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Ever After, New York #1
Better Red
Who’s afraid of the big, bad Wolfe?
Red Ridley knows he could have a happy life in Ever After, New York, waiting on tables at Mom and Pop’s, making numbers add up for clients, studying business at the junior college – and maybe, just maybe having the man of his dreams, Mark Woods, the young owner of the local garage. One problem. Red’s gorgeous. Amazing looking. Totally unique. And no one who sees him – especially his grandmother, who’s his biggest promoter -- believes he won’t end up on the cover of a magazine. Gran’s dreams come true when famous New York agency owner, Brock Wolfe, shows up in Ever After and sets his sights on Red.
Red doesn’t want to leave Mark, but Gran has given everything to raise him, and the money he could make would give her a happy, easy life. Then, the news gets worse – Gran could lose her house -- so Red breaks down and goes to New York where the Wolfe shows just how bad he can be. Faced with a fate worse than death, Red needs a hero or needs to be one. Is there any chance to live happily in Ever After?
Red Ridley knows he could have a happy life in Ever After, New York, waiting on tables at Mom and Pop’s, making numbers add up for clients, studying business at the junior college – and maybe, just maybe having the man of his dreams, Mark Woods, the young owner of the local garage. One problem. Red’s gorgeous. Amazing looking. Totally unique. And no one who sees him – especially his grandmother, who’s his biggest promoter -- believes he won’t end up on the cover of a magazine. Gran’s dreams come true when famous New York agency owner, Brock Wolfe, shows up in Ever After and sets his sights on Red.
Red doesn’t want to leave Mark, but Gran has given everything to raise him, and the money he could make would give her a happy, easy life. Then, the news gets worse – Gran could lose her house -- so Red breaks down and goes to New York where the Wolfe shows just how bad he can be. Faced with a fate worse than death, Red needs a hero or needs to be one. Is there any chance to live happily in Ever After?
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2020
About the author
Tara Lain
97 books1,389 followersTara Lain believes in happy ever afters - and magic. Same thing. In fact, she says, she doesn't believe, she knows. Tara shares this passion in her stories that star her unique, charismatic heroes and adventurous heroines. Quarterbacks and cops, werewolves and witches, blue collar or billionaires, Tara's characters, readers say, love deeply, resolve seemingly insurmountable differences, and ultimately live their lives authentically. After many years living in southern California, Tara, her soulmate honey and her soulmate dog decided they wanted less cars and more trees, prompting a move to Ashland, Oregon where Tara's creating new stories and loving living in a small town with big culture. Likely a Gryffindor or maybe a Ravensclaw but possessed of Parseltongue, Tara loves animals of all kinds, diversity, open minds, coconut crunch ice cream from Zoeys, and her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
August 29, 2020
Audio 5 Stars...Kirt Graves kept me from dnfing in frustration!
Story 2.5 Stars
The MCs were apart more than they were together. When they were together it was sweet, but never long enough. It pissed me off! The last chapter was the best part of the book. It was so emotional. Too bad it's not what the author gave up through out the entire story. What a waste!
Story 2.5 Stars
The MCs were apart more than they were together. When they were together it was sweet, but never long enough. It pissed me off! The last chapter was the best part of the book. It was so emotional. Too bad it's not what the author gave up through out the entire story. What a waste!
April 25, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Better Red is a clever take on the old Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale that falls into the new adult genre with great success. So many elements in this novel come together to make it a fascinating twist on the age old story. First, there’s the wolf in the form of a smarmy modeling exec, Brock Wolfe. He is a dangerous man who manipulates everyone around him and is not above using subtle and not so subtle threats to get what he wants—Red. The part of the woodsman who ultimately saves Red Riding Hood is played by the shy and really just adorable Mark Woods, who has been watching out after Red for so long, unbeknownst to the younger man. And then there is Red—an androgynous and gorgeous waif who at the age of eighteen has the world at his feet, so to speak, but really only wants to stay near home and run a small business.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Better Red is a clever take on the old Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale that falls into the new adult genre with great success. So many elements in this novel come together to make it a fascinating twist on the age old story. First, there’s the wolf in the form of a smarmy modeling exec, Brock Wolfe. He is a dangerous man who manipulates everyone around him and is not above using subtle and not so subtle threats to get what he wants—Red. The part of the woodsman who ultimately saves Red Riding Hood is played by the shy and really just adorable Mark Woods, who has been watching out after Red for so long, unbeknownst to the younger man. And then there is Red—an androgynous and gorgeous waif who at the age of eighteen has the world at his feet, so to speak, but really only wants to stay near home and run a small business.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
June 29, 2020
I think this is the only Tara Lain book I have not enjoyed. The story was slow moving and I had a really hard time staying motivated to finish.
