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The Dirty Heroes Collection #5
Never Lost
Once upon a time, a scorned Queen opened a box, unleashing horrible evil on the world's heroes. Instead of gallantry and chivalry, they now possessed much more perverse traits. They’ve fallen victim to their darkest and most deviant desires. This is one of their stories... Shadows are formed by objects blocking rays of light. Just not mine. Its darkness is ever-present, taunting me, tricking me into doing things a man should never do, but I've learned to embrace it. Will she? Lost in dreams of a life anywhere but here, she's ignorant to the danger perched just outside the window. Taking her will be easy. But can I teach her to fly?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2020
50 people are currently reading
1318 people want to read
About the author
T.L. Mayhew
23 books372 followersTL Mayhew is a Contemporary and Dark Romance writer from Nebraska. Her love for reading started back in elementary school when her favorite books, The Black Stallion, Black Beauty and Misty of Chincoteague all seemed to have one theme... a horse as the leading character. It's fair to say that since then her reading tastes have changed and now, instead of a horse as the leading character it's a hot alpha.
In high school TL took a creative writing class where she received high praise for her work. At that same time though, boys caught her interest and any urge to write went via the way side.
It wasn't until she married and had two kids, that TL put any thought in to writing. And even then it was close to a year before any words were put on paper. Amazingly those words were the direct result of a question "Do you want to give it a try?" from an Author TL idolizes. If it weren't for that question she may never have realized her love for writing and wouldn't have her first work releasing in January 2018.
In high school TL took a creative writing class where she received high praise for her work. At that same time though, boys caught her interest and any urge to write went via the way side.
It wasn't until she married and had two kids, that TL put any thought in to writing. And even then it was close to a year before any words were put on paper. Amazingly those words were the direct result of a question "Do you want to give it a try?" from an Author TL idolizes. If it weren't for that question she may never have realized her love for writing and wouldn't have her first work releasing in January 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 16, 2020
Never Lost is book five in The Dirty Heroes Collection. Each book can be read as a stand-alone and as these books are so good I highly recommend you read them all. This is a brilliant story. It’s got a unique storyline and some brilliant characters. I inhaled this in one evening as I couldn’t put it down. Definitely need to read more from this author in the future :)
May 11, 2020
I've always been a sucker for fairy tales, but now they're a bit more mature...maybe even bordering on dirtier. Never Lost is TL Mayhew's twisted homage to Peter Pan and I found it very inventive and could not put it down. Winsley daydreams about a popular actor on the rebound, Preston. When her friend tells her of an opportunity to be cast as an extra in a movie he is shooting, Winsley realizes it may be her only chance to meet her idol. Little do they both know, their meeting will alter their futures in unpredictable ways.
Preston's ex, Tink, can't deal with his sexual urges and once she sleeps with another they are over. However, Tink isn't done with the actor nor his dismissal of her advances. Another person from Preston's past pops up and once all the players are in place, Ms. Mayhew puts them through their paces. There is instant attraction, long held grudges, a jealous ex, a wannabe star, an an innocent woman is the catalyst for all the action.
While this is a novella a lot of action takes place and the reader is drawn into the drama from the beginning and held in the author's spell until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed Never Lost and look forward to more from this author in the future.
Preston's ex, Tink, can't deal with his sexual urges and once she sleeps with another they are over. However, Tink isn't done with the actor nor his dismissal of her advances. Another person from Preston's past pops up and once all the players are in place, Ms. Mayhew puts them through their paces. There is instant attraction, long held grudges, a jealous ex, a wannabe star, an an innocent woman is the catalyst for all the action.
While this is a novella a lot of action takes place and the reader is drawn into the drama from the beginning and held in the author's spell until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed Never Lost and look forward to more from this author in the future.
June 30, 2020
*New to me author
Never Lost is part of The Dirty Heroes Collection, and although you do not have to read them in the order they come out, I always try to.
Never Lost is a shorter story of a retelling of Peter Pan. Winsley & Preston have a dark and twisted story to tell. I had to keep reminding myself that this is not a typical story and to take it as what it is. A dirty retelling. But I have to say I did not find a Hero in this retelling.
