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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4 stars – It was really good
“I used to be a Lost Boy, but the night I met Wendy, I became found. I belong with her, to her, and there isn’t an adventure big enough to pull me away.”
Wendy was 12 the first time she snuck Peter into her room. At 17 his touch made her fly and at 18 he made her cry. Ten years later, Wendy returns to Neverland to find Peter has grown up but he still has his childlike magic. But will this be their second chance, or will it be just another fling.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It was emotional, heartbreaking, and filled with childlike hope. Maxwell leans hard into this Peter Pan retelling but it was fun. I especially enjoyed all the Lost Boys names and references to the original story found sprinkled throughout the book, like Barrie Lane.
Wendy and Peter easily reconnect and the intense chemistry is still there. Pan has grown up but he still is slightly irresponsible and a thrill seeker. I loved his dedication to Wendy and his determination to win her back. Wendy was a responsible woman who is restarting her career with a huge event. These two are the complete opposites of each other but they do balance each other out. Wendy shows Peter how being series can be beneficial and Peter makes sure Wendy actually has some fun and enjoyment in her job and life.
Overall, this was a wonderful and emotional retelling of Peter Pan. The Lost Boys were fascinating and I can’t wait to see them fall in love and find happiness, even Tink who I didn’t really love.
Trigger Warnings:
– References to child abuse and neglect
– References to sexual abuse of a secondary character
What a great restructuring and rebuilding of a fairy tale. Not only did the author bring into play our favorite well known characters, she wove in such details of the little items that were easy to overlook in the original. All of the characters were created with such depth. Pan, Wendy and even Tinkerbell were just the start of a wonderful story. The location reset and as auto mechanics seemed a perfect choice for Pan and the boys. I really enjoyed how the story gave pieces of the past as you went along but kept everything moving forward in the present day.
Pan was definitely not our childhood story but a grown-up real world telling of life, circumstances, and making love work. Know by the time you finish reading this story that you want more of the rest of the characters and all of their stories.
This is the first book in a series and already, I wanted to have the next book.
Pan is so swoony. Both the book and the man himself. The story is romantic and dreamy. A little to no angsty/tear-jerker and yet, this book lured me in and just got me hooked, lined and sinker.
I love the camaraderie of every characters. The banters and quick wit from them makes me giggle like a silly school girl.
This Peter Pan inspired novel is an absolute mist read! And the author is cooking something of a tasty morsel with Hook’s book and the hint of who’s he going to be with! Gah!
If you want something light and romantic, read this book. This author will be offering more in this series given what she hinted in this book and in the epilogue.
You are in for an adventure! I want in!
What a wonderful retelling of a classic fairytale, brought to life by the pure imagination and genius of Gina L Maxwell.
Wendy and Peter are two characters who you instantly get on board with. As soon as you start reading, you can immediately sense the type of relationship they have. Yes, they have the physical connection between them, but what really sparks readers interest, is what is far more influential than the physical aspects. Wendy and Peter have an emotional depth between them, that will leave you with a broken heart, begging to be put back together.
I absolutely loved how Gina Maxwell alternated between the past and the present. Not only did these differences in time demonstrate how Wendy and Peter grew as characters, but also how true love can withstand anything, no matter how long they may have been apart.
One of the heartwarming moments within the novel, is the deep friendship and connection shared between Wendy, Peter and the Lost Boys. Seeing how Peter took care of, and looked after his “family” was truly beautiful to read. He made sacrifices in his life, because deep down, he knew that he needed, and wanted to be around for his friends. When Wendy comes along, and has the same mentality as Peter, to look after the Lost Boys, it shows just what someone is willing to do for those they love.
I absolutely adored Pan. This novel is hands down one of the best retellings I have ever read. It was packed full of raw emotion, heartbreaking realities, and truthful sentiments. I cannot praise this novel enough. I am eagerly awaiting the next novel in the Neverland series, Hook.
4.5/5 Stars!
Pan by Gina L. Maxwell is a sexy rendition of the childhood classic Peter Pan. I am normally not a fan of the back and forth from past to present but I think this added so much to this story, especially when we get to witness how and why they fell in love with each other. And to incorporate the second chance trope between Wendy and Pan was very entertaining.
