Setting

In Hooked, Emily McIntire reimagines Peter Pan by incorporating J.M. Barrie’s motifs into a contemporary setting. Neverland becomes a complex underworld filled with revenge and intrigue. Captain Hook appears as James “Hook” Barrie, a nightclub owner consumed by revenge against Peter Michaels, a corrupt millionaire symbolizing Peter Pan's essence.

Wendy Michaels is no longer a child but a young woman involved in her father's deceit. Her interaction with Hook introduces her to a life of danger. Hook leads a gang called the Lost Boys, and his bar is named the Jolly Roger. "Pixie dust" refers to a street drug, and "ticking fob watches" connect to Hook’s uncle, Croc, who embodies the crocodile's menace.

Themes

Revenge 

Hooked centers on James “Hook” Barrie's pursuit of vengeance against Peter Michaels.  James targets Wendy Michaels, Peter's daughter, as part of his plan. As his strategy intertwines with genuine emotions for Wendy, the narrative examines the extent James will go to achieve his concept of justice.

Toxic love

Wendy and James's relationship involves manipulation and obsession. Initially a calculated arrangement, their bond becomes complex. Wendy is drawn to James despite the danger, testing views on love with themes of emotional turmoil and power imbalances.

Power dynamics

Hooked explores dominance as James and Peter engage in conflict, involving Wendy in their struggle. Peter’s misuse of wealth contrasts with James's revenge-driven tactics. These interactions question morality and heroism, challenging perceptions of right and wrong.

Trauma

Unresolved trauma impacts the characters' actions and motivations. James's past betrayals and losses influence his behavior. Wendy faces familial neglect, leading to an emotional realization. Their stories underscore trauma's role in shaping personal and relational dynamics.

Quick facts

• Published in 2021, Hooked is a dark contemporary romance reimagining of Peter Pan, focusing on Captain Hook as the protagonist and antihero.

• Hooked is the first novel in Emily McIntire’s Never After series, standalone books reinterpreting fairy tale villains with happy endings.

• Emily McIntire is a popular BookTok influencer and a USA Today bestselling author, acclaimed for her captivating, fast-paced storytelling style.

• Hooked blends dark romance, morally gray characters, and themes of revenge and redemption.

• James Barrie (Hook) is depicted as a psychopathic criminal and nightclub owner driven by revenge against Peter Michaels, Wendy's father.

• Wendy Michaels, portrayed as naive with hidden strength, is the daughter of a corrupt billionaire named Peter.

• The lead characters have roles reversed from traditional narratives, with Peter depicted as the villain and Hook as the antihero.

• Hooked modernizes iconic elements like "pixie dust" as a popular drug in the criminal underworld.

• The story features clever Easter eggs from the original Peter Pan, including naming Hook's bar "The Jolly Roger" and his boat "Tiger Lily."

• Hooked explores mature themes including manipulation, trauma, organized crime, and explicit romance scenes rated as spicy and dark.

• The audiobook version features dual narration by Felicity Munroe and Rupert Hawthorne.

• Collector's editions of Hooked include exclusive bonus materials, distinctive covers, and stencilled page edges.

About the author

Emily McIntire is an American author of contemporary romance novels. She is best known for her USA Today and New York Times bestselling Never After series of fractured fairy tale reimaginings with a dark romance focus, including Hooked, Scarred, Wretched, Twisted, and Crossed. Her books, which also include the Sugarlake Series, have been translated into more than a dozen languages. A stage IV breast cancer thriver, she has also spent time working as a songwriter and enjoys getting lost in a good book.