Of Fangs and Fur—A Review of 'Bride' by Ali Hazelwood

I picked up “Bride” by Ali Hazelwood because it was highly recommended in one of my many Facebook groups, but I can’t remember which. Anyway, a big thank you to whoever recommended it.

It was also mentioned by Zoe Ashwood—one of my favorite authors—in a monthly wrap-up post, I think. However, by that time, I had already read a few chapters. Since she loved it, I was pretty sure I was going to enjoy it too and, it turns out, I wasn’t wrong!

Essentially, “Bride” is a book that combines fantasy and romance, featuring Vampyres and Werewolves, and centers around a marriage of convenience. The first foray into paranormal romance by Hazelwood was unexpectedly well-crafted.

What I Loved

Misery Lark, the protagonist, had an intricate backstory (which suits her name) and her struggle to reconcile her human upbringing and her Vampyre nature captivated me. Her journey from anonymity in the human world to reluctantly accepting her fate as a bride to an Alpha Werewolf is intriguing, and I particularly enjoyed the mystery aspect—she only accepts this marriage to find her best friend. I also enjoyed the slow burn romance between Misery and Lowe, which simmered with tension before igniting into fiery passion.

We gest the story from Misery’s POV, but each chapter opens with a glimpse into Lowe’s mind. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered this manner of storytelling, but I loved it and wished for more. Additionally, the mystery surrounding Misery’s missing friend and the secrets harbored by Lowe’s sister added layers of intrigue to the narrative, making it an engaging and brisk read.

Themes and Tropes

“Bride” offers you all the right tropes and themes, from the classic enemies-to-lovers and marriage of convenience to the forbidden love and forced proximity. Mixing inter-species war with dysfunctional families, betrayal, and found family trope makes the story more interesting.

Also, the side characters like Lowe’s sister Ana and Misery’s interactions with Alex brought some lightheartedness and warmth to the tense moments. I loved how Alex was always concerned she would bite him.

What Didn’t Resonate With Me

While I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative, I found myself mildly distracted by the unconventional spelling of “Vampyre.” While this is a personal preference and did not detract from the overall quality of the story, it is a minor quibble that may resonate with other readers who share similar sentiments.

This isn’t the first and probably not the last book that uses alternative spelling for supernatural creatures, and while I may roll my eyes while reading, this isn’t enough to stop me from enjoying a well-written story. We all have pet peeves, though.

Favorite Quote

“Maybe you’re not meant for me the way I’m meant for you, but I’m going to choose you anyway, over and over and over again.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Bride” by Ali Hazelwood is a captivating blend of urban fantasy and paranormal romance that will enchant readers with its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and sizzling romance. Despite minor preferences, Hazelwood’s debut in the paranormal romance genre is a resounding success, leaving readers eagerly anticipating her future works.