Introduction
For Kindle readers who crave morally gray characters, sizzling chemistry, and fairytale retellings with a dark twist, Hooked by Emily McIntire is a must-read. The first book in the viral Never After series, Hooked reimagines the classic Peter Pan universe—only this time, the villain is the hero, and happily ever after comes with a body count.
With its intoxicating blend of revenge, obsession, and taboo romance, Hooked isn’t just a story—it’s a delicious descent into desire and danger.
👉 Download Hooked on Kindle now and get lost in a dark romance that breaks all the rules.
Plot Summary
James “Hook” Barrie isn’t the villain the stories warned you about—he’s worse. As the brutal yet charismatic owner of a Boston nightclub, Hook has one goal: destroy the man who ruined his family—Peter Michaels.
And what better way to do it than through Wendy, Peter’s innocent daughter?
Wendy is new in town, curious, bright-eyed, and totally unprepared for the intense pull she feels toward the enigmatic Hook. What starts as a game of seduction quickly becomes something more dangerous: an emotional entanglement neither of them expected.
As secrets unravel and lines blur between love and vengeance, Wendy and Hook must decide whether their twisted connection can survive the truth—or if it was doomed from the start.
Character Dynamics
Hooked thrives on tension, and much of it stems from the electric dynamic between its leads.
Hook is dark, damaged, and magnetic. He walks the line between antihero and villain, never shying away from violence or manipulation—but beneath the surface lies a man haunted by grief and driven by loyalty.
Wendy is his opposite in all the right ways: sweet but not naïve, brave but not reckless. Her curiosity and resilience make her the perfect foil to Hook’s chaos.
Together, they’re fire and gasoline—volatile, dangerous, and impossible to look away from. The push and pull between them is both emotional and erotic, creating a relationship that’s as intense as it is unconventional.
Writing Style and Themes
Emily McIntire’s prose is gritty, lyrical, and unapologetically raw. She doesn’t sugarcoat her characters or their world, and the result is a story that feels honest in its darkness and cathartic in its passion.
Themes explored include:
- Revenge and redemption
- Trauma, grief, and healing
- Power dynamics in romance
- The blurred lines between love, lust, and obsession
This isn’t your childhood fairytale. Hooked delivers steamy, high-stakes romance with emotional depth and a gothic aesthetic that lingers.
Memorable Moments
- Hook’s chilling yet seductive first encounter with Wendy
- The nightclub scene—equal parts heat and tension
- Flashbacks to Hook’s traumatic past, adding emotional weight
- A jaw-dropping betrayal that reframes everything
- The ending—violent, satisfying, and darkly romantic
Each scene crackles with intensity, whether it’s a whispered confession or a brutal confrontation.
What Readers Are Saying
Hooked has become a fan favorite among dark romance enthusiasts and BookTok readers alike.
Reader reactions include:
- “Hook is the villain of my dreams. I need therapy—and book two.”
- “Emily McIntire made me root for a man with blood on his hands. Bravo.”
- “Steamy, emotional, and just the right amount of twisted.”
It’s particularly beloved by readers who enjoy taboo relationships, antiheroes, and morally complex love stories.
Who Should Read This
This novel is perfect for:
- Fans of dark romance and villain origin stories
- Readers who love morally gray love interests and revenge plots
- Kindle users looking for spicy, emotional reads with edge
- Followers of the Never After series and BookTok sensations
Not recommended for younger readers—this is definitely adult romance, with explicit content and heavy themes.
Similar Books You Might Enjoy
- Scarred by Emily McIntire (Lion King reimagining)
- Vicious by L.J. Shen
- Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
- Twisted Love by Ana Huang
Series Context and Future Reads
Hooked is book one in the Never After series—a collection of standalone dark romances inspired by classic fairytales, reimagined through the eyes of the villains.
Each book explores a new character and universe, but the tone remains consistent: gritty, seductive, and emotionally charged.
It’s the perfect entry point into a series that pushes the boundaries of traditional romance.
Final Thoughts
Hooked by Emily McIntire is an enthralling, seductive, and emotionally charged retelling that turns Peter Pan lore on its head. With intense character chemistry, a revenge-fueled plot, and dark emotional undertones, it’s a must-read for fans of Kindle dark romance.
👉 Download Hooked on Kindle today and fall for the villain like never before.
