I had such a good time with this book. Ali Hazelwood's writing is always so engaging and this book really worked for me. The arranged marriage + missing friend + general mystery really kept me wondering and the pacing felt really good. At no point was I bored, and when I had to take breaks (bc ugh real life) I was itching to get back to this story. This book had the same tension and banter that I've come to love and expect from her writing.

I know nothing about paranormal romance and I thought that there was a good balance of explaining things without it feeling dry or educational or like too in the weeds. This book definitely got me a little more curious about other paranormal romances even though I am a little intimidated by them because I've barely dipped my toe into that world.

Ali Hazelwood is truly so versatile and I've enjoyed everything she's written so far. From her stem romcoms to her chess YA debut to this paranormal romance.

Thank y0u to Berkley for this ARC!

Prepare to be swept away by the intoxicating allure of "Bride," a spellbinding tale by the masterful storyteller Ali Hazelwood. In this paranormal romance masterpiece, Hazelwood weaves a captivating narrative that intertwines the dark elegance of vampyres with the untamed power of werewolf alphas, all within the confines of a marriage of convenience that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

The story unfolds in a world where the supernatural coexists with the mundane, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for the unlikely union between our enchanting vampyre bride and the formidable alpha werewolf. From the very first page, Hazelwood expertly crafts an atmosphere brimming with tension, mystery, and an undercurrent of passion that threatens to consume everything in its path.

Honestly, I feel like THIS is Hazelwood’s niche and I’m mad that she hasn’t delved into something like this before.

I haven’t enjoyed AH’s contemporaries, but everything I didn’t like about her steminist books, was absent in Bride and I couldn’t put it down. Like the first few chapters were lore heavy, but once it got going?? I was rabid. Absolutely feral to see what happened next.

Do you like arranged marriages for diplomacy? Do you like slow burn romance between two people from opposite species who SHOULD be enemies but find themselves reluctant allies? Do you like political machinations from shady people with an agenda? Bride nailed every single one of those questions with emotional depth I didn’t expect and dry wit that injected a perfect amount of levity.

I loved Lowe and Misery. They can’t help but be drawn together in this very inconvenient marriage and their relationship was equal parts sweet and angsty. And I loved that sex wasn’t a real focus until much later in their relationship! It really gave them time to develop a friendship and an emotional connection without confusing it with physicality. I LOVED that she really took the time to go from enemies to allies to lovers in a timeframe that made sense. No insta love here, folks.

Hazelwood does some REALLY cool worldbuilding stuff that was unique and really gave some depth to Misery’s backstory (and was really effing sad tbh). This world is sort of a modern fantasy-esque situation where Vamps and Weres have come out of hiding and live alongside, but not with, humans. The political machinations are perfectly devious and underhanded and it has the perfect blend of real world references mixed with original worldbuilding that was so cool!

Highly recommend! I hope Hazelwood has more of these babies up her sleeve, because I’ll be knocking y’all out of the way to get in line to grab it.

**Review will be published release week on my site and socials!**

DEVOURED.

Good heavens. This was enthralling. I love Ali Hazelwood’s writing style and moving into urban/paranormal fantasy was an absolute hit for me. The well placed banter and jokes had me laughing out loud and the romance had be utterly swooning.

I loved the slow burn. It dragged out just as it should and kept me itching for more more more (don’t worry, there’s plenty of payoff). I adored Misery and Lowe. Misery was a great heroine who I loved seeing find her home. Lowe was the best grumpy Alpha that held me attention the moment he stepped on page. I LOVED this entire cast. Even the antagonists were fantastic. A truly well written group of characters who all brought this book to five stars.

The plot was engaging and I liked the world building. It’s very light, but just enough that you get a grasp of the different dynamics and politics between Were vs. Vampyre vs. Human. I love that it feels like there’s still plenty of places to explore (hello second book with a couple I can’t wait to read). There’s a nice level of suspense and that driven need to keep those pages flying.

I loved it so much. READ IT. This is my favorite type of escapism read.

Overall audience notes:

Paranormal Romance
Language: some strong
Romance 4+ open door
Violence: moderate
Trigger/Content Warnings: kidnapping, murder, mentions of loss of parents, parental abandonment

Such a departure from Ali Hazelwood's other romances, but in the best way possible. Most people know that Ali Hazelwood got her start writing fanfic and this feels like her editors are finally letting her unleash (pun intended). I love her strong female characters with STEM backgrounds, but every now and then you need to scratch that paranormal romance itch with some shifter romance. I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us. With the epilogue ending how it did, I can't help but hope that we get a second book from this universe.

