Bride by Ali Hazelwood is a fantasy novel, that is so different then her normal rom-coms. I have mostly enjoyed all of Hazelwood’s stories, but I was surprised reading Bride. Ali you have changed the game, as I totally loved Bride. It was a fantastic story with Vampyres and Weres, and totally blew me away. I certainly hope you continue this fantasy world.

We meet Misery Lark, our heroine, who is the daughter of a powerful Vampyre councilman. Misery has spent many years living among humans, hiding the knowledge that she is a Vampyre, with only her very close BFF, Serena, knowing the truth. Misery’s father summons her, and wants to establish a peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their enemies, Werewolves. He is proposing a marriage between Misery and Lowe Moreland, the new leader and most powerful Alpha of the Were’s. At first, Misery refuses the proposal, until she hears the new leader’s name, and decides to accept. Misery’s secret reason to accept the proposal is that her best friend, Serena has disappeared, and she is determined to find her.

After Misery marries Lowe, she is surrounded by Were’s, who do not like her; but in a short time, she begins to earn respect from them. Lowe’s 6-year-old sister Ana, is constantly visiting Misery, whom she befriends. Soon Misery helps Lowe in writing and printing, which will lead to friendships along the way.

Turns out that on his wedding day, Lowe recognizes Misery as his mate, and doesn’t tell her, since he had no intention of staying married for the year. Lowe was well liked by those who supported him, as he was very loyal, caring and always willing to help others. In a short time, he realizes that he is falling for Misery; and helps her in trying to find the missing Serena. When Owen, Misery’s brother confides in her that he wants to remove their father from the council, and surprisingly he befriends Lowe to team up.

Bride is an enemy to lovers story line, especially revolving around a forbidden romance, as it was a fantastic world building, and lots of action. Misery finds herself also falling in love with Lowe, but not knowing that he too has fallen for her. As we get closer to the end, there are some steamy scenes between them. I really loved Misery and Lowe together. I got to really like Serena after she is found. The last ¼ of the book was very exciting, especially when Misery is missing, with Owen and Lowe teaming up to find the culprit. I do not want to tell too much more, so not to ruin the story for you.

Bride was a terrific story, which was so very well written by Ali Hazelwood. I have said previously that I was blown away how much I loved this book, as I want more from this fantastic fantasy world. I enjoyed many of Hazelwood’s rom com, but she outdid herself in Bride. I wholly suggest if you are a fan of Ali Hazelwood, you need to be reading this new genre. Totally awesome.

This was the first Ali Hazelwood book I’ve ever read, and I have to say it can’t possibly be the last. THE CHARACTERS--oh my god. I can’t tell you the last time I fell in love so fast WITH BOTH love interests. Misery is sarcastic, witty, and relatable, and Lowe puts up with every ounce of it in stride. Pairing them with a rounded cast of characters that checked both of them (Misery more than Lowe bc...well, alpha) regularly, especially the sweetest little Ana 😭.

The magic system was unique and creative, keeping me guessing without feeling like it was trying too hard to be something it wasn’t. I feel like after the Twilight era, people seemed a little too scared to put out vampire/werewolf books. Instead, they just called them anything but vampires/werewolves and gave them the same traits. However, there was enough new material here, with the blood colors, boundaries, and human/were/vampire feuds, to make it feel fresh and new.

This book had the exact right amount of everything. World building? Check. Spice? Check. Banter? Check. Plot? Check. K N O T T I N G? You guessed it, check. I haven’t laughed and kicked my feet so much with a book since...well, I don’t know when the last time was. I’ve been talking about this book genuinely and nonstop since I finished it. Please, someone confirm if we will get more after that ending? I beg??

Thank you so much for the review copy!

This is my first book into the omegaverse and I really enjoyed it!! I actually think this is some of Ali Hazelwood’s best writing, and the story had me wanting more. I was kicking my feet and giggling at some moments! Overall, a great romance book with a slightly predictable plot but I truly enjoyed myself!

Bride by Ali Hazelwood is a riveting romance, with a slow burn but oh so delicious unfolding of the relationship between Misery and Lowe that develops into a steamy, hot story. From the very first, I found the novel all encompassing and the voice of Misery compelling and witty. I love the humor and the twisty plot.

