“Off the Hook” by Julie Olivia is a modern-day reimagining of the story of Peter Pan and Wendy. It follows Wendy Darling, a first grade teacher in Never Harbor, and the summer she has with new employer and long-time acquaintance, Jasper Davies. Wendy formerly dated Jasper’s younger brother, Peter, and has been assimilated into the Davies family, despite her broken-off engagement with Peter two years ago.
Desperate for a summer job to help with her rising rent costs, Wendy accepts employment as a nanny for Jasper’s six-year-old adopted son, Sam. As Wendy and Jasper spend more time together, sparks begin to fly between the Captain and his Wendy Bird.
I thought the characters were so wonderfully developed. Wendy is smart and kind, but also not afraid to fight for what she thinks is right. Jasper is quiet, emotional, and brooding half the time - but he’s a wonderful dad, full of imagination. I appreciated the fact that Jasper’s grief of losing his two best friends (and subsequently gaining his adoptive son) was also central in his development throughout the book.
Jasper and Wendy’s coupling was on fire from the start! They were both quietly drawn to each other and despite both acknowledging the fact that Peter was Jasper’s brother and Wendy’s ex-fiancee, it didn’t stop them from loving one another. The sneaking around, the stolen glances and touches, the forbidden aspect to their relationship was exciting - but I knew it would come to a head, and boy did it! The spice in the story was the perfect counterbalance to the engaging storyline - I mean, the scene at the swimming quarry where they sneak off?! 🔥🔥
I absolutely loved the Davies family dynamic and the idea that family isn’t always blood, as is the case with several of the Davies children - Wendy included. Despite having horrible biological parents, Wendy was accepted into the Davies family without judgment and loved unconditionally. Despite her dissolved engagement to Peter, Wendy remained friends with him and his crew of “Lost Boys,” his brothers and younger sister - even continuing to attend family dinner every Friday night.
I have read many Peter Pan retellings and I love this reimagined version of the classic tale! I cannot wait to see which Never Harbor pairing is next for the series!
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