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Wendell “Wen” Darling lives in a world of shoulds and musts. Left to care for his brother and sister by his dull drudge of a father and wacko irresponsible mother, he suppresses his creativity, slaving in an ad agency seventy hours a week, letting his no-talent supervisor take the credit.
Then his bosses blow the campaign for their biggest client and Wen gets a chance to shine—but only if he can find the artist who painted a wild, glorious wall of graffiti in the subway. Hiding behind a pillar at 2:00 a.m., Wen comes face-to-face with the scarlet-haired, elven-faced embodiment of his divergent opposite—Peter Panachek, the flighty, live-for-today painter, singer, and leader of the rock group the Lost Boys. Everything Wen takes seriously, Peter laughs off, but opposites attract, even if their kisses always lead to battles. Peter’s devil-may-care persona hides a world of secrets, self-protection, and hidden fears, until the day a drug dealer, Vadon Hooker, threatens everything Wen holds dear. Guided by the mysterious Mr. Pennymaker, Peter has to choose between facing responsibility or burrowing even deeper into Neverland.
This is a brand new story
Listening Length: 6 hours and 41 minutes
Then his bosses blow the campaign for their biggest client and Wen gets a chance to shine—but only if he can find the artist who painted a wild, glorious wall of graffiti in the subway. Hiding behind a pillar at 2:00 a.m., Wen comes face-to-face with the scarlet-haired, elven-faced embodiment of his divergent opposite—Peter Panachek, the flighty, live-for-today painter, singer, and leader of the rock group the Lost Boys. Everything Wen takes seriously, Peter laughs off, but opposites attract, even if their kisses always lead to battles. Peter’s devil-may-care persona hides a world of secrets, self-protection, and hidden fears, until the day a drug dealer, Vadon Hooker, threatens everything Wen holds dear. Guided by the mysterious Mr. Pennymaker, Peter has to choose between facing responsibility or burrowing even deeper into Neverland.
This is a brand new story
Listening Length: 6 hours and 41 minutes
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published November 3, 2017
37 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Tara Lain
97 books1,388 followersTara Lain believes in happy ever afters - and magic. Same thing. In fact, she says, she doesn't believe, she knows. Tara shares this passion in her stories that star her unique, charismatic heroes and adventurous heroines. Quarterbacks and cops, werewolves and witches, blue collar or billionaires, Tara's characters, readers say, love deeply, resolve seemingly insurmountable differences, and ultimately live their lives authentically. After many years living in southern California, Tara, her soulmate honey and her soulmate dog decided they wanted less cars and more trees, prompting a move to Ashland, Oregon where Tara's creating new stories and loving living in a small town with big culture. Likely a Gryffindor or maybe a Ravensclaw but possessed of Parseltongue, Tara loves animals of all kinds, diversity, open minds, coconut crunch ice cream from Zoeys, and her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
April 11, 2018
3.5 stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR.
Well this was a new spin on an old fairy tale...
"Never" is the fourth book in 'The Pennymaker Tales' which are all based on traditional fairy tales...the first book was 'Sinders and Ash' based on the story of Cinderella' while the next one was 'Driven Snow' and based on Snow White, also I have to admit this is the one story in this series that I have neither read not listened to on audio and book #3 was entitled 'Beauty Inc.' and you guessed it loosely based on 'Beauty and the Beast'.
So now that you're basically all caught up here we are on book #4 which is entitled 'Never' and yes it is based on the story of Peter Pan. We have Wen Darling (otherwise known as Wendell Darling) and he's raising his brother and sister because Dad was a dull and boring accountant who did nothing but work to provided for his family...how very irresponsible of him and mom was a flighty, ditsy, artistic and totally irresponsible person who was more worried about saving whales and doing whatever it is that flighty ditsy artistic people do then the caring for the 3 children she brought into this world...you go mom! But be that all as it may, both mom and dad are no longer in the picture...both have departed this plane of existence leaving Wen to be the responsible one.
Wen's managed ok, he's working in an advertising agency and while money's tight he's managed to provide food and shelter for his siblings and himself and he provides acting lessons for his brother, John...and can I just say as much as he seems to love his brother this little dude comes off as an ungrateful little sod at times and music lessons for his sister, Michaela, who is incredibly responsible for a sixteen year old. Taking care of the her younger brother and just generally playing mother to both of her brothers.
When an advertising campaign falls through because Wen's boss doesn't have the foresight to listen to Wen and use a more innovative approach...there's a silver lining for Wen and his co-workers when they are given the opportunity to come up with a better campaign for the...wait for it...you're going to love this one...PEANUT BUTTER!!! Now come on who doesn't remember Peter Pan peanut butter? Which I believe is still available in the US but I haven't seen it on the shelves here in Canada in a while and Google didn't want to share info about Peter Pan Peanut Butter with me...it did tell me that 'Skippy Peanut Butter' is no longer sold in Canada. Personally I'm a Kraft Peanut Butter fan myself...oops, sorry I squirreled again...back to Wen and his advertising dilemma...
Faced with the prospect of an opportunity that could make or break is career Wen and the team throw themselves into the job and after a long and exhausting not to mention fruitless day Wen heads home to his family. It's this trip home that changes everything for Wen as he's waiting for the subway train to take him home he encounters an unusual girl with a parasol and the most extraordinary piece of artwork he's every seen...the problem is the artworks been done on the subway walls by a graffiti artist who wants to remain anonymous.
With the encouragement of his siblings Wen stakes out the subway station where he saw the artwork in the hopes that he'll return. So far I'm loving this I mean it's good. The characters are solid and with the arrival of Peter and his gang they become even more interesting and things begin to happen...not all of it's good either.
Kale Williams is the narrator for this one as he was for the previous stories and as with 'Beauty Inc.' the only other book I've listened to on audio he did an admirable job. I like his voices and they suited the characters quite well...especially Tink, I enjoyed his voice for Tink and Shamu (sorry, I'm not sure about the name or spelling on this character...it's the downside of audio books, you can't do a quick reference to check things like spelling) anyways, this character was one of the lost boys and we also have Hook and Smee (actually I believe his name was Hooker, but whatever we all know he's the bad guy and he sounded like one too. His voice had just a bit of a 'you don't want to trust this dude sound to it) and of course Mr. Pennymaker was back and sounding very much like the Mr. Pennymaker that I remembered from Beauty Inc. this is bonus because I love it when a character's voice stays consistent from story to story which is one of the reasons that I totally support having the same narrator for a series that carries the same characters from book to book even if the MCs change if the central core of characters are basically the same having then sound the same in book 5 as they did in book 3 goes a long way towards contributing towards listening pleasure for me.
So we have a cute story, good characters, solid narration on a scale of 1 to 5, I'm giving the narration a solid 4) and also on the upside the cheese factor that bothered me in 'Beauty Inc.' didn't seem to be here...so, why only 3.5 and not say 4? 4.5? or even 5 stars you might wonder...well, it was the ending. I was enjoying the hell outta' myself here boys and girls...I mean fun times. I like a cute, fluffy story as much as the next person and this one was all that minus the overabundance of cheese and the ending didn't have to much cheese...nope, nope, nope the ending for me had more sap than a forest of maple trees in the spring time and add to that the fact that even though this story like the fairytale was suppose end with 'and they all lived happily ever after' I couldn't buy it not when it felt like one of those characters wasn't totally on board with the HEA and seemed to resolve himself to more of an 'ok, whatevs I get hot monkey sex. So let's do this thing' type of attitude and that my friends is as close as I'm going to go in terms of details as to why this went from 4+ stars to 3.5 rounded down in those places where 1/2 stars don't exist.
*************************
An audio book of 'Never' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Well this was a new spin on an old fairy tale...
"Never" is the fourth book in 'The Pennymaker Tales' which are all based on traditional fairy tales...the first book was 'Sinders and Ash' based on the story of Cinderella' while the next one was 'Driven Snow' and based on Snow White, also I have to admit this is the one story in this series that I have neither read not listened to on audio and book #3 was entitled 'Beauty Inc.' and you guessed it loosely based on 'Beauty and the Beast'.
So now that you're basically all caught up here we are on book #4 which is entitled 'Never' and yes it is based on the story of Peter Pan. We have Wen Darling (otherwise known as Wendell Darling) and he's raising his brother and sister because Dad was a dull and boring accountant who did nothing but work to provided for his family...how very irresponsible of him and mom was a flighty, ditsy, artistic and totally irresponsible person who was more worried about saving whales and doing whatever it is that flighty ditsy artistic people do then the caring for the 3 children she brought into this world...you go mom! But be that all as it may, both mom and dad are no longer in the picture...both have departed this plane of existence leaving Wen to be the responsible one.
Wen's managed ok, he's working in an advertising agency and while money's tight he's managed to provide food and shelter for his siblings and himself and he provides acting lessons for his brother, John...and can I just say as much as he seems to love his brother this little dude comes off as an ungrateful little sod at times and music lessons for his sister, Michaela, who is incredibly responsible for a sixteen year old. Taking care of the her younger brother and just generally playing mother to both of her brothers.
