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Sapphic Fairy Tales #1
Seeing Red
ASIN B07C7WMLHV moved to the most recent edition here
Hunter has spent the last two years running in place.
Trying to get ahead of the bills.
Trying to provide for her sister, Piper, and her nephews.
Trying to finish her nursing education.
Trying to keep Piper out of her criminal husband’s claws.
Big, bad Jed Wolfe is a con artist, a manipulator, and he’s currently doing ten years for counterfeiting. Now is Hunter’s best chance to convince Piper that he’s bad news and they can survive without him.
Except the mortgage is overdue again, there’s an eviction notice stapled to the front door, and Hunter can see it in Piper’s eyes. She wants to crawl back to Jed and ask him how to dig out of this mess.
They’re getting desperate and Hunter begs Piper not to be like him.
Then along comes a beautiful girl in a red cap. Her grandmother is sick, she needs Hunter’s nursing help, and the pay is great. It’s just what they need and soon Hunter is able to catch her breath. Stop running in place. Start to feel something that she hasn’t had time for in years.
Happiness. Desire. Love.
Until one day an old, familiar feeling returns.
Suspicion.
Hunter has spent the last two years running in place.
Trying to get ahead of the bills.
Trying to provide for her sister, Piper, and her nephews.
Trying to finish her nursing education.
Trying to keep Piper out of her criminal husband’s claws.
Big, bad Jed Wolfe is a con artist, a manipulator, and he’s currently doing ten years for counterfeiting. Now is Hunter’s best chance to convince Piper that he’s bad news and they can survive without him.
Except the mortgage is overdue again, there’s an eviction notice stapled to the front door, and Hunter can see it in Piper’s eyes. She wants to crawl back to Jed and ask him how to dig out of this mess.
They’re getting desperate and Hunter begs Piper not to be like him.
Then along comes a beautiful girl in a red cap. Her grandmother is sick, she needs Hunter’s nursing help, and the pay is great. It’s just what they need and soon Hunter is able to catch her breath. Stop running in place. Start to feel something that she hasn’t had time for in years.
Happiness. Desire. Love.
Until one day an old, familiar feeling returns.
Suspicion.
262 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2018
95 people are currently reading
491 people want to read
About the author
Cara Malone
68 books477 followersI write stories that explore the thrills – and challenges – of falling in love as a woman-loving woman, including the bestselling Lakeside Hospital medical romance series and Rainbow Award honorable mention The Rules of Love.
My books are for you if you’re a fan of contemporary romance, if you love strong women who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and if you like a little heat with your sapphic love stories.
Grab a free copy of Mind Games on my website, CaraMalone.com
My books are for you if you’re a fan of contemporary romance, if you love strong women who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and if you like a little heat with your sapphic love stories.
Grab a free copy of Mind Games on my website, CaraMalone.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 13, 2022
4 Stars for Seeing Red (audiobook) by Cara Malone read by Emily Beresford.
I enjoyed this modern take on a classic fairytale. I really like Cara Malone’s characters and situations.
I enjoyed this modern take on a classic fairytale. I really like Cara Malone’s characters and situations.
November 26, 2021
I found out about this sapphic fairy tale retelling through a review that Temecka did on her channel! I've been wanting a little more sapphic romances in my life and I know that she reads a lot of them. I listened to this via audio on Hoopla and found that it was a fairly quick read. It focuses on two characters, Hunter and Keira. Hunter is assisting her sister Piper in taking care of household expenses and her two sons while Keira becomes caretaker to her grandmother after a situation happens on campus with fellow sorority members. The romance with Hunter and Keira was pretty instantaneous; however, I think that they definitely had great chemistry. While their romance isn't necessarily forbidden, there is an interesting dynamic with Keira's mom being Hunter's employer since she begins working to help take care of the grandmother. One element of the book that I didn't enjoy was the way in which social class was addressed. There seemed to be some slight catering to the wealthy that didn't necessarily sit right with me. Nevertheless, it was an interesting first installment and I could definitely see the parallels to Red Riding Hood. I'll be interested in seeing what happens in the last two books of the trilogy.
