Losing Neverland

Escapism #1

by Evelyn Montgomery

All is not as it seems in Neverland.
As for Peter & Hook, 
well I know the secret most don’t.
The real truth behind the myth.
The hidden wonder you’ve never known 
disguised as the notorious legend.

I know the nightmare that brings 
Hook to his knees.
The concealed facts which bring out 
nothing but his ruthless darkness.

I know the inescapable reality that one day 
changed Peter Pan forever. 
I witnessed Peter’s inevitable fall from grace.
His loss of innocence.
A destiny he one day couldn’t fly away from.

All you’ve ever been told is a lie.
A hoax.
A pixie trick.

I know the truth because - I’m their ruin.
I’m their demise.
I’m the end of what was & 
the beginning of what’s to come.

My name is Wendy Moira Angela Darling.

I’m the inescapable fate they couldn’t defeat. 
The chosen one who inevitably forces 
their surrender.
And I’m the reason for losing Neverland.



 

Genres: Fantasy, Dark Romance, Romance, Audiobook, Retellings, Dark, Fae

296 pages, ebook

Published July 29, 2022

About the author

Born & raised in California, Evelyn Montgomery now resides in Central Kentucky with her husband and three children.

Her love stories include fantasy, paranormal, retellings, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, romantic psychological thrillers and mysteries, rom com, small town romance & more.
One thing to always expect when reading an Evelyn Montgomery book is a plot twist you’d never see coming.

With no plans to stop writing any time soon, her goal is to keep producing a fictional world that isn’t forced, but genuine, heartfelt, and desirable.

Reviews

[Polly Batchelor · Rating 3 out of 5]

"We all die. But not all of us really live."

Triggers/ What to expect:
- Peter Pan Retelling
- Dark Romance ish
- Second Changes
- Multi P.O.V
- 'Good Girl'
- 'Darling'
- Grooming/ Attempted Rape
- Death
- Both Virgins
- First Love
- Non-con
- Dub-con
- Pregnancy
- Murder

I love a retelling especially when it comes to Captain Hook. I really enjoyed the idea behind Losing Neverland. The story jumps between past and present, where you get to see how Peter Pan and Hook became one of the same and the relationship between Wendy and Pan.

I would have liked to have seen Peter and Hook battling it out think a bit like Venom or in Doctor Who series 7 'Nightmare in Silver' with The Doctor having a cyberman trying to take over his mind.

Overall, while reading I felt like something was missing. The story needed more showing rather than telling us. I felt some parts weren't expanded on enough. Especially the last say 15%, it was extremely rushed. I also felt I was left with more questions than answers. For example, what was the point of John/Smee's betrayal? and What was the point of Tiger Lily?

*Thank you Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[maggie ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ · Rating 3 out of 5]

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷


"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦, 𝘞𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨."

Rating: 3 stars ✨
Spice: 5 🌶️

𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙛 𝙎𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙮:
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘢 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘶𝘱 𝘞𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘺 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘗𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺, 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 to 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘰. 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺, 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘏𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘨𝘶𝘺.
𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨:
𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘈𝘱𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘏𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘸𝘢𝘴 80% 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘶𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 20% 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙙:
𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘛𝘙𝘜𝘓𝘠 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘞𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘺. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘴, 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘵. 𝘐 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝘿𝙞𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚:
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘞𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘺, 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘺. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴, 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘭𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘳. 𝘐 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘰𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴, 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘶𝘺 𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘰 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘪𝘤𝘬.
𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡:
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘴𝘮𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘗𝘢𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘞𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 definitely 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶!

[Anna Saval · Rating 2 out of 5]

WTF is this book?!?

I just finished it and now I’m like: What just happened?

Let me summon it up for you:

The first 75% is all about flashbacks and backstory. It’s about Peters and Wendy’s love story and how everything went wrong. You have the present, too but it’s clearly more focused on the past. Alright, that’s nice enough, although a bit much for my taste. Could have lived with about 3/4 of it, but that’s just my opinion.

75-82% is about the evil fae Tinker Bell, the betrayal of John/Smee, that did absolutely nothing to the story (I think? It is never explained properly what exactly did he say or how it affected everything) and Tiger Lily, who mostly just sits around and give the occasional side remark.

