Firstly, I would just like to say a massive thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Melissa McTernan for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

The premise of this story really drew me in. I mean, a dark and steamy retelling of Little Red Riding Hood? Yes pleaseeeee.
Also, I think the cover design for this book is absolutely beautiful!

Unfortunately however, I personally didn’t enjoy the story overall.
I didn’t mind the FMC at times and I liked that she was one to stand up for herself.
The MMC however, I didn’t particularly take much of a liking to. For someone who was centuries old, he acted a bit more like a teenager…
Overall, I didn’t personally connect with either of these characters.
I get the whole “fated mates” idea in a book and usually do like it, but this more felt like “insta love” than anything else (more specifically “insta lust”…)

I won’t lie, I did also get a slight “ick” at the MMC referring to the FMC as “brave girl” all the time 😂

Majority of this story is told during the present time, with a few being told from the past. I did find it a little confusing during some of these time switches and found I had to do some brief re-reading, before I was able to determine what I was reading in the book.
This also goes for the switch in POV’s between the FMC and MMC. The structure of the paragraphs made it a little tricky at first.

I would have loved to see a bit more world building and character development throughout this story. A lot of the plot unfortunately fell flat for me.

The ending does leave an opening for potentially another book to follow. I think with some tweaks, it could set out to be something promising, especially if we see a bit more in the way of world building and character development.

Although I didn’t personally love this book, it doesn’t mean everyone else will have the same experience. So please don’t let my review deter you from picking up a copy!!

Again, thank you so much for the opportunity to read A Curse of Blood and Wolves in exchange for an honest review 💙

I’m actually torn between wanting to finish this book or dnf’ing this book. I just can’t get into it. It seems like it could be a good book but it’s a bit of a slow burn. I also don’t like how the story is told from 3rd person POV. Maybe I’ll eventually go back & finish reading this book.

I received this ARC from NetGalley to read & review. Thank you for the opportunity for letting me read this book.

A Curse of Blood and Wolves is a werewolf/ paranormal fated mates, Red Riding Hood retelling with a black panther on the cover instead of a wolf because the cover artist is either not very good at rendering the likeness of a wolf or lazily did not use a photo reference.



This is my honest review.



When I’m reading a romance, I don’t really enjoy the characters talking about their ex’s a bunch. I certainly don’t look forward to chapters about the times they were with said ex’s and then having the shift of the next chapter of them trying to work it out with the current love interest. It jostles you from the story. I understand the intent to give backstory but I think the author’s time developing the main characters with more detail and focusing on their interactions would’ve been a better use of time/pages.



Trigger Warnings: Ends in a cliff hanger (which triggered me to say, “what the fuck.”).



I would recommend this book to people that talk about their ex’s a lot. People who can run in heels. Especially in the woods. Those that live with the insane desire to put make up on before they eat breakfast so that no one sees their real face.

Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was personally a good place for me to start delving into the world of supernatural romance. The writing was simple enough that I found it easy to get into the story and this was helped along by the main characters being quickly introduced in the first few pages.

I did have a few issues with the repetition in the dialogue - specifically, the cliched descriptions when describing the size of the two main characters was rather grating (i.e. the male character was ‘huge’ and the female character was ‘tiny’). However, this was minor enough in my mind that it didn’t take me away from the story.

What I liked the most was that the FMC wasn’t portrayed as helpless or completely under the control of the MMC. Ruby knew her own mind; worked tirelessly for herself & her sister; and demanded respect from Rafe, her werewolf love interest, from the very beginning. I am often put off reading paranormal romances because of the elements of control & abuse, but this one was so much softer and was therefore much more palatable.

Rafe was also a surprisingly mixed character. The author chose not to focus too much on the territorial aspects of his wolf alter ego, and instead focused more on his self-critical attitude & his desire to nurture Ruby, rather than intimidate her. He did still have the protective instincts that are to be expected in a supernatural romance, but they didn’t feel overly stifling.

The romantic connection between Ruby & Rafe was super sweet - they were both respectful of each other and I never felt uncomfortable reading about it. I really enjoyed the ‘chase’ part it as I love seeing a relationship slowly blossom, along with the frustration & anticipation of the build-up.

I was admittedly the most absorbed in that part of the story; however, that is purely from a personal perspective. Rafe’s family background and the plot around Ruby’s seer sister were very interesting, and the tale as a whole was very well-rounded. The ending was predictable, but left the reader on an intriguing cliffhanger.

Whilst this book would be a great first step for fantasy & supernatural beginners, I think that veterans of the genre would be disappointed by the simplicity of it. Either way, I would be interested in reading the next in the series.

Hmmmm. I’m a bit conflicted over this one. I read it pretty quickly, but I am not sure how much I enjoyed it. Though the cover is absolutely wonderful.

I think it just felt a little too cheesy for me. Everything moved so fast — which makes sense with fated mates and what not, but this felt even faster than I’d expect for me.

I wish there was more development into the rogue wolves attacking and the sort of “big bad”. I know that is the point of a sequel, but as the series seems like it may focus on the brothers, I would have appreciated more.

The transitions between flash backs are a bit hard to follow at first — I think some distinctions would really help the overall readability.

I thought this story was decent. I enjoyed the dual pov and I’m a sucker for a fated mates troupe! I feel like plot had some gaps in it that made me always wonder how the story got to this point. The romance was very insta love and I wish we had more of a friendship built up instead of a 0 to 100 love story. It was entertaining enough to make you curious about the second story and find out more about the sister’s abilities. I found my self more intrigued by the mystery and magic plot than the love story.

I don’t usually read werewolf stuff (vampire girlie 4 eva) but I might be converted!

I read this book on the back of the authors other book “The Pumpkin Spice Café” as I utterly loved that. And I’m glad I did because this book did not disappoint!

What would you do if you knew someone was following you through the woods at night? You pine over them of course. Or at least, that’s what Ruby has been doing since she noticed him. She’s inexplicably drawn to him, and when she finally puts a name to the hulking figure, life is never the same. Danger lurks in the woods. Ruby is attacked by a wolf causing unsettling questions to be raised, and her sickly sister Lena might hold some answers.

Rafe can’t stay away from the girl with the ruby red lips. He can’t explain it; is it his wolfish instincts or is he duty bound? While on the hunt for some answers as to who attacked Ruby, Rafe can’t help his growing feelings for her. He fights them at every turn, haunted by the actions of his past, but can he fight them forever? Tensions raise between Rafe and his brothers, Lena’s ramblings become more bloody – why did he have to follow the girl through the woods?

Ruby and Rafe’s romance was equal parts sweet and spice. Their entire relationship while moving quickly (fated mates) it felt natural (which is always hard to do with fated mates!) The lead up to the spice was perfectly done – the sexual tension! It was clear the pair both have their own personal issues they have to sort through, which added a good depth to the characters, and gave good explanations for their actions and thought processes.

The story as a whole was intriguing and kept a good pace throughout. But I do think that some stuff felt rushed or brushed over, as well as seemingly dropped in and just accepted (think werewolf existence acceptance and Ruby’s suspected gift). And Rafe’s inner turmoil did get on my last nerve towards the end. Like, my boy, please. It was literally over a century ago. Please get some professional help!!! It didn’t stop me from enjoying the book, however.

I’d like to ask the author if she purposely set out to out me as a “big, bad, handsome stalker in the woods, please chase me through said woods and ravish me when you catch me” gal. I feel SEEN.

I am interested to see where the rest of this series goes!

Read this book if you want big, bad wolf-men, a sweet and spicey paranormal romance, and if you want Once Upon a Time Vibes.

Thank you to One More Chapter, Harper Collins UK, Netgalley, and Melissa for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have waited for a long time to get stuck into a werewolf story and this sadly fell very flat for me. I wanted more from this book and the biggest issue I had with it was the fact it felt like I was reading a wattpad fanfic authored by a sixteen year old girl - not that there is anything wrong with that, it just wasn’t what I wanted to read.

I cared little for the characters and even less for the romance. The smut was fine and the dialogue was choppy. I also felt like the pacing was off throughout the book. One minute it was really ramped up and the next I was skimming pages.

Sadly this is not a paranormal romance I would recommend.

I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book pulled me in immediately. I wanted to know more about this world and would love a more in-depth description of many elements. HOwever, all in all I did enjoy myself.

This is heavy on The Little Red Riding Hood vibes. While the beginning of the book grabbed me and pulled me in, I was unfortunately left being let down. The rest of the book fell completely flat for me.

The slow burn was too slow. And while there were some “spicy” scenes, I wanted more heat.

However, while this book may not have been for me, I would recommend it to some of my friends!


Thank you One More Chapter for gifting me a copy of this book to review!

2.75 ⭐ (rounded up to 3)

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

While the summary of this book sounded great, it fell a little short for me. I love fated mates, some spice, and darker books but it wasn't executed in how I imagined it would be. The middle felt very long when not a lot happened. I get they are mates and are physically attracted to each other but not much happens to figure out what is coming for them. If the world building was better I think this would easily be a 4 to 5 star.

While I appreciate the opportunity to read this, unfortunately I will not be reviewing this title. It felt kind of flat to me and I couldn't really get into it. I also don't feel like the characters had much depth.

I really couldn't get in to this one. Unfortunately I did not finish it. It was too slow and did not capture my imagination.

(2,5✨)

This book was rather hard to read and difficult to finish. so a DNF for me.

