Price: $0.00 (as of Jul 24, 2024 20:54:58 UTC – Details)
By: Ali Hazelwood (Author)
Reviews
Whitney –
Loved this book and found a new favorite author
Bride was recommended to me by a friend. I had just finished the Emily Wilde series, which I loved, and was searching for romantic books with older FMCs and good guy love interests.Bride did not disappoint. The world building was wonderful and very creative. I really enjoyed reading about the different territories and the history of interactions between humans, vampires, and werewolves.I adored the FMC. She is older, smart, and complicated. I completely related to her struggle of not feeling “at home” in the vampire territory and wanting to live among humans. Also related to her hiding her vampire appearance to blend in with humans. Who hasn’t felt out of place and masked themselves in order to fit in?The love interest was a loveable, caring, good guy. It was super refreshing after reading several stories of enemies to lovers with bad boy love interests, which are also great, but I was pleasantly suprised to fall in love with Lowe because of his sensitive heart â¤ï¸I loved this book so much that I immediately bought more of Ali’s books. I think I found a new favorite author of cozy, romantic books that feature older (not 19), intelligent FMCs. Thank you Ali for sharing these wonderful stories.
Megan Bajorek –
Quick, Fun Read in the typical Hazelwood fashion but make it Vampy!
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.
JKom –
A creative take on the Werewolf/Vampyre/Human AU genre
There are hundreds of authors in this genre, but I’ve enjoyed only a very few of the ones I’ve tried – Anne Bishop’s The Others series; Charlaine Harris’ Southern Vampire series; Kim Harrison’s The Hollows series; and the early books (1-8) of Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series. Except for those four series, I’ve read first books of many series, sometimes the second, but then ignored subsequent sequels as not worth continuing.It will be interesting to see where Ms. Hazelwood takes this series going forward. It’s an interesting AU, one in which the vampyres are NOT the dominant species that they are in so many other stories. Except for those vampyres who have a strong “thrall”, i.e. mesmerizing, ability, they are otherwise physically inferior to Weres, and numerically much fewer than either Humans or Weres.The setting for the story is an uneasy detente between the three species, with both overt and covert political maneuvering as each species has to deal with their own internal political conflicts as well as trying to keep a semblance of peace between one another.It’s hard to maintain when there’s a long history of bloodshed and hatred driving individuals to seek vengeance!Misery, a vampyre who has always been a misfit within their society, agrees to be the bride of the strongest pack’s Alpha, Lowe. Many of the werewolves are unhappy with what they consider an abomination – as are many of the vampyres. Her father, de factor leader of the vampyres, has his own reasons for agreeing to this idea.But Misery has a plan of her own. And her arrival is going to begin a series of events that no one, not even her Macchiavellian father, will foretell.The slow romantic build-up between Misery and Lowe is very well written. I could do without the sex scenes, as I found them on the crude side, but they can be easily skimmed over by the reader. Misery herself is a great character: smart, competent, vulnerable without being cliched about it, loyal and brave; along with a nice touch of sassiness that adds needed humor to the plot.The dialogue is well-crafted and believable. The side characters had good detail and depth to their portrayal.As with most first books in a series, building the AU takes a big chunk of time. Be patient; there are a lot of small scenes that set the stage for the fast and furious action that starts the denouement.
Juan Carlos Sánchez –
Buen libro
Kindle Customer –
I loved it. Really enjoyed the unique world. The characters and overall story. I’m happy to see there will be another story for another set of characters. It was the perfect amount of world building and politics. I smiled and laughed and the tension was written so well.My only complaint and I guess I can rationalize it was that he was so wishy washy with her almost bordering on dishonest. Had he not been written so well with his good guy stamp fully intact I would’ve deducted a star because it would have bordered on toxic but thankfully it all came around in this end.
Kajal Dhamija –
I am not a big fan of fantasy, and very choosy with romance. But this book was so good that I was just so glad to ride on with it. The connection between the two protagonists felt so natural and gradual. Oh, the passion….
