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Fairest
A dark mafia retelling of Snow White. Perfect for fans of H D Carlton, Emily McIntire and Penelope Douglas.RED AS BLOOD
I never wanted to be part of his life. I am the law, and he is everything I’ve vowed against.
But every time I see him, I can’t help but imagine what I want him to do to me.
He has a reputation. A dark possessive side.
I know he’d hurt me. But maybe that’s what I want…
WHITE AS SNOW
I never wanted to hurt her. She should’ve known to stay away from me.
But there’s something about her innocence that I desire.
She’s everything my fiancée is not.
But my fiancée is a jealous woman. She’s also powerful.
I know where my loyalties should lie, but the taste of purity is too tempting. Just one drop and I promise, that’ll be enough…
I never wanted to be part of his life. I am the law, and he is everything I’ve vowed against.
But every time I see him, I can’t help but imagine what I want him to do to me.
He has a reputation. A dark possessive side.
I know he’d hurt me. But maybe that’s what I want…
WHITE AS SNOW
I never wanted to hurt her. She should’ve known to stay away from me.
But there’s something about her innocence that I desire.
She’s everything my fiancée is not.
But my fiancée is a jealous woman. She’s also powerful.
I know where my loyalties should lie, but the taste of purity is too tempting. Just one drop and I promise, that’ll be enough…
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 25, 2026| ARC REVIEW | Publication Date: 13th Feb 2026
ᯓ ꒰ Tropes / Themes ꒱ ᯓ
🍎 Snow White retelling
🍎 Mafia Vibes
🍎 Faeries/Unseelie
🍎 Age Gap
🍎 Best friend's brother
🍎 Dangerous MMC X innocent FMC
🍎 Slow burn
ᯓ ꒰ My Thoughts ꒱ ᯓ
This was a clever and creative spin on the tale of Snow White, but I felt like the author was just trying to do too much. If it was simply a retelling of Snow White with a dark romance twist, I think it could've been really good. But in my opinion, the mafia vibe combined with the faerie/unseelie element and the need to keep track of the court's lore just pushed it over the line of "too much" for me, resulting in me really struggling to get into the story.
I found the plot and pacing messy which made reading this feel like a slog, and ultimately it failed to maintain my attention for the majority of the book. I eventually gave up trying to follow what was happening.
None of the characters particularly stood out to me and I felt that their personalities were lacking something unique.
The ending made it appear that the door has been left open for future books. However, I most likely won't be continuing the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Mairi MacMillan, and HarperCollins UK | One More Chapter for gifting this eBook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
ᯓ ꒰ Tropes / Themes ꒱ ᯓ
🍎 Snow White retelling
🍎 Mafia Vibes
🍎 Faeries/Unseelie
🍎 Age Gap
🍎 Best friend's brother
🍎 Dangerous MMC X innocent FMC
🍎 Slow burn
ᯓ ꒰ My Thoughts ꒱ ᯓ
This was a clever and creative spin on the tale of Snow White, but I felt like the author was just trying to do too much. If it was simply a retelling of Snow White with a dark romance twist, I think it could've been really good. But in my opinion, the mafia vibe combined with the faerie/unseelie element and the need to keep track of the court's lore just pushed it over the line of "too much" for me, resulting in me really struggling to get into the story.
I found the plot and pacing messy which made reading this feel like a slog, and ultimately it failed to maintain my attention for the majority of the book. I eventually gave up trying to follow what was happening.
None of the characters particularly stood out to me and I felt that their personalities were lacking something unique.
The ending made it appear that the door has been left open for future books. However, I most likely won't be continuing the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Mairi MacMillan, and HarperCollins UK | One More Chapter for gifting this eBook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
this was my first book by this author. i'm willing to read more from them even though this book wasn't my favourite!
i didn't really care for the characters so the romance dwindled for me as well... i just couldn't connect with cillian, he gave me the ick sometimes. especially when he was excited about niamh being a virgin. and then niamh being a damsel in distress, kind of naive, too... she wasn't my favourite.
i did like rose though! would've loved to see more of her.
something about the writing style also didn't give me that solid feeling of loving it. i kept putting the book down and getting distracted...
i also didn't really care about the past chapters and instead preferred to stay in the present ones.
i loved the whole idea of there being unseelie and seelie courts but they weren't fully explored at all.
i also wouldn't call this book "mafia" romance as it was depicted.
i liked the beginning of the book but the plot gradually became more and more boring for me personally and i'm sad to say it... i had high hopes for this one!
the ending also wasn't surprising hence was really underwhelming. i'm sadly disappointed. 😭
unfortunately i can't recommend this one.
i didn't really care for the characters so the romance dwindled for me as well... i just couldn't connect with cillian, he gave me the ick sometimes. especially when he was excited about niamh being a virgin. and then niamh being a damsel in distress, kind of naive, too... she wasn't my favourite.
i did like rose though! would've loved to see more of her.
something about the writing style also didn't give me that solid feeling of loving it. i kept putting the book down and getting distracted...
i also didn't really care about the past chapters and instead preferred to stay in the present ones.
i loved the whole idea of there being unseelie and seelie courts but they weren't fully explored at all.
i also wouldn't call this book "mafia" romance as it was depicted.
i liked the beginning of the book but the plot gradually became more and more boring for me personally and i'm sad to say it... i had high hopes for this one!
the ending also wasn't surprising hence was really underwhelming. i'm sadly disappointed. 😭
unfortunately i can't recommend this one.
April 8, 2026
3.5☆ A Slow Burn Dark Romantasy
I have mixed feelings about this book.
It was supposed to be a Mafia retelling of Snow white, with a dark romantasy twist. However, there was very little reference or similarities to Snow White until the middle/end.
The ending for me was a little underwhelming and left me a bit confused. I do hope there is a second book as I think there are quite a few things that need explaining still.
There are a lot of sexual references and spice that some readers might not enjoy.
I did enjoy reading Fairest. It definitely was a slow burner and only ramped up pace towards the middle/end when the story started to take shape.
I just wish there were more back stories as i felt some things needed more exploring.
I'm not entirely sure if i would say this book had dark Mafia references, but it did have waring families, a forbidden romance, lust, secrets, dangerous liasons and power struggles, with a fantasy twist.
A big thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy, which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I have mixed feelings about this book.
It was supposed to be a Mafia retelling of Snow white, with a dark romantasy twist. However, there was very little reference or similarities to Snow White until the middle/end.
The ending for me was a little underwhelming and left me a bit confused. I do hope there is a second book as I think there are quite a few things that need explaining still.
There are a lot of sexual references and spice that some readers might not enjoy.
I did enjoy reading Fairest. It definitely was a slow burner and only ramped up pace towards the middle/end when the story started to take shape.
I just wish there were more back stories as i felt some things needed more exploring.
I'm not entirely sure if i would say this book had dark Mafia references, but it did have waring families, a forbidden romance, lust, secrets, dangerous liasons and power struggles, with a fantasy twist.
A big thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy, which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 11, 2026
I voluntarily read and reviewed this unsolicited copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
At this point, I would rather eat the poisoned apple than read this book again. Fairest was an absolute mess. I felt like I was missing so much context and nothing made sense. There were too many subplots and the world-building was abysmal. There were fae creatures, but also mafiosos and cellphones all occupying the same world. I couldn't keep my head straight with all the contradictions. This book was way too long, making it in desperate need for a shearing of 100 pages straight from the Huntsman's torture chamber. I was lost as Snow White in the woods, although there was one redeeming element. I did come to appreciate the cheeky allusions to the original Snow White fairytale. The dwarves, evil monarch, and even Rose Red made sly appearances in Fairest. I think this book could do with another round of editing to turn it into the shiny apple it was destined to become. I wasn't impressed with Fairest, but major points for adapting Snow White in a world full of Cinderellas and Belles.
At this point, I would rather eat the poisoned apple than read this book again. Fairest was an absolute mess. I felt like I was missing so much context and nothing made sense. There were too many subplots and the world-building was abysmal. There were fae creatures, but also mafiosos and cellphones all occupying the same world. I couldn't keep my head straight with all the contradictions. This book was way too long, making it in desperate need for a shearing of 100 pages straight from the Huntsman's torture chamber. I was lost as Snow White in the woods, although there was one redeeming element. I did come to appreciate the cheeky allusions to the original Snow White fairytale. The dwarves, evil monarch, and even Rose Red made sly appearances in Fairest. I think this book could do with another round of editing to turn it into the shiny apple it was destined to become. I wasn't impressed with Fairest, but major points for adapting Snow White in a world full of Cinderellas and Belles.
