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What happens when a werewolf hunter falls for her prey?Red Locklear regularly hunts all manner of woodland prey, but her favorite kill is the beast that tore her parents apart when she was a little girl.The werewolf.Now that Red is all grown up, these horrid creatures are terrorizing Dakota Territory once again. As a member of the elite Dakota Guard, Red has a duty to extinguish the life of every last wolf she sees. Failing to do so is a death sentence.When her grandmother doesn’t come back from a foraging run, Red dons her quiver of silver arrows and breaks town law, heading into the forest after sunset to search for her. The dark woods test her hunting skills as well as her loyalty to the Dakota Guard, and she’s left wondering if there is any way out of this alive.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2018
23 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
J.E. Taylor
164 books185 followersJ.E. Taylor is an award winning, USA Today Bestselling author, a publisher, an editor, a mother, a wife, a business analyst, and a Supernatural fangirl, not necessarily in that order. She first sat down to seriously write in February of 2007 after her daughter asked:
“Mom, if you could do anything, what would you do?”
From that moment on, she hasn’t looked back.
In addition to being co-owner of Novel Concept Publishing (www.novelconceptpublishing), Ms. Taylor also moonlights as a Senior Editor of Allegory (www.allegoryezine.com), an online venue for Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror.
She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and during the summer months enjoys her weekends on the shore in southern Maine.
Visit her at www.jetaylor75.com
“Mom, if you could do anything, what would you do?”
From that moment on, she hasn’t looked back.
In addition to being co-owner of Novel Concept Publishing (www.novelconceptpublishing), Ms. Taylor also moonlights as a Senior Editor of Allegory (www.allegoryezine.com), an online venue for Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror.
She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and during the summer months enjoys her weekends on the shore in southern Maine.
Visit her at www.jetaylor75.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 28, 2017
Loved this fairy tale retelling! Red has elements from the Red Riding Hood fairy tale, but the book doesn't follow the storyline of the fairy tale. Red is a werewolf hunter, she's the only female on the team in her village. Red's family was murdered by a werewolf, so she has no problem killing werewolves. When Red's grandmother doesn't return on time, Red goes against the curfew law to find her grandmother. When she sees a werewolf protecting her grandmother, she doesn't know what to think. Her instinct is to kill the werewolf, but there's something different about this werewolf. Red is a strong character, and I loved how she stands up for what she believes in. The romance is sweet and has a couple slightly spicy moments, I would've actually loved for there to be more to the romance because I loved what was already there, and I wanted more of it. The storyline is great, and I loved the sense of action and adventure in Red. Loved this retelling, and look forward to more from J.E. Taylor!
January 15, 2018
Received an arc from the author for a review of this book.
I really enjoyed this quick read. A different take on red riding hood. Love that ruby is a strong woman that fights her own battles and loved the gram character. Didn't care for the hate to insta lust of the main characters but I am not a fan of that romance angle in any books. I loved ruby as the hunter avenging her family and the wolf saving gram from the bad wolf pack such a unique take will recommend to others.
I really enjoyed this quick read. A different take on red riding hood. Love that ruby is a strong woman that fights her own battles and loved the gram character. Didn't care for the hate to insta lust of the main characters but I am not a fan of that romance angle in any books. I loved ruby as the hunter avenging her family and the wolf saving gram from the bad wolf pack such a unique take will recommend to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2018
Mostly harmless, really quick read. Instaromance is definitely not my thing.
February 21, 2022
I would have liked this to be a full length novel but this novella is action packed and has a bit of romance
4 star listen I liked the narration.
World building was good for the length of the novella.
Smut? Not really
Romance? Once again good for length of novella
SFC? Yes, as always the character of red is a strong female character.
Gifted audio in exchange for an honest review
4 star listen I liked the narration.
World building was good for the length of the novella.
Smut? Not really
Romance? Once again good for length of novella
SFC? Yes, as always the character of red is a strong female character.
Gifted audio in exchange for an honest review
January 20, 2018
An amazing totally adult version of Little Red Riding Hood. Red always hunts in the forest, but when her grandmother doesn’t come back from hunting, she goes after her. She finds animals that are not what she expected, especially one in particular. Loved it. Received a free copy.
