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Collect the girl. Speak some vows. Inherit the fortune. Nowhere in the requirements did it say anything about falling in love.
Melinda thinks she's just coming to grandma's for dinner, but she's wrong. She's wrong about a lot of things. None of which is my business.
The only business I have is to settle the open accounts on my uncle's books, so I can collect my inheritance and move on with my life. Collecting Melinda in order to cross off her grandfather's debt wasn't hard, but she's not exactly marching gracefully up to the auction block for me.
I'm not the monster here.
I'm not the one who sold her to my uncle, I'm just the collector. My hands are as bound as hers thanks to the whims of our families. But with her red hair, and fiery spirit, Melinda's giving me more trouble than I anticipated.
Good thing, I don't run from trouble.
Melinda thinks she's just coming to grandma's for dinner, but she's wrong. She's wrong about a lot of things. None of which is my business.
The only business I have is to settle the open accounts on my uncle's books, so I can collect my inheritance and move on with my life. Collecting Melinda in order to cross off her grandfather's debt wasn't hard, but she's not exactly marching gracefully up to the auction block for me.
I'm not the monster here.
I'm not the one who sold her to my uncle, I'm just the collector. My hands are as bound as hers thanks to the whims of our families. But with her red hair, and fiery spirit, Melinda's giving me more trouble than I anticipated.
Good thing, I don't run from trouble.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2019
467 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
June 19, 2021
I love Measha Stone as an author and her stories are so well written, with characters you either love or hate, and her words are always meaningful and precise.
Poor Melinda has been through so much and finds herself in the hands of Erik, the wolf in this story. But of course they meet at grandmas house.
But this is definitely not your childhood story of Red and the wolf. Definitely not. This couples story is romantic and steamy, a blissful rendition of the this fable.
Poor Melinda has been through so much and finds herself in the hands of Erik, the wolf in this story. But of course they meet at grandmas house.
But this is definitely not your childhood story of Red and the wolf. Definitely not. This couples story is romantic and steamy, a blissful rendition of the this fable.
July 13, 2019
I am not sure about this book. BtW this book have some triggers warning.
So Erik collects Melinda in order for him to have access to his inheritence. Erik wants to build a casino. Melinda comes with Erik willingly assuming trying to help her grandmother. But if course she rebels by trying to escape. Erik then introduces Melinda to the dark lifestyle of BDSM. There is no explanation nor character development between Erik and Melinda.
So everything is sort of insta lust. The hot steamy sex is hot. But also too much. It takes majority of the book. And you guess it, the story does not develop much. Throw in last minute twist and HEA.
I do enjoy the steamy parts but it can be more interesting if the author can invests in character development.
3 stars
So Erik collects Melinda in order for him to have access to his inheritence. Erik wants to build a casino. Melinda comes with Erik willingly assuming trying to help her grandmother. But if course she rebels by trying to escape. Erik then introduces Melinda to the dark lifestyle of BDSM. There is no explanation nor character development between Erik and Melinda.
So everything is sort of insta lust. The hot steamy sex is hot. But also too much. It takes majority of the book. And you guess it, the story does not develop much. Throw in last minute twist and HEA.
I do enjoy the steamy parts but it can be more interesting if the author can invests in character development.
3 stars
April 18, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.
Melinda thinks she's just coming to grandma's for dinner, but she's wrong. She's wrong about a lot of things. None of which is my business. The only business I have is to settle the open accounts on my uncle's books, so I can collect my inheritance and move on with my life. Collecting Melinda in order to cross off her grandfather's debt wasn't hard, but she is not exactly marching gracefully up to th auction block for me. I'm no the monster here. I'm not the one who sold her to my uncle. I am just the collector. My hands are as bound as hers thanks to the whims of our families. But with her red hair and fiery spirit, Melinda is giving me more trouble than I anticipated. Good think I don't run from trouble.
I love when a author turns a fairy tale into a dark adult story. I never get tired of them and this one is so very good. Red is a woman who has a strong spirit and will that isn't going to ever be broken or change. Erik is a man that has a ton of problems left to him from the underworld. He has to close out his Uncle's open accounts and then he can get his inheritance and go on with his life. What he never sees coming is Melinda who he has to collect because her grandfather has sold her to pay off his debt. Melinda never sees any of this coming nor does she see the way her world is about to be rocked by the man who has taken her. He has a lot to give but is a butt, and a lot of love to give. These two are fire. This book is so good you will not be able to put it down. I can not wait to see where Measha Stone takes us next.
Melinda thinks she's just coming to grandma's for dinner, but she's wrong. She's wrong about a lot of things. None of which is my business. The only business I have is to settle the open accounts on my uncle's books, so I can collect my inheritance and move on with my life. Collecting Melinda in order to cross off her grandfather's debt wasn't hard, but she is not exactly marching gracefully up to th auction block for me. I'm no the monster here. I'm not the one who sold her to my uncle. I am just the collector. My hands are as bound as hers thanks to the whims of our families. But with her red hair and fiery spirit, Melinda is giving me more trouble than I anticipated. Good think I don't run from trouble.
I love when a author turns a fairy tale into a dark adult story. I never get tired of them and this one is so very good. Red is a woman who has a strong spirit and will that isn't going to ever be broken or change. Erik is a man that has a ton of problems left to him from the underworld. He has to close out his Uncle's open accounts and then he can get his inheritance and go on with his life. What he never sees coming is Melinda who he has to collect because her grandfather has sold her to pay off his debt. Melinda never sees any of this coming nor does she see the way her world is about to be rocked by the man who has taken her. He has a lot to give but is a butt, and a lot of love to give. These two are fire. This book is so good you will not be able to put it down. I can not wait to see where Measha Stone takes us next.
April 19, 2019
This is the newest book in Measha Stone's fairy tale retellings. It's a pretty good guess that this one is all about Little Red Riding Hood.
Melinda's grandfather did her dirty and now Erik is there to collect. And it's not money that he's there to collect.
I like Melinda, mostly. I think that there were a lot of times that she made things a lot harder on herself than she really needed. I'm not saying that she had to give in all super duper easy, but if she had given in a little easier, at times, I think that she would've been a little happier through the process. OTOH, I totally understand why she was so resistant and why she felt like she needed to stay strong and not give in to Erik.
