**Thank you NetGalley and City Owl Press for this ARC. These are my honest thoughts.**

When I first set sail into this world (yes, I know, I'm not punny), I wasn't quite sure what to expect. And then when I came to understand that I was reading something quite special, I didn't know if I should expect anything more. But I should have because Second Star to the Left delivers on so many fronts. Great characters and personal growth, a rather spicy romance, a tale that's quite the adventure and heart-warming at the same time, and a whole lot of rum! I don't drink but there were times I felt captivated by this story that I definitely felt drunk on the world-building and cleverly witty prose.

I liked the synopsis of this story, but I never thought I would swoon for Captain Hook in all my days. The development of his character and learning more about him and his past was the greatest thing about this retelling. I liked discovering someone who, frankly, isn't the character that a whole lot of people haven't spent a lot of time considering from the original Peter Pan. Hook was formidable, not only as a love interest but as a captain and friend. I loved his POV a great deal, and all his internal thoughts painted quite the picture of a man who has been through a great deal and fought to come out on top. I loved getting this new perspective to him in this setting. Tink also isn't a character I've often thought of outside of her cute Disney shows my sister once watched, but I really enjoyed her at Hook's side in this. Her naivety was balanced well with her bold and courageous nature. Family meant so much to her that she was willing to try anything to get home again, and in the process, found that family can grow anywhere, and a home can be people, rather than a place too. I enjoyed that the author didn't deviate entirely from her too-trusting ways and let her fall long enough to rebuild and fight for what and who she believed in. The banter between both characters, from when they hated one another to when these enemies turned to lovers, was executed in a way that made it believable. The chemistry between the pair was second to none, and whilst I knew from checking this author out that Megan Van Dyke writes fantasy romance, I wasn't quite prepared for the spice in this and how much I would like the addition to this story. It was tastefully done, well set within its time and full of pirate/ship innuendoes that had me giggling all the way through.

The magic of the world-building was fantastic. It read like a Pirates of the Caribbean adventure, and I loved that about this story. Everything felt right as I made my way through this book, with clever attention to detail from the author - of pirate mannerisms, Neverland settings, and Peter Pan characters utilised incredibly well. I adored all the main crew members of this world and how they assisted in making the found family aspects more wholesome and real. I also loved the tricks along the way and the little plot twists thrown in here and there. Whilst some of the story was quite predictable, given the nature of being a retelling, the author's spin on Second Star to the Left made it feel like its own special world that I would love to spend a lot more time within.

This is an easy 5 star read for me, and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Second star to the left is a steamy retelling of Peter Pan focusing on Captain Hook and Tinker bell. In this retelling we follow Tinker Bell (who is human sized) as she is selling her pixie dust and trying to find a way home. The plot of this book is fast paced and action packed very little breathing space between all the events that happen in the book. I felt the romance in this book was a bit insta love/lust which isn't my thing, I prefer a bit more slow burn.
Overall this was a nice easy read and something you should check out if you are interested in fairy-tale retellings.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book early!
Fantastic! That is all I can say, I absolutely loved every minute of my time reading and I can’t recommend the book enough! I have always loved Peter Pan and I love the adult fantasy take on the classic story! Many have tried but this one is gold. I can not wait to get a physical copy!

Second Star to the Left was exactly the book I needed this week! This twist on a Peter Pan retelling focuses on Tinker Bell and Captain Hook, as they go from *almost* one-night stand to enemies, and then find themselves on a quest on the seas of Neverland together. Banter, character backstory, and spice then ensues (of course!)

Perfect if you like:

-*light* enemies to lovers
-only one bed
-found family
-rowdy and lovable pirates
-fantasy adventure
-retellings

Highly recommend this book for when you’re in the mood for a quick & spicy adventure, and definitely can’t wait for the next reimagined fairy tale from Megan!

Thank you to Netgalley and City Owl Books for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Overall this was a really cute retelling of Tinker Bell and Captain Hook. If you’re looking for a steamy, enemies to lovers, one bed trope fantasy romance, then you’ll definitely enjoy this one!

I did feel like their romance happened very quickly and wouldn’t have minded a bit more slow burn. I liked the crew and how important that relationship was to Tinker Bell. I think the ending was left a little open ended so I’m wondering if we’ll get another book to find out what happened to Peter or Captain Blackbeard? Overall this was an easy read that was a good break between a few more intense reads for me!

