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The Never Hour
*The Never Hour is a standalone within the Fairy Tale Flip Series. It can be read in any order before or after The Phantom Ink and The Wicked Blue*
A GENDER REVERSAL PETER PAN STORY FOR ADULTS
Piper
Shadows are taking over my magical home. The only way to save Neveraj is to replenish the Pixie by completing obstacles that represent my past, present, and future. I refuse to acknowledge the future because adulting is pointless in this land where I never age or have any responsibilities. Which means I must recruit an outsider to help. Of course the last person I'd choose is the one I get stuck with- Wyshawn Darl- who doesn't know the meaning of chill.
Wyshawn
Piper has driven me insane for years by flirting with every soul except me. I'm sick and tired of watching her take guy after girl home, month after month. When will she realize I've been here all along, waiting for her to give us a chance? Sure, her mysterious, whimsical, flighty nature may have an allure covered in red flags, but it's a risk I'm willing to take. Maybe tonight is finally the time she'll accept what I've been trying to offer- my whole heart.
A GENDER REVERSAL PETER PAN STORY FOR ADULTS
Piper
Shadows are taking over my magical home. The only way to save Neveraj is to replenish the Pixie by completing obstacles that represent my past, present, and future. I refuse to acknowledge the future because adulting is pointless in this land where I never age or have any responsibilities. Which means I must recruit an outsider to help. Of course the last person I'd choose is the one I get stuck with- Wyshawn Darl- who doesn't know the meaning of chill.
Wyshawn
Piper has driven me insane for years by flirting with every soul except me. I'm sick and tired of watching her take guy after girl home, month after month. When will she realize I've been here all along, waiting for her to give us a chance? Sure, her mysterious, whimsical, flighty nature may have an allure covered in red flags, but it's a risk I'm willing to take. Maybe tonight is finally the time she'll accept what I've been trying to offer- my whole heart.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2024
1 person is currently reading
1219 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 13, 2024
I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book, and I flew through it.
The Never Hour is a Peter Pan retelling with a role reversal, which is a take I haven't found on this story yet.
We follow Piper Pan as she tries to determine why shadows are slowly overtaking Neveraj and how to stop it. She has spent two years searching for a champion to face three challenges and gather the natural Pixie to defeat the shadows and restore Neveraj to its natural state.
The story really begins with Piper trying to escape from Pirates who have invaded Walk The Plank, the bar she frequents during her one Never Hour to search for answers and a contender for the challenges. Only this time, she unintentionally brings Wyshawn the handsome bar tender with her back to Neveraj.
Wyshawn has been watching Piper, once a month for two years, leave the bar with suitor after suitor but never him. Now he finds himself thrown into a world of magic and fantasy that he never could have fathomed, unable to leave until the next Never Hour when the window back to the rest of the world opens.
I'll leave it at that so as not to spoil the story!
This has to be one of my favorite Peter Pan retellings. I haven't read one yet that had a role reversal, and I really enjoyed the way the story was told.
This is a beautifully written book with story upon story inside. The World unfolds before your eyes because of how descriptive everything is. It is a book about acknowledging and accepting your fears but not letting them stop you from living.
Also, there's a bit of steam 😉 so I would recommend this for 18+
The Never Hour is a Peter Pan retelling with a role reversal, which is a take I haven't found on this story yet.
We follow Piper Pan as she tries to determine why shadows are slowly overtaking Neveraj and how to stop it. She has spent two years searching for a champion to face three challenges and gather the natural Pixie to defeat the shadows and restore Neveraj to its natural state.
The story really begins with Piper trying to escape from Pirates who have invaded Walk The Plank, the bar she frequents during her one Never Hour to search for answers and a contender for the challenges. Only this time, she unintentionally brings Wyshawn the handsome bar tender with her back to Neveraj.
Wyshawn has been watching Piper, once a month for two years, leave the bar with suitor after suitor but never him. Now he finds himself thrown into a world of magic and fantasy that he never could have fathomed, unable to leave until the next Never Hour when the window back to the rest of the world opens.
I'll leave it at that so as not to spoil the story!
This has to be one of my favorite Peter Pan retellings. I haven't read one yet that had a role reversal, and I really enjoyed the way the story was told.
This is a beautifully written book with story upon story inside. The World unfolds before your eyes because of how descriptive everything is. It is a book about acknowledging and accepting your fears but not letting them stop you from living.
Also, there's a bit of steam 😉 so I would recommend this for 18+
August 14, 2024
Wow! This book was definitely quite a ride! It started with a bang in the prologue when both main characters take each other in and we get a glimpse of what is to come. From here the story literally tells stories after stories with in the story itself. If that doesn’t make any sense I apologize, it is a Peter Pan retelling so anything goes!
The author is so good with painting scene after scene you can’t help imagining how things look, taste or sound. The story has a fast pace and makes you want to keep moving to find what happens next because the imagination the author has is an endless abyss and you just can’t tell what is going to happen next! Twists!
The stories within the stories are so cool the way they incorporate the first two books in the series into this book as stories the main character is telling! Also in addition to the previous two books there is a glimpse of books yet to come from this author well, definitely at least one book anyway. I have only read first two books in this series so I am not sure if the other stories the main character tells are from any other books the author has written.
Anyway, this author is a creative genius to have written this book full of energetic fun, banter, and twists! I just can’t get over the imagination that was poured into this story! It was amazing! Please read it and see for yourself!
I was blessed and given this story as an ARC so this is my take on this book.
Side note, this book has spice and swearing geared to a more mature reader.
The author is so good with painting scene after scene you can’t help imagining how things look, taste or sound. The story has a fast pace and makes you want to keep moving to find what happens next because the imagination the author has is an endless abyss and you just can’t tell what is going to happen next! Twists!
The stories within the stories are so cool the way they incorporate the first two books in the series into this book as stories the main character is telling! Also in addition to the previous two books there is a glimpse of books yet to come from this author well, definitely at least one book anyway. I have only read first two books in this series so I am not sure if the other stories the main character tells are from any other books the author has written.
