Bride was my first dive into the omegaverse and while I may stick happily with my normal rom-com books, I really enjoyed this book.

Ali Hazelwood gave us a beautifully addicting story - her writing was captivating and she made us fall in love with all of the characters. Misery is a vampyre who has been used as peace collateral for most of her life - first between the vampyres and humans where she was raised by humans, and then forced to marry the alpha of the Were pack, Lowe, to keep the peace between the vampyres and weres.

The relationship between Misery and Lowe was perfection - their banter, their compassion, how their love grew for each other. I'm a sucker for a protector who is also a cinnamon roll & there was many laugh out loud moments.

This may have been my favorite book of Ali's that I read and I REALLY hope that she releases more in the omegaverse.

Huge thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Berkeley publishing for the free advanced copy!

This is my first novel by Ali Hazelwood, but it won't be my last! I thoroughly enjoyed 'Bride'! Hazelwood did a fantastic job on bringing something interesting to the vampire/werewolf trope. I appreciated how early on she laid out the rules of the world. The plot is a typical whodunnit, so it felt a bit predictable, but not unpleasant. I wish there had been a little more complexity to the plot and perhaps a less obvious villain. The story was still very enjoyable. am a sucker for strong female characters and Misery delivers. I found myself rooting from her right out of gate. I particularly enjoyed her one liners. I'm also a sucker for a slow burn romance and this book has a very steamy payoff that's worth the wait. Overall, I think this is a valiant effort for a first fantasy novel! I wouldn't mind reading more from this world. The cliffhanger in the epilogue leads me to believe that may happen!

First off: SREAMS. 5 stars. SO GOOD. No notes.

Now for my *fancy* review.

Tropes: Paranormal Romance - Marriage of Convenience - Marking - Enemies to Lovers - Grumpy x Sunshine (kinda)

"Bride" by Ali Hazelwood is a captivating 5-star read that took me on a thrilling journey into a world I hadn't explored before - the omegaverse, vampires, and werewolves. As someone who usually leans towards romance novels, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I adored this book.

Ali Hazelwood's writing is simply outstanding. Her storytelling is so compelling that it kept me hooked from the very first page. The way she weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and politics in this story is nothing short of impressive. I found myself eagerly turning the pages, unable to put the book down.

The characters in "Bride" are incredibly lovable. Misery Lark, the determined and strong-willed daughter of a powerful Vampyre councilman, is a protagonist you can't help but root for. Her journey from an outcast to a key player in a historic peacekeeping alliance with the Weres is both heartwarming and exhilarating. And then there's Lowe Moreland, the enigmatic Alpha of the Weres, who rules with authority yet harbors a sense of justice and compassion.

What sets this book apart is the emotional depth it conveys. Misery's reasons for agreeing to the marriage of convenience with Lowe go beyond politics and alliances; they touch the core of her desires and dreams. The chemistry and tension between Misery and Lowe are palpable, making their relationship all the more enthralling.

In "Bride," Ali Hazelwood has created a world that is rich in detail and filled with complex characters who will tug at your heartstrings. Whether you're a fan of omegaverse stories or new to this genre like me, I highly recommend giving "Bride" a read. It's a love story that transcends boundaries and a tale of self-discovery and determination that will leave you feeling deeply satisfied. Ali Hazelwood's talent shines through in every aspect of this book, making it a must-read for any book lover.

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

CW: blood play, attempted murder, toxic relationship wiht a parent, death of a parent, kidnapping, violence

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f paranormal romance
-marraige of convenience
-vampyre x werewolf
-fated mates
-single parent
-forbidden relationship
-sloooow burn

I could not be more obsessed with this book. The slowest of burns, I adored how Ali used the tropes and the vampiyre x werewolf dynamics to the max to just make the romance that much sweeter. Misery has spent her life alone, but for a single friend, a pawn used by her father to further the vampyres and never truly felt like she belongs. But what do you do when you're only friend disapears without a trace, you enter in to a marriage of convience to find her. Misery comes off cold, distant, but it's all of her protective walls.

Lowe is an incredibly loyal alpha, left to raise his younger sister alone. Warm, caring, and self-sacrificing I loved getting to see him through Misery's eyes, Ali just knows how to write Single POV and a simp of a man. Attempting to be stoic as he falls first and hard for Misery loving all of the things that she feels like makes her different. Giving her a home, a family, and just welcoming her in and adoring every bit of her. How he takes care of her, sees her strenghths, and she does the same for him. The bathtub scene alone, when he sleeps in the closet with her just my heart.

I loved every layer of this book, the political intrigue, gahh the fated mates, and the beating heart of the romance that will have you kicking your feet as you need to know what happens next. The sexual tension was delicious and I could just read page fter page of these two together forever. All I want to do is read this book over and over again. It's an instant favorite. Another Aliverse masterpiece.

Steam: 3.5

Ali Hazelwood ventures outside her usual STEAM romance for this Romeo and Juliet style paranormal romance. Bride is equal parts funny, steamy, and all around entertaining. It's completely different from Hazelwood's usual style, but definitely worth reading if you enjoy her other works.

