Ali Hazelwood is one of the hottest romance authors out there right now. From her start writing Reylo fan fiction to becoming one of the heavy hitters of romance books, her career seems like a Cinderella story at times. Bride is the only one of her books I have read, and honestly, I learned very quickly she was (k)not (I promise that's the only time I'll make that pun) for me. The story was fantastic, but it was entirely too spicy for me - and from what I have heard it's one of her tamer options!
However, despite not being the type of book I enjoy, I do fully understand her appeal - and Bride is a story that was begging for a sequel. While Ali Hazelwood was coy about when it would be coming out, we now have all those details!
And Mate will be coming out on October 7th, 2025!
The title and release date were news enough, however, it's the synopsis that I think will have people buzzing:
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…
Now this was the exact pairing that I had guessed would get together at the end of the first book. There was the slightest hintings of flirting, with Serena and Koen setting the stage for their own story. In addition, it follows the time-honored romance tradition of a side character getting to be the star of the next book in the series.
While I don't think I'll be reading this one, I am excited for all the Ali Hazelwood lovers out there. I know you've been waiting for this one, and I hope it doesn't disappoint!
Mate is available for preorder through Penguin Random House and will release on October 7th, 2025