Unfortunately, this book did not do it for me. From the beginning, I found the book off-putting, because at the 30% mark I still can’t tell what the world is supposed to be, since it has modern-day cultural marks but forests and beliefs that feel like a medieval fantasy. On top of that, the story starts with the protagonist frightfully walking through a forest while cognizant that an unseen man is following her. But she is also apparently a bit “thrilled” by this, and not completely and utterly terrified for her life like she should be. Shortly after, when the POV switches to our MMC, he is extremely turned on and horned up for this woman he has been following through the words but doesn’t even know the name of. He goes on in his internal monologue about not wanting to scare her… but he already has, so I don’t get it.

I skimmed through the first third of this book and didn’t find it gets much better. The romance is beyond slow to start, and I also don’t really understand what the point of the central conflict is, other than that she is human and he’s a werewolf and that’s a thing.

Perhaps if the start of the book hadn’t felt so unbelievable and jarring to me, I could have given this book a better chance, but after feeling like the beginning was too unrealistic and dismissive of the very real fears women have out in the world, I couldn’t get through this. To the author’s credit, she makes her female protagonist strong, which I always like, and the writing itself is structurally quite good, but given my own preferences in books, this just wasn’t my cup of tea. DNF at 33%.

*Thank you again to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

I've always been a fan of what people are now calling romantasy. This is a fun and simple book in the genre. Fun retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. Good book to cut your teeth on the genre.

1.5 / 5.0

Did you ever wish Edward Cullen was actually a werewolf? No, well then, this book isn’t for you.
Did you ever want to read hundreds of pages about people that have absolutely nothing to do with the point of the book? No, well then this book isn’t for you.
Did you ever wonder if smut could be both graphic and pedantic at the same time? No, well then, this book isn’t for you.

Basically, this book wasn’t very good. It didn’t even serve the one function it seems to have, to set-up the next book, very well. All these characters are just thrown at us and they stumble around here and there (mostly at one of 4 general locations), and there is no backstory explanation, no world building, and no resolution since (like I said) this just ends with the setup for the next book.

I won’t be reading anymore of this series, it is just not interesting and the characters had no endearing qualities that held me to want to read more. It’s not completely garbage writing, and the editor did a valiant effort to mend it together, but it isn’t good.

Until Next Time,
MC

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review 📚
A Curse of Blood and Wolves by Melissa McTurnan - 3.5/5 ⭐

Now, I was expecting a fantasy that kept me on my toes but I'd definitely describe this as more of a romance. If of loved to have seen more of a story and plot, but the romance genre kind of took over.

What I did read of the plot was actually amazing and I'd really love to have gone so much more deeper into that! The first half is quite a slow burn but it all starts to pick up really quickly in the second half. I really enjoyed the dual POV as it expands the story.

There wasn't anything bad about the book at all but I do wish there was more story and character development rather than the romance. But I did really enjoy the rest of it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.

The setting of curse of blood and wolves is the present world with a dash of magic and fantasy. The FMC is fantastic; she has a strong personality, is obstinate, and is really relatable. The actions around FMC and her family are at the heart of the narrative. The romance and the plot are well-balanced, and this is a SLOW burn.adore Ruby and Rafe, despite the fact that occasionally I thought he could be a little too sensitive. I admired how comfortable they were with one another and their friendship.
I was extremely frustrated by his brothers, especially the older one, but I have a feeling everything will make sense in the upcoming novels. Theo was cranky but likeable, and I liked him.
I found it really annoying how much he talked about his previous relationship. Every time her name would come up, I could feel myself rolling my eyes.
Having said that, I nonetheless liked this book in its entirety. As a reader, I really enjoy the excellent pacing and well-written prose. If you adore friends and recommend this book to someone else, I'll definitely read the next one.

It was a bit hard to rate this book, because the truth is, it was a very nice read.
But in the end, I found myself missing a more deeply developed plot. Maybe a bit more worldbulding as well, since we only get glimpses of the world outside the main character's immediate surroundings. I think the romance aspect took over what could've been a great story, and it was a bit disappointing. The story is quite fast paced, and yet I felt like very little happens.
I loved the characters, I really did. And I think specially the male MC's inner workings and personal backstory was absolutely brilliant, and it was yet another thing I wish had been developed more. I loved how he was territorial and feral without being as annoyingly toxic as many MMC usually are. Ruby was also a great MC, though she was a bit shallower than Rate. Moreover, 1am very interested in the rest of the characters, namely Rafe's brothers and Ruby's sister. Let's see what happens with them!
A fun and light retelling with great potential, I'I definitely pick up book two to see what happens!

