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Sinister
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Expected 18 Aug 26Win a free print copy of this book!
8 days and 18:27:06
100 copies available
U.S. only
In Radcliffe, perfection is a mask. And Sinclair Arnoult wears his far too well.
Sin is Radcliffe’s golden boy. Star athlete, top student, and heir to a family name that carries weight in every corner of town. With his easy smiles and effortless charm, he’s untouchable.
Perfect.
Petra Valentine has always been an outsider. Trapped in a world of wealth and privilege that barely tolerates her, she’s spent her life fading into the background—until one reckless night at a party changes everything.
A fleeting, drunken mistake ties her to him.
When a series of ritualistic murders forces them together to unravel Radcliffe's twisted past, Petra discovers that Sin is connected to something far darker than a privileged legacy.
The man everyone worships is hiding dangerous truths—about his past, about the town, and about her.
He swears he’ll protect her. He swears he’d never hurt her.
But in Radcliffe, devotion and destruction look a lot like the same thing.
Sin is Radcliffe’s golden boy. Star athlete, top student, and heir to a family name that carries weight in every corner of town. With his easy smiles and effortless charm, he’s untouchable.
Perfect.
Petra Valentine has always been an outsider. Trapped in a world of wealth and privilege that barely tolerates her, she’s spent her life fading into the background—until one reckless night at a party changes everything.
A fleeting, drunken mistake ties her to him.
When a series of ritualistic murders forces them together to unravel Radcliffe's twisted past, Petra discovers that Sin is connected to something far darker than a privileged legacy.
The man everyone worships is hiding dangerous truths—about his past, about the town, and about her.
He swears he’ll protect her. He swears he’d never hurt her.
But in Radcliffe, devotion and destruction look a lot like the same thing.
608 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 18, 2026
About the author
Veronica Lancet
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Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
April 27, 2026
I would like to chop this charming, weird, sensual, mysterious little book up in a million pieces, shove it up my butt & gallop around my house like a pony. I do not know how else to convey the levels of hooting and hollering I was doing reading this. The minute this touched my hands I was a woman possessed and nothing else mattered to me but this book.
Listen…nobody does twisted, demonic, gothic, horror, romance mind f*cks like Veronica Lancet. PLEASE check the trigger warnings page before going into it because it’s about to get very demonic and very freaky very quickly.
If your man doesn’t cut off a big chunk of his skin, write “forgive me” on it, and deliver it to your windowsill then he is simply just not dedicated enough for you. I’m sorry.
This book is going to challenge the limits of what it truly means to match someone’s freak (complimentary, of course).
How to explain what you’re in for without spoiling? Well it’s dual timeline. The first timeline is current day and a 18 year old introverted outcast, Petra, is trying to uncover the mystery surrounding her town with the help of the most popular boy at school, Sin. She starts having weird dreams of the second timeline which is in the 1800s where a woman, Petra, is in a very oppressive religious cult and meets the professor of demonology at the local college, Sin who decides to challenge what she knows.
One thing about Veronica Lancet is she’s gonna hit you with a romance plotline D at the 90% mark and have you sobbing on the floor of your bathroom.
Do I think the feedback is going to be polarizing like her other books? For sure. But it was exaclty what I wanted. If you liked Fairydale you will EAT THIS ALIVE. I could quite literally not put this down.
Thanks to Atria, NetGalley and my queen Veronica Lancet for this eARC.
Listen…nobody does twisted, demonic, gothic, horror, romance mind f*cks like Veronica Lancet. PLEASE check the trigger warnings page before going into it because it’s about to get very demonic and very freaky very quickly.
If your man doesn’t cut off a big chunk of his skin, write “forgive me” on it, and deliver it to your windowsill then he is simply just not dedicated enough for you. I’m sorry.
This book is going to challenge the limits of what it truly means to match someone’s freak (complimentary, of course).
How to explain what you’re in for without spoiling? Well it’s dual timeline. The first timeline is current day and a 18 year old introverted outcast, Petra, is trying to uncover the mystery surrounding her town with the help of the most popular boy at school, Sin. She starts having weird dreams of the second timeline which is in the 1800s where a woman, Petra, is in a very oppressive religious cult and meets the professor of demonology at the local college, Sin who decides to challenge what she knows.
One thing about Veronica Lancet is she’s gonna hit you with a romance plotline D at the 90% mark and have you sobbing on the floor of your bathroom.
Do I think the feedback is going to be polarizing like her other books? For sure. But it was exaclty what I wanted. If you liked Fairydale you will EAT THIS ALIVE. I could quite literally not put this down.
Thanks to Atria, NetGalley and my queen Veronica Lancet for this eARC.
Want to Read
May 1, 2026OMG I GOT AN ARC!!
guys, I NEVER bother applying for arcs because I just assume I won’t get any of the ones I actually want without reading a bunch of other arcs I don’t care about. So you can imagine my shock today when I woke up to an email approving me 🤣🤣 s/o to Liz for telling me to apply for this one LOL
guys, I NEVER bother applying for arcs because I just assume I won’t get any of the ones I actually want without reading a bunch of other arcs I don’t care about. So you can imagine my shock today when I woke up to an email approving me 🤣🤣 s/o to Liz for telling me to apply for this one LOL
Want to Read
March 24, 2025Coming Fall 2025!
And we have a blurb!!!!
Preorder here: https://geni.us/sinistre
And we have a blurb!!!!
Preorder here: https://geni.us/sinistre
July 18, 2025
This book is a whole new kind of mindf*ck.
Just finished beta reading this and cannot wait for everyone to read it 🤯
Just finished beta reading this and cannot wait for everyone to read it 🤯
Want to Read
June 10, 2025This is going to become my entire personality when it comes out.
Tropes: (announced on the author's official Instagram.)
Dark Academia
Golden boy x Black cat (but he's secretly a psycho)
Dual Timelines
He's a stalker (past & present)
Accidental Pregnancy (Not even a spoiler! It happens in the first chapters)
Ritualistic Murders, Secret Societies and the Occult
You had me at dark academia and accidental pregnancy 🙂↕️
Tropes: (announced on the author's official Instagram.)
Dark Academia
Golden boy x Black cat (but he's secretly a psycho)
Dual Timelines
He's a stalker (past & present)
Accidental Pregnancy (Not even a spoiler! It happens in the first chapters)
Ritualistic Murders, Secret Societies and the Occult
You had me at dark academia and accidental pregnancy 🙂↕️
Review of advance copy received from Author
As someone who has read several other books by Veronica and LOVED them, posted glowing reviews and centered a lot of content on my socials promoting them, Sinister unfortunately missed the mark for me.
I did love some of the easter eggs that were dropped through out the story relating to her other books & worlds. However, I did not connect with the story or the characters and often found myself annoyed with them.
I am someone who loves stories about love transcending lifetimes, it's a particular theme I will always devour. In my personal opinion, Sinister felt like a loose re-write of Fairydale which made the story line as a whole pretty predictable, and the writing itself seemed like a different author.
The last point I want to make is that it is advertised as dark academia. I do think that is slightly misleading as there are only a couple of scenes that take place inside the school. Other than that, it's just that the FMC is still in high school.
Though it was not the book for me, I do think others may still enjoy it.
I did love some of the easter eggs that were dropped through out the story relating to her other books & worlds. However, I did not connect with the story or the characters and often found myself annoyed with them.
I am someone who loves stories about love transcending lifetimes, it's a particular theme I will always devour. In my personal opinion, Sinister felt like a loose re-write of Fairydale which made the story line as a whole pretty predictable, and the writing itself seemed like a different author.
The last point I want to make is that it is advertised as dark academia. I do think that is slightly misleading as there are only a couple of scenes that take place inside the school. Other than that, it's just that the FMC is still in high school.
Though it was not the book for me, I do think others may still enjoy it.
April 24, 2026
If you loved Fairydale, you’ll freaking love Sinister. Same vibes, but completely different story. The angst, the suspense, the multiple timelines, the reincarnation of a love story told through decades and decades of longing and promises to one day, be together.
Petra, always feeling like an outcast, starts a new school where… as usual finds herself being taunted and bullied by the popular kids.. except for one. Sin Arnoult. He’s gorgeous. And strangely nice?
One night that included a party, shoved into a pool, some alcohol.. Petra and Sin hook up and Petra ends up pregnant. (Don’t worry - this is not a spoiler as it happens in the very first chapter.)
Some really strange things start happening in this town. Including students being murdered gruesomely. It’s overwhelming for Petra with also finding out that she’s pregnant at 18 - Sin personality seems to be all over the place and Petra just has no idea if she should even tell him that she’s pregnant.
This book is definitely a slow burn. They both are trying to get to know each other, but Sin is always acting strange.
And we have the timeline changes where we go back in time with different characters.
If you like:
Reincarnation/ Past Lives
Suspense
Paranormal Romance
It’s Always Been You
Secret Societies
Stalker and Shadows
Forced Proximity
As the story unfolds, I became completely invested on who is who and who did what. I love the plot twists and spooky vibes. I love paranormal romance with reincarnation. It’s such a fantastic story!