December 24, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
DNF 35% in
I struggled to get into this book, I can usually read a book in a day or two. I’ve spent 3 weeks tryin to read this with no real desire to finish. The story line is meh to me and does have potential but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.
The first 100 pages drag on and I just got bored and lost interest
DNF 35% in
I struggled to get into this book, I can usually read a book in a day or two. I’ve spent 3 weeks tryin to read this with no real desire to finish. The story line is meh to me and does have potential but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.
The first 100 pages drag on and I just got bored and lost interest
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️✨ (2.5 stars)
Fairest is a retelling of Snow White with a mafia twist, and while the basis of a good story was definitely there and the writing itself was well done, it ultimately didn’t hold my attention the way I hoped it would. The plot follows a fairly typical siblings best-friend-turned-love-interest dynamic, which unfortunately felt quite predictable.
I found myself fairly disinterested in the main characters and their relationship felt lacking in depth and emotional pull. At times it also felt a little samey, making it hard to stay fully engaged throughout.
That said, I appreciate the effort behind the story and I’m grateful for the opportunity to read and review this book. Even with the door left open for a sequel, I don’t think I’d find myself reaching for the next instalment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mairi Macmillan for the chance to read and review this.
Fairest is a retelling of Snow White with a mafia twist, and while the basis of a good story was definitely there and the writing itself was well done, it ultimately didn’t hold my attention the way I hoped it would. The plot follows a fairly typical siblings best-friend-turned-love-interest dynamic, which unfortunately felt quite predictable.
I found myself fairly disinterested in the main characters and their relationship felt lacking in depth and emotional pull. At times it also felt a little samey, making it hard to stay fully engaged throughout.
That said, I appreciate the effort behind the story and I’m grateful for the opportunity to read and review this book. Even with the door left open for a sequel, I don’t think I’d find myself reaching for the next instalment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mairi Macmillan for the chance to read and review this.
March 12, 2026
I’m not exactly sure where to start with this review.
The plot was interesting at first and I really enjoyed it being a dark romantic retelling of Snow White. However many things let the book down.
Characters felt very underdeveloped. No-one really stood out and the main characters were very weak despite being the most developed. The dialogue felt very forced and clunky, making it difficult to read. The MMC POV really tested my limits. Both the inner dialogue and speech felt very cliche and didn’t hit the way it was intended.
The romance felt very flat, likely due to underdeveloped characters. Nothing made sense other than both characters claiming to be attracted to each other. The spicy scenes felt awkward and forced, although i’m not a huge fan of spicy scenes in general.
The world building was very lacking. You’re thrown into the book with little to no explanation of a complex fantasy system which is a big part of the plot. Normally this would add to the tension throughout the book as you’re unaware and learning the different aspects. However you have 2 POV throughout: one with almost all knowledge and the other completely unaware. It doesn’t really work (also still not sure I even know what the blight was?). There’s reference to magic, fae, kings etc who simultaneously live with modern day people. It doesn’t feel quite right, which is a shame as there’s so much potential.
You are spoon fed a lot of information (which is repeated), but somehow you’re not given enough information to understand key aspects. For example, the court system isn’t thoroughly explained until the last 10 chapters despite being referenced the whole book. Or how phones work in an area that’s supposed to be between (presumably) earth and the underworld?
The plot itself became very muddled with subplots which really left the whole thing feeling unfinished.
This was a bit of a struggle to finish and to be honest i’m not entirely sure what the plot or ending is? Admittedly I glossed over sections and couldn’t quite get into it the way I’d like.
The ending seemed to hint at a second book though, not too sure I’d be willing to continue if it were turned into a series.
I really enjoyed the influence of Scottish and Irish culture and mythology. If the author continued the series I would love to read more about the characters without being explicitly told everything, and perhaps a more simpler plot to help develop the world building.
The plot was interesting at first and I really enjoyed it being a dark romantic retelling of Snow White. However many things let the book down.
Characters felt very underdeveloped. No-one really stood out and the main characters were very weak despite being the most developed. The dialogue felt very forced and clunky, making it difficult to read. The MMC POV really tested my limits. Both the inner dialogue and speech felt very cliche and didn’t hit the way it was intended.
The romance felt very flat, likely due to underdeveloped characters. Nothing made sense other than both characters claiming to be attracted to each other. The spicy scenes felt awkward and forced, although i’m not a huge fan of spicy scenes in general.
The world building was very lacking. You’re thrown into the book with little to no explanation of a complex fantasy system which is a big part of the plot. Normally this would add to the tension throughout the book as you’re unaware and learning the different aspects. However you have 2 POV throughout: one with almost all knowledge and the other completely unaware. It doesn’t really work (also still not sure I even know what the blight was?). There’s reference to magic, fae, kings etc who simultaneously live with modern day people. It doesn’t feel quite right, which is a shame as there’s so much potential.
You are spoon fed a lot of information (which is repeated), but somehow you’re not given enough information to understand key aspects. For example, the court system isn’t thoroughly explained until the last 10 chapters despite being referenced the whole book. Or how phones work in an area that’s supposed to be between (presumably) earth and the underworld?
The plot itself became very muddled with subplots which really left the whole thing feeling unfinished.
This was a bit of a struggle to finish and to be honest i’m not entirely sure what the plot or ending is? Admittedly I glossed over sections and couldn’t quite get into it the way I’d like.
The ending seemed to hint at a second book though, not too sure I’d be willing to continue if it were turned into a series.
I really enjoyed the influence of Scottish and Irish culture and mythology. If the author continued the series I would love to read more about the characters without being explicitly told everything, and perhaps a more simpler plot to help develop the world building.
December 20, 2025
Thank you to Mairi MacMillan and One More Chapter (a division of HarperCollins UK) for giving me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
There’s something deliciously unsettling about Fairest. From the moment I started reading, I could feel the darkness curling around the edges of the story, quiet but insistent, like a storm gathering over the sea.
And listen. Irish characters? Or at least Irish-named ones? You already had my attention.
Mairi MacMillan clearly knows what she’s doing here. The world is moody, sharp, and threaded with tension, and the characters feel carved rather than written. Not soft, not sweet, but real in that uncomfortable way that makes you lean in closer even when you’re not sure you like what you’re seeing.
This story doesn’t rush. It lets the unease build, lets the shadows stretch, and trusts the reader to keep up. And I did. Gladly.
Dark, gripping, and quietly confident, Fairest feels like the beginning of something dangerous in the best possible way. I’ll absolutely be back for more.
There’s something deliciously unsettling about Fairest. From the moment I started reading, I could feel the darkness curling around the edges of the story, quiet but insistent, like a storm gathering over the sea.
And listen. Irish characters? Or at least Irish-named ones? You already had my attention.
Mairi MacMillan clearly knows what she’s doing here. The world is moody, sharp, and threaded with tension, and the characters feel carved rather than written. Not soft, not sweet, but real in that uncomfortable way that makes you lean in closer even when you’re not sure you like what you’re seeing.
This story doesn’t rush. It lets the unease build, lets the shadows stretch, and trusts the reader to keep up. And I did. Gladly.
Dark, gripping, and quietly confident, Fairest feels like the beginning of something dangerous in the best possible way. I’ll absolutely be back for more.
Read
December 2, 2025Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for an eARC in exchange for an honest review
Was made-up to be approved for this one and inhaled it in one night. It's ridiculously over-the-top, there's no build-up to their relationship, and I predicted the plot! 10/10 would recommend lol
But truly it was fast paced and upbeat and yet it read infinitely better than half the romance books I've read through NetGalley this year (no offence guys).
Works in loads of that good Scottish folklore, so if you're a big fantasy fan like myself you'll be right at home with all that. Only genuine problem for me was that at one point one of the characters thought "she's got a bloody cheek" instead of "she's got (some?) bloody cheek"
Was made-up to be approved for this one and inhaled it in one night. It's ridiculously over-the-top, there's no build-up to their relationship, and I predicted the plot! 10/10 would recommend lol
But truly it was fast paced and upbeat and yet it read infinitely better than half the romance books I've read through NetGalley this year (no offence guys).