Anyway, this author is a creative genius to have written this book full of energetic fun, banter, and twists! I just can’t get over the imagination that was poured into this story! It was amazing! Please read it and see for yourself!
I was blessed and given this story as an ARC so this is my take on this book.
Side note, this book has spice and swearing geared to a more mature reader.
August 18, 2024
I received an ARC of ¨The Never Hour¨ in order to give an honest review. I really appreciate the flip of the established fairytale story, but don’t expect it to be for kids! The language is needlessly vulgar and doesn’t add to the story in any meaningful way. There are just better words available. I found a few parts of the story to be confusing in the beginning because the introduction of the story felt rushed. I wasn’t invested in the plot at all until some chapters in.
I enjoyed the creative aspect of the story and the clever magical ideas. The dual perspective was a great way to share thoughts and explain character behaviors throughout. The execution and actual words had a bit too much repetition though. I understood concepts that kept being explained and pondered and questioned and repeated and … you get the idea?
Overall I am glad I read the book. I want to read the Beauty and the Beast flip too I think. Thanks for the book Ms Swindon!
I enjoyed the creative aspect of the story and the clever magical ideas. The dual perspective was a great way to share thoughts and explain character behaviors throughout. The execution and actual words had a bit too much repetition though. I understood concepts that kept being explained and pondered and questioned and repeated and … you get the idea?
Overall I am glad I read the book. I want to read the Beauty and the Beast flip too I think. Thanks for the book Ms Swindon!
September 1, 2024
Thank you so much for this arc! All words are my own 🥰
I was super intrigued by the idea of a gender bent Peter Pan inspired story, so I applied for this arc immediately. I have to say that I didnt expect it to come with a bit of spice ✨
Our fmc is Piper Pan, forever 29, living in the enchanted land of Neveraj is happy living her life carefree, without doing her chores, moving houses or doing taxes. But when dark shadows start looming over Neveraj, taking away its greenness and leaving dread behind Piper knows she has to do something to save her home.
I really like both main characters and how they complemented each other, Wyshawn, rule follower and planner falling in love with the carefree Piper.
I was super intrigued by the idea of a gender bent Peter Pan inspired story, so I applied for this arc immediately. I have to say that I didnt expect it to come with a bit of spice ✨
Our fmc is Piper Pan, forever 29, living in the enchanted land of Neveraj is happy living her life carefree, without doing her chores, moving houses or doing taxes. But when dark shadows start looming over Neveraj, taking away its greenness and leaving dread behind Piper knows she has to do something to save her home.
I really like both main characters and how they complemented each other, Wyshawn, rule follower and planner falling in love with the carefree Piper.
August 30, 2024
The way Cassie Swindon writes is spectacular. She doesn’t hide her brilliant imagination behind barriers or boundaries and creates worlds that are vivid with color, characters, and beautiful stories. I’ve read the previous two books in her Fairy Tale Flip series and this one is my favorite so far. I knew going into it, that this story wouldn’t be your typical fantasy love story and that I would have to go with the flow and I was not disappointed. The way the world of Neveraj is described is absolutely beautiful, her characters and their personal development throughout the story… absolutely love. This was a beautiful book to read. It sent my imagination soaring.
September 10, 2024
Great Peter pan retelling! It is an adult book, so 18+. It's a very different take on the story with gender bent characters and its own original storyline. Good world building, and it was a pretty quick read.
October 17, 2024
An interesting twist on Peter Pan, it was exciting to see what each new chapter would bring.
There are (sort of) familiar characters, but this retelling really turned Regis story on its head with an extra dose of magical pixie dust. Really enjoyed this high stakes adventure.
Thank you for the eARC!
There are (sort of) familiar characters, but this retelling really turned Regis story on its head with an extra dose of magical pixie dust. Really enjoyed this high stakes adventure.
Thank you for the eARC!
September 11, 2024
The Never Hour is a Peter Pan retelling featuring Piper Pan. It is a grumpy/sunshine romantsy with a dash of spice.
Piper (aka Jade) lives in Neveraj where her best friends are a tree nymph named Lillian and a timber sprite named Tuck, and she has a pet Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman named Epoch. She's not from Neveraj originally but she's lived there a long time enjoying a life filed with play and adventure and absolutely no adulting. Recently something insidious seems to have infected her precious home. This disease, these shadows, can only be defeated by raw Pixie, the life source of Neveraj.
Once a month Piper passes through The Window and visits a bar called Walk The Plank in Kensington. There she has less than an hour to find a suitable champion. She needs a contender to face three challenges. Each challenge won will grant the winner an orb needed to collect Pixie, which is needed to gather the raw Pixie, defeat the shadows (RavenSoul), and restore Neveraj. The highlight of each visit might be seeing Wyshawn S. Darl (aka Starling) and trying to get under his skin.
Wyshawn is the epitome of bring predictability, flat stability, responsibility, and all other 'adulting' characteristics. He's a man who lacks enthusiasm, creativity, or passion, and who has somehow lost his inner childhood dreams. Those traits terrify me, so I've chosen to keep my distance in case they're contagious."
Wyshawn has noticed Piper. He has a keen eye and sees details often missed by others. For example, he knows the cadence with which Piper shows up at the bar so he makes a point of always working those nights. He doesn't know what she's looking for, or what criteria someone needs to have to be picked up by her, but he keeps watching and collecting tidbits of information about this mysterious woman who has captured his attention. Little does he know that she's been collecting tidbits about him as well.
When Pirates attack one night, Piper jumps to Wyshawn's rescue, and while she has a strict rule about NOT bringing locals through the Window, it looks like some rules are meant to be broken. Piper brings Wyshawn to Neveraj to escape attack, and now he is her only hope at taking on the challenges and winning orbs to save her home.
This was a delightful and whimsical read which not only entertained but also served as a reminder to remember to play. A happy medium can be found between being a serious, no-nonsense adult and a carefree, happy-go-lucky child. The book also speaks to needing to be courageous and face our fears, which can be an insurmountable challenge regardless of age.
I enjoyed the energy of the characters and how they interact. I also appreciated the author's inclusion of a diverse cast where the MMC is black and has two moms, the FMC is bi and has two dads, and one of the best friends communicates using sign language. The writing was (mostly) lighthearted and witty, and readers get to enjoy a plethora of tales recounted by the FMC within the story.
A few of my favourite lines...
"You can be scared and brave at the same time."
"Are you making things up as you go?"
"Of course. Aren't we all?"
Taken by surprise that a man would wait, think things through, and consider what I want first....
"What could be more valuable than eternal life?"
"Peace. To live a life without fear, even it it's a mortal one."
I hope you check this one out, as well as her other Fairy Tale Flip books:
The Wicked Blue - The Little Mermaid retelling
The Phantom Ink - Beauty & The Beast retelling
Piper (aka Jade) lives in Neveraj where her best friends are a tree nymph named Lillian and a timber sprite named Tuck, and she has a pet Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman named Epoch. She's not from Neveraj originally but she's lived there a long time enjoying a life filed with play and adventure and absolutely no adulting. Recently something insidious seems to have infected her precious home. This disease, these shadows, can only be defeated by raw Pixie, the life source of Neveraj.
Once a month Piper passes through The Window and visits a bar called Walk The Plank in Kensington. There she has less than an hour to find a suitable champion. She needs a contender to face three challenges. Each challenge won will grant the winner an orb needed to collect Pixie, which is needed to gather the raw Pixie, defeat the shadows (RavenSoul), and restore Neveraj. The highlight of each visit might be seeing Wyshawn S. Darl (aka Starling) and trying to get under his skin.
Wyshawn is the epitome of bring predictability, flat stability, responsibility, and all other 'adulting' characteristics. He's a man who lacks enthusiasm, creativity, or passion, and who has somehow lost his inner childhood dreams. Those traits terrify me, so I've chosen to keep my distance in case they're contagious."
Wyshawn has noticed Piper. He has a keen eye and sees details often missed by others. For example, he knows the cadence with which Piper shows up at the bar so he makes a point of always working those nights. He doesn't know what she's looking for, or what criteria someone needs to have to be picked up by her, but he keeps watching and collecting tidbits of information about this mysterious woman who has captured his attention. Little does he know that she's been collecting tidbits about him as well.
When Pirates attack one night, Piper jumps to Wyshawn's rescue, and while she has a strict rule about NOT bringing locals through the Window, it looks like some rules are meant to be broken. Piper brings Wyshawn to Neveraj to escape attack, and now he is her only hope at taking on the challenges and winning orbs to save her home.
This was a delightful and whimsical read which not only entertained but also served as a reminder to remember to play. A happy medium can be found between being a serious, no-nonsense adult and a carefree, happy-go-lucky child. The book also speaks to needing to be courageous and face our fears, which can be an insurmountable challenge regardless of age.
I enjoyed the energy of the characters and how they interact. I also appreciated the author's inclusion of a diverse cast where the MMC is black and has two moms, the FMC is bi and has two dads, and one of the best friends communicates using sign language. The writing was (mostly) lighthearted and witty, and readers get to enjoy a plethora of tales recounted by the FMC within the story.
A few of my favourite lines...
"You can be scared and brave at the same time."
"Are you making things up as you go?"
"Of course. Aren't we all?"
Taken by surprise that a man would wait, think things through, and consider what I want first....
"What could be more valuable than eternal life?"
"Peace. To live a life without fear, even it it's a mortal one."
I hope you check this one out, as well as her other Fairy Tale Flip books:
The Wicked Blue - The Little Mermaid retelling
The Phantom Ink - Beauty & The Beast retelling
September 15, 2024
RATING: 4.5 (Rounded Up)
One of my favorite categories in fantasy readings are retellings and twists on classic tales. In this genre, I have really enjoyed several of Cassie Swindon books in her fairy tale flip series. The Never Hour is her latest release and is a gender-bent, modern day twist of Peter Pan.
In The Never Hour, we meet Piper Pan, a vivacious woman who has been living a carefree life as a 29 year old for several years in her magical world of Neveraj. Escaping the painful trauma of her past, Piper chooses to live in the moment, seek out adventure and spin fanciful stories that seem more dream than reality. She does not see the point in focusing on the future or bothering with the weight of adult responsibilities.
However, the safety and beauty of Piper's world is threatened as a dark shadow force is slowly draining the life of Neveraj's beings and wildlife. In an attempt to save it, Piper takes advantage of the 1 hour each month when the window between her world and the real world opens. She must find champions to help her gain pixie, the essential life force of all of Neveraj. Of course, nothing is as simple as it seems and when one of her monthly visits goes awry, Piper is forced to bring Wyshan Darl, the handsome but stoic bar tender from her favorite bar.
Wyshan is everything that Piper is not--he's responsible, likes order, believes in logic and accountability. However, despite their differences, Piper can't help but feel drawn to Wyshan and as he discovers more about Piper's world, Wyshan falls even harder for her. Piper realizes that Wyshan threatens not only her heart but the foundation of all she has lived by for years.
It was beautiful to see how Swindon allows both Piper and Wyshan to support and challenge each other. They each go through an incredible journey of personal growth as they face painful truths about their pasts and their present day fears. However, it's the unwavering belief that each has in the other, that allows them to reach for a future that had not seemed possible.
In particular, Swindon's take on the Peter Pan fable and what it means to 'grow up' was very interesting and unique. The world she creates is maginificently whimsical and there were so many beautiful and poignant descriptions as Piper wraps us in the ageless beauty of her imagination and dreams. I loved the way that Swindon used Piper's passion for stories to blend reality and fantasy and to transport the reader to the beautiful simplicity and innocence of youth.
If you like a retelling that brings a new twist to a classic tale and throws in a touching love story with some fiery passion, then definitely give The Never Hour a read!
One of my favorite categories in fantasy readings are retellings and twists on classic tales. In this genre, I have really enjoyed several of Cassie Swindon books in her fairy tale flip series. The Never Hour is her latest release and is a gender-bent, modern day twist of Peter Pan.
