The story was just okay for me overall. While there were some elements I enjoyed, a few things didn’t quite work for me.

The FMC felt a little too trusting and underreacted when learning about werewolves and other supernaturals, which made it hard to connect with her. Her desperation at times also seemed at odds with the independent, “I don’t need anyone” persona the book tried to establish.

On the other hand, I did love the conflicted and tortured MMC—always a plus for me. However, the romance leaned a little too heavily into insta-love, even for a fated mates trope, which made it feel rushed and less believable.

Overall, while this story wasn’t a personal favorite, readers who enjoy fast-paced fated mates romances with supernatural elements might still find it appealing.

I enjoy. The shifters in this book where you need, but they were also the perfect blend of alpha and wolf. The magical Rome, that's folk southern was expertly developed. And I enjoyed the plot twist, and the character development along the way.

The book is poorly written and poorly plotted. Yet I couldn't put it down. This was the shiny new book on my kindle that kept me occupied when my work schedule was driving me bonkers. It is fun and a good escape. I don't know that I suggest libraries buy it since there are much better romances out there but it was still enjoyable.

Ended up ordering more for my store. Though it wasn’t my cup of tea, I think it has an appeal to a larger audience. It seems to be steadily selling.

I absolutely love a fairytale retelling and a Red Riding Hood retelling g was right up my street; However I found it a little too dark for me.

I was excited to read this book because fantasy and romance are right up my alley as well as fairy tale re-tellings. This is a retelling of Red Riding Hood and a very dark one at that. Ruby should feel afraid of the dark stranger lurking for her in the woods. While the story intrigued me and I liked the writing, the relationship was actually too dark for me. It seemed more abusive than dark and more unhealthy and toxic rather than steamy. I appreciate that others may feel differently but I feel that there should be a lot of trigger warnings with this book, and I am not usually triggered.

I frickin love wolves. If a book has a wolf in it, I’m a fan. This was great. Fast read, quickly paced, I read it in two days. So good!

A Curse of Blood and Wolves was a fun and steamy read, but a bit surface level for my taste. I found the world building to be very lacking.
So overall, this was good, but not great. 3/5⭐⭐⭐

This was...not good. I usually try to find some positives to start with, but it's really a struggle here. Everything that stood out to me did so in a negative way. The writing was simplistic and juvenile-sounding. The romance was rushed and struck hard of insta-love. And the characters fell into all of the worst tropes. The main character was "not like other girls" and the romantic lead somehow tried to make growling a personality. I was very disappointed in this book and can't recommend it, unfortunately.

I loved that this was a quick 2 day read. Exactly what I needed to get into the groove of reading again. The plot was really great. I loved Rafe’s backstory, even Ruby’s was good, and Lena too. We kept meeting new characters which I also loved because it definitely sets up for book 2 without taking away from the MCs story in book 1. The only thing that I wish was different was seeing more Lena and what was going on with her since it was such a BIG part of the overall story.

I can’t wait for book 2!

Melissa McTernan’s "A Curse of Blood and Wolves" is an enthralling blend of fantasy and romance that weaves a tale of dark magic, forbidden love, and a difficult journey through a richly imagined world. The novel's compelling characters and intricate plot captivate readers from the very first page and take them on a suspenseful ride filled with twists and turns. It was a fun twist on the tale of Red Riding Hood, a character for which I haven't seen many retellings. While "A Curse of Blood and Wolves" is a gripping read, some readers might find the initial chapters slow as the groundwork for the plot and setting is laid. However, once the story gains momentum, it becomes difficult to put down. Additionally, a few secondary characters could have been given more depth to fully realize their potential within the narrative.

Okay. So. I'm really sorry, Melissa, but this was.... not it for me, unfortunately. I couldn't stand Ruby as a main character and I felt like her relationship with wolf guy only revolved around sex. I didn't feel the chemistry, unfortunately. Sometimes we just don't connect with a book, and this was the case for me with A Curse for Blood and Wolves...

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an e-ARC of A Curse of Blood and Wolves. I was intrigued by the synopsis, which seemed right up my alley. However, while this book had some good plot ideas, it just didn't grab me. I found myself repeatedly putting it down and not connecting with the plot or characters. I finally decided to DNF at the 40% mark because I just wasn't interested. I'm sure many people will enjoy this story, but it just wasn't for me.

Title:A Curse of Blood and Wolves
Author: Melissa McTernan
2.5/5
---

Looking for a dark and steamy reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood? Look no further! "A Curse of Blood and Wolves" by Melissa McTernan is perfect for romantasy readers and SmutTok lovers alike.

When Ruby feels the eyes of a stranger in the woods, she knows she should be scared. She knows she should run. But instead, she feels a thrill. She 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.

Melissa McTernan’s retelling of Red Riding Hood is steamy, though a bit repetitive at times. While the writing is good, the story could use more character development and a bit more plot or relationship conflict. The tortured man-to-wolf transformation of the character is reminiscent of James Dean’s performance in "Rebel Without a Cause"—sometimes over the top but still relatable. The sexual tension is intense, keeping readers on the brink of release.

This story has so much potential, but it just fell a bit flat for me. As a sucker for a good retelling, I wanted more. The writing style is easy to follow, but it became repetitive after a while. I had to push myself to keep going. While I admire the strength displayed by Ruby, I couldn’t quite connect with her personally. If you love a driven female main character, this book might be for you. The romance is palpable, and you can feel the deep connection between the characters, though it sometimes doesn’t quite click. This is a great starting point for those new to the romantic fantasy genre who want an easy-to-follow story.

Who doesn’t love a paranormal romance with werewolves, fated mates, and a touch of mystery? Add in a loose retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, and you’ve got a fun read. This is the first book in a trilogy following three alpha werewolf brothers. Set in the present, the book follows Ruby, our main female character, and Rafe, our dark and delicious werewolf.

Ruby is struggling to support her unwell sister, Lena, who is a Seer. She works a job she doesn’t particularly like but does it out of necessity. Ruby has always been a bit different, known as "Goth Girl" growing up. One night, on her way home, she meets a dark stranger in the woods. She knows she shouldn’t walk through the woods, but it’s quicker, and she’s drawn to them. This is when she meets Rafe. Rafe is a centuries-old tortured soul who has been living in the woods, trying to escape his barbaric past under his father’s rule. Yes, this was a very cliché read, but you know what? I didn’t mind it. Some books you either love or hate, but this was a fun read. There is insta-love, but with fated mates, that’s pretty standard. Rafe is a bit of a tortured soul who finally realizes he and Ruby are meant to be. While this book focuses on Ruby and Rafe’s journey, it also sets up the storyline for the next couple of books. It was a quick, enjoyable read, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens with Theo, the second brother, who promises to bring a bit more humor.

There’s a bit of spice in this book, with a slow burn until Rafe finally pulls his tail out of his... well, you get it. If you’re in the mood for a dark, steamy, and fun paranormal romance, give "A Curse of Blood and Wolves" a try. You might just find yourself drawn into this world of werewolves and fated mates.

I was really drawn into this read by the blurb but I felt that it didn't accurately portray the book. I had expected more but felt that the writing was a little lazy and overall juvenile. I was really hoping this would be a great book.

Unfortunately, this book wasn't it for me. Felt like it was all about the smut and no story whatsoever.
Congrats on the deal with Fairyloot nonetheless !

A Curse of Blood and Wolves by Melissa McTernan

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read this book.

This felt a little like a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood but a steamy spicy version where Little Red Riding Hood falls for the big bad Wolf.

Ruby lives with her sister in a small cottage in the woods. Ruby is a strong independent young woman who doesn’t need any help. One day she meets Rafe, who is a shifter and instead of being afraid of him, she falls for him. We get to follow Ruby and Rafe and see how their relationship develops, we also get to know Lena, Ruby's sister a little. She is having visions showing danger is coming. Is the danger the other wolves that are lurking outside the cottage?

I must admit I picked this book by its cover and I was a little disappointed after I finished reading it. I would have wanted to know more about the characters, about their granny and Lena about the backstory.

I read this is a first book in a series. I don't think I will continue.

A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are loveable. The plot is one that is engaging and I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.

2.5 stars!

this was....interesting. I wasn't sure how I would feel about a shifter romance, but after reading Bride by Ali Hazelwood, I felt more confident about giving it a try. The funny thing is that there were some similarities between this book and Ali Hazelwood - number one being the main male character being SO BIG. I do think additionally there wasn't really any plot but just meandering from one spice scene to another.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest reason!

A retelling of Red Riding Hood. A little steamy but also a little repetitive in some aspects. Melissa writes well but there could have been more character development and a little more plot or relationship issues. The tortured of the character and shifting from man to wolf was reminiscent of James Deans performance in Rebel without a cause. Sometimes over the top but relatable. Although the female longs and wants the attention of the mysterious man/wolf who follows her, it often leads to a highly sexual tension that keeps you on the brink of release.