Scan barcode
A review by doahdancer
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was a great, easy read. If you're looking to try a paranormal/shifter romance, but want to dip your feet without jumping in, this is the perfect choice. That said, if you're a longtime paranormal/shifter reader, this might be too contemporary to entertain.
The story worked for me. I have the context of having read some paranormal/shifter books (Patricia Briggs, one example), but wouldn't describe myself as well read in the genre.
The only thing I wanted that I didn't get was more tension between the couple. The author chose to have the MMC stay away from the FMC for a significant amount of time after they get married, but the mystery doesn't start to really unfold until much later. This lull where the FMC is mostly exploring the new culture she's been dropped into created tension in the sense that I was waiting to see when the thread would start pulling, but the story itself was very day to day, contemporary interactions.
All in all, I really enjoyed it and once the mystery got rolling I was truly invested. Misery is a delightful, snarky character who is astute but not perfect. She's been hurt, but she's not toxic.
This standalone makes my list of fabulous pallet cleansers.
The story worked for me. I have the context of having read some paranormal/shifter books (Patricia Briggs, one example), but wouldn't describe myself as well read in the genre.
The only thing I wanted that I didn't get was more tension between the couple. The author chose to have the MMC stay away from the FMC for a significant amount of time after they get married, but the mystery doesn't start to really unfold until much later. This lull where the FMC is mostly exploring the new culture she's been dropped into created tension in the sense that I was waiting to see when the thread would start pulling, but the story itself was very day to day, contemporary interactions.
All in all, I really enjoyed it and once the mystery got rolling I was truly invested. Misery is a delightful, snarky character who is astute but not perfect. She's been hurt, but she's not toxic.
This standalone makes my list of fabulous pallet cleansers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Bullying, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content