Hooked

About The Author

Emily McIntire, the author of Hooked, wrote her first book, *Beneath the Stars*, in 2018. Although she has been writing for only five years, she has already published 11 books. Emily is a stage IV breast cancer “thriver,” a term she uses to describe her journey of living with and beyond cancer. She is the author of the *Never After* series, a steamy and dark retelling of classic Disney stories that starts here with Hooked, as well as the *Sugarlake* series, which addresses relevant real-world issues. You can learn more about her on Emily McIntire’s website: About Emily | Emily McIntire’s website

The World

Like many books in this series, it is a gripping reimagining of the classic fairy tale Peter Pan. In this version, Hook, also known as Captain Hook in the original, is the head of a drug empire, and his nemesis, Peter, is making a move on his territory. The story is set in a dark and unforgiving world, where ruthless characters and a few ‘extra spicy’ scenes add to the intensity.

The Beginning

This book is a journey into darkness, just what I needed when I was in a dark place myself. These books are the ones to read when you feel like you want the world to burn. You can take out that aggression through their villainous characters and then experience a sense of catharsis and emotional fulfillment, knowing that everything will be right with the world by the end. I have done one other review of this series…If you have read Hexed or my review of Hexed, let me warn you that THIS BOOK IS DARKER THAN HEXED. Hexed is a tame fairy tale compared to this guy; you can’t say I didn’t warn you.

The Characters

Get ready to meet your favorite characters from Peter Pan but in a new light. Hook, the MMC ( main male character), is not the same villain you remember. Orphaned at a young age and raised by his abusive uncle ‘Croc,’ who had a peculiar love for old clocks, Hook is still haunted by the ticking noise. His plan to kidnap Wendy, his mortal enemy’s daughter, is just the beginning of his reimagined story. 

Wendy, the MFC (main female character), may seem like the innocent daddy’s girl who follows orders, but her character evolves in a way that will keep you intrigued. The love and romance that blossoms between her and Hook is far from sweet and innocent, adding a layer of complexity to her character.

The Plot

The plot is incredibly dark and all-consuming. If dark romance isn’t your thing, stay away from these books. Warnings aside, I did really enjoy the plot. It kept me on my toes the entire time and satisfied my need to watch the world burn while simultaneously offering hope.

The Resolution

Whoa. That was an intense read. The epilogue, though? That was everything. It was happy and sweet. This book takes you full circle from watching the world burn to warm and fuzzy fluttering in your chest. Other reviews of the *NeverAfter* series Hexed: A Spicy Retelling Of The Little Mermaid – Rae’s Reviews. Other Emily McIntire Reviews Beneath The Stars By Emily Mcintire – Rae’s Reviews.