May 2, 2023
I just adore fairy tales! This one made the list of #RoniesFavs So exciting! Glad there are two more books in this series! #IAWThoughts
September 3, 2020
I really enjoyed this story, but didn't put together that it was a Little Red Riding Hood spin. So, it was subtle in the story but I did get the nods to the names used.
I thought Red tended to waiver too much when it came to decision making and follow through. It seemed like he was confident when it came to choices that didn't matter or affect his life too much, but when it came to deciding on his future, he always chose the wrong road.
Overall, the story was cute, the main characters were adorable, but I didn't like Wolfe or Granny at all. I hated what she was trying to pull over on Red, which basically crashed the book for me.
I thought Red tended to waiver too much when it came to decision making and follow through. It seemed like he was confident when it came to choices that didn't matter or affect his life too much, but when it came to deciding on his future, he always chose the wrong road.
Overall, the story was cute, the main characters were adorable, but I didn't like Wolfe or Granny at all. I hated what she was trying to pull over on Red, which basically crashed the book for me.
April 12, 2020
Small-town dreams and small-town romance shine in this variation on Little Red Riding Hood that's so low on heat and such a slow burn that it's almost cozy. There's plenty of chemistry between the MCs, mind you, but Tara Lain stays true to the age and experience level of her characters. Generally I'm hesitant about HEAs with 18-year-old MCs, but in this case it works. It's an engaging retelling, a cross between an allegory and a fairy tale, complete with an oracle and larger-than-life evil characters. If you're looking for a low-angst, charming read, this book should fit the bill nicely.
April 12, 2020
Better Red by Tara Lain is the first book in the Ever After series. This is a fascinating story with amazing characters. I loved Red and Mark, and was annoyed by Brock and even with Gran at times. I love this! I cannot wait for more in this series.
April 17, 2020
“Hey there... Red... You sure are looking good. You're everything a big bad wolf could want... What big eyes you have... The kind of eyes that drive wolves mad... What full lips you have. They're sure to lure someone bad. So until you get to grandma's place, I think you ought to walk with me and be safe. I'm gonna keep my sheep suit on until I'm sure that you've been shown that I can be trusted walking with you alone... Maybe you'll see things my way before we get to grandma's place…” - Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs, Little Red Riding Hood
Red Ridley has no grand aspirations. He is satisfied with his quiet life in the small town in which he was raised. He’s grateful to his grandmother for taking him in when his mother died and, more than anyone else, he wants to please her. When an opportunity comes along to use his best “assets” he reluctantly accepts it. Red isn’t sure that being a high fashion model is his life’s ambition, but he doesn’t want to disappoint his grandmother.
Even though Red would prefer to be ordinary he is decidedly not. He is blessed with gorgeous hair and a beautiful face. Most people would die to have his good looks but the attention embarrasses Red. Although Red’s looks are often admired, at times they make him the target of ridicule, particularly by the town bully, Phil Gordat. Phil taunts Red for looking like a girl. Red tries to ignore him, but it’s not easy. Walking home one night, Phil and his friends follow him in their car, get out, and start beating Red. A big motorcycle pulls up beside them, with an even bigger man riding it. The stranger rescues Red from his tormentors; Red is pretty certain that he won’t have trouble with them again. The bike guy turns out to be Mark Woods, the man Red has been crushing on. After that, they become good friends. Red figures that there is no way that “macho looking Mark” is gay and resigns himself to being his friend. Red still enjoys his company.
One day, some strangers come into the restaurant where Red works. One of the men keeps staring at Red like he wants to eat him. Red is uncomfortable, but also mesmerized by the stranger’s charm. Red finds that he is a scout for a famous modeling agency. His grandmother is elated, convinced that this is Red’s big break. Red is not sure that he wants to be famous, nor does he want to leave Mark. Even so, when Brock asks Red to come to New York to see if modeling is for him. Red accepts, but reserves the right to go back home if he decides it is not what he wants. In theory, it may sound reasonable, but real life is never that easy.
