*Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of Bride by Ali Hazelwood in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and reviews are my own*
Summary
The Vampyres and Werewolves have been in constant fighting for hundreds of years. When a marriage for alliance is suggested, Misery is thrust into the spotlight. Daughter of the Vampyre rulers and frequent political pawn, she wants nothing more than to slink back and remain anonymous in Human territory. Especially not marrying the Werewolf alpha, Lowe, and living in their territory for a year. But when her best friend goes missing, an uneasy alliance with Lowe will help them unravel the mystery.
Review
Short answer? I loved Bride. Hazelwood could publish her shopping list and I would still read it.
Long answer? Bride felt very much like baby’s first vampire/werewolf romance. I am not a big fantasy reader, so the topic of werewolves and vampires in a modern fantasy setting had me a little nervous, but I knew if Hazelwood was writing it, I would find some enjoyment in it. Similar to Love, Theoretically, I enjoyed the politics of the world. I felt that Hazelwood did a great job in expanding and explaining the lore and the history of vampire, werewolf, and human relations.
I was a little too young for Twilight and never got into other fantasy books like the ACOTAR series, so I loved this dip into fantasy romance. The emotions and the relationship between Lowe and Misery shine through everything, which makes this such an enchanting read as they transform from political enemies to husband and wife. It’s cheesy and dramatic at times, but Hazelwood is so talented at writing romance and relationships that I care about that I couldn’t put this book down.
Misery is so different from Hazelwood’s other protagonists, and I loved it. Intelligent, quick on her feet, emotionally cold, with a dry sense of humor, unlike the overly bubbly or incredibly awkward Steminist heroines of past works. My one gripe with this book? I did not like her name. It was explained in the novel why her name is Misery, but I never got used to it, and it stuck out like a sore thumb when her twin’s name is Owen.
I feel like Bride might divide fans and casual readers of her other romance novels. It is so different from her previous works. Fans of fantasy romance will instantly fall into the rhythms of this world, but if you are not a fan of fantasy, then you might not love this book. Fantasy, especially fantasy romance books, take a level of suspension of disbelief to immerse yourself into the world.
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