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searchingforhappilyeverafter's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is the Captain Hook and Tinkerbell retelling I didn’t know I needed!
Packed with swoonworthy romance, adventure on the high seas, and a fabulous cast of characters, Second Star to the Left by Megan Van Dyke shifts the focus of this classic tale to Tinker Bell and Captain Hook and is absolutely delightful. The writing hooked me immediately (pun intended) as I was immersed in this unique version of such a beloved fantasy world.
The romance between Hook and Tink was captivating, with great enemies-to-lovers banter and sparks practically flying off the page. Several heartwarming and tender moments added an extra layer of depth to their story.
The author's added touches to make this world her own were a joy to read and added a much needed freshness. In particular, I LOVED how there are women on Captain Hook's crew and how subtly queernormative this world is. Not once was it ever mentioned or even implied that women are bad luck on ships or unequal to male crew members.
I hope the author is planning to continue writing stories set in this world. I’ve read all the bonus epilogues but would still love more adventures with Hook's crew members, and I need to find out more about Lily, Peter, and the boys.
Packed with swoonworthy romance, adventure on the high seas, and a fabulous cast of characters, Second Star to the Left by Megan Van Dyke shifts the focus of this classic tale to Tinker Bell and Captain Hook and is absolutely delightful. The writing hooked me immediately (pun intended) as I was immersed in this unique version of such a beloved fantasy world.
The romance between Hook and Tink was captivating, with great enemies-to-lovers banter and sparks practically flying off the page. Several heartwarming and tender moments added an extra layer of depth to their story.
The author's added touches to make this world her own were a joy to read and added a much needed freshness. In particular, I LOVED how there are women on Captain Hook's crew and how subtly queernormative this world is. Not once was it ever mentioned or even implied that women are bad luck on ships or unequal to male crew members.
I hope the author is planning to continue writing stories set in this world. I’ve read all the bonus epilogues but would still love more adventures with Hook's crew members, and I need to find out more about Lily, Peter, and the boys.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
bookwormabby54's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Vomit
magic_multicolored_miracle's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
As with any "retelling" or "twist" of a classic tale, this book was challenged to balance the scales between the familiarity of the original and adding something new to make itself worth reading, and I think it does so admirably. Characters have new depths, desires, and personality traits while still being identifiable in a heart beat, and the settings and their inhabitants serve as easy nods to Peter Pan.
While many of the twists and turns of the plot were predictable, they were fun to read anyway, and others still managed to shock me, making this high seas adventure one I couldn't put down. I didn't expect the book to reinvent the wheel, by any means, so I came out pleasantly surprised and happily entertained.
One of the biggest things I never expected was the ending, which turned a twist into a prequel to the classic story.
While many of the twists and turns of the plot were predictable, they were fun to read anyway, and others still managed to shock me, making this high seas adventure one I couldn't put down. I didn't expect the book to reinvent the wheel, by any means, so I came out pleasantly surprised and happily entertained.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Vomit
Moderate: Grief, Kidnapping, Suicidal thoughts, and Death of parent
r1vana's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
"If you thought to leave me now, I might tie you to the bed again."
"Filthy pirate."
"Aye, but you love me anyway."
"So cocky. But you're right, I do."
A Peter Pan retelling; the synopsis really got me into reading this book. Captain Hook and Tinkerbell?!?!
What was way to ruin and darken our childhood. *wink wink*
Duo POV
mutual pining
banter/bickering
I really taught it was gonna be an enemies to lovers with mutual pining. But I think Tink kinda in denial of her attraction to Hook.
Whereas, Hook taught she was probably one of the most prettiest woman/pixie in the world. He thinks that he got cursed because he can't seem to stop thinking about her:
“I want the second curse on me removed."
"Oh? And why do you think you're cursed twice?"
He flicked a half-glance towards Tink. "There's a woman. Can't get her out of my head."
"That's not a curse. It's called infatuation. Some might even call it... love?"
-
Characters:
Tink definitely grew on me. There were times, she sounded selfless and other times, selfish. She is banished from her homeland Sylvanna Vale, and she will do anything. Starting by stealing a jewel that was stolen from the mermaid queen that is now in possession of pirates. A man with a hook: Captain Hook.
