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Once Upon A Midnight Dreary
Penniless, shunned by society, and marked forever by her mother’s descent into madness, Lucy makes a desperate choice. She slips uninvited into London’s most lavish masquerade ball, hiding behind a mask of desperation to secure the one thing she cannot survive without—marriage.
Champagne loosens her fear. Music blurs her judgment. And then she sees him.
The masked stranger that sends her heart racing. Seductive, watchful, and unsettlingly familiar, he draws Lucy into a dangerous dance that ends in public ruin… and a forced marriage neither of them can escape.
When the masks come off, the man who broke her heart years ago stands before her.
Sylum Deveroux, Duke of Blackthorn, vanished into scandal after a forced engagement to a woman who would never walk down the aisle. Tarnished by accusations of murder, he was never supposed to be in London…
Now she must risk it all to be with the man she never stopped loving. But once Lucy arrives at Blackthorn Manor, the true nightmare begins.
Footsteps echo outside her door. The servants watch her too closely. Sylum appears where he should not, says things he swears he never said, and a raven named Poe croons riddles about shadows, bones, and divided minds.
Is her new husband plotting her destruction?
Is the manor haunted by the ghost of his dead fiancée?
Or is Lucy unraveling exactly as everyone always feared she would?
Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, Once Upon A Midnight Dreary is a dark gothic psychological horror blended with classic gothic romance. It’s a torturously slow descent into madness, steeped in obsession, and macabre desire. A fever-dream of a novel where truth fractures, love becomes dangerous, and the mind may be the most treacherous monster of all.
***This book is intended for adult readers 18+***
Champagne loosens her fear. Music blurs her judgment. And then she sees him.
The masked stranger that sends her heart racing. Seductive, watchful, and unsettlingly familiar, he draws Lucy into a dangerous dance that ends in public ruin… and a forced marriage neither of them can escape.
When the masks come off, the man who broke her heart years ago stands before her.
Sylum Deveroux, Duke of Blackthorn, vanished into scandal after a forced engagement to a woman who would never walk down the aisle. Tarnished by accusations of murder, he was never supposed to be in London…
Now she must risk it all to be with the man she never stopped loving. But once Lucy arrives at Blackthorn Manor, the true nightmare begins.
Footsteps echo outside her door. The servants watch her too closely. Sylum appears where he should not, says things he swears he never said, and a raven named Poe croons riddles about shadows, bones, and divided minds.
Is her new husband plotting her destruction?
Is the manor haunted by the ghost of his dead fiancée?
Or is Lucy unraveling exactly as everyone always feared she would?
Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, Once Upon A Midnight Dreary is a dark gothic psychological horror blended with classic gothic romance. It’s a torturously slow descent into madness, steeped in obsession, and macabre desire. A fever-dream of a novel where truth fractures, love becomes dangerous, and the mind may be the most treacherous monster of all.
***This book is intended for adult readers 18+***
397 pages, Paperback
Published March 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 14, 2026
3.75⭐️
Came for the gothic romance, stayed for the eerie and mysterious plot! The writing is stunning and the ending leaves you thinking...🖤🥀
Came for the gothic romance, stayed for the eerie and mysterious plot! The writing is stunning and the ending leaves you thinking...🖤🥀
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh, what a journey! The story is enticing and eerie. The poems laced with riddles and the diary entries where she tried to make sense of what had happened made me question what was real and what wasn't.
Once Upon a Midnight Dreary is a psychological Gothic romance filled with mystery and hauntings. It's dark, poetic and full of twists and turns. Every theory I formed collapsed almost immediately. I questioned every character again and again; trusting them, doubting them, condemning them only to realize I had it all wrong. I absolutely loved it! It didn't feel rushed, and though unexpected, the ending left me gasping!
Once Upon a Midnight Dreary is a psychological Gothic romance filled with mystery and hauntings. It's dark, poetic and full of twists and turns. Every theory I formed collapsed almost immediately. I questioned every character again and again; trusting them, doubting them, condemning them only to realize I had it all wrong. I absolutely loved it! It didn't feel rushed, and though unexpected, the ending left me gasping!
March 21, 2026
A true gothic psychological horror. I've seen it described as a gothic romance, but I don't agree. And perhaps others will disagree with me, but I guess that depends on the ending you choose...
February 15, 2026
So grateful to have received yet another arc from the author. This book is an amazing gothic fever dream that will have you begging for answers and then questioning them when you get them. My favorite read of the year so far and another 5 star from Cora, who has fully cemented a place as one of my all time favorite authors.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy shit my mind is warped right now.......
