Fantastic! If you like YA fantasy, you need to read this! The magic system is unique and the story drew me in. It was unputdownable! I cannot wait until it comes out so I can get it for my 14 year old daughter so we can discuss it. I did not see the ending coming. Please tell me there is a book two on the way!

Thank you NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the e-arc. All opinions are my own and freely given.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC.

Rating: 3.5

Lovett Tamerlane is a silkwitch - blessed with magical hair and a Wit - a speciality gift unique to her. Her Wit, to open any door whether locked or not, allows her the freedom to come and go as she pleases. However, there is a deadline hovering over her: as a silkwitch, if she does not marry a Weaver (a male sorcerer) before she turns 21, she will be resigned to a life in the cloisters. A unique opportunity approaches her, promising safety from that terrible end if she agrees to assist him in investigating the details of his sister's death at last year's Vainglory competition.

I was intrigued by the plot initially, as the idea of a competition between young ladies with unique magical gifts vying for the hand of a powerful Weaver gave a fun spin on the bridal style competition trope. However, I feel as though the biggest focus on the plot was Lovett's relationships with the other major characters. The actual trials were quick affairs and a lot of the time, we follow Lovett as she thinks and investigates to resolve the reason why she is there - solving the murder of Ophelia Lear.

The ending (last 5%) of the book spits out information in quick succession to tie up all the loose plot points. I feel there was an opportunity to delve more into teasing these revelations out.

What I Enjoyed:
- a unique magical system in which each silkwitch has her own particular Wit
- the underlying mystery of Ophelia Lear's death
- the idea of the silkwitches' hair being spun into magesilk to produce Woven goods (magical artifacts)

What I Believed Could Be Better:
- the hot/cold romance Lovett has with another character
- the ending being more an explanation monologue, similar to an infodump
- the abrupt ending (is there a sequel?)
- the trials being more like small stumbling blocks than fledged out affairs for the ladies to pass or fail

Lovett es una joven bruja de seda que ha aprendido a sobrevivir sola en una sociedad que mercantiliza su existencia. Alejada de los círculos privilegiados, oculta su verdadera identidad con tinte para el cabello y vive al margen, ejecutando trabajos clandestinos para damas de la alta sociedad. Su carácter es fuerte, astuto y emocionalmente complejo. Su rebeldía ante el destino impuesto a las brujas de seda la convierte en una heroína fascinante: una mezcla de ladrona, espía y sobreviviente.

Eliot Lear es hijo del poderoso político Reginald Lear, y resulta ser un Tejedor con una historia familiar envuelta en tragedia, especialmente por la muerte de su hermana, Ophelia. Su carácter es igualmente inteligente, pero más reservado y estratégico. A diferencia de los fríos y abusivos hombres de poder que Lovett ha conocido, Eliot se muestra curioso, provocador y, en última instancia, genuinamente interesado en ella como persona, no solo como recurso mágico.

El encuentro entre Lovett y Eliot es un duelo de ingenios, lleno de tensión y atracción mutua. Ambos juegan roles: él, el aristócrata que esconde intenciones más profundas; ella, la bruja disfrazada de doncella ordinaria. Su relación comienza con desconfianza, pero rápidamente se torna en una alianza precaria, una que podría ofrecerle a Lovett algo que nunca ha tenido: una verdadera oportunidad.




Necesito el siguiente libro.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest.

Hmmm... what to write. 3.5 stars from me. If you like dark romantasy, you might want to give this one a try. This is the first in a series. That is made clear at the end. I'm always glad to know that before I begin a book. On the one hand, the book is fascinating. On the other hand, there isn't much chemistry between the characters. Is there really much romance? I'm not sure I believed in it. That plotline could be by design as that leaves possibilities for the future. I might have liked more character building. The work is interesting. I guessed correctly at one of the end reveals but one part was a total surprise to me.
I didn't close the book with a smile. At the same time, I am invested in knowing what is in store when the next book is published. So...I liked the book. I didn't love the book. I wanted something more from it. I will most likely read the next book. I was given an ARC through NetGalley so I could give a fair review. My thanks to the Random House as well.

