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Hook

(Neverland #2)

Gina L. Maxwell (Goodreads Author)

4.47 · Rating details · 92 ratings · 46 reviews

Journey back to Neverland, NC with NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author Gina L. Maxwell as she turns your favorite villain into the hero you never knew you needed.

THEY CALL ME HOOK

I’m Captain of the Pirates; a villain by design and a loner by nature.

I don’t need anyone. More than that, I don’t want anyone. Especially Officer John Darling who insists on seeing the g ...more

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Kindle Edition, 387 pages

Published October 29th 2019 by Gina L. Maxwell, LLC

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· 92 ratings · 46 reviews

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Nov 01, 2019 Kate Meader rated it it was amazing

Heartbreaking and uplifting all at once. As always, Gina's writing is immaculate and these characters' journeys will grip you all the way to their hard-won HEA. Loved every minute!

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Nov 01, 2019 Cassie rated it it was amazing

I fell in love with London and Neverland North Carolina from the first paragraph of Pan. I have also been anticipating Hook from about 30% into Pan. Any seasoned author can incorporate wonder into a book for a side character, but Maxwell laced bits of Hook so perfectly that he was in my head throughout the rest of Peter’s book and the subsequent months after as I waited for this story to be completed.

Lots of authors write the tortured hero. None are quite like Captain James Hook though. He has ...more

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Oct 30, 2019 Sarah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: found-families, read-in-a-day

What a wonderful book. I don't know the last time I cheered so hard for two characters to get together. Hook believes he is broken beyond repair, but John Darling is the perfect person to slowly, gently make him whole again. Although the characters are playfully based on the characters in the children's story, the themes of abuse get pretty dark. The author offers an alternative chapter if the reader would rather not read a particularly sensitive flashback. Kudos for this and for also having cha ...more

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Nov 02, 2019 Christine D rated it really liked it

Wicked Hook and darling John = so very intense.
I usually do not enjoy romances that are this dark but these characters are written so well and Gina Maxwell has done a really nice job on the reimagining of these characters in a contemporary setting. This series surprised me and is going to be gooooood.
I love her writing and this book was no exception.

I say 3.5 stars only because it has quite a bit of heavy subject matter, which, as reader was expected, but still diff ...more

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Oct 31, 2019 Rebecca rated it it was amazing

Like most of you, Hook by Gina L. Maxwell has been on my mind since finishing Pan and reading the bonus epilogue to get just a bit of insight into the tortured Hook and the man who wants to be the one to help save him. Unlike you, I’ve been privy to Hook and John’s journey from the start; I’ve been just a message away as Gina L. Maxwell painstakingly worked to be true to Hook and John’s character, to truly illustrate just how much Hook loathes himself, even though he tries to hide his pain, his Like most of you, Hook by Gina L. Maxwell has been on my mind since finishing Pan and reading the bonus epilogue to get just a bit of insight into the tortured Hook and the man who wants to be the one to help save him. Unlike you, I’ve been privy to Hook and John’s journey from the start; I’ve been just a message away as Gina L. Maxwell painstakingly worked to be true to Hook and John’s character, to truly illustrate just how much Hook loathes himself, even though he tries to hide his pain, his darkness, his self-recriminations, so that he remains the silent and broody Captain who most fear and/or idolize.

Hook’s process of self-discovery, of allowing his sins and his nightmares to be unleashed, not for public consumption, but for one person who promises to bring light to his world is not a straightforward situation or a quick process. The physical and mental abuse that Hook suffered and the ways he’s tried to cope with his demons wasn’t a productive method, but it’s the only way he’s known, and that’s going to be a difficult habit to break, but if there was anyone who could do it, it was John Darling, the boy who worshipped Captain Hook and now the man who sees Hook as his Captain and no one else’s.

As much as John is the hero of this story, and believe me, he is one amazing guy who constantly battles for those who can’t do it themselves because he wants to give a voice and some light to the lost and lonely of London. The way that he methodically works his way into, not only Hook’s space, but his heart, illustrates that he is a man of conviction and he won’t stop when it’s something he truly believes in or someone he truly feels deserves the world - like he does when it comes to James.

Hook may not see himself as a hero, and let’s be honest, he definitely does commit quite a few unheroic acts, but he’s not the villain either; he’s not a monster who is irredeemable - that hellacious honor goes to the devil himself - Croc. But Hook, to me, is a scarred and tortured man who was once a boy whose life was never truly his own…who sacrificed his body and his soul so that no one else would have to suffer what he himself did and if that doesn’t speak to just how heroic he is - scars and all - I don’t know what does.

Even at the end of the story - an emotional and character-driven tale - Hook is still a work-in-progress and rightly so because the damage done to him is not something that will ever go away…but it is something he can learn to cope with…to deal with in a way that is not counterproductive and, thankfully, John will be there to bring Hook back into the light when the darkness gets a little bit too close for comfort.

Gina L. Maxwell wrote Hook and John’s story as Hook wanted and needed it to be - the pushy bastard - but it’s his book, so it makes sense that he would be the one to demand more from Gina than she thought possible, but with John’s guidance and light and Hook’s resolve to lay everything out for the readers to see, Gina has served as Hook’s mouthpiece and did amazing justice to his and John’s journey!!! ...more

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Oct 30, 2019 Marian rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, best-of-2019

Sooo good. Can't wait for Tink now. Thanks to Gina for constant updates on Twitter as to books progress and release!

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Oct 30, 2019 Paula Reid rated it it was amazing

A Lost Boy finally found.

Hook (Neverland Series Book 2) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gina L Maxwell

There are so many things I want to say about this book, I don’t know where to start.
Firstly there needs to be a special star rating for books like Hook, 5 stars just doesn’t do it justice. I haven’t had a book capture my attention, my heart & my tears as much as this one has in years.
The story of Hook is so tragic & beautifully sad, Yes, he’s an asshole to almost everyone and nobody questions it bec A Lost Boy finally found.

Hook (Neverland Series Book 2) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gina L Maxwell

There are so many things I want to say about this book, I don’t know where to start.
Firstly there needs to be a special star rating for books like Hook, 5 stars just doesn’t do it justice. I haven’t had a book capture my attention, my heart & my tears as much as this one has in years.
The story of Hook is so tragic & beautifully sad, Yes, he’s an asshole to almost everyone and nobody questions it because that’s just Hook. But as you read through his story and you’re let into the tragic childhood this broken man had stolen from him, your heart bleeds.
Our heroes saviour John Darling (who we met in Pan) has always been enamoured by The Captain. The struggle Hook battles trying to reject but secretly dying to receive Johns emotional support of love and determination to help heal his heart is just perfect. Maxwell writes the intimacy between these two souls so well I found myself not breathing while reading those moments. The way John submits willingly to James subconsciously knowing it’s needed sees their sexual relationship blossom as Hooks trust in John grows.
This book was originally due out in April, but Maxwells determination to give this character a story that was realistic regarding the abuse he received as a child, and how he could begin healing and learning to love, meant it wouldn’t be released until she was 100% satisfied. In her words “Hook was telling the story, I had to listen to what he said”
She could of wrapped it up and given us a story about a angry bad dude who had a hot affair with a cop, but I’m so very glad she didn’t.
It’s Maxwells dedication to her readers that sees this book have an alternative chapter for those concerned with triggering content.
For anyone hesitant about this being a M/M, don’t be, I was so caught up in the story it wasn’t even registering that it was between 2 men. It is so much more than that.
Gina L Maxwell has a way with words and she has just taken her gift to another level with Hook, beautifully written and one I’ll definitely read again.

I’d rather be ruined by James Hook than be safe with anyone else - John Darling

25⭐️

#hook #neverlandseries #ginalmaxwell #romancereviewsbyp #jamesandjohn #thecaptainanddarling #heartbreakingandbeautiful ...more

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Nov 03, 2019 Malissa rated it it was amazing

Fast and furious, just finished.

I knew Hook’s story was going to be a bit of a roller coaster, but I didn’t realize just how meaningful it would be. Hook’s story isn’t just about overcoming, its about learning to believe in your own self worth, learning to trust that others can care for you, and most importantly learning to let your heart feel, both pain and joy.

I know from her posts this was a challenging book for Gina to write and I’m so proud of her for taking the extra time to make sure it ...more

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Oct 31, 2019 Pat rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book has so much anger, hatred and sadness, and that’s all in one character! Hook is broken, and his way of dealing with it is to be surly, a loner with a giant chip on his shoulder, till John Darling manages to start to crack his heart. He knows Hook’s inner person that is begging for acceptance and love, but refuses to give it back. The person he hates the most of anyone in this world is Croc. A cruel monster of a man, that thrives on hurting people, especially children. His whole life he ...more

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Nov 09, 2019 Sherry rated it it was amazing

OMG! This book!!!! This fucking book was everything I needed it to be and more. Gina bled her soul into this book and I am forever grateful to her for such an epic read.

I am a stingy wench when it comes to giving books a 5 star rating. It needs to hit me with all the feels, immerse me in the world I’m reading and twist me up in the best ways. I’m happy, sated and smiling like a loon as I just read the very last word of this book. I took my time with this one and it’s slipped into my book loving ...more

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Oct 31, 2019 Katie Durante rated it it was amazing

I absolutely devoured this book.
I loved the relationship between John and James, they complimented each other so well.
You got to really see them develop together and as individuals.
It provided me with adorable moments and struck me right in the heart with James' past.
I would read more books just about them because they are great but I am willing to just see them in passing in the next books in the series.

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Nov 01, 2019 Jessica rated it it was amazing

I loved Pan but Hook is AMAZING

Boy oh boy was this book worth the wait! I thought that I loved Pan (which I absolutely did!) But this book blew me away! What an awesome read with all the feels in it, cannot wait for more in this series! Gina writes beautiful characters and stories that absolutely suck you in!

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Oct 31, 2019 Patricia Fischer rated it it was amazing

Heart crushingly beautiful story

Get ready for a book hangover, friends.
After waiting for this book, I was not disappointed.
Reading about the dark, tortured soul of Hook finally finding light in John Darling, had me cheering.
Truly heart wrenching and sexy.

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Nov 09, 2019 Mia rated it it was amazing

ARC REVIEW

This book shook me to my core.
Here I thought ‘Pan’ was the best book I had read from this author, she had to go and up her game creating this incredible masterpiece.

‘Hook’ by Gina L Maxwell is the second book in her retelling in a unique and new way of the lives of the famous Peter Pan tale characters.
If you haven’t read the first book in the series, then you are doing something wrong with your life that should be rectified ASAP.

‘Hook’ fo ...more

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Nov 03, 2019 Christine~justlovemybooks.com blog~ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arcs, mm-romance

Hook by Gina Maxwell was a very dark, intense and disturbing read. I will warn you….. for those of you who are triggered by child abuse of a sexual nature you may want to be extra cautious. While there is no current abuse, there are flashbacks. That said, the flashbacks are not all explicitly graphic, however the author is very talented at painting the picture regardless. There will be no mistaking what you’re reading about.

I praise Gina Maxwell for the boundaries she crosses in her writing. These Hook by Gina Maxwell was a very dark, intense and disturbing read. I will warn you….. for those of you who are triggered by child abuse of a sexual nature you may want to be extra cautious. While there is no current abuse, there are flashbacks. That said, the flashbacks are not all explicitly graphic, however the author is very talented at painting the picture regardless. There will be no mistaking what you’re reading about.

I praise Gina Maxwell for the boundaries she crosses in her writing. These details are not easy to read, so I know that are even that much more difficult to write. that being said, I read a review copy but I understand in the original finished copy has an alternate chapter.

This book brought forth many emotions the most prominent being anger, and heartbreak. So, you are probably wondering why I read such a book? Life isn’t always painted with blue skies and butterflies. Sometimes we need reminders that this world isn’t perfect. Books like Hook bring that reality into perspective. And when we are given a beautifully written, believable happy ending our feeling of joy and elation will be that much more appreciated. I praise this author for writing realistic and believable text.

Hook is one of my favorite MM romances. Hook was a character whose whole purpose in life was to protect those around him. No matter how high and despicable the cost. Hook is a criminal by trade but not by choice. He is careful not to let people too close knowing the end will result in more despair for him and those he loves.

John Darling had a connection with Hook since they were children. But it wasn't until more than a decade later these two amazing men would be able to explore a relationship, albeit extremely carefully. I don’t want to give any of the story away. This is a book you’ll want to read without any spoilers. I don’t even want to comment on the last chapter; the ending. I will say that while I was pleased how things are going well for John and Hook, I am anxious for the next book in this series to assure me they are still going strong.

Hook is book two in Gina L. Maxwell’s Neverland series. The first book titled, Pan is Peter and Wendy’s story. It is also where we learn the dynamic of the Lost Boys, Hook and his pirates and the evil that is Fred Croc. Hook is a standalone but I think you’ll get more out of the story if you read Pan as well.

This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. 

...more

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Nov 05, 2019 Sarah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019-arc-reads

I have been waiting for Hook ever since I finished the first book in this series, Pan, where we first meet John Darling and "Captain" Hook. G Maxwell has done an amazing job of creating a modern-take on this classic tale, and these characters surprised me in every way. I was glued to this story. Not only can G Maxwell write MM romance flawlessly, but she does it with deep emotion, and with real and raw feelings that you can't but help feel through the pages.

There are so many layers to Hook...hi ...more

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Nov 09, 2019 Caffeinated Fae rated it it was amazing

Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault, Child Abuse, Murder, Abuse, Angst, Drug Use

As many of you know, I've been waiting anxiously for Hook to come out! I was one of the lucky bloggers that Gina gave a copy to in exchange for an honest review. I read Pan earlier this year and fell completely head over heels for Gina's writing, and I've been shoving Pan down everyone's throats because it is that amazing! Now, full disclosure, I have only read one other M/M romance, so I wasn't sure what to ...more

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Nov 07, 2019 Leah M rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

For my full review, visit:

https://www.leahsbooksandcooks.com/po...

Most kids grow up with the iconic story of Peter Pan, but Gina L. Maxwell’s Hook has reinvented a classic with a decidedly adult spin. While this is book #2 in the Neverland Series (mental note, I need to obtain book #1 immediately), it also works perfectly as a standalone book.

’ve read a lot of romance novels in my day, mostly in my younger years. The plots aren’t always thril ...more

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Nov 11, 2019 Calli Wolfe rated it it was amazing

Ever since I discovered Gina, I've loved her books. She has a style and tone to her writing that really grooves with my own inner voice, making those books easy and fun to read. I really enjoyed Pan as well, loving the modern-day take she had on these classic literary characters.

There was much hype about Hook's book and I was excited to dig in, especially once I started seeing Gina's posts about writing it on social media. And the hype was not in vain because this book blew my doors off.

Gina t ...more

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Nov 02, 2019 Garden Of REden rated it it was amazing

**OFF THE CHARTS

** CASSIE'S REVIEW

I fell in love with London and Neverland North Carolina from the first paragraph of Pan. I have also been anticipating Hook from about 30% into Pan. Any seasoned author can incorporate wonder into a book for a side character, but Maxwell laced bits of Hook so perfectly that he was in my head throughout the rest of Peter’s book and the subsequent months after as I waited for this story to be completed.

Lots of authors write the ...more

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Nov 10, 2019 Novel Grounds rated it it was amazing

This book. I waited what felt like forever for this novel and it was absolutely everything I was hoping it would be.

I can't think of the last time I was so invested in a book to be written. I was absolutely thrilled when it popped on my kindle and though I had to break it up over a few days, this novel was everything I needed it to be.

I hurt reading this. Some of the characters just rip your heart out as you read and some fo the scenes do exactly that same thing.

BUT this book was everything. It was broken ...more

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Nov 05, 2019 Paige Turner rated it it was amazing

Based on Pan, you may have had preconceived notions about Hook but he isn't what he seems. There are certain characters in books that you want to reach in and hug. I found Hook to be one of them. Hook hasn't had the easiest of life and he's often making it more difficult. He's beyond broken but still is a sweetheart by always looking out of his brothers he has a dominating and rough around the edges personality- which I loved! Of course this bad boy would fall for an equally dominant guy, who is ...more

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Nov 06, 2019 Mandy rated it it was amazing

Ok can I just give this book ALL the stars? I am blown away by the perfection Gina L. Maxwell gave us with this one. Her best work to date in my opinion. I absolutely could not put it down...and didn’t want it to end.

I’ve been dying for Hook and John’s story, and they were off the charts amazing. Hook is the tortured bad boy criminal with a devastating past, and John is the good boy clean cop who has always crushed on the man they call Captain. When an FBI investigation forces John to go underc ...more

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Nov 04, 2019 Megan Gemperline rated it it was amazing

A great story that packs punch

Okay, look. I've liked Gina's books for a few years now. Up until now, I would have said that her book Ruthless was my favorite.

But ....oh my goodness. Hook blew it out of the water and blew me away. I wasn't reading characters, I was reading humans that she just happened to write about.

Every time I thought that was it for gut punches, along came another that I didn't see coming and yet I took gladly.

Hook is the story of a man who thinks he is broken and does ...more

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Nov 05, 2019 Lovinghotbooks1 rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, ig, kindle

Hook’s story is all I wanted and more........
I’ve waited for this story and I was NOT disappointed, Maxwell has created a story about a hero that can’t see himself as anything but a villain. John helps Hook in so many ways and the relationship building between them throughout the book is heartbreaking and raw but holds a hint of what can be.
The storyline is excellent and I have problems putting it down.
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Good and plenty of dialogues
I’ve got ...more

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Nov 03, 2019 Amanda rated it it was amazing

Well, I need CPR

Oh my god. This book killed me, brought me back to life, murdered me, and resuscitated me again. After reading Pan, I absolutely expected this book to be dark, and I wasn't surprised by the sense of foreboding that lingered throughout the book like a living beast. Hook's story... someone who has to decide if the want to heal or keep living in the cage someone else put them in... Both choices painful, but not knowing how to receive anything freely given... It's a long journe ...more

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Nov 03, 2019 RaeLatte rated it it was amazing

Hook by Gina L. Maxwell is emotionally satisfying and will keep you on the edge of your seat - the gorgeous and sexy cover to the very last page!

If you grew up on stories Neverland and Peter Pan escaping the villainous Hook, hold on. This modern version M/M romance is captivating, daring, bold and takes you on an emotional ride that will tug at your heart.

I thought I was ready for Hook's story, and then Gina surprised me with so much more!

Add this series to yo ...more

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Nov 11, 2019 AgainWithTheBooks rated it it was amazing

Shelves: book-boyfriends, will-read-again, favorites

This is going to be a terrible review because I can't formulate my feelings into words. Is it enough to say I have 4 favorite books from 2019 and this is one of them? It should be enough, I'm a harsh critic.

I am always, always down for a conflicted bad guy tale. Make it a well-known character, but with all sorts of twists, and I'm still here for that. Make it Captain James Hook, convicted arsonist, thief, drug-runner, stuck-in-the-closet badass leader of the Pirates gang........good ...more

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Nov 02, 2019 BobaFett114 rated it it was amazing

Highly recommend!

Such a good book! You should read Pan first because that gives a lot of backstory. I'm not really into male on male fiction, however, I really wanted to read Hook's story. Hook is amazing. He's strong and brave and in need of love like no one else. Enter John. He gets under Hook's skin and wears down his barriers. Then there is Croc...I've never hated a character more. There is a lot of violence and some triggers. It is very well written and even made me cry. The author explains ...more

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Nov 03, 2019 Kathy Bolar rated it it was amazing

This book is EVERYTHING. Hook has so much to offer, but doesn’t feel worthy of anyone or love. John is the only one that believes in him and is determined to show him what a beautiful man he is. Reading this book—you will experience every emotion...happiness, sadness, tears, laughter. This was another Gina L. Maxwell book that will sit with you and you will be dying for more. Maxwell has the ability to write that shows the gift that she has. As the mother of a gay son, Gina now has me on a missi ...more

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About Gina L. Maxwell

Gina L. Maxwell

2,995 followers

Gina L. Maxwell is a full-time writer, wife, and mother living in the upper Midwest, despite her scathing hatred of snow and cold weather. An avid romance novel addict, she began writing as an alternate way of enjoying the romance stories she loves to read. Her debut novel, Seducing Cinderella, hit both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists in less than four weeks, and she’s been livin ...more