Maple Hollow #1: Big Bad Wolf by Laurie Gilmore book review

Big Bad Wolf is the first book in the Maple Hollow trilogy, a paranormal small-town romance that reimagines Little Red Riding Hood for adult readers. Set in the quirky town of Maple Hollow, the story follows Ruby, a bartender who lives on the edge of the woods with her twin sister Lena. Ruby has always felt like an outsider in her tight-knit community, keeping to herself and away from local gossip. Her life changes when she meets Rafe, a mysterious and brooding woodsman who lives deep within the forest. As their connection deepens, Ruby discovers that Rafe harbors a dangerous secret—he's a werewolf. The town's legends about the woods and the creatures within them prove to be more than just folklore. While Ruby and Rafe navigate their undeniable attraction and bond as fated mates, they must also confront personal trauma and mysterious threats lurking in the shadowy forest. The book concludes with a cliffhanger that sets up the next installment in the series, leaving readers eager for answers about what comes next for this paranormal world. 🐺✨ 

I absolutely devoured this book and couldn't put it down! 🖤 As a longtime fan of Laurie Gilmore's Dream Harbor series, I wasn't sure what to expect from her venture into paranormal romance, but she absolutely nailed it. What impressed me most was how she maintained her signature cozy, small-town charm while introducing darker, moodier elements with werewolves, witches, nymphs, and other magical beings. The atmosphere is unreal, not sunshine-and-rainbows cozy, but rather that wrapped-in-a-blanket-while-it's-raining-and-slightly-magical kind of cozy that had me completely immersed. 🍂 Ruby is everything—strong, unapologetically herself, and learning she's not as alone as she thought. I loved her fierce personality and her unwavering loyalty to her sister. And Rafe? The grumpy-x-sunshine dynamic between them was electric. 💕 The chemistry between them felt inevitable, and watching them work through their individual baggage to be together was satisfying. The Little Red Riding Hood parallels were outstanding, especially the recurring detail of Ruby reapplying her red lipstick. The found family and paranormal elements combined with Gilmore's talent for world-building created a story I couldn't resist. I finished it in record time and immediately wanted to start over! 📖✨ Definite recommendation! 🌟 If you love fated mates, small-town vibes, paranormal romance, or Laurie Gilmore's work, grab this one immediately. Fair warning: you will be dying to jump straight into book two! 🐺🍂