November 7, 2021
2.5 stars. This was a pretty good fairy tale retelling, and I enjoyed it up to a point. Sapphic retellings of fairy tales are some of my favourite things to read, so when I discovered this, I dropped pretty much everything else in order to read it immediately. It follows Hunter, a nurse's aide, who starts falling for Keira, the granddaughter of her newest client. It's a class difference romance; Hunter has always been poor, and is struggling to make ends meet with her sister and her sister's two sons, while Keira is from an affluent family. The romance was cute and I had no complaints, but I didn't really fall in love with it. I really wish more had been done with the Red Riding Hood motif; the way the "wolf" comes into the story was lacklustre and pretty anticlimactic to me. I kind of hated the ending, what with the way it turned into a "scared straight" morality play. Obviously Piper needed to change her ways, but this was such a patronising way to do it. And clearly I'm not defending her actions, but this is one of those narratives that puts rich people's feelings and sentiments above the needs of poor people, and I didn't love that.
Still, not a bad read.
Still, not a bad read.
April 17, 2019
Like Cinders, Seeing Red is set in Grimm Falls but is a standalone novel. Keira has moved out of her sorority house to care for her grandmother who has been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Her attraction to her best friend had a little something to do with it too. Hunter and her sister, Piper, are struggling to make ends meet and take care of Piper's two boys. Jed Wolfe, Piper's husband is serving a 10-year sentence for fraud but even locked away, he still has his claws in Piper. Hunter is a nurse's assistant and when the opportunity to work for Keira's grandmother as her in-home care is offered, Hunter jumps at the chance. The extra cash will make a huge difference in their lives.
This is another sweet romance and a really easy read. The moral values were driven home a little excessively in a way that was more 'telling' than 'showing'. This re-imagining of Grimms' Little Red Cap is interesting and entertaining.
This is another sweet romance and a really easy read. The moral values were driven home a little excessively in a way that was more 'telling' than 'showing'. This re-imagining of Grimms' Little Red Cap is interesting and entertaining.
April 14, 2019
A fun and imaginative take on Red Riding Hood.
July 13, 2020
A sweet feel good romance with a bit of family angst drama. The relation to the old Grimm tale was well done and not too 'on the nose' or overdone. Just a good light entertaining read.
May 7, 2021
I love the modern day twist the author put on these classic fairy tales. Hunter is hard working and is trying to keep her family together. Keira needs help for her nanna and Hunter takes the job. Hunter falls for Keira quickly. There are some difficult things going on with Hunter’s sister Piper. Keira works on helping Hunter to live her own life and stop being her sister’s keeper. I really enjoyed this audiobook.
July 17, 2018
I loved this take on Red Riding Hood. It was modern and brilliantly written. I enjoyed the different perspectives of Hunter, Keira and also Piper. I was expecting a little more angst and there wasn't any which I found refreshing. I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 23, 2018
2.5 stars, a take on red riding hood story. The tale was alright but nothing about the book either makes me love or hate it, it's kinda just there.
February 13, 2025
Absolutely ADORED this. Running to the next, byeeeee
November 1, 2018
I didn't really know what to expect, but I have to admit it was very nice read. Definitively loved the characters.
April 25, 2018
Seeing Red breathes new life into an old fairytale by the brothers Grimm.
Cara Malone has completely refashioned the old story of what big ears, eyes, hands and mouth you have grandmother. Seeing Red takes place in Grimm Falls. After her grandfather died and her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer disease, Keira Murphy moved in to help care for her grandmother. This is her senior year of college and she needs to attend classes during the day. While sharing coffee with her mother, Keira is overheard discussing her concerns by a worker in the coffeehouse. Piper's sister works in a long-term care facility for folks with dementia. Hunter Ross works hard to provide for her sister and nephews, but their combined incomes don't stretch far enough to keep the wolf from the door. Hunter agrees to interview with them as an in-home caregiver. Grandmother, mother and granddaughter are all impressed with Hunter and she immediately starts working.
Seeing Red is much more than an updated version of the little red riding hood story. Keira isn't skipping through the woods to grandma's house. Hunter isn't wielding any axes or skinning any wolves. The main characters have full and challenging lives. Keira comes from a wealthy family, but she's about to graduate from college and plans to work at a youth center downtown. Hunter dropped out of nursing school to move in with her sister and nephews. She spends nearly every waking moment working or in childcare. Sleep is a luxury that she can't afford.
