The Weaver Bride was a unique and interesting addition to the romantasy genre however there were some parts that made the book hard to enjoy. I found the magic hard to follow and felt the same way about the start of the book. It took me a few tries to get into the book but once I did I enjoyed the FMC.

This was such an interesting and unique read! From the start I was intrigued by this world, the magic system, and the complex characters. Although a bit slow at the beginning the buildup was worth it as it sets everything up nicely for the remainder of the book. The story follows silwitch Lovett Tamerlane as she works to make ends meet while keeping hidden to avoid attention. Things go awry when Eliot Lear learns of her magic and wants to use her magic to solve the mystery of his sister's death while she participates in the Vainglory competition. Mystery, secrets, forbidden romance, and high stakes drama ensue as we follow the characters through this murder mystery and competition.

For me the best part of the book has to be the twists and turns. The mystery and secrets kept me so invested I didn't want to put the book down! The romance never felt like the main point of the book which I loved. We get to see a strong fmc who will do what is best for her, is unapologetic, and is never afraid to put herself first and honestly it was very refreshing to read. Lovett was a breath of fresh air that speaks her mind and when the tension builds between her and Elliot the banter is amazing! Overall I enjoyed this book and am curious to see what comes next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an advanced copy!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing my access to your content and allowing me to review it! This book had the potential to be great, but unfortunately I felt it fell a little flat. I enjoyed the story and the plot, but I was disappointed by the romance. It felt as if the characters were lacking chemistry, so I had no reason to root for them. I also wish some of these side characters would have been built up more and made more complex, that would tremendously add to the story. I defiantly think that the story had potential and could have had more a chance to thrive had the book been a little longer or split up into two. Though I am not sure if we will see a sequel I do think there is potential in one. Overall, had the story and characters been more developed, this would have received a higher rating from me! Still, it is an enjoyable and digestible read in the fantasy genre.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
The Weaver Bride — A Magical Competition Full of Secrets, Silk, and Savage Charm 🧵✨

The Weaver Bride swept me into a world of dark deals, cutthroat courtship, and enchantments spun from strands of hair—and I was hooked from page one. Lydia Gregovic has crafted a romantasy that feels like The Bachelor met The Hunger Games in a high-fantasy ballroom, with all the drama, deadly stakes, and slow-burn romance you could want 💃🔮.

The story follows Lovett Tamerlane, a headstrong silkwitch who’s spent her life outrunning a fate she never chose. In her world, silkwitches must marry powerful Weavers by the age of 21 or be locked away in the cloisters forever. Instead of submitting, Lovett’s been living by her wits—and her rare magical gift: the ability to open any locked door. When she’s caught stealing and forced into the mysterious, elite marriage competition known as the Vainglory, everything changes. Her ticket to freedom? Win the heart of a royal heir… or uncover a murder in a palace that practically hums with secrets 🗝️💔👑.

The worldbuilding here is fresh, stylish, and immersive. The silk-based magic system is rich and imaginative, and the political structure is just complex enough to be intriguing without overwhelming you. The visuals—twisting staircases, floating palaces, gowns threaded with power—are nothing short of cinematic 🌫️🏰.

Lovett is a sharp, sarcastic, and satisfyingly flawed heroine. She makes bad choices, trusts the wrong people, and barrels forward with stubborn determination—and honestly, I loved that about her. Eliot, the mysterious "deal with the devil" type, plays the brooding counterpart, and their dynamic smolders in that classic slow-burn way. There's a definite romantic tension that grows with every scene, but it never fully tips over into full-blown romance—so if you're here for the love story, expect the tension, not necessarily the payoff (yet) 💅🔥.