When an advertising campaign falls through because Wen's boss doesn't have the foresight to listen to Wen and use a more innovative approach...there's a silver lining for Wen and his co-workers when they are given the opportunity to come up with a better campaign for the...wait for it...you're going to love this one...PEANUT BUTTER!!! Now come on who doesn't remember Peter Pan peanut butter? Which I believe is still available in the US but I haven't seen it on the shelves here in Canada in a while and Google didn't want to share info about Peter Pan Peanut Butter with me...it did tell me that 'Skippy Peanut Butter' is no longer sold in Canada. Personally I'm a Kraft Peanut Butter fan myself...oops, sorry I squirreled again...back to Wen and his advertising dilemma...
Faced with the prospect of an opportunity that could make or break is career Wen and the team throw themselves into the job and after a long and exhausting not to mention fruitless day Wen heads home to his family. It's this trip home that changes everything for Wen as he's waiting for the subway train to take him home he encounters an unusual girl with a parasol and the most extraordinary piece of artwork he's every seen...the problem is the artworks been done on the subway walls by a graffiti artist who wants to remain anonymous.
With the encouragement of his siblings Wen stakes out the subway station where he saw the artwork in the hopes that he'll return. So far I'm loving this I mean it's good. The characters are solid and with the arrival of Peter and his gang they become even more interesting and things begin to happen...not all of it's good either.
Kale Williams is the narrator for this one as he was for the previous stories and as with 'Beauty Inc.' the only other book I've listened to on audio he did an admirable job. I like his voices and they suited the characters quite well...especially Tink, I enjoyed his voice for Tink and Shamu (sorry, I'm not sure about the name or spelling on this character...it's the downside of audio books, you can't do a quick reference to check things like spelling) anyways, this character was one of the lost boys and we also have Hook and Smee (actually I believe his name was Hooker, but whatever we all know he's the bad guy and he sounded like one too. His voice had just a bit of a 'you don't want to trust this dude sound to it) and of course Mr. Pennymaker was back and sounding very much like the Mr. Pennymaker that I remembered from Beauty Inc. this is bonus because I love it when a character's voice stays consistent from story to story which is one of the reasons that I totally support having the same narrator for a series that carries the same characters from book to book even if the MCs change if the central core of characters are basically the same having then sound the same in book 5 as they did in book 3 goes a long way towards contributing towards listening pleasure for me.
So we have a cute story, good characters, solid narration on a scale of 1 to 5, I'm giving the narration a solid 4) and also on the upside the cheese factor that bothered me in 'Beauty Inc.' didn't seem to be here...so, why only 3.5 and not say 4? 4.5? or even 5 stars you might wonder...well, it was the ending. I was enjoying the hell outta' myself here boys and girls...I mean fun times. I like a cute, fluffy story as much as the next person and this one was all that minus the overabundance of cheese and the ending didn't have to much cheese...nope, nope, nope the ending for me had more sap than a forest of maple trees in the spring time and add to that the fact that even though this story like the fairytale was suppose end with 'and they all lived happily ever after' I couldn't buy it not when it felt like one of those characters wasn't totally on board with the HEA and seemed to resolve himself to more of an 'ok, whatevs I get hot monkey sex. So let's do this thing' type of attitude and that my friends is as close as I'm going to go in terms of details as to why this went from 4+ stars to 3.5 rounded down in those places where 1/2 stars don't exist.
*************************
An audio book of 'Never' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2017
~ 4.5 Stars ~
I adore the Pennymaker series but was a little cautious about Never, as I wasn’t the biggest Peter Pan fan, but Tara Lain once again sucks you in and doesn’t let you escape until you’ve finished the story. I loved every word and got so very invested in the multitude of characters, both main and secondary. I want to see the next book already!
Wendall Darling puts the weight of the world on his shoulders when he takes on the guardianship of his brother and sister long before his parents have passed away, something you can tell from the very first chapter as the company fails to impress their best client, and he’s expected to pull them out of the fire. His steadiness is then contrasted with Peter’s flighty but caring nature.
I loved the tension and push and pull of the characters as they figured out how to fit together, both aided and hindered by their friends and family, who make the pages come alive as Peter helps Wen save the day, never really sure if it’s because of his attraction or simply concern for Wen’s family. The danger is intensified by our villain, Vadon Hooker, who oozes out of the pages to give you shivers down your neck.
Carstairs Pennymaker makes his eccentric appearance to help save the day, though really all he needed to do was make a suggestion and let our heroes do the rest. I always love the increasing imagery that is used to describe Pennymaker, and I have a new favourite from this book as Lain describes him using the stairs in Wen’s apartment block.
Another smash from a talented author that leaves you believing in the magic of the world.
Reviewed by Jenn for The Novel Approach
I adore the Pennymaker series but was a little cautious about Never, as I wasn’t the biggest Peter Pan fan, but Tara Lain once again sucks you in and doesn’t let you escape until you’ve finished the story. I loved every word and got so very invested in the multitude of characters, both main and secondary. I want to see the next book already!
Wendall Darling puts the weight of the world on his shoulders when he takes on the guardianship of his brother and sister long before his parents have passed away, something you can tell from the very first chapter as the company fails to impress their best client, and he’s expected to pull them out of the fire. His steadiness is then contrasted with Peter’s flighty but caring nature.
I loved the tension and push and pull of the characters as they figured out how to fit together, both aided and hindered by their friends and family, who make the pages come alive as Peter helps Wen save the day, never really sure if it’s because of his attraction or simply concern for Wen’s family. The danger is intensified by our villain, Vadon Hooker, who oozes out of the pages to give you shivers down your neck.
Carstairs Pennymaker makes his eccentric appearance to help save the day, though really all he needed to do was make a suggestion and let our heroes do the rest. I always love the increasing imagery that is used to describe Pennymaker, and I have a new favourite from this book as Lain describes him using the stairs in Wen’s apartment block.
Another smash from a talented author that leaves you believing in the magic of the world.
Reviewed by Jenn for The Novel Approach
October 30, 2017
As always, Ms. Lain has created another fantastic story using the favorite fairy tale of Peter Pan. I am always excited when another in this series comes out as the storylines are amazing and the twists are so original you can't help but smile. Wendell and Peter are so opposite that you would think there is no way this will work. But they always say opposites attract and in this case the characters are going to have some work cut out for them. The lost boys, tinker bell, Neverland and even Hook play major roles in this modern day adventure. Ms. Lain thought of everything and created a fascinating storyline that will keep you glued to the pages. Great characters, fun adaptions to the old versions and Hook still up to no good will entertain and delight the reader. The series just keeps getting better and I eagerly await what she comes up with next.
I volunteered to read this story for my honest opinion. In one word......Awesome....:)
I volunteered to read this story for my honest opinion. In one word......Awesome....:)
November 3, 2017
I liked this story, it just didn't live up to the other Pennymaker Tales in my opinion. The main characters were likable and engaging and I liked the chemistry between them. The siblings and Lost Boys were nice side characters. The plot felt light and almost like a chore to get through, sadly. The one jarring note was that I felt there really was no reason Mr Pennymaker needed to be in the story. He kind of was just shoved in there, which feels so different than the other books. I should say that Peter Pan is not a favorite story of mine and I'm not sure if that had an influence on my expectations.
**I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.**
**I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.**
October 12, 2017
Tara has written another story in the pennymaker series. This one is a twist on Peter Pan.
It was a quick moving story of opposites attract. Tara takes us to the present world but weaves us a fairytale version which I loved.
Wen is a young man who has to grow up quickly. He had to take care of his younger brother and sister when there father and mother dies. Wen has a job which he is trying to keep in order to keep a roof over his families head. He had to grow up fast and hasn't been able to live his own life and have some fun.
Enter Peter, his character was a great version of Peter Pan. He was young and care free. He lives how he wants and makes no apologizes for it. Peter is an artist and lead singer of the Lost Boys.
Wen sees a Muriel he painted in the subway that he wants for his new ad campaign. He goes on a mission to find the artist and when he does, he can't be more mesmerized by Peter.
He talks Peter in to helping him. Now, you can feel the chemistry between them but they are so opposite their many misunderstandings get in the way.
Peter is running from something and he feels if he starts to care and get involved it will be harder for me when he has to run. When that time comes Peter has to decide what is important to him and of course he makes the right choice.
Wen wants to let go of all his past hurt but he finds it hard to come to terms with how his mother was to how Peter is. They fall for each other but to be together they both have to let go and when it all comes to a head we learn that both Wen and Peter are stronger together than apart. All the Lost Boys are great characters and I enjoyed reading about Wen's brother and sister. Tara has all the characters from the fairytale in here...Hook and Snee included..
I always enjoy a good fairytale and Tara give us her twist on them in this series. The series is always a great read for me and can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jodi from Alpha Book Club
It was a quick moving story of opposites attract. Tara takes us to the present world but weaves us a fairytale version which I loved.
Wen is a young man who has to grow up quickly. He had to take care of his younger brother and sister when there father and mother dies. Wen has a job which he is trying to keep in order to keep a roof over his families head. He had to grow up fast and hasn't been able to live his own life and have some fun.
