Review: Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Bride by Ali Hazelwood, my first read by this author, turned out to be an unexpectedly fun and intriguing journey. The story revolves around a marriage of convenience between a sassy vampire and a broody werewolf, two characters who are as different as night and day. Yet, their dynamic is full of tension and reluctant chemistry. While their paranormal romance takes centre stage, a mystery subplot adds a bit of extra depth to the story.

What I really enjoyed about Bride is that I went into it with zero expectations, and that worked in the book’s favour. Hazelwood does a great job of blending the steamy, slow-burn romance with a dash of supernatural suspense, keeping me curious throughout. The banter between the characters and the side characters is sharp, and their interactions gradually shift from antagonistic to genuine connection in a way that felt satisfying.

What kept this book from a higher rating for me was that some of the world-building and side characters felt a bit underdeveloped, and the pacing occasionally dragged, especially in the middle. The lighter, humorous tone kept the story entertaining, even during the more intense moments.

As someone with some familiarity with the omegaverse, I wasn’t thrown off by the tropes present here, though I can see how they might not work for everyone. The omegaverse elements felt like a natural part of the story’s world-building, rather than an overwhelming focus, which made them easier to digest in the context of the narrative.

If you’re in the mood for a quick, engaging paranormal romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this book is a solid pick. A fun read if you like quirky, opposites-attract dynamics with a bit of supernatural flair!

3.75 ⭐️

3 🌶️