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Tales of Winberg #2

Cloaked in Scarlet: Little Red Riding Hood Reimagined

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She’s a fighter, but what happens when she becomes the prey?

After watching her two closest friends survive mistreatment and degradation, Emeline is determined never to become a victim herself, no matter how small and quiet she may be. She’s proven to others that she can take charge as a cook; now she’s proving to herself that she can handle any situation.

She’s trained hard with a sword to become a force to be reckoned with. Her determination to try her skills in a festival competition will require subterfuge, especially when Hunter, a young man from her past, ends up employed in the same household. When he takes an interest in her, she’s anxious to rekindle their friendship, but will his protective nature hold her back?

With Hunter leaving her breathless at every turn, Emeline longs to understand him and be understood in return. His past experiences have made him mistrusting and protective, but he’s not the only one who knows the world can be dangerous. Rather than hiding in fear, Emeline plans to be ready to fight any threats that may stalk her. But will her determination to prove herself capable lead her to ignore the warnings of those she loves and walk straight into danger?

A story about finding yourself and fighting for those you love, this reimagined version of Little Red Riding Hood infuses the tale with romance and emotional depth.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 12, 2022

50 people are currently reading
290 people want to read

About the author

Annette K. Larsen

23 books535 followers
I love words. I always have. In songs, in poems, in books, in movies—words move me. In my younger years, I dabbled in writing as a therapy and an escape, but I never expected it to become more than that. While deep in the depths of mommying several small children, I took seven years to write my first book, Just Ella. During that time, I taught myself how to write a novel through a whole lot of trial and error. Not the most time-efficient method, but it gave me an education I wouldn’t have received from a class or a how-to book. Something about the struggle of writing without a formula or rules worked for me. I wrote for me. I wrote from my heart space, and I think that’s the reason that Just Ella has found room in so many of my readers’ heart spaces.

I write clean romance because I love it. I love the discovery of new love. I love the relationship building that’s done with looks, words, brushing fingers, and tentative kisses. Jane Eyre is the hero of my youth and taught me that being true to yourself and clinging to your convictions will be hard, but it will bring you more genuine happiness than giving up on yourself ever can.

I am an extraordinarily happy wife, and a mother of five kids. I’ve lived in Utah, Arizona, Missouri, and Virginia, but my heart is now firmly ensconced in Idaho where we’ve built a home and a community.

I love chocolate, waterfalls, pretty teacups, the sight and sound of ocean waves, and most especially my husband and my five littles. I love books that leave me with a sigh of contentment, and I aspire to write stories that do the same for my readers.

Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annetteklar...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoraklarsen
Follow me on twitter: @AnnetteKLarsen
Contact Me: http://www.annetteklarsen.com/contact...

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5 stars
168 (50%)
4 stars
102 (30%)
3 stars
56 (16%)
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8 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Alisha.
1,237 reviews142 followers
December 30, 2023
I think I’m not really the target audience for this type of book… fairy tale retellings aren’t quite my jam, and neither are 17-year-olds in love 😆 so while I enjoyed the first book in the series as a novelty, I’m okay with not being a completionist here, and leaving it to those who get more of a kick from this genre than I do.
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,554 reviews270 followers
April 15, 2022
This was a sweet slow build romance. It could even be a coming of age first romance too. You don't have to read all the books of Dalthia to understand this one. It is good to read Hooked first to give you all the characters. That is a fun story that adds to this one. This is the story of Emeline, coming to terms with her own failings and will always need the help of good friends. It was a simple sweet story that had some nice moments:}
Great for younger and older readers. Larsen writes for all all ages.
12 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2022
I had super high expectations for this book after reading Hooked, and it did not disappoint! Couldn’t put it down! Like all of Larsen’s books, the love story was sweet and wholesome, with just the right amount of tension. The villains in this book are so complex, interesting, and unpredictable. It leaves you on the edge of your seat. We get to see a whole new culture within the peddlers world which was super fun. The parallels to Little Red Riding Hood were fun to spot. If you haven’t read Hooked, I would recommend starting there so you can really appreciate the minor characters in this book. If you like this one, I would highly recommend the Dalthia series if you haven’t read those books yet! This book complements those stories but can also hold it’s own. I’m dying for the next in the this series!
Profile Image for Jessica Harrison.
575 reviews19 followers
October 13, 2024
I enjoyed this one. Similar to book 1, it is more focused on relationships than action. This is the first Little Red Riding Hood retelling I’ve read, and some of the efforts to incorporate the story points felt a little unnatural… but if you think about it, Little Red Riding Hood IS a very odd story so…

I didn’t like it quite as much as Hooked, but would still recommend it to those who enjoy fairy tales.

Content:
There’s no foul language or sex. The romance is clean and the violence is minimal. There is no magic. There is no mention of faith or God. A female character is held against her will and threatened to be sold into slavery.
Profile Image for Christina.
802 reviews33 followers
May 22, 2022
4 Stars!

This was probably the most unique retelling of little red riding hood that I’ve ever read. I loved revisiting favorite characters from both the books of Dalthia series and from the first book in this series. I loved seeing the growth in Emmeline, and Hunter was such a sweet and swoony hero. Sometimes Em bugged me with her actions, but at the same time it did lend to her overall growth and the retelling of the classic fairytale. An overall enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Jessie.
1,481 reviews87 followers
April 14, 2022
Little Red is One Tough Girl!

After an experience feeling completely powerless, Emmeline has taken control of her life. She’s learned how to fight, and is especially good with a sword. Because of the gender roles of the day, she’s not allowed to showcase those skills, and it drives her even harder wanting to prove herself.

Hunter used to be a footman at the same estate. They haven’t seen each other for years, but her girlhood crush comes roaring back to life. I always love that kind of wish fulfillment! Hunter is amazing! I loved his desire to protect Emmeline, and his pride in her accomplishments.

I liked the nods to Little Red Riding Hood, the cloak, a hunter, and the Wolf brothers. I loved seeing how Annette K. Larsen would weave these threads together.

Like Hooked, the story is a little dark, but has plenty of light-hearted moments to balance things out.
Profile Image for Our Book Confessions.
643 reviews16 followers
April 24, 2022
This book was such a clever retelling. The way Annette incorporated the various parts of the original tale was brilliant. I was entranced from beginning to end.
I loved Emeline’s character growth. I loved how naturally she built her independence. The background she gave her to overcome her shyness and then the catalyst she introduced to have her realize its okay to need people made for such a beautiful story.
The love story was sweet and innocent the way a first young love should be, and then grew to a well written deeper connection.
She incorporated so many of the people we loved in the previous story and series and I can’t wait to read about Miri. I’m loving Winberg and the people she’s creating as much as I loved Dalthia.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
696 reviews
April 14, 2024
I was completely pulled into Emeline’s story. I love these fairy tale retellings. Hunter is incredible and so patient. It was interesting watching how trauma from both of their pasts affected their budding relationship. How often does that happen to all of in one way or another? I love all the characters in this series. It is so fun to watch them come to life as they love and care for one another.
Profile Image for Laurajoyl.
69 reviews
March 20, 2022
This book was AMAZING- I couldn’t put it down once I started!! It was so great to revisit great characters and meet new ones. I loved the story and can’t wait to read all the books in this series.
Profile Image for Reah N..
503 reviews19 followers
July 3, 2024
I don’t like Little Red Riding Hood retellings.
In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever read another retelling of Little Red Riding Hood (Red Riding Hood, Superhero: A Graphic Novel does not count). I didn’t quite realize how much I dislike it until I started reading this novel.
I can’t handle the feeling of knowing something horrible is about to happen and being helpless to stop it. Horror is one of my least favorite genres. And this story had just a bit too much horror and suspense for my liking.
And it was dark. Much darker than I expected. Between the abusive housemaid, the stealing, the , there was no shortage of suspense, or bad things happening.

The novel was more of a conceptual retelling of Red Riding Hood. The suspicious Wolfe brothers. The red cloak. The suspenseful walk in the woods, where she doesn't listen to her aunt. Only, in this retelling, And, thankfully, no characters were actually eaten.

I haven't read the first in the series, though I read and enjoyed Miri's story in The Swindler's Daughter: Robin Hood Reimagined. This one was darker than I expected. The cover looks pretty dark, though, which you could say is an accurate reflection of the actual story.
And, the constant stealing did fit into Miri's story and its Robin Hood retelling, but seemed less necessary in this novel, for a Red Riding Hood retelling.

Update: I've since read Hooked and enjoyed it much more than this sequel.

Would I recommend this? If you've read every other book in this series, and all the other ones in The Dalthia series (starting from Just Ella), and you're dying to see more of these characters, then give it a try.

Content:
Romance:
Lots of noticing men, and heat. Very heated, descriptive kisses. A few suggestive scenes, like when Hunter finds Emeline right after a swim and people assume they were swimming together (which, we're told, implies something), or when Emeline wakes Hunter, who's wearing "far less clothing than I should have been privy to", and then slips on trousers and a shirt.
Violence:
Miri's father wanted to sell her. She is abused by other housemaids, held hostage .
Other:
Discussions about Hunter's past as a Festival rat, and Hunter's pickpocketing skills are mentioned.
15 reviews
April 26, 2022
Like all of Annette Larsen's books, I absolutely adored Cloaked in Scarlet! I loved how the Red Riding Hood elements were subtly intertwined with the plot, which made those elements feel like they really belonged with those characters—and made it fun to go back and realize who was the wolf or the woodcutter, etc. I especially loved how relatable the characters are! I loved being able to read about someone in a different world, but still has problems with her man, doesn't immediately get the things she's worked so hard for, or is gulliable to danger sometimes. I love a strong independent woman who can do anything, but even more, I love a strong independent woman who makes mistakes and works with others to learn and grow and overcome challenges that come her way.
Profile Image for Mary Mecham.
Author 19 books788 followers
July 9, 2022
Red Riding Hood Reimagined

Warning: Don’t try to read this book a little bit at a time, it is far too addictive!

I very much enjoyed this retelling of the classic fairy tale. I think my favorite part was the uniqueness of how the Wolf was portrayed- it was so original and fresh! I also especially enjoyed the hints to the next book I’m the series. I was practically jumping up and down in my seat shrieking “I know who that will be in the next book!!!” And that earned me a few strange looks as I was at a chess tournament with my son at the time (just kidding about the shrieking, but only a little)

Seriously incredible read! I started with the book Hooked and it truly was a hook into a series for me. Totally recommend!
179 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2022
I have to say I think this is Larsen's most interesting series. I read her Dalthia series and while they were good, I never fell in love. With her new Winberg series I feel like we finally got there. There is a great pace to these books and it's a perfect balance of world building and character development. I truly enjoyed Emeline's storyline with Hunter, it was the perfect blend of romance, intrigue with a dash of excitement. It will be one of those books I constantly reread when I need a pick me up. Highly recommend and can't wait for book 3 to come out!
883 reviews11 followers
September 1, 2024
twisty

This was a wonderful twisty retelling of Red Riding Hood, with an interesting take of the wolf! I love how the main characters learned and grew by the end of the story, and how all the characters in this series are linked together!
457 reviews
June 30, 2022
Loved the second book as much as the first! Loved how it had the fairy tale parts interwoven throughout. Fun clean suspenseful read!
Profile Image for Tara Cummins.
Author 8 books11 followers
April 12, 2022
Cloaked in Scarlet by Annette K. Larson
4/5 Stars


A girl determined to fight her own battles.
A boy desperate to protect her at all cost.
And a prowling villain with a deceptively charming smile.

This book was so fun!

I absolutely love fairytale retellings and this one did not disappoint. 

Taking little red riding hood and giving her a sword and the determination to protect herself was exactly the reimagining the story needed.....but then add in a romance and I was completely hooked!

Emeline is fierce, loyal, sometimes shy, and experiencing all the slow burn of her first romance. Because she has never been in a relationship before she is a bit naive to the young men that are drawn to her.

Hunter comes from a hard background that has made him a fighter. When Emeline helps save his sister, he is forever grateful. Years later, when they meet again he is pleasantly surprised to see a woman in charge of the kitchen instead of a young kitchen maid.

When a festival is held, and peddlers come to town, Emeline and Hunter's budding romance is tested and directed predictions are cast on them from the local fortune teller/witch.

With unknown villains stalking in the night, the tension of what would happen had me flying through this book.

This is the second book in the series and it is nice to recognize subtle characters and clues, but honestly I think you could read this on its own and be completely drawn in and happy with a great story. This also has links to Larson's Dalthia books if you wanted more from this author.
Profile Image for Savannah M.
351 reviews
June 26, 2022
I really liked the snippets we saw of Emmeline in Saving Marilee and Hooked. It was great to see the quiet and small girl become a determined and independent young woman. However, I struggled with this a little because it felt like almost a completely different character. I love seeing quiet girls as the heroines, but this felt like a quiet girl who became a heroine because she stopped being quiet. So that aspect didn’t feel very natural to me. But I did really like Emmelines character. She’s spunky and fun. I loved how protective she felt of this who had protected her in the past. Hunter was a wonderful character as well. I loved how charming he was towards Emmeline and there wasn’t a lot of back and forth of their feelings. This book felt like much more of a YA read than the previous book in the series, Hooked. Cecily and Falstone were both older and that showed in their story and relationships. Emmeline and Hunter are both very young. The plot needed a little more for me, the focus of the festival and her competing made it feel almost more like an episode than a whole novel. The ending was suspenseful and action packed. I can’t wait to read Miriam’s story, and I hope we see more of Elise Wolfe one day as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kim .
1,158 reviews19 followers
July 29, 2022
This is a continuation of Hooked. In Hooked, Emeline is Cecily's young friend who became a part of the household along with Cecily and in CLOAKED IN SCARLET she has become the head chef of the household. Hunter and his sister find places for themselves in the household and he begins to pursue Emeline.

Emeline wants to prove that she can take care of herself and her skill with the sword and with fighting in general will be tested in this story. She will also have to learn to understand the deep care that Hunter has for her and not misconstrue this care for a lack of trust in her abilities.

I enjoyed the story, although it took a bit to get into it. I started and stopped and started again a couple of times, but about 1/3 of the way through I got into the story - thus the four stars.

This is a clean read although there is passionate kissing, it doesn't go farther than that. There is also no bad language.
May 19, 2025
🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️

This is a Little Red Riding Hood retelling focusing on Emeline. I was glad to read more about Emeline! She is a lovely character! Although she did annoy me on more than one occasion and I wanted to yell at her. Hunter was great! I loved him from the beginning! I loved his sister and can’t wait to read her story next! I loved seeing Cecily pregnant and with her and Falstone’s son! I didn’t like the small mentions about the mystic…it was unneeded and took off a star for me. This wasn’t my favorite Little Red Riding Hood retelling, but it was still very good! I’m excited to read about Miriam’s story!

Quote that I liked:

🗡️ He pressed his lips to my hair more. "I love you, you know." I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of his words wash over and through me, lighting up the darkest corners of my soul and warming me to my toes. "And I love you," I whispered.

🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️
Profile Image for Sara.
622 reviews45 followers
December 18, 2024
Cloaked in Scarlet by Annette K Larsen
What I loved about this book!
🥰 Small and quiet
🥰 She's a fighter
🥰 Out to prove herself
🥰 Swordfights
🥰 Sweet and swoony romances, kisses
Another one of my favorites this year! Emeline is a girl after my own heart, she's a girl of few words but plenty of heart! This takes the top spot for Little Red Riding Hood retellings for sure. So well done! And the romance is sooooooo swoony, while still being clean.
Favorite quote: "My fear has nothing to do with your abilities and everything to do with how lost I’d be if you ever got hurt." (Hunter, our MMC)
Favorite scene: I really liked the beginning, the "Before" scene
Favorite character: Emeline (and I really liked seeing Falstone again!)
Profile Image for Chaos.
3,609 reviews117 followers
July 15, 2025
I had so much fun reading this! Emmeline wasnt a forefront character in Hooked, but she was mentioned. Her story, like Cecilys, was sad and full of horror. What Emeline endured was horrifying and at only 12 years old. So glad that the housekeeper and her master were gotten rid of. I love her unwavering strength and confidence, even if it got her into trouble. Miriam and Hunter coming back was wonderful. Emeline got to see the results of her good deed and found a friend. Plus she got hunky Hunter in the process. Seeing the rest of the cast of characters was great. I adore Princess Marilee and Sir James. They are not only amazing friends to their staff but they are loyal and kind. Their staff is their family. Im ready for the next book in this series
Profile Image for Marisa.
279 reviews
June 16, 2022
Little Red

Fun story that has little red riding hood similarities woven in creatively to Larsen's novel. Book 2 complements book one and their overlapping characters are fun to read more about. Watching Emeline find her strength was also a favorite... in addition to Hunter. I only wish there was a bit more closure with the Wolfe siblings... And maybe that's because I just finished reading at midnight and that last scene with them is going to affect my sleep!

Clean romance/Teen and YA appropriate
Profile Image for Jana Miller.
Author 2 books22 followers
October 22, 2024
So fun to have Emeline’s story! She’s been such a lovable character since Saving Marilee, and seeing the way she grows and claims her power is really gratifying.
The Red Riding Hood aspects of the story are super creative, and the wolf characters are just as creepy as in the original.
I love how the love interest in Annette’s books always highlights the main character’s personal struggle and growth, and Hunter certainly provides that tension for Emeline, while being a guy readers can fully swoon over.
Profile Image for Leah.
438 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2025
Little Red Riding Hood has serious sword skills

I loved this Little Red Riding Hood Retelling. We first met Emmeline as a younger girl in previous books, but now she’s old enough to hold her own. Hunter fit well with her, at least, once their misunderstandings were cleared up. I liked the way they helped and supported each other. The wolf element was clever. Strong plot capable of making me feel for the characters. Fantastic book! Highly recommend. It’s clean in language and content.
16 reviews
March 26, 2022
I loved the charm of this book! The first book in the series Hooked, had me wanting to read the next one and this didn't disappoint! I loved watching the characters grow and I loved the way she was able to weave the fairytale into the story. Such a fun idea! I love watching how she is able to weave the stories of each person so well within the other stories, but still have each book be a stand-alone book. I can't wait to read the next one.
Author 7 books7 followers
April 14, 2022
Loved it!

This was such a fun and unique retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. I enjoyed all the nods to the original tale, but this story was all its own. I loved watching Hunter and Emeline grow closer and fall in love, and how Em learned being an independent woman doesn't mean she doesn't need friends on her side. I'm very intrigued with the new character of Elise Wolf, and am hoping we'll get to see her again.
Profile Image for Sondra.
603 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2024
Enjoyed

This was completely different than I thought it would be from the title. I didn't realize it was book 2 from Princess Marilee's story. Such a brave young woman who trained herself to be strong and able to protect herself. Full novel, no cliffhanger and a happily ever after.
4 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2022
A Sweet fairy tale retelling

Loved reading Em's story. So much healing happened in this book and I look forward to Annette's next one. This is a sweet retelling of little red riding hood. She may be little, but she's not weak.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,888 reviews44 followers
April 14, 2022
It was so great to get Emeline's one's story. I loved getting to know her better. I enjoyed seeing her relationship with Hunter develop. There were some really sweet moments in their courtship.

Content: clean
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