Chapters and Cravings

Hooked and I already had history. The first time I read it—on my Kindle, curled up in bed one quiet June evening—I found myself swept up by the characters, the snappy dialogue, and that spark between James and Wendy that just refuses to stay on the page. I gave it four stars then, and honestly, my only little gripe was that the plot sometimes felt a bit too familiar. Coming back to it now, with the physical book in my hands and the audiobook in my ears, I can safely say my feelings haven’t changed much. It’s still a solid, satisfying read, even if it doesn’t quite surprise me.

James and Wendy are still as addictive as ever. Their romance is a little dark, a little steamy, and just tangled enough to keep things interesting—never feeling like the drama or the spice is there just for show. Emily McIntire has this way of drawing you right into their world, and James’s dangerous charm? Let’s just say I kept telling myself I’d read just one more chapter, and we all know how that usually goes.

And Rupert Hawthorne as James? Yes, please. The accent, the edge, the way he brings out every bit of emotion—it’s all there. But I have to admit, I spent most of the audiobook wishing for a proper duet performance. Listening to Rupert try on Wendy’s American lines (and Felicity Munroe giving her best shot at James’s British ones) was a little jarring, right up to the last chapter.

So, four stars again for this villainous Peter Pan reimagining that managed to pull me right back in. Rereading just confirmed what I already knew: it’s a strong, satisfying story, even if I could see some of the twists coming.

Two years on, Hooked still feels like a four-star kind of comfort read for me. There’s something about James and Wendy together that just sparkles, and the dialogue has that quick, clever snap I always fall for. The Peter Pan twist gives everything a moody, storybook glow, and I love that James stays deliciously villainous instead of turning into a misunderstood softie. Wendy’s gentle heart and the way she quietly grows braver add a real warmth to their tangled-up romance.

Sure, the plot still takes a few familiar turns, so it’s not quite a five-star sweep for me. But honestly, even knowing what was coming, I found myself happily tangled up in the story all over again. Listening to the audiobook this time made James feel even more magnetic (Rupert Hawthorne’s accent deserves its own little round of applause). The only thing that pulled me out of the cozy spell was when the narrators tried to voice each other’s lines—it always makes me smile, but not always for the right reasons.

It’s dark, a little bit steamy, and apparently addictive enough that I’ve let it reel me in twice now. Yes, the pun is still living its best life here.

James Barrie has spent years quietly building his own shadowy kingdom, every move calculated, every ally chosen with care, all for one reason: to bring down Peter Michaels. When he learns about Peter’s daughter, Wendy, it feels almost too easy. She’s cocooned in privilege, kept at arm’s length from the world her father inhabits, and more alone than anyone realises. James plans to draw her in, use her as a pawn, and then walk away once she’s served her purpose. It should be simple. But then Wendy steps into the light, and suddenly, nothing feels quite as straightforward as he imagined.

Wendy’s world might look golden from the outside, but it’s a life shaped by someone else’s choices and a father who’s more myth than presence. Underneath her gentle exterior is someone quietly aching to be seen for who she really is, not just the girl tucked away behind high gates. James brings a kind of danger, yes, but he also brings something she’s never really had: someone who truly sees her, who listens, who makes her feel like she could step outside the lines drawn for her. For the first time, Wendy gets a taste of what freedom might feel like.

As the space between them grows smaller, it gets harder to tell where the game ends and something real begins. James can’t quite let go of his need for revenge, and Wendy is still in the dark about the secrets swirling around her. But the more tangled their feelings become, the more James risks losing the plan that’s been his lifeline for so long.

🔄 Returning to James and Wendy Two Years Later

My first trip into Hooked was on my eReader, curled up in June 2024, and I remember falling for the characters, the emotional pull, the way James and Wendy sparkled together. The dialogue felt real, the romance had heart, and the only thing that kept me from giving it a full five stars was the plot being a little too easy to guess. Coming back to it now, with the physical book in my hands and the audiobook in my ears, I found my feelings hadn’t really shifted—and honestly, I kind of love that.

