On February 6th, 2024, Ali Hazelwood – author of TikTok sensations The Love Hypothesis and Love, Theoretically – released her well-awaited adult paranormal romance debut, Bride. Fans are not yet sure if there will be another book following Bride as hinted in the epilogue, but as a standalone, the book is intertwined with plenty of delicious enemies-to-lovers romance, banter, werewolves, vampires, and mystery that leads to a twist that won’t disappoint.
Through a third-person perspective, Bride follows vampire Misery Lark. For most of her life, she’s been collateral for the vampire race to avoid another war between their race and the werewolves, given to the humans to live among them as a peace offering. After her return, the last thing she wants to do is become a sacrifice again. So, when her father proposes that she marry the new ruler of the werewolves, Lowe Moreland, her initial response is a swift decline. But Lowe, she realizes, may hold the very key to the disappearance of her best friend.
What starts as dislike between Misery and him quickly becomes a reluctant alliance as the mystery behind her best friend’s disappearance is revealed to be involved in something far bigger; something that could lead to a far larger war than before. As the two of them work together and accept their status as husband and wife, Misery finds a home with the werewolves and fosters fondness for both Lowe and his little sister, Ana. But the mystery they pursue isn’t the only thing that could tear their fostering relationship apart; assassinations, secrets, and betrayals are just the tip of the fang.
Beyond the battle between what they want and what is necessary, Bride also explores family dynamics. Misery’s relationship with her twin brother is odd, at best. Throughout the story, they treat each other more like coworkers who have a common goal. It isn’t until later in the book that we discover her brother cares for her more than he’s let on. Her relationship with her father, however, is that between player and pawn, in which he can use her for his plans whenever he pleases. His oppression leads to part of her hesitance throughout the story, and it was inspiring to see how she breaks past his rule over her life in her own way.
Bride is a story of duty, love, longing, and what makes a family beyond blood ties. If you’re looking for a quick paranormal read to sate your next romance appetite, Hazelwood’s adult paranormal romance debut will have a sure place on your to-be-read list. It’s a five out of five shields read you’ll no doubt want to sink your teeth into.