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Once Upon a Villain
Hook
He has stolen me from my fiancé and claims I belong to him now.Piero Panarello was going to be my husband.Handsome. Charming. Rich.I’d started to fall for him until out of nowhere I’m stolen by his enemy.
Cillian Hook.Equally handsome, but not so charming.He vows to take everything from Piero, starting with me.
Cillian is ruthless and cold.He forces me down the aisle and takes me as his wife against my will.All I can do is hope Piero comes to save me.
And yet, the longer I spend in this villain’s clutches, the more my grip on reality shifts.Slowly, his darkness penetrates my soul and I finally realize that all is not as it first seemed.There are two villains in this story.The question is which one will capture my heart?Hook is the second book in the Once Upon a Villain Series by Bianca Cole. This story is a dark forced marriage romance story with dark themes and certain subjects that may upset the reader. It has no cliffhanger, a happily ever after ending, and can be read as a standalone.
Cillian Hook.Equally handsome, but not so charming.He vows to take everything from Piero, starting with me.
Cillian is ruthless and cold.He forces me down the aisle and takes me as his wife against my will.All I can do is hope Piero comes to save me.
And yet, the longer I spend in this villain’s clutches, the more my grip on reality shifts.Slowly, his darkness penetrates my soul and I finally realize that all is not as it first seemed.There are two villains in this story.The question is which one will capture my heart?Hook is the second book in the Once Upon a Villain Series by Bianca Cole. This story is a dark forced marriage romance story with dark themes and certain subjects that may upset the reader. It has no cliffhanger, a happily ever after ending, and can be read as a standalone.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2023
621 people are currently reading
979 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 6, 2023
Quickie Review---May Contain Spoilers, so fair warning upon reading this review.
So I picked this up after loving the first book "Pride" and in "Hook" this book was completely different from Pride. It also had much more emphasis on the spice than the story. There is still a good plot, but I definitely would term this more erotic dark romance than just dark romance. The scenes in this book were just too focused and it seemed to neglect the emotional intimacy and relationship-building aspects of the story as what I saw in the first book. I would have appreciated seeing more vulnerable moments between this couple and unfortunately, we didn't get much of it until the very end which made me very disappointed as I had such high hopes. The beginning started out really great, but then it just went downhill. I can do a good anti-hero or a villain that turns into the hero, but Cillian was really difficult to swallow. Then we have our heroine Gwendolyn, who was a challenge. I never really enjoyed her characters, she was so flighty and never consistent. These two go back and forth and it honestly reminded me of a bodice ripper romance. All the angst and sex but no relationship and intimate moments between the couple except for the very end. The plot of the story was actually pretty decent considering how much emphasis there is on the spice. But I would have liked to get a more satisfying ending, it just really failed in that department. I was disappointed in this one and I probably will continue with the series but not yet sure if I want to read other books by this author. One of my favorite aspects of the story was the connections to the Peter Pan retelling. It was really neat to see how this author blended that into with a mafia romance. But I do recommend Pride, that one was pretty brilliant.
So I picked this up after loving the first book "Pride" and in "Hook" this book was completely different from Pride. It also had much more emphasis on the spice than the story. There is still a good plot, but I definitely would term this more erotic dark romance than just dark romance. The scenes in this book were just too focused and it seemed to neglect the emotional intimacy and relationship-building aspects of the story as what I saw in the first book. I would have appreciated seeing more vulnerable moments between this couple and unfortunately, we didn't get much of it until the very end which made me very disappointed as I had such high hopes. The beginning started out really great, but then it just went downhill. I can do a good anti-hero or a villain that turns into the hero, but Cillian was really difficult to swallow. Then we have our heroine Gwendolyn, who was a challenge. I never really enjoyed her characters, she was so flighty and never consistent. These two go back and forth and it honestly reminded me of a bodice ripper romance. All the angst and sex but no relationship and intimate moments between the couple except for the very end. The plot of the story was actually pretty decent considering how much emphasis there is on the spice. But I would have liked to get a more satisfying ending, it just really failed in that department. I was disappointed in this one and I probably will continue with the series but not yet sure if I want to read other books by this author. One of my favorite aspects of the story was the connections to the Peter Pan retelling. It was really neat to see how this author blended that into with a mafia romance. But I do recommend Pride, that one was pretty brilliant.
August 4, 2023
Cause of the one star rating: complete and utter boredom.
Too repetitive. And we can’t forget how cringy it was for like 95%
And for over 80% the H was still denying her attraction and “relationship” with the hero. Like wtf?
Too repetitive. And we can’t forget how cringy it was for like 95%
And for over 80% the H was still denying her attraction and “relationship” with the hero. Like wtf?
May 4, 2025
The drama was good, but I don’t understand—he kept talking about avenging his sister, and in the end, he signed a contract with her killer?. Though I liked the pirate style—especially the hook and "Call me Captain."
July 26, 2023
3 STARS ✨
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Hook from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hook is a dark, contemporary, mafia retelling with loose connections to Peter Pan. Hook is dual POV and follows Cillian — the leader of the Rouges, who is desperate to get revenge against childhood friend turned betrayer Piero and Gwendolyne, arranged fiancée of Piero and the ‘princess’ of the Tesoro mob. Naturally, the first step in the plot of said revenge was for Cillian to kidnap Gwendolyne, but nothing is ever as easy as it seems, and feelings develop along the way.