Works in loads of that good Scottish folklore, so if you're a big fantasy fan like myself you'll be right at home with all that. Only genuine problem for me was that at one point one of the characters thought "she's got a bloody cheek" instead of "she's got (some?) bloody cheek"
December 9, 2025
"What happens in the darkness stays in the darkness"
Fairest by Mairi MacMillan is a retelling of Snow White that reflects this fairytale's classic, core components through a different mirror.
Infused with mafia, fae and Scottish folklore, this story piqued my curiosity from the premise and held it to the end. The story is dark and draped with danger for everyone, from our innocent & smart FMC Niamh, her best friend Rose who knows how to party, make questionable decisions and is the sister to our dangerous and possessive MMC Cillian, oh and then there is his fiancée Vittoria who is… well you'll see. The right amount of world-building sets the scenes well, giving me the detail I want to get into the story, without slowing things down too much.
The timeline spans four years with the majority in the present, though there are several chapters taking us back in time revealing needed information. I did meet these with a sense of impatience however, preferring to move forward to find out what happens next!
Overall I really enjoyed this read, it was engaging and perfect for those looking for a bingeable retelling.
Stars: ★★★★
Spice: ঌঌ
❥•• Retelling
❥•• Dual POV
❥•• Dark & possessive MMC
❥•• Innocent & smart FMC
❥•• Best friends brother
❥•• Scottish folklore
❥•• Fae & Humans
❥•• Dark mafia
❥•• Hunter/hunted
Huge thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, Mairi MacMillan & NetGalley for the ARC. Release date: Feb 13, 2026.
Fairest by Mairi MacMillan is a retelling of Snow White that reflects this fairytale's classic, core components through a different mirror.
Infused with mafia, fae and Scottish folklore, this story piqued my curiosity from the premise and held it to the end. The story is dark and draped with danger for everyone, from our innocent & smart FMC Niamh, her best friend Rose who knows how to party, make questionable decisions and is the sister to our dangerous and possessive MMC Cillian, oh and then there is his fiancée Vittoria who is… well you'll see. The right amount of world-building sets the scenes well, giving me the detail I want to get into the story, without slowing things down too much.
The timeline spans four years with the majority in the present, though there are several chapters taking us back in time revealing needed information. I did meet these with a sense of impatience however, preferring to move forward to find out what happens next!
Overall I really enjoyed this read, it was engaging and perfect for those looking for a bingeable retelling.
Stars: ★★★★
Spice: ঌঌ
❥•• Retelling
❥•• Dual POV
❥•• Dark & possessive MMC
❥•• Innocent & smart FMC
❥•• Best friends brother
❥•• Scottish folklore
❥•• Fae & Humans
❥•• Dark mafia
❥•• Hunter/hunted
Huge thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, Mairi MacMillan & NetGalley for the ARC. Release date: Feb 13, 2026.
Read
January 21, 2026Thank you to One More Chapter for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
I never wanted to be part of his life. I am the law, and he is everything I’ve vowed against. But every time I see him, I can’t help but imagine what I want him to do to me. He has a reputation. A dark possessive side. I know he’d hurt me. But maybe that’s what I want… WHITE AS SNOW I never wanted to hurt her. She should’ve known to stay away from me. But there’s something about her innocence that I desire. She’s everything my fiancée is not. But my fiancée is a jealous woman. She’s also powerful. I know where my loyalties should lie, but the taste of purity is too tempting. Just one drop and I promise, that’ll be enough…
Unfortunately, this is a DNF at 23%. This is being sold as a dark, mafia retelling of Snow White and I am getting none of that. The FMC seems incredibly naive and sounds as if she should be 15, not early twenties. There is innocence and then there is just being childish. And the MMC… sure he’s a hunter (perhaps the only link to a possible Snow White retelling here) but bloody hell I cannot cope with this constant monologue of “I can’t stay away from my sister’s best friend but let me go fuck my fiancée who I don’t care about.” Just a whole pile of nope there unfortunately. There is also spice here but I can safely say butter wouldn’t melt on those scenes. They felt clinical which is the worst thing that can happen to a smutty scene. I had such hopes for this one and was so excited but have been left incredibly let down.
Overall, Fairest is a story that just does not work for me.
Thank you again to One More Chapter for an advanced copy of this book.
I never wanted to be part of his life. I am the law, and he is everything I’ve vowed against. But every time I see him, I can’t help but imagine what I want him to do to me. He has a reputation. A dark possessive side. I know he’d hurt me. But maybe that’s what I want… WHITE AS SNOW I never wanted to hurt her. She should’ve known to stay away from me. But there’s something about her innocence that I desire. She’s everything my fiancée is not. But my fiancée is a jealous woman. She’s also powerful. I know where my loyalties should lie, but the taste of purity is too tempting. Just one drop and I promise, that’ll be enough…
Unfortunately, this is a DNF at 23%. This is being sold as a dark, mafia retelling of Snow White and I am getting none of that. The FMC seems incredibly naive and sounds as if she should be 15, not early twenties. There is innocence and then there is just being childish. And the MMC… sure he’s a hunter (perhaps the only link to a possible Snow White retelling here) but bloody hell I cannot cope with this constant monologue of “I can’t stay away from my sister’s best friend but let me go fuck my fiancée who I don’t care about.” Just a whole pile of nope there unfortunately. There is also spice here but I can safely say butter wouldn’t melt on those scenes. They felt clinical which is the worst thing that can happen to a smutty scene. I had such hopes for this one and was so excited but have been left incredibly let down.
Overall, Fairest is a story that just does not work for me.
Thank you again to One More Chapter for an advanced copy of this book.
February 1, 2026
I appreciated how the author drew on her Scottish heritage to weave fairy tales, myths, and legend into a distinctly Scottish setting. The blend of a familiar modern-day Scotland with fantasy elements was immersive and enjoyable to read.
This book is marketed as a dark mafia retelling of Snow White, but I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and ultimately, it didn’t fully deliver on that premise. The Snow White influence only became clear halfway through the book, when it was explicitly referenced: “It’s Irish. It sort of means Snow White. One woman, seven men, hiding somewhere beyond the enchanted forest. Hair like ebony, lips like blood. And you’re so very, very pale. I don’t remember it all now. Life here is far from being a fairy tale.” Until that point, the connection felt vague rather than integral to the story.
Setting aside the Snow White aspect, the dark mafia romance itself was intriguing, though fairly predictable. The plot tended to be repetitive at times, but I did enjoy both the main characters and the villains. In the end, while there were elements I appreciated, I don’t think the writing style was quite for me.
This book is marketed as a dark mafia retelling of Snow White, but I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and ultimately, it didn’t fully deliver on that premise. The Snow White influence only became clear halfway through the book, when it was explicitly referenced: “It’s Irish. It sort of means Snow White. One woman, seven men, hiding somewhere beyond the enchanted forest. Hair like ebony, lips like blood. And you’re so very, very pale. I don’t remember it all now. Life here is far from being a fairy tale.” Until that point, the connection felt vague rather than integral to the story.
Setting aside the Snow White aspect, the dark mafia romance itself was intriguing, though fairly predictable. The plot tended to be repetitive at times, but I did enjoy both the main characters and the villains. In the end, while there were elements I appreciated, I don’t think the writing style was quite for me.
February 25, 2026
In a glittering fae court where beauty is currency and power is everything, survival depends on knowing how to play the game. When a desperate noblewoman is pulled into a web of royal intrigue, she’s tasked with spying on a dangerously captivating fae lord whose loyalties are as shadowed as his past. As alliances shift and secrets unravel, she must decide whether to remain a pawn in someone else’s scheme or risk everything for power, truth, and a love that could destroy them both. A lush fantasy romance filled with court politics, simmering tension, and perilous desire.