Bride by Ali Hazelwood
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One woman enters an arranged marriage to form an alliance between two groups. But she has an ulterior motive to this arranged marriage, to find information about something important to her.
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What I liked:
-Fantasy is my jam, so I was all in when I saw that Ali decided to write a paranormal romance.
-I was immediately sucked in. This booked hooked me and hooked me good. We open straight away with the arranged marriage and it was all kind of tense!
-I loved how Ali was able to build the world, give us back story, give us lore, and set up the politics of the world all in one book. Nothing felt rushed, and I was so satisfied with how it all came together.
-The spice was spicy, Misery and Lowe really brought the heat.
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5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I inhaled this book and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it! Ali Hazelwood could write a cookbook and I would read it from cover to cover.

Wow, what another hit from Ali Hazelwood. I had so much fun for her fantasy debut and it is clear to me how much fun she has when she's writing and creating her universe. I love that even though all her characters are the same, every single book is so fun to read. Everyone is really going to love this! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I greedily requested it. Obsessively read it in two days. And now I’m distraught over the fact it’s done.

It’s Ali’s best yet. I absolutely LOVED this vampyre/were interspecies marriage of convenience romance.

I’m truly obsessed. I’ll be reading it again soon

As a big fan of Ali Hazelwood and Vampires I was super excited for this one and I was knot (i couldn’t resist the opportunity for that joke) disappointed. Ali’s first foray into published fantasy/paranormal romance was a strong debut into the genre and I can see where fans of her previous work and new readers would enjoy.

It did start off a bit slow for me and it wasn’t fully invested in the story and our characters until the 30-40% mark but once I was invested I was reluctant to put it down whenever I had to stop reading and focus on the real world. This is a slower build/burn than precious works from Ali but the pay off was well worth it.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for this earc in exchange for my review.

Let me start this out by saying that this is the FIRST Ali Hazelwood book I have ever read. Yes, you heard right- and I have no regrets since this seems to be her first paranormal novel. I was HOOKED for the first chapter. A vampire werewolf relationship in a society divided by species? What could possibly go wrong?

Misery has spent most of her vampire life in the human city, growing up as "collateral" for her vampire species. She grows to detest her own species, and finds living as "human" is much easier when it's with her childhood best friend Serena. When the one person in her life goes missing, Misery begins searching for answers- doing what needs to be done under the guise of acting on her father's behalf. She once again finds herself acting as collateral, opting to marry the Alpha werewolf Lowe in order to find out what happened to her best friend. After learning of Misery's true plan, Lowe decides to help her in his own way. The two soon find each other in close proximity, and no matter how much Lowe pushes Misery away, she just seems to keep reeling him back in.

I really enjoyed this paranormal romance from Hazelwood. She builds a great world to set our scenes, and does well to progress the relationship in the timely way. We read from Misery's POV, seeing her thoughts and plans laid out added a lot to her character development. I enjoyed seeing how the couple grew into one another, eventually aligning their feelings in the end. For the most part, this is a healthy fated mates romance with hints of found family, discovering a new world, and a fun happily ever after. The only thing I really would have liked to see is the ending scene written out. It felt rushed over, and "fade to black," whereas other similar scenes were graphically depicted. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Addictive, sultry and extremely binge worthy!

Thank you Berkley for my digital arc. I am not kidding when I say the only break I took is the nightly sleep(4hrs) while I read the book, it is so unputdownable. Ali Hazelwood delivered a smooth Vampire/Werewolf romance with no fuss for everyone that is starving for a good supernatural romance(my inner Twilight loving teen rejoiced). I loved how she blended science and romance instead of totally relying on fantasy elements, I absolutely enjoyed the forbidden romance/marriage of convenience , I ate it up like there is no tomorrow

Misery is a computer wizard as much as she is a vampire, after spending her life mostly as pawn in the political alliance drama between species she is resigned to live a quiet life as a fake human until her soul sister literally disappears without a trace.Enter Lowe, the Alpha of were's that enters into reluctant alliance with vampires by marrying his vampire bride-who may have her own motives for her actions. The romance that ensues is seductive, angsty and swoon worthy, I loved how Ali added a mystery aspect to the story as well. I see a lot of potential for more stories from the world and I am here for it, overall a pleasant surprise from Ali Hazelwood that I thoroughly enjoyed

If you were to tell me that I would actually enjoy a vampire-werewolf romance read, I would say you were lying. This was my first ever read - yes you read that correctly; no twilight prior reader here - and I really did like it! The first 15% I’d say really lead the reader into the political perspective to understand the rest of the story. Once you get to 20% you’re in it for the ride! I still couldn’t give it five stars just because I am so new to this type of fantasy romance with vampires and werewolves that some scenes just didn’t lay well compared to real humans. ;) But I do think for readers who enjoy this type of read - they’ll easily give it five stars!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing, and Ali Hazelwood for this digital ARC.

