Member Reviews

Thank you netgalley for sending me this ARC. Overall I really enjoyed this book. The twist of Peter’s character was a cool idea, and I found the obsession to be a fun dark element.

Was this review helpful?

Losing Neverland is a dark retelling of Peter Pan. I think this sorry could work for another but for me it fell a bit flat. I don’t think retelling of Disney stories are really my thing. I DNF’d pretty early on. The story just did not capture me and life is too short to read a book that isn’t very interesting. This is my second book by this author and the first was amazing! (Resurrection)

Was this review helpful?

I love dark romance and have enjoyed some books I didn't think would be "my thing". This was my first book that was Disney based and it was weird to read the story and picture the cute cartoon characters doing naughty things, lol
I knew the story line but honestly I was hoping for more steam...and there wasn't enough for me. I think when you've read some pretty steamy books the milder ones don't quit hit the spot, but this book would be really good for someone wanting to dip their toe in the dirty waters.

Was this review helpful?

Rating: 4/5
I received eARC for my honest opinion.

I love retellings, but I really love a good dark retelling, and this was done just right to be a good dark romance retelling of Peter Pan, Hook, and Wendy…

I thought the author did a great job with keeping the reader engaged throughout the book, with all the twists and turns. I loved that in every chapter something new and interesting happens. My heart broke for Peter and Wendy when they finally were able to figure out what was really happening to them, I won’t say because I don’t want to ruin the book but naughty bad bad tink. I do have to say that I think there was more smut in the book than the plot though, but there is a plot in there and you can see it, but something was missing.

I thought the characters were well developed and easy to connect with. I loved Peter and Wendys characters and I think they were written out well… I didn’t even mind Hook at all.

There were a few missing parts for me, like I wanted to know more about the choices that Tink made and the reasons behind it all in more detail but other than that this was a fast paced, dark romance, with smut and twists and turns.

I want to thank NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to review this book.

Was this review helpful?

I DNF at 50% of the book. There is no plot other than Wendy and Peter, either in the flashbacks or in the present. In the flashbacks, they discover new parts of each other, but it was astonishing that they knew so well what to do, considering they were so inexperienced.

What really annoyed me was that they clearly had to talk about their past, but all they did was assume and bicker, spiced with a bit of steamy tension which wasn't executed. They spent time together but didn't talk about the important stuff, and it wasn't revealed (at least not until the 50% mark) what the issue was back then. But it was repeated again and again that Wendy destroyed his life by leaving him, and hers because he didn't come for her.

I don't know what happens afterwards, but the first half of the book could have been shortened to 50 pages and nothing would have been missing.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this take on Peter Pan, something I haven't seen before and I really enjoyed reading from Hook's pov, because you know, bad boy and all. Past and present tense with multiple pov's.I did feel like there was something missing though, and was left with several questions. Was Tiger Lily there just to create additional friction? Could we have had more information on John, and what about Michael and the family business? But overall a good read and looking forward to the next one

Was this review helpful?

Although this book didn't resonate with me, it could still be a great read for someone else! As a fan of fairytale retellings, I was excited to dive into this one, but unfortunately, it fell a bit short for me. The pacing felt slow, and I struggled to stay invested in the story. However, I recognize that others may appreciate it more than I did. Losing Neverland by Evelyn Montgomery offers a mature take on the Peter Pan story, delving into darker themes and weaving in a passionate second-chance romance that adds depth to the classic fairytale.

Was this review helpful?

I love Peter Pan retellings, especially dark retellings where Pan is the Villan. I was really excited for this book, but it the execution fell short for me and I ended up DNFing it at 60%. A lot of this story takes place in the past. At first I thought that was really cool, getting the back story spread throughout, however as the story went on it was utilized so much that it really bigger down the plot progression and I found myself caring less and less about what was going to happen to the point that I just couldn't go on. At 60% I should be well into the story instead of feeling like it's just starting. I didn't particularly like any of the characters. Pan/Hook was the most interesting, and I loved the concept of them being the same person. The spice was fine, but not good enough or often enough for me to stick it out and the chemistry just wasnt there for me. I have rated this 2 stars because it wasn't a bad book, and I can see why other people would like it, it just wasn't there for me.