I loved Red. He was so beautiful, yet so humble and down to earth. Mr. Wolfe’s first mistake was looking at Red’s beautiful face and assuming that there was nothing in his head. Red had a wisdom that was far beyond his tender years; he did not hesitate to assert himself when necessary, regardless of what anyone else thought. In this story, Tara has created more strong, atypical characters reminding me that looks are deceiving. Thanks, Tara, for another fabulous couple to add to my favorites list.
Red Ridley has no grand aspirations. He is satisfied with his quiet life in the small town in which he was raised. He’s grateful to his grandmother for taking him in when his mother died and, more than anyone else, he wants to please her. When an opportunity comes along to use his best “assets” he reluctantly accepts it. Red isn’t sure that being a high fashion model is his life’s ambition, but he doesn’t want to disappoint his grandmother.
Even though Red would prefer to be ordinary he is decidedly not. He is blessed with gorgeous hair and a beautiful face. Most people would die to have his good looks but the attention embarrasses Red. Although Red’s looks are often admired, at times they make him the target of ridicule, particularly by the town bully, Phil Gordat. Phil taunts Red for looking like a girl. Red tries to ignore him, but it’s not easy. Walking home one night, Phil and his friends follow him in their car, get out, and start beating Red. A big motorcycle pulls up beside them, with an even bigger man riding it. The stranger rescues Red from his tormentors; Red is pretty certain that he won’t have trouble with them again. The bike guy turns out to be Mark Woods, the man Red has been crushing on. After that, they become good friends. Red figures that there is no way that “macho looking Mark” is gay and resigns himself to being his friend. Red still enjoys his company.
One day, some strangers come into the restaurant where Red works. One of the men keeps staring at Red like he wants to eat him. Red is uncomfortable, but also mesmerized by the stranger’s charm. Red finds that he is a scout for a famous modeling agency. His grandmother is elated, convinced that this is Red’s big break. Red is not sure that he wants to be famous, nor does he want to leave Mark. Even so, when Brock asks Red to come to New York to see if modeling is for him. Red accepts, but reserves the right to go back home if he decides it is not what he wants. In theory, it may sound reasonable, but real life is never that easy.
I loved Red. He was so beautiful, yet so humble and down to earth. Mr. Wolfe’s first mistake was looking at Red’s beautiful face and assuming that there was nothing in his head. Red had a wisdom that was far beyond his tender years; he did not hesitate to assert himself when necessary, regardless of what anyone else thought. In this story, Tara has created more strong, atypical characters reminding me that looks are deceiving. Thanks, Tara, for another fabulous couple to add to my favorites list.
September 8, 2020
Fairy Tales Can Come True (an audio review)
What’s a young man to do? Redmond Ridley lives in Ever After. He’s graduated high school, and is coasting as a waiter in a diner. He has no aspirations. He’s taken a few college courses and does the odd bookkeeping job, but basically his life is pretty dull. He has his two best friends as well as the tormentor from high school who is still being a bully. But Red’s doing okay, right?
All is not as it seems. First, that bully keeps escalating things. He seems a little obsessed with Red. Second, there’s Mark Woods. Mark comes into the diner every time Red has a shift. The guy sits quietly and watches. Observes. He’s not unnerving per se - he’s just…Mark.
Then comes the night Red needs rescuing and the world shifts.
About that time a stranger comes to down, offering Red a chance at stardom and fame. Red finds himself lured New Yorke by the big bad Brock Wolfe. He offers Red more money that is conceivable at a time when Red needs it the most. What’s a small-town boy to do?
I asked myself that question dozens of times as it seemed Red would have to sacrifice happiness for financial stability. How many of us have faced that choice in our lives? I knew things would work out, but I had no idea how it would happen.
When presented with a happy ending, I sighed. Yep, perfect. Certain characters found forever joy and some got their comeuppances. Just as a fairy tale should end.
I’ll mention Kirt Graves at this point. I love his narration style and he was perfect for this book. I look forward to more books in the series and I think I might know who one or two future characters might be.
What’s a young man to do? Redmond Ridley lives in Ever After. He’s graduated high school, and is coasting as a waiter in a diner. He has no aspirations. He’s taken a few college courses and does the odd bookkeeping job, but basically his life is pretty dull. He has his two best friends as well as the tormentor from high school who is still being a bully. But Red’s doing okay, right?