4.5 ☆

ali hazelwood hasn't disappoint me yet - lowe and misery were a treat! this was such a fun read to pick up and i loved the paranormal take to her typical STEM romances. the werewolf x vampyre added so much to their tension considering they are "enemies" who are set up in an arranged marriage to form an alliance; made the spice scenes so much more.... hot. iykyk. ali still very much keeps to her formula of a outspoken fmc (even includes some stem into her personality too) and a mmc that is obsessed!

really enjoy this universe so im happy that there is inklings for a book 2!

thank you berkley & ali for the e-ARC in exchange for a honest review!

Ali Hazelwood has done it again!! I was excited to read this book because I enjoy fantasy and Ali Hazelwood's romance stories. I was concerned that her writing style wouldn't work as well with a fantasy story, but I was very pleasantly surprised and the author delivered.

Bride was such a good fantasy romance. I was very intrigued by the concept, where a Vampyre, Misery, marries an Alpha Werewolf, Lowe, to secure an alliance between the Vampyres and Weres. What ensues is drama, tension (both positive and negative), and some romance. I love a good strong female main character, and Misery is definitely that. She's full of sass, character, and depth. And Lowe is a swoon-worthy big hunky male main character. Their relationship was so sweet (minus the small part where Lowe is kind of a jerk) and I loved their banter.

I loved this book and although it's a stand-alone I hope that the relationship that's revealed right at the end ends up getting explored in a future book.

Misery Lark, a vampire, and Lowe Moreland, a werewolf, are arranged to be married. This is a huge deal since the last vampire/werewolf wedding ended in a complete slaughter with casualties on both sides. In an attempt to encourage peace and forge an alliance between the vampires and the werewolves, they have agreed to marry one another. Both Lowe and Misery have their own reasons for entering into this arranged marriage, but will their true feelings lead to a deeper relationship between the two? Will Misery be able to survive living in werewolf territory with a huge target on her back? Will Lowe be able to control Loyalist werewolves that oppose his leadership and marriage to Misery?

Admittedly I am a huge fan of Ali Hazelwood’s books and have enjoyed all of the books she has written. While this book is not in a genre I normally read, I could not put this book down! I will be highly recommending this book to all my patrons.

this book was all ali hazelwood with alot of supernatural suspence, lots of twist and turns and some spice, it is only 1 pov so if your use to her books you know that, but i loved the book it has the romacne, the different species and all the fun of seeing 2 people try and fail and try again to be a couple.

I struggled with the first 30% of this book. While I realize that world-building and supernatural elements are in the control of the author, I had a hard time adjusting to the idea that humans, werewolves, and vampires are just differences in biology. Vampires aren’t the undead and they aren’t immortal. Also, they are by far the weakest of the three species. I’m not sure why I got hung up on this, but I did.

Once past that start, the story picked up and started rolling. I do have to state that this story didn’t flow as well as all of Hazelwood’s other books and novellas. I took much longer to read it. While fantasy and supernatural are some of my main genres, this just didn’t quite fit that. It didn’t fit romance either.

Misery is a strange character. She doesn’t seem to actually know herself at all. The things she thinks about herself are so off.

I’m writing a shorter review for GoodReads because I did end up enjoying this book, but I wanted to share additional thoughts here.

I did not think I’d ever have this particular complaint when it comes to an Ali Hazelwood book, but here it is—there was not enough romance. In fact, there was not enough … everything. With every aspect of the book—the politics, the character development, the mystery, the love story, I felt myself on the edge of my seat only to sit back with a disappointed sigh at the abrupt end of every chapter. That’s not to say that “Bride” wasn’t an enjoyable read. I simply would rather have had the 700–page Hazelwood-cut of this book. I, and I think many others, would’ve gladly committed to 700-800 pages of this fantastical, “Crescent City-esque” world that Hazelwood has created. The characters, too, were all so enjoyable and interesting and different enough from other Hazelwood motifs that my only complaint is that I wish I’d spent more time with them. The main character, Misery, in particular, is by far my favorite Hazelwood character. She was snarky and independent yet embraced her soft, feminine side that is so often lacking in fantasy worlds. That said, it was a quick and enjoyable read, and I will most definitely be reading the next book.

This was such a quirky premise but somehow it worked. I love Ali Hazelwood's unique characters and Misery was a great female main character. I liked the world-building, and understood it quickly. The tension between Misery and Moreland kept me reading, the twist of the mate situation was a little obvious but I didn't mind. Overall I really liked this book and hope it becomes a series with other characters!

This was a very different book for Ali Hazelwood and I have to say I really enjoyed it. It involves Vampyres and Werewolves. I read this book so fast because I could no put it down. It was great.

If Ali Hazelwood writes it, I’m going to read it, and going to love it. Bride was no exception!

What a fun and delightful adventure!