The scream that came out of me when I got early access to this book. Reader, I nearly passed out. Ali Hazelwood giving us a supernatural romance - my life was made. I read this in practically one sitting and promptly wanted to re-read it. It was SO GOOD. I loved that we got a fresh take on vampire and werewolf mythology, and perfectly blended Ali’s STEMinist writing style.

Misery was honestly such a fun character’s head to be in. Her dry wit, her joy at jokingly scaring the werewolves, and general badassery was a delight. Lowe was another delicious lead. The way he begrudgingly fell harder and harder, the peaks we got of his feelings, how he wanted to do right by everyone in his life and the packs that he led. All absolutely amazing. I hope Ali writes a million more stories like this.

Absolutely beyond grateful to the Berkley Romance team for this eARC.

4.5* rounded up!
This is, without a doubt, my favorite Ali Hazelwood book so far. It was a super quick read that had me not wanting to put it down as soon as I started. Vampires and werewolves? Absolutely, yes. The slow burn was burning and I was here for it. I was so invested that I ended up staying up all night to read it and had zero regrets. Misery and Lowe's dynamic had me smiling at my kindle and also internally screaming to just love each other, which made it even more fun to read. I cannot stress how excited I would be to read more from this world!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the digital arc in exchange for my honest thoughts!

This book was a very fun concept but the execution was not up to par. First, I did overall enjoy the concept because I think these kinds of romance/sci-fi novels are a great time. The world was in modern day America with the addition of werewolves and vanpyres and all the fun tensions between those species and humans. However, I felt the plot dragged in many places and the reveal of Misery and Lowe being mates (which wasn’t really a reveal) took way too long. I think this could have been a really solid and entertaining novella. I also think the writing was not the best quality and would have benefitted from a stronger editor.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for supplying me with an egalley of this book to read and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
What happens when a vampyre and a wearwolf get throw together for a marriage of convenience and alliance? Not only do sparks fly but the lies that have kept their two cultures fighting for years come to the surface and put everyone's lives at risk.
Ali Hazelwood is the queen of writing quirky, nerdy, and fun characters. So sinking my teeth into this one was a no brainer. I will say, I was worried about the paranormal aspect. I love some good paranormal characters but I wasn't sure how Hazelwood would work that into her romance writing. Let me tell you, she did a fabulous job. This book is her best romance yet. Close proximity, forced companionship, enemies to lovers, and forbidden love turn into sexy, melt your heart attraction and a fabulous plot line to boot!
I love the world building Hazelwood has given us: Vampyres, Wearwolves, and Humans living on the brim of constant war. She easily creates their territories and then the tension that accompanies these groups as enemies. This tension leaves you wondering how there will ever be any romance in the book when these cultures have lived with hate for each other all their lives.
I don't want to compare this to Twilight, but I just have to do it because it definitely has a bit of that feel. And I loved every minute of it. Hazelwood creates that same type of atmosphere flawlessly. There is the tension between the different groups, the fear of a clash that will end in someone dying, and also the forbidden romance that you cheer on! But there's also the theme of having a mate or being linked to another being in some way that cannot be broken. Think Jacob and Renesme. At the same time, this is so much more grown up. And there is zero love triangle!
The chapter headings! Hazelwood didn't make this book dual POV BUT the chapters headings give you all you need to know about the male main character., Lowe Moreland I don't know how the author was able to choose just the right words to introduce the chapters in just a sentence or two, but boy did they help build the relationship and tension between the MMC and the FMC.
Lowe Moreland, oh Lowe! He is powerful and protective. I love this Alpha who takes his job so seriously he is willing to sacrifice himself for anyone in his pack. His pull to Misery is unmistakable. I love how Hazelwood created this strong, confident, loyal character that, despite being forced to be in the presence of Misery, is determined to keep her safe. Oh and can I mention that his personality just makes him all the more sexy? He's super perceptive and this allows him to really see people and know who they are without having to ask a lot of questions.
Misery Lark truly fits Hazelwood's quirky female character theme. Misery, who chooses to live apart from the other vampyres, with the humans, because she just is not like her counterparts. But she's also a character who refuses to truly let anyone in because of her past experiences with being a pawn for her father and the vampyre community. And she's a character who doesn't feel she is worthy of ever having anyone love her or lean on her. I love her character arc in this book. She's not a typical vampyre, though, which you can tell right off the bat. She even alludes to it, that her culture is stoic and does not have any emotion or true connections between each other beyond keeping their race gong. She cares, which is not typical for her people. So you know from the very beginning there will be some rebellion from her.
And the side characters really gave so much to the story and were also well thought out. Anna is adorable and her relationship with Misery is so much fun to watch. Alex makes me laugh with his fear of Misery but at the same time his want to be her friend. Misery's brother Owen is fearless and I love how his character arc happened. Serena, her best and only friend, is just as fun and quirky as Misery, it's no wonder they get along so well. And there are so many more I could name but then we'd be here forever. So you'll just need to read this one to meet them all!
I will say, I kind of figured out how things would play out between Lowe and Misery from the wedding scene at the very beginning of the book where he backs her into a wall asking why she smells like she does. I won't get into more on this except to say I knew exactly where that particular sentence was going to lead us (despite Misery's interpretation) and I was very down with finding out how the story would take me there!
Aside from the romance, there is so much more happening in this story. I love a good romance but I'm a stickler for there being some kind of story that goes along with how that romance proceeds, not just scenes where the characters are all over each other. I love the political plot Hazelwood weaves into this one. There's a of underhanded and scheming things as well as betrayal that happens which create some twists and turns you will not expect! There are many areas of action, which really picks the pacing up and creates amazing tension between the complex characters she develops.
If you are looking for sexy, this is Hazelwood's sexiest book yet! She truly incorporates what we have been taught about Vampyres (teeth, sucking blood, hearing heart beats) and Wears (changing and morphing into wolves, scenting) and throws that into all the tense, sexy scenes for the characters. Those details make the romance even more amazing and had me squirming in my seat at times! It was delicious!
And that ending? I'm excited to see where the next story will go because that epilogue definitely shows us there will be more books in this paranormal romance series! I can see so many characters that are worthy of their own stories: Kiran, Owen, Serena, Alex, and many more. I need to read all their stories!
Overall, this is definitely in my top 5 reads this year. I flew through it and really didn't want to put it down. I may have stayed up way too late finishing it and been exhausted the next day, but in the best way! Give me all the Ali Hazelwood as she has quickly been elevated into my favorite romance author!

