Devour the Snake

Devourer #3

by Nikki St. Crowe

I’m getting married. Again. But this time it’s to the men I Captain James Hook and the Crocodile, the Devourer of Men.

As a Darling, I never thought I’d get the fairytale life. Not with Peter Pan haunting my family line. Not with the monsters and witches and myths of the Seven Isles plotting for revenge.

On the morning of my wedding, all seems well…until someone kidnaps James.

Surely it must be a mistake. Because no one on Darkland would be stupid enough to kidnap the Crocodile’s boyfriend, right?

But if we’re to find our happily ever after, we’re going to have to overcome more than a vengeful street gang.

And we deserve it, don’t we? James, Roc, and me. We deserve a happy ending after everything we’ve endured. And we’re determined to get it.

Devour the Snake is a MMF romantasy fairytale retelling. For a full list of content warnings, please visit the author's website.

Genres: Fantasy, Dark Romance, Why Choose, Audiobook, Romance, Retellings, Romantasy

130 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2026

About the author

Nikki St. Crowe is a USA Today and No. 1 Amazon Bestselling Author specializing in dark, spicy romantasy where the villain gets the girl and the girl gets the power.

Nikki considers the start of her professional career to be in the 4th grade when she placed 2nd in a Young Author’s Competition. Back then she crafted stories about magical mansions and lost treasure. She’s since ditched the treasure hunts, but she'll never give up on the magical mansions (or the morally grey men who inhabit them).

These days, when Nikki isn’t writing or daydreaming about villains, she can either be found in the woods or at home with her husband and daughter.


For information on new releases, sign up for Nikki’s newsletter, The Forbidden Garden: https://nikkistcrowe.myflodesk.com/th...

Reviews

[Rachel Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Who the fuck was stupid enough to kidnap the Crocodile’s boyfriend?” Kas is saying. “RIP to that guy,” Bash adds.

Like was this good no, but did I eat it up and have fun yes. Will I keep reading anything else that comes out in this series also yes.

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very satisfying conclusion to the Devourer trilogy about Roc (The crocodile), James (Hook), and Wendy (Darling). They are settling into their roles and their throuple relationship. There are still a few people they need to squash and a royal wedding to prepare for.

It's gonna be gritty, it's gonna be sexy, and it's gonna be over far too quickly. My only complaint is that I wanted more of them.

I loved seeing how their dynamics have shifted and how the three of them support one another and rule their kingdom. They each fit into a unique role but they all depend and lean on one another to make it seamless.

As always, this was delightfully narrated in a Duet style by Shane East, Robert Hatchet, and Stella Hunter. They are absolute stars in this series.

4 Stars
3 on the spice scale

CW: Kidnapping, BDSM, drugging, violence

*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title.*

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I download the latest Nikki St.Crowe title, I tell myself I will read slowly. However, that's absolutely impossible because I get drawn in so fast. The love story between Hook, Roc and Wendy is absolutely fantastic, and I am so glad they all got their HEA.






Goodreads review published 27/03/26

[AnxiousCloud · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Do you want me to beg, Captain? Do you want me to get down on one knee and declare my love for you? Because I will. If that’s what you want.” - Roc


Ah to be reunited with Roc James and Wendy again is exactly what I needed. I can’t get enough of these two men. When James says “Bloody Hell” it gives dopamine hits.
I never want this series to end we wasn’t even expecting this lil treat so to have it I’m so happy.
Of course I binge read it in one sitting - smiling and giggling the whole time.

Those that get it .. get it .. those that don’t are missing out!
5 stars for all vibes and chasing my depression away. Thank you Scarlett St. Crowe

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do love these characters, but this installment in the series felt unnecessary

[Beth Roger aka Katiebella_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

"If the ocean tried to steal him from me, I would declare war on it. When the sun pools at his feet, I am loathe to steal its place."

This first half of this book is delightfully sweet. Roc, Hook, and Wendy are getting married! They go about their lives, settling into their new roles and surroundings. Loving each other and building one another up. Adorable and delightful. Blissful in their devotion.

Then, the plot thickens. Hook is snatched of the streets on his way to his own wedding. Roc and Wendy must band up with Peter Pan and his Lost Boys to save their swashbuckling lover.

It's bloody gruesome madness and yet delicate and beautiful. Have I mentioned that I adore this series?

"As much as Captain James Hook likes to believe he is a cutthroat pirate, at the heart of it, he is just a big gooey cinnamon cake who wants to be loved and accepted for who he is. But more than that, he wants to feel worthy."

[Ms. Dess · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐✨
Series Status: Fully feral, emotionally compromised, and actively accepting applications for Roc’s next victim… it’s me… I’m the application.

We Have:
✅ A wedding but make it unhinged
✅ Two men obsessed with each other and her… as they should be
✅ Roc being a menace with a voice that should be illegal
✅ Hook in his feelings and I’m right there with him
✅ Wendy living her best life in the middle of chaos
✅ “we’re all in love here, deal with it” energy
✅ filth, feelings, and zero shame
✅ audio that will absolutely ruin your standards

First of FUCKING all… the god damn motherfucking audio. Roc’s voice is a problem. A full blown, life altering, “I need to reevaluate my choices” kind of problem. I’m not even pretending to have standards here… I would let that man do severely depraved, morally questionable things to me and say thank you after. No hesitation. No shame. Just vibes and bad decisions.

This is a short, chaotic little novella that’s basically just Hook, Roc, and Wendy locking in their dynamic and making it official… and honestly that’s all I needed. No heavy lifting, no complicated plot, just vibes, devotion, and these three being absolutely obsessed with each other in the best way.

Hook… my sweet, emotionally messy man. The way he’s constantly in his own head, correcting himself, doubting himself, low key beating himself up while still trying to be better… it does something to me. I don’t even have a proper word for it, but it made me want to hug him and praise him and also let him absolutely ruin me. He’s soft, he’s chaotic, and I love him for it.

Roc knows exactly what he’s doing at all times and it shows. The control, the confidence, the way he lets Hook be who he is but still steps in and takes over when needed… yeah… that dynamic is dangerous. The moments where he puts Hook in his place were a delicious fucking experience and I enjoyed every second of it.

Wendy… she was there, she contributed, she moaned when necessary, and I’m not complaining. She understood the assignment, which was to exist between these two unhinged men and let them love her and each other properly. Respect.

And let’s be so fucking clear… the smut is the real star of this entire thing. Roc’s dirty fucking mouth, Hook’s submission with those growly little moments, and his internal “holy shit I love what this man is doing to me” thoughts?? Jesus fucking Christ. The whole god damn thing was so fucking delicious I’m still licking my fingers and wringing out my panties. I need more. All of the more. A million and one more. I read The Ever King series and yeah… it was tasty… but THESE THREE?? They give me goosebumps. I’m a whole whore for them now. A Roc junkie. And I don’t give a single fuck who knows it.

The plot is minimal, but it doesn’t need to be anything more. This is one of those “check in, give me my favorites, feed me something feral, and send me on my way” kind of reads. I finished this wanting to immediately go back and reread the rest because clearly I enjoy being emotionally compromised.

And now I have to go read the origin story because Roc AND his brother?? Be so fucking serious. I don’t stand a chance. My underwear are already concerned.

This whole novella was horny chaos, emotional softness, and audio that absolutely ruined me for anything less. I regret nothing.

Roc owns me. Hook broke me. Wendy won 😌

[Angeleena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me. I definitely think this book could’ve been longer and had more details. it was in the one before this the ending made me think we’d go into it with this book and it really didn’t which was disappointing and the ending of this one didn’t go into the cliffhanger of the last :/ and the author said this will probs be the last book so now i’m like when will i ever find out what happens.

[Lychee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super rushed

[Julie Dreamland · Rating 3 out of 5]

В принципі, ця серія мені цікавіша за основну. Не можу сказати, що тут прям якийсь мегасюжет, але читабельно.
Як на мене, Дарлінг все ще зайва 😁

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Wendy, Roc & James and I just wanna be the fourth to their Throuple hehehe love that we get a royal wedding & some drama 👅👅👅

This whole world will forever be one of my faves & I’m never leaving!!!!

also this audio was 10/10 like my god it was sooooo good (as are all the audios in this series) full cast baby!!!

[Ashlyn Payne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m happy I saw this universe all the way through but also happy it’s over

[✨Gretch✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roc, James, and Wendy are getting married. James has major imposter syndrome, and thinks he isn't cut out for being a ruler of Darkland, and Wendy and Roc will see him as a failure and leave him. Of course that doesn't happen, but on his wedding day he gets kidnapped, and Roc gets to have some fun after.

This was a fun and short book, all though NOTHING really happened. For the first 60% of the book it was just wedding prep, and James being having his head stuck in his ass. Regardless, this was a fun, short and easy read!

[lia ♡ (semi-hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

cute but if hook said bloody hell one more time, i would've cut off my own hand x

[Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as strong as the previous books. Too sappy at times, and the repeated “Bloody hell” got old fast.

