Darling Madness

Lost Boys of Never

By: Rosemary A Johns

Narrated by: Erin McGarry

The last time that I could be touched without flinching was five years ago, when my brother tried to burn me alive.

Now, Mom promises me a new life, billionaire stepdad, safety. And all on the mysterious, paradise island of Never. But it’s a lie. Never’s a nightmare of secrets and dangerous desires, a cover to hide an asylum for the most broken heirs of the super-rich elite.

Now, I’m one of them.

All I wanted was a chance at a normal life. But instead, I’m claimed as the Darling of the dark and ruthless men who run Never — my stepbrothers.

Peter, Shadow, and Pan.

They’re cold, wild, psychos.

I should run from and not towards them. They’re forbidden. Only, they’re as beautiful, as they’re damaged. And their scars match my own. When they swear to burn down the world to keep me safe, I finally have a chance to no longer fear the flames…or their touch.

Except, there’s more secrets to reveal. There’s a killer on the island. And he’s coming for me next.

If you fly to Never, you may never grow up…

Our darling. Our madness. Our Never.

Darling Madness is a STANDALONE contemporary reverse harem dark fairy tale reimagining of Peter Pan.

©2023 Rosemary A Johns (P)2024 Rosemary A Johns

Just how i like 'em: dark and twisty.

TLDR:
Neverland meets ‘Sucker Punch’ if I had to put it so simply.

Strap in for this one because there’s a lot going on here!
This is a really interesting twist on a classic tale (Peter Pan, though it also feels a lot like Alice in Wonderland with a lot of madness afoot). It also packs a lot of sweet moments and manages to build in some fun character development and twists as well.

You do need to pay attention to this one—I’ve seen other readers complaining that they didn’t know what was going on. I didn’t have that problem, and I didn’t find it complicated but … if I hadn’t paid attention, sure, it could’ve spun quickly.

This packs more topes, k!nks and potential tr!ggers than I can possibly list, but to name some:

🦋 Academy setting (sorta - I don’t want to spoil).
💚 Performative arts … ish.
🦋 D0m / subm!ss!ve dynamic.
💚 Neurodivergency representation.
🦋 Asmexual representation.
💚 Villainous parents.
🦋 Stepsibling romance.
💚 Twins.
🦋 Captivity.
💚 Vengeance.
🦋 Isolation.
💚 Psychological thriller vibes.

Overall: would absolutely read more in this world. So fun.
4 stars.


🎧 Audio:
Excellent! The narrator was pleasant to listen to and gave a flawless performance, while delivering perfect overall sound quality. 5 stars.

Madness on Neverland

Darling Madness is unique twisted take on Peter Pan. Staring a sweet, but traumatized FMC, Angela. Her murderous older brother tried to burn her to death before pushing her out of her window. Years later she's reunited with her mother, who abandoned her after the attack, but now, after she's remarried, wants to reunite her daughter. Lured in with big promises, Angela gets to the island, where she introduced to her new stepbrothers, Pan and Shadow (the twins), and Peter (the director's adopted son). James, the director of Never Island is her new stepfather, and she quickly learns that not everything is what she was lead to believe. Never Island houses a mental facility and people come to the island but never leave.

This RH telling of Peter Pan had a lot of surprises and trauma with all of the characters. I loved that things came up that you didn't see coming. I liked how Shadow's character is different and how Angela is so tuned in with him. I mean...all of her guys have their struggles but Shadow needs a little extra care and attention in a different way.

This was a very interesting read and involves some very interesting characters.