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brittanica_bold's review against another edition
4.0
Another great book by Gina L. Maxwell! Seriously, I think I’m in love with her!!
What I liked about the book:
If you have read any of my reviews, you probably know that I love three things:
1. Fairy-tale retellings/reimaginings. Something about taking the concepts I grew up on and twisting them for my now-adult brain really works for me (let’s not look into the psychology behind that one).
I especially enjoy when something as magical as Peter Pan is worked into an everyday setting, like mechanics and illegal businesses.
2. I love a good dirty, yet sweet romance. In other words, I love the whole “dominate-me-during / cuddle-me-after” scenario, and Mr. Pan delivered! He is without a doubt a total dom, but he still calls her baby.
ALSO, when he asked if he could give Wendy a “real kiss”, when he stated “I used to be a Lost Boy, but the night I met Wendy, I became found”, and when he made them necklaces from their childhood gifts to one another??? STAHP! He is just the sweetest, most adorable badass I’ve read in a while. Like, can we stop with the perfect MMCs, Gina??? You’re creating unrealistic expectations!
3. I love spinoff potentials!!! So glad I got the chance to read this now when I can go scoop up Hooks book next!
...Ahem…Gina…where is my Tink book? I feel that one is going to be
I need Tink and Michael…STAT!
What didn’t do it for me:
1. This is totally a me problem, but I guess I was looking for a bit more maturity in Peter Pan. I know, that’s stupid. But it’s a reimagining…Why did you wait until the last minute to order something knowing this was the biggest event of your woman’s career? Come on, dude, get your sh*t together.
I received a copy of this ARC from NetGalley and Gina L. Maxwell in exchange for my honest review.
What I liked about the book:
If you have read any of my reviews, you probably know that I love three things:
1. Fairy-tale retellings/reimaginings. Something about taking the concepts I grew up on and twisting them for my now-adult brain really works for me (let’s not look into the psychology behind that one).
I especially enjoy when something as magical as Peter Pan is worked into an everyday setting, like mechanics and illegal businesses.
2. I love a good dirty, yet sweet romance. In other words, I love the whole “dominate-me-during / cuddle-me-after” scenario, and Mr. Pan delivered! He is without a doubt a total dom, but he still calls her baby.
ALSO, when he asked if he could give Wendy a “real kiss”, when he stated “I used to be a Lost Boy, but the night I met Wendy, I became found”, and when he made them necklaces from their childhood gifts to one another??? STAHP! He is just the sweetest, most adorable badass I’ve read in a while. Like, can we stop with the perfect MMCs, Gina??? You’re creating unrealistic expectations!
3. I love spinoff potentials!!! So glad I got the chance to read this now when I can go scoop up Hooks book next!
...Ahem…Gina…where is my Tink book? I feel that one is going to be
I need Tink and Michael…STAT!
What didn’t do it for me:
1. This is totally a me problem, but I guess I was looking for a bit more maturity in Peter Pan. I know, that’s stupid. But it’s a reimagining…Why did you wait until the last minute to order something knowing this was the biggest event of your woman’s career? Come on, dude, get your sh*t together.
I received a copy of this ARC from NetGalley and Gina L. Maxwell in exchange for my honest review.
kcoventry13's review against another edition
3.0
(Between 3-3.5 Stars)
This was a book that captured my attention the second I read the description. A modern retelling of Peter Pan. Peter, being a sexy playful mechanic and Wendy, a proper rich girl, growing up together? Not to mention, Hook and Tink being future stories to be told? Count me in!
This book was cute, funny, sexy, and of course...a different way of one of my favorite stories being retold in a modern setting! It was really good! The characters had me smiling when I recognized them for the original Peter Pan and laughing when the author managed to fit them into the story in a unique way. The story was interesting and I really enjoyed myself.