Fairy tale retellings and what if stories have always been a favorite of mine. When I heard about this story, I had to get my hands on it. I am glad I did. As soon as I got this, I could not put it down. It was easy reading, and the tempo was perfect. I could go for more in this world from this author and see more adventures of Hook and Tink.

 The only Tinker Bell I am used to is from the multiple Peter Pan films and Once Upon a Time. From Disney’s Peter Pan, I never really liked Tink. But in this story, I enjoyed her very much! I love her sass and strength. The author did an amazing job creating this Tinker Bell. Some traits I remember from the movies (emotions shown as different colors in her face) and others I do not know if they came from the Tinker Bell films or from the author. Tink was a very rounded character. I enjoyed seeing her flaws, both positive and negative. I hope we see more of her in this world!

This Captain Hook reminded me of Killian from Once Upon a Time. There could be a few reasons. Once Upon a Time is one of my favorite shows. Maybe I will forever think of Killian Jones as the new Captain Hook and maybe the author was influenced by the show, too. Who knows, I mean, I did like Jason Isaac’s version as well. But this Captain Hook, like Tink, I enjoyed very much. He was the different side we, as fairy tale readers, never see, and this version felt natural. The author did an amazing job with Hook, and I hope we see more of him.

 The rest of the cast were just as fun. They all helped push the story and protagonists forward, even if they were behind the scenes. There really was not a character I did not like. The antagonists were the mean pirates you wanted in a pirate story, and the side characters were just as thought out as the main cast. The author did an amazing job developing her characters.

I wish there could have been more world building. It felt as if the author was relying on how much the readers knew about Neverland from either the original fairytale or other adaptations and Tinker Bell movies to make the details richer. The setting is in Neverland or that was the impression until a character confirmed the location later in the story. Even with that small opinion, the world was well written.

The author did an amazing job intertwining the Peter Pan characters with her original characters. They felt natural together and not forced. Peter and the lost boys came and went, and I loved how the Tink, in their world, was explained. The magic and lore of the pixies were interesting and well explained in the story. I thought it was very cute on how Tinker Bell got her name as it felt like the author did her research on name history.

I defiantly recommend this story. This is so far my favorite read this year. I loved being in Neverland and reading the different cultures and backgrounds of these well-beloved characters. This is your story if you like slow burn romance, retellings, fairytales, strong characters, action and adventure reading.

You can find this review on my website:

http://charliadamswriter.com/2022/02/23/second-star-to-the-left-by-megan-van-dyke/

I was so lucky to have Second star to the left by Megan van Dyke as an ARC and overall I loved it.
Before I go deeper into the review, thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an <b> independent and honest review.

This book is perfect if you like adventures, pirates, enemies to lovers, forced proximity only one bed tropes. As well as a lovely and cute element of found family.
This retelling takes us to Neverland. Tinker Bell did a noble action to save a loved one and that has consequences. She has been banished from her home and she will do anything to be able to get back home even if it means working with someone she hates…a pirate. However, Captain Hook is not the villain the world believes him to be.
Both characters open slowly and show who they really are. The chemistry between them is amazing and mixed with action and adventure on board the Jolly Roger, the love grows beautifully.
The world building was simple but great for the story and even if we are in Neverland, it is a new version of it.
The steam! The steamy scenes were perfect. There was passion, chemistry and certain vulnerability and softness that made your heart fill with cuteness but maintain the spice of the scene.
The steamy scenes were not cheesy, there was passion, tenderness and a vulnerability from one character that broke my heart.
I will totally recommend this book if you are looking for:

⚜️enemies to lovers
⚜️retellings! For the first time you will be swooning all over Hook
⚜️one bed and force proximity tropes.
⚜️Cute love story with a right balance of spice for a new adult book

I Loved this book so much. It was really interesting to read a different side from the classic fairy tale which we have grown up knowing about. Instead of focusing on Peter Pan, we instead follow Tinker Bell, the pixie who has been banished from her home land due to her losing her pixie dust and Captain Hook, who is a dashingly handsome pirate who has a surprising gentle side. It is very similar to Hook and Emma's story line from Once Upon a Time, so I thoroughly enjoyed that as its one of my favourite shipping couples.

The story focuses around Tink trying to regain her magic so she can return home, she steals from Hook, who then in turn steals her to obtain his stolen item. When they unintentionally decide to embark on heist/quest together they discover they have deeper feelings and also a mutual enemy.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves forbidden romances, enemies to lovers, betrayal and fantasy.

(Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC copy in exchange for a review)

3'5 ⭐️

I'm just gonna say: Adult Retelling of Peter Pan focus on thinker bell and hook.
So, for all the ones that like me, fall in love with the handsome Hook of Once Upon a Time. And loved the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, This is for you!

Loved the twist that the writer put in the story, she gave the characters more depth and expanded the universe of Neverland. It really feels like a mix of Pirates of the Caribbean and Peter Pan.

But, I will have loved the story to be darker, with more suspense, maybe some surprising plot twist, and more between Hook and Tink; however, the scenes that we got of these two are so hot, and so well written that we forget all the rest, actually; when it arrives the end, it really feels that you don't have enough of them, In fact, I think I will love to read a sequel :)

The fairytale reimagining I didn't know I needed.

Consider me officially a huge fan of Megan Van Dyke because I loved every second of this book. To say that it was a pleasant surprise is such an understatement - there's just so much to unpack!

First off, I always know I'm in for a good time when our MCs meet within the first few pages like, yes, straight to the good stuff, thank you! Tink is a feisty little spitfire, and Hook is cool and smooth as the ocean on a tranquil day. And what happens when you add water to fire, people? That's right - steam. And oh boy, does it get steamy. *fans self*

I don't know about the rest of you, but I was very much casting Killian Jones as Hook in my mind's eye. 10/10 would recommend. *fans self more aggressively*

The writing was just as pleasant a surprise as the plot, if not more so. The book's pace is quick, and the story moves along at a gorgeous pace, all without even remotely taking away from the even more gorgeous slow burn between Tink & Hook. Of course, there were small moments here and there that felt a little superfluous or repetitive, but they were tiny little bumps that didn't take away from the story - at least not for me.

(view spoiler) *visible on Goodreads*

The story is so much more intricate and complex than I expected from a fairytale reimagining - there's love, adventure, betrayal, twists and turns galore, but so much sweetness and tenderness at the same time! Tink and Hook have so much depth to their characters I could drown in them. Willingly, I might add. Ugh - there's just so much to appreciate! Even little things stood out to me, like Tink's unique way of cursing - it was so endearing and a lovely addition to the narrative. Or the quippy pirate puns scattered through the story like delicious chocolate chips in a pancake (or blueberries if that's your preference, I'm not here to judge your breakfast proclivities).

Another thing that I want to point out is that, as with any classic enemies-to-lovers, there are miscommunications and misunderstandings in the story, but they're short-lived! I get so frustrated with romances that rely on miscommunication as the core foundation of the plot, so Second Star was blissfully refreshing.

Evidently, I could rave about this book forever, but I'll sum it up with the fact that I was so beautifully bewitched by this book you'd think Megan slipped a bit of pixie dust between the pages (yeah, it was an e-book, but whatever, you get the point).

Rating: 4.5/5 stars rounded up to 5!

Thank you, NetGalley and City Owl Press, for the ARC!

Link to review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4527215999

3.5 Stars. I really enjoyed this retelling/reimagining of Peter Hook and Tink. The chemistry between these two is fantastic and the world building is top notch. A treasure hunt romp through the land with mermaids, witches, and pirates. I can't wait to see if there will be further books in this world.

An Enthralling Adventure that keeps you glued to the pages with equal parts of mystery, humor, and spice.

I was totally captured with this book from the very first page! Megan Van Dyke has done an amazing job of bringing a new and intriguing life to the characters Tinker Bell & Captain Hook.

Writing this book review makes me feel like I am the grand dad from The Princess Bride…. Is this a good book? “Are you kidding? Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, mermaids, chases, escapes, true love, miracles…”. Just read it already!!!

Tink is sharp, courageous, cunning, loyal, and 100% amazing! Her backstory is one of friendship, family, and home. She is truly a gorgeous character that you cannot help but become attached to.

Captain Hook… If you become attached to Tinker Bell, you will become utterly OBSESSED with Hook!!! (Book Boyfriend material all the way!) The depth of Hook’s character is actually mind-blowing! He is a broody pirate who is also about friends, family, and home…. He’s just been a little jaded…. With losing his hand and being cursed and all. His backstory will tug at your heartstrings and make you rethink any version of this character where he is portrayed as a villain. I felt like I scored backstage passes to the show and was given the VIP experience to learn about Hook.

