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Another Damned #1
Another Damned Darling
Torn out of my world, captured by a pirate, and questioning my sanity was not how I planned on spending my week.
Never Darling
I grew up believing my great-grandmother's tales were mostly fiction. Sure, a few scraps were true, but those dark pieces didn’t make it into the pretty fantasy the rest of the world knows.
I don’t have time for fantasy. Not when I have bills to pay and a teenage brother to get through his last year of high school. Until he goes missing, and I wind up trapped on a pirate ship in an enchanted realm.
Everything I thought I knew about Wendy’s stories was wrong. Including Pan, who is less of a flying boy and more of a soul-stealing demon that has made my brother his next target.
I’ll burn this realm to the ground before I let that happen. But first, I have to figure out how to get off this damned ship and away from the smoldering, infuriating, high-handed pirate who's holding me captive.
Hook
Keep the demon trapped on the cursed island. That has been my mission - my sentence - for millennia. So, when I receive word the creature’s devious shadow has lured another human boy to my world, it’s all hands on deck to find him before the demon does what it does best.
There is one unexpected hurdle, however. A woman. A mouthy, stubborn, dangerously tempting woman who ruffles my immortal feathers. And that’s before I discover who she really is... another damned Darling.
At best, she’s a distraction.
At worst, she’s a threat.
Either way, I’m in trouble.
- - - - -
Another Damned Darling is a spicy and twisted tale featuring a strong, foul-mouthed heroine and a rakish anti-hero. This is an enemies-to-lovers story, intended for readers 18+. It's the first of a series and ends on a cliffhanger.
Never Darling
I grew up believing my great-grandmother's tales were mostly fiction. Sure, a few scraps were true, but those dark pieces didn’t make it into the pretty fantasy the rest of the world knows.
I don’t have time for fantasy. Not when I have bills to pay and a teenage brother to get through his last year of high school. Until he goes missing, and I wind up trapped on a pirate ship in an enchanted realm.
Everything I thought I knew about Wendy’s stories was wrong. Including Pan, who is less of a flying boy and more of a soul-stealing demon that has made my brother his next target.
I’ll burn this realm to the ground before I let that happen. But first, I have to figure out how to get off this damned ship and away from the smoldering, infuriating, high-handed pirate who's holding me captive.
Hook
Keep the demon trapped on the cursed island. That has been my mission - my sentence - for millennia. So, when I receive word the creature’s devious shadow has lured another human boy to my world, it’s all hands on deck to find him before the demon does what it does best.
There is one unexpected hurdle, however. A woman. A mouthy, stubborn, dangerously tempting woman who ruffles my immortal feathers. And that’s before I discover who she really is... another damned Darling.
At best, she’s a distraction.
At worst, she’s a threat.
Either way, I’m in trouble.
- - - - -
Another Damned Darling is a spicy and twisted tale featuring a strong, foul-mouthed heroine and a rakish anti-hero. This is an enemies-to-lovers story, intended for readers 18+. It's the first of a series and ends on a cliffhanger.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
513 people are currently reading
2172 people want to read
About the author
Myka Bound
7 books50 followersMyka loves writing romantic fantasy about tortured characters with big hearts buried under their damage. She’s also awkward AF in real life.
She lives in the Rocky Mountains with her lumberjack-looking husband and their rowdy rescue dogs, loves quoting movies from the 80s and 90s, and she’s a total sucker for the rough-around-the-edges type.
When she isn’t tormenting her characters or dreaming up gut-wrenching plot twists, you can usually find her doing just about anything that gives her a reason to ignore her phone.
Check out her website to sign up for her newsletter for New Release notifications, exclusive content, and sneak peeks of her current projects!
If you want to reach out to her directly, you can find her on Instagram.
She lives in the Rocky Mountains with her lumberjack-looking husband and their rowdy rescue dogs, loves quoting movies from the 80s and 90s, and she’s a total sucker for the rough-around-the-edges type.
When she isn’t tormenting her characters or dreaming up gut-wrenching plot twists, you can usually find her doing just about anything that gives her a reason to ignore her phone.
Check out her website to sign up for her newsletter for New Release notifications, exclusive content, and sneak peeks of her current projects!
If you want to reach out to her directly, you can find her on Instagram.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
April 28, 2024
Well this is my first Romantasy book… NOT BAD! Entertaining, different, new spin on a classic story. Thought it was pretty good. Not 5 stars as there was a moment or two for me where I was struggling to keep up. Just trying to keep my imagination working the more “adult” I’m becoming!
Captain Atlas Hook though, he was 🔥 confident, witty, strong, and everything I would expect him to be! Our Main female character was also a refreshing welcome with her keen survival skills, ability to fight, and her priorities never wavering! Excellent take on the Lost boys! Pan as a woman?! Brilliant! I loved this new take on the storyline!
lol I enjoyed the book! There were some parts that I had to reread to understand but it was great for a first time “Romantasy” book! I’m looking forward to reading the sequel because that cliffhanger… so not cool, how can you leave us with that?! Looking forward to getting back to Neverland soon!
Captain Atlas Hook though, he was 🔥 confident, witty, strong, and everything I would expect him to be! Our Main female character was also a refreshing welcome with her keen survival skills, ability to fight, and her priorities never wavering! Excellent take on the Lost boys! Pan as a woman?! Brilliant! I loved this new take on the storyline!
lol I enjoyed the book! There were some parts that I had to reread to understand but it was great for a first time “Romantasy” book! I’m looking forward to reading the sequel because that cliffhanger… so not cool, how can you leave us with that?! Looking forward to getting back to Neverland soon!
