Misery Lark has spent her life from an early age as a pawn manipulated by her father who heads the Vampyre council of the Southwest. First, she spent several years with humans as essentially a hostage for her peoples’ good behavior. Then once Misery was released from that duty, she hid out among humans as a computer IT geek until once again ordered into service by dear old dad. Misery and the Alpha of the Weres, Lowe Moreland, enter into a marriage for one year brokering another period of peace, never mind that they have not even met until their wedding day. As an Alpha, Lowe will do anything for his people including marrying a vampyre whom most shifters view with abhorrence. Centuries of bloody battles between the two groups with humans occasionally thrown into the mix are once again a possibility, hence this new accord.

Lowe plans to keep Misery at arm’s length while watching everything she does looking for subterfuge and betrayal. Misery’s goal is to use this time to track down her best friend, Serena, a human child she grew up with while being fostered because it looks as if Lowe just might be involved in her disappearance. Living under the intense scrutiny and often loathing of the Weres, Misery, who is used to being rejected even by her own community, makes the best of her situation never backing down from whatever is thrown her way.

Politics from all three factions play a big part in each groups’ efforts to keep the others at bay. While their marriage is ostensibly in name only, something about Misery calls to Lowe in a profound way and about which she is mostly clueless thinking the opposite is true. Misery makes some unlikely friends in the Were camp while trying to accomplish her mission without getting caught. Lowe comes across as very caring and fair which is the reverse of what Misery has experienced in her life from her family and people.

This paranormal romance is a new genre for Ms. Hazelwood which she does quite well. Her writing skills which include witty repartee and in this case, fantasy world building, make for an enjoyable read. It is nice to know vampyres and werewolves are not outré. This story is quite the switch from her usual STEM books, so I give her credit for this new direction. It appears as if this might be the start of a new series which I very much look forward to continuing.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I think getting this ARC was my peak as a Bookstagrammer, I actually squealed and jumped around when I got the approval email, I was NOT expecting it at all! (Shoutout to whatever intern was approving people that day, I’ll forever be in your debt). I’ll read anything and everything Ali writes, and her first published work in paranormal romance was a MUST.

Anyways, the overall gist of the synopsis (I honestly wanted to know the least amount of details possible going in!) is that Misery is a vampire, and for the good of her people she must marry the Alpha of the local wolf shifter pack to form an alliance and avoid war. But is there something else lurking beneath Misery’s decision to venture into enemy territory?

This book was so much FUN. Going into the book was a little bit of a shock at first, only because the writing is quintessential Ali style, but the story is not the Steminist setting we’ve grown accustomed to. It’s darker, there’s magic, it’s weird (in the BEST way). At some points the story had a Crescent City kind of feeling as we’re looking to solve a mystery in a big and magical city. But I settled into the story quickly and ate up every word! Ali is able to bring the tension and banter through with ease. And the supporting cast of characters bring their own life and personality to the pages, so much so that I’m very hopeful this isn’t the end of stories in this world.

I don’t want to give anything away! But if you typically jive with Ali’s writing this is a must! As someone not well versed in shifter romances this seemed like a good starting place, I wasn’t overwhelmed but I was intrigued 😂

5 stars from me! Pub date is less than a month, out February 6th!! (I’ll be getting several copies, I’m sure 🧛‍♀️🐺)

I'm so glad that Ali Hazelwood got to write this book and share it with us and let us react appropriately. Obviously a bit of a deviation from her typical subject matter, but still an absolute J O Y. 10/10.

Lol why was this so good?! I can honestly say this is my favorite Ali Hazelwood book so far. 2024 is the year of vampire novels and i am living for it. If there is not more written in this world i will riot.

⭐️: 4/5

Misery, daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman in the area, has been spending her life passing as human. When she’s summoned home and called upon to uphold a truce with the Weres, mortal enemies of the Vampyres, she has little choice but to agree. But she has an ulterior motive: to find her best friend and sister, a human, who has gone missing, and her only lead so far has led her straight to Lowe Moreland, the Alpha Were who she is arranged to marry.

This is definitely a departure from the norm for me, but I really liked it. I recently also read The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson, which had similar paranormal romance themes as this one, and was also a departure from the authors normal, contemporary romance themes, and just like that one, this was so different than anything I’ve really read previously but I also…really was into it? I think one complaint I’ve heard about Ali Hazelwood is that her books often follow the almost exact same storyline of a woman in STEM fake dating for one reason or another a grumpy colleague and then falling for real. Although the whole arranged marriage trope is thematically kind of similar to fake dating, this helped show that she can do more and write different themes. I’ve loved every FMC Hazelwood has written, but Misery may be my favorite. Her snark is unmatched, even from an author who writes wonderfully quick and witty characters like it’s her job (I guess it is lol). The first part of the book was a little slow, since I think the whole world the book is set in needed a fair amount of worldbuilding, since the interpretation of Weres and Vampyres was a little different than they’ve been portrayed most popularly, and the relationships and history between the species needed some background as well before the real plot could start. I thoroughly enjoyed this though, and if you’re a Hazelwood fan who doesn’t mind reading some spice that gets a little…weird…then I definitely recommend!

