Series: Transplanted Tales #1
Genre: Dark Urban Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
Published by: Kensington Publishing on August 2, 2012
Format: eBook
Pages: 330
Source: Purchased
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Add to Goodreads
“My name is Tess Little. But everyone calls me Red.”
Once upon a time, a spell went awry, stranding Make Believe characters in the ordinary world. Since then, Tess “Red” Little—a/k/a Little Red Riding Hood—has worked as an Enforcer for the Chicago branch of the Fairytale Management Authority. But, consider yourself warned—she’s not just some waif with a basket of goodies. All grown up and with nothing to lose, a gun and combat boots is more her style. And Red’s new assignment threatens to be short on happily ever afters…
Someone is murdering transplanted Tales in gruesome fashion. The list of fictional characters capable of such grisly acts is short and includes more than one of Red’s old flames. And if that wasn’t bad enough, there’s another complication, in the form of sexy, enigmatic Nate Grimm, the FMA’s lead detective and part-time Reaper. Used to following her own rules and living life on the edge, Red has managed to avoid taking on a partner until now. But Nate’s dark side makes him perfect for a case like this. That is, if she can trust him. Because if there’s one thing Red knows for sure, it’s that believing in the wrong person can have big, bad consequences…
I could not ask for more in a book…Kate SeRine rocked my fairy tale world with RED!
Our story begins with Tess “Red” Little (Little Red Riding Hood) introducing us to her fascinating world. A wronged spelled has allowed all of the make believe characters in storybooks (known as Tales) cross over into the Ordinaries (human) population. Living in Chicago, Red works as an Enforcer for the Fairytale Management Authority who handle fairytale crimes and police any threats that can expose the their secret community to the Ordinaries. Red’s latest case teams her up with Nate Grimm, the sexy FMA detective who also moonlights as a Reaper. Someone is brutally murdering Tales and the suspects all have one thing in common…they’ve all been in Red’s little black book at one time or another. Red is far from the innocent girl on a trip to Grandma’s and while she prefers to work alone her new partner shows her letting someone have your back in this dangerous world is not always a bad thing.
I’ve had this book on my ereader for a while now and after reading it I wanted to slap myself for not getting to it sooner. Kate SeRine’s world building is dark, sexy and just plain fascinating! Red’s voice shines, the sexual tension is off the charts and the action keeps you turning the pages with anticipation.
“Shuddering from the sudden chill, I went inside to prepare for my date, wishing my intended companion was not the in-your-face-sexy vampire I was going to meet but rather the shadowy enigma who had so recently darkened my doorstep.”
Fierce heroines are my favorite and Red does not disappoint. She has a great sense of humor, a kind but guarded heart and she’s hands down kick ass! It can sometimes be hard to connect with a heroine that’s immortal but that’s not even a factor when it comes to Red. Red has some insecurities and doesn’t see herself as some gorgeous creature (I hate when a heroine is in love with herself) but at the same time totally embraces her sexuality..gotta love that. As she gets to know Nate Red loses some of her commitment issues and shows she can be tough and still be vulnerable. Her partner Nate Grimm is all kinds of swoon worthy man candy.
“For a moment, wrapped in Nate’s arms, I felt a perfect peace. There was a quiet stillness in my soul like none I’d ever known.”
Being The Grimm Reaper I expected him to be a little dark and tortured but in walks in this smooth talking, Fedora wearing detective oozing sex appeal. Nate is just as dangerous as Red but he isn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, I instantly fell in love with him. Their witty banter and flirtations showed a softer side to both and I couldn’t get enough of them. Nate and Red already have a past which makes their attraction believable. It takes a while for things to get hot and heavy between them so the two really get to know each other better before the fireworks. There are a few secrets that are revealed about their true past that cause a little tension between Nate and Red but I’ll let you find those out for yourself. Ms. SeRine was killing me with Nate’s gentlemanly ways towards Red but it just made the moment when these two finally get together worth the wait.
RED introduces us to a variety of famous supporting characters which include Snow White, The Pied Piper, Little Boy Blue and Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, to name a few…that added a special touch to the already engaging story. The ongoing murder mystery keeps the pace of the story flowing and a touch of romance lightens the mood. I had a sense of who the real villain was but I enjoyed taking the ride along with Red and Nate. Kate SeRine delivers a stellar debut, revamping our beloved fairy tales and classics characters in an adults only tale. I couldn’t get enough of this dark and stormy fairy tale world and definitely plan on revisiting!
The Transplanted Tales Series:
I want it. I want it now. That is all 😉
LOL…I hope you enjoy it Jessica!
I’m glad you liked this one. I loved Red too. 🙂
I can’t believe I waited so long to read it!
Ooh, this one sounds good. As you know, I LOVE all things Red Riding Hood. I am a little disappointed though that the big bad wolf is a Grimm Reaper instead of, well, a wolf. LOL
I’m not going to give it away but there is a big bad wolf Carmel! 😉
Weee! So happy you loved this one! My favorite is Lavender’s book (which is next). Can’t wait to read your thoughts on that one!
I’m reading Nate’s short story right now, Grimm Consequences. I’m loving this series 😉
me want, me want! This series sounds ahmazing.. how am I not reading this yet?
I’m sold! This is why I love you guys. I’d never guessed this was a dark UF looking at that cover.
I love everything you had to say so I’m running to audible to check for the audio. This is definitely going on my TBR.
Thanks!
I grabbed this one a few months back when it was free. I need to bump it up my TBR list.