What makes this novel so interesting is the gentle love story between the main characters. Keira and Hunter find a spark of magic that brings them together. It doesn't materialize out of thin air, but grows as they become close. There's no prince or evil stepmother to derail their relationship. Seeing Red creatively reimagined a gruesome childhood fairytale by adding a vivid lesbian romance. The original story is reprinted at the end of the novel and the contrast couldn't be more stark. Sometimes a new product really is an improvement especially in the case of this novel.
Cara Malone has completely refashioned the old story of what big ears, eyes, hands and mouth you have grandmother. Seeing Red takes place in Grimm Falls. After her grandfather died and her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer disease, Keira Murphy moved in to help care for her grandmother. This is her senior year of college and she needs to attend classes during the day. While sharing coffee with her mother, Keira is overheard discussing her concerns by a worker in the coffeehouse. Piper's sister works in a long-term care facility for folks with dementia. Hunter Ross works hard to provide for her sister and nephews, but their combined incomes don't stretch far enough to keep the wolf from the door. Hunter agrees to interview with them as an in-home caregiver. Grandmother, mother and granddaughter are all impressed with Hunter and she immediately starts working.
Seeing Red is much more than an updated version of the little red riding hood story. Keira isn't skipping through the woods to grandma's house. Hunter isn't wielding any axes or skinning any wolves. The main characters have full and challenging lives. Keira comes from a wealthy family, but she's about to graduate from college and plans to work at a youth center downtown. Hunter dropped out of nursing school to move in with her sister and nephews. She spends nearly every waking moment working or in childcare. Sleep is a luxury that she can't afford.
What makes this novel so interesting is the gentle love story between the main characters. Keira and Hunter find a spark of magic that brings them together. It doesn't materialize out of thin air, but grows as they become close. There's no prince or evil stepmother to derail their relationship. Seeing Red creatively reimagined a gruesome childhood fairytale by adding a vivid lesbian romance. The original story is reprinted at the end of the novel and the contrast couldn't be more stark. Sometimes a new product really is an improvement especially in the case of this novel.
April 20, 2019
I am not sure about this at all. There are elements that are frustrating enough that I would usually put the book aside and dnf, but there were elements that were pretty good.
cons: this is a great deal of Tell and info dumping back story. I know it is my pet peeve, but it dumps me out of the story so fast I start to skim. Some people like the simplicity of being told the story, but I can't engage with either the story or the characters if I am dropped out of the narrative.
pros: I like Hunter and Kiera, they have good chemistry, at least at the start. Piper is just.. well a distraction. It is all very sweet though.
cons: this is a great deal of Tell and info dumping back story. I know it is my pet peeve, but it dumps me out of the story so fast I start to skim. Some people like the simplicity of being told the story, but I can't engage with either the story or the characters if I am dropped out of the narrative.
pros: I like Hunter and Kiera, they have good chemistry, at least at the start. Piper is just.. well a distraction. It is all very sweet though.
November 4, 2021
3.5*
That was cute af
That was cute af
April 10, 2019
Clever retelling of Grimm’s Little Red-cap
Hunter lives with her sister Piper and and Piper’s two boys. Times have never been good for these two sisters but Hunter is working on it. Needing a second job to keep their household afloat, Hunter goes to work caring for Abby who has slowly on setting dementia. Abby has a granddaughter with long red hair....and Hunter has a brother-in-law in prison whose last name is Wolfe.
You’ll enjoy this clever retelling of Red Riding Hood. What self respecting Hunter can resist a beautiful red head?
Hunter lives with her sister Piper and and Piper’s two boys. Times have never been good for these two sisters but Hunter is working on it. Needing a second job to keep their household afloat, Hunter goes to work caring for Abby who has slowly on setting dementia. Abby has a granddaughter with long red hair....and Hunter has a brother-in-law in prison whose last name is Wolfe.
You’ll enjoy this clever retelling of Red Riding Hood. What self respecting Hunter can resist a beautiful red head?