2.5⭐️

honestly, I was let down by this book.

I'm a huge Ali Hazelwood fan & I LOVE fantasy romance, so I had high hopes! I was grateful to get the ARC and I read it super fast.

the plot was confusing most of the time, and a lot of things weren't properly explained or built-up. It was more of a paranormal mystery than fantasy, which is not what I was expecting...

the romance was weird. the tension wasn't strong and the slowburn was TOO slow to not have that searing chemistry.

there were elements of this book that I did enjoy, but for me the bad overpowered the good.

overall, I wouldn't call it a bad book—but also not a good one.

This book was everything!! I ate it up and had a very hard time putting it down. Everything about this book was entertaining, fun, and so romantic! I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy!!

Bride by Ali Hazelwood effortlessly blends the allure of paranormal romance with the author's signature storytelling finesse. Despite my initial skepticism towards the genre, Hazelwood's narrative prowess drew me into a world where Vampyres and Weres navigate complex alliances.

The story revolves around Misery Lark, daughter of a powerful Vampyre councilman, thrust into a political marriage with Lowe Moreland, the Alpha of the Weres. Hazelwood deftly subverts traditional vampire and shifter lore, creating a captivating universe filled with intricate world-building and multifaceted characters.

Misery, a refreshing and intelligent heroine, adds depth to the narrative, while the slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance between her and Lowe unfolds amidst political turmoil and a compelling mystery. Bride stands as a testament to Hazelwood's ability to transcend genre conventions, delivering a symphony of supernatural elements, love, and redemption that secures its place among my top romance reads of the year.

As always, Hazelwood's writing is addictive and binge-able. However, I felt frustrated by the conflict and the fact that Misery was so unaware that she was his mate. I hated how Lowe used some of Misery's insecurities against her as part of her "protection" or whatever you want to call it toward then end, and then Misery just accepted it.