Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Paranormal Romance
Length: 457 pages
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: October 7th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A Human hybrid and an Alpha Were claw against the bonds of fate in the highly anticipated companion novel to the New York Times bestselling Bride.

Serena Paris is orphaned, pack-less, and one of a kind. Coming forward as the first Human-Were hybrid was supposed to heal a centuries-long rift between species. Instead, it made her a target, prey to the ruthless political machinations between Weres, Vampyres, and Humans. With her enemies closing in on her, she has only one option left—if he’ll have her.

As Alpha of the Northwest pack, Koen Alexander commands obedience. His authority is so absolute, only a fool would threaten his mate. It doesn’t matter if Serena doesn’t reciprocate his feelings, nothing will stop him from keeping her safe.

But power-hungry Vampyres and Weres are not the only threats chasing Serena. Sooner or later, her past is bound to catch up with her—and Koen might be the only thing standing between her and total annihilation…

WELL.

Uh, Bride > Mate.

Honestly, I could leave the review at that sentence but I’ll continue a bit.

I DID LIKE THIS. It just didn’t have the same punch that Bride did and I will die on that hill. I love the fated mates trope and this worked for many scenes. But others? I kind of cringed a bit. The hyper focus on Serena and being in heat was not it. I’m sorry y’all. It was practically the only thing anyone could talk about ever and I just needed something more to the plot. Toss in a cult? Sure? I guess?

I loved seeing more of the friendship between Serena and Misery. They have a genuine friendship I can’t get enough of. And like I said, there were some great scenes between Serena and Koen. I just think the bones of the plot needed a different dynamic.

Overall audience notes:

• Paranormal Romance
• Language: strong
• Romance: 5+ open door
• Violence: moderate
• Content warnings: loss of life, loss of loved ones, a cult, kidnapping

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