Bride by Ali Hazelwood Book Review
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission when you purchase stuff through my links at no cost to you. Read my disclosure for more information.
Looking for a light and easy romantasy book to read? You’ve come to the right place!
Ali Hazelwood has taken the #booktok and #bookstagram worlds by storm with her STEM romance novels.
Now, her newest and highly anticipated book Bride is Hazelwood’s first meander into romantasy (romance + fantasy).
I have previously read Ali Hazelwood’s work, but nothing particularly memorable sticks out in my mind. I was ready, though, to join the hype and pick up her new book Bride.
I bought this book, typically reserved for my favorite reads, in anticipation of being wowed by Ali Hazelwood. These are my honest opinions after reading Bride.
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.
Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again…
Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….
Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she’s ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.
Summary: Bride by Ali Hazelwood
The story starts with Misery, a young Vampyre with a unique talent for computer hacking. She was sent to live with the humans when her father called her back home.
Misery’s life changes drastically when she is forced into an arranged marriage to Lowe Moreland, the most powerful Werewolf Alpha, in hopes of keeping the peace between the different species.
Although Misery agrees to marry the alpha werewolf, she has ulterior motives. Her main goal is to find her missing best friend who leaves only one clue that led her to the wolves.
As Misery navigates the world of werewolves and tries to keep up appearances as a proper bride, she finds herself drawn to Lowe and questioning her own prejudices.
But with danger lurking around every corner, can their growing love survive? Or will it all come crashing down when Misery’s secrets are revealed?
My Thoughts: Bride by Ali Hazelwood
After reading Bride, I can confidently say that I’ll remember Ali Hazelwood’s romantasy books. Though full of tropes, I enjoyed jumping into Ai Hazelwood’s world building–it was easy for me to follow and kept me turning the pages.
Misery, just like her namesake, really had a terrible childhood. Her character development throughout the book was well-done as she only cared about one person and expanded her circle by the end of the book.
Ali Hazelwood did a great job showing us how kind-hearted Lowe is even though he is the Werewolf alpha. I liked the interactions he had with how he treated his seconds and his sister.
I would take anything she chose to give me–the tiniest fraction or her entire world…I would take her helathy, or sick, or tired, or angry, or strong, and it would be my f*king privilege.
Bride, Ali Hazelwood, page 202
I’m not the biggest fan of single POV, but I’m glad that Ali Hazelwood gives us a small glimpse into Lowe’s mind with the short snippets at the beginning of every chapter. I’m always going to root for dual POV.
That said, Lowe was a mystery. I would have loved to know where he went and the alpha things he had to do when he was gone. I would have also loved a glimpse into the moment when he met Misery for the first time on their wedding day.
I usually enjoy a slow-burn so I thought the romance between Misery and Lowe was well-written. However, I did wish the mate info wouldn’t have been dragged out as long as it was.
Of all the good things I’ve felt in my f*cking life, you are the best.
Bride, page 279
Ali Hazelwood also tackles important themes such as prejudice, discrimination, and acceptance in this book. I loved how the main characters defied the stereotypes of their species and learned to see each other as individuals rather than just a label.
The pacing of the book was just right, with a perfect balance of romance and suspense. We could have used a little more insight into the Were lives.
All that said, Bride kept me interested from start to finish.
Final Thoughts: Bride by Ali Hazelwood
Overall, Bride by Ali Hazelwood was an enjoyable read with strong world-building, interesting characters, and a swoon-worthy romance. She left a little snippet at the end that makes me hope there will be a sequel.
I would recommend it to fans of who want to dip their toes into romantasy. Get ready to be swept away in this fantastical love story that will leave you satisfied.
Liked what you read? Share it on Pinterest!
