Forbidden: A Red Riding Hood Retelling

by Adrienne Woods

This is not The Little Red Riding Hood we grew up with. 



Supernatural races—vampires, werewolves, witches, you name it—all exist.

Eighteen-year-old Rue Chaperon and her family belong to an elite hunting society, the S.H.A—Supernatural Hunting Association—and what the Chaperons hunt best are werewolves.
 When a new hunting group convinces the Chaperons to team up with them and try a different approach to hunting the supernatural by taking out the Alpha, it sounded like a great idea.
Taking out the Alpha meant they'd eradicate the entire race.
Piece of cake, right?

But nothing is ever easy when you're a hunter.


A Little Red Riding Hood retelling with a spin that will make you believe not all fairytales were meant for children


Genres: Fantasy, Werewolves, Retellings, Paranormal

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Adrienne Woods is a USA Today Bestselling author, living in South Africa.

She’s been in love with books all her life and knew at the age of 13 that she is going to be a writer one day.

That dream happened in 2009 and she started to pen her stories down on paper. Firebolt, her debut novel, were released 4 years after that, and she hasn’t stop since.

She has written more than 20 novels and she is still busy writing more.

To get your hands on exclusive content and stay in the loop of what's to come, subscribe to her newsletter at https://adriennewoodsbooks.com/sign-up/

Reviews

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden by Adrienne Woods is this author's twist on Little Red Riding Hood and let me just say...I could not put this book down. A young hunter, by the name of Ru, begins having visions of the future. She keeps it a secret because she remembers what happened to her grandmother and she doesn't want that to be her fate. So while she fights to keep her visions a secret she also battles the visions themselves as they demand to be seen. The visions are creating a wedge between her and her family, but change is coming and she will be part of it.
This story is truly fantastic from start to finish. The story is engaging and fast-paced. The author weaves in twists and turns that I thoroughly enjoyed. Ru is an engaging character. I loved her connection to her family but was saddened and disappointed that it essentially becomes damaged beyond repair on so many levels. The one I was most disappointed with and by was the relationship between Ru and her sister Liv. I honestly expected more from Liv, but it doesn't detract from my enjoyment of the story.
I appreciate how the author lets me know at the end the tie in for this story and why it felt so familiar on certain levels. It honestly made me eager to read more of Ru's story should the author decide to continue this story deeper. I'm also hoping that the author that she shares this unique world with will soon continue her series as well.
If you are an avid reader of fantasy/paranormal novels with romance, suspense, drama and thrills this book is a perfect fit for you. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading, I couldn’t put this book down. The story was unique and different from many other books of similar genre. My only criticism is that the end seemed like it was on fast forward. So much time passed that I wish I could have known what happened in more detail. I will definitely be waiting impatiently for the next book (if there happens to be one). I wouldn’t say there is a cliffhanger, but the ending leaves you with the feeling of things being left unfinished with the potential for a much longer story.

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

[Layla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story happens many, many years after the little red riding hood. I have read different stories from different authors based on the little red riding hood and I have to admit that this is one of the better ones.
I like the back story, plot and twist and turns. Somethings I did guess. I liked the characters because they were different and acted human in the way they behaved.
It was interesting read in that the author shows you one thing and as the story progress things slowly start to change and things are reversed.
This does have some violence and sexual content.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great twist on Red Riding Hood. Loved all the characters. Ru being the solitary person she is to have the visions of the things she does, it's hard to say without spoiling them. Collin with the mysterious past and attempting to complete his destined future. To see them come together the way they do, it's really great. Book was a great fast read and I really hope a second book it made continuing what happens later.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ru Chaperon heard her sister calling to her, but her vision was black – she could see nothing at all around her. She heard voices of the other hunters in more distant locations but her sight was gone! Suddenly her vision cleared as her sister leaped through the air with swords drawn. A wolf was inches from Ru! Lizzy slashed it into pieces and demanded to know why Ru just stood there like that! But she couldn’t tell her or her father would never let her hunt again. Hunting was their heritage. She could not allow them to cut her off from it.

Two years later, Ru realized that she had inherited the crazy gene from Grandma Marie. They had thought Grandma was insane when she zoned out and saw visions of the future, but that’s what was happening to Ru. Grandma had been locked away, so Ru had to keep her talent hidden. Because the vision was preceded by dizziness and a headache, she was able to get away from everyone before it caused her to black out. When she had her first one, where her family was slaughtered in the woods by the wolves, she was able to prepare for what would happen when she found herself in the same wooded area. She slipped a gun next to her father, put an extra sword next to Lizzy, and watched for the wolf who would attack Theo as it had in her nightmare. When it played out, she was ready and the family had what they needed to survive that night. Eight more visions about the hunt followed and she was able to keep them safe by changing the outcome.

