Mate. By Ali Hazelwood. Audiobook

Emma Smith

Bride was my key to unlocking Ali Hazelwood. After bouncing hard off The Love Hypothesis, I'd written her off completely. Then came Bride, and it all just… clicked. Her books are now my quintessential weekend treat – I refuse to label them a "guilty" pleasure because there's no shame in this game. There's nothing better than grabbing one after a rough week, settling in on a Saturday morning with a cozy blanket, and losing a whole day to reading (and the inevitable giggling and feet-kicking).

Honestly, bless her prolific pace. Aren't we all lucky she publishes what feels like a book a season?

So, Mate was obviously one of my most anticipated reads this year, especially after that killer epilogue in Bride. Plus, I'm a certified werewolf girlie – my brain chemistry was permanently altered by Twilight, Teen Wolf, and Shiver in my formative years. It's a permanent condition.

I started it on a perfect autumn Saturday. The view from my balcony was all moody hills and fog, with just the treetops peeking through, painted gold and bronze. A lazy rain fell. Coffee in hand, kids entertained, I dove in.

That initial chapter threw me – the voice felt so different I actually double-checked I'd downloaded the right book. But once past it, we were firmly back in Hazelwood territory. The story proper opens with Serena in dire straits, fleeing a Vampyre, and we meet Koen soon after. If you're wondering what history blew them apart, you get those answers quickly. We see the moment he revealed the mating bond and her explosive reaction.

Let's be real: no one ever gives these heroines a proper briefing. I get the logic – you don't explain breathing to someone – but you'd think these ancient werewolves would learn. The resulting confusion does fuel some fantastic banter, though. And I appreciate that neither Misery nor Serena are magically compelled into love by the bond. They get to be clueless, which allows a real, grudging affection to grow naturally. Sure, there's the instinctual pull – the safety, the scent – but the emotional connection earns its page time.

The chemistry between Serena and Koen is immediate and electric. They share a sharp, witty humor and play off each other perfectly. He's utterly obsessed but masterfully hides it, often under a layer of gruffness. Here's the key: he isn't always *nice*, but he is fundamentally *kind*. His actions consistently speak louder than his occasionally harsh words.

After a certain other summer romance novel, I was braced for a tedious age-gap drama. Thankfully, it was barely a blip. Koen has a solid, society-driven reason for pushing Serena away. Is it a silly rule? Arguably, yes. But does it make sense within the rigid history of this world? Absolutely. Human history is littered with equally nonsensical laws, so it feels grounded in its own reality.

Overall, I adored Mate. It's a stellar paranormal romance, and in my opinion, Hazelwood truly shines in this genre. The writing has that fun, fanfiction-esque energy in the best way, allowing her to explore favorite themes while unleashing gloriously overprotective heroes and indulging in delicious micro-tropes that just don't fly in contemporary settings.

If you liked Bride, you'll love this. It's silly, goofy, and supremely swoony. My only real complaint? No epilogue hinting at more books in this universe. A tragic omission.

Now, for some slightly more critical thoughts. I believe even our comfort reads deserve a thoughtful lens.

***Spoiler Territory Ahead***

While I loved the romance, the plot felt scattered. We had multiple threads: Vampyre bounty hunters, a mysterious birth cult, a fatal illness, and the covenant forbidding their union. It was a lot. For me, the core of her dying illness and the covenant conflict would have been enough – that hurt/comfort scenario is catnip. The bounty hunter thread fizzled, resolved mostly off-screen, and the cult introduction felt undercooked, adding new characters without real emotional weight. Even the health crisis resolution, while making a valid point about women being misdiagnosed, left me wanting a more concrete answer. The narrative felt overstuffed.

I also found the spice quotient high for my taste. I'm more a fan of agonizing yearning with a single, earned payoff. A significant chunk of the book is them sequestered, and I'll admit, my attention wandered. This is a personal preference – it's a werewolf/omegaverse-adjacent book, so this content is expected, but it just isn't my cup of tea.

***End Spoilers***

In summary: Mate is a great read. I have critiques, but none severe enough to overshadow my enjoyment. The romance is top-tier, even if I personally could have done with fewer explicit scenes. A crucial caveat: this is not your typical Hazelwood STEM rom-com. Do not start here if you're new to her work or unfamiliar with fanfiction/omegaverse tropes.

For Hazelwood newcomers, begin with The Love Hypothesis or Love, Theoretically. If paranormal is your goal, read Bride first – it's a gentler entry point. But as a sequel (and hopefully series starter), Mate is perfection. The easter eggs for fanfic veterans are delightful. Highly recommended for the initiated.