Enter Peter, his character was a great version of Peter Pan. He was young and care free. He lives how he wants and makes no apologizes for it. Peter is an artist and lead singer of the Lost Boys.
Wen sees a Muriel he painted in the subway that he wants for his new ad campaign. He goes on a mission to find the artist and when he does, he can't be more mesmerized by Peter.
He talks Peter in to helping him. Now, you can feel the chemistry between them but they are so opposite their many misunderstandings get in the way.
Peter is running from something and he feels if he starts to care and get involved it will be harder for me when he has to run. When that time comes Peter has to decide what is important to him and of course he makes the right choice.
Wen wants to let go of all his past hurt but he finds it hard to come to terms with how his mother was to how Peter is. They fall for each other but to be together they both have to let go and when it all comes to a head we learn that both Wen and Peter are stronger together than apart. All the Lost Boys are great characters and I enjoyed reading about Wen's brother and sister. Tara has all the characters from the fairytale in here...Hook and Snee included..
I always enjoy a good fairytale and Tara give us her twist on them in this series. The series is always a great read for me and can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jodi from Alpha Book Club
October 26, 2017
m/m
Opposites attract in this fun take on the Peter Pan story. Wendell “Wen” Darling is the straight arrow trying to make ends meet working too hard to care for his younger siblings. Peter Panachek is an artistic elf living in the now. When these two meet you can feel the magic. Grab a cuppa, kick back and enjoy this adventure in love.
Opposites attract in this fun take on the Peter Pan story. Wendell “Wen” Darling is the straight arrow trying to make ends meet working too hard to care for his younger siblings. Peter Panachek is an artistic elf living in the now. When these two meet you can feel the magic. Grab a cuppa, kick back and enjoy this adventure in love.
September 3, 2020
"Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard." ~ Colin Powell
Being responsible is a good thing, but giving up your whole life for someone else is detrimental to you and those around you. Wen Darling's entire life revolves around his sister and brother, whom he has had custody of since his father died and his mother left years ago. Wen never has time for himself. He doesn't resent it, but it does have an effect on how he relates to his siblings. He can't seem to find a balance between work and relaxation. When an important client rejects an advertising campaign he's worked hard on, Wen fears that he will lose his job. When he's given a second chance, the pressure ramps up even more. Wen needs something new and exciting that will catch the client's eye and save his position at the company. On the way home, he notices some awesome graffiti, art on a scale he's never seen before. Wen is desperate to find the artist. He tells his sister and brother about what he discovered and they encourage him to go back to the subway and “catch” the artist in action. Reluctantly, but desperate, Wen follows their advice.
The artist turns out to be Peter Panachek who hangs out in Neverland with his lost boys and Tink. Wen needs Peter's help, but Peter blows him off. His anti-establishment attitude makes it below him to commercialize his work for any reason, but when Wen tells him why he's so insistent on help, i.e, he needs his job to support his siblings, it gives Peter pause. He prides himself on living a carpe deum existence, having no ties and worries. His concern for Wen's family leads him to go against his normal nature and agree to paint for Wen under one condition: no one knows who the artist is. Naturally, Wen is ecstatic and greatly relieved. He's sure when his client sees Peter's work, he will be so impressed that he will agree to let them conduct the campaign.
Along with Peter being in his apartment, Wen also “inherits” Tink and the rest of the lost boys, who hang out most of the time, to Wen's distain. His sister and brother, who hardly have any fun since Wen is so busy working all the time, think it's wonderful! They become attached to the gang, especially Peter. Wen is baffled about how he can be so attracted to someone who seems to be so irresponsible, yet, he continued to become involved with him. When things get physical, they also become more complicated. Peter feels like he's going against his nature and so does Wen, but opposites can attract. Wen is frustrated with Peter. He wonders why Peter is always so guarded about his past, and shies away from being exposed in any way. Wen suspects that he's hiding something, but doesn't want to push him too hard. When Wen finally wanders into Peter's world at the club called Neverland, he's confronted by the sleazy Vadon Hooker, who manages the club. Hooker is bad news and Peter wants him nowhere near Wen. Peter has become very attached to Wen and he's important to him. Peter is terrified that Hooker will find a way to hurt Wen by using him to get to Peter.
Tara has done an excellent job creating her version of the Peter Pan story with Wen as Wendy, Tink as Tinkerbell, Vadon Hooker as Captain Hook, Peter's band as the lost boys who look up to him just as in the original, and the incomparable Peter himself. Tara also adds the special magic that only Mr. Pennymaker has with his ability to make almost anything happen. The basic theme is still the same. Life is a balance and neither extreme makes for a happy life. Everyone has to grow up and be responsible sometime, but it doesn't have to all be drudgery and seriousness. If you can find a job you love and make sure you don't take life too seriously, then the happy ending everyone dreams of can happen. Thanks, Tara, for this delightful tale, retold.
NOTE: The first edition of this book was provided by XXX for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Being responsible is a good thing, but giving up your whole life for someone else is detrimental to you and those around you. Wen Darling's entire life revolves around his sister and brother, whom he has had custody of since his father died and his mother left years ago. Wen never has time for himself. He doesn't resent it, but it does have an effect on how he relates to his siblings. He can't seem to find a balance between work and relaxation. When an important client rejects an advertising campaign he's worked hard on, Wen fears that he will lose his job. When he's given a second chance, the pressure ramps up even more. Wen needs something new and exciting that will catch the client's eye and save his position at the company. On the way home, he notices some awesome graffiti, art on a scale he's never seen before. Wen is desperate to find the artist. He tells his sister and brother about what he discovered and they encourage him to go back to the subway and “catch” the artist in action. Reluctantly, but desperate, Wen follows their advice.
The artist turns out to be Peter Panachek who hangs out in Neverland with his lost boys and Tink. Wen needs Peter's help, but Peter blows him off. His anti-establishment attitude makes it below him to commercialize his work for any reason, but when Wen tells him why he's so insistent on help, i.e, he needs his job to support his siblings, it gives Peter pause. He prides himself on living a carpe deum existence, having no ties and worries. His concern for Wen's family leads him to go against his normal nature and agree to paint for Wen under one condition: no one knows who the artist is. Naturally, Wen is ecstatic and greatly relieved. He's sure when his client sees Peter's work, he will be so impressed that he will agree to let them conduct the campaign.
Along with Peter being in his apartment, Wen also “inherits” Tink and the rest of the lost boys, who hang out most of the time, to Wen's distain. His sister and brother, who hardly have any fun since Wen is so busy working all the time, think it's wonderful! They become attached to the gang, especially Peter. Wen is baffled about how he can be so attracted to someone who seems to be so irresponsible, yet, he continued to become involved with him. When things get physical, they also become more complicated. Peter feels like he's going against his nature and so does Wen, but opposites can attract. Wen is frustrated with Peter. He wonders why Peter is always so guarded about his past, and shies away from being exposed in any way. Wen suspects that he's hiding something, but doesn't want to push him too hard. When Wen finally wanders into Peter's world at the club called Neverland, he's confronted by the sleazy Vadon Hooker, who manages the club. Hooker is bad news and Peter wants him nowhere near Wen. Peter has become very attached to Wen and he's important to him. Peter is terrified that Hooker will find a way to hurt Wen by using him to get to Peter.
Tara has done an excellent job creating her version of the Peter Pan story with Wen as Wendy, Tink as Tinkerbell, Vadon Hooker as Captain Hook, Peter's band as the lost boys who look up to him just as in the original, and the incomparable Peter himself. Tara also adds the special magic that only Mr. Pennymaker has with his ability to make almost anything happen. The basic theme is still the same. Life is a balance and neither extreme makes for a happy life. Everyone has to grow up and be responsible sometime, but it doesn't have to all be drudgery and seriousness. If you can find a job you love and make sure you don't take life too seriously, then the happy ending everyone dreams of can happen. Thanks, Tara, for this delightful tale, retold.
NOTE: The first edition of this book was provided by XXX for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 8, 2017
This is a lovely retelling of the fairy tale of Peter Pan. It is always difficult to rewrite a well-known fairy tale. You don’t want to lose the essence of what the story is about, but you also want to give your own, and in this case, modern twist to it. Tara Lain managed all that perfectly. Reading her story, I got snippets of the classic inside my head. At the same time, I found new and surprising elements.
The old adage of opposites attract is certainly true for Wen(dell) and Peter. Wen has brought up his younger sister, Michaela, and younger brother, John, from a very young age. His memories of being around his mother are ambiguous. He loved her free nature and spirits, but those were also the things he hated the most as she shunned her responsibilities towards her family. As a result, Wen does his utmost to do better with his siblings and has grown into a responsible, steadfast man.
Peter is his opposite. Artistic, free-spirited and living every day as it comes. He doesn’t want to be tied down or taken care off. He is his own man.
Tara Lain did a wonderful job bringing these characters to life. They started at the other end of the street, but slowly they met in the middle. Through Peter, Wen learns there is more than his job and making money albeit it for feeding his siblings. He can loosen up once in a while. Peter discovers that loving someone and taking care of them don’t have to be restrictive and stifling. I really liked their chemistry. Their interactions are not overly sexual, but I felt the connection through their actions and funny dialogues.
Among the supporting cast, there are also great characters. John is a riot; Michaela is a very mature sixteen-year-old; The Lost Boys are super together with Samu as my favorite; and Tink? She speaks as quickly as her namesake flies.
As always, Mr. Pennymaker appears in the story just at the right time. He is and always will be an oddball, but with his heart in the right place. Everything to help drifters finding their way home to each other. Neverland becomes Everland.
This is the fourth installment of the Pennymaker tales. It can be read as a standalone.
The old adage of opposites attract is certainly true for Wen(dell) and Peter. Wen has brought up his younger sister, Michaela, and younger brother, John, from a very young age. His memories of being around his mother are ambiguous. He loved her free nature and spirits, but those were also the things he hated the most as she shunned her responsibilities towards her family. As a result, Wen does his utmost to do better with his siblings and has grown into a responsible, steadfast man.
Peter is his opposite. Artistic, free-spirited and living every day as it comes. He doesn’t want to be tied down or taken care off. He is his own man.
Tara Lain did a wonderful job bringing these characters to life. They started at the other end of the street, but slowly they met in the middle. Through Peter, Wen learns there is more than his job and making money albeit it for feeding his siblings. He can loosen up once in a while. Peter discovers that loving someone and taking care of them don’t have to be restrictive and stifling. I really liked their chemistry. Their interactions are not overly sexual, but I felt the connection through their actions and funny dialogues.
Among the supporting cast, there are also great characters. John is a riot; Michaela is a very mature sixteen-year-old; The Lost Boys are super together with Samu as my favorite; and Tink? She speaks as quickly as her namesake flies.
As always, Mr. Pennymaker appears in the story just at the right time. He is and always will be an oddball, but with his heart in the right place. Everything to help drifters finding their way home to each other. Neverland becomes Everland.
This is the fourth installment of the Pennymaker tales. It can be read as a standalone.
March 7, 2018
4,5 heart review by Louisa
My usual reviewing strategy is that I read a book blurb and request to review it. Then when the books come, I don’t re-read the blurb I just jump straight in. So when I opened Never by Tara Lain, I was a bit shocked to find that I had requested a book that had a Peter Pan theme. I wasn’t sure what I would be reading and this was my first book in the Pennymaker Tales (which can be read as a standalone), and I was impressed.
The whole concept of opposites is really explored here. Wen Darling is responsible, working a job he doesn’t love to support his siblings and on the other hand Peter is creative, flighty and completely about the moment. I found both Wen and Peter engaging and likable, the way the move together and then the friction of their different personalities worked well for the story. I often thought that they would never work together, but they…. Well you can read and see.
I am a huge believer in secondary characters. For me they make or break a book. And in Never, I think they make it. Hook and the Lost Boys really work for the story. Yes Hook is the bad guy, but he is so well written that I was drawn in (but I still didn’t like him).
My only real negative is a personal preference, and that is I don’t love books based on fairy tales or stories like this. And while I know lots of romance is based on the classic tales, when its overt I usually walk away. On this case I am really glad I didn’t, because it was a very enjoyable read. I will go out and find some other of the Pennymaker books to read now.
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
My usual reviewing strategy is that I read a book blurb and request to review it. Then when the books come, I don’t re-read the blurb I just jump straight in. So when I opened Never by Tara Lain, I was a bit shocked to find that I had requested a book that had a Peter Pan theme. I wasn’t sure what I would be reading and this was my first book in the Pennymaker Tales (which can be read as a standalone), and I was impressed.
The whole concept of opposites is really explored here. Wen Darling is responsible, working a job he doesn’t love to support his siblings and on the other hand Peter is creative, flighty and completely about the moment. I found both Wen and Peter engaging and likable, the way the move together and then the friction of their different personalities worked well for the story. I often thought that they would never work together, but they…. Well you can read and see.
I am a huge believer in secondary characters. For me they make or break a book. And in Never, I think they make it. Hook and the Lost Boys really work for the story. Yes Hook is the bad guy, but he is so well written that I was drawn in (but I still didn’t like him).
My only real negative is a personal preference, and that is I don’t love books based on fairy tales or stories like this. And while I know lots of romance is based on the classic tales, when its overt I usually walk away. On this case I am really glad I didn’t, because it was a very enjoyable read. I will go out and find some other of the Pennymaker books to read now.
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
October 20, 2018
1,5 stars
I'm a huge fan of Peter Pan and I've probably watched the move a thousand times when I was a kid - I just loved the crockodile ;)
So picking up a story based on Peter Pan should've been a win for me, but it just wasn't. I was bored plain and simple, and the whole story (series really) feels so unbelievable that I can't get passed that feeling and enjoy it. I know a lot of readers have enjoyed the book, but sadly I'm just not one of them.
I'm a huge fan of Peter Pan and I've probably watched the move a thousand times when I was a kid - I just loved the crockodile ;)
So picking up a story based on Peter Pan should've been a win for me, but it just wasn't. I was bored plain and simple, and the whole story (series really) feels so unbelievable that I can't get passed that feeling and enjoy it. I know a lot of readers have enjoyed the book, but sadly I'm just not one of them.
December 19, 2017
I'm not a big fan of Peter Pan so I think that dampened my enjoyment of this story. I was just annoyed by everyone. It wasn't bad, just not my favorite.
February 23, 2020
This was a great riff on the Peter Pan fairy tale that was absolutely captivating for the first three quarters, but just didn't quite seem to nail the ending with a bit of a rushed conclusion.
Wen is responsible because he needs to be. His mother was fun, beautiful, and full of life, but not a very good at caring and responsibilities. His father was working to support the whole family and died too soon. When both parents were gone suddenly Wen had both the responsibility to care for his siblings and to support them financially. Living his life to support them is all he has. When his ad company stands to lose a major contract and he needs something new, his search for an artist leads him to Peter.
Peter seems to be Wen's total opposite. Peter lives for his art, but doesn't do it to get rich. He has a loose group of friends but the allowance is there that anyone can leave at any time and everyone is responsible for themselves. Peter lives life freely and doesn't enjoy the rules and trappings of the 9-5 world that Wen is stuck in. However, when Wen approaches Peter about his art, Peter finds himself intrigued by the other man and the two are soon involved in a odd dance.
Some of the connections to Peter Pan felt a bit stretched. After all, Peter named himself Panachek, works at Neverland, and leads the band The Lost Boys so the connection is supposed to be obvious, yet no one thinks it is an assumed name. Not to mention that Wen's siblings apparently don't know the tale of Peter Pan and find it odd how Wen scoffs at the idea of where he works. Hooker is a drug dealer and is clearly dangerous but it is unclear exactly what power and control he has over the club and the Lost Boys that makes him so fearful beyond that. Then there is Tink. Apparently a permanently hyped up bundle of nerves and vacant weirdness, she talks high pitched and fast and is super obnoxiously overprotective of Peter. Finding out that she won't eat until Peter does isn't caring, it's a burden, and then when she gets continuously angry at Wen for what seems to be jealously it just gets annoying.
While these things hindered the story there were major elements that worked really well. Wen and Peter had a fascinating relationship, always coming together but sparking off in ways that didn't always go smoothly. It soon becomes clear that they aren't actually total opposites, but in some ways very similar. Peter is actually quite protective and caring of his Lost Boys, with plenty of responsibilities to them that keep him around. Wen chafes at the work he does, having it slowly stifle his creativity and joy even though it should be flourishing as builds the amazing campaigns for his company. This actually makes the two of them clash more often than not but it is interesting to see how things develop. It was something that could clearly be worked through as the two had strong feelings for each other and plenty of ways they worked well together, but they needed a bit more time than given in this book.
The ending sort of rushes things that could have happened over time. Honestly, all of these issues could have been resolved with time and actually addressing them within the story but they were sort of skipped over right to the HEA. It felt like the logical ending but with a bit of a jump that took away from the satisfaction of feeling to it.
Wen is responsible because he needs to be. His mother was fun, beautiful, and full of life, but not a very good at caring and responsibilities. His father was working to support the whole family and died too soon. When both parents were gone suddenly Wen had both the responsibility to care for his siblings and to support them financially. Living his life to support them is all he has. When his ad company stands to lose a major contract and he needs something new, his search for an artist leads him to Peter.
Peter seems to be Wen's total opposite. Peter lives for his art, but doesn't do it to get rich. He has a loose group of friends but the allowance is there that anyone can leave at any time and everyone is responsible for themselves. Peter lives life freely and doesn't enjoy the rules and trappings of the 9-5 world that Wen is stuck in. However, when Wen approaches Peter about his art, Peter finds himself intrigued by the other man and the two are soon involved in a odd dance.