November 5, 2018
I've always enjoyed Cara's books & stories, but when the Sapphic Fairy Tales came up I thought "You what??" Loved the first 75% and last 10% - the missing 15% was fairy-tale-esque dark & uncomfortable. The Jury's out on the series but I'll try No 2.... (PS: I'm pathetically vanilla but you probably knew that!)
June 17, 2019
This was fine? It's fine I suppose. Nothing to blow you away, but not that bad either. For me, there wasn't much driving force or dynamic story telling, combined with atrocious info dumping and constantly repeated plot points and details. I also didn't like Piper and I understand that her husband is an abusive dick, but the way she treats her sister is just shit.
Also, you're telling me that for someone like Kiera's mother supposedly on top of everything and who is very rich and privileged, the first order on business upon hearing her mother's diagnosis wouldn't be to hire some professionals to look into best options? That grandma with alzheimer has been living alone for 6 months and this is the first time she decided to look into other options for her care??? And that she only did so because a harried barista told her she has a sister who's in the industry and to hire her?? AND THEN she would hire said sister after a 30 minutes chat and zero background check?? For the person who is going to be spending hours alone with the grandma in their opulent home????????
I'm sorry, but I couldn't couldn't suspend my disbelief long enough to buy the premise, and we're talking about someone who's currently eating up Jojo's bizzare Adventure, where one of the villains is an immortal vampire-eating dude who spends all his time posing in a speedo and turned his hand into a squirrell. So. If you're gonna set your story in our world, you need to work with our reality.
All in all, the suspension of disbelief was too much for me and the writing wasn't strong enough to keep me reading. A pity
Also, you're telling me that for someone like Kiera's mother supposedly on top of everything and who is very rich and privileged, the first order on business upon hearing her mother's diagnosis wouldn't be to hire some professionals to look into best options? That grandma with alzheimer has been living alone for 6 months and this is the first time she decided to look into other options for her care??? And that she only did so because a harried barista told her she has a sister who's in the industry and to hire her?? AND THEN she would hire said sister after a 30 minutes chat and zero background check?? For the person who is going to be spending hours alone with the grandma in their opulent home????????
I'm sorry, but I couldn't couldn't suspend my disbelief long enough to buy the premise, and we're talking about someone who's currently eating up Jojo's bizzare Adventure, where one of the villains is an immortal vampire-eating dude who spends all his time posing in a speedo and turned his hand into a squirrell. So. If you're gonna set your story in our world, you need to work with our reality.
All in all, the suspension of disbelief was too much for me and the writing wasn't strong enough to keep me reading. A pity
May 26, 2019
At first I wasn't very into reading this books, but after a day spend in bed feeling sick, I took my time to read about what this book was about and I decided to give it a try and I'm so happy I bought the book! (well, technically my wife bought it for me).
I thought it was going to be full of drama, because what Piper did was terrible, but I was super happy that Keira was super understanding and she trusted Hunter enough to believe her. And I'm so happy Hunter told Keira about her secret and family drama.
I discovered Cara Malone with her Rulebook series and I'm sticking to her for now own, so I suggest you give her and her books a try, it'll be worth it, trust me.
I thought it was going to be full of drama, because what Piper did was terrible, but I was super happy that Keira was super understanding and she trusted Hunter enough to believe her. And I'm so happy Hunter told Keira about her secret and family drama.
I discovered Cara Malone with her Rulebook series and I'm sticking to her for now own, so I suggest you give her and her books a try, it'll be worth it, trust me.
April 23, 2019
I loved it
I thought I read this already but thanks to Goodreads I discovered I had not. So of course I had to rectify that and...well...read it. And I am so glad I did. Now I am not saying this is my favorite as Fairest, the recent in the series, is still my favorite in the series but this one was really good. Like almost all of Malone's book it is well written and the characters I very likable. I highly recommend this read especially if you are a kU reader, a fan of Malone, and even if you nust want something enjoyable.
I thought I read this already but thanks to Goodreads I discovered I had not. So of course I had to rectify that and...well...read it. And I am so glad I did. Now I am not saying this is my favorite as Fairest, the recent in the series, is still my favorite in the series but this one was really good. Like almost all of Malone's book it is well written and the characters I very likable. I highly recommend this read especially if you are a kU reader, a fan of Malone, and even if you nust want something enjoyable.
