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Bride Kindle Edition

by Ali Hazelwood (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

46,902 ratings

Editors' pick Best Books of the Year 2024

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#1 Indie Next Pick!
A Hall of Fame LibraryReads pick!
One of People’s Best Books to Read in February

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 from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis.

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.

From the Publisher

Ali Hazelwood finally gives us paranormal... Buckle Up, says Hannah Whitten about BRIDE

	The Love Hypothesis	Love, Theoretically	Love on the Brain	Loathe to Love You	Not In Love

Customer Reviews	76,613	31,853	28,123	3,487	17,169
Price	$9.15	$10.98	$8.95	$8.90	$11.09
Discover more books from Ali Hazelwood	A fake relationship between scientists throws one woman's carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.	Rival physicists collide in a vortex of academic feuds and fake dating shenanigans.	A scientist is forced to work on a project with her nemesis—with explosive results.	A collection of novellas featuring a trio of engineers and their loves in loathing.	A forbidden, secret affair proves that all’s fair in love and science.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Ali Hazelwood

“Another Hazelwood home run.”—People

"Bride is a delight! Passionate and witty and primal in its intensity, Ali Hazelwood's paranormal debut introduces a world as intriguing as its characters. I absolutely adored this read."—Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author

“Ali Hazelwood finally gives us paranormal, with her trademark humor, twisty plot, and spice that doesn’t quit—buckle up.”—Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author on Bride

“Hazelwood unleashes her sparkling voice and wit on a paranormal Romeo and Juliet.”—Ruby Dixon, international bestselling author on Bride

“The romance that blooms from a marriage of convenience is both tender and foxy, indisputably sexy and brimming with heart.”—Isabel Cañas, USA Today Bestselling Author of Vampires of El Norte onBride

“It’s official. There’s nothing Ali Hazelwood can’t do brilliantly when it comes to writing. LOVED it.”—Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Ali Hazelwood is a romance powerhouse and she's put me firmly back in my werewolf era.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Hannah Grace

“Everything I want and more in a paranormal romance novel.”—Lauren Asher, New York Times bestselling author on Bride

"Whenever I want a sexy, witty, delicious romance, told in a fresh and intelligent voice, I read Ali Hazelwood. Prepare to get addicted. Each book is pure joy."—Simone St. James, New York Times bestselling author

“Hazelwood is an absolute romance powerhouse.”—New York Times bestselling author Christina Lauren

“Funny, sexy and smart.”—New York Times bestselling author Mariana Zapata

About the Author

Ali Hazelwood is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis, as well as a writer of peer-reviewed articles about brain science, in which no one makes out and the ever after is not always happy. Originally from Italy, she lived in Germany and Japan before moving to the US to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. When Ali is not at work, she can be found running, eating cake pops, or watching sci-fi movies with her three feline overlords (and her slightly-less-feline husband).

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Chapter 1

It's been storming for three days straight when he finally returns from a meeting with the leader of the Big Bend huddle. Two of his seconds are already inside his home, waiting for him with wary expressions.

"The Vampyre woman-she backed out."

He grunts as he wipes his face. Smart of her, he thinks.

"But they found a replacement," Cal adds, sliding a manila folder on the counter. "Everything's in here. They want to know if she has your approval."

"We proceed as planned."

Cal huffs out a laugh. Flor frowns. "Don't you want to look at the-"

"No. This changes nothing."

They're all the same, anyway.

Six weeks before the ceremony

She shows up at the start-up where I work on an early Thursday evening, when the sun has already set and the entire bullpen is contemplating grievous bodily harm.

Against me.

I doubt I deserve this level of hatred, but I do understand it. And that's why I don't make a fuss when I return to my desk following a brief meeting with my manager and notice the state of my stapler. Honestly, it's fine. I work from home 90 percent of the time and rarely print anything. Who cares if someone smeared bird shit on it?

"Don't take it personally, Missy." Pierce leans against our cubicle divider. His smile is less concerned friend, more smarmy used car salesman; even his blood smells oily.

"I won't." Other people's approval is a powerful drug. Lucky me, I never got the chance to develop an addiction. If there's something I'm good at, it's rationalizing my peers' contempt toward me. I've been training like piano prodigies: tirelessly and since early childhood.

"No need to sweat it."

"I'm not." Literally. I barely own the necessary glands.