There are a few bumps in the road. The middle portion of the book slows down as Lovett adjusts to life inside the palace, and the murder mystery subplot feels more atmospheric than actively plotted. Eliot, while compelling, remains a little emotionally opaque, and I wanted just a bit more depth to really latch onto his side of the story. Also, the ending leaves several threads open—not in a frustrating way, but in a clear setup for a sequel kind of way. (Yes, there’s a cliffhanger. Yes, I am already impatient for book two.) 😩📚

Final Verdict: 4/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

A lush, inventive romantasy filled with intrigue, magic, and razor-sharp edges. The Weaver Bride is perfect for readers who love court politics, dangerous bargains, morally gray love interests, and heroines who refuse to play by anyone else's rules. A few pacing hiccups and lightly drawn side characters keep it from being a full five stars—but this world has me in its silk-spun grip.

If you're into deadly gowns, layered secrets, and fantasy with fashion and teeth, this one's for you. More, please 🕸️💘🗡️.

I’m not usually a huge fantasy girl but I’ve been trying to get more into it and The Weaver Bride was fantastic for this! It reminded me a lot of The Selection in some ways but spun its own twist on so many different parts of the story. There’s a marriage competition and a love triangle but it still plays into many different fantasy aspects. I loved the world building and had a great time with this book.

Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Press for allowing me to read and review The Weaver Bride! All thoughts and opinions are my own. All quotes used are from a possibly unfinished/unedited copy. They may change in the finished copy.

The Weaver Bride is the first book in a new fantasy romance duology by the author of The Monstrous Kind. After finishing The Weaver Bride, I may need to check out The Monstrous Kind sooner than later.

"Now, though, faced with a roster of other girls with gifts like mine, I had to wonder... Perhaps I was not exceptional. Perhaps I had just been alone."

Lovett Tamerlane is a silkwitch with a power of being able to open any door without a key. Her power, like many other silkwitches, will die out in just a few years. If she does not find a Weaver husband in time of her twenty-first birthday, she will be sent to a nightmarish place called the cloisters. A place where silkwitch powers will drain and the witches themselves are imprisoned. One night, she meets Eliot Lear, a Weaver who is searching for the murderer who killed his sister during an event called the Vainglory. It is a competition for silkwitches to compete for the hand of a Weaver in the royal family. He and Lovett strike a bargain, using Lovett to infiltrate the Vainglory's trials as a competitor, and sleuth for clues and questioning suspects during the games.

"Every suspect eliminated furthered my objectives, like a pair of drapes drawn closed over on in a line of windows. Eventually, I would reach the view I needed. And when I peered through its glass, I did not know whom I would see looking back at me."

The story and its mystery of Eliot's sister Ophelia remind me a bit of Stalking Jack the Ripper, but in a fantasy regency setting. I enjoyed the gothic atmosphere of the competition and the closer and closer Lovett got to figuring out Ophelia's death throughout the book. The magic of the silkwitches is a very intriguing and interesting system. I wish we could have read more about their magic and the use of their hair, which is coveted by Weavers. With the magic being used in a competitive way, instead of being told of what the characters could do, I would have liked to have been able to read more about it and see how the other characters were able to prevail through the trials. The ways of communication throughout the book i.e. the candle notes and the burning coins between Lovett and Eliot reminded me a little bit of a book series that shall not be named. I really liked the use of magic in this story. I hope we will see more used in the sequel.

"With fewer Weavers than silkwitches, our futures entirely dependent on securing a husband, we would always be like foxes in a trap, chewing off our legs for a chance at safety. I did not blame any of the others for their choices, no more than I blamed myself. But... a private part of me mourned for them, for us. For the friendships we might have had, had society not forced us into the role of enemies."

While there is a romantic element in book one, I think we will see a lot more of it in book two. Knowing there would be a sequel helped with not feeling disappointed that there wasn't more included. However, I do wish there were a few more scheming scenes added, or back and forth arguments between Eliot and Lovett. Lovett is left alone for the most part with the occasional secret meeting with Eliot. Personally, I would have loved to have seen more depth built on their unbidden attraction between a penniless silkwitch and the reluctant sorcerer who blackmailed her into admitting the Vainglory. There is a sense of yearning between them, a forbidden chemistry they can not unveil to anyone, even themselves. Their romantic moments reminded me of Mr. Darcy when he does the hand flex after touching Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. So, yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing more of Lovett and Eliot in book two, especially after that epilogue!