Captain Hook: He is definitely swoon worthy. Definitely NOT a villain character nor a antihero.
I love that in this book, James aka Captain Hook and Smee have a brother relationship.
-
Actions was packed up in this story.
We get to see glimpses of Peter Pan and the lost boys and Crocodile Crock.
-
Through a pirate loves the rock of the seas, he never takes his eyes off his aim for too long.
"You have my life in your hands again, love."
TW/CW: death of parent; kidnapping; child abuse/torture/abandonment
"Filthy pirate."
"Aye, but you love me anyway."
"So cocky. But you're right, I do."
A Peter Pan retelling; the synopsis really got me into reading this book. Captain Hook and Tinkerbell?!?!
What was way to ruin and darken our childhood. *wink wink*
Duo POV
mutual pining
banter/bickering
I really taught it was gonna be an enemies to lovers with mutual pining. But I think Tink kinda in denial of her attraction to Hook.
Whereas, Hook taught she was probably one of the most prettiest woman/pixie in the world. He thinks that he got cursed because he can't seem to stop thinking about her:
“I want the second curse on me removed."
"Oh? And why do you think you're cursed twice?"
He flicked a half-glance towards Tink. "There's a woman. Can't get her out of my head."
"That's not a curse. It's called infatuation. Some might even call it... love?"
-
Characters:
Tink definitely grew on me. There were times, she sounded selfless and other times, selfish. She is banished from her homeland Sylvanna Vale, and she will do anything. Starting by stealing a jewel that was stolen from the mermaid queen that is now in possession of pirates. A man with a hook: Captain Hook.
Captain Hook: He is definitely swoon worthy. Definitely NOT a villain character nor a antihero.
I love that in this book, James aka Captain Hook and Smee have a brother relationship.
-
Actions was packed up in this story.
We get to see glimpses of Peter Pan and the lost boys and Crocodile Crock.
-
Through a pirate loves the rock of the seas, he never takes his eyes off his aim for too long.
"You have my life in your hands again, love."
TW/CW: death of parent; kidnapping; child abuse/torture/abandonment
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Moderate: Terminal illness, Child abuse, and Death of parent
xandra_lyn's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really liked this retelling! I wasn't super happy that some ends were left loose, but maybe there'll be a sequel, which would be nice
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Blood
Violence: sword fighting, especially in the last scenenessas_lair's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Thank you Netgalley and City Owl Press for the eARC! This is definitely one of my fav Peter Pan retellings ever 😍 You get a super steamy romance, a heartwarming pirate family, and a great adventure! Hook and Tink's relationship was SO CUTE 😍 It's enemies-to-lovers on Tink's side whereas Hook is in denial about his feelings 🤣 They make a great couple. Never a dull moment 🔥 I love how Megan incorporates Peter and his Lost Boys into the story as well. There's a couple plot twists that I wasn't really expecting which made this story one hell of a ride. Overall, amazing book. Go read it 🥳
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
tikbook's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the ARC of this book with an exchange of honest review.
Actual rating 4,5 ⭐
First of all, I want to say that this book is AMAZING! If you love fantasy book, with romance, pirates and retelling of famous classics, Peter Pan, you have to read this book!
As I said before, this book is a retelling of Peter Pan but with the main characters following Tinker Bell and Captain Hook. This is the reason why I pick this book and do not have any regrets at all.
Follows Tinker Bell, who must find an item from legend in order to bring her home. However, due to many incidents, she was forced to cooperate with Captain Hook to complete her mission. With her hatred for pirates and the sea, Tink tries hard to keep her mission complete without being tempted by the captain.
I love this book so much! The plot and conflicts offered are very exciting to follow. First we will follow the adventures of Tink and Jolly Rogers crew to complete their mission. For those who like travel tropes, this will be very satisfying. Not only that, they also have to deal with other pirates who have been after them for a long time. Especially Captain Hook who has a personal grudge. The world building is also well described, easy to understand and beautiful. Not only focused on the ocean, but also many other locations are described.