There were a couple of positives about Hook was that although this is the second book in the Once Upon a Villain series, each book is a standalone, so it is not necessary to read them in order and you do not need to read Pride beforehand. The fact that is is a standalone also means that there’s no cliffhangers, and it does have a HEA/HFN vibes where you feel as if Cillian and Gwen’s story comes to a sound conclusion. However, I would recommend checking the trigger warnings before reading, as the themes are incredibly heavy and a large majority of the book is dubcon bordering on noncon.
I did enjoy the plot of the Hook as a fan of Peter Pan, and, as always, it is great to see what each retelling brings, but the execution of the book unfortunately fell short for me. The writing style failed to captivate me, and everything felt repetitive with plot inconsistencies that sadly made things feel as if they were dragging.
Hook is a read others could definitely enjoy if they get along with the writing style, so if you are someone who is a fan of Peter Pan, dark romance and are comfortable with all of the trigger warnings, it’s worth giving a go!
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Hook from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hook is a dark, contemporary, mafia retelling with loose connections to Peter Pan. Hook is dual POV and follows Cillian — the leader of the Rouges, who is desperate to get revenge against childhood friend turned betrayer Piero and Gwendolyne, arranged fiancée of Piero and the ‘princess’ of the Tesoro mob. Naturally, the first step in the plot of said revenge was for Cillian to kidnap Gwendolyne, but nothing is ever as easy as it seems, and feelings develop along the way.
There were a couple of positives about Hook was that although this is the second book in the Once Upon a Villain series, each book is a standalone, so it is not necessary to read them in order and you do not need to read Pride beforehand. The fact that is is a standalone also means that there’s no cliffhangers, and it does have a HEA/HFN vibes where you feel as if Cillian and Gwen’s story comes to a sound conclusion. However, I would recommend checking the trigger warnings before reading, as the themes are incredibly heavy and a large majority of the book is dubcon bordering on noncon.
I did enjoy the plot of the Hook as a fan of Peter Pan, and, as always, it is great to see what each retelling brings, but the execution of the book unfortunately fell short for me. The writing style failed to captivate me, and everything felt repetitive with plot inconsistencies that sadly made things feel as if they were dragging.
Hook is a read others could definitely enjoy if they get along with the writing style, so if you are someone who is a fan of Peter Pan, dark romance and are comfortable with all of the trigger warnings, it’s worth giving a go!
August 5, 2023
Cover: +1 25 DNF 2.00 I returned this book without finishing. It had it's moments but just too few for me. The first part of the book focuses on how much Gwendolyn is falling for her "arranged fiancé" (Piero) and was soooo attracted to him, she couldn't wait to get married. Fast forward once Hook kidnaps her (Gwendolyn) and she tries not to fall for his bad boy naughty/revenge vibe, but eventually does. I prefer my heroines to have some back bone and not be so malleable and submissive. The story lacked solid character development and a good steady flow. It felt choppy and out of sync at times expanding upon certain aspects of the story while ignoring other parts of the story that felt important. I only got through 50%. Perhaps the second part of the book is better.
I didn't see the fairy tale connection to Peter Pan that some reviewers alluded too, but perhaps you will. It wasn't my cup of tea, but some people may like this story and it's characters. It just boils down to taste and what a reader looks for in a book from this genre.
Note: I tried reading another story from this series and hardly got into it before I returned it. The author gets a pass on this series.
I didn't see the fairy tale connection to Peter Pan that some reviewers alluded too, but perhaps you will. It wasn't my cup of tea, but some people may like this story and it's characters. It just boils down to taste and what a reader looks for in a book from this genre.
Note: I tried reading another story from this series and hardly got into it before I returned it. The author gets a pass on this series.
August 2, 2023
Nice Plot - Well Written - Too much "Hate"
My rating: 4
Tropes: Mafia - Captive - Forced Marriage - Enemies to Lovers
Heat: 8/10
Emotion 7/10
Story: 7/10
Characters: 6/10
Interest: 7/10
Writing: 7/10
POV: Dual
No Cheating
No Cliffhanger
'Hook" is not one of my favorite books from the author (Sorry!). Bianca Cole is one of my favorite authors but this one was a little too much for me.
Too much hate and too much and too dirty steam (and i like hot steamy romances).
The plot is good and i liked the MMC, the MFC not so much.
There is violence and suspense.
I will definitely read more from the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My rating: 4
Tropes: Mafia - Captive - Forced Marriage - Enemies to Lovers
Heat: 8/10
Emotion 7/10
Story: 7/10
Characters: 6/10
Interest: 7/10
Writing: 7/10
POV: Dual
No Cheating
No Cliffhanger
'Hook" is not one of my favorite books from the author (Sorry!). Bianca Cole is one of my favorite authors but this one was a little too much for me.
Too much hate and too much and too dirty steam (and i like hot steamy romances).
The plot is good and i liked the MMC, the MFC not so much.
There is violence and suspense.