82-89% is about a battle between Wendy, Peter and a group of pirates, who appear out of nowhere against Tinker Bell, Tiger Lily and their armies. Needless to say that Peter and Wendy easily win, although Peter dies but not quite because in the next paragraph he is already back (why and how? This too, is never really explained. It’s just kind „Oh no, he is dead“ Then: Oh no, sorry, my bad, he just opened his eyes) just in time for him and Wendy to jump the plank, drown together and waking up as teenagers to relive their love story? THE END (???)

Oh yes, and there is this big evil plan where T B and her fairies manipulated and enchanted Peter but what exactly that means, what exactly was erased/manipulated/changed is never explained.

The last 10% of the book went by so fast it made my head spin.

I really can’t say what the author intended when writing this book. Maybe a love/redemption story but then the editor said: „Hey, put a little action in there as well, this will sell better“.

And all this EMPHASIS on certain WORDS makes it REALLY hard to read, SOMETIMES (If YOU get what I MEAN)

I don’t know where all these 5 star reviews are coming from.
For me, it’s clearly 2 stars, mostly because of the last 15%, which were so confusing and fast paced that I’m still spinning…

No recommendation!

P.s You cannot share breath underwater constantly to keep from drowning. Like kissing but with the same air passing to and fro. That’s not how it works, even if you constantly repeat that the other is your very Air and the literal reason you are breathing. Sorry, but no.

[blueberry]

My dnf list keeps growing

I'm actually on the fence with this one.
I like the writing and I feel like there is actual chemistry between the MCs but there are also some things that bother me:

🔻 "Losing Neverland" is a dark Peter Pan retelling , in this story Wendy and Peter met each other at seventeen ( Peter is of course way older but he has the appearence of a 17 years old) and there is a long separation of 20 years between the characters .

First thing is I hate long separation between the main couple.
The second problem is that the hero doesn't age and still looks like a 17 years old boy unlike the heroine, and it's too weird for me even if he is way older 🤷‍♀️

🔻It's a little petty but the MCs are supposed to be virgin ( before the time jump) but the way they behave and their first sex scene is not credible at all especially for the hero .

I will probably try another book from this author, but I don't think I will pick up this one.

[Eva ✧ ࣪ ⋆ ⁺₊ ⋆ evathedreamer ₊˚.⋆ ☾ ⋆⁺₊ ✩ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Losing Neverland by Evelyn Montgomery takes you on a dark, twisted reimagining of Peter Pan, blending fantasy with psychological suspense. Montgomery explores themes of trauma, memory, and love, following a protagonist trapped between haunting memories and a need to escape the shadows of the past.

This story is intense and layered, with each chapter peeling back secrets. Montgomery’s interpretation brings a gritty edge to the classic tale, making it a compelling read. It’s not my favorite Peter Pan retelling, but it was still an entertaining spin.

Around 4.25-4.5 ⭐️’s

[britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

hands down the best dark retelling of peter pan i’ve ever read

[Monica Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

I am a sucker for a Peter Pan retelling. And this dark romance, that is also a beautiful second chance romance, really captivated me. I am so stoked that I was able to receive an ARC copy and I devoured it in less than 48 hours.

Multiple POVs made it that much more enjoyable. Peter Pan, Wendy and Neverland never seemed quite as magical as they all do in this book!
Pan and his dirty talk... had me swooning. I LOVE getting to see inside his head, all of the twisted, dark workings of his mind.

All of the surprises, the heartbreak, the angst, I am here for it. I would give almost anything to get more fantasy retellings from Evelyn. She did it sooo well. I cannot wait for more from her!

And obviously, 5/5 stars from me. And the spice level was also perfection.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This retelling of Peter Pan takes a dark and taboo turn that may not be for everyone. Initially, I was uncertain about my feelings towards the story, but by chapter 7, I found myself completely hooked. I appreciated the unique twist on the classic tale, particularly the Jekyll and Hyde aspect that added an intriguing layer to Peter. It’s amusing to see how Tinker Bell consistently plays the role of the villain in these adaptations; her character really takes on a sinister edge.

