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Highland Blood Fae #1
Blood Thorn
Everyone thinks Ainsley Morris is your basic science nerd—a botany major who prefers the lab to the party scene—and maybe they’re right. But she’s got plans. Big plans that’ll keep her from repeating her mother’s mistakes. So even though life hasn’t always been rosy, at twenty-one, it’s finally less thorny.
That is, until she meets him. Alex Campbell.
Sure, he’s ridiculously handsome, rich, and powerful. And maybe he can steam up a room (and…um…other things) just by turning his green eyes in Ainsley’s direction. But unfortunately he’s also completely insane.
Alex thinks he's some kind of vampire fae. And not only that, he says he's the leader of said vampire faes and that Ainsley's their queen.
Uh…excuse me?
Worse, he says they’re nearing extinction, and she’s their only shot at survival.
Right. Ainsley has her own problems to worry about.
But when her body begins reacting in ways even a science nerd can't explain, it might be more than Alex’s survival on the line. It might just be her very own. Because those big plans of hers? They're about to come bite her in the ass.
That is, until she meets him. Alex Campbell.
Sure, he’s ridiculously handsome, rich, and powerful. And maybe he can steam up a room (and…um…other things) just by turning his green eyes in Ainsley’s direction. But unfortunately he’s also completely insane.
Alex thinks he's some kind of vampire fae. And not only that, he says he's the leader of said vampire faes and that Ainsley's their queen.
Uh…excuse me?
Worse, he says they’re nearing extinction, and she’s their only shot at survival.
Right. Ainsley has her own problems to worry about.
But when her body begins reacting in ways even a science nerd can't explain, it might be more than Alex’s survival on the line. It might just be her very own. Because those big plans of hers? They're about to come bite her in the ass.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2020
348 people are currently reading
2059 people want to read
About the author
A.S. Green
44 books415 followersUSA Today bestselling author A.S. Green lives in chilly Minnesota and spends the all-too-short summers on Lake Superior, which is the muse for her paranormal and contemporary romances. She writes complex characters, action-packed plots, and snarky in-your-face banter. And, of course, loads of steamy love scenes.
When she's not writing romance, she's probably watching Outlander or pleading (unsuccessfully) with her husband to don the kilt she bought him last summer.
You can find her on most social platforms at @asgreenbooks. For the latest news and to get your hands on exclusive content, subscribe to A.S. Green's newsletter today (asgreenbooks.com)!
Follow on BookBub for the latest on sales!
When she's not writing romance, she's probably watching Outlander or pleading (unsuccessfully) with her husband to don the kilt she bought him last summer.
You can find her on most social platforms at @asgreenbooks. For the latest news and to get your hands on exclusive content, subscribe to A.S. Green's newsletter today (asgreenbooks.com)!
Follow on BookBub for the latest on sales!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
November 22, 2020
"I've never met an actual vampire but as I understand it, they are created. Ba'vonn-shees, on the other hand, are born."
Overall, 4.5 stars!
Another amazing addition to the fae world that A.S. Green has created! A.S. Green is such a master at weaving her own magic and suspense into an old legend and constructing her own story capable of pulling you in completely. The ba'vonn-shee are the Scottish fae version of vampires, and the Campbell clan--the only surviving ba'vonn-shee clan left--is in desperate need of a queen. Ainsley is a botany student whose quiet and unassuming lifestyle is upended when she sees one of Alex's brothers feeding off of an unsuspecting human.
Alex is positive that Ainsley is the key to his clan's survival, while she is determined not to get hurt by another man in her life again. There was romance, suspense, and misunderstandings aplenty, and I loved returning to this lovely world. Although each of A.S. Green's series are standalones, I would recommend reading them in order as we get some crossover characters in each of her series. Start with the Fae Hellhound series, then Fae Academy, then this new series.
My Alex, the clan chieftain who's determined to protect his queen above all else...
*ARC provided by the author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
September 13, 2021
I couldn't finish it. At 41%, I just skipped to the end to see what happened.
