Lost in the Woods

by C.C. Wood

Scarlett

The forest at night is dangerous. Still, it’s preferable to an arranged marriage.

There are creatures wandering these woods and one of them decides to take me back to its lair…whether I’m willing or not.

But someone else is watching and waiting for a chance to do much worse.

Conall

I left my pack because my wolf refuses to submit to another alpha. Resigned to solitude, I move to Grimdale.

Then, one night, I scent her—my mate. Finally, after a lifetime alone, I’ve found her. And I won’t let her go.

Hunter

I’ve known Conall for years, but I’ve never seen him so uncontrolled.

Not until Scarlett.

I know she’s determined to remain unattached, which is why I never courted her. Even though I want to. I try to keep Conall from pushing her too far, too fast.

Until I realize our only choice is to convince our little red-haired witch that she wants not just one man in her life…but two.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 26, 2026

About the author

Born and raised in Texas, C.C. Wood writes saucy paranormal and contemporary romances featuring strong, sassy women and the men that love them. If you ever meet C.C. in person, keep in mind that many of her characters are based on people she knows, so anything you say or do is likely to end up in a book one day.

A self-professed hermit, C.C. loves to stay home, where she reads, writes, cooks, and watches TV. She can usually be found drinking coffee or wine as she spends time with her hubby, daughter, and two beagles.

Reviews

[Eve · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I'm very thankful for being able to read this one as an advance reader copy!

Sometimes you don't need an epic tale of trials and tribulations. Sometimes you just need a little fluff, some spice, a charming cast of characters, and a werewolf who gets so excited about his mate that his tail starts wagging.

And honestly? This was exactly what I needed.

Lost in the Woods is a fast, fun, low-stakes Little Red Riding Hood retelling that doesn't try to be anything more complicated than it needs to be. There's no endless world-building, no elaborate explanations of shifter history, and no unnecessary drama. Just a delightfully entertaining story that was incredibly easy to get swept up in.

The characters were lovely, the banter was genuinely fun, and the romance had me grinning like an idiot on several occasions. I particularly enjoyed the playful dynamics between the characters and how unapologetically affectionate the story could be.

The spice was good, too! Although, for my personal taste, it did become a little repetitive as the story progressed.

The writing was solid, accessible, and engaging. I had absolutely no trouble immersing myself in the world, and the short length made this an effortless, enjoyable read.

That said, while I certainly don't believe every book needs to be hundreds of pages long, I do think this one could have benefited from a little more breathing room. Some developments felt like they deserved more attention, and perhaps another 50 pages of storytelling and character development would have made the overall experience feel more complete.

But those criticisms don't take away from how much fun I had.

This was my first proper introduction to the fated-mates genre, and what a delightful introduction it was! Sometimes reading is about challenging yourself intellectually, and sometimes it's simply about enjoying a good story that makes you smile.

Lost in the Woods delivered exactly that.

A charming, spicy little palate cleanser that reminded me how much fun reading can be 🐺🌲💕

[Maddie from Lichen and Lavender · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Honest review of the ARC copy I received from the author.

Light spoilers, but tagged as better safe than sorry!

Fast burn, well roasted.
(In the best way, p**n with plot.)

An amusing, entertaining, and fun light read. I appreciate the focus on character interactions, both in and out of spicy scenes. Even over short scenes, CC Wood does a good job establishing how well the characters fit together and genuinely like and support each other.

Despite a few stumbling blocks, there is an emphasis on the importance of relationships where everyone loves, respects, and takes care of each other. 😉

Personal note:

Sir Wolf is frustrating at first, I absolutely felt the same way Scarlett did at the beginning of the book. But he does come around by the end, so it was definitely worth coming back to after I took a break to cool down. 😂

[Kat Delaney · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I surprised myself by signing up for an ARC, forgetting about it, then getting it in my email. This review is unsolicited and wholly earned.

I love fairytale retellings, this take on Red Riding Hood was fantastic. It’s a grey why choose with a smidge of kidnapping by an antisocial alpha wolf of a feisty and sassy witch.

Scarlett has her reasons for trying to remain independent and not end up a mate to an overbearing wolf or any other man. Hunter, the woodsman, is pack brother to Conall even though he’s human. He’s also been infatuated and low key in love with Scarlett for years. Conall wanted to be isolated and alone but fate stuck her nose into things and he crossed paths with his mate, Scarlett.

For reasons, Hunter is the glue that brings the trio together and tempers both Scarlett and Conall. Instinct and intuition is strong in them all. I loved their dynamic and that neither man tried to douse the sass that Scarlett carries.

This is definitely worth reading.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlett doesn’t want to be promised in marriage to Victor, who is objectively a horrible person, so she runs away from home. While on the run, Conall picks up her scent and realizes she’s his mate. Needless to say, Scarlett isn’t having it. Hunter has been friends with both Scarlett and Conall for years; could he bridge the gap between them?

This is a short-ish (less than 200 pgs) spicy story with plot, which I was HERE FOR. It didn’t have any complicated world building (it wasn’t necessary), the villains were obvious villains, and the MMCs were GONE for the FMC. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need!

✨Fated mates
✨Why choose
✨Touch her and 💀
✨Fairy tale retelling

Thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book!

[Kaylyn Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you looking for a Red Riding Hood retelling with a twist? What about a spicy why choose?

Well CC has both and it had me hooked from the get go!

Lost In The Woods has a strong FMC that wants nothing to do with being tied down to a man let alone two. However Fate has other plans for her and the plans her mother and step father had for her.

Don’t worry grandmother is in the story too and boy is she a hoot!

This story is first person pov

A spicy Paranormal Romance (but do expect anything else form a wolf 😉)

Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Ashley Burgess · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

***ARC Review***

I had a blast reading this. The spice? Chef’s kiss. The romance? Kicking my feet giggling. Normally with multiple love interests/partners I have a favorite between the two but I couldn’t pick one, I loved them both! 10/10 recommend and will actually be going to read the first book now.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of getting an ARC copy of this, and hadn't read the first novel. Trust and believe it has now been downloaded.
The story is there, the on-page chemistry is scorching hot, and everyone loves a fairytale retelling with a happy ending.

[Aliyah K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very cute and spicy read.
Scarlett and Hunter and Conall.
It was a quick read and lots of sex which I wholeheartedly enjoyed.