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Hello, lovely readers! ✨

I’m super excited to share my thoughts on the latest dark and twisted fairytale retelling I’ve devoured—“Wretched” by Emily McIntire. As someone who’s totally hooked on her “Never After” series, I knew I was in for a treat, but this one really brought some serious emotions to the surface. Whether you’re new to McIntire’s books or already a fan, there’s so much to unpack here. Let’s dive in!

The Wicked Plot

“Wretched” is the third book in the “Never After” series, where Emily takes familiar stories and spins them into dark, thrilling, and often heartbreaking tales. This one? It’s all about Evelina Westerly, a character inspired by the Wicked Witch of the West, but reimagined in a modern, gritty context. Evelina is fierce, dangerous, and unapologetically powerful. She’s involved in her family’s criminal empire and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty.

Enter Nicholas Woodsworth, an undercover DEA agent with his own motives, who gets tangled up with Evelina. What follows is a seductive, tension-filled game of cat and mouse, where betrayal, passion, and danger swirl in every chapter.

Favorite Quote: “Sometimes the world needs a villain, and I’ll wear that title with pride.” – Evelina 🖤

This line hit hard because it perfectly sums up the unapologetic fierceness of the main character. Evelina isn’t the typical heroine, and that’s what makes her stand out.

What I Loved 🖤

• Evelina’s Complexity: I’m obsessed with how Emily McIntire brings her characters to life, and Evelina is no exception. She’s dark, flawed, and morally ambiguous, yet I found myself rooting for her at every turn. She’s a woman who owns her power, even when that power leads her down some dark roads.
• Tension Between Evelina & Nicholas: The chemistry between these two is electric. It’s not just about the steamy moments (though there are plenty of those), but also the deeper connection they form as they dance around trust, betrayal, and secrets. You’re constantly left wondering: will they destroy each other or fall hopelessly in love?
• Dark, Gritty Atmosphere: This isn’t a fluffy romance, and I loved that. The criminal undertones, the danger lurking in the shadows, and the high-stakes world kept me on the edge of my seat. It’s a romance, sure, but it’s also so much more—filled with suspense, intrigue, and dark thrills.

A Few Drawbacks ⚖️

• Pacing: While I loved the plot, the pacing did drag a bit in the middle for me. There were moments when the story could have moved faster, especially during some of the more detailed criminal aspects. But to be fair, this might just be me being impatient because I wanted more Evelina and Nicholas scenes!
• Not for Everyone: This book dives deep into morally grey areas, and if you’re looking for a traditional, lighthearted romance, this might feel a little too dark. But for fans of anti-heroines and complex stories, it’s a gem.

Final Thoughts 🌟

“Wretched” is not your typical fairytale retelling, and that’s exactly what makes it so addictive. Emily McIntire has a way of making us fall in love with characters who are dark, dangerous, and entirely captivating. Evelina isn’t your damsel in distress—she’s the villain of her own story, and I loved every second of it.

If you’re into anti-heroes, forbidden love, and dark, steamy romance, “Wretched” is absolutely a must-read.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨ (4.5/5)

Have you read it? Let me know your thoughts! I could talk about Evelina and Nicholas all day. 🖤💬