Okay I'm obsessed with Bride! I think this may be my new favorite Ali Hazelwood novel! While this is similar to Hazelwoods previous novels, it is also such a huge departure!

Read this is you like:
- omegaverse
- paranormal romance
- intelligent and witty characters
- marriage of convenience
- SPICE that is done so well

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for the ARC!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the ARC and the Joyful Chaos Book Club for facilitating getting the ARC!
There are a few qualifiers I’ll start with: Ali Hazelwood is practically an auto buy author for me and I haven’t really delved into the world of paranormal romance significantly. This to say, as much as I love AH, her books have been getting formulaic. I truly loved this book. AH has such a strong tone to her books and this is evident throughout. The fmc is sassy, opinionated and has a ton of great one liners. This was formulaic, sure, but with the addition of vampires and werewolves definitely added something new and fresh. The world building was decently understandable but there were a couple quirks I needed to re-read a few times just so it was clear in my mind.

I won’t give anything away, but there were some parts that had me questioning, but maybe it’s just because I’m not super familiar with the genre. I can’t wait for this to release so everyone can get the joy of reading this one! If you’re a fan of AH you will not be disappointed!

A Vampire in an arranged marriage with the ruthless Werewolf Alpha...nothing could possibly go wrong right? Misery Lark is the daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman and has been an outcast her entire life, shunned by her own kind, hated by humans and werewolves, her only true friend is her childhood companion/sister, Serena who has mysteriously disappeared leaving behind a cryptic journal with only one phrase in it as a clue : L.E. Moreland. When her father request she enter into an arranged marriage with the newly appointed Alpha of the Werewolves she wants to say no... except when she learns its none other than Lowe Moreland, she knows she has to say yes. He is the only clue to what could have happened to Serena and Misery will do anything to find her sister. Yet this marriage is meant to ensure a peace treaty between the vampyres and the werewolves, essentially forcing Misery into being a hostage living in Lowe's home for a year. Misery knows Lowe has a mate despite agreeing to marry her, yet the closer the grow the more confusing their feelings become. It doesn't help that their marriage has it's own politics to deal with, from werewolves and vampires wanting to assassinate either one of them and Lowe being hot and cold with his feelings. Misery just wants to find her sister, yet the longer she stays with Lowe the more she finds herself opening her heart to the very wolf she never expected to fall for... but can she be with him when he has a mate... or is he keeping another secret from her? This was a really fun vampire/werewolf and fated mates romance. I loved Misery, she's fun and cute, I love how caring she is and how she's willing to give everyone a chance, despite being hurt by so many people in her life. Lowe is a great love interest and I wanted to shake him at times and tell him " JUST TELL HER " but overall I could see what his mentality was and how he cared for her so much that he wanted to put her needs and feelings above his. They really had a sweet romance. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE, I AM LOOKING AT YOU KOEN AND SERENA. The book was a bit slow to get into and the romance itself was really slow burn ( not picking up at all until the 50% mark) but once it gets going, it gets going and I loved it. I really enjoyed the world that Ali created and am excited to see where she goes next with these werewolves and vampyres! if you enjoy paranormal romances with fun protagonists and swoony love interests, definitely give this a go, this was such a fun read!

*Thanks Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Thank you so much Berkley and NetGalley for the arc! This was such a fun read and I can't wait to get the physical copy to annotate it. The romance in this book was so amazing omg. I will definitely recommend this book to my friends!

If Alice Cullen and Jacob from twilight were forced into a marriage…jk but it is full of Vampyre and Werewolf action!

Though this was a new genre for Ali, I think she absolutely nailed it. She still gave us the comedy and feel good moments that we love to see but added some blood, paranormal species, mysterious disappearances, and alliances to the mix. This book had me in a chokehold and I fell in love with Lowe (MMC)! Looks like he could kill you but is a cinnamon roll…but could actually kill you bc he’s the alpha Were. He was just the sweetest and I loved his relationship with Misery (FMC) and his pack. This book made me lol…mainly Misery made me lol but her brother Owen was also a hoot and it was full with silly banter. Some of the descriptions were a bit confusing at times and the knot gave me the ick but this was such a solid read. Also is this a series??? Idk but that epilogue left me needing more 👏👏👏

What to expect
👰‍♀️ Marriage of Convenience
🫶 Forced Proximity
🐺 “My Wife” moment
🙋‍♂️ Single guardian
🔎 Mystery

Bride by Ali Hazelwood 🧛🏻🐺

I’m not much of a paranormal romance reader so I had no idea what I was in for going into this. It was absolutely amazing and makes me want to sprinkle in some more paranormal / omegaverse romances into my reading! Plus I love how Ali still incorporated some women in STEM in!