The writing of the book flows beautifully. The words lead you from one page to the next in a gorgeous dance that you just can’t breakaway from. The plot is wonderfully crafted with just enough mystery to make you wanna keep reading to see if your predictions are accurate. There are a few twists that were a delightful surprise.

It was impressive how Megan didn’t rely on the Peter Pan stories of old to write this retelling. We are greeted with a glimpse Peter, but even that glimpse is completely original. The story remains focused and doesn’t veer from its mission and goal…. Though if anyone has watched the a show Once Upon A Time and loved the melding of characters from different stories you will be pleasantly surprised.

This book was the absolute perfect escape! It was just what the doctor ordered to get me out of a Fantasy reading slump and send me immediately to Megan Van Dyke’s homepage in search of more! This book is definitely one I would recommend to anyone, and one that’s being added to my re-read list.

I went into reading this book wanting to enjoy it but also a bit scared. Peter Pan is probably my favorite story of all time so I just wasn't sure how I'd like a different, and spicy, version of these characters. And I was very pleasantly surprised. This is absolutely not a retelling of Peter Pan and I'm glad of it. The story was so interesting and unpredictable. I loved these versions of the characters. Van Dyke was able to perfectly mix pieces of what we know and love about the original characters with the new aspects to make them something that felt both comfortable and new and exciting. I will be following this author for sure. It looks like her next fairytale twist will take on Cinderella so I can't wait for that.

This Neverland retelling was a surprising delight!

When I read the first few chapters, I was a bit concerned this would be a smut before story kind of book since we hit the ground running on that front BUT that was not the case.

What worked for me:
-The dynamic between Tink and Hook, so fun and so sweet. Hook insta-loves Tink but that only sets us up for pining internal monologue.
-The cheesy nautical/pirate-y pick up lines. I giggled out loud.
-The fact that this Neverland retelling doesn't revolve around Peter Pan (he's mentioned but isn't a main character).
-The found family! I cried because of how touched I was at a scene in the last 25% of the book.
-The quest Tink, Hook, and crew are tasked with, it gave me a little adventure I didn't expect to go on.
-The characters' motivations and actions all make sense.

What keeps this book from being 5 stars:
-The details felt surface level, there was potential for the book to dive deeper in the characters' backstories and the world they're in. I was so intrigued about the Vale and the magic and wanted a bit more. Hook's crew is loyal to the end, why? Give us some examples. I know Smee and Hook grew up together so the loyalty there is understandable, but I wanted some heroic anecdotes and whatnot. Some parts of the plot felt like they were thrown in for the sake of adding conflict/misunderstanding.
-They retrieved the scale too easily. The isles are described as this Bermuda Triangle "we don't go there because we'll die" kind of place but other than the rocky waters and the confusing fog, everything was easy going.
-I am yet again saddened to read a book about pirates and no plundering takes place on screen. I would've loved to read about Tink trying to navigate a pirate raid while holding in her puke because she doesn't have sea legs.

Overall, this was a really fun, quick, and unique read! The spice was there, the heart was there, and the enjoyment was definitely there. I'm curious to see if there's a sequel or spin-off in the works for this universe.


PS: The following didn't influence my rating but I could NOT stop picturing animated Captain Hook from Disney whenever Hook is described as this muscled yet lithe hottie, the juxtaposition of my mental image and what the book was trying to sell me was hilarious.

I really adored this reimagined fairytale of Captain Hook, Tinker Bell, and Peter. I have always loved the Peter Pan and Captain Hook stories growing up, and this was like a Captain Hook, Tinker Bell, and Peter origin story, I didn’t know I ever needed. I thoroughly enjoyed this story written by Megan Van Dyke. I liked Tinker Bell and her character’s journey throughout this book. But what I loved most about this book was Captain Hook and his story. Hook’s story is nothing like the villain I once thought and I loved who he became as a character, human, and pirate in spite of all the heartbreak he had in his life.

Megan painted a beautiful world in Neverland and took us on a wonderful adventure with a few twists that you didn’t see coming. If you love fantasy, magic, and adventure with an enemy to lovers Romance, I highly recommend this book. Megan weaves a wonderful story that will take you places within your own imagination with a beloved fairytale.

I was received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review and opinions of this book.

I have posted this review on Goodreads and Amazon (review is pending acceptance on Amazon).

