Hush Darling: A Wickedly Dark Peter Pan Retelling of Forbidden Romance

Villains of Kassel #1

by Lydia Michaels

Lose your innocence to one of the wickedest men alive in this DARK and TWISTED Peter Pan retelling by bestselling and award-winning author Lydia Michaels.

Some adventures lead to happily ever afters. Others lead to ruin.

Wendy Darling is desperate to escape the gilded cage of her childhood, but her parents’ obsession with wealth and status has her trapped. Suffocated by their expectations and starved for freedom, she runs off with the duplicitous billionaire Peter Pangbourn to the Never Lands—an exclusive playground for the lawless elite. But once there, Wendy finds herself stranded and at Peter’s mercy—powerless to get home.

When pirates storm the island, Wendy is kidnapped by the cruel and vengeful Captain James Hook. James has waited a lifetime to punish his brother, Peter, and he plans to use Wendy’s innocence to exact his revenge.

Dark secrets are revealed in a battle of wills, and a dangerous obsession ensues between Wendy and her ruthless captor as his dominance is met with stunning surrender. While Hook is determined to dominate and destroy Wendy, she is set on saving his dark soul.

“Fans of Haunting Adeline and Twisted Love will devour this enemies-to-lovers, dark billionaire romance! Hush Darling sizzles with taboo degradation as Wendy, a virgin captive, faces off with one of the most vengeful and villainous pirates alive.”

Dark Romance, Billionaire Romance, Virgin heroine, degradation kink, Daddy vibes, Abduction, Pirate Romance, Enemy Brothers, enemies-to-lovers, good vs. evil

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Retellings, Enemies To Lovers, Romantasy, Fantasy, Dark

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2025

About the author

Lydia Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than forty novels. She writes heart-clenching, unpredictable romance with dark elements and high heat. Her work is character-driven and bursting with broken heroes and badass females. With a sweet spot for overbearing, territorial types, her deeply emotional books are spicy, emotionally satisfying, and guaranteed to leave readers with many book hangovers.

Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.

Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).

She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).

You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels

Reviews

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚠️⚠️⚠️Check all TW ⚠️⚠️⚠️

This was an amazing book. It is a dark retelling of Peter Pan. I finished this book in 5 days.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
🖤 Dark Romance
💰 Billionaire Romance
⛓️ Virgin hostage
😜 Degradation kink
👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏻 Daddy vibes
🫣Abduction
🏴‍☠️ Pirate Romance
⚔️ Enemy Brothers
😤 Enemies-to-lovers
😇 😈 Good vs. Evil
👴 Age Gap
🧐 Class Wars
☠️ Touch Her and Die
🚫Taboo,
🪝Hook & Wendy,
🪢 Bondage,
😈 Villains Always Win

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will there be a part 2? If So I'm here for the adventure!

[Lynnea Quintana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book kept me interested from the first page to the last page. This was a book was one of my new favorite dark romance books and loved the Peter Pan twist to it.

[Daisy Nijs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Peter Pan retelling, and it was good. It’s a darker version, and nothing like the fairytale I knew.
Peter takes Wendy to the Never Lands, but it’s James Hook who she ends up with. Who would have thought that it would be the bad guy that turns to be the one?

[Daniela Gallardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sexy treat!

I will never think of Captain Hook the same way. What a sexy treat! Loved every page. Another book that I couldn't put down. Lydia does it again!

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.

[Sheila McGinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story. Wendy is desperate to break out of her beautiful cage and be her own person. A questionable decision brings her face to face with a dangerous man but can he be exactly what she needs? The ending has all the feels. Fabulous!

[Nikky · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely Captivating!

Hush Darling is a breathtaking, darkly enchanting retelling of a Disney classic that completely swept me away. Lydia Michaels blends fantasy, danger and forbidden romance into a story that feels both familiar and thrillingly new. The atmosphere is immersive. Every chapter pulls you deeper into a world where innocence tangles with obsession and magic hides behind every shadow.

The tension between the characters is both romantic and psychological, which is absolute perfection.

If you love twisted fairytales, morally gray heroes and a romance that challenges as much as it seduces, Hush Darling is a must-read. Easily one of my favorite dark retellings of the year.