I will definitely read more from the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2023
Part of the Once Upon A villain series sort of a retailing of Peter Pan sort of in a round about way so hang on and double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love (ALL THINGS TO EXPECT FROM THE MAFIA WORLD). By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter! CAN’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED!!!!! Cillian sexy as all get leader of the Rouges out for revenge against a friend who betrayed him about to married in an arranged marriage to a girl he loves so first he has to take his girl and use her against him but no one ever told him when fate steps in she takes control leaving you to do exactly what she wants. Gwen is a sweetheart when she wants to be, feisty when needed always knew she would be married off by her father for power since she is the Tesoro princess and when the man chosen is none other than Piero she couldn’t be happier. She is kidnapped by Hook who feels like her fiancé is responsible for the death of his sister so she is forced to marry him despite the fact she keeps trying to escape him but will learning the truth change her view of the man she was suppose to marry, will she escape successfully or right into danger, will she feel something more than hate for the man she has married, will he let her go giving her freedom, will she every understand the pain he feels, where are the two of them headed hopefully to something more and is that to happiness?
August 13, 2023
4 stars
The misspelling made me deduct half stars from the original 4,5 stars. The one I remember was 991 instead of 911 and before that there were multiples typos. Like Hhe rather than He. Idk whether I got the bad copy or nah bcs it was what was written in my ebook copy.
The guy gave me whiplash at times. The first time when he and his second, Smithy talked about the h physical appearance and he said “are you blind? Didn’t you see her?” And Smithy basically said yeah she was beautiful etc and the hero got mad and said “were you looking at her? I’ll gauge your eyes out with my hook.” Or sth along like that.
The second time was the hero brought her to his sex club and intended to have sex in front of everyone there but when the h stripped and he was on her and saw 2 guys jerking off while staring at him he wanted to chopped both of their hands off and wanted to turn on the privacy glass but she wanted to be an exhibitionist so they fck in front of everyone. Not a huge fan of exhibitionism myself tho.
The story itself was pretty engaging. I disliked the first part of the book when the h was kinda in lust with the OM/ villain. She was a virgin and I guess sexually repressed since the dad wrapped her in a cocoon. But still kinda yucky. And the hero almost fckd ow after he kidnapped Gwen, the heroine was disgusting as well, they went as far as kissing but he called out Gwen’s name so they didn’t went all the way. But if the OW didn’t slap him and demanded to stop, I was sure he would went all the way.
The rest of the book was spent by the h having conflicting feelings towards Hook, the H. I could sympathize since he kidnapped her and forced her to marry him tho but it didn’t stop irritating me at times.
Hook was the first one that confessed his love at her. She didn’t accept it and said it was not love but toxic feeling l. He let her go in the end and she went back to the dad and straight away the dad sort of shoved her back to the villain.
After that there were some twist that wasn’t exactly a twist because everyone could see it miles away. Then someone got shot and fast forward to their baby boy was born in the epilogue.
This was pretty good. Typical enemy to lovers, stockholm syndrome romance.
The misspelling made me deduct half stars from the original 4,5 stars. The one I remember was 991 instead of 911 and before that there were multiples typos. Like Hhe rather than He. Idk whether I got the bad copy or nah bcs it was what was written in my ebook copy.
The guy gave me whiplash at times. The first time when he and his second, Smithy talked about the h physical appearance and he said “are you blind? Didn’t you see her?” And Smithy basically said yeah she was beautiful etc and the hero got mad and said “were you looking at her? I’ll gauge your eyes out with my hook.” Or sth along like that.
The second time was the hero brought her to his sex club and intended to have sex in front of everyone there but when the h stripped and he was on her and saw 2 guys jerking off while staring at him he wanted to chopped both of their hands off and wanted to turn on the privacy glass but she wanted to be an exhibitionist so they fck in front of everyone. Not a huge fan of exhibitionism myself tho.
The story itself was pretty engaging. I disliked the first part of the book when the h was kinda in lust with the OM/ villain. She was a virgin and I guess sexually repressed since the dad wrapped her in a cocoon. But still kinda yucky. And the hero almost fckd ow after he kidnapped Gwen, the heroine was disgusting as well, they went as far as kissing but he called out Gwen’s name so they didn’t went all the way. But if the OW didn’t slap him and demanded to stop, I was sure he would went all the way.
The rest of the book was spent by the h having conflicting feelings towards Hook, the H. I could sympathize since he kidnapped her and forced her to marry him tho but it didn’t stop irritating me at times.
Hook was the first one that confessed his love at her. She didn’t accept it and said it was not love but toxic feeling l. He let her go in the end and she went back to the dad and straight away the dad sort of shoved her back to the villain.
After that there were some twist that wasn’t exactly a twist because everyone could see it miles away. Then someone got shot and fast forward to their baby boy was born in the epilogue.
This was pretty good. Typical enemy to lovers, stockholm syndrome romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2025
While this book was exactly what I wanted in a dark mafia, this book didn’t quite jive with me.
Cillian, in wanting revenge against his enemy, decides one of the best ways to take him out is to start by taking Gwendolyne, his enemy’s fiancée. But kidnapping and forced marriage may be a step too far for Gwen. Slowly, she warms to him, not that she admits it, while Cillian falls in love. So what happens when Gwen states she could never love him, and Cillian lets her go?
Cillian and Gwen get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
I liked that Gwen finally stood up for herself, and I was surprised that Cillian went as far as to give her a divorce. I do wonder how her father was going to get around Gwen marrying one person when she married someone else. I do wish there were one of the villains to listen to their woman’s wishes just once, and not just a drastic last-ditch effort to keep her. Cillian insisted that Gwen was going to like everything and had no choice in what happened.
