Bride (Bride, #1) by Ali Hazlewood: A Nostalgic Escape into Paranormal Romance
Ah, the allure of a well-crafted paranormal romance! When I first stumbled upon Bride by Ali Hazlewood, I felt an immediate wave of nostalgia wash over me. It took me back to those golden early 2010s days when I was devouring books like Riley Jenson, Black Dagger Brotherhood, and Kate Daniels alongside my fellow Goodreads friends. I was thrilled to discover that while Bride offers that warm, familiar feeling, it serves up a fresh story that stands proudly on its own. This was an ARCS provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and I couldn’t wait to dive in!
At the heart of Bride are two wildly captivating protagonists: Misery, a vampyre living inconspicuously among humans, and Lowe, a newly-minted werewolf alpha still finding his footing amongst his pack. Their forced arrangement for a marriage of convenience is laden with so many of my favorite tropes—bonded fated mates, forbidden romance, and a touch of familial duty. As Misery grapples with her unexpected role in maintaining peace among species, I couldn’t help but root for her as she navigates her own human-inspired agenda. And then there’s Lowe, a dedicated caretaker to his younger sister, who becomes just as layered and relatable as Misery.
The chemistry between them crackles from their very first scene together, and this romance had me unable to put the book down. I loved this quote: “I would take anything she chose to give me… it would be my fucking privilege.” It beautifully encapsulates the emotional stakes at play and resonated with me deeply in its expression of unwavering devotion.
What truly surprised me, though, was how Hazlewood deftly wove a compelling mystery subplot into the narrative. As twists began to unfold, I found myself equally entranced by the unfolding drama and the blossoming romance. But it was the underlying themes of found family and unwavering loyalty that truly tugged at my heartstrings. The cast of side characters is rich and endearing, making me feel like I’d found a new pack to cheer for.
Let’s delve into what I loved beyond the main plot. Yes, there are vampires and werewolves (always a win!), but the mix of arranged marriage and forbidden romance made for a heady backdrop. The sibling dynamics were heartwarming, lending a layer of authenticity to the characters. There were even moments that humorously spotlighted a mutual love for peanut butter—who doesn’t love that?
Now, there was one annoying third-act conflict that felt somewhat contrived and caused me to side-eye Lowe a bit, but it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment. I was too engaged with the heartfelt pace of the story, and every emotional beat pulled at my heartstrings. A special shoutout goes to the amazing epilogue that not only wrapped up the story beautifully but also set the stage for future adventures in this captivating world.
I genuinely recommend Bride to all my fellow romance lovers, but especially to those who share my love for paranormal nostalgia. This book resonates long after you finish it, leaving you with warm fuzzies and a sense of belonging amidst its pages. If you ever find yourself falling for a character named Misery, just know that Hayley Williams will definitely be there in spirit.
In closing, this book not only brought me back to cherished moments of yesteryears but also reminded me of the magic that exists in finding your tribe—whether that be through family, friendship, or fated love. Happy reading, everyone!
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