Protected by the Wolf Prince

Once Upon a Fairy Tale Romance #6

by Jessica Grayson, Aria Winter

Inspired by Little Red Riding Hood, a romantic fairy tale retelling...
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Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Retellings, Werewolves, Shapeshifters, Fiction, Paranormal

204 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2022

About the author

USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Grayson writes scifi and fantasy romance with strong heroines and the otherworldly heroes that cannot help but fall in love with them.

She lives with her husband, cat and dog in the San Antonio, TX area. In addition to reading and writing scifi romance, she loves swimming, chai and dark chocolate.

For more information, follow her on www.jessicagraysonauthor.com

Reviews

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a book by Jessica Grayson there is always that hint of magic to it, that fairytale feeling which I love. I cannot help but fall in love with the characters, all the more so for this one because I have waited a long time for Malak to find his lost love. He has always had a piece of my heart. He knew early on who his mate was even if she didn't quite catch on so quick, being human and all that. Though it seems he tried to get her to be his properly his father was not having him marry a human. For her own sagety he had to push her away except he did rather too good a job of it. Luna was Malak's best friend all through their youth and it was only as they matured that she realised she felt more for him than that. Never quite sure of his feelings for her, it shattered her heart on finding out he was engaged and he blew the rest to pieces in a letter telling her to move on. Now years later he is back, claiming she is his and that he has always her loved her. Not so fast Romeo...

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna (h), a human ambassador’s daughter, and Malak (H), a wolf-shifter prince, have been best friends since childhood and as they’ve grow-up find themselves attracted to one another, even though their respective parents wouldn’t approve. Just as the young couple declare their intentions for one another, war breaks out between their peoples and Malak has to help Lune and her family flee the wolf-shifter kingdom, promising to come for her, his mate. Luna awaits her love and is devastated when he sends word she should move on, but when she does, Malak shows up ready to reclaim her if he can get past her broken heart. Lots of action and adventure in this ultra-hot and steamy Red Riding Hood retelling.

[Lorrie (Clockworkbookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2024 Reads #553/250

Read for the Sights of Sweden Challenge 2024-2025
September 20, 2024 - January 10, 2025

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[Meagan Grauel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a spicy retelling of Little Red Riding Hood that meets the shifter world. Little Red (Luna) is mated to the werewolf prince (Malak) … but fate and families get in the way. There are tons of fairy tale elements and on top of Little Red Riding Hood, the author includes shout outs to Rapunzel, The Three Bears, The Big Bad Wolf, and I’m sure one or two that I missed. This wasn’t an incredibly long read, only about 200 pages. The writing does leave something to be desired though. It’s just plain crappy writing, while still feeling incredibly formal. So while I didn’t hate the general storyline and characters, the writing being so off really threw my general like of the book. There is also a lot of teasing that there might be spice coming and then the author yanks it away. They don’t get together until 80% of the way through the book - and then they really try to make up for lost time and pretty much the rest of the book is them getting their freak on. Definitely not a garbage way to spend an afternoon, but it wasn’t one of my favorites.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I love this series. So much romance and action. This author never fails when it comes to writing about love. It is always full of action. I love happy endings without the FMC not acting stupid or doing dumb things. I highly recommend.

[Sarah Macnellan]

I'M SO EXCITED FOR THIS! Blurb:

Inspired by Red Riding Hood, a romantic fairy tale retelling…

I'm the daughter of the human ambassador; I was never supposed to fall in love with the Wolf-Shifter Prince.

Prince Malak of Winterhold was my childhood friend and my first and only love. But he is a Wolf-Shifter, and his father—the King—does not condone marriage between their kind and mine.

When war breaks out between the human and Wolf-Shifter kingdoms, my family and I are forced to flee. Malak promised he would come for me when it was safe, but he never did.

It has been three years since my heart was shattered, and on the eve of my arranged betrothal to another, Malak appears.

He claims that I am his Fated One, and that the vows we made when we were younger mean that I am his.

My betrothed is a powerful man, and when Malak abducts me from my engagement ball, a warrant is issued for his death.

Forced to run, we have to make our way back to his kingdom. But there are many dangers along the way. And despite trying to keep my distance, the more time we spend together, I find myself drawn to him.

Now, I find myself wondering: I know I can trust Malak with my life, but can I trust him with my heart?

**Steamy content. Not a dark romance***

[SAUGA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This shit was so damn cute and this story was so wholesome aside from their parents dying and that barely gettting addressed

[Mackenzie Janssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Grayson continues her captivating ‘Once Upon a Fairy Tale Romance’ series with ‘Protected by the Wolf Prince’, a spellbinding retelling of ‘Red Riding Hood’. This instalment combines classic fairy tale elements with original twists, immersive world-building, and an electrifying romance. With a fierce heroine and a noble, swoon-worthy Wolf Prince, the book invites readers into a realm where danger, destiny, and desire intermingle in unexpected ways.

Plot: ★★★★★
This retelling of ‘Red Riding Hood’ is anything but ordinary. The plot expertly weaves together elements of high-stakes adventure, magical intrigue, and slow-burn second-chance romance. Each twist and turn raises the tension, drawing the reader deeper into a narrative where every decision carries weight and every secret has the potential to change the course of destiny.

Character: ★★★★★
Luna is an inspiring protagonist - resilient, resourceful, and fiercely independent. Far from the typical damsel in distress, she takes charge of her own destiny, proving time and again that strength and vulnerability can coexist beautifully. Malak, the Wolf Prince, is equally compelling. His rugged exterior and protective nature mask a deeply caring soul, and his journey toward embracing love adds profound layers to his character. The chemistry between Luna and Malak is palpable, marked by tender moments of understanding amid bursts of raw, undeniable passion.

Setting: ★★★★★
Grayson’s world-building continues to impress in this volume. The enchanted wilderness, fraught with both peril and beauty, serves as the perfect backdrop for Luna’s journey. From the eerie, shadow-draped forests to secret glens filled with luminescent magic, every setting feels meticulously crafted. The contrast between the untamed natural world and the refined, yet mysterious, elements of the kingdoms adds depth and texture, making the environment not just a backdrop but a dynamic character in its own right. This immersive setting enhances the stakes of the narrative and intensifies the unfolding drama.

Engagement: ★★★★★
From the very first page, ‘Protected by the Wolf Prince’ hooks you with its irresistible blend of suspense and romance. The story’s pacing is masterful - each chapter leaves you yearning for more as the tension escalates and the relationship between Luna and Malak deepens. Grayson skillfully balances moments of high-intensity action with quieter, more introspective scenes that reveal the characters’ inner conflicts. The constant interplay of danger, destiny, and desire keeps the narrative fresh and riveting, ensuring you’re fully absorbed in every twist and revelation.

Readability: ★★★★★
Grayson’s prose is both elegant and accessible, making the book a joy to read. The dialogue sparkles with wit and authenticity, perfectly capturing the distinct voices of each character. Her descriptive passages are vivid without being overdone, painting a clear picture of the enchanted world without slowing the pace of the narrative. The smooth flow of the text and well-structured chapters allow for an immersive experience, whether you’re savouring the quieter, emotional moments or racing through the high-octane action sequences.

Enjoyment: ★★★★★
This book is an absolute delight from start to finish. The richly layered romance, intertwined with magical intrigue and thrilling adventure, creates a reading experience that is both emotionally stirring and exhilarating. ‘Protected by the Wolf Prince’ stands out as a testament to Grayson’s ability to reinvent classic fairy tales with a fresh, modern twist that resonates on multiple levels. It’s a story that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page, leaving you eager for what comes next in the series.

‘Protected by the Wolf Prince’ is a spellbinding retelling of ‘Red Riding Hood’ that blends romance, danger, and magic into an unforgettable narrative. With its dynamic characters, immersive world, and expertly crafted plot, it’s a must-read for anyone who loves fairy tale retellings with a twist. Jessica Grayson once again proves her mastery in creating captivating, heart-stopping fantasy romance - this book is not to be missed.