All the things I loved the first time were still there, just as vivid. James is still that dangerously charming presence, and Wendy’s emotional ups and downs still tugged at me. Their chemistry? It’s the kind that makes you want to keep turning pages, even when you can see the next twist coming from a mile away.

Rereading can sometimes shine a light on little flaws you missed before, but it can also show you that a book’s magic isn’t just about the surprises. Even knowing where the story was headed, I found myself just as invested. Turns out, it’s the characters and their connection that keep me coming back—not the plot twists.

🪝 James Barrie Is the Villain—and That’s the Point

James isn’t the misunderstood hero in disguise. He’s the villain, plain and simple. He manipulates, threatens, and hurts people, and when he steps into Wendy’s life, it’s with the intention of using her as a pawn. The story doesn’t try to sugarcoat any of this or convince us that James is secretly a good man who just got unlucky. He’s dangerous, and while his past explains some of the shadows he carries, it doesn’t excuse the choices he makes. Strangely enough, that’s exactly what makes him so fascinating to watch.

Revenge isn’t just a plan for James; it’s the thing his whole world has quietly started to orbit around. Taking down Peter Michaels isn’t just about payback—it’s about finding some sense of justice, a bit of control, and maybe finally putting old hurts to rest. And then Wendy arrives, and suddenly, for the first time, there’s something in his life that might matter just as much as all that anger he’s been carrying.

There’s something quietly gripping about watching James wrestle with the life he’s built around revenge and the unexpected feelings he develops for Wendy. He tries to use her, then finds himself wanting to protect her, to keep her close, to have her all to himself. And in the end, he’s left facing the question of what loving Wendy really means for the villain he’s chosen to be.

🌙 Wendy Michaels Is More Than the Innocent Darling

At first glance, Wendy seems softer than James, almost untouched by the sharp edges of the world he comes from. She’s grown up in a bubble of privilege, safe but also a little stifled, with most of her choices made for her by people who think they know best. But that softness isn’t weakness. If anything, it’s a quiet kind of strength. There’s a loneliness to her life that money can’t quite reach—a sense that she’s been cared for in all the practical ways, but rarely in the ways that matter most.

And then James steps into her world. He’s all sharp glances and secrets, the kind of person everyone warns you about, but he looks at Wendy like she’s the only person in the room. For someone used to blending into the background, that kind of attention feels almost electric. It’s not just about the thrill of breaking the rules or the way he looks at her. James notices the quiet ache she’s been carrying, and for the first time, Wendy feels truly seen—wanted for who she is, not just who she’s supposed to be.

Wendy’s story isn’t about trading her softness for something sharper. It’s about realising that being innocent doesn’t mean being powerless, and that following the rules isn’t the same as having a voice. She starts to crave her own choices, her own freedom, and a sense of self that isn’t just a reflection of her father’s wishes. What I love most is that she never loses that gentle core—she just learns to stand a little taller in it. She doesn’t have to become someone else to find her place, even in James’s complicated world.

🔥 The Chemistry Still Leaps Off the Page

There’s something about James and Wendy together that just crackles, isn’t there? Right from the start, you can feel the pull between them, but it’s not just about instant sparks. Their romance winds its way through secret glances, whispered plans, and that deliciously dangerous feeling that James is always one step ahead. He’s got his own agenda, while Wendy is just hoping she’s finally found someone who truly gets her. It’s a connection that feels a little risky, a little off-balance, and honestly, it’s impossible to look away.

James brings this intense, almost magnetic energy that’s hard to ignore. He’s possessive, yes, and maybe a little too fixated, but that’s exactly what draws Wendy in. She can’t help but be curious about the person hiding underneath all that danger. Even when they’re just talking, you can feel the air practically buzzing between them. Every word, every glance, is loaded. And when things finally heat up, it doesn’t feel out of place—it’s just the next step in their tangled, obsessive dance.