December 20, 2017
**FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE AUTHOR, IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW.**
Red Locklear is a member of the hunters that protect Dakota by hunting animals that would view the townspeople as prey. Werewolves aren’t the only animals she hunts but, because her parents and brother were brutally killed by a pack of the bloodthirsty animals, they’re definitely her favorite prey. One evening, Red returns home from hunting to find that her grandmother hasn’t returned from her foraging trip. She can’t bear the thought of her grandmother being out alone in the dark, possibly injured, so Red straps on her quiver of silver arrows and heads out to find her. After all, her grandmother is the only family Red has left, and she’s the one who raised her after the wolf pack killed the rest of her family. When she finds her grandmother, she’s surprised by something she never thought she’d see. She finds a werewolf guarding her grandmother from the other werewolves and protecting her from the bitter cold. Red’s sworn duty is to kill any and all werewolves she encounters. But, how can she kill the one who’s saved her beloved grandmother, who’s obviously very different from the others, who is obviously desperate for a human connection? What happens when she falls in love with him?
This book was amazing from the very beginning. It caught my attention and held onto it, to the point that I literally read it in one sitting. I couldn’t bring myself to put it down! This was definitely not your typical werewolf story and I appreciated this fresh take on The Little Red Riding Hood Story. I loved how well written all of the characters were and it was interesting to see how even the people who were trying so hard to do the right thing differed in their points of view as far as exactly what that “tight thing” was. It clearly illustrates the potential consequences of lumping everyone into the same categories and making assumptions based on the labels you’ve given them. I loved watching everyone realize what could have happened if they had remained so close minded. All in all, everyone really grew and learned a lot. I didn’t see some of the twists that the storyline brought and there were several surprises, some good and some bad. I really loved that none of the characters were flat or boring, even the less active townspeople that you didn’t encounter very much. J. E. Taylor is an incredible author and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series and her other works, as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Red-Adult-Frac...
Red Locklear is a member of the hunters that protect Dakota by hunting animals that would view the townspeople as prey. Werewolves aren’t the only animals she hunts but, because her parents and brother were brutally killed by a pack of the bloodthirsty animals, they’re definitely her favorite prey. One evening, Red returns home from hunting to find that her grandmother hasn’t returned from her foraging trip. She can’t bear the thought of her grandmother being out alone in the dark, possibly injured, so Red straps on her quiver of silver arrows and heads out to find her. After all, her grandmother is the only family Red has left, and she’s the one who raised her after the wolf pack killed the rest of her family. When she finds her grandmother, she’s surprised by something she never thought she’d see. She finds a werewolf guarding her grandmother from the other werewolves and protecting her from the bitter cold. Red’s sworn duty is to kill any and all werewolves she encounters. But, how can she kill the one who’s saved her beloved grandmother, who’s obviously very different from the others, who is obviously desperate for a human connection? What happens when she falls in love with him?
This book was amazing from the very beginning. It caught my attention and held onto it, to the point that I literally read it in one sitting. I couldn’t bring myself to put it down! This was definitely not your typical werewolf story and I appreciated this fresh take on The Little Red Riding Hood Story. I loved how well written all of the characters were and it was interesting to see how even the people who were trying so hard to do the right thing differed in their points of view as far as exactly what that “tight thing” was. It clearly illustrates the potential consequences of lumping everyone into the same categories and making assumptions based on the labels you’ve given them. I loved watching everyone realize what could have happened if they had remained so close minded. All in all, everyone really grew and learned a lot. I didn’t see some of the twists that the storyline brought and there were several surprises, some good and some bad. I really loved that none of the characters were flat or boring, even the less active townspeople that you didn’t encounter very much. J. E. Taylor is an incredible author and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series and her other works, as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Red-Adult-Frac...
March 14, 2022
YA Red Riding Hood Romance Retelling
Parents- PG13 - YA mature 17 and up
Language: PG13 - moderate bad language and no f-bombs
Violence: PG13- normal to genre - possible trigger scene to sexual assault victims
Sexual Content: PG13 to R- adult content- undertones and insinuations, heavy desires, arousal, naked scenes (not too detailed), attempted sexual assault, grabbing, touching and heavy kissing but no actual sex scenes
Red becomes a werewolf hunter after the beasts killed her family. She's living with her grandmother and is one of the hunter/village guards. This kind of became a bit of a beauty and the beast tale too. It's really well written, has fantastic world building and great character development. If anything I would have loved a little more time with the characters and a bit cleaner on the sexual content (mostly so my teenage daughter could read it). It says it's a book 1 and it does leave off in an interesting spot without being a cliffhanger so I am really interested to see where the story goes.
