“I’m either truly losing my mind, or there is something really off about Fairydale.”

When Darcy gets a mysterious letter from her biological family’s lawyer stating she inherited a large some of money since her father died, but must attend the funeral first- she goes.
And nothing is ordinary in this weird town called Fairydale.
Darcy is a somewhat gullible and unexposed to life as she was raised by nuns and very must conservative so some of her actions are questionable but she starts seeing things. Hearing things.
Something isn’t right with the people of Fairydale … or is it her?

“If this is madness, then I fully embrace it.”

Her family and the other families of this town are vying for Darcy’s attention as they believe she’s the one to end the curse of a demon that live here in Fairydale.

This book is a journey. Truly a book that you want to take your time reading and not rush through. You are going to relive three different lifetimes with these characters and unravel a story that has expanded over 1000 years.
This is very much a slow burn romance. But a romance that is true fated mates that lasts an eternity and beyond.

There’s plot twists.
Suspense and mystery.
Gothic vibes in a creepy town.
Found Family. Who can you trust?
Magic and alternate realms
Paranormal galore
Eventual spicy and GOOD spice 🔥🔥🔥

This book is over 700 pages and I honestly wanted more towards the end. I wanted more of their ending and happily ever after. It’s one of those stories that I don’t think I would truly be ever fulfilled with because I just want to continue reading more about these characters and their lives.
It’s a beautiful emotional story that simply about how far will you go for love?


"Wherever you are, wherever you go..." he pauses as his gaze pins me to the spot. "Whoever you are. I will find you. That is my promise to you.
Always."

Normally, I don’t say this, but this is one of those rare books where I would say dive in blind without reading too many reviews. Check the triggers, of course, but I highly recommend going into this book completely blind.
10/10

Fairydale is a unique fantasy romance with multiple timelines, a gothic setting, and mysterious circumstances.

I went into this book excited for the storyline, and I love the Massachusetts setting, but I really struggled with the writing style. The plot is interesting, and covers multiple timelines, and multiple POVs. But it is a long and very complex book that I felt could’ve been written more concisely. There was definitely some insta-lust between Darcy and Caleb that felt a little fast for me with this technically being a slow burn. Darcy, the FMC, was very naïve and I had a hard time connecting to her character, which made reading this take longer than I anticipated. I know a lot of folks really love this book, but it just wasn't for me.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC.

Initially, I was intrigued. The prose and writing style weren't my favorite; but I enjoyed the unreliable narrator and fever dream feel, so I continued through the less-than-ideal writing and the slow pacing. Not a lot happened in the beginning and it was very slow going to the point where I almost couldn’t continue reading. Then an intriguing twist would occur to keep me going.

But then part 3 happened. The last 20% of the book, so roughly 150 pages, of a storyline so far removed from the story that I thought I was reading an entirely different book. The third act composed mainly of a flashback but that flashback completely changed the tone of the story. It also felt like in the end of the book the ACTUAL plot of the whole story was revealed which made the earlier plot lines irrelevant.

This story was so unexpected—love it when I don't see twists coming—and the end certainly took me by surprise. It starts out very gothic dark paranormal romance and, by the end, it's almost more epic-high fantasy.

And the bonus epilogue!

I'm glad Lancet was able to provide that extra scene because I can't imagine leaving the characters at the original epilogue.

This is a love story that spans millennia and transcends worlds, and the slow unfurling of Darcy's past and the importance of her memories ran very much in parallel with the readers' experience. This is a long, slow-burn of a book that has you questioning the MMC and where they lie on the morality spectrum, and I can safely attest that after finishing, he's in my top book boyfriends, ever.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Veronica on the Story Darlings podcast and after hearing the ins and outs of her large backlist, I'll be checking out those stories, too!

Pick this one up if you're craving something atmospheric that gives you the time and space to live with the characters—it'll be fantastic for spooky season!