I went into Fairest with high expectations because of all the hype, but it ended up being a 3-star read for me. Nearly 40 percent of the book focused on the hunt with only small bits of backstory woven in, which made the pacing feel uneven and dragged the momentum down. The characters unfortunately stayed mostly the same from beginning to end, and I kept waiting for some real growth or shift in their dynamic that never quite came. The world building was fine and easy enough to follow, but it did not feel particularly unique or immersive. On top of that, many plot turns felt predictable, so the tension never fully landed. Overall, it was not a terrible read, but it did not live up to the excitement around it, and I personally cannot recommend it as strongly as others might.
*Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, Mairi MacMillan, for providing me with this e-copy in exchange for an honest review.*
I went into Fairest with high expectations because of all the hype, but it ended up being a 3-star read for me. Nearly 40 percent of the book focused on the hunt with only small bits of backstory woven in, which made the pacing feel uneven and dragged the momentum down. The characters unfortunately stayed mostly the same from beginning to end, and I kept waiting for some real growth or shift in their dynamic that never quite came. The world building was fine and easy enough to follow, but it did not feel particularly unique or immersive. On top of that, many plot turns felt predictable, so the tension never fully landed. Overall, it was not a terrible read, but it did not live up to the excitement around it, and I personally cannot recommend it as strongly as others might.
*Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, Mairi MacMillan, for providing me with this e-copy in exchange for an honest review.*
December 7, 2025
Thank you to Harper Collins, NetGalley and Mairi MacMillan for the eARC of Fairest!
I've been really enjoying retellings of mythology, fairytales and popular stories lately, so when I read the description for Fairest, I was instantly intrigued!
I absolutely DEVOURED this book. I think it took me less than 12hours? (Thank goodness for plane travel and a boat sailing)
Firstly, I wasn't expecting this to be as addicting as it was. We've all read stories containing the Seelie and Unseelie fae, but this was gritty, dark, broody and just oh so delicious. It did take a while for me to understand how it was a "Snow White" retelling, and I felt a bit silly once I realised.
One thing I would like to point out, I was completely taken out of the immersion by the word "block" to describe a street. I'm not sure where Mairi is from, but I know it's not common in the UK (Fairest is based in modern day Glasgow to my knowledge) so this brought me out for a moment.
I loved the twists, the turns and the budding romance between Cillian and Niamh. (Also can I comment how lovely it was to have so many Irish names? More, thank you!) I really hope there's a second book to this, because I need to know how it ends.
If you're a dark romance reader who enjoys fantasy with a bit of tension and spice (depending on your spice tastes, this could be super spicy or mild spice, but regardless, it was hot!), you're going to absolutely love this!
I've already recommended to a friend and would happily recommend to others, and please Mairi, give me a second book! I'm begging you.
I've been really enjoying retellings of mythology, fairytales and popular stories lately, so when I read the description for Fairest, I was instantly intrigued!
I absolutely DEVOURED this book. I think it took me less than 12hours? (Thank goodness for plane travel and a boat sailing)
Firstly, I wasn't expecting this to be as addicting as it was. We've all read stories containing the Seelie and Unseelie fae, but this was gritty, dark, broody and just oh so delicious. It did take a while for me to understand how it was a "Snow White" retelling, and I felt a bit silly once I realised.
One thing I would like to point out, I was completely taken out of the immersion by the word "block" to describe a street. I'm not sure where Mairi is from, but I know it's not common in the UK (Fairest is based in modern day Glasgow to my knowledge) so this brought me out for a moment.
I loved the twists, the turns and the budding romance between Cillian and Niamh. (Also can I comment how lovely it was to have so many Irish names? More, thank you!) I really hope there's a second book to this, because I need to know how it ends.
If you're a dark romance reader who enjoys fantasy with a bit of tension and spice (depending on your spice tastes, this could be super spicy or mild spice, but regardless, it was hot!), you're going to absolutely love this!
I've already recommended to a friend and would happily recommend to others, and please Mairi, give me a second book! I'm begging you.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars rounded to 5 for Goodreads!
This is my first Snow White retelling and I have to say I am hooked! This had me wanting to do nothing but read from beginning to end. The writer knew exactly how to draw you in and keep the interest going throughout the whole book. at one point I had actually butterflies in my stomach from the suspension of 'The Hunt'.
If you loved Snow White as a kid but want an upgraded, mature 🥵 version then this is for you!
My only issue with the main character is she was kind of oblivious to everything and everyone around her but I understand that it's part of the plot. Cillian could have been a little more upfront about what was happening. I felt so bad for Rose at the end but also relieved to see how Cillian and Niamh ended up!
ALSO...WHERE IS MATT?! 👀👀
This is my first Snow White retelling and I have to say I am hooked! This had me wanting to do nothing but read from beginning to end. The writer knew exactly how to draw you in and keep the interest going throughout the whole book. at one point I had actually butterflies in my stomach from the suspension of 'The Hunt'.
If you loved Snow White as a kid but want an upgraded, mature 🥵 version then this is for you!
My only issue with the main character is she was kind of oblivious to everything and everyone around her but I understand that it's part of the plot. Cillian could have been a little more upfront about what was happening. I felt so bad for Rose at the end but also relieved to see how Cillian and Niamh ended up!
ALSO...WHERE IS MATT?! 👀👀
November 29, 2025
This is my first title by Mairi MacMillan and I had the pleasure to read the kindle on Netgalley. Thank you to the author for allowing me this opportunity.
Oh Goodness where to start?! Not even done with the prologue and I'm already so consumed by this book I could hardly put it down again. The Kindle followed me everywhere in my apartment 😂
The writing was top notch! Mairi brought me into a whole new world with her great way of world building and story telling. She made sure to create a world where I didn't have to imagine it.
This story is for you, If you enjoy a great fantasy story with a bit of romance and suspense. My heart pounded so fast while reading this story!
Oh Goodness where to start?! Not even done with the prologue and I'm already so consumed by this book I could hardly put it down again. The Kindle followed me everywhere in my apartment 😂
The writing was top notch! Mairi brought me into a whole new world with her great way of world building and story telling. She made sure to create a world where I didn't have to imagine it.
This story is for you, If you enjoy a great fantasy story with a bit of romance and suspense. My heart pounded so fast while reading this story!
January 27, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this eARC in exchange for my review.
I liked this story but it could have been so much more! It’s a romantasy that has spicy moments, but I would say is more heavy on the fantasy aspect than the romance.
The modern take on Snow White was unique and the magic in the world was very cool, but this is where the story fell short to me. The author could have explained the magic and the court and the characters in a lot more detail. I felt the last third of the book was very rushed to get to the end, it could have been twice the length or made into a series.
I liked this story but it could have been so much more! It’s a romantasy that has spicy moments, but I would say is more heavy on the fantasy aspect than the romance.
The modern take on Snow White was unique and the magic in the world was very cool, but this is where the story fell short to me. The author could have explained the magic and the court and the characters in a lot more detail. I felt the last third of the book was very rushed to get to the end, it could have been twice the length or made into a series.
December 6, 2025
thank you for netgalley for this arc!
this book was an interesting read. i struggled to get into it initially but persevered until the latter half which was much better. i liked the characters and the plot, it naturally sets itself up for a sequel. however i did feel that i had read books that were similar to it in terms of characters more so than the plot. nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read!
this book was an interesting read. i struggled to get into it initially but persevered until the latter half which was much better. i liked the characters and the plot, it naturally sets itself up for a sequel. however i did feel that i had read books that were similar to it in terms of characters more so than the plot. nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Mairi Macmillan and HarperCollins for the ARC of this book!
3 stars — ★★★
I enjoyed this book to some extent, but I struggled with the lack of context in the world-building. I felt as though I was dropped into a fantasy world without sufficient explanation of terms and how it worked, which made it difficult for me to be invested in the characters and in the book overall. While the concept was interesting for me, I ended up not being so engaged in the story as I was hoping for.
3 stars — ★★★
I enjoyed this book to some extent, but I struggled with the lack of context in the world-building. I felt as though I was dropped into a fantasy world without sufficient explanation of terms and how it worked, which made it difficult for me to be invested in the characters and in the book overall. While the concept was interesting for me, I ended up not being so engaged in the story as I was hoping for.
February 18, 2026
I wanted to love this dark retelling of Snow White, but unfortunately it didn’t quite click for me. While the story is atmospheric and the romance intense, I struggled to connect with the characters, and the plot felt somewhat predictable at times.