" You have destroyed me."

The overall mystery and the breadcrumbs leading to the reveals is exhilarating. It has left me impatient for what will be coming next. I'm looking forward to feeling the female rage come from Lovett in book two, and seeing how she will reign over those beneath her.

4.75 stars

Genre: YA Mystery Romantasy
Format(s): eBook
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐🔑
Spice: 🌶️
Tropes: Trials and Competition, Forbidden Romance, He Falls Harder, Class Difference

----Summary----
The Weaver Bride is a fascinating fantasy tale about a woman living in a patriarchal society where silkwitches (women with magical hair) must be married off to a weaver husband, or else they are sent to the cloisters never to be seen again. There are more silkwitches than weavers, and the FMC lacks the means and social standing required to have a shot at landing a marriage. When a young man from a prominent weaver family offers her an ultimatum, find his sister Ophelia's murder and he will help her secure a marriage or be abandoned to her fate, she has no choice but to help. In order to solve this mystery though, she must participate in the Vainglory, a marriage competition which ended in the death of Ophelia the previous year.

----Thoughts----
|| Comp and Overall Thoughts ||
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Such an entertaining read with an ever evolving and intriguing plot. The way I would describe this book was a Bridgerton-esque mystery that, to me, had similar vibes to a less gothic Belladonna. Slow to start, once this book picks up steam it just keeps going until it steamrolls you, in the best way possible. The romance, top tier yearning forbidden romance.

|| The Ranting ||
There were only a few things I didn't like about this book. First is that I found some of the sentence structure to be a bit, disconcerting, for lack of a better word. I often found myself going back and rereading sentences because they seemed to run on or the words were written in an odd order that didn't make sense on the first read. Also the romance, which was a slow burn, all of sudden started in a rush. There was not enough interaction or relationship development between the characters for me to believe that either had romantic feelings for each other when they have their first romantic encounter. I got over that quick though, because the chemistry between the FMC and MMC after that was just undeniably electric.

|| The Raving ||
I CONSTANTLY found myself wanting to pick this book up every chance I got to jump back in and see what was going to happen next. I loved the way the mystery was intertwined with the competition events, with clues being sprinkled in all throughout the story. The clues were thought provoking and the trials were unique. I adored the magic system and the different witches and Wits that were introduced along the way. After the romance shifts from the slow burn, my eyes were glued to the page and my heart was racing. All the characters, both main characters and side characters, were so distinctive and interesting. Also, I loved that the FMC is strong, independent, and clever. Once I hit the 65% mark in this book, I couldn't put it down. This is a book that had me up at 2am, dropping my eReader on my face because I couldn't stop reading even when I was falling asleep. Finally, the ending, the reveals, the drama. It was a whirlwind that spun me violently, slammed me into the ground, and left me reeling with all the feels. I cannot wait for the next book.

----Final Verdict----
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves the trials and competitions trope and is looking for an exhilarating lightly gothic mystery romance with dash of Bridgerton flair. I recommend this to all the girlies who want that banter, yearning, and forbidden romance itch scratched, and scratched hard.

----Thank You----
Thank you NetGalley, Lydia Gregovic, and Random House Children's Books/Delacorte Press for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed, either eloquently or prattling, are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for this e-ARC.

A delightfully gothic tale with unique worldbuilding! The chills I got from this book were perfect to shake off the summer heat.

The relationship between silkwitches and weavers influenced a creative magic system that I enjoyed learning about. The cloisters that take all unwed silkwitches were eerie and like Lovett, they loomed in the back of my mind. I can't remember the last time I read a novel where magic had such horrible consequences.