All is not as it seems. First, that bully keeps escalating things. He seems a little obsessed with Red. Second, there’s Mark Woods. Mark comes into the diner every time Red has a shift. The guy sits quietly and watches. Observes. He’s not unnerving per se - he’s just…Mark.
Then comes the night Red needs rescuing and the world shifts.
About that time a stranger comes to down, offering Red a chance at stardom and fame. Red finds himself lured New Yorke by the big bad Brock Wolfe. He offers Red more money that is conceivable at a time when Red needs it the most. What’s a small-town boy to do?
I asked myself that question dozens of times as it seemed Red would have to sacrifice happiness for financial stability. How many of us have faced that choice in our lives? I knew things would work out, but I had no idea how it would happen.
When presented with a happy ending, I sighed. Yep, perfect. Certain characters found forever joy and some got their comeuppances. Just as a fairy tale should end.
I’ll mention Kirt Graves at this point. I love his narration style and he was perfect for this book. I look forward to more books in the series and I think I might know who one or two future characters might be.
April 23, 2020
Red has always stood out because of his hair and his otherworldly looks. It's not particularly what he wants but it is what it is. And then a chance comes to make a living off those looks. Will Red take that chance so he can pay for his Gran's care, or will he stay home and live HIS dream and be with his savior, Mark?
This is a great modern twist on Little Red Riding Hood. I like how Red and Mark's relationship developed - it's both sweet and steamy with two wonderful characters. Of course there are villains, as in every great fairy tale - Brock as the wolf and Phil as another. All in all a sweet, modern twist on the classic Red Riding Hood fairy tale.
ARC via GRR ARC Team for an honest review.
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April 8, 2020
I liked the story, but I did have two problems with it. Overall, I really enjoy the story, to the point where I was happy at moments when things went well, and got upset and wanted to throw down my book when things didn’t go so well. I was drawn into the characters lives. Wolfe was a creep and I liked his character a lot. I thought he played a good villain.
I felt bad for Red as he was pushed around and no one seemed to care what he wanted. This brings me to my first problem… Red’s grandmother. I really didn’t like her. At first, she was ok, but I hated how she pushed Red and then later I felt like she was manipulating him. Even after she had a “change of heart” I felt like she was too rude and disrespectful of Reds wants and wishes that she couldn’t make up for it in my eyes.
My other problem was about the driver Mr. M as he reminded me a lot of the driver from Beauty, Inc. so I found his character not very original.
But, I did really like the rest of the characters and loved how this story played out.
I felt bad for Red as he was pushed around and no one seemed to care what he wanted. This brings me to my first problem… Red’s grandmother. I really didn’t like her. At first, she was ok, but I hated how she pushed Red and then later I felt like she was manipulating him. Even after she had a “change of heart” I felt like she was too rude and disrespectful of Reds wants and wishes that she couldn’t make up for it in my eyes.
My other problem was about the driver Mr. M as he reminded me a lot of the driver from Beauty, Inc. so I found his character not very original.
But, I did really like the rest of the characters and loved how this story played out.
April 17, 2020
I loved Tara’s Love in Laguna series so couldn’t wait to read this story it’s a slow burn romance between Red and Mark, words flowed easily, Red who wanted to please Gran (Nora) as she raised him, even if it wasn’t what he wanted, some great characters and some not so. Ray because he was homophobic and Brock who believed money and power got him everything was a narcissist. Lots of twists and turns and I’m hoping to see some smaller characters have their own stories.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
April 16, 2020
Better Red is such a sweet, romantic, and rags to riches book. Red is so beautiful but loves his town, job, and friends. Mark is an in the closet mechanic, very shy, and very attracted to Red but don't know how to act on it. These two will have you rooting for them even though have some hiccups. Tara Lain did a great job with this book and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
April 7, 2020
Better Red is an imaginative take off inspired by the Little Red Riding Hood story. You can’t help but fall for Red and his woodsman. This is a tale of country vs city and sticking to what you know is right. I loved the creative way the author spun this tale and I highly recommend.
April 15, 2020
A wonderful read from Tara Lain on the first book of a new series. Red always knew he had unique looks but only because people around town commented on them. Red is torn between hid grandmother who raised him and the guy he is falling for. Along the way he does discover he needs to do first for him. Mark was a beautiful character that had a heart of gold.
