The Nora Theory

“This marriage, it’s going to be a problem. She’s going to be a problem.”

Bride by Ali Hazelwood opens with a killer first line and only gets better from there. I had this book on hold at the library for months, and when the hold was finally ready I immediately sent it to my Kindle and started reading. What I uncovered, page by page, was a beautiful paranormal love story that had me hooked from start to finish.

Misery is a Vampyre who is promised to wed the Were Alpha, Lowe, to secure an alliance between their species after years of bloody conflict and violence. Her father orchestrates the marriage, but she has her own reasons for agreeing. Her best friend Serena is missing, and the only clue to her disappearance is a piece of paper with the Were Alpha’s initial and last name written on it. So she finds herself deep in enemy territory, where most view her as a monster, in hopes of uncovering the truth.

Misery’s name is such a whimsical detail. I just love it. It sounds like she belongs in the Addams family. As a character, Misery is so fesity and sassy, and it’s a perfect contrast to Lowe’s wry, broodiness. Their chemistry is impeccable.

In addition to their chemistry, both characters had little details that made their personalities pop. Vampyres don’t eat, but Misery loves peanut butter, much to her embarrassment. Before taking over as the Alpha of the pack, Lowe used to be an architect and loves to draw. The supporting characters also add to the rich fabric of personality in this story, especially Ana, Lowe’s six-year-old little sister who immediately takes a shine to Misery.

This book is very snarky about the human race in a way that’s both hilarious and clever. There’s a line where a character says that humans kill indirectly, “by making health insurance too expensive or stubbornly opposing gun control.” There are a bunch of moments like this throughout the story that effortlessly sum up human nature with a cutting sort of efficiency that works beautifully within the story.

Outside of its commentary on humanity, the rest of the dialogue maintains that witty tone, and there is a consistent banter between the characters that I love so much. When they’re not teasing each other, the conversations between Lowe and Misery, especially in the second half of the book are absolutely swoon-worthy (and you’ll find I try not to overuse this term).

“I would take anything she chose to give me — the tiniest fraction or her entire world. I would take her for a single night knowing that I’ll lose her by morning, and I would hold onto her and never let go. I would take her healthy, or sick, or tired, or angry, or strong, and it would be my fucking privilege. I would take her problems, her gifts, her moods, her passions, her jokes, her body — I would take every last thing, if she chose to give it to me.”

There are great twists throughout this story, some more obvious than others. The author leaves readers with lots of clues to follow, and it makes for a fun and suspenseful ride while reading.

The love story between Misery and Lowe is a slow burn, without question. There is so much steamy sexual tension between these two, and it’s somehow amplified by Misery’s complete obliviousness about what is going on.

Bride doesn’t shy away from romance clichés, in fact, it embraces them, much to its benefit. Lowe growls, often. Misery is oblivious to her effect on him. There’s a misunderstanding. There’s a fake marriage. And I love it all. This paranormal romance masterpiece is absolutely worth the hype.

Writing: 5

Spice: 2.5

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