A reader who enjoys Mate by Ali Hazelwood likely appreciates contemporary romance with a witty, STEM-focused twist. Fans of Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game or Helen Hoang’s The Kiss Quotient may find Hazelwood's latest work engaging for its humor, smart dialogue, and strong, relatable heroines.

Research Mate by Ali Hazelwood is a romance novel where individuals working in the academic field navigate complex relationships amidst their professional challenges. The narrative explores themes of love, ambition, and personal growth.

Romantic / Humorous / Emotional / Heartwarming / Playful

**Serena**  
The narrator and protagonist of the novel, Serena is a 25-year-old half-Human and half-Were individual grappling with her identity and the societal backlash following the revelation of her hybrid nature.

**Koen Alexander**  
The Alpha of the Northwest Were pack and Serena's love interest, Koen is a 36-year-old responsible and devoted leader whose loyalty is tested by his feelings for Serena.

**Misery**  
A Vampyre and Serena's best friend, Misery once lived among Humans as Collateral and shares a sister-like bond with Serena, despite facing circumstantial separations.

**Irene**  
A lead member of the Favored cult, Irene antagonizes Serena by attempting to manipulate her emotions and later threatening her, amidst an atmosphere of violence and danger.

**Constantine**  
A deceased antagonist, Constantine is Serena's father whose violent legacy continues to impact the Were community and Serena's own identity.

**Fiona**  
Serena's deceased mother, Fiona was a Human whose past reveals complexities in Serena's understanding of her character and familial heritage.

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore Mate reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

About Mate

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Overview

Get ready to explore Mate and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Mate Summary and Study Guide

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Background

Mate Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

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Prologue-Chapter 8

Mate Prologue-Chapter 8 Summary & Analysis

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Chapters 9-16

Mate Chapters 9-16 Summary & Analysis

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Chapters 17-25

Mate Chapters 17-25 Summary & Analysis

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Chapters 26-33

Mate Chapters 26-33 Summary & Analysis

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Chapter 34-Epilogue

Mate Chapter 34-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

characters

Character List

Mate Character List

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Character Analysis

Mate Character Analysis

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Themes

Mate Themes

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Symbols & Motifs

Mate Symbols & Motifs

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Mate

Book Brief

Mate

Super Short Summary

Serena

Koen Alexander

Misery

Irene

Constantine

Fiona