Buy: Amazon
Review
5 stars!
God, I loved this book! Ali Hazelwood’s first paranormal romance, this is a smart, intriguing, funny, sexy and romantic enemies-to-lovers story that sucked me in, and I got completely wrapped up in this fabulously entertaining story.
Set in a world where humans, Vampyres and Werewolves are all aware of each other, with longstanding animosity between the three groups, Misery Lark is the daughter of a powerful member of the Vampyre Council, and has been used as a pawn to keep the peace her whole life. Forced to grow up in the human world, she has been shunned by her own kind, so she lives a contented life in secrecy amongst the humans, until she is called in to continue a peacekeeping alliance by marrying the Were Alpha.
Lowe doesn’t want to get married, but he is a man of honor and will do what is necessary to keep his people safe. He is fierce and protective, and all the things you would expect of the Alpha of a large Were pack. He’s also intelligent and considerate, sexy as all hell, and he has a soft side which slowly emerges throughout the story.
It’s a great set-up, made all the more amazing because of Misery and her general awesomeness. Intelligent, smart-mouthed and sarcastic, she is not one to cower in her new situation. She’s brave and outspoken, and though she’s completely out of her depth, she very quickly finds her way.
“What I am is an adult woman with agency and the tools to make choices. Feel free to, you know, treat me accordingly.”
The chemistry between Misery and Lowe is there from the very beginning, and it is fantastic! Despite their differences, and their awkward situation, there’s a definite attraction there. Lowe quickly extends his protectiveness to his new bride, and as she settles into his home, they start to open up and get to know each other. They learn about each other’s species, about the challenges they face personally and politically, and they form a true partnership. But underneath it all, there’s more to it, and oh my God, I was so here for it! Every little moment sizzles with more, and though the story is written from Misery’s POV, we cleverly get very small glimpses into Lowe’s head, just enough to give us hints to where he’s at, and every little clue adds so much intensity, and ramps up the tension and excitement.
Some nights, when he’s walking past her door, he has to whisper to himself: “Keep going.”
The romance is definitely a slow burn, simmering away from the very beginning, and the tension is so freaking good! I had this fantastic sense of anticipation just waiting for things to happen, and every little step that moves us closer had me so freaking excited. I loved these two together so much and loved watching them develop such a passionately intense romance.
“My smell. Do I smell like…?”
“Mine.” It’s a rumble in his throat. “You smell like you’re mine, Misery.”
But it’s not just their growing connection that Misery and Lowe have to contend with. Not only are they holding together a brittle alliance, but the Were pack itself has its own political turmoil, and they are facing danger from multiple sides. Plus, Misery has her own personal reason for agreeing to the marriage, and there are secrets and conspiracies to be revealed which will bring massive changes for all of them.
All of the different aspects of the story blend together to create a wonderfully intriguing story. From the well-developed paranormal world, the laugh-out-loud humor, wonderful character dynamics and the heartfelt, exciting, passionate love story, this book has it all!
“Maybe you’re not meant for me the way I’m meant for you, but I’m going to choose you anyway, over and over and over again.”
“Of all the good things I’ve felt in my fucking life, you are the best.”
The story ends well, and can easily be read as a standalone, but future stories are hinted at for some of the amazing side characters, and I will be here for any of it.
Such a fantastic read – 5 stars!
I listened to this as an audiobook narrated by Therese Plummer and Will Damron, and they do a fantastic job with it, bringing these characters to life so well. I highly recommend listening to this one.
(And just saying… writing this review has me all excited about this story all over again, and I’m going to start listening again as soon as I’m done here).