We also see a character from House of Cryos Trilogy!
Veronica Lancet cannot write a bad story.
Petra, always feeling like an outcast, starts a new school where… as usual finds herself being taunted and bullied by the popular kids.. except for one. Sin Arnoult. He’s gorgeous. And strangely nice?
One night that included a party, shoved into a pool, some alcohol.. Petra and Sin hook up and Petra ends up pregnant. (Don’t worry - this is not a spoiler as it happens in the very first chapter.)
Some really strange things start happening in this town. Including students being murdered gruesomely. It’s overwhelming for Petra with also finding out that she’s pregnant at 18 - Sin personality seems to be all over the place and Petra just has no idea if she should even tell him that she’s pregnant.
This book is definitely a slow burn. They both are trying to get to know each other, but Sin is always acting strange.
And we have the timeline changes where we go back in time with different characters.
If you like:
Reincarnation/ Past Lives
Suspense
Paranormal Romance
It’s Always Been You
Secret Societies
Stalker and Shadows
Forced Proximity
As the story unfolds, I became completely invested on who is who and who did what. I love the plot twists and spooky vibes. I love paranormal romance with reincarnation. It’s such a fantastic story!
We also see a character from House of Cryos Trilogy!
Veronica Lancet cannot write a bad story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finally sat down to read the paper ARC. I don't think I'll be able to recover from this. This book is simply amazing...
full review to come soon
full review to come soon
Want to Read
August 6, 2025The blurb is EVERYTHING I want from a book!🥵
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
1.5
Recieved an e-arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I have so many thoughts.
Okay. This was not terrible, but I do definitely think the writing style was just not it for me. It felt a little juvenile, which, for a gothic romance, isn't something I expect. I had anticipated hard hitting, dark, expicit writing. I had heard great things about Fairydale so figured I would give this a shot. Not to say the gore and darkness was not there, it definitely was, but the details themselves seemed to be almost an afterthought addition.
The story itself was definitely unique. At first I was really into it! The dual timelines drew me in, and, honestly, I thought the past timeline was a bit more well written plot wise, and I would have loved a book just featuring that. I will say, the characters don't speak very period accurately, which bugged me. I won't put any quotes because this is an arc, but, if you're especially nitpicky about 1890 characters speaking like gen-z, maybe be cautious.
I was very invested in the plot, I thought it was intriguing with the dual timeline as we watched Petra try and figure out what's happening around her and with Sin. But, as for Petra and Sin, at least with the "modern" timeline, I just disliked them. Modern Petra is such a bad procrastinator for the sake of nothing, and her "cute" moments with Sin read very Wattpady. Sin, at first, was interesting to me. Those first couple chapters were so good between them, and it gave DARK. I liked seeing him "snap" and become the darker, honest version of himself when things weren't going his way. But, as the story went on, it just became very insta-lovey, YA coded, and I wasn't convinced about either of them actually liking each other.
Past Petra's story was just more engaging and interesting. I don't know how much can be considered spoilers, but the addition of the cult and religious guilt along with the demonic stuff was done pretty well. Like I said, I would have loved the book if it was just that plot.
Once it hit 60-70% the story did go a bit crazy. Too much was happening, it was a little confusing, and it SCREAMED. Like, a little girl riding down a steep hill screaming for her bike to stop before she crashed. Down. Hill. It wasn't so much plot twist but more, "oh, that's happening now?" or "Uh okay I guess?"
This was not bad. I think there is definitely an audience for this book, but it was not me. I personally think it should go through a few more rounds of edits. And, I also think my dissapointment is influenced by just how many good things I had heard about the author's other work Fairydale. It just was not what I expected.
Recieved an e-arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I have so many thoughts.
Okay. This was not terrible, but I do definitely think the writing style was just not it for me. It felt a little juvenile, which, for a gothic romance, isn't something I expect. I had anticipated hard hitting, dark, expicit writing. I had heard great things about Fairydale so figured I would give this a shot. Not to say the gore and darkness was not there, it definitely was, but the details themselves seemed to be almost an afterthought addition.
The story itself was definitely unique. At first I was really into it! The dual timelines drew me in, and, honestly, I thought the past timeline was a bit more well written plot wise, and I would have loved a book just featuring that. I will say, the characters don't speak very period accurately, which bugged me. I won't put any quotes because this is an arc, but, if you're especially nitpicky about 1890 characters speaking like gen-z, maybe be cautious.
I was very invested in the plot, I thought it was intriguing with the dual timeline as we watched Petra try and figure out what's happening around her and with Sin. But, as for Petra and Sin, at least with the "modern" timeline, I just disliked them. Modern Petra is such a bad procrastinator for the sake of nothing, and her "cute" moments with Sin read very Wattpady. Sin, at first, was interesting to me. Those first couple chapters were so good between them, and it gave DARK. I liked seeing him "snap" and become the darker, honest version of himself when things weren't going his way. But, as the story went on, it just became very insta-lovey, YA coded, and I wasn't convinced about either of them actually liking each other.
Past Petra's story was just more engaging and interesting. I don't know how much can be considered spoilers, but the addition of the cult and religious guilt along with the demonic stuff was done pretty well. Like I said, I would have loved the book if it was just that plot.
Once it hit 60-70% the story did go a bit crazy. Too much was happening, it was a little confusing, and it SCREAMED. Like, a little girl riding down a steep hill screaming for her bike to stop before she crashed. Down. Hill. It wasn't so much plot twist but more, "oh, that's happening now?" or "Uh okay I guess?"
This was not bad. I think there is definitely an audience for this book, but it was not me. I personally think it should go through a few more rounds of edits. And, I also think my dissapointment is influenced by just how many good things I had heard about the author's other work Fairydale. It just was not what I expected.
May 10, 2026
Another romantic masterpiece. Full RTC
Want to Read
July 21, 2025HOOK:
Tropes:
(Psycho) Golden retriever hero x black cat heroine
Stalker hero
Dubcon/noncon & manipulation
Accidental pregnancy
Forced Proximity
I'll find you in every lifetime
Ritualistic murders, occult histories and secret societies
Tropes:
(Psycho) Golden retriever hero x black cat heroine
Stalker hero
Dubcon/noncon & manipulation
Accidental pregnancy
Forced Proximity
I'll find you in every lifetime
Ritualistic murders, occult histories and secret societies
November 7, 2025
Title: Sinister
Author: Veronica Lancet
Synopsis: In Radcliffe, perfection is a mask. And Sinclair Arnoult wears his far too well.
Sin is Radcliffe’s golden boy. Star athlete, top student, and heir to a family name that carries weight in every corner of town. With his easy smiles and effortless charm, he’s untouchable.
Perfect.
Petra Valentine has always been an outsider. Trapped in a world of wealth and privilege that barely tolerates her, she’s spent her life fading into the background—until one reckless night at a party changes everything.
A fleeting, drunken mistake ties her to him.
When a series of ritualistic murders forces them together to unravel Radcliffe's twisted past, Petra discovers that Sin is connected to something far darker than a privileged legacy.
The man everyone worships is hiding dangerous truths—about his past, about the town, and about her.
He swears he’ll protect her. He swears he’d never hurt her.
But in Radcliffe, devotion and destruction look a lot like the same thing.
Review: Wow! I’m so glad I read this throughout the month of October! Unfortunately I didn’t get to finish until early November! This books has all the gothic and paranormal romance vibes! This book was the highlight of October! The romance and mystery had me turning the pages! If life didn’t interrupt me I would have finished it even quicker despite it being I think over 700 pages? It didn’t feel long at all and there was always something that kept me wanting to know what was going to happen! It didn’t drag or bore me! I was rooting for the couple at all times! I still can’t believe it’s over! I wish there would be a sequel! I already miss these characters! I should warn everyone to please read the trigger warnings before picking up this book!
I would like to thank the author herself Veronica Lancet for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance! It is a fall I shall never forget!
Author: Veronica Lancet
Synopsis: In Radcliffe, perfection is a mask. And Sinclair Arnoult wears his far too well.
Sin is Radcliffe’s golden boy. Star athlete, top student, and heir to a family name that carries weight in every corner of town. With his easy smiles and effortless charm, he’s untouchable.
Perfect.
Petra Valentine has always been an outsider. Trapped in a world of wealth and privilege that barely tolerates her, she’s spent her life fading into the background—until one reckless night at a party changes everything.
A fleeting, drunken mistake ties her to him.
When a series of ritualistic murders forces them together to unravel Radcliffe's twisted past, Petra discovers that Sin is connected to something far darker than a privileged legacy.
The man everyone worships is hiding dangerous truths—about his past, about the town, and about her.
He swears he’ll protect her. He swears he’d never hurt her.
But in Radcliffe, devotion and destruction look a lot like the same thing.
Review: Wow! I’m so glad I read this throughout the month of October! Unfortunately I didn’t get to finish until early November! This books has all the gothic and paranormal romance vibes! This book was the highlight of October! The romance and mystery had me turning the pages! If life didn’t interrupt me I would have finished it even quicker despite it being I think over 700 pages? It didn’t feel long at all and there was always something that kept me wanting to know what was going to happen! It didn’t drag or bore me! I was rooting for the couple at all times! I still can’t believe it’s over! I wish there would be a sequel! I already miss these characters! I should warn everyone to please read the trigger warnings before picking up this book!