Cillian, in wanting revenge against his enemy, decides one of the best ways to take him out is to start by taking Gwendolyne, his enemy’s fiancée. But kidnapping and forced marriage may be a step too far for Gwen. Slowly, she warms to him, not that she admits it, while Cillian falls in love. So what happens when Gwen states she could never love him, and Cillian lets her go?
Cillian and Gwen get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
I liked that Gwen finally stood up for herself, and I was surprised that Cillian went as far as to give her a divorce. I do wonder how her father was going to get around Gwen marrying one person when she married someone else. I do wish there were one of the villains to listen to their woman’s wishes just once, and not just a drastic last-ditch effort to keep her. Cillian insisted that Gwen was going to like everything and had no choice in what happened.
July 28, 2023
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG! This book had me from the first page, the emotions in the story had me mesmerised and the characters were captivating. This story was about Gwendolyne and Cillian, Cillian wants revenge for the death of his sister, he wants to take everything from the killer even his fiancee he kidnapped. Gwendolyne is trying to escape constantly and wanting to go back to her fiancee. Gwendolyne is forced to marry her kidnapper. Cillian has a hand missing and has a hook for a hand, he has falling for her yet she cannot return the feelings. All the twist and turns, action, danger, enemies, trauma, anger, revenge, secrets, lies, betrayal, passion, kinky, sizzling pleasure, and a hot dominant love with many more emotions throughout.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG! This book had me from the first page, the emotions in the story had me mesmerised and the characters were captivating. This story was about Gwendolyne and Cillian, Cillian wants revenge for the death of his sister, he wants to take everything from the killer even his fiancee he kidnapped. Gwendolyne is trying to escape constantly and wanting to go back to her fiancee. Gwendolyne is forced to marry her kidnapper. Cillian has a hand missing and has a hook for a hand, he has falling for her yet she cannot return the feelings. All the twist and turns, action, danger, enemies, trauma, anger, revenge, secrets, lies, betrayal, passion, kinky, sizzling pleasure, and a hot dominant love with many more emotions throughout.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2023
Hook is the second book in the Once Upon a Villian Series. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating, no cliffhanger and complete with a oh so satisfying happily-ever-after. This story is a dark forced mafia story with dark themes and certain subjects that may be upsetting and triggering to some readers. A beautifully written story with complex characters and a twisty storyline that's fueled by revenge that grabs you by the throat and keeps you hooked and on the edge of your seat with it's non-stop twists and turns, pulse-pounding action and suspense. This is Cillian and Gwendolyne story.
An enemies-to-lovers story, hate-to-love vibes, forced marriage, forced proximity, pawn, dark mafia romance arrange marriage, filled with rivalry, betrayal, enemies, madness, captivity, attacks, pain, discipline, dominance, submission, BDSM, spanking, rough intense sexual scenes, kinks, dirty talking, kidnapping, threats, darkness, danger, violence, hatred, resentment, anger, vengeance, revelations, hurt, retaliation, mystery, angst, emotions, tension, murder, bloodshed, obsession, lust, passion, control and power, abuse, sex and sin, and love. Cillian Hook and Piero Panarello had been friends for years but after the murder of Cillian sister he blames Piero for his betrayal and as vow vengeance to take everything that's at value to him beginning with his fiancee. Cillian is ruthless, calculated, handsome, dangerous, and cold-hearted. Piero is wealthy, powerful, devious and just as handsome as his rival.
Cillian is the leader of the Rogues. Gwen is a mafia princess who's soul responsibility in the Tesoro family is be married off to another mafia family to garner more wealthy, power or alliance. She was promised to Piero through an arranged marriage but Cillian abducted her as leverage against Piero and to get his revenge against him for his betrayal and the death of his sister. But his captive wasn't being cooperative and keeps trying to running away from him. So he forced her down the aisle to be his instead. From there it's one rollercoaster ride of pleasure and pain, backstabbing, humor, action, treachery, and so much.
Cillian and Gwendolyne chemistry is electrifying, sweltering and sexplosive. The longer stays with him she starts to develop feelings for him and the more her grip on reality shifts as his darkness slowly penetrates her soul opening her eyes and she finally realized that everything is not as it first appears. There's so much going on around them as he learns that the best laid plans don't always goes as we plan them. There's two villains in the story which one is the true villain and who will capture her heart. Will Piero come and rescue her? Will Cillian and Gwen get their HEA?
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
An enemies-to-lovers story, hate-to-love vibes, forced marriage, forced proximity, pawn, dark mafia romance arrange marriage, filled with rivalry, betrayal, enemies, madness, captivity, attacks, pain, discipline, dominance, submission, BDSM, spanking, rough intense sexual scenes, kinks, dirty talking, kidnapping, threats, darkness, danger, violence, hatred, resentment, anger, vengeance, revelations, hurt, retaliation, mystery, angst, emotions, tension, murder, bloodshed, obsession, lust, passion, control and power, abuse, sex and sin, and love. Cillian Hook and Piero Panarello had been friends for years but after the murder of Cillian sister he blames Piero for his betrayal and as vow vengeance to take everything that's at value to him beginning with his fiancee. Cillian is ruthless, calculated, handsome, dangerous, and cold-hearted. Piero is wealthy, powerful, devious and just as handsome as his rival.
Cillian is the leader of the Rogues. Gwen is a mafia princess who's soul responsibility in the Tesoro family is be married off to another mafia family to garner more wealthy, power or alliance. She was promised to Piero through an arranged marriage but Cillian abducted her as leverage against Piero and to get his revenge against him for his betrayal and the death of his sister. But his captive wasn't being cooperative and keeps trying to running away from him. So he forced her down the aisle to be his instead. From there it's one rollercoaster ride of pleasure and pain, backstabbing, humor, action, treachery, and so much.
Cillian and Gwendolyne chemistry is electrifying, sweltering and sexplosive. The longer stays with him she starts to develop feelings for him and the more her grip on reality shifts as his darkness slowly penetrates her soul opening her eyes and she finally realized that everything is not as it first appears. There's so much going on around them as he learns that the best laid plans don't always goes as we plan them. There's two villains in the story which one is the true villain and who will capture her heart. Will Piero come and rescue her? Will Cillian and Gwen get their HEA?
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2024
Oh, what happened? The first book was so good, and this book was so...not good. I mean, it had its moments, but overall, it was not what I would call a fantastic read. This would probably be 2.5 star, but I'm being generous and am rounding up. Perhaps because I'm still coming off the first book, which I thought was fantastic.
There were multiple reasons why this book wasn't that good. The overall setup for the story was amazing: a play off of Peter Pan, only mafia-style. Sounds amazing, right? It should have been, but the author didn't got about it in the best way. The funny thing was that the plot could have stay mostly the same, but the thing that bombed the book? Mr. Hook himself.
Oh, gosh. He was such an awful character. And not like a, "Ooo, I love morally gray, sexy men awful." No, we love those guys. This guy was just a straight-up a-hole. He was horrible to our leading lady, yet expected her to love him...with no real redeemable, lovable moments. Like, I've been reading horror romances where the serial killer leads are more likable than this guy. I am not joking. He is a jerk to all his friends and employees. So, when you get to the ending, you're like,
The ending itself was a huge disappointment. For a revenge story, it was incredibly unsatisfying. I mean, We had the main character go from a jerk to an idiot. That's not exactly the sort of character change we needed.
There were multiple reasons why this book wasn't that good. The overall setup for the story was amazing: a play off of Peter Pan, only mafia-style. Sounds amazing, right? It should have been, but the author didn't got about it in the best way. The funny thing was that the plot could have stay mostly the same, but the thing that bombed the book? Mr. Hook himself.
Oh, gosh. He was such an awful character. And not like a, "Ooo, I love morally gray, sexy men awful." No, we love those guys. This guy was just a straight-up a-hole. He was horrible to our leading lady, yet expected her to love him...with no real redeemable, lovable moments. Like, I've been reading horror romances where the serial killer leads are more likable than this guy. I am not joking. He is a jerk to all his friends and employees. So, when you get to the ending, you're like,
The ending itself was a huge disappointment. For a revenge story, it was incredibly unsatisfying. I mean, We had the main character go from a jerk to an idiot. That's not exactly the sort of character change we needed.
August 7, 2023
This book was enjoyable the way that Gwen continually gives Hook sass about her situation yet crumbles at the slightest touch or praise kept you interested aswell as his cruelty to finding out who is giving out secrets..yet I think Gwen stumbles onto this half way through the book without even knowing that she knows.
Yet no one could have seen the twists that happen to make the ending so damn sweet yet leave you alittle dissapointed as the cruelty that Hook is so well known for ends up being lacking from the ending. Was kind of a let down that the whole focus was revenge and you don't get it..Hook became soft let's just hope the peace is kept otherwise he is yet again made a fool of.
Loved all the little references to the original Hook book..with the Hook for an arm, hating the tick tock of a clock, having a yacht and the bdsm club known as Neverland. Makes me want to get out the Popcorn and watch the movie.
Yet no one could have seen the twists that happen to make the ending so damn sweet yet leave you alittle dissapointed as the cruelty that Hook is so well known for ends up being lacking from the ending. Was kind of a let down that the whole focus was revenge and you don't get it..Hook became soft let's just hope the peace is kept otherwise he is yet again made a fool of.
Loved all the little references to the original Hook book..with the Hook for an arm, hating the tick tock of a clock, having a yacht and the bdsm club known as Neverland. Makes me want to get out the Popcorn and watch the movie.
January 14, 2024
Hook
I really enjoyed this book. The only thing that made me dislike it was Gywendyln, our FMC, is a dramatic little b&&ch. Her inner monologue made me want to gouge my eyes out because she kept fixating on the fact that Cillian, our MMC, took her. Like h@@ get a grip that man moved mountains to get you and has been nothing but kind to you and you treat him like dog poop on the bottom of your shoe. We get it he took you but you are ignoring the facts that 1. your fiancé only wanted to get in your pants 2. You and Cillian have a connection 3. before he even took you you couldn’t stop thinking about him 4. ummm hello the hook is not a bad thing why did you need to react that way when you found out he missing a hand 5. again he was really nice to you even though you were a b@@ch. Again I really enjoyed this book but the FMC was a piece of shite so be prepared for that if you read this. Also the spice in this was soooooo good. Cillian is a god even with a missing hand.