"A Curse of Blood and Wolves" immediately evoked thoughts of HBO's "True Blood" series, although I should note that I haven't read the "Sookie Stackhouse" books. The novel centers around Ruby, a character who bears similarities to Sookie in her fearlessness towards supernatural beings. McTernan's writing excels in conveying the characters' emotions and inner thoughts, providing a deep connection to their struggles and dilemmas.

However, the book's pacing presents a mixed bag. The first half of the story moves at a sluggish pace, lacking the action and plot development that one might expect. It's clear that the story has potential, but it takes its time getting there. It would have been more engaging if there was a stronger focus on Lena's conflict or a deeper exploration of the wolf-life dynamics.

Rafe was somewhat one-dimensional, often coming across as whiny and playing the victim. This aspect of his character may prove to be a source of frustration for readers seeking more depth and complexity in the cast of characters.

One noteworthy aspect is how Ruby seems oddly unfazed by the existence of magical creatures. This casual acceptance might leave some readers longing for more world-building and a clearer explanation of how this supernatural realm integrates with the mundane.

I was left with numerous unanswered questions. While "A Curse of Blood and Wolves" reads like a standalone novel, it strongly hints at the potential for a series, which is both intriguing and slightly frustrating, as it leaves the story feeling incomplete.

This was an ok retelling, and I enjoyed the dual pov aspect. However, The on/off thing going on between them got a little much, it had lots of potential but fell short for me personally.

A fun fantasy book of werewolves. It was a bit short, but I look forward to the next chapter in the next book. The world could have done with a bit more expansion but perhaps that will come. I liked the main characters and the heat between them. Who wouldn't want a werewolf watching over them in the woods?!

I love reading classic fairytales rettelings but with a darker twist and I can say that this modern retelling of Little Red Riding Hood is a good one. The protagonists are quite approachable and try to manage their emotions and the strong attraction they feel to each other. The story is told by both protagonists and thus allows us to understand their inner struggle. It's a slow developing story, with nice descriptions and enough mystery. And the cover is stunning!!

Thank you Harper Collins UK,One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this digital copy!

i really enjoyed this book. it was fast paced and easy to read. the book was a good fantasy to start off with for new beginners. it was a quick easy read with an interesting plot with good characters.

A Curse of Blood and Wolves was a Little Red Riding Hood retelling with werewolves. I enjoyed the female main character, Ruby, and her quirky, dark personality. I was definitely kept intrigued through the story trying to figure out who/what Ruby and her sister were and who was after them.

But the pacing was off and it felt like not much happened in the story. The ending wasn't disappointing as it didn't answer any of the big questions that were raised. Who or what are Ruby and her sister? Who is after them? Are Rafe's brothers good or bad? The story almost felt like a prequel or long introduction to the real story.

I enjoyed it as a quick read but doubt I'll come back for book 2. From the title it seems like it will follow one of Rafe's brothers and I don't feel like I even understand enough of the central conflict to come back to it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins One More Chapter for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Wow! If you were Team Jacob as a teenager then this is the book for you.

A curse of blood and wolves is based in the modern world, with a sprinkling of magic/fantasy. The FMC is excellent, she is strong willed, stubborn and very relatable. The story is centred on the events going on around FMC and her family.. There is a good balance between romance and plot and this is a SLOW burn……..but worth the wait.

I will definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for news of the next one in this trilogy.

A fun little steamy read. Perfect for fans of Hooked and other fairytale re-tellings with a twist. Definitely an easy read with lots of spice. More of a dark romance than romantasy. If you're looking for world-building and detailed fantasy this is not it. But if you need a quick little steamy read this slays.

📖🌹ARC REVIEW🌹📖

A retelling of Little Red Riding Hood!!🐺🥀

♧PLOT:
Is it possible to be drawn to someone you’ve never met?

When Ruby feels the eyes of a stranger in the woods, she knows she should be scared, that she should run away, but she can’t. Instead, she feels a thrill, feels drawn to this stranger who follows her in the woods. Yearns for his eyes on her every night as she walks home, hoping to hear the crunch of leaves under his feet that signals he’s there.

Will he ever reveal himself?

After all, fate doesn’t make mistakes . . .

🥀My view on this:
I’m going to say, I love Teen Wolf, I love Scott and Stiles and all those pretty little boys but honestly, never have I thought of reading anything in that style. Until of course, I got my hands on A CURSE OF BLOOD AND WOLVES by Melissa McTernan.

🐺Surely this was a surprise, - at first, I couldn’t catch the vibe. The setting was a little off, and I couldn’t get my hands on what was going on sometimes BUT, and it’s a big ‘but’, I did enjoy this read.
Why?

🥀It was super quick to finish, maybe a little too fast, but it being a slow burn, faking dating, dual POV, was the catch. (I almost can’t stand slow burns but when it’s steamy, - it’s for me)
Fated mates? Say less, but I don’t think I will pick up the rest of the series, purely because it’s not the vibe I usually read.

🌶🌶🌶.5/5

Thank you, @netgalley, HarperCollinsUK, and Melissa McTernan for allowing me to read this story, in exchange for an honest review.

solid 4 stars on this one. I think I would have given it 4.5 if Rafe would have overcome his insecurities sooner. I really like ruby and Rafe though sometimes I thought he could be a bit too sensitive. loved their relationship, how at ease they were with one another.
His brothers particularly the older one frustrated me quite a bit, but I have a feeling all will become clear in the next books. I enjoyed Theo, he was grumpy but lovable.
His past love, and how much he focused on it annoyed me greatly. I felt myself rolling my eyes when her name would pop up.
With that being said, I still enjoyed this book overall. I think it's well written, the pacing was great, which as a reader I super appreciate. I'll definitely read the next one and suggest this book if you love mates and wolf shifters.
it made my heart happy how much seeing Rafe be his wolf self brought joy to Ruby. that she truly accepted every different facet of him.
for anyone that likes spice (like myself) I would give this a solid 2 peppers :)

I'll be 100% honest, I do not feel comfortable review this book before it comes out, because I did not finish it. I had trouble getting over how unrealistic the female main characters reaction was to finding out he was a werewolf. And then her inviting him to stay with her. For some reason it made it really hard to me to get through the book. That doesn't mean it was bad, it just means it wasn't for me.

I was excited to dive into more wolf/werewolves/shifters fantasy, and was looking forward to this world. Unfortunately, this book read more like a contemporary romance to me, with fantasy elements sprinkled over it - which for me (all fantasy girlie here) was a bit of a turn off. Now if you like fantasy, and contemporary romance - then pick this book up right now!

Red Riding Hood retelling - this is what I needed!

With the right amount of spice, tension, longing and romance - that is exactly what you need to make your evening more bearable 😅

Have you ever wander through the woods, feeling someone’s eyes on you? Because Ruby did, plenty of times actually and the best part is that some twisted part of her likes it. Rafe on the other hand wants to stay as far from poeple as he can, broken-hearted, with big, furry 🐺🐺secret. Yet, when he scents her, all he can think about is her. So he stalks Ruby, every time she pass through the woods. When he feels she may be in danger - he decides to face her.

This is where they love story truly begins, and I loved it! It was sweet, beautiful and full of tension. We read both Ruby’s and Rafe’s POV which I love in that kind of rom-coms. It was sweet, sad and most of all entertaining during my whole read. I think for most of you it will be one-night stand - this is how fast you can sink into their story.

If you love:

🐺 paranormal romance with warewolfs, seers, nymphs and witches
🐺 slow burn
🐺 fated mates
🐺 grumpy MMC
🐺 sassy FMC
🐺 Red Riding Hood retelling

this book will defenetly for you!

4/5 ⭐️
1.5/5 🌶️

I really enjoyed this book once I started it I couldn't stop now I'm eagerly awaiting the next part of the story, the book is well written and jumps between 2 views which can get a little complicated if you lose track of who is talking.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading sarcastic heroines and always wondered what would have happened if Little Red Riding Hood wasn't as innocent as we believed