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hayzey's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Grief, Blood, War, Violence, Sexual content, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Cursing, and Confinement
Moderate: Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Infertility, Bullying, Blood, Infidelity, Gaslighting, Death, and Confinement
Minor: Vomit, Trafficking, Terminal illness, Toxic friendship, Pregnancy, Torture, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, Sexual content, Physical abuse, Racism, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Misogyny, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, Infertility, Gaslighting, Incest, Grief, Death of parent, Death, Alcohol, Car accident, Animal death, and Abandonment
sarahthewebnerd's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing, Death of parent, and Kidnapping
theycallmebookish's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Were there cringy moments in this book? Yes. Was Misery sarcasm a big highlight of the book? YES! Her banter with Lowe is both entertaining and hilarious at times. If I was a vampire, I totally would be Misery. A sarcastic with a bit of a hot mess. It was a bit predictable but you couldn’t help but love the characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Kidnapping, Bullying, Violence, Cursing, and Blood
thebookishowl4's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death of parent, and Blood
Moderate: Death and Kidnapping
sar_lion's review
funny
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Good, fun read. This is my first Ali Hazelwood book and it likely won't be my last. I enjoyed the world building and characters. The romance was cute and I got the twists almost immediately, not a bad thing though in this case.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Blood, and Violence
Moderate: Confinement and Death of parent
Minor: Vomit
louisepea's review
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Cursing, Sexual content, Abandonment, Confinement, Kidnapping, and Racism
Moderate: Cultural appropriation, Murder, Racism, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic relationship, Death, and Racial slurs
Minor: Gore, Drug use, Grief, Violence, and Death of parent
floralmay's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
MINIOR SPOILERS!
In the world of publishing, I made a grave mistake and thought that Ali Hazelwood’s new book Bride was a young adult, and I am so glad I did. The bride gave me the same emotions as if Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer and the cruel prince had a baby! The reason I am so happy I went into this book thinking it was young adult is the fact that if I had gone into this book thinking it was romantasy, enemies to lovers, or a rom-com I would’ve hated it… And I think people classifying it this way might make the book see its unjust downfall.
That being said, it is a paranormal romance, urban fantasy, that gives me the feel of a K- drama married a Fan fiction in the best way possible!
<b>Characters</b> – The characters I feel lack a physical description. Like it is there but not there at the same time. This in no way takes from them. Their personality shines though and you can clearly tell which character is which. But I had a hard time visualizing the characters. The key difference is one has pointy ears. One has red blood; one has green blood, and one has purple. Some people said it was weird that Misery has pointed ears, but I think people forget Dracula also has pointed ears, and more than one fantasy race can have this feature.
1) <b>Misery</b> - Misery’s Name! This was the sole reason I wanted this book in my hands. Besides the fact that it is an Ali Hazelwood book. Very rarely do I read a book and think That character’s name is spot on. It is more of a feeling that the character needed a name and that was the one they chose. It didn’t feel like that with Misery. Misery felt well fleshed out character-wise. Maybe the character and I are connected through trauma? One thing that I hope Ali will flesh out in the next book is that she’s a vampire who's the daughter of a powerful vampire ruler. I would like to see her as a lesion between the wares, humans, and Vamps. There has to be another book right? That ending!!
Misery is taken out of her element and exposed to so much. I love the little details like misery forgetting which is a ladle and which is a spatula. Because if you think about it, if you don’t eat human food, have never cooked, and have no use for a kitchen, would you know the difference? It’s like asking a girl from the slums which one is the correct salad fork.
I think if you grow up in a normal household it is easy to think of her as a dumb character who is useless and boring. But as someone who didn’t come from a normal household, I found Ali’s description of misery spot on. Misery doesn’t stay defenseless; she takes self-defense and knows exactly what to do to get her point across. The point is she is a girl who has been given the choice to find herself after being controlled by her “community.” But the best part about her is that she is a woman who knows how to communicate!
2)<b>Lowe's</b> character reminds me of a grumpy old man, and I love it. This is like an 18-year-old going on 80 type vibes. He is a very large man and that is stated several times by Misery. I think this works for her character. She is very innocent and completely out of her element. I personally freaked out for over a month when my boyfriend was 6ft tall. I look like a child compared to him.
Misery and Lowe come together because they both had to give up the life they wanted, the life they worked for, for the life that was given to them. I would love to see them more fleshed out as this was an extremely slow burn, I feel like there were not enough “moments.”
3) <b>Ana</b> – This is the best kid in the entire world, nothing will change my mind! She felt like a six- or seven-year-old. She was a sponge for knowledge and a good example that racism is taught. She asked questions to misery to understand her not to judge her. She accepted Misery because Misery never gave Ana to fear her…unlike someone.