The narrator did a wonderful job with the voices, differentiations and acting. She really fit the main character and was simply fun to listen to.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Parents- PG13 - YA mature 17 and up
Language: PG13 - moderate bad language and no f-bombs
Violence: PG13- normal to genre - possible trigger scene to sexual assault victims
Sexual Content: PG13 to R- adult content- undertones and insinuations, heavy desires, arousal, naked scenes (not too detailed), attempted sexual assault, grabbing, touching and heavy kissing but no actual sex scenes
Red becomes a werewolf hunter after the beasts killed her family. She's living with her grandmother and is one of the hunter/village guards. This kind of became a bit of a beauty and the beast tale too. It's really well written, has fantastic world building and great character development. If anything I would have loved a little more time with the characters and a bit cleaner on the sexual content (mostly so my teenage daughter could read it). It says it's a book 1 and it does leave off in an interesting spot without being a cliffhanger so I am really interested to see where the story goes.
The narrator did a wonderful job with the voices, differentiations and acting. She really fit the main character and was simply fun to listen to.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 21, 2018
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
If you love your fairy tales on the adult side, and amazingly retold then you’ll enjoy Red the first in the Fractured Fairy Tales series.
Ruby is strong, fierce and independent. She carries her own views of her world, right or wrong, and can, when faced with something totally unusual in her realm of reality, change her mind… eventually.
It’s a bit steamy, a bit of a mystery, a romance with the most unlikely couple… and it is totally enjoyable and addicting. I loved every moment in this world and plan to return.
This is Little Red Riding Hood for adults, and there are some delicious and unexpected twists and turns in Red. I enjoyed this one very much and intend to pick up the rest of the series. If you love Paranormal, Fantasy, Retelling of Fairy Tales… then you’ll be wanting to check out this series. You’ll never look at the old fairy tale the same way ever again.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
If you love your fairy tales on the adult side, and amazingly retold then you’ll enjoy Red the first in the Fractured Fairy Tales series.
Ruby is strong, fierce and independent. She carries her own views of her world, right or wrong, and can, when faced with something totally unusual in her realm of reality, change her mind… eventually.
It’s a bit steamy, a bit of a mystery, a romance with the most unlikely couple… and it is totally enjoyable and addicting. I loved every moment in this world and plan to return.
This is Little Red Riding Hood for adults, and there are some delicious and unexpected twists and turns in Red. I enjoyed this one very much and intend to pick up the rest of the series. If you love Paranormal, Fantasy, Retelling of Fairy Tales… then you’ll be wanting to check out this series. You’ll never look at the old fairy tale the same way ever again.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
July 19, 2019
What happens when the big bad wolf turns out to be a big not-bad werewolf? You get a romance/fantasy novel with Red Riding Hood and a werewolf.
Ruby - nicknamed Red - is a hunter, part of the Dakota Guard whose job is to hunt down werewolves who terrorizes her home. And she is really very good in it. But then the unthinkable happens. One night when her grandmother fails to return from foraging Red goes looking for her. But what she finds is so not what she expected. Her whole life turns upside down and she starts questioning everything she did in the name of the Dakota Guard.
I read this book in just 2 days (it would have been 1 but I had to go to work). The story, the characters kept me interested, I was really curious what will happen to them. I like strong, independent female lead characters and Ruby is just like that, But she can be vulnerable too and that makes her all the more real.
The story is easy to follow but I felt it was a little hurried, everything happened too fast.
I received a digital copy from the publisher through NetGalley, thank you.
Ruby - nicknamed Red - is a hunter, part of the Dakota Guard whose job is to hunt down werewolves who terrorizes her home. And she is really very good in it. But then the unthinkable happens. One night when her grandmother fails to return from foraging Red goes looking for her. But what she finds is so not what she expected. Her whole life turns upside down and she starts questioning everything she did in the name of the Dakota Guard.
I read this book in just 2 days (it would have been 1 but I had to go to work). The story, the characters kept me interested, I was really curious what will happen to them. I like strong, independent female lead characters and Ruby is just like that, But she can be vulnerable too and that makes her all the more real.
The story is easy to follow but I felt it was a little hurried, everything happened too fast.
I received a digital copy from the publisher through NetGalley, thank you.
