Fairest

by Mairi MacMillan

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…

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 13, 2026

Reviews

[greta · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[RedFireLady · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Síle · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Grace -thewritebooks]

Thank 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"

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

"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.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Maiken · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Hannah Virani · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Kelly Lindaas · Rating 1 out of 5]

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

[Belize Esperanza Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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

[jade ⋆₊˚ ᰔ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Caitlynn Burnaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

She craves him; he must hunt her.
Dark. Delicious. And impossible to resist!

In this Snow White-inspired tale of mystery and fantasy, familial and political bonds begin to fray under the weight of old magic and quiet, unexpected defiance. Niamf, orphaned and alone, has resolved to fight for her chance to seek justice in this world by becoming a lawyer. She never expects to find herself embroiled in the very battle she thought she'd fight on behalf of other innocents. Cillian, broody and powerful, has lived the last several years with one singular goal in mind: rid the world of the unjust Unseelie King. Against his wishes, their paths cross - until he's forced to confront her.

In true fairytale fashion, I love that the feelings of our main characters are kept as beautiful secrets, rearing their heads at the most inopportune, and most romantic, times. As the tale becomes more complicated, Cillian and Niamf are drawn together again and again until there's no possible way to ignore the signs. Even if it means Niamf must forsake all she believed to be real in order to save herself. She craves him even as he is bound to hunt her.

The magical and mystical elements of the Celtic myths were so masterfully woven into this story. I love that the story took place in a world like ours, brushed up against a world where magic and myth still rule. And the way that MacMillan creates space for the unexpected at every turn. Even knowing the fairytale, my curiosity was constantly piqued and my attention always leaping ahead to unravel what came next. The darker elements were paired perfectly with the insatiable pull of romance. The characters were well crafted and their transformation irresistible. Fairest is perfect for readers who appreciate darker romance and the pull of fate, myth, and magic.

What could be lurking in the shadows? Which forces seek to play with fate? Prepare yourself to question the reality you've grown comfortable with and allow yourself to be swept away with notions of what could be. You may find you've been pulled in by the magic and fantasy that refuses to lose its grip on you - and you won't mind being caught up in that reality. Thank you to NetGalley, One More Chapter, and Miari MacMillan for the opportunity to read and share my honest thoughts.

[Janna (Bibliophile Mom) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Snow White retelling with a mafia twist was such a fun change of pace in my reading lineup. I like to mix in spicy romances between thrillers and fantasy to keep things fresh, and this one definitely gave me that mix of fairy tale nostalgia and gritty underworld drama.

The story follows Cillian and Niamh, who are stuck between duty, ambition, and feelings they’re trying hard to ignore. Their chemistry is strong, but the romance moves slowly. If you’re looking for constant spice, you might be left wanting more as the author leans more into tension and buildup than swoon. The villain is evil enough to make your skin crawl, but she didn’t have the depth or surprise factor that could’ve made her stand out more.

What I liked:
• The mafia angle gave the fairy tale a darker edge.
• The retelling felt familiar but still fresh.
• Cillian was a solid male lead who kept the romance interesting.


What I didn’t love:
• The villain felt a bit one-note.
• Niamh’s innocence sometimes came across as frustrating.
• The premise was strong, but the execution left some gaps.

Ratings:
• Setting: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Message: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

All in all, it’s a quick, engaging read with a cool mix of mafia vibe and fairy tale magic. The twists weren’t shocking, but the vibe made it stand out. Perfect if you’re into romance retellings who don't mind a slower burn.

~JaNnA~

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Harper Collins, Mairi MacMillian, and NetGalley for the privilege to read this eARC


Taking place in Scotland, The Celtic folklore woven into the story is what peaked my interest in first reading this novel.
This dark romance, mafia version of Snow White gave me a new morally grey man to fall for. Fairest starts off high pace and captivates the audience wanting to know more. Cillian is Kin, Niamh is human. They desire each other but come from different worlds. Cillian is betrothed to the kings daughter, a wicked woman. He has secretly manipulated Niamh's love life to protect her but also prevent her from having any time of romantic relationship. Niamh's best friend is Cillian's sister and the two of them get themselves in a dangerous situation. Niamh breaks kinfolk rule and is sentenced be punished. Cillian is a hunter and Niamh becomes his prey. The narrative transition back and forth not only between the characters but also going back in time to give more of and understanding to the relationship between the two and how their characters intertwine. The novel really picks up the last half of the book and becomes impossible to set down. Cillian's Touch her and Die mindset along with the intense longing for Niamh gives a decent amount of spice and tension throughout the novel. The ending of the book sets the stage perfectly for a sequel.

"What happens in the darkness stays in the darkness"

[Miss Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows Niamh, a human who has no idea the fae world exists, even though it’s been intertwined with the human one this whole time. Cillian is fae and part of the court — and more importantly, he’s a hunter. If the court decides someone is guilty, fae or human, he’s the one sent to make sure they don’t exist anymore.

There’s a strong, immediate connection between them, but Cillian pushes back on it because he wants to become king one day to save the fae court. The only way to do that is through a political marriage to the current king’s daughter… who is not exactly likable.

This is a Snow White retelling with modern fae and mafia vibes, wrapped in a dark fairytale atmosphere and set in the 21st century. If you’re looking for a dark fairytale in a modern setting with a possessive MMC, dual POV, and just enough spice sprinkled in, this is definitely one to read.

Even though you can guess certain plot points because it’s a retelling, I still had so much fun reading this, and my imagination was going the entire time.

This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. I’m really hoping we get more stories in this world — especially for Rose and Matt.

[Haylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairest hits hard with danger, temptation, and a don't look, don't touch, and yet I can't resist kind of romance. The main characters are on opposite sides: one is law, duty, everything she's sworn to protect; the other is dark, powerful, and tied to a dangerous underworld. But every time they meet… the pull is undeniable, their attraction crackles with tension and forbidden desire.

This retelling of a classic fairy tale brings in mafia-style stakes: loyalty, violence, secrets, and a hero with a possessive edge. You feel both the danger and the thrill, like a rush of adrenaline and dread whenever they're together. The heroine questions everything she believed in. The hero… well, he's all rough edges wrapped in dangerous allure.

If you like intense, morally grey romance, dark secrets, possessive heat, and a hard "maybe this is wrong, but also this feels so right" vibe, this book is a wild ride. It's not soft. It's not safe. But damn, it's addictive.

Tropes: Mafia-style crime romance, Forbidden attraction, Dark hero, Intense chemistry, Moral conflict.

[jennifer langdon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those stories that pulls you in with a whisper and keeps you spellbound until the very last page. The writing is gorgeous, lyrical without ever feeling heavy and the atmosphere is rich with fairy-tale magic, shadows, and a touch of danger. I was completely captivated by the world the author created.

The characters are beautifully crafted, full of depth, flaws, and quiet strength. Their relationships, their secrets, and the slow-burn tension between them made the story impossible to put down. Every emotional moment hit exactly where it needed to.

What I loved most is how it felt both familiar and fresh, like a darker, more grown-up fairy tale you’ve somehow always known. The twists were clever, the pacing smooth, and the ending left me satisfied yet wanting more of this world.
If you love atmospheric fantasy, morally gray characters, and stories that balance beauty with darkness, Fairest is an absolute must-read.

[Erin Wolak · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Yes. All of it was an absolute yes. From the first chapter I was drawn in and not once did that change, causing me to finish the book in two sittings. I did go into this book expecting there to be a lot more smut than there was and while that wasn't really the case I will say that the smut that was in the book definitely was...smutty. There was an absolutely exquisite yearning/tension between Cillian and Niamh which made my heart so happy because I am 100% a tension girly. To top the whole thing off all I have to say is....that chase scene in the woods.....perfect. I don't even care that the chase didn't end with them, eh hem, together. The tension and longing that were described made it great. I would love to see more books set in this world but I'm also very happy with the end if the author chooses not to continue. I will for sure be picking this up on release to add to my shelves and be keeping an eye out for more books written by her.

[Hannah Benniman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah, so the whole way through this book I have been wondering how I’m going to rate it!

I enjoyed the Snow White retelling and enjoyed the links. I thought they were appropriate and not just flung into the story. I enjoyed Cillian and the dual POV. I mostly liked Niamh (I think I’m just in my ‘needing a badass FMC’ era). The plot was well balanced with the romance and spicy moments.

I think I understood what was going on for the most part but I didn’t fully understand the magic system or who was who. I didn’t always enjoy the writing style - I’m not sure how to really describe my issue with it so I’m going to say that it’s just a personal preference. It sometimes went on and on and I lost interest or didn’t follow what was happening.

I enjoyed Fairest overall, it had some merits for sure. I’m not sure if I’d come back for book 2 sadly.

Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for the opportunity to read this ARC. #NetGalley #Fairest

[Kristie Kieffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairest is a beautifully written fantasy that blends magic, romance, and intrigue into a compelling, immersive story. Mairi MacMillan crafts a world that feels vibrant and alive, with rich details and a sense of wonder that draws you in from the very first page.

The characters are layered and relatable, with motivations and emotions that feel authentic. The romance unfolds naturally and adds emotional depth, complementing the story rather than overshadowing it. Themes of identity, power, and choice are explored thoughtfully, giving the narrative both heart and substance.

MacMillan’s writing is lyrical yet accessible, balancing tension, magical elements, and heartfelt moments seamlessly. Fairest is perfect for readers who enjoy enchanting fantasy worlds, strong character-driven plots, and romance with a touch of magic.

A captivating and enchanting read that lingers long after the final page. ✨🌿

[María Navarro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to start???? I’ve never read a retelling of the story of Snow White before, and I loved how every little detail echoed the original tale while still feeling completely new and inventive.

Now… let’s talk about the main characters. The chemistry? Off the charts, but understandable as the tension between them grew on a four years timeline.

I’ll admit there were moments where I was confused about what was happening, but the puzzle pieces eventually clicked into place as the story unfolded—and when they did, it was worth it.

"what happens in the darkness stays in the darkness"

If you’re craving a dark romance that walks a different path through the forest, thorns and all, this one might just be your poison apple.

*Thanks NetGalley, HarperCollins and Mairi MacMillan for this ARC!!!

[Brittney E’Lise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for granting me a chance to read this arc before it comes out next year. Unfortunately this was a bust for me. I feel that the author was juggling too many “balls” at once-Snow White retelling, dark romance,mafia themes and faeries. Once it got to the halfway point all those balls started falling down. Spent more than a handful of chapters in the past to show the relationship between the female and male main characters which messed with the flow of the story. While I didn’t mind that neither FMC’s nor MMC’s personality was outside of stereotypes(Naive,Virgin Goody-two Shoes Female and Dark, Dominant Violent Male) there wasn’t enough character development for me to care about their storyline when anything bad happened to them. Props for the author for trying to mix fairytales from different cultures into one though

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter (a division of HarperCollins UK) for this advanced reader copy. This was a fantastic romantasy twist of the story of Snow White. There is a lot of magic and lore in this story and it made for a very interesting story! Set in Glasgow, it combines current world with a magical world. Niamh is befriended by Rose while they are both at university to become lawyers. Niamh attends a party at Rose's house and meets her older brother Cillian. There is an instant attraction and something that pulls Cillian to Niamh but there is a big difference between the two of them and what they want in the world. Will Cillians need to have power keep him from the thing he wants most? There is some spice in this book so be warned. I really enjoyed this story! I couldn't put it down.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off thank you to the publishers for receiving an ARC of this book for non biased review. I absolutely loved this book. The lore, and how it had a mafia feel but with magic undertones to it at first that all tied together at the end. OUR FMC Niamha and our MMC Cillian are kismet. I love a book with tropes like best friends older brother and touch her and you’ll 🔪🔪but our MMC Cillian, he takes it very seriously. Over the 4 years since he first met Niahma. Now there is another love interest for our MMC, and that of course adds to the plot and so I won’t give any spoilers but, just reading the tension between Niahma and Cillian.. IT IS PALPABLE. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read and 100% recommend and the spice is just enough 👏👏

[organisedchaosbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good retelling, and Fairest definitely scratched that itch. The character dynamics felt fresh, and the story reimagined familiar elements in creative, unexpected ways. I really enjoyed the plot, the spice, and the characters. That said, I found myself wanting more emotional depth in the romance. The feelings were there from the start, but they didn’t feel fully earned. It seemed like the connection was assumed rather than developed, and a bit more buildup and tension would’ve made the romance more satisfying.
Overall, it was an enjoyable and imaginative read that delivered on the fun of a fairytale reimagining, even if the emotional payoff didn’t quite land. Perfect for fans of Emily McIntire or Katee Robert.
Thank you for the e-arc.

[nkc · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ 4 stars | 3 🌶️
(Thank you to HarperCollins for the eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts 💌)

This was my first read from this author, and it hooked me right away. I loved the writing style there’s something so captivating about the way the world and lore unfold. A few of the time jumps and bits of terminology got a little confusing at times, but honestly, it didn’t take away from how fun and immersive the story was.

And let’s talk about Cillian. I am officially a fan. I love an MMC who balances that dark edge with a spicy side, and he absolutely delivered. If you’re a fantasy romance reader who loves fresh storybook re-telling/inspirations, a fast-grabbing opening, and a hero who makes you kick your feet a little, this one is worth picking up.

[Ava · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a lot of potential, but just kind of fell flat. It attempted a plot, but really everything was building up to the spice and when we got there, it felt very anticlimactic.

My first issue of this book was the pacing. Half of the book essentially took place in the span of a single night. That’s over a 100 pages of one night. It was not necessary to be that drawn out. Especially because I felt like it didn’t allow for a lot of character growth for our characters. Niamh grew a little bit, to stop being such a people pleaser, but the only thing Cillian really did was stop denying he wanted her.

This definitely sets up a couple more books, and I have a feeling that the next one will be a Beauty and the Beast retelling. This series had potential but it needs a lot of improvements.

[Kayla HB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairest by Mairi MacMillan is dark, magical, and was hard to put down. Niamh, (human) meets Cillian, a fae hunter with serious drive and a dangerous edge. Their connection is almost instant. Cillian’s duty and political ties complicates their attraction.

The story is a mix of dark fairytale vibes, Celtic folklore, and romance. This is full of slow-burn tension and spice. Cillian’s protective, broody “touch her and die” attitude keeps things exciting. Things become interesting once Niamh breaks the rules and faces real danger.

The second half of the book is fast-paced and the ending sets up for the next book perfectly. If you love dark fantasy romance with morally grey heroes, magic, and intense chemistry, Fairest is a must-read!

3.5⭐

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so addicting! Talk about an easy to read, entertaining, super engaging book. I haven’t felt this way about a book for a while. Is it a true work of literature that will be read for generations to come? No. But is it a book that pulled me out of a reading slump and throughly entertained, absolutely!

I don’t want to say more because I’ll absolutely spoil everything and run it for everyone. Just know that this book is wild and I couldn’t put it down. 20/20!

Thank you very much to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchanged for an honest review.

[Stephanie Little · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

Fairest- A snow white retelling with a mafia twist! Apples, magic and all included.

I really enjoyed this, it was fast paced and gripping. I definitely seemed to enjoy the second half better than the first half and I wasn’t so keen in going back in time through out the book. I thought this could have been done at the beginning instead.

I also wish the book was longer. I find it really hard to get into a book which is shorter.

I did like the characters of Niamh and Cillian. They are very well suited.

By the way it ended, it looks as though there will be a sequel which I will be excited to read.