August 2, 2024
Honestly I was confused the entire time. The FMC was annoying as hell. The author tried to write her as a badass but she was anything but. I did love our MMC Hook though. This book left off on a cliffhanger but I’m not curious enough to keep reading to find out what happens next.
July 18, 2023
This was my first time being an ARC reader and, holy crap, this was the perfect book to do it with!! This PeterPan retelling with a twist had me completely “Hooked” (no regrets for the obvious pun). I binge read this book so fast. The story leapt right in to the action and the enemies to lovers troupe hit right where I love. And now I cannot wait for the next one to come out!! ((Fingers crossed I can ARC read that one too🤞🏻🤞🏻)). Seriously, Loved❤️
July 16, 2023
I received an early copy of this book in exchange for leaving an honest review.
Holy shit was this book good! I could not stop reading!
I genuinely loved the plot and the characters, Never is a true girl boss. I am so invested in this story!
Think Peter Pan but a sexy Captain Hook. I could not have asked for more, there was plot, there was spice and there was suspense.
I wish there wasn’t a cliffhanger but that just makes me more excited for the next one!!
Holy shit was this book good! I could not stop reading!
I genuinely loved the plot and the characters, Never is a true girl boss. I am so invested in this story!
Think Peter Pan but a sexy Captain Hook. I could not have asked for more, there was plot, there was spice and there was suspense.
I wish there wasn’t a cliffhanger but that just makes me more excited for the next one!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2023
I received an early rendition copy of this book with the expectation that I leave a non-influenced and honest review.
I usually tend to stay away from fantasy books but I found myself to have loved this book from start to finish! The plot had me “hooked” 🪝😉 the whole time! The smut was tasteful, honestly I think there could be much more but that’s my personal preference. I am eager to see how the story continues in the next book, I already can’t wait for it!
I usually tend to stay away from fantasy books but I found myself to have loved this book from start to finish! The plot had me “hooked” 🪝😉 the whole time! The smut was tasteful, honestly I think there could be much more but that’s my personal preference. I am eager to see how the story continues in the next book, I already can’t wait for it!
August 1, 2023
Disclosure: I received a copy of Another Damned Darling in exchange for my honest review.
I am a sucker for any fairy tale retelling, and this one did not disappoint! You need to know going in that this is not a true retelling; this is a full reimagining of Peter Pan.
Sexy AF Captain Hook and a foul-mouthed Never Darling are an ideal, if a little unconventional, pair. Myka Bound took this "villian" and turned him into a surprisingly enlightened character. Hook has an old-fashioned gentlemanly vibe, with a very modern gentleman's view of consent. It's a refreshing contradiction for a reimagined Hook. Never is no withering violet herself. She is cusses, fights, and is a little violently independent - again, not typical for Wendy (a descendant in this case). But honestly, they work. Very well. The spice comes later in the book, but it's worth the wait! A bit of a slow burn that eventually explodes.
There is a full cast of characters based on those created by J.M. Barrie, but don't expect to recognize them from their original roles. The small references and big twists were all delightful.
There were some small errors in the book, but the story more than made up for them. I'll admit that I wasn't vibing with Never at first. She seemed more belligerent than sassy and independent. Thankfully her backstory helps explain some of that, and I started to actually like her. For me, this affected the pacing at the beginning of the book, but by 15% I was all in.
This book does end on a cliffhanger - with one of those fabulous twists. And, seriously, i have so many questions that need answers. I cannot wait for book 2!
I am a sucker for any fairy tale retelling, and this one did not disappoint! You need to know going in that this is not a true retelling; this is a full reimagining of Peter Pan.
Sexy AF Captain Hook and a foul-mouthed Never Darling are an ideal, if a little unconventional, pair. Myka Bound took this "villian" and turned him into a surprisingly enlightened character. Hook has an old-fashioned gentlemanly vibe, with a very modern gentleman's view of consent. It's a refreshing contradiction for a reimagined Hook. Never is no withering violet herself. She is cusses, fights, and is a little violently independent - again, not typical for Wendy (a descendant in this case). But honestly, they work. Very well. The spice comes later in the book, but it's worth the wait! A bit of a slow burn that eventually explodes.
There is a full cast of characters based on those created by J.M. Barrie, but don't expect to recognize them from their original roles. The small references and big twists were all delightful.
There were some small errors in the book, but the story more than made up for them. I'll admit that I wasn't vibing with Never at first. She seemed more belligerent than sassy and independent. Thankfully her backstory helps explain some of that, and I started to actually like her. For me, this affected the pacing at the beginning of the book, but by 15% I was all in.
This book does end on a cliffhanger - with one of those fabulous twists. And, seriously, i have so many questions that need answers. I cannot wait for book 2!
January 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
A fast-paced, enemies-to-lovers tale featuring Captain Hook and a snarky descendant of Wendy Darling.
Twisted Peter Pan reimagining
He falls first Enemies to lovers Tough, snarky heroine Broody pirate captain Dual POV Spicy
This book hits the ground running and keeps you engaged the whole time!
Moira “Never” Darling is anything but a damsel in distress. She is a strong badass woman and when she isn’t battling demons, she is keeping things afloat for her and her brother Matty. Never has spent her life believing her family's stories were nothing more than fiction. When her 17-year-old brother is kidnapped by a soul-stealing shadow demon she is thrust into uncharted territory and out of her element. She begins to realize deranged great-grandmothers story is far from fiction and anything but a sweet fairy tale. She is left with no choice but to entrust the help from an infuriating but charming pirate, Atlas Jameson “Hook”.