I think that Erik is really confused in himself and doesn't know where he needs to be in his life. He knows what he wants to have, but getting from point A to point B with all the sidetrips he has to take is a lot less clearcut to him. Or, maybe he thought it was a clearcut plan, but he's totally missing it. Whatever.
I love the dirty adult fairy tales and all the dirty adult things that happen in them, so this was pretty awesome.
Melinda's grandfather did her dirty and now Erik is there to collect. And it's not money that he's there to collect.
I like Melinda, mostly. I think that there were a lot of times that she made things a lot harder on herself than she really needed. I'm not saying that she had to give in all super duper easy, but if she had given in a little easier, at times, I think that she would've been a little happier through the process. OTOH, I totally understand why she was so resistant and why she felt like she needed to stay strong and not give in to Erik.
I think that Erik is really confused in himself and doesn't know where he needs to be in his life. He knows what he wants to have, but getting from point A to point B with all the sidetrips he has to take is a lot less clearcut to him. Or, maybe he thought it was a clearcut plan, but he's totally missing it. Whatever.
I love the dirty adult fairy tales and all the dirty adult things that happen in them, so this was pretty awesome.
April 21, 2019
Measha brings us a twist of little red riding hood, and oh what a twist it is. We get a big bad wolf in the name of Erik. Erik has a job to do and to get his inheritance he will do it, even if it is the worse thing he can do. So when he goes to collect his last girl, he never thought he would find Red- Melinda.
Melinda has no idea why Erik showed up at her house or why she is being taken away from her family. But for whatever reason it is, she knows she has to follow orders or be killed. Melinda is not known for taking orders and fights with everything she has. But Erik is just too much for her. These two are fireworks that need to be set off.
This book is a complicated love story with two characters full of life. With secondary characters leading the storyline helping these characters along in their fight for their love. I enjoyed this story and found it to be a great addition to the fairy tale series. I am hoping the other two brothers get their fairy tales.
April 10, 2019
Scorching heat, a jerk, and a woman with fire in her soul is just some of the ways to describe Red. Erik is a dominating guy who was left with a shit storm of problems in the underworld. Melinda is an innocent bystander who gets caught up in these problems through no fault of her own. What Melinda finds though? A sexual awakening, a man who is an asshole with a sweet side, and more love than she thought possible.
Measha Stone always surprises me with her dark and seductive stories, Red is no different. Erik has a way of getting in your head while you reach for that certain naughty drawer.
Fantastic writing and panty melting scenes made me fall in love early on with this unputdownable story!
Measha Stone always surprises me with her dark and seductive stories, Red is no different. Erik has a way of getting in your head while you reach for that certain naughty drawer.
Fantastic writing and panty melting scenes made me fall in love early on with this unputdownable story!
April 18, 2019
Although this is part of a series, you can read it as a standalone.
Red is the story of Melinda and Erik. Erik is left to take care of some things after his Uncle passes. One involves settling some debts left to the family. He collects Melinda as payment for the debt of her Grandfather although at the same time he vows to not participate in the illegal aspects of these families.
The interaction of these old corrupt families is intriguing and you will want to know more about them. There are some unexpected twists regarding who is really the good guy and who is a bad guy in this story. I really enjoyed the flow of the story and the darker elements.
Hero 5 | Heroine 5 | Steam 4 | Plot 4 | Overall 4.5 Stars
Dark | Suspense | Dual POV | MF | Non-con elements | Twists and Turns
#MSBB
Red is the story of Melinda and Erik. Erik is left to take care of some things after his Uncle passes. One involves settling some debts left to the family. He collects Melinda as payment for the debt of her Grandfather although at the same time he vows to not participate in the illegal aspects of these families.
The interaction of these old corrupt families is intriguing and you will want to know more about them. There are some unexpected twists regarding who is really the good guy and who is a bad guy in this story. I really enjoyed the flow of the story and the darker elements.
Hero 5 | Heroine 5 | Steam 4 | Plot 4 | Overall 4.5 Stars
Dark | Suspense | Dual POV | MF | Non-con elements | Twists and Turns
#MSBB
January 5, 2021
No choice
Taking a break from my alien's romance, I decided to go back to a series that made me shudder in the past. When I first discovered this world of control and letting go, of never being gentle but always rough, I was fascinated. Now? After all these read I had in the past two years? I'm slightly left unimpressed. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the writing and the plot but I wasn't as engrossed as I hoped I'd be. It was more like, Oh, a nice lovely naughty retelling of a Red Riding Hood and not... Oh my goodness, it was sooo unexpected!
Well , that's what you get when you read too much 😂
Taking a break from my alien's romance, I decided to go back to a series that made me shudder in the past. When I first discovered this world of control and letting go, of never being gentle but always rough, I was fascinated. Now? After all these read I had in the past two years? I'm slightly left unimpressed. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the writing and the plot but I wasn't as engrossed as I hoped I'd be. It was more like, Oh, a nice lovely naughty retelling of a Red Riding Hood and not... Oh my goodness, it was sooo unexpected!
Well , that's what you get when you read too much 😂
April 5, 2022
What a wild ride this story was ! Melinda was fierce and strong from the very beginning and I loved her for it. Life handed her a crappy hand that's for sure but she powered through it anyways. I loved seeing Erik's softer side towards Melinda and her slowly softening towards him. I love their connection so much ! The plot was amazing and the twist was jaw dropping.
April 15, 2019
Oh Measha Stone, you have written one heck of an anti-hero in our deliciously conflicted Erik.
He is the epitome of a good man doing bad things for (in his mind at least) good reasons. And whilst Melinda might not necessarily like being owned property, he does plan on offering her choices, allowing her to make the best of a bad deal.
Melinda is one fiery, fury-filled female and she isn't afraid to tell Erik no. In fact the red-haired beauty can't seem to help but challenge him at every turn.