May 15, 2020
I am loving this dark retelling of Peter Pan. Set in the modern Hollywood scene, Winsley and Preston meet and everything starts taking place. Preston has dark desires but Tink is not done with him. Winsley has loved him from afar and now has her chance. It's twisted, dark, sexy, with some twists and turns that makes me like this retelling so much better than the original. It's short but packs so much that you don't feel like you miss out on anything.
May 16, 2020
I really enjoyed what this author brought to her retelling of Peter Pan! I really like how unique the dynamic of the story was and how she made it relevant to today’s time! I only wish it was longer for more of character growth and development!
Want to read
September 3, 2020
Blurb:
Once upon a time, a scorned Queen opened a box, unleashing horrible evil on the world's heroes.
Instead of gallantry and chivalry, they now possessed much more perverse traits.
They’ve fallen victim to their darkest and most deviant desires.
This is one of their stories...
Shadows are formed by objects blocking rays of light.
Just not mine.
Its darkness is ever-present, taunting me, tricking me into doing things a man should never do, but I've learned to embrace it.
Will she?
Lost in dreams of a life anywhere but here, she's ignorant to the danger perched just outside the window.
Taking her will be easy.
But can I teach her to fly?
Part of The Dirty Heroes Collection, fourteen standalone novels depicting a well-known hero from your favorite Disney classics and each can be read as a stand-alone:
Dirty Heroes Collection
May 15, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Once upon a time, a scorned Queen opened a box, unleashing horrible evil on the world's hero's. Instead of gallantry and chivalry, they now possessed much more perverse traits. They've fallen victim to their darkest and most deviant desires. This is one of their stories:
Shadows are formed by objects blocking rays of light. Just not mine. It's darkness is ever present, tricking me into doing things a man should never do, but I've learned to embrace it. Will She? Lost in dreams of a life anywhere but here, she's ignorant to the danger perched just outside the window. Taking her will be easy. But can I teach her to fly.
This is a dark retelling of Peter Pan and it is set in modern Hollywood times. . This is the story of Winsley and Preston. Winsley has loved him from afar, and now she has her chance to let him know. However Preston has some dark desires and Tink is not done with him yet. I don't want to give anything away but know that this is a dark and very twisted retelling and I really like it better than the original. You do not want to miss this book.
Once upon a time, a scorned Queen opened a box, unleashing horrible evil on the world's hero's. Instead of gallantry and chivalry, they now possessed much more perverse traits. They've fallen victim to their darkest and most deviant desires. This is one of their stories:
Shadows are formed by objects blocking rays of light. Just not mine. It's darkness is ever present, tricking me into doing things a man should never do, but I've learned to embrace it. Will She? Lost in dreams of a life anywhere but here, she's ignorant to the danger perched just outside the window. Taking her will be easy. But can I teach her to fly.
This is a dark retelling of Peter Pan and it is set in modern Hollywood times. . This is the story of Winsley and Preston. Winsley has loved him from afar, and now she has her chance to let him know. However Preston has some dark desires and Tink is not done with him yet. I don't want to give anything away but know that this is a dark and very twisted retelling and I really like it better than the original. You do not want to miss this book.
May 16, 2020
Never Lost is a pretty short(ish) read that still packs a big punch. It's a dark twist on Peter Pan in modern day Hollywood, so you already know that it will be good. Winsley & Preston, two actors, meet and things take off from there. They have serious HEAT, with Preston having some dark kinks. There are complications of course, since it's Hollywood AND a dark Peter Pan retelling, so be prepared. Also, there is a big time trigger or two, so be warned. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this story, wished it had been longer, and so will you after you hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
May 22, 2021
While the idea of Peter Pan as an actor made a lot of sense, the writing in this novel was so poor that I couldn’t even give it the same 2 stars that the book with necrophilia received.
The plot and pacing were a mess, the writing was on the level of bad Live Journal fan fiction, and it felt like the author couldn’t keep up with her thoughts. Also, there was nothing sexy out the interactions or build-up.
First, the casting and filming sections were written so poorly, but I could excuse not to get this anywhere near right if there had been any chemistry between the flimsy written characters.
The plot and pacing were a mess, the writing was on the level of bad Live Journal fan fiction, and it felt like the author couldn’t keep up with her thoughts. Also, there was nothing sexy out the interactions or build-up.