Ru’s family were werewolf hunters. The different Supernatural Hunting Association “SHA” groups focused on different types of bad guys to keep humans safe from them. Occasionally, there was a mixed coven enemy, so the hunters might join together to take them down. But mostly they just hunted in their own specialty. Then one day, just like in one of her visions, a black truck drove up with two big guys in it. They were new to the area, from Georgia, and wanted to ask the werewolf hunters for help in tracking down the alpha of all the werewolves. When a meeting was set up with Collin, Ru kept feeling it was an ambush. She hadn’t had a vision, but she was uneasy all day. When they got to the meeting, there were 50 hunters there! Greg told them what the goal was and only one of the hunter teams walked away. They would be capturing the head Alpha alive – but it would not be easy. And Ru was terrified that she would get a vision when she was trying to protect her sister who would be “bait” to catch the werewolf alpha. She didn’t want to be the cause of her sister’s death. Would she black out again at a crucial time? Were these new hunters what they appeared to be? Could they be trusted?

This was a unique book that I thoroughly enjoyed, a completely new look at the supernatural. For example, the author went through the familiar fairy tales we know and love and explained the “real truth” of those tales. It was actually fun to feel like an insider and know those creatures “really exist”. The story line of the hunters was a good one, keeping things tense and suspenseful and keeping the pace moving along quickly. The reader doesn’t know who to trust, and some of the known facts can make them uncomfortable. Grab your copy and find out the truth and where events will lead you to!

[Genelle Themann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew that Red Riding Hood was not a little girl happily going to grandma's house. Turns out she is a crack shot in a family of werewolf hunters. Ru, upon reaching her 18th birthday begins to have visions of werewolves, vampires, attacks on her family. Ru's grandmother also had visions and she was placed in an asylum. Ru is afraid that she will also be locked up so she keeps her vision hidden from the rest of her family. However, her visions soon help her save her family members as they show how she can stop her family from being killed by the wolves on their hunt. Enter another technological advanced clan seeking help from the hunters in capturing and interrogating the wolves. And so, HE comes into her life...

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

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden is a unique retelling of Red Riding Hood and is very well written. Ru and Collin are well written and you can't help loving them. Ru has visions that she keeps hidden as she does not want to be put away like her grandmother. Collin has a mysterious past. This story has lots of twists and turns. It has seers, werewolves, shifters, vampires, and hunters that bring this tale alive and so much better than other retellings of Red Riding Hood. I received a copy from Booksprout and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Cranky Stars


Werewolves, Vampires, Witches and other supernatural beings are all told as fairytales, stories. Are they really just fairytales or stories though? Is everyone always the villain or can they be the good guys?


This book is mainly about werewolves and the hunters. Hunters are born to hunt, that’s what they do. They are trained from an early age what to do and to kill or be killed.


Ru is a hunter, but she is not as good as her brother or sister, but Ru has visions like her grandmother did but she will not tell her family. Her family is a part of the Supernatural Hunting Association (SHA). They hunt werewolves and her and her family are good at it. Ru has an older sister Elizabeth (Lizzie) and Theo and then it’s just her father.


One day another group of Hunters came to Ru’s farm and asked for help to catch some werewolves. They wanted to find the Alpha so they needed help catching the other wolves without killing them to get information out of them. Ru’s family helps and goes to training and does the hunts.

One of the other hunters is named Collin. His story is he we aced by wolves while his family was killed by them. Not all true. Lizzie, Ru’s sister falls for Collin hard, Collin doesn’t feel the same and tries to let her down easy….Lizzie isn’t happy. The hunts go on, things happen, Collin saves Ru’s life and gets hurt, “almost dies”. While healing, Ru and Collin have to stay at Ru’s house while the others hunt because Collin isn’t healed and Ru can’t control her visions. Of course they fall for each other.


I have always said that things are not as they seem. Collin and his group are not who they seem. Ru’s father discovers the truth and Ru betrays her family. Did she stay with the one she loves? Did her family forgive her?

I like the book. I would recommend it to others. It gets a 4 out 5 Cranky starts from me.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌠🌠ONE TANTALIZING JOURNEY🌠🌠
Blazing buzzards boo! Adrienne unleashes one helluva tumultuous, boot-stomping, rock-my-world tsunami, raising the stakes and keeping it real while busting down walls and bringing the heat with this sensational rollercoaster, skyrocketing this hot little number to staggering heights. Brutal tactics and duplicitous deeds merge, churning this action packed, heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, jaw dropping, block busting tempest, futures are forged and battle lines are drawn, revelations are unearthed and secrets exposed, wrapping this jewel up sleek, shiny and tight. A churning edy full of riveting drama, gripping intrigue, underlying threats, spiraling danger, electrifying suspense and intense situations ensue, revving up the exuberance and vigor, while formidable struggles and challenging triumphs merge, attentive to the perilous twists and wicked turns unfolding, noting the devious quirks and defying bents, blasting this bad boy to life spectacularly. The characters banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add depth and diversity, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Amazing job Adrienne, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.