<b>World Building</b>
Ali is good at the One and Done books, but this one felt like the story was not finished, it makes me sad for what could have been. The story of Misery Lark, a child of the most influential Vampyr councilman in the South, and Lowe Moreland, the most formidable Alpha among the werewolves, is one of forbidden romance and more. Their union seeks to unite long-standing mortal foes and bring about peace. The plot is filled with intricate political intrigue and well-thought-out plans taking place in the werewolf and vampyre domains. And it does in a way. But I felt there could be more… like this book was the trailer for an epic trilogy, with a spin-off duleology about Serena and Koen…ugh dreams….
The found family trope was truly what had me wanting more, but I still really want to learn more about this hate between the races and the future solutions.
Now here is the Bad part….. The KNOT situation was not executed properly and took me 20 minutes of trying to understand what the heck Ali was trying to say. I came up with an animal balloon…. So not great lol Edit… My coworker called it a mushroom d**k.
<b>My favorite parts of this book were:</b>
“you’re not a problem Misery. You’re a privilege.”
“Fuckwaffle” I will now be calling people this.
“Tyler Medicine” …. for Tylenol” Again magical creatures
In short, Bride reads like fanfiction with a side of missed opportunities in world-building, but the characters are the real MVPs here. So, grab a copy, laugh at the kitchen confusion, and maybe add "fuckwaffle" to your vocabulary—it's worth it!
In the world of publishing, I made a grave mistake and thought that Ali Hazelwood’s new book Bride was a young adult, and I am so glad I did. The bride gave me the same emotions as if Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer and the cruel prince had a baby! The reason I am so happy I went into this book thinking it was young adult is the fact that if I had gone into this book thinking it was romantasy, enemies to lovers, or a rom-com I would’ve hated it… And I think people classifying it this way might make the book see its unjust downfall.
That being said, it is a paranormal romance, urban fantasy, that gives me the feel of a K- drama married a Fan fiction in the best way possible!
<b>Characters</b> – The characters I feel lack a physical description. Like it is there but not there at the same time. This in no way takes from them. Their personality shines though and you can clearly tell which character is which. But I had a hard time visualizing the characters. The key difference is one has pointy ears. One has red blood; one has green blood, and one has purple. Some people said it was weird that Misery has pointed ears, but I think people forget Dracula also has pointed ears, and more than one fantasy race can have this feature.
1) <b>Misery</b> - Misery’s Name! This was the sole reason I wanted this book in my hands. Besides the fact that it is an Ali Hazelwood book. Very rarely do I read a book and think That character’s name is spot on. It is more of a feeling that the character needed a name and that was the one they chose. It didn’t feel like that with Misery. Misery felt well fleshed out character-wise. Maybe the character and I are connected through trauma? One thing that I hope Ali will flesh out in the next book is that she’s a vampire who's the daughter of a powerful vampire ruler. I would like to see her as a lesion between the wares, humans, and Vamps. There has to be another book right? That ending!!
Misery is taken out of her element and exposed to so much. I love the little details like misery forgetting which is a ladle and which is a spatula. Because if you think about it, if you don’t eat human food, have never cooked, and have no use for a kitchen, would you know the difference? It’s like asking a girl from the slums which one is the correct salad fork.
I think if you grow up in a normal household it is easy to think of her as a dumb character who is useless and boring. But as someone who didn’t come from a normal household, I found Ali’s description of misery spot on. Misery doesn’t stay defenseless; she takes self-defense and knows exactly what to do to get her point across. The point is she is a girl who has been given the choice to find herself after being controlled by her “community.” But the best part about her is that she is a woman who knows how to communicate!
2)<b>Lowe's</b> character reminds me of a grumpy old man, and I love it. This is like an 18-year-old going on 80 type vibes. He is a very large man and that is stated several times by Misery. I think this works for her character. She is very innocent and completely out of her element. I personally freaked out for over a month when my boyfriend was 6ft tall. I look like a child compared to him.
Misery and Lowe come together because they both had to give up the life they wanted, the life they worked for, for the life that was given to them. I would love to see them more fleshed out as this was an extremely slow burn, I feel like there were not enough “moments.”
3) <b>Ana</b> – This is the best kid in the entire world, nothing will change my mind! She felt like a six- or seven-year-old. She was a sponge for knowledge and a good example that racism is taught. She asked questions to misery to understand her not to judge her. She accepted Misery because Misery never gave Ana to fear her…unlike someone.
<b>World Building</b>
Ali is good at the One and Done books, but this one felt like the story was not finished, it makes me sad for what could have been. The story of Misery Lark, a child of the most influential Vampyr councilman in the South, and Lowe Moreland, the most formidable Alpha among the werewolves, is one of forbidden romance and more. Their union seeks to unite long-standing mortal foes and bring about peace. The plot is filled with intricate political intrigue and well-thought-out plans taking place in the werewolf and vampyre domains. And it does in a way. But I felt there could be more… like this book was the trailer for an epic trilogy, with a spin-off duleology about Serena and Koen…ugh dreams….