It has been 10 years since Wendy and Pan’s heartbreaking separation, but Wendy is back and starting a new chapter in her career and she is in need of Pan’s help. I really loved that even though there were some hurt feelings from the past, it does not take too long for them to connect like they had in the past, but just a little bit more naughty.
This was such an enjoyable read, seeing all the familiar characters from the original story was really fun and I am looking forward to seeing their story.
4.5 magical stars!!!
Pan and Wendy fell in love as kids. But time and circumstance tore them apart. Now Wendy is all grown up and back in Neverland but not everyone is happy about that prospect.
Peter stayed back to take care of his Lost Boys and everyday he has ached for Wendy. Seeing her back gives him hope for a future with the love of his life. But maybe she’s too grown up for him. Maybe he’s still too childish for her.
Can Wendy and Pan meddle through the mess that is life to live the Happy Ever After they were meant for?
Can I just say that I have never loved Peter Pan and the Lost Boys more???
Being this as my first Gina L. Maxwell read, I am completely blown away and utterly in awe.
I was emotional from the first chapter itself. I fell absolutely in love with Pan and his boys. Yes even Hook. No especially Hook.
This entire story was heartwarming. My heart ached for the Boys’ circumstances but also I’m so proud and happy that they found a way out from the shit life. Pan is my lover and as God is my witness, he is the purest person to have ever existed. I can’t explain how much I love and adore him. I cannot believe how freaking good he was. Honestly, I just want to read everything about him.
So I like Wendy but she kinda annoyed me at this ONE point and I tried but I didn’t get over it. Mostly because it hurt my Pan. But I can truly say she belongs with Pan and loves him as insanely as he loves her. She is almost perfect for him.
Did, I say I am super freaking excited for Hook’s book? Because I REALLY super freaking excited for Hook’s book. It will be my ruination and I CAN’T WAIT.
I will be perfectly honest and say that while I like it, Peter Pan has never been one of my favorite stories, so I was a little leery of reading Pan by Gina. However, I decided to give it a try because it sounded interesting and I am happy I did. I loved it! From the beginning I was drawn into this book and just wanted to keep reading. Gina did a great job with her version of the story and I am absolutely looking forward to reading more books set in this world.
This is the retelling of Peter Pan but from an adult point of view. Peter and Wendy started out as friends when they were kids. When they got older they developed feelings for each other. Wendy ended up leaving for 10 years. Now she’s back and hoping Peter has matured into a man. Peter has matured but he’s determined to get Wendy to stay with him. Will the couple be able to work things out or will they part ways? A good read.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving a review.
Everything you could ever want (and more) in a fairy-tale retelling, while also being a gritty, hot contemporary that’s completely original. You don’t want to miss this one–I devoured it!
I normally do not get into fairytales redone anymore, however I tried this and I enjoyed it. We received a new twist on the original and it was cute. We have some great characters that make us want to continue with the series. We have some laughs and some sweetness and ofcourse some hotness.. I wont give you more so that you can grab a copy and enjoy!
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..Voluntarily reviewed with my own thougts and opinions.
I received an advanced copy of this book with the promise of an honest review.
As soon as Gina announced this series, I got really excited. I loved the idea of taking a classic fairy tale and putting a modern spin on it. Then I received my ARC and I could not put it down! I think I read about 60% of it in one sitting and I begrudgingly stopped because I had to do “adult”. Seriously y’all. This book is so dang good!
The story takes place in the present, but we get flashbacks to learn how Peter and Wendy’s relationship developed over the years. From the moment they meet, Peter and Wendy know that they are supposed to be in each other’s lives. He is already the sort of (nice) father figure for the Lost Boys and knows that Wendy can be the mother figure they’ve always wanted. Even years later, when they are all grown up, they still take on those roles, especially Peter.
I loved everything about this book. Peter was downright swoonworthy and I loved him so much! Wendy, while still very proper, had a bit of a wild and sassy side to her that paired perfectly with Peter. In the present they have been separated for some time, but it doesn’t take long for their relationship to get back to where it once was.