I opted for the audiobook format, and my experience with the narration was mixed. Both narrators delivered their performances with an overly dramatic flair that sometimes bordered on whiny. While I can see how this style might heighten the engagement for some listeners, for me, it became quite irksome. Gradually, I warmed up to the narration, but I must say, the male narrator's interpretation of Hook was particularly grating.

Despite these quirks, I found the story to be enjoyable overall and would certainly recommend it to anyone who relishes a dark and smutty retelling of a beloved classic. It’s a wild ride that takes familiar characters and throws them into a captivatingly twisted world.



💫Rating💫

🌟🌟🌟🌟

🌶️Spice🌶️

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[Andria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit, this was wonderful! I absolutely am digging this whole spin on Peter and Hook. Peter's past really males you think, and then with Jake getting involved, Holy shit.

I cannot wait for the second book!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75✨

Dual POV dark romance Peter Pan retelling with flashbacks to how the MC's dynamic has evolved to present day. Think this is my third or fourth Pan retelling. No idea what it is but I ate this one up. Enjoyed the twist on having Peter become Hook. An alter ego as opposed to two separate entities. Friends to lovers to enemies to lovers. The minimal plot was intriguing but why is it that Tink is always the villain in these retellings?

Even though this is smut heavy, you get a genuine sense of admiration between the two. The flashbacks reinforces this although there is a slight insta-love moment. I love that Neverland has transitioned into darkness. Fueling how unhinged Pan has become. Listened to portions of the audiobook which was phenomenal. Raw emotions were not overly dramatic. Traumatic, angsty, medium steam with plenty of twists.

[Brittney (brittandlit) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I made it to 52% and I can’t do it anymore.. I’ve gotten the biggest ick.

We keep getting flashbacks to them as teenagers ( I think) and they talk about never having to grow up (and I get it, it’s never land) but the sexy time dialogue is highly explicit and detailed. Like these two are supposed to be inexperienced and this man is out here calling her a good girl and detailing every deranged thing he wants to do to her.

[Kayla R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am still spinning. I was given this ARC to review and I couldn’t put it down. Peter Pan has always been a favorite story of mine so I jumped at the chance to read a dark retelling. The heat between Wendy and Peter is visceral and left me wanting more. Can’t wait to get my hands on more of Evelyn’s work! Pre-order this book immediately 😄

[Victoria McKinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC received from NetGalley for feedback**
* Potential spoilers*
A dark retelling of Peter Pan and Wendy that I thoroughly enjoyed. I've noticed that in a lot of these retellings Tinker Bell is usually the villain, and she definitely was in this one. But the biggest villain truly was Peter's aversion to growing up. I appreciated the warnings at the beginning of the book (though things like that don't usually bother me anyways) for those who may be triggered by some of the content explored. The author did a good job eluding to a lot of things that were happening and didn't go into the gory details of it until absolutely necessary. However, the spicey moments were decently spicey and written very well. I don't usually enjoy reading sex scenes with minors, but it worked in this book and was done as tastefully as possible. Some of the cheese of the original tale wasn't included (the crocodile, the clock, a creepy captain with a hook for a hand) and it made for a much more believable (as believable as a magical land can be) story. I really enjoyed the story overall and it's one of the better Peter and Wendy retellings I've read.

[Sanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

DNF @ 20%

Unfortunately, this book simply wasn't for me. The premise of the book was what drew me in initially and the idea of a dark retelling of Peter Pan still intrigues me. However, the introduction mentions one trigger/content warning for underage sex (Wendy and Peter are 17 years old) and although a TW doesn't always mean I should avoid it at all cost, in this case ended up being too big to ignore.

For me, it would've been fine if the TW content was mostly part of the 'present day' part of the book and if the flashbacks were a lot less explicit. Instead the first couple of flashback chapters go into a lot of detail about Wendy and Peter getting together for the first time in ways that I do not feel comfortable about reading as an adult woman (about teenagers). It also weirded me out that Peter seems to be some kind of Neverland Christian Grey who instinctually knows exactly what to do, how to do it, and how to be all 50 shades of kinky about it. This, in combination with their age just didn't sit well with me and I found myself wanting to skip over the words (which is not exactly why I wanted to pick up this book).