Peter was a mischievous orphan who owns an automotive shop, LB Automotive (clever right?), and is taking care of the Lost Boys and Tink after escaping the clutches of their guardian, Croc. Now that was a shocking introduction to the characters. I loved it! (but at the same time, scare me for the future books. The guy sounds extremely menacing and evil!) Anyways, Peter has always been in love with Wendy from the time they met as kids. Sadly, Wendy had to leave and thus, their romance ended. Or was it? (Yes, I just went there, let me have my moment!) So Wendy shows up ten years later with a project to restore a care for a benefit that she's organizing. Then begins their way back to finding the love they had as teens.
The story was good and I enjoyed seeing their journey to reconciliation after all these years, but I have to say, I was slightly disappointed. I thought that there would be some denial on Wendy's part that she was not going to fall for him instantly after seeing Peter again. Something like a lot of denial followed up by some intense sexual tension that would explode when they couldn't take it anymore. Instead, they kind of just picked right back up from the beginning again. I mean, that might just be me and all, but I still was hoping for a little more....build up. Regardless, it was still sweet to show that love never dies when it's something like their love.
One other thing that bothered me was the transitions. I don't mind the time jumps throughout the story because we got to see their relationship as they grew up. However, when things would go back to the future, there seemed to be massive time jumps, like weeks into the future. It just felt a little disjointed to me.
The biggest thing that bugged me in this story were some of the sexual things. Now, I'm not saying that the sexy moments weren't filled with heat, because some of them were really well written. But the issue was...well one scene in particular. At some point, Wendy and Peter start kissing and then it's revealed that she has never had an orgasm. I mean....really?! You just do some really nice party for some special event (which I'm not revealing and was the best part in the book in my opinion), and then you suddenly start talking about never having an orgasm with your childhood sweetheart? I mean....I just felt the whole scene was just weird. And then Peter starts talking about 'flying' and 'seeing the stars' through an orgasm. Again, reallllllly weird.
Oh, and another line that seemed to make me stare at my Kindle weirdly was....excuse myself for typing this one out...but..."I want to devour her like the rich pricks I'm building it for devour their caviar". Yep....that's a line said from the boy who never wanted to grow up. I just....ugh...it was just odd.
Okay, now I got that out of my system, I really enjoyed this book despite those little things. It made me smile, laugh, and nearly cry at moments in this book. Also, there were a few little....things that hinted at what was going to happen in the next two books. I really wish there were more with the Lost Boys in the future! It would definitely be an adventure to read about all of them!
If you have the chance and love Peter Pan, I definitely recommend this book. Also...does this mean that I'm going to start Hook right after this review? Especially because I can't wait to read about John and Hook's adventure.
You bet I am! ;)
This was a book that captured my attention the second I read the description. A modern retelling of Peter Pan. Peter, being a sexy playful mechanic and Wendy, a proper rich girl, growing up together? Not to mention, Hook and Tink being future stories to be told? Count me in!
This book was cute, funny, sexy, and of course...a different way of one of my favorite stories being retold in a modern setting! It was really good! The characters had me smiling when I recognized them for the original Peter Pan and laughing when the author managed to fit them into the story in a unique way. The story was interesting and I really enjoyed myself.
Peter was a mischievous orphan who owns an automotive shop, LB Automotive (clever right?), and is taking care of the Lost Boys and Tink after escaping the clutches of their guardian, Croc. Now that was a shocking introduction to the characters. I loved it! (but at the same time, scare me for the future books. The guy sounds extremely menacing and evil!) Anyways, Peter has always been in love with Wendy from the time they met as kids. Sadly, Wendy had to leave and thus, their romance ended. Or was it? (Yes, I just went there, let me have my moment!) So Wendy shows up ten years later with a project to restore a care for a benefit that she's organizing. Then begins their way back to finding the love they had as teens.
The story was good and I enjoyed seeing their journey to reconciliation after all these years, but I have to say, I was slightly disappointed. I thought that there would be some denial on Wendy's part that she was not going to fall for him instantly after seeing Peter again. Something like a lot of denial followed up by some intense sexual tension that would explode when they couldn't take it anymore. Instead, they kind of just picked right back up from the beginning again. I mean, that might just be me and all, but I still was hoping for a little more....build up. Regardless, it was still sweet to show that love never dies when it's something like their love.
