From NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Gina L. Maxwell, comes a brand-new series with a fresh twist on an old classic.Once upon a time, in Neverland, North Carolina–I fell in love.I was twelve when Peter first climbed up to my balcony.Thirteen when I sneaked out to see him at the School for Lost Boys.Seventeen when his touch made me fly,And eighteen when his words made me cry.We were … Lost Boys.
Seventeen when his touch made me fly,
And eighteen when his words made me cry.
We were magnetic, drawn to each other from that very first night, and what I thought would be forever. But when it came time for me to leave, he wouldn’t come with, soI left town with a map for my future and a shattered heart.
Ten years later, I’ve returned to Neverland, hoping to find a man in place of the boy.
Peter was partially right, growing up is no fun. After quitting my fancy career that sucked the magic out of life, I’m now organizing the fundraiser of the year. In a move that could make or break the event and my new company, I’ve hired Peter, master mechanic and owner of LB Automotive, to help me pull this off–trusting him to rebuild a classic car for the auction that could help hundreds of foster kids in need.
I thought I was prepared, but the boy who refused to leave is now a man hell-bent on getting me to stay, and as sparks fly between us, that undeniable fire flares back to life, deeper and hotter than ever.
But that ripped body doesn’t mean Peter’s matured enough to make us or this event work, and not everyone in Neverland is happy about my return.
Not every wound heals.
Not every heart can be fixed.
Not every boy grows up.
And after all this time, the love we found might be lost to us again…this time, forever.
Pan is an adult contemporary romance retelling of Peter Pan, complete with Wendy, Hook, Tink, and all the Lost Boys. There are no fantasy elements in this world, other than the “magic” that happens between the sheets. 😉
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If you love Peter Pan, you’ll love Pan. This book perfectly captures the whimsical first-love feeling that we get hints of in the original story, but brings it into a contemporary setting with a grown up Pan and Wendy. LOVE!
I’m a sucker for a modern-day fairytale retelling and Gina knocks this one out of the park! Equal parts steam and heart make this impossible to put down! I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store for the boys of Neverland, North Carolina!
OMG !!!!
this book blew my mind and held me captive for a hold day (and it was soooooo worth it). I love everything about it and then some.
Gina did not disappoint, she did it even better (like there is a level above THE BEST !!!!!)
If Neverland was true, the Lost Boys (and Tink) are real, this book is what would happen and Gina did the story justice !!!
Peter is the (bad) “work hard, play even harder” boy we all loveeee, and Wendy is all you picture her to be, and then some. And these two are hot for each other .
and there is more brewing within this book, that I am dying to get my hands on, so Gina – get to it !!!
read this book, trust me, its worth the money, canceling your plans and turning off your phone. !!!!
When Gina Maxwell first announced that she was writing a contemporary romance series based on Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, I was super excited! I’d never read a Peter Pan retelling, and I was curious to see how she would do it, while incorporating iconic characters, moments, main Disney elements and STILL keep it a sexy romance. Well, she proved to me why she’s one of my go-to authors. Gina Maxwell knocked PAN out of the park! This book is sweet and sexy, romantic and passionate, touches on a couple of dark subjects but is also a little whimsical. In other words, it’s everything!
Peter is the leader of his band of boys at the School for Lost Boys, a home for abandoned and orphaned boys–and one little girl. On the surface, that is. The owner, Croc, forces them to work in his chop shop, and their existence is miserable. To bring a little bit of joy to the boys he feels responsible for, he ventures out at night to hide under the window of a home where a mother tells her children fairy tales that he can carry back to the Lost Boys. One night, he meets the girl in that home, Wendy. And a wonderful, close friendship blooms between them. And she becomes a child-like, mother figure to the other boys desperately in need of kindness and love. Wendy is captivated by Pan, his wildness, bravery, protectiveness and loyalty to his friends. As they grow older, their relationship changes, and they fall in love. But college and life separates them for ten years. But then Wendy returns to Neverland–and to Peter. She needs his help to restore a classic car for a fundraiser she’s in charge of. Pan agrees, but assisting her is just part of his plan. He let Wendy leave him once. This time, he doesn’t want to ever let her go.
What I loved about this book–well, one of the things–is how cleverly Gina Maxwell weaved elements from the Disney movie into this very adult romance. From the characteristics of Peter Pan that he’s known for–never wanting to grow up–to the side characters, to even something as small but significant as the thimble Wendy gave Peter. It was all incredibly sweet. But on the other hand, the sizzling chemistry between Peter and Wendy, the themes of criminality, abuse and privilege were all threaded through, and made this fairy tale very real. The story made my heart hurt even as it made me smile. And I can’t WAIT for Hook’s book (it’s going to break me, I can already tell!), as well as the other characters. I’m already picturing Chief as Jason Momoa in my head, so yeah, I want his book BAD.