I have mixed thoughts and feelings about The Weaver Bride. The plot was unique and interesting and the author, mostly, delivered well on this story though I didn't realize it would be the first in a series. I like series books so this isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it felt as if the story was reaching a conclusion that didn't happen. The world building was okay, but the magic system was confusing. I'm still not sure that I understand it, so hopefully this is flushed out more in the sequel. The romance was subpar and wasn't believable, but I think it is because the MMC was so lackluster and dull despite being broody. It was a decent story.

Summary 📝

The Weaver Bride is a captivating romantasy that follows Lovett Tamerlane, a silkwitch with a rare magic and a dangerous secret—she can open any door. With no status, money, or prospects, she uses her gift to survive, until a risky theft brings her face to face with Eliot Lear, the mysterious son of a powerful Weaver family. Eliot offers her a chance to compete in the deadly Vainglory, a marriage competition whose previous winner—his sister—died under suspicious circumstances. As Lovett races to uncover the truth behind the murder, she must navigate a world of power, secrets, and desire, where love and betrayal go hand in hand.

Thoughts 💭

This book had a very intriguing concept, the plot was very enjoyable and I found myself to be pretty engaged with the story. I do think that the magic system could be made a little more clear overall, while I understood most of it, there were some points that had me confused. Lovett was truly the driving force of this book, Eliot was kind of dull to be honest. So much so I was wishing for an enemies to lovers plot to unfold with a different character in the novel.

That ending definitely has me wanting more though. It did start off a tad slow for me but soon picked up as I kept reading.

Overall Rating : 4⭐️

This book was given by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lovett is a silk witch who is running out of options. The closer she gets to her 21st birthday without a husband, the closer she gets to being shut away forever. When Eliot offers her a spot in a competition to gain a husband in exchange for helping him solve his sister’s murder, she accepts because she has no choice. This book was a romantasy who done it, and I thought that was a lot of fun.

Admittedly, I fell in love with the cover.

And after the first 2 chapters I was like… eh…

But then something clicked and I couldn’t put this story down…I had to know what would happen to Lovett, so I read until I finished it at 1:30 am on a school night. As I started to get near the end, I realized I wasn’t going to get the resolution I wanted because I’d blundered into an unfinished series. Now I’m going to have to wait. Rookie move, picking a book for the cover…

first off, this was not advertised as the beginning of a series, so that was unfair. i definitely was expecting a conclusion that never came and my anticipation of the book’s close was somewhat let down by this fact. additionally, i found the author’s excessive use of semi-colons where, in fact, periods and new sentences belonged, frustrating. her prose seemed intentionally difficult at times, like she wanted to trip me up. however, in other places where she wrote … not simply, because that’s not what i want or require, but maybe … more from the soul, i found it very beautiful.

the actual storyline, once it got underway, was addictive and devastating, even though lovett is not a very strong mfc (how many times will you stand there silently, darling dear??). i didn’t know who to trust, who to want lovett to be with. her chemistry with eliot seemed rushed after only a handful of encounters, but i enjoyed the loath-to-love thing they had going on.

i did find the end where all the secrets are conveniently spilled … well, convenient and a let down. if they were going to have a frank conversation, it did not require that final challenge win to do so, nor her discovery of his ties to ophelia, nor what was behind the moonless door. plus, the entire book didn’t need to happen if noé had simply admitted to eliot what went down between him and ophelia. the fact that there was no murder, no resolution, no coverup felt unsatisfying. final thought, i don’t understand how noé is getting away with his bride when clearly his father will know what she knows. it all seems too contrived, too opportune.

clearly, there was merit to the book, because i have these many thoughts! i just feel like there were some plot holes, some dramatic elements added for a simple red herring effect that angered more than intrigued (dorian’s entire character was a waste — so much potential there, squandered!). if i had a chance, i’d read the sequel, just to know how many more bad decisions everyone is going to make and if lovett ends up with someone she likes 😅