One other thing that bothered me was the transitions. I don't mind the time jumps throughout the story because we got to see their relationship as they grew up. However, when things would go back to the future, there seemed to be massive time jumps, like weeks into the future. It just felt a little disjointed to me.
The biggest thing that bugged me in this story were some of the sexual things. Now, I'm not saying that the sexy moments weren't filled with heat, because some of them were really well written. But the issue was...well one scene in particular. At some point, Wendy and Peter start kissing and then it's revealed that she has never had an orgasm. I mean....really?! You just do some really nice party for some special event (which I'm not revealing and was the best part in the book in my opinion), and then you suddenly start talking about never having an orgasm with your childhood sweetheart? I mean....I just felt the whole scene was just weird. And then Peter starts talking about 'flying' and 'seeing the stars' through an orgasm. Again, reallllllly weird.
Oh, and another line that seemed to make me stare at my Kindle weirdly was....excuse myself for typing this one out...but..."I want to devour her like the rich pricks I'm building it for devour their caviar". Yep....that's a line said from the boy who never wanted to grow up. I just....ugh...it was just odd.
Okay, now I got that out of my system, I really enjoyed this book despite those little things. It made me smile, laugh, and nearly cry at moments in this book. Also, there were a few little....things that hinted at what was going to happen in the next two books. I really wish there were more with the Lost Boys in the future! It would definitely be an adventure to read about all of them!
If you have the chance and love Peter Pan, I definitely recommend this book. Also...does this mean that I'm going to start Hook right after this review? Especially because I can't wait to read about John and Hook's adventure.
You bet I am! ;)
nadine_booklover's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
"I stare into his blue eyes sparkling in the lamplight, promising unexpected adventures and stories untold."
This book is one of those that splits my heart. On the one side I really enjoyed reading it and it really is possible to find some magic between the pages (and sheets ;-)) but something was missing. At least to me. And I can't even tell you what it is. It's just a feeling, my feeling. And just because I didn't find it, it doesn't mean you won't find it.
"It's impossible not to enjoy life with Peter Pan. He makes even the simplest pleasures an epic adventures,..."
Gina L. Maxwell succeeded in creating the world of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys in modern times. It certainly helps, that the "boys" all fall under the category "damn fine male species" and the author kept all their original characteristics. Also the easing into the adult character versions of Peter, the Lost Boys, Wendy, Hook and all others is well done. And the flashbacks to the past helped with the understanding of Peter's and Wendy's relationship.
I'm sure, if you are into retelling of fairytales you'll definitely love this book! And with the second epilogue, I have no other chance than continue reading this series with Hook (coming soon).
"The angel to my devil, my saving grace. My heart's adventure."
Pan is a lovely modern retelling of Peter Pan, a second chance romance with the carefree spirits of the Lost Boys, a prim and proper Wendy Darling and some pixie dust that take you on an adventure you don't want to miss.
"I stare into his blue eyes sparkling in the lamplight, promising unexpected adventures and stories untold."
This book is one of those that splits my heart. On the one side I really enjoyed reading it and it really is possible to find some magic between the pages (and sheets ;-)) but something was missing. At least to me. And I can't even tell you what it is. It's just a feeling, my feeling. And just because I didn't find it, it doesn't mean you won't find it.
"It's impossible not to enjoy life with Peter Pan. He makes even the simplest pleasures an epic adventures,..."
Gina L. Maxwell succeeded in creating the world of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys in modern times. It certainly helps, that the "boys" all fall under the category "damn fine male species" and the author kept all their original characteristics. Also the easing into the adult character versions of Peter, the Lost Boys, Wendy, Hook and all others is well done. And the flashbacks to the past helped with the understanding of Peter's and Wendy's relationship.
I'm sure, if you are into retelling of fairytales you'll definitely love this book! And with the second epilogue, I have no other chance than continue reading this series with Hook (coming soon).