If you’re looking for a spicy take on Tinkerbell and Captain James Hook, you might have come to the right place. I’ve always loved Peter Pan retellings, and was so excited to receive an advanced copy of this book. While filled with lusty tension, and plenty of “double-dealing, no good pirates,” this book can be a little cheesy and lose the darker sex appeal I was hoping for. But I did enjoy the ride and thought the premise was great.
Let’s be honest, I picked up this book to see a twisted and sultry romance develop between two Disney characters I’ve only ever seen together in fan fiction. I was hoping for a decent plot with a steamy basis for their hatred, but Tink, simply hates pirates because they are “damn, no-good pirates.” And oh, dear lort, did she drill that phrase into the book. While the writing was cheesy sometimes I enjoyed it for what it was. What was great about Tink was how the author crafted some of her backstory, and how fairies create fairy dust. That was a neat new fact she added to the fantasy I really enjoyed.
As for the characters, none really jump out as a favorite. While both main characters have clear conflict, they are too whiney sometimes to enjoy connecting with. Tink falls into the trap of many other failed female leads (I’m looking at you Katniss Everdeen): angsty and angry ALL THE TIME. She wants to get home, and I get it, but instead of being the scheming little pixie we all loved as kids, she was often one-dimensional in her desires or hatred for Hook. “He’s a no-good pirate, but I haven’t had it in so long….” That was the extent of her reasoning in most of the book, and I couldn’t really jump on board with that.
Hook sometimes showed a larger range of emotion, but I was disappointed with him too. I wanted dark and devilish. I wanted to feel shame for liking such a dastardly villain. But Hook isn’t really that bad, in fact I would say he is nice. Cocky, but nice. I feel like if you are going to demonize pirates, then I expect Hook to be one of those badass pirates. And I know this sounds wrong, but I wanted him to be horrible. I wanted him to be someone that needed redemption or was fighting against his own sins. Sadly, he is just really nice and really hot. And maybe that means I need to talk to a professional about my poor judgement, but you can’t promise a naughty story about a villain and just make him nice in the beginning! It’s boring, and there is no room to feel like the romance changed him.
Let’s talk spice level. I am gonna give this 3 chili peppers out of 5 on the spicy scale. My first issue is that it takes 50% of the way for full on spice to happen. Girl, that’s way too long! Especially because the writing can be cheesy at times. And we all know that if the writing is cheesy, the sex better be amazing. My second issue is that their sexy talk was cringe, especially for Hook. But overall, the hot and heavy scenes were spicy, although there could have been more.
What I did really enjoy about the story was some of the world building in developing Neverland. The mermaids and creatures are well-described, the locations seem fantastical, and I liked going on the journey with the pirate crew. The characters are loveable in some ways, and I did want to see them all happy in the end, so I will give the author credit for making all the voices likeable.
If the author continues the series, I will pick up the next book because I always enjoy my travels to Neverland.

Hook and Tink have always been a tale I’ve imagined would be interesting to see.
Having this classic world of Neverland flipped around and given an adult twist will never get old.
The plot twist we were given was honestly not one I saw coming but was definitely intriguing-leaving open for possible sequels or future novella ideas.
The reimagining done here was well done and thought out. There may have been some phrasing that I think I could have personally done without but I will say it gives it that bit of cute factor we expect from these characters.
Although this was a Netgalley ARC given for an honest review, I can say that I’ll happily be making a purchase of the final full version of this for my shelves.
I look forward to more stories from this author as I like the way this fairytale was redone and can imagine what other unexpected twists and turns Van Dyke will bring in the future. Well done!

When I found out that this book was a Peter Pan retelling that focuses on Captain Hook and Tinker Bell I immediately knew that I had to read it and I’m glad that I did.

Second Star to the Left was honestly a very cute retelling. The characters were all really interesting and I loved the friendship between all of them. I wish that Hook and Tink had more of a slow burn romance because their relationship felt like they went from strangers to instant love. Considering that the book is short I can’t blame the author for rushing it a bit though.

The book was still very action packed and there was almost no place for boredom. James and Tink were a really adorable couple and I liked reading about them. If you want to read a good fairytale retelling that is also fast paced I recommend you try and read this!

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!

Tink gave up everything to save her cousin Lily from the dirty scheming pirate Blackbeard and for that she was banished from her home. Desperate to get back and fix her mistakes she ends up needing the help of another bloody pirate, Hook. As they both seek the treasures of their hearts, a new desire forms but will it completely destroy them or will it strengthen their resolve?

This was so good I absolutely loved it! A wonderful retelling of the Neverland story and the spice between Hook and Tink is perfection! Loved the twists and turns and I definitely recommend it!