The Girl Who Dreamed in Thorns: And So She Withers

by Rebecca L. Garcia, Dawn Darling

Two years ago, Holly returned home with no memories, a bloody scar, and a torrent of nightmares.

On the night of her debut into society, a mysterious stranger offers her the answer to the question that has haunted her since her What happened to Wendy Darling?

Desperate to find her sister, she goes with him to the thorny island from her dreams. Except, Never has changed. The forest is rotting. The faeries are dying. And Kit, the handsome, brutal Wyard who she once loved, hasn’t forgotten her betrayal.

Caught between the boy who wants to punish her and the pirate begging to save her, Holly begins to suspect that the most dangerous thing on the island was never the magic, the monsters, or the one who controlled both.

It was the moment she allowed him to feel anything at all. Because very few lived long enough to break the heart of a Wyard, and none survived it.

The Girl Who Dreamed in Thorns is a lovers-to-enemies Peter-Pan inspired bully romance, set against the grim, death-filled backdrop of Never, where wickedness lurks beneath every fairy-dusted leaf, innocence demands sacrifice, and a broken heart can kill you.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 21, 2026

About the author

Rebecca writes dark fantasy romance, usually with gothic elements and always with morally gray characters. Originally from England, she lives in Texas with her husband, and two sons. She loves anything with enemies to lovers, slow burn, and lots of angst.

Find out more about Rebecca and check out her books here:
Website: www.rebeccagarciabooks.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rebeccalgarciabooks

Reviews

[Freya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m team Kit!! Review to come…

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I say this altered my brain chemistry in the best possible way that’s not a joke. I’m a sucker for Peter Pan inspired stories and this one is my new favorite. I literally need a therapist to tell me what’s wrong with me after going through all the emotions I had while reading this. I’ve literally been staring at a wall for 15+ minutes contemplating what to do with my life now that I’ve finished it.

If you’re debating reading this - JUST DO IT. I promise you won’t regret it.

[Shyla S · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love dark fantasy with haunting imagery, emotional depth, and beautifully flawed characters, A Girl Who Dreamed in Thorns is a gripping and immersive read. This dark Peter Pan retelling transforms Never into a decaying, violent world filled with monsters both magical and human, creating an atmosphere that feels constantly dangerous rather than whimsical.

Holly is pulled back into Never to search for her missing sister Wendy, and the mystery surrounding the island kept me completely invested. One of my favorite parts was the use of flashbacks, showing how Kit and Holly went from love to hate over time. Their history added so much emotional weight to every interaction and made the tension between them impossible to ignore.

Kit absolutely stole the show for me. As the son of a God, he controls Never with his powers, and he was completely unhinged in the best way possible. Morally gray, chaotic, and emotionally fractured—of course I loved him. He brought such unpredictability to the story and made every scene he appeared in feel intense.

The writing is atmospheric and vivid, pulling you into a world filled with pain, resilience, love, and survival. The balance between brutality and vulnerability made this story the story impossible to put down. Perfect for readers who enjoy romantasy, gothic fantasy, morally gray characters, and dark fairytale retellings. Definitely a standout read for fantasy romance fans.

𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤/𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙚 = Kit & Holly Darling
𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 = Yes
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚 = This is book 1 of a duet.
𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚(𝙨) = Dark Romance • Lovers to Enemies • Fairytale (Peter Pan Retelling) • He's a Demigod & She's the sister of Wendy • Bad Boy × Good Girl • Fantasy/Magic • Found Family • Morally Pitch-black characters • Dual POVs
𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙒𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 = Bullying • Sexual Content • Violence/Fighting/Blood/Torture • Murder/Death • Neglect (off page) • Emotional Abuse •
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 = 1🔥
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 = 5 ⭐️

[FantasyHuntt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: ⭐️
Genre: Dark Romance
Tropes: Found family, lovers to enemies, fairytale retelling (Peter Pan), betrayals, demigod, magic, portals, loss

Overall, I found this book to be an engaging read. I don't often dive into dark romance, but I've enjoyed some titles in this genre.

The use of flashbacks was a highlight, showing how our main characters, Kit and Holly, transitioned from love to hate. Both have strong personalities that mesh and clash in interesting ways.

We also get to meet the 'lost ones', showcasing their unique traits that made me both love and dislike them as the story progressed. Some of my favourites being Miles and Warren. While struggling and being undecided on the likes of Ava.

The book tackles themes of disrupted family dynamics and, as a dark romance, it does include some heavier themes involving physical trauma. Just a heads up to take care when reading!

The story flows well, although at times, Holly's decisions had me practically shouting at the book! Still, her character development aligns nicely with her personality, making her choices and actions justifiable.

Towards the conclusion, things felt a bit rushed, and I found myself a little confused, but the final page really tied things together and teased what's to come in future instalments.

If you're a fan of dark romance and fairytale retellings, this one's for you!

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girl Who Dreamed in Thorns is a dark, Peter Pan–inspired story that leans fully into its unsettling, twisted world.

I found the tone of this book really compelling. There’s a constant sense of tension running through Holly’s journey as she searches for her sister, navigating deals, bargains, and situations that feel impossible to escape. That persistence gave the story a strong emotional thread to hold onto, even as things became more intense.

What stood out to me most was the way love is explored. Instead of being purely safe or comforting, it carries weight and risk, sometimes becoming the very thing that threatens everything. That shift felt powerful and added depth to the relationships and choices within the story.

I also really appreciated the reimagining of a familiar world. This isn’t light or whimsical, it’s darker, more brutal, and intentionally unsettling. It takes what we think we know and reshapes it into something much more complex.

Overall, I enjoyed this read and would definitely continue with the next book.

I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.

[Biggs_bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Peter Pan retelling with a dark twist makes for an interesting read. While there are character who follow their name sakes the main characters have different names and instead of the main story being about Wendy it’s about her sister Holly.

There’s so much I enjoyed about this book. An interesting twist in how and why they end up in Never, The dark themes and the world building are great. While the story is interesting there are some rushed parts and areas I feel could have used more explanations. My main example would be the time Holly and Cade (hook) spend together. It’s all very fast paced and surface level but there are words they make have so much weight but it never gives us a reason why.

This book does end in a cliffhanger so maybe those reason will be brought to light but I feel like we need more depth in some areas and maybe Holly needs to start thinking for herself.

Over all though a fun dark read and a fun twist on a story we all know and love.

[Laura Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark Peter Pan retelling, this book was interesting. It cast Kit, the MMC, as both the villain and the love interest in the vein of the dark romance. Kit is flawed, vacillating between morally gray and morally black throughout the book. The FMC is Holly Darling who is beloved in Never but also torn between loyalty to her older sister Wendy and Kit and his Lost Ones.

I enjoyed this one, the pacing was good. At the start of the book, Holly doesn’t remember her time in Never so we learn about Kit through her memories and flashbacks after she returns to Never with Miles, a Lost One.

I won’t spoil the story but I will say the spice and relationship between Kit and Holly was well written and had a feeling of being hopelessly drawn to each other even when it wasn’t in their best interests.

I’m glad I read this ARC and will absolutely read the second book in this duology when it comes out.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book promises a dark Peter Pan retelling and boy did it deliver! 😱
We initially follow the POV of Holly as she is brought back into the island of Never to find her missing sister Wendy. What she initially believes to be a rescue turns out to be more of a trap and she must fight her way through the controlling ways of Kit to find her sister and get them both home.
Kit is the son of a God and controls Never with his powers. He's lost Holly once before and he refuses to let her leave again before he's made her pay for betraying him!
The book alternates between telling the story as it happens and then switching to flashbacks for both characters, this initially made me struggle to follow along but, once I realised this was how the book was to be set out, I soon got into the flow 🥰
I can't wait to see how the story continues into the next book as I feel there is so much more to unpack for these characters and they both have a lot of growth and change coming their way 🤞🏻💕

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never been so instantly hooked on a book like I was with this one. I absolutely loved the intricate magical system and how electric every character and the worlds were. Kit was dark and dangerous but also had that whole “I’ll kill anyone who hurts you besides me” energy and I ATE IT UPPPPPP. Holly wasn’t your typical FMC and totally stood her ground while also plotting against him the whole time trying to hide her feelings the whole time.