I would like to thank the author herself Veronica Lancet for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance! It is a fall I shall never forget!
May 4, 2026
*NETGALLEY ARC REVIEW*
“I set out to write a sweet high school romance depicting first love. Perhaps I did succeed at that—in some very short but cute scenes. But the story largely deviated from course. It became intense, forbidden, and at times morally questionable.” — and honestly, we love you for it.
What starts as a simple first-love story quickly spirals into something much darker and more complex. The alternative timelines felt like experiencing two love stories at once, which kept things fresh and unpredictable. It gave me American Horror Story vibes in the best way.
There’s a constant sense of wariness and confusion that builds throughout the book, adding to the mystery and making it nearly impossible to put down. I flew through all 750+ pages.
I wasn’t fully sold on the MMC at first. The connection between the main characters felt almost too intense, almost overwhelming. But by the final chapters, everything came together in a way that made it feel worth it.
Overall, a wild ride. Gory, intense, and still soft in all the right moments.
“I set out to write a sweet high school romance depicting first love. Perhaps I did succeed at that—in some very short but cute scenes. But the story largely deviated from course. It became intense, forbidden, and at times morally questionable.” — and honestly, we love you for it.
What starts as a simple first-love story quickly spirals into something much darker and more complex. The alternative timelines felt like experiencing two love stories at once, which kept things fresh and unpredictable. It gave me American Horror Story vibes in the best way.
There’s a constant sense of wariness and confusion that builds throughout the book, adding to the mystery and making it nearly impossible to put down. I flew through all 750+ pages.
I wasn’t fully sold on the MMC at first. The connection between the main characters felt almost too intense, almost overwhelming. But by the final chapters, everything came together in a way that made it feel worth it.
Overall, a wild ride. Gory, intense, and still soft in all the right moments.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sinester is a mesmerizing journey into darkness, love, and the fine line between pain and desire. From the very first page, Veronica Lancet pulls you into a world where shadows speak louder than words, and every emotion feels raw, vivid, and unforgettable.
The atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful — gothic, mysterious, and filled with tension that keeps you turning pages. The characters are complex, morally grey, and achingly human. You feel their struggles, their desires, and their fears as if they were your own.
....give me one kiss, and I'll keep my soul. I won't trade it. I'll keep it safe... for you." He leans in just a little closer. "What do you say, Petra?"
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy:
dark, gothic romance
🔥emotionally intense and psychologically rich stories
💗characters who live in the grey areas of morality
😍a mix of mysticism, suspense, and romance.
Thank you very much to the Arc Veronica Lance team.
The atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful — gothic, mysterious, and filled with tension that keeps you turning pages. The characters are complex, morally grey, and achingly human. You feel their struggles, their desires, and their fears as if they were your own.
....give me one kiss, and I'll keep my soul. I won't trade it. I'll keep it safe... for you." He leans in just a little closer. "What do you say, Petra?"
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy:
dark, gothic romance
🔥emotionally intense and psychologically rich stories
💗characters who live in the grey areas of morality
😍a mix of mysticism, suspense, and romance.
Thank you very much to the Arc Veronica Lance team.
April 26, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and Atria Books for the ARC of this title. I was so excited to get this book because I was obsessed with Fairydale. And Sinister did not disappoint. If you liked Fairydale, you will love this one. It was a complete mindf*ck. Sinister follows two time lines of our FMC Petra and the way these were woven together was absolutely crazy. Every chapter made me want to keep reading to see how it was going to play out. 4.5 stars
November 4, 2025
*Dark academia
*Gothic vibes
*Stalker MMC
Like always, I really enjoyed this book. First, all the tropes are the ones that I love. Second, I love every Veronica's book. Even if I didn't give 5 stars for this one, it's a good story. For the reader of Fairydale, is easiest and the chapters more fluid. Obviously we have a lot plots in here (we're talking about Veronica Lancet) and a couple that will do anything for each other. Sin it's unhinged and obsessed with Petra and obviously it's him that stole the book for me. It's a good story (and standalone too).
*Gothic vibes
*Stalker MMC
Like always, I really enjoyed this book. First, all the tropes are the ones that I love. Second, I love every Veronica's book. Even if I didn't give 5 stars for this one, it's a good story. For the reader of Fairydale, is easiest and the chapters more fluid. Obviously we have a lot plots in here (we're talking about Veronica Lancet) and a couple that will do anything for each other. Sin it's unhinged and obsessed with Petra and obviously it's him that stole the book for me. It's a good story (and standalone too).
May 4, 2026
I was invited by Atria Books via NetGalley to read this book. The following is my honest and voluntary review.
- dual timeline
- she dreams of their past lives
- high control religious group
- men own women
- teen pregnancy
- constant lying and avoiding by MFC
- mysterious plot
- murder mystery
- man named “Sin” in a time of God fearing control
- he asks for forgiveness by writing “Forgive me” on a piece of cutoff skin
Author wrote a letter AND separate author’s note setting up expectations for the reader, and I loved it. She warned that there is teen pregnancy early in the book, there are two timelines with reincarnation, it is a dark and ambiguous story with confusion that comes together with an HEA, and the MFC is odd, not always rational, not likable at times, and doesn’t always make the best decisions, all while fights for what she wants and the people she loves. She sees the darkness and embraces it, and takes charge in her life. Also, we are warned that there are similar themes as Fairydale (reader being confused, reincarnation, romance), it is a very different story. With the groundwork and expectations set, I came into this book ready for what she prepared me for. (I saw a review of 2-3 stars criticizing the book for having teens and teen pregnancy. Ugh…. SHE WARNED YOU OF THIS! Don’t read a book if you know you hate the major tropes you were warned about!!)
Unfortunately, despite being warned that the MFC had issues and would sometimes be unlikable, her characteristics are ones that I just hate truly reading about. First, I don’t mind people getting pregnant in books, it’s part of life and can add so much to the plot and overall storyline, depending how the author writes it. Further, the author warned us the MFC would get pregnant. Yet, what I LOATHE is the trope of hiding the pregnancy. It’s sooo annoying and it’s the same thing every single time an author writes an MFC not telling the father about the pregnancy. Seriously, this storyline is so predictable and overdone, I hate it.
On top of this, the MFC LIED straight to the MMC’s face when he directly asked if she was pregnant, saying he wasn’t the father. He then followed up with her and she just lied and lied. 🤮 Again, the author warned us that the MFC would make decisions that were not rational, nor makes sense, but this decision in combination with avoiding telling the father was just something I hate.
This leads to the next issues: what I also loathe is an MC that hides and avoids everything and anything. I prefer more direct, assertive, blunt people, or at least characters that have a blend of assertiveness and avoidance. Unfortunately, this MC could not tolerate really anything and avoided and fled everything. I was exhausted by her behavior at 19%. Sin was begging her to communicate and she wouldn’t. She also refused to talk to her best friend when her friend was begging her to be honest as well.
THEN there was other women pregnancy drama. 🤮
I know I’m getting exhausting, the author did warn us about an MFC like this, but the fact that her unlikability and irrationality revolved around the pregnancy trope and avoidance of everything, this was not the book for me.
I was also getting annoyed with current timeline Sin. He was so tone deaf to what was happening with his behavior and how his friends were treating Petra in front of him.
What did I like:
We started the book with Petra in the current timeline, which was several chapters, and then we switched to the past from Petra’s POV for several chapters. Although very different things happened, the underlying themes were the same: eg., Petra as an outcast, a group of girls Petra is not a part of, Sin watching the assertively pursuing Petra, Petra feeling starved for attention and kindness, Petra oddly feeling connected and following directions from Sin, Sin and Petra having a secret, and Petra feeling confused by Sin wanting to claim her as his or him making claims of being hers. The past and the present were very parallel.
The author warned us that Petra would be unlikable, and she definitely did immediately rub me the wrong way. SHE took the book from Sin, got caught, her father physically assaulted her, and then told Sin her being assaulted was his fault. Her lack of ownership over her choices and gaslighting Sin was really difficult to read through. YET, with the authors warning of her making choices we would be annoyed with AND the context of her being born into essentially a cult, it made sense. Easier to blame a person she had a little bit more control over (talking to Sin) than the person she had no control over (her father).
At the same time, I really respected her. When past Petra was in the alley and Sin was playing a manipulative game with her, she stood up for herself. She made a decision to not be controlled by another man and I really thought that was fantastic of her to be an independent thinker, separate from her church AND not influenced by an attractive man. Yet, at the exact same time, I loved that Sin was more assertively aggressive with her, challenging her to move past her rigid religious belief system that she clearly did not believe in, but was forced to act behaviorally in accordance with in order to remain safe.
I absolutely loved, I’m mean loved, that Sin was named Sin. What a PERFECT name for the
The alternation of the time had me on edge. Something would happen in one timeline and I would want to keep reading, but then of course the author would switch the timeline. I then would get sucked into this new timeline and the issues happening, to only then switch back to the other timeline. Great job to the author for keeping me hooked.