I know that writing a book takes a lot of time and effort, I respect that and I honestly hate to give one-star rating to the book, especially by the author whose previous books I've enjoyed reading, but what I hate even more is a dominant male character who treats the heroine with literally zero respect and another doormat heroine with no backbone, no self-respect or pride.
Good things? The cover was amazing, and the writing was good.
I know that writing a book takes a lot of time and effort, I respect that and I honestly hate to give one-star rating to the book, especially by the author whose previous books I've enjoyed reading, but what I hate even more is a dominant male character who treats the heroine with literally zero respect and another doormat heroine with no backbone, no self-respect or pride.
Good things? The cover was amazing, and the writing was good.
March 13, 2021
Green created a world/dynamic that was unique to me. This aspect I enjoyed. What I struggled with is the lack of power and dominance I am used to reading in PNR. Usually the MC inspires me to feel like hey he is badass don’t mess with him but I never felt that here. It was a sweet romantic read. Not a dominate action packed read.
For me this one fell a smudge short but not at all terrible. Just a little too sweet.
Happy reading,
DD
For me this one fell a smudge short but not at all terrible. Just a little too sweet.
Happy reading,
DD
March 10, 2021
Ainsley (FMC) has her world turned upside down when she meets Alex (McKee) in a nightclub. Alex and the rest of The Campbell Clan - Callum, Knox, Finn, Rory and Alistair open her eyes to how important she is to all of them. I loved Ainsley's quick wit and the banter she had with the guys. The relationship she had with Alex made for a good read too. Even if a small part of me kinda hoped that Ainsley would have her own RH with the guys ( i read far too many RH books lol) i still liked her and Alex together. He still took some warming up too especially when he acted a bit like an idiot towards Ainsley throughout this book. Still it was a really great read.
Im looking forward to Knox's book now and i might have to keep and eye out for The North Shore Hell Hounds books too
Im looking forward to Knox's book now and i might have to keep and eye out for The North Shore Hell Hounds books too
September 25, 2021
‘I won’t bite’
This tiny band of remnants has stolen its way into my heart. I loved this first book in the series and I’m hoping the next one is out because I want to keep reading!
This tiny band of remnants has stolen its way into my heart. I loved this first book in the series and I’m hoping the next one is out because I want to keep reading!
February 22, 2021
Was not expecting to love this but I did!
November 24, 2020
Well well well what a sweet little ride Blood Thorn was! I did receive it via ARC copy, I also purchased the full collection it was originally released as a part of.
Let me start by saying I LOVED my girl Ainsley and her girl group! I like how she is so different from them but is tethered to her girls throughout the book! I loved whenever they showed up!
Now, I must say, for me this book was reminiscent of how I felt reading Hounded. The first in A.S Green’s Hell Hound fated mates series, it’s my favorite book of hers and I found myself thinking of my favorite parts of that book as I read Blood Thorn. We get some mention of characters from that series and a cameo from one of my favs (I won’t spoil who, but I was SO juiced!)
Now the meat and potatoes of it. Alex and Ainsley🔥🌹 I loved their chemistry, their energy, their everything. His crumbling control around her, her relationship with the clan, I enjoyed all of it along the way. That office scene? MORE PLEASE! (but seriously, would have loved that to be um, longer 👀) I was swept up in this story until the very end. Dare I say i wish we could have another book on these two and what their future holds.
Thank you for this gem, A.S. Green! Looking forward to reading the rest of the books included in the series!
Let me start by saying I LOVED my girl Ainsley and her girl group! I like how she is so different from them but is tethered to her girls throughout the book! I loved whenever they showed up!
Now, I must say, for me this book was reminiscent of how I felt reading Hounded. The first in A.S Green’s Hell Hound fated mates series, it’s my favorite book of hers and I found myself thinking of my favorite parts of that book as I read Blood Thorn. We get some mention of characters from that series and a cameo from one of my favs (I won’t spoil who, but I was SO juiced!)