That said, fans of dark, slow-burn romance with high stakes and morally grey heroes may enjoy it more than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
That said, fans of dark, slow-burn romance with high stakes and morally grey heroes may enjoy it more than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
March 7, 2026
I just couldn’t finish this.
I’m all for a story retelling when certain things are changed or added, but there should be no cross between the mafia and unseelie/seelie courts. Not in my opinion anyways.
I felt like there was just TOO much going on that it was hard to keep details straight for me.
I’m all for a story retelling when certain things are changed or added, but there should be no cross between the mafia and unseelie/seelie courts. Not in my opinion anyways.
I felt like there was just TOO much going on that it was hard to keep details straight for me.
November 28, 2025
"what happens in the darkness stays in the darkness"
Okay i actually cried a good bit at this a few chapters before bed easily turned into another all nighhter to read more as this was so good
Im gonna say I regret reading this but only because I need more so much more
Okay i actually cried a good bit at this a few chapters before bed easily turned into another all nighhter to read more as this was so good
Im gonna say I regret reading this but only because I need more so much more
January 29, 2026
3.25 ⭐️
ARC
I had a good time with this but i would not read this again. The writing style reminded me about wattpad stories wich i generally like.I don’t know if this is a standalone or part of a series.
ARC
I had a good time with this but i would not read this again. The writing style reminded me about wattpad stories wich i generally like.I don’t know if this is a standalone or part of a series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A dark maffia retelling of Snowwhite, this is the foundation of Mairi MacMillan's debut, Fairest. What if it wasn't a prince to save the girl? What if it was the hunter? I was really curious about this dark romantasy and couldn't wait to dive in. But what will this story bring?
I feel like Fairest is a book you either love or hate. I feel like there isn't anything in between for this book. This book is a dark romantasy, featuring spicy scenes but also some magical maffia elements. I felt like the storyline was really unique. I have never read a retelling like this, however I did really enjoy this.
Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg
I feel like Fairest is a book you either love or hate. I feel like there isn't anything in between for this book. This book is a dark romantasy, featuring spicy scenes but also some magical maffia elements. I felt like the storyline was really unique. I have never read a retelling like this, however I did really enjoy this.
Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
༄˖°.🍎💀.ೃ࿔*:･
First, a huge thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of Fairest in exchange for an honest review.
This is a complicated one — because the idea behind this book is strong, but the execution never quite settles into something cohesive.
Marketed as “a dark mafia retelling of Snow White,” Fairest blends fae courts, underworld magic, and romantic obsession into a story that wants to be dark, seductive, and mythic… but often feels scattered, rushed, or underexplained.
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: ~3.5/5 (sex-forward, inconsistent)
.⋅˚₊‧ 🜲 ‧₊˚ ⋅ Worldbuilding & Magic System
The biggest hurdle for me was the worldbuilding.
From the very beginning, Fairest throws the reader headfirst into its mythology with very little grounding. The Kinfolk are magical beings from the underworld governed by two courts — Seelie and Unseelie — with the Seelie court having been destroyed by a spreading disease known as Blight.
All of this is intriguing in theory, but it’s not clearly explained or reinforced. For a large portion of the book, it felt like someone was speaking to me in a language I technically understood, but not fluently enough to feel immersed. Concepts are introduced rapidly, often without context, making it difficult to feel anchored in the world or confident in its rules.
Additionally the human-world portion of the story is supposed to be set in Glasgow Scotland, but the only part of the story that really lines up with that is Niamh's name (which is Irish) and the gods the families represent (which are Celtic), otherwise it could've been set in Timbuktu with no real difference to the plot.
ˋ°•*⁀➷ The Plot
The story centers on Niamh Whyte, a law student and seeker of justice, and Cillian Hunter, a powerful figure within the Unseelie Court.
Cillian is not just a wannabe king — he is the Huntsman, an embodiment of the Celtic god of the Wild Hunt, Cernunnos. His role is to track down and execute those marked by the court or the king, regardless of personal cost. His loyalty is meant to be absolute.
The inciting incident occurs when Niamh kills Kin in an act of self-defense, alongside Cillian and Vittoria. Because she is a human, the court orders Niamh’s death immediately— and devastatingly, the task of hunting her falls to Cillian himself.
Niamh is given the same chance all marked individuals receive: if she can reach Sanctuary, she will be spared. Sanctuary is technically a prison — once inside, no one can leave — but it is also protection. It’s here that Niamh encounters seven men, paralleling Snow White’s dwarfs, who offer refuge and safety. This section is where the Snow White retelling becomes clearest — and it’s also where the book is both at its strongest and most frustrating as it's significantly underdeveloped.
That said, there’s a noticeable disconnect between the book’s branding and its content. Despite being labeled a mafia retelling, very little of the story actually reads as mafia (really none of it). The power structures, rivalries, and stakes feel far more rooted in fae fantasy than organized crime, which may disappoint readers expecting a true mafia romance.
🍎👸🏻🪞❄️ Snow White Parallels
The Snow White elements don’t fully align until much later in the book:
Niamh living in Sanctuary with seven men. A poisoned apple. A jealous, powerful woman spying through magic. Mirrors, obsession, and control.
Once these elements finally converge, the retelling is recognizable and effective. Unfortunately, it takes a long time to get there, and some of the impact is lost due to pacing issues.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖𓂃.𐂂 ݁˖ Cillian (MMC)
Cillian is… frustrating.
Yes, he’s attractive. Yes, the praise kink and dominant energy will work for many readers. But beyond sex and vague ambition, his characterization feels thin.
He’s been obsessed with Niamh for four years — yet continues a sexual relationship with Vittoria Raili, the daughter of the current King of the Unseelie court, and the woman he’s engaged to for political power. Even accounting for political marriages, the lack of internal conflict or disgust toward Vittoria made it difficult to fully buy into his devotion to Niamh.
Much of his internal narrative revolves around sex and possession, with very little strategic thinking or concrete planning to justify his desire to rule the Unseelie court. His decision to abandon his engagement only after sleeping with Niamh felt abrupt and underdeveloped, especially given how long he’s supposedly wanted her.
˙✧˖°⚖︎⋆｡ ˚Niamh (FMC)
Niamh had a lot of potential.
She’s a seeker of justice who appears to genuinely care about others and wants to do good — which should make her compelling. Unfortunately, much of her characterization centers on her virginity and innocence, which ends up flattening her personality.
Too often, she feels more like an object of desire than a fully realized protagonist, which is disappointing given her role as the Snow White figure and moral counterweight to Cillian.
⊹ ࣪ ˖👤 Supporting Characters
Vittoria is one of the more interesting figures — powerful, jealous, and clearly intended to echo the Evil Queen. However, her abilities and powers could have been a fascinating parallel if more clearly defined, I wish we could have gotten chapters from her perspective.
Truthfully, I almost found myself rooting for her — at least until the classic mean-girl, spoiled-brat energy took over. The feminist in me wanted her to take the throne from her father… until she’d say something wildly dismissive about servants or workers and immediately lose me.
Then there’s Rose, Cillian’s younger sister and Niamh’s best friend. Rose’s storyline with Matt, the man she loved who had been marked for death by the court, is one of the most emotionally effective threads in the book. It reinforces the cruelty of the system, and highlights the fear everyone lives under with the current King. Rose’s grief and resistance made her one of the most compelling characters for me.
⊹ ࣪ ˖⏱ ୭˚. ᵎ Pacing & Plot Resolution
The pacing is uneven throughout:
The first 60–70% moves very slowly. Once the plot finally accelerates, it resolves almost instantly
The main conflict wraps up far too quickly, with minimal consequences or emotional payoff. For a story built on obsession, power, and danger, the climax lacked tension and weight.
⋆｡°·✎ᝰ. Final Thoughts
Fairest has a strong concept and clear Snow White inspiration, but it struggles with execution. The worldbuilding is dense without being accessible, the romance leans heavily on sexual tension at the expense of emotional development, and the pacing makes it difficult to fully invest.
That said, readers who enjoy:
dark romantasy, obsessive MMCs, fae courts and magic, and loose fairytale retellings
may still find elements to enjoy here.
