Mate by Ali Hazelwood

Britt's take

Bingeable paranormal romance with easy world-building and strong romantic momentum. The time-jumping at the beginning can be a little disorienting, but it gives the story the context it needs. Good banter, mutual yearning, and a mystery that isn't immediately obvious. Accessible rather than lore-heavy—perfect if you want paranormal romance without committing to a dense fantasy world. Reads as a standalone, but Bride readers will recognize a few familiar faces.