"And don't listen to Walker. He didn't say what you think he did."

Pretty sure it was "nasty bitch" and not "tasty peach" that he yelled across the conference room, but who knows?

"It comes with the territory. You'd be mad, too, if someone did a penetration test against a firewall you've been working on for weeks and breached it in what, one hour?"

It was maybe a third of that, even counting the break I took in the middle after realizing how quickly I was blowing through the system. I spent it online shopping for a new hamper, since Serena's damn cat seems to be asleep in my old one whenever I need to do laundry. I texted her a picture of the receipt, followed by You and your cat owe me sixteen dollars. Then I sat and waited for a reply, like I always do.

It didn't come. Nor had I expected it would.

"People will get over it," he Pierces on. "And hey, you never bring lunch, so no need to worry someone'll spit in your Tupperware." He bursts into laughter. I turn to my computer monitor, hoping he'll peace out. Boy, am I wrong. "And to be honest, it's kind of on you. If you tried to mingle more . . . Personally, I get your loner, mysterious, quiet vibe. But some read you as aloof, like you think you're better than us. If you made an effort to-"

"Misery."

When I hear my name called-the real one-for a split, exceptionally dumb second, I experience relief that this conversation is going to be over. Then I crane my neck and notice the woman standing on the other side of the divider. Her face is distantly familiar, and so is the black hair, but it's not until I focus on her heartbeat that I manage to place her. It's slow like only a Vampyre's can be, and . . .

Well.

Shit.

"Vania?"

"You're hard to find," she tells me, voice melodic and low. I briefly contemplate slamming my head against the keyboard. Then settle for replying calmly:

"That's by design."

"I figured."

I massage my temple. What a day. What a fucking day. "And yet, here you are."

"And yet, here I am."

"Why, hello." Pierce's smile gets a notch slimier as he turns to leer at Vania. His eyes start at her high heels, travel up the straight lines of her dark pantsuit, stop on her full breasts. I don't read minds, but he's thinking MILF so hard, I can practically hear it. "Are you a friend of Missy's?"

"You could say that, yes. Since she was a child."

"Oh my God. Do tell, how was baby Missy?"

The corner of Vania's lips twitches. "She was . . . odd, and difficult. If often useful."

"Wait-are you two related?"

"No. I'm her father's Right Hand, Head of his Guard," she says, looking at me. "And she has been summoned."

I straighten in my chair. "Where?"

"The Nest."

This is not rare-it's unprecedented. Excluding sporadic phone calls and even more sporadic meetings with Owen, I haven't spoken with another Vampyre in years. Because no one has reached out.

I should tell Vania to fuck off. I'm no longer a child stuck on a fool's errand: going back to my father with any expectations that he and the rest of my people won't be total assholes is an exercise in futility, and I'm well aware of it. But apparently this half-assed overture is making me forget, because I hear myself asking, "Why?"

"You'll have to come and find out." Vania's smile doesn't reach her eyes. I squint, like the answer is tattooed on her face. Meanwhile, Pierce reminds us of his unfortunate existence.

"Ladies. Right hand? Summon?" He laughs, loud and grating. I still want to flick his forehead and make him hurt, but I'm starting to feel a frisson of worry for this fool. "Are you guys into LARPing or . . ."

He finally shuts up. Because when Vania turns to him, no trick of the light could hide the purple hue of her eyes. Nor her long, perfectly white fangs, gleaming under the electric lights.

"Y-you . . ." Pierce looks between us for several seconds, muttering something incoherent.

And that's when Vania decides to ruin my life and snap her teeth at him.

I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose.

Pierce spins on his heels and sprints past my cubicle, running over a potted benjamin fig. "Vampyre! Vampyre-there's a- A Vampyre is attacking us, someone call the Bureau, someone call the-"

Vania takes out a laminated card with the Human-Vampyre Relations Bureau logo, one that grants her diplomatic immunity in Human territory. But there's no one to look at it: the bullpen has erupted into a small panic, and most of my coworkers are screaming, already halfway down the emergency stairs. People trample each other to get to the nearest exit. I see Walker dart out of the bathroom, a strip of toilet paper dangling from his khakis, and feel my shoulders slump.

"I liked this job," I tell Vania, grabbing the framed Polaroid of me and Serena and resignedly stuffing it into my bag. "It was easy. They bought my circadian rhythm disorder excuse and let me come in at night."