Some of the connections to Peter Pan felt a bit stretched. After all, Peter named himself Panachek, works at Neverland, and leads the band The Lost Boys so the connection is supposed to be obvious, yet no one thinks it is an assumed name. Not to mention that Wen's siblings apparently don't know the tale of Peter Pan and find it odd how Wen scoffs at the idea of where he works. Hooker is a drug dealer and is clearly dangerous but it is unclear exactly what power and control he has over the club and the Lost Boys that makes him so fearful beyond that. Then there is Tink. Apparently a permanently hyped up bundle of nerves and vacant weirdness, she talks high pitched and fast and is super obnoxiously overprotective of Peter. Finding out that she won't eat until Peter does isn't caring, it's a burden, and then when she gets continuously angry at Wen for what seems to be jealously it just gets annoying.
While these things hindered the story there were major elements that worked really well. Wen and Peter had a fascinating relationship, always coming together but sparking off in ways that didn't always go smoothly. It soon becomes clear that they aren't actually total opposites, but in some ways very similar. Peter is actually quite protective and caring of his Lost Boys, with plenty of responsibilities to them that keep him around. Wen chafes at the work he does, having it slowly stifle his creativity and joy even though it should be flourishing as builds the amazing campaigns for his company. This actually makes the two of them clash more often than not but it is interesting to see how things develop. It was something that could clearly be worked through as the two had strong feelings for each other and plenty of ways they worked well together, but they needed a bit more time than given in this book.
The ending sort of rushes things that could have happened over time. Honestly, all of these issues could have been resolved with time and actually addressing them within the story but they were sort of skipped over right to the HEA. It felt like the logical ending but with a bit of a jump that took away from the satisfaction of feeling to it.
June 4, 2018
I received a free copy of this audiobook to listen to and review for Wicked Reads.
Having thoroughly enjoyed Sinders and Ash and Driven Snow (still scratching my head, wondering how I missed the release of Beauty, Inc. on audio), I jumped at the chance to review Never. Even though I have wishy-washy feelings toward Peter Pan that depend entirely upon its production, Tara Lain has won me over with her modern, m/m spin on the age-old classics, so I dove in without hesitation. Guys and gals, I have no other way to say it, I absolutely adored Never. Of the three Pennymaker Tales I’ve listened to, it’s my favorite. I won’t tell you how many times I listened to the final chapter simply because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Wen, Peter, Wen’s brother and sister, the Lost Boys, Tink, and Neverland.
For some, the opening scene might not be as attention grabbing as it was for me. You see, back in the day, before I realized how cutthroat the industry was and how thin-skinned and ill-suited I was for such a career, I had fanciful ideas of a career in advertising. Fortunately for me, I realized it was not meant to be before I ever got out of high school. But because of that, I was already connecting with and feeling for Wen and the frustrating “I told you so, but I can’t say it and not get fired” position he was in. I was feeling stabby for him and those feelings merely intensified as I learned more about Wen and his raising of his siblings, especially how that began long before his parents died. So, I was obviously pleased when Peter entered the picture and went against his instinct to run in order to help Wen out. That Wen and Peter are complete opposites merely adds flavor to the story as they both annoy and fascinate one another, all while falling in love – even if neither wants to admit it and all their friends and family can see it.
Keeping in mind that Never is a modern-day take on Peter Pan, parts of the storyline are predictable, while others are well-telegraphed, and yet… Lain and Kale Williams still managed to keep me glued to my Kindle and Echo Dot while I listened to the audiobook. I started the audiobook at work, listened to it in the car on the drive home (it’s only a 10-minute drive, and no, I couldn’t wait until I got home), and cued it up on my Dot as soon as I set my bags down and got the dog back inside. The only time I turned it off that night was when I had to do something that required my complete attention. Williams has done a fantastic job narrating this series and although it’s been a while since I listened to the first two books, I had to look them up to confirm it was the same narrator because I didn’t get that pang of recognition I tend to get when I’ve listened to a narrator several times. That’s not a bad thing, it simply means that Williams has done such a good job of creating character voices that I didn’t have an “Oh, that’s so and so from book x!” moment. I have narrators I love because I instantly recognize their voice and others are favorites because their range is so vast that I don’t always realize what other books they narrated until I look them up on Audible. Kale Williams falls into that second category and I cannot wait to go back and grab Beauty, Inc. to listen to while I wait for the next release. Some days I love Peter Pan, some days I don’t, but I cannot imagine a day when I stop loving Never because Lain and Williams did such a wonderful job on it. Yep, it’s my favorite of The Pennymaker Tales yet.
Having thoroughly enjoyed Sinders and Ash and Driven Snow (still scratching my head, wondering how I missed the release of Beauty, Inc. on audio), I jumped at the chance to review Never. Even though I have wishy-washy feelings toward Peter Pan that depend entirely upon its production, Tara Lain has won me over with her modern, m/m spin on the age-old classics, so I dove in without hesitation. Guys and gals, I have no other way to say it, I absolutely adored Never. Of the three Pennymaker Tales I’ve listened to, it’s my favorite. I won’t tell you how many times I listened to the final chapter simply because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Wen, Peter, Wen’s brother and sister, the Lost Boys, Tink, and Neverland.
For some, the opening scene might not be as attention grabbing as it was for me. You see, back in the day, before I realized how cutthroat the industry was and how thin-skinned and ill-suited I was for such a career, I had fanciful ideas of a career in advertising. Fortunately for me, I realized it was not meant to be before I ever got out of high school. But because of that, I was already connecting with and feeling for Wen and the frustrating “I told you so, but I can’t say it and not get fired” position he was in. I was feeling stabby for him and those feelings merely intensified as I learned more about Wen and his raising of his siblings, especially how that began long before his parents died. So, I was obviously pleased when Peter entered the picture and went against his instinct to run in order to help Wen out. That Wen and Peter are complete opposites merely adds flavor to the story as they both annoy and fascinate one another, all while falling in love – even if neither wants to admit it and all their friends and family can see it.
Keeping in mind that Never is a modern-day take on Peter Pan, parts of the storyline are predictable, while others are well-telegraphed, and yet… Lain and Kale Williams still managed to keep me glued to my Kindle and Echo Dot while I listened to the audiobook. I started the audiobook at work, listened to it in the car on the drive home (it’s only a 10-minute drive, and no, I couldn’t wait until I got home), and cued it up on my Dot as soon as I set my bags down and got the dog back inside. The only time I turned it off that night was when I had to do something that required my complete attention. Williams has done a fantastic job narrating this series and although it’s been a while since I listened to the first two books, I had to look them up to confirm it was the same narrator because I didn’t get that pang of recognition I tend to get when I’ve listened to a narrator several times. That’s not a bad thing, it simply means that Williams has done such a good job of creating character voices that I didn’t have an “Oh, that’s so and so from book x!” moment. I have narrators I love because I instantly recognize their voice and others are favorites because their range is so vast that I don’t always realize what other books they narrated until I look them up on Audible. Kale Williams falls into that second category and I cannot wait to go back and grab Beauty, Inc. to listen to while I wait for the next release. Some days I love Peter Pan, some days I don’t, but I cannot imagine a day when I stop loving Never because Lain and Williams did such a wonderful job on it. Yep, it’s my favorite of The Pennymaker Tales yet.
November 9, 2017
4 out of 5 stars
Description ~
Wendell “Wen” Darling lives in a world of shoulds and musts. Left to care for his brother and sister by his dull drudge of a father and wacko irresponsible mother, he suppresses his creativity, slaving in an ad agency seventy hours a week, letting his no-talent supervisor take the credit.
Then his bosses blow the campaign for their biggest client and Wen gets a chance to shine—but only if he can find the artist who painted a wild, glorious wall of graffiti in the subway. Hiding behind a pillar at 2:00 a.m., Wen comes face-to-face with the scarlet-haired, elven-faced embodiment of his divergent opposite—Peter Panachek, the flighty, live-for-today painter, singer, and leader of the rock group the Lost Boys. Everything Wen takes seriously, Peter laughs off, but opposites attract, even if their kisses always lead to battles. Peter’s devil-may-care persona hides a world of secrets, self-protection, and hidden fears, until the day a drug dealer, Vadon Hooker, threatens everything Wen holds dear. Guided by the mysterious Mr. Pennymaker, Peter has to choose between facing responsibility or burrowing even deeper into Neverland.
My Review ~
Never is the fourth book in the Pennymaker Tales series, and this one could probably be read as a standalone. The only recurring character from the other books is Mr Pennymaker, himself.
Never is the author's unique take on the Peter Pan faerie tale. I'm not completely sure this retelling worked for this reader though. I did enjoy the story as a whole but I truly had trouble connecting with Peter's character. He was so secretive, even with his Lost Boys crew that his real self didn't seem to ever make a full appearance. There were many moments that really worked and brought out Peter, mostly when he was with Samu, or Wen and his siblings.
Also, the dynamic between Wen and Peter as potential lovers didn't always hit the right connection points every time they were on page together. I think that boils down to Wen was overly concerned with how Peter acted/reacted vs seeing who Peter truly was and how Peter interacted with others. He saw too much in Peter's actions that weren't there and it seemed like he liked that wedge between them. Conversely when they clicked, they really worked well together. So this review is probably one of the hardest I've had to write in a while because I love the author's stories, and I love the tale of Peter Pan.
Again, I did enjoy the story overall, there were just moments that Peter didn't hit the mark for me. The story is well told, the characters as a whole are fun and engaging, and the story did create growth for the two main characters. I'll always say that every reader should pick up a book and form their own opinion... in this case what didn't work for me may work well for other readers. Plus this is another Pennymaker Tale and they need to be read because they are generally enjoyable, and fun stories.
So definitely pick up this one for your holiday reading list and sit down and enjoy a trip into Neverland with The Lost Boys.
Description ~
Wendell “Wen” Darling lives in a world of shoulds and musts. Left to care for his brother and sister by his dull drudge of a father and wacko irresponsible mother, he suppresses his creativity, slaving in an ad agency seventy hours a week, letting his no-talent supervisor take the credit.
Then his bosses blow the campaign for their biggest client and Wen gets a chance to shine—but only if he can find the artist who painted a wild, glorious wall of graffiti in the subway. Hiding behind a pillar at 2:00 a.m., Wen comes face-to-face with the scarlet-haired, elven-faced embodiment of his divergent opposite—Peter Panachek, the flighty, live-for-today painter, singer, and leader of the rock group the Lost Boys. Everything Wen takes seriously, Peter laughs off, but opposites attract, even if their kisses always lead to battles. Peter’s devil-may-care persona hides a world of secrets, self-protection, and hidden fears, until the day a drug dealer, Vadon Hooker, threatens everything Wen holds dear. Guided by the mysterious Mr. Pennymaker, Peter has to choose between facing responsibility or burrowing even deeper into Neverland.
My Review ~
Never is the fourth book in the Pennymaker Tales series, and this one could probably be read as a standalone. The only recurring character from the other books is Mr Pennymaker, himself.
Never is the author's unique take on the Peter Pan faerie tale. I'm not completely sure this retelling worked for this reader though. I did enjoy the story as a whole but I truly had trouble connecting with Peter's character. He was so secretive, even with his Lost Boys crew that his real self didn't seem to ever make a full appearance. There were many moments that really worked and brought out Peter, mostly when he was with Samu, or Wen and his siblings.
Also, the dynamic between Wen and Peter as potential lovers didn't always hit the right connection points every time they were on page together. I think that boils down to Wen was overly concerned with how Peter acted/reacted vs seeing who Peter truly was and how Peter interacted with others. He saw too much in Peter's actions that weren't there and it seemed like he liked that wedge between them. Conversely when they clicked, they really worked well together. So this review is probably one of the hardest I've had to write in a while because I love the author's stories, and I love the tale of Peter Pan.
Again, I did enjoy the story overall, there were just moments that Peter didn't hit the mark for me. The story is well told, the characters as a whole are fun and engaging, and the story did create growth for the two main characters. I'll always say that every reader should pick up a book and form their own opinion... in this case what didn't work for me may work well for other readers. Plus this is another Pennymaker Tale and they need to be read because they are generally enjoyable, and fun stories.
So definitely pick up this one for your holiday reading list and sit down and enjoy a trip into Neverland with The Lost Boys.
September 4, 2020
Never is the fourth book in the ‘Pennymaker’ series. It stars Wendell Darling, an assistant creative ad director, and Peter, artist and singer. The story is told in third person through Wen, Peter, and Tink’s pov.
I received this book from the author for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I received this book from the author for an honest and unbiased opinion.
November 8, 2017
Of all those in the Pennymaker series, I have to say this one is my favorite. I liked the whimsy of Peter even though he was bogged down with worries. I loved the friends he had that were there for him no matter what and even though he would say he was about no responsibilities and worry he took care of his friends and made sure they were okay. I loved how Wen tried to make these better for his brother and sister and loved them no matter what. How he sacrificed for them so they can have a better life and feel loved and safe.
All the characters have a place in your heart but Wen and Peter will take top billing. So will their friends and family. You see how close they all are and how they protect, help and support each other. You feel the love of Wen and his siblings for each other, Peter’s and his friends for one another as well. But the love you feel spark the pages is Peter’s and Wen’s.
Peter was hiding not only from others but from himself. He didn’t want to face what was there and it was Wen and Mr. Pennymaker that do this. Oh and Wen’s adorable brother and sister. Peter learns from Wen that he can follow his dreams and still have love and family. That being serious doesn’t need to take away the whimsy you have in you. Wen learns Peter that we all need whimsy in our lives. He learns that love is what matters and learning to allow yourself to enjoy life and love doesn’t have to take away from your responsibilities. They teach each other balance in work/life and that love matters.
Wen shows Peter support and belief in his art and him. Peter shows him that being whimsical and fun doesn’t mean you forget the world around you and others but helps to balance you and make you whole. The save each other in so many ways in this book. From Wen’s ad campaign, to belief in themselves and love that is meaningful. they give each other family.
When Wen first meets Peter he has a skewed view of him as Peter does him. But they are each intrigued by the other. Wen needs Peter’s help and Peter is reluctant to give it. But he learns more about Wen and agrees. From that the spark ignites and we are set on a journey. A fun, sometimes whimsical journey of love, life and laughter.
All the characters have a place in your heart but Wen and Peter will take top billing. So will their friends and family. You see how close they all are and how they protect, help and support each other. You feel the love of Wen and his siblings for each other, Peter’s and his friends for one another as well. But the love you feel spark the pages is Peter’s and Wen’s.
Peter was hiding not only from others but from himself. He didn’t want to face what was there and it was Wen and Mr. Pennymaker that do this. Oh and Wen’s adorable brother and sister. Peter learns from Wen that he can follow his dreams and still have love and family. That being serious doesn’t need to take away the whimsy you have in you. Wen learns Peter that we all need whimsy in our lives. He learns that love is what matters and learning to allow yourself to enjoy life and love doesn’t have to take away from your responsibilities. They teach each other balance in work/life and that love matters.
Wen shows Peter support and belief in his art and him. Peter shows him that being whimsical and fun doesn’t mean you forget the world around you and others but helps to balance you and make you whole. The save each other in so many ways in this book. From Wen’s ad campaign, to belief in themselves and love that is meaningful. they give each other family.
When Wen first meets Peter he has a skewed view of him as Peter does him. But they are each intrigued by the other. Wen needs Peter’s help and Peter is reluctant to give it. But he learns more about Wen and agrees. From that the spark ignites and we are set on a journey. A fun, sometimes whimsical journey of love, life and laughter.
November 10, 2017
Wendell Darling is a young creative at an ad agency looking for a unique spin for an organic peanut butter campaign. His bosses aren’t fantastic and he works long hours to support his younger sister Michaela and young brother John. Their father died years ago and he’s pretty-sure his fly-by-night mother is dead too. Even if she wasn’t, she was no help while she was alive anyway.
One night while heading home late, Wen sees a bit of wall tagging in the subway that blows his mind. He’s sure that whomever the artist is, it’s the new outre look his campaign needs. Encouraged by Michaela and John, Wen stakes out the subway station and waits to find the artist–if possible. The merry band of folks he meets takes his breath away–particularly the red-haired leader of the pack: Peter Panacheck.
Peter doesn’t want any spotlights on him; he does art because it needs doing. Not that his wealthy father would ever indulge him in such foolishness. But if Daddy Megabucks can’t find him, then Peter can continue doing what fills his soul, if not his belly. He hangs with The Lost Boys, a band that plays the Club Neverland, and sometimes sings with them too. He’s not interested in Wen’s proposal for commissioned art. A peanut butter ad? Get real! But the Lost Boys are in need of funds, and he’s hopeful that getting some scratch together will help keep Vadon Hooker, slimy drug lord extraordinaire, at bay.
I really enjoy the twists these fairytales endure when this author bends them into m/m romances. It’s a fun progression of meeting, attraction and intrigue as the love story builds. Wen struggles with his attraction to Peter, who seems a new incarnation of his flighty mother. He’s got serious abandonment issues. Peter sees Wen as a father analogue, and that’s not cool, either, as his father was autocratic and wanted to force Peter into a job he was bound to hate. I liked the missing persons theme, and how it played out here. Peter’s band of lost boys were intriguing, too. Tink was a better character than I expected, and I liked how she was both problem and solution for Peter. The Peter Pan mythos is a fun one to play around with and the story really did it justice, while making an enjoyable romance, too.
One night while heading home late, Wen sees a bit of wall tagging in the subway that blows his mind. He’s sure that whomever the artist is, it’s the new outre look his campaign needs. Encouraged by Michaela and John, Wen stakes out the subway station and waits to find the artist–if possible. The merry band of folks he meets takes his breath away–particularly the red-haired leader of the pack: Peter Panacheck.
Peter doesn’t want any spotlights on him; he does art because it needs doing. Not that his wealthy father would ever indulge him in such foolishness. But if Daddy Megabucks can’t find him, then Peter can continue doing what fills his soul, if not his belly. He hangs with The Lost Boys, a band that plays the Club Neverland, and sometimes sings with them too. He’s not interested in Wen’s proposal for commissioned art. A peanut butter ad? Get real! But the Lost Boys are in need of funds, and he’s hopeful that getting some scratch together will help keep Vadon Hooker, slimy drug lord extraordinaire, at bay.