[Moms POV · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me no time at all to fall in love with Ru and Collin. I would love to see more about the lives of these two characters...how the war ends, etc. Though we get a glimpse of it through her vision, I would love more details. Although the world was fun, exciting and I want more on Ru and Collin, I do not have a desire to read into other characters that are a part of the SHA world.

Thank you Kristin Ping for allowing Adrienne Woods to use the world she created in the Guardians of Monsters so that we could be a part of the life of these new characters.

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

As MOMS POV, a majority of the book is clean and appropriate for pre-teens and teens, however as the progresses it does become a bit more harsh with sexually situations and semi-graphic violent scenes. Because of that I would say that you may want to review it before allowing the younger of the pre-teens to read it. As it is a new retelling of Red-Riding Hood, it may will be intriguing for readers as it fun, new way to think of the story between red riding hood, grandma, and the wolf...oh what big ears!!

[Aimee Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured the Dragonian series and could not wait for another chance to read one of Adrienne Woods books. This dark fantasy book introduces us a world where a network of hunters eliminate creatures that don’t belong in our world. Werewolves are believed to be cursed; at every full moon, an uncontrollable demon emerged. Rue and her family are tasked with hunting and killing the werewolves. Rue comes from a long line of hunters and feels ordinary compared to her sister and brother’s talents. Even her father and uncle were renowned among the hunters and asked for assistance to take down mixed covens.
Her family reluctantly agrees to help a new hunting group take out the Alpha and by default the race. However, Rue is hesitant to believe the new hunters are what they appear to be. Will she be able to see through the deception and discover the truth?
Would recommend this to any dark fantasy lover who enjoy rewoven folklore and fairy tales. This one won’t disappoint.

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

[T.A. Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden is a paranormal romance based off the red riding hood fairytale. Ru and her family are hunters and have been hunting werewolves. Hunting them believing they are killing humans. A new group of hunters lead by a guy named Collin, approach Ru’s family wanting them to join forces. Collin and his crew have a hidden agenda and Ru’s family has some secrets of their own. Ru is just not aware of these secrets yet.

I like this author’s take on the Little Red Riding Hood fairytale. The essential parts of the fairytale like the red cloak and there being a wolf is true to the story, only Ru’s not going to grandma’s house in this one. The reveals were timed perfectly and the dynamics between Ru and her sister, Liz, brought the much needed tension to the story. The love interest and hint of romance was not over the top and complemented the storyline. The ending has me wanting more. This book is perfect for lovers of fairytales and paranormal fantasy stories.

I will definitely read more from this author.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fantastic retelling of Red Riding Hood. Amazing and a new type of werewolf that boggled my mind...so inventive. Ru is just one part of a family of fearless werewolf hunters. Quiet and unassuming Ru shows incredible strength at such a young age but she has a secret ability she has to keep hidden for her family. Collin is part of a new group of hunters that arrive with the idea to capture a werewolf to find the Alpha of Alphas but he has some secrets of his own. Journey into the angst of young love and secrets to all go around. The secondary characters were seamless and believable. This book has it all with numerous twists and turns through out and so much action. I actually loved how this lovely horror story played out all the way to the end with great lead-in to future stories. Awesome!! 4 1/2 Stars

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Red Riding Hood is more than just a fairy tale, it's a warning handed down through the ages. Little Red's ancestors still hunt werewolves and Ru is part of one of those families of hunters. However, she is not a normal hunter and has been struggling to hide her visions from the rest of the family. When a mysterious new hunter group appears asking for their help, everything changes and they suddenly have to capture the werewolves rather than just kill them on sight.
This book was fast paced from the start and full of action. I did find it a little difficult to follow sometimes, with things happening seemingly without explanation. I felt like I must have missed something a few times. However the story pulled me along and kept my interest throughout.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rue is eighteen years old, and her family hunts werewolves, but they are unaware of her secret. Can she keep the secret from them? What if they learn her secret? It cost her Grandma her freedom, will Rue lose hers too? An outside hunting group convinces their family to join them in their hunt for the Alpha, who could be the key to bringing the werewolves down. Can they trust this new group of hunters? I loved this page turning supernatural romance, that had a bit of a light touch of the Little Red Riding Hood tale, Rue is a strong woman (who is probably more mature than her age, due to what she had dealt with), and Collin just draws you in with his charm (and is a bit more complex than he first seems).

