natural, and the emotional connection between the FMC and both MMCs felt genuine and believable. At no point did the relationships feel forced or uneven, which made the romance aspect much more immersive.

The audiobook is also an excellent companion to the story. The narration elevated every emotional moment and helped keep me fully grounded in the atmosphere of the book. The performances captured the tension, vulnerability, and intensity of each scene beautifully, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Overall, this was a dark, addictive, and entertaining fantasy romance that kept me hooked until the very end.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Cursed by the Crimson Moon by Ava Zoe, and while I’m glad I read it, it didn’t fully live up to my expectations.

The worldbuilding is beautiful and atmospheric — you can really feel the dark, fairytale-like setting, and that was definitely one of the stronger aspects of the book. The premise itself is also very promising.

However, the pacing didn’t quite work for me. The story starts rather slow, and while the ending is more engaging, it also feels rushed — as if everything suddenly falls into place a bit too easily.

I also struggled with the emotional depth. The tension between the characters had potential, but I never felt fully invested in their relationships. Important developments sometimes seemed to happen too quickly, which made the connections feel less convincing.

Another small but noticeable issue was the shifting perspectives. Without clear indicators at the start of each chapter, it could be confusing at times to know whose point of view I was reading from.

Overall, it was an okay read with a strong concept and a beautifully described world, but I missed that extra spark that would have made it truly memorable.