It’s sweet, it’s steamy, but there’s always that little edge—like someone’s hiding a knife behind their back, just in case. Cozy with a hint of danger, and honestly, that’s half the fun.

🖤 A Dark Romance That Understands Its Own Darkness

Hooked is not shy about its darker edges. There are heavy themes here, and the relationship between James and Wendy is tangled up in all sorts of deliberately messy, unhealthy dynamics. James is the kind of character who pulls strings behind the scenes and keeps Wendy in the dark, steering things his way. Their whole connection starts off as part of a revenge plot, so Wendy never really gets the full picture or a fair choice about what she’s stepping into. This isn’t a story that tries to dress up their romance as something to copy in real life.

But this is pure fantasy, the kind where you’re swept up by someone who would set the whole world on fire just to keep you close. It’s the thrill of being chosen with that wild, dangerous intensity by someone who is absolutely not the hero. I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea, and honestly, it’s not meant to be.

What really pulled me in was how Emily McIntire lets James stay firmly in the morally grey (or, let’s be honest, sometimes almost pitch black) zone, but still gives him these flashes of real, raw vulnerability. He’s capable of loving Wendy, and he’s just as capable of hurting her. Both sides are always there, tangled up together, and that tension keeps the romance from ever feeling too neat or safe.

🐊 The Peter Pan Inspiration Was Clever Without Becoming Costume Drama

Hooked takes its cues from Peter Pan, but it doesn’t try to whisk you off to Neverland or sprinkle fairy dust over every page. Instead, Emily McIntire gently borrows the names and the tangled relationships we know, then tucks them into a world that feels both modern and a little bit dangerous. James slips into the role of Hook, Wendy is still the sheltered heart at the center of it all, and Peter—well, let’s just say he’s not the boy you remember from bedtime stories.

If you grew up with Peter Pan, you’ll spot little nods and winks tucked throughout the story, but they never steal the spotlight or make things feel like a themed party. The original tale is more of a gentle undercurrent than a script to follow, letting this story build its own world—one that feels fresh, even as it tips its hat to the classics. It’s the kind of twist that makes the whole Never After series feel like a cozy invitation to see old stories in a new, slightly wicked light.

💬 Sharp Dialogue and Vivid Writing

Emily McIntire’s writing has that lovely knack for painting a scene without ever weighing you down with too much detail. You can see everything so clearly, but it never feels like you’re wading through paragraphs just to get to the good stuff. The emotions come through in a way that feels honest, whether it’s a quiet moment or something a bit more intense. I especially loved how the dialogue does so much of the heavy lifting—James always sounds like he’s got a plan (and maybe a threat or two tucked away), while Wendy’s voice starts out gentle and grows stronger as she finds her footing. Their conversations actually feel like two real people talking, not just lines on a page, and you really notice that when the story shifts between their points of view.

The writing leans into drama and wears its emotions right on its sleeve. Is it subtle? Not really, but honestly, that’s half the fun. This is a dark villain romance with a Captain Hook twist, after all, so a little extra drama feels perfectly at home here.

🔮 Predictable Doesn’t Mean Unenjoyable

I’ll be honest, my thoughts from June haven’t really changed: some parts of the plot felt a little familiar, like I’d wandered down this particular dark-romance path before. There were a few reveals and betrayals where I found myself quietly guessing what was coming, sometimes even before the characters caught on. It took a bit of the edge off the suspense for me. With a revenge story, you want those secrets and twists to keep you on your toes, so when you spot them early, it can take away a little of the magic. But here’s the thing: even when I could see what was coming, I never once felt like putting the book down.

What really kept me turning the pages was James and Wendy’s dynamic. Even when the plot wasn’t throwing any curveballs, their chemistry was more than enough to keep me hooked (pun absolutely intended). Some stories have you racing ahead because you’re desperate to find out what happens next. Others, like this one, let you settle in and enjoy the ride, even if you have a hunch about where you’re headed. The ending might have peeked out from behind the curtain a little early, but honestly, the journey with these two was the real treat.