This book was sexy, whimsical, dark and I loved every page and need more!!! Anyone who enjoyed Nikki St. Crowe’s Peter Pan retellings will absolutely swoon reading his series!

If you love these tropes you need to read this book!

🧚 dark bully romance
🧚 lovers to enemies
🧚 Peter Pan meets Alice in Wonderland
🧚 morally pitch-black characters
🧚 obsession, hunger, and heartbreak

[Jasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you author for a copy for a review.

This was such a dark retelling of Peter Pan. I’m like speechless over what happened and the ending? I need the next book to know what happens!

Holly Darling only wanted to feel loved and be loved. To be wanted. She didn’t feel that way with her mother and felt like she didn’t belong. So meeting Kit and seeing that he would be her family changed it all for her. Kit and the lost ones were her family. But would she betray Kit for her true family?

Kit was so bad. Like he had it bad for Holly and he would end the world for her —bad. Yes that’s kinda hot, but you’d think there would be limits on what you would do for someone and call that love. Not with Kit. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Are all the lost ones gone? Does kit go find Holly after breaking his heart again?

This kept me on my toes and it was just so good.

[Louise O'Connell · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨

Rating: 3.5 stars

✨ Dark Fantasy
✨ Lovers to Enemies
✨ Bully Romance
✨ Unhinged MMC
✨ Dark Peter Pan Retelling

This was a fast paced interesting read. Kit the MMC was very compelling to read about. He was absolutely unhinged, although he does somewhat redeem himself towards the end.

I really didn't like Holly the FMC, as she often couldn't think for herself, I really hope this changes in book 2 as her character develops. Some areas felt a little rushed, such as Holly's time with Cade.

Although I did really enjoy and appreciate the strong writing style and world building, which were fantastic. The ending was great also. I will definitely be reading book 2 to find out how the story progresses.

Thank you to the authors for providing an advanced reader copy in return for an honest review.

[Hamail Haider · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I loved this book would be an understatement; I absolutely devoured it in one sitting! As someone who doesn't really read dark romantasy, I feel like I should browse that genre because it's slowly becoming one of my favourites. Because let's be honest, sweet mmc's are great. But someone as unhinged as Kit? I need to see more of that.
As for Holly, no denying she did make some questionable choices, and I hate that she chose her sister because Wendy was just being a manipulative bitch, but I understand her because you do everything you can to protect your family. That doesn't mean I have to like her though.
And THE ENDING?!?!? Now I have to read the second book because there is no way I can wait after THAT epilogue.
Loved the book and can't wait for the official release!

[Soha Amer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, haunting, and dangerously addictive. The Girl Who Dreamed in Thorns takes the familiar magic of Peter Pan and twists it into something darker, crueler, and utterly haunting.

This version of Never is not whimsical—it’s decaying, violent, and filled with monsters both magical and human.

✨ What makes it stand out:
🌿 dark Peter Pan-inspired world
🖤 lovers-to-enemies tension
🗡️ bully romance dynamics
✨ eerie, gothic atmosphere

Holly’s search for answers pulls her into a world of betrayal, death, and dangerous emotions, while Kit brings a brutal emotional intensity to the story that makes every interaction feel sharp and volatile.

The romance is messy, painful, obsessive—and perfectly suited to the grim atmosphere of the novel.

It feels like a fairytale left to rot in the woods… beautiful, but deadly.