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

[Georganne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This certainly was not how I remembered fairy tales.
This is about beliefs, truths and myths. What do you do when something you’ve been told your whole life is not as it appears? This tale has only a few of our normal monsters, werewolves, shifters and vampires. How to you learn the truth when you hold back your own secret or suspicions? Ru discovers the truth is not always easy. It has a devastating effect on her life. The family have been hunters for generations. Will minds and hearts change? Read to a different look at Little Red Riding Hood.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kaitlyn Braeutigam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was constantly challenging what I thought. It was full of “yes this, no that, omg yes this,” moments. The beginning was amazing, towards the end I just wish more had been fleshed out for things that had been pretty major points of the earlier chapters. I know there are more books written in this world, maybe they help with that feeling? Overall though I loved the book, I accidentally finished most of it at once!

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

[Melonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author! I quick and engaging read that left me wanting more(in a good way)!

I love how this author can take a genre and make it new and engaging. It's not the same story replayed with new names. I also like how it is not edited, for me that keeps it very real and makes it more relatable.

I seriously love Ru and Collin.

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

[Maria Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time I picked up a book from the Dragonian series, Adrienne Woods had me hooked on her stories!

She definitely did not disappoint with Forbidden! I love the interactions of her characters and fell in love with them all! You must read it and the rest of the stories in Once Upon a Rebel Fairytale!

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

[Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting take on werewolves and hunters. It even throws in a twist to little Red riding hood. She sees visions but those visions may get her killed or locked up if her family finds out. He has plenty of secrets but he may be able to help her. The story has lots of action. Besides wolves there are some vampires and a glimpse of witches. The world is definitely not what the humans around think it is.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this story as part of the Once Upon a Rebel Fairytale boxset. This was billed as Little Red Riding Hood with supernaturals, but was SO much more! A story full of depth, thrills, great invention and a sprinkle of romance with realistic human sides to the characters, it's a great read and I'm definitely interested in reading more of this series! And to read at the end that this author isn't even the inventor of this world? Unbelievable!

[Toni M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the start. It was such a different twist on all the fairytales and a completely different outlook on how werewolves look too . I absolutely enjoyed this book and totally need more , I can’t believe it’s ended. Almost a cliffhanger ending and knowing that there isn’t another book is almost killing me.
Adrienne woods writes some absolutely amazing books.

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

[Reader73 · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I had known there wasn't a plan for a continued story. I would not have read this book. Don't get me wrong it's amazing. And I flew through it the author is good at what she does. I'm going to read other books by her.But it's very disappointing to have all these subplots set up. And then you get to the end of the book and it abruptly ends. No cliffhanger, nothing. Just ends .... So based on that alone I can't recommend it.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new take on werewolves! This was a fantastic read that I read in one shot! Seers, Vampires, Shifters, Hunters, and werewolves all make up this amazing journey. A character lineup you will fall in love with for sure! I am hoping to see more from these characters and this world soon!

I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave 4.5 stars bc there were slight grammatical errors and the ending was a tad abrupt.

Overall, Forbidden was an awesome read. I only wish there was a full novel or series for Ru and Collin's story. I love the twist on the story of Little Red Riding Hood.

The character development was great. It didn't drag on and went at a great steady pace. If you liked Kristin Ping's Guardian of Monsters book, you'll like Forbidden, seeing as the story takes place in that world. Almost like a crossover.

Happy reading!!

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

[Cchat · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting take on the tale of Red Riding Hood, with werewolves, hunters, and possibly vampires.
Not a cliffhanger ending, but there may be more to come.
Only three and a half stars. I'd give more if there were fewer typos.

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

[KATHY BROWN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed with intrigue and twists! The action is ever present and the twists of fate that shape the lives of the characters are enlightening. Well fleshed out characters that make you want the next book! A great start to a series! I read it through in one sitting as I couldn't put it down.

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

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden by Adrienne Woods is a great story to read. I really loved reading this great story cause it has very strong characters and a great story line. I am so glad that I have read this story and I recommend this story to everyone.

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

[Kitlina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've got to say that I am intrigued. This was a good one.
The world was amazing. I loved the new take on werewolves. And since Ms. Woods told us that this is part of Guardian of Monsters series by Kristin Ping then I will give it a try. It sounds amazing.
I would have preferred that it was better edited though, there were many typos and some grammar mistakes.
But all in all I enjoyed it.

[Ksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Stars

In this novel we have a family of werewolf hunters who are tracking an alpha. One of the members starts to have visions of the future and hides it to keep her family from committing her.

I absolutely loved the intense drama of secrets and lies. You never quite know what's gonna happen, especially with Rue's visions of the future. I think this is an amazing intro to the series.

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