October 17, 2018
Re-tellings of fairy tales are always a bit tricky. Red had a very high rating, so I was very curious. However, I didn't really liked this version. The story is about Red, who lost her parents to some vicious beasts: (were)wolfs. Since then, she is living with her grandmother and she joined the town's army to find and hunt the beasts.
But one night, when her grandmother goes missing, she goes after her. And she finds her, being protected by the very creature that she has been hunting all her life.
So, she can't go and kill the werewolf. But the laws of her town state she should kill the beast. So now she is torn between rescuing the beast and defying her town or obey the rules.
What a moral dilemma. And that was pretty much the crux of the story. So, interesting, not very believable and a bit boring. Three out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
But one night, when her grandmother goes missing, she goes after her. And she finds her, being protected by the very creature that she has been hunting all her life.
So, she can't go and kill the werewolf. But the laws of her town state she should kill the beast. So now she is torn between rescuing the beast and defying her town or obey the rules.
What a moral dilemma. And that was pretty much the crux of the story. So, interesting, not very believable and a bit boring. Three out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
October 5, 2019
A nice retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. I enjoyed the plotline, and Ruby was admittedly a badass lady. I wasn't a fan of the insta-lust (although it didn't quite veer into insta-love, for which I am very grateful for) and I did get a mild feeling of whiplash over some of the characters' actions / opinions, especially when it didn't seem to mesh with what I already thought of them.
It was not a story I really adored, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Will probably pick up the next in the series at some point.
It was not a story I really adored, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Will probably pick up the next in the series at some point.
October 27, 2021
This was a quick read, but there was a lot of death and gore. Fair warning.
I liked the premise and the early parts of the book, but it kind of lost me at the end. The writing was choppy and the story was uneven. It felt like she was trying to hard to be a badass. I didn't understand why she had to be humiliated by stripping in front of everyone. The ending was very abrupt and the story didn't really seem to have a point. What would happen to them in the future? There was really no resolution.
It had some good bones, so I'm going to try another in the series, but I can't really say that I liked it.
2.75 out of 5
I liked the premise and the early parts of the book, but it kind of lost me at the end. The writing was choppy and the story was uneven. It felt like she was trying to hard to be a badass. I didn't understand why she had to be humiliated by stripping in front of everyone. The ending was very abrupt and the story didn't really seem to have a point. What would happen to them in the future? There was really no resolution.
It had some good bones, so I'm going to try another in the series, but I can't really say that I liked it.
2.75 out of 5
February 11, 2018
Exciting reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood.
A fast paced adventurous version of Red and her wolf. A strong female heroine with a bit of a sassy attitude. But strong in her beliefs until she is forced to reexamine them. Sometimes if the hunt is what drives you there is danger in becoming the very thing you hunt.
If you like fairy tale retellings then I highly recommend you pick this one up. It's got action, great characters, emotional twists, and a compelling storyline to tie it all together.
A fast paced adventurous version of Red and her wolf. A strong female heroine with a bit of a sassy attitude. But strong in her beliefs until she is forced to reexamine them. Sometimes if the hunt is what drives you there is danger in becoming the very thing you hunt.
If you like fairy tale retellings then I highly recommend you pick this one up. It's got action, great characters, emotional twists, and a compelling storyline to tie it all together.
November 18, 2021
Damn this book was good. This book grabbed me from the first chapter where Red is listening in on her parents till the very last world.
Another great red riding hood retelling with a twist. In most stories about her she is a badass girl. Same in this book. She is a very badass archer that hunts werewolf as a job. The worldbuilding is amazing, you can make a complete map of where everything is lay out. I just wished her story would continue. It does have a complete ending which makes me very happy.
big recommendation for fairytale retelling booklovers!
Another great red riding hood retelling with a twist. In most stories about her she is a badass girl. Same in this book. She is a very badass archer that hunts werewolf as a job. The worldbuilding is amazing, you can make a complete map of where everything is lay out. I just wished her story would continue. It does have a complete ending which makes me very happy.
big recommendation for fairytale retelling booklovers!
June 19, 2021
I was given this review copy from StoryOrigin and I want to thank the author for it.
I always had a fancy for Little Red Hood inspired stories and books with werewolves. This one has both and many more interesting tropes like strong heroine, found family .
The book was a reasonable length and I finished it in one setting. I really liked it. The plot was easy to follow, the characters had a nice growth and the end was surprisingly good.
I always had a fancy for Little Red Hood inspired stories and books with werewolves. This one has both and many more interesting tropes like strong heroine, found family .
