A departure from Ali Hazelwood's STEM romances into a wild, paranormal ride. I loved it though - very well written with a great alpha hero and snarky heroine, lots of inter-species intrigue, a mystery, a cute kid, a cute cat and lots of ups and downs along the way.

I can't believe I'm rating an Ali Hazelwood only three stars.

Listen. I liked this book. I liked it. But it took me two days to read it, I often stopped to play Pokemon Go or garden, and I didn't slap my knees and snort AT ANY POINT in the reading.

But, then again, I've never been into Omegaverse fanfiction. So I don't know what I was expecting?

So the book comes out next year, so this is a generally spoiler free review. Ali Hazelwood bingo card? Pretty dang full.

- Nape
- Fanfiction mentions
- FMC with geeky persuasions (she's a vampyre AND a coder!)
- MMC is huge in many dimensions *koff*
- Described as having precise consonants
- Hey, yeah, it's a thinly veiled Adam Driver again, woops surprise

The sex scenes in this one are ample and...erm...well described and the characters in this one are especially vocal. (Dirty talk. I'm telling you there's lots of dirty talk.) If you've read Hazelwood's pre-publication fanfiction, it's along those lines: rough and fair bit unpolished. I would venture to say that this is the outright filthiest Ali Hazelwood book, but perhaps that's just because I find knotting to be the apex of the smut pyramid, though it may share a space with Ruby Dixon's endowed aliens. (Note to readers: yes, there's a smut pyramid, and no, I haven't made a poorly rendered graphic. (yet))

I knew going in that this book might not be my overall cuppa, and it turns out it wasn't. It was over the top and more than a little eye-rolly, but not a bad book by any means? Again, me + Omegaverse = meh, so take this review for what it is: I am a lady with specific tastes (Sexy! Martian! Topography!) and just because this specific title didn't hit for me, it doesn't mean my days as an Ali Stan are through. It just means I'm being realistic about what I like (realistic stuff) and what I don't like (Fantasy Omegaverse) and that's okay. I'm okay.

(But the very last two lines in the acknowledgements? Golden.)

1000% yes! This spicy sweet paranormal romance is everything. It made me giggle, it made me squeal, and I cannot wait for more!

Ali Hazelwood swaps lab coats for fated mates in her newest stunner, Bride. Hazelwood is finally writing sexy monsters, and it's like the first day of summer— fierce and joyful, something folks will be lining up for!

She's a nerd, a loner, a vampire! Three cheers for Misery, Hazelwood's latest heroine who desperately needs some company. Are you a Buffy fan? Do you like Ruby Dixon, a smidge of Veronica Mars and lots of werewolf action? I giggled and howled. And wow, it's super hot. Hazelwood's take on fated mates is rad, and you will love this genre-bending whirlwind of a love story.

Bride is every bookseller's dream. Do you like ACOTAR (but can't commit), Emily Henry and a smidge of Ice Barbarians? Here, we have just enough of each for a well-rounded mainstream bestseller and for each fan group of readers to be ecstatic in their choice.

I'm going to have a lot of happy customers. So THANK YOU, Ali :)

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy to review.

I really like how versatile of an author Ali Hazelwood is becoming. First, she comes out with a YA book, and now we have a paranormal romance! Although this wasn't my favorite book by Hazelwood, I thought Bride was fun and entertaining. I found the book world and trope twists unique and amusing. What I liked most about Bride was the main characters. I found Misery and Lowe to be likeable and relatable. The chemistry between these two was 🔥...expect some heavy steam in this one! I also enjoyed the side characters, especially Lowe's family. I thought Hazelwood did a great job of incorporating the "found family" trope. The only big problem I had with this book was the ending. I think a few additional chapters would have made the story feel less rushed. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC.

I truly enjoyed this book, as in I couldn't put it down because it was such a fun read. I loved Misery, and felt that her character had just the right about of depth for the story. You wanted something to go her way, and felt her struggles of trying to do the right thing. I think that Lowe was a great character, and wish we could have had one or two chapters from his POV though I did enjoy that start of each chapter with his thoughts. I am excited for the second one, and I think that if you are new to shifter romances this is a good book to dip your toes in the water. If you are a hard core shifter/ fantasy reader, just know going into it that it's just a fun adventure romance shifter read with a good amount of spice mixed in for the genre of book it is.