One of the other reasons I found the story so compelling is how intriguing the plot is, as you dive into the mystery that Misery is chasing and Lowe ends up involved in as well. And the answers aren’t quite what you expect which makes the story even more delicious. The supporting characters are complex and the ending gives such a satisfying ending. I especially like where I can see the room for development of other characters. And the chapter headings written from Lowe’s point of view make for the perfect counterpoint to Misery.

If you like spicy romances with intrigue and mystery and a romance that will make your heart race, this is a brilliant paranormal love story. I love the characters, the wit and the intrigue. The narrative is a riveting romance with wonderful depth and an incredible ending that will make you want to read more from this author and her world.

This book had delightfully oddball found family, dialogue I laughed out loud over, and romance that will make you ask some awkward questions about basic biology. Also it’s about werewolves and vampires. I really loved it and also want no one to know that I read it.

I received an ARC from NetGalley.

This was really a great read! I am so impressed by Hazelwood and every book I read from her I like more and more. Misery was an awesome main character and you can't help but love her for being unapologetically herself. I liked the forbidden romance with Lowe and how they overcame their differences. The inclusion of vampires and werewolves really worked and again, I couldn't be more impressed by Hazelwood's range in her writing.

Truly a great read. I hope this becomes a series. Thanks to Berkley for the gifted copy!

FIVE STARS, NO NOTES!!!

Admittedly, this was not my first foray into Were romance, but it was my first adventure with the *ahem* omegaverse. AND I LOVED IT!!!

This book will not be everyone’s cup of tea, I know that, but if you were a wolf girl (or still are), then you’re going to like this. I feel like my 10-year-old kid heart has just discovered the next best thing after reading her favorite wolf book (Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater), except now I’m an adult and can appreciate the spicy scenes.

And don’t even get me started on how I’m in a Vampire phase right now, so this was literally the best of both worlds for me.

THANK YOU ALI HAZELWOOD, THE WOMAN THAT YOU ARE!!!

This might be Ali Hazelwood's best work of fiction yet. Though it's a significant departure from her STEM-based romances, there are remnants of her science background that help to bring the story to life. The world She's built is immersive and complete. The storyline is full of tension and it's hard to keep track of who's trustworthy. I absolutely love this book and much to my surprise, it's my new favorite title by Ali Hazelwood.

4.5 ⭐️

Ali hazelwood knocked it out of the park with this paranormal romance. If grew up as die hard twilight girlie this is for you! 🧛🏻‍♀️🐺🩸

One of my top marriage of connivence books! Misery our sassy Vampyre lead marries Alpha Were Lowe in order to keep peace between the two species. The slow burn + banter between Lowe and Misery was delicious! Ana & Misery’s interactions were hilarious.

I also just loved the action/suspense of trying to find Serena who happens to be Misery’s sister!

An arranged marriage to keep the Weres, Vampyres, and Humans from going to war with each other -- I'm all in for this title. I really have liked this author's contemporary romance titles and this one was even better in my opinion. I was drawn into this narrative right away, and I couldn't put this one down until Misery said I could!

There's some great world building here, and very engaging characters. I fell for Misery Lark right away and became invested in her story. And then there's her father, and her new Were mate. I've read quite a few paranormals in my day, but this one just seemed so fresh and entertaining. There's plenty of action, which I love, and plenty of slow burn as Misery and her new mate find common ground.

Loved it! I need more of this world!

✨Would you rather be a vampyre or a werewolf?✨

It’s a tough choice, but I’d go with werewolf 🐺!

eARC review. Thank you @berkley, @alihazelwood, and @netgalley for the eARC of Bride. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

➡️ Swipe above for the Goodreads synopsis ➡️

Misery Lark has spent most of her life as Collateral. Literally. Removed from Vampyer society as a child to live with the humans as part of a delicate alliance, Misery has never really had a home…until she met her best friend Serena. Imagine Misery’s dismay when Serena goes missing and the only clue Misery has to follow is the name of the Alpha of the Were pack/her future husband via arranged marriage, L. E. Moreland. Marrying a Were and becoming Collateral once more isn’t an ideal situation, but Misery will do just about anything to see her best friend safe and sound. Even moving into the home of her natural enemy where she is an unwanted outsider at best and and a dead vampyre at worst. Will Misery be able to infiltrate confidential Were information in order to find her friend, while at the same time, navigating life at the Alpha’s compound? Or will her growing attraction to her mortal enemy/husband bleed her plan dry?