The found family trope was truly what had me wanting more, but I still really want to learn more about this hate between the races and the future solutions.
Now here is the Bad part….. The KNOT situation was not executed properly and took me 20 minutes of trying to understand what the heck Ali was trying to say. I came up with an animal balloon…. So not great lol Edit… My coworker called it a mushroom d**k.
<b>My favorite parts of this book were:</b>
“you’re not a problem Misery. You’re a privilege.”
“Fuckwaffle” I will now be calling people this.
“Tyler Medicine” …. for Tylenol” Again magical creatures
In short, Bride reads like fanfiction with a side of missed opportunities in world-building, but the characters are the real MVPs here. So, grab a copy, laugh at the kitchen confusion, and maybe add "fuckwaffle" to your vocabulary—it's worth it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Sexual content, Blood, Bullying, Cursing, War, Violence, and Murder
theverycraftyvegan's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5/5 for this paranormal romance from Ali Hazelwood!
I absolutely loved Misery. She’s dark and sarcastic and had me howling like a wolf multiple times. Lowe’s level of mystery and broodyness was perfect.
The spice was spicy and the plot sucked me in like a vampire sucks on a vein.
I wish the climax had been more descriptive. Misery’s father monologued forever—which helped Misery and readers understand absolutely everything—but what could have been an epic scene was glossed over in two sentences. I wish there had been more.
The ending was left open for a second book and I hope Hazelwood makes this into a series!!!
I absolutely loved Misery. She’s dark and sarcastic and had me howling like a wolf multiple times. Lowe’s level of mystery and broodyness was perfect.
The spice was spicy and the plot sucked me in like a vampire sucks on a vein.
I wish the climax had been more descriptive. Misery’s father monologued forever—which helped Misery and readers understand absolutely everything—but what could have been an epic scene was glossed over in two sentences. I wish there had been more.
The ending was left open for a second book and I hope Hazelwood makes this into a series!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Confinement, Death, Blood, and Cursing
Moderate: Gore, Murder, Torture, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Death, and Gaslighting
Minor: War, Car accident, and Death of parent
maello's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book yanked and grabbed me out of my reading block. This definitely was not the most show-stopping or gorgeously written book (or even romance) I've ever read. Was the MC kind of "same-old" with his big tall body and he growls and is husky??? Yeah. But did I have fun reading it? Also yeah.
The writing reminds of Wattpad, and the whole "vampyre" x werewolf thing also kind of sells it on that. There isn't much description of the characters outside of size (MC has size 14 shoes btw), and they don't really feel like people. Misery (the name of the female lead) is somewhat aware that she literally has no life/things she cares about/hobbies/etc, and even if she is aware, it's kind of boring. The male lead allegedly had a life and hobbies and things before he became the "Alpha" but none of that is ever really touched on in a way that matters.
Similar to the characters, the world really lacks depth. The only detail you get is when something comes up that's important (eg they are going to a place, or they have to explain why alliance is the way it is).
There isn't really a romance, or a kindling between these two characters, as much as there is just a sexual attraction. There is definitely no slowburn, and if you were told this is enemies to lovers (or thought it was based on vampyre x werewolf) you are like, wrong. At best, it's miscommunication and lying.
The writing reminds of Wattpad, and the whole "vampyre" x werewolf thing also kind of sells it on that. There isn't much description of the characters outside of size (MC has size 14 shoes btw), and they don't really feel like people. Misery (the name of the female lead) is somewhat aware that she literally has no life/things she cares about/hobbies/etc, and even if she is aware, it's kind of boring. The male lead allegedly had a life and hobbies and things before he became the "Alpha" but none of that is ever really touched on in a way that matters.
Similar to the characters, the world really lacks depth. The only detail you get is when something comes up that's important (eg they are going to a place, or they have to explain why alliance is the way it is).
There isn't really a romance, or a kindling between these two characters, as much as there is just a sexual attraction. There is definitely no slowburn, and if you were told this is enemies to lovers (or thought it was based on vampyre x werewolf) you are like, wrong. At best, it's miscommunication and lying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Blood
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Death of parent
sierrabowers's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I thought this was a great read! It was a modern take on the classic vampires v werewolves rivalry. I really liked the characters and the side plots that went along with the main plot! There were several times where I audibly gasped because I was shocked at the turn of events!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Classism, Death, Death of parent, Hate crime, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Murder, Sexual content, Abandonment, Blood, Cursing, Gore, and Stalking