As with the rest of the Ever After series, this is very loosely based on a fairy-tale. The colour of Melinda's hair is a big clue to which one, add in Erik's wolf medallion and her Grams to the mix and you have most of the cast of Little Red Riding Hood. Though in this one the wolf wants to eat Red in an entirely different way!
I adored Erik, loved him, and he is now my favourite of the Ever After Doms. This author doesn't do vanilla heroes, and whilst I wouldn't classify this as a BDSM romance it does have themes of Domination and submission, along with some kinky play. Alpha to the point of aggression, though only ever in protection of Melinda.
Despite how their relationship began, the fact that Erik is very much in control and how he refers to her as 'mine' - (*shiver*, I can hear him saying that even now!) - , she never felt like a mere possession. Rather Melinda was a rare and precious creature that would be protected and cherished until his last breathe.
Similarly Melinda is equally likeable, a woman tossed into an impossible situation, clinging to what little control and pride she has left. This girl has been handed a pretty rough hand by life so refuses to get scared, instead she gets angry. I loved her feisty personality, her stick-out-your-chin and fake-it-til-you-make-it attitude. Some might feel she is a little bratty, me I saw a woman standing her ground and refusing to give up.
I spent the first half of the book wanting to shake Erik, he seemed to think he was doing Melinda some huge favour and she should be grateful to him. At the end of the day, as a couple of different characters pointed out, he didn't have to collect the three debts. Not when those 'debts' were repaid in the form of three blameless young women.
Melinda is the last to be collected, and once Erik has sold her, or found another way to pay off the debt against her name, he and his brothers will get their inheritance. No-one seems to care that the debt isn't truly Melinda's, but until those accounts are settled Erik is bound by the terms of his evil uncle's last will and testament.
This callous disregard for right and wrong, that he tries to make better by 'giving them a choice', made him the sort of anti-hero that you love to hate, hate to love and are desperate to see brought to his knees by the heroine. I'm not sure when I went from disliking Erik to loving him, or how it happened either. But it did.
What truly made this into a 5 star read was that it wasn't just the anti-hero claiming the heroine. Instead we are treated to a fantastic suspense, with lots of mystery, intrigue, shocks and despair. There is so much I'd love to tell you about this part of the story, but then I'd be spoiling things for you. However let me just say that I spend a very enjoyable Sunday afternoon reading this book.
***I'm also going to throw in a trigger warning that this book contains spanking, BDSM type play and a CONSENSUAL power exchange, though some may view it as more dubious consent in nature. If this type of content bothers you please don't read it and then leave a low review - not when you knew in advance.
He is the epitome of a good man doing bad things for (in his mind at least) good reasons. And whilst Melinda might not necessarily like being owned property, he does plan on offering her choices, allowing her to make the best of a bad deal.
Melinda is one fiery, fury-filled female and she isn't afraid to tell Erik no. In fact the red-haired beauty can't seem to help but challenge him at every turn.
As with the rest of the Ever After series, this is very loosely based on a fairy-tale. The colour of Melinda's hair is a big clue to which one, add in Erik's wolf medallion and her Grams to the mix and you have most of the cast of Little Red Riding Hood. Though in this one the wolf wants to eat Red in an entirely different way!
I adored Erik, loved him, and he is now my favourite of the Ever After Doms. This author doesn't do vanilla heroes, and whilst I wouldn't classify this as a BDSM romance it does have themes of Domination and submission, along with some kinky play. Alpha to the point of aggression, though only ever in protection of Melinda.
Despite how their relationship began, the fact that Erik is very much in control and how he refers to her as 'mine' - (*shiver*, I can hear him saying that even now!) - , she never felt like a mere possession. Rather Melinda was a rare and precious creature that would be protected and cherished until his last breathe.
Similarly Melinda is equally likeable, a woman tossed into an impossible situation, clinging to what little control and pride she has left. This girl has been handed a pretty rough hand by life so refuses to get scared, instead she gets angry. I loved her feisty personality, her stick-out-your-chin and fake-it-til-you-make-it attitude. Some might feel she is a little bratty, me I saw a woman standing her ground and refusing to give up.
I spent the first half of the book wanting to shake Erik, he seemed to think he was doing Melinda some huge favour and she should be grateful to him. At the end of the day, as a couple of different characters pointed out, he didn't have to collect the three debts. Not when those 'debts' were repaid in the form of three blameless young women.
Melinda is the last to be collected, and once Erik has sold her, or found another way to pay off the debt against her name, he and his brothers will get their inheritance. No-one seems to care that the debt isn't truly Melinda's, but until those accounts are settled Erik is bound by the terms of his evil uncle's last will and testament.
This callous disregard for right and wrong, that he tries to make better by 'giving them a choice', made him the sort of anti-hero that you love to hate, hate to love and are desperate to see brought to his knees by the heroine. I'm not sure when I went from disliking Erik to loving him, or how it happened either. But it did.
What truly made this into a 5 star read was that it wasn't just the anti-hero claiming the heroine. Instead we are treated to a fantastic suspense, with lots of mystery, intrigue, shocks and despair. There is so much I'd love to tell you about this part of the story, but then I'd be spoiling things for you. However let me just say that I spend a very enjoyable Sunday afternoon reading this book.
***I'm also going to throw in a trigger warning that this book contains spanking, BDSM type play and a CONSENSUAL power exchange, though some may view it as more dubious consent in nature. If this type of content bothers you please don't read it and then leave a low review - not when you knew in advance.
April 15, 2019
This book just rocked!! I love it when an author can take a children's fairy tale and rewrite it to become a version for adults!!! The story hit all the right notes for me. Melinda is "taken" from the comfortable life she knows and becomes a pawn in a dangerous game that Erik is playing. Erik can be a really jerk but you can also see that he is developing feelings for Melinda. With danger all around them, can Erik keep her safe and play the game so that he and Melinda will win? Betrayal, danger, desire and trust are all put to the test!! There was a twist I wasn't expecting and it shocked me as much as it shocked Melinda!! Oh Ms. Stone.....................you certainly have a way with words!!! Loved every single word of this story!!! Can't wait for the next one!