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, thank you so much to Cora Raven for the early copy, this book was an experience. I had an incredible time reading Once Upon A Midnight Dreary, and I’m pretty sure I’ve found a new favourite author.
Dreams could resurrect the dead. Dreams could make monsters look like lovers.
The writing style is absolutely beautiful. Lyrical, immersive, and dripping with atmosphere, it pulls you in from the very first page and never lets go. The gothic tone is perfectly executed. Eerie, unsettling, and dreamlike in a way that constantly keeps you questioning what is real and what is not. Even now, I’m still wondering… who was the true villain in the end? Dear reader, I truly don’t know.
Lucy is such a compelling heroine. Watching her slowly unravel within the walls of Blackthorn Manor was haunting. The setting itself felt alive. The echoing halls, the cries, the watching servants, the unsettling “teas,” the constant sense of being observed. The tension and suspicion were palpable, and I genuinely felt Lucy’s fear, confusion, and gradual loss of certainty. Her descent was written with such care and nuance that it felt painfully real.
And Sylum… what a character. Seductive, mysterious, and impossible to fully trust. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the romance was woven beautifully into the psychological horror. The spice deserves a special mention! Tender, emotional, and deeply passionate. Not once did it feel awkward or cringey; it fit the story perfectly and heightened their connection.
The secrets, though. The secrets. I loved the twisted, unsettling ending and how it re-framed everything that came before it. By the final page, I was left questioning every truth I thought I understood, and I loved that. Part of me hopes Lucy simply woke from a nightmare with Sylum by her side… but another part of me suspects the nightmare version might be the truer one.
Once Upon A Midnight Dreary is a gorgeously written gothic psychological romance. Obsessive, macabre, and emotionally gripping. A true fever dream of a novel.
Well done, Cora Raven. Whatever you write next, I’m there. You officially have me. 🖤📖
Dreams could resurrect the dead. Dreams could make monsters look like lovers.
The writing style is absolutely beautiful. Lyrical, immersive, and dripping with atmosphere, it pulls you in from the very first page and never lets go. The gothic tone is perfectly executed. Eerie, unsettling, and dreamlike in a way that constantly keeps you questioning what is real and what is not. Even now, I’m still wondering… who was the true villain in the end? Dear reader, I truly don’t know.
Lucy is such a compelling heroine. Watching her slowly unravel within the walls of Blackthorn Manor was haunting. The setting itself felt alive. The echoing halls, the cries, the watching servants, the unsettling “teas,” the constant sense of being observed. The tension and suspicion were palpable, and I genuinely felt Lucy’s fear, confusion, and gradual loss of certainty. Her descent was written with such care and nuance that it felt painfully real.
And Sylum… what a character. Seductive, mysterious, and impossible to fully trust. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the romance was woven beautifully into the psychological horror. The spice deserves a special mention! Tender, emotional, and deeply passionate. Not once did it feel awkward or cringey; it fit the story perfectly and heightened their connection.
The secrets, though. The secrets. I loved the twisted, unsettling ending and how it re-framed everything that came before it. By the final page, I was left questioning every truth I thought I understood, and I loved that. Part of me hopes Lucy simply woke from a nightmare with Sylum by her side… but another part of me suspects the nightmare version might be the truer one.
Once Upon A Midnight Dreary is a gorgeously written gothic psychological romance. Obsessive, macabre, and emotionally gripping. A true fever dream of a novel.
Well done, Cora Raven. Whatever you write next, I’m there. You officially have me. 🖤📖
April 22, 2026
This book started out interesting, with a very gothic feel but it felt just a bit too long. I love Poe but I felt the author was sometimes trying too hard to make that fit. I had the first "twist" pegged very quickly when Sylum is talking to his aunt so that kind of felt like a letdown because it's been done so many times in other Gothic novels. However, there were a few twists to the ending that I didn't see coming although I'm not sure how I feel about it.
The author basically gives a few possible endings and leaves you to kind of decide which one is real. Ok, that's fine. But the "final" ending was very intriguing and then the book is over. I just wish that had been more of the actual narrative.
And I guess that's the key to why I didn't give this 4 stars. Wishing. I found myself wishing for more from this book. Wishing Lucy would be smarter and have more agency - she's constantly passing out and just kind of stumbling upon things. Wishing that Sylum would have told her the truth (it really didn't make sense that he didn't. As one of the characters said, how could she not understand? Wishing for more from the motivations of the characters and their "plan."
The author basically gives a few possible endings and leaves you to kind of decide which one is real. Ok, that's fine. But the "final" ending was very intriguing and then the book is over. I just wish that had been more of the actual narrative.
