The darker the woods, the bigger the secrets…

Ruby Bellerose lives on the edge of the woods, in a cottage more akin to a fairy tale than modern-day life. Her love life is practically non-existent, and she keeps away from the whispered gossip that travels through Maple Hollow.

Until a chance encounter with Rafe.

As mysterious as he is brooding, Ruby is drawn to the woodsman, curious to find out about the stranger who lives deep within the woods.

But Rafe is hiding a secret. And with something lurking in the shadowy forest, will Ruby find that Rafe is her knight in shining armor, or something altogether more dangerous…

Previously Published: (from Amazon) A version of this book was previously published as A Curse of Blood and Wolves. This book has been rewritten and edited again; however, some character names and plot points do remain the same as the original story.

Titles in the Maple Hollow series (trilogy) include:  Big Bad Wolf ~

This story may contain language, violence, and/or sexual situations intended for an adult 18+ audience.

Title:  Big Bad Wolf
Series:  Maple Hollow #1
Author:  Laurie Gilmore
Published:  September 9, 2026
Publisher:  HarperCollins
My Rating:  4 stars

Big Bad Wolf opens the Maple Hollow series with a retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood tale… with some unusual, paranormal, adult twists.  It was previously published under another pseudonym of the author – I have not read the original so I’ve nothing to compare this rewritten work to in that sense.  But I liked Ruby and Rafe’s romance.  There were often repeated things that I felt had already been addressed… but that’s from this reader’s viewpoint; you might feel differently.

To be frank, this couple was often so stubborn and stuck in their “my way or the highway” thinking that they completely deserved, in my opinion, the smack upside the head I so badly wanted to deliver.  We get a good feel for this small town of unique, quirky residents living on the edge of the woods, with a rather sinister reputation for strange happenings… rumors, gossip, or is it?  You’ll soon find out.  I loved Ruby’s protective nature toward her sister; the found family she’s slowly pulled back into is a perfect fit for her.  Rafe is growly, sexy, stubborn, protective, and so certain that a future with Ruby is just not possible for him.  Watching them work through the difficulties and danger was an enjoyable read.

I found Big Bad Wolf to be an enjoyable story, emotional on several levels, passionate on others, and a plot that drew me in and kept me engaged throughout.  I’ll follow the series to see what comes next.  If that sounds like your kind of Paranormal/Shifter Romance, then be sure to check out their romantic adventures… you just might find a new series to follow.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This title is available on Amazon