April 15, 2019
Super hot retelling of Red Riding Hood
Measha’s re-telling of Little Red Riding hood is an action packed thrill ride that doesn’t disappoint. Erik is trying to make the best out of a bad situation, but he didn’t plan on falling in love. I loved the way Measha wove this love story between Melinda and Erik, one could feel the love growing between them. It would be so sweet one minute and then the sex scenes were super hot!!! I will admit I jumped up and shouted for joy after one scene! It was so good! This one was amazing and I enjoyed reading it!!!
Measha’s re-telling of Little Red Riding hood is an action packed thrill ride that doesn’t disappoint. Erik is trying to make the best out of a bad situation, but he didn’t plan on falling in love. I loved the way Measha wove this love story between Melinda and Erik, one could feel the love growing between them. It would be so sweet one minute and then the sex scenes were super hot!!! I will admit I jumped up and shouted for joy after one scene! It was so good! This one was amazing and I enjoyed reading it!!!
February 11, 2020
Well, some parts of this book were good, but other parts, like all the whipping, I didn’t get at all. He thinks his uncle was so horrible, but he really was no better. He kidnapped the woman and started beating her without even knowing anything about her. They never had sex without him beating the shit out of her, not even on their wedding night. If he had taken things slower with her, and built the sadistic stuff up with her approval, it would have made this book so much better.
April 14, 2019
Not exactly like the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale I read as a child! This adult version certainly put the wolf in a whole new role, one where just maybe Red wants the wolf as much as she fears the wolf. This dark romance featured plenty of steamy scenes with a bit of intrigue and suspense. Another enjoyable romance by Measha Stone.
October 3, 2019
This is the third edition in Measha Stone’s Ever After series and she still has me enthralled. Each of these books has a fairy tale base. With this one it’s Little Red Riding Hood.
You have to understand going in that this series is dark especially in the beginning. The relationships in it often start out very problematic, usually with some kind of kidnapping and nonconsensual events, but eventually the men usually redeem themselves.
In this case we have Melinda who comes home to find out she’s being repossessed to cover her grandfather’s debts by Erik. She’s an asset and he has to take her to fulfill the terms of his uncle’s will even though he doesn’t want to be involved with the trafficking that his uncle had done but he can’t inherit otherwise.
Of course, once he has her he realizes that he can’t sell her to anyone else. There’s something about her that he can’t get enough of. Melinda is mad to be kept against her will but she can’t deny that her body is turned on by what he does to her and eventually the captor/victim dynamic fades into more of a relationship.
The upsides:
I really liked the building relationship between them. He falls for her faster than she falls for him, which is to be expected since he kidnapped her. And the book does allow you to see his motivations which makes everything more palatable so it does feel like a love story and not some Stockholm thing.
The twists and turns kept me wondering what was going to happen next, and the sex and BDSM scenes were hot. I felt like there was more of the kinky stuff in this one then in the previous and that was great too. The characters felt distinct and each one was interesting, leaving me to wonder which of the men will be the focus of the next book.
The downsides:
Melinda’s subplot with her book, and writing career seemed to pop up out of nowhere, and then it wobbled around just seeming like an invented plot device. Erik mentions how important her book is to her but honestly, I didn’t feel any passion for it coming from her.
People who aren’t fans of non-con may find this one difficult (I personally find it hot in fiction). Erik isn’t a man who asks permission for anything.
Really enjoyed it, looking forward to the next book.
You have to understand going in that this series is dark especially in the beginning. The relationships in it often start out very problematic, usually with some kind of kidnapping and nonconsensual events, but eventually the men usually redeem themselves.
In this case we have Melinda who comes home to find out she’s being repossessed to cover her grandfather’s debts by Erik. She’s an asset and he has to take her to fulfill the terms of his uncle’s will even though he doesn’t want to be involved with the trafficking that his uncle had done but he can’t inherit otherwise.
Of course, once he has her he realizes that he can’t sell her to anyone else. There’s something about her that he can’t get enough of. Melinda is mad to be kept against her will but she can’t deny that her body is turned on by what he does to her and eventually the captor/victim dynamic fades into more of a relationship.
The upsides:
I really liked the building relationship between them. He falls for her faster than she falls for him, which is to be expected since he kidnapped her. And the book does allow you to see his motivations which makes everything more palatable so it does feel like a love story and not some Stockholm thing.
The twists and turns kept me wondering what was going to happen next, and the sex and BDSM scenes were hot. I felt like there was more of the kinky stuff in this one then in the previous and that was great too. The characters felt distinct and each one was interesting, leaving me to wonder which of the men will be the focus of the next book.
The downsides:
Melinda’s subplot with her book, and writing career seemed to pop up out of nowhere, and then it wobbled around just seeming like an invented plot device. Erik mentions how important her book is to her but honestly, I didn’t feel any passion for it coming from her.
People who aren’t fans of non-con may find this one difficult (I personally find it hot in fiction). Erik isn’t a man who asks permission for anything.
Really enjoyed it, looking forward to the next book.
April 15, 2019
This story is a contemporary twist on 'Little Red Riding Hood', complete with Red, the Wolf & Grams.
I love dark romances & this one delivered everything I want in one. Although, IMO, this is not a pitch black dark story, more a charcoal gray. BUT, a wonderful story.
Melinda (Red/heroine) loves her Grams, the only relative she has, very much. But Melinda soon finds out she is owed to Erik (Wolf/anti-H) & he's come to collect the debt he's owed: Melinda. And take her he does.
But Melinda has more backbone & feistiness than the intense, huge, dominating Erik planned on or expected & she's not going to go along with his plans like a meek little lamb . . . .
I really liked this one a lot. The author (IMO) does an excellent job fleshing out the personalities of both Erik & Melinda through alternating POV's as well as dialogue & actions. There wasn't any padding or fluff added to the story, I found it had a smooth logical flow without any irritating rambling internal monologues by either character. The story (to me) stayed focused & crisp on the plot developments & pertinent details of the battle of wills between Erik & Melinda. The secondary characters, Erik's brothers, Grams & others had distinct personalities that added to the story & never overshadowed it or the main characters.