The creepiness doesn't end there. Lovett, the protagonist, has to solve the murder of a socialite silkwitch. As a fellow silkwitch, she'll enter the Vainglory--the ultimate competition in which one victorious silkwitch will become a bride and escape the fate of the cloisters.

I found The Weaver Bride to be a richly imaginative fantasy wrapped in a dark marriage competition and a murder mystery. Lovett is a silkwitch who can open any door, and she’s desperate to avoid being shunted into cloisters. When Eliot, a Weaver’s son, recruits her to solve his sister’s death in exchange for a chance to enter the deadly Vainglory competition, things escalate fast. The first quarter of the book felt slow while the rules and politics were unfolding. But once Lovett steps into the competition, the story grabbed me. I flew through the last half. I loved the gothic setting and silk based magic. The characters sparred with wit and distrust, and Lovett’s cleverness as both thief and survivor kept me rooting for her though sometimes I wished she felt more emotionally grounded. The magic system is novel and atmospheric, though I did get confused about how some parts worked. The mystery had good twists, though a few felt predictable. Still, the combination of romance, intrigue, and magical stakes kept it entertaining.

Don’t come for me, cuz this book was a richly imagined world, weaving a tale that is both enchanting and deeply moving.

The prose is exquisite, painting vivid landscapes and characters you'll instantly connect with.

It's a story of destiny, choice, and the intricate threads that bind us, full of heart and a touch of magic that will sweep you away.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children’s Books, and Delacorte Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Lydia Gregovic has the most stunning writing! I immediately become immersed in her worlds and The Weaver Bride was no exception!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books for the eARC copy of this book!

Brief Summary:
As a skillwitch, Lovett Tamerlane has few options: she can either find a husband, or she will be forced to enter the cloisters with other single skillwitches. Having zero prospects due to her lack of social standing and wanting nothing to do with the cloisters, she hopes she can hide in plain sight with her dyed hair, her secretive business as a thief, and her power that allows her to unlock any room.

When her most recent job puts her in the path of a man from a powerful magic family who caters to the King, he offers her the chance of a lifetime: an invitation to compete for the prince’s hand. The catch? She has to find out what happened to the man’s sister who ☠️ in the last competition.

Tropes & Other Info:
✨ Begrudging Allies-to-Lovers / Enemies-to-Lovers
✨ Magic
✨ ☠️ Mystery
✨ Skillwitches, Weavers, Humans
✨ Competition to be the prince’s wife
✨ Secret missives
✨ Betrayals
✨ Hidden Agendas
✨ Hidden doors/tunnels
✨ Spying
⚠️ Withholding the Truth
⚠️ Misogyny
⚠️ ☠️

Thoughts:
This story was so interesting! It had a Gothic/Victorian vibe to it where it reminded me distinctly of House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig. The opening started with a writing style/tone almost like a Regency romance where you have a character at a hotel where everyone is very prim and proper and the language matched that vibe. Yet, once you find out why Lovett is there and see the repercussions of her being there, the writing changed and the mystery kicked in.

The romance of the story was very much a “Will they? Won’t they?” scenario with a begrudging allies-to-lovers/enemies-to-lovers situation. I really liked the dynamic between the FMC and the MMC. The tension between them was great, and I appreciated their scenes together.

As for the competition, the competitors all had their own distinct powers, which made for a really cool magic system. The only qualm I really had with the competition was that I wanted more magic-related events, including group-related ones. Also, most of it involved them doing things individually where you didn’t get to see how the other competitors performed their tasks, and a lot of time was spent on the FMC trying to solve the mystery behind the scenes.

I also thought that the final reveal scene felt abrupt. Note that this is not a cliffhanger complaint (I love a good cliffhanger). It’s more that it kind of felt like it was an unfinished cliffhanger where I really needed more in that final scene to transition out of the book.

All-in-all, I would recommend this one. I am so curious where the next book is going to take all of this and can’t wait!

Wow, this book is so fun! The beginning was a tad slow, but once things picked up I was so inthralled. This book whisked me away on the adventure and gave a much needed escape!

I have read a lot of fantasy books that involve a competition to win someones hand. This one was that, but more. Lovett just wants a better life and not to end up at the cloisters. Enter Eliot, someone who needs her help and offers her everything she wants on a silver platter. Help him find out what happened to his sister and he'll make sure she doesn't end up in the cloisters. All she has to do is agree to be part of a competition that took Eliot's sisters life the previous year. What follows is a couple of stories weaved together. One story is the competition and trying to stay after each event. Another story is the search for the truth of Eliot's sister. The third story is the building attraction between Lovett and Eliot. And finally, what is the big secret in the basement that people will kill for? The author did a great job telling each of these stories without getting lost. The stories weave together for a nail biting finale that leaves you wishing the sequel was already out.

This lush, atmospheric fantasy blends magic, mystery, and romance with razor-sharp tension and rich world-building.

The concept of silkwitches and Weavers is fresh and imaginative, and reminded me a lot of Discovery of Witches (I haven't read the books I KNOW I KNOW but I absolutely loved the tv show). Lovett’s rare ability to open any door adds a thrilling, heist-like edge to the story. From the moment she crosses paths with Eliot Lear, a charming yet dangerous puzzle of an MMC, the stakes skyrocket. Their uneasy alliance, forged in secrets and simmering chemistry, makes every interaction electric (the tension, the angst!).

The Vainglory competition is equal parts dazzling and deadly—a cross between a regency ball and a murder mystery. As Lovett unravels the haunting mystery of Ophelia Lear’s death, the plot twists keep coming, and nothing is quite what it seems.

For fans of richly layered fantasies with strong heroines, dark intrigue, and a hint of betrayal, Lovett Tamerlane is pure magic from start to finish.

I'm on a romantasy kick at the moment, and this was an interesting addition to the reading list. I've not yet encountered this particular type of magic system before, which feels like a mix between Tangled and Rumpelstiltskin , so that itself was interesting. This is definitely slow-burn, and perhaps shouldn't be classed as romantasy quite yet, at least not until we get past the current cliff-hanger! There are definitely romantic elements, and a lot of setting up of potential partners, but if you like clear cut, this probably isn't the book for you. If you like twisty-turns, mystery, and enemies-to-something different, definitely give it a try!

Really enjoyed the Weaver Bride! The tone and setting were just great. I loved the gothic vibe and suspense it just felt a little more traditional than some of the other deadly games/fantasies I’ve read recently. The epilogue was really good and set up a series I’ll want to continue with!

if there is one thing that Lydia Gregovic can do, it is to curate the atmosphere of her novels. the vibes are always immaculate. it is the execution of the plot that falls flat. i don’t understand why everything has to be a competition these days. been there, done that!!!! oh, this book would have eaten if it was more mystery-based instead of having a marriage competition 😔 i will not be seated for the sequel.

my jaw is DROPPED. i read this book in one day but will need at least five business days to process.

i was sucked in from the beginning and the twistiness of it all never let me go. its gritty and everyone is, at minimim, morally grey and the twist! no spoilers but god i wish this was a series!

also, hello to this great example of a book in the young adult genre that is fast-paced, a little dark, and full of unlikeable characters. thank yoooouuuuu.

i did choose to read an ARC of this book because it was already on my TBR. no regrets.

This book is much darker than the pretty pink cover, fancy edges, and romantasy label led me to believe. There's a definite dystopian edge to the way the women are treated.

That said, the magic system is unique and intriguing. I feel like there's way more to learn about it as well.

The weakest part of the story was the romance. I wasn’t particularly feeling the FMC's connection with either of the male leads.

I also had a bit of trouble telling the other female candidates apart. None of them got enough screen time to leave much of an impression.

I did enjoy the story and look forward to reading the next book.