Ali Hazelwood is one of my absolute favorites. I’d literally read her DMV application, then put it on my bookshelf to reread later. 🤣 It will shock no one to know that when I heard that she had written the romantic fantasy book baby of my wildest dreams, I did a little happy dance. Bride is the stuff bookstagram wishes are made of and I’m so happy to report that it’s even better than all I imagined and hoped for!

I know A LOT of you have this book on your tbr. I’d rather give away my Ali Hazelwood special edition collection before I spoil anything for you, so I’m going to be intentionally vague.

The enemies to lovers trope is so amazingly well done. I couldn’t put the book down until I knew how everything played out between Misery and Lowe. Also, it’s Ali Hazelwood, so the spicy scenes are 🔥! If you’ve ever had questions about werewolf and/or vampire sex, you’ll find your answers between the pages. 👀

The big mystery Misery was determined to solve had me turning pages way past my bedtime. The little clues sprinkled throughout the book as well as the twists and turns of the plot held me captive until all the pieces of the puzzle were put together. Also, Bride ends in a way that leaves the door open for a second installment, but also is satisfying if she decides to leave it as is.

Let’s just say this book is absolutely enchanting. If you’re a romance fan, you need to read Bride. If you’re a fantasy fan, you need to read Bride. If you’re a romantic fantasy fan, you absolutely need to read Bride. It’s as simple as that.

In the pages, you will find:

🧛‍♂️ Vampyers
🐺 Werewolves
🧛‍♂️ Complicated family dynamics
🐺 Mystery
🧛‍♂️ BFFs
🔥 Spice
🐈 A cat that is both a total jerk and a sweetheart 🤷‍♀️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Is Bride on your tbr? Let me know in the comments!

Amazon review link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/review/0593550404/R3O72BPAZKVCQM?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp

Goodreads review link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5651526290

#alihazelwood #Bridealihazelwood #berkleyromamce #taylorswiftsongs #romantacy #romanticfantasy #vampires #werewolves #bookstagrammer #readersofig #bookishlove #bookgram #bookpost #bookobsessed #booksofinsta #readingaddict #readingislife #allthebooks #readerslife #alwaysreading #instareader #bookloversunite #bookcommunity #bookhoarder #bookworm #bookreviews

“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘵𝘰𝘰. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴.”

I cannot recommend this one enough! It was such a cute and cozy read.

What to expect:

🩸Fantasy/Paranormal romance
🩸Contemporary urban setting
🩸Arranged marriage
🩸Forced Proximity
🩸Vampire FMC
🩸Werewolf/Alpha MMC
🩸Forbidden romance
🩸Mystery Plotline
🩸Witty banter
🩸Found family
🩸He falls first
🩸Political Drama
🩸Fated Mates
🩸ABO (ish)
🩸”Mine”

For my full thoughts, head over to Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3AfiV3LySx/?igsh=MTlvNHlsdHM5ZTg4Mw==

Thank you Berkley Romance and NetGalley for the e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 🖤

” Every second, I want you too much, and every second, I'm on the verge of wanting you more."

We've loved everything we've read by Ali Hazelwood - there's just something about her humour, her characters, and the way she handles a situation that resonates with us. Every book has been a winner, and Bride is no exception. We want more of her PNR fabulousness! Please make this a series!

’She's not like he imagined. She's more, in every possible way.'

Placing her inimitable spin on the Vamp/Were folklore, Ali Hazelwood brought so much to Lowe and Misery's story. We loved this paranormal romantic comedy, which at times displayed sweet vulnerability. Okay, the 'knot' was a bit 'different' and we're gonna need a minute to work our way through that one! Yikes! Not sure how we feel about that.