The age difference at this point of the story confused me still because none of it is clearly explained. Peter Pan still looking like 17 while Wendy is now 40 and looks much older than him? I was eager to find out what the deal with that was exactly (especially because in years Pan is probably much, much older). I also was curious to know why Pan was big mad right now. But the flashback scenes were too much for me and made me uncomfortable (and not in a good way).

I'm sure this book will be great for some, but if this something you couldn't get past just like me, this book isn't going to be it. (I cannot speak for the rewritten version of this story, as that wasn't the one I got to read.)

[Frances Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
POV: Dual 1st Person +
M/F
Stand Alone? Yes.

“Everything. That’s my favorite part.” Truer words were never spoken. I read this book three times. Three. In a row. And each time I was just as sucked into the story as the first. More so actually, as this is one of those books that the more times you read it, the more you find to blow your mind. The symbolism in this book is astounding. The twists are different, in that they are revealed early. The love is a timeless, tragic, beautifully happy love story that will absolutely leave you coming back again… and again… and again.

This book will leave you guessing DESPITE knowing the biggest twists before you even really start. The ending will leave you with a new view of Neverland that you will likely never shake. For me, it has increased my utter love for all things Neverland, with a newfound knowledge that leaves me ready to embark on any journey I can take to get there. Despite the title of this book, it made me feel as if I had finally FOUND Neverland for the first time. Seeing it as it should have always been seen. This book reignited the magic for me, so excuse me while step away, to look out my window for the boy “with Magic in his eyes and danger in his soul” and remind myself to “think happy thoughts”.

Happy Reading my Friends!

[Heather Lynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was super excited to read this. I mean who’s not excited for a dark retelling of Peter Pan? Unfortunately it was a big disappointment one chapter your in the past and then the next your in the present. I felt like it was mainly smut with very minimal plot till you got to the end and then you’re going WTH is even happening.

[Kade · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY SHIT! This was so good wtf. I am such a sucker for Peter Pan retellings and the concept of this one being a dark fantasy? I was sold and it was so fucking worth it. I mainly listened to the audiobook for this and of course, the VA’s made it so I couldn’t just read this, I HAD to listen as well. Fantastic 💕

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love retelling of story’s

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, I'm a bit lost with this story. Based on how it was presented - and maybe because of the cover - I was expecting a dark romance with twisted characters with smut, something like Vicious Lost Boys. Instead, with much of the book focused on the steamy scenes, there’s occasionally a story that feels surprisingly sweet, centered more on a second-chance romance than on the world of Neverland.

As a concept, I liked the idea of a Peter Pan retelling where Wendy is older, has left Neverland to grow up, and then gets kidnapped and brought back as an adult. But the execution felt really vague: the dialogue is often cryptic, and the actions are so generic that the story loses focus. By the end, I couldn’t really tell if the title fit, because rather than Losing Neverland, it felt more like a story about Peter and Wendy and their second chance.

Around 70% in, the pieces finally start coming together and we learn more about the characters’ backgrounds.
We discover that Wendy comes from a family of criminals, just like Peter - something that could’ve made the story darker and more compelling.

Wendy, as FMC, doesn’t seem to have changed much during the years they were apart. I wasn’t expecting a super deep arc, but I really wished she had shown more strength or wit as an adult. She basically feels the same as when she was seventeen, which might have been the author’s way to set up the second-chance element, but it was hard not to roll my eyes whenever she acted like a teenager. When most of the book revolves around lust, though, I guess that’s a tough ask.

That said, Peter was the only character I truly liked.
The idea of blending Peter and Hook into one - symbolising light and darkness - was the only concept that really stood out to me.
I did enjoy the flashbacks, though. Peter was such a sweetheart, and it’s clear how much he cared for Wendy. The author did a nice job showing his shift from innocence to gradual madness. During the present timeline, though, his character feels less defined. He’s clearly lost his sanity, but every now and then his softer side toward Wendy resurfaces, just briefly enough to remind you it’s still there. Unfortunately, it’s portrayed so faintly that it becomes hard to truly grasp who he is anymore.

