Published: 2024 | Genre: Romantasy | Pages: 416 | Rating: ★★★★☆
A Romance That Had Me Howling
I’ve been a fan of Ali Hazelwood’s witty romances for years, so when I heard she was diving into romantasy with Bride in 2024, I was all in. This book delivered a delicious mix of paranormal vibes, steamy chemistry, and laugh-out-loud moments that kept me hooked. If you love The Love Hypothesis or crave a fun twist on vampire and werewolf tropes, this one’s a treat. In this review, I’ll share why Bride is such a delightful escape and who’ll be charmed by its supernatural spark.
What’s the Story?
Bride follows Misery Lark, a vampire who’s used to being a pawn in her powerful family’s schemes. To keep peace between vampires and werewolves, she’s forced into an arranged marriage with Lowe Moreland, the rugged Alpha of a werewolf pack. What starts as a tense, fake union turns into something real as Misery and Lowe navigate distrust, secrets, and a growing attraction. Throw in a missing kid, pack rivalries, and some fang-tastic banter, and you’ve got a story that’s equal parts heart and heat—without any spoilers, of course!
Hazelwood’s world is a modern, urban fantasy playground, with vampires and werewolves living alongside humans. As someone who loves a good coffee shop vibe, I adored the cozy yet dangerous feel of Misery’s new life in werewolf territory. It’s like a rom-com with claws and fangs!
Why It’s So Fun
Hazelwood’s writing is like your favorite latte—warm, frothy, and just the right amount of sweet. Misery is a heroine I clicked with instantly: snarky, tough, but secretly craving connection. Lowe, with his gruff exterior and soft heart, is pure book-boyfriend material, and their chemistry had me giggling and blushing. The romance is steamy but not over-the-top, with plenty of slow-burn moments that build the tension perfectly.
The plot’s a blast, mixing mystery, romance, and paranormal drama. I loved the humor—Misery’s sarcastic one-liners are gold—and the way Hazelwood plays with classic tropes like “enemies-to-lovers” and “fake marriage.” The themes of belonging and breaking free from expectations hit home in 2025, when we’re all searching for our place. The diverse cast, with characters from different species and backgrounds, adds a fresh, inclusive vibe to the story.
Any Hiccups?
Bride is a joyride, but it’s not flawless. The world-building feels light compared to epic fantasies, so if you want deep vampire lore, you might be left wanting. The mystery subplot wraps up a bit too neatly, and I craved more time with some side characters, like Lowe’s pack. For hardcore fantasy fans, the rom-com tone might feel too fluffy. But for what it is—a fun romantasy—these are tiny nitpicks.
Who Should Read It?
This book’s perfect for romantasy fans who love witty heroines, steamy romance, and paranormal fun. If you enjoyed Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros or The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent, you’ll eat this up. It’s great for readers who want a lighter fantasy with big heart, ideal for ages 16+ due to spicy scenes and mild violence. If you prefer dark, gritty epics, the playful vibe might not click.
Why It’s a Crowd-Pleaser
Bride is a BookTok darling in 2025, and it’s easy to see why. Hazelwood’s rom-com roots shine, making this a gateway romantasy for romance fans dipping into fantasy. The werewolf-vampire twist feels fresh, not like every other paranormal story, and Misery’s sass is endlessly quotable. As a standalone, it’s a satisfying read without cliffhangers, though I’m crossing my fingers for a spin-off!
My Final Take
Bride is a fizzy, flirty romantasy that’ll make you laugh, swoon, and cheer. Ali Hazelwood crafts a world of fur and fangs, with a romance that’s impossible to resist. I give it four out of five stars for its charm, humor, and steamy love story, with a small dip for lighter world-building. If you’re ready to sink your teeth into Misery and Lowe’s story, grab this book and get cozy.
Want to howl over this romance? Pick up Bride at your local bookstore or check Bookshop.org to support indie sellers. Read it yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments!