Hooked (Never After Series Book 1) by Emily McIntire

Hooked by Emily McIntire – A Dark and Twisted Peter Pan Retelling for Romance Readers

About the Book

Hooked by Emily McIntire is the first book in the bestselling Never After series—a collection of standalone dark romance retellings that flip classic fairy tales on their heads. This isn’t your childhood Peter Pan. It’s a gritty, emotionally charged story where Captain Hook takes center stage as a ruthless anti-hero driven by vengeance. When he meets a woman who challenges everything he thought he wanted, the line between enemy and obsession blurs in the most intoxicating way. Packed with angst, steam, and unforgettable chemistry, Hooked is perfect for readers who love their romance dark, their heroes flawed, and their happy endings hard-won.

From the Back Cover

“He wants revenge. She wants freedom. Together, they’ll burn the world down—or save each other from the flames.”

About the Author

Emily McIntire is a bestselling author known for her captivating dark romance novels that reimagine beloved fairy tales with a twisted, mature edge. With a talent for crafting morally complex characters and heart-pounding tension, Emily has built a devoted following of readers who crave stories that push boundaries. Her Never After series has become a sensation in the dark romance community, praised for its emotional depth, spicy scenes, and unforgettable anti-heroes.

Who Is This Book For?

Hooked is a must-read for fans of dark romance, enemies-to-lovers tropes, and fairy tale retellings with an adult twist. If you enjoy books by authors like Penelope Douglas, L.J. Shen, or Sarah J. Maas’s darker moments, you’ll fall head over heels for Emily McIntire’s storytelling. This book is perfect for readers who aren’t afraid of morally grey heroes, forbidden attraction, and emotional rollercoasters that leave you breathless. Whether you’re new to dark romance or a seasoned fan, Hooked will captivate you from the first page to the last.

What You’ll Experience in This Book

In Hooked, you’ll dive into a world where revenge is a dish best served cold—until passion sets everything ablaze. Watch as James, a man consumed by his need for vengeance, crosses paths with a fierce, independent woman who refuses to be anyone’s pawn. You’ll feel every moment of tension, every stolen glance, and every dangerous decision that brings them closer to ruin—or redemption. This book explores themes of trauma, healing, power, and the thin line between love and obsession, all wrapped in a romance that’s as dark as it is addictive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Hooked by Emily McIntire a standalone book?
Yes, Hooked is a standalone dark romance in the Never After series. Each book features different characters and a unique fairy tale retelling, so you can read them in any order without missing out.

Does Hooked have spicy scenes and mature content?
Absolutely. Hooked is an adult dark romance with explicit scenes, mature themes, and content intended for readers 18+. If you prefer closed-door romance, this may not be the right fit.

What is the Peter Pan retelling in Hooked about?
Hooked reimagines Captain Hook as a complex anti-hero seeking revenge. It’s a darker, mature take on the classic tale, focusing on adult themes like obsession, power dynamics, and morally grey characters rather than a whimsical fantasy.

Do I need to read the Never After series in order?
No, each book in the Never After series is a standalone with its own story and characters. You can start with Hooked or jump to any other book in the series based on which retelling interests you most.

Is Hooked suitable for fans of Sarah J Maas or Penelope Douglas?
Yes! If you love the tension and darker themes in Sarah J. Maas’s work or the angsty, complex relationships in Penelope Douglas’s books, Hooked will be right up your alley. It combines emotional depth with high heat and unforgettable characters.