[Olivia (to infinity & books) · Rating 2 out of 5]

*sigh* I sadly didn’t enjoy this one. I think for me it’s the weakest in the series, idk if it’s just me or the book, I’m still figuring it out. What I do know though is this retelling series has been a let down for me as a whole. There were moments I enjoyed but these stories are very basic and theres a lot of repetitiveness through out. ⭐️⭐️

This was no different from the other books. It was repeating itself, the plot was short yet it dragged on (it’s not even a long book), I found the characters were generic at times, and it’s just I predictable. I know it’s a retelling so I should expect the original fairytale storyline to a degree, but this didn’t do anything new imo. The grandmother isn’t even a main feature of the book, it’s just all set in the woods for the most part, and our couple is on the run. That’s it pretty much.

I like Malak, I thought it was fine, I liked how he was teased in the previous book. Luna I felt was a bit too plain Jane and naive. I couldn’t really connect nor care for her sadly.

Tbh I’m just glad I’ve finished the series (learns there’s a 7th book coming out next year…) and I can be done with this world. It wasn’t all bad but towards the end I was just skimming through and wanting it to be over. Sorry 🤧

Also note: the correct version of the book should be 31 chapters not 25.

tropes/genres
- red riding hood retelling
- fantasy
- Wolf shifter x human
- childhood friends to lovers
- angst
- touch her and die
- virgin heroine
- soulmates

[Mary Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Protected by the Wolf Prince made me feel as if I had pulled my copy of Grimm’s off the shelf. It captures that sense of a fairy tale so well. Part of this is that Luna and Malak are fated mates and have basically been in love since they were children. Their story deals with the adversity that separates them and what that’s does to their relationship.

One thing I quite enjoyed about this book is that after they’re reunited Luna didn’t immediately drop her frustration and resentment of certain actions Malak had taken. So many times in romance the difficulties are smoothed over easily, and that wasn’t the case here. Malak had to prove himself all over again to fully win over Luna, and I appreciated that.

This story also flows really easily. It moves swiftly through its plot, not lingering on any side points and keeping the focus on this couple. That sometimes made their challenges seem a bit too easy, with a lack of confrontation, but I didn’t mind this overall. It’s a charming story that is indeed straight out of a fairy tale.

[Allison Ripley-Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

Red Riding Hood marries the wolf retelling. Very similar to the cartoon Ever After High. Also a touch of Romeo and Juliet (minus the deaths) story (star crossed lovers). Where both their parents hate each other. But love and fate always wins out and they have a happy ending with a promise of a happier future. Again characters from previous stories make an appearance as become apart of this story line. Other fairy tale cameos are slipped in to, the three little pigs, I like how they slyly slipped that in there. They also have a little hint and cameo of the next book in this story when they met the fox looking for the tower bringing in the fairy tale Rapunzel to the story mix. I hope all characters find a happy ending in this series. I guess I shall see as I continue to read the series (sadly I have to wait until January 2024 for the next book in the series).

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

As most will guess, this was inspired by Little Red. But also different in many way. Luna and Malak are our characters in this book 6 of the series.
Malak is her childhood love but life takes both in different directions and family dictate how their lives are to be. Malak is a Wolf Prince and Luna the daughter of an Ambassador.
Malak never lost his love for Luna and reunites by kidnapping her on the eve of an engagement she is not happy with. As they flee, their love is rekindled and along the way they face challenges to reach their HEA. And that end was gorgeous, so emotional and filled with joy.Now I need to read more of this series of stories. :)

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

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't bad, but it wasn't brilliant either.

So the heroine is the daughter of an ambassador to the wolf-shifting kingdom. She's known the hero for several years, and when she was a mid-teen pledged herself to the hero (second son). Fast forward to the here and now, the hero tries to claim her and her father refuses. Then comes a series of lame reasons why the hero must get her out of the country for her safety, and then two or three years later, he rocks up at her new door on the eve of her betrothal to someone else. The rest of the book is the blather of the heroine saying he abandoned her and him replying that he had to.

