4.4 (8,590 ratings)

Tasting Red: A Spicy Red Riding Hood Retelling

Name: Tasting Red: A Spicy Red Riding Hood Retelling
Rating: 4.4 (8590 reviews)
Author: Holly Roberds
ISBN: B0CKWGSYFC

by Holly Roberds

witches

About this book

Red thought she had successfully escaped her magical past after fleeing the Fairy Fine Arts Academy, trading spells for a quiet, human existence. But when she returns to her grandmother’s cottage only to discover a lethal, scarred wolf shifter waiting in the bedroom, her carefully constructed life begins to unravel. With her grandmother missing and a mysterious enemy hunting her down, Red finds herself forced into an uneasy alliance with the very creature who should be her nightmare.

This spicy paranormal romance breathes new life into a classic tale, blending high-stakes action with intense chemistry. As the forced-proximity trope takes hold, Red and her protector are trapped together during her heat, testing the limits of her self-control and his restraint. Between the snarky banter and the mounting tension, the Big Bad Wolf is determined to show her exactly why he earned his reputation.

Perfect for fans of found-family dynamics and academy settings, this story is a fiery, original twist on a familiar fable. If you are looking for a pulse-pounding read where the magic is chaotic and the romance is scorching, look no further. Dive into this enchanting world where Red is far from sweet, and the wolf is hungry for more than just a snack.

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B0CKWGSYFC

Reader Reviews

“My, my, Red, what big stars you have”

May 14, 2025

“Tasting Red” by Holly Roberds is a spicy paranormal romance and Red Riding Hood retelling. It is book one in the “Lost Girls” series of interconnected standalones, each book revolving around a Lost Girl and their fairy tale, including Red, Goldie, Cinder, Belle, and Rap. Traumatized and over the world of magic, Scarlett “Red” just wants to be an accountant, despite her legacy as the granddaughter of the powerful home mage, Grandma. When she comes home to Grandma, she runs into Brexley, the...

Sugar, so much spice and everything nice

November 2, 2025

Sugar, spice, and everything nice, that’s exactly what Tasting Red is made of. I had such a fun time reading this book! The chemistry between Red and Brexley absolutely sizzles, and their banter is sharp, playful, and full of tension in all the best ways. The spice? Perfection. Just the right amount to keep you blushing and turning the pages for more. Beyond the heat, the story has a great mystery running through it. The question of why everyone is after Red keeps you hooked and adds an...

Great retelling

January 26, 2026

I really enjoyed the twists on werewolves, magic, and a traditional fairy tale. It was original and familiar at the same time, and in just the right balance. It was also interesting to have the “big bad wolf” be both the bad guy/source of dramatic tension and be the main male character and source of romantic tension and spice. The author did a good job of riding that edge and raising tension, but also making it possible to deliver a believable HEA. It was an enjoyable read and I’m looking...

A delicious, wicked twist on a classic tale.

July 21, 2025

From the moment Red finds a scarred, brooding wolf shifter in her grandmother’s bedroom, the story sinks its teeth into you and doesn’t let go. The chemistry? Off the charts. The spice? Whew—hot enough to set the woods on fire. But what I loved even more was how the relationship built. It wasn’t just lust; there was tension, trust, banter, and a slow-burn connection that made their bond feel earned and addictive. The plot was fast-paced, fun, and full of magical chaos—exactly the kind of...

🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

January 22, 2024

If you're in it for the spice, Roberds got you. Though it's not super detailed or out there, the steam is very present. Overall, I loved how the story rounded out in the end. It was a little bit of a slow read for me in the beginning (however, that may be because I'm in a slump). I appreciated the use of the fairytale language and how the two worlds correlated. It was easy to follow, due to Red not wanting to take part in the fae world, there wasn't much world building like in most fairytale or...