July 2, 2025
3.25⭐
It had potential to be a great book but it was just way too short.
I liked the two main characters and most of the side characters, except for Piper and her husband.
I just couldn't believe in their relationship and love for each other, since we never got to see them actually getting to know each other or spend time together.
I know nothing about these characters and they know nothing about each other either.
And how can you love someone if you don't know them at all?
I'm honestly really frustrated that this book was so short and the romance underdeveloped, because it could have been really great.
It had potential to be a great book but it was just way too short.
I liked the two main characters and most of the side characters, except for Piper and her husband.
I just couldn't believe in their relationship and love for each other, since we never got to see them actually getting to know each other or spend time together.
I know nothing about these characters and they know nothing about each other either.
And how can you love someone if you don't know them at all?
I'm honestly really frustrated that this book was so short and the romance underdeveloped, because it could have been really great.
September 9, 2024
Twas a typical romance novel. But I thought the conversations had as the conflict was revealing itself were very well done.
June 24, 2018
Seeing Red is Cara Malone’s best work to date. She takes an old fairy tale and remakes it into something modern and fresh.
Kiera Murphy turns tail and runs for solace at Nana’s house. Everyone thinks of her as the benevolent granddaughter that moves in with her elderly grandmother to offer care and assistance as Alzheimer’s has wreaked havoc upon Nana’s memory. Nope, Kiera is happy to help and she adores her grandmother, she really has run away from life at the sorority house because she dropped her guard and in a drunken moment kissed her best friend.
Hunter Ross is up to her neck in debt, not her own but the debt saddled upon her by her sister, Piper. Piper a single mother of two young boys has had a run of bad luck. Her husband, a small-time crook and con-man has landed himself a long-term stint in prison leaving Piper with more bills than income and her dead-end job at a local coffee shop isn’t going to get any better income-wise. Hunter has stepped up for her big sister dropping out of nursing school and working nights and every shift she can get at a nursing home. All her other free time is spent caring for her nephews. No matter how hard Piper and Hunter work there is never enough money to get ahead.
Kiera and Piper have a chance meeting at the coffeehouse and Piper sells her sister's caregiver skills to the college senior. Kiera needs help with Nana while she is in class and Hunter needs the extra income. Of course, you know what comes next, heck yeah, Kiera and Hunter have that spark. They gravitate towards each other and the pull is too strong to resist. This is a sweet and sexy romance that I just adored.
Kiera Murphy turns tail and runs for solace at Nana’s house. Everyone thinks of her as the benevolent granddaughter that moves in with her elderly grandmother to offer care and assistance as Alzheimer’s has wreaked havoc upon Nana’s memory. Nope, Kiera is happy to help and she adores her grandmother, she really has run away from life at the sorority house because she dropped her guard and in a drunken moment kissed her best friend.
Hunter Ross is up to her neck in debt, not her own but the debt saddled upon her by her sister, Piper. Piper a single mother of two young boys has had a run of bad luck. Her husband, a small-time crook and con-man has landed himself a long-term stint in prison leaving Piper with more bills than income and her dead-end job at a local coffee shop isn’t going to get any better income-wise. Hunter has stepped up for her big sister dropping out of nursing school and working nights and every shift she can get at a nursing home. All her other free time is spent caring for her nephews. No matter how hard Piper and Hunter work there is never enough money to get ahead.
Kiera and Piper have a chance meeting at the coffeehouse and Piper sells her sister's caregiver skills to the college senior. Kiera needs help with Nana while she is in class and Hunter needs the extra income. Of course, you know what comes next, heck yeah, Kiera and Hunter have that spark. They gravitate towards each other and the pull is too strong to resist. This is a sweet and sexy romance that I just adored.
March 25, 2021
Red
This is a fantastic play on little Red Ridding Hood. Cara Malone pulls out a whimsical tale for us to enjoy. Excellent chemistry and strong bonds created. I look forward to the other books in the series.
This is a fantastic play on little Red Ridding Hood. Cara Malone pulls out a whimsical tale for us to enjoy. Excellent chemistry and strong bonds created. I look forward to the other books in the series.