[Georgea · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Peter Pan retelling and Alice in wonderland you will love this story. I got more of the Peter Pan references in this book which is great as I’ve been on a Peter Pan mood lately. I do see the Alice in wonderland parts but I’m hoping there’s more of that in book 2.

OMG I’m obsessed with this book. I had to bing read it, it’s kept me in its grip the whole time. The enemies to lovers was everything. I could really feel Kits emotions and feelings for holly. The only thing I’ll say is Holly is naive in this book as stated by her sister Wendy. However I think with that ending we can’t say that about book 2.

I’m super excited for book 2 to come out so I can find out what happened after that plot twist.

Thanks to Rebeca and Dawn for providing an arc copy and this is my honest review.

[Rian Eidson ~ Literary Luna Moth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor to participate in the cover reveal for this book, and while we *technically* shouldn’t judge books by their cover, we all still do. I was no different as soon as I saw the cover — I was immediately intrigued. Then I read the blurb and pull quotes, and practically sprinted to sign up for the beta and ARC. Boy, am I glad that I did!

This story is unlike any fairytale retelling I’ve ever read. The intricacies in the story set the dark, gothic mood while also pulling you along through the story and keeping you guessing. Kit is someone you love to hate. Your heart aches for Holly, and yet, you want to shake some sense into her at the same time. The push/pull between them is palatable and toxic, but I love it and I can’t wait to read more in book 2.

[Kayla Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE GIRL WHO DREAMED IN THORNS

“She wasn't sure what was more frightening: being loved or despised by him.”

“Holly Darling was his.”

“Of course he would still want to own her, because that’s what a monster did. He hoarded lovely things until they were too tarnished to shine.“

“If she was going to test the limits of his patience, then he was going to push the edge of her boundaries.”

“Holly Darling had finally come home, and Kit was ready to be her ruin.”

🖤This dark Peter Pan inspired story instantly hooked me in! The writing delivered beautiful visuals, and such palpable emotions, the storyline was interesting, wicked and kept you guessing and wondering how things were going to unfold. I had such a great time!

"Lost, until now.”

💜Kit is absolutely unhinged so of course I love him. But he also has that other side to him that is just so damn beautiful… the boy with stars in eyes🥹🖤 Holly was a perfect match for him with her strong will, making their dynamic entertaining and filled with burning tension.

"If it is a monster you see in me, Holly Darling, then it is the monster I will become."

🖤The world is whimsical and dark, the twists are twisting and the bully romance had so much tension and heartfelt moments. It is a beautiful, moody, dark fairytale with lovers to enemies and deadly obsession. If you loved Nikki St Crowe Vicious Lost Boys, you’re gonna want to check out The Girl Who Dreamed In Thorns!

This is book 1 in a duet and the ending will leave you absolutely desperate for book 2!😫

[Megan Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this book!!! I have been raving about it since I finished it. I’m not typically a third person reader but this was SO well written and such a good time! This was an incredible and unique Peter Pan retelling that’s dark, sexy, passionate and emotional, and just when you think you know what’s going to happen… no you don’t. I didn’t know who I loved, who I hated, who I should be rooting for half the time! I got to the end and screamed because I need more!

It was an absolute honor and blast to have had the opportunity to beta read this story! I feel so in love with these characters!

[Brittni Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ive read a lot of peter pan retellings but this one, this one is probably my favorite! Kit and his lost ones made me want to pack up and move to Never. Its absolutely magical! Like yeah.. theres a ton of unaliving and torturing.. but like Kit.. sure hes the one doing it haha but fair trade imo. If youre a fan of super intense bully, then youre going to go feral for this. Its deliciously dark and twisted but also Kit.. likeeeeee. The storyline/plot is super cool and original too! A lot of cool stuff at play and I'm screammmiiinnng for the next book!

Thank you for letting me be your alpha!!

[Nicholette LeGros · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick, short read.

I enjoyed the weave of different fairy tales. It was an interesting take and I wanted more plot and story building around the world that was created.