Misery Lark was brilliant, an absolute delight, and like all Ali's heroines she's blessed with a dry as a bone sense of humour that gave us a right giggle at times. Whether it was the banter with her twin brother Owen, her human best friend Sarina, or the dreamy Were, Lowe Moreland. This lady held her own despite always being the pawn in her father's cruel power games. She's smart, sassy, and so sweet.

”Of all the good things I've felt in my f***ing life, you are the best."

Lowe was something else! Wow! The way he made our girl feel. This guy was the bomb! Now, can an arranged marriage between mortal enemies the Vamps and Weres restore peace? Well, strap yourselves in because the chemistry between our Alpha, Lowe, and reluctant Vampyre, Misery is electric! The connection between them, swoony! Bride is a steamy read with a bit of mystery, suspense, humour, emotion, and a fabulously entertaining story.

’ She is resilient. He tries to imagine how he'd feel if he were in her position - alone, removed, used, and discarded. He has nothing but reluctant respect for her, and that angers him.'

Ali Hazelwood once again delivers on bringing her characters to life whilst weaving an intriguing and fun-filled storyline with real depth. Her take on the Paranormal was so refreshing and once again attests to why she's one of our favourite authors. We can't get enough of her imaginative storytelling.

I was very excited to read a YA from Ms. Hazelwood! And though I felt very cringed out, and things were kind of quick and cheesy, I loved it! It is kind of what to expect generally from a YA paranormal romance! So, I very much enjoyed the book, and all the characters! Well... most *wink*

Honestly, Ali Hazelwood can do whatever she wants at this point. Her words are magic and so much fun to read, which is exactly what we all need right now.

4.5/5 ⭐️

A bit of a confusing start to this book. It took me a little while to understand the story and it felt a bit slow for the first bit. Once I started understanding and getting to know the characters more, I LOVED IT! Such a different concept than what Ali Hazelwood usually writes. I loved how different this was. I don’t usually like more fantasy like books that are standalones but this really was done perfectly. It didn’t feel rushed and wrapped up super nicely. Ali Hazelwood also introduced me to knotting and I gotta say I enjoyed it quite a bit haha. The tension was my absolute favourite thing! The back and forth between Lowe and Misery was so good. I really recommend this if your looking for a quick, spicy and fun read with vampires, werewolves and humans.

Author Ali Hazelwood is one of my go-to authors when it comes to romance, so I was intrigued when I received an ARC of BRIDE and learned it was paranormal romance. The synopsis and cover were enough to entice me in, and I slipped into this one cautiously optimistic. What I discovered was a multilayered, unique world of supernatural characters mired in political turmoil. A place where history and tradition command the uniting of a vampyre bride and a werewolf groom to strengthen an alliance between age-old mortal enemies. A couple who each come into the relationship with few expectations and a hidden agenda . . . only to discover a world of possibilities if they can let go of the past and work together.

Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyr councilman in the South is ordered to wed Lowe Moreland, the most powerful Alpha of the Werewolves in a marriage of convenience. Both sides have much to gain from the union, and Misery has no say in the matter, but readers soon learn she actually has her own reasons for carrying through with the farce of a marriage, and Lowe is smart enough to stay wary of her intent. Unlike his predecessors, Lowe is a fair and compassionate leader who agrees to the union with hopes of unmasking traitors among their midst and solving the mystery of missing people and attempted murders. Mistrust drives the action at a fast pace with political unrest bleeding over into the couple's relationship, keeping them at arm's length in spite of their intense attraction to one another. Both Misery and Lowe find it hard to let go of the past, open up and place their trust and heart in the hands of someone else. Their people may be mortal enemies, but the sparks flying between them are igniting yearnings for so much more. Is it possible for a vampyre and a werewolf to find real love and make a family together?

BRIDE is a unique, action-packed paranormal romance with twists and turns that keep readers burning through pages for answers. It's a smorgasbord of mystery, romance, and fantasy all rolled up in a sizzling forbidden love story. The paranormal world created by Hazelwood is a highly visual masterpiece with great characterizations and a multilayered plot line with a side of humor and sensual banter. While the suspense edges out the romance, there's no doubt this is a couple right out of a fairy tale. Author Ali Hazelwood has proven romance is romance in any genre, and she knows how to deliver. Highly recommended to fans of mystery, romance, and paranormal romance.

”Every second, I want you too much, and every second, I'm on the verge of wanting you more."

We've loved everything we've read by Ali Hazelwood - there's just something about her humour, her characters, and the way she handles a situation that resonates with us. Every book has been a winner, and Bride is no exception. We want more of her PNR fabulousness! Please make this a series!

’She's not like he imagined. She's more, in every possible way.'

Placing her own inimitable spin on the Vamp/Were folklore, Ali Hazelwood brought so much to Lowe and Misery's story. We loved this paranormal romantic comedy, which at times displayed sweet vulnerability. Okay, the 'knot' was a bit 'different' and we're gonna need a minute to work our way through that one! Yikes! Not sure how we feel about that. Misery Lark was brilliant, an absolute delight, and like all Ali's heroines she's blessed with a dry as a bone sense of humour that gave us a right giggle at times. Whether it was the banter with her twin brother Owen, her human best friend Sarina, or the dreamy Were, Lowe Moreland. This lady held her own despite always being the pawn in her father's cruel power games. She's smart, sassy, and so sweet.

”Of all the good things I've felt in my f***ing life, you are the best."

Lowe was something else! Wow! The way he made our girl feel. This guy was the bomb! Now, can an arranged marriage between mortal enemies the Vamps and Weres restore peace? Well, strap yourselves in because the chemistry between our Alpha, Lowe and reluctant Vampyre, Misery is electric! The connection between them, swoony! Bride is a steamy read with a bit of mystery, suspense, humour, emotion, and fabulously entertaining story.

’She is resilient. He tries to imagine how he'd feel if he were in her position - alone, removed, used, and discarded. He has nothing but reluctant respect for her, and that angers him.'

Ali Hazelwood once again delivers on bringing her characters to life whilst weaving an intriguing and fun-filled storyline with real depth. Her take on the Paranormal was so refreshing and once again attests to why she's one of our favourite authors. We can't get enough of her imaginative storytelling.

Thank you so much for an advanced copy of Bride by Ali Hazelwood. I loved this book so much!

I was very excited for Bride, especially after loving Ali's previous books so much. I was not disappointed with this one! This is one of Ali's wittiest, funniest, most entertaining books I've read. I fell in love with the characters, the setting, everything. It was so good!

This story is a bit different than her previous books, but it still brings Ali's signature banter and spice. I was hanging on every word the whole book!

I highly recommend this one to any romance lover!

Thank you so much to Berkley for the advance copy of this book!

I am still new to the paranormal romance world and this one may have challenged me. I am not big in world building and fantasy and I felt that this book had more of that than I was expecting. Of course I know there is an element of that in a paranormal romance but it just may have been a tad too much for me.

"I know you don't like my scent."
"I fucking love your scent."

I am a romance reader so let's start there. Lowe and Misery were an interesting couple. I am not sure if I felt their chemistry at all until the rubbing of scents began. I think I was the most frustrated with Lowe because of his reasoning for resisting his feelings for her which is understandable giving their different species but still! I also am not a fan of slow burns and this was the slowest of burns. When they were together, they were really hot and of course Ali kills it with the spice! Also I just cannot take knotting seriously. It makes me laugh every time.

Even though there is romance, it is not the prominent focus of the book. I would say the mystery of finding Misery's best friend/sister Serena. And without going into anymore context, Misery's dad is the WORST!

This did seem like there was going to be a second book and I likely will be reading as I just love Ali's writing.

Even though this didn't work for me, it probably will work for you because a lot of people love it! I think those that enjoy fantasy would be able to follow this a lot more than me. If you are a fan of world building with a mix of a mystery and romance - this is for you!

3.5

Memorable Quotes:
"When do you think your future husband will try to kill you? Tomorrow? Next week?"

"Heartbeats are like fingerprints, one of a kind, distinctive, the easiest way to tell people apart."

"You smell like you're mine, Misery."

"You're not a problem, Misery. You're a privilege."