Critique:
Although this had new adult themes, at times the dialogue was incredibly YA. I know this was about teenagers, but they were adult teenagers and the way the MFC acted it was like I was reading about a child. Her juvenile language may have be due to the fact that she was sheltered and not worldly, but the quote of “ if you don’t tell me who you are, I’ll never talk to you again” really reminded me of how my five and seven year-old talk to each other…. Always threatening to never talk or play with each other again.
Therefore, with all my critiques of this book, I tuned out for a good chunk of it and cannot comment further about the end because I really wasn’t paying attention.
- dual timeline
- she dreams of their past lives
- high control religious group
- men own women
- teen pregnancy
- constant lying and avoiding by MFC
- mysterious plot
- murder mystery
- man named “Sin” in a time of God fearing control
- he asks for forgiveness by writing “Forgive me” on a piece of cutoff skin
Author wrote a letter AND separate author’s note setting up expectations for the reader, and I loved it. She warned that there is teen pregnancy early in the book, there are two timelines with reincarnation, it is a dark and ambiguous story with confusion that comes together with an HEA, and the MFC is odd, not always rational, not likable at times, and doesn’t always make the best decisions, all while fights for what she wants and the people she loves. She sees the darkness and embraces it, and takes charge in her life. Also, we are warned that there are similar themes as Fairydale (reader being confused, reincarnation, romance), it is a very different story. With the groundwork and expectations set, I came into this book ready for what she prepared me for. (I saw a review of 2-3 stars criticizing the book for having teens and teen pregnancy. Ugh…. SHE WARNED YOU OF THIS! Don’t read a book if you know you hate the major tropes you were warned about!!)
Unfortunately, despite being warned that the MFC had issues and would sometimes be unlikable, her characteristics are ones that I just hate truly reading about. First, I don’t mind people getting pregnant in books, it’s part of life and can add so much to the plot and overall storyline, depending how the author writes it. Further, the author warned us the MFC would get pregnant. Yet, what I LOATHE is the trope of hiding the pregnancy. It’s sooo annoying and it’s the same thing every single time an author writes an MFC not telling the father about the pregnancy. Seriously, this storyline is so predictable and overdone, I hate it.
On top of this, the MFC LIED straight to the MMC’s face when he directly asked if she was pregnant, saying he wasn’t the father. He then followed up with her and she just lied and lied. 🤮 Again, the author warned us that the MFC would make decisions that were not rational, nor makes sense, but this decision in combination with avoiding telling the father was just something I hate.
This leads to the next issues: what I also loathe is an MC that hides and avoids everything and anything. I prefer more direct, assertive, blunt people, or at least characters that have a blend of assertiveness and avoidance. Unfortunately, this MC could not tolerate really anything and avoided and fled everything. I was exhausted by her behavior at 19%. Sin was begging her to communicate and she wouldn’t. She also refused to talk to her best friend when her friend was begging her to be honest as well.
THEN there was other women pregnancy drama. 🤮
I know I’m getting exhausting, the author did warn us about an MFC like this, but the fact that her unlikability and irrationality revolved around the pregnancy trope and avoidance of everything, this was not the book for me.
I was also getting annoyed with current timeline Sin. He was so tone deaf to what was happening with his behavior and how his friends were treating Petra in front of him.
What did I like:
We started the book with Petra in the current timeline, which was several chapters, and then we switched to the past from Petra’s POV for several chapters. Although very different things happened, the underlying themes were the same: eg., Petra as an outcast, a group of girls Petra is not a part of, Sin watching the assertively pursuing Petra, Petra feeling starved for attention and kindness, Petra oddly feeling connected and following directions from Sin, Sin and Petra having a secret, and Petra feeling confused by Sin wanting to claim her as his or him making claims of being hers. The past and the present were very parallel.
The author warned us that Petra would be unlikable, and she definitely did immediately rub me the wrong way. SHE took the book from Sin, got caught, her father physically assaulted her, and then told Sin her being assaulted was his fault. Her lack of ownership over her choices and gaslighting Sin was really difficult to read through. YET, with the authors warning of her making choices we would be annoyed with AND the context of her being born into essentially a cult, it made sense. Easier to blame a person she had a little bit more control over (talking to Sin) than the person she had no control over (her father).
At the same time, I really respected her. When past Petra was in the alley and Sin was playing a manipulative game with her, she stood up for herself. She made a decision to not be controlled by another man and I really thought that was fantastic of her to be an independent thinker, separate from her church AND not influenced by an attractive man. Yet, at the exact same time, I loved that Sin was more assertively aggressive with her, challenging her to move past her rigid religious belief system that she clearly did not believe in, but was forced to act behaviorally in accordance with in order to remain safe.
I absolutely loved, I’m mean loved, that Sin was named Sin. What a PERFECT name for the
The alternation of the time had me on edge. Something would happen in one timeline and I would want to keep reading, but then of course the author would switch the timeline. I then would get sucked into this new timeline and the issues happening, to only then switch back to the other timeline. Great job to the author for keeping me hooked.
Critique:
Although this had new adult themes, at times the dialogue was incredibly YA. I know this was about teenagers, but they were adult teenagers and the way the MFC acted it was like I was reading about a child. Her juvenile language may have be due to the fact that she was sheltered and not worldly, but the quote of “ if you don’t tell me who you are, I’ll never talk to you again” really reminded me of how my five and seven year-old talk to each other…. Always threatening to never talk or play with each other again.
Therefore, with all my critiques of this book, I tuned out for a good chunk of it and cannot comment further about the end because I really wasn’t paying attention.
October 8, 2025
Hang onto your hats because this one is a roller coaster of a ride! 🎢
Once again, I could not put this down, just like all of the author’s books, which of course didn’t surprise me. Love the pacing of this. Although it’s hefty in size, it moves, and before I knew it I was at the end. 😅
I was really looking forward to this book. Being a huge fan of Fairydale, I kind of knew what to expect. Except, I was wrong. 🫣 Some things that happened were expected, but boy does it really go off the deep end by the climax. And, in a good, unexpected way.
There are definitely some similarities to Fairydale, but it’s also such a different storyline and setting that it’s hard to really compare. I loved the dark, academia, gothic themes. I don’t want to give away anything, but for me this was more of a mystery, try to figure things out, and a bit less romantic overall. But it does have its swoony moments. Much Darker and if you are fan of the spice 🌶️ you will not be disappointed. More 🥵 than her other fantasy novels. IMO.
It follows multiple timelines, so be prepared for that. And the ending was INTENSE…with a satisfying plot twist payoff. But there were a few other things along the way that had me saying “What?!…..” 👀
If you loved Fairydale or her other books you will love this. If you didn’t love Fairydale or haven’t read that, give this one a try because I think moves faster and is easier to follow.
Also, I should note that this is a standalone. 😍
10/10 ⭐️
Thank you so much to Veronica Lancet for providing me with this Advanced Reader Copy for my honest review.
Once again, I could not put this down, just like all of the author’s books, which of course didn’t surprise me. Love the pacing of this. Although it’s hefty in size, it moves, and before I knew it I was at the end. 😅
I was really looking forward to this book. Being a huge fan of Fairydale, I kind of knew what to expect. Except, I was wrong. 🫣 Some things that happened were expected, but boy does it really go off the deep end by the climax. And, in a good, unexpected way.
There are definitely some similarities to Fairydale, but it’s also such a different storyline and setting that it’s hard to really compare. I loved the dark, academia, gothic themes. I don’t want to give away anything, but for me this was more of a mystery, try to figure things out, and a bit less romantic overall. But it does have its swoony moments. Much Darker and if you are fan of the spice 🌶️ you will not be disappointed. More 🥵 than her other fantasy novels. IMO.
It follows multiple timelines, so be prepared for that. And the ending was INTENSE…with a satisfying plot twist payoff. But there were a few other things along the way that had me saying “What?!…..” 👀
If you loved Fairydale or her other books you will love this. If you didn’t love Fairydale or haven’t read that, give this one a try because I think moves faster and is easier to follow.
Also, I should note that this is a standalone. 😍
10/10 ⭐️
Thank you so much to Veronica Lancet for providing me with this Advanced Reader Copy for my honest review.
January 5, 2026
Realistically I need 5-7 business days to recover from a VL book but here we are. As always, V is the queen of a paranormal historical romance. This one was probably the creepiest I’ve read, and I’m not usually a horror girl but my eyes were glued to the pages the entire time.
I inhaled Petra and Sins story, and truthfully, almost 800 pages was not enough! I need more!! I’m just so glad there’s some character overlap between this and House of Cyros. The difference between past and current Sin gave me whiplash but I loved how his differences kept me on my toes. At some points I even second guessed if he was the same person!
I can’t wait for this story to release so everyone can scream, cry, and hide with me as they read this one. Thank you Jade-Marie for listening to all my theories and telling how scared you were with me lol.