3 Stars
ARC review

Ahhhh I’m really not sure what to think of this book! The general idea of the book is really solid- I loved the idea of the magic system and I loved the plot, but the execution just wasn’t there. The magic itself was one of the most confusing parts of this book. Actually, I still don’t think I fully understand the magic system but I liked how unique the general idea of it was. And then there’s also the romance… which, unfortunately, also didn’t hit for me. The MMC seeks out the FMC to help him solve his sister’s death, but here’s the catch: she must join the competition to become the future king’s wife in order to solve the mystery. See, this is one of the parts that I actually really enjoyed. Normally, when there are competitions for becoming queen, like The Selection by Keira Cass, the FMC goes into it thinking that she “hates” him, but ends up falling for him. That’s not this book!!! In this book, she’s more attracted to the future king’s friend, the man who sought her out to help solve his sisters murder. The FMC… she’s painted to be this astute character who notices the unnoticed, and yet she’s so oblivious when it comes to this man!! It honestly drove me mad at times how she just couldn’t see it. And the MMC is very bland. I do love a morally grey MMC, but he wasn’t even morally grey, he was just kind of broody, and not a hot broody. The ending kind of blew my mind and it’s honestly what redeemed this book for me, so of course you can bet that I’ll be waiting on the edge of my seat for book 2.

Features -
- Reluctant allies to lovers
- Political plot
- Mystery
- Romance
- YA
- Competition for future queen
- First person
- Single POV

For ages 12 and up - The Weaver Bride is a lush YA romantasy set in a world that is a little bit steampunk and a lot magical. There were twists that I did not anticipate, and it ended on a cliffhanger! As an adult reader that rarely chooses YA fiction, I truly enjoyed this book. It will be published on September 30, 2025.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

🩷THE WEAVER BRIDE🩷 by @_lydiagregovic_ out: 9/30/2025

QOTD:what’s a book that has a competition in it that you loved?

I can’t stop thinking about this one! The magic system is so unique in this story and Lovett (FMC) is so complex and unpredictable and she left me stunned with her actions. This is the first time in a long time where a book ending genuinely shocked me and I need book two like I need water 😂🩷 I loved the mystery aspect of this story and loved how well it blended into amongst the romantasy aspect. I enjoyed this one a lot and will be recommending to anyone who will listen

Small blurb: Lovett is a silkwitch, meaning she holds a rare magic that can only be utilized to its full potential if she marries a weaver otherwise she will be sent to the Cloisters. A handsome stranger approaches her with a bargain to help her win a ruthless marriage competition to win the weaver king’s son’s hand in exchange for helping the stranger determine how his sister (who died in the same competition the previous year) died and who is responsible.


About this book:
✨marriage competition
✨yearning
✨twists/secrets/ hidden identities
✨stubborn romance
✨reluctant allies
✨unreliable/unpredictable narrator

Thank you @delacortepress @randomhousekids and @netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

#books #romantasy #reading #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookworm

I’m going to be completely honest with you, I was drawn to this book because the cover and sprayed edges looked so pretty, haha. HOWEVER, the book and storyline blew me away!! Such a unique magic system and great chemistry between Lovett and Eliot. I also enjoyed the mystery element that was thrown in as well. I need the next book to come out ASAP!!

Witchy, magical, suspenseful—The Weaver Bride has such a unique vibe that completely pulled me in. Lydia Gregovic weaves (pun intended!) a story that’s part fantasy thriller, part slow-burn romance, and 100% gripping.

The character development was solid, and I loved how the story slowly unraveled with twists and turns that totally caught me off guard. Just when you think you’ve figured it out—boom, not even close. The whole “marry to survive” concept added tension and high stakes, and the budding romance felt natural without overpowering the plot.

The pacing was just right—not too slow, not too rushed—and the magical world-building was rich without being overwhelming. Lydia has a way of painting such descriptive imagery that it is easy to get lost in the book. And that cliffhanger? Lydia, how could you leave us like that?? Waiting for the next book is going to be brutal.

If you're into witchy fantasy with thriller vibes, strong characters, and stories that keep you guessing, definitely give this one a read.

Huge thank you Netgalley and Random House Children's Books for the eARC

“If I took you as my wife, would you lie down beside me in peace, or slit my throat while I slept?”

This book had me at mystery and competition for hand in marriage to solve a murder. I’m in!

The FMC has the ability to open any door. ANY Door. That her gift as a witch. She used it to keep herself afloat through theft and lies. That’s until she stole from the wrong person and her whole world changed. She gets offered a once in a lifetime opportunity for a better life but to don’t she has to very secretly help solve a murder.

The competition is full of not just tests and test the witches with magic but also secrets and clues scattered about that could end up solving the murder or possibly even end up being another dead contestant.

The plot of this book with the mystery aspect and sprinkle of romance had me fully invested. You don’t know what will happen next until it happens. You don’t know who to trust and you don’t know how this will end. I can’t wait to read the next book and see where this FMC will end up and what trouble she will get into.

Bride weaver had plenty of suspense for a romantasy. As the plot weaved it's tale offering up little surprises, I couldn't wait to get to the end...only now I have questions and must hope for a second book. This is great for anyone who likes a slow romance, mystery, and being left dangling for a follow up tale.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing me with this eARC.

The Weaver Bride is a fun read. I found the magic system interesting and none of the scenes felt useless. I found myself continuously guessing trying to figure out what happened, and the plot twist caught me off guard. It wasn't perfect though, some of the dialogue was a little repetitive and the ending felt a little weird (it makes sense if this is going to be a series, but as far as I can tell it isn't)

Overall: 4/5 ⭐️

Thank you for the oppotunity to read and review this book.

I will start by saying that I dnf'd this book at 33%
The cover of the book is what first drew me in. It's gorgous and definitely screams romantasy, which made me read the synopsis. The premise was interesting: a marriage trial, unique magic system and a murder mystery. All were interesting so I applied for the arc. There were some compelling concepts that this book could have explored, I just think I wasn't the right audience for this book.

I have two major points of feedback. First, the pacing felt very slow. I found my mind wondering while reading and losing interest. I pushed though looking for something to hook me in. Not even the idea of potiental romance could revive my interest. Lovette and Eliot had no chemistry, and Noe was as bored as I was during Lovette and his first meeting.

The other thing I was struggling with seemed was what felt like a plot hole I couldn't overcome. Ok so young female Silkwitches come into their power at a young age, but are not able to retain it and at some point in their life they will loose their power. The magic welding males, called Weavers, are the only ones who can use the Silkwitches's hair to imbue objects with magical power. Due to this, society has decided that Silkwitches must be married to a Weavers by the time they turn 21 or live forever at a cloister. In both situations, marriage or the cloister, the Silkwitch is forced to use their tresses to promote the wealth of their husband or the cloister. What makes the Silkwitch so dangerous they must be controlled so? Would a disaster fall if a Silkwitch aged without being forced to use their body parts? And why has no one in their society rebelled against this misogyny?

Maybe the book would answers these questions if I had read further, but typically the reader can pick up on the main character's unhappiness early in to give the reader clues that this will be addressed or come into play later in the story.

The Bride Weaver was one of my most anticipated books this year and I loved it. The magic system is soo unique and I am a huge Rumple fan.

Silkwitches, marriage competition, unique magic system were some of the pros of this read. Romantic elements were present and some loose ends have me excited for a potential book 2. I love magical worlds with imagery and this hit the mark.
Thank you to Netgalley, Delacorte Press and Lydia Gregovic for a preview E-Arc of The Weaver Bride in exchange of an honest review.

The weaver bride really drew me in with the cover, like you’re kidding me!? It’s gorgeous! I also heard that it was like a witchy version of the Selection, which as someone who spent a lot of time in middle school reading that series, I was hooked. I wish I could say that I really loved reading this, but there were just too many things I didn’t really love about it. The magic system was interesting and the plot was suspenseful, I just wasn’t really hooked. I also just don’t love the relationships that take place. The cliff hanger was interesting but just not enough to make me want to read a sequel, coupled with how I felt about this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.