I found myself rooting for Melinda, & as the story progressed I was rooting for Erik too. The author's writing swept me up into the characters & their story, their secrets & goals. I cared about them, I wanted them to have a HEA ~~ together & had my fingers crossed. I have to admit I was teary eyed several times & also wanted to smack both Melinda & Erik during angst loaded sections.
But Melinda was a strong determined woman up against tremendous odds & Erik was a dominating intense man determined to control everything & everyone around him. But will either Erik or Melinda be able win & survive the test of wills intact? Because even Erik has enemies . . . .
This is a wonderfully written story about two strong willed people forced together by dark outside influences & how they each fight to try to change the hands Fate has dealt them.
I love dark romances & this one delivered everything I want in one. Although, IMO, this is not a pitch black dark story, more a charcoal gray. BUT, a wonderful story.
Melinda (Red/heroine) loves her Grams, the only relative she has, very much. But Melinda soon finds out she is owed to Erik (Wolf/anti-H) & he's come to collect the debt he's owed: Melinda. And take her he does.
But Melinda has more backbone & feistiness than the intense, huge, dominating Erik planned on or expected & she's not going to go along with his plans like a meek little lamb . . . .
I really liked this one a lot. The author (IMO) does an excellent job fleshing out the personalities of both Erik & Melinda through alternating POV's as well as dialogue & actions. There wasn't any padding or fluff added to the story, I found it had a smooth logical flow without any irritating rambling internal monologues by either character. The story (to me) stayed focused & crisp on the plot developments & pertinent details of the battle of wills between Erik & Melinda. The secondary characters, Erik's brothers, Grams & others had distinct personalities that added to the story & never overshadowed it or the main characters.
I found myself rooting for Melinda, & as the story progressed I was rooting for Erik too. The author's writing swept me up into the characters & their story, their secrets & goals. I cared about them, I wanted them to have a HEA ~~ together & had my fingers crossed. I have to admit I was teary eyed several times & also wanted to smack both Melinda & Erik during angst loaded sections.
But Melinda was a strong determined woman up against tremendous odds & Erik was a dominating intense man determined to control everything & everyone around him. But will either Erik or Melinda be able win & survive the test of wills intact? Because even Erik has enemies . . . .
This is a wonderfully written story about two strong willed people forced together by dark outside influences & how they each fight to try to change the hands Fate has dealt them.
April 16, 2019
Donna L
5.0 out of 5 starsBreaking Free Of Evil
April 15, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
If your looking for a good book that will send chills down your spine and
fire up your imagination?.Then Measha Stone's RED is the book for you.
What an inspiring modern day twist on a fairy tale this story is.With Melinda
as Red, Eric as the big bad wolf and granny to complete the tale.
Melinda Manaforte had lost so much already in her life.An orphan who
had been raised by her beloved grandmother,she could never expect the
turn her life would take.Looking forward to dinner at granny's house,she
has no idea that her life was about to change forever.Eric Rawlings had
one agenda and that was to capture Melinda and sell her off to collect his
inheritance and fulfil his uncles evil legacy.Melinda stirred his soul,she had
fire in her eyes but she saw him as a predator.Melinda was conflicted,she
wanted his touch as much as she wanted to hide from him.Her body and
mind were at war.He might have her body but he would never have her
heart or so she thought.She was in jeopardy of losing herself to him.
Can Eric save Melinda from this twisted game without her becoming a
pawn and escape from the clutches of a evil man.
The author has created a dark,intense romance with a feisty heroine and
a strong dominant man.This story is visceral and gritty.Melinda was haunted
but a survivor.Eric was strong with multi- layers to his personality.The characters
had such depth and their thoughts and feelings pulled at the readers heart.
The premise of this story was outstanding as i felt the fear and pain time and time
again as Melinda and Eric fought against the evil surrounding them.Measha Stone
has done it again with this exciting and ever-changing plot.I loved the concept of
this story and have become obsessed with her work.Spine tingling good.
DONNA L
5.0 out of 5 starsBreaking Free Of Evil
April 15, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
If your looking for a good book that will send chills down your spine and
fire up your imagination?.Then Measha Stone's RED is the book for you.
What an inspiring modern day twist on a fairy tale this story is.With Melinda
as Red, Eric as the big bad wolf and granny to complete the tale.
Melinda Manaforte had lost so much already in her life.An orphan who
had been raised by her beloved grandmother,she could never expect the
turn her life would take.Looking forward to dinner at granny's house,she
has no idea that her life was about to change forever.Eric Rawlings had
one agenda and that was to capture Melinda and sell her off to collect his
inheritance and fulfil his uncles evil legacy.Melinda stirred his soul,she had
fire in her eyes but she saw him as a predator.Melinda was conflicted,she
wanted his touch as much as she wanted to hide from him.Her body and
mind were at war.He might have her body but he would never have her
heart or so she thought.She was in jeopardy of losing herself to him.
Can Eric save Melinda from this twisted game without her becoming a
pawn and escape from the clutches of a evil man.
The author has created a dark,intense romance with a feisty heroine and
a strong dominant man.This story is visceral and gritty.Melinda was haunted
but a survivor.Eric was strong with multi- layers to his personality.The characters
had such depth and their thoughts and feelings pulled at the readers heart.
The premise of this story was outstanding as i felt the fear and pain time and time
again as Melinda and Eric fought against the evil surrounding them.Measha Stone
has done it again with this exciting and ever-changing plot.I loved the concept of
this story and have become obsessed with her work.Spine tingling good.
DONNA L
April 17, 2019
Red is the third book in the Ever After series. Melinda is on her way to her grandmother’s house for dinner, but as soon as she arrives, she’s taken by Erik. Her whole life is in a whirlwind, she’s not in control, and Erik has a plan. Soon he is looking for a loophole to keep Melinda for his own, but there’s danger all around. Can Erik keep Melinda safe and his heart secure, or will he lose it all?