[Mad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, l'ho divorato. E niente, adoro questa coppia (sì, ok, c'è anche Wendy ma vabbè). È stata una maratona che ha consumato fino all'ultimo la batteria del mio kindle, oltre al fatto che domani mi darò probabilmente malata al lavoro.
Nonostante questo, si vede che il libro non era previsto nell'idea originale, ma sono felice che sia stato inserito. Dopo l'ultimo, molto deludente, in cui Wendy e Uncino comparivano a malapena, in questo ci rifacciamo (ho capito che Roc è figo, ma devi farmelo percepire da questi due, altrimenti è inutile...).
Adoro le idee dell'autrice e mi dispiace solo che nonnsiano sviluppate adeguatamente. Tutto resta limitato, le trame che potrebbero essere degli spunti interessanti vengono risolte in un lampo, come i conflitti. Il colpo di scena finake per esempio è figo, lo avrei desiderato se fosse stata fatta una costruzione adeguata, se fosse stato dato al libro una trama decente... Oltre al fatto che l'unica cosa che succede è spoilerata alla grande dalla sinossi... Cioè, quello diveva essere l'inizio della storia!
Ma vabbè, adoro questi personaggi e mi mangio le mani perché poteva essere qualcosa di grandioso...

[LollyDolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novella about Roc, Hook and Wendy getting married and a kidnapping the day before the wedding!!! Of course I ate this right up. The books in this world are just fun filthy absolute nonsense and I love em. Fantastic audio again from Shane East, Robert Hatchet and Stella Hunter. 🐊🪝👸🏻

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This whole book could have been an epilogue.

The writing itself was fine, but nothing was added to the overarching story. The tone was wayyyyy off - weirdly sappy for a very* dark romance series. I was also expecting some kind of continuation of the information revealed in Devour the Dark but no 😒

Very* being relative but this series and the Vicious Lost Boys series are full of dark themes, morally questionable characters, and general murder…this book had a wedding and ugh… “that” trope at the end.

[Jo C · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.25 stars)

Devour the Snake delivers a really satisfying wrap-up to the series. I closed the book feeling both full and a little wistful, which is honestly the best place to be as a reader. The story ties up its major threads in a way that feels earned and emotionally grounded, without overstaying its welcome.

Would I happily read more in this world? Absolutely. But I also respect the choice to end things here the conclusion feels intentional, thoughtful, and true to the journey these characters have taken.

This was a strong, confident finale that reminded me why I loved the series in the first place. A great send-off, even if I’m not quite ready to say goodbye.

[Danie Y. | BohoBookMama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh Nikki does it again. What an incredible ending to such a great series! I loved being back with Roc, Hook & Wendy. I feel like everything tied together perfectly but had the normal spice and drama that you come to expect from this crew!

I have loved being in this world so much. This inspired me to start my yearly Never King re-listen early this year! I am not a fantasy girl at all but something about this world that Nikki has created with these characters and their dynamics... I eat it right up! The audio was incredible, I listened in one setting of course and the full cast was perfection! Thank you so much to Nikki and MLA for the ALC! This series is fast paced, but incredibly delicious and it should be at the top of your TBR!

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

”Do you want me to beg, Captain? Do you want me to get down on one knee and declare my love for you? Because I will. If that's what you want.” 🪝

Did i enjoy this? sure. Was it necessary? not really.

I like the idea of the story, but i was expecting more when i read the blurb about kidnapping. I feel like that part of the story was less than 5% of the book.

It was still entertaining seeing Hook, Roc and Wendy again (and the little cameo from Winnie, Peter, Vane, Kash & Bash).

[Karly Paton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprise PPP that I had no idea she was writing, nor did anyone until she announced that she did and it was available!! It was a fun continuation to the story that I never thought I’d get!

[Sophie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,25⭐️

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

whatever the opposite of “poor form” is, is exactly how I feel about this entire spin off series

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will always love roc and hook amen

[Stephanie Keijzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A small 3 stars. I enjoyed the first two a lot but this one was okay-ish. I am glad I listened to the audio for this series. The narrators were great!

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️

I wanted to finish the series and I did.

I’m not sure why I wanted to, but here we are.

[Ash🖤🔮 · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this, i'm so glad hook,roc and wendy finally got their happy ending

[Erica Egel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ cause it was a good time and I loved the cameos from the Never King series characters. I will read every single one of these she writes.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for this series, and this finale delivered. The Crocodile, Captain Hook, and Wendy? Yes, yes, YES. So satisfying.