"My apologies," she says. Unapologetic. "Come with me."

I should tell her to fuck off, and I will. In the meantime, I give in to my curiosity and follow her, straightening the poor benjamin fig on my way out.

The Nest is still the tallest building in the north of The City, and perhaps the most distinctive: a bloodred podium that stretches underground for hundreds of feet, topped by a mirror skyscraper that comes alive around sunset and slides back to sleep in the early hours of the morning.

I brought Serena here once, when she asked to see what the heart of the Vampyre territory was like, and she stared open-mouthed, jarred by the sleek lines and ultramodern design. She'd been expecting candelabras, and heavy velvet drapes to block the murderous sun, and the corpses of our enemies hanging from the ceiling, blood milked from their veins to the very last drop. Bat artwork, in honor of our winged, chiropterous forefathers. Coffins, just because.

"It's nice. I just thought it'd be more . . . metal?" she mused, not at all intimidated at the idea of being the only Human in an elevator full of Vampyres. The memory still makes me smile years later.

Flexible spaces, automated systems, integrated tools-that's what the Nest is. Not just the crown jewel of our territory, but also the center of our community. A place for shops and offices and errands, where anything one of us could need, from nonurgent healthcare to a zoning permit to five liters of AB positive, can be easily obtained. And then, in the uppermost floors, the builders made room for some private quarters, some of which have been purchased by the most influential families in our society.

Mostly my family.

"Follow me," Vania says when the doors swish open, and I do, flanked by two uniformed council guards who are most definitely not here to protect me. A bit offensive, that I'm being treated like an intruder in the place where I was born, especially as we walk parallel to a wall that's plastered with portraits of my ancestors. They morph over the centuries, from oils to acrylics to photographs, gray to Kodachrome to digital. What stays the same are the expressions: distant, arrogant, and frankly, unhappy. Not a healthy thing, power.

The only Lark I recognize from personal experience is the one closest to Father's office. My grandfather was already old and a little demented by the time Owen and I were born, and my most vivid memory of him is from that one time I woke up in the middle of the night to find him in my bedroom, pointing at me with trembling hands and yelling in the Tongue, something about me being destined for a grisly death.

In fairness, he wasn't wrong.

"In here," Vania says with a soft knock to the door. "The councilman is waiting for you."

I scan her face. Vampyres are not immortal; we grow old the same as every other species, but . . . damn. She looks like she hasn't aged a day since she escorted me to the Collateral exchange ceremony. Seventeen years ago.

"Is there something you need?"

"No." I turn and reach for the doorknob. Hesitate. "Is he sick?"

Vania seems amused. "You think he'd call you here for that?"

I shrug. I can't think of a single other reason he'd want to see me.

"For what? To commiserate? Or find solace in your filial affection? You have been among the Humans far too long."

"I was thinking more along the lines of him needing a kidney."

"We are Vampyres, Misery. We act for the good of the most, or not at all."

She's gone before I can roll my eyes, or serve her that "fuck off" I've been meaning to. I sigh, glance at the stone-faced guards she left behind, and then walk into my father's office.

The first things I notice are the two walls of windows, which is exactly what Father wants. Every Human I've talked with assumes that Vampyres hate light and relish darkness, but they couldn't be more wrong. The sun may be forbidden to us, toxic always and deathly in large quantities, but that's precisely why we covet it with such intensity. Windows are a luxury, because they need to be treated with absurdly expensive materials that filter everything that might harm us. And windows this large are the most bombastic of status symbols, in a full display of dynastic power and obscene wealth. And beyond them . . .

The river that slices The City into North and South-us, and them. Only a few hundred feet separate the Nest from Were territory, but the riverbank is littered with outlook towers, checkpoints, and guard posts, heavily monitored twenty-four seven. A single bridge exists, but access to it is closely surveilled in both directions, and as far as I know, no vehicle has traveled across it since well before I was born. Past that, there are a few Were security areas, and the deep green of an oak forest that stretches south for miles.

I always thought it smart of them not to build civilian settlements next to one of the most sanguinary borders in the Southwest. When Owen and I were children, before I was sent away, Father walked in on us wondering why the Vampyre headquarters had been placed so close to our most lethal enemies. "To remember," he explained. "And to remind."

I don't know. Twenty years later, it still seems pretty fucked up to me.