In The Never Hour, we meet Piper Pan, a vivacious woman who has been living a carefree life as a 29 year old for several years in her magical world of Neveraj. Escaping the painful trauma of her past, Piper chooses to live in the moment, seek out adventure and spin fanciful stories that seem more dream than reality. She does not see the point in focusing on the future or bothering with the weight of adult responsibilities.
However, the safety and beauty of Piper's world is threatened as a dark shadow force is slowly draining the life of Neveraj's beings and wildlife. In an attempt to save it, Piper takes advantage of the 1 hour each month when the window between her world and the real world opens. She must find champions to help her gain pixie, the essential life force of all of Neveraj. Of course, nothing is as simple as it seems and when one of her monthly visits goes awry, Piper is forced to bring Wyshan Darl, the handsome but stoic bar tender from her favorite bar.
Wyshan is everything that Piper is not--he's responsible, likes order, believes in logic and accountability. However, despite their differences, Piper can't help but feel drawn to Wyshan and as he discovers more about Piper's world, Wyshan falls even harder for her. Piper realizes that Wyshan threatens not only her heart but the foundation of all she has lived by for years.
It was beautiful to see how Swindon allows both Piper and Wyshan to support and challenge each other. They each go through an incredible journey of personal growth as they face painful truths about their pasts and their present day fears. However, it's the unwavering belief that each has in the other, that allows them to reach for a future that had not seemed possible.
In particular, Swindon's take on the Peter Pan fable and what it means to 'grow up' was very interesting and unique. The world she creates is maginificently whimsical and there were so many beautiful and poignant descriptions as Piper wraps us in the ageless beauty of her imagination and dreams. I loved the way that Swindon used Piper's passion for stories to blend reality and fantasy and to transport the reader to the beautiful simplicity and innocence of youth.
If you like a retelling that brings a new twist to a classic tale and throws in a touching love story with some fiery passion, then definitely give The Never Hour a read!
August 21, 2024
The Never Hour is a whimsical but dark retelling of Peter Pan with the added bonus of gender reversal. This was my first gender reversed retelling and it was refreshing and unique!
Piper is a flighty, childish, spit-fire of a FMC. She has been living in Neveraj for several years but when a darkness starts to kill the land, she is forced to venture back to the "real" world in order to find a contender who can win the challenges required to save her home.
Wyshawn is a bartender in the "real" world and has been pining for Piper for years. He has noticed that she only comes once a month at midnight and always leaves with someone. Wyshawn is the definition of a responsible adult. He takes planning, routine and structure very seriously When fate causes Piper to bring Wyshawn back to Neveraj, he is immediately overwhelmed and out of his element.
I enjoyed the storyline and the slowly developed relationship between the characters, despite the immediate physical attraction. I also enjoyed the character growth from both and their desire to learn to understand each other. This is definitely an opposites attract mixed with forced proximity.
The author showed their creative strength with the world building and descriptions. The land was magical, as it should be! I will say some areas were a bit repetitive for me and I struggled to stay engaged at times.
The spice was sweet and slow but did reach explicit parts for those interested. My only issue with the romance side was that I constantly felt Piper acted too young. I know she is an adult but her childlike emotional maturity caused the romance side to feel a bit icky...like she may be 29+ but she has the mind of a 10 year old. I was grateful their relationship did not become physical until she was showing more maturity!
Overall, I enjoyed the read and look forward to seeing more of this author's work. Retellings are some of my favorite books!
Piper is a flighty, childish, spit-fire of a FMC. She has been living in Neveraj for several years but when a darkness starts to kill the land, she is forced to venture back to the "real" world in order to find a contender who can win the challenges required to save her home.
Wyshawn is a bartender in the "real" world and has been pining for Piper for years. He has noticed that she only comes once a month at midnight and always leaves with someone. Wyshawn is the definition of a responsible adult. He takes planning, routine and structure very seriously When fate causes Piper to bring Wyshawn back to Neveraj, he is immediately overwhelmed and out of his element.
I enjoyed the storyline and the slowly developed relationship between the characters, despite the immediate physical attraction. I also enjoyed the character growth from both and their desire to learn to understand each other. This is definitely an opposites attract mixed with forced proximity.
The author showed their creative strength with the world building and descriptions. The land was magical, as it should be! I will say some areas were a bit repetitive for me and I struggled to stay engaged at times.
The spice was sweet and slow but did reach explicit parts for those interested. My only issue with the romance side was that I constantly felt Piper acted too young. I know she is an adult but her childlike emotional maturity caused the romance side to feel a bit icky...like she may be 29+ but she has the mind of a 10 year old. I was grateful their relationship did not become physical until she was showing more maturity!
Overall, I enjoyed the read and look forward to seeing more of this author's work. Retellings are some of my favorite books!
October 13, 2024
Book Review: The Never Hour By: Cassie Swindon
Cassie sure knows how to write a fairytale retelling but she surpasses that by writing them in a phenomenal way as a flip. I absolutely loved The Phantom Ink it was the first book I read by her and it was so creative and beautifully executed and this one was no different!!!
This is a Peter Pan retelling but the main character is Piper Pan! I loved the whole start to the book with the bar she visits once a month called Walk the Plank! She’s only able to leave for one hour and she is on the hunt for answers and candidates for the challenges! It was such a unique twist of trails in this story and such unique way to show Neveraj. As she desperately tries to solve a mystery in Neveraj and find a way to obtain Pixie she finds herself in need of help from someone she’s drawn to Wyshawn who’s been drawn to her from the moment he saw her. It makes for some wonderful banter and tension! I loved that we got to see both of their POVs it made the story so rich. I loved her take on the lost ones and their added tension when Wyshawn is there. It was just a hoot!
This definitely is by far my favorite of the Pan retellings it was so creative and unique. Cassie is great with her style and it captivates you! She is so talented at world building and her message of acceptance of your fears but facing them anyway so that you don’t miss out on life was so beautifully woven into this story!
The plot is great, the spicy bits are really good and it’s just a great read! I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!
I had the great pleasure to interview her on my channel be sure to check out that interview that will be live on October 25th!!!!