If you handed this book to me with no information what-so-ever, I'm sure I would know it's an Ali Hazelwood book. I love her books, so that's not an issue, I just wanted to say this is very much an AH book.

I loved the romance, I laughed out loud multiple times at Misery's inner monologue, and I loved the characters. II feel like child characters can be very hit or miss, but Misery's bafflement at Ana kept everything with Ana entertaining. I really liked Misery. She's traumatized without completely realizing how traumatized she is. I loved her relationship with Serena, her best friend who is basically her sister.

And then there's Misery and Lowe. I felt like they were really good for each other. Lowe has his own issues that meeting Misery pushes to the front, but he's kind and he cares very much, about Misery and everything else around him. I was rooting for them the whole time, while also wanting to knock them both over the head sometimes. I'm so happy with how this book turned out and really look forward to any other Ali Hazelwood paranormal romances. An easy 5/5 stars.

Definitely different than her normal books but no less good. Misery was a really interesting protagonist, and her and Lowe are great together.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'll say it again, but I'll read anything that Hazelwood writes and will absolutely love every second of it. This title marks her venture into fantasy and it did not miss the mark. It still has the charm and witty banter of her contemporary STEM romances, but Hazelwood holds her own with the world-building and unique brand of Vampyres and Weres.

The story follows Misery Lark, the daughter of prominent Vampyre councilmen, who finds herself in an arranged marriage that will broker between her kind and the Weres. She's used to being her father's strategic pawn as she grew up as the collateral Vampyre held by the humans to keep peace between their people. This time Misery finds herself married to the Alpha of the Weres. However, Misery did not agree to this arrangement for her father, but to find out what happened to something she cares deeply for even in a new hostile environment.

This is the perfect blend of romance and fantasy, as well as, plot, character development, charming banter, and romance thrown into the mix. Hazelwood successfully crafted an enjoyable fantasy world with enough rules and lore to feel realistic, but without involving any heavy lifting to understand a complex internal system. It feels appropriate to the setting and fleshes out the world enough so the romance does not become the focal point.

Hazelwood also introduces a lot of exciting and contrary notions that have become a staple in many fantasy/romance titles. I liked her take on vampires and werewolves as well. She establishes a lore that pays homage to what the reader is familiar with but also inverts it to create a sense of these mythical creatures without the ritual and mystery or tired cliches. Speaking of which, Hazelwood also doesn't adhere to any of the expected standards when it comes to romance, which is refreshing. Anyway, I'm fully aboard with Hazelwood fantasy train!

I really wanted to love this book, but, sadly, it didn’t live up to the hype for me. The writing style felt different from Ali Hazelwood’s other works and didn’t fit with this story. I was super intrigued by the Romeo and Juliet aspect of this book, but I couldn’t connect with the characters the way I was hoping I would. They felt very bland with little-to-no chemistry. The plot of the story also dragged for more than half of the book, which is partly due to the writing style. Otherwise, it was just very predictable. This book is definitely quirky and cute at some points, so I can see how it’ll appeal to others. It just wasn’t for me.

a classic ali hazelwood romance. I've enjoyed it but it wasn't something memorable and the ali hazelwood formula continues even in this one and looks like it'll continue in her next book too. there's only so much exciting one can make a book when sticking to a unflinching formula.

me? reading this in LESS THAN A DAY?
YES.
I ate this upppp- Lowe and Misery are #otp for sure 😭🙌 I DID NOT EXPECT TO LOVE THIS BOOK AS MUCH AS I DID HOLY
AND THE EPILOGUE?? IS IT A HINT FOR A SECOND BOOK WITH THE SIDE CHARACTERS?? PLS????
I NEED.
all i know is that i will purchase and cherish every single one of ali hazelwood's books GLADLY🏃🏻‍♀️🤝

Is there a genre where Ali Hazelwood can do any wrong?