Oh my goodness, this book is darkly sweet and I loved every single second I spent reading this book. Melinda and Erik are a perfect match, but there’s some darker intents, secrets, and desires that could get in their way. I loved the way that Melinda fought for her freedom and her innocence to the darker world, but she brought light and purpose and so much passion to Erik’s world. So much happens to her in such a short time and I think she took the changes better than I ever would have. Erik has a tightly caged beast inside of himself, and he had to do some shady things to follow his dreams - but that brought Melinda to himself. Some of the things he did was to protect his family and Melinda, which was the sweet part, but he didn’t always go about it in a sweet way. My absolute favorite part of this book was not only their passion, but how they became each other’s rocks during the storms they faced. There’s definitely some darker themes in this book, but Ms. Stone has such talent to make it almost decadent. I loved the Red Riding Hood undertones to this romance and I mean, really, I just loved reading this book!
Oh my goodness, this book is darkly sweet and I loved every single second I spent reading this book. Melinda and Erik are a perfect match, but there’s some darker intents, secrets, and desires that could get in their way. I loved the way that Melinda fought for her freedom and her innocence to the darker world, but she brought light and purpose and so much passion to Erik’s world. So much happens to her in such a short time and I think she took the changes better than I ever would have. Erik has a tightly caged beast inside of himself, and he had to do some shady things to follow his dreams - but that brought Melinda to himself. Some of the things he did was to protect his family and Melinda, which was the sweet part, but he didn’t always go about it in a sweet way. My absolute favorite part of this book was not only their passion, but how they became each other’s rocks during the storms they faced. There’s definitely some darker themes in this book, but Ms. Stone has such talent to make it almost decadent. I loved the Red Riding Hood undertones to this romance and I mean, really, I just loved reading this book!
April 16, 2019
First off, let me say that I love to read Measha Stone’s books. They always entertain, written in a style that draws me into the story, making me want to find out what happens to her wonderful characters. She did not disappoint in Red, the newest addition to the Ever After series where we were introduced to both Ashton and Peter Titon (two more sigh worthy anti-heroes I absolutely adore) and where we now meet Erik Rawling, the Wolf, and Melinda, his Red-haired beauty.
Melinda is sold by her grandfather to Erik in order to pay off his debts, something she knew nothing about until Erik and his brothers come to collect her after her grandfather’s death. Grandma is helpless and cannot come to her aid. Erik is a hard man with plans for the future and selling Melinda is necessary to those plans. But Erik is trying to figure the best way around this dilemma, for both him and Melinda. However, there are darker forces than Erik at work in Melinda’s life, and she’s in more danger than she realizes. Poor Melinda is beset by trials and travails from all sides. Will she find her way out of this horrible situation or will she get caught up in a dangerous event beyond her or Erik’s control?
I really enjoyed this story. It took me out of my everyday world into the lives of the characters in Ever After, always an interesting place to be. Don’t miss out on this interesting and exciting read. Highly recommended.
Melinda is sold by her grandfather to Erik in order to pay off his debts, something she knew nothing about until Erik and his brothers come to collect her after her grandfather’s death. Grandma is helpless and cannot come to her aid. Erik is a hard man with plans for the future and selling Melinda is necessary to those plans. But Erik is trying to figure the best way around this dilemma, for both him and Melinda. However, there are darker forces than Erik at work in Melinda’s life, and she’s in more danger than she realizes. Poor Melinda is beset by trials and travails from all sides. Will she find her way out of this horrible situation or will she get caught up in a dangerous event beyond her or Erik’s control?
I really enjoyed this story. It took me out of my everyday world into the lives of the characters in Ever After, always an interesting place to be. Don’t miss out on this interesting and exciting read. Highly recommended.
April 16, 2019
Lawd have mercy, I stayed so conflicted about Erik throughout this story, because he was the total package when it came to the anti-hero who I ultimately love to hate then hate to love. Melinda is just your average girl who has finished up college, trying to jump start her writing career, who loves coffee, and spends time with her Grams on the side. Or so she thought, until the day she comes over for dinner, and finds out that her Gramps sold her off for his debt, and a giant man named Erik came to collect her. Melinda isn't one to lie down and take it, so she's not making it easy, which makes Erik punish her, or is it punishment?! Yeah, this is one of those stories where you wonder who captures whom at the end of the day. Erik & Melinda have some serious chemistry, which makes their brand of sexy times light furniture on fire, as she loves everything he gave her. I wasn't a big fan of it, because I would have hurt him, but I couldn't deny that they were super HOT together. As they go through it, he finds that he can't sell her, so he keeps her, and this is when the twists start flying everywhere, and my f-bombs drop like crazy all the way to the end. Oh, and somehow, angst creeped in to make my eyes try to leak as well! So yeah, Red was a fantastic read by the talented Measha Stone that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
April 15, 2019
Melinda is a victim of her grandfather's vice of gambling. Eric is tasked with collecting the debts owed to his uncle in order to claim his and his brother's inheritance. Gram, Melinda's grandmother invites her to dinner but when Melinda arrives, dinner isn't cooking and the men waiting with Gram are there to take Melinda to pay for her gramps debt. Eric is hard but does try to give Melinda her choice of how she will pay off this debt that she is totally innocent of. Eric uses his dominant ways to control the feisty "Red" but Melinda is strong enough to not only fight back, she can take what Eric doles out. The sexual tension, fear of the unknown and hopes for the future all add up to stress Melinda. Eric really does want to do the right thing, which seems impossible to do with his uncle's last will's stipulations. The whole story, from beginning to end was filled with drama, family complications, secrets and some shocking surprises but with all that, I loved the back and forth between Erik and Melinda and each sensuous encounter that included some really hot sex, including Erik's acts of dominance inside and out of the bedroom. I enjoyed this story and hope we get an Ever After book 4.
April 14, 2020
I love adult fairy tales and this has to be one of my favorites. The title is the first hint at the rewritten fairy tale and it just keeps going from there. I loved finding all the hints at the original tale, but that is where all the similarities end. When families get involved in any relationship, things go awry. Erik must collect Melinda in order to receive his inheritance. As strange as that sounds, Melinda goes willingly with Erik thinking she is helping her grandmother. But when she tries to escape, things heat up and Erik introduces her to the world of BDSM. This book has everything in it. I loved the darkness of it, it was the perfect amount. It is a stand alone, but this fairy tale series is amazing. I cannot wait for the next one.
