In the shadowy corners of romance literature, where anti-heroes reign and moral compasses spin wildly, Emily McIntire’s Wretched emerges as a compelling exploration of what happens when good and evil aren’t just blurred—they’re completely reimagined. As the third installment in McIntire’s Never After series, this dark contemporary romance takes the familiar yellowed pages of The Wizard of Oz and dips them in poison, creating something altogether more sinister and seductive.
The Never After Series: A Journey Through Fractured Fairy Tales
Before delving into Wretched, it’s worth noting how Emily McIntire has crafted her Never After series. Beginning with Hooked (a dark retelling of Peter Pan), followed by Scarred (Beauty and the Beast), and now Wretched (The Wizard of Oz), each book stands as an independent story while maintaining the series’ core theme: villains deserve love too. The upcoming titles—Twisted, Crossed, and Hexed—promise to continue this fascinating exploration of morally gray characters finding their own versions of happily ever after.
Plot and Character Development: A Dance of Darkness and Desire
The Story
At its heart, Wretched by Emily McIntire follows Evelina Westerly, the brilliant and brutal botanist behind her family’s drug empire, and Nicholas Woodsworth, an undercover DEA agent determined to bring down the very world she helps maintain. Their story begins with a passionate one-night stand, neither aware of the other’s true identity, setting the stage for a complex web of desire, deception, and eventual devotion.
Character Complexity
McIntire excels at creating multifaceted characters who defy simple categorization:
- Evelina Westerly: Far from a typical villain, Evelina emerges as a fascinating study in contradictions. Her scientific brilliance coupled with her capacity for violence makes her a formidable character, while her vulnerability and loyalty to family add compelling layers to her personality.
- Nicholas Woodsworth: His journey from dedicated agent to a man questioning everything he believes in feels authentic and earned. His internal struggle between duty and desire drives much of the story’s emotional weight.
Writing Style and Atmospheric Elements
McIntire’s prose is both elegant and raw, perfectly suited to the story’s dark themes. Her ability to switch between poetic descriptions and brutal violence creates a reading experience that keeps readers on edge. The author particularly shines in:
- Crafting intense, chemistry-laden dialogue
- Building palpable tension in both romantic and dangerous scenarios
- Creating vivid settings that enhance the story’s mood
- Weaving literary references throughout the narrative
Strengths and Notable Aspects
Character Chemistry
The connection between Evelina and Nicholas crackles with electricity from their first meeting. Their relationship develops through a perfect balance of physical attraction and emotional understanding, making their forbidden romance both believable and engaging.
World Building
The criminal underworld of Kinland feels fully realized, with intricate power dynamics and complex relationships that extend beyond the main characters.
Thematic Depth
The exploration of morality, family loyalty, and the nature of love adds substantial weight to what could have been a simple romance story.
Areas for Improvement
While Wretched is a strong addition to the Never After series by Emily McIntire, there are some aspects that could have been enhanced:
- The pacing occasionally feels uneven, particularly in the middle sections
- Some secondary character arcs could have been more fully developed
- The resolution of certain plot threads feels slightly rushed
- The incorporation of The Wizard of Oz elements could have been more prominent
Impact and Literary Merit
What sets Wretched apart in the crowded dark romance genre is its willingness to explore the complexity of human nature without offering easy answers. McIntire doesn’t try to redeem her characters in conventional ways, instead allowing them to find love while maintaining their essential nature.
Genre Context and Reader Advisory
It’s important to note that Wretched by Emily McIntire is firmly positioned in the dark romance genre. Readers should be aware that the book contains:
- Explicit violence and sexual content
- Morally ambiguous characters and situations
- Themes of drug trafficking and criminal activity
- Complex family dynamics and betrayal
Final Verdict
Wretched offers a compelling addition to both the Never After series by Emily McIntire and the dark romance genre as a whole. McIntire has created a story that will satisfy readers looking for:
- Complex, morally gray characters
- Intense romantic chemistry
- Sophisticated plotting
- Dark themes with emotional depth
Who Should Read This Book
This book is perfect for readers who:
- Enjoy dark romance with complex characters
- Appreciate fractured fairy tales with adult themes
- Don’t require traditional heroes in their romance
- Can handle mature content and violent scenarios
Conclusion: A Worthy Addition to the Dark Romance Genre
Wretched successfully walks the fine line between darkness and romance, creating a compelling narrative that will stay with readers long after the final page. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate complex characters and darker themes will find much to enjoy in this twisted tale of love and loyalty.
For fans of the Never After series, Wretched provides a satisfying continuation of Emily McIntire’s unique approach to fairy tale retellings, while newcomers will find it an excellent entry point into her work. The author’s ability to create compelling anti-heroes and complex relationships continues to evolve, making each new installment in the series something to anticipate.