Thank you to NeyGalley for providing me with a ARC copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Seriously give me anything involving a dark Disney retelling and I’m alllll in! A little confusing to understand but I’ve never read this version of pan and hook so that was really nice to dive into. I hope we get more info in the next book!!

Was this review helpful?

I did not finish this book. While I am a fan of dark romance, I was not expecting the graphicness of the underage characters having sex. It made me extremely uncomfortable.

Was this review helpful?

Losing Neverland is a dark romance redo of the infamous fairy tale - Peter Pan. This book by Evelyn Montgomery spins the story into a whole new direction. Peter and Hook are the same person. Peter is the innocent boy who will never grow up and keeps pretending while Hook is his adult evil alter ego. The story goes into Peter's origins and how Peter and Wendy actually met, before Neverland and pixie dust. I give this book 4 STARS and recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

In this second book have 17 years passed. Wendy´s husband is not living any longer and her twin daughters are out of her house as they are studying. Now the time has came for Hook to get what he considers as his. He takes Wendy back to Neverland were we see in flashbacks what happened once between them and how both of them handled the hurt and loss of the other. But also once again the hate against Wendy is surfacing and will Tinker Bell and Tiger Lilly win this time or will Peter and Wendy find their happily ever after finally?

In this book the erotical part is high. Not only when we see in flashbacks how the teenagers Wendy and Peter explore their feelings for each other and their bodies but also more the darker side in the current timeline. Peter changed a lot after he lost Wendy and Hook took him over. So his cruelty is shown here and also what he prefers erotically spoken. For me this takes a bit too much of the story.
For me it felt like that there is not too much new storyline as we have all the flashbacks and compared to this only a small part of a new story.
What I liked is that we see how Wendy and Peter hurt during their separation, what they did to keep living and that they talk about it, show their hurt.
For me the end was a bit strange and I would have liked another one but all in all I also liked to read this story.

Was this review helpful?

** I received Losing Neverland as an ARC through NetGalley**

Losing Neverland is a dark romance retelling of Peter Pan. I did enjoy the twists from the original fairy tale that Evelyn Montgomery incorporated in this retelling. Peter was a complex character- taking on the persona of Hook, which was very fun! I enjoyed the flashbacks and the back story to both Peter and Wendy, that added some dark themes to the book. I did feel like the ending happened very quick and I was left a little confused as to what actually happened after the face off with Tinker Bell. Overall, I was a fan of Losing Neverland and would recommend to someone who enjoyed dark romances and Peter Pan retellings!! Evelyn has a good writing technique which made this an easy and enjoyable book to read.

Overall: 7.5/ 10
Spice: 4.3/5

Was this review helpful?

Big thank you to Net Galley for Losing Neverland-

Losing Neverland" captivates readers with its mesmerizing blend of dark romance and poignant storytelling. Set against a backdrop of enchanting Neverland and haunting despair, the novel navigates the complexities of love and loss with remarkable finesse.

The narrative unfolds with an irresistible allure, drawing readers into a world where reality intertwines seamlessly with fantasy. The protagonists' passionate yet tumultuous relationship is portrayed with raw authenticity, evoking a spectrum of emotions from exhilaration to heartbreak.

The novel's exploration of love, sacrifice, and redemption is both profound and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after the final page is turned. However, while the journey is undeniably captivating, some may find themselves yearning for a more satisfying conclusion. Despite this minor flaw, "Losing Neverland" remains an unforgettable tale that resonates deeply with those who dare to immerse themselves in its enchanting embrace.

And for all of my dark romance girlies- it's got just enough to be a one handed read ;)

Was this review helpful?

I love a Peter PAN retelling, and this one was super unique with the MMC being both Peter and Hook. It was a little disjointed at times, and I was left filling in the gaps. The ending gave LOST finale vibes in the “are they or are they not dead” kinda way. Overall, enjoyable!

