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Red's Wolf
A modern fairy-tale retelling with a paranormal twist!
Concerned for his gran’s health, Red braves the snow-covered forest to ensure she’s safe in the worsening weather. After several encounters over recent months, Red is both hoping to run into the huntsman again whilst also dreading he might because he knows their friendship can’t lead to more, no matter how much he wishes it might.
A glimpse of his huntsman distracts Red and he stumbles away from the safety of the woodland path straight into the danger known as the wolf of Bowland. Shaken, but unharmed, Red manages to escape to the safety of his gran’s cottage to recover.
Despite Red’s reservations, the pair grow closer after they end up snowed in together at the huntsman’s cabin, but can Aldrich help Red accept there is nothing wrong with who he is? Or will Red let his secret and insecurities come between them? Especially when he finds out his huntsman is hiding a secret of his own.
This M/M romance from Beth Laycock features friends to lovers, an age gap, snowed-in together, shifters and witches, fated mates, and of course a HEA.
Concerned for his gran’s health, Red braves the snow-covered forest to ensure she’s safe in the worsening weather. After several encounters over recent months, Red is both hoping to run into the huntsman again whilst also dreading he might because he knows their friendship can’t lead to more, no matter how much he wishes it might.
A glimpse of his huntsman distracts Red and he stumbles away from the safety of the woodland path straight into the danger known as the wolf of Bowland. Shaken, but unharmed, Red manages to escape to the safety of his gran’s cottage to recover.
Despite Red’s reservations, the pair grow closer after they end up snowed in together at the huntsman’s cabin, but can Aldrich help Red accept there is nothing wrong with who he is? Or will Red let his secret and insecurities come between them? Especially when he finds out his huntsman is hiding a secret of his own.
This M/M romance from Beth Laycock features friends to lovers, an age gap, snowed-in together, shifters and witches, fated mates, and of course a HEA.
162 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2021
52 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Beth Laycock
13 books201 followersBeth Laycock’s books are influenced by her time living overseas as well as the gritty, urban landscape of the north of England where she grew up.
She has been reading romance since she was old enough to tell herself that line every book lover does—just one more chapter.
As a teenager she attempted to write her first novel, and many more since then that are still gathering dust on her bookshelf. It wasn’t until she discovered the M/M genre that her muse showed up and refused to quit telling her stories about beautiful men finding love together. She hasn’t stopped scribbling them down since. Beth’s muse usually shows up when she is in the shower, is allergic to cleaning, rarely lets Beth watch TV, and insists she drinks copious amounts of coffee so she can turn caffeine into words.
Beth’s books range from sweet to sexy, long to short, contemporary to paranormal, but a HEA is always guaranteed.
She has been reading romance since she was old enough to tell herself that line every book lover does—just one more chapter.
As a teenager she attempted to write her first novel, and many more since then that are still gathering dust on her bookshelf. It wasn’t until she discovered the M/M genre that her muse showed up and refused to quit telling her stories about beautiful men finding love together. She hasn’t stopped scribbling them down since. Beth’s muse usually shows up when she is in the shower, is allergic to cleaning, rarely lets Beth watch TV, and insists she drinks copious amounts of coffee so she can turn caffeine into words.
Beth’s books range from sweet to sexy, long to short, contemporary to paranormal, but a HEA is always guaranteed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 10, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
Red is supposed to stay on the path when he ventures into the woods to Grandmother’s house. It’s only on the path where she can protect him from the big bad wolf, but Red finds himself tempted to linger, hoping for a glimpse of the mysterious Huntsman he’s met a time or two. The man, with his greying hair and charming smile, makes Red feel butterflies in his stomach. But today, while sneaking a look, Red’s foot slips and he’s suddenly off the path … and running for his life.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
Red is supposed to stay on the path when he ventures into the woods to Grandmother’s house. It’s only on the path where she can protect him from the big bad wolf, but Red finds himself tempted to linger, hoping for a glimpse of the mysterious Huntsman he’s met a time or two. The man, with his greying hair and charming smile, makes Red feel butterflies in his stomach. But today, while sneaking a look, Red’s foot slips and he’s suddenly off the path … and running for his life.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
October 15, 2021
If you are wondering if you've read this already, then you maybe have. It was in the Winter Wonderland promotion but has since been re-edited and extended slightly.
Enjoyable, short, with a side of steam. I'd have liked a little more background, Red is dismissive of where he got his abilities, and there isn't a lot of info on Aldrich.
A cute retelling though
Enjoyable, short, with a side of steam. I'd have liked a little more background, Red is dismissive of where he got his abilities, and there isn't a lot of info on Aldrich.
A cute retelling though
November 12, 2021
An enjoyable story.
Red’s Wolf is a novella length retelling of a fairy tale, adding an MM paranormal twist. Red was rejected by his family as a young teen when he came out. A kindly neighbor lady took him in and became his surrogate grandmother. When she moved to the woods Red continued to visit her whenever he could. During several visits he encounters a huntsman, Aldrich, who he becomes very attracted to.
I don’t expect the same things out of a short book as I do a much longer one because there just isn’t time for a lot of character development. But I would have liked a bit more explanation of Red’s background and also how he and Aldrich will get on as they age. I’m being deliberately vague so as not to give anything away about the story that wasn’t in the blurb.
I liked the connection that Red has with Aldrich and I liked how well his gran and Aldrich took care of Red. I also liked how easily Red was accepted into Aldrich’s circle of friends. All in all, this was an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours reading.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
**MCs are versatile**
Red’s Wolf is a novella length retelling of a fairy tale, adding an MM paranormal twist. Red was rejected by his family as a young teen when he came out. A kindly neighbor lady took him in and became his surrogate grandmother. When she moved to the woods Red continued to visit her whenever he could. During several visits he encounters a huntsman, Aldrich, who he becomes very attracted to.
I don’t expect the same things out of a short book as I do a much longer one because there just isn’t time for a lot of character development. But I would have liked a bit more explanation of Red’s background and also how he and Aldrich will get on as they age. I’m being deliberately vague so as not to give anything away about the story that wasn’t in the blurb.
I liked the connection that Red has with Aldrich and I liked how well his gran and Aldrich took care of Red. I also liked how easily Red was accepted into Aldrich’s circle of friends. All in all, this was an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours reading.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
**MCs are versatile**
November 12, 2021
Red’s Wolf is a modern retelling of the Red Riding Hood fairy tale, though it’s not going to be what you might expect with the interesting twists it throws in. This was a pretty quick read, maybe two to three hours depending on your reading speed.
Red’s life is a bit complicated, and he thinks that will keep him from having any kind of relationship. But there’s more than meets the eye to a lot of things in this story, so be prepared to expect the unexpected. Red and his huntsman, Aldrich, definitely have some chemistry together.
Red’s Wolf made for a few hours of enjoyable reading. While I would have loved to have seen this more fleshed out to provide additional background for the characters, and I think this story has the potential to develop into more, as-is it is quite entertaining and was a 4-star read for me. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
Red’s life is a bit complicated, and he thinks that will keep him from having any kind of relationship. But there’s more than meets the eye to a lot of things in this story, so be prepared to expect the unexpected. Red and his huntsman, Aldrich, definitely have some chemistry together.
Red’s Wolf made for a few hours of enjoyable reading. While I would have loved to have seen this more fleshed out to provide additional background for the characters, and I think this story has the potential to develop into more, as-is it is quite entertaining and was a 4-star read for me. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
December 12, 2021
A well written twist on an old fairytale. A young shifter who thinks his shifting is a curse and an long lived witch. This low angst and relatively spicy book includes knotting and fated mates, while not quite the typical insta-love feel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2022
Cute. I felt like Red was a little naive, but I have no way of knowing if this contemporary world has shifter fiction/movies/whatever, so I can suspend my disbelief enough to enjoy the ride.
November 11, 2021
oh man.. this was amazing and interesting. i wasnt sure how well it was going to be because sometimes retellings arent always my favorite but this one was amazing. i really enjoyed it.
November 9, 2021
Red's Wolf was my first story by Beth Laycock. It's a modern fairy-tale retelling with a paranormal twist about Red. Red walks through the forest a lot to visit his gran. There he runs into the huntsman, Aldrich, a lot. One day the sight of the huntsman distracts him and he trips, away from the safety of the path.
I really liked the story. It was sweet, sexy, fun and very well written.
I really liked the story. It was sweet, sexy, fun and very well written.
December 1, 2021
DNF @ 60%.
Try as I might, I just can’t get into this one.
Try as I might, I just can’t get into this one.
November 14, 2021
Wolf and swirly golden eyes
Red is a scared and self conscious guy that has been on his own for eight years. The only person he gets love and kindness from is Gran and she isn't even a blood relative. The huntsman he met in the woods on his way to Gran's is someone he would like to know though. Aldrich lives alone in his little cabin in the woods. He looks for the elusive wolf of Bowland woods but finds Red instead. They keep meeting during the trips Red makes to check on Gran. Can Red let go of the fear he has that his secret will cause harmful issues? Can Aldrich convince Red he isn't a freak and that maybe he knows something about his curse? It is a good spin on a classic fairytale. It is also a quick read which means things happen quicker than most stories. I enjoyed the story and think others will too.
Red is a scared and self conscious guy that has been on his own for eight years. The only person he gets love and kindness from is Gran and she isn't even a blood relative. The huntsman he met in the woods on his way to Gran's is someone he would like to know though. Aldrich lives alone in his little cabin in the woods. He looks for the elusive wolf of Bowland woods but finds Red instead. They keep meeting during the trips Red makes to check on Gran. Can Red let go of the fear he has that his secret will cause harmful issues? Can Aldrich convince Red he isn't a freak and that maybe he knows something about his curse? It is a good spin on a classic fairytale. It is also a quick read which means things happen quicker than most stories. I enjoyed the story and think others will too.
August 7, 2023
Before diving into this book, it's essential to be aware that it contains a mention of a conversion camp and touches upon themes of homophobia, so please be mindful.
Now, as for the content, I must admit I was surprised by the sexual aspects presented in the story. The portrayal of Aldrich as a switch was intriguing and added an enjoyable dynamic. Additionally, the inclusion of knotting caught me off guard, as it was unexpected.
Initially, I didn't have high expectations for this book, but it ended up being a pleasant surprise. Although I wished for more insights into Aldrich and his coven, the overall story was heartwarming, and the ending was quite satisfying. All in all, I found it to be an enjoyable and sweet read.
Now, as for the content, I must admit I was surprised by the sexual aspects presented in the story. The portrayal of Aldrich as a switch was intriguing and added an enjoyable dynamic. Additionally, the inclusion of knotting caught me off guard, as it was unexpected.
Initially, I didn't have high expectations for this book, but it ended up being a pleasant surprise. Although I wished for more insights into Aldrich and his coven, the overall story was heartwarming, and the ending was quite satisfying. All in all, I found it to be an enjoyable and sweet read.
November 11, 2021
I enjoyed this sweet short modern retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and the twists in the tale.
I liked both Red and Aldrich, and the mystery surrounding both of them. I guessed Red’s secret very early on, but Aldrich’s was a little harder to work out. Red and Aldrich are both sweet guys, and their HEA hit the spot nicely. I loved the scene with Aldrich’s friends knowing exactly what’s going on, and Red being clueless.
Red’s Gran rocks, and I love their relationship. His parents need a good talking to though. The world building is nicely done, and I’d love to read other stories set there, and see more of the supporting cast.
I liked both Red and Aldrich, and the mystery surrounding both of them. I guessed Red’s secret very early on, but Aldrich’s was a little harder to work out. Red and Aldrich are both sweet guys, and their HEA hit the spot nicely. I loved the scene with Aldrich’s friends knowing exactly what’s going on, and Red being clueless.
Red’s Gran rocks, and I love their relationship. His parents need a good talking to though. The world building is nicely done, and I’d love to read other stories set there, and see more of the supporting cast.
October 31, 2021
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Just love the multitude of twist this story took on the old fables, it has so much charm that the reader just gets grip into hilarious and twists of Red's life. After all his parents was so small minded they sent him off to a camp to cure only it back fired in multiple ways. Leaving him with a hidden secret that only his Gran had known about until a handsome hunter captures his sights. When Aldrich reveals his own secret, is it to good to be true? After all only love can ease the beast inside.
October 15, 2021
Short but sweet! We watch Red go from feeling lonely, cast out, and cursed. The mysterious huntsman helps him find his way to so much more, to everything he’d dreamed of.
There is an interesting mix of modern and more mystical settings. Red rides a motorcycle and works in a cafe. Gran and Aldrich live in cottages deep in the woods and use wood fires for heat.
It was a nice read, without too much angst, but with plenty of sexy times. I enjoyed it!
There is an interesting mix of modern and more mystical settings. Red rides a motorcycle and works in a cafe. Gran and Aldrich live in cottages deep in the woods and use wood fires for heat.
It was a nice read, without too much angst, but with plenty of sexy times. I enjoyed it!
November 15, 2021
This book is a gay and modern twist on Little Red Riding Hood. I enjoyed reading it. This book also takes place in more modern times. Red is concerned about his grandmother who lives alone in the forest. She is the only family he has. Enter the huntsman, Aldrich. Red thinks Aldrich is attractive but does not want to get in his way because he is the huntsman. So the two men will have to figure out how to get know each other and stay clear of the wolf.