"Misery." Father finishes tapping at the touch screen monitor and stands from his luxury mahogany desk, unsmiling but not cold. "It's good to see you here again."

"It sure is something." The past few years have been kind to Henry Lark. I examine his tall frame, triangular face, and wide-set eyes, and I'm reminded of how much I take after him. His blond hair is a little grayer, but still perfectly slicked back. I've never seen it anything but-never seen Father less than impeccably put together. Tonight the sleeves of his white button-down may be rolled back, but meticulously so. If they're meant to trick me into thinking that this is a casual meeting, they've failed.

And that's why, when he points at the leather chair in front of his desk and says, "Sit," I decide to lean back against the door.

"Vania says you're not dying." I'm aiming for rude. Unfortunately, I think I just sound curious.

"I trust that you're healthy, too." He smiles faintly. "How have the last seven years treated you?"

There is a beautiful vintage clock behind his head. I watch it tick eight seconds before saying, "Just peachy."

"Yes?" He gives me a once-over. "You'd better remove them, Misery. Someone might mistake you for a Human."

He's referring to my brown contacts. Which I considered taking out in the car, before deciding not to bother. The problem is, there are many other signs that I've been living among the Humans, most not so quickly reversible. The fangs I shave to dull points every week, for instance, are unlikely to escape his notice. "I was at work."

"Ah, yes. Vania mentioned you have a job. Something with computers, knowing you?"

"Something like that."

He nods. "And how is your little friend? Once again safe and sound, I trust."

I stiffen. "How do you know she-"

"Oh, Misery. You didn't really think that your communications with Owen went unmonitored, did you?"

I clench my fists behind my back and seriously debate slamming the door behind me and returning home. But there must be a reason he brought me here, and I need to know it. So I take my phone out of my pocket, and once I'm sitting across from Father, I lay it face up on his desk.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C9GQV1TT
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (February 6, 2024)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 6, 2024
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 2.3 MB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 410 pages
Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0593817001

Best Sellers Rank: #2,183 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #18 in Vampire Romances
- #44 in Paranormal Vampire Romance
- #63 in Werewolf & Shifter Romance

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46,902 ratings

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Ali Hazelwood

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Ali Hazelwood is a multi-published author—alas, of peer-reviewed articles about brain science, in which no one makes out and the ever after is not always happy. Originally from Italy, she lived in Germany and Japan before moving to the U.S. to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience. When Ali is not at work, she can be found crocheting, eating cake pops, or watching sci-fi movies with her three feline overlords (and her slightly-less-feline husband).

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Customers say

Customers find this book engaging with a love story featuring layers and depth, along with plenty of mystery and suspense. They appreciate the banter between the main characters and find the writing style easy to read, with one customer comparing it to an adult version of Twilight. Customers describe the book as incredibly relatable, with one noting how it resonates with feelings of alienation, and they enjoy the humor, particularly the unmatched wit and snark. The pacing receives positive feedback, with one review highlighting the stunning world-building, and customers find the spice level appropriate to the story.

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Storyline Readability Character development Humor Pacing Writing style Relatability Spice level

451 customers mention "Storyline"412 positive39 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, praising its intriguingly unique plot with layers and depth, along with plenty of mystery and suspense that includes several twists and turns.

"...humor and vulnerability, and Hazelwood does an amazing job of exploring deeper themes around love, personal growth, and what it means to truly find..." Read more

"...I really enjoyed the political and society dynamics of the world she has built especially because it differs from many of the vampyre/Were stories I..." Read more

"...The main characters were fascinated, mysterious and very protective of their loved ones. It was great to see how Misery changed throughout the story...." Read more

"...Super satisfying take on a werewolf and vampire romance." Read more

428 customers mention "Readability"428 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as an enthralling and fun easy read that kept them engaged throughout.

"The Bride by Ali Hazelwood is an absolute delight! I couldn’t put this book down once I started, and it quickly became one of my favorite reads...." Read more

"...I decided to give it a try and I’m so glad I did because I thoroughly enjoyed it...." Read more

"Such a fun read and just what I needed to pull me out of my last book hangover...." Read more

"...Overall, this was a pleasant quick read, and though the beginning required some dedication to plow through, the ending left me wishing for more!..." Read more

236 customers mention "Character development"229 positive7 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, particularly appreciating the banter between the main characters and their sense of humor.

