I loved the premise of the book, it had things that I enjoy - romance, magic, mystery, and a marriage competition. The world building and character development was well done. I loved the chemistry between Lovett and Eliot. There were points where the plot felt predictable, but was still enjoyable to read. The cover and edges on this book is also absolutely stunning. Excited to see where the story goes in the second book.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House | Delacorte Press for an arc.

from the cover alone, i knew i wanted to get my hands on this witchy fantasy romance and it did not disappoint! the plot was incredibly unique, something we so rarely see in fantasy as of late, yet what truly stands out is the thriller/mystery aspect! i am a passenger princess reader (meaning i let even the smallest of plot twist shock me) and this was no different!! the lush romance didn’t hurt either, as i was SWOONING over these two kids

I have to say, the cover of The Weaver Bride is absolutely stunning. The premise had me hooked—I really liked the magic system, especially the idea of some girls having magical hair. It definitely gave off Rumpelstiltskin vibes, which was fun.

That being said, I did run into one big issue with the book. There was just too much explanation. Lovett tends to over-explain everything she sees, and while I understand it was meant to build the world, it kind of bogged things down. It made parts of the story feel a little slow and harder to get through.

Even with that, though, the marriage competition and the mystery kept me interested, and honestly, I kept reading even when I was getting frustrated with all the details. The book did end on a cliffhanger, and now I’m really curious to see what happens next, especially with Lovett and Eliot's relationship in the second book!

I had a hard time getting through this. The bloated, boring prose and lack of any depth to the characters prevented me from being invested in anything that happened to them.

I hate to be the first to give this book a mid rating but lying is bad therefore 3*

This was definitely one of the books I've read in 2025. The plot was interesting; I had predicted most of Lovett's actions in the beginning of the story, but Gregovic managed to leave enough crumbs scattered throughout the book that I couldn't figure out so that I didn't drop the book due to curiosity. However I did feel like Lovett was kinda stupid (even though everyone in the book would jump to tell me how she's soo intellectual) since some clues were staring RIGHT AT HER and she just didn't notice them until too late.

This book does pretty much what it says in the synopsis — decent mystery, mildly entertaining trials — with one caveat. THE ROMANCE. Gods, I loathed the relationship between the two leads, especially Lovett's treatment of Eliot in her head. I thought she was being spectacularly unkind to my mans who kinda just mewls weakly at her and apologises when he makes a mistake (he does fight back occasionally but I find that is not enough, lol). At one point a clash between the two leads made me want to drop the book right then and there — because of how stupid the conflict was.

The characters were the worst part for me. Lovett is the exact flavour of morally grey that I despise the most; entitled, stubborn, and way too prideful. But I understand other people will like her for being strong-willed and intellectual (that bit's debatable but what do I knowww). Eliot, too, kinda sucked. I do wonder what was going through one's head when one made the conscious decision to make Eliot with one L the most useless person in this entire book. Like, why would you do that, lol? Do you even want me to root for this guy? The secondary characters had flairs and quirks, but I could not care less for them.

I think a lot of people will enjoy this book, as it does have a decent plot there, but my loathing for the characters cannot make me rate it higher than 3 stars. I will be reading the sequel (though I'm annoyed this wasn't made clear beforehand since I don't start unfinished series) because I need to see Eliot's further clowneries, but I hope it doesn't stretch longer than a duology.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's Books, Delacorte Press, and author Lydia Gregovic for this ARC in exchange for an honest review :D

first off… this cover is so gorgeous. My eyes immediately went to this book because of it. The book itself was really unique but with common tropes people love. Arranged marriage, witchy FMC, royalty, marriage competition, forbidden romance. It’s super engaging but also the plot makes sense and has some twists and turns. I loved the FMC Lovett and Elliott (also love those names) even the side characters had pretty well developed complex and strong personalities.

I loved this book can’t wait to purchase it too because it’s just so beautiful

4 Stars
Thank you to netgalley for this arc


Read if you like
Dislike to lovers to...?/ Forbidden Romance
Trials
Mystery

I really liked the mystery aspect of this and the guessing of what was going to happen next. Trial based story to win the hand of the Prince but she can't help herself with liking someone else....

This story does leave off on a cliffhanger and I was very surprised I don't know why I thought it was a completed story. I did feel like the forbidden romance aspect left a little to be desired but I loved the angst that was shown and now begins the long wait for book two!

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's Books, Delacorte Press, and Lydia Gregovic for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

It was such a fun and suspenseful read!
I loved the magic system in this book, it's unique and creative. The twists and turns were well written, some of them surprised me so much that I was staring at my screen, looking like a Loading Cat meme. The storyline kept me engaged and entertained all the way through.

I liked that almost all the characters were morally gray, no one was perfect. Even though I found Lovett to be too stubborn for my taste, I still liked her. She's smart and strong, and she knows how to stand up for herself, which I respect. I wanted to see more of Eliot, though, he wasn't as fleshed out as Lovett was. I'm not sure how I feel about Eliot-Lovett-Noé situation. It's kinda a love triangle but kinda not?

I did not expect this kind of ending at all. I thought this book was a standalone, but the ending sets it up for a sequel, which disappointed me a little, but I’ll read the sequel if one comes out.

All in all, it was an enjoyable read filled with suspense, intrigue, and beautiful twists.

I felt this book a bit confusing. If I had not read the synopsis I would have been totally lost however I also dnf’d it because I felt it was just a bit too weird for me.

This book is just as amazing as the beautiful cover is! It has all the witchy, thriller, fantasy, suspenseful and magical vibes in it! I have never read a fantasy book quite like this one. I love the female main character and the mystery of this book! There is also a forbidden romance in the book. The main character is a witch who has to guide a marriage competition. She is a witch that has rare magic and it can only be used by finding a weaver husband. So, how will this twisty story end? The ending is both unpredictable and satisfying. I found this book to be beautifully written and had a clear thesis! There is a lot that goes on in this book! This is in the young adult genre. Overall, I rate this a high 4 out of 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Lydia Gregovic and Random House Children's Books | Delacorte Press for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is set to be published on September 30, 2025!

The Weaver Bride snares your attention from the first page and holds you captive until the very last. This gripping first installment is filled with an impeccable magic system, mystery woven in all the best places, twists and turns, and a swoon-worthy romance between our two love interests that match each other wit for wit.

Lovett, the female main character, presents such an intriguing front that leaves you cheering her on and I adored following her story. I’m rooting for her and fully support any/all decisions she makes. I love a character that isn’t afraid to stand up for themselves and their morals— AND sticks with it throughout the entire story. Her character arc is unmatched and I can’t wait to see where we go from here!

Everything written was balanced out very well, and I never felt overwhelmed with info dumps throughout the story. I'd absolutely recommend all my fantasy, romance-loving friends to check this one out!


Thank you to the publisher; Random House Children’s Books | Delacorte Press, the author; Lydia Gregovic, and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my unbiased opinion and is given with free will.

I was hooked from the very beginning of the story, and there were so many twists and turns that kept me on my toes throughout the story. I really hope there is a book 2 because I need to know what happens next! There was a lot more suspense in this book than I was expecting, but I ate up every word of it.

The magic system in this book is so unique, and I loved reading about it. At first I was hesitant about women needing to get married before their power was lost, but I was pleasantly shocked that things aren’t always what they seem to be.

There was a lot of character growth for Lovett, and I will be rooting for her and Eliot until the very end. Please don’t Tamlin us 😭

Lovett Tamerlane is a ruthless pickpocket and brilliant thief, she also is what is known as a silk witch. A rare magic in her hair that can be harnessed only through marriage to a Weaver. But finding a Weaver husband requires status, refinement, and money, all of which Lovett does not have. If silk witches are not married before the age of 21 they are carted off to what is called the cloisters, an imminent doom for the rest of their lives. Faced with the cloisters or marrying a weaver which seems impossible, Lovett takes fate into her own hands and survives during what she does best ....being a thief. This is because all silk witches are given one gift that seems to represent their innermost selves and Lovett's gift is being able to open any door she choices regardless of it being locked.

When Lovett steals from the wrong person, she finds herself trapped with Eliot Lear, the son of a prominent Weaver. Eliot has been watching Lovett, and he offers her a life-altering opportunity: entrance to the Vainglory, a competition with the winner marrying the weaver kings son. All Lovett needs to do is solve the mystery of Eliot sisters death and unmask her killer and Eliiot will ensure she has her pick of Weaver suitors, regardless of who wins the competition.
Lovett quickly finds out all is not what it seems behind the kingdom walls and it will take all her skills to keep herself out from trouble.
Love is not fair in love in war or so we will find out!

4 out of 5 stars, a brilliant read!

I absolutely ate this one up. Admittedly, I chose it for its very pretty cover at first but the summary promised many things I love: romance, fantasy, mystery and intrigue, a marriage competition, underdog heroine. Think Stephanie Garber meets Kiera Cass. And let me tell you, it delivered. The world building and magic system are both well done and the heroine imperfectly lovable. I knocked one star done for the rushed conclusion and letdown in the mystery reveal but I’m also hoping it’ll lead to a second book if only to get some more satisfying answers. If this is the only book, I’ll riot.

4.5 ⭐️

I LOVED this. This is the second book I’ve read recently that’s about a competition for a prince/someone of high rank, where another guy helps her but they end up falling in love instead! This reminds me of The Rose Bargain, another arc I received and really enjoyed. I was hooked from the very start, and can’t wait for the second book. I don’t think anything’s been officially announced, but the way this ended sets up for a sequel perfectly! Anyway, this book is pretty much exactly what you’d expect from the synopsis, with a few other twists. All of the characters and different plot lines felt very well developed, and the chemistry between Elliott and Lovett was adorable. I think all of the side characters were well fleshed out, and even though there were so many of them, they were clearly and easily distinguishable. Overall, this was a great read and I would definitely recommend checking this out!!