Whitney –
Loved this book and found a new favorite author
Bride was recommended to me by a friend. I had just finished the Emily Wilde series, which I loved, and was searching for romantic books with older FMCs and good guy love interests.Bride did not disappoint. The world building was wonderful and very creative. I really enjoyed reading about the different territories and the history of interactions between humans, vampires, and werewolves.I adored the FMC. She is older, smart, and complicated. I completely related to her struggle of not feeling “at home” in the vampire territory and wanting to live among humans. Also related to her hiding her vampire appearance to blend in with humans. Who hasn’t felt out of place and masked themselves in order to fit in?The love interest was a loveable, caring, good guy. It was super refreshing after reading several stories of enemies to lovers with bad boy love interests, which are also great, but I was pleasantly suprised to fall in love with Lowe because of his sensitive heart â¤ï¸I loved this book so much that I immediately bought more of Ali’s books. I think I found a new favorite author of cozy, romantic books that feature older (not 19), intelligent FMCs. Thank you Ali for sharing these wonderful stories.
Megan Bajorek –
Quick, Fun Read in the typical Hazelwood fashion but make it Vampy!
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.
JKom –
A creative take on the Werewolf/Vampyre/Human AU genre
There are hundreds of authors in this genre, but I’ve enjoyed only a very few of the ones I’ve tried – Anne Bishop’s The Others series; Charlaine Harris’ Southern Vampire series; Kim Harrison’s The Hollows series; and the early books (1-8) of Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series. Except for those four series, I’ve read first books of many series, sometimes the second, but then ignored subsequent sequels as not worth continuing.It will be interesting to see where Ms. Hazelwood takes this series going forward. It’s an interesting AU, one in which the vampyres are NOT the dominant species that they are in so many other stories. Except for those vampyres who have a strong “thrall”, i.e. mesmerizing, ability, they are otherwise physically inferior to Weres, and numerically much fewer than either Humans or Weres.The setting for the story is an uneasy detente between the three species, with both overt and covert political maneuvering as each species has to deal with their own internal political conflicts as well as trying to keep a semblance of peace between one another.It’s hard to maintain when there’s a long history of bloodshed and hatred driving individuals to seek vengeance!Misery, a vampyre who has always been a misfit within their society, agrees to be the bride of the strongest pack’s Alpha, Lowe. Many of the werewolves are unhappy with what they consider an abomination – as are many of the vampyres. Her father, de factor leader of the vampyres, has his own reasons for agreeing to this idea.But Misery has a plan of her own. And her arrival is going to begin a series of events that no one, not even her Macchiavellian father, will foretell.The slow romantic build-up between Misery and Lowe is very well written. I could do without the sex scenes, as I found them on the crude side, but they can be easily skimmed over by the reader. Misery herself is a great character: smart, competent, vulnerable without being cliched about it, loyal and brave; along with a nice touch of sassiness that adds needed humor to the plot.The dialogue is well-crafted and believable. The side characters had good detail and depth to their portrayal.As with most first books in a series, building the AU takes a big chunk of time. Be patient; there are a lot of small scenes that set the stage for the fast and furious action that starts the denouement.
Juan Carlos Sánchez –
Buen libro
Kindle Customer –
I loved it. Really enjoyed the unique world. The characters and overall story. I’m happy to see there will be another story for another set of characters. It was the perfect amount of world building and politics. I smiled and laughed and the tension was written so well.My only complaint and I guess I can rationalize it was that he was so wishy washy with her almost bordering on dishonest. Had he not been written so well with his good guy stamp fully intact I would’ve deducted a star because it would have bordered on toxic but thankfully it all came around in this end.
Kajal Dhamija –
I am not a big fan of fantasy, and very choosy with romance. But this book was so good that I was just so glad to ride on with it. The connection between the two protagonists felt so natural and gradual. Oh, the passion….