I am so excited to read the rest of this series. I didn’t meet a character that I didn’t like, except for the ones I was supposed to not like. Gina has created this amazing Neverland world, that I want more of. Like now. In this book she has brilliantly set up both Tink and Hook’s stories and I am dying to read them!
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 will admit I am a sucker for fairytale retellings. It must be from all those years as a child where I would keep books of fairytales by my bed to read over and over at night. But Gina Maxwell’s Pan was more than I could ever hope for. It is sexy, fun, heartwarming and true to the characters.
Most retellings use an aspect of the story, so that you can just tell what was the inspiration behind the book. It may be a nod toward a name or a seminal event (a ball, a lost slipper) that brings the original tale to mind. But Pan had everything. And I do mean everything! You see all the characters we have grown to love (or not!) Scenes that you can visualize because they mirror the original. However, this is in no way a regurgitation of the original tale. It is grown up. It is modernized. It is its own story. And I couldn’t put it down. I fell for all of the characters, even Hook. And now that Peter and Wendy found their HEA after all these years, I can not wait to see what is in store for the rest of the Lost Boys and Pirates!
This is a different tale of Wendy and Peter Pan. Wen was only twelve when Peter first climbed up to her balcony. He was thirteen when she went to the school for Lost Boys. At seventeen they took there relationship to a place so great she felt like she was flying high in the sky. But it was at eighteen that when she felt broke by him to the point of tears.
Wen and Pan have that spark and chemistry that drew them to each other. But at eighteen he is broke her heart, when he wouldn’t leave in neverland with her.
Wen has returned to neverland back in hopes of winning Peter back. Wen learned the hard way that growing up isn’t very much fun. Peter was partially right, growing up is no fun. So I did something some would say was pretty stupid to hire an inexperienced rebuild a classic car for this big gala event I’m in charge of planning. But it was my way back to Peter Pan.
After 10 years, things have changed Peter Pan wants me to stay and he is actually fighting for me this time. But did she make the biggest mistake when she hired him ? Has he grown up into the man I need him to be ? Will there love they found in neverland be lost forever?
OMG, this book is a very different idea. I wasn’t so sure if I’d like it but I love Gina Maxwell who wrote this amazing book and her many other amazing books. I’m openminded so I gave it a chance. After reading it, I realize this is such an amazing, unique and outstanding idea. But not anyone could pull this off and Gina knocks it out of the ballpark. I’m in love with this book and how Gina takes a childhood fairytale and changes with her own twists into something more for the adult audience.
I like the chemistry between Wendy and Pan but I just love the other characters just as much. Tinker bell and Hook; I can’t wait for their books. Fingers crossed . It’s has some darkness and twisted goodness that I love. Go check this one out.
“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.”
I have a confession: I’ve always disliked Peter Pan’s story and I was a bit skeptical about a retelling of it even by my one of my favorite authors. Of course, Peter and Wendy’s story with a twist, Gina Maxwell’s style, is a completely different ball game and one you don’t want to miss.
This is a story about a second chance at love, but these are not your run of the mill high school sweethearts who meet again after following different life paths, but two soulmates who were never meant to be apart from each other. They have very different backgrounds and views of life, but are still two parts of a whole that complement each other in the most vital way.
I really liked the take on the story and the characters the author used to bring it to modern times and I loved the word play and background build. I think Pan is one of the best retellings of a fairy tale I’ve read and I can’t wait for the next story out of Gina’s Neverland series.
This book was very fun! It is a quick read with a sprinkling of magic, the heat of passion, and a creative family.
It is a newly spun tale of Peter Pan, Wendy Darling, and the Lost Boys. I found the way that “Captain” Hook and the ‘Croc’odile were incorporated really interesting. I look forward to seeing the supporting characters develop as they have their own stories told.
Just *how* long do I have to wait for Hook?
Read this with tongue in cheek, as intended, and you will be transported to Neverland, NC for an adventure!
“All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust.”
And, boy if people in today’s world could believe in this iconic phrase from the classic story, Peter Pan, and sprinkle some of the magic and innocence of Neverland into everyday life, imagine what contemporary society could be.