Cassie sure knows how to write a fairytale retelling but she surpasses that by writing them in a phenomenal way as a flip. I absolutely loved The Phantom Ink it was the first book I read by her and it was so creative and beautifully executed and this one was no different!!!
This is a Peter Pan retelling but the main character is Piper Pan! I loved the whole start to the book with the bar she visits once a month called Walk the Plank! She’s only able to leave for one hour and she is on the hunt for answers and candidates for the challenges! It was such a unique twist of trails in this story and such unique way to show Neveraj. As she desperately tries to solve a mystery in Neveraj and find a way to obtain Pixie she finds herself in need of help from someone she’s drawn to Wyshawn who’s been drawn to her from the moment he saw her. It makes for some wonderful banter and tension! I loved that we got to see both of their POVs it made the story so rich. I loved her take on the lost ones and their added tension when Wyshawn is there. It was just a hoot!
This definitely is by far my favorite of the Pan retellings it was so creative and unique. Cassie is great with her style and it captivates you! She is so talented at world building and her message of acceptance of your fears but facing them anyway so that you don’t miss out on life was so beautifully woven into this story!
The plot is great, the spicy bits are really good and it’s just a great read! I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!
I had the great pleasure to interview her on my channel be sure to check out that interview that will be live on October 25th!!!!
September 8, 2024
This is a really cool retelling of Peter Pan with a well done role reversal! It’s darker, sexier, and a little bit of an acid trip but in the best way! I mean, you’re in a magical land, so be prepared for anything!
The FMC is Piper Pan. She visits Earth but lives in Neveraj. She’s trying to figure out why shadows are taking over her world, and has searched for a worthy champion to face several challenges and restore balance to Neveraj. She’s been in our world and has a limited window, the Never Hour, in which to get home. The story really takes off when she inadvertently brings the bartender with her from her favorite Earthside haunt while escaping pirates!
The MMC is Wyshawn S Darl. He’s had a crush on Piper for years, and has witnessed her coming in like clockwork and leaving with me, but never gives him a shot. He escapes certain death with Piper, into Neveraj, and finds himself completely overwhelmed and unmoored. But with Piper, so is it really so bad? He can’t leave until the next Never Hour and has to decide if he’s up to these challenges , and is hoping he can finally impress Piper and win her affection. But wow is it a wild ride!! Also, he sounds pretty hot and Piper definitely should give him a chance!
The nicknames are adorable. The banter is top tier. The storytelling and world building are fabulous. There’s hilarity, angst, backstory, double crossing, history lessons, inner turmoil! There are crazy creatures, magic portals, crushing defeats and soaring heroic saves. It has so much! And the spice is spicy!
I hope you’ll give this book a read. I think you’ll enjoy the story!
The FMC is Piper Pan. She visits Earth but lives in Neveraj. She’s trying to figure out why shadows are taking over her world, and has searched for a worthy champion to face several challenges and restore balance to Neveraj. She’s been in our world and has a limited window, the Never Hour, in which to get home. The story really takes off when she inadvertently brings the bartender with her from her favorite Earthside haunt while escaping pirates!
The MMC is Wyshawn S Darl. He’s had a crush on Piper for years, and has witnessed her coming in like clockwork and leaving with me, but never gives him a shot. He escapes certain death with Piper, into Neveraj, and finds himself completely overwhelmed and unmoored. But with Piper, so is it really so bad? He can’t leave until the next Never Hour and has to decide if he’s up to these challenges , and is hoping he can finally impress Piper and win her affection. But wow is it a wild ride!! Also, he sounds pretty hot and Piper definitely should give him a chance!
The nicknames are adorable. The banter is top tier. The storytelling and world building are fabulous. There’s hilarity, angst, backstory, double crossing, history lessons, inner turmoil! There are crazy creatures, magic portals, crushing defeats and soaring heroic saves. It has so much! And the spice is spicy!
I hope you’ll give this book a read. I think you’ll enjoy the story!
August 20, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
This book is a fun gender-flipped retelling of Peter Pan, and I really enjoyed it!
It was fun being able to see the world through Piper’s eyes who just wants to tell stories, have fun, and not be an adult. (I mean, ya can’t blame a girl 😅) While Piper plays fast and loose, Wyshawn plays by the rules down to the letter.
They both have to work together to overcome three test to get raw Pixie to help save the land, and also figure out what is poisoning it.
Now there are a few plot points I wish we got more clarification/closure on. POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD
1)What happened to Cade (her date at the beginning) after he fell? I thought for sure he was going to pop back up and be a problem, but alas the bit in the beginning was it for him.
2)The pirates are searching for Pixie in the beginning of the book, but we don’t hear anything more about them besides the wanted posters being taken down at the end of the book. What happened with them? Were they thrown in just to add a little bit more Peter Pan feels to the book?
3)We never got an answer as to why one of the Lost Boys had Pixie coming out of him and not blood when he was killed. If they live in Neveraj is that what their blood becomes?
This book is a fun gender-flipped retelling of Peter Pan, and I really enjoyed it!
It was fun being able to see the world through Piper’s eyes who just wants to tell stories, have fun, and not be an adult. (I mean, ya can’t blame a girl 😅) While Piper plays fast and loose, Wyshawn plays by the rules down to the letter.
They both have to work together to overcome three test to get raw Pixie to help save the land, and also figure out what is poisoning it.
Now there are a few plot points I wish we got more clarification/closure on. POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD
1)What happened to Cade (her date at the beginning) after he fell? I thought for sure he was going to pop back up and be a problem, but alas the bit in the beginning was it for him.
2)The pirates are searching for Pixie in the beginning of the book, but we don’t hear anything more about them besides the wanted posters being taken down at the end of the book. What happened with them? Were they thrown in just to add a little bit more Peter Pan feels to the book?
3)We never got an answer as to why one of the Lost Boys had Pixie coming out of him and not blood when he was killed. If they live in Neveraj is that what their blood becomes?
September 12, 2024
I was so excited to read yet again another one of Swindon’s book retellings! I fell in love with the Little mermaid and Beauty&the Beast retelling that I advance read for her. The characters were diverse and the world was so different from what we imagine from the original Peter Pan story. Piper was very sassy, curious, and had was driven by her love and passion for, Neveraj, her home. She strung along the quiet and broody bar tender, Wyshawn, to the point he ended up thrown into the dangerous adventure with Piper. I do enjoy the twists and character changes that this author makes to her retellings including switching the gender roles of main characters from the original fairytale stories. I’m not sure if I was in a book slump at the time or if this retelling just was not for me. It was hard to push through and read at certain points. I would get confused at times and would just put it down when I would lose my reading zone. I really wish I could get into this retelling like I did for her other two but sometimes not all books are meant to be as enticing to you as others were. Still think this author has a great talent for unique retellings!
August 11, 2024
This book is a riot and delight to the senses. For a fast reader, admittedly, the writing style with it's denser descriptions and repetitive lines does slow one down. That being said the descriptions and flow almost give an experienced tactile feel and smell to the world of Neveraj as you read. The way the story draws you in and immerses you can make you easily lose hours. This was an all nighter read as I was enjoying myself so much.
Piper is a tiny flighty gem of a woman who lives solidly in the present flitting away from the past and future even as she tries to save herself and her friends. She's the antithesis to Wyshawn who is a grounded man guided by his plans and sense of responsibility. The pair find themselves unexpectedly trapped together as outside forces cause strife. The romance is slow but sweet. They remind me of a grand oak and an ADHD squirrel - very different but supportive of the other in different ways.
Overall this book was amusing, entertaining, and filled with adventure to keep you on your toes. I don't usually reread books but this one is one that I will.
The lead up to the ending is darker so be aware of that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Piper is a tiny flighty gem of a woman who lives solidly in the present flitting away from the past and future even as she tries to save herself and her friends. She's the antithesis to Wyshawn who is a grounded man guided by his plans and sense of responsibility. The pair find themselves unexpectedly trapped together as outside forces cause strife. The romance is slow but sweet. They remind me of a grand oak and an ADHD squirrel - very different but supportive of the other in different ways.
Overall this book was amusing, entertaining, and filled with adventure to keep you on your toes. I don't usually reread books but this one is one that I will.
The lead up to the ending is darker so be aware of that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 10, 2024
Piper Pan meets her match, in opposite Wyshawn S. Darl.
In this opposites attract, role reversal Peter Pan re-telling Piper and Wyshawn have a lot of work to do when it comes to getting what they need to from each other.
Piper at forever 29, well maybe not forever but for a very long time desperately needs to do some growing up. And Wyshawn at 31 carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and really needs to relax a little. Luckily they both do what the other can't do really well, if they can just figure out how to work together.
I love a good retelling and this author does not disappoint. I am not a huge fan of Peter Pan but I can say I'm a really big fan of Piper Pan. The story is full of action right from the beginning, starting with pirates. There are plenty of laughs, fun and witty banter. They also struggle, learn to work together and both characters grow.
Best of all as always the imagery in the story is amazing. From miniature crocodiles, to green canopies every shade you can imagine and so much more.
I have voluntarily left this review.
In this opposites attract, role reversal Peter Pan re-telling Piper and Wyshawn have a lot of work to do when it comes to getting what they need to from each other.
Piper at forever 29, well maybe not forever but for a very long time desperately needs to do some growing up. And Wyshawn at 31 carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and really needs to relax a little. Luckily they both do what the other can't do really well, if they can just figure out how to work together.
I love a good retelling and this author does not disappoint. I am not a huge fan of Peter Pan but I can say I'm a really big fan of Piper Pan. The story is full of action right from the beginning, starting with pirates. There are plenty of laughs, fun and witty banter. They also struggle, learn to work together and both characters grow.
Best of all as always the imagery in the story is amazing. From miniature crocodiles, to green canopies every shade you can imagine and so much more.
I have voluntarily left this review.
September 22, 2024
Peter Pan Retelling
Gender Role Reversal
Grumpy/ Sunshine
Romantic Fantasy
LGBTQIA+ Rep
Dual POV
This gender reversal Peter Pan retelling was fantastic! It made me laugh a lot. I loved Piper Pan’s character. It’s so hard not to. She’s the female adult version of Peter Pan - funny, fun-loving and just generally making light of everything. Wyshawn, he counterpart, is a lot more uptight. He worries a lot and doesn’t like to take chances. When Piper accidentally takes him with her to Neveraj, he’s stuck in a world full of magic and mystery that he doesn’t understand until the next Never Hour when the window back to the real world reopens.
It’s a fantastic magical story. Cassie does an amazing job weaving in the original aspects of the story while still crafting a completely unique and intriguing story about acknowledging and accepting your fears without allowing them to hinder you from living your life. If you like retellings, this one is definitely for you.
Thank you to Cassie Swindon for an advanced reader’s copy of this book!
Gender Role Reversal
Grumpy/ Sunshine
Romantic Fantasy
LGBTQIA+ Rep
Dual POV
This gender reversal Peter Pan retelling was fantastic! It made me laugh a lot. I loved Piper Pan’s character. It’s so hard not to. She’s the female adult version of Peter Pan - funny, fun-loving and just generally making light of everything. Wyshawn, he counterpart, is a lot more uptight. He worries a lot and doesn’t like to take chances. When Piper accidentally takes him with her to Neveraj, he’s stuck in a world full of magic and mystery that he doesn’t understand until the next Never Hour when the window back to the real world reopens.
It’s a fantastic magical story. Cassie does an amazing job weaving in the original aspects of the story while still crafting a completely unique and intriguing story about acknowledging and accepting your fears without allowing them to hinder you from living your life. If you like retellings, this one is definitely for you.
Thank you to Cassie Swindon for an advanced reader’s copy of this book!
September 25, 2024
Overall Rating 3/5
Spice Meter 2/5
I love a Peter Pan retelling, and I especially love a gender swapped Fairy Tale retelling, so this was a no-brainer for me. Thank you Cassie Swindon for continuing to include me as an ARC reader!
Tropes:
Gender Reversal
Grumpy/Sunshine
Romantasy
Challenge (Hunger Games type challenges)
Diverse Characters
He is Domestic!
