Retellings or books inspired by fairy tales or other stories are something I love, so when Julie announced the Never Harbor series, I was really excited. Off the Hook is the first book in the series that released this week! I was very lucky to receive an eARC and I want to tell you about Off the Hook and what I thought. So keep on reading!
I need a nanny, but I may need her more. I know about my reputation as Never Harbor’s secluded single dad. But I have everything I my imaginative son, my dog, and our remodeled cottage by the sea. That is, until my nanny quits. My brother’s ex-fiancee, Wendy Darling, is an elementary school teacher with a free summer. The last thing I need is to get tangled in his mess, but my family thinks she’s a perfect fit for the job. Turns out, she fits in better than I could have imagined. Wendy is nothing like I expected. She’s kind and adventurous, with a beautiful laugh that washes my worst nightmares away. She pushes past my silence and sees more of my true self than anyone has in years. And my six-year-old son is falling for her just as quickly. Being with Wendy can never happen. Not when my younger brother is her ex-fiance. Not when she’s so close to our family. Not when our small coastal town gossips the way that it does. But after so long in the dark, Wendy makes me feel something . Falling for her feels a lot like flying instead. I know happy endings only belong in fairy tales, but I’m close to stealing one for myself. OFF THE HOOK is a grumpy-sunshine, single dad romance with lots of slow burn spice! This is book one in Never Harbor, a series of interconnected stand-alone contemporary romances inspired by Peter Pan.
Review
Off the Hook is a story I won’t be forgetting any time soon! I have to mention that the book starts off with a map of Never Harbor. I loved this little touch, because it brought the story to life just a little bit more. As it says in the synopsis, this series is inspired by Peter Pan, so not an actual retelling. The little details and touches of Peter Pan in this book were done so well and it didn’t feel like too much.
Grumpy/sunshine is one of my favorite tropes, so I was really excited for Wendy and Jasper’s story. He was a real grump, but him slowly letting her in and letting his walls down was so interesting to see. They really hit me in all the feels and I just couldn’t put this book down. Them getting closer definitely had them both learn a lot about themselves and that is one of my favorite things to see in romances. I don’t want to give away too many details, because Jasper and Wendy’s story is one you need to experience yourself. Believe me, it’s worth it!
Also, I can’t not mention Sam! This little boy is so cute and he’s so genuine. Jasper and Sam’s bond is so sweet and even though he’s a grump, he’s so sweet with Sam. Wendy also has great adventures with him when she’s watching him. I loved how Sam was woven throughout this book.
Last but not least, I love the Davies’. This is another fictional family I’d love to be part of and I can’t wait for more in this world and with these characters. If you’re in the mood for a new romance, I highly suggest picking up Off the Hook!
Off the Hook is a great start to this series and I’m excited for the next book! Have you read any book recently that were retellings/inspired by other tales? Let me know in the comments! I’m always looking for more books like this.