Wen Ross is the perfect Erik. Growly, alpha, and strong, Wen's voice brings Erik's character to life. But when Wen chuckles that evil chuckle, be ready to melt! Wen is a favorite narrator for me. He can smoothly narrate a female voice and bring out all of her emotions, and characteristics. I enjoyed his narration of Melinda. Wen Ross enhanced the experience of this story. I easily got lost in his narration and became a fly on the wall in the story. This is a must listen to.
Wen Ross is the perfect Erik. Growly, alpha, and strong, Wen's voice brings Erik's character to life. But when Wen chuckles that evil chuckle, be ready to melt! Wen is a favorite narrator for me. He can smoothly narrate a female voice and bring out all of her emotions, and characteristics. I enjoyed his narration of Melinda. Wen Ross enhanced the experience of this story. I easily got lost in his narration and became a fly on the wall in the story. This is a must listen to.
August 17, 2023
ARC Review of Red by Measha Stone
* * * * *
This wolf has come out to claim what is his in this dark modern twisted fairy tale romance riddled in domination and a budding romance.
Melinda's life gets thrown up in the air when she comes over for dinner with her grandmother only to find a wolf in the living room. He's come to collect. Melina's grandfather has sold her off as payment for his debt before he died, and now, her life was in Erik's hands.
If only Erik was truly prepared for what he was getting himself into.
He's taking care of business, but he was not expecting to have this girl mean more to him that he realised...especially with all the secrets piling up on her.
Melinda's past really provided a massive spin on this book. It overall was one of the most interesting in the series, yet very light on the fairy tale twist. It was mostly kept on the introduction of the story, while the rest was spun up. the previous two books felt more focused on the BDSM side of the romance, while the romance was more of a focus, in a sense, which I somewhat liked.
Heading onto the next book in the series!
* * * * *
This wolf has come out to claim what is his in this dark modern twisted fairy tale romance riddled in domination and a budding romance.
Melinda's life gets thrown up in the air when she comes over for dinner with her grandmother only to find a wolf in the living room. He's come to collect. Melina's grandfather has sold her off as payment for his debt before he died, and now, her life was in Erik's hands.
If only Erik was truly prepared for what he was getting himself into.
He's taking care of business, but he was not expecting to have this girl mean more to him that he realised...especially with all the secrets piling up on her.
Melinda's past really provided a massive spin on this book. It overall was one of the most interesting in the series, yet very light on the fairy tale twist. It was mostly kept on the introduction of the story, while the rest was spun up. the previous two books felt more focused on the BDSM side of the romance, while the romance was more of a focus, in a sense, which I somewhat liked.
Heading onto the next book in the series!
July 12, 2020
Red is an erotic loose retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and the third in the Ever After series although all three can be read as standalones. Expecting dinner at Grandmas house, Melinda finds herself taken by the big bad wolf and his brothers to honour an outstanding debt.
In order to receive his inheritance, Erik must complete the instructions in his uncles will. Unbeknownst to her, Melindas grandfather had sold her off to pay off his gambling debts and now years later the Rawlings brothers have come to collect. When oldest brother Erik finds himself attracted to her he decides to marry her instead of selling her off - a convenient clause in the Will that sees his relationship turn from kidnapper to lover.
This book had so many twists and turns, the chemistry was off the charts and you really started to feel sorry for everyone involved as they were forced into decisions they really had no control over. Melinda really makes the best out of the worst situation and Erik is the anti-hero you can’t help fall a little bit in love with.
In order to receive his inheritance, Erik must complete the instructions in his uncles will. Unbeknownst to her, Melindas grandfather had sold her off to pay off his gambling debts and now years later the Rawlings brothers have come to collect. When oldest brother Erik finds himself attracted to her he decides to marry her instead of selling her off - a convenient clause in the Will that sees his relationship turn from kidnapper to lover.
This book had so many twists and turns, the chemistry was off the charts and you really started to feel sorry for everyone involved as they were forced into decisions they really had no control over. Melinda really makes the best out of the worst situation and Erik is the anti-hero you can’t help fall a little bit in love with.
July 6, 2024
Erick e Melinda
Começou pesado pareceu que seria mais denso dos livros da série e acabou virando um melodrama. Eric sequestra de Melinda por conta de uma dívida de seu avô, ele está cumprindo os termos do testamento do tio que morreu no livro 1 vilão, a sua ideia é vendê-la para pagar a dívida do avô.
Rapidamente se apaixona por ela e decide fazer dela sua esposa, outro item dos termos dos testamento que o obriga a se casar.
Passa a viver um romance masoquista demais para o meu gosto. No enredo estão os dois irmãos mais novos Nico que o apoio e Irã que o antagonismo por conta dos três sequestros que ele foi obrigado a fazer também tem seu sonho de construir um cassino e o vilão um dos chefes da família que matou o seu tio, Belutti.
Com ajuda do irmão Nico Berlutti sequestra Melinda, Eric e Ian juntamente com Ash conseguem salvá-la, Justin sobrinho de Belutti concorda em não matar Nico desde que ele fuja para outra cidade.
Todos os livros tem o tropo do se afastam no final e acabam voltando algumas semanas depois 🥱🥱🥱🥱
Começou pesado pareceu que seria mais denso dos livros da série e acabou virando um melodrama. Eric sequestra de Melinda por conta de uma dívida de seu avô, ele está cumprindo os termos do testamento do tio que morreu no livro 1 vilão, a sua ideia é vendê-la para pagar a dívida do avô.
Rapidamente se apaixona por ela e decide fazer dela sua esposa, outro item dos termos dos testamento que o obriga a se casar.
Passa a viver um romance masoquista demais para o meu gosto. No enredo estão os dois irmãos mais novos Nico que o apoio e Irã que o antagonismo por conta dos três sequestros que ele foi obrigado a fazer também tem seu sonho de construir um cassino e o vilão um dos chefes da família que matou o seu tio, Belutti.
Com ajuda do irmão Nico Berlutti sequestra Melinda, Eric e Ian juntamente com Ash conseguem salvá-la, Justin sobrinho de Belutti concorda em não matar Nico desde que ele fuja para outra cidade.