First, the casting and filming sections were written so poorly, but I could excuse not to get this anywhere near right if there had been any chemistry between the flimsy written characters.
May 17, 2020
This is book 5 in the Dirty Heroes Collection about Peter Pan and I have to say this was rather a different spin on a old classic that I have to say I rather enjoyed, because I love all thing's involving Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and the rest of the gang:)
This was a short read but there's so much going on you can't help but keep flipping pages to find out what happened next. This was my first story to read by this author and I'll be checking out her other book's.
This was a short read but there's so much going on you can't help but keep flipping pages to find out what happened next. This was my first story to read by this author and I'll be checking out her other book's.
February 26, 2021
A dirty hero
This was my first intro to TL Mathew and I cannot say enough about how I enjoyed this Peter Pan retelling. If you enjoy slow burn with a heavy dose of angst.then give this a try. **Beware of a few triggers**
This was my first intro to TL Mathew and I cannot say enough about how I enjoyed this Peter Pan retelling. If you enjoy slow burn with a heavy dose of angst.then give this a try. **Beware of a few triggers**
May 19, 2020
⭐️ - Wut? 🥴
June 4, 2020
didnt like this one at all. especially its story telling
June 23, 2020
Good read
This was a good read. The characters were well written and the plot interesting but very dark at times. It's a shame it wasn't longer.
This was a good read. The characters were well written and the plot interesting but very dark at times. It's a shame it wasn't longer.
May 10, 2023
plot was good but the book just kind of.. ended.
i know this a short story but definitely wish it was longer to build it up more
i know this a short story but definitely wish it was longer to build it up more
January 2, 2025
I neglected to read the blurb, so elected to try and figure out which story this book was a dirty retelling of. Immediately, I guessed “Peter Pan” because of the mention of Neverland, and a character named Tinka. The other characters names were Winsley Starling (Wendy Darling), Rook (Hook), and Preston Pace (Peter Pan). As I read, trying to get caught up in the story and relate totally the characters, I find some bad grammar, “ My wife is hot as fuck and I’m sure that thought has went through the minds of many;” and “I almost reconsider bringing him a long, but this is something I should do alone,” and ““Hmm, I could taste this beautiful body forever," he says, placing his lips to my neck and running his tongue over her skin.” Then I wonder if this series was assigned to a bunch of budding teenage writers. Still, the story is juicy enough to keep me engaged; movie stars, sexual kink, rivalries and jealousy, and an innocent virginal fan. However, the climax of the story is when Rook, with the help of Tinka break into Winsley’s apartment, and Rook ties her up and rapes her from behind. RAPES HER. Preston gets there and ends up accidentally killing Rook but not in enough time to prevent the rape. Then, instead of being gentle with her, maybe taking things slow, helping her to recover from such a trauma he offers more sex! “How will she ever recover from her innocence taken from her so forcefully and by a man with such evil inside? The only thing I can do is offer words of comfort while smoothing her hair. “I promise, when you’re ready, the next time will be the highest pleasure you’d never think you could ever experience. Winsley, I want to make you fly.”” Of course the author has to weave in the flying part of the Peter Pan story, but still, these are not words a hero should be saying to a victim, especially fresh from being raped. Winsley’s recovery and her relationship with Preston were glossed over in the end, especially the last bedroom scene, which seemed forced and confusing. This story could have been so much better. The best part could have been how Preston won her heart, helped her recover, and gently eased her into an enjoyable sexual experience. Also, it would have been fun to see how her life changed being in the limelight with a major movie star, how her best friend responded to her new life as well. There was so much more potential.
August 16, 2025
⭐ 1 Star Review
I went into Never Lost excited — I love Peter Pan retellings, and the premise of corrupted fairy-tale heroes in a dark romance world had so much potential. Unfortunately, this book was a complete disappointment from start to finish.
✔ The setup promised a modern Hollywood twist on Peter and Wendy.
✔ The “Dirty Heroes” concept had the opportunity to be edgy, dark, and creative.
✘ But instead, what unfolded was offensive, poorly executed, and full of disturbing choices that weren’t handled with care.
