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Loving Aspen: Thorn's Brew Book 1
Bred here, born here, blood in the soil here.
On the surface, Monroe is like any other city, with proud traditions, old money, and a list of Who's Who. Some attend CloverLeaf University, and that's all they see. Beneath the facade lies a rich past and a secret; those bred there, born there, and blood in the soil there would die to protect.
Each year, a crop of students attends the university, and among them are the Sons of the Blood, who've returned home to make a brilliant match. They have the right name and the right bloodlines. For some, Monroe touches them in unexpected ways. For others, it's a strange place with strange traditions, and they can't wait to leave.
Author Mallory Hampton has a name Monroe would be proud of but doesn't see the draw. The blood that called him home doesn't tempt him as much as the unattainable Aspen Bennett. He'll have him any way he can- even if it's only in his romance novels.
ClairMont Bowman returns to Monroe when he's twenty-four and is just trying to find his place in the world. Being gay is hard, and he's been in the closet until now. Then, he reads Mallory Hampton's book and uses it as a guide to finding a boyfriend.
He also has to adjust to a new town with old ideas. Monroe confuses him. It's full of traditions he can't wrap his head around. He finds the whole place weird until he meets Aspen Bennett, and the connection is instant. One small interaction, and he knows Aspen is his. All he has to do is accept him and Monroe's Touch. Then he discovers Aspen is who Mallory patterned one of the MCs after, and believes the story.
Aspen Bennett was bred there, born there, blood in the soil there. All he wants is to run his coffeehouse and put his life back together after Mallory destroys it. Aspen must mate by the time he's twenty-five, and now he's cutting it close. Will he have to live his life alone and leave Monroe, or will ClairMont accept him, knowing what Mallory has done?
On the surface, Monroe is like any other city, with proud traditions, old money, and a list of Who's Who. Some attend CloverLeaf University, and that's all they see. Beneath the facade lies a rich past and a secret; those bred there, born there, and blood in the soil there would die to protect.
Each year, a crop of students attends the university, and among them are the Sons of the Blood, who've returned home to make a brilliant match. They have the right name and the right bloodlines. For some, Monroe touches them in unexpected ways. For others, it's a strange place with strange traditions, and they can't wait to leave.
Author Mallory Hampton has a name Monroe would be proud of but doesn't see the draw. The blood that called him home doesn't tempt him as much as the unattainable Aspen Bennett. He'll have him any way he can- even if it's only in his romance novels.
ClairMont Bowman returns to Monroe when he's twenty-four and is just trying to find his place in the world. Being gay is hard, and he's been in the closet until now. Then, he reads Mallory Hampton's book and uses it as a guide to finding a boyfriend.
He also has to adjust to a new town with old ideas. Monroe confuses him. It's full of traditions he can't wrap his head around. He finds the whole place weird until he meets Aspen Bennett, and the connection is instant. One small interaction, and he knows Aspen is his. All he has to do is accept him and Monroe's Touch. Then he discovers Aspen is who Mallory patterned one of the MCs after, and believes the story.
Aspen Bennett was bred there, born there, blood in the soil there. All he wants is to run his coffeehouse and put his life back together after Mallory destroys it. Aspen must mate by the time he's twenty-five, and now he's cutting it close. Will he have to live his life alone and leave Monroe, or will ClairMont accept him, knowing what Mallory has done?
- GenresGayM M RomanceRomance
127 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2024
23 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
not-interested
May 7, 2024Self note: the blurb confused me so I went to the reviews to see if I could get a better idea of what the book is about but it looks like even some reviewers were confused after reading it so I’m gonna pass on this.
May 6, 2024
I was so confused almost the whole book...but it was short so I didn't dnf. Got better after 16% or so...but still... confusing
April 10, 2024
small town short story that instead pulls you in
March 17, 2024
I really liked the characters in the book, but felt like I had no clue what was going on half the time. I have the gist of the story, but lots of questions, still. It would have really helped me to have the bloodlines diagram at the beginning a bit more like a family tree to keep everyone straight. Even though I still feel confused in many ways, I was drawn into this world, and needed to keep reading, all while shaking my head and thinking “huh???” at the same time. There is a reference in the last chapter to a series, and “to be continued”, so I’m thinking this is one of those books that becomes clearer the deeper you get into successive books.
I feel like I have just started a big jigsaw puzzle, I have the edges done, now I just need to fill in the middle with only a partial picture as a guide. I will read at least one more book when it comes out to see if it makes more sense, but am intrigued enough to see if some of the mysterious aspects are solved. There is just enough information on the beginnings of the town of Monroe to start questions, and the mention of “oracle” just adds to the mystery. How many generations have there been? How many offspring of the founding bloodlines are there, and which ones are bonded/mated? Still so many questions. Looking forward to answers.
If you like strange stories and ones with cliffhangers, this one qualifies, but it sure drew me in because the main characters are compelling. I just had to find out where they were going and what would happen next. Maybe it will grab you, too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I feel like I have just started a big jigsaw puzzle, I have the edges done, now I just need to fill in the middle with only a partial picture as a guide. I will read at least one more book when it comes out to see if it makes more sense, but am intrigued enough to see if some of the mysterious aspects are solved. There is just enough information on the beginnings of the town of Monroe to start questions, and the mention of “oracle” just adds to the mystery. How many generations have there been? How many offspring of the founding bloodlines are there, and which ones are bonded/mated? Still so many questions. Looking forward to answers.
If you like strange stories and ones with cliffhangers, this one qualifies, but it sure drew me in because the main characters are compelling. I just had to find out where they were going and what would happen next. Maybe it will grab you, too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2024
"Bred here, born here, and blood in the soil here was the motto of the Touched"
What a great first book in a new series called Thorn's Brew by Jae Greyn. If you haven't read any of Jae's books before, this would be a great place to start. The characters in this series are more human-like whereas her other series contain characters with lots of something extra. I love all the characters that live in this author's brain. How she comes up with this stuff is a mystery to me 🤷.
This story starts out in the recent past (2 years earlier) and you're introduced to what seems like a million characters. Okay maybe not a million but I was like, hold the phone, I'm getting confused. But low and behold I started working out the relationships as the book unfolds and I realized that I was worried for nothing. This book throws a lot of information your way but I still feel like there is so much more we haven't learned. I can't wait to see what she has planned for us in book 2.
I loved the two MCs, Aspen and ClairMont. I loved how they met and the way ClairMont immediately felt a connection with Aspen. "Our fingers brushed, and the connection between us curled my toes in my blue suede Vans."
There is humor, old traditions, a town with more, new things to learn, paybacks are fun, first times, sexy times
What a great first book in a new series called Thorn's Brew by Jae Greyn. If you haven't read any of Jae's books before, this would be a great place to start. The characters in this series are more human-like whereas her other series contain characters with lots of something extra. I love all the characters that live in this author's brain. How she comes up with this stuff is a mystery to me 🤷.
This story starts out in the recent past (2 years earlier) and you're introduced to what seems like a million characters. Okay maybe not a million but I was like, hold the phone, I'm getting confused. But low and behold I started working out the relationships as the book unfolds and I realized that I was worried for nothing. This book throws a lot of information your way but I still feel like there is so much more we haven't learned. I can't wait to see what she has planned for us in book 2.
I loved the two MCs, Aspen and ClairMont. I loved how they met and the way ClairMont immediately felt a connection with Aspen. "Our fingers brushed, and the connection between us curled my toes in my blue suede Vans."
There is humor, old traditions, a town with more, new things to learn, paybacks are fun, first times, sexy times
March 17, 2024
The town of Monroe is filled with different families and confusing traditions, at least to ClairMont Bowman. He comes to Monroe at the age of twenty-four and just wants to fit in. He is gay and has not experienced that part of life as yet. He is using a book he discovered by Mallory Hampton to find a boyfriend. Mallory had been living in Monroe, but left to write his books. He has an obsession with Aspen Bennett and used him as his model for his books. Aspen just wants to run his coffee shop and rebuild his life after Mallory ruined it. He finds that Clair is just the man to help him when the two meet and find an instant spark.
