*Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
From the international bestselling author of The Pumpkin Spice Cafe comes a brand new paranormal romantasy, Big Bad Wold by Laurie Gilmore. A little red riding hood retelling with a werewolf twist and first in the Maple Hollow trilogy publishing in September 2026. Big Bad Wolf follows Ruby Bellerose, who lives in the woods in a cottage that looks more as if it were plucked out of a fairytale than modern day! She lives a pretty mundane life and tries her best to avoid the whispering gossip of the townsfolk. That is until she crosses paths with broody woodworker Rafe and her life changes forever. Big Bad Wolf is Laurie Gilmore’s Romantasy debut, formerly published under the name A Curse of Blood and Wolves by Melissa Mcternan in 2024.
Review
Laurie Gilmore does it again! Her ability to draw readers in with the cosy world building and then add a paranormal twist had me hooked from the start. What I enjoyed the most was the small town feel of Maple Hollow that blended small town charm with a haunting atmosphere. As usual the side characters steal the show in what has become Gilmore’s signature style and makes all her books a delight to read. The story had an element of mystery and darker themes then what readers will expect coming from the Dream Harbour series, and completely subverts the story of Little Red riding hood. Ruby is not a damsel in distress but a no-nonsense waitress that is not afraid to confront danger. It reminded of the version of Ruby from the tv show Once upon a time, and even the world building had those vibes which I really enjoyed. From the moment Ruby meets the broody woodworker, Rafe as he enters the bar in which Ruby works, the atmosphere between them shift and sparks fly in an attraction that will be hard to ignore.
As with all Laurie Gilmore books there is an element of mystery and this one just has a supernatural twist with rival werewolves and visions that had me hooked from the start. When Ruby’s sister starts having visions, her scent is marked by a pack of highland werewolves and Rafe steps in to keep her family safe. And when he discovers there’s more to why he can’t stay away, that only makes him fight his primal urges more with a tug-o-war relationship between Rafe and Ruby that results in a steamy romance. I loved the exploration of the wolf packs and Rafe’s tortured past, as well as a little sprinkling of what is to come in book 2 with Rafe’s brother Theo. The little nod to Dream Harbour and the mayor with his prophetic dreams was a nice little touch that made me smile, and dare I say I’m hoping for a cross over in the future…
This is definitely a different vibe and pace to the Dream Harbour series but just as cosy and with a whole cast of lovable characters in a fairytale setting with a modern twist. I did find the pace slowed down slightly in the middle, but that only allowed space for Ruby and Rafe’s relationship to build. I can’t wait to see what will happen in book 2, Wild Wicked Mate. Overall, Big Bad Wolf has mystery, spice and cosy world building which will be a perfect addition to your autumn to-be-read list!
You can read my reviews of the books in Laurie Gilmore’s Dream Harbour series here: The Pumpkin Spice Cafe ,The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, The Christmas Tree Farm, The Strawberry Patch Pancake House,The Gingerbread Bakery, and The Daisy Chain Flower shop.
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Amy is a writer and reviewer and her action-packed debut novel, CORNELIA FAIRFIELD AND THE DARKENED HEART is available in paperback from WATERSTONES and independent bookshops, and ebook (with an exclusive bonus chapter only on Kindle / Kindle Unlimited AMAZON).
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