I really enjoyed this book. The only thing that made me dislike it was Gywendyln, our FMC, is a dramatic little b&&ch. Her inner monologue made me want to gouge my eyes out because she kept fixating on the fact that Cillian, our MMC, took her. Like h@@ get a grip that man moved mountains to get you and has been nothing but kind to you and you treat him like dog poop on the bottom of your shoe. We get it he took you but you are ignoring the facts that 1. your fiancé only wanted to get in your pants 2. You and Cillian have a connection 3. before he even took you you couldn’t stop thinking about him 4. ummm hello the hook is not a bad thing why did you need to react that way when you found out he missing a hand 5. again he was really nice to you even though you were a b@@ch. Again I really enjoyed this book but the FMC was a piece of shite so be prepared for that if you read this. Also the spice in this was soooooo good. Cillian is a god even with a missing hand.
July 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this Peter Pan retelling. The plot was really original- and I really enjoyed this story. I did struggle with a couple of plot inconsistencies that had me confused but I chose to disregard it and enjoy the rest of the book.
The spice was well done- it took me some time to invest myself into the relationship between the mmc and mfc but once I did, I was neglecting housework in order to find out how they manage to get their hea. This book likely has lots of triggers- I would read the list ahead of time if you are sensitive to them. If you, like me, like your romances on the dark side- this book is for you!
This was my 2nd Bianca Cole book in the villain series- and I will be eagerly waiting for the 3rd to come in October!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The spice was well done- it took me some time to invest myself into the relationship between the mmc and mfc but once I did, I was neglecting housework in order to find out how they manage to get their hea. This book likely has lots of triggers- I would read the list ahead of time if you are sensitive to them. If you, like me, like your romances on the dark side- this book is for you!
This was my 2nd Bianca Cole book in the villain series- and I will be eagerly waiting for the 3rd to come in October!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2023
This book had me hooked from the beginning. Hook by Bianca Cole is a dark retelling of the Peter Pan book.
This book has lots of twists and turns between the main characters Cillian hook (Head of the Rogues- Owner of Club Neverland) and Gwendolyne Tesoro Princess of the Tesoro Mob. Cillian wants revenge from his childhood best friend who betrayed him and wants to revenge the death of his sister.
This book was an easy read and keeps you wanting to read on to find out what happens next. This read is steamy and spicy. Bianca writing drew me in and I love the new breath of life in all the characters. I am obsessed with Peter Pan and so am I enthralled with how the author attributing the original Peter Pan traits into her own but at the same time, giving us a total different personation.
This book has lots of twists and turns between the main characters Cillian hook (Head of the Rogues- Owner of Club Neverland) and Gwendolyne Tesoro Princess of the Tesoro Mob. Cillian wants revenge from his childhood best friend who betrayed him and wants to revenge the death of his sister.
This book was an easy read and keeps you wanting to read on to find out what happens next. This read is steamy and spicy. Bianca writing drew me in and I love the new breath of life in all the characters. I am obsessed with Peter Pan and so am I enthralled with how the author attributing the original Peter Pan traits into her own but at the same time, giving us a total different personation.
August 8, 2023
Shelved 😕
I really don't like writing negative reviews (especially for indie authors), but I just couldn't finish this book. I ended up shelving after hitting the halfway mark.
After the trainwreck that was Playing Dirty (I swore I wouldn't read anymore from this author), but really liked the premise of this book, so wanted to give this author another try. Holy crap the number of punction and spelling errors was just, as bad, as what I saw in Playing Dirty (and I'm terrible with both, so me catching them was crazy).
Also, don't even get me started on the MMC. I literally have no words. I usually love dark romance books, but Hook was on a whole different level. I literally hated him throughout every chapter and couldn't find a redeeming quality about him (maybe it came in the back half of the book 🤷🏼♀️).
I unfortunately do not recommend.
I really don't like writing negative reviews (especially for indie authors), but I just couldn't finish this book. I ended up shelving after hitting the halfway mark.
After the trainwreck that was Playing Dirty (I swore I wouldn't read anymore from this author), but really liked the premise of this book, so wanted to give this author another try. Holy crap the number of punction and spelling errors was just, as bad, as what I saw in Playing Dirty (and I'm terrible with both, so me catching them was crazy).
Also, don't even get me started on the MMC. I literally have no words. I usually love dark romance books, but Hook was on a whole different level. I literally hated him throughout every chapter and couldn't find a redeeming quality about him (maybe it came in the back half of the book 🤷🏼♀️).
I unfortunately do not recommend.
August 1, 2023
Hook by Bianca Cole is the dark retelling of Peter Pan Book 1 of Once Upon a Villian. Cillian Hook is Head of The Rogues and owner of the club Neverland. Gwendolyne Tesoro Princess of the Tesoro Mob. Cillian wants revenge from his childhood friend Piero Panarello who betrayed him. Cillian wants revenge for the death of his sister and wants everything from Piero including Gwen his fiancee. Gwen constantly tries to escape from her captor, so she is forced into marriage. Will Gwen's feeling for Cillian change? Will she get any help?
This read has lots of twists and turns, steamy, spicy romance. Bianca is a talented writer and I looked forward to the next book. Wonderful characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This read has lots of twists and turns, steamy, spicy romance. Bianca is a talented writer and I looked forward to the next book. Wonderful characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2023
You won’t know who the villain is in Hook!
I fell in love with innocent Gwen as she spends time with her arranged fiancé, Piero and is surprised by her reaction to Piero’s words and attention. Yet when Cillian steals a kiss, Gwen’s world somehow becomes muddled with a new desire. I understand Cillian’s need for revenge against Piero and his justification with stealing Gwen, but as the two spend time together, Cillian’s plans become fluid as traitors around him do their worse. Will Cillian learn the time valued saying before losing Gwen’s heart, “If you love someone, set them free; if they come back to you, it was meant to be.” You have to read to find out and don’t expect to put the book down until you turn the last page!
I fell in love with innocent Gwen as she spends time with her arranged fiancé, Piero and is surprised by her reaction to Piero’s words and attention. Yet when Cillian steals a kiss, Gwen’s world somehow becomes muddled with a new desire. I understand Cillian’s need for revenge against Piero and his justification with stealing Gwen, but as the two spend time together, Cillian’s plans become fluid as traitors around him do their worse. Will Cillian learn the time valued saying before losing Gwen’s heart, “If you love someone, set them free; if they come back to you, it was meant to be.” You have to read to find out and don’t expect to put the book down until you turn the last page!
August 3, 2023
I have read a lot of Bianca Cole’s books and she never disappoints, and this is no exception! I couldn’t put this book down, I was gripped from the very beginning and read it in almost one sitting. There are a few triggers to consider, non con and dub con being just a couple but there are many more so check these out if you could be affected.
Hook is the second book in the ‘Once Upon A Villain’ series but is a complete standalone so Pride, the first book, does not need to be read first. If very dark Mafia with a touch of scorching hot BDSM is your thing, then this book comes highly recommended. Loved it and can’t wait to read more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hook is the second book in the ‘Once Upon A Villain’ series but is a complete standalone so Pride, the first book, does not need to be read first. If very dark Mafia with a touch of scorching hot BDSM is your thing, then this book comes highly recommended. Loved it and can’t wait to read more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2023
there were a few stuffs that i hate about this enough to kind of not fully enjoy them, but i could close an eye . Her being so in lust with OM (but it was before she meet the H, still disgusting ).
The second thing that i don't understand and wasn't truly needed for this plot it was him almost banging OW (after he already had kidnapped the h and doing sexual stuffs to her) but again, it was early on, i kind of consider it cheating but not full on, they weren't in a relationship by any means.
Then the plot felt kind of the same,a lot of repeated scenes , and i hate how almost 90% pf this book this h pushed him away other than sex.
MEH.
This is the second book i almost passed by this author which is weird 2 of them in this series also.
This one was a little better than the 3rd one.
The second thing that i don't understand and wasn't truly needed for this plot it was him almost banging OW (after he already had kidnapped the h and doing sexual stuffs to her) but again, it was early on, i kind of consider it cheating but not full on, they weren't in a relationship by any means.
Then the plot felt kind of the same,a lot of repeated scenes , and i hate how almost 90% pf this book this h pushed him away other than sex.
MEH.
This is the second book i almost passed by this author which is weird 2 of them in this series also.
This one was a little better than the 3rd one.
October 13, 2024
DNF page 128/430
The book just made me feel very sick and the plot was so rushed I had to keep checking pages thinking it was over when in reality I wasn't even 30% through.
The book starts by a flashback of horrific memory from the MMCs childhood and explains his hatred for clocks (he's based off captain hook so it's reasonable).
After that, the MMC stalks the FMC and is practically begging to fuck her despite her saying "leave me alone, I don't want to fuck you or you to touch me" . - the MMC kidnaps her, puts a chastity belt on her with a d!ldo attached and leaves her for 3 days!
Usually I love Bianca Cole's books, but this one just wasn't for me personally. So nothing against the author.
The book just made me feel very sick and the plot was so rushed I had to keep checking pages thinking it was over when in reality I wasn't even 30% through.
The book starts by a flashback of horrific memory from the MMCs childhood and explains his hatred for clocks (he's based off captain hook so it's reasonable).
After that, the MMC stalks the FMC and is practically begging to fuck her despite her saying "leave me alone, I don't want to fuck you or you to touch me" . - the MMC kidnaps her, puts a chastity belt on her with a d!ldo attached and leaves her for 3 days!
Usually I love Bianca Cole's books, but this one just wasn't for me personally. So nothing against the author.
February 26, 2026
This was a great mafia retelling of Captain Hook & Wendy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hook decides to get revenge on the man who betrayed him by kidnapping his fiancé and forcing her hand in marriage. The more Gwendolyne gets to know Hook, the more he steals her heart.
The spice scenes were 🔥 and I grew to love their relationship, except for when Gwen constantly tried to run from Hook. Even when they were making progress and I thought they were okay, she’d ruin everything by trying to escape him.
The ending was unsatisfying for me. It came off as anticlimactic after everything was building to an explosive confrontation, but loved that it was a HEA and they found their way back to each other.
Would definitely recommend if you love a dark romance twist on a fairytale retelling!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hook decides to get revenge on the man who betrayed him by kidnapping his fiancé and forcing her hand in marriage. The more Gwendolyne gets to know Hook, the more he steals her heart.
The spice scenes were 🔥 and I grew to love their relationship, except for when Gwen constantly tried to run from Hook. Even when they were making progress and I thought they were okay, she’d ruin everything by trying to escape him.