The story had some promising aspects, but the execution wasnt to my liking. I tried several times, but didnt manage to read more then just a couple of sentences each time. I wanted to see what would happen if I read a bit more, maybe get some answers or that it would flow better.. but it did not for me. Eventually, I found out that I was reading for the smut to arrive asap so I could like the story more... But that isnt fair to me or the author I realised. I reached 28% of the book.

I did like the stalking part in the beginning, that showed some promising build up, but it was quickly over when they made a connection. This made the story take a turn and I guess it was all connected without much reason..
So every event or scene wasnt backed up with much... I wished for much more information or detailing for it to be intriguing. It was more a guessing game and I prefer my books to be just straight to the point so I can enjoy the book.

Also the dialog of Ruby and Rafe are so jumbled up in the chapters that I dont know who is saying what or when. This was time consuming. Also the jumps to the past; it would have been nice if it had a more strong indication when this would happen in the book. This also made me double, triple, reread so I know what I am reading. again, time consuming.

I know that with more attention to detail and some technical changes this will be a great book!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC! The plot really drew me in and I wasn’t disappointed. My expectations were a romantasy so I wasn’t disappointed by the lack of world building or explanations of the “magical” elements in the novel.. However, I enjoyed it so much that I wish we had more background and details.
The pacing for the characters relationship seemed a bit rushed to me once you realize their bond grew over 2 ish weeks. In my head a lot longer had passed and it made sense.
Really excited to read the rest of the series and get to read Theo & Knox’s stories
. (My heart tells me Lena and Knox?!)

Ruby works her butt off to help care for her ailing sister, and every night when she's taking the shortcut through the woods after her shift at the bar, she feels like she's being watched. Not one to take anything sitting down, Ruby calls out her stalker and ends up face to chest with the most beautiful man she's ever seen - the reclusive Rafe. The very next night Ruby is attacked by a wolf but saved by another. In place of an injured wolf in the morning, is a very naked, very human, Rafe. A forced proximity, fake dating situation happens when Ruby and her sister, Lena's, lives appear to be in danger.

I'm a sucker for a fairytale retelling and quite enjoyed this. There is basically no world building, you're just kind of told some things and expected to run with it. And to be honest, that doesn't make me mad. It was a quick and dirty read. Was it perfect? No. But I definitely enjoyed it for exactly what it was! Plus, the sexual tension at the beginning was top notch and the payoff (while slower burn) was worth it.

Ends of a cliffhanger, but not in terms of the romantic plot. This story will carry on with one of the other brother's (my guess is Theo) POV.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I was so excited for a Little Red Riding Hood retelling.
This was not it.

Ruby is a 24-yr old living in a town that shuns her because she's emo/goth. She reeks of #notlikeothergirls to the point of annoyance. She takes a shortcut home from work, through the woods, late at night even though she can feel someone's presence following her. Rafe, a werewolf, has been stalking Ruby through said woods but is unaware of what is about her that draws him to her. He is displaced from his pack, supposed to be hundreds of years old but radiates insecurity, ignorance and has the emotional processing of a teenager. Example: Rafe is a few hundred years old yet didn't realize Ruby is his Fated Mate until more than half-way through the book. Even though he makes reference to being unable to stay away from her, inexplicably drawn to her, can smell/sense her. It was just sort of dumbfounding. The two-dimensional feel of this couple makes it hard to identify with, or even care about them.

The pacing of this story was off; based on the cliffhanger ending, you know this series is going to follow different couples but that just made the end of Rafe and Ruby feel like it was rushed in order to tie it all up. I was interested in the story of Ruby and her sister, Lena, and what they were but that wasn't even fleshed out well and it just leaves you going back several pages to see if you missed something.

I thought about DNF'ing this so many times but kept up with it because, again, I wanted to find out what was going on with the sisters.

Thank you to NetGalley, Melissa McTernan, and publishers for an advanced copy of this book. My reviews and thoughts are my own.

⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book hooked me quite unexpectedly. I read the first few paragraphs and thought that it wasn't going to be for me, but something about it kept me engaged and I finished it within a few hours! A nice snappy read, with werewolves, mates, touch her and you die type brooding man and spice!
It wasn't the best writing in the world, but the short sentences kept me absorbed and waiting for what came next. The characters could have done with more fleshing out, but it was a shorter book and went straight into the grit of the story, which I'm not entirely opposed to.
All in all, I really enjoyed this and I'll be purchasing a paperback when it comes out, and I'll be keeping my eyes out for the next installment!

Little Hot Riding Hood! This steamy retelling of the fairytale is atmospheric, romantic and spicy! McTernan deftly sets up the first in this paranormal series, featuring a contemporary world with reclusive werewolves, where you root for protagonists Ruby and Rafe fast and hard.

Little red riding hood retelling...YES PLEASE! I did enjoy this book and but felt it lacked a little and could have been expanded more throughout the book. Rafe's background was very detailed and i very much loved that