"The angel to my devil, my saving grace. My heart's adventure."
Pan is a lovely modern retelling of Peter Pan, a second chance romance with the carefree spirits of the Lost Boys, a prim and proper Wendy Darling and some pixie dust that take you on an adventure you don't want to miss.
nutmeg1013's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
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
sandeeisreading's review against another edition
4.0
full review
oh peter! what i wouldn't do to have a guy like you.
pan was recommended to me by the lovely Caffeinated Fae when i was on the hunt for a short but sweet romance. this definitely did not disappoint. the story was short, sweet, and simple. oh wait, it was kinda hot too. but yeah, the story love unnecessary drama which i really appreciated. i mean drama sometimes is good on books but not on my romance once, i dont need soap opera dramas on my books.
COVER LOVE: 5 stars. what is it with romance novels and hot guys on the cover? did i love it? of course i did!
PLOT: 4 stars. we get a dual perspective from both pan and wendy alternating from the past and present day. yes. like peter pan and wendy darling. lol. no kidding. i swear.do you even want to know peter's last name? it's pan. lol. anyways, this story is set in the modern times with real life problems, no fairies, just people who share the same names from the peter pan story, that somehow mimics events from the well-loved fairy tale set in the modern time. it was nice actually.
so plot is nothing really to die for. it was simple, which i liked. it didn't have the unending drama that most romance novel has. it was just a simple story about a guy and a girl who separated, and somehow, found their way back together. were there other elements in the mix? sure. like someone else liking the guy then that eventually causes conflict, but really, they didn't drag that on too long like most romance book which i appreciated a lot. i would have been okay without it though.
THE WRITING: 4.5 stars. I actually really like Gina L. Maxwell's writing. It's not mind blowing or anything, but it was so easy to get into. I am a huge fan of the stream of consciousness type of writing, which for me, this one follows. sometimes, it does get confusing though because you switch from past and the present, so you follow two different timelines. it isn't too bad though.
CHARACTERS: 5 stars. i think its the characters is one of the reasons why i love this book so much. in this book, we mostly follow wendy and peter's story, but that's not to say that the others weren't given their moment to shine. i found each character were somehow relatable. i think the next book would be about hook (yes. james hook. lol) which i am super excited about. the author gave us a tease on what to expect from him and possibly his story. i think i may need tissues when i do read book 2.
PACE: 5 stars. this was definitely more fast paced than most which i prefer. if you are looking for a sweet, hot, and fast romance book i would definitely recommend this.
ROMANCE: 4 stars. okay the romance. hhmm. this is a bit tricky. don't get me wrong. i love both wendy and peter's relationship, i just feel that they reunited far too quickly for my liking. they haven't seen each other in ages. i don't think you can reconnect with someone as quickly as they did regardless of how much they loved each other in the past. i think that was my only gripe about it. other than that, they are perfect for each other. did forget to mention that they are one filthy couple? yeah. i love it.
ENDING: 5 stars. who doesn't like a happy ending. i know i do. i like the way things ended. no further drama. no bullshit to follow on the next book. it ends. period. it gives way for us to deal with another character in the story, which i can't wait to get my hands on.
OVERALL ENJOYMENT:
i really enjoyed reading this. It was a pretty quick read. The characters, the romance, the plot, they all blended pretty well for me. As mentioned, I think I just found their reunion a little bit too convenient, other than that, I really enjoyed this quick and easy to read romance novel.
"Instead of being thankful that I’ve somehow landed an incredible woman I don’t deserve, I need to do everything I can to become the man she does deserve."
oh peter! what i wouldn't do to have a guy like you.
pan was recommended to me by the lovely Caffeinated Fae when i was on the hunt for a short but sweet romance. this definitely did not disappoint. the story was short, sweet, and simple. oh wait, it was kinda hot too. but yeah, the story love unnecessary drama which i really appreciated. i mean drama sometimes is good on books but not on my romance once, i dont need soap opera dramas on my books.