Recommend this to anyone who loves Tara Lain's writing and her storytelling.
I did received an ARC for a review
Recommend this to anyone who loves Tara Lain's writing and her storytelling.
I did received an ARC for a review
April 19, 2020
this might be the first one ive read by this author.. im not 100%sure on that but it was really good.. good characters who kept my attention.. good writing with well thought up storyline.. i really liked it and cant wait to read more by this author
September 23, 2024
Dnf. This author is not for me.
...i feel like I could have enjoyed it when I was 14, now it was painful.
(A second star because it probably was never aimed at me... I should have stopped reading earlier.)
...i feel like I could have enjoyed it when I was 14, now it was painful.
(A second star because it probably was never aimed at me... I should have stopped reading earlier.)
September 27, 2020
3.5 stars. A fun retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale. Looking forward to reading the other two books in this series in just two more days! :)
October 1, 2020
DNF ~10%
Terrible writing, very meh concept/characters
Terrible writing, very meh concept/characters
April 24, 2020
3.5 great potential stars with a lot of vision, but a less effective follow through
Creating a new take on a well-known and oft-recreated fairy tale is no easy task. Little Red Riding Hood, the Woodsman, the Big, Bad Wolf, Grandma...all of them are represented here and there are some unique things that make this an intriguing premise, but I have to say that I think there was an issue with a little too much ambition. With a bit more streamlining and redirected focus on the romance and character growth I showed up for this would have been an awesome story.
The model contract was something we saw coming with all the emphasis on Red's beauty and while I was glad we got a reality check with the near-immediate introduction to the far harsher side of that world, I was disappointed that we were left so confused. He's awesome at all the improv, the showmanship, the presentation, the snark, the beauty...so, is he going to find a way to model and have Mark? With so many visits and detailed experiences showing just how amazing he is in that world it felt like we were leading up to something that we didn't get anywhere close to getting.
Red's intelligence was what really got me, but there were very few flashes of it that I felt it was a wasted opportunity. And then there's his youth. It was incredibly apparent in his lack of decision-making, gullibility, easily-influenced nature, and his lack of a backbone. There were a lot of awesome things that could have been done with his character, but I ended up feeling quite underwhelmed. Lots of things he does are completely understandable and excusable if you consider his age, I just wasn't wowed.
We focus so much on Red's conflict with the modeling world and his intense attraction to Wolfe, his wilting under his grandmother's plans for him, and how often he completely forgets about Mark, his supposed true love interest, that there's almost no time left for developing the actual romance. I ached for Mark though I felt he was made to be so supportive and understanding that he just became a doormat. I came for the romance and got very little of that. I'm hoping so hard that the series improves because this author is usually absolutely fantastic.
I loved the side characters with names that hint heavily about which stories will follow in this series and I loved the potential between Red and Mark. And the two "magical" characters really captured my attention as well so it's highly likely that I'll be back for more from this town...maybe we'll even get to see how things are going with Mark and Red when we return.
Creating a new take on a well-known and oft-recreated fairy tale is no easy task. Little Red Riding Hood, the Woodsman, the Big, Bad Wolf, Grandma...all of them are represented here and there are some unique things that make this an intriguing premise, but I have to say that I think there was an issue with a little too much ambition. With a bit more streamlining and redirected focus on the romance and character growth I showed up for this would have been an awesome story.
The model contract was something we saw coming with all the emphasis on Red's beauty and while I was glad we got a reality check with the near-immediate introduction to the far harsher side of that world, I was disappointed that we were left so confused. He's awesome at all the improv, the showmanship, the presentation, the snark, the beauty...so, is he going to find a way to model and have Mark? With so many visits and detailed experiences showing just how amazing he is in that world it felt like we were leading up to something that we didn't get anywhere close to getting.
Red's intelligence was what really got me, but there were very few flashes of it that I felt it was a wasted opportunity. And then there's his youth. It was incredibly apparent in his lack of decision-making, gullibility, easily-influenced nature, and his lack of a backbone. There were a lot of awesome things that could have been done with his character, but I ended up feeling quite underwhelmed. Lots of things he does are completely understandable and excusable if you consider his age, I just wasn't wowed.