The villains were… okay. Considering that most of this book revolves around Wendy and Peter’s steamy moments, I really wish there had been more scenes with the villains, as they could have added spice and depth to the story. It would have been wonderful if this leaned more toward a mafia-style romance rather than what I actually read. That said, after reading the excerpt from Saving Tink, the villains seem far more intriguing, and part of me would love to explore their story… but given how the storytelling was handled here, I’ll probably pass for now.

While there are some enjoyable moments, I can’t wholeheartedly recommend this book, as the story feels a bit confusing, the plot doesn’t fully come together, and it lacks the darker twists that could have made it more interesting.

Thank you, Torch Lit Ink, for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[FS Meurinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully dark and emotional retelling of Peter Pan captivated me from start to finish. Wendy Darling’s narrative unveils hidden truths about Peter and Hook, weaving a story of love, loss, and obsession that’s nothing like the childhood tale we know. The audiobook, narrated by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell, is pure magic. Arden’s seamless transitions between Peter’s vulnerability and Hook’s darkness were brilliant, while Mitchell’s Wendy was innocent and empowered. Their performances brought every character to life with depth and emotion. This is a must-listen for fans of dark retellings, blending romance, danger, and spice into an unforgettable journey through a reimagined Neverland.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written retelling. It was so unique and the plot kept me drawn in immediately. I honestly couldn’t put it down.
I loved how we see both the characters past and what happens to them in the present. Their love story will be one that stays with me for a long time.
The twists keep coming even though you think you know the biggest one at the very beginning and I went through a rollercoaster of every possible emotion and feelings there could be for this book and I can not stop thinking about that ending!!
I love Evelyn’s version of Neverland and seeing a different side of Peter and Hook. Definitely recommend this book.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god!!! That was absolutely epic retelling of Peter Pan! It was suspense, spicy, and dark!!! The twist work of honestly one of my favorite characters making her a villain was truly delicious! If you want to know which character I am referring too…. Well I guess you know what you need to do….go get a copy of this book and figure it out! I know you want to travel neverland again! Go do it, it’s just the second star to the right!

[Roxana Haide · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for ANY Disney retelling. I ate this up, no crumbs

Only con I have is that sometimes I felt like it was lacking something for me. The plot line that Peter’s alter ego was Hook was ok to me. Smee was Wendy’s brother John and ended up betraying them, how, who knows but regardless I would still recommend

[Bria Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so many questions but gosh darn it it was so good 🥹😭🙌

[Turah Shaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god! This was dark, sexy, heartbreaking, tense… pretty much all of the things. The audiobook narration was soooooooo good. I haven’t listened to a lot of Joe Arden but this is a current favorite. The emotional journey through the transition to childlike fun into adult feelings was breathtaking. The spice was spicing. Call me “good girl” and take me to neverland too please. I LOVED the Jekyl/Hyde aspect. Jaz isn’t inherently bad. He is just the flip side and neither he nor Peter know how to handle the shift happening within.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing Peter Pan retelling. Ahhh!!! I loved it so much. This had everything I could ever want from a Peter Pan retelling, dark and sexy, fantasy, dual POV and so much more. Peter Pan and Hook are two different people, yet they are one and the same. They have two things in common: They both love Wendy and Wendy broke their hearts. Time to get her back and make her see the damage she has done.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Tea&Biscuits · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always had a soft spot for Peter Pan so I was super excited to listen to this audiobook. Dark, spicy with a ton of angst, this retelling is definitely a favorite. I love Evelyn’s writing style and she kept me on my toes with the twists and turns.

The audiobook is narrated in duel by Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden. Amazing performances that enhanced the story. Joe does unhinged so well. Maxine never stops wowing. 10/5.

[Erin Morgeson · Rating 1 out of 5]

*Spoilers ahead*

Unfortunately, I am not a fan of this book, I definitely should have DNFed. I love Peter Pan, and I also adore retelling stories - especially when they go dark! This one did not hit the mark for me. I was confused 90% of the time, the story didn't make sense. A MASSIVE majority of the story was smut (which not complaining, but...), whenever it did get back to the "plot", it was just a whirlwind of confusion.

Things I understood : Peter and Hook are the same person. Tinkerbell was the villain. Tiger-Lilly was a pointless character who was just "there". Wendy doesn't know what she wants.

Things I didn't understand : How Peter knew exactly how to be a low-key dominant after his and Wendy's first time. Jake being Peter's older brother??? Who even are you?? What the curse is that Tinkerbell placed on Peter - is there even an actual curse?? Why was John/Smee working with Tinkerbell? Are we just ignoring the fact that Michael was dying and that's why Wendy left Neverland, but then we just didn't talk about him ever again? Why Peter left Wendy and their two daughters in the regular world, knowing that they were his? He's willing to kill people, but isn't willing to bypass her Mother to get to/talk to her??? Why didn't Peter and Wendy remember that they met when they were kids? Where was Jake when Peter was about to be taken to an orphanage? Tinkerbell said "Jake was in love with Wendy once" - since when??? Homeboy literally tried to SA her when she was 13, and also told her that he was going to gut her while she was pregnant???? Why can't Peter fly anymore? Peter was dead, and then he wasn't?? Wendy cut off Tinkerbell's wings, which should have killed her, but she didn't die??? Why/How did Jake get to Neverland? How does he know Tinkerbell, enough to have a nickname for her? The list could be never ending.

Things I disliked (strongly) : Peter's "crowing" when he finishes, when he kills somebody, when anything intense happens to him. You can't breath into somebody while you're under water. -eyeroll-

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I want to make your world go black and be the only one that breathes you back to life. Gives you air, Wendy.”

I find it hard to say “no” to a Peter Pan retelling; I am so glad I said “yes” to this one! I loved the way Evelyn Montgomery wrote Peter, Wendy, and Hook, the loss of magic and the ruin of innocence as Peter gave into his desires for Wendy, and the darkness that took over Neverland in her wake. I was drawn in early and held captive, kept up into the wee hours of the morning to finish, then left bawling at the ending. And I enjoyed every minute.

It is a story about believing in magic, lost childhoods, lost loves, broken hearts, broken promises, growing up, second chances, and never letting go. And so much pain. Peter and Wendy’s shared pain and heartache bled off the page. I ached for them, and as secrets were revealed, I hoped more than anything that they would find their way to a HEA.

The romance is slow/medium burn and medium spice.

This book got its hooks in me. I was not expecting that ending, and several twists were complete surprises. If you are a fan of dark Peter Pan retellings, this is one you need to read.

Genre: Dark Fairytale Retelling
Tropes/Features: Dark Peter Pan retelling, second chance, magic, pirates, mermaids, fae, The Lost Boys
Narrator: Dual 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: MF, slow/medium burn, medium spice
Book Type/Ending: Standalone with HEA
TW/CW: Several can be found in the Introduction of the book.

[Nanasbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6wU4...
Blog: https://nanasbookreviews.wordpress.co...

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Losing Neverland by Evelyn Montgomery is a dark retelling.

But nothing can fix the damned.
Nothing can mend the condemned.

“You can’t run from your past, Peter,”
“Watch me,”

This book is incredible. A dark fairytale retelling with so much emotion, passion, and surprises. It is told mostly from Peter's and Wendy's points of view. It's well written and it alternates between past and present. From the beginning, the biggest twist was revealed and that captured my attention immediately. After that, there were so many surprises. What I loved most about this story was the battle between the dark and the good, the innocence and the grown-up feelings. I think that what really sucked me in this story was the emotional turmoil of the characters, and the deep love they had as teenagers and later as adults. My favorite parts were when they gave
in to their desires and the dramatic scene towards the end.

I have never read the original fairytale but I have watched the cartoon version. The only one I want to remember is this one, dark Peter Pan is definitely my favorite. I will rate it with 5 stars.