From the very beginning, Preston (Peter) is written as unlikeable and unworthy of a heroine’s loyalty — he literally sleeps with someone else in the opening, destroying any sense of romance or devotion right out the gate. Then there’s Tinka (the Tinkerbell stand-in), who drugs Winsley (Wendy) out of jealousy, which leads to Rook (Captain Hook) assaulting her. This scene was deeply disturbing, and instead of treating it with the gravity it deserved, the story uses it as cheap drama to push Winsley closer to Preston.
What makes it worse is Winsley’s response: despite everything, she still wants Preston simply because she’s tied to him. It reduces her agency and turns her into nothing more than an accessory to his toxic behavior. There’s dark romance, where boundaries are pushed within consensual dynamics, and then there’s this — trauma and assault being used as a plot device, wrapped in a false sense of “romance.”
The book’s short format only makes it worse: there’s no room to explore or heal from these heavy topics, so everything feels rushed and exploitative. The entire point of a dark retelling is to subvert a classic while still keeping readers invested in the characters, but here, both Preston and Winsley are written with no emotional depth, no redeeming arc, and no believable love story.
Overall, this book completely missed the mark. It’s not edgy, it’s not sexy, and it’s not romance. It’s a careless mess that tramples over its own potential. One star.
I went into Never Lost excited — I love Peter Pan retellings, and the premise of corrupted fairy-tale heroes in a dark romance world had so much potential. Unfortunately, this book was a complete disappointment from start to finish.
✔ The setup promised a modern Hollywood twist on Peter and Wendy.
✔ The “Dirty Heroes” concept had the opportunity to be edgy, dark, and creative.
✘ But instead, what unfolded was offensive, poorly executed, and full of disturbing choices that weren’t handled with care.
From the very beginning, Preston (Peter) is written as unlikeable and unworthy of a heroine’s loyalty — he literally sleeps with someone else in the opening, destroying any sense of romance or devotion right out the gate. Then there’s Tinka (the Tinkerbell stand-in), who drugs Winsley (Wendy) out of jealousy, which leads to Rook (Captain Hook) assaulting her. This scene was deeply disturbing, and instead of treating it with the gravity it deserved, the story uses it as cheap drama to push Winsley closer to Preston.
What makes it worse is Winsley’s response: despite everything, she still wants Preston simply because she’s tied to him. It reduces her agency and turns her into nothing more than an accessory to his toxic behavior. There’s dark romance, where boundaries are pushed within consensual dynamics, and then there’s this — trauma and assault being used as a plot device, wrapped in a false sense of “romance.”
The book’s short format only makes it worse: there’s no room to explore or heal from these heavy topics, so everything feels rushed and exploitative. The entire point of a dark retelling is to subvert a classic while still keeping readers invested in the characters, but here, both Preston and Winsley are written with no emotional depth, no redeeming arc, and no believable love story.
Overall, this book completely missed the mark. It’s not edgy, it’s not sexy, and it’s not romance. It’s a careless mess that tramples over its own potential. One star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
7-tbr-ooit
December 14, 2020▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOnLk...
The DIRTY HEROES COLLECTION (https://www.goodreads.com/series/288664)
Fourteen standalone novels which each follow a well-known hero from favorite Disney classics.
01. The Black Fox
02. Finding His Strength
03. While She Sleeps
04. Bound in Sacrifice
05. Never Lost
06. Curse Behind The Mask
07. Clockwork Stalker
08. Kiss and Tell
09. Skeleton King
10. Make Me Real
11. Cruel Water
12. The Masked Prince
13. Hunted
14. The Lady
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOnLk...The DIRTY HEROES COLLECTION (https://www.goodreads.com/series/288664)
Fourteen standalone novels which each follow a well-known hero from favorite Disney classics.
01. The Black Fox
02. Finding His Strength
03. While She Sleeps
04. Bound in Sacrifice
05. Never Lost
06. Curse Behind The Mask
07. Clockwork Stalker
08. Kiss and Tell
09. Skeleton King
10. Make Me Real
11. Cruel Water
12. The Masked Prince
13. Hunted
14. The Lady
June 19, 2023
I couldn't finish. It was boring. I was hoping this "Dirty Heroes Collection" was going to be good since I absolutely LOVE Skeleton King, but the other books I've read in this series have sucked.
