Title: Mate
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Published: October 7, 2025 by Berkley
Series: Bride #2
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Adult
Page Count: 457 pages
Format: Kindle
Goodreads: 4.23 (out of 5)
ADD TO GOODREADS | BUY ON AMAZON | BUY ON AUDIBLE
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…
TROPE GUIDE: Werewolves | Forced Proximity | Fated Mates | Slow Burn | Forbidden Romance
My Review
This review of Mate by Ali Hazelwood may contain spoilers.
I read Bride a few months ago and loved it, so I was excited to dive into Mate. I’m happy to say it delivered, and I’m also giving it 4.5 stars. It’s such a fun read that I stayed up way past my bedtime and got through about 75% in one sitting. Now, as someone in their mid-thirties feeling the effects of being up past 3 a.m., I can honestly say: no regrets. Totally worth it.
Is Serena Paris a Badass Heroine?
Absolutely. Serena Paris is a half-human, half-werewolf hybrid, which already makes her pretty badass in my opinion. She’s had a tough life, growing up as an orphan, finding out she’s not fully human, and getting kidnapped.
Things don’t exactly get easier for her in Mate. Serena faces some intense challenges, but she never comes across as a damsel in distress. Even when she needs help or protection, she still feels strong and capable.
What I love most is how Serena stands her ground with Koen. Her strength shows in how she handles everything thrown her way, and that’s what makes her such a compelling heroine and easy to root for.
Is Koen Alexander Book Boyfriend Material?
Koen Alexander is definitely your classic werewolf alpha male book boyfriend. He’s big, broody, and domineering, and yes, kind of an asshole. But let’s be honest, that’s usually how we like our wereshifters, right? His deadpan humor really works for me too.
Visually, Koen is the kind of character who would inspire tons of fan art and AI-generated animations. With his hair tied back, scruffy and unkempt, those intense stares, and a full-on lumberjack vibe, he practically leaps off the page and into your, ahem, imagination.
As Alpha of the Northwest pack, Koen has some interesting obligations that complicate the whole mate situation. But they also show how loyal and committed he is to his people.
If you’re into book boyfriends who are intense, complicated, and a little rough around the edges, Koen certainly fits the bill.
How Is the Romance in Mate?
I’ve always loved the rejected and reluctant mate trope, as it brings just the right amount of angst. One of my favorite moments of the book was when Koen found out about the “illness.” Serena’s acceptance of the situation and Koen’s determination added the perfect touch of drama.
What really stood out to me was how Koen and Serena interact. Their dry wit and constant bickering are so entertaining, and the sexual tension between them is intense. Sharing a bed while their mate instincts are flaring, combined with Koen’s “commitment” to his pack and the underlying power struggle, only adds to the heat.
Koen and Serena’s chemistry is undeniable, and what makes the romance work so well is that it actually feels believable. Not every book about mates pulls that off, but this one absolutely does.
Overall Enjoyment of Mate
I devoured this book in under a day, probably in less than twelve hours, to be honest. That’s how much I enjoyed it. Sure, Mate leans heavily into familiar tropes, but when they’re done well, who cares? It was fun, addictive, and exactly what I was in the mood for.
Quote It or It Didn’t Happen: Mate Quotes
“What Misery is to Lowe, you are to me.”
Oh.
Oh?
Oh. “Is this a, um… terminal diagnosis?”
His lips twitch. “No cure, I’m afraid.”
“I see.” I clear my throat. “Well, this relationship sure escalated quickly.”
“He easily resigned himself to a lifetime without her, but… Simply put, he is unwilling to contemplate a universe in which she no longer exists.”
“I would throw away my pack, my life, and my entire world for you. Which is the exact reason I cannot have you.”
Are Koen and Serena your next favorite book couple?
Let me know in the comments or on Goodreads.
If you haven’t read Mate yet, don’t forget to add it to your TBR!