And I guess that's the key to why I didn't give this 4 stars. Wishing. I found myself wishing for more from this book. Wishing Lucy would be smarter and have more agency - she's constantly passing out and just kind of stumbling upon things. Wishing that Sylum would have told her the truth (it really didn't make sense that he didn't. As one of the characters said, how could she not understand? Wishing for more from the motivations of the characters and their "plan."
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, thank you so so so much to Cora Raven for this ARC. You've become one of my favorite authors and I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to read your work.
"Madness is an easy verdict and society has always found it convenient-particularly when a woman speaks too much, remembers too well, or dares to insist upon her own version of events."
Dear reader, WHAT DID I JUST READ. We follow Lucy, our unreliable and haunted heroine. She's shunned by society following her mother's fall into madness. She falls back into the arms of the man that broke her heart and before she knows it, she's forced into marrying him. Sylum is the Duke of Blackthorn. He's mysterious, seductive, and untrustworthy. The yearning spills off of the pages. But Lucy is questioning her sanity. She starts hearing and seeing things that aren't there. She's scared that she's following in her mother's footsteps.
The story is beautifully written. You're enamoured from the first page. It's gothic, eerie, unsettling. You're questioning your sanity for the entirety of the book. It's mysterious and psychological; influenced by the one and only Edgar Allan Poe. Its tragic and romantic and has a sweet little Raven friend.
Easy 5 stars.
"Madness is an easy verdict and society has always found it convenient-particularly when a woman speaks too much, remembers too well, or dares to insist upon her own version of events."
Dear reader, WHAT DID I JUST READ. We follow Lucy, our unreliable and haunted heroine. She's shunned by society following her mother's fall into madness. She falls back into the arms of the man that broke her heart and before she knows it, she's forced into marrying him. Sylum is the Duke of Blackthorn. He's mysterious, seductive, and untrustworthy. The yearning spills off of the pages. But Lucy is questioning her sanity. She starts hearing and seeing things that aren't there. She's scared that she's following in her mother's footsteps.
The story is beautifully written. You're enamoured from the first page. It's gothic, eerie, unsettling. You're questioning your sanity for the entirety of the book. It's mysterious and psychological; influenced by the one and only Edgar Allan Poe. Its tragic and romantic and has a sweet little Raven friend.
Easy 5 stars.
April 9, 2026
The synopsis describes this book as a fever dream and that’s exactly what it is. Nothing is what it seems and when you think you have it all figured out, you don’t. My favorite types of books have an unreliable narrator and Lucy is just that. She is so likable and I wanted the best for her… even though I couldn’t fully trust her. Throughout the story, you’re never sure if she’s mentally ill, if someone is conspiring against her or if she’s experiencing the supernatural. Even the ending doesn’t fully clear things up and it’s more of a “choose your own adventure.”
I loved everything about this book. The Edgar Allan Poe references were fantastic and of course, the raven, named Poe, was one of my favorites. I loved the spooky mansion setting and just the overall creepy vibes. I’m also a sucker for a good romance and Lucy and Sylum were tragically perfect together. It’s rare that I say this, but I can’t think of anything to complain about and that’s why this is a five star read.
If you love historical Gothic romance that’s spooky and mysterious, I can’t recommend this book enough!
I loved everything about this book. The Edgar Allan Poe references were fantastic and of course, the raven, named Poe, was one of my favorites. I loved the spooky mansion setting and just the overall creepy vibes. I’m also a sucker for a good romance and Lucy and Sylum were tragically perfect together. It’s rare that I say this, but I can’t think of anything to complain about and that’s why this is a five star read.
If you love historical Gothic romance that’s spooky and mysterious, I can’t recommend this book enough!
March 18, 2026
OH MY GOD???
I read this in one sitting, i’m literally supposed to be asleep for work right now but could not put it down. this is literally top tier. the writing, the twists, turns. i was starting to think I was insane! my mind was all over the place and i felt like i was a fly in the wall, absolutely immersed in the story. absolutely well done!! please write more books im begging you
I read this in one sitting, i’m literally supposed to be asleep for work right now but could not put it down. this is literally top tier. the writing, the twists, turns. i was starting to think I was insane! my mind was all over the place and i felt like i was a fly in the wall, absolutely immersed in the story. absolutely well done!! please write more books im begging you
Review of advance copy received from Author
One of the BEST books I’ve ever read. Beautifully seductive with a gorgeous gothic atmosphere. Twins and turns that truly made me feel as though I was losing my mind. I will now be forever chasing the high of this book <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5
What the heck was that!
This book was written beautifully which brought to life haunting and captivating imagery. I had no idea that that was where the book was headed. Im not really sure how to explain what happened to my brain reading that.