💔 Revenge Versus Connection

James’s real struggle isn’t just about winning or losing. It’s about whether he can imagine a life that isn’t built around revenge. Hatred has been his anchor for so long that letting go of it feels a bit like stepping off solid ground. And then there’s Wendy, who quietly unsettles everything he thought he knew. She’s not just a part of his plan anymore—she’s become someone he wants for herself, even though she’s still tied to the person he can’t forgive. It’s a mess of feelings that doesn’t come with an easy answer. If he chooses revenge, he might lose Wendy. If he chooses Wendy, he has to ask himself if letting go of vengeance could ever bring him the peace he’s been chasing.

The romance feels real because Wendy isn’t just watching the storm from the sidelines—she is the storm. James is drawn to her at first because of her father, but he stays because of who she is when the world isn’t looking. The whole story lives in that space between what brought them together and what keeps them there.

⭐ Why It Earned Four Stars

I gave Hooked four stars, mostly because I just couldn’t look away from the characters and their chemistry, even after the initial surprises had faded. James is the kind of villainous romantic lead who doesn’t get tidied up for our comfort, and I loved that Wendy’s softness is actually her superpower, not something she has to outgrow. Their connection is all sparks and longing, and the emotional writing really pulls you in. Plus, the Peter Pan inspiration gives the whole thing a bit of extra magic without ever feeling forced.

If I’m being honest, the plot does wander down some familiar paths now and then, which is probably why it didn’t quite make it to five stars for me. I found myself wishing for a bit more messiness around some of the twists and consequences; a few moments wrapped up a little too tidily for a story that likes to flirt with the dark side.

Still, I had a great time with it this year. I ended up reading it twice—once curled up with the physical book, and then again with the audiobook, where Rupert Hawthorne’s narration somehow made James even more dangerously charming. (Honestly, I didn’t know that was possible.)

So, four stars from me. The villain got the girl, and, as it turns out, the British narrator managed to steal my attention too.

🪝 James Barrie — The Villain Gets the Girl

James is the sort of character who wears his ruthlessness like a second skin, all sharp edges and quiet storms. He’s not sitting around hoping someone will save him from his own shadows; he’s figured out how to live with them, maybe even thrive in them. What draws me in is the way he’s built himself into the villain on purpose, but there’s still this flicker of vulnerability he tries so hard to hide. Wendy finds her way into the places in James that revenge just can’t reach. It doesn’t magically turn him into a hero, but it does leave him tangled up in his own feelings.

James’s possessiveness and obsession are definitely not the stuff of healthy relationships, but they do fit the kind of dark, twisty fairytale this story leans into. When he cares, it’s with the same fierce energy he pours into his grudges—there’s nothing halfway about it. He doesn’t really do casual, and subtle hints are not his style. He wants Wendy, plain and simple, and any last bit of common sense seems to have packed its bags and left the building.

🌙 Wendy Michaels — Softness with a Growing Spine

Wendy has always lived in a kind of gentle bubble, protected but never quite at ease. There’s a quiet ache in her, a longing to be truly seen, and that’s where James slips in. His attention lands on her like sunlight through a window—unexpected, a little too bright, but impossible to ignore. For someone used to being looked after but never really known, the way he sees her feels startlingly real. It’s risky, yes, but it’s also the first time she’s felt something more than just safe.

Wendy’s real turning point is when she starts choosing for herself, even if those choices aren’t always the safest or the ones people expect. She finds a kind of quiet confidence, but she never lets go of her softness or her kindness. That’s what makes her feel real to me—not just another innocent swept up by danger, but someone who learns to trust her own heart, even when it’s complicated.