Thank you to @netgalley and @berkleypub for this free eARC!!

Ali Hazelwood is one of my autoread authors and I was skeptical at first of this seemingly random venture into fantasy, but shockingly this is my new all-time favorite of hers. There was a bit of everything—mystery, action, and forbidden romance/fated mates. I am absolutely obsessed with all the characters—they were witty, funny, and interesting. Fingers-crossed we get a sequel!

If Ali Hazelwood writes it I will read it. I LOVED this weird ass story! There were so many things that had me like wtf even is this! But omg did I love every dang word! Lowe, yes please. Giving a new meaning to garlic knots…IYKYK… seriously though the story FUN! The romance/spice YES! This one was so different and I just can’t say enough how much I loved it! I was cracking up and also cringing throughout! Also SPED through this one! Loved all the characters and loved the story! Get this one ASAP!

5 ⭐️

I have always loved Ali Hazelwood's books, they are always extremely enjoyable and fun. Bride was no exception, this book was amazing! The paranormal genre with Ali Hazelwood's writing is so interesting, I loved every second of this book. These characters stole my heart, I wanted to know more and more!

The premise of this book drew me in immediately, because hello... it's a marriage of convenience between a Were and a Vampyre, what else could you ask for? I love how these two weren't necessarily enemies in a sense, they just didn't understand each other & each other's lives. However, I also love how even though you don't get Lowe's POV you see glimpses of his thoughts in the chapter header, It was a great touch that added more to the single POV.

I would say this is more leaning toward paranormal romance than a fantasy romance, which allows for easily digestible world-building (as it is also set in a modern world). I was easily hooked and I would recommend this book to traditional romance-only readers, as well! The mystery plot was a pleasant surprise and I love how she went about it, it was so interesting!

These two, oh my GOSH! I loved reading from Misery's perspective because her character was to die for. She is such a unique character, especially in this genre. I loved seeing her personality shine through and her journey, it was beautiful. The pessimistic, non-feeling, and unbothered Vampyre FMC slowly finds people who care and love for her... it was everything!

Lowe was everything. I will no doubt always fall for Ali's men because she just always makes them fully obsessed with their partner, she does the boy-obsessed vibes like no other! I loved his development and vulnerability within this book, he is so selfless and it was wonderful to see their love for each other.

These two had undeniable chemistry off the bat, I was immersed in their story!! I just loved this relationship dynamic, the banter, the sweet moments, and their overall energy. The attraction and connection between them felt SO real!

It seems like we may be getting more in the future, which makes me so so so excited. I love this world that Ali has crafted and cannot wait to see what she does next!

What to expect:
- Marriage of convenience
- Paranormal Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Man obsessed
- Strong FMC
- Werewolves & Vampyres
- Knotting (iykyk)

Thank you so much Netgalley and Berkley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinions!

WOW. I was and am still obsessed with this one. There was just something in this that was perfect and the exact thing I needed. I finished it last night and already went back to reread the last 50 pages or so.
I can’t even put in words what about it got me going but I loved it so much. Misery was such a snark and Lowe was such a sweetie, except when he went full Alpha.

I don’t want to give too much away but this one was soooo good, please read this when it releases on February 6th!

When I first heard about this book, I never would have imagined the concept. The story follows Misery, a vampyre who has been living among humans and she’s called to visit her father. Once there, he tells her that she has to marry one of the weres as show of peace. While Misery is reluctant at first, she ends up agreeing for a specific reason.

From there, we watch as Misery and Lowe embark on a unique marriage of convenience. It doesn’t feel like a love match at first but the two slowly begin to bond. For Misery, she’s finally getting a chance to love someone properly who isn’t her best friend. As for Lowe, he is trying to figure out how to be a proper alpha and make sure things are running smoothly in his pack.

While the two don’t see eye-to-eye on certain things, it’s clear the attraction is there from the start and once they team up to try to find Serena, they’re a true dynamic duo. Also, the tension between these two is just electric and the way they’re trying to hide it and smother their feelings is just delicious.

Bride feels like a love letter to Twilight, fandom, and paranormal romance. I never thought I’d see Ali Hazelwood write a paranormal romance yet she pulls it off. Coupled with the reveals at the end of the book, I just loved it. I really hope we get more books in this world or even, in this series because I am dying for some side characters to get their own romance.