You've got Winsley (wanna-be actress) who has a crush on a major Hollywood superstar, Preston (actor, man whore, dick). Preston also has a nemesis, Rook, who he's fighting with. There's also Preston's ex, Tinka. So there's this movie that's shooting and they all have parts and JFC it's just boring. Winsley is annoying and just blah. I didn't even like the men in this. The writing was super sloppy and the dialogue was weak. Didn't work for me.
You've got Winsley (wanna-be actress) who has a crush on a major Hollywood superstar, Preston (actor, man whore, dick). Preston also has a nemesis, Rook, who he's fighting with. There's also Preston's ex, Tinka. So there's this movie that's shooting and they all have parts and JFC it's just boring. Winsley is annoying and just blah. I didn't even like the men in this. The writing was super sloppy and the dialogue was weak. Didn't work for me.
August 22, 2024
Spoiler. But I’m not gonna mark it because people should know it’s gonna happen.
The rape had more screen time than the two MCs having sex. The more I think about this book the less I like it.
Build up, she gets raped by a different man, boom 6 months pass for the epilogue and they sprinkle in some consensual sex. Ain’t no way.
The rape had more screen time than the two MCs having sex. The more I think about this book the less I like it.
Build up, she gets raped by a different man, boom 6 months pass for the epilogue and they sprinkle in some consensual sex. Ain’t no way.
May 12, 2020
Never Lost by TL Mayhew is book five in the Dirty Heroes Collection. It can be read as a stand alone (just like the rest of the released books). This novel takes a mature turn in the classic story of Peter Pan.
I absolutely love reading adult version of fairytales. I like to see the authors spin on the characters, plot, and theme of the fairytales I grew up loving.
In Never Lost, we meet Preston and Winsley. Two actors that seem to gravitate towards one another. However, danger lurks around in the form of Rook and Tinka.
Never Lost is a quick read. I absolutely loved Preston and Winsely’s dynamic and wish we could’ve seen more of them together. I would have loved to seen their relationship flourish and grow. The entire story takes place in only a couple days (except the epilogue).
There were references and remarks made to BDSM, however, we didn’t see the Hero and heroine engage in it.
Again, I wish there was more to this story because the Hero and heroine was absolutely fabulous to read.
*Trigger warning: There is rape. So if you don’t like reading that, then this isn’t for you*
I absolutely love reading adult version of fairytales. I like to see the authors spin on the characters, plot, and theme of the fairytales I grew up loving.
In Never Lost, we meet Preston and Winsley. Two actors that seem to gravitate towards one another. However, danger lurks around in the form of Rook and Tinka.
Never Lost is a quick read. I absolutely loved Preston and Winsely’s dynamic and wish we could’ve seen more of them together. I would have loved to seen their relationship flourish and grow. The entire story takes place in only a couple days (except the epilogue).
There were references and remarks made to BDSM, however, we didn’t see the Hero and heroine engage in it.
Again, I wish there was more to this story because the Hero and heroine was absolutely fabulous to read.
*Trigger warning: There is rape. So if you don’t like reading that, then this isn’t for you*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2020
This is a nice quick read from "The Dirty Heroes Collection." "They’ve fallen victim to their darkest and most deviant desires." Yessss…….
A Peter Pan rendition that will definitely surprise you! I really enjoyed this, and feel like the author could extend it!
I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
A Peter Pan rendition that will definitely surprise you! I really enjoyed this, and feel like the author could extend it!
I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
August 21, 2020
I like the character names. I smiled each time I made the name connections. This is definitely a creative twist on Petter Pan. From the names, to the over all story. I read this book having never read any spoilers. So I didn't have much information on the authors take. I'm glad I did. Everything got to be a surprise.
January 15, 2021
Never Lost is the fifth book in The Dirty Heroes Collection, multi author series of 14 books based on original fairy tales. I have not read this author before and I'm glad I have now. Going on my list of authors to follow. Their hasnt been too many Peter Pan retellings and I enjoyed this one.
May 18, 2020
I love how T.L Mayhew narrated her version of Peter Pan! I love the unique and amazing storyline and the little twists and turns which make the book enjoyable.
June 12, 2020
This was a very slow burn, brutal hard core book. There are triggers so be warned. I’m not a massive fan of slow burn but it kinda worked for this storyline.
June 26, 2020
i like the story, there is a trigger near the end of the story, is a quick read, I would have loved to seen their relationship grow more .
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews