Hooked

Hooked by Emily McIntire was an absolutely amazing read! I love a good dark romance, especially when there’s a morally questionable villain involved, but this one completely pulled me in. I was so engrossed in the story that I stayed up all night reading because I simply couldn’t put it down. I kept wanting to know what would happen next, and before I knew it, I’d finished the entire book. I loved it, although I was genuinely sad when it ended.

First, I want to make something clear because I think it’s important to know what you’re getting into. Hooked is not a retelling of the original Peter Pan. It’s a dark, twisted romance inspired by the familiar characters, but Emily McIntire has created a very different story. Don’t go into this expecting the childhood fairytale you remember, because this version is definitely intended for adults.

The story centers around James Barrie, better known as Hook, a man consumed by his desire for vengeance. He’s dangerous, manipulative, and has some pretty unsavory characteristics, but that’s also what makes him such an interesting character. I enjoy a well-written villain, especially one who isn’t suddenly transformed into a perfect gentleman just because romance enters the picture. James is complicated, and while I certainly didn’t agree with everything he did, I found myself becoming increasingly invested in his character and the reasons behind his actions.

Wendy Darling brings a different perspective to the story, and I enjoyed seeing how her relationship with James developed. Their connection is far from simple, particularly with James’s motivations and the secrets surrounding him. There’s plenty of tension between them, and I liked that their relationship wasn’t the only thing driving the story forward. The romance was certainly a big part of what kept me reading, but I was equally interested in the revenge storyline and how everything would eventually come together.

One of the things I appreciated most was how Emily McIntire handled the darker aspects of the characters and their relationships. I don’t expect morally gray or morally black characters to make good decisions all the time. In fact, that’s part of why I enjoy reading about them. What matters to me is whether their actions make sense within the story and whether the author can make me care about them despite their flaws. James certainly isn’t everyone’s idea of a romantic hero, but I thought he was a fascinating character, and I can absolutely understand why readers would find themselves drawn to him.

I also really enjoyed the pacing. There was enough happening beyond the romance to keep me interested, and I never felt like I was waiting around for the story to get somewhere. Between the secrets, the tension, and James’s determination to get his revenge, I wanted to keep reading to see how everything would unfold. I love when a book manages to hold my attention that completely, and Hooked did exactly that.

As for the spice, I’d give this one 4 out of 5 peppers. There’s plenty of sexual tension between James and Wendy, along with explicit scenes that fit the darker nature of their relationship. The intimacy isn’t always gentle or conventional, which is something readers should be aware of going in. I appreciated that the romance and spice didn’t completely overshadow the rest of the story. There was still plenty happening with the characters and the revenge plot to keep me invested beyond their physical attraction.

There’s honestly not much more I want to say about the story itself because I don’t want to give anything away. One of my biggest pet peeves is reading a review that reveals important parts of the plot before I’ve had a chance to experience them myself. There are plenty of things about this book that are better left for readers to discover on their own, and I don’t want to take that away from anyone.

What I will say is that Emily McIntire delivered exactly the kind of dark, twisted story I enjoy. I loved the characters, the atmosphere, the romance, and the way the revenge storyline kept me guessing. Most of all, I loved that I became so invested in a character who was very clearly written to be the villain. I finished the book wishing I could spend a little more time with James and Wendy, and I’d love to see Emily revisit their story someday.

My Verdict: Would I Recommend Hooked?

Absolutely! If you enjoy dark romance with morally questionable characters, revenge, secrets, complicated relationships, and a villain you might find yourself falling for despite knowing better, I definitely recommend giving Hooked a read.

Just keep in mind that this is an adult dark romance, not a traditional fairytale retelling. It contains mature themes and disturbing subject matter, so I recommend checking the author’s content warnings before reading.

For me, Hooked was an easy five-star read. I loved it from beginning to end, couldn’t put it down, and was genuinely disappointed when there were no more pages left to turn. I’m looking forward to reading more from Emily McIntire and seeing what other dark and twisted stories she has in store.

⭐ 5/5 Stars | 🌶️ 4/5 Spice