"...The banter between the characters is sharp and witty, and the romance feels both realistic and passionate...." Read more

"...The main characters were fascinated, mysterious and very protective of their loved ones. It was great to see how Misery changed throughout the story...." Read more

"...I did appreciate how the main character was more even keeled than some other female main characters in romance novels who tend to come off as..." Read more

"...building in my fantasy, a believable , explainable plot and well defined characters - that hopefully I like or love to hate...." Read more

230 customers mention "Humor"230 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, particularly its unmatched wit and snark, dry sense of humor, and good banter between characters, with one customer noting that the quirky protagonist made them laugh out loud.

"...There’s a great balance between humor and vulnerability, and Hazelwood does an amazing job of exploring deeper themes around love, personal growth,..." Read more

"...Overall a fun, quick read for anyone looking to start a move toward dark romance/dark fantasy/fantasy from modern Rom-Coms." Read more

"...This is a fun contemporary Romantasy with a believable world, witty FMC, and great pacing. I finished this in two days...." Read more

"Misery's character - chef's kiss. I loved her quirky intelligent humor. This author is truly a genius in that regard. A+ with extra credit...." Read more

227 customers mention "Pacing"182 positive45 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, describing it as sassy and thoughtful, with one customer noting its stunning world building.

"...There’s a great balance between humor and vulnerability, and Hazelwood does an amazing job of exploring deeper themes around love, personal growth,..." Read more

"...I really loved this story. The pace of the story was fluent and the story kept my attention from the beginning until the end...." Read more

"...is a quick read and easy enough to get sucked into but it’s not too heavy storywise and doesn’t take itself too seriously...." Read more

"...He is protective, strong and lovely all at the same time. Is impossible not to love him. The heroine is as well a very good character in this book...." Read more

170 customers mention "Writing style"151 positive19 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, finding it well-crafted and easy to read, with one customer noting it's a better adult version of Twilight.

"...Overall a fun, quick read for anyone looking to start a move toward dark romance/dark fantasy/fantasy from modern Rom-Coms." Read more

"...I finished this in two days. This is a quick read and easy enough to get sucked into but it’s not too heavy storywise and doesn’t take itself too..." Read more

"...I found Misery to be mature in her emotional reactions and not impulsive or insecure...." Read more

"...The heroine is as well a very good character in this book. She is straight forward, strong and down to earth and not only that she is funny as well...." Read more

107 customers mention "Relatability"103 positive4 negative

Customers find the book relatable, appreciating its emotional depth and intense moments, with one customer noting how it resonated with the somewhat alienated main character.

"...Hazelwood’s signature mix of humor, chemistry, and heart shines through in this romantic comedy that has the perfect blend of lighthearted moments..." Read more

"...This is a fun contemporary Romantasy with a believable world, witty FMC, and great pacing. I finished this in two days...." Read more

"...last third to fourth of the book did come with lots of twists and high emotions which pleasantly surprised me and kept me hooked so that I ended up..." Read more

"...First off, I want good world building in my fantasy, a believable , explainable plot and well defined characters - that hopefully I like or love to..." Read more

72 customers mention "Spice level"67 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the spice level in the book, describing it as a tasty treat and delightful, with one customer noting that it fits appropriately with the story.

"...While this was only a 2 out of 5 for spice, the spice was well earned and yummy when we finally got it...." Read more

"...It was a slow burn and the spice was very mild to what I typically read...." Read more

"...It is a delightful confection of snark and spice. I could not put it down." Read more

"This was DELICIOUS IN THE BEST WAY. HERE for the Vampyre Were relations. Lowe freaking Moreland...." Read more

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Robyn Simmons
A Fun, Flirty, and Heartfelt Romance – The Bride is a Perfect Read!
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2025
Verified Purchase

The Bride by Ali Hazelwood is an absolute delight! I couldn’t put this book down once I started, and it quickly became one of my favorite reads. Hazelwood’s signature mix of humor, chemistry, and heart shines through in this romantic comedy that has the perfect blend of lighthearted moments and emotional depth.

The story follows a unique and fun premise—our heroine, who is set to marry someone else, finds herself in the middle of an unexpected and heartwarming romantic adventure. The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable and makes for some truly swoon-worthy moments. It’s a perfect balance of slow-burn tension and playful flirtation, and the romance feels genuine and deeply emotional as they get to know each other.