July 2, 2018
Seeing Red is a cute and quick read with a sweet romance and really well-written characters. It’s loosely based on the fairy tale and I absolutely enjoyed this modern take with relatable characters.
Hunter has too much on her plate. She’s living with her sister, Piper and helping with the bills and her two nephews. She’s balancing a job in a care facility while also trying to keep Piper away from her jailed criminal husband, Jed Wolfe. Although things are really desperate, Hunter tries to show Piper that there’s a good life away from pulling cons. Meanwhile, wealthy college student Kiera has just moved in with her grandmother who’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Kiera isn’t only taking care of her grandmother but also hiding after an embarrassing encounter at her sorority house. A chance meeting brings Kiera and Hunter together. Kiera needs help with her grandmother and Hunter becomes the old woman’s caretaker. The pay is great, Kiera’s grandmother really likes Hunter and her family, and…there’s something magical happening between Hunter and Kiera. Maybe, Hunter can finally slow down. However, Jed still has his claws in Piper and her desperation to provide for her family will have consequences for all.
The split perspective between Kiera and Hunter with an occasional chapter from Piper really works because the characters have such distinct voices. Malone deftly avoids stereotypes and creates characters that are wonderfully written and relatable. Kiera and Hunter are great protagonists who are brave, interesting, and very real. They are so well-written that I was totally invested in them individually even before their romance blossoms. However, I would have liked more development on Hunter’s history, and Jed’s presence needed to be more ominous because he doesn’t seem like that much of a threat.
The romance between Kiera and Hunter is gentle, sweet, and natural. Despite the fairy tale romance, I like that Malone avoids leaning on classic tropes. She examines real issues like manipulative relationships, financial struggles, and Alzheimer’s. There are many instances that could have been melodramatic but Malone excellently handles her plot and characters to avoid unnecessary drama.
Cara Malone’s Seeing Red is a lovely read. The characters are really well-written, the romance is cute and the happy ever after perfectly fits. If you’re looking for an adorable lesbian romance that’s loosely inspired by a fairy tale, you won’t be disappointed!
This review was originally posted at The Lesbrary
Hunter has too much on her plate. She’s living with her sister, Piper and helping with the bills and her two nephews. She’s balancing a job in a care facility while also trying to keep Piper away from her jailed criminal husband, Jed Wolfe. Although things are really desperate, Hunter tries to show Piper that there’s a good life away from pulling cons. Meanwhile, wealthy college student Kiera has just moved in with her grandmother who’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Kiera isn’t only taking care of her grandmother but also hiding after an embarrassing encounter at her sorority house. A chance meeting brings Kiera and Hunter together. Kiera needs help with her grandmother and Hunter becomes the old woman’s caretaker. The pay is great, Kiera’s grandmother really likes Hunter and her family, and…there’s something magical happening between Hunter and Kiera. Maybe, Hunter can finally slow down. However, Jed still has his claws in Piper and her desperation to provide for her family will have consequences for all.
The split perspective between Kiera and Hunter with an occasional chapter from Piper really works because the characters have such distinct voices. Malone deftly avoids stereotypes and creates characters that are wonderfully written and relatable. Kiera and Hunter are great protagonists who are brave, interesting, and very real. They are so well-written that I was totally invested in them individually even before their romance blossoms. However, I would have liked more development on Hunter’s history, and Jed’s presence needed to be more ominous because he doesn’t seem like that much of a threat.
The romance between Kiera and Hunter is gentle, sweet, and natural. Despite the fairy tale romance, I like that Malone avoids leaning on classic tropes. She examines real issues like manipulative relationships, financial struggles, and Alzheimer’s. There are many instances that could have been melodramatic but Malone excellently handles her plot and characters to avoid unnecessary drama.
Cara Malone’s Seeing Red is a lovely read. The characters are really well-written, the romance is cute and the happy ever after perfectly fits. If you’re looking for an adorable lesbian romance that’s loosely inspired by a fairy tale, you won’t be disappointed!
This review was originally posted at The Lesbrary
June 10, 2018
This review also appears on my blog alexreadsboooks
_________
Thanks a lot to Cara Malone for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Hunter is doing her best to stay afloat. She works night shifts at a nursing home, takes care of her nephews while her sister works and saves every penny she can so they can pay their bills and give the boys a good life. But when they are struggling to pay the mortgage again, Hunter can see that Piper wants nothing more than to crawl back to her criminal husband and ask him how to acquire the funds they need.
But then Kiera walks into their lives and Hunter gets a second job taking care of her grandmother. It pays well, and for the first time in a while Hunter feels like she can take a breath and allow herself to fall in love.
Or can she?
Seeing Red was a refreshing take at a fairy tale retelling. There is no magic in it, and it illustrates perfectly how real people can be the wolves in our lives and destroy everything they touch.
I loved Hunter for her resilience and loyalty to her sister, even when she made bad mistakes. Malone makes Hunter's love for her family clear from the very first page and it was wonderful to see her interact with them.
Meanwhile Keira was sweet and maybe almost too perfect, and I liked her from the beginning. Her romance with Hunter was beatutiful to read about. It was really great to read about two characters with such different backgrounds and upbringings, with neither of them being terribly obnoxious about it. There was a calm understanding that they had different backgrounds but that it was fine. at the same time those differing backgrounds were undeniably there, and it was so interesting to see the differences it made for Hunter and Keira, even though they are of a similar age.
Seeing Red is a wonderfull f/f romance for everyone who likes to read contemporary takes on fairy tales and I wholeheartedly recommend it. Please not though that there is an element of emotional abuse in the way Piper is treated by her husband.
_________
Thanks a lot to Cara Malone for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Hunter is doing her best to stay afloat. She works night shifts at a nursing home, takes care of her nephews while her sister works and saves every penny she can so they can pay their bills and give the boys a good life. But when they are struggling to pay the mortgage again, Hunter can see that Piper wants nothing more than to crawl back to her criminal husband and ask him how to acquire the funds they need.
But then Kiera walks into their lives and Hunter gets a second job taking care of her grandmother. It pays well, and for the first time in a while Hunter feels like she can take a breath and allow herself to fall in love.
Or can she?
Seeing Red was a refreshing take at a fairy tale retelling. There is no magic in it, and it illustrates perfectly how real people can be the wolves in our lives and destroy everything they touch.
I loved Hunter for her resilience and loyalty to her sister, even when she made bad mistakes. Malone makes Hunter's love for her family clear from the very first page and it was wonderful to see her interact with them.
Meanwhile Keira was sweet and maybe almost too perfect, and I liked her from the beginning. Her romance with Hunter was beatutiful to read about. It was really great to read about two characters with such different backgrounds and upbringings, with neither of them being terribly obnoxious about it. There was a calm understanding that they had different backgrounds but that it was fine. at the same time those differing backgrounds were undeniably there, and it was so interesting to see the differences it made for Hunter and Keira, even though they are of a similar age.
Seeing Red is a wonderfull f/f romance for everyone who likes to read contemporary takes on fairy tales and I wholeheartedly recommend it. Please not though that there is an element of emotional abuse in the way Piper is treated by her husband.
April 29, 2018
Originally published on the Lesbian Bookworm-
I have always loved a good fairy tale. Seeing Red: A Sapphic Fairy Tale by Cara Malone hit the right spot with its modern-day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood by The Brothers Grimm.
I thought the book started off kind of slow. It took me a little while to get into but once I got into it I was hooked. Hunter was a great character. She would do anything to keep her family safe. She didn’t want her nephews to have a hard life like she and her sister had. While Hunter worked hard to take care of her family. Piper pulled cons trying to provide. I loved how Piper's character ended up.
I really liked Kiera’s grandmother. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Alzheimer's patients. Even though it wasn’t Kiera’s main reason for moving in with her grandma I think it became important for her as her grandmother’s disease progressed.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fairy tale retellings.
Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I have always loved a good fairy tale. Seeing Red: A Sapphic Fairy Tale by Cara Malone hit the right spot with its modern-day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood by The Brothers Grimm.
I thought the book started off kind of slow. It took me a little while to get into but once I got into it I was hooked. Hunter was a great character. She would do anything to keep her family safe. She didn’t want her nephews to have a hard life like she and her sister had. While Hunter worked hard to take care of her family. Piper pulled cons trying to provide. I loved how Piper's character ended up.