I’m always intrigued by reimagining and how creative the author will get paying homage to the original story. This book exceeded all expectations I had! I love the unique fantasy and darker take the author spun of this “happy go lucky” fairy tale. Instead of just magic and pixie dust we get dark realms, pirates, and demons! Right up my fantasy alley! I devoured this book so fast and cannot wait for the next in the series!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
A fast-paced, enemies-to-lovers tale featuring Captain Hook and a snarky descendant of Wendy Darling.
Twisted Peter Pan reimagining
He falls first Enemies to lovers Tough, snarky heroine Broody pirate captain Dual POV Spicy
This book hits the ground running and keeps you engaged the whole time!
Moira “Never” Darling is anything but a damsel in distress. She is a strong badass woman and when she isn’t battling demons, she is keeping things afloat for her and her brother Matty. Never has spent her life believing her family's stories were nothing more than fiction. When her 17-year-old brother is kidnapped by a soul-stealing shadow demon she is thrust into uncharted territory and out of her element. She begins to realize deranged great-grandmothers story is far from fiction and anything but a sweet fairy tale. She is left with no choice but to entrust the help from an infuriating but charming pirate, Atlas Jameson “Hook”.
I’m always intrigued by reimagining and how creative the author will get paying homage to the original story. This book exceeded all expectations I had! I love the unique fantasy and darker take the author spun of this “happy go lucky” fairy tale. Instead of just magic and pixie dust we get dark realms, pirates, and demons! Right up my fantasy alley! I devoured this book so fast and cannot wait for the next in the series!
July 15, 2023
I received an early rendition copy of the following book with the expectation that I leave a non-influenced and honest review.
This book bypasses the need for unnecessary storyline build-up by immediately diving into the narrative.
"Fighting demons... the reason I didn't get attached to much is that I could find a way to ruin anything eventually."
Never Darling, badass demon slayer, and recently single isn't looking for love. But her world's uprooted when her 17-year-old brother is taken by a shadow-taking demon, and she's forced to travel to an unforgettable land full of creatures, demons, and most importantly, a very sexy pirate.
This book was a breathtaking retelling of the classic Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. I finished the book in less than 24 hours because I couldn't PUT IT DOWN! I love every second of this story and can't wait until the release of book two!
This book bypasses the need for unnecessary storyline build-up by immediately diving into the narrative.
"Fighting demons... the reason I didn't get attached to much is that I could find a way to ruin anything eventually."
Never Darling, badass demon slayer, and recently single isn't looking for love. But her world's uprooted when her 17-year-old brother is taken by a shadow-taking demon, and she's forced to travel to an unforgettable land full of creatures, demons, and most importantly, a very sexy pirate.
This book was a breathtaking retelling of the classic Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. I finished the book in less than 24 hours because I couldn't PUT IT DOWN! I love every second of this story and can't wait until the release of book two!
August 17, 2023
Holy. Pixie. Dust.
Wow. I was blown away by this retelling of Peter Pan from page one. I was grateful to be an ARC for this book and will 100% be reaching back out to do the same with the next in the series because I'm obsessed. The story follows Wendy's great-great- granddaughter, Never Darling, in her mission to save her little brother from the clutches of Pan, the demon from an alternate dimension/world/existence who preys on the shadows of young boys. What she didn't expect was to run into the notorious Captain Hook, who is all broody, muscles, and pirate swagger. Never realizes after getting stuck with Hook for her trip to the alternate world, that maybe the stories her great-grandmother told her and the fairy tale left some key elements out. Some of it is true...but it's a hell of a harder time to find her brother when a lot of those elements are not at all like the fairy tale.
I mean... seriously, this book has everything. The broody, sexy, immortal pirate. The badass heroine who's used to taking care of herself and is shocked when someone comes along and wants to help. The array magical creatures- including, but not limited to, pixies, demons, merfolk, sirens... Bound really took these beings we all know and love from fantasy and storybook tales and made them her own in ways that just complimented the story so incredibly well that I'm still in awe about it. Her twist on this tale is nothing short of incredible creativity. Never's sassy remarks were giving me life- I could not get enough. Not to mention that someone needs to tell Hook that it should not be allowed for a FICTIONAL PIRATE to be THAT DAMN SEXY. (I'm a history major that knows the not so glamorous side of pirates but lawwwwwd, this book had me rethinking the fact of if pirates were actually secretly sexy. Because Hook definitely is.) I mean, there's just so many good things, I was getting ready to write the review and was trying to think of any negatives or things I would've changed and, honest to goddess (*wink*) I couldn't find one. So, this book gets an easy, enthusiastic five stars, and now to wait for Book #2!
Wow. I was blown away by this retelling of Peter Pan from page one. I was grateful to be an ARC for this book and will 100% be reaching back out to do the same with the next in the series because I'm obsessed. The story follows Wendy's great-great- granddaughter, Never Darling, in her mission to save her little brother from the clutches of Pan, the demon from an alternate dimension/world/existence who preys on the shadows of young boys. What she didn't expect was to run into the notorious Captain Hook, who is all broody, muscles, and pirate swagger. Never realizes after getting stuck with Hook for her trip to the alternate world, that maybe the stories her great-grandmother told her and the fairy tale left some key elements out. Some of it is true...but it's a hell of a harder time to find her brother when a lot of those elements are not at all like the fairy tale.