Misery is the only daughter of the most powerful vampyre councilman, yet is treated as an outcast. She lives anonymously among humans until she is called back by her father. There is a historical practice between the vampyres and weres(wolves) where one important member from each is to live with the other for a period of time and if anything happens to that person exchanged, the peace between the two species is broken. Misery ends up living with the Were Alpha, Lowe Moreland. He's known for being ruthless and ruling over his pack strictly but fairly. A marriage of convenience results from the exchange in order to help protect Misery, but they are slow to trust each other. Especially because Misery has a secret reason why she agreed to the marriage in the first place.

I loved this book. The story, the romance, the politics between the vampyres and the wires. It was all so much fun and had me hooked. I read this book in less than a day because I had to know what Misery was secretly looking for, why Lowe was so protective of his pack, and why there was so much tension between them from the start. There were a few scenes that had me screaming... the feeding scene?!?! 🩸🫠

Lowe. LOWE. I love him. He's so caring, protective, and will go absolutely feral if anything happens to his wife. You know he fell first and hard for Misery but did what he thought was best for his pack by keeping his distance from her, which leads to some delicious slow burn. While we don't get his POV in this, we do get a very small glimpse at the beginning of chapters.

It had all the Ali charm while taking on a new sub-genre of romance. I think this is a perfect book to dip your toes into omegaverse to see how you like it.

🧛🏼‍♀️ she’s a vampire
🐺 he’s a werewolf
💍 marriage of convenience
👥 forced proximity
🪢 knotting

single POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️

A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance

I am totally obsessed! I'm not gonna lie, the first 15 percent of the book was confusing but soon after I couldn't put the book down. I read this within 24 hours. The enemies-to-lovers / marriage of convenience trope was done so well here. In the beginning, they don't know how much to reveal about each other, but soon they are teaming up and relying on each other. This is only the second book I've read with shifters so I can't speak so much for the genre but I enjoyed the paranormal aspect. I feel like this is the spiciest I've seen Ali Hazelwood get and I enjoyed it! And the spice was bountiful. You see it pop up a bunch. While Misery and Lowe are the main characters here, the side characters steal the show. Ana will definitely be a fan favorite as well as a lot of the were clan. Alex and Misery's relationship trajectory was so cute. And don't get me started on the plot twist towards the end of the book! It was dramatic and I couldn't stop reading to find out the resolution. Chefs Kiss! I have the biggest book hangover! I definitely see room for a sequel and I need it STAT!

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review. This book releases 2/6

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐀𝐥𝐢 𝐇𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐥𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬: 𝐓𝐡é𝐫è𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐫𝐨𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you #partner @berkleypub @berkleyromance @PRHAudio for providing me with a #free copy of Bride! #PRHAudioPartner #PRHAInfluencer #berkleypartner #BerkleyIG

Let me start by saying that paranormal romance novels are not my thing. I can’t tell you the last paranormal romance I read. However, I love Ali Hazelwood and so I decided to give this one a chance. I am SO glad I did because I just LOVED it! This book is so different from the authors other books, but it is just as well done and one I highly recommend (and I never thought I would be one to recommend a paranormal romance)!

Misery Lark is the daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman in the South. Lowe Moreland is the Alpha of the Werewolves. In an effort to create peace and an alliance between mortal enemies, the two are forced to marry. This isn’t the first time Misery has been used as collateral, but this time, there is a lot more at stake.

I found Misery to be such a perfectly developed character. She was so funny, sarcastic, and quirky. I loved seeing her growth throughout the book and I just loved her! I also just adored her interactions with Ana. Lowe was also such an amazing character and I really have nothing but praise of this book and the characters! Bride was perfectly paced, entertaining, and an easy five star read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄
🐺𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚕 𝚁𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎
🧛‍♀️𝙵𝚘𝚛𝚋𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝚁𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎
🐺𝙵𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝙵𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢
🧛‍♀️𝙵𝚘𝚛𝚌𝚎𝚍 𝙿𝚛𝚘𝚡𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚝𝚢
🐺𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎
🧛‍♀️𝚅𝚊𝚖𝚙𝚢𝚛𝚎 𝚡 𝚆𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚠𝚘𝚕𝚏

🎧I read the first half of the book with my eyes, and the second half with my ears. The audiobook, narrated by Thérèse Plummer and Will Damron was just SO good! I loved the dual narrators and found that they complemented one another so well. These two enhanced my experience and I just loved my time listening to Bride!

Posted on Goodreads on January 13, 2024: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around February 6, 2024: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on February 6, 2024
**-will post on designated date

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.