We focus so much on Red's conflict with the modeling world and his intense attraction to Wolfe, his wilting under his grandmother's plans for him, and how often he completely forgets about Mark, his supposed true love interest, that there's almost no time left for developing the actual romance. I ached for Mark though I felt he was made to be so supportive and understanding that he just became a doormat. I came for the romance and got very little of that. I'm hoping so hard that the series improves because this author is usually absolutely fantastic.
I loved the side characters with names that hint heavily about which stories will follow in this series and I loved the potential between Red and Mark. And the two "magical" characters really captured my attention as well so it's highly likely that I'll be back for more from this town...maybe we'll even get to see how things are going with Mark and Red when we return.
April 18, 2020
In the world of written romance, HEA stands for "Happily Ever After". And of course, the romance authors, of any genre, strive to give their main characters the romantic version of a happily ever after. But the origins of "happily ever after", as we can remember from childhood, was first found in the original fairy tales (and of course Disney!)
With Better Red, Tara Lain is yet again stretching her wings into a quirky, new, and different venue from what she has done before. It's not quite a contemporary retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood", but she HAS incorperated SOME of the original elements of the famous fairy tale. Welcome to "Ever After" New York, where "Red", "Red"'s Gran, and "good guy" Mark Woods live. Then toss in "New York City" slicker Mr Brock Wolfe, (my what big, shiny teeth you have!). Add in some side characters, with sage advice, like Athena Delphi and Mr Merlinson, and you have the stage set for Tara's intriguing new world!
Another side character Tara introduces us to in this book, that I was somewhat surprised, and pleased, to find in it as I'm fairly certain it's a first in her writing, is the Non-Binary, genderneutral character Elbey (pronoun “They, darling. Always they.”)
I totally loved this story, and Tara's new exploration into the contemporary, not quite the original, "fairy tale" venue. I'm hoping to see more of these from her in the future!
I DO have one little side note that I'd like to include here. It concerns the cover art for this book. I've noticed that, in my humble opinion, Tara has had better cover art for her "beautiful boys"on her newest, and now self-published, book releases, than she had in the past. This one in particular REALLY had me doing a double take, as at first glance I thought the model was a FEMALE! I really had to take a second, closer look to see that "Red" is actually a gorgeous, androgynously "pretty", (read BEAUTIFUL!) MALE! So kudo's from me to the cover artist of this book, Alexandria Corza, as well!
I received an advance reader copy for a HONEST review
With Better Red, Tara Lain is yet again stretching her wings into a quirky, new, and different venue from what she has done before. It's not quite a contemporary retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood", but she HAS incorperated SOME of the original elements of the famous fairy tale. Welcome to "Ever After" New York, where "Red", "Red"'s Gran, and "good guy" Mark Woods live. Then toss in "New York City" slicker Mr Brock Wolfe, (my what big, shiny teeth you have!). Add in some side characters, with sage advice, like Athena Delphi and Mr Merlinson, and you have the stage set for Tara's intriguing new world!
Another side character Tara introduces us to in this book, that I was somewhat surprised, and pleased, to find in it as I'm fairly certain it's a first in her writing, is the Non-Binary, genderneutral character Elbey (pronoun “They, darling. Always they.”)
I totally loved this story, and Tara's new exploration into the contemporary, not quite the original, "fairy tale" venue. I'm hoping to see more of these from her in the future!
I DO have one little side note that I'd like to include here. It concerns the cover art for this book. I've noticed that, in my humble opinion, Tara has had better cover art for her "beautiful boys"on her newest, and now self-published, book releases, than she had in the past. This one in particular REALLY had me doing a double take, as at first glance I thought the model was a FEMALE! I really had to take a second, closer look to see that "Red" is actually a gorgeous, androgynously "pretty", (read BEAUTIFUL!) MALE! So kudo's from me to the cover artist of this book, Alexandria Corza, as well!
I received an advance reader copy for a HONEST review
April 16, 2020
Better Red by Tara Lain was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
Reading a twist on a fairy tale was exactly what everyone should have in their library and this is definitely one you need to have. Red just wants to be invisible but with his unique looks and auburn hair it is impossible.But Gran has bigger plans than that for her only family. Mark Woods, a shy mechanic, has been in love with Red forever. While checking to make sure Red is safe while walking home late he ends up saving Reds life. When Red is given an opportunity to become a model by a man named Brock Wolf gran snaps it up for Red like it is her favorite ice cream but Mark has a bad feeling about Brock. When Mark and Red make plans for a date, Red is whisked away to start his modeling job. Red, angry for being forced, but Brock will always do anything to get what he wants. The characters in this book are fantastic. They are colorful, adorable and so relatable I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to visit Ever After again.
Reading a twist on a fairy tale was exactly what everyone should have in their library and this is definitely one you need to have. Red just wants to be invisible but with his unique looks and auburn hair it is impossible.But Gran has bigger plans than that for her only family. Mark Woods, a shy mechanic, has been in love with Red forever. While checking to make sure Red is safe while walking home late he ends up saving Reds life. When Red is given an opportunity to become a model by a man named Brock Wolf gran snaps it up for Red like it is her favorite ice cream but Mark has a bad feeling about Brock. When Mark and Red make plans for a date, Red is whisked away to start his modeling job. Red, angry for being forced, but Brock will always do anything to get what he wants. The characters in this book are fantastic. They are colorful, adorable and so relatable I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to visit Ever After again.
April 17, 2020
This is such an amazing modern day twist to Little Red Riding Hood fairytale. I love Red and Mark. I am loving this new start to this series already. This story is angst filled, has some great villains, and I love the romance. I definitely recommend this story. It is such a entertaining read.
This is for the audiobook.
I love twist of Little Red Riding Hood. Red and Mark are so amazing together and I just love their story. Kirt Graves does an amazing job with this narration. I just couldn't stop listening once I started. He brings this story to life.
This is for the audiobook.
I love twist of Little Red Riding Hood. Red and Mark are so amazing together and I just love their story. Kirt Graves does an amazing job with this narration. I just couldn't stop listening once I started. He brings this story to life.
June 7, 2021
What a great read!
Better Red is a standalone series starter in Ever After, New York. MM Romance. HEA. Contemporary.
2 main POV. 3rd person, past tense. 274 pages. Kindle edition April 16, 2020.
Oh wow! What a story. I read this at one sitting. I enjoyed it a lot! It wasn't anything usual but instead imaginative and kept up my interest. I couldn't put it down! A very good story. I also enjoyed a good old fashioned villainous character in the story. It always adds spice! One of my faves by this author definitely.
Better Red is a standalone series starter in Ever After, New York. MM Romance. HEA. Contemporary.
2 main POV. 3rd person, past tense. 274 pages. Kindle edition April 16, 2020.
Oh wow! What a story. I read this at one sitting. I enjoyed it a lot! It wasn't anything usual but instead imaginative and kept up my interest. I couldn't put it down! A very good story. I also enjoyed a good old fashioned villainous character in the story. It always adds spice! One of my faves by this author definitely.
September 16, 2020
Loved Mark. He was by far the sweetest character I've read in a while. He was so perfect for Red. I just adored him. I also really liked Elbey. I wouldn't mind reading their story some day! I did NOT like Red's grandmother tho. I got that she wanted Red to move on and do great things. But to be so unwelcoming and dismissive of Mark was just uncalled for. Plus she just pushing and pushing Red despite seeing how unhappy he was. So frustrating.
May 9, 2024
I had a really hard time with this book. I loved Kirt Graves he totally made me continue listening. My issues were the wishy washy way Red handled everything its not that he had any serious indepth thoughts just musings and second guesses. We know who the "bad guy" was but he didn't do anything really bad until like 95% in. It was just disappointing. The book was long enough there should have been more connections but it fell flat for me.
April 17, 2020
What do you get when super talented author Tara Lain takes on the traditional fairytale? You get something fresh, grab-you-by-the-feels, original, unique, amazing, delightful, engaging, smoking hot, engaging, totally awesome, and definitely NOT for anyone under the and of 18.
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June 2, 2020Happily in Ever After
I loved Red and Mark but Red's gran pissed me off. She was so freaking pushy and refused to listen, she practically paved the way for Brock. I can't wait for my next visit to Ever After.
I loved Red and Mark but Red's gran pissed me off. She was so freaking pushy and refused to listen, she practically paved the way for Brock. I can't wait for my next visit to Ever After.
April 6, 2025
More of a YA read, so not my thing. But I did chuckle over the campy names of all the folks which referenced fairy tale characters. Yes, we knew that Brock Wolfe was the villain, but I considered Grandma just as bad. She was manipulative, selfish, and greedy.
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