Bride by Ali Hazelwood – Review & Giveaway

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Description:
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.

Review:

Bride by Ali Hazelwood is a fantasy novel, that is so different then her normal rom-coms.  I have mostly enjoyed all of Hazelwood’s stories, but I was surprised reading Bride. Ali you have changed the game, as I totally loved Bride.  It was a fantastic story with Vampyres and Weres, and totally blew me away.  I certainly hope you continue this fantasy world.

We meet Misery Lark, our heroine, who is the daughter of a powerful Vampyre councilman.  Misery has spent many years living among humans, hiding the knowledge that she is a Vampyre, with only her very close BFF, Serena, knowing the truth.  Misery’s father summons her, and wants to establish a peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their enemies, Werewolves. He is proposing a marriage between Misery and Lowe Moreland, the new leader and most powerful Alpha of the Were’s. At first, Misery refuses the proposal, until she hears the new leader’s name, and decides to accept.  Misery’s secret reason to accept the proposal is that her best friend, Serena has disappeared, and she is determined to find her.

After Misery marries Lowe, she is surrounded by Were’s, who do not like her; but in a short time, she begins to earn respect from them.  Lowe’s 6-year-old sister Ana, is constantly visiting Misery, whom she befriends.  Soon Misery helps Lowe in writing and printing, which will lead to friendships along the way.

Turns out that on his wedding day, Lowe recognizes Misery as his mate, and doesn’t tell her, since he had no intention of staying married for the year.  Lowe was well liked by those who supported him, as he was very loyal, caring and always willing to help others.  In a short time, he realizes that he is falling for Misery; and helps her in trying to find the missing Serena.  When Owen, Misery’s brother confides in her that he wants to remove their father from the council, and surprisingly he befriends Lowe to team up.

Bride is an enemy to lovers story line, especially revolving around a forbidden romance, as it was a fantastic world building, and lots of action.  Misery finds herself also falling in love with Lowe, but not knowing that he too has fallen for her. As we get closer to the end, there are some steamy scenes between them.  I really loved Misery and Lowe together.  I got to really like Serena after she is found.  The last ¼ of the book was very exciting, especially when Misery is missing, with Owen and Lowe teaming up to find the culprit. I do not want to tell too much more, so not to ruin the story for you. 

Bride was a terrific story, which was so very well written by Ali Hazelwood.  I have said previously that I was blown away how much I loved this book, as I want more from this fantastic fantasy world.  I enjoyed many of Hazelwood’s rom com, but she outdid herself in Bride.  I wholly suggest if you are a fan of Ali Hazelwood, you need to be reading this new genre.  Totally awesome.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

Ali Hazelwood’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy of BRIDE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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8. Giveaway runs from February 6th – 10th, 2024