I mean... seriously, this book has everything. The broody, sexy, immortal pirate. The badass heroine who's used to taking care of herself and is shocked when someone comes along and wants to help. The array magical creatures- including, but not limited to, pixies, demons, merfolk, sirens... Bound really took these beings we all know and love from fantasy and storybook tales and made them her own in ways that just complimented the story so incredibly well that I'm still in awe about it. Her twist on this tale is nothing short of incredible creativity. Never's sassy remarks were giving me life- I could not get enough. Not to mention that someone needs to tell Hook that it should not be allowed for a FICTIONAL PIRATE to be THAT DAMN SEXY. (I'm a history major that knows the not so glamorous side of pirates but lawwwwwd, this book had me rethinking the fact of if pirates were actually secretly sexy. Because Hook definitely is.) I mean, there's just so many good things, I was getting ready to write the review and was trying to think of any negatives or things I would've changed and, honest to goddess (*wink*) I couldn't find one. So, this book gets an easy, enthusiastic five stars, and now to wait for Book #2!
February 5, 2025
Neverland as you never imagined it!
Wow! I was “hooked” (pun unapologetically intended) by this story right out of the gate.
Never is a foul-mouthed, kick-ass heroine who is haunted by the history of her great-grandmother, while simultaneously doing her duty to mankind as a demon hunter. I hope book 2 dives a little deeper into the demon-hunter aspect…. Is it just her family? Do other humans know about the existence of demons in our plane? So many questions!
And Atlas (aka: Hook)… I was intrigued by him instantly. His swagger, his darkness, and his danger are such a stark counterpoint to his obvious care when it comes to Never. While I enjoyed the chapters told in Never’s POV I found myself wanting to stay inside Hook’s headspace more and more as the story progressed.
Diving into book 2 immediately because: cliffhanger! But it’s so worth it.
Wow! I was “hooked” (pun unapologetically intended) by this story right out of the gate.
Never is a foul-mouthed, kick-ass heroine who is haunted by the history of her great-grandmother, while simultaneously doing her duty to mankind as a demon hunter. I hope book 2 dives a little deeper into the demon-hunter aspect…. Is it just her family? Do other humans know about the existence of demons in our plane? So many questions!
And Atlas (aka: Hook)… I was intrigued by him instantly. His swagger, his darkness, and his danger are such a stark counterpoint to his obvious care when it comes to Never. While I enjoyed the chapters told in Never’s POV I found myself wanting to stay inside Hook’s headspace more and more as the story progressed.
Diving into book 2 immediately because: cliffhanger! But it’s so worth it.
July 11, 2024
It was okay, nothing special
August 11, 2025
this was a fun spin on Peter Pan. I hate it ended on a cliffhanger, and I could do without her talking to herself so much. but now I need to know what happens next!
July 3, 2024
an amazing retelling
I loved everything about this. Retellings had always a special place in my heart and this was absolutely up to my expectations
I loved everything about this. Retellings had always a special place in my heart and this was absolutely up to my expectations
July 8, 2025
This is not just a Peter Pan retelling, it’s restructured. I love how the author incorporates the original story as some myth when the real story is much more sinister. The FMCs inner monologue was quite funny but at times lengthy, like it’s obvious she has ADHD cause she kept going off track. I loved the way she fought, feisty FMCs are just so much better
February 18, 2024
May not have been an ARC reader for this, but HAD to leave a review.
The characters have depth and development, and are easy to get into.
Story is easy to follow and addicting.
The spice is top notch. (And doesn't distract from the plot)
The second one is on the TBR. 😍
The characters have depth and development, and are easy to get into.
Story is easy to follow and addicting.
The spice is top notch. (And doesn't distract from the plot)
The second one is on the TBR. 😍
July 28, 2023
ARC review!
Omg. This book has all of my favorites - enemy to lovers, BA FMC, bantering, action from the beginning, slow burn spice… so good! I love this Peter Pan retelling and the other interwoven fantasy elements. Demons, shifters, sirens… so good! Plot, good writing and romantacy. Can’t get much better than that!
Omg. This book has all of my favorites - enemy to lovers, BA FMC, bantering, action from the beginning, slow burn spice… so good! I love this Peter Pan retelling and the other interwoven fantasy elements. Demons, shifters, sirens… so good! Plot, good writing and romantacy. Can’t get much better than that!
July 25, 2023
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book ended on a cliffhanger and I haven’t been this excited for a second book in a long time! I love a good Peter Pan retelling, but throw in a hot, broody pirate and just enough spice to keep it REALLY interesting.. chefs kiss! I really enjoyed the authors writing. It feels like she was writing with my voice, the way I would have written it. It’s definitely a new twist on the classic Peter Pan but theres just enough of the story we know to keep you going. This series is going to be one of my favorites for a long time to come!
This book ended on a cliffhanger and I haven’t been this excited for a second book in a long time! I love a good Peter Pan retelling, but throw in a hot, broody pirate and just enough spice to keep it REALLY interesting.. chefs kiss! I really enjoyed the authors writing. It feels like she was writing with my voice, the way I would have written it. It’s definitely a new twist on the classic Peter Pan but theres just enough of the story we know to keep you going. This series is going to be one of my favorites for a long time to come!
July 20, 2023
I Received An ARC Of This Book In Exchange For An Honest Review.
Myka Bound has absolutely left me stunned and waiting for more.
This book was absolutely incredible from start to finish. Although retellings have become so mainstream that people feel as though they have an idea of what is going to happen this one actually had me so invested, intrigued, and kept me guessing. The characters alone get 5 stars for their ability to be so relatable you think they’re real, the dialogue between characters another 5 stars, the plot?? another 5 stars!!! You get the right amount of hate, love, spice and comedy in this first installment and although it ends on a cliffhanger you’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat waiting on part 2 this is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year
Myka Bound has absolutely left me stunned and waiting for more.