Was this review helpful?

I’m a huge sucker for retellings, and this twisty take on Peter Pan had me racing to finish the book! Dual POV, lots of tension, dark romance and plenty of spice! What’s not to love?

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely love retellings especially when they’re from my childhood and made into more adult stories. It’s like my favorite stories get to grow up with me🥹
TW: light mentions of dubcon/noncon, underage sex, graphic violence, strong language, explicit sex scenes, child endangerment, and drug abuse.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, second chance romance, Touch her and you die, Peter Pan dark romance retelling, both mcs are virgins, multiple Povs.

What I loved: I really loved the mystery of the story, for a lot of it I couldn’t tell why her and Peter hated each other so much and why they’d been separated for 17 years, despite the changes in Wendy and Peter’s POV and the chapters of their younger POVs. The young POVs of them were so sweet and innocent. Pan and his dirty talk was amazing, I just wish there was more of that from when they’re older. The angst kept me on the edge of my seat, and I just kept thinking “how are they gonna fix this and get back together” I was honestly a little worried till towards the end there wasn’t gonna be a HEA, but luckily there is.

What I didn’t: The spicy scenes between them as minors felt like it was a little unnecessary, I feel like I would’ve been more comfortable if instead of going to so much detail it was more a more YA fade to black kind of spice. I also wish that Peter and Wendy would’ve found out who betrayed them and I was honestly a little confused about the ending but hoping Tinkerbells story might explain what I’m missing. I was a little disappointed with the hook and Peter Pan being the same man storyline, I was more so expecting more of a battle like Spider-Man VS venom, but it honestly felt like such a little part of the plot to me.

Was this review helpful?

This was an amazing retelling of an all-time favorite story with a twist!
I enjoyed that the descriptions led your mind to wonder.
A definite must read!

Was this review helpful?

Losing Neverland
By Evelyn Montgomery
First thing first, I have never been a fan of Peter Pan but I have to say that Evelyn Montgomery has turned me into a fan. Just finished 'Losing Neverland' by Evelyn Montgomery, a dark romance that retells Peter Pan like never before! I found this story to be very captivating. While I was reading this story it felt real and I could feel the heartbreak and pain. Evelyn Montgomery is a lovely author. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that wants a slight turn of a classic and loves dark romance. If you're into unique twists on classics, this is a must-read.

❤️ Happy Reading!!! ❤️

“Some people would call you delusional,” her voice holds a bit of sadness. “They would tell you that love’s nothing but an illusion.” - “That’s the best kind of love…”

“Love doesn’t mean you won’t sometimes break the one who stole your heart, Darling. But true love means you’ll stick around to pick up the pieces.”

“My favorite part, Darling, is the best part. The part that begins and ends with us.”

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley and Evelyn Montgomery for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

I was really excited to go into this book because it's a dark romance retelling of Peter Pan (where Peter and Hook are the same person) but this ultimately fell completely flat for me.

We are introduced to Wendy who is in her late 30s/early 40s and Hook who comes to take her back to Neverland. The majority of the book is told through flashbacks 17+ years earlier when the two met and ultimately fell in love. I honestly was left with more questions than answers by the end of this book. There were a handful of times I was reading this book and wondering if I missed a first book in the series.
Spoilers are below so fair warning.

What did Tinkerbell actually want from Peter?
What was the point of John/Smee's betrayal? It was mentioned in passing and then nothing. No reason behind it or what came of it.
Why was Tiger Lily on Tink's side?
What was the actual ending? Did they die or...?
Peter says he was upset with Wendy because another man touched her and she had kids (or something similar) but towards the end of the book, Peter admits he knows the kids were always his --- so why did he get mad if he knew they were his the whole time?
Did their parents not notice when Wendy, John, and Michael went missing for weeks at a time?
Why did Peter wait 17 years?

Overall I liked the idea behind the book, I just felt it could have used a little more explanation within certain areas. The characters needed a little bit more development although Peter was written very well.

2.5 stars rounded up

Was this review helpful?