What I love most about Hazelwood's writing is her ability to create fully fleshed-out characters who feel real and relatable. The characters are wonderfully flawed and multidimensional, and you can't help but root for them. There’s a great balance between humor and vulnerability, and Hazelwood does an amazing job of exploring deeper themes around love, personal growth, and what it means to truly find the right person.

The pacing of the book is spot-on, and it moves along at just the right speed, keeping you hooked without feeling rushed. The banter between the characters is sharp and witty, and the romance feels both realistic and passionate.

If you're looking for a lighthearted romance with just enough emotional depth to keep things grounded, The Bride is the perfect choice. Ali Hazelwood knows how to write characters that make you laugh, swoon, and even tear up. This book will keep you entertained from start to finish, and I can’t recommend it enough!

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Megan Bajorek
Quick, Fun Read in the typical Hazelwood fashion but make it Vampy!
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2024
Verified Purchase
First off let me say I am absolutely thrilled to see Ali branching out into other genres! This book is absolutely fascinating in its construction and development. I really enjoyed the political and society dynamics of the world she has built especially because it differs from many of the vampyre/Were stories I've read before.

Her characters are interesting and unique. The characters of Ana, Alex and Owen stand out because they are frequently front and center and typically challenge and a support Misery and Lowe in a variety of ways. Hazelwood touches on how external forces like proximity and environment can warp and twist relationships and social behavior and how those experiencing such things can find healing.

I found Misery's vocabulary sometimes startling, making me question my own knowledge of the English language and Lowe's intensity was right on target for someone with a powerful wolf inside. Misery's dedication to Serena reminds me very much of the similar friendship dynamic of Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood but in a unique way due to the limitations of political alliances.

My only qualm and reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because I would have enjoyed Lowe's POV throughout the book and not just at the end. Hazelwood makes a point to continually mention the difference between Vampyre and Were society and Misery's inexperience in any culture so having Lowe's POV would have helped the audience navigate the complexities and nuances instead of being just as confused as Misery for most of the book; I had to reread a few sentences to make sure I understood all that way happening. Additionally I'm used to reading fantasy or dark fantasy with a bit more building of characters, development of society and a slower pace to allow for you to really immerse yourself in the world. Bride does not have that; Bride is fast paced, with little world building beyond what Misery has experienced and the cast of characters is minimal compared to other books of this length and genre. This is a good jumping off point if this will develop into a series.

Definitely excited to see if we get a book about Serena as she is a vibrate character, who though not physically present until toward the end, her spirit and essence moves Misery and the entire plot! Within moments of coming onto the proverbial page, Serena lights Misery up in a way that captures found family and sisterhood.

Overall a fun, quick read for anyone looking to start a move toward dark romance/dark fantasy/fantasy from modern Rom-Coms.

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Peggy M
The author created a wonderful paranormal world. I loved it!
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024
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This is the first book that I read by the author Ali Hazelwood. Like so many books, this book was on my TBR pile to read someday. I had forgotten about it until someone mentioned it in a book group on Facebook. I decided to give it a try and I’m so glad I did because I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was exactly what I was looking for to get me out of my book slump.

Author Ali Hazelwood wrote a paranormal love story this time and created a fascinating world in which three species existed, the vampyres, the werewolves and the humans. Each had their strengths and their weaknesses. The vampyres and werewolves were stronger than the humans but the humans were stronger in numbers. Each had their own territory. There was a lot of tension between each group, in the past there had already been war with many deaths. At this time there was peace through alliances and collaterals between the vampyres and the humans, but political changes were coming and this could break the fragile peace. And so new alliances were made.

The main characters are 25 year old vampyre Misery Lark and alpha werewolf Lowe Moreland. Misery may be a vampyre but she grew up in the human world. When she was 8 years old, she was sent there as a collateral, Misery stayed with the humans until her 18th birthday. The only good thing that happened there was her friendship with Serena, a human and her best friend. Although Misery went back to the vampyre world, she didn’t feel welcome there so she returned to the human world to live and work there. But now she’s called home by her father. A new alliance is needed, this time with the werewolves. Misery’s father wants Misery to agree to an arranged marriage with the alpha werewolf Lowe. Misery has her own reasons for agreeing. Neither of them had love in mind when they agreed to the marriage, but from the moment Misery and Love meet, there’s a connection between them. But not everyone wants peace, enemies (known and unknown) try to hurt them and create war between the different species. Does their marriage have a chance or was it never meant to be?