The ending was unsatisfying for me. It came off as anticlimactic after everything was building to an explosive confrontation, but loved that it was a HEA and they found their way back to each other.
Would definitely recommend if you love a dark romance twist on a fairytale retelling!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2023
Cillian Hook, Head of The Rogues and owner of the club, Neverland and Gwendolyne Tesoro, Princess of the Tesoro Mob take us on a wild adventure in this great, dark forced marriage retelling in book 2 of the Once Upon A Villian series. In the process of taking back what's rightfully his, Cillian also takes the fiancée of his nemesis and forces her to become his. Things are not always what they seem though and soon. Betrayal runs deep and surprises are in store. This trip to "Neverland" will keep you glued to the pages from start to finish.
"You deserve to heal from the darkness of your past."
"You deserve to heal from the darkness of your past."
August 10, 2023
He may not have a hook and she is not Tink...so this isn't a fairytale
Hook is the second book in the Once Upon A Villain series. This story is loosely based on Peter Pan but from a Mafia POV. I am not huge on this sort of story-line but I like Bianca Cole's stories so I decided to try it. While the Mafia side of the story, with a big feud, bad blood, kidnapping, forced marriage, and more I liked, there were some things that did not hit me right. Overall the story was good. The other thing was the book needs another visit to a good editor and proofreader as there were a lot of issues which killed the flow of the story for me.
Hook is the second book in the Once Upon A Villain series. This story is loosely based on Peter Pan but from a Mafia POV. I am not huge on this sort of story-line but I like Bianca Cole's stories so I decided to try it. While the Mafia side of the story, with a big feud, bad blood, kidnapping, forced marriage, and more I liked, there were some things that did not hit me right. Overall the story was good. The other thing was the book needs another visit to a good editor and proofreader as there were a lot of issues which killed the flow of the story for me.
August 20, 2023
★ “Yeah, I’m taking everything from Piero, including his fiancée.” ★
—>>> Irish mob leader Cillian possesses a few of the notable Hook characteristics, going as far as to insist that “I’m you captain, princess.” A villain who realizes he has in his clutches an angel, the woman he finds himself loving, something he has resisted his whole life when he holds onto her after he kidnaps her and marries her to boot. But someone is sabotaging his organization it seems, and it is not the only challenge ahead of him as he tries to make his enemies pay. Nice enough mafia story, just a bit of trouble being engaged by these two particular main characters.
—>>> Irish mob leader Cillian possesses a few of the notable Hook characteristics, going as far as to insist that “I’m you captain, princess.” A villain who realizes he has in his clutches an angel, the woman he finds himself loving, something he has resisted his whole life when he holds onto her after he kidnaps her and marries her to boot. But someone is sabotaging his organization it seems, and it is not the only challenge ahead of him as he tries to make his enemies pay. Nice enough mafia story, just a bit of trouble being engaged by these two particular main characters.
August 2, 2023
Hook is the 2nd book in the Once Upon a Villain series and its definitely a more darker retelling of the Peter Pan story. Revenge is a major factor for Cillian (Hook) when he kidnaps Mafia Princess - Gwen (Gwendolyne) from his enemy. He uses all forms of seduction to cajole and manipulate her into getting his own way.
I liked the dynamic that Gwen & Cillian had. It was certainly steamy that's for sure and lots of kinky ways of using that hook!! I actually enjoyed reading this book so much and I cant wait for the next one in this series.
I liked the dynamic that Gwen & Cillian had. It was certainly steamy that's for sure and lots of kinky ways of using that hook!! I actually enjoyed reading this book so much and I cant wait for the next one in this series.
August 13, 2023
This is a Peter Pan retelling. I genuinely like retelling because it’s fun to reimagine stories in different more “grown up ways”. Gwen was about to get married but Cillian decided to take her for himself to punish her fiancé for the death of his sister. The story had some spicy moments. I enjoyed the plot but I did notice some inconsistencies that made me go back a few chapter to reread to make sure I understood the story. Peter Pan is not a story I am familiar with but I did enjoy this grown up retelling.
September 2, 2023
This is part of the author's Once Upon a Villain series, a retelling of Peter Pan. Cillian Hook is handsome but not charming and out for revenge of the death of his sister. He plans to take everything away from the killer, Piero Panarella, including kidnapping his finance. Even though she tries to return to Piero, she is forced to marry Cillian.
This is a dark story, a forced marriage and as with any mafia story there is torture and death. The story may be triggering for some.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a dark story, a forced marriage and as with any mafia story there is torture and death. The story may be triggering for some.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2023
Fantastic Read!
I’m at a loss of words because of how amazing this book was. This was hands down one of the best fairytale retelling I’ve read in a long time. Bianca Coke had me enthralled from the very beginning and kept it up through the book.
Cillian sees a chance to get his revenge against his rival by stealing his fiancé. Little does he know that Gwen will offer him something in return without either of them knowing it. Love. A love both of them want but aren’t sure how to navigate.
I’m at a loss of words because of how amazing this book was. This was hands down one of the best fairytale retelling I’ve read in a long time. Bianca Coke had me enthralled from the very beginning and kept it up through the book.
Cillian sees a chance to get his revenge against his rival by stealing his fiancé. Little does he know that Gwen will offer him something in return without either of them knowing it. Love. A love both of them want but aren’t sure how to navigate.
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