COVER LOVE: 5 stars. what is it with romance novels and hot guys on the cover? did i love it? of course i did!
PLOT: 4 stars. we get a dual perspective from both pan and wendy alternating from the past and present day. yes. like peter pan and wendy darling. lol. no kidding. i swear.do you even want to know peter's last name? it's pan. lol. anyways, this story is set in the modern times with real life problems, no fairies, just people who share the same names from the peter pan story, that somehow mimics events from the well-loved fairy tale set in the modern time. it was nice actually.
so plot is nothing really to die for. it was simple, which i liked. it didn't have the unending drama that most romance novel has. it was just a simple story about a guy and a girl who separated, and somehow, found their way back together. were there other elements in the mix? sure. like someone else liking the guy then that eventually causes conflict, but really, they didn't drag that on too long like most romance book which i appreciated a lot. i would have been okay without it though.
THE WRITING: 4.5 stars. I actually really like Gina L. Maxwell's writing. It's not mind blowing or anything, but it was so easy to get into. I am a huge fan of the stream of consciousness type of writing, which for me, this one follows. sometimes, it does get confusing though because you switch from past and the present, so you follow two different timelines. it isn't too bad though.
CHARACTERS: 5 stars. i think its the characters is one of the reasons why i love this book so much. in this book, we mostly follow wendy and peter's story, but that's not to say that the others weren't given their moment to shine. i found each character were somehow relatable. i think the next book would be about hook (yes. james hook. lol) which i am super excited about. the author gave us a tease on what to expect from him and possibly his story. i think i may need tissues when i do read book 2.
PACE: 5 stars. this was definitely more fast paced than most which i prefer. if you are looking for a sweet, hot, and fast romance book i would definitely recommend this.
ROMANCE: 4 stars. okay the romance. hhmm. this is a bit tricky. don't get me wrong. i love both wendy and peter's relationship, i just feel that they reunited far too quickly for my liking. they haven't seen each other in ages. i don't think you can reconnect with someone as quickly as they did regardless of how much they loved each other in the past. i think that was my only gripe about it. other than that, they are perfect for each other. did forget to mention that they are one filthy couple? yeah. i love it.
ENDING: 5 stars. who doesn't like a happy ending. i know i do. i like the way things ended. no further drama. no bullshit to follow on the next book. it ends. period. it gives way for us to deal with another character in the story, which i can't wait to get my hands on.
OVERALL ENJOYMENT:
i really enjoyed reading this. It was a pretty quick read. The characters, the romance, the plot, they all blended pretty well for me. As mentioned, I think I just found their reunion a little bit too convenient, other than that, I really enjoyed this quick and easy to read romance novel.
overtherainbow031's review against another edition
5.0
Gina L. Maxwell always seems to have sleeper hits when it comes to delivering stories I never knew I needed before she put it in front of me. Pan is yet again one of those books and Maxwell served up what is going to be one of my top reads of this year!
"From the first night he appeared on my balcony, Peter was a dancing flame, drawing me in and providing the warmth and light I was missing in my rather dull life."
I was enamored with how Maxwell wove the classic touches of young Peter and Wendy in with her more romantic adult love story. Taking a classic and weaving in your own flair can be challenging, yet everything done with this story was perfection - from building up Neverland - to introducing the Lost Boys and the Darling Siblings - to getting to see Wendy and Peter's story from young puppy love flourish into true everlasting love was magical.
"It’s not a kiss, it’s a claiming, as though proving to the world, or maybe just himself, that I am truly and happily his."
I feel as though Gina claimed my heart with this book and now I cannot wait to find out what happens next in Neverland, NC!
"From the first night he appeared on my balcony, Peter was a dancing flame, drawing me in and providing the warmth and light I was missing in my rather dull life."
I was enamored with how Maxwell wove the classic touches of young Peter and Wendy in with her more romantic adult love story. Taking a classic and weaving in your own flair can be challenging, yet everything done with this story was perfection - from building up Neverland - to introducing the Lost Boys and the Darling Siblings - to getting to see Wendy and Peter's story from young puppy love flourish into true everlasting love was magical.