Todos os livros tem o tropo do se afastam no final e acabam voltando algumas semanas depois 🥱🥱🥱🥱
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2019
This book was just wow! I love dark romances and this one definitely had some seediness to it! I did not realize that this a fairy tale retelling until I was reading it and was like hmmm, this sounds a little familiar. I loved the unique spin on it and how everything played out!
Melinda is freaking awesome. She has some major spunk and does not mind letting you know it either. She is the epitome of a redhead and has the fire to go along with it, hence why Erik calls her Red.
Erik is the big bad wolf, who actually is not that bad. Everything that he is doing is because of a higher purpose and almost as a means to an end. He is dominate as the leader of the family and making sure that his brothers are taken care of and they achieve their goal.
There is a WHOLE freaking LOT that goes down in this book and I do not want to ruin it for you, but know that the chemistry between these two is off the freaking charts and you do not want to miss out on this!
PS I received this book in advanced and am voluntarily reviewing it honestly!
Melinda is freaking awesome. She has some major spunk and does not mind letting you know it either. She is the epitome of a redhead and has the fire to go along with it, hence why Erik calls her Red.
Erik is the big bad wolf, who actually is not that bad. Everything that he is doing is because of a higher purpose and almost as a means to an end. He is dominate as the leader of the family and making sure that his brothers are taken care of and they achieve their goal.
There is a WHOLE freaking LOT that goes down in this book and I do not want to ruin it for you, but know that the chemistry between these two is off the freaking charts and you do not want to miss out on this!
PS I received this book in advanced and am voluntarily reviewing it honestly!
April 15, 2019
Melinda was having a bad day when she went to her grandmother's house and discovered that instead of them having dinner, she was being picked up as payment for her Grandfather's gambling debt...Erik and his brothers were collecting a debt that had to be fulfilled so they could get their inheritance from their evil uncle. There were a few other restrictions, like Erik marrying, but the biggey was getting Melinda so the brothers could get along with plans for a new casino in town. Erik planned on letting Melinda have a choice in how she payed the debt owed to his uncle's estate, including going to work for Ash in the Annex...but things were not as they seemed as Granny left town, and another member of the old family structure, Mr. Bertucci offered to buy her for an astronomical amount and how were these things interconnected...but you will need to read this thrilling fairy tale takeoff to see where it lands...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.
April 21, 2019
Not Afraid Of This Sexy Big Bad Wolf - A Great Sexy Retelling
Loved this sexy nod to Red Riding Hood and, the big bad wolf in this retelling is SO delicious and sexy it leaves you at times, hoping his bite is so much worse than his bark 😉
Melinda and Erik have some dark family secrets to deal with and overcome but the thing with Measha Stone's work is you know you're in for some sexy times that keeps you flipping page to page simply to see just how hot things will get. With some familiar faces popping up and some characters I'm hoping we see so much more of, Erik and Melinda's tale is another great addition to the Ever After series.
Sexy, intriguing and addictive, Red gives us the 'feels' as we take the wild and uncertain ride with Erik and Melinda to a fairy tale with a difference that makes you laugh out loud, grown with frustration and moan with delight. A great way to loose yourself for few hours in this fairy tale with a sexy spin!
Loved this sexy nod to Red Riding Hood and, the big bad wolf in this retelling is SO delicious and sexy it leaves you at times, hoping his bite is so much worse than his bark 😉
Melinda and Erik have some dark family secrets to deal with and overcome but the thing with Measha Stone's work is you know you're in for some sexy times that keeps you flipping page to page simply to see just how hot things will get. With some familiar faces popping up and some characters I'm hoping we see so much more of, Erik and Melinda's tale is another great addition to the Ever After series.
Sexy, intriguing and addictive, Red gives us the 'feels' as we take the wild and uncertain ride with Erik and Melinda to a fairy tale with a difference that makes you laugh out loud, grown with frustration and moan with delight. A great way to loose yourself for few hours in this fairy tale with a sexy spin!
June 30, 2021
Melinda bumps into the man in front of her in the que in the coffee shop and when she sees a wolf on a chain around his neck she realises that she has seen it before but cannot remember where. When she arrives at her grandmothers house she realises there are cars parked outside and when she gets into the house she can’t smell any cooking. When she finds her grandmother Eric is there and explains that she has to go with them as her grandfather gambled her to Eric’s uncle with the stipulation that she is allowed to complete her education. When they took her to the house she was shown to a room and ended up breaking the window and cutting her hand Later Eric made her strip and get into his bed. Mr Bertucci, a friend of there uncles turned up next day wanting her even knowing her name. Eric can’t understand how he knew her name or why he wants her. Do Melinda’s life changed. This is a good story you will like. I received an ARC for an honest review which I have given
April 6, 2022
Red is a dark fairy tale retelling of Little Red Riding Hood done in a steamy, delicious and decidedly kinky style. Measha Stone has taken these characters and made them swoon worthy.
Admittedly, our antihero, Eric, is not a great guy when we meet him. He takes her from her grandmother’s home as debt repayment from her grandfather having gambled her away. In order for Eric and his two younger brothers to collect their inheritance and for Eric to build a legitimate business, he has to collect his dead uncle’s debts owed to him, and Melinda is one of them.
Eric is supposed to sell her, but he can’t quite do it. He does however, show her who’s boss. Melinda and Eric both fight their attraction at first, but they have a bigger problem when a business rival wants to buy Melinda, at any cost.
As always, Measha writes scorchingly hot encounters between our main characters, and great storylines that keep us glued all the way through.
Admittedly, our antihero, Eric, is not a great guy when we meet him. He takes her from her grandmother’s home as debt repayment from her grandfather having gambled her away. In order for Eric and his two younger brothers to collect their inheritance and for Eric to build a legitimate business, he has to collect his dead uncle’s debts owed to him, and Melinda is one of them.
Eric is supposed to sell her, but he can’t quite do it. He does however, show her who’s boss. Melinda and Eric both fight their attraction at first, but they have a bigger problem when a business rival wants to buy Melinda, at any cost.
As always, Measha writes scorchingly hot encounters between our main characters, and great storylines that keep us glued all the way through.
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