PAN is a stellar first book in what will undoubtedly be a wonderful, fresh, unique series. I loved it, and am a believer in the magic Gina Maxwell creates.
Gina Maxwell blew me away with this modern, contemporary retelling of a grown up Peter Pan! I had a smile on my face as I swooned & fanned myself & I can’t wait for the other books in this series!
5 Stars!
Fantastic start to a new series. I love fairytale retellings with a dark edge. This book was Peter Pan and Wendy’s story. Because it is the first in the series the author added a lot of detail introducing us to a good number of secondary characters. I am especially looking forward to Hook’s book next.
This is not my first book by this author. I am a fan and love her books. This retelling of Peter Pan was original, entertaining and in some places, emotional. I would describe most of the elements as dark. The book jumps back to the past a few times, giving us the younger Peter and Wendy. I don’t want to go into details but I will say I loved how they met. Was it predictable? A little but but the dark aspect of this book gives us a completely different Neverland.
Wendy and Peter had perfect chemistry. I believed their story and hated when it ended. Their HEA was sweet and I smiled through it all. After all they had been through, they deserved it.
Wendy and Peter had been apart for ten years before she returned to Neverland. While Wendy was a bit wary to take up where they left off, afraid her heart couldn’t take be broken again, Peter knew exactly what he wanted. He was not going to let her walk away from him again. Of course they had to work on being together and despite someone trying to keep them apart, their love was too strong for them to fail at a second chance.
Tink and the Lost Boys, as well as Hook, and Wendy’s brothers, John and Michael, are an important part of this book. We are introduced to them when they are young children. With the exception of John and Michael, the others did not have a good childhood. In fact, it was downright awful. And if it weren’t for Peter, things could have been even worse than they already were. I am looking forward to the books featuring these characters if for no other reason but to be assured they have a happily-ever-after like Wendy and Peter.
The end of the book hinted to Hook’s book being next. He definitely needs a happy ending. From what I saw in Pan, Hook might have had the worst life growing up. I can’t wait to see what the author does with him.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. 🙂
I went into Pan knowing I would most likely enjoy the story, but I did not think I would experience such euphoria while diving into Maxwell’s contemporary take on Peter Pan and company. I felt pure joy in my heart as if I was a child again reading a fairytale. It wasn’t the drama (which there was the perfect amount to keep the story arc going) that kept me glued to my kindle, but the yearning to know more about Pan and Wendy’s rekindled happiness as if I was a Lost Boy myself waiting on the next fairytale. The flashbacks only made me fall in love with this version of Neverland over and over again. The magic within the original is sprinkled throughout in the sweetest and most unique ways.
Peter. Pan. What a STUD. The adult version, that is. I hadn’t imagined what a modern day and grown-up Peter Pan would be like, but I would choose this tatted up ”grease monkey ” version every time. Maxwell did a stand-up job transferring Peter’s fascination with Wendy from the fairytale to teen and adult love. The testimonies of his love are both sweet and sexy. His loyalty to Wendy, the Lost Boys, Tink, and the rest of the crew comes off in the purest form. Plus, he has a way with his words in the bedroom, making him all the grownup I need.
Wendy Darling was a bit different from how I imagined she would be, but that isn’t a bad thing. Her battle between her head and heart was shorter lived than I would have guessed, but I think that goes with the fantasy aspect of this book. It is also a true testament to ”when you know, you know” idea of love. Like in the fairytale, she is sweet and motherly, which I think were the two most important characteristics to carry over. We still get to see that bit of classy snark as well, which brought on fun banter.
As for the Lost Boys, Hook, and Tink, I cannot wait to get their stories!
This book is for those who love a modern-day fairytale. This book is for those who believe in the magic of everyday life. This book is for those who love it when characters reach for the stars for the ones they love.
4.5 stars
I loved Peter Pan as a kid, the adventure and magic of it all was everything a child looks for in a story. This modern day version is even better with more than just children, we get the years later version of Peter, Wendy, Tink and the rest of the “Lost Boys” and their grown up adventures.
You all know the story of how it begins and I am not going to tell you how it ends. Just to tell you it is perfect, Peter and Wendy are made for each other and they are hot together.
I loved everything about it and can’t wait for Hook’s story. You need to read it and you will not be disappointed. You will fall in love with Peter all over again.
