Ali does it again! This is a departure from her STEM romance novels, taking a venture into modern fantasy. The story follows a Vampyre named Misery (poor gal…what a name!) Daughter of a powerful councilman, she’s married off to the Alpha of the Weres —their mortal enemies — in an attempt to build alliances between Vampyres, Weres and Humans. She soon finds herself outcast in the land of the wolves and her new husband Lowe, along with everyone else, doesn’t trust her. But for Misery, there’s a reason she was quick to accept the arrangement — and nothing will come between her and the search for her now-missing best friend. Except *maybe* some SPICY encounters with her buff new hubby…because it’s not an Ali book without some big guy, small gal smut.
I liked the departure from her STEM-centric books. I worried initially that the werewolf/vampire storyline may not work since it’s a trope well overdone thanks to the likes of series like Twilight and The Vampire Diaries, but this was a refreshing take that made it its own.
Thank you to Berkley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This is out 2/6!

Oh, Ali Hazelwood. An absolute ode to the fanfic girlies. It was a wild ride, and I was really glad to be on it, even through the omegaverse pieces I knew I wouldn't enjoy. Overall, pretty well done, but whew.

I LOVED this book. Ali Hazelwood has been hit or miss for me, and I went in to this one with moderate expectations. This book blew those expectations away. I did not want to stop reading. I found Misery to be such a refreshing heroine. She is so funny, and she accepted her situation while slowly coming in to her own. Lowe is a hot alpha werewolf. You can't go wrong there. The side characters are great, I loved the mystery element. I guessed almost all of the big reveals, but not right away. Ali Hazelwood does a great job of laying out hints. The romance is slowburn, very well done in my opinion. I did KNOT mind the sexytime scenes *wink wink* (I haven't loved them in her books since The Love Hypothesis, but they worked here) Overall, I THOUROUGHLY enjoyed this book, and I REALLY hope we get some more paranormal action from this author.

A fun, sexy marriage-of-convenience romance with a twist. Misery is not your stereotypical vampire; I loved her intelligence and moxie. Lowe is not your typical alpha male/werewolf, which was refreshing. Ali Hazelwood did a good job of building up this world and its history without bogging down the narrative. I'm hoping we'll see more from this Vampyre/Were universe!

4.5 Stars

Misery + Lowe

In this world Vampyres, Weres and Humans know of each other. And hate each other.
To stop another huge war between everyone Vampyre Misery is sent to the Weres to marry their Alpha Lowe.
Misery only agreed to her father's demand because she is looking for her bestie Serena. Who has disappeared and who, it seems, was investigating Misery's dear new husband.

LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN ...

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I'm not a huge paranormal romance fan. But this was an Ali Hazelwood book - so I had to read it.
And it was okay. As far as Vampire thingies goes... it was good. In the end I really liked it.
I think I still prefer a Vampire-romance world where humans don't know about Vampires instead of this complicated world Ali has created here. It's all a bit silly and violent and intriguey and whatnot. Well, anything with supernatural creatures is silly. But I prefer the more peaceful and ignorant world. You know, the one where Vampires can run super fast and maybe dematerialize from one point to another. Where they don't kill innocents. Just a happy Vampire falls for a human world.
BUT! I still liked this book!
Misery has been through a lot in her short life and now she has to live amongst enemies - again. Poor girl.
And Lowe. He's top ten book boyfriend material. Poor guy is kinda super attracted to his enemy wife. She smells like.... something.
It was a really interesting world. Mysterious. Exciting. Suspensy. Dangerous. Sparky and sexy and funny too.
I really liked this more and more as I was reading.
And I so need another book for another couple!
I also wouldn't mind watching this as a movie or a Netflix show!

► BRIDE was a fun and exciting and mysterious and just beautiful Vampire / Werewolf Romance!
Run to your nearest book seller for your own Lowe - he'll be sold out in no time!

Holy wow! The NetGalley + Berkley gods really blessed me when they approved my request for this book. guys. This marriage of convenience, paranormal romance was so danggg good.

Rating: 4.5 ★

Though bride is unlike anything else Ali has given her audience before, it was perfectly executed. The tension, banter and slow burn was glorious. Consumed by Misery and Lowe’s exciting dynamic, I devoured this story. This is a read that truly draws you in and keeps you in its clutches until the very end.

Given misery’s unique history, her character was fascinating. courtesy of an arranged marriage, she finds herself in enemy territory, unsure of who to trust, especially the mysterious alpha she now finds herself bound to. Witnessing her development, her badass nature slowly be balanced out by foreign vulnerability, was special.

And Lowe! Moreland! the man he is! A devoted brother. A powerful and selfless leader. A loyal friend. And best of all, a man that worships at the altar of his wife. Not only was he damn sexy, he was sweet as hell.

This story was so wonderfully unexpected and fun and spicy as all get out! What a fun change of pace from Ali so I look forward to seeing what else she has up her sleeve for this universe.

Thanks to NetGalley, Berkley and Ali Hazelwood for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Super fun to read a paranormal from Ali Hazelwood. I really liked the main characters and their interactions. The world building was a fun twist on vampire/werewolf troupes and traditions.

Everyone who accuses Ali's books of being copy + paste with no plot will be EATING 👏 THEIR 👏 WORDS 👏 after this one. I never wanted this book to end it was everything I was hoping it would be and more 😭 Ali has been quoted calling this "the book of [her] heart" and that really shines through the pages–you can just tell how much fun she had writing this.

Misery and Lowe embody all of the best parts of Ali's previous books but in a totally new way. This take on vampires and werewolves actually felt fresh–it was tense and unpredictable and SIZZLING with chemistry so intense it made my eyes water. The slow burn felt perfectly paced, I looooved the gradual buildup of trust and friendship between the two and the payoff was WELL worth the wait when they finally got together.

💘 enemies to reluctant allies to friends to lovers
💘 plot to romance balance
💘 slow burn
💘 biting and nuzzling 🥹
💘 🪢😏
💘 arranged marriage/marriage of convenience/forced proximity
💘 action and plot twists

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now for my *fancy* review.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Steam: 3.5

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

4.5 ☆

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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