This book was absolutely incredible from start to finish. Although retellings have become so mainstream that people feel as though they have an idea of what is going to happen this one actually had me so invested, intrigued, and kept me guessing. The characters alone get 5 stars for their ability to be so relatable you think they’re real, the dialogue between characters another 5 stars, the plot?? another 5 stars!!! You get the right amount of hate, love, spice and comedy in this first installment and although it ends on a cliffhanger you’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat waiting on part 2 this is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2025
DNF 76%. I struggled so hard to get that far. The writing was actually really good, so was the overall plot and world building, but I just couldn't get over my dislike for Never. I kept reading in hopes that she'd redeem herself, but if it doesn't even start to happen by 3/4 of the way through the book, there's really no point. No growth. Just reactive dumb rage. It's not even justified half the time, just plain TDTL kind of reactions. She even knows she is like this and that it gets her into situation after situation after situation, but does she evolve? No. She will think to herself "I've really got to stop overreacting" and then IMMEDIATELY overreacts. Ugh. Enough.
August 10, 2024
I had issues with this book from the get-go. Never is set up to be fiery and self-sufficient but she comes out as an enraged brainless brat. No matter how much the writer extolled her virtues, I just couldn't like her. And the fact that most of her conversations with Hook are purposely roundabout to complicate matters irked me to no end. If both of them had acted a bit more logically, I would have loved to see where the plot went. Sadly, as things stand I am not interested in continuing despite the book being well-written in other aspects.
August 28, 2024
Well this retelling was definitely different than the others I’ve read!
The FMC Never Irked me a bit with her constant attitude about literally everything, but even she grew on me!
Hook though 🤌🏻, he had me tied in for the long haul! Loved his character, and him basically being a god among demons was definitely a twist the fairytale!
Will definitely be seeking out the other books in this series cause I’m very interested in who her dog really is and how she came to be with Never and her family!
The FMC Never Irked me a bit with her constant attitude about literally everything, but even she grew on me!
Hook though 🤌🏻, he had me tied in for the long haul! Loved his character, and him basically being a god among demons was definitely a twist the fairytale!
Will definitely be seeking out the other books in this series cause I’m very interested in who her dog really is and how she came to be with Never and her family!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2025
I like the constant POV switches and how you know from the start that Hook isn’t trying to be a bad guy. You can also tell Never’s personality right from the start, which is very unserious and in-your-face. In a lot of other books, this kind of too tough, joking, cursing in every sentence type of FMC usually annoys me, but I think it worked in this book because the author does a good job of throwing a few lines in there explaining why she’s like that and her thought process behind it. She also stays true to her personality throughout the book rather than the author just having her be annoying or over-the-top to move certain plot points along. She doesn’t typically make stupid choices without a reason (we, as readers, may know that it’s a stupid move, but she has at least a bit of reasoning as to why she does what she does most of the time).
Until over halfway through, I was under the impression that this was a standalone for some reason. I do think that it probably could have been wrapped up in one book if the author wanted it to, but I can see how there could be more to take place in the next two books.
My biggest problem with it was that I think the ending was extremely anticlimactic, to be honest. I kind of expected more of a cliffhanger that actually had some substance or was intense, but it just seems like the book was cut off mid-scene, on a pretty boring revelation.
SPOILERS AHEAD, but I think that it would have been much more interesting of an ending to have it cut off right when Never and her brother were about to transport back, but hadn't, so we wouldn't know whether it worked or not until the next book. Having them transport back just to have their dog turn into a woman is such a weird way to end the book. I also found it odd that Never really didn't even fight in the last scene, when she has been fighting the entire book. I fully support the decision to keep her in the room hiding, but if the author was going to have her come out and make a stupid move with the demon anyways (which was annoying in itself because she even admitted that she knew it was a test and a trap), then at least there could have been something more interesting happen than Never looking confused at Hook's secrets, backing away, and then pulling her brother into a room.
Until over halfway through, I was under the impression that this was a standalone for some reason. I do think that it probably could have been wrapped up in one book if the author wanted it to, but I can see how there could be more to take place in the next two books.
My biggest problem with it was that I think the ending was extremely anticlimactic, to be honest. I kind of expected more of a cliffhanger that actually had some substance or was intense, but it just seems like the book was cut off mid-scene, on a pretty boring revelation.
SPOILERS AHEAD, but I think that it would have been much more interesting of an ending to have it cut off right when Never and her brother were about to transport back, but hadn't, so we wouldn't know whether it worked or not until the next book. Having them transport back just to have their dog turn into a woman is such a weird way to end the book. I also found it odd that Never really didn't even fight in the last scene, when she has been fighting the entire book. I fully support the decision to keep her in the room hiding, but if the author was going to have her come out and make a stupid move with the demon anyways (which was annoying in itself because she even admitted that she knew it was a test and a trap), then at least there could have been something more interesting happen than Never looking confused at Hook's secrets, backing away, and then pulling her brother into a room.
January 22, 2024
I read a review once that said the reviewer was in their "dark Disney days," and I couldn't find better words to describe my reading mood as of the last year. If there is a dark fairytale retelling, I'm over here basically salivating to read it. Another Damned Darling did not disappoint! I've read a few Peter Pan dark retellings lately and this was a great twist on a beloved childhood tale. The concept of turning Peter Pan into the villain isn't new to me, but making him a demon sucking out the shadows of the lost boys to gain more power, while making Hook the good guy...that was new. Fair warning - this book does end in a cliffhanger without a HEA (yet!). I am itching to learn more about Hook and Leo's backgrounds and see if my suspicions are correct. Never Darling is a force to be reckoned with; however, she can be infuriatingly frustrating and bullheaded. The author gives some slight background as to Never being abandoned by her mother and having to learn to be independent and not trust others. This leads to Never being obstinate anytime anyone offers help, which tends to bite her in the butt. I found myself yelling at her in the pages to just stop and take a second to think through things. She's either overthinking or not thinking at all prior to acting. Despite all that, I will give it to the author that she did indeed make a confident, strong and kick-ass FMC. Never is ready to deal blows at any point with her trusty Stabina. I kept wishing Hook and Never would just communicate better as a new "couple," but then what fun would that plot be if there were no secrets and misunderstandings to drive up to the climax of the book?
Another Damned Darling is an enemies-to-lovers fantasy PNR with some delicious spice. I want to rush to read the second book immediately, but I know the third isn't finished yet. That cliffhanger has me ready to sacrifice sleep!
Another Damned Darling is an enemies-to-lovers fantasy PNR with some delicious spice. I want to rush to read the second book immediately, but I know the third isn't finished yet. That cliffhanger has me ready to sacrifice sleep!
December 9, 2024
🏴☠️ Pan Peter retelling
🏴☠️ Possessive pirate captain
🏴☠️ Demons and other realm
🏴☠️ Lost Boys
🏴☠️ Enemies to lovers
This was my very first retelling story what I've read. I do not know, this can be 'my thing' or not, but I'm happy to find out. This book I need to say, a quite entertaining.
Although the FMC was a bit annoying for my taste. On the other hand, Hook....I've never called a man Daddy or had the urge before to do so, but when I tell, he is a brilliant 'Daddy material', I mean it!
He is sexy, confident, knows how to deal with feminine rage and calm it down, and he is not brain dead, which is another point to him.
To be honest, Leo (aka Adonis by Never) is another man in the book who needs more attention. And with the flipping cliffhanger at the end of the book, I have a feeling, that he will get a bigger part in book 2, which is absulotely fine by me.
There is a few things in the book what left me confused. I do not understand Anya part of the book (what happened in the past I get it), but otherwise she was unimportant just like the other Lost Boys, the cave scene. I don't understand Leo's part, I mean, just...Why? - Hopefully this will be a bit more explained in the next book. - I have more questions than answers.
It is a good book, I enjoyed it and I will continue reading with the book 2. I really love Hook, and William is in my heart as well with his gentleman style.
🏴☠️ Possessive pirate captain
🏴☠️ Demons and other realm
🏴☠️ Lost Boys
🏴☠️ Enemies to lovers
This was my very first retelling story what I've read. I do not know, this can be 'my thing' or not, but I'm happy to find out. This book I need to say, a quite entertaining.
Although the FMC was a bit annoying for my taste. On the other hand, Hook....I've never called a man Daddy or had the urge before to do so, but when I tell, he is a brilliant 'Daddy material', I mean it!
He is sexy, confident, knows how to deal with feminine rage and calm it down, and he is not brain dead, which is another point to him.
To be honest, Leo (aka Adonis by Never) is another man in the book who needs more attention. And with the flipping cliffhanger at the end of the book, I have a feeling, that he will get a bigger part in book 2, which is absulotely fine by me.
There is a few things in the book what left me confused. I do not understand Anya part of the book (what happened in the past I get it), but otherwise she was unimportant just like the other Lost Boys, the cave scene. I don't understand Leo's part, I mean, just...Why? - Hopefully this will be a bit more explained in the next book. - I have more questions than answers.
It is a good book, I enjoyed it and I will continue reading with the book 2. I really love Hook, and William is in my heart as well with his gentleman style.
July 26, 2023
Another damn darling, takes the retelling of the fairytale Peter Pan to a whole other level. I have read a few retellings of this story, but by far this is one of my favorite. Myka provides us with a very strong, female lead. From the first few chapters, we learn about the Darling history and how it has allowed the descendants to see paranormals and hunt them. Never our female lead has had to not only be sister to her brother Matty but also a parental figure. Within the first couple chapters, you get the heaviness of the responsibility. Her brother is her priority, and this is the catalyst to the entire plot of the book. She returns home on Halloween night to find Matty missing. Lily her family dog helps her finds an heirloom necklace and she suddenly finds herself transported to an island that she knows nothing of. Along the way, she comes across different dangerous creatures of the island and is ultimately found by a pirate whom she hates just because he’s a pirate. “Hook” is a native of the island and is very educated in her family history, but tells her that the story she knows from her descendants is not exactly how it occurred. Hook and never are drawn to one another and often times we see them fighting within themselves or questioning themselves with thoughts of one another. Hook promises to help her find her brother but along the way, they come across a Fae that separates them. It is during the separation that some key information is discovered by Never. Hook and Never are reunited, but something is different. A slow burn finally comes to fruit and it is not disappointing. The book ends in a cliffhanger that leaves you begging for the next book.
August 11, 2023
🔪🏴☠️🧜♀️🌴🟡
{ARC Review}
Plot 🧠 4
Overall Rating ✨️ 4 5
Spice 🌶 2.5 - 3
"If I d!ed, I was going to be absolutely pissed. I would be the b!tchiest ghost ever to beat her ethereal fists against the veil."
I'm a sucker for a Peter Pan/Neverland retelling! This book made me laugh, snort & definitely lust after the Captain. This pulled me in right from the beginning! It was a little different of a take on Peter Pan & had a few little plot twists in there!
And what a plot twist at the very last second 😳
I knew this ended on a cliffhanger, but the ending still had me stressing & going crazy!