Misery is a Vampyre who marries Lowe, the Alpha of the largest were pack in the area in an attempt to broker an alliance of peace between the two species. Living among the Weres and their higher body temperature is an adventure in itself, made even hotter as she gets closer to her husband.

I loved Misery and Lowe. A classic Hazelwood FMC, engineer genius who is curious and chaotic. A stoic, attractive MMC. There is banter, chemistry and some interspecies relations which I did knot hate 😏😂

Check this one out if you’re interested in:
🩸Marriage of convenience
🩸 Fated mates
🩸 Interspecies adventures
🩸 Omegaverse
🩸 Goofy characters who win your heart, even without a soul

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for this ARC! My opinions are my own. Bride is on shelves February 6, 2024.

This was my first Ali Hazelwood book and it was actually great. There were so many good elements - vampyres vs. werewolves, marriage of convenience, spicy slow burn, mates, found family, mystery, humor, etc. I absolutely loved Misery, she was so relatable and hilarious. Lowe was the perfect broody self-sacrificing alpha boy. The side characters were great too - Alex, Ana, Ken Doll, Sparkles, just to name a few.

I finished this in just over a day and I feel like I should read more of Ali’s books now even though I’m not usually a romcom girly. The relationship & spice were well done, the mystery of Misery’s missing best friend was interesting and surprising, and it was just all around a good time. The last chapter may have gone off the rails a little bit but other than that I really have no complaints. Definitely going to snag a copy of this when it comes out.

Very grateful to Berkley Publishing for the ARC!

I was so excited to get this ARC for “Bride" from the queen of STEM and spice, Ali Hazelwood. I highly recommend this story - I was such a fan!

Vampyre Misery Lark is wedded to the Alpha Werwolf to broker a peace between species, but Misery has an agenda of her own: Her best friend (a human) has been missing and her only clue leads her to Lowe Moreland, the Alpha. To find her she’ll do whatever it takes, even marry her enemy.

This was such a fun paranormal romance wrapped around a mystery with some inter-species politics sprinkled in!

4⭐️: Bride by Ali Hazelwood

this arc had me glued to my kindle for two days. every time I had a moment to spare, I went straight to reading the next chapter.

you have misery, a vampyre, who had spent her entire life feeling like an outcast. and you have lowe, an alpha werewolf, who has the pressure of protecting his pack while also forging for a better world where all species can live amongst one another in peace.

stick these two very different people together and what do you get? a marriage of convenience with both parties expecting one thing but the universe had given them a different outcome.

I loved misery’s character, she was hilarious and intelligent and protective. while lowe’s character was authoritative and ruthless but also loving and gentle. both these characters were so loveable, I couldn’t help but fall for them quickly.

I will say this book had a good amount of a political aspect since the story line deals with peacekeeping alliances amongst three species, governmental organizations, authoritative standings etc. but it didn’t deter from the plot, it all tied together throughout each chapter.

I won’t say anything specific, obviously, bc most of what I say would ruin the book for everyone. one thing I will say tho, this book was HILARIOUS so look forward to laughing out loud.

also, I’m sure the author has a second book up her sleeve bc…😏

Ali Hazelwood has written a spicy paranormal romance with a vampire (vampyre) bride and a werewolf (were) groom. It’s much darker and steamier than her STEM books but still has her epic banter and humor and I devoured it.

Misery Lark’s father is a powerful and cruel vampyre leader and he wants her to marry Lowe Moreland, a strong alpha were, as part of an alliance to keep the peace between the vampyres and weres. Misery enters into a marriage of convenience with Lowe but she has an ulterior motive - it will give her the opportunity to look for her best friend Serena, who has disappeared and could be in were territory. After Misery moves into the were compound, she isn’t trusted and is an outcast, but no worries, this doesn’t last long.

The story really takes off in the second half when Lowe and Misery spend more time together. Misery is really snarky and made me laugh. She has so many great one line zingers. I loved how supportive Lowe is of Misery and how he stands up for her, letting the pack know she is under his protection. It is wonderful to see Misery use her special Vampyre powers and genius computer hacking skills to help the Pack uncover the threats against them.

This book has more drama than her other books and it’s also a lot spicier. Some of the details of their mating are a little awkward as they learn how to make it work between them, but happily, they get it figured out. Lowe and Misery really are perfect for each other.

There are some wonderful characters like Ana, Lowe’s little sister, Owen, Misery’s twin brother, Serena and a cat named Sparkles. There are villains, betrayals, kidnappings, and lots of love and spice with werewolf knotting. There are hints that there could be a second book to follow and I’m all in for that! .

If you are Hazelwood fan like me and would enjoy dipping your toe into her paranormal world, this is one you can really sink your teeth into! Many thanks to Ali Hazelwood, Berkley and NetGalley for this fun read.

This was not my favorite Ali Hazlewood. I do appreciate the change up with it being supernatural, but it's starting to feel like the same book over and over. A small woman and a very large man, woman is pretty slow to realize that the man loves her, etc.

Overall it was fine, but the spicey scenes were very gross to me.