Laurie's books have taken me a bit to get into but once I do I'm all in. The same was true for this latest fairytale retelling. I enjoyed it. The cover is a gem and the writing is excellent. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

🧡 Big Bad Wolf 🧡

📖 Bookish Thoughts

My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.

✨ What to Expect
• Small Town Romance
• Fated Mates
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Forced Proximity
• Found Family
• Cozy Paranormal
_ _ _ _

📅 Pub Date: September 8, 2026
Thank you to Harper 360, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

LOVED this one!! Laurie is so talented and this world is very fun. A little sexier than her other series. Highly recommend.

Holy moly!! I was already a Laurie Gilmore fan, but I was not prepared for this!

So different from her Dream Harbor books. Dark, magical, werewolves, seers, witches… and somehow it still has all the things she does best ✨ Found family, small town vibes, and two people who feel completely inevitable.

I was genuinely giddy reading this. Could not put it down, flew through it, and immediately wanted to start over again.

Ruby was everything 🖤 Strong, a little outcast, fully herself, and learning she’s not as alone as she thinks. I loved her. And Rafe… the hot and cold nearly took me out, but I felt every bit of Ruby’s frustration, which made it work.

The vibes are unreal 🍂 Not cozy sunshine, but wrap up in a blanket, it’s raining, slightly dark and magical kind of cozy.

And that ending??? I usually hate a cliffhanger, but now I just need the next Maple Hollow book immediately.

Huge thank you to Laurie Gilmore, HarperCollins, and Harper 360 for letting me be part of the early reading team 🥹 I am completely obsessed and already counting down to the next one ✨🐺🍂

I enjoyed reading this story about Ruby and Rafe and how he was there to protect her from harm from everyone who thought that she was her twin

My ARC list of September releases is out of control but when I was asked to review Bug Bad Wolf, I jumped at the chance and moved it immediately to the top of my TBR. And boy am I glad I did!

A lot of my friends know that Dream Harbor is my non-so-secret guilty pleasure. I loved each and every one of those books but I’m not really a pure romance reader. Add werewolves, witches and nymphs and you’ve got a combo that is out of this world.

This definitely had the Dream Harbor feel but mix it with Once Upon a Time and some secrets in a sleepy old town and I’m obsessed!!

Did it get corny at times? Absolutely. Was I there for it? Yep! I cannot wait to head back to Maple Hollow! Also, this ends on a cliff hanger so I’m not sure it’ll be interconnected standalones like Dream Harbor. Also, shout out to the DH mention!

Thank you Harper 360/Harper Collins, Laurie Gilmore and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

If you're a fan of cozy fantasy, small-town vibes, and werewolves, I think you'll really enjoy this one. The story follows Ruby, who's grown up hearing the local legends her entire life, only to discover there might be more truth to them than she ever imagined. When she crosses paths with Rafe, the chemistry between them is immediate, and I loved watching their relationship unfold against the backdrop of all the mystery surrounding the town.

What I enjoyed most was that it wasn't just a romance. The side characters each have their own personalities and storylines that kept me invested, and the world feels like one you want to keep coming back to. There are plenty of twists along the way, and by the end I was already wondering what will happen next.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book early. I loved the small town feels with a twist of creatures and suspense. I felt like this was a slow burn with Rafe and Ruby. It felt nostalgic reading this book because I grew up reading and watching tv shows with mystical creatures, vampires, wolves, harry potter ,etc. I also enjoyed the supporting characters and the hardships Ruby experienced and it made the book feel real. There was a slow build up to the big events and I was rushing to get to the solution. :)

I’ve read all the Dream Harbor books so when I saw that there was to be a spicy fated mates book that played on the classic fairytale of Red Riding Hood, I couldn’t wait to read it! This was a fun, cozy read featuring baddie Ruby, who grew up in a small town in with stories of the dangers of the woods and mysterious creatures. She quickly learns those stories aren’t far from the truth when she meets Rafe. I was surprised but utterly delighted by this darker, moodier read. There are some amazing moments paranormal readers are going to love and the spice was perfection.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it very quickly. The chemistry between Ruby and Rafe was fantastic and I loved seeing them both grow. I found myself wanting Rafe to get over himself and his past beliefs during the 3rd act break up but isn’t that the point? They are meant to be together and must work through all their stuff to make that worthwhile. The parallels to Red Riding Hood were outstanding and I found myself smirking at all the times Ruby needed to reapply her red lipstick. Perfect detail.

Everything with Ruby’s sister was heartbreaking and I wish I had seen more of her and their bonds as sisters. I felt like there needed to be more weight their relationship besides Ruby just being worried about her. Regardless, I can’t wait to see this series develop and learn more about Ruby and her sister’s abilities, as well as Rafe’s brothers’ stories.

When I say I couldn't put this book down I really mean it, I read it in THREE hours. I fell in love with Maple Hollow. The paranormal aspect makes me love it even more (it's not just werewolves!!) Ruby and Rafe overcame so much individually and together but their tension and chemistry were there so strong the entire time (ruby's patience is something i strive for lol). It was fast paced, something was always happening to make me turn the page faster. I will definitely read this again along with all the upcoming ones in this series, I have no idea where the next one is going. Thank you so much Laurie Gilmore for writing such an amazing book.

From the second I picked up Big Bad Wolf I was hooked. I’ve always loved Dream Harbor but Maple Hollow has had me enamored. The mystery, magic, and storybook themes are entrancing. I hated that this book ended, I want to live in Ruby and Rafe’s world forever. I don’t know if I will get over this cliff hanger until I get my hands on the second book in Maple Hollow.

Big Bad Wolf combines small-town charm, playful romance, and plenty of witty banter into an irresistibly cozy read. Laurie Gilmore creates likable characters whose chemistry leaps off the page, while the lighthearted humor keeps the story fun from beginning to end. Beneath the romance is a heartfelt story about vulnerability and finding where you truly belong. It's a delightful addition for readers who love cozy contemporary romances.

Ruby is a small town bartender that lives with her sister, Lena. Lena is having weird episodes and they don’t know what’s going on with her. While working, Ruby encounters a brooding and handsome woodworker, Rafe. Rafe is instantly possessive of Ruby, especially when a mysterious stranger starts showing interest in her.

This was a cozy werewolf romance with fated mates, grumpy x sunshine, and found family tropes. There are also other mythical creatures sprinkled in which gave it a nice touch.

I think the romance started to fizzle out about halfway through because Rafe spent so much time going back and forth about accepting their bond that it started to feel repetitive. Once he finally accepted it, it did pick back up for me.

I enjoyed the side characters a lot, especially Theo. I am looking forward to reading his story.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper360 for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is an awesome book! I love a good reimagining and this Little Red Riding Hood inspired story did not disappoint! Ruby and Rafe have some amazing chemistry together. Seeing their relationship grow and change as the story went on was just lovely. And I just adore the small town of Maple Hollow. It's filled with a unique cast of characters. I can't wait to see what happens next in this cozy mysterious town. If you like paranormal romance, this book is for you. I definitely recommend it!

I love Laurie Gilmore's writing, and Big Bad Wolf did not disappoint! She managed to write a romance that is perfectly sweet, ultra cozy, and beautifully spicy all at once.

The book follows Ruby, a girl living on the edge of the woods in the small town of Maple Hollow, and Rafe, a mysterious woodsman she can’t seem to stay away from. Between the magical, fairytale atmosphere, the grumpy x sunshine tension, and the secrets lurking in the forest, I was entirely hooked from chapter one.
It has all the whimsical, quirky small town charm you expect from a Gilmore novel, but with a wonderful paranormal twist. It’s comforting, passionate, and incredibly satisfying. Highly recommend to anyone who loves a fated-mates romance with plenty of heart and heat!

Thank you so much for this ARC!
It releases on my birthday I cannot wait!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for this ARC. I was so excited to receive this as a Laurie Gilmore fan. I adore the stories in the Dream Harbor series and now we get to visit Maple Hollow. I always refer to the Dream Harbor books as Hallmark movies with spice. They leave you with that sweet small town feeling and they are just such fun reads. Now we get to visit the darker side of town. Big Bad Wolf follows our FMC Ruby and Rafe. Let's just say this is a Little Red Riding Hood for grownups!

Pick this one up and you will not be disappointed!

Overall I enjoyed the story. It took me a little bit to get into. I felt disconnected from the characters for the majority of the book but I genuinely really enjoyed the read.

Recommended for those who are fans of cozy darkish werewolf romances

3.5⭐️

Advance Read Copy provided by Netgalley and Harper 360 in exchange for an honest review.

Who's afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? Because it wasn't Ruby! Maple Hollow is the new town for this series, witch includes Werewolves, Witches, Nymphs, and so many other yet to be disclosed magical people. *No spoilers here!

Rafe was our wolfy self disclosed bad boy, and he thought himself a monster until Ruby opened his eyes. His childhood included an awful Dad and some issues he needed to work through. He came to Maple Hollow after leaving his pack. Ruby has always felt like an outsider in the small town, while her twin Lena was well liked and popular until one day she had a non responsive episode and small town gossip started that ostracized her. While Ruby tries to help her sister figure out what is happening, she starts to realize her tiny circle of support is the larger community, thanks to Rafe showing her.

Rafe & Ruby are meant for each other, and they have to work through their fear, the extra side plots, and their personal baggage to try and make this work. Are they fated for each other, or just a crush?

I loved the Little Red Riding Hood aspect and retelling of this book. Maple Hollow will be my next obsession series from Laurie Gilmore! I can't wait to see how these quirky characters develop and experience more of this cute, cozy, mysterious town. If you enjoyed Dream Harbor series, and a fan of paranormal stories, come join me in Maple Hollow as I eagerly wait for the next book!

This is the first book in Gilmore’s new Maple Hollow series and it’s a new twist on Red Riding Hood with werewolves and other paranormal beings! Ruby works at the only bar in the small town of Maple Hollow. Rafe is a woodworker who meets Ruby when he’s hired to build new tables for the bar. He enjoys their flirty banter, but worries when a stranger takes an interest in her and her twin sister, Lena. They live together in a cottage at the edge of the forest. Ruby likes to walk home through the woods at night and that’s when the story really takes off!

Gilmore does a great job building a dark but cozy, small-town feel with unique characters. I zoomed through this spicy story and loved it all, except for Rafe’s push and pull that went on a little too long. There’s a cliffhanger at the end, but I’m happy to see book two of the series comes out in October and I can’t wait! Many thanks to the author, HarperCollins and NetGalley for this ARC. This is 4 ½ stars for me. 09/08

I absolutely loved going into this romantasy with Laurie Gilmore. I loves the Little Red Riding Hood theme and how she found different ways to put it into the storyline. I thought this book was really easy to get to know the characters. I am excited to see what happens in book 2 with her sister. I almost wonder if his brother is her mate?!

It's giving ali hazelwood mate vibes. I was a little skeptical because this is much different than the pumpkin spice cafe series. I flew through this book in 2 days. It was very easy to read.And kept you on your toes, when it came to trying to figure out what was going on. I had a feeling it would be left on a cliffhanger. Can't wait to see what happens in book two.

This book was a fun first installment of a new paranormal series (Maple Grove) by Laurie Gilmore; I'm already hooked! A little darker than her normal fair, what the book retains is the small-town world-building and rich supporting characters that are typical of her work. This story follows Rafe, a guy with big secrets, and Ruby, a gal who's managed to stumble into the middle of some serious, shadowy drama. He's broken, she's broken, and their broken pieces seem to keep colliding.

You can tell that this is going to be a "don't get too comfortable" kind of series, because just when it looks like there's a happily ever after, BAM! A cliffhanger! Now I can't wait to read the next one!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper260 for an ARC in exchange for my honest assessment of this work.

I was eager to see how this romantasy series in Maple Hollow would compare to the charming Dream Harbor series, and in many ways, it's quite similar. The writing and coziness factor are very much still there, but Big Bad Wolf was significantly darker and moodier. Plus, there are werewolves.

I liked Ruby as a main character and her combat boot-wearing, no-nonsense self. I also liked Rafe, but his ongoing indecisiveness towards the latter half of the book wasn't my favorite. I also usually prefer a bit more buildup when reading about a budding relationship, so the whole "we're destined to be together forever" after a month was jarring (even though I get the fated mates thing).

Regardless, this was a fun, quick read, and I'm sure I'll continue with the series. I was shocked that this ended on a cliffhanger, so I'm curious to see where the story goes from here.

Thank you Harper Collins and Netgalley for this e-arc!

4.5 stars

Y'all when I saw Laurie Gilmore had a paranormal romance with were wolves I said SIGN ME UP!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh I absolutely loved this so much. We start with Ruby, who is taking care of her sister Lena and working herself to death when in walks Rafe (ahhhhhhhh) a burly like lumberjack gorgeous shy man(ahhhhhhhhh) and from their she is catcalled, attacked, nearly dies and falls in love all in the span of one book which is a lot. I loved Ruby! She is feisty and not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for herself, but she also really cares for her sister Lena, who is having problems. She is very kind and generous and I love her chemistry with Rafe. This book was a little insta lovey, but I actually didn't mind it because it had this I want her but can't have her trope which added to the extension quite a bit. I looooovvvveeddd Rafe! He was great and such a sweet sad tragic character. His life has been hard and him being a werewolf was awesome!!!! I cannot wait to read more books in this world because PARANORMAL ROMANCE IS BACK AND I AM SO HERE FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I absolutely love this steamy retelling of Little Red Hiding Hood. I enjoy Laurie Gilmore's style of writing. The book was very descriptive, it made you feel like you could smell the woods and you could feel what Ruby and Lena was feeling. I love how other aspects of the story was added to not make it completely a retelling. Great book and a quick read

Faithful readers of this author may find this book a bit of a departure. It is a paranormal romance, which I love, but even, if it is not your usual genre, I think you will find the romance and found family aspects endearing. It hinted as a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood but definitely is a story in its own right. You won’t be able to put this book down.

I will never ever ever get tired of werewolves. And Rafe. You can call me brave girl aannnyyyydayyy!!!

We have a small town. Every one knows every one. Ruby is a strong willed and feeling hopeless as she takes on the death of her aunt and her twins new illness.

But could this illness be the answer to why they say stay out of the woods at night?!


Thank you netgalley. Now I must IMPATIENTLY wait for the next one!

This was exactly what I wanted as a new supernatural series from Laurie Gilmore. I'm obsessed with Dream Harbor and now you can add Maple Hollow to that list.

Kinda loved this departure from what I expect from Laurie Gilmore but also not too far if that makes sense. I liked the concept of this being inspired by Little Red Riding Hood but taking it to an obviously adult and more magic focused route. I love the additions of nymphs and witches and ither supernaturals. It makes the world seems bigger in a way and also more interesting to see where it goes. I will say I enjoyed the love story and while the third act breakup is always annoying to me this one didnt feel as forced as some have felt. I liked/expected the cliffhanger ending but I also kinda wish I had a little more of it. Im excited to see where this story goes next especially considering its Theo/Phoebe and I need to know their story BAAAAAD.

With Big Bad Wolf, Laurie Gilmore steps away from the cozy, interconnected world of her Dream Harbor series and dives into something a bit more serialized: a paranormal small-town romance. She includes just the right amount of Little Red Riding Hood vibes—recognizable but never heavy-handed. While Ruby and Rafe get a complete, heartfelt romance arc, the story still ends on a major cliffhanger that’ll have you saying 'That ending!' out loud. I especially loved how Ruby’s love for horror movies and tough survivor mindset make her perfectly equipped to handle Rafe’s dangerous secret and his conviction that he’s too monstrous to be loved. It’s a clever evolution that mixes Gilmore’s signature cozy feel with spicier, darker elements. Longtime fans should definitely give this fresh direction a try.

I can't wait for the next story in the series!

Big Bad Wolf by Laurie Gilmore is the first in her Maple Hollow series. Small town with big secrets, spice, magic, witches, seers and werewolves oh my. What was up with this ending….goodness…now we have to wait for Lena’s story.( hopefully we will not have a long wait..sigh). Thank you to #NetGalley and #HarperCollins for this Arc. Releases Sept.8, 2026

Thank you to Netgalley and Harpercollins for this ARC!

Let me just say if you’re a twilight fan and team Jacob… this is for you🐺

The atmosphere of this book is absolutely perfect. It will make a perfect fall read. The small town, found family, strong FMC, magical elements; it all makes for a great cozy read. I love the mystery aspect of it, searching for answers and the tension between the FMC and MMC. The fact that you have to wait about 80% of the book for them to finally accept each other is just chefs kiss honestly it builds up so well!!! I cannot wait for the next book I NEED to know what happens to Lena …..

This was a solid, fun read.

If you liked the Dream Harbor series, but want something a tiny bit darker, this may be for you. It’s also a little grittier, but still with the small-town vibes we all love. It’s also much spicier, so that that as you will.

Somehow this exists in the same universe, same state which is fun to think about.

If fated mates, therefore insta-love, is an automatic no for you, then this may be a skip. There’s instantly something between the two main characters, although they don’t instantly get together. There is some time to develop a relationship before it turns romantic, which I appreciate.

These are more like wolf shifters (Twilight) than true werewolves. There are also more supernatural creatures that are barely touched upon. I hope there’s more world-building in the next books. Like Ruby has an ability but we never figure out what it actually is.

I actually liked this more than some of the Dream Harbor books, only because there was more going on than Hallmark-esque plot points.

Rafe constantly leaving for reasons got annoying and could have been edited down or a different plot point could have been used to move things along.

Very much looking forward to seeing where this series goes, especially with the other brothers. And Lena, she needs further explored.

Big Bad Wolf
Maple Hollow Book One
By Laurie Gilmore


I really love the authors Dream Harbor series so I'd hoped the trip to Maple Hollow would be just as good. There's witches, wolves, a sister who can see the future, and of course Ruby who has a basket and red cloak it makes you reminisce of Little Red Riding Hood. The town folks Sal who comes to the bar every night, Dorothy who washes her lingerie at the laundromat, Macy who owns the bar. It's a cozy romances that was a slow burning for both Ruby and Rafe and I look forward to reading Lena's book.

Thank you to Net Galley and Harper 360 for allowing me to read this wonderful book.

I went into Big Bad Wolf expecting Laurie Gilmore's signature small-town charm... but I was not expecting to become obsessed with a world full of werewolves, witches, and magic. Maple Hollow is the perfect mix of eerie and cozy, like the kind of place you'd never want to leave. Ruby was such an easy heroine to root for, and the tension between her and Rafe had me flying through the pages. Just a warning: that ending will leave you desperate for book two. I can't wait! 4.5⭐

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for the eARC!
Pub. date: Sep. 8th 2026
#BigBadWolf #NetGalley

3.5☆ rounded up

Cozy and spooky vibes galore, which was to be expected and I enjoyed it! I was getting Lil Red and Big Bad Wolf vibes but with serious twists on the original.

There were many elements that kept me engaged and curious as to where the story was headed. I was definitely rooting for the main characters to come together and saw certain developments coming from a mile away. The side characters and town were cozy but quirky and I seriously enjoyed the friendships and found family aspects that were explored.

While the story was entertaining, I felt like some plot aspects just didn't hit for me like I wanted them to. Some things were rushed or could have been explored a little more.

This wasn't too bad for a debut paranormal for Laurie Gilmore, she brings the same style set up from her pumpkin spice series but with magical creatures. I liked Ruby a lot, she was very accepting from the start and she had good communication with Rafe at least. He on the other hand gave us whiplash with his back and forth, I understand where he's coming from with how he was raised, but my guy needs to listen to his girl, he takes a long while to finally do that when she did nothing but communicate to him. He was very caring and protective of not just Ruby, but Lena as well. The twins' situation was where I felt disappointed, we get almost nothing from that, just some scenes and talk but it felt pointless to be in there as there was no progress. Maybe this goes deeper in Lena's story, but it would have been better to just drop small hints instead because it was such a small issue in this book. The quest to find out was also moot except the initial one because they left as soon as they got there, those visit's to Rafe's older brother went no where in my opinion. This book mainly focuses on Rafe and Ruby's relationship with some side quests thrown in; I'm fine with that but if you're wanting a bunch of action and answers then you'll have to wait for the other books. Overall I did enjoy this one since I'm mostly there for the romance anyway, we got some spice sprinkled here and there but it was more towards the end of the book, it wasn't super descriptive but you do get some details.

Woof!! This twist on a classic fairy tale was sexy, broody, and laced with magic. It was an addictive story and hard to put down. I love the spooky vibes of the town.

Ruby and Rafe have electric chemistry from the start. They circled each other in smaller and smaller circles as Rafe fought the relationship, trying to “do the right thing” despite their physical inability to stay away from each other. This added some fun tension, even though I felt like Rafe fought the relationship just a little too hard. One less “oh no, I shouldn’t do this” would have made it perfect.

I thoroughly enjoyed the extended cast of characters in the story, especially Callie and Sawyer (he was hilarious). I really want to read their story, even though it’s already happened. I can’t wait to see where the author takes this!

Thank you HarperCollins for sending this ebook for my review consideration. All opinions expressed above are my own.

🍂Title: Big Bad Wolf
🐺Vibe Check: Small Town, Werewolves, Mates
🕯️Genre: Romance
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5

🍂My Thoughts:
HOW COULD YOU

Ok so no shocker to most people, Laurie Gilmore is in my top 3 favorite authors. So every time I get an ARC from her I freak. This was no different. ESPECIALLY because my cozy small town romances are going to have monsters?!? Yeah I’m rattling the bars of this cage. But SOMEONE gave a cliff hanger?!? WHY DO YOU HATE ME! Seriously though, I loved this book. I didn’t totally love our wolf man, but that’s a personal thing. I LOVED our side characters, love me some small town gossips. I loved the setting. I loved Ruby and her sister. I loved the story!

All you folks who want knots, look elsewhere.

🐺Standout Elements:

Werewolf x Human

“I like any food as long as someone else makes it.”

Little Red Riding Hood if she was an adult with a death wish

🕯️Final Thoughts:
If you love Laurie Gilmore, or if you’re wanting a werewolf romance with a small town setting, pick it up the MOMENT it drops

This fairytale retelling was everything I needed and more. Laurie took a classic & put the best twists & added touches to it. Like a dull picture suddenly becoming bright and beautiful. Maple Hollow is my new favorite literary setting. This is the perfect book for fall. A mug of hot cocoa or cider on a cool day. The tropes were all fantastic & the way Laurie blended them together was nothing short of pure magic. I loved the main characters & the side characters. I truly loved this magical story & I’m looking forward to more in this series.

This Little Red Riding Hood retelling was really good. It was that basic paranormal wolf shifter romance that you just need sometimes. Loved the acted mates aspect of it. Rafe’s moping got to be a bit much towards the end, but Ruby didn’t let him go for long with saved it for me. Can’t wait for the next one.

Loved this retelling of little red riding hood. I’m curious to know if it’s loosely based on Ruby from Once Upon a Time? The personality and characteristics are very reminiscent to that character. Which I would actually love because she was my favorite!

I loved the story with the romance mixed with drama. The only thing I didn’t quite enjoy was the miscommunication. At points Rafe pulled an Edward with his whole “This is the skin of a killer, Bella” persona. But other than that, I love the relationship and side characters. Theo is hands down my favorite. Can’t wait to read more!

Modern-day Red Riding Hood retelling? Broody, protective werewolf? Say less.

This book was so much fun. I absolutely devoured it. The creepy forest vibes, the cozy little town, the mystery and Rafe being the protective, broody man that he is… I was obsessed. This is exactly the kind of cozy paranormal romance I want more of and now I need the next book immediately.

If cozy paranormal romance with a protective werewolf MMC, small-town secrets and just the right amount of eerie atmosphere sounds like your thing, you need this one on your TBR.

I loved the cozy fairy tale vibes of this one. Ruby is a bartender in a tiny, little town in Maine, and can’t seem to stay away from Rafe, the brooding new guy in town, who as it turns out, is a big, not so bad, wolf.

I dnf’d The Pumpkin Spice Café a while back, so I wouldn’t base whether you’ll like this one on whether you like the author’s other books or not. It probably depends more on whether you like the plot. Personally, I typically like a good fated mates story, with some light paranormal themes. If you enjoyed Ali Hazelwood’s Mate, this might scratch that same itch, although it’s more cozy, small town vibes and the drama is less intense overall.

I flew through this one, as I tend to do with books that have any level whatsoever of suspense or mystery. It ends on a cliffhanger and there’s not much resolution on the underlying conflicts in the story, which is a bit of a bummer, but it also means I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series sooner rather than later!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360/HarperCollins for the ARC of this book!

First of all, I am already obsessed with Laurie Gilmore’s writing. She can take the most mundane things and make them magical, special, important. I think the best way to describe her writing is home. Her characters feel like home. I want to be with the locals. I want to gossip at the bar and do laundry and make a cup of tea at the cottage.

Big Bad Wolf was exactly what I hoped it would be and I’m on cloud nine!!! If you haven’t read her Dream Harbor series stop what you are doing and read those immediately. But I digress! If you took Dream Harbor and Twilight (minus vampires) and married then Tiger you get Big Bad Wolf.

Other things to can expect from the book:
Small Town
He falls first grumpy MMC
Forced proximity
Fated mates
Found Family
Fairy Tale Inspo
Yearning
Grumpy Woodsmen
Wolf Pack Suspense

Also, the brother character is so interesting and moody and confident. Everything you would imagine for a younger werewolf brother. And I am so excited for the next book to dive deep into his mind.

Plus the plot twist mic drop moment at the end! The last sentence had me screaming!!!

Beyond honored to receive this ARC from NetGalley and Laurie Gilmore!

Shut. The. Front. Door. Laurie Gilmore… how could you leave me with an ending like THAT?! 😭 Once again, Laurie Gilmore absolutely knocked it out of the park. I loved, loved, LOVED this story from beginning to end. Rafe and Ruby completely stole my heart, and I was rooting for them the entire time. I especially loved Ruby’s strength and determination to protect her sister, while at the same time learning how to be vulnerable herself. This book had me feeling everything. I was laughing one minute, completely stressed the next, and with that ending my anxiety is now through the roof. I genuinely could not put it down because I had to know what was going to happen. And then… THAT ENDING. 😱 I need the next book immediately because I refuse to be left hanging like this.

Big Bad Wolf is set in a small, rural, town in Maine, but unlike Dream Harbor, it’s got a much grittier, real feel. Maple Hollow is moody and a little darker. The story follows our fmc Ruby who is struggling with money, life, and her twin sister’s mysterious illness. This is a loose Little Red Riding Hood re-telling where the wolf gets the girl. (Which is my favorite kind!) I love all the little call backs to the fairytale in this book, clever and never heavy handed. The mmc, Rafe, is the broody wolf shifter with tons of past trauma and a heart of gold. He is also a wood worker, making him both the woodsman and the wolf of this story! There is a fated mates situation, but neither of them really know anything about fated mates which adds some interesting tension. Of course Ruby doesn’t realize Rafe is a wolf at first either, or that such things even exist, even though the town elders have a habit of prattling on about giant supernatural wolves in the woods around town. (Why does no one every listen to the town crazy person?!?) Secrets are uncovered, feelings are had, spice is spicy, and the whole story ends up being quite cozy despite it’s darker vibe. The mystery around her sister is left hanging and I hope is picked up in book two (which is also out in September) but the mcs arc is wrapped up satisfyingly.

This is a great fall/ spooky season read!

Thank you to Harper 360 / HarperCollins for providing this arc copy for review consideration via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I love watching authors branch out from their typical genre/tropes to write something just as amazing. I love the Dream Harbor series because of it's cute aesthetic and Hallmark vibes. Laurie Gilmore showed she is a powerhouse with this book. While staying with the vibes of a small town she shows that not everything is as it seems and that not every small town is as adorable as the ads may show. I loved the suspense in the book as Ruby struggles to understand what is happening in the town and how to help her sister. The push and pull between her and Rafe I loved at first then I started to get slightly annoyed by it because it began to feel repetitive and I wanted them to either fully give in to their feelings or move on because the emotional tug-of-war for me as a reader was hurting. Overall this book gave spooky Halloween vibes and I will never forgive Laurie Gilmore for that ending because it hurt my feelings.

Laurie has gone in a new direction with this fun paranormal book. Ruby is a human who attracts the attention of Rafe. He has secrets that are soon revealed, things Ruby didn’t know were possible are now real.

I enjoyed this book, and thought Ruby was great character. She was so strong, and really held things together. With her sister Lena being sick Ruby took on a lot of responsibility. I think she also learned her lesson that she shouldn’t have kept Lena in the dark about some of the things though. Ruby needed to realize that she could trust others to help her. The fellow townsfolk were entertaining and I liked reading their interactions with Ruby.

Rafe was really sweet, but boy was he stubborn! He wanted Ruby and to be with her, but kept backing off. It was understandable since he had a bad childhood and believed the things his father told him, but I just wanted to shake him sometimes. Ruby was a saint for putting up with the hot and cold routine Rafe kept giving her. I thought it was impressive she she never gave up on them as a couple.

This was an interesting world that Laurie built, and while the book ends on a cliffhanger, it’s not one involving Ruby and Rafe. It looks to be setting up the next one in the series. I really have no idea where it will go, and can’t wait to read it. I want to thank Harper360 and NetGalley for the copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to leave a review.

4/5 on the Spicy Scale

M/F

Violence

Grief

I need to revisit Maple hollow asap. I had so much fun with this. This felt so new from what weve previously seen from gilmore and i am fully sat for this whole entire series.