I will say that I did greatly enjoy the different dynamics, even if I didn't always find them strictly believable. The Lost Ones were depraved. Our 'Peter' was broken. And Wendy...who isn't the FMC...was unhinged.

The ending of the book left me wanting. I did feel it was rushed and can't wait for book two, since I do want to know the conclusion of this tale.

If you like a short, punchy read that focuses on action and a splash of depravity, this is it.

[Crystal M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to be chosen for an ARC! I loved this story!!!! I always love a good retelling of the classics! Peter Pan is always such a fun story and I love seeing different takes on it. This particular story I loved because the Romance is not the focal point of the story but it is still such a heavy precense in the story at the same time! If you want a book where they get together and fly off into the night this is not your book. If you love a good story of hate and betrayal the way I do then you need this in your life! Well done Rebecca and Dawn! I can't wait for book 2!!! Thank you for the opportunity to get to know Kit and Holly!

[morgan renai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely honored for the opportunity to read TGWDIT

I felt so many emotions while reading. I cried LITERAL TEARS OKAY more than once. I laughed, screamed, and kicked my feet the whole time.

Holly and Kit are a wild ride, the Lost Ones really hit home in different ways. Wendy’s a real… character to say the least because I wont spoil anything.

It was dark, kinda unhinged, a little spicy, and so entertaining. Things flowed very well and by the end I was snot ridden with tears and my jaw was on the floor.

I am aching for book two!!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kept me enamored the entire way through! While I’m not usually one to care for Neverland related stories this book caught my attention right away and kept me right at the edge of my seat.

Wendy who? Holly Darling will forever live in my heart. A girl desperately reaching out for a home and love of her own while still keeping one foot locked in hope for acceptance from a place she will never receive it. I can’t wait to see the places she and Kit go next.

Heartbreak or Healing? Where will we end?

[Camille Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pacing was perfect. It kept me intrigued the entire time. I finished in one setting. This is a Peter Pan reimagining. It starts with the fmc at home not remembering what happened to her and her sister. She is quickly pulled into another realm she calls Never trying to save her sister. once she arrives she remembers everything and she is terrified that the mmc is going to kill her for betraying him. The mmc is deeply emotionally disturbed and wants to torment the fmc for the pain she caused him. I can't wait to read the second book to see how this story unfolds.

I received a ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Nita · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me this was a 3.5 read. And honestly the last couple of pages is what bumped it up the .5. I'm just not a fan of Holly at all she just irritating and can't seem to think for herself at all. And quite frankly all the reason why I'm even interested in book two is I want to see how far Kit is going to go into his villain arc after the ending.

[Lisa-Jane Van Der Walt · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READER REVIEW
The choke hold this book has on me is unreal! It is dark, spicey without being tacky and oh so devious. Mind blown! 😱
I am devistated and excited all in one. And because I hate spoilers I will not tell you why. If you want a book that will literacy change how you view romance, this is it. I am unwell. That's all I can say. This book has ruined me. 10 stars baby!

[Anisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fellow Disney fan I loved seeing various aspects of fairytales come to life. Even though it had aspects of Peter Pan, I loved seeing some aspects of Alice in wonderland too. I would’ve liked to see some more spice. I think there was alot of filler and aspects of storytelling. I overall enjoyed the story and I’m so excited for part 2!

[Kalie Hagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put the book down! The story has a way of drawing you in. I couldn’t put it down, I had to force myself to sleep after starting the book. It’s a fun take on Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. 10/10 recommend!!!!!

[Arden Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eloquently written Peter Pan inspired novel. The story has many twists and turns that has you craving for more. In fact the journey is that of a well written thriller, but hey, who doesn’t love a budding bully romance.

[Cheryl Chalukian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the Arc! Thank you for the privilege and the good story! I am ready for the next part!!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!
I NEED book two!!! Right now!!!!
It was perfect!!!

I LOVE KIT!!!!!