[Julee McKFly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Lydia Michels for the ARC copy of this book. This is not the Peter Pan from your childhood fairytales. It’s so much better! The spice is spicy! The story is well laid out and I loved the ending. I can’t wait to read more of the Villains of Kassel series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deliciously dark and captivating retelling of the classic fairytale Peter Pan. Other than the names of the characters there are no comparisons between this fascinating read and the fairytale.
Wendy is frustrated at the confines her parents have made of her life, she feels her only value is her virtue and to make a successful marriage. Her parents have their eye on Peter Pangbourn the billionaire son of the famous family, however Wendy is not the least interested. One night when her parents are out, Peter comes to Wendy’s house, takes her away to the Never Lands an exclusive island for the elite, on his private jet. Wendy meets the Lost Boys there and also Belle, she is abandoned by Peter, then kidnapped by Captain James Hook, at first she was petrified onboard the pirate ship, and it wasn’t long before it became obvious that Wendy’s innocence wasn’t going to last long and surprisingly she was soon enjoying what James was doing to her, and actively participating much to James’s confusion! Their relationship was supposed to be that of captor and captive but it soon became clear that they had real feelings but how was that ever going to work with Wendy wanting to go back to her home at some point, would she ever be content living on a pirate ship?
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via BookFunnel and I am writing this review voluntarily

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a dark Peter Pan retelling, which is delicious. 😋
Wendy is taken to the Never Lands by Peter, who is not who you think he is. She ends up being taken by Captain James Hook, and the story takes a very spicy turn.
The villains are not always the bad guys. 😉 I really enjoyed this retelling of Peter Pan; it was dark, twisted, and spicy.

[judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia Micheals has such a wide range with her writing skills. I love all her books. This one is a twist on a fairy tale. It has a sadness to it. It is very dark and very real. Wendy lives in a cage of her parents making. Peter is not what he seems to be. He leads Wendy down one path but it takes a turn towards her happy everafter. It definitely has a dark side to it but it also has a pure side to it as well. Black Jack finds his Red Handed Jill in a twist of events neither could predict or prevent. In the end Wendy decides her fate and defines what love is meant to look like. Never land was the start of something good for her . Peter did have an evil plan but it backfired on him He lost more than a girl he lost himself and parts that should be important to him , a brother . I did struggle to read this book because I kept comparing it to the fairy tale of Peter Pan , the Lost Boys, Tinkerbell, Wendy and Captain Hooke. It is not the fairy tale it is so much more! The author did a great job with the characters and the storyline. The story evokes so much emotion with this storyline. I loved the ending. Some people’s nightmares do become their HEA . I would give this book more than 5 stars if possible.

[Destiney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this as an ARC and was so excited to read another Peter Pan retelling. Was not a fan of how things play out at the Never Lands with Peter.. but other than that I loved this book. The Lost Boys were great and I wish we would've had more of them in the story but even without them I couldn't put the book down. I was really proud of Wendy at the end but her childlike behavior and naiveté got old at times. It is not exaggerated in saying this is a "wickedly dark" retelling of Peter Pan because it is just that and may be a lot for some to handle so I strongly encourage reading the trigger warnings. Cant wait for the next book in the Villains of Kassel series. Also when I say I couldn't put this book down I mean it, I finished this book in less than 24 hours.

[Vivien Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Peter Pan, always have. And this book is a Peter Pan retelling! Eek! Wendy,tired of being under the influence of her rich parents, runs off to the Never Lands with Peter Pangbourn. There Wendy is k!dnapped by Peter's brother, James Hook. There are so many amazing tropes in the story:
Billionaire Romance
V!rgin heroine
degradation kink
Daddy vibes
Abduction
Pirate Romance
Enemy Brothers
enemies-to-lovers
good vs. evil

This is an absolutely an amazing twist on a favorite classic. It is also dark and twisted. This is not the fairytale you knew! Absolutely an amazing story.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an entertaining read - definitely a different spin on an old tale we've grown up with.

Both Peter and James had a sad start to life; later on Peter was spared any further depravity, but not for James, it only worsened. Thus we have a rift in their 'blood' brotherhood, Peter found his own brothers - The Lost Boys - but James was left behind, so he found his 'family' - The Pirates.

Wendy's life was easy - she did as she was instructed made no trouble - but when her father says she is to marry Peter - she resists, she's seen him about, he is a cad - she want's no part of this plan - her father doesn't listen, she is frustrated.

Suddenly Peter is there, in her house, the family has gone out - he goads her into accompanying him to The Never Lands - she has always been curious - so she goes, with the intent of it being a short trip - she meets The Lost Boys and 'Belle' - some time passes, she's not sure how much, but she goes to a party with the group, where she meets James, and her life will never be the same.

Great read - loved this rendition.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dark Peter Pan retelling that I honestly didn't know if I'd like, but I decided to give Lydia Michaels the benefit of a doubt and try it. I will be completely honest when I say that this series description had me like 😬 because it hits so similarly to a real-life island situation we all know about... I'm not sure if this was done on purpose or not, but it had me really, really hesitant to read this.

Though this did have moments that made me slightly uncomfortable, as I'm not generally a dark romance reader, it was a well-done story that had me relieved it turned out the way it did. The characters are well crafted, and almost immediately, you pick up on exactly how you're supposed to feel for each one. I do wish we'd had a bit more with some of the side characters as they were an interesting group. I liked how this was an original story that still fit in those little details from Peter Pan that hit the nostalgia as we want with a retelling without being too on the nose with how the original story took place. The twists and changes really make this one an exciting read, even knowing how it's going to go from the blurb.

[Heather Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was utterly amazed at how Lydia was able to show so much of today's views and perceptions throughout this nostalgic story. She was able to combine a well-known tale with an adult theme seamlessly. You get all your childhood memories as well as your adult cravings very cleverly measured into one book. There are so many feelings from start to finish - sadness, excitement, fear, betrayal, anger, angst, passion, and so much steam! Even the writing had hints of a conventional style from that era, without being overwhelming. Can't wait to read the next in this series!

I received an advanced copy of the book and am leaving an honest review.

My rating system:
5=will read again
4=recommend to everyone
3=recommend to anyone liking that particular writing style/trope
2=do not recommend
1=DNF

[Michelle The Outgoing Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got to enjoy a book that portrays Hook as the anti-hero and the one you want.

Somewhat a predictable retelling of Peter Pan . Modern but you know the story. But Hook gets the girl.

Very spicy and dark.

[Teresa R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Choices
Wendy always did what she was told, but she has dreams. She thinks Peter can help her but he’s just a lost boy. Not so James. He’s everything she could ever want and need. Will he keep her now that he’s stolen her away? She can only hope.

[Judie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying, this is NOT the Peter Pan you grew up with. Peter Pan and Wendy is one of my favorite stories. However, I always wondered about James Hook and what makes him the way he is. I also love a good retelling, and this one gives you one with an impact. It is dark and twisted.

Wendy, tired of being stifled and living a programmed life based on her families wealth and status, runs off to the Never Lands with playboy rake Peter. She discovers Peter is not what he seems. James enters the chat and flips her world upside down and sideways.

I loved the premise of this retelling. The connection between Peter and James is the perfect set up. It could not be better.

“What’s an orphanage?” It’s a place where
lost boys live.”

I thought the flip on the villain was perfection. Is James really the villain or could Peter be the real villain here?

Wendy! She is not what James is prepared for. Talk about your insta love trope! He starts off ready to break her, only to end up cherishing her. I. Am. Here. For. It.

“You’re all I think about.”
“In what way?”
She bit her lip. “Every possible way I can. You’re my happy thought.”

My only complaint is that the book ended too soon. There is a lot of development and depth in the beginning that I loved. I was turning page after page devouring it. The story wrapped up so fast, and I wanted to keep reading. Off we go…I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

[Amber | aambuurreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deliciously dark and wickedly seductive, Lydia Michaels delivers a Peter Pan retelling that does not disappoint. Who doesn’t love a villain who actually wins? James Hook was menacing, commanding, and utterly magnetic. Degradation can be a difficult trope to pull off, but Lydia Michaels executed it flawlessly! I found myself shivering with anticipation, hanging on every filthy word. Absolutely loved it!

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complicated stay of brothers who were once each others solace, now butting heads.
Peter and James hook childhoods were cruelly interrupted when their mother was arrested snd they put under horrific orphanage.

“ two aimless ships left to float without a rudder or a sail in a rather dark night.”

They’ve clung to each other, but fate splits them apart . The attack and counter-attack come hard and swift and Wendy is caught in the middle, clueless and terrified
Lydia writes with acute detailing. Her darker take on the popular fairy tale is intriguing and leaves it readers wanting for more.
The way twists and turns blindside you, it’s hard to imagine who the real villains are
“4 stars for the infamous island”
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻

[AJ's Book ReMarks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hush Darling is the first book in the Villains of Kassel series by Lydia Michaels, and I, for one, am happy to see Ms. Michaels writing again. According to the author, this is a retelling of the story of Peter Pan. Believe it or not, I've never read the original children's story, but this darker version suits me better. Wendy Moira Angela Darling is the youngest child and only daughter. Her parents are trying to arrange the perfect engagement with a wealthy man named Peter Pangbourne, without knowing anything else about this gentleman. Peter and his older brother James were sent to Saint Mercy's Home for Orphaned Boys until Peter was adopted. He then became one of the Lost Boys along with Tate, Nibbs, Bayne, Cass, and the twins, Thayer & Tristan.
I'm at a disadvantage, having not read the children's edition, but I don't think there's a love interest. Who does Wendy Darling end up with? Peter Pan or Captain Hook?