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review and this is my honest opinion**
REVIEW: 3.5 STARS
“But for the record, whether or not I’m looking at you, I’m always paying attention to you, Wendy.”
I have made it no secret that I have enjoyed the fairytale side of the naughty in a few books, and being able to add Peter Pan, Tink, Wendy, Hook, etc to that lineup was nothing short of exciting for me. I mean, how do you capture that innocence and wonderment that Peter Pan had? The not-a-mean-bone-in-his-body kind of child, but in a mature, grown man? I can’t imagine that would be easy, but I feel like Gina L. Maxwell gave him and Wendy a great story and the beginning of a standalone series of interconnected books – of which, I will be following closely.
I enjoyed and appreciated the way Maxwell gave Pan his own voice, but followed the innocence of the original Peter Pan we knew and loved while growing up. The ‘moral, clean side’ of the fairytale shines through in this retelling but he just happens to be a little naughtier now. The wonderment of life, from the POV of a child suspended in a fairytale yet set in modern times, is what I loved most about this one. I think she captured that innocence well.
“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.”
This was the easiest book to read! Visually appealing, mentally stimulating…and memory jogging. I obviously remember Peter Pan from growing up, but I feel like Maxwell gave me back a little bit of my childhood (not the naughty side!!) with the way Pan acted and how he spoke. He felt like, to me, that he was still living in a fairytale world but had grown into a possessive man in a gentlemanly way. I wish I could put into words exactly what I’m trying to say, but I feel like I’m talking in circles. It’s almost like she physically took Pan out of Neverland, but he never really left that world mentally. Does that make sense? Let me try again…. the edge and grit Maxwell gave The Lost Boys wasn’t anything we would have seen in the original movie growing up, but the play on their circumstances and their backstories is what kept me turning the pages, but also has me jonesing for the next book in the series.
I will admit that I hope that the voice in this story was lighter and easier going because of Pan’s personality and who he is, whereas Hook will hopefully read deeper and with more heaviness added in because of his situation. His backstory was hinted at in this one, so I know that when I dive into Hook, I am probably going to struggle emotionally with the impact of his youth and his personal struggle. I cannot honestly wait to read that one.
One thing I did ask, because I feel like I’m completely vested in these characters individually and as part of a whole, is if there will be other stories. She told me that she has ten books planned in the series with Tink following Hook, and then she stated that she’s operating on a “No Lost Boy Left Behind mission” so they each will get their HEA, because based on how she set this up, they all have a story to tell. She gave a brief idea of what her Lost Boys of Neverland books will consist of – in no certain order:
Thomas
Silas
The Twins + Tiger Lily (MFM)
Nick
Carlos
Chief
Smee + Starkey + female (MMF).
I’m suuure you can see that I’m definitely here for the next few books because MFM and MMF are two of my favorite tropes and I cannot wait to see how she spins their stories…but I’m also here because for my first read of Gina’s, I am definitely hankering for more.
“I rarely lose, Wen, but I never lose when it matters. And you will always matter.”
~BEE
4 1/2 stars
It was a wonderful book, a great twist beyond of what I expected, a New Adult cool fairytale . Author Gina L.Maxwell did an excellent work with the characters in which they all felt real and true to what the original popular version of Peter Pan tells us, but growing up as millennials dealing with social themes and social cruelty that made the story lovely and sad. I finished the book wanted to read more Maxwell’s fairytales, and I nursed a book hangover for few days. I am looking forward to all the following books in the series Hook’s, Tinker Bell’s and I HOPE Chief will get his book too.
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 al 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 spend 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 for 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.
Such a fun premise brought to life by the amazingly talented Gina L. Maxwell. You’ll adore this new world she’s created, starting with the lovely second-chance romance of Peter and Wendy. And boy, is it steamy. I can’t wait for Hook’s story!
Wow, this is definitely going to be a bumpy ride with a 8 book series planned. One that I look forward to!
I will say this is one of the best fairytale retellings I have read in A LONG TIME! Pan and Wendy foreva! You will want to read this book in one sitting, because the story is that fast paced. The past/present chapters also work very well.
This book has soooo many feels with all of the characters involved. I almost wished though the names from the original story were the same, so therefore I can compare. Gina DOES put that info of a character list in the beginning of the book, but I don’t like to flip back and forth. It doesn’t really matter in the scheme of things, but its just me. Gina also states to take this modern retelling for what it is and try not to compare. So I will do that.
With that little tease of Hooks/John’s story I can’t wait for the next one!!!!