The book was a reasonable length and I finished it in one setting. I really liked it. The plot was easy to follow, the characters had a nice growth and the end was surprisingly good.
December 6, 2021
I love a good fairytale retelling and this is a Grimm style one that was so good I just got caught up int the story hook, line and sinker. Red riding hood is our out line though in this Red is a werewolf hunter! She is such a strong character and you can’t help but love her as she hunts the werewolf she thinks has her grandmother but all is not what it seems. Action, adventure and a little romance makes this a fantastic story.
February 27, 2022
This was my first experience with J. E. Taylor's work, and I enjoyed it a lot. It was a fascinating recreation of the Red Riding Hood fairytale. I found the tale to be diverting and entertaining. I recommend this story to others who enjoy this genre. Laura E Richcreek's narration was pleasing and added to the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily posted this review.
January 6, 2025
This is a fantastic story. The world building was unique and superb. I really enjoyed the authors take on this story. The characters had such depth and were so beautifully flawed. The plot line was so action filled and incredible. I loved the dynamic that the author created. Some of the lines will live in infamy in my head. My heart melted during some of the pivotal scenes of the story. I highly recommend this story.
February 12, 2018
If you likemthemstory Little Red Riding Hood when
you were a kid you are going to love this grown up
take of an old love tail.
There's some twists in the book you don't see coming.
It's a hard book to put down.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
you were a kid you are going to love this grown up
take of an old love tail.
There's some twists in the book you don't see coming.
It's a hard book to put down.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
March 31, 2018
Wolf ahoy!
Fabulous retelling of Lil Red! She has grown up & knows what she wants! Shes phenomenal with a bow, blade and knife! But when Grams is in trouble, will Love Lust or Vengeance win out? This is a Must Read to find out!!!
Fabulous retelling of Lil Red! She has grown up & knows what she wants! Shes phenomenal with a bow, blade and knife! But when Grams is in trouble, will Love Lust or Vengeance win out? This is a Must Read to find out!!!
May 17, 2018
Animal Attraction!
Taken as it is, tells story of loss, love, strength and prejudice. Attraction & trust wins out to bravery and love.
Prejudice & fear are traditional forms of ignorance.
Taken as it is, tells story of loss, love, strength and prejudice. Attraction & trust wins out to bravery and love.
Prejudice & fear are traditional forms of ignorance.
September 3, 2019
Interesting twist
Some of the story i expected. Some was a surprise which is great. I liked the characters. The book is aimed at mature YA and older. There is no actual sex but the characters come close and it is detailed.
Some of the story i expected. Some was a surprise which is great. I liked the characters. The book is aimed at mature YA and older. There is no actual sex but the characters come close and it is detailed.
June 27, 2021
A well written, entertaining twist of the Red Riding Hood story. Red is a werewolf hunter who falls for an unusual werewolf. Great characters, vivid descriptions and a well told story make this a super read. I received a complimentary copy from Storyorigin and am leaving a honest voluntary review.
January 30, 2025
First of all, the font on the cover makes the title look as "Redo". I don't like it.
Now into the story. It was OK, though there's a lot that's not really explained, and some things seemed too convenient. MCs have some chemistry, but it's still a little forced.
Now into the story. It was OK, though there's a lot that's not really explained, and some things seemed too convenient. MCs have some chemistry, but it's still a little forced.
February 17, 2018
Adventure
A little sexy, fighting, and bravery. Showing that females can be the heroines in the story. Very interesting and unexpected ending.
A little sexy, fighting, and bravery. Showing that females can be the heroines in the story. Very interesting and unexpected ending.
February 19, 2019
Great!
Great new spin on an old fairy tale. Hopefully there will be more to Red and Lucas’ story! Hopefully, surely...
Great new spin on an old fairy tale. Hopefully there will be more to Red and Lucas’ story! Hopefully, surely...
August 16, 2021
3.5 out of 5
November 5, 2024
Fantastic writing and story. There's even a moral to the story!
Highly recommend
Highly recommend
December 31, 2024
short and fun
Well written and a different take on Red riding hood. Slow burn Low spice but great pacing. I prefer more depth but still very entertaining.
Well written and a different take on Red riding hood. Slow burn Low spice but great pacing. I prefer more depth but still very entertaining.
January 10, 2025
52 book club 2025 Challenge
#20 A Fairytale retelling
#20 A Fairytale retelling
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews