The Favor Owed

Brexley Moon, a lone werewolf mercenary, is summoned by Jameson, the man who once saved his life. Jameson demands Brexley's last owed favor: kill Eloise Rogers, the world-famous "Grandma" and powerful mage behind the Magic Morsels empire. Brexley, who has spent his life avoiding attachments, sees this as his chance to finally be free of all bonds. But the job is dangerous—Grandma is beloved, powerful, and well-protected. Accepting the mission, Brexley heads to her secluded glass house, determined to finish the job and sever his last tie to anyone.

Red's Secret Life

Scarlett "Red" Rogers, granddaughter of Grandma, lives incognito as a human college student in Boston, hiding her magical heritage and her status as the Magic Morsels heiress. She struggles with her studies, haunted by her lack of magic and a monthly surge of uncontrollable sexual need. Red's only solace is her found family—her friends Goldie and Cinder, and her job at the Poison Apple bar. She dreads returning home for the weekend, fearing both her grandmother's expectations and the unresolved pain of her past, especially her complicated feelings for Hunter, her childhood protector.

Homecoming and Old Wounds

Red travels home to her grandmother's glass house, anxious and restless. Instead of her grandmother, she finds Brexley, the mysterious new "security detail." Their first meeting is electric, laced with banter and mutual attraction. Red's arousal, already heightened by her monthly cycle, becomes overwhelming in Brexley's presence. The two circle each other, their chemistry undeniable, but both are wary—Red of her own lack of control, Brexley of the strange, irresistible pull he feels toward her. Their encounter sets the stage for a collision of secrets and desires.

The Wolf and the Girl

Brexley and Red's flirtation quickly turns physical, their mutual hunger igniting into a wild, uninhibited encounter. Brexley is shocked by the intensity of his attraction and the way Red's scent and energy call to his wolf. Red, for her part, is swept away by her need, losing herself in the moment. Their connection is primal, violent, and deeply satisfying, but it also leaves them both vulnerable. The encounter is interrupted by an attack—an ice mage bursts in, demanding a secret recipe, and tries to kidnap Red. Brexley's protective instincts override his mission, and he shifts to defend her.

Forest Fire, Burning Desire

After their explosive encounter, Brexley and Red are thrown into chaos by the ice mage's attack. Brexley's wolf takes over, and he kills the mage in a brutal fight, but not before being wounded. Red flees back to Boston, shaken and confused by both the violence and her own insatiable need. Brexley, now entangled with Red and her problems, realizes that finding Grandma will be more complicated than he thought. The lines between hunter and protector blur as he becomes increasingly drawn to Red, even as he tries to keep his distance.

Ice Mage Attack

Red's world unravels as she realizes someone is targeting her and her grandmother for a mysterious recipe. Brexley, now acting as her bodyguard, follows her to Boston, determined to stay close until he can complete his mission. Their relationship is fraught with tension—Red resents his presence, while Brexley struggles to maintain his professional detachment. The threat escalates as more magical mercenaries appear, forcing Red to confront the reality that her secret life is no longer safe, and that her connection to her grandmother puts her in grave danger.

The Poison Apple Bar

At the Poison Apple, Red finds comfort in her friends Goldie and Cinder, who provide her with a sense of belonging she never had in the magical world. Brexley's presence disrupts the bar's routine, drawing attention and suspicion. Red's attempts to keep her two worlds separate begin to fail as her friends notice her distress and the strange man shadowing her. The bar becomes a battleground for Red's identity, as she tries to maintain her human façade while the magical threats close in. Brexley, meanwhile, is forced to confront the possibility that he cares for more than just the job.

Fae, Friends, and Friction

Red's friends, Goldie and Cinder, become increasingly involved in her life as the danger mounts. Brexley's wolfish protectiveness and Red's volatile need create friction, but also moments of vulnerability and trust. The trio faces magical attacks, including an ogre sent to kidnap Red, and must rely on each other to survive. Red's secret begins to unravel as her friends witness the supernatural chaos surrounding her. The Poison Apple becomes both sanctuary and target, and Red is forced to admit that she cannot face her enemies—or her feelings—alone.

Wolf in the City

Brexley, out of his element in the human city, struggles with the chaos and the emotional ties he's forming. He is haunted by his past—exiled from his pack for protecting a mage woman, he has lived as a lone wolf, believing attachments mean death. Yet, Red's vulnerability and strength draw him in, challenging his beliefs. As he navigates the complexities of Red's world, Brexley must decide whether to remain the detached killer or risk everything for a chance at connection and redemption.

Clashing Pasts, Clashing Wills

Red's insecurities about her lack of magic and her past at the Fairy Fine Arts Academy come to the fore. She confides in Brexley about her failures, her toxic relationship with Hunter, and the bullying she endured from powerful mage twins, Hansel and Gretel. Brexley, in turn, reveals his own trauma—banished from his pack for defending a mage, he has survived by cutting off all ties. Their shared pain becomes a bridge, but also a source of conflict, as both struggle to trust and accept love. The past refuses to stay buried, threatening to destroy their fragile bond.

Night of Need

Red's monthly cycle reaches its peak, driving her into a state of uncontrollable need. Brexley, equally affected by the full moon, is forced to restrain her—and himself—to prevent them from mating and forming an unbreakable bond. The revelation that Red is part werewolf explains her lifelong struggles and her inability to fit in either world. Together, they endure a night of desperate desire, using every means but each other to find relief. The experience is both torturous and intimate, forging a deeper connection even as it exposes their vulnerabilities.

Study, Sex, and Survival

As finals approach, Red's anxiety mounts. Brexley helps her study, using unconventional methods to calm her nerves and focus her mind. Their relationship oscillates between tenderness and raw need, each encounter bringing them closer to the truth of their feelings. Attacks from magical enemies intensify, culminating in a fire that destroys Red's apartment. Forced to seek refuge in Brexley's home, Red must confront the reality of her hybrid nature, her feelings for Brexley, and the dangers that threaten everyone she loves.

The Ogre's Challenge

An ogre, sent by Red's enemies, attacks the campus, targeting her for abduction. Brexley shifts into his wolf form to save her, revealing his true nature to Red's friends and the world. The battle is brutal, but Brexley's strength and cunning prevail. The attack exposes the depth of the conspiracy against Red and her grandmother, and the lengths their enemies will go to obtain the secret recipe. The incident forces Red to accept that she cannot hide from her heritage or her destiny any longer.

Friends and Falsehoods

Red's friends, Goldie and Cinder, confront her about her secrets. She finally confesses her true identity, her connection to Grandma, and the dangers she faces. The revelation strengthens their bond, as her friends pledge to stand by her no matter what. Meanwhile, Brexley's feelings for Red deepen, but his mission to kill Grandma looms over them. The lines between duty and desire blur, and both must decide what—and who—they are willing to fight for.

Library Temptations

Red and Brexley's relationship is tested by proximity and desire. Study sessions in the library become fraught with sexual tension, leading to risky encounters and confessions. Red's struggle to control her wolfish urges mirrors Brexley's battle with his own instincts. Their mutual need becomes a crucible, burning away their defenses and forcing them to confront the truth of their bond. As danger closes in, trust becomes their only refuge.

Hunter's Return

Hunter, Red's childhood protector and former crush, returns, claiming to be there to help. His presence reignites old wounds and jealousy, especially in Brexley. Hunter's true motives are revealed—he seeks the recipe for power, willing to betray Red for his own gain. The love triangle comes to a head as Red must choose between her past and her future, her loyalty and her heart. The confrontation exposes the depth of Hunter's resentment and the lengths he will go to claim what he believes is his.

The Truth Unleashed

The true nature of the threat against Red and her grandmother is revealed: Hansel and Gretel, the sadistic mage twins, seek the secret recipe to gain ultimate power. They are behind the attacks, manipulating others—including Hunter—to achieve their goals. Red's hybrid nature, once a source of shame, becomes her greatest weapon. Brexley's mission is exposed, and Red is devastated to learn he was sent to kill her grandmother. Their love is tested by lies, betrayal, and the weight of their intertwined destinies.

Hansel and Gretel's Threat

Hansel and Gretel confront Red at the Poison Apple, using their magic to torture and break her. Their powers—hunger and thirst—are nearly fatal, and Red is pushed to the brink. Brexley intervenes, using his werewolf ability to nullify their magic and save Red. The twins' obsession with the secret recipe drives them to ever more desperate measures, endangering everyone Red cares about. The bar, once a sanctuary, becomes a battleground as the final confrontation looms.

Fire and Flight

The twins escalate their attacks, setting fire to Red's apartment and forcing her and Brexley to flee. In the chaos, Red's rabbits alert them to the danger, and Brexley's quick thinking saves their lives. Homeless and hunted, Red is forced to rely on Brexley and her friends for survival. The ordeal strips away the last of her defenses, leaving her raw, vulnerable, and ready to face the truth of who she is—and who she loves.

Full Moon Revelations

Under the full moon, Red's hybrid nature is fully revealed. Her monthly episodes are the result of her werewolf blood, and her powers, long suppressed, begin to awaken. Brexley, recognizing the danger of mating under the full moon, restrains both of them to prevent an unbreakable bond. The experience is both torturous and transformative, forcing Red to accept her true self and the depth of her connection to Brexley. Together, they begin to heal the wounds of their pasts.

The Final Showdown

Hansel and Gretel, aided by Hunter and a powerful energy mage, launch their final assault. The Poison Apple becomes the site of a magical battle, with Red, Brexley, and their friends fighting for their lives. Red's latent powers awaken, manifesting as a spectral wolf that devours the twins' magic and neutralizes their threat. Brexley is gravely wounded, but Red's love and newfound strength save him. The enemies are defeated, but the cost is high—truths are exposed, and the future is uncertain.

Family Secrets Revealed

In the aftermath, the tangled web of family secrets is unraveled. Red learns the truth about her parentage—her father is Jameson, the man who sent Brexley to kill Grandma. Her mother, a mage, died trying to protect her family. Grandma's actions, once seen as cold, are revealed to be acts of love and sacrifice. The family, fractured by lies and loss, begins to heal as the truth sets them free. Red, Brexley, and their loved ones form a new pack, united by choice rather than blood.

Mending the Pack

With the threats vanquished and the truth revealed, Red and Brexley focus on rebuilding their lives. Red reconciles with her grandmother and father, forging a new family from the ashes of the old. Brexley, once a lone wolf, finds belonging and purpose in his new pack. Together, they support their friends, nurture their love, and embrace the future. The journey has been painful, but it has made them stronger, wiser, and more connected than ever before.

Mated and Forgiven

Red and Brexley, now fully mated, accept each other's flaws, scars, and strengths. Their love, forged in fire and tested by betrayal, becomes the foundation of their new life. Surrounded by friends and family, they find peace, purpose, and joy. The story ends not with a fairy tale happily ever after, but with the promise of a real, hard-won happiness—one built on truth, trust, and the courage to love without fear.

Characters

Brexley Moon

Brexley is a werewolf mercenary, exiled from his pack as a child for defending a mage woman—Red's mother. He has survived by severing all attachments, believing that bonds mean death. Tasked with killing Grandma, he is drawn into Red's world, where his instincts as a hunter clash with his growing need to protect and love. Brexley's journey is one of painful self-discovery, as he confronts his trauma, learns to trust, and ultimately chooses connection over solitude. His relationship with Red transforms him from a weapon into a partner, and his acceptance of love is both his greatest risk and his redemption.

Scarlett "Red" Rogers

Red is the granddaughter of the world's most powerful mage, but she hides her heritage, ashamed of her lack of magic and haunted by her monthly episodes of uncontrollable need. Her life is a balancing act between her human friends, her magical legacy, and her own self-loathing. Red's journey is one of acceptance—of her hybrid nature, her desires, and her right to love and be loved. Her relationship with Brexley is both a crucible and a sanctuary, forcing her to confront her deepest fears and embrace her true self. Red's courage, vulnerability, and loyalty make her the heart of the story.

Eloise "Grandma" Rogers

Grandma is the face of Magic Morsels and the architect of her family's legacy. She is both nurturing and enigmatic, protecting Red from the dangers of the magical world while keeping painful secrets. Her actions, often misunderstood, are revealed to be motivated by love and sacrifice. Grandma's relationship with Red is strained by lies and distance, but ultimately, she is a source of wisdom, strength, and unconditional love. Her willingness to face the truth and seek forgiveness is key to the family's healing.

Jameson Sturgeon

Jameson is Brexley's savior and Red's biological father, though neither knows it at first. Consumed by grief and anger after losing his mate, Samantha, he becomes obsessed with revenge against Grandma, whom he blames for his suffering. His demand that Brexley kill Grandma is an act of desperation, not malice. Jameson's journey is one of reckoning and reconciliation, as he confronts the consequences of his choices and seeks to rebuild the family he lost.

Goldie

Goldie is Red's best friend and coworker at the Poison Apple. Outgoing, nurturing, and unafraid to speak her mind, she provides Red with the unconditional support she never found in the magical world. Goldie's loyalty is unwavering, and her willingness to fight for her friends is matched only by her capacity for forgiveness. She represents the power of chosen family and the healing that comes from true friendship.

Cinder

Cinder is Red's other close friend, a calming presence with a sharp mind and a deep well of empathy. She is the first to see through Red's lies and the last to judge her for them. Cinder's quiet support and fierce loyalty make her an anchor for Red, especially as the magical chaos intensifies. Her own journey toward self-acceptance mirrors Red's, and their friendship is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability.

Hunter

Once Red's childhood guardian and secret crush, Hunter is a mage who feels overshadowed by Red's legacy and his own lack of power. His jealousy and resentment lead him to betray Red, aligning with her enemies in a bid for strength and recognition. Hunter's arc is a cautionary tale about the dangers of envy and the corrosive effects of unacknowledged pain. His downfall is both tragic and necessary, clearing the way for Red to embrace her true self.

Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel are the primary antagonists, using their powers to torment Red and others. Their obsession with power and their willingness to destroy anyone in their way make them formidable foes. They represent the cruelty of the magical hierarchy and the trauma Red carries from her past. Their defeat is both a personal and symbolic victory for Red, marking the end of her victimhood and the beginning of her empowerment.

Dame Kiki Eleganza

Dame Kiki is a powerful healing mage and a former client of Brexley's. Her flamboyant persona and deep empathy make her a source of comfort and wisdom for Red and Brexley. Kiki's own story of rejection and resilience mirrors the protagonists', and her presence underscores the importance of chosen family, acceptance, and self-love.

Rapunzel "Rap"

Rap is the owner of the Poison Apple and a former magic user who has chosen a human life. She provides sanctuary for Red and her friends, using her own experience to guide and protect them. Rap's pragmatic kindness and willingness to fight for her "lost girls" make her a vital part of Red's new pack and a symbol of hope for those seeking a fresh start.

Plot Devices

Fairy Tale Retelling and Subversion

The novel reimagines "Little Red Riding Hood" as a spicy, urban fantasy romance, blending fairy tale archetypes with contemporary issues of identity, trauma, and belonging. The "Big Bad Wolf" is both predator and protector, while Red is both victim and hero. The story subverts expectations by giving agency to its female protagonist, complicating the roles of villain and savior, and exploring the gray areas of morality and love.

Dual POV and Interwoven Backstories

The narrative alternates between Red and Brexley, allowing readers to experience their internal struggles, desires, and growth firsthand. Their backstories are revealed gradually, using flashbacks, confessions, and confrontations to build suspense and empathy. The dual POV structure deepens the emotional arc, highlighting the parallels and contrasts between the characters' journeys.

Magical Hierarchy and Social Critique

The magical world is structured by rigid hierarchies, with power and legacy determining worth. Red's status as a "magic dud" and Brexley's exile reflect the pain of being an outsider. The story critiques the toxic dynamics of both magical and human societies, exposing the harm caused by prejudice, envy, and the pursuit of power at any cost. The found family at the Poison Apple offers an alternative model of community based on acceptance and mutual support.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

The story uses recurring symbols—Red's hair, the wolf, the cookies, the glass house—to foreshadow key revelations and emotional turning points. The motif of hunger and thirst, both literal and metaphorical, underscores the characters' longing for love, acceptance, and fulfillment. The gradual unveiling of secrets creates a sense of inevitability, leading to cathartic moments of truth and reconciliation.

Forced Proximity and "Mating Bond"

The forced proximity of Red and Brexley—first as bodyguard and charge, then as lovers—creates intense sexual and emotional tension. The werewolf "mating bond" trope is used to explore issues of consent, vulnerability, and the fear of losing oneself in love. The bond becomes a metaphor for the risks and rewards of intimacy, challenging both characters to confront their deepest fears and desires.

Analysis

"Tasting Red" is more than a spicy retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood"—it's a story about the pain of being an outsider, the courage to claim one's identity, and the transformative power of love and community. Holly Roberds uses the conventions of urban fantasy and romance to explore deep psychological themes: the legacy of abuse, the struggle for self-acceptance, and the longing for connection in a world that punishes difference. The novel's greatest strength lies in its characters, who are flawed, wounded, and fiercely real. Red's journey from shame to self-love, and Brexley's evolution from lone wolf to devoted partner, offer a hopeful vision of healing through vulnerability and trust. The found family at the Poison Apple, the reclamation of power from abusers, and the ultimate choice to build a new pack on one's own terms are all powerful affirmations for readers navigating their own traumas and desires. In the end, "Tasting Red" is a celebration of resilience, pleasure, and the messy, beautiful work of loving and being loved.

Last updated: October 23, 2025