I finished “Hooked” by Emily McIntyre a few weeks ago now and I surprisingly really enjoyed it. I didn’t think I would because it means more into the dark romance genre, which I don’t generally like, but this one was good. I forgot about posting this review.
4 Stars!
In “Hooked” we primarily follow two characters, Wendy and Hook, also known as James. We see the story through both of their perspectives. Wendy is very naive at the beginning of “Hooked.” She’s been protected from life, until she meets Hook. Hook isn’t an evil character as you may think. No, he’s been used and abused and finds his ‘right’ with Wendy! Can they keep what they’ve built in “Hooked,”or do the evil characters keep them apart? I’ll let you read for yourself but it was addictive! I finished it in 4 days!!!
I read Hooked for a couple of readathons. They were:
Reading Rivalry - A Book With A Reputation - Hooked has been on my TBR for years and because of its reputation I didn’t want to read it!
Always Fully Booked 2026 Reading Challenge - A Book With A Prologue - lots of books don’t have prologues so I was shocked when “Hooked” did!
There are intense erotic scenes in “Hooked.” I expected more to be honest but I’m okay with what we got. They were written well!
Spoilers below…
“My heart slams against my ribs.
Wendy Michaels.
I know her, of course. The daughter whom I’ve been keeping tabs on since I was eleven years old.”
James, at the beginning of “Hooked” is seeing Wendy for the first time here as a woman. He’s attracted to her. Hook knows her father because he, Peter, killed his family. He’s meant to get Wendy on side, not genuinely fall in love with her! When this happens what will the conclusion of the story be? Can Hook leave Wendy or can’t he?
“A burn grows through my chest, radiating outward, darkness rims my vision. And then I explode, my mouth opening on a silent screen, inner walls milking his fingers as if they want to suck him up. and never let him leave. His hand immediately loosens, turning into soft, soothing strokes as I suck in mouthfuls of air, my chest heaving against his.”
“Such a good girl,” he purrs.”
There are intense love scenes/elements of abuse in “Hooked,” but Wendy wants it. She trusts Hook more than anyone. I didn’t mind reading these. I love reading scenes where the characters are obviously in love even if they don’t admit it to the their partner or themselves to begin with. They do admit their feelings in the book, just later on!
Wendy has a little brother, Jon, like in the JM Barrie classic, but he’s older than he is in the original story. Their father, Peter doesn’t love them like he should. In fact, I’d say that Hook becomes like their father in how much he cares for them, while also being Wendy’s lover. It’s revealed later on in the plot why Hook cares for Jon, even though he’s oblivious to why too. I won’t spoil the twist but it’s surprising!
Overall then, I loved “Hooked!” I loved reading Wendy and Hook’s romance and seeing it develop. It was addictive. It’s said that this isn’t a retelling at the beginning of the book, and it’s not. It’s a very character centric story. There’s a vague plot but you’re rooting for Hook and Wendy’s romance or at least I was, throughout. I actually plan on reading the classic Peter Pan next (as of writing this). I’ve obviously seen the Disney movie but never read the book! That’s why I’m giving “Hooked” 4 stars!
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