"It’s not a kiss, it’s a claiming, as though proving to the world, or maybe just himself, that I am truly and happily his."
I feel as though Gina claimed my heart with this book and now I cannot wait to find out what happens next in Neverland, NC!
malang's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
read_on_reader's review against another edition
5.0
I truly enjoyed this book so much it was the perfect mix of new adult version and classic Peter Pan. We got to see almost all the original characters but with their own twists. Peter was this sweet, loving alpha who cared for his own and loved Wendy deeply. Wendy was a strong but sweet person that loved her boys deeply too. Peter spent years wondering if he would get his Wendy back and she does come back but can he keep her? This twist had some of the same storyline basics of the book I grew up with but with added romance and more intense situations. I honestly can’t wait for more especially about Hook because he breaks my heart and I know his story will be amazing too. Loved it so much and I loved seeing more of the lost boys and Tink but #freestarkey.
kaitlin_durante's review against another edition
4.0
This was a recommended by Amanda and I am glad I read it.
I'm not going to lie and say Peter Pan is one of my favorite stories because it's just not.
But it was a fun re-telling and I want to see other characters in this world get their HEA (especially Hook )
I'm not going to lie and say Peter Pan is one of my favorite stories because it's just not.
But it was a fun re-telling and I want to see other characters in this world get their HEA (especially Hook )
jaimejustreadsromance's review against another edition
5.0
It’s a tricky thing for an author to take a classic & beloved fairytale and write a retelling in a way that doesn’t tarnish the story, yet keeps the characters and their world recognizable with a fresh, modern twist, but Gina L. Maxwell has taken on this task with fervor and flare.
Normally retellings seem to be focused solely on the characters names with a basic similarity to the original. This is the first retelling where I felt like I recognized each scene and the true heart of the story but in a new and exciting way.
I was going to make reference to all of the different things you can expect to find in this book that would convince you just how well the author incorporated the many detailed themes of the original story but I feel the experience of discovering it all on your own is far more important. However, I don’t want you to think that this story is predictable or just more of the same because it’s far from both of those.
If anyone was a fan of the TV show Once Upon a Time I think you’d agree that we all saw that it kind of makes sense that Hook is pretty sexy but I never imagined that I could see Peter Pan that way. I was totally wrong. For all that this book does to remind me of what I love about the original story, it definitely showed me a side of the Lost Boys that I’m totally into, in a not at all innocent way.
Now that I’m done with Peter and Wendy’s story and have been introduced to all of the secondary characters and gained insight into what’s in store for them, I’m most excited about Hook’s story but I have no doubt that Gina L. Maxwell is about to blow our minds with each new book in the Neverland series and I’m so here for it!!
*I received an ARC from the author for voluntary review
Normally retellings seem to be focused solely on the characters names with a basic similarity to the original. This is the first retelling where I felt like I recognized each scene and the true heart of the story but in a new and exciting way.
I was going to make reference to all of the different things you can expect to find in this book that would convince you just how well the author incorporated the many detailed themes of the original story but I feel the experience of discovering it all on your own is far more important. However, I don’t want you to think that this story is predictable or just more of the same because it’s far from both of those.
If anyone was a fan of the TV show Once Upon a Time I think you’d agree that we all saw that it kind of makes sense that Hook is pretty sexy but I never imagined that I could see Peter Pan that way. I was totally wrong. For all that this book does to remind me of what I love about the original story, it definitely showed me a side of the Lost Boys that I’m totally into, in a not at all innocent way.
Now that I’m done with Peter and Wendy’s story and have been introduced to all of the secondary characters and gained insight into what’s in store for them, I’m most excited about Hook’s story but I have no doubt that Gina L. Maxwell is about to blow our minds with each new book in the Neverland series and I’m so here for it!!
*I received an ARC from the author for voluntary review