This has to be one of the most captivating books I have ever read. I've heard a ton of hype about this book, but the length always made me pause. In fairness, this probably could have been split into a few books, but I am not a huge fan of series (and the waiting for more book releases), so I appreciate this is just one thicker book.

This story captures several different time frames, and it's told partially in the current time of Darcy and Caleb, in 1955. But also told in memories and dreams. I actually appreciated how the author handled this aspect; it's woven in well to the current storyline. I don't normally like dual timelines, so the fact that I was so into this book tells you this was done well.

Amon is just...well, he's now the gold standard.

This story is truly a gothic romance. When someone says something is gothic romance or gothic romantasy, the atmosphere in this book is exactly what I am picturing in my mind. It's dark, has the spookiness, but also the beauty, and it comes to life exquisitely in this story. I could picture everything in my mind, and that made this story even more enjoyable.

I feel like this review is vague, but as the story goes on, more and more falls into place, and I feel like I'll spoil the story inadvertently. This book has stayed with me and kept me coming back for more, over and over. I cannot recommend it enough.

They have a love hate relationship and I have a love hate relationship with them

This book was on my radar the first time around when it was indie published and then I saw it come across @netgalley and thought ‘this is my moment’!

Fairydale is a dark (check your triggers) gothic romance and Darcy finds out her biological father passes away and she goes to this town to get her inheritance. But Fairydale is no normal town lol. It’s a spooky spooky place. Things start to get weird the moment she gets there.

There’s two men and three timelines and demons and witches and I really loved the plot and where it was going and went. But the length lol. I knew going into this one that it was a long book and that I’d be confused a lot of the time (which is fine, that’s me a lot - I like to just ride the authors wave) but the length.

This book is like 800 pages. And I’ve read long books before but they didn’t FEEL this long you know? I think because this book is a slow burn, it felt longer. The romance was a slow burn and so was the plot. You get tidbits and then more tidbits that counteract the tidbits you did get but nothing felt like ‘WOW that’s crazy’ to keep me extra invested for another 400 pages, you know?

Overall it was a decent read, I’m happy it’s off my TBR and the two weeks of Augtober have finally begun!

Thank you thank you to NetGalley and atria books for letting me read this one early!

I’ve heard so many thing about this book and I was so excited the finally read it. Such a fun but twisted story. Definitely not for everyone but if you love a good gothic romance book this will hit the spot.

I was not able to complete this book because I couldn't get into it. I would not be able to provide an accurate review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

“Fairydale” by Veronica Lancet is a dark, immersive fantasy romance that demands patience but rewards it with a gripping and unforgettable story. The beginning is strange and disorienting, yet it immediately intrigues and pulls you in. As the plot unfolds, each twist grows more intense, and while the journey feels chaotic at times, the author ultimately weaves it into a cohesive and satisfying narrative.

The romance is sweeping and passionate, with an epic quality that anchors the darker elements of the story. The chemistry is palpable, and the spice🥵; especially toward the end, is both bold and well-executed. However, readers should note that this book contains heavy triggers, including sexual assault, gore, and violence, which may be difficult for some.

Though long and often harrowing, “Fairydale” delivers a powerful blend of intrigue, emotion, and atmosphere. The ending ties everything together in a way that feels both impactful and rewarding. Fans of dark, high-stakes fantasy romance will find this a compelling read.

4.5⭐️

Do check tws before reading this book. Absolutely devoured this book. Some many plot twists. Like there were times I wanted answers than spice (not saying the spice was bad or lame, it actually really good). This book felt both supernatural, thriller, paranormal. Like there were times I was like wait was that real? wtf is happening? confusion? The pacing was very easy for me; it felt like a normal pace, nothing felt too rushed. Nothing explicit happens until 45% 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. Tho I will admit there were times I wanted to throw this book (thankfully didn’t). I recommend listening to the audio, made this such a good read.