Tropes / What to Expect
🍎 Snow White Retelling - Poisoned Apple
🩸 Obsessive MMC
👑 Fae Courts (Seelie / Unseelie)
🖤 Dark Romantasy
🪢 Kink Exploration
🏰 Sanctuary / Found Family (underdeveloped)
⚖️ Power & Control Themes
I didn’t love this, but I didn’t hate it either — and I genuinely think readers who enjoy dark fairytale retellings with fae politics and obsessive MMCs may connect with it more than I did.
First, a huge thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of Fairest in exchange for an honest review.
This is a complicated one — because the idea behind this book is strong, but the execution never quite settles into something cohesive.
Marketed as “a dark mafia retelling of Snow White,” Fairest blends fae courts, underworld magic, and romantic obsession into a story that wants to be dark, seductive, and mythic… but often feels scattered, rushed, or underexplained.
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: ~3.5/5 (sex-forward, inconsistent)
.⋅˚₊‧ 🜲 ‧₊˚ ⋅ Worldbuilding & Magic System
The biggest hurdle for me was the worldbuilding.
From the very beginning, Fairest throws the reader headfirst into its mythology with very little grounding. The Kinfolk are magical beings from the underworld governed by two courts — Seelie and Unseelie — with the Seelie court having been destroyed by a spreading disease known as Blight.
All of this is intriguing in theory, but it’s not clearly explained or reinforced. For a large portion of the book, it felt like someone was speaking to me in a language I technically understood, but not fluently enough to feel immersed. Concepts are introduced rapidly, often without context, making it difficult to feel anchored in the world or confident in its rules.
Additionally the human-world portion of the story is supposed to be set in Glasgow Scotland, but the only part of the story that really lines up with that is Niamh's name (which is Irish) and the gods the families represent (which are Celtic), otherwise it could've been set in Timbuktu with no real difference to the plot.
ˋ°•*⁀➷ The Plot
The story centers on Niamh Whyte, a law student and seeker of justice, and Cillian Hunter, a powerful figure within the Unseelie Court.
Cillian is not just a wannabe king — he is the Huntsman, an embodiment of the Celtic god of the Wild Hunt, Cernunnos. His role is to track down and execute those marked by the court or the king, regardless of personal cost. His loyalty is meant to be absolute.
The inciting incident occurs when Niamh kills Kin in an act of self-defense, alongside Cillian and Vittoria. Because she is a human, the court orders Niamh’s death immediately— and devastatingly, the task of hunting her falls to Cillian himself.
Niamh is given the same chance all marked individuals receive: if she can reach Sanctuary, she will be spared. Sanctuary is technically a prison — once inside, no one can leave — but it is also protection. It’s here that Niamh encounters seven men, paralleling Snow White’s dwarfs, who offer refuge and safety. This section is where the Snow White retelling becomes clearest — and it’s also where the book is both at its strongest and most frustrating as it's significantly underdeveloped.
That said, there’s a noticeable disconnect between the book’s branding and its content. Despite being labeled a mafia retelling, very little of the story actually reads as mafia (really none of it). The power structures, rivalries, and stakes feel far more rooted in fae fantasy than organized crime, which may disappoint readers expecting a true mafia romance.
🍎👸🏻🪞❄️ Snow White Parallels
The Snow White elements don’t fully align until much later in the book:
Niamh living in Sanctuary with seven men. A poisoned apple. A jealous, powerful woman spying through magic. Mirrors, obsession, and control.
Once these elements finally converge, the retelling is recognizable and effective. Unfortunately, it takes a long time to get there, and some of the impact is lost due to pacing issues.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖𓂃.𐂂 ݁˖ Cillian (MMC)
Cillian is… frustrating.
Yes, he’s attractive. Yes, the praise kink and dominant energy will work for many readers. But beyond sex and vague ambition, his characterization feels thin.
He’s been obsessed with Niamh for four years — yet continues a sexual relationship with Vittoria Raili, the daughter of the current King of the Unseelie court, and the woman he’s engaged to for political power. Even accounting for political marriages, the lack of internal conflict or disgust toward Vittoria made it difficult to fully buy into his devotion to Niamh.
Much of his internal narrative revolves around sex and possession, with very little strategic thinking or concrete planning to justify his desire to rule the Unseelie court. His decision to abandon his engagement only after sleeping with Niamh felt abrupt and underdeveloped, especially given how long he’s supposedly wanted her.
˙✧˖°⚖︎⋆｡ ˚Niamh (FMC)
Niamh had a lot of potential.
She’s a seeker of justice who appears to genuinely care about others and wants to do good — which should make her compelling. Unfortunately, much of her characterization centers on her virginity and innocence, which ends up flattening her personality.
Too often, she feels more like an object of desire than a fully realized protagonist, which is disappointing given her role as the Snow White figure and moral counterweight to Cillian.
⊹ ࣪ ˖👤 Supporting Characters
Vittoria is one of the more interesting figures — powerful, jealous, and clearly intended to echo the Evil Queen. However, her abilities and powers could have been a fascinating parallel if more clearly defined, I wish we could have gotten chapters from her perspective.
Truthfully, I almost found myself rooting for her — at least until the classic mean-girl, spoiled-brat energy took over. The feminist in me wanted her to take the throne from her father… until she’d say something wildly dismissive about servants or workers and immediately lose me.
Then there’s Rose, Cillian’s younger sister and Niamh’s best friend. Rose’s storyline with Matt, the man she loved who had been marked for death by the court, is one of the most emotionally effective threads in the book. It reinforces the cruelty of the system, and highlights the fear everyone lives under with the current King. Rose’s grief and resistance made her one of the most compelling characters for me.
⊹ ࣪ ˖⏱ ୭˚. ᵎ Pacing & Plot Resolution
The pacing is uneven throughout:
The first 60–70% moves very slowly. Once the plot finally accelerates, it resolves almost instantly
The main conflict wraps up far too quickly, with minimal consequences or emotional payoff. For a story built on obsession, power, and danger, the climax lacked tension and weight.
⋆｡°·✎ᝰ. Final Thoughts
Fairest has a strong concept and clear Snow White inspiration, but it struggles with execution. The worldbuilding is dense without being accessible, the romance leans heavily on sexual tension at the expense of emotional development, and the pacing makes it difficult to fully invest.
That said, readers who enjoy:
dark romantasy, obsessive MMCs, fae courts and magic, and loose fairytale retellings
may still find elements to enjoy here.
Tropes / What to Expect
🍎 Snow White Retelling - Poisoned Apple
🩸 Obsessive MMC
👑 Fae Courts (Seelie / Unseelie)
🖤 Dark Romantasy
🪢 Kink Exploration
🏰 Sanctuary / Found Family (underdeveloped)
⚖️ Power & Control Themes
I didn’t love this, but I didn’t hate it either — and I genuinely think readers who enjoy dark fairytale retellings with fae politics and obsessive MMCs may connect with it more than I did.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5 to 2.75 stars, rounded up because... Goodreads.
What's inside:
Dark Mafia like
Snow White Retelling
Age Gap
Best Friend's Brother
Slow Burn
Virgin FMC
Possessive MMC
Low Level Spice
This was an easy read story of a Snow White Retelling with some interesting twists on the characters.
The story follows Niamh and Cillian who both have an undeniable attraction to the other that they are trying to ignore. Niamh is a very innocent young woman who is working to become and lawyer, and Cillian is her best friends brother, and the Huntsman for the Unseelie King. Niamh is best friend with Rose, Cillians sister, who really likes to party and make questionable choices.
Cillian is in a relationship with the Unseelie King's daughter, Vittoria, and boy is she a piece of work! There is a lot of yearning and tension between our MCs with a slow-burn build-up to that inevitable moment where they cant fight their desire any longer.
This was a creative way to reimagine the story of Snow White, and the author definitely left the door open for at least 1 spin-off with the side characters.
I do think that calling this a good fit for people that like HD Carlton and Penelope Douglas is a bit of a stretch... this isn't really in the same area as their books. It has a Dark Mafia-esque vibe and thats about as close as it gets to those authors. It was OK to read once, but I won't be seeking out any further books in this series or by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Mairi Macamillan for an eARC of this book.