🌶️ The Spice

This one definitely brings the heat—let’s call it four chillies, just to be safe. The intimate moments are bold and intense, shaped by James’s need to be in control. There are scenes involving breath play and choking, so it’s worth taking a peek at the content warnings and making sure you’re comfortable before diving in. The spice here isn’t just for show; it’s woven right into the heart of James and Wendy’s dynamic, tangled up with trust, danger, and all those complicated feelings that come with wanting someone you maybe shouldn’t. Their chemistry simmers from the very beginning, so when things finally tip over into something more, it feels like a natural (and very earned) progression.

Sweet? Sometimes. Steamy? Definitely. Safe and sensible? We’ve met James, yes?

Narrators: Felicity Munroe and Rupert Hawthorne

Rupert Hawthorne just understands James in a way that feels almost uncanny. He brings all that swagger and danger you’d expect from someone running a criminal empire, but if you really listen, you can catch these tiny, vulnerable moments peeking through. Every threat actually lands, and those possessive lines? I’ll admit, they got under my skin in the best (and maybe slightly alarming) way. When James starts to fall for Wendy and everything gets a bit tangled, you can hear the uncertainty slip into Rupert’s voice. It’s the exact kind of smooth British accent I imagined—so polished and proper, but with a little glint of trouble underneath. Did it make my reread more delicious? Absolutely. Did it help me steer clear of fictional red flags? Not even close, but honestly, I’m not mad about it.

Felicity Munroe feels like she was made to be Wendy. There’s this gentle softness in her voice that makes Wendy’s innocence and loneliness feel honest, but never tips into making her seem breakable or naive. As Wendy starts to find her feet, you can actually hear Felicity’s performance bloom right alongside her, and it’s the kind of thing that makes you want to cheer a little. The way she brings out Wendy’s warmth, especially when set against all of James’s brooding, just feels right. She made Wendy feel like someone you’d want to wrap up in a hug and root for, not just the token innocent girl in a Peter Pan retelling.

If ever there was an audiobook quietly begging for a proper duet narration, it’s this one. Both narrators absolutely shine when they’re in their own cozy corners, but the magic gets a little wobbly whenever they have to swap and voice the other’s lines. Rupert’s British accent trying to sound American for Wendy? My ears did a tiny wince. And when Felicity had to step into James’s shoes, it was the same story, just flipped. I kept hoping my brain would settle in and stop noticing, but it never quite did. Their voices fit James and Wendy so perfectly that the switches just made me wish even more for a true duet. If only we could have had Rupert for every James line and Felicity for every Wendy line—it would have felt like slipping into a story that fits just right.

Even so, I had such a good time listening, and honestly, the casting is just right. But if they’d gone for a true duet narration, I think it could have gone from good to the kind of dangerously addictive that makes you want to hit replay the second it ends. Give Rupert every single James line, please. It’s only fair. I want to hear the quote below in his voice—I’d probably just melt into a puddle.

You may enjoy Hooked if you love:

• Dark contemporary romance
• Villain-gets-the-girl stories
• Peter Pan reimaginings
• Revenge plots
• Enemies-to-lovers tension
• Morally grey or morally black heroes
• Possessive MMCs
• Touch-her-and-die energy
• Obsessive romance
• Innocent but developing heroines
• Criminal underworld settings
• Explicit spice
• Emotional trauma beneath villainous behaviour
• Dual points of view
• British narrators voicing dangerous men
• Standalone romances within a themed series
• Happily ever afters for people who probably shouldn’t receive them

This may not be for you if:

• Kidnapping or captivity is a hard limit
• You dislike relationships built upon manipulation
• Breath play or choking makes you uncomfortable
• You prefer healthy relationship dynamics
• On-page violence and killing are difficult to read
• Childhood abuse references are particularly upsetting
• You need morally good romantic leads
• Stockholm syndrome elements are a hard limit
• Predictable plot developments frustrate you
• You prefer low-spice or closed-door romance
• You want a literal fantasy retelling of Peter Pan
• Alternating narrators voicing each other’s dialogue affects your audiobook experience

My verdict: Check every content warning first. If dark villain romance falls within your comfort zone, James and Wendy’s chemistry makes this very difficult to put down.