I expected to devour this one. Sadly, that wasn’t the case. This book drove me crazy. It could have been cut way down so there was less ‘this happened, no it didn’t, yes it did.’ The constant back and forth felt like such a waste of time when two instances would’ve made the point that the character is unreliable. It did not need to take another 200 pages to do so.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (4/5)

Fairydale is a gothic romantasy that blends eerie suspense, reincarnation-driven romance, and a heavy dose of spice. The story begins with a chilling, almost thriller-like tone, then expands into a sweeping tale of fated mates, dark politics, and past lives colliding with the present.

I was immediately hooked by the atmosphere and tension, it was difficult to put down. The reincarnation/vision sequences were fascinating, though occasionally ran long enough that they distracted from the present-day storyline. The ending was satisfying but felt rushed compared to the slow-burn build-up, and I found myself wishing for a more epic final confrontation.

The writing is vivid and descriptive, especially in the more gruesome or intimate moments. The spice is unapologetically explicit (definitely blush-inducing!) but never overwhelms the story. It’s woven into the romance and character arcs in a way that feels natural for the dark gothic tone.

Overall, this was an intense, atmospheric, and highly enjoyable read that combines gothic horror, dark romance, and high-stakes fantasy. Fans of fated mates, morally gray love interests, and stories that aren’t afraid to lean into both the brutal and the sensual will love this book.

This book is a lot—in the best and sometimes most overwhelming ways. Fairydale is gothic, romantic, eerie, and completely immersive. From the very first pages, the atmosphere pulled me in: misty coastlines, strange townspeople, and a heroine who feels just as lost and unsettled as the reader.

What really stood out to me was the love story. It’s not soft or simple—it’s obsessive, haunting, and all-consuming. The way Veronica Lancet writes about love and devotion is unlike anything I’ve read before. At times it broke me, at times it frustrated me, but it always kept me turning the pages.

That said, this is a long book and it doesn’t always move quickly. There are stretches heavy on internal monologue and atmosphere that may not work for every reader. But if you’re in the mood for a dark, gothic romance that feels like a fever dream you can’t shake, Fairydale is unforgettable.

This is one of my favorite love stories of the year. Standing ovation for Veronica Lancet.

Fairydale follows orphan Darcy O'Sullivan as she learns that her biological father, who she has never met, has passed away. With a sizable inheritance at stake Darcy travels to her mysterious hometown, Fairydale, for his funeral. In addition to a a large sum of money, Darcy hopes to learn what she can about her past and how she ended up orphaned despite having a wealthy father.

When she arrives in Fairydale she immediately notices that the people are a bit odd. Strange occurences begin to happen inculding deaths under weird circumstances. During Darcy's stay she begins to fall for one of Fairydale's men, Caleb Hale, who helps her to unlock the sensual side of herself. Despite her feelings for Caleb, she begins having dreams of a nobleman Amon d'Artan. Soon Darcy finds her self mixed up in the nefarious and mysterious happenings in Fairydale along with her involvement in her unconventional love triangle.

Fairydale is a slightly gothic, paranormalish, dark fantasy romance with elements of mystery. The plot is revealed as Darcy learns things leaving the reader as confused as she is as the story progresses.

The character work in this novel is exquisite. Veronica knows how to create both loveable and hateable characters keeping you turning the pages to make sure your favorite characters are ok and that the villians get their comeuppance. The FMC Darcy is both strong and vulnerable as she comes into herself as the story progresses. The MMCs Caleb amd Amon are strong, broody, touch her and you are unalived kinda guys.

The twists and turns in this novel were top notch. It was a fun and engaging read throughout. This is a spicy read as well as dark at times so check your triggers and jump in. This is a phenomenal story and all around good time if your enjoy fantasy romance or romantasy give Fairydale a read.

I received this as an E-ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review was left voluntarily.

Think Bridgerton vibes but Gothic fantasy with magic, monsters, and a whole bunch of mystery. Following Darcy to Fairydale to attend a funeral to a father she’s never known was an interesting start to a story to say the least. All the twist and turns that happen once she arrives was entirely shocking to me. I had no idea it would have taken the turn it did. I was royally confused a lot of the begjnning of the book. Once it begins to come together I was super interested in finding out what was actually happening and why. Fated mates, forgotten past and unexpected monster romance? Sign me up.

Fairydale is a unique fantasy romance with multiple timelines, a gothic setting, and mysterious circumstances.

I went into this book excited for the storyline, and I love the Massachusetts setting, but I really struggled with the writing style. I can't exactly pinpoint what it was that threw me, but I had a tough time with the prose which took away from my enjoyment of the story. The plot is interesting, and covers multiple timelines, and multiple POVs. It is a long and very complex book. I thought that while it was a slow-burn in some ways, there was definitely some insta-lust between Darcy and Caleb that felt a little fast for me. The FMC Darcy was very naive, and I had a hard time connecting to her character. But the plot was complex and unique, and had some wild twists. I know a lot of folks really love this book, but it just wasn't for me.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Aria Books for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

In the beginning I thought I knew where we were going. 25% in I had already said I figured it out. I had no clue. The last 25% of this book is WILD! I enjoy a multigenerational fmc with a mmc that is and will always be. The love that stands a test of time is beautifully told in this storyline.

My only two criticisms of this is the length of the spicy scenes and the length of the book felt a little more than necessary. However the story itself was beautifully done.

3 timelines
2 love interests (though a bit unorthodox)
& 1 hell of a town—welcome to Fairydale.

I wish I could wipe my short-term memory so that I could read this for the first time again.

This paranormal romantasy was both intriguing and beguiling, with a foreboding atmosphere and a unique blend of gothic, supernatural, and historical elements (with a touch of horror).

While the chapters are long, the pacing is steady and there are a lot of mysteries you uncover throughout the entirety of the story to keep you on your toes. I was discovering twist after twist up until the last 10% of the book and there is NO WAY I could have ever predicted how the events of this plot would pan out.

I can confidently say that immersing yourself in the mystifying town of Fairydale is a salacious and unforgettable experience if you are willing to suspend your disbelief and step into the unknown….

Rating: 4.5 stars ⭐️

Thank you to Veronica Lancet and Atria books for gifting me an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

4.5 stars rounded up! this is truly an epic love story.. a love story that will stay with me and has embedded itself into my heart. I loved the characters, the plot twists and the way it all unfolded. I’m still reeling from finishing this book.
Ultimately, I rated it 4.5 ⭐️ because I’ll admit the beginning was a little rushed and I felt like I didn’t jive with the author’s writing style at all throughout the book. She packed into 772 pages what really could have been a thousand page book if it was flushed out.
My emotions were all over the place reading this book, but ultimately, when a book makes me cry more than once, I gotta round it up ❤️‍🩹 Definitely recommend it, if you’re willing to go into it with an open mind and just vibe with the story. At the end, I really really loved it.

3.5 ⭐'s rounded up……I received the advanced copy of this book on June 16th and realized that it was over 700 pages, so I decided that I would start it so that I had time to read it. Thank goodness I did because it took me nearly 2 months to finish it.

This book takes you on a ride. I really loved the gothic vibes, the writing prose is good too and the love that spanned what felt like forever. I feel as though 700+ pages was too long for this story. There was so much repetitiveness with this that I got lost a few times as to which period of time I was in and had déjà vu moments.

Darcy was the star of the show and I believe that she really carried the whole book because of her strength. She was such a well-developed character and I am not sure I would have finished the book if it had not been for her character.

Amon exuded that possessive morally grey character that is so easy to love. He was 100% all about Darcy and you could feel that so much. There are parts with him that was disturbing to read.

I literally sat there and stared at the wall for almost 20 minutes when I finished this book because I was so just let down by the ending. I wanted Darcy to get everything she truly deserved and I just feel as though it was not there. If you want a book that gives great gothic vibes with lots of sex this might be a book for you. I am sure there are many people that will love it. It was just okay for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the advance copy of this book. All my opinions are my own.