Monroe is a special town in particular for those who are bred there, born there, soil in the blood there. The town has a Touch to it, but there must be a connection. Loving Aspen has many characters in it and it took some work to sort them all out. You can see that there are lots of stories just waiting to be told. Aspen and Clair are among them and as is true in real life, they have many friends and acquaintances. The interactions are amazing and really make the story come to life. I can’t wait to see what happens next with this wonderful cast of characters, each one unique with their own special blend of wants and needs. Jae Greyn has created a captivating world for our enjoyment.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy.
Monroe is a special town in particular for those who are bred there, born there, soil in the blood there. The town has a Touch to it, but there must be a connection. Loving Aspen has many characters in it and it took some work to sort them all out. You can see that there are lots of stories just waiting to be told. Aspen and Clair are among them and as is true in real life, they have many friends and acquaintances. The interactions are amazing and really make the story come to life. I can’t wait to see what happens next with this wonderful cast of characters, each one unique with their own special blend of wants and needs. Jae Greyn has created a captivating world for our enjoyment.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy.
March 18, 2024
As we entered the story I felt like it was slowly unfolding an introduction to the reader of a society/town/space that we will revisit and come to understand more over time. There were a lot of characters introduced in a flash back to two years prior, but who was who soon became known as we followed along. When we meet Aspen he is in what seems like a pretty committed relationship only to find out a couple of years later that his lover made a choice that did not include him. What we learn as he and Clair (Clairmont) go about the process of getting to know one another, is that Clair is not likely to repeat that mistake. Their connection was immediate, although Clair's learning curve took a bit for him to fit in and learn the ways of Monroe - born there but not raised there so he has some things to figure out - it was clear that he wanted to be with Aspen. I am looking forward to getting to know these folks some more in future stories. It seems some interesting things are going to happen in Monroe as we follow along. Good start!
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2024
Part of Thorn’s Brew series hang on once you start you won’t put it down until the last page has been turned. ClairMont returns to Monroe twenty-four, gay, isn’t sure how to navigate the world because this small town still have small town views wanting to fit in isn’t easy when he was born to be different until he finds Mallory’s book and he decides to test her theories in finding a boyfriend. Mallory left Monroe to write his book using his obsession with Aspen Bennett using him as a model for his books, but his obsession just wants to be left alone to run his business and forget all about Mallory. When ClairMont walks through his shop doors he knew he was the answers to getting on with his life the attraction is instant the magnetic pull between them can’t be ignored but will they find what they are looking for in each other or will the man obsessed with him come with issues or can they learn to work together despite being different in a town that is unique, and can they find something that makes them both feel like it is worth it?
May 2, 2024
I wasn't sure what to think when I read the blurb. Or the reviews, but I decided to give it a whirl. And I am so glad I did! There is a lot going on in the beginning and a whole lot of characters to meet. The main characters are Aspen and Clair. Aspen has a history with another man, who ended up choosing a woman, money and children over Aspen. After a years worth of grieving, he is ready to meet someone new. But the town of Monroe picks who the sons marry and it has chosen Clair. Clair was born in Monroe, but his mother moved him away and he is just settling down in town with his father. Meeting Aspen is like meeting a character in a book he's read... and Aspen is based on that character! The draw both feel towards each other is all due to Monroe and they can't fight it nor do they want to! The last few chapters are introducing the next characters for book two! I can't wait~!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.75 stars
This is a muddle of a book and, to be quite honest, I didn’t enjoy it. The book opens with Mallory once again playing voyeur, watching Aspen and Billy f*ck. Then, we’re introduced to Aspen’s twin, a few women, and a few other men, as this collection of very wealthy young people end the night with a fistfight and a soothing of ruffled feathers. It’s written presumably to show to that Mallory is an outsider, not really part of the group for all that they let him associate with them, but it’s a chaotic start that left me with no clear idea of who Mallory is as a character — beyond horny.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
2.75 stars
This is a muddle of a book and, to be quite honest, I didn’t enjoy it. The book opens with Mallory once again playing voyeur, watching Aspen and Billy f*ck. Then, we’re introduced to Aspen’s twin, a few women, and a few other men, as this collection of very wealthy young people end the night with a fistfight and a soothing of ruffled feathers. It’s written presumably to show to that Mallory is an outsider, not really part of the group for all that they let him associate with them, but it’s a chaotic start that left me with no clear idea of who Mallory is as a character — beyond horny.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
March 16, 2024
This is a very hard review for me to write, because I really enjoyed the characters and want to give a higher rating. Unfortunately, the lack of adequate world-building and history took away from my enjoyment. Some history/world-building occurred throughout the book, but it was enough only to confuse me. I have so many questions about marriages, relations, the people coming and going, and really how Monroe works. I learned a little but not enough. At a minimum, there should be a glossary of people and a family tree to explain how everyone is related, who they are married to and who they had children with (not always the same). I will read future books, and hope the story of Monroe becomes clearer. Great characters, interesting story, but not enough world-building for me. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
March 14, 2024
The first chapter was chaotic and I was sure this was going to be a DNF. Chapter two changed my mind and by chapter three, I was all in. Aspen and Clair's relationship was sweet and though mostly a slow burn, it was sexy as all get out.
Definitely an original storyline. Great worldbuilding. Wonderful secondary characters esp Jacks and Cedar. The group's revenge against Mallory was delightful.
Chase Monroe was mentioned once in the story and then at the end. Him and all the other elder Monroe-ites personal histories really needed a spreadsheet, who was sleeping with who and what kids belonged to them.
A fun and quick read. I can't wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Definitely an original storyline. Great worldbuilding. Wonderful secondary characters esp Jacks and Cedar. The group's revenge against Mallory was delightful.
Chase Monroe was mentioned once in the story and then at the end. Him and all the other elder Monroe-ites personal histories really needed a spreadsheet, who was sleeping with who and what kids belonged to them.
A fun and quick read. I can't wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2024
This was a pretty easy quick read, and I rather enjoyed it. The town of Monroe picks their mates based on several factors, being bred there, born there & blood in the soil there. Mallory was a real piece of work. He is an author who has based his books on Aspen's sexcapades as a teen & it was really not very nice and hurtful. Also, the Aspen's high school hookup Billy, broke Aspen's heart by not accepting him as a mate. He didn't have the heart & soul of Monroe, if he did, this would have been a different story. When ClairMont returns, he isn't there to stay, but things change in the form of Aspen. I loved how they handled Mallory's betrayal so to speak. They could have taken a different route but didn't. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from Gay romance reviews, and this is my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book from Gay romance reviews, and this is my honest opinion.
March 19, 2024
I'm definitely hooked on this series and can't wait to find out more about Monroe and the people of live there and have yet to arrive. Make no mistake, the town is a major character in this story and it has a distinct effect on the people. I really enjoyed the writer aspect of the story. The fact that ClairMont comes to Monroe using Mallory's book as a guide for living the rest of his life and finding romance only to meet Mallory there was fantastic. Lots of characters to get to know and lots of complications in the relationship but when I stopped trying to analyze everything and just let the story carry me along, things sorted themselves out and I had a great time.
March 19, 2024
4 Stars ⭐️
I felt like I needed several more chapters of this book to have it all come together and that's not a bad thing. This book absolutely leaves you wanting more....I was intrigued from the first page and that interest didn't let up. This universe is very well crafted and it is a lot to take in at first but you cannot help but be enthralled in this relationship and their story which was steamy, fun and sweet, I'd recommend and I am waiting patiently for the next book 😉.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
I felt like I needed several more chapters of this book to have it all come together and that's not a bad thing. This book absolutely leaves you wanting more....I was intrigued from the first page and that interest didn't let up. This universe is very well crafted and it is a lot to take in at first but you cannot help but be enthralled in this relationship and their story which was steamy, fun and sweet, I'd recommend and I am waiting patiently for the next book 😉.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
February 29, 2024
This was one of the most original books I have read. The idea between the first families, mates, and how everything is connected is great. I admit I was confused at first while reading but it actually worked out well because Clair is also confused. As Aspen teaches Clair the history behind Monroe we get to learn with him. To give more details would spoil the book but the MC the second book will focus on definitely intrigues me as he is a large part of the beginning of Aspen's story.
March 13, 2024
There is a line in this book, thought/said by one of the main characters, Clair. He says "Monroe is confusing" and he's not wrong. There are a lot of characters and relationships to get your head around in this book, however I loved it. Clair's newness to being part of Monroe is a delight for Aspen. This book is unique in it's storyline and well written with great characters. I really enjoyed it!!! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 15, 2024
This is another great read from this author, this series is different from the others I’ve read by this author but no less interesting, the world building is great and so many characters get introduced it gets a bit confusing but ClairMont is confused as well so as Aspen teaches him about Monroe’s history and characters we learn as well, really looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
March 15, 2024
4.5 stars. It took a few chapters to figure out who and what was happening, but once I managed to get into the story it was really good and very original. There's still a lot of complexity to come in future books, which I don't doubt will be intriguing. I particularly appreciated the "revenge".
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
February 17, 2024
This novel is an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you with a full heart and a pensive mind. A must-read for those seeking a story that grabs them from the start and leaves them thinking long after they've finished it.
March 1, 2024
This new series is different than Jae's other books. Still fresh, with new ideas, great worldbuilding, and an awesome cast of characters.the conflict resolution was different and I liked it. Loved the insights at the end. Can't wait for book 2.
March 16, 2024
This new series starts off with this mysterious but good story. It had me completely interested in what would happen next. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
March 17, 2024
This book was very odd. I felt like I missed something or a few something’s. The storyline seemed disjointed at times and seemed odd. The characters were interesting but the reality of it just didn’t prove fruitful. I needed more of why the town was the way the town was and the people in it.
March 17, 2024
He wants them so much but knows he could not have them so he writes about them in his stories. They are looking for a boyfriend even though they have been in the closet. Will he finally get to be with them? How will it all go? Will it end well? See if it will
March 20, 2024
I did enjoy much of this, but there are waaaay too many characters and it's super confusing, and the ending was pretty anticlimactic. Also please for the love of God stop saying "females" - they're not breeding stock.
March 27, 2024
I think this was me rather than the book.
I found my mind wondering whilst reading it. I am not sure why. It was a pleassant enough story and little to no sex ( hurrah!) so I don't know why.
Aspen was nice enough but there was just something. I might leave it a while and go back and reread.
I found my mind wondering whilst reading it. I am not sure why. It was a pleassant enough story and little to no sex ( hurrah!) so I don't know why.
Aspen was nice enough but there was just something. I might leave it a while and go back and reread.
November 3, 2024
Weird
Weird little book but interesting enough to draw me in for more. Interested to see where the story leads. I do enjoy some magic/supernatural things sprinkled into some of the books I read. Very interested to see where the story leads.
Weird little book but interesting enough to draw me in for more. Interested to see where the story leads. I do enjoy some magic/supernatural things sprinkled into some of the books I read. Very interested to see where the story leads.
March 16, 2024
This was a new book author for me and I loved this fast pace read. This story drew me in from the beginning tell the very ending.
March 19, 2024
Great start to a new series! Parts of the book sometimes confused me but overall is a great read! Will definitely read more of this series as it comes!
March 28, 2024
Great Characters
This was a new author read for me and I loved it. This short story drew me in from the beginning until the very end.
This was a new author read for me and I loved it. This short story drew me in from the beginning until the very end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews