What a fantastic read!!!Did I preorder this before I even read it, just because of the stunning cover? Absolutely! Did I love it ? Yes I did! From the very first page, I was hooked. The mix of magic, mystery, and romance kept me totally engaged throughout the story. I really enjoyed the whole premise of the marriage competition, especially since it’s tied to a tragic family mystery. It added so much depth to the plot.

The characters were definitely one of the highlights for me. Lovett was such an interesting protagonist, with her unique magic and the way she navigated a world where status and power are everything. Eliot, the mysterious guy, was a perfect counterpart to Lovett, and their dynamic had me really invested in their journey together.

The world-building in this book was also incredible. The magic system felt fresh and different from anything else I’ve read, and I loved how the author built such a rich, detailed world around it. The mix of tradition, competition, and personal stakes made the story feel so layered and intense.

What really kept me turning the pages was the tension throughout the book. It had the right balance of suspense, romance, and just enough danger to keep things exciting. Overall, it was exactly the kind of fantasy story I love, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.

Definitely recommend!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I know I am absolutely gone for a book when I want to devour it in two bites and at the same time take my time with it to make it last longer…! I felt exactly the same way when I read Lydia’s debut ‘The Monstrous Kind’ and feel exactly the same way while reading The Weaver Bride! Lydia has done it again and completely charmed me with her beautiful writing, enchanting story and captivating characters!

Lovett is such a captivating FMC and you will find yourself rooting for her at every page. In truth I want to keep her under my wing and protect her at all costs - although my girl is very woman boss and needs no one to make things happen. And that’s another thing I love love love about Lovett: she waits for no one to get things done.

The world building was just how I like it: it brings you into this world with a nice pace and the right amount of information being fed to you at all times. Nothing feels rushed or too much! Also, please let’s take a moment of silence to relieve the plot twists because they’ve slapped! Lydia did them so so well and the way the pace goes, it makes everything so much more intense as you get to discover everything as Lovett does!

Another absolute favourite from Lydia and at this point, one must question themselves: why haven’t I pre-ordered up this book yet? Go go go go!

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this eCopy to review

Some books feel like stepping into a world stitched with secrets and silk and The Weaver Bride is exactly that. Lydia Gregovic spins a tale of magic, and mystery that’s as intricate as the threads her heroine weaves.

🧵 Plot Summary
Lovett Tamerlane is a silkwitch, born with the rare ability to open any door. But in the rigid society of Isle d’Eylau, her gift is only valued if she marries a Weaver, a man who can harvest her magical hair to spin magesilk. If she refuses, she’ll be sent to the cloisters, where her magic will be drained away.

Lovett survives by stealing from the elite, hiding her identity, and keeping her heart locked tight. That is, until she crosses paths with Eliot Lear, a powerful Weaver with secrets of his own. Eliot offers her a dangerous bargain: enter the Vainglory, a royal competition to win the prince’s hand, and help him uncover the truth behind his sister’s death.

As Lovett navigates court politics, deadly rivalries, and the slow unravelling of her own defences, she must decide what freedom really means and who she’s willing to trust to find it.

💗 What I Loved
- Lovett’s Fire: She’s sharp, guarded, and driven. Her journey from survival to self-worth is beautifully.
- The Magic System: Silkwitches and Weavers are a fresh, concept. Gregovic explores power, exploitation, and autonomy with nuance.
- Romantic Tension: Eliot is enigmatic and emotionally layered. Their slow-burn connection is full of longing and restraint.
- Atmosphere: The court setting is rich with velvet shadows and whispered threats. Every scene feels textured and alive.
- Mystery Threads: The murder investigation adds urgency and depth, with twists that genuinely surprised me.

🪡 Final Thoughts
The Weaver Bride is a spellbinding romantasy perfect for fans of Erin A. Craig, Margaret Rogerson, or anyone who loves stories where magic and emotion are tightly interwoven.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this great book in advance🙏🏻
The synopsis of this had me sold.
First of all, I love our main character Lovett and I liked what happened that made her enter the Vainglory. As soon as she went to the palace and the Vainglory storyline started (which is kinda The Selection meets Hunger Games and I loved it), I love how it progressed. Their magic system of silkwitches and Weavers and the silkwitches having their Wits (some are SO awesome and very useful) is very unique and I've never read about anything similar ever.
As for the others characters: I liked some of the girls, the others were meh and a couple were annoying (there's always some); the King could choke and I couldn't care less, Dorian is arrogant and I wanna slap him in the face, Eliot had me doubting myself a lot of times and I loved Noé from the start...
Even tho the book was all at the palace, the author did a great job in the world building of said palace (from the huge part that everyone frequented, to secret tunnels and then even more secret places even when I thought there was no more to show). The trials were interesting with the consequential cuts of the girls.
The plot envolving Eliot's sister Ophelia's death was A DAMN plot, with Lovett discovering hidden things and then finding secrets and that plot connected to an even bigger one at the end of the book that left me shook.
About that ending, I predicted one part (the person) but the rest I was jaw dropped and I just want the next book already.
I recommend this incredible 10 stars read to everyone!

This book took me by surprise. I thought the story was a little confusing at the start (like 'what the hell us going on?'). But as the story progressed, it enamored me.
The FMC has unwavering self-confidence in her abilities and is a little selfish in her endeavors as pertaining to her survival. The MMC is desperate to find her sister's cause of death and is swallowed by grief. Their interactions are like a lit match. They anger and despise and irritate each other but they still act as they care for each other. It is a frustrating and fascinating dynamic to navigate as you don't know and therefore don't understand the MMC's feelings and thoughts. (I would have liked some of his pov included)
The competition in itself looks predictable but in reality, it is not. You won't even be able to guess the plot twist in the end if you try. The author has written the lore in such a way that when you read, it is ingrained in your brain. When you reach the precipice of the plot, the impossibility of it makes you rack your brain, even if the possibility of it is staring you in the face.
This book keeps you guessing. You think that you can trust this person or suspect this person but it turns out to be something else entirely. The lies and the deceit keep you hooked till the end. Even the FMC's actions sometimes get frustrating but at the end you can't do anything but wait for the sequel and see how the story unfolds.
It is definitely an interesting read and I'm eagerly waiting for the second installment.
**Thank you Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for the ARC**