I really liked Kiera’s grandmother. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Alzheimer's patients. Even though it wasn’t Kiera’s main reason for moving in with her grandma I think it became important for her as her grandmother’s disease progressed.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fairy tale retellings.
Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 10, 2025
This was not good. Am I going to read the other 2 in this series because I can’t stop myself? Absolutely.
The storyline was meh. The verbiage was basic. The characters felt half developed. I’m honestly surprised there’s so many high ratings. I tend to find most people that rate sapphic books give them high marks for no real reason outside of the fact that it’s sapphic. Which is unfortunate as it doesn’t push the boundaries or set high standards on what we are consuming.
There’s nothing tying this book to the fairy tale outside of a red cap, the names, and the fact that someone with the last name of Wolf was an asshole to a grandma.
Thoughts/reactions I had while reading:
1. Dumbass Piper should be arrested and doesn’t deserve Hunter bending over backwards to save her.
2. “Was it good?” 🤢 are you a guy who can’t please a woman? Never ask this.
3. I stand with my first comment of Piper being a dumbass but now we’re adding gaslighter
4. Lmaoooo
The storyline was meh. The verbiage was basic. The characters felt half developed. I’m honestly surprised there’s so many high ratings. I tend to find most people that rate sapphic books give them high marks for no real reason outside of the fact that it’s sapphic. Which is unfortunate as it doesn’t push the boundaries or set high standards on what we are consuming.
There’s nothing tying this book to the fairy tale outside of a red cap, the names, and the fact that someone with the last name of Wolf was an asshole to a grandma.
Thoughts/reactions I had while reading:
1. Dumbass Piper should be arrested and doesn’t deserve Hunter bending over backwards to save her.
2. “Was it good?” 🤢 are you a guy who can’t please a woman? Never ask this.
3. I stand with my first comment of Piper being a dumbass but now we’re adding gaslighter
4. Lmaoooo
September 2, 2025
What a sweet first love romance! I always admire people that are selfless and put others before themselves, who are responsible and honest and caring and both MCs in this book are the perfect examples of such wonderful people! Kieri is a young college student from a upper middle class family, she is devoted to helping the struggle parents taking care of their children by funding a non profit center, while her girlfriend Hunter is struggling with two jobs and little sleep to help her sister and her two young sons. Despite of the horrible living conditions, Hunter is loving and honest, she has a strong sense of moral, refusing to take the easy and selfish way out. The love between them is sweet and believable. The only thing I am not convinced is the dramatic changes of Hunter's sister, I believe second chances, but it feels too good to be true in her case. Overall, it is addictive and well written, a heartwarming tale that gives me hope of the humanity!
September 30, 2022
This is a basic poor-girl, rich-girl romance that is very loosely based on Little Red Riding Hood. The relationship between the main characters develops very quickly without much build up. Consequently, it was a little difficult for this reader to feel very invested in what happens next. There is a reasonable supporting cast helping to provide some context for Hunter and Keira's actions. The story ends with the anticipated HEA.
Apart from the romance, there is an all-too realistic subplot involving the crushing cost of insulin for a person with diabetes, especially one who does not have adequate health insurance. Since this is a short story, the author does not have the space to delve into the many additional costs incurred in managing the condition.
Apart from the romance, there is an all-too realistic subplot involving the crushing cost of insulin for a person with diabetes, especially one who does not have adequate health insurance. Since this is a short story, the author does not have the space to delve into the many additional costs incurred in managing the condition.
May 12, 2018
Enjoyable!
This is a well written tale about finding love amidst tough times. Two sisters are struggling just to keep food on the table, a roof overhead, and get medicine for a diabetic child. The characters are well developed and the storyline is something too many people struggle with daily in their real lives. Opportunity knocks for one sister, and love blooms. But her sibling jeopardizes it. Can the sisters overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams, find love, and pull themselves out of despair?
This is a well written tale about finding love amidst tough times. Two sisters are struggling just to keep food on the table, a roof overhead, and get medicine for a diabetic child. The characters are well developed and the storyline is something too many people struggle with daily in their real lives. Opportunity knocks for one sister, and love blooms. But her sibling jeopardizes it. Can the sisters overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams, find love, and pull themselves out of despair?
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