But while readers wait to infuse some of the magical properties of Peter and the Lost Boys’ favorite place into our daily lives, contemporary romance lovers can journey to Gina L. Maxwell’s Neverland, North Carolina, and experience a motley and boisterous crew of young boys who love to play pretend in order to escape their less than ideal circumstances and a family of grown ups who understands the importance of both work and play and vow to never take anything for granted because they’ve learned long ago that nothing is guaranteed.
Gina L. Maxwell seamlessly weaves the past and the present together in her quest to transition Peter and Wendy’s innocent love as teens to the all-consuming passion that they experience when Wendy returns to Neverland and to Peter, and while they both have changed in the time spent apart, their love for each other never has, but the fact that these two have always been from two very different worlds is still a point of contention, but the fact that Peter let Wendy go once has no bearings on the present, meaning he’ll do whatever it takes to prove the mischievous and free-spirited boy can also be a dependable and trustworthy adult just as long as Wendy stands by his side, becoming the real life versions of the make-believe roles they played all those years ago.
At Maxwell’s Peter Pan’s core is the adventurous and protective leader of the Lost Boys and because he embodies many of the same characteristics as his younger counterpart, it’s so easy to visualize this self-assured adult – one who looks to bring a bit of magic not only in his life but in all those who look to him for guidance.
As a young girl, Wendy was the sensible and innocent one who was looking for a bit of adventure, and as an adult, she still remains virtuous and a bit of a people pleasure, but it’s clear that she’s still searching for that magic that she only had when she was with Peter, so as she makes strides to branch out on her own, to step outside the box she was living in due to her father’s exceptions as well as her upbringing, what will solidify her latest decisions to do what makes her feel the most alive is the assurance that Peter truly has grown up while also reminding her that life will still always be an adventure.
All of the nuances involved in integrating references to the childhood version of Peter Pan are cleverly implemented, merging the two worlds together in a way that doesn’t downplay Peter and Wendy’s adult relationship but further reinforces why it’s always been Peter for Wendy and vice versa despite the decade that they spent apart.
I appreciated how Maxwell framed Hook and Peter’s ‘friendship’ and how they have an understanding when it comes to one another, not only because Peter knows things that no one else does but also because they’re cut from the same cloth, so to speak. Peter’s perceptiveness is illustrated well, so it will be interesting to see what he does when it comes to Hook’s own story.
I absolutely adored Peter and Wendy’s story…but I have to admit…I’m DYING for Hook and John’s story because I know Maxwell is going to make them work for everything given Hook’s baggage and the ginormous chip on his shoulder, but I more than know that it will be worth it in the end.
5 Poison Apples
I had to admit I was a little unsure of the premise but of course the author totally slayed with this book. I couldn’t put it down. I instantly wanted book 2 and luckily our wait isn’t that long.
While I adore Gina L. Maxwell, I did wonder how she would set a fantastical story like that of Peter Pan in a contemporary setting without all the abracadabra elements in it. Shame on me, coz Gina L. Maxwell has managed to do it exceedingly well. Before reading this book, I had no idea how much I wanted to read about Peter and Wendy and their love story. Kudos to the author for making me want something I didn’t even think I need.
Pan as is pretty obvious, tells us the story of Peter Pan and Wendy Darling. It’s got some of my favorite tropes like childhood sweethearts, friends to lovers romance and a second chance romance.
I was rooting for Wendy and Peter since the book started. Ever since I read about Pan standing below Wendy’s window to listen to a story, I knew these two were meant to be.
The magic in the book doesn’t come from flying animals, snapping fingers, lightning bolts or any such thing. The magic in the story comes from the optimism that Peter and the Lost Boys hold on to, the magic comes from the close relationship shared by Pan, Tink and the Lost Boys, the magic happens when Pan and Wendy Darling come together and find their happiness and their home.
Ever since meeting the Lost Boys and the Pirates, I’ve been wanting to read their stories. I can’t wait to see how this series unfurls.
Gina L. Maxwell has indeed created magic in Pan. The book had everything I want in a romance. A little bit of angst, lots of laughter, equal amounts of sexy times and all the feelings.
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!