I guess you’ll just have to read it to find out just what I mean.
Thank you Cora Raven for the ARC of this book!
What the heck was that!
This book was written beautifully which brought to life haunting and captivating imagery. I had no idea that that was where the book was headed. Im not really sure how to explain what happened to my brain reading that.
I guess you’ll just have to read it to find out just what I mean.
Thank you Cora Raven for the ARC of this book!
April 15, 2026
I had such a good time reading it. The dark, moody vibes were completely my thing and I was invested the whole time. I wasn’t super convinced about the romance, but the eerie mystery and overall atmosphere more than made up for it.
April 26, 2026
Crazy ending! Never could have predicted this ending! Kept you guessing for sure. Felt a little confusing and choppy writing. Do not have the book. Read on my kindle.
May 3, 2026
I liked it. I guessed some things but honestly very good
May 8, 2026
Favorite read of 2026 🤩
New favorite author unlocked 🔓
This book was the perfect blend of gothic vibes, romance, and a truly shocking ending.
The writing was pure perfection 💫
Infinity ♾️ ⭐️
New favorite author unlocked 🔓
This book was the perfect blend of gothic vibes, romance, and a truly shocking ending.
The writing was pure perfection 💫
Infinity ♾️ ⭐️
April 6, 2026
Our main character is basically living in ruin. her mother went mad and tried to kill her as a child and now her father has passed. She has no money and must find herself a husband.
And then Sylum enters, an old love who once spurned her because of her family’s past. He was engaged to another woman who died at his manor. They become entangled again, they marry and she moves into that same manor.
And that’s when things start to get a little weird and spooky. Strange things start happening, and it leads to the question - what really happened to his previous betrothed?
It’s told partly through diary entries, and it’s really left up to you to decide is this a haunting or a woman descending into madness?
I love Edgar Allan Poe, so all the mentions to his poetry just add such an extra layer.
This was a wild ride. One minute I thought I knew what was going on and the next, I was completely thrown.
The eerie, dreamlike quality had me hooked from the beginning. I thought I had guessed the ending. I was so wrong.
An absolute masterpiece. I love an ending like that.
And I’ve definitely found a new favourite author because I’m about to read everything she’s written.
Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
And then Sylum enters, an old love who once spurned her because of her family’s past. He was engaged to another woman who died at his manor. They become entangled again, they marry and she moves into that same manor.
And that’s when things start to get a little weird and spooky. Strange things start happening, and it leads to the question - what really happened to his previous betrothed?
It’s told partly through diary entries, and it’s really left up to you to decide is this a haunting or a woman descending into madness?
I love Edgar Allan Poe, so all the mentions to his poetry just add such an extra layer.
This was a wild ride. One minute I thought I knew what was going on and the next, I was completely thrown.
The eerie, dreamlike quality had me hooked from the beginning. I thought I had guessed the ending. I was so wrong.
An absolute masterpiece. I love an ending like that.
And I’ve definitely found a new favourite author because I’m about to read everything she’s written.
Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow!!! 5⭐️’s!!!!!!!
I don’t think I have ever read anything like this book! It was so good!
I don’t even know if I can put into words the details without spoiling an absolute delicious plot! This book has romance (it’s dark & tragic yet somehow really sweet). The overall plot is so much deeper though as we are told the story of the FMC’s life through her eyes with letters from her as well.
This is twisty, spicy, and full of Edgar Allan Poe-esque imagery, vibes, and scenes!
This is gothic, mysterious, and there is truly no way to understand how incredible this book is without reading it.
Just trust me because I don’t want to spoil any of it! You want to read this if you like gothic atmospheres, a twisty Poe-ish mystery, beautiful/tragic romance, and omg a TALKING RAVEN that is the FMC’s macabre little friend!!
I loved this and I don’t think I’ll ever get over it!! The more I think about it, the more I love it!
I don’t think I have ever read anything like this book! It was so good!
I don’t even know if I can put into words the details without spoiling an absolute delicious plot! This book has romance (it’s dark & tragic yet somehow really sweet). The overall plot is so much deeper though as we are told the story of the FMC’s life through her eyes with letters from her as well.
This is twisty, spicy, and full of Edgar Allan Poe-esque imagery, vibes, and scenes!
This is gothic, mysterious, and there is truly no way to understand how incredible this book is without reading it.
Just trust me because I don’t want to spoil any of it! You want to read this if you like gothic atmospheres, a twisty Poe-ish mystery, beautiful/tragic romance, and omg a TALKING RAVEN that is the FMC’s macabre little friend!!
I loved this and I don’t think I’ll ever get over it!! The more I think about it, the more I love it!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews