HOOKED-EMILY MCINTIRE⏱️

So many of you are asking, 'Is Hooked by Emily McIntire a fantasy book?' And I totally get why there might be some confusion! With all the amazing fairy tale retellings out there, it's easy to wonder. But let me clear it up for you: Hooked is actually a dark contemporary romance, not fantasy. It's the first book in Emily McIntire's incredible Never After series, which reimagines classic fairy tales with a much darker, spicier, and often morally gray twist. Think 'Peter Pan' meets modern-day organized crime, packed with intense characters and undeniable chemistry that will keep you turning pages late into the night. When I first picked up *Hooked*, I was immediately captivated. The premise alone – a ruthless modern-day Peter Pan and a determined Wendy Darling dynamic, but with a deliciously villainous edge – was enough to draw me in. Hook, a powerful and enigmatic businessman, is out for revenge against his past, and Wendy finds herself unwittingly caught in his dangerous web. It’s definitely not your childhood storybook! What makes it so compelling is the psychological depth of the characters, the intense push-and-pull between them, and the incredibly high stakes involved as their worlds collide. Emily McIntire doesn't shy away from complex themes, emotional turmoil, or explicit scenes, so be prepared for a grittier, more mature read than your typical romance. This book really set the stage for the entire Never After series, establishing the unique tone and style. While each book is a standalone dark romance retelling of a different fairy tale, they often exist in a subtly connected universe or share similar thematic elements, making the overall series feel cohesive and wonderfully immersive. What I meant when I said they 'get better and better' is that Emily McIntire truly refines her craft with each subsequent book. She explores different iconic fairy tales like Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, and even Little Red Riding Hood, infusing each with her signature dark and delicious spin. The character development across the series is fantastic, and the way she twists familiar narratives into something fresh and exhilarating is just brilliant. It's thrilling to see how she takes these beloved stories and flips them on their head, making them perfect for adult readers. If you love enemies-to-lovers tropes, morally gray characters who challenge your perceptions, intricate plots with plenty of suspense, and steamy scenes that leave you breathless, then the Never After series, starting with *Hooked*, is absolutely for you. It's perfect for readers who enjoy a good dark romance that challenges traditional fairy tale narratives and leaves you completely invested in the characters' journeys. Just make sure to check trigger warnings if you need to, as these books can explore some heavy themes, including violence, trauma, and morally ambiguous situations. Trust me, once you dive into this world, you'll be completely hooked too, just like I was!