Holy Shifter, this book was such a fun read!
The internal struggle, the pining… Ali Hazelwood ate this and left no crumbs.

Misery Lark is the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest. She has spent most of her life in human territory, acting as collateral to maintain peace within their borders. After her time as collateral is up, she creates a life for herself, living amongst the humans with her best friend. But when the time comes for someone to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, she is once again thrust back into the role of collateral but in the form of a Bride.

Lowe Moreland, newly appointed Alpha, is anything but happy about this new arrangement. Not only does he have to take care of his responsibilities as Alpha but he also has to live with a Vampyre. A Vampyre who is now his Bride.

As she spends more time in Were territory, Misery starts to realize that not everything is what it seems and that her feelings for Lowe are turning into something she never expected…


GUYS I am obsessed with this book. I loved Misery so much and Lowe is the most perfect brooding Alpha Were that anybody could ask for.
I had such a fun time reading as their relationship went from situational to a full blown steamy undeniable romance that neither of them could ignore. They are right for eachother in all the ways that they’re supposed to be wrong.
After spending so many years feeling out of place all Misery wants is to find a sense of belonging, and Lowe gave that to her. Not just with his home and his people but with himself and the unconditional love that he desperately wants her to have.
Not only was the romance utter perfection, the political intruge was very entertaining. The relations betweent the Vampyers, Weres, and humans is very tense and I have a feeling that in the next book (and I’m assuming there will be a book 2 because of that cliff hanger…) a lot is going to go down. I’m really looking forward to seeing how Misery, her brother, and Lowe navigate a time where change is opportune.

With all that being said, I am going to leave you all with a quote that had me foaming at the mouth:
“I would take anything she chose to give me—the tiniest fraction or her entire world. I would take her for a single night knowing that I’ll lose her by morning, and I would hold on to her and never let go. I would take her healthy, or sick, or tired, or angry, or strong, and it would be my fucking privilege. I would take her problems, her gifts, her moods, her passions, her jokes, her body—I would take every last thing, if she chose to give it to me.”
My rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

(4 ⭐️)
My first Ali book and I was not disappointed.

I didn’t know what to expect going into this, just that vampires are my love language so I was so excited.

It was a bit of a slow burn but I’m not mad because, who doesn’t love angst? Slow burn, Forced proximity, and fated mates is all a girl like me really needs. There was even a bit of a mystery to the book which I absolutely live for.

Overall it was a fun read, and makes me wanna read more of Ali Hazelwood. This book was a bit different then other fantasies I’ve read but it was still a good time and I’d recommend it.

Ali Hazelwood has done it again and was always meant to write a paranormal/fantasy romance. When I tell you this is the kind of book you're reading where you KNOW you want to take it slowly because you don't want it to end yet you want to binge it because you can't get enough. When I wasn't reading Bride, I was thinking about Bride. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and to say I'm devastated it's over *teardrop*

What I would do to read this for the first time again! I'm pretty sure Misery is my fav Ali Hazelwood FMC. I adored her and her dry wit, sarcasm, and humor. I LOVED Lowe right from the start. The slow burn. The angst. Falls first 🤭 the possessiveness of a Were and the loyalty from BOTH of them. Being in his head and thoughts with the intro of every chapter.........yeah!

I didn't think it had too slow of a start either because I was eating it up from start to finish. I really enjoyed the world building and I LOVED the side characters. Lowe's relationship with his little sister, Ana, and the caretaker in him for his people! My heart. As well as Misery's relationship with Ana. So many times throughout the book I was just smiling and giggling, I loved the banter. The little tidbits and the conversations.

I had so much fun reading this and that's what matters most. I was sat for the Weres and Vampyres. Can't wait to read more from this universe! Because she has to give us more.

Miss Ali Hazelwood NEVER MISSES!

This book had me giggling, kicking my feet, and swooning like crazy! Misery is my ideal FMC. She’s strong, she’s witty, and she does not back down! Don’t even get me started on Lowe! I won’t give anything away because you just need to experience this for yourself. Please do yourself a favor and get this book the second it hits the shelves!

Thank you so much Berkley and Netgalley for this arc! I was truly blessed✨

4.5 rounded up! Holy moly. Ali put that good sh*t in here!! Tbh I wasn’t sure for the first like 10% or so if I was going to get on board with this, and then all of a sudden I was obsessed. Couldn’t think about anything else. The mystery?! The romance?! The humor?! Ana?! It was chef’s kiss. There were a few cringey spicy dialogue moments, but overall, I was swooning. Did a little giggle and kicked my feet. This book brought happy feelings in a time of not so happy feelings & I’ll think about it often for that reason alone (but also for the fun that this story brought and the obsession I have for Misery and Lowe).