LGBTQ+ Representation (Bi FMC)
Some highlights:
- I struggled to get through this one. Having just lost my father, it was tough for me to read about losing a parent, even simple memory loss of a parent.
- This one moved slower than the other ones in the story. It is a standalone, but I wouldn’t start with this one. I enjoyed it, but it’s just slower.
- The spice is much better in this one, but I found myself skipping the spice to move the story along.
- Overall, this isn’t my favorite from Swindon, but I love her books, and will continue reading. I think it was a personal miss for me because of the parent situation that is Peter Pan.
Spice Meter 2/5
I love a Peter Pan retelling, and I especially love a gender swapped Fairy Tale retelling, so this was a no-brainer for me. Thank you Cassie Swindon for continuing to include me as an ARC reader!
Tropes:
Gender Reversal
Grumpy/Sunshine
Romantasy
Challenge (Hunger Games type challenges)
Diverse Characters
He is Domestic!
LGBTQ+ Representation (Bi FMC)
Some highlights:
- I struggled to get through this one. Having just lost my father, it was tough for me to read about losing a parent, even simple memory loss of a parent.
- This one moved slower than the other ones in the story. It is a standalone, but I wouldn’t start with this one. I enjoyed it, but it’s just slower.
- The spice is much better in this one, but I found myself skipping the spice to move the story along.
- Overall, this isn’t my favorite from Swindon, but I love her books, and will continue reading. I think it was a personal miss for me because of the parent situation that is Peter Pan.
September 5, 2024
Piper needs Wyshawn’s help completing three challenges in order to save Neveraj. Piper wants Wyshawn to relax and have a little fun, while Wyshawn just wishes Piper would see that he’s been trying to offer her his heart…
Piper’s fun-loving personality, love of flying, and unique storytelling kept the story moving at a good pace.
Wyshawn’s serious inquisitiveness helped establish world-building details in a natural way.
Their chemistry and hesitations were believable, allowing for a slow-burn romance.
Cade’s fate in the beginning was jarring and treated a little callously by Piper, but the rest of the story endeared her to me. She’s imperfect but grew and changed.
Towards the end, the magic and world-building became a little confusing and inconsistent, and I wished in general for a little more focus for the overall plot. The first two books in series were stronger.
Overall, I enjoyed this gender flip fairytale series.
ARC provided by the author. Opinions are my own.
Piper’s fun-loving personality, love of flying, and unique storytelling kept the story moving at a good pace.
Wyshawn’s serious inquisitiveness helped establish world-building details in a natural way.
Their chemistry and hesitations were believable, allowing for a slow-burn romance.
Cade’s fate in the beginning was jarring and treated a little callously by Piper, but the rest of the story endeared her to me. She’s imperfect but grew and changed.
Towards the end, the magic and world-building became a little confusing and inconsistent, and I wished in general for a little more focus for the overall plot. The first two books in series were stronger.
Overall, I enjoyed this gender flip fairytale series.
ARC provided by the author. Opinions are my own.
September 5, 2024
This book is a retelling with a role reversal instead. #bookstagram #booklover
I flew through this book, it's absolutely amazing! 😍 I highly recommend it, but be warned, it's 18+ and has some spicy scenes. 🔥
I loved all the characters and I highly recommend giving this book a chance if you love retelling books with reversed roles. 📚✨
Here's a little summary:
Piper needs a contender to win more Pixie dust, otherwise Neveraj may cease to exist as she knows it. She can't let her magical home disintegrate because it's the power of that land keeping her forever young. So, she must trick someone to cross through The Window with her to the world full of nymphs and sprites.
The only problem is... the only option is Wyshawn, a rule-following, uptight guy from Kensington who doesn't have one ounce of imagination or fun in his soul. 🤦♀️ #oppositesattract #unlikelypair
I flew through this book, it's absolutely amazing! 😍 I highly recommend it, but be warned, it's 18+ and has some spicy scenes. 🔥
I loved all the characters and I highly recommend giving this book a chance if you love retelling books with reversed roles. 📚✨
Here's a little summary:
Piper needs a contender to win more Pixie dust, otherwise Neveraj may cease to exist as she knows it. She can't let her magical home disintegrate because it's the power of that land keeping her forever young. So, she must trick someone to cross through The Window with her to the world full of nymphs and sprites.
The only problem is... the only option is Wyshawn, a rule-following, uptight guy from Kensington who doesn't have one ounce of imagination or fun in his soul. 🤦♀️ #oppositesattract #unlikelypair
September 8, 2024
I was so excited to be asked to ARC review this book as I love Cassie's writing and a good fairytale retelling - especially a gender bend.
Petter pan was always a favourite of mine growing up so I was looking forward to this one from Cassie.
The story is amazing and just hooks you in from the beginning! Piper is a pop rocket that I could relate to (not wanting to grow up and turning 30 might be why 😂). She has passion and all she wants to do is save Neveraj!
Wyshawn.... Mmm... He is the package! He cooks, cleans, has so much love and is described as a total babe! He's been in love with Piper for a while and has been watching her when she comes to the human world once a month. All he wants is for Piper to notice him and to help his moms!
Now I won't say more as I don't want to spoil the book for anyone! But this is a must read if you love a good fairytale!!
Petter pan was always a favourite of mine growing up so I was looking forward to this one from Cassie.
The story is amazing and just hooks you in from the beginning! Piper is a pop rocket that I could relate to (not wanting to grow up and turning 30 might be why 😂). She has passion and all she wants to do is save Neveraj!
Wyshawn.... Mmm... He is the package! He cooks, cleans, has so much love and is described as a total babe! He's been in love with Piper for a while and has been watching her when she comes to the human world once a month. All he wants is for Piper to notice him and to help his moms!
Now I won't say more as I don't want to spoil the book for anyone! But this is a must read if you love a good fairytale!!
August 18, 2024
This was such a wonderful story and I absolutely love this series! This book was a gender swapped Peter Pan retelling and it was so wonderful. I was hooked (no pun intended) immediately into the story of Piper and Wyshawn and I really enjoyed the chemistry and the banter they had together. The spice was excellent too. It was really interesting to see a new take on a classic story where things were updated and tweaked but the original elements were still recognizable as well. I also really loved the side characters, especially Tank. Would highly recommend if you enjoy retellings and gender swap stories. There were also mentions of characters from other books in the series which was great to see. Thank you so much to Cassie Swindon for the ARC of this story.
September 6, 2024
This book was a take on a Twisted Peter Pan retelling. Piper is living in Neveraj where she never grows up. There is a horrible disease killing the land and Piper is trying to find a way to stop it. Once a month she goes through the window to find a new human to bring back with her to take on the trials to win Pixie which she thinks is key to saving the land.
I did enjoy the book. I struggled to fully be sucked in to the story however. I felt frustrated by Pipers immaturity and her reluctance to face her own fears. The plot line seemed to be drawn out and could have been shortened. Overall it was a solid book
I did enjoy the book. I struggled to fully be sucked in to the story however. I felt frustrated by Pipers immaturity and her reluctance to face her own fears. The plot line seemed to be drawn out and could have been shortened. Overall it was a solid book
September 9, 2024
*The Never Hour* by Cassie Swindon offers a whimsical journey into the magical world of Neveraj, where Piper must secure more Pixie dust to save her home. The clash between Piper's trickery and Wyshawn's rule-following personality adds tension and humor to the plot. The vivid descriptions of nymphs, sprites, and magical lands make the story enchanting. Piper's determination to protect her youth and homeland keeps the stakes high, while Wyshawn's rigidity contrasts well with her carefree nature. With a mix of magic, adventure, and fun characters, this book is an engaging read for fantasy lovers.
September 16, 2024
An interesting take on Peter Pan, a new addition to this author's Fairy Tale Flip series.
Piper Pan lives in Neveraj, not growing up, staying put as her fathers had asked her to do. She loves that she really has no responsibilities, the land providing whatever you need. The future is not something she ever thinks about, as she doesn't plan on ever growing up.
She does, however, need someone to compete in a trial, in order to gather Pixie, an item necessary to keep the land from being overtaken by shadows. Wyshawn, a man she'd met over the years, ends up in Neveraj with her, to attempt these trials.
Wyshawn liked her already, and his feelings develop more as the story goes on. He is her opposite, but little but little tries getting her to see how her life would be if she stopped hiding and grew.
This was an exciting read, I liked it!
Piper Pan lives in Neveraj, not growing up, staying put as her fathers had asked her to do. She loves that she really has no responsibilities, the land providing whatever you need. The future is not something she ever thinks about, as she doesn't plan on ever growing up.
She does, however, need someone to compete in a trial, in order to gather Pixie, an item necessary to keep the land from being overtaken by shadows. Wyshawn, a man she'd met over the years, ends up in Neveraj with her, to attempt these trials.
Wyshawn liked her already, and his feelings develop more as the story goes on. He is her opposite, but little but little tries getting her to see how her life would be if she stopped hiding and grew.
This was an exciting read, I liked it!
August 11, 2024
I love Peter Pan since it's so whimsical and imaginative and this story exceeded my expectations. Overall, I'm a huge fan or retellings and this one was so unique I wanted more, more, more. I loved the talking nymphs and Tank the sprite was like Tinker Bell but a dude.
In the beginning, The Window somewhat made me confused if it was a portal/urban fantasy PNR subgenre or not but with all the magical and romance elements, it fits a contemporary fantasy romance subgenre just fine.
I can't wait for more by this author and heard she has a witchy romcom series coming out next which I'll die for!
In the beginning, The Window somewhat made me confused if it was a portal/urban fantasy PNR subgenre or not but with all the magical and romance elements, it fits a contemporary fantasy romance subgenre just fine.
I can't wait for more by this author and heard she has a witchy romcom series coming out next which I'll die for!
August 11, 2024
I couldn't put this Peter Pan retelling down and read it under 2 hours. It was quick, witty, fun, whimsical with a darker vibe here and there since the jungle of Neveraj is mysterious, and overall... fantastic.
Piper was somewhat annoying, then awesome.
Wyshawn... he can be my new book boyfriend.
It's super creative that the author has the main character be a gender swap. Like her beauty and the beast retelling, it's a grumpy, cursed witch up in her castle. And in the little mermaid retelling its a buff military merman who saves a beautiful red head human on a shipwreck.
Good stuff!
Piper was somewhat annoying, then awesome.
Wyshawn... he can be my new book boyfriend.
It's super creative that the author has the main character be a gender swap. Like her beauty and the beast retelling, it's a grumpy, cursed witch up in her castle. And in the little mermaid retelling its a buff military merman who saves a beautiful red head human on a shipwreck.
Good stuff!
August 30, 2024
Omg this book was absolutely amazing! I haven’t read a gender reversal book before but I was absolutely hooked. Piper as Peter Pan and Wyshawn darl as Wendy darling was intriguing and tank as tinker bell was funny! The story was absolutely riveting and I didn’t want to put it down. The story draws you in and doesn’t let you go it’s funny emotional and frustrating all at the same time! I would highly recommend this especially if you love Peter Pan!
September 26, 2024
This was a fantastic reimagining of the Peter Pan we all know and love! The romance was hot and spicy and the chemistry was palpable on each page. I also loved the mystery and adventure that Piper and Wyshawn solved and went through. The character development and growth was also so believable and I felt so invested in each of them. This book was hard to put down and I can’t wait to read more reimaginings by Cassie!
August 11, 2024
I loved this Peter Pan retelling! Piper is so fierce as the "Peter" in this story and I love the adult take since she's older and it's not for kids. She starts out more selfish with fears she refuses to address but has a great character arc. Wyshawn compliments her in so many ways with his more serious personality, compared to her playful spirit. They're a hot couple in my opinion.
I wish I could visit Nerveraj myself. I could feel myself flying over the trees of the jungle and just wanted to jump into the book.
I wish I could visit Nerveraj myself. I could feel myself flying over the trees of the jungle and just wanted to jump into the book.
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