Ali Hazelwood dips her pen into the paranormal romance genre and pulls out a winner with Bride. This Vampyre-Werewolf romance has everything from an arranged marriage to plenty of suspense and twists. Come see why I loved this and hope we get more stories from this world.
by Ali Hazelwood
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
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.
I enjoyed Hazelwood’s stem romances and was curious to see what she would create in the paranormal genre. She did not disappoint. We have a world with three controlling factions divided into territories. The humans, vampyres and werewolves. The three have been at war and, while currently at peace, things remain volatile. An arrangement was made for each to send one of their young to live in the other’s territory. A trade to ensure peace.
Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, spent ten years as a child with the humans. This is where she met her best friend, Serena. She now lives with Serna in the human territory and knows very little about vampyre ways. When her friend goes missing, she is desperate to find her, but all that is cut short when her father demands her return.
Her father has arranged a peace treaty marriage with the weres. Misery will marry and remain with the weres for one year. She will marry their Alpha, Lowe Moreland. Misery agrees to the marriage as a clue to her friend’s vanishing pointed towards an individual with the initials L M.
I loved this story from the mystery to the romance. Hazelwood’s storytelling skillfully combines world-building, unexpected twists, political intrigue, and a constant sense of danger. Combine that with complex & compelling characters and you have the makings of a great series. Hazelwood pulled me in and held me captive until the end.
Having read a lot of paranormal and urban fantasies, the romance and its elements did not surprise me, but I love how it slowly unfolded. Having been raised in the human world, Misery doesn’t know much about her own vampyre instincts and romantic inclinations. In fact, she has never really been attracted to someone until now. She knows nothing about the weres, outside of the horror stories of battles, and I loved learning it all with her.
The romantic tension, trust issues, character growth, and building sexual tension were divine. Lowe, the Alpha, is complex and caring. We learn about the pack, his struggles and the secrets he protects. I became caught up in their struggles and watching them skirt the chemistry.
The pacing was well done and the suspenseful threads and mystery added to the story. While this is currently a standalone and events wrapped up, there were hints of stories yet to be told and I want them. I hope we return to this world soon.
Perfect for fan of paranormal and urban fantasy. This may be the perfect book for contemporary romance readers to dip their toe into the genre.
About Ali Hazelwood
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. She recently became a professor, which absolutely terrifies her. When Ali is not at work, she can be found running, crocheting, eating cake pops, or watching sci-fi movies with her two feline overlords (and her slightly-less-feline husband).
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Christine @ Captivated Reading
I loved this one too. 🙂 I really hope there’s a sequel/spin-off planned!
Jen Twimom
I absolutely loved this one. It’s familiar yet so different than the usual PNR. I really hope we get a second book!
Kimberly
Yes. She breathed some fresh life into the genre.
Sophie
Well one aspect of the shifter romance did surprise me LOL But I loved that book too! Excellent review!
Amorina Rose
I loved this book and the way that beneath the obvious story there was so much about human nature. Am recommending it on my end of month blog in February. Loved the book/ Great review.
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
So glad you loved this one as well! Great review!
ShootingStarsMag
I have yet to read something by Ali, but I am really curious about this one. I like paranormal romance and it sounds really good.
Katherine
I enjoyed the one book by her I read and the blurb of this one took me by surprise. It looks really interesting and really fun! I like that there’s a bit of mystery and suspense. I’m going to have to try this one!
Sophia Rose
I’ve enjoyed her contemporaries too so I can’t wait to try her first PNR. Glad you loved it, Kimberly!
Anne - Books of My Heart
Everyone seems to love this. When I get out of my mood, maybe I can read it.
Nadene
I heard lots of good things about this one. I will have to check it out. Great review, Kim.
Jessica @ a GREAT read
Oh nice! I enjoyed this one too! I love that paranormal books are still around (even though I’ve been reading a lot of fantasy lately, I still crave these paranormal books! Lol)! Glad to see you enjoyed this one too! Nice review!
TBJR...
I loved her contemporary romance series. I am excited to also see what she does with the paranormal genre. Thanks for your review.