I really loved this story. The pace of the story was fluent and the story kept my attention from the beginning until the end. The story was told from Misery’s POV but at each chapter there was a little insight into his thoughts. I loved that! The story was a bit of a slow burn but there were a few sex scenes in the story.

The main characters were fascinated, mysterious and very protective of their loved ones. It was great to see how Misery changed throughout the story. She went from a antisocial, distant person to someone who cared from more than just her best human friend Serena. She started to interact more with the people around her, feeling protective of them. She could be a little bit ‘crazy’ at times but I loved that about her.

Lowe was intelligent, strong and considerate. He felt responsible for his pack and his little sister Ana (she was so cute, she had me laughing now and then). He respected the opinions of his seconds, but in the end he made the decisions himself. He was a great pack leader. Because Misery moved into his pack, we got to known his seconds better. They were also interesting characters too. There was some tension in the beginning, but later the accepted Misery for the person she was. The differences between the vampyres and the werewolves made for some fun and interesting scenes.

Misery’s twin brother Owen was a bit of a mystery. He hid his true personality from the world, in his own way he cared for his sister, but he never showed it in public. Vampire world can be very dangerous, it’s best not to show any weaknesses.

In the story there was an unknown enemy and I have to admit that I was a little surprised when I found out who the enemy was. I didn’t guess it.

I really enjoyed this paranormal world and I hope that one day the author will write another story in this world. I have my fingers crossed for it!

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Sapie
Boek
Reviewed in the Netherlands on March 5, 2025
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Goed ontvangen

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Shannon
Amazing Swooning Fantasy
Reviewed in Canada on February 4, 2025
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This book gave me all the feels! Empathy, compassion, love, laughter, heartbreak and anger. From the moment we are introduced to Misery, I was rooting for her. I loved her spunk and tenacity. The sacrifices she had to deal with but her ability to care was something that endured me to her. She’s capable of so much more than anyone gave her credit for. I loved her savvy and her honesty with everyone she met. Lowe was a swoony lead. I wouldn’t call him a hero necessarily because that is not what Misery needed. She needed a champion. Someone to be on her side and to cheer her on, and Lowe did that despite fighting off the connection they had. I loved their connection and his immediate need to see to her comforts. I hated the conflict and it broke my heart for Misery. Sacrifice can be a double edged sword. Sometimes it is best to fight for what you want. At least Misery was winning to do just that!

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Angelica
Bride
Reviewed in Sweden on May 18, 2024
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A bride entering an arranger marriage, all to find out that the war between Werewolves and Vampires might not be all that.

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Sonia
A great Ali Hezelwood !
Reviewed in France on December 1, 2024
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I’ve read almost all the books of Ali Hazelwood and as far as I’m concerned it’s one of the best. First, I wasn’t enthralled by the story between a vampire and a wolf, not my thing but it is a story about tolerance on our differences and the fact that we can live together in peace and love. It’s about interacial co-existence. I loved Misery’s wit and sense of humor, she’s so funny, I laughed out loud many times. Ali Hazelwood’s writing is unique and I’m addicted to it.

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Fantastico! I LOVE it!
Reviewed in Italy on March 9, 2024
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Uno dei libri più belli che abbia letto di questo genere, spero veramente che ci sarà un sequel per Serena e Koen.

One of the best books in this genre I've read so far. I really hope there will be a sequel for Serena and Koen.

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5.0 out of 5 stars A Fun, Flirty, and Heartfelt Romance – The Bride is a Perfect Read!

4.0 out of 5 stars Quick, Fun Read in the typical Hazelwood fashion but make it Vampy!

5.0 out of 5 stars The author created a wonderful paranormal world. I loved it!

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Boek

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Swooning Fantasy

5.0 out of 5 stars Bride

5.0 out of 5 stars A great Ali Hezelwood !

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastico! I LOVE it!

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A Fun, Flirty, and Heartfelt Romance – The Bride is a Perfect Read!

Quick, Fun Read in the typical Hazelwood fashion but make it Vampy!

The author created a wonderful paranormal world. I loved it!

Boek

Amazing Swooning Fantasy

Bride

A great Ali Hezelwood !

Fantastico! I LOVE it!