So, as I said, it wasn't bad. At least it's a fairly quick read so the repetition didn't go on for too long.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This story is a fast-paced adventure with action and intrigue. Great world building. I love the fairytale-like quality of the storytelling, as I always used to read all kinds of fairytales when I was a kid (and still as an adult lol). I really liked both Luna and Malak and the relationship between them. I also liked that she didn't forgive him too quickly for breaking his promise to marry her. The story was captivating and I couldn't put it down. Another excellent read from Jessica Grayson and Aria Winter- whose partnered works are among my favorites to read. 5 stars

[Rose | Adventurous Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: fantasy romance, fairytale retelling
Age: new adult
Series/Standalone: Series but can be read as a standalone
Tropes: fated mates, second chance romance, friends to more
Content: scenes between a married couple

I don't remember reading any Red Riding Hood retellings before so I found it intriguing. I really liked how it wasn't a situation of 'Big Bad Wolf' but rather that the friends-to-more couple that came from different kingdoms.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Jessica Grayson and the first book in the Once Upon a Fairy Tale Romance series. I have some catching up to do to read the other 5 parts as well. The shape of Little Red Riding Hood but in a slightly different way is great I enjoyed a version than the original Little Red Riding Hood. There was action, danger, a beautiful adventure and a lot of steamy moments. Highly recommended.



I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gabriella Pena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grayson’s sixth book in the Once Upon a Fairytale Romance Series pulled off the best friends to lovers trope pretty well.

As a matter of fact, the reader can see early on that the love between the main characters (Luna and Malak) is there. It's merely a matter of them having to fight for their love when the odds (the never-ending war between humans and werewolves) seems to be prevalent. Nevertheless, all this angst makes their ending worthwhile.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Protected by the Wolf Prince

Fast-paced with a bit of thrill and all consuming romance. It was steamy and swoon-worthy. I didn’t connect with the characters as much in this one as I did the others, though.

Tropes:

-wolf/human
-fated mates
-arranged marriage
-second chances
-on the run
-wait for you

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great fairy tale retelling! I liked it very much.. It is steamy and sweet, with danger, adventure and action..

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

[Manisha Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book six in the Once Upon a Fairy Tale Romance Series. This story is an great read and definitely a page turner.

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

[Lissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rather disappointing.

I forgot that Mal's brother was one of the "bad guys" in a previous story, and I would like to see him get some redemption in future.

But as for this story itself, it didn't feel like it brought all that much to the table and felt rather anemic.

[Haley Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story

I loved this story. I love how everything connects together. I'm so excited to see how everything unfolds and I really hope Frederick gets his second chance at love. Real love.

[Victoria M. Cox · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

I have read 6/7 and it seems to me that the only thing that changes are the names and locations. Does everyone in this world have the exact same relationship and sex? It's either ai written or fill in the blanks. Kind of a bummer.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Very simple and straightforward, not much depth to the characters.

[MacKenzie Bakos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was so good. Loved it. I cannot wait until the next book. I hope Fredrik has a story too. Would love to read his. <3

[&#x1fae7;&#x1f337;&#x1fa90;☁️&#x1f9f8;✨&#x1f4d6; · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friends to lovers, steamy take on little red riding hood - was a vibe. Loved the world, loved the twist on this retelling. *chefs kiss* ✨♥️

[Yaneth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐.2/5

Plot: 2/5

Characters: 3/5

Romance: 2/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Smut: 🌶️🌶️/5

[Kayleanetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun story. I really like that the female lead was not a minor or freshly 18. I wouldn't mind more of these two's story.

[Cathy Sonnenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this

[Crystal Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fast Ending

I feel that the ending snuck up on me. I felt that not strings were not quite tied up. I felt that the issue with the king not having an heir or empty coffers.