[Tex · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only spent $3 on this book and I’m still mad about that. This was a kink book clearly written by someone who does not understand kink. We don’t actually meet the MMC until nearly 60% of the way into the book so the entire relationship (and the final conflict and aftermath) is crunched into a vaguely 24-48 period where the freshly 18 year old FMC falls deeply in love with the 30 something year old MMC after he has forcefully introduced her to the full spectrum of kink content that you can introduce someone to in that short amount of time. Additionally, explicit on-page coerced “consent” and SA occurs between the FMC and MMC which I don’t necessarily have a problem with, but I do not think the trigger warnings on the author website cover that adequately. As a final sin, the dialogue near the end gets eye rollingly bad. It only got 2 stars because I didn’t dnf because I wanted my $3 worth.

[Anya Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hush Darling is FIRE and SPICE

Ladies!!! Grab your collarbones and fans 🪭

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This is not your childhood Peter Pan and Captain Hook.

I loved Lydia Michaels's take on the backstory of Pan and Hook, a creativity master class. Taking a story we all know and changing the narrative, victims, villains and heroes.

It is a dark romance heavy on the spice and completely addictive. I read this in one day and if I didn’t have to work it would’ve been one sitting.

For fans of dark romance, no trigger warnings needed - IYKYK.
If you don't like dark romance then stick with the original.

Tropes: forbidden love, age gap, different worlds, revenge, morally gray alpha male, captivity

Thank the literary gods for sexy pirates.

[Kahea · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4 Stars***

I’m not a Peter Pan fan, but my interest was piqued by the description and decided to dive in and I gotta say, this was an interesting revamp of the whole Peter Pan vs Captain Hook situation without ‘magic’ pixie dust being involved and has me intrigued about what will come next in the series.

Now as for Peter, Wendy and James. Things happen quickly in this one. Peter’s true colors come out to play, Wendy finds that the world she was raised in isn’t really for her and James realizes he does have heart. The insta is strong as is the dark erotic romance/kink and while I have no issue with either ~ it was hot ~ I do wish we’d gotten more time with Wendy and James, but such is and I’m happy they found each other.

[Angels · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark retelling of Peter Pan by Lydia Michaels was a pleasant surprise for me. Initially, I was unsure about it, but I decided to give it a chance. Despite my initial reservations, the story turned out to be well-crafted and engaging.

While there were uncomfortable moments, I found myself drawn into the characters and their journey. The characters were engaging, and we quickly empathized with their struggles and motivations.

The originality of the plot, combined with subtle nods to the classic Peter Pan story, created a nostalgic yet fresh retelling. The twists and changes in the story kept me engaged and eager to see how it would unfold. Overall, this was an exciting and satisfying read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not an easy story to review because it turned my perceptions upside down. It is very cleverly done and good becomes bad and vice versa. Peter, the socialite everyone thinks is so wonderful, is in reality a spoiled brat who true to the story has never grown up but has forgotten what his childhood was really like. James is supposedly wicked but Wendy reaches his inner soul and he falls for her. How he lost his hand is almost a pivotal part of this story. An intriguing read of a different telling of Peter Pan.

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hush Darling is the first book in the Villains of Kassel series. It is a Dark Peter Pan Retelling and a Forbidden Romance. This is Wendy Darling’s story.

Captain “James” Hook & Peter Pangbourn are brothers. The brothers are estranged.

I have never thought of Captain Hook as being a dark romantic lead character. but then this story was like no other Peter Pan story that I have heard of.

I really enjoyed reading this retelling. I didn’t put this book down and I read it in one-go! Loved it! 5 STARS

[Alexandra Klimowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew Peter Pan could have been taken down this path! I love Lydia's books and I definitely didn't see this one coming but I am here for it! Hush Darling was filled with so many emotions I felt like I was on a dark emotional rollercoaster while also being filled with some hope that there could be change. I also loved the "twist" of Peter and James being brothers with Wendy stuck in the middle. This book was a old child's fairytale brought to the adult level with so many emotions and a romantic undertone. I didn't know if I was going to love it... but I did!