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Wendy, Darling (Neverland Fae #1) by Rebecca F. Kenney

Retellings, the Fae, Fantasy, Romance, Spice, Magic, Fairytales, Peter Pan, Mermaids, Monsters, Pirates

A grown-up and depressed Peter Pan is fighting to protect Neverland from the realm-conquering Commodore Hook. When Peter's runaway shadow shows up at Wendy's workplace, she's eager for the chance to visit Neverland again, to help protect it--and sure, to see the Fae man she's been in love with for ten years. But Neverland is far different than Wendy remembers, with monsters both literal and human-shaped threatening everything Peter has tried to build.

Review:
I love retellings of Disney classics that veered off from the stories we loved and cherished to being geared to the adult within. I have seen Beauty and the Beasts, Cinderella, and some Snow White but never on Peter Pan, and this grown-up version is definitely up my alley. It's different and has the right amount of spice if you are not ready for the heavier version of this tale.

Wendy Darling has grown up. She has moved out of her parents' home and begin working as an IT. Her brothers have refused to believe that their adventure in Neverland was real and that it was just a dream. But Wendy knows differently. She knows that their adventure was real and nothing was going to change her opinion. One day, Peter's shadow returns and Wendy knows something is wrong. Even more, Peter appears. Gone has been the boyish fae that could hold his own against his enemies and in place is an older version of the Peter she remembered - tall, muscular, and handsome. Peter has come to retrieve his shadow and he has no intentions of taking Wendy back with him, but Wendy knows something is wrong in Neverland and she wants a chance to help. Peter is not happy at all with this. In his mind, she left him and he has held a grudge against her for it. There is also a new Mother and she is doing her best to plant doubt in Peter's head. Then, there is Commodore Hook - Captain Hook no longer - is taking over the realms and Peter and Wendy must find a way to stop him.

Okay, I loved this book. I loved every bit of this book. The spice is just right. It is not too hot but just enough spice to not oversaturate the novel. Seeing the characters grown-up surprised me but I was happy to see them. I loved that Neverland was not the same as we saw when they were children that there were real monsters and these monsters were not fluffy, but a real threat. And the crocodile! I was so happy to see her/him! And she has a name! I am looking forward to seeing Hook and how everything comes together.

Rating:
4.9 out of 5