What's inside:
Dark Mafia like
Snow White Retelling
Age Gap
Best Friend's Brother
Slow Burn
Virgin FMC
Possessive MMC
Low Level Spice
This was an easy read story of a Snow White Retelling with some interesting twists on the characters.
The story follows Niamh and Cillian who both have an undeniable attraction to the other that they are trying to ignore. Niamh is a very innocent young woman who is working to become and lawyer, and Cillian is her best friends brother, and the Huntsman for the Unseelie King. Niamh is best friend with Rose, Cillians sister, who really likes to party and make questionable choices.
Cillian is in a relationship with the Unseelie King's daughter, Vittoria, and boy is she a piece of work! There is a lot of yearning and tension between our MCs with a slow-burn build-up to that inevitable moment where they cant fight their desire any longer.
This was a creative way to reimagine the story of Snow White, and the author definitely left the door open for at least 1 spin-off with the side characters.
I do think that calling this a good fit for people that like HD Carlton and Penelope Douglas is a bit of a stretch... this isn't really in the same area as their books. It has a Dark Mafia-esque vibe and thats about as close as it gets to those authors. It was OK to read once, but I won't be seeking out any further books in this series or by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Mairi Macamillan for an eARC of this book.
February 18, 2026
Gorgeous cover and snippy title, but eeeesh this was a letdown. The initial premise was strong and the dark romance tropes are well-placed but the plot and world-building starts to slack after the Hunt - which is a very weird place to introduce the first smut scene that too a tease. The characters aren't really likeable at all which works well in Vittoria's case, however. This had all the potential to be a steamy, fast-paced romantasy but if it wasn't for the decent prose and my hunger for a better smut scene (still unquenched), I don't think I would've kept reading. The blurb needs to have a little bit more information too. thank you to netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
December 19, 2025
thank you to one more chapter / harpercollins and mairi macmillan for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
tropes
fae mafia worldbuilding
unseelie court politics
age gap
best friend’s brother
yearning love
possessive love interest
found family
forbidden romance vibes
overall thoughts ~
fairest was a genuinely fun and engaging read with a strong central concept. the idea of reimagining a fae world through a mafia lens, especially within the unseelie court, was fresh and compelling, and it immediately set the tone for a darker, more dangerous romance. while the book succeeds in atmosphere and romantic tension, it struggles with pacing and scope. the story attempts to establish a highly complex world with layered family dynamics, political hierarchies, and fae lore, but it doesn’t give itself enough space to fully develop those elements. as a result, the romance shines more than the fantasy framework supporting it. still, it was an enjoyable ride and one i’d recommend to readers who prioritize tropey, emotionally charged romance over dense worldbuilding.
see below for full review (with small spoilers)
_______________________________________
the concept of fairest is easily its strongest hook. blending traditional fae elements with mafia-style power structures and ruling families creates a world that feels dangerous, indulgent, and morally gray. the unseelie court in particular lends itself well to this interpretation, and i appreciated how the story leaned into control, loyalty, and reputation rather than the softer, whimsical fae tropes seen in other books. on a conceptual level, this worked extremely well and kept me interested throughout.
where the book begins to falter is in how much it tries to introduce all at once. there are a lot of characters, families, and implied histories layered into the narrative, but the groundwork isn’t fully laid for readers to grasp the significance of each one. the story is still followable, but many elements feel more suggested than explored. instead of fully understanding the political and familial dynamics at play, i often felt like i was skimming the surface of something much deeper. this is especially noticeable because the book clearly wants to present a complex, mafia-like hierarchy, but doesn’t quite give those structures enough time to breathe.
this same issue affects character development. several characters have the potential for compelling arcs, yet they don’t receive enough focus to feel fully realized. relationships and loyalties are established quickly, sometimes at the expense of emotional depth. i didn’t dislike the characters, but i wanted more time with them to understand their motivations and inner conflicts beyond their roles in the story. the narrative often moves on just as something interesting is introduced.
the hunter is a great example of this. conceptually, it’s one of the most intriguing aspects of the book, but it feels underexplored. i wanted more explanation, more context, and more integration into the story as a whole. this applies to several elements of the worldbuilding: they’re interesting ideas, but they remain just out of reach, as if the book needed either more pages or a tighter focus to fully commit to them.
fairest feels like a book with big ambitions and a clear vision, but limited space to execute everything it set out to do. it works best as a dark fae romance with mafia aesthetics rather than a fully fleshed-out fantasy epic. i enjoyed it, especially for the tropes and the romantic tension, but i couldn’t help wishing for deeper worldbuilding and more developed characters. for readers who love fae romance with a darker edge and don’t mind a faster, less detailed approach to lore, this will still be a very enjoyable read
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
tropes
fae mafia worldbuilding
unseelie court politics
age gap
best friend’s brother
yearning love
possessive love interest
found family
forbidden romance vibes
overall thoughts ~
fairest was a genuinely fun and engaging read with a strong central concept. the idea of reimagining a fae world through a mafia lens, especially within the unseelie court, was fresh and compelling, and it immediately set the tone for a darker, more dangerous romance. while the book succeeds in atmosphere and romantic tension, it struggles with pacing and scope. the story attempts to establish a highly complex world with layered family dynamics, political hierarchies, and fae lore, but it doesn’t give itself enough space to fully develop those elements. as a result, the romance shines more than the fantasy framework supporting it. still, it was an enjoyable ride and one i’d recommend to readers who prioritize tropey, emotionally charged romance over dense worldbuilding.
see below for full review (with small spoilers)
_______________________________________
the concept of fairest is easily its strongest hook. blending traditional fae elements with mafia-style power structures and ruling families creates a world that feels dangerous, indulgent, and morally gray. the unseelie court in particular lends itself well to this interpretation, and i appreciated how the story leaned into control, loyalty, and reputation rather than the softer, whimsical fae tropes seen in other books. on a conceptual level, this worked extremely well and kept me interested throughout.
where the book begins to falter is in how much it tries to introduce all at once. there are a lot of characters, families, and implied histories layered into the narrative, but the groundwork isn’t fully laid for readers to grasp the significance of each one. the story is still followable, but many elements feel more suggested than explored. instead of fully understanding the political and familial dynamics at play, i often felt like i was skimming the surface of something much deeper. this is especially noticeable because the book clearly wants to present a complex, mafia-like hierarchy, but doesn’t quite give those structures enough time to breathe.
this same issue affects character development. several characters have the potential for compelling arcs, yet they don’t receive enough focus to feel fully realized. relationships and loyalties are established quickly, sometimes at the expense of emotional depth. i didn’t dislike the characters, but i wanted more time with them to understand their motivations and inner conflicts beyond their roles in the story. the narrative often moves on just as something interesting is introduced.
the hunter is a great example of this. conceptually, it’s one of the most intriguing aspects of the book, but it feels underexplored. i wanted more explanation, more context, and more integration into the story as a whole. this applies to several elements of the worldbuilding: they’re interesting ideas, but they remain just out of reach, as if the book needed either more pages or a tighter focus to fully commit to them.
fairest feels like a book with big ambitions and a clear vision, but limited space to execute everything it set out to do. it works best as a dark fae romance with mafia aesthetics rather than a fully fleshed-out fantasy epic. i enjoyed it, especially for the tropes and the romantic tension, but i couldn’t help wishing for deeper worldbuilding and more developed characters. for readers who love fae romance with a darker edge and don’t mind a faster, less detailed approach to lore, this will still be a very enjoyable read
February 13, 2026
Cillian wants to be King but in order to do that he has to marry the right woman, a Kinfolk woman. So he decides to marry Vittoria. She's kind of ruthless and I had my eye on her right from the start because there was something not right about her. Cillian is a Hunter for the Unseelie Court and he administers the courts justice. When the court decides someone must die, they send a Hunter.
Cillian has a sister named Rose and Niamh is Rose's best friend, but Niamh is human and doesn't know anything about the Kinfolk. Cillian wants to try and get to the bottom of the Blight that is infecting more of the Kinfolk underworld but in order to do more, he has to become King.
The Blight is infecting a lot, something infected the Tree of Life hundreds of years ago and now the Blight is spreading, rapidly. The Tree of Life is long dead, only some roots remain. It kills and destroys everything it touches and nothing destroys it or gets rid of it. Kinfolk and humans live together in this world but most humans don't know about the Kinfolk. Kinfolk are supernatural's of a sort. There are also Unseelie and the Unseelie court which was a surprise to me since the description of this book didn't sound like this was going to include the Fae.
