Representation: N/A
Trigger warnings: War themes, physical assault and injury, blood, grief and loss depiction, death of people
Score: Five out of ten.
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What an underwhelming reading experience. Again.

Let me get this straight: Ali Hazelwood is not the author for me. Bride is the third book I've read from her, but she always disappoints and never seems to improve. I gave her three chances when I read The Love Hypothesis and then Check & Mate, but Bride was at the same level, not above it. Perhaps I should stop reading from her.

It starts with a prologue that lasts for a few pages, then it cuts to the central storyline with Misery Lark, a vampire, sorry, Vampyre (I'm cringing at this) living in the Human (uppercase) world. The pacing is slow at first and continues to be so, as Bride is around 400 pages. Bride only appeals to three types of people, those who like paranormal romances, those who enjoy fantasy romances (romantasies for short) and Hazelwood enthusiasts. I am not any of them. Hazelwood's latest creation stumbles in every possible aspect, so I'm unsure where to start, but I'll try.

First, the plot. As implied by the term romantasy, the narrative revolves around the relationship between Misery and Lowe Moreland, a Were (uppercase, and presumably short for werewolf.) Is it me, or romantasies don't work for me? I like fantasies with strong worldbuilding, not novels about romances in a fantastical setting with no worldbuilding (contemporary and urban too.) It leaves behind so many unanswered questions. Expanding upon the world would improve the romantasy genre. Where do the Weres and Vampyres come from? Why are they at war with each other and the Humans? Bride doesn't explain that. The characters lack depth, so saying they had chemistry would be a stretch. Increasing depth and character development would've made me enjoy Bride more, but I can't recommend this one in its present state. Those also looking for compositions with literary value should look elsewhere. At least the conclusion is heartwarming, as the couple is together in the end. ( )

“I would take anything she chose to give me—the tiniest fraction or her entire world.”

Did I have any idea what I was getting into with this one... no. I heard how good it was and was compelled to check it out. I have to admit it's been a long time since I've read a paranormal romance that I fell in love with. I absolutely adored this book. I really didn't want to put it down the whole time I was reading. Misery is an amazing character who you can instantly like. She is on a mission and will do anything to achieve her goal... even marry the enemy. Lowe and the Were pack prove to be more than she bargained for though. I loved watching her find a place to fit within the pack. It was adorable how awkward they all were around each other. I also enjoyed the way we showcased how different they were but also the things they found common ground over.

Misery and Lowe are the absolute most adorable thing I've read in a long time. The slow burn works really well in this book. It builds all this tension and then it has those awkward moments that are so real. I adored it because it also made me laugh. I loved that we slowly saw Misery begin to care for members of the pack. It adds this whole other element to her personality, especially when she's fighting with herself about it constantly. The found family dynamic somehow made the book a little more. I also loved the secrets and big reveals and issues that the story had. I also loved the way they were played out and revealed. It kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting to continue reading. I feel like I inhaled this book. It was exactly the book I needed. I honestly really wish it was a series so that I could get more. I need more. ( )

109000

Loved it and read in one sitting! It's a great first paranormal romance novel- I've read all her contemporary romances and they always tug on my heart. Love incorporating werewolves (my favorite) and vampires in a Romeo and Juliet type romance with slightly less tragedy.. Can't wait for the next one!

Reread: This is one that gets richer the second, third, fourth, etc time through. I found more chapters I love and adore the glimpses into Lowe's perspective at the beginning of each chapter. It made me cry, it made my heart clench, it gave me that tingly feeling in my belly- seems even better the second+ time around and I really can't wait for her next one! ( )

Unputdownable for the first 75%. Became a bit convoluted after that but finished well. ( )