I really enjoy the twists these fairytales endure when this author bends them into m/m romances. It’s a fun progression of meeting, attraction and intrigue as the love story builds. Wen struggles with his attraction to Peter, who seems a new incarnation of his flighty mother. He’s got serious abandonment issues. Peter sees Wen as a father analogue, and that’s not cool, either, as his father was autocratic and wanted to force Peter into a job he was bound to hate. I liked the missing persons theme, and how it played out here. Peter’s band of lost boys were intriguing, too. Tink was a better character than I expected, and I liked how she was both problem and solution for Peter. The Peter Pan mythos is a fun one to play around with and the story really did it justice, while making an enjoyable romance, too.
Read
June 5, 2023Quatrième tome des contes de Pennymaker, avec cette fois la revisite de Peter Pan.
Peter Panachek est un artiste, un créateur, un esprit libre, qui vit entouré de son groupe de musique, les Lost Boys, donnant des concerts au Pays imaginaire, sorte de club local officiellement géré par Mouse, mais où traine souvent un certain Hooker, à l'aura menaçante.
Un soir, alors que Peter et ses amis viennent effacer la sublime fresque qu'ils ont créée dans le métro (l'art est éphémère et il préfère l'effacer lui-même que laisser les employés du métro le faire), ils sont interpellés par un jeune homme qui veut absolument que Peter soit le créateur d'un concept servant de base à une campagne publicitaire. Peter, le business, c'est pas son truc... mais le jeune homme est tellement beau, avec ses yeux d'ange et ses boucles blondes...
Wendell Darling est un jeune homme de 23 ans un peu écrasé par ses responsabilités : son père s'est tué au travail pendant que sa mère, artiste dans l'âme, s'amusait et refusait toute contrainte. Bien avant sa disparition, il s'occupait déjà de sa soeur, Michaela et de John, son frère, et il peine à joindre les deux bouts. Assistant d'un créateur plutôt tyrannique dans la communication, il se voit confier la responsabilité de la nouvelle campagne d'une société de beurre de cacahuète... et semble avoir trouvé le concept idéal avec cette fresque découverte dans le métro. Si seulement le créateur voulait bosser avec lui ... et si seulement il n'était pas si beau, peut-être arriverait-il à être moins troublé par ses yeux de lutins et plus persuasif ?
Deux mondes qui se télescopent, un méchant pas très malin, un patron aussi bête que tyrannique, un gamin malin, un groupe d'amis un peu barges, un secret de famille, une prise de conscience et les miracles du mystérieux Carstairs Pennymaker.
Comme les tomes précédents, c'est mignon et rafraichissant, bien loin de la série Il était une fois de mes chouchous, Axel et Evan. Mais c'est le genre de lecture légère, sans prise de tête car on sait que ça finira très bien, qu'on survole un peu par moments, et où le jeu est de trouver les similitudes entres le conte d'origine et le roman.
Peter Panachek est un artiste, un créateur, un esprit libre, qui vit entouré de son groupe de musique, les Lost Boys, donnant des concerts au Pays imaginaire, sorte de club local officiellement géré par Mouse, mais où traine souvent un certain Hooker, à l'aura menaçante.
Un soir, alors que Peter et ses amis viennent effacer la sublime fresque qu'ils ont créée dans le métro (l'art est éphémère et il préfère l'effacer lui-même que laisser les employés du métro le faire), ils sont interpellés par un jeune homme qui veut absolument que Peter soit le créateur d'un concept servant de base à une campagne publicitaire. Peter, le business, c'est pas son truc... mais le jeune homme est tellement beau, avec ses yeux d'ange et ses boucles blondes...
Wendell Darling est un jeune homme de 23 ans un peu écrasé par ses responsabilités : son père s'est tué au travail pendant que sa mère, artiste dans l'âme, s'amusait et refusait toute contrainte. Bien avant sa disparition, il s'occupait déjà de sa soeur, Michaela et de John, son frère, et il peine à joindre les deux bouts. Assistant d'un créateur plutôt tyrannique dans la communication, il se voit confier la responsabilité de la nouvelle campagne d'une société de beurre de cacahuète... et semble avoir trouvé le concept idéal avec cette fresque découverte dans le métro. Si seulement le créateur voulait bosser avec lui ... et si seulement il n'était pas si beau, peut-être arriverait-il à être moins troublé par ses yeux de lutins et plus persuasif ?
Deux mondes qui se télescopent, un méchant pas très malin, un patron aussi bête que tyrannique, un gamin malin, un groupe d'amis un peu barges, un secret de famille, une prise de conscience et les miracles du mystérieux Carstairs Pennymaker.
Comme les tomes précédents, c'est mignon et rafraichissant, bien loin de la série Il était une fois de mes chouchous, Axel et Evan. Mais c'est le genre de lecture légère, sans prise de tête car on sait que ça finira très bien, qu'on survole un peu par moments, et où le jeu est de trouver les similitudes entres le conte d'origine et le roman.
November 3, 2017
Peter Pan has never really been a favorite fairy tale of mine to begin with. However, this was an intriguing translation from fairy tale to contemporary romance. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. Wendell is very relatable and Peter is endearingly wild. Wendell's siblings were great and I particularly liked John's enthusiasm. Peter's cast of friends were fun, though Tink and Dudish gave me some mixed feelings at times. Peter and Wendell's magnetic push and pull was a little daunting at first, but then it just sort of clicked. They have some tangible chemistry and I just kept hoping they'd move on it. Whenever they did though, it blew up leaving everybody frustrated. It made it all the more satisfying when they got it together.
Peter's art jumps off the page so beautifully clear. I got lost in the magic of that itself. I'd love to see it brought to life. I feel like I call books predictible pretty often, but I have to say that I didn't quite see this ending playing out exactly the way it did. It was refreshing and I absolutely loved it!
Never is fun ride through finding balance in life and loving someone that compliments your own nature. Peter and Wendell definitely bring out greatness in each other. If you're wanting a neat spin on a classic, look no further!
Peter's art jumps off the page so beautifully clear. I got lost in the magic of that itself. I'd love to see it brought to life. I feel like I call books predictible pretty often, but I have to say that I didn't quite see this ending playing out exactly the way it did. It was refreshing and I absolutely loved it!
Never is fun ride through finding balance in life and loving someone that compliments your own nature. Peter and Wendell definitely bring out greatness in each other. If you're wanting a neat spin on a classic, look no further!
April 21, 2018
So, this was a perfectly fine book, but I found myself getting hung up by weird details. Like, I found the fact that they were going to do this incredibly creative, artistic, off the wall peanut butter ad to be jarring. Yes, I get the fact that the peanut butter thing was almost certainly a reference to Peter Pan peanut butter, but I just found it hard to get behind the idea of artistic, creative peanut butter. That isn't to say I'm some kind of expert in the field (I'm not), so maybe it can be pulled off, but when I want peanut butter, I don't think "artistic" or "creative." And I like peanut butter.
I also had a hard time getting the urgency of why Peter needed to stay hidden, once the reason he was supposedly hiding actually came out. He's an adult. He's already living in abject poverty. What exactly else he thought was going to happen to him such that he couldn't stand up for himself was unclear.
The ending was also pretty weird for me, what with the . It took a lot of the romance out of the situation because it took a lot of Peter's ability to consent out of the situation.
I also had a hard time getting the urgency of why Peter needed to stay hidden, once the reason he was supposedly hiding actually came out. He's an adult. He's already living in abject poverty. What exactly else he thought was going to happen to him such that he couldn't stand up for himself was unclear.
The ending was also pretty weird for me, what with the . It took a lot of the romance out of the situation because it took a lot of Peter's ability to consent out of the situation.
November 7, 2017
4.25 / 5 Stars
You can count on Tara Lain's Pennymaker series if you feel like reading a contemporary re-telling of your favorite tales. She never disappoints.
I find it hilarious that I didn't remember the story is a retelling of Peter Pan until all the names rang a bell *blushes*.
Anyway, even though this is not one of my favorite tales the author did a great job at twisting and re-doing the whole story, adding her own touches and making the characters shine with a new light. Despite their differences, Wen and Peter's relationship is bound to happen because it's an inevitable love. Through their time together, they learn what makes the other so special, the likes and dislikes. Understanding and acceptance, with many misunderstanding in the middle, are two main subjects we get to see within the pages of this book. It's a rocky path but nothing can stop them, I liked that mistakes could be corrected in the end.
The plot has kids, great secondary characters, kind of hurt/comfort, insta-lust, some action, and many fluffy feelings and a engaging development.
Retellings are not easy but I'm loving this series more with each passing book.
You can count on Tara Lain's Pennymaker series if you feel like reading a contemporary re-telling of your favorite tales. She never disappoints.
I find it hilarious that I didn't remember the story is a retelling of Peter Pan until all the names rang a bell *blushes*.
Anyway, even though this is not one of my favorite tales the author did a great job at twisting and re-doing the whole story, adding her own touches and making the characters shine with a new light. Despite their differences, Wen and Peter's relationship is bound to happen because it's an inevitable love. Through their time together, they learn what makes the other so special, the likes and dislikes. Understanding and acceptance, with many misunderstanding in the middle, are two main subjects we get to see within the pages of this book. It's a rocky path but nothing can stop them, I liked that mistakes could be corrected in the end.
The plot has kids, great secondary characters, kind of hurt/comfort, insta-lust, some action, and many fluffy feelings and a engaging development.
Retellings are not easy but I'm loving this series more with each passing book.
September 4, 2020
A quirky re-telling of Peter Pan.
Wendell Darling is in trouble at work. He needs a new ad campaign fast. He can’t lose his job because he has a sister, Michaela, and his brother John, that he supports. He see some graffiti and knows he has to find the artist because the work is perfect. Peter is in hiding and when he’s tracked down by Wen, against his better judgement he agrees to help the man, with stipulations.
An odd story for me, I like Wen and his family a lot. Peter grew on me towards the end. The Lost Boys except for Samu, were kind of a non issue. Tink was definitely my least favorite character, she could of been left out of the story, (sorry Tink, that sounds harsh but it is what it is). The villains were very over the top and villainous as they should be. Mr. Pennymaker showed up towards the end to smooth out Wen and Peter’s futures.
Of all the books in The Pennymaker Tales this one is probably my least favorite. The writing was excellent. There just felt like something was lacking in the story.
I received an arc of this book.
Wendell Darling is in trouble at work. He needs a new ad campaign fast. He can’t lose his job because he has a sister, Michaela, and his brother John, that he supports. He see some graffiti and knows he has to find the artist because the work is perfect. Peter is in hiding and when he’s tracked down by Wen, against his better judgement he agrees to help the man, with stipulations.
An odd story for me, I like Wen and his family a lot. Peter grew on me towards the end. The Lost Boys except for Samu, were kind of a non issue. Tink was definitely my least favorite character, she could of been left out of the story, (sorry Tink, that sounds harsh but it is what it is). The villains were very over the top and villainous as they should be. Mr. Pennymaker showed up towards the end to smooth out Wen and Peter’s futures.
Of all the books in The Pennymaker Tales this one is probably my least favorite. The writing was excellent. There just felt like something was lacking in the story.
I received an arc of this book.
October 21, 2020
3.5 Stars
I liked this book, just didn't love it. It was an interesting retelling of the Peter Pan story though. I actually quite liked the idea of the art that Peter creates and the campaign that Wendell put together around it all. I liked the whimsy and colorful world that it created. I liked the cast of characters, as strange as a lot of them are. But I felt like certain elements of the story were forced to create an artificial drama and weren't as realistic as i would have liked. Things like Wen's brothers obsession after one quick meeting with Peter was over the top, especially as it made it seem like he didn't care at all for Wen and was ready to throw over his loving brother for this stranger. Sure it set up the ending drama, but for the timeline it felt forced.
Still I was entertained throughout and I enjoyed Mr. Pennymaker's intervention as always. This was a fun little story if a bit absurd as any good fairytale is.
I liked this book, just didn't love it. It was an interesting retelling of the Peter Pan story though. I actually quite liked the idea of the art that Peter creates and the campaign that Wendell put together around it all. I liked the whimsy and colorful world that it created. I liked the cast of characters, as strange as a lot of them are. But I felt like certain elements of the story were forced to create an artificial drama and weren't as realistic as i would have liked. Things like Wen's brothers obsession after one quick meeting with Peter was over the top, especially as it made it seem like he didn't care at all for Wen and was ready to throw over his loving brother for this stranger. Sure it set up the ending drama, but for the timeline it felt forced.
Still I was entertained throughout and I enjoyed Mr. Pennymaker's intervention as always. This was a fun little story if a bit absurd as any good fairytale is.
September 14, 2020
Two men who could not be more different. One is uptight and one lives his life as a free spirit. Yet love is ready to find Wendell and Peter. Will the two men give love a chance to grow or will their pasts ruin it all before it even gets started?
I enjoyed Peter and Wendell’s story. The two may be opposites but they work well together. Their story is full of emotion and turmoil and the men must work hard to find a happy ever after. The two have their own demons to fight but find a way to let others in to help. I loved seeing their relationship grow and take shape. As you read their story you can recognize the inspiration for this story. This is a nice addition to the Pennymaker Tales series.
September 14, 2020
I loved this play on the classic Peter Pan tale. Peter and Wen seem like such opposites but can't help but fall for each other anyway. Peter's art sounds amazing and I wish it was something that we could see. I loved the Lost Boys and Tink as well as John and Michaela. The way that Hook and Smee were worked into the story was great too with Hooker and Smee. The story was intense and the scenes between Peter and Wen were steamy and imaginative. I loved seeing Mr. Pennymaker again, he's such a great character. I hope that there will be more books to come in this series. I definitely recommend this one.
September 14, 2020
3.5* total.
Peter Pan was never my favourite fairytale, having enjoyed all the other Pennymaker books I gave it ago, I found it to be ok, but I couldn’t really get in to the storyline, this could have been due to my previously stated bias or how I was feeling on the day I read it.
I did find the writing as always to be engaging as were the characters, they were are there Wen, Peter, Tinkerbell, lost boys and Mr Hook who as ever is up to no good.
I have given this book 4* for the writing as I like Tara Lain’s style, but for my personal enjoyment this time around I give it 3* so in total I give Never a rating of 3.5*.
Peter Pan was never my favourite fairytale, having enjoyed all the other Pennymaker books I gave it ago, I found it to be ok, but I couldn’t really get in to the storyline, this could have been due to my previously stated bias or how I was feeling on the day I read it.
I did find the writing as always to be engaging as were the characters, they were are there Wen, Peter, Tinkerbell, lost boys and Mr Hook who as ever is up to no good.
I have given this book 4* for the writing as I like Tara Lain’s style, but for my personal enjoyment this time around I give it 3* so in total I give Never a rating of 3.5*.
January 22, 2018
What can I say? Ms. Lain writes the stories I love to read! I have enjoyed every story in this series and would be hard-pressed to pick a favorite, so, I won't try! ;D
Peter and Wen are two sides of the same coin... they just don't know it yet! I loved the play on the names from Peter Pan for the characters in the story and of course, where would everyone be without Mr. P? I was a little concerned when he didn't show up at first, but up he popped when he was needed!
I don't know if there is going to be another Pennymaker book, but if there is, I look forward to reading it! :D
Peter and Wen are two sides of the same coin... they just don't know it yet! I loved the play on the names from Peter Pan for the characters in the story and of course, where would everyone be without Mr. P? I was a little concerned when he didn't show up at first, but up he popped when he was needed!
I don't know if there is going to be another Pennymaker book, but if there is, I look forward to reading it! :D
December 8, 2018
3.5 stars
I always enjoy these fairytales retold and in this one we get Peter (not quite a fairytale but definitely close enough!), the lost boys, Wendell, John and Michaela. I loved Samu - the big gentle giant with all the answers. And of course Mr Pennymaker.
I didn't enjoy the anticipation of the Hook element so much - ithe atmosphere around the story felt heavy as we waited for the outcome. But the relationships were great and kept me happy.
Narrated by Kale Williams - 4.5 stars. Very good characterisation.
I always enjoy these fairytales retold and in this one we get Peter (not quite a fairytale but definitely close enough!), the lost boys, Wendell, John and Michaela. I loved Samu - the big gentle giant with all the answers. And of course Mr Pennymaker.
I didn't enjoy the anticipation of the Hook element so much - ithe atmosphere around the story felt heavy as we waited for the outcome. But the relationships were great and kept me happy.
Narrated by Kale Williams - 4.5 stars. Very good characterisation.
September 1, 2020
Never by Tara Lain was given to me in exchange for an honest review. A new twist on Peter Pan story Wen, an asst creative director for an ad agency and guardian to his 2 siblings is desperate to keep his job. Peter, an artist who is hiding from responsibilities he doesn't want runs into Wen who is waiting for him so he can hire him. Throughout this book we have the characters looking at each other as opposites because of past experiences but with the help of Mr Cairstairs and the family Peter has made we find responsibilities with a touch of whimsy makes a great life with the one you love.
September 13, 2020
I love these retellings. How you cant tell how the story will pan out.
Wendalls current employer ignores his sugfeations and almost loses a large account, then uses his concept and takes the credit.
Peter left his family as they tried to force him to be someone hes not. He loves his art and wants to enioy his life, without responsiblities sucking the life out of him.
Wen loves Peters art, and persuades him to help with his concept. After meeting Wens responsibilities. Peter adores John and Michaela.
This is amazing retelling of Peter Pan. With the fabulous Carstairs saving the day
Wendalls current employer ignores his sugfeations and almost loses a large account, then uses his concept and takes the credit.
Peter left his family as they tried to force him to be someone hes not. He loves his art and wants to enioy his life, without responsiblities sucking the life out of him.
Wen loves Peters art, and persuades him to help with his concept. After meeting Wens responsibilities. Peter adores John and Michaela.
This is amazing retelling of Peter Pan. With the fabulous Carstairs saving the day
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