Cillian lusts after Niamh and feels a strong pull towards her so he stays away from her as much as he can. When Niamh and Rose are at a club dancing, they both get drugged and kidnapped. But Niamh is able to send a distress text to Cillian before she passes out and he comes before the men can be off with both girls. Only problem is that Niamh picks up a knife and kills one of the Kinfolk that drugged her and tried to kidnap her before she passes completely out. Vittoria and Cillian see this and know what's about to happen because it's a crime for a human to kill any Kinfolk, no matter the reason. So when the hunt is ordered and Cillian is supposed to hunt and kill Niamh, he can hardly bring himself to do it.
He gives her a chance to run in the woods and reach sanctuary but along the way during the Hunt they both find out things aren't as they may seem. There are secrets that come to light and that makes the end of this story twist in a way that I didn't see coming.
When I picked this book I was expecting a dark mafia romance and this is not that! Not even close. It's more about the Unseelie Court, secrets and the Kinfolk.
Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cillian has a sister named Rose and Niamh is Rose's best friend, but Niamh is human and doesn't know anything about the Kinfolk. Cillian wants to try and get to the bottom of the Blight that is infecting more of the Kinfolk underworld but in order to do more, he has to become King.
The Blight is infecting a lot, something infected the Tree of Life hundreds of years ago and now the Blight is spreading, rapidly. The Tree of Life is long dead, only some roots remain. It kills and destroys everything it touches and nothing destroys it or gets rid of it. Kinfolk and humans live together in this world but most humans don't know about the Kinfolk. Kinfolk are supernatural's of a sort. There are also Unseelie and the Unseelie court which was a surprise to me since the description of this book didn't sound like this was going to include the Fae.
Cillian lusts after Niamh and feels a strong pull towards her so he stays away from her as much as he can. When Niamh and Rose are at a club dancing, they both get drugged and kidnapped. But Niamh is able to send a distress text to Cillian before she passes out and he comes before the men can be off with both girls. Only problem is that Niamh picks up a knife and kills one of the Kinfolk that drugged her and tried to kidnap her before she passes completely out. Vittoria and Cillian see this and know what's about to happen because it's a crime for a human to kill any Kinfolk, no matter the reason. So when the hunt is ordered and Cillian is supposed to hunt and kill Niamh, he can hardly bring himself to do it.
He gives her a chance to run in the woods and reach sanctuary but along the way during the Hunt they both find out things aren't as they may seem. There are secrets that come to light and that makes the end of this story twist in a way that I didn't see coming.
When I picked this book I was expecting a dark mafia romance and this is not that! Not even close. It's more about the Unseelie Court, secrets and the Kinfolk.
Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 21, 2026
Fairest by Mairi MacMillan ✦︎ Adult ✦︎ Romantasy ✦︎ First Person ✦︎ Dual POV ✦︎
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⌞MY THOUGHTS⌝ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ જ⁀➴
ㅤI liked this story and the main couple quite a bit. This read was not in my top favourites by any means but it was still a fun light story with enough plot and suspense to have me hooked while it lasted. And definitely a saucy read, with lots of spice, suspense, magic and possessive lovers. I really liked the fantastical world and the tie-in with celtic mythology and the snow white story. I wouldn’t classify this as a mafia story but more like a Clan vs Corrupted Ruling Clan kind of story.
Furthermore, I like stories where the FMC is in danger and needs to be saved by the MMC, and well, this story definitely has an interesting version of that. If there is more in the series I will definitely be interested in reading more.
⌞THE TL;DR⌝
I like the saucy couple, the fantastical world, and the story with its magic, suspense and tie-ins with Celtic Mythology and the snow white fairytale.
⌞THE DETAILS⌝
⟢ Dark Snow White Retelling
⟢ Set in Glasgow & the Highlands of Scotland
⟢ Fantastical Modern World
⟢ Magical Powers
⟢ MMC is Kinfolk = Celtic version of Fae
⟢ Celtic Mythology
⟢ Dark Fairytale
⟢ MMC is in a Complex Political Relationship
⟢ Underworld and Human World
⟢ Corrupted Unseelie Court Politics
⟢ Violence, Suspense, Who Done It Mystery, Some Action
⟢ MMC is the brother of FMC’s Best Friend
⟢ Open Ending
⌞THE COUPLE⌝
✦︎ Niamh(Neeve) Whyte FMC ✦︎
❥ FMC is Snow White - She is a born human. She is 22, w/ Blue Eyes & Ebony Hair. She is Smart, Innocent, with a High Sense of Justice and is Training to be a Lawyer. A Virgin, and Utterly Infatuated with the MMC at First Sight.
✦︎ Cillian Hunter MMC ✦︎
❥ MMC is The Huntsman - He is Kinfolk born(like Fae). He is 30, w/ Milky-Blue Eyes & Brown Hair. Over 6 ft. He is Possessive, A Killer, Strong, Protective, with Kinfolk Magic. He is obsessed with the FMC at First Sight.
ㅤ
⌞THE JUICY DETAILS⌝
♡ Infatuated at First Sight But Can’t Be Together
♡ Forbidden Love
♡ Lots of Spice, Spicy Thoughts, & Spicy Tension
♡ “Touch Her and Die”
♡ Possessive, Protective MMC
♡ Virgin FMC
🌶 Spice Score 5/5
╰┈➤ I would read the warnings before you dive into this book if you have any possible triggers reading about SA, etc.
────────────────────────⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆ ────────────────────────
⌞MY THOUGHTS⌝ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ જ⁀➴
ㅤI liked this story and the main couple quite a bit. This read was not in my top favourites by any means but it was still a fun light story with enough plot and suspense to have me hooked while it lasted. And definitely a saucy read, with lots of spice, suspense, magic and possessive lovers. I really liked the fantastical world and the tie-in with celtic mythology and the snow white story. I wouldn’t classify this as a mafia story but more like a Clan vs Corrupted Ruling Clan kind of story.
Furthermore, I like stories where the FMC is in danger and needs to be saved by the MMC, and well, this story definitely has an interesting version of that. If there is more in the series I will definitely be interested in reading more.
⌞THE TL;DR⌝
I like the saucy couple, the fantastical world, and the story with its magic, suspense and tie-ins with Celtic Mythology and the snow white fairytale.
⌞THE DETAILS⌝
⟢ Dark Snow White Retelling
⟢ Set in Glasgow & the Highlands of Scotland
⟢ Fantastical Modern World
⟢ Magical Powers
⟢ MMC is Kinfolk = Celtic version of Fae
⟢ Celtic Mythology
⟢ Dark Fairytale
⟢ MMC is in a Complex Political Relationship
⟢ Underworld and Human World
⟢ Corrupted Unseelie Court Politics
⟢ Violence, Suspense, Who Done It Mystery, Some Action
⟢ MMC is the brother of FMC’s Best Friend
⟢ Open Ending
⌞THE COUPLE⌝
✦︎ Niamh(Neeve) Whyte FMC ✦︎
❥ FMC is Snow White - She is a born human. She is 22, w/ Blue Eyes & Ebony Hair. She is Smart, Innocent, with a High Sense of Justice and is Training to be a Lawyer. A Virgin, and Utterly Infatuated with the MMC at First Sight.
✦︎ Cillian Hunter MMC ✦︎
❥ MMC is The Huntsman - He is Kinfolk born(like Fae). He is 30, w/ Milky-Blue Eyes & Brown Hair. Over 6 ft. He is Possessive, A Killer, Strong, Protective, with Kinfolk Magic. He is obsessed with the FMC at First Sight.
ㅤ
⌞THE JUICY DETAILS⌝
♡ Infatuated at First Sight But Can’t Be Together
♡ Forbidden Love
♡ Lots of Spice, Spicy Thoughts, & Spicy Tension
♡ “Touch Her and Die”
♡ Possessive, Protective MMC
♡ Virgin FMC
🌶 Spice Score 5/5
╰┈➤ I would read the warnings before you dive into this book if you have any possible triggers reading about SA, etc.
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