The characters here are full of surprises. So while reading there were many surprises given by the author that I never thought of. I really like the characters of the Jolly Rogers crew who are very warm and kind. Their relationship with each other as well as with Hook is delightfully described. Moreover, those who can well accept Tink in their crew make the characters even easier to love.
I definitely like the relationship between Tink and Hook the most. They are attracted to each other from the start but are constantly suspicious of each other because of what happened between them. Because this bok have 2 points of view, we can clearly see what they really think and feel behind their little fight. Following their endless bickering at the beginning also adds color to this book. With Tink desperately trying to distance himself from Hook but Hook is always teasing Tink openly. They are really an adorable couple especially their willingness to help each other it really made me fall in love with this couple!
This book end with perfection and has a great ending. If you love enemies to lovers romance, fantasy, great action, found family trope, travel trope you must read this book!
Actual rating 4,5 ⭐
First of all, I want to say that this book is AMAZING! If you love fantasy book, with romance, pirates and retelling of famous classics, Peter Pan, you have to read this book!
As I said before, this book is a retelling of Peter Pan but with the main characters following Tinker Bell and Captain Hook. This is the reason why I pick this book and do not have any regrets at all.
Follows Tinker Bell, who must find an item from legend in order to bring her home. However, due to many incidents, she was forced to cooperate with Captain Hook to complete her mission. With her hatred for pirates and the sea, Tink tries hard to keep her mission complete without being tempted by the captain.
I love this book so much! The plot and conflicts offered are very exciting to follow. First we will follow the adventures of Tink and Jolly Rogers crew to complete their mission. For those who like travel tropes, this will be very satisfying. Not only that, they also have to deal with other pirates who have been after them for a long time. Especially Captain Hook who has a personal grudge. The world building is also well described, easy to understand and beautiful. Not only focused on the ocean, but also many other locations are described.
The characters here are full of surprises. So while reading there were many surprises given by the author that I never thought of. I really like the characters of the Jolly Rogers crew who are very warm and kind. Their relationship with each other as well as with Hook is delightfully described. Moreover, those who can well accept Tink in their crew make the characters even easier to love.
I definitely like the relationship between Tink and Hook the most. They are attracted to each other from the start but are constantly suspicious of each other because of what happened between them. Because this bok have 2 points of view, we can clearly see what they really think and feel behind their little fight. Following their endless bickering at the beginning also adds color to this book. With Tink desperately trying to distance himself from Hook but Hook is always teasing Tink openly. They are really an adorable couple especially their willingness to help each other it really made me fall in love with this couple!
This book end with perfection and has a great ending. If you love enemies to lovers romance, fantasy, great action, found family trope, travel trope you must read this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
aoifeonpaper's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was provided with an advanced reader copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A swashbuckling, romantic adventure with a dash of spice and pixie dust!
S Y N O P S I S
When Tinkerbell is exhiled for selling pixie dust in a moment of desperation, she'll do anything to find a way back to her beloved homeland.
Meanwhile, Captain Hook and his crew have suffered since the fateful night that he met the beautiful, thieving pixie who landed him with a curse that turns the oceans against him.
But when a mutual nemesis and a shared quest brings them together, Tink and Hook find that they might not hate each other's company as much as they thought.
R E V I E W
I fell hard for this reimagining of Peter Pan, starring Tinkerbell and Captain Hook as we've never seen them before.
This was a clever, creative take on the Neverland we know and love. Megan Van Dyke brought Hook and Tink to life in such a way that you can't help but root for them both from the very start. I loved the world she built around pixies and pirates, and I absolutely adored the cheeky, charming crew of the Jolly Roger!
While this is definitely a spicier romance, this isn't the kind of story that hangs on it's love scenes. The plot is fast-paced and engaging, and the tension between Tink and Hook is deliciously built and well-earned.
I can't wait to see more of Megan Van Dyke's stories on my shelves in the future!
A swashbuckling, romantic adventure with a dash of spice and pixie dust!
S Y N O P S I S
When Tinkerbell is exhiled for selling pixie dust in a moment of desperation, she'll do anything to find a way back to her beloved homeland.