November 17, 2021
Adored this modern-day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood!! The author created a really great world! I loved Red and Aldrich! Loved the story, it was sweet, sexy with a paranormal twist! It was well written and a page turner. Definitely recommend! Overall I seriously loved their story! I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
November 9, 2021
I've always enjoyed reading variations on Red Riding Hood and articles about all the subtext people find in the story. Beth Laycock has written an amazing version using some of my favorite tropes - fated mates, age gap and forced proximity. These tales seem perfect for winter so curl up with a blanket, a cat and a hot drink and immerse yourself in a magical world.
November 11, 2021
This as so many of Beth here books was a fun read. I liked the concept of the retelling transforming a classic story to a slight shifter paranormal variation. I found the characters likeable, but did not see a lot of depth. I thought I recognised parts of the story, it was part of a giveaway, but the story has been reworked. If you like a nice short read, this is yours.
November 14, 2021
3.75 out of 5
This was an enjoyable short read. I loved the characters, and even though the world-building was minimal it still set a nice scene. I guess I just wanted more - more of Aldrich's backstory, more dramatic tension, and more of Red and Aldrich together outside of the bedroom. The ending was quite lovely and sweet, though.
This was an enjoyable short read. I loved the characters, and even though the world-building was minimal it still set a nice scene. I guess I just wanted more - more of Aldrich's backstory, more dramatic tension, and more of Red and Aldrich together outside of the bedroom. The ending was quite lovely and sweet, though.
November 16, 2021
I absolutely loved this modern fairy-tale retelling with a paranormal twist!
The world building was descriptive, engaging and imaginative.
The characters were likeable, relatable and well fleshed out.
Definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
If you like your fairytales with a twist, definitely recommend giving this one a go.
The world building was descriptive, engaging and imaginative.
The characters were likeable, relatable and well fleshed out.
Definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
If you like your fairytales with a twist, definitely recommend giving this one a go.
January 3, 2022
RED'S WOLF was an interesting take on Little Red Riding Hood and I really liked it. The romance happens pretty fast since it's a novella but I found both Red and Aldrich to be really likeable characters. I'm definitely curious to read more by this author.
Content Warning: Red's family sent him to a conversion camp after finding out he was gay and then disowned him afterwards
Content Warning: Red's family sent him to a conversion camp after finding out he was gay and then disowned him afterwards
June 1, 2022
Different!!
Contains: shifter wolf, a hunting man, a storm and a cabin.
Well, it was very different. The shifter man is broken, had a hard past and the only one still there for him is his new grandma. But despite all his fear and unknowledge, he his strangely very attract to the hunting man. Will they have an hea or will he end up as the secret ingredient in a soup recipe?
Contains: shifter wolf, a hunting man, a storm and a cabin.
Well, it was very different. The shifter man is broken, had a hard past and the only one still there for him is his new grandma. But despite all his fear and unknowledge, he his strangely very attract to the hunting man. Will they have an hea or will he end up as the secret ingredient in a soup recipe?
November 29, 2022
Nice twist to the Little Red Riding Hood story. There was a bit of an ominous feel when Red was in the woods at the beginning. I really enjoyed the paranormal angle and liked that even though it took place in modern times, it had an old timey feel to it. I felt bad for Red. He was dealing with a lot but Aldrich helped him accept who he was meant to be.
June 26, 2023
Short and Sweet
It was nice surprise to realise that this was a British set novel, just seeing Britishisms such as "trousers" instead of "pants" etc warmed the cockles of my heart.
This was a sweet book and I did enjoy it, I just wish it was a bit longer and fleshed out a bit more. Would have been good to hear Aldrich's voice, too.
It was nice surprise to realise that this was a British set novel, just seeing Britishisms such as "trousers" instead of "pants" etc warmed the cockles of my heart.
This was a sweet book and I did enjoy it, I just wish it was a bit longer and fleshed out a bit more. Would have been good to hear Aldrich's voice, too.
August 1, 2023
A fun and creative adaptation. I liked the unique choices made of how to adapt the fairy tale to a new story. I felt for the characters and appreciated the romance between them, along with some fairly steamy love scenes.
January 2, 2024
I really couldn’t get into this book and I thought it was kinda corny.
I wanted to DNF several times throughout reading but I didn’t want to give up. After this had been sitting in my TBR on Kindle for over a year and it’s so short…
Ugh…I may as well finish it. 😒
I didn’t want to quit!
I wanted to DNF several times throughout reading but I didn’t want to give up. After this had been sitting in my TBR on Kindle for over a year and it’s so short…
Ugh…I may as well finish it. 😒
I didn’t want to quit!
November 14, 2021
Sweet story!
January 12, 2022
DNF 45%. This did not interest me at all.
Read
February 4, 2022DNF 72%
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews