Once upon a time … Prohibition and economic chaos turned average citizens into outlaws and outcasts.
For the Hoods, life went on as it had always been. Their ancestors had come to the mountains of Southern Appalachia centuries earlier, bringing with them the customs of their ancestral homelands, Ireland and Scotland. They also brought their whiskey-making skills. Many a family had their own distinct recipes, uniquely distilled in such a way that no other spirit could imitate it. These formulas were closely-guarded secrets, passed down from father-to son, generation after generation.
With Prohibition the law of the land, illicit liquor was never in more demand. But all too often blood flowed right alongside the moonshine flowing down out of the mountains into the big cities. Gangsters and even the clans themselves battled each other to see who would control the trade. The Hood clan found themselves swept up in the violence and bloodshed that resulted.
Barely eighteen and barely a woman, Iva Belle finds she has to grow up far too fast. Her father has been killed by revenooers. Her mother has grieved herself to death. Her brother, Johnny Boy is doing all he can to keep the family moonshine trade going and keep food on the table, but he’s about to crack from the strain. And now, her baby sister, Delia, is dying of consumption.
Determined not to lose another family member and out of medical options, Iva Belle makes the drastic decision to ride “up the mountain” to see “Ma,” matriarch of the infamous Wolfe clan. Ma has a reputation of being able to heal people through casting spells and black magic. Some say she’s a witch. Iva Belle doesn’t care. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to save her sister.
Sometimes, we never really think things through. Sometimes, we don’t really thing about what sacrifice really entails. Iva Belle is about to discover what it means to give all for someone. In this dark, erotic tale of lust and adventure, she will learn the true meaning of the three words, “mind, body and soul.” Will she give them willingly for family? Will she give them for love? And even if she does, will it be enough? Or will it be a deal with the Devil she’ll regret for eternity?
So, join her on her quest. Take a ride up the mountain with Li’l Red.
That is, if you’re not afraid of the Big Bad Wolfes.
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Wow wow wow!! This book is forbiddenly delicious! It was an awesome quick and sexy read. I didn’t expect that ending at all! But whew that was all kind of sexy!!
J Morgan Woodall’s Li’l Red is the most intriguing version of Little Red Riding Hood I’ve ever read. Iva Belle Hood is a strong willed young woman who is determined to help her dying sister in any way possible. Ma Wolfe seems to be her only option.
This is the beginning of a naughty tale that teaches you to be careful what you ask for. You’ll definitely learn a few things along the way.
Li’l Red was everything I hoped for it to be and more. Set in the Mountains of Tennessee during prohibition and bootlegging, this is the reimagined story of Little Red Riding Hood.
Iva Belle Hood, known as Li’l Red, was worried about losing her sister Delia who was very sick with consumption. She knew from tales that Ma Wolfe could help her save Delia. Li’l Red sneaks out of the house in the middle of a rainstorm to go and see Ma despite being told not to.
This story is a unique story filled with the sadness of the time, the struggle of her brothers to provide for the family and Iva Belle’s fear of losing her sister. Iva Belle doesn’t realize what she is getting into, but is determined to see it through.
This the first book I have read by J Morgan Woodall. It was filled with adventure, history, sadness, sexy naughtiness and lots of twists and turns. I highly recommend you read this version of the fairytale. It definitely won’t be the last book I read by J Morgan Woodall.
What an amazing and new story of an old classic! Li’l Red was fantastic from start to finish. Red is looking for help for her sister, she learns of a family that could do just that, help. She will have to make a life changing decision that will change her and those around her. This is a definite must read book!
How far would you go if you found your sister dying and there is a rumor of Ma Wolfe able to cure her? J Morgan Woodall writes a wicked erotic tale of Red’s love for her sister and what Red finds at the end of her journey. “Li’l Red” is a fantastic and hot read with a bit of a twist that is brillantly written. Well done J Morgan Woodall! I am anxiously waiting to see what his next tale will be.
Li’l Red was a fantastic reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood, set in the Appalachian mountains. Iva Belle Hood is on a mission to save her dying sister and no one is going to get in her way. Iva is a fabulous character, she had just the right amount of uniqueness and sass. This is a well written and wonderfully woven tale, as I have come to expect from J Morgan Woodall. If you like a little mystery, adventure and naughty tales, then this is the book for you. A fantastic read and I definitely recommend it!