First and foremost I want to thank Berkley for sending me an ARC of this book!

This was my very first Ali Hazelwod book, and I have heard sooo many good things about her. This is her first dip into the fantasy realm and I have some thoughts!

Now I assuMe from the time I was orginally sent the Arc and when it comes out, there will be some editing, which I think the book could use! Whatever you do.... Do NOT take out the bath tub scene!! I will foErver be thinking of it!!

The overall story of the book was so compelling and interesting. The world was easy to comprehend, and I felt like the 2 main characters had a lot of chemistry! The book did feel drawn out. The main characters really had no real interaction until about 30%. The book really started to wrap up at about 90%. It didn't feel rushed, but it did feel longer than it should've been.

Something I wouldn't mind being taken out.... the Knot. I don't want to spoil anything, but I am still confused on it's purpose and what exactly it is / looks like. There was no real explanation on it, and I feel like it was not needed and was extra fluff... and made me a little uncomfortable for some reason?

Also, the FMCs name being Misery was a bit of a distraction for me.

Now besides the bathtub scene... yes, I had to bring it up again, I love a good old fashioned enemies to lovers. This book was enemies to Lovering! I also love angtsy will they, won't they, and when will they. It fufilled all my angtsy needs! The MMC was giving big broody energy, which I love! I also apppreciated that the FMC was not this small frail little girl next to the big bad wolf. She was a tall queen herself (and as a girl who is 5'11, I lived for it! More tall girls in books PLEASE!). So that was different than most romances and HIGHLY APPRECIATED!

Overall, if you want a fun, different, fantasy read, then this is going to be the book for you!

I loved this departure from Ali Hazelwood's normal contemporary romance! Bride was spicy and slightly unhinged, but in the best way possible. I'd love to see more world building if this continues into a series because I was intrigued by the humans/wolves/vampires community relationship and how things were handled politically since it played a role in this book. I'll read anything Ali writes and want more fantasy romance from her!

I'll be honest, I was reticent about exploring the Omegaverse. But if anyone could get me to read it, it would be my queen Ali Hazelwood. And daaaaaaang this book was GOOD!!

We finally get *angst* and it was honestly nice to have a book outside of normal societal rules. Here we're considering the dynamics between humans, vampyres, and weres. I found that the paranormal lore here was incorporated really nicely, as it never felt like a huge lore dump. I did giggle every time Misery's name came up because it's SOOOOOO edgelord, but it works perfectly because she's not an edgy goth vampyre. And Lowe is just a hunky Were architect with big Alpha energy. Meeeeeow.

I found that the romance really served the plot, rather than the opposite, and it was so enjoyable. I savored this book but still flew through it without even trying. And that ending!? God I can't wait for more.

*Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

I really enjoyed this book. It hits a lot of genres I enjoy reading. A melting pot of paranormal romance, some mystery, and friendship fiction. Ali did a phenomenal job of creating a fresh take on classic monsters: vampires and werewolves. This book had vibes of Underworld but wasn't as dark and gritty. There were light moments. The relationships felt real and didn't feel forced. I couldn't put the book down as I was reading, I was so absorbed in the world she created. I feel like most readers will enjoy this book since there was a lot within it that can appeal to readers. I'm hopeful to read more about this world and hope she writes another! Thank you Netgalley and Peguin Randomhouse for the ARC.

Misery is a Vampyre who’s powerful councilman father arranges a marriage with Lowe, an Alpha Werewolf to secure an alliance between their two worlds. Thrust together under tenuous and dangerous circumstances, Lowe and Misery must navigate not only the politics of their world but their growing attraction and affection for each other.

I am a huge Ali Hazelwood fan. I love the way she writes contemporary romance. It's warm, humorous, silly, tender and fun. She can intertwine pop culture and contemporary details that add to the story and not distract while also writing about deep intimacy with tenderness When she announced she was writing a romance novel with a supernatural plot line, I was like huh. that makes sense actually. And I was not wrong!

Bride kept me hooked from the first page and I had to pry it out of my hands to attend family holiday events. While Ali's books are single POV, in Bride she gives you little touches of Lowe’s POV at the beginning of each chapter. This made the book so exciting to me and stoked the wonderful romantic tension you could feel from the first chapter.

Here are some things I loved about Bride
-the mystery plot that keeps you in suspense
-the little insights into his point of view
-the funny and quippy prose
-beautiful sexual tension
-an absolutely perfect caretaking/my wife/touch her and die scene
-single guardian trope with an amazing child!

This book is for the Twilight fans who grew up to love the arranged marriage trope. Out February 6th! Thank you Berkley for the ARC!