I cannot wait for the 2nd book!
Never has raised her brother and she fights demons. Until her brother mysteriously goes missing on Halloween night, and then Never wakes up in the middle of the ocean in a realm she's not familiar with.
We have a strong, fiesty, foul-mouthed,stabby MFC which I love 😍 and a hot, broody pirate 🤤
" She’d offered me that piece of herself, and even if she didn’t know that was what she was doing, I’d taken it, greedily. My one consolation was that when she went home— when she left this place forever and returned to her world— she would be taking a small piece of me back with her. Quid pro quo. "
The tension & banter between Atlas & Never is everything! I love/hate a good slow burn 😅 we got spicy scenes from both POVs which I love!!
"I swear to all the gods, pirate, if you stop again before I c0me, I’m going to slït your throat in your sleep.”
🔪Enemies to Lovers
🏴☠️Fiesty FMC
🧜♀️Broody Pirate Captain
🌴Dual POV
🟡Kitty Slaps
🔪Biting
🏴☠️Good Girl
🧜♀️Forced Proximity
{ARC Review}
Plot 🧠 4
Overall Rating ✨️ 4 5
Spice 🌶 2.5 - 3
"If I d!ed, I was going to be absolutely pissed. I would be the b!tchiest ghost ever to beat her ethereal fists against the veil."
I'm a sucker for a Peter Pan/Neverland retelling! This book made me laugh, snort & definitely lust after the Captain. This pulled me in right from the beginning! It was a little different of a take on Peter Pan & had a few little plot twists in there!
And what a plot twist at the very last second 😳
I knew this ended on a cliffhanger, but the ending still had me stressing & going crazy!
I cannot wait for the 2nd book!
Never has raised her brother and she fights demons. Until her brother mysteriously goes missing on Halloween night, and then Never wakes up in the middle of the ocean in a realm she's not familiar with.
We have a strong, fiesty, foul-mouthed,stabby MFC which I love 😍 and a hot, broody pirate 🤤
" She’d offered me that piece of herself, and even if she didn’t know that was what she was doing, I’d taken it, greedily. My one consolation was that when she went home— when she left this place forever and returned to her world— she would be taking a small piece of me back with her. Quid pro quo. "
The tension & banter between Atlas & Never is everything! I love/hate a good slow burn 😅 we got spicy scenes from both POVs which I love!!
"I swear to all the gods, pirate, if you stop again before I c0me, I’m going to slït your throat in your sleep.”
🔪Enemies to Lovers
🏴☠️Fiesty FMC
🧜♀️Broody Pirate Captain
🌴Dual POV
🟡Kitty Slaps
🔪Biting
🏴☠️Good Girl
🧜♀️Forced Proximity
August 16, 2023
I am a complete sucker for retellings and this one did not disappoint! Peter Pan was one of my favorite Disney movie growing up, but since reaching adulthood and reading more and more, I have found my true love for the Disney retellings in any form. But when you throw in a Enemies-to-Lovers plot I can't resist.
This isn't a true retelling and there is changes in characters and their roles, but that certainly doesn't take away from the magic in this book.
Never Darling, A bad ass demon fighter with a bad attitude and snarky mouth is everything you would want in a main character. Her banter throughout the story is so hilarious, from the things she says and doesn't say. She is fiercely loyal to her younger brother and will do anything to protect him, and that means even transporting into a different realm to save him from the soul sucking demon.
Captain Hook, His character is completely different from what you would originally expect.. In the best way possible. He is devilishly sexy and whispers all the right words. But, at times he can come off as an ass, but it's been so long since.. if ever.. since he felt a connection with someone else that he doesn't know how to handle it. You can't help but feel for him after hearing his story.
"Because when you get what you want and leave this realm tonight, I want you to remember this. I want this moment between us to be branded in your memory for the rest of your existence."
All in all, I absolutely loved this book! It does end on a cliffhanger though, so now I get to wait anxiously for book 2 to come out!
Discloser: I did receive this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This isn't a true retelling and there is changes in characters and their roles, but that certainly doesn't take away from the magic in this book.
Never Darling, A bad ass demon fighter with a bad attitude and snarky mouth is everything you would want in a main character. Her banter throughout the story is so hilarious, from the things she says and doesn't say. She is fiercely loyal to her younger brother and will do anything to protect him, and that means even transporting into a different realm to save him from the soul sucking demon.
Captain Hook, His character is completely different from what you would originally expect.. In the best way possible. He is devilishly sexy and whispers all the right words. But, at times he can come off as an ass, but it's been so long since.. if ever.. since he felt a connection with someone else that he doesn't know how to handle it. You can't help but feel for him after hearing his story.
"Because when you get what you want and leave this realm tonight, I want you to remember this. I want this moment between us to be branded in your memory for the rest of your existence."
All in all, I absolutely loved this book! It does end on a cliffhanger though, so now I get to wait anxiously for book 2 to come out!
Discloser: I did receive this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2023
⚓️ Twisted Peter Pan retelling
🏴☠️ Enemies to lovers
⚓️ Badass heroine
🏴☠️ Broody pirate captain
⚓️ Dual POV
🌶️ Spicy
⭐️ 3.25
This is a wonderfully different and exciting retelling of Peter Pan. In this version, Pan is the villain and Hook is the morally grey hero. I love how this story was told and how unique it is.
Never is a badass FMC with some slightly annoying internal monologue. The way she handles the situations and her self talk really got on my nerves though. I really hope to see some character growth throughout the series. Hook was the best and I absolutely love him, his POV was definitely my favorite part.