Growing up, the story of Peter Pan was always one of my least favorites. So I was worried what I would find when I started Pan, the first book in Gina L. Maxwell’s new Neverland series….but I should have known better. Through this modern retelling of the classic tale, Gina completely blew my reservations out of the water! I absolutely LOVED this story! (I would even say this is Gina’s best book yet!)
Neverland & London (NC) are the backdrop for this story in which we see all the familiar “faces” Peter, Wendy, John, Michael, Hook, the Lost Boys, Tink & Tiger Lily.
From their first “kiss” to their last, Peter & Wendy owned my heart. I loved every sweet, sexy minute of this story, but don’t let me ruin it for you, you really do need to read it for yourself!
This was a very surprising read and certainly an enjoyable one.
When I read that this was going to be a modern and adult take on Peter Pan, I was instantly curious about it and Gina L. Maxwell did a great job on this story! It was fun, sexy, romantic, captivating, just a great book.
I really liked the main characters, Wendy has such a kind and caring nature and then you have Peter who is of course dreamy, but has a carefree attitude and playfulness that were very endearing, plus a naughty side too. I loved reading about Peter and Wendy’s relationship! I specially liked some flashback scenes the book had, ohh… they were so sweet, I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading; and then of course you have them as adults, where Peter had me swooning constantly.
Meeting other characters, like the Lost Boys or Hook was very fun too and makes me interested about the next books in the series.
If you’re looking for a good romance story, I’d totally recommed you to read this story.
What an adventure it was to read this book. And now I know there are more stories coming. I can’t wait. These kids couldn’t have come from more different upbringing. The family that is known as the Lost Boys is unique and intriguing. This just shows how truly adaptable kids can be. For children that grew up the way these kids did and how they turn out without any real adult help they are amazing. They find a way to love even though they weren’t shown love, they learn respect even though they weren’t shown respect, they are simply amazing and I can’t wait for more.
A modern day fairytale
This is a solid 3.5 read for me.
Let me start by saying I liked the cover of this book and I have really enjoyed other books by this author so I was interested in reading this book, but at the same time not really excited about the story if that makes sense. A modern version of the Peter Pan I grew up watching was just hard to wrap my mind around. I’m so glad I pushed those reservations away, this was a fantastic book and I can’t wait for Hook’s story! Gina was able to capture much of the magic from the original characters personalities while at the same time telling a modern and unique story!
Really wasn’t sure what to expect.
As a child I wasn’t in to Peter Pan, and only saw the original Disney version when I became a parent myself, so I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy this series.
When Maxwell announced she was writing a re-telling of Peter Pan I have to say I was a little bummed. (Only because I’m patiently waiting for the next book in a couple of her series and Pan was going to delay the release date for them)
But I’m happy to admit I never should of doubted the author. I’ve just finished the ARC and really enjoyed it.
The way Maxwell has brought the characters to life was there from the 1st chapter. Following the original telling we find Peter and his Lost Boys, as a tightnit band of orphans, however Neverland is a School for Orphans, a town away from Wendy and her balcony, not a magical fairytale place past the stars.
Naturally there are changes, Hook and Tinkerbell are orphans as well, and part of the Lost Boys gang, with Tink being the only girl and wearing a bell so the boys know when she’s coming.
This is a fairytale told in real life, there is no fantasy or magic to be found other than what Maxwell has written. The story flicks back and forth from both Peter and Wendys POV, from when Peter 1st heard the wonderful stories coming from Wendys window, to current day when they’re reacquainted as adults after 10 years apart. Along the way we get to know the other orphans as well as James & Michael, Wendys brothers.
This is a complete HEA story, you could read it as a stand-alone but you’d be missing out. All I can say is I’m so glad I gave it a go, otherwise I would of missed out on what is going to be a great little series.
While you may think you know this story, Mrs. Maxwell has put a fresh new spin on it and what a ride it was. You have Peter Pan, the lost boys and the Darling’s in this retelling.
I loved the character of Pan. He was an alpha male version of the boy we remember from TV. He has grown up and knows his place in the world, who his family is and who he loves. He is a protector at heart and will stop at nothing to make sure no one harms his family
Wendy was such a sweetheart. Even thought it had been years since she and Pan had seen each other. Her happiness and caring nature still shows. I loved the name of her new company. Watching these two fall back in love and have it go from a child’s love to an adult love was fun to read.
I liked the character of Pan but one of the side stories I really liked was between Pan and Hook. I really liked what the author did with these two. You know they will never been friends or hang out with each other but they are family. They would both go to bat for one another but yet they wouldn’t ever admit to it.
This book reminds us that their is good in this world. Look for the magic and you just might find it! I love her play on words and how she wove together the classic fairytale and her new retelling. amazing