Challenge Corner discussion

A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance.

Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again...

Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….

Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.

**This BOTM thread will be open until March 5th @ Midnight (in your time zone)**

Prologue - Chapter 7

(view spoiler)[There are some interesting things, but not much has happened yet.

I like the short text at the beginning of each chapter, which I’m assuming are Lowe’s thoughts.

I can’t wait to see things start to actually happen and develop. So far Misery’s gone to Lowe’s territory and there have been mentions of her life before this marriage.

Also, I’m not sure what to think of Misery and Owen’s relationship because it doesn’t seem like they’re friendly but apparently he’s helping her with finding Serena.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 8 - 15

(view spoiler)[There’s still not much happening, although maybe now that they are at Emery’s house things will pick up.

Lowe has found out that Misery is looking for Serena so she doesn’t have to hide her search, and while she’s looking at Serena’s emails with fresh eyes, it doesn’t feel like they’re doing much.

Obviously Misery is Lowe’s mate and I’m wondering how she’s going to find out about that - is it going to be before or after she decides to stay with Lowe? Can she even do that?
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 16 - 23

(view spoiler)[While I’m liking Misery and Lowe, I still think not enough is happening. Or maybe it’s just slow. Also, there aren’t that many side characters that are actually present.

For a second I thought that the woman with Owen was Serena, but she’s Were. Will it come out now that Gabi isn’t Lowe’s mate? Also, why did Owen bring her?

I can’t wait to find out what actually happened with Serena and how she found out about Ana. Could they be sisters?
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 24 - Epilogue

(view spoiler)[It felt like everything that could have happened in this book was saved up for the last few chapters.

Also, I really hated Lowe's attitude when it came to Misery - he wasn't going to accept her because she needs to be free, despite the fact that she wants to be with him
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 1-12 (view spoiler)[Okay, not sure what I think about this yet. I like the world for the most part but don’t really like Misery. I really don’t like her dad at all though. Hopefully more happens because I feel like nothing has yet. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13-17 (view spoiler)[That’s weird that he doesn’t want to tell her that she is his mate. Clearly something is going on there. Maybe she isn’t actually her mate. Also I love how he said that she smelt like his. Still I feel like nothing is happening in this book. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 18-26 (view spoiler)[ Well all of this seems really obvious with the guy trying to kill her. I’m liking how close they are getting, but it’s clear that Gabby isn’t her mate. (hide spoiler)]

Starting this one now!

Finished (view spoiler)[I don’t like that he lied to her lol that. Honestly didn’t love this one, but I liked how she found her friend. Of course it was her dad. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3: (view spoiler)[ ok so now it makes sense why she wanted to go ahead with the marriage. Shes trying to find her best friend and it seems her new husband might be involved. Im enjoying it so far (hide spoiler)]

Prologue - Ch 5: (view spoiler)[ I'm getting a lot of Twilight vibes. The colored contacts, vamprye don't eat, they are cold, drink blood from blood banks, etc... I'm not sure I've ever had a vampire with pointy ears that are usually associated with Fae so that's a little weird. I have a feeling Lowe is her mate just because of course he would be. I'm sure there will be a lot of craziness until that all comes out (hide spoiler)]

Ch 6-10: (view spoiler)[ yep, I'm definitely thinking that these two are mates. I do like that they are finally being civil to each other. I'm glad that Lowe trusted her to tell her about Ana. Hopefully things start to pick up more from here. I do desperately wish that we had Lowe's POV though. The beginning of the chapters aren't enough. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 12: (view spoiler)[ ana is adorable and nothing better happen to her. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 11-20: (view spoiler)[I absolutely love the banter between Misery and Lowe. I also love how they are accepting her into the fold. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 21-Epilogue: (view spoiler)[ I binged this one last night and finished it. I knew he was her mate. I'm super irritated that he wouldn't tell her. I feel like it was glaringly obvious that she cared/wanted/loved him. I hate the third-act breakup in stories. I will say I didn't expect Mick to be the one to go against Lowe. I really liked him. Not surprised her dad had a hand in things though. He was a jerk. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 16: (view spoiler)[ so wait, is she his mate or not? Because it seems like yes but theres also some talks where it sounds like no...

So far it is a fairly slow moving book. Not a while lot happening but that seems like its about to change with them meeting with the previous Alphas mate (hide spoiler)]

Finished: (view spoiler)[ okay well i didnt actually predict the ending so thst was good. But it still was a very slow moving book - both on action and love story. (hide spoiler)]

Beginning to Chap 9: I'm really enjoying this! (view spoiler)[This is the first time I've read Ali Hazelwood and I will admit to being worried she wouldn't live up to the hype...My worries are no longer. I really like Misery. She is such an interesting character - intensely loyal and so capable, but I still want to just wrap her up in a hug until she realizes she is worthy of love. For a paranormal story, it just seems so human to be othered and isolated and know it but be unable to move past the trauma and repercussions of the knowing. Lowe is mysterious and Ana is adorable!

I'm guessing Misery's scent is amazing to Lowe, not stinky. Is Ana's pneumonia supposed to be insomnia? It was mentioned he doesn't sleep. I like being in Misery's POV but wish we got more of Lowe than just a sentence or two at each chapter's opening.

Did Serena get caught up in the Loyals somehow, collateral damage maybe? (hide spoiler)]

Chap. 10-15: (view spoiler)[I really like being in Misery's head...she is so endearing (and enduring) and likable. Watching her slowly come out of her shell and realized that she is able to experience things that she always felt were not for her is beautiful and heartbreaking. Lowe is perfect for her as well - he needs someone who will be wholly his after having to give up so much. I can see Misery fiercely ensuring that he is more than just the pack alpha. I also like the measured pacing of this book; I'm looking forward to seeing what is going on with Emery (evil dressed in a cardigan is extra spooky) and the Loyals. I'm hoping more is found out about Serena too, but I hope it is not bad...please don't let her betray Misery!! (hide spoiler)]

Chap. 16-23: (view spoiler)[The plot is thickening and I'm not sure how it's all going to shake out...I feel that some betrayals may be happening but by whom and for what reason I'm still guessing. I am hoping that my expectations (as ephemeral as they are) will be circumvented because I really want this author to continue to surprise me in pleasing ways. For example, Owen bringing Gabi to their meeting...please let this be the way that Misery realizes that Gabi is not Lowe's mate. I'd like it even more if Gabi was likable and an ally. Looking forward to seeing how it all wraps up... (hide spoiler)]

Chap. 24 - End: I enjoyed this one quite a bit. (view spoiler)[That...went a lot better than I let myself hope it would. The traitors were people that didn't break my heart and the way it all worked out made sense. I am hopeful we get another book (the ending seemed to lend itself to the possibility of a Koen/Serena book. I would also enjoy a book with Owen as an MC.) I might have to go back and try one of Ali's contemporaries now. (hide spoiler)]

Up to Chapter Five
(view spoiler)[ This is interesting so far, a bit of a slow start in terms of things actually happening, but I'm hoping it will pick up. I really enjoy how much she hates Serena's damn cat. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter Thirteen
(view spoiler)[ They totally are mates and I'm wondering how long it's going to take him to tell her. I thought this would have more of a paranormal plotline, not just be set in this universe, considering the length. This is a bit slow, I hope it picks up now that things seem to be happening. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter Twenty Five
(view spoiler)[ Lowe stop being such an asshole, what the hell. I can't with this macho I know best and you don't actually want me thing. (hide spoiler)]

Finished
So this was fine, but just fine lol
(view spoiler)[ I had to laugh at how nothing happened overall world plot wise then we quickly resolved all those things in like two chapters. In my opinion Lowe did not redeem himself after that stupidity, so I didn't really care when they got back together. (hide spoiler)]

I definitely need to get my hands on this book!

Today is the last day to add comments for BOTM points!

Starting this now!

Prologue: (view spoiler)[lmao. I love how sarcastic Misery is. I hope I enjoy this one. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 1-9: (view spoiler)[Well, I'm glad that they were watching Max but dang... she just can't catch a break, can she? (hide spoiler)]

Ela (Mouse333) wrote: "Prologue, Chapter 7..."

I think it is his POV, but I'm just wanting an actual chapter from him.

Elaine wrote, "Beginning to Chap 9:..."

Yeah, I'm thinking she's his true mate, right? Also, yes, I think she does have insomnia, lol, but she's adorable.

Jenn wrote: "Chapter 3: [spoilers removed]"

Yes, I just want to know where her friend is!

Jamie wrote: "Prologue - Ch 5: [spoilers removed]"

OMG TWILIGHT VIBES!

Ch 10-15: (view spoiler)[Why is he acting like Gabrielle is his mate? I'm just so confused. I thought Misery was?!? I mean the whole marking her was hot, but that's what I'm thinking. It has to be Misery. Just need the confirmation. (hide spoiler)]

Elaine wrote: "Chap. 10-15: [spoilers removed]"

Yes, I just want to know where she is. I wonder if the Loyals have her?

Jamie wrote: "Ch 6-10: [spoilers removed]"

Love Anna and I also think that they are mates! ALSO, I WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR HIS POV TO BE A FULL ASS CHAPTER.

Jenn wrote: "Chapter 12: [spoilers removed]"

She is completely adorable!

Ashlyn wrote: "Chapters 1-12 [spoilers removed]"

I definitely don't like her dad and I'm still not sure what to think about Owen either.

Ela (Mouse333) wrote: "Chapters 8 - 15 ..."

Ooo I hope they stick together.

Jessica wrote: "Chapter Thirteen
[spoilers removed]"

Maybe it's because I have the audiobook, but I do get it when it feels slow. I am enjoying it all though.

Ch 16-23: (view spoiler)[Oh, that's interesting to think about. It would be hurtful if Serena did turn on Misery because of how she viewed the friendship. I also really like them getting closer together, and I need more. (hide spoiler)]

Ela (Mouse333) wrote: "Chapters 16 - 23..."

Yeah, I'm just wondering what's going to happen with this little meeting.

Ashlyn wrote: "Chapter 13-17 [spoilers removed]"

Yeah, it's confusing me so much!

Jenn wrote: "Chapter 16: ..."

It is really hurting my head trying to figure this out lol

Elaine wrote: "Chap. 16-23: [spoilers removed]"

Exactly - this! I need them to be allies and for the truth to come out about who is his damn mate.

Ch 24-28: (view spoiler)[Yeah, I definitely hate her dad. I also think Serena is hilarious. (hide spoiler)]

Jessica wrote: "Chapter Twenty Five
[spoilers removed]"

It hurts my heart.

Ashlyn wrote: "Chapters 18–26 [spoilers removed]"

Yes, I'm wondering why they wanted her to think that in the beginning. Well, back then, I was. Now? I get why they were scared if she found out the truth.