My issue is that I just wish there was more. More description, more world building, more showing - not telling. It seemed like some chapters and places were really descriptive and some fell really flat.
I will probably continue the series because this is such a unique spin on a classic story. I am super grateful to the author for the ARC and had a really fun time reading this book!
********
Another Damned Darling is a spicy, twisted retelling of Peter Pan, featuring a strong, foul-mouthed heroine and a jaded anti-hero. This is an enemies-to-lovers story, intended for readers 18+. It’s the first of a series and ends on a cliffhanger.
🏴☠️ Enemies to lovers
⚓️ Badass heroine
🏴☠️ Broody pirate captain
⚓️ Dual POV
🌶️ Spicy
⭐️ 3.25
This is a wonderfully different and exciting retelling of Peter Pan. In this version, Pan is the villain and Hook is the morally grey hero. I love how this story was told and how unique it is.
Never is a badass FMC with some slightly annoying internal monologue. The way she handles the situations and her self talk really got on my nerves though. I really hope to see some character growth throughout the series. Hook was the best and I absolutely love him, his POV was definitely my favorite part.
My issue is that I just wish there was more. More description, more world building, more showing - not telling. It seemed like some chapters and places were really descriptive and some fell really flat.
I will probably continue the series because this is such a unique spin on a classic story. I am super grateful to the author for the ARC and had a really fun time reading this book!
********
Another Damned Darling is a spicy, twisted retelling of Peter Pan, featuring a strong, foul-mouthed heroine and a jaded anti-hero. This is an enemies-to-lovers story, intended for readers 18+. It’s the first of a series and ends on a cliffhanger.
August 11, 2023
***ARC REVIEW***
Name: Another Damned Darling Author: Myka Bound
Rate: 4 🌟 Spice: 3 🌶️ Genre: Fantasy Romance
~First most formal thank you Myka for giving me the chance to ARC Review this book!!! Now this book for sure is not your basic fairytale retelling story of Peter Pan! This one has a huge twist to it for sure!!! We start with Never FMC “Moira Darling” is a strong woman who is a badass demon slayer. Yes they are demons in this story!!! She also takes care of her brother Matty, who was taken by a soul stealing demon. Never found a way to travel to where her brother was taken, which is where she runs into Hook MMC “Atlas”. Hook is a sexy, good looking pirate that is responsible for keeping all the demons locked in the island, especially Peter Pan’s Shadow! Yes, Peter Pan is the “villain”, but his shadow is not the only one; what a plot; what a twist!!! The story does have a good plot, amazing characters, some spice, the suspense is good, and trust me once you start reading the book does leap into action. To be honest I do feel like this was a thriller… LOL… it just had that vibe with the demons and all. But OMG that Ending!!! What a CLIFFHANGER!!!
Name: Another Damned Darling Author: Myka Bound
Rate: 4 🌟 Spice: 3 🌶️ Genre: Fantasy Romance
~First most formal thank you Myka for giving me the chance to ARC Review this book!!! Now this book for sure is not your basic fairytale retelling story of Peter Pan! This one has a huge twist to it for sure!!! We start with Never FMC “Moira Darling” is a strong woman who is a badass demon slayer. Yes they are demons in this story!!! She also takes care of her brother Matty, who was taken by a soul stealing demon. Never found a way to travel to where her brother was taken, which is where she runs into Hook MMC “Atlas”. Hook is a sexy, good looking pirate that is responsible for keeping all the demons locked in the island, especially Peter Pan’s Shadow! Yes, Peter Pan is the “villain”, but his shadow is not the only one; what a plot; what a twist!!! The story does have a good plot, amazing characters, some spice, the suspense is good, and trust me once you start reading the book does leap into action. To be honest I do feel like this was a thriller… LOL… it just had that vibe with the demons and all. But OMG that Ending!!! What a CLIFFHANGER!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2023
I enjoyed this a lot but also had a few reasons as to why its not a 5 star read for me. What an amazing debut for this author though! Definitely recommend reading this book.
My constructive feedback/ reasons for not 5 stars:
- I would have liked more world building and description of the island, world and forest
- Never annoyed me alot in the first 50%, I felt like she was very juvenile but the later half she appeared more mature? Also I was confused about her age.. I swear it said she was 25, then 23 then milestone of 25 again but I could be wrong?
- Hook and Never didn't really have the chemistry I would've liked in the first 50% but they definitely did after. It then almost felt love at first sight, he falls first and I wonder if there is more of a reason for this as the author has hinted.
What I liked:
- The writing style. Very easy story to follow and the world and system was not complicated as some fantasy books are
- Plot Twist of Peter pan retelling! I did not see some things coming!
- Character development for Never as i said above
- Spice
- Adventure and magic - love it!
The last 50% really sold the book for me and I'm keen for the 2nd one!!
*ARC review*
My constructive feedback/ reasons for not 5 stars:
- I would have liked more world building and description of the island, world and forest
- Never annoyed me alot in the first 50%, I felt like she was very juvenile but the later half she appeared more mature? Also I was confused about her age.. I swear it said she was 25, then 23 then milestone of 25 again but I could be wrong?
- Hook and Never didn't really have the chemistry I would've liked in the first 50% but they definitely did after. It then almost felt love at first sight, he falls first and I wonder if there is more of a reason for this as the author has hinted.
What I liked:
- The writing style. Very easy story to follow and the world and system was not complicated as some fantasy books are
- Plot Twist of Peter pan retelling! I did not see some things coming!
- Character development for Never as i said above
- Spice
- Adventure and magic - love it!
The last 50% really sold the book for me and I'm keen for the 2nd one!!
*ARC review*
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