Meanwhile, Captain Hook and his crew have suffered since the fateful night that he met the beautiful, thieving pixie who landed him with a curse that turns the oceans against him.
But when a mutual nemesis and a shared quest brings them together, Tink and Hook find that they might not hate each other's company as much as they thought.
R E V I E W
I fell hard for this reimagining of Peter Pan, starring Tinkerbell and Captain Hook as we've never seen them before.
This was a clever, creative take on the Neverland we know and love. Megan Van Dyke brought Hook and Tink to life in such a way that you can't help but root for them both from the very start. I loved the world she built around pixies and pirates, and I absolutely adored the cheeky, charming crew of the Jolly Roger!
While this is definitely a spicier romance, this isn't the kind of story that hangs on it's love scenes. The plot is fast-paced and engaging, and the tension between Tink and Hook is deliciously built and well-earned.
I can't wait to see more of Megan Van Dyke's stories on my shelves in the future!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
A scene featuring a sexual encounter between a drunk character and a sober character, which could amount to questionable consenthckilgour's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Wow. Just wow. What an incredible retelling!
The elements of Peter Pan are all there. And I will say the way in which the elements are used are not always what you’d expect making the many plot twists just amazing.
Hook as a character is incredibly complex and he’s impossible to not love. Tink I didn’t care for at first but I did come to like her eventually.
I also loved that this is a new adult retelling with incredible smut. I couldn’t get enough of this book!
The elements of Peter Pan are all there. And I will say the way in which the elements are used are not always what you’d expect making the many plot twists just amazing.
Hook as a character is incredibly complex and he’s impossible to not love. Tink I didn’t care for at first but I did come to like her eventually.
I also loved that this is a new adult retelling with incredible smut. I couldn’t get enough of this book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing and Sexual content
words_and_dreams's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was such an enjoyable read, and ticked a lot of boxes for me. An enemies to lovers, fantasy romance between Captain Hook and Tinkerbell and acts as a sort of prequel to Peter Pan.
Tink is trying to find a way back home to the Sylvan Vale and Hook wants the power to defeat his enemy, Blackbeard. To do this they team up and make a deal with Queen Titania to find a magical object for her. In return she will give them the Black Pearl, an object that fixes what is broken.
Hook is pretty much a goner for Tink straight away and believes she has cursed him to have these feelings. I loved Hook's characterisation, it reminded me a great deal of Killian from 'Once Upon A Time'. He was so charming and roguish and exactly how I picture him. Tink was feisty with a quick temper but a big heart. I loved their interactions and the banter between them. Also the steamy scenes were fabulous and were both hot and tender.
I loved the themes of found family within the story as well as the main romance. The world felt familiar yet otherwordly which was a good mix. There were some good twists and turns to raise the stakes and I love how both the hero and heroine had to question everything about themselves, their mission and what they believed in.
I would happily read a follow up, especially wanting to know what happened to the boat full of people at the end that vanished. I mean, I know what it's setting up but I just want more. Lol
Can't wait to read more from this author.
Tink is trying to find a way back home to the Sylvan Vale and Hook wants the power to defeat his enemy, Blackbeard. To do this they team up and make a deal with Queen Titania to find a magical object for her. In return she will give them the Black Pearl, an object that fixes what is broken.
Hook is pretty much a goner for Tink straight away and believes she has cursed him to have these feelings. I loved Hook's characterisation, it reminded me a great deal of Killian from 'Once Upon A Time'. He was so charming and roguish and exactly how I picture him. Tink was feisty with a quick temper but a big heart. I loved their interactions and the banter between them. Also the steamy scenes were fabulous and were both hot and tender.
I loved the themes of found family within the story as well as the main romance. The world felt familiar yet otherwordly which was a good mix. There were some good twists and turns to raise the stakes and I love how both the hero and heroine had to question everything about themselves, their mission and what they believed in.
I would happily read a follow up, especially wanting to know what happened to the boat full of people at the end that vanished. I mean, I know what it's setting up but I just want more. Lol
Can't wait to read more from this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Violence and Death of parent