I inhaled Petra and Sins story, and truthfully, almost 800 pages was not enough! I need more!! I’m just so glad there’s some character overlap between this and House of Cyros. The difference between past and current Sin gave me whiplash but I loved how his differences kept me on my toes. At some points I even second guessed if he was the same person!
I can’t wait for this story to release so everyone can scream, cry, and hide with me as they read this one. Thank you Jade-Marie for listening to all my theories and telling how scared you were with me lol.
May 11, 2026
Thank you @atriabooks for the eARC of Sinister By @authorveronicalancet in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely devoured it! I loved it just as much as Fairydale! It has all the gothic romance and paranormal vibes I love. It was really dark so check those trigger warnings. Sin and Petra’s story stole my heart. Their chemistry was beautiful but haunting. Their love for each other was complicated and tragic at times.The life of the FMC Petra was told in a dual timeline (past & present). There were lots of plot twists I didn’t see coming. I thought I knew where the ending was going, but that final curveball proved me wrong. Loved it!! Sinister is part of :The Eternal Cycles of Love (3 Books) It can be read as a standalone.
November 28, 2025
Sinister is the perfect way to describe this story!
🌶️🌶️
If you love dark academia, paranormal romance, spooky, mysterious books, this one is absolutely for you. I fell in love with Veronica’s storytelling after reading Fairydale, and Sinister gives the same vibes!
Sin and Petra’s relationship starts off… uncomfy from the very beginning. Sin is a part of one of the oldest and richest families in radcliffe, and is inexplicably drawn to the artsy loner, Petra. While Sin is outwardly sweet and caring, he has moments where it seems like he can’t help the maliciousness he lets slip, and he’ll do anything to keep Petra by his side.
When bodies start to appear, the couple takes it upon themselves to decipher St. Anselm Hall’s dark history and how the past is influencing their present. Petra can’t help but feel like Sin knows more than he lets on, though, and her dreams of the past are starting to feel less like make believe.
I loved this book so much, and I really thought I had this figured out about halfway in but as usual Veronica said “NOPE!” 😂 you’ll love this story be if you’re into:
🪦 Morally grey / villain(?) MMC
🪦 mysteryyyyyyy
🪦 demons!
🪦 secret society
10/10 definitely recommend this book! As always I am so honored to be on the VL ARC team!
Book releases: July 2026!
🌶️🌶️
If you love dark academia, paranormal romance, spooky, mysterious books, this one is absolutely for you. I fell in love with Veronica’s storytelling after reading Fairydale, and Sinister gives the same vibes!
Sin and Petra’s relationship starts off… uncomfy from the very beginning. Sin is a part of one of the oldest and richest families in radcliffe, and is inexplicably drawn to the artsy loner, Petra. While Sin is outwardly sweet and caring, he has moments where it seems like he can’t help the maliciousness he lets slip, and he’ll do anything to keep Petra by his side.
When bodies start to appear, the couple takes it upon themselves to decipher St. Anselm Hall’s dark history and how the past is influencing their present. Petra can’t help but feel like Sin knows more than he lets on, though, and her dreams of the past are starting to feel less like make believe.
I loved this book so much, and I really thought I had this figured out about halfway in but as usual Veronica said “NOPE!” 😂 you’ll love this story be if you’re into:
🪦 Morally grey / villain(?) MMC
🪦 mysteryyyyyyy
🪦 demons!
🪦 secret society
10/10 definitely recommend this book! As always I am so honored to be on the VL ARC team!
Book releases: July 2026!
August 11, 2025
Trope heaven:
Dark Academia
Golden boy × Black cat (but he’s secretly a cute psycho)
Dual timelines
He’s a stalker (past & present)
Accidental pregnancy
Secret societies
Ritualistic murders
The occult
Paranormal elements
So… did I eat this book in less than 72 hours? Yes. Yes, I did.
“I’m surprised they haven’t asked his favorite color, because he’d probably say Petra.”
That line alone had me grinning, but the real magic of Sinister is how it blends charm, danger, and obsession into one irresistible package. Sin and Petra absolutely stole my heart their chemistry is electric, their moments delicious, and their journey together is messy in the best way.
Veronica Lancet does not hold back. She serves climax after climax, with plot twists I didn’t see coming, mixing cute and tender moments with blood, mystery, and hot hot hot tension. Sin, with his dangerous mystery wrapped in golden-retriever devotion, and Petra, ever curious yet cautious, had me on the edge of my seat.
“Great, Petra, my inner voice adds. He can be a murderer but he can’t be a cheater.”
I laughed, I gasped, and I couldn’t stop turning pages. The secret societies, the paranormal touches, and the dark academia setting made this story utterly addictive. Now I desperately need more books in this universe and more of these unforgettable characters.
Dark Academia
Golden boy × Black cat (but he’s secretly a cute psycho)
Dual timelines
He’s a stalker (past & present)
Accidental pregnancy
Secret societies
Ritualistic murders
The occult
Paranormal elements
So… did I eat this book in less than 72 hours? Yes. Yes, I did.
“I’m surprised they haven’t asked his favorite color, because he’d probably say Petra.”
That line alone had me grinning, but the real magic of Sinister is how it blends charm, danger, and obsession into one irresistible package. Sin and Petra absolutely stole my heart their chemistry is electric, their moments delicious, and their journey together is messy in the best way.
Veronica Lancet does not hold back. She serves climax after climax, with plot twists I didn’t see coming, mixing cute and tender moments with blood, mystery, and hot hot hot tension. Sin, with his dangerous mystery wrapped in golden-retriever devotion, and Petra, ever curious yet cautious, had me on the edge of my seat.
“Great, Petra, my inner voice adds. He can be a murderer but he can’t be a cheater.”
I laughed, I gasped, and I couldn’t stop turning pages. The secret societies, the paranormal touches, and the dark academia setting made this story utterly addictive. Now I desperately need more books in this universe and more of these unforgettable characters.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Veronica Lancet has a genuine talent for obsessive, consuming love stories. In both Fairydale and Sinister, the pining and devotion come off the page with real intensity. If you're looking for a love interest who has literally restructured centuries around getting back to his person, she delivers that. Readers who enjoy dark themes, paranormal romance, reincarnation mechanics, and morally grey characters may find a lot to love here.
Unfortunately, Sinister did not work for me, and I say that as someone who gave Fairydale four stars, despite similar issues I had with this book.
From the first page, I found myself consistently pulled out by the writing. The contemporary timeline opens with a voice that reads as immature and YA-adjacent. The dialogue is flat, the clap-backs immature, the internal monologue relies heavily on genre clichés, and the emotional register stays at the same high pitch regardless of what is actually happening on the page. Exclamation points appear so frequently in dialogue that tension becomes indistinguishable from mundane conversation. Sin adds Petra's name to the end of nearly every sentence he speaks to her, which reads less as intimacy and more as a tic that the author never caught, or maybe deliberate manipulation. There is no quiet to contrast the loud moments, so nothing lands with the weight it should.
Everything in the book is high drama.
The historical timeline is genuinely stronger. The 1896 sections have atmospheric tension and character interiority that surface what made Fairydale work. But even here, the execution falters at times. The historical characters speak and think in ways that are completely inconsistent with who they are supposed to be, which undermines the immersion the setting is trying to build. This choice broke immersion for me, especially given that a repressed girl raised in a religious cult who is not allowed to speak out of turn, read, or be around men would be using explicit modern language internally.
Structurally, Sinister tries to sustain more plot lines than it can manage. Characters appear, serve a function, and disappear. Amelia, who is supposed to be her best friend she talks to often, is introduced as an online friend early on. Then she drops off and we hear nothing for almost five months. She is only then brought back into the narrative to push forward a specific plot and is then dropped again without satisfying follow-through. The parents, absent for almost the entire story and the same five months, come back only to have a conversation that casually reveals a very large thread that shifts the entire story, and then they disappear again on business.
I also struggled with the choice to make this an 18-year-old in a high school setting. There are story elements I cannot discuss without significant spoilers, but the darkness this book reaches sits uncomfortably on characters this age. It is genuinely difficult to understand why the story needed to begin on the day of her 18th birthday and be set in high school when a college setting would have served the same story with far less friction. I know it gets explained later in the story, but it made me feel a little gross. It felt like a deliberate choice that created problems the narrative never adequately addressed.
Supernatural mechanics are introduced and then contradicted. I cannot say what without spoilers, but it was a significant one. At 736 pages, the book needed tighter editorial control than it received. Multiple subplots are either over-explained by dialogue or casually bypassed, and the sexual content, while expected in the genre, is excessive in length and inconsistent with character voice and historical context. There is also moment in the story where the author breaks POV entirely and inserts their own narration. We are reading a character's text messages, and the author writes that "Amelia follows up with emojis too crude to be reproduced here." Reproduced where? This is a character reading texts in a novel. The author is speaking directly to the reader from inside the story, and it is jarring enough to pull you completely out of the narrative.
As the story progresses, the reveals and twists keep escalating, piling more and more drama onto an already overloaded narrative until the weight of it becomes exhausting rather than compelling. By the end, I had lost all investment in what was being revealed because the book had spent so much momentum getting there.
The ending abandons dramatic resolution entirely in favor of delivering plot information through extended dialogue. After the major reveal, a conveniently placed figure appears whose sole function is to answer every remaining question and tie everything up neatly, which are things the story itself should have addressed organically through character and consequence. Questions about motivation and moral stakes are answered not through action but through exposition, which is a structural shortcut that deflates what should have been the emotional payoff of a very long book. Adding to this, the climactic scene asks Petra to apologize for having doubted Sin, framing her entirely reasonable caution as a personal failing rather than a rational response. The book asks the reader to find this romantic.
I also want to flag for potential readers that this book is frequently described in reviews as dual POV with dual timelines in the reviews. It is not. A third POV is introduced in the later portion of the book. This element is significant enough that it changes how I would describe the structure.
Fairydale has some of the same tendencies in a milder form, but it has enough craft holding it together that the messiness does not sink it. Sinister strips away that infrastructure and multiplies the problems significantly. Same author, same instincts, with much less working in its favor.
I wanted to like this story, but I struggled with it. Oddly enough, I would still give this author another chance though, in hopes of a tighter story. I think she has genuine talent and the skill. I also love the way she writes her longing. There were just so many things I had a hard time reading in this book.
eARC provided by Atria Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, Sinister did not work for me, and I say that as someone who gave Fairydale four stars, despite similar issues I had with this book.
From the first page, I found myself consistently pulled out by the writing. The contemporary timeline opens with a voice that reads as immature and YA-adjacent. The dialogue is flat, the clap-backs immature, the internal monologue relies heavily on genre clichés, and the emotional register stays at the same high pitch regardless of what is actually happening on the page. Exclamation points appear so frequently in dialogue that tension becomes indistinguishable from mundane conversation. Sin adds Petra's name to the end of nearly every sentence he speaks to her, which reads less as intimacy and more as a tic that the author never caught, or maybe deliberate manipulation. There is no quiet to contrast the loud moments, so nothing lands with the weight it should.
Everything in the book is high drama.
The historical timeline is genuinely stronger. The 1896 sections have atmospheric tension and character interiority that surface what made Fairydale work. But even here, the execution falters at times. The historical characters speak and think in ways that are completely inconsistent with who they are supposed to be, which undermines the immersion the setting is trying to build. This choice broke immersion for me, especially given that a repressed girl raised in a religious cult who is not allowed to speak out of turn, read, or be around men would be using explicit modern language internally.
Structurally, Sinister tries to sustain more plot lines than it can manage. Characters appear, serve a function, and disappear. Amelia, who is supposed to be her best friend she talks to often, is introduced as an online friend early on. Then she drops off and we hear nothing for almost five months. She is only then brought back into the narrative to push forward a specific plot and is then dropped again without satisfying follow-through. The parents, absent for almost the entire story and the same five months, come back only to have a conversation that casually reveals a very large thread that shifts the entire story, and then they disappear again on business.
I also struggled with the choice to make this an 18-year-old in a high school setting. There are story elements I cannot discuss without significant spoilers, but the darkness this book reaches sits uncomfortably on characters this age. It is genuinely difficult to understand why the story needed to begin on the day of her 18th birthday and be set in high school when a college setting would have served the same story with far less friction. I know it gets explained later in the story, but it made me feel a little gross. It felt like a deliberate choice that created problems the narrative never adequately addressed.
Supernatural mechanics are introduced and then contradicted. I cannot say what without spoilers, but it was a significant one. At 736 pages, the book needed tighter editorial control than it received. Multiple subplots are either over-explained by dialogue or casually bypassed, and the sexual content, while expected in the genre, is excessive in length and inconsistent with character voice and historical context. There is also moment in the story where the author breaks POV entirely and inserts their own narration. We are reading a character's text messages, and the author writes that "Amelia follows up with emojis too crude to be reproduced here." Reproduced where? This is a character reading texts in a novel. The author is speaking directly to the reader from inside the story, and it is jarring enough to pull you completely out of the narrative.
As the story progresses, the reveals and twists keep escalating, piling more and more drama onto an already overloaded narrative until the weight of it becomes exhausting rather than compelling. By the end, I had lost all investment in what was being revealed because the book had spent so much momentum getting there.
The ending abandons dramatic resolution entirely in favor of delivering plot information through extended dialogue. After the major reveal, a conveniently placed figure appears whose sole function is to answer every remaining question and tie everything up neatly, which are things the story itself should have addressed organically through character and consequence. Questions about motivation and moral stakes are answered not through action but through exposition, which is a structural shortcut that deflates what should have been the emotional payoff of a very long book. Adding to this, the climactic scene asks Petra to apologize for having doubted Sin, framing her entirely reasonable caution as a personal failing rather than a rational response. The book asks the reader to find this romantic.
I also want to flag for potential readers that this book is frequently described in reviews as dual POV with dual timelines in the reviews. It is not. A third POV is introduced in the later portion of the book. This element is significant enough that it changes how I would describe the structure.
Fairydale has some of the same tendencies in a milder form, but it has enough craft holding it together that the messiness does not sink it. Sinister strips away that infrastructure and multiplies the problems significantly. Same author, same instincts, with much less working in its favor.
I wanted to like this story, but I struggled with it. Oddly enough, I would still give this author another chance though, in hopes of a tighter story. I think she has genuine talent and the skill. I also love the way she writes her longing. There were just so many things I had a hard time reading in this book.
eARC provided by Atria Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Whew, man, that was a roller coaster of a ride. No wonder it was long. With everything that happened here? Yeah, the 770+ pages now definitely make a lot more sense.
I think it’ll be a lot more fun if readers just jump in without any expectations. This story has a lot going on, and you might find some parts a bit confusing at first. But don't worry, everything will click into place once it's all explained in the end. Ngl, I kept questioning everything, but in the end, it turned out to be really good.
If you read and liked "Fairydale" by this author, I think you’ll really enjoy this one as well! It also has the same theme of two lovers who stay devoted to each other, and what I mean by that is that they’re each other’s first and only! Dual V will always have my heart. 🥹 Both are faithful and determined to find one another in every lifetime, whatever it takes. And yes, it takes them centuries to be reunited, but at last they finally find each other, despite their love having gone through so much along the way. ♥️
Anywaaay, I love it and every moment in Petra and Sin's story! 😍 It's definitely worth the read, at least for me. 🤭
I’ll just put a few quotes, the book’s preface, and TW/CW list below. Please check them before reading this.
Some quotes:
"You're the only one who was made for me—and only me. I knew you were out there. I knew I would find you. So I waited. Why would I waste my time on anyone else, when I knew once I found you, I’d finally be happy? That I’d finally belong somewhere?"
"Our hearts… they beat together. Because we were made for each other. You for me, and me for you. That’s how it’s always been. Since the beginning of time."
“Hobbies? Petra. Plans for the future? Petra. I’m surprised they haven’t asked his favorite color, because he’d probably say Petra.”
“Because if it were me instead of him, if I had been the one to survive, I would have done the same. I would have done the same as him to ensure he returns to me, that he remains mine... if the roles were reversed, I would have done exactly the same.”
Preface:
“Warning: This is not your regular romance story.
This is dark and entirely morally ambiguous. The plot will take you to some wild heights, but bear with me, okay?
Confusion is to be expected, but I promise you a fulfilling HAPPY ending (unlike the first draft of this book that was rather… grim, but we don’t talk about that) If you’ve read Fairydale by me, then you know to expect a mindfuck.
Don’t lower your guard, or you might find yourself deceived. That being said, enjoy the wild ride, besties.“
Trigger Warnings:
Thank you to Ms. Lancet for providing the ARC!
Whew, man, that was a roller coaster of a ride. No wonder it was long. With everything that happened here? Yeah, the 770+ pages now definitely make a lot more sense.
I think it’ll be a lot more fun if readers just jump in without any expectations. This story has a lot going on, and you might find some parts a bit confusing at first. But don't worry, everything will click into place once it's all explained in the end. Ngl, I kept questioning everything, but in the end, it turned out to be really good.
If you read and liked "Fairydale" by this author, I think you’ll really enjoy this one as well! It also has the same theme of two lovers who stay devoted to each other, and what I mean by that is that they’re each other’s first and only! Dual V will always have my heart. 🥹 Both are faithful and determined to find one another in every lifetime, whatever it takes. And yes, it takes them centuries to be reunited, but at last they finally find each other, despite their love having gone through so much along the way. ♥️
Anywaaay, I love it and every moment in Petra and Sin's story! 😍 It's definitely worth the read, at least for me. 🤭
I’ll just put a few quotes, the book’s preface, and TW/CW list below. Please check them before reading this.
Some quotes:
"You're the only one who was made for me—and only me. I knew you were out there. I knew I would find you. So I waited. Why would I waste my time on anyone else, when I knew once I found you, I’d finally be happy? That I’d finally belong somewhere?"
"Our hearts… they beat together. Because we were made for each other. You for me, and me for you. That’s how it’s always been. Since the beginning of time."
“Hobbies? Petra. Plans for the future? Petra. I’m surprised they haven’t asked his favorite color, because he’d probably say Petra.”
“Because if it were me instead of him, if I had been the one to survive, I would have done the same. I would have done the same as him to ensure he returns to me, that he remains mine... if the roles were reversed, I would have done exactly the same.”
Preface:
“Warning: This is not your regular romance story.
This is dark and entirely morally ambiguous. The plot will take you to some wild heights, but bear with me, okay?
Confusion is to be expected, but I promise you a fulfilling HAPPY ending (unlike the first draft of this book that was rather… grim, but we don’t talk about that) If you’ve read Fairydale by me, then you know to expect a mindfuck.
Don’t lower your guard, or you might find yourself deceived. That being said, enjoy the wild ride, besties.“
Trigger Warnings:
Thank you to Ms. Lancet for providing the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Dark & Ambitious Story That Tested My Patience
First of all, I’d like to express my gratitude towards the author, Veronica Lancet for generously providing me with a free advanced reader copy. This review is entirely voluntary, and I want to emphasize that it truly reflects my genuine emotions and thoughts about the story.
Star rating: ⭐⭐(½) Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Sinister was a long and challenging journey, filled with both ups and downs. I personally struggled quite a bit while reading this book, and finishing it was not easy. As Fairydale is one of my all-time favorite books, I was genuinely excited to learn that the author would be revisiting the reincarnation trope, one she executes exceptionally well. Her storytelling remains impressive, layered with twists and complexity, and these elements were aspects I did enjoy again in Sinister . Readers who loved Fairydale will most likely find enjoyment here as well.
That said, several tropes significantly impacted my reading experience. Roughly 75% of the book was difficult for me to get through, largely due to a teenage surprise pregnancy and the prolonged lack of communication with the male main character. Combined with the characters’ young ages and the private high school setting, this created considerable discomfort for me as a reader. I personally believe the story would have benefited if the characters had been written as slightly older, perhaps in their early twenties. And although the book was advertised as dark academia with gothic vibes, those elements felt very minimal to me. The limited time spent within the school was insufficient for me to fully consider it a dark academia book.
Interestingly, I found myself far more invested in Petra’s past life and dream sequences than in her present day storyline. Had the author focused more heavily on that timeline, particularly in the first half, I believe I would’ve flown through the book. Each return to the present day narrative caused my interest to vanish. While I ultimately understand why the author structured the story this way, needing 75-80% of the book before the plot fully held my attention felt excessive. Unfortunately, I also struggled to connect with any of the characters, something that surprised me as I usually find at least some emotional connection in Veronica’s work. In this case, I became more frustrated rather than invested. Had I not received a free advanced reader copy, and had this not been written by one of my favorite authors, I’m not sure I would’ve finished it.
Nonetheless, I’m glad I completed Sinister. It was undeniably different and at times, entertaining. I enjoyed the plot twists and remain excited to read the author’s future releases and current work.
First of all, I’d like to express my gratitude towards the author, Veronica Lancet for generously providing me with a free advanced reader copy. This review is entirely voluntary, and I want to emphasize that it truly reflects my genuine emotions and thoughts about the story.
Star rating: ⭐⭐(½) Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Sinister was a long and challenging journey, filled with both ups and downs. I personally struggled quite a bit while reading this book, and finishing it was not easy. As Fairydale is one of my all-time favorite books, I was genuinely excited to learn that the author would be revisiting the reincarnation trope, one she executes exceptionally well. Her storytelling remains impressive, layered with twists and complexity, and these elements were aspects I did enjoy again in Sinister . Readers who loved Fairydale will most likely find enjoyment here as well.
That said, several tropes significantly impacted my reading experience. Roughly 75% of the book was difficult for me to get through, largely due to a teenage surprise pregnancy and the prolonged lack of communication with the male main character. Combined with the characters’ young ages and the private high school setting, this created considerable discomfort for me as a reader. I personally believe the story would have benefited if the characters had been written as slightly older, perhaps in their early twenties. And although the book was advertised as dark academia with gothic vibes, those elements felt very minimal to me. The limited time spent within the school was insufficient for me to fully consider it a dark academia book.
Interestingly, I found myself far more invested in Petra’s past life and dream sequences than in her present day storyline. Had the author focused more heavily on that timeline, particularly in the first half, I believe I would’ve flown through the book. Each return to the present day narrative caused my interest to vanish. While I ultimately understand why the author structured the story this way, needing 75-80% of the book before the plot fully held my attention felt excessive. Unfortunately, I also struggled to connect with any of the characters, something that surprised me as I usually find at least some emotional connection in Veronica’s work. In this case, I became more frustrated rather than invested. Had I not received a free advanced reader copy, and had this not been written by one of my favorite authors, I’m not sure I would’ve finished it.
Nonetheless, I’m glad I completed Sinister. It was undeniably different and at times, entertaining. I enjoyed the plot twists and remain excited to read the author’s future releases and current work.
October 26, 2025
Thank you so much Veronica Lancet for sending me this ARC!
Sinister is a standalone Gothic Romance from one of my favourite authors and omg Veronica once again proved what a genius she is, this book is a masterpiece and I absolutely loved it!
I’m not saying much about the plot because I think it’s best to go in blind, but let me say the plot was really fascinating, complex with everything slowly being unveiled, perfectly paced and keeping you on the edge of your seat. This book is quite long, but it pulls you in so quickly that I didn’t even notice the length and by the end I wished it was even longer, I didn’t want to say goodbye to this captivating story and amazing characters. I loved the vibes, it was perfectly gothic and set in a slightly creepy town with so many secrets, secret society, everyone having hidden agendas and I didn’t know who to trust and who is telling the truth and what is real for most of this story. There are also two (or even 3) timelines and I loved how the author perfectly connected everything and how everything just fit together, I enjoyed what happened in both timelines and was waiting with bated breath to know what happened in the past and what will happen now and how it’s connected, which was revealed in a great way and just at the right time. I also loved the main characters, Petra annoyed me at times, but I also understood perfectly where she was coming from and she was reacting to everything really well, she grew a lot in the course of this book and while we only got her POV, it made so much sense in the end and I ended up really loving her. Sin was such a mystery for most of the book, I didn’t know whether he was the villain or just morally grey obsessed love interest or both, I loved discovering his secrets and just getting to know him, he was incredible and his love for Petra was beautiful. Their relationship was complicated and full of secrets, both in the past and in the present, but they made such an amazing couple, they were perfect for each other and I loved their slow burn romance, their love for each other was beautiful but tragic at times and I just loved these two so much, I hope we will get to see them again.
Sinister is an incredible book that I loved so much, it’s so fascinating with amazing characters and beautiful love story and all the gothic vibes make it a perfect fall read, I can’t recommend it enough. I already can’t wait for Veronica’s next book.
Sinister is a standalone Gothic Romance from one of my favourite authors and omg Veronica once again proved what a genius she is, this book is a masterpiece and I absolutely loved it!
I’m not saying much about the plot because I think it’s best to go in blind, but let me say the plot was really fascinating, complex with everything slowly being unveiled, perfectly paced and keeping you on the edge of your seat. This book is quite long, but it pulls you in so quickly that I didn’t even notice the length and by the end I wished it was even longer, I didn’t want to say goodbye to this captivating story and amazing characters. I loved the vibes, it was perfectly gothic and set in a slightly creepy town with so many secrets, secret society, everyone having hidden agendas and I didn’t know who to trust and who is telling the truth and what is real for most of this story. There are also two (or even 3) timelines and I loved how the author perfectly connected everything and how everything just fit together, I enjoyed what happened in both timelines and was waiting with bated breath to know what happened in the past and what will happen now and how it’s connected, which was revealed in a great way and just at the right time. I also loved the main characters, Petra annoyed me at times, but I also understood perfectly where she was coming from and she was reacting to everything really well, she grew a lot in the course of this book and while we only got her POV, it made so much sense in the end and I ended up really loving her. Sin was such a mystery for most of the book, I didn’t know whether he was the villain or just morally grey obsessed love interest or both, I loved discovering his secrets and just getting to know him, he was incredible and his love for Petra was beautiful. Their relationship was complicated and full of secrets, both in the past and in the present, but they made such an amazing couple, they were perfect for each other and I loved their slow burn romance, their love for each other was beautiful but tragic at times and I just loved these two so much, I hope we will get to see them again.
Sinister is an incredible book that I loved so much, it’s so fascinating with amazing characters and beautiful love story and all the gothic vibes make it a perfect fall read, I can’t recommend it enough. I already can’t wait for Veronica’s next book.
October 20, 2025
dark gothic suspense
| dark romance | gothic suspense | paranormal romance | fantasy romance | soul mates | reincarnation | past lives | demons | fated mates | historical romance| morally grey | stalker romance | single POV | black cat FMC | mystery | suspense | surprise pregnancy | dark academia | unhinged |
Veronica Lancet never fails to deliver her signature blend of soul mates, unhinged love, and darkly twisted plots. She masterfully crafts decadent love stories infused with rich historical undertones and complex, layered storytelling. Sinister is yet another brilliant example of Veronica’s distinctive voice, style, and storytelling.
Sinister is a dark academia paranormal romance set within an exclusive and prestigious school steeped in legend and shadowed by a dubious past. Readers can expect an intoxicating mix of mystery, suspense, and a love that defies time and mortality itself.
As with many of Veronica’s works, themes of religion and demons play a prominent role. She deftly explores the duality between good and evil, often through religious imagery and the eternal battle against darkness. The town surrounding the school carries its own secrets, with faith and folklore intertwining to form a hauntingly beautiful backdrop. This contrast between light and dark deepens the story’s tension and amplifies the stakes of the romance.
True to her style, Veronica delves into the idea of fated mates and soul-deep connections, a love so consuming even death couldn't stop it. Expect morally grey characters, unhinged passion, and several jaw-dropping twists that will keep you reeling until the final page. This is an especially suspenseful romance that would be perfect for the spooky season.
Longtime fans may also spot a few hidden Easter eggs woven into the narrative, little nods to her other works that make the experience even fuller.
I highly recommend Sinsiter. I highly recommend delving into anything written by Veronica Lancet if you love soul mates, darker themes, and morally grey love interests.
happy reading, friends xx
| dark romance | gothic suspense | paranormal romance | fantasy romance | soul mates | reincarnation | past lives | demons | fated mates | historical romance| morally grey | stalker romance | single POV | black cat FMC | mystery | suspense | surprise pregnancy | dark academia | unhinged |
Veronica Lancet never fails to deliver her signature blend of soul mates, unhinged love, and darkly twisted plots. She masterfully crafts decadent love stories infused with rich historical undertones and complex, layered storytelling. Sinister is yet another brilliant example of Veronica’s distinctive voice, style, and storytelling.
Sinister is a dark academia paranormal romance set within an exclusive and prestigious school steeped in legend and shadowed by a dubious past. Readers can expect an intoxicating mix of mystery, suspense, and a love that defies time and mortality itself.
As with many of Veronica’s works, themes of religion and demons play a prominent role. She deftly explores the duality between good and evil, often through religious imagery and the eternal battle against darkness. The town surrounding the school carries its own secrets, with faith and folklore intertwining to form a hauntingly beautiful backdrop. This contrast between light and dark deepens the story’s tension and amplifies the stakes of the romance.
True to her style, Veronica delves into the idea of fated mates and soul-deep connections, a love so consuming even death couldn't stop it. Expect morally grey characters, unhinged passion, and several jaw-dropping twists that will keep you reeling until the final page. This is an especially suspenseful romance that would be perfect for the spooky season.
Longtime fans may also spot a few hidden Easter eggs woven into the narrative, little nods to her other works that make the experience even fuller.
I highly recommend Sinsiter. I highly recommend delving into anything written by Veronica Lancet if you love soul mates, darker themes, and morally grey love interests.
happy reading, friends xx
May 9, 2026
Sinister was honestly a bit of a letdown for me, which sucks to say because I’ve loved Veronica Lancet’s other books. She’s so good at writing obsessive, all-consuming love, and that’s still here, especially if you liked Fairydale and the whole reincarnation/love-across-lifetimes vibe.
But overall, I just didn’t connect with this one. The biggest issue for me was the characters. The FMC is only 18 and still in high school, and with how dark and heavy the story gets, that just didn’t sit right with me. I really feel like this would’ve worked so much better if the characters were even just a few years older. On top of that, the dialogue and inner monologue felt kind of immature and repetitive, and everything was written at such a constant high intensity that nothing really stood out emotionally.
The historical timeline was actually way more interesting and atmospheric, and I found myself wishing the book leaned into that more. However, she is also a sheltered 18 year old girl who isn’t experienced in the world and I feel like gets taken advantage of. But every time it switched back to the present, I kind of lost interest again. It also felt like the story was trying to do too much—there were so many plotlines and side characters that didn’t really go anywhere.
I also have to mention the pregnancy trope. I knew going in that it was part of the story, but it ended up feeling unnecessary and more like a plot device than something that added real depth. And despite being marketed as dark academia, there’s barely any actual school setting, so that felt a little misleading. By the end, everything just became a lot—too many twists, too much drama, and not enough payoff. I was more exhausted than invested, which is never a great feeling after such a long book (700+ pages!).
That said, I do still think some readers will enjoy this, especially if you loved Fairydale. Lancet’s writing still has moments where her talent really shines, especially when it comes to longing and devotion. This one just didn’t come together for me the way I hoped it would.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the e-arc!
But overall, I just didn’t connect with this one. The biggest issue for me was the characters. The FMC is only 18 and still in high school, and with how dark and heavy the story gets, that just didn’t sit right with me. I really feel like this would’ve worked so much better if the characters were even just a few years older. On top of that, the dialogue and inner monologue felt kind of immature and repetitive, and everything was written at such a constant high intensity that nothing really stood out emotionally.
The historical timeline was actually way more interesting and atmospheric, and I found myself wishing the book leaned into that more. However, she is also a sheltered 18 year old girl who isn’t experienced in the world and I feel like gets taken advantage of. But every time it switched back to the present, I kind of lost interest again. It also felt like the story was trying to do too much—there were so many plotlines and side characters that didn’t really go anywhere.
I also have to mention the pregnancy trope. I knew going in that it was part of the story, but it ended up feeling unnecessary and more like a plot device than something that added real depth. And despite being marketed as dark academia, there’s barely any actual school setting, so that felt a little misleading. By the end, everything just became a lot—too many twists, too much drama, and not enough payoff. I was more exhausted than invested, which is never a great feeling after such a long book (700+ pages!).
That said, I do still think some readers will enjoy this, especially if you loved Fairydale. Lancet’s writing still has moments where her talent really shines, especially when it comes to longing and devotion. This one just didn’t come together for me the way I hoped it would.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the e-arc!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sinister transcends time that felt holy, sacred and ritualistic where perfection is not what it all seems in Radcliffe.
Veronica has a great writing style that evokes emotion and atmospheric where you can really feel immersed between the pages but also keeping you on your toes guessing the mystery behind her books. I absolutely loved Fairydale by Veronica and if you enjoyed that book then you will definitely devour Sinister.
Sinister messed with my brain chemistry a bit trying to identify the clues and mystery between the historical timeline between Sin and Petra and how it all unfolds with the present day. I loved the reincarnation background and love across timelines. You also have some darker and gruesome moments that felt haunting but also keeping the story alive.
Sin is many things.. he’s a charmer, handsome but also dangerous. He’s not all what he seems hiding behind a mask of secrets trying to figure out why he is obsessed with Petra. He will do anything to claim her like he is so devoted to her that he will make sure it happens in this life time, the next and beyond. He’s actually insane like the man gives her his flesh asking for forgiveness in a letter 🤯 I was flabbergasted lol
Petra.. oh sweet Petra. Poor girl has always felt like an outsider to where she can’t really fit in with the crowd and also comes from a family with money and privilege. It was a bit troubling being in her head sometimes as her brain was a bit messy and a tad immature. It gave YA moments at times but I felt for her! She felt raw and real.
I loved the spine chilling moments with the mystery behind the ancient paintings because they were basically instructions on how to perform these rituals and you can picture them in your head whenever Sin and Petra were inspecting those details and I think that speaks volume with Veronica’s writing.
I’m so happy I had a pleasure to read this galley in advance! Thank you so much Atria ❤️ I always have a big smile on my face getting the chance to read your books and I cannot wait to read the next book from Veronica! 🖤
Overall rating 4.5 ⭐️❤️
Veronica has a great writing style that evokes emotion and atmospheric where you can really feel immersed between the pages but also keeping you on your toes guessing the mystery behind her books. I absolutely loved Fairydale by Veronica and if you enjoyed that book then you will definitely devour Sinister.
Sinister messed with my brain chemistry a bit trying to identify the clues and mystery between the historical timeline between Sin and Petra and how it all unfolds with the present day. I loved the reincarnation background and love across timelines. You also have some darker and gruesome moments that felt haunting but also keeping the story alive.
Sin is many things.. he’s a charmer, handsome but also dangerous. He’s not all what he seems hiding behind a mask of secrets trying to figure out why he is obsessed with Petra. He will do anything to claim her like he is so devoted to her that he will make sure it happens in this life time, the next and beyond. He’s actually insane like the man gives her his flesh asking for forgiveness in a letter 🤯 I was flabbergasted lol
Petra.. oh sweet Petra. Poor girl has always felt like an outsider to where she can’t really fit in with the crowd and also comes from a family with money and privilege. It was a bit troubling being in her head sometimes as her brain was a bit messy and a tad immature. It gave YA moments at times but I felt for her! She felt raw and real.
I loved the spine chilling moments with the mystery behind the ancient paintings because they were basically instructions on how to perform these rituals and you can picture them in your head whenever Sin and Petra were inspecting those details and I think that speaks volume with Veronica’s writing.
I’m so happy I had a pleasure to read this galley in advance! Thank you so much Atria ❤️ I always have a big smile on my face getting the chance to read your books and I cannot wait to read the next book from Veronica! 🖤
Overall rating 4.5 ⭐️❤️
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