From Pixie Dust to Pirate Booty—A Surprisingly Steamy Tale of Tinker Bell and Captain Hook

Hey, I have to tell you about this incredible book I just finished called “Second Star to the Left” by Megan Van Dyke. I’m grateful to The WriteReads and the author for sending me a copy and inviting me to participate in this wonderful book tour. I feel spoiled!

Now I have to say I haven’t read many retellings. Actually, apart from ACOTAR, which is a retelling of The Beauty and the Beast (only the first book, and very loosely), and The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer, none comes to mind. But I read a lot and forget even more, so it’s possible there’s a few other I overlooked. To be honest, a Tinker Bell and Captain Hook romance seemed a peculiar idea, but it made me curious. But let’s take a look at the book synopsis first.

Book description from the back cover

Tinker Bell, banished from her homeland for doing the unthinkable, selling the hottest drug in Neverland—pixie dust—wants absolution.

Determined to find a way home, Tink doesn’t hesitate to follow the one lead she has, even if that means seducing a filthy pirate to steal precious gems out from under his…hook.

Captain Hook believes he’s found a real treasure in Tink. That is, until he recovers from her pixie dust laced kiss with a curse that turns the seas against him. With his ship and reputation at the mercy of raging storms, he tracks down the little minx and demands she remove the curse. Too bad she can’t.

However, the mermaid queen has a solution to both of their problems, if Tink and Hook will work together to retrieve a magical item for her.

As they venture to the mysterious Shrouded Isles to find the priceless treasure, their shared nemesis closes in. However, his wrath is nothing compared to the realization that achieving their goal may mean losing something they never expected to find—each other.

My review

"Second Star to the Left" will transport you to a magical Neverland with exciting twists and charming characters. Megan Van Dyke revives familiar characters, transforming Tinker Bell into a spirited yet homesick fairy, and Captain Hook into a charming yet cunning figure.

The writing is smooth and well paced. Some twists you could see coming, while others were a total surprise. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a feud, curses, and an unexpected shared quest, compelling Tink and Hook to set aside their differences in pursuit of a common goal. The chemistry between them crackles with tension, igniting an irresistible enemies-to-lovers romance that pulses with conflict and passion. Van Dyke balances these intense moments with tender, heartfelt scenes that deepen the emotional resonance of the story.

Peter Pan and the lost children play minor roles, which was surprising, as I expected to see more of them. But this would work well for Peter Pan as an origin story.

The dynamic between Tink and Hook is the heart of the tale, driving the narrative forward with its blend of adventure, humor, and suspense. Oh, and by the way, Tink is human size in this story, in case you’re wondering how this pairing could possibly work. But it’s not just about Tink and Hook. The whole ensemble cast is fleshed out so well. From the crew of the Jolly Roger to the merfolk, everyone’s got their own story to tell.

Van Dyke’s reinterpretation of classic elements, such as Black Beard as the menacing croc, adds an exciting layer of intrigue to the narrative. The themes of found family and self-discovery resonate profoundly, while the lush, otherworldly setting immerse you in a spellbinding adventure.

Although Hook’s softer side may deviate from expectations of a notorious pirate, his complexity adds depth to his character, eliciting unexpected empathy from readers. Similarly, Tink emerges as a strong, independent protagonist driven by her unwavering determination to reunite with her family.

While some dialogue may be a bit cheesy, it does little to detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. From its mesmerizing combination of magic, romance, and fantasy to its captivating storyline, ‘Second Star to the Left’ is a book that will leave you spellbound and engrossed from beginning to end.

This story features enemies-to-lovers, found family, and ‘touch her and you die’ tropes that are so populare with the reading community. The side characters are so lovable, the mythical creatures are amazing, and the steamy scenes are well-written. For all you fairytale lovers out there, I suggest giving Second Star to the Left a read.