She returns in style with BRIDE, her latest pièce de résistance and New Adult debut that alchemizes werewolf and vampyre lore into a bitingly good romance. The sizzle is off the charts here, as the story protagonists are embroiled in a fake political marriage from the jump, that may just lead to (you guessed it) very real feelings—as well as bizarrely raunchy, but mightily entertaining, scenes that delve into the anatomy of interspecies copulation. (Any longtime Hazelwood fan knows now to expect at least one cringe-worthy exchange in her spiciest chapters.)

Although much of the plot is predictable, BRIDE is hilarious and saucy and thoroughly fun. I, of course, felt compelled to read it in just one sitting. To absolutely no one’s surprise, Hazelwood has cemented herself as the reigning monarch of literary romance, once again.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for an ARC. All opinions my own.

I will read anything Ali Hazelwood writes. This one blew me away - it’s a perfect blend of 🌶️🌶️, suspense, and gave me vibes of Nalini Singh and Amanda Bouchert while also being wholly original. Ali - this is what you’re meant to be writing. More of this, please!

First, thank you Berkeley for this advanced copy!

Ahhhh, I loved this one so much and I’m so sad it’s over. I was instantly intrigued by the concept of Bride, and I was especially curious to see how Hazelwood would deliver since her other romances are more STEM/academic based. Was she going to convince me of this fantastical world? How was she going to fare with a more romantasy style romance? The answer: deliciously. I couldn’t put this book down. Misery was such a fun woman to read and the romance that blossoms between her and Lowe was such a treat to sink into. I can’t wait for the next book!

When I saw that Ali Hazelwood was writing a romance between a vampire and werewolf, I was interested, but hesitant. Her STEMinist romances are top tier, but I wasn't sure about her departure into paranormal romance. Looking back, I feel silly for having any doubts at all. Ali Hazelwood is an incredibly consistent and talented author, no matter the genre.

When Alpha Lowe Moreland and vampyre Misery Lark are forced into a marriage of convenience, they are determined to keep out of each other's way in order to keep the peace between the warring species. When Lowe's six-year-old sister Ana and Misery's best friend Serena both find themselves the fixation of the dangerous Vampyre Council, the two realize they need to get over their differences in order to protect their loved ones.

Actually falling in love with their spouse was never part of the plan, but that can be really difficult when an Alpha of the most powerful pack in North America realizes that his vampyre wife is his true mate.

This book brought me right back to my Twilight-loving days (but with way more spice!). From page one, I "wolfed" down this story. (Get it?)

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I read it in a day, so I definitely enjoyed it. I love paranormal romance, and I thought Hazelwood's book was a really good addition to the genre. Nalini Singh-esque while also a force on its own. Loved the romance along with the politics. Very good.

First I would like to say that I love Ali Hazelwood and will gladly read whatever she writes! Having said that, this was a book that you really just have to read to understand.

There were some turns that I saw from the very beginning and some turns the genuinely took me by surprise. There was mystery and intrigue, betrayal and romance, some interesting biology and a little girl that stole the show.

Was it the best book that's ever been written? No. Was it a fun read? Absolutely! It was a little slow to start, but once the story gets going, it's a wild ride.

A solid 4 star read, and another incredible read from Ali Hazelwood.

Reading "Bride" was thoroughly enjoyable- the characters were fun, the plot had enough intrigue, but really wowed with it's sense of community the characters gave us, and even though we are dealing with different species here, the characters were also relatable.

Now, there are a few things our MMC did that I hate in ANY book, and that was stupidly think they can decide the emotions of our FFM. So dumb, but overlookable in the scheme of things. However, this book definitely did not lack for any of Hazelwood's out-of-the box descriptions of everyday objects, nor a witty, sardonic dialogue from our FMC. In short, once again, a solid read from the author.

Hazelwood has won us over with her STEM Rom-Coms, and now she definitely made a case for herself with creatures of lore. And 100% please give us more (I think there's more).

A good read. The romance aspect of it was too slow paced for my liking, but the overall story was captivating.