Now the meat and potatoes of it. Alex and Ainsley🔥🌹 I loved their chemistry, their energy, their everything. His crumbling control around her, her relationship with the clan, I enjoyed all of it along the way. That office scene? MORE PLEASE! (but seriously, would have loved that to be um, longer 👀) I was swept up in this story until the very end. Dare I say i wish we could have another book on these two and what their future holds.
Thank you for this gem, A.S. Green! Looking forward to reading the rest of the books included in the series!
February 11, 2021
The storyline is well developed and engaging with plenty of chemistry throughout the pages between the couple. The characters are engaging and well developed with loads to offer. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
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.
February 4, 2021
Blood Thorn is the first book in the Blood Thorn series by A.S. Green, it was a quick, unique, and entertaining paranormal romance that was full of passion and steam, I highly enjoyed it. The story is told from Ainsley and Alex's, the two main characters, points-of-view. Ainsley is a college student who is working towards graduation while working at a renaissance fair of all places when she meets Alex, a fae who is in search of his queen, let the crazy begin.
The story is very unique, I was absolutely fascinated by the focus on plants/flowers. Ainsley is a botanist, she is essentially a scientist that studies flowers, flowers are a focal point in the story to the point where powers are connected to it. I haven't come across a story that has any character, let alone the main character, as a botanist, I found the incorporation of plants into the supernatural very interesting. While most use plants as an ingredient or as a means to hurt, Green went about it a whole new way. The effect Ainsley has on plants, the effect they have on her, all of it is very refreshing. Then add in the twist of vampire fae and it's a whole new ball game. I have read stories about fae being shifters and even one story about vampire fae but the vampire part wasn't as much as a focal as it is in Blood Thorn. To combine two popular supernatural creatures and coming up with a story that is unique, full of magic, and has a tragic history, makes for an excellent story.
For me Ainsley is very relatable, she is the studious non-popular one. She kinda like a loner, doesn't really hang out with her friends too much but is very passionate about something and lives her life quietly and the way she wants. Want I find impressive is that while she has a very scientific brain, as expected, she took the facts (magic) presented to her and take it for what it is. She didn't take that much time adjusting to learning who she was and what Alex and the rest of the clan were. Alex on the other hand, being centuries old and have lived through so much including the near-destruction of his race, isn't finding things easily. Alex, the male lead, is having trouble, struggling with the events that are occurring, the hope he feels for his people, the fear he feels for Ainsley, and trying to figure out what's best and doing it for everyone. I liked Alex and I think he is perfect for Ainsley, while he did make his mistakes I don't think anyone could have done better.
The clan... I like Alex's brothers, they all have such strong personalities but are good people and are welcoming. How they are willing to step up and do what is needed for their family, for their people is honorable. It's a good thing I like them because from what I can tell each book in the series will be a standalone and will follow one brother as he finds love, so I am really looking forward to that.
Blood Thorn is a great paranormal read that is entertaining, has passion and steam, a tragic backstory but has a great set-up for other characters and is sure to get attention with its uniqueness. I look forward to continuing the series and reading more from A.S. Green.
The story is very unique, I was absolutely fascinated by the focus on plants/flowers. Ainsley is a botanist, she is essentially a scientist that studies flowers, flowers are a focal point in the story to the point where powers are connected to it. I haven't come across a story that has any character, let alone the main character, as a botanist, I found the incorporation of plants into the supernatural very interesting. While most use plants as an ingredient or as a means to hurt, Green went about it a whole new way. The effect Ainsley has on plants, the effect they have on her, all of it is very refreshing. Then add in the twist of vampire fae and it's a whole new ball game. I have read stories about fae being shifters and even one story about vampire fae but the vampire part wasn't as much as a focal as it is in Blood Thorn. To combine two popular supernatural creatures and coming up with a story that is unique, full of magic, and has a tragic history, makes for an excellent story.
For me Ainsley is very relatable, she is the studious non-popular one. She kinda like a loner, doesn't really hang out with her friends too much but is very passionate about something and lives her life quietly and the way she wants. Want I find impressive is that while she has a very scientific brain, as expected, she took the facts (magic) presented to her and take it for what it is. She didn't take that much time adjusting to learning who she was and what Alex and the rest of the clan were. Alex on the other hand, being centuries old and have lived through so much including the near-destruction of his race, isn't finding things easily. Alex, the male lead, is having trouble, struggling with the events that are occurring, the hope he feels for his people, the fear he feels for Ainsley, and trying to figure out what's best and doing it for everyone. I liked Alex and I think he is perfect for Ainsley, while he did make his mistakes I don't think anyone could have done better.
The clan... I like Alex's brothers, they all have such strong personalities but are good people and are welcoming. How they are willing to step up and do what is needed for their family, for their people is honorable. It's a good thing I like them because from what I can tell each book in the series will be a standalone and will follow one brother as he finds love, so I am really looking forward to that.
Blood Thorn is a great paranormal read that is entertaining, has passion and steam, a tragic backstory but has a great set-up for other characters and is sure to get attention with its uniqueness. I look forward to continuing the series and reading more from A.S. Green.
November 22, 2020
“Blood Thorn” by A.S. Green is a new paranormal fantasy featuring vampire Fae, which in itself is already captivating. The story is well-written, fast-paced, easy to read and full of twist featuring a human/vampire Fae couple that despite their starting difficulties learn to work together.
Ainsley Morris, the female main character, is a botany major, who buries herself in study and research with a clearly target for her own future. But even the best laid plains can go south, when a drop-dead gorgeous Fae cross your path. Alex Campbell, such mentioned Fae, hides her power, under a rich, handsome, crazy demeanor, insisting in being some kind of Vampire Fae King, ruling over a species in the brink of extinction, and in desperate need of Ashley’s help to survive, after all she is supposed to be her soul mate and intended queen. In Ainsley’s opinion, he is nuts, certifiable crazy, a full loony….. only… he is not 😊
The story interweaves paranormal romance tropes with Scottish Fae lore into a high interesting plot, that offers action, wonderful characters, interesting situation and a very healthy dose of banter and captivates the reader
Ainsley Morris, the female main character, is a botany major, who buries herself in study and research with a clearly target for her own future. But even the best laid plains can go south, when a drop-dead gorgeous Fae cross your path. Alex Campbell, such mentioned Fae, hides her power, under a rich, handsome, crazy demeanor, insisting in being some kind of Vampire Fae King, ruling over a species in the brink of extinction, and in desperate need of Ashley’s help to survive, after all she is supposed to be her soul mate and intended queen. In Ainsley’s opinion, he is nuts, certifiable crazy, a full loony….. only… he is not 😊
The story interweaves paranormal romance tropes with Scottish Fae lore into a high interesting plot, that offers action, wonderful characters, interesting situation and a very healthy dose of banter and captivates the reader
December 3, 2020
⚓⚓ONE TURBULENT WILD RIDE⚓⚓
Blazing beatles! Green dropped the bomb and lowered the boom, delivering some hard knocks, frightful facts and relentless pursuits, hooking you from the first sentence until the last word, launching this gem to staggering heights. Attributes and demeanor in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this tangled web so thoroughly till nothing else exists, propelling this bad boy into the eye of the storm, blowing it into a frenzy with life altering results. Observing the separate struggles and challenging triumphs, showcasing the dangerous twists and deadly turns, putting our characters through their paces propelling this jewel to life brilliantly. Shattered barriers and broken perimeters solidify as limitations are amplified and enforced, kicking down walls and bringing the heat, exposing the impish quirks and defying bents, merging this gem together perfectly. The characters are complex, genuine and realistic with traits and qualities that balance and blend, with amazing depth and diversity with enough spice to add an extra kick to the mix. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions creating a colorful backdrop that so rich and lively as though you can just reach out and touch it. Remarkable job Green, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.
Blazing beatles! Green dropped the bomb and lowered the boom, delivering some hard knocks, frightful facts and relentless pursuits, hooking you from the first sentence until the last word, launching this gem to staggering heights. Attributes and demeanor in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this tangled web so thoroughly till nothing else exists, propelling this bad boy into the eye of the storm, blowing it into a frenzy with life altering results. Observing the separate struggles and challenging triumphs, showcasing the dangerous twists and deadly turns, putting our characters through their paces propelling this jewel to life brilliantly. Shattered barriers and broken perimeters solidify as limitations are amplified and enforced, kicking down walls and bringing the heat, exposing the impish quirks and defying bents, merging this gem together perfectly. The characters are complex, genuine and realistic with traits and qualities that balance and blend, with amazing depth and diversity with enough spice to add an extra kick to the mix. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions creating a colorful backdrop that so rich and lively as though you can just reach out and touch it. Remarkable job Green, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.
November 29, 2020
It seems too long since I have read an A.S. Green book so reading this was like coming home. I got so giddy reading about the familiar tilting and (gasp in horror)The Black Castle Brethren! There also may or may not be an appearance of North Shore favourite Cormac MacConnall! I really enjoyed the story of Ainsley and Alex, which was exciting and had an amazing plot line. Alex is the leader of the last of the surviving blood sucking fae clan known as ba' vonn-shee. Similar to vampires except that they need a queen to stabilise their mental health or they will go insane and die. The Campbell clan desperately need a queen as they are getting weak and Alex recieves a mysterious note possibly identifying Ashley as their queen. He goes to investigate and .... well you need to read the book to find out what happens, but you wont be disappointed with this 5 star read!
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.
November 19, 2020
I read AS Green's Fated Mates Series (Fae Hell Hounds) a while ago and really enjoyed them so I was expecting to enjoy this one too. Happily, I liked it even better. Been following this author for a while now and it seems her characters are getting more fun and unpredictable and her plots more surprising and interesting without betraying the HEA promise. Took this one to a beach weekend and finished it in two days. Love that the old crew from Hell Hounds makes a cameo on this one (spoiler?!!). Also, This group of mythical creatures were different from any other rendering of vampires I've ever read so the novelty was unexpected and deeply appreciated (I've been reading sexy vampire novels since Anne Rice's Interview) This author is so prolific that I can't keep up actually. I'm going to have to go back to read her Fae Academy series. Easy to recommend this for any fans of this genre.
November 21, 2020
*originally reviewed in the Eternal Bite anthology...
can a human reno-apothicary, biology major become the last hope for a desperate people? Will fantasy become reality in the blink of an eye? And will an old enemy strike before even a thought of love can start? Ainsley's desire for a family is one of her endearing qualities. But her attraction to Alex may be doomed to failure if he can't move on from a painful past. Will they have the opportunity to even try?
can a human reno-apothicary, biology major become the last hope for a desperate people? Will fantasy become reality in the blink of an eye? And will an old enemy strike before even a thought of love can start? Ainsley's desire for a family is one of her endearing qualities. But her attraction to Alex may be doomed to failure if he can't move on from a painful past. Will they have the opportunity to even try?
August 2, 2022
I ordered this book on Amazon just for fun. 1) it took place in Minnesota and 2) I thought it was going to have vamps(which kind of), I have a problem with the sexy undead/inhuman; help. Anyway, good quick read, but I was not expecting the intense sex or sexual tension lol. That took me off guard. Also, I did not like how infatuated the main protagonist became with such a blunt, talk-to-you-like-your-dumb, handsome bastard 🥴 like, he was not nice to her. 😂
December 5, 2020
This is a fantastic book with an amazing story line and a cast of strong characters. The author does a great job building the story and kept me glued to the pages with all the action and twists along the way. She brings her story to life with her detailed and descriptive writing , painting her scenes vividly. I loved this book and would recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Want to read
August 9, 2021Book 3 in this series releases on Friday, Aug. 13!
December 3, 2020
Never read A S Green books before but thoroughly enjoyed it and definitely looking forward to the next book in the trilogy. A different twist on a vampire tale, great characters and story. Well worth a read.
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.
December 16, 2020
I love the way A.S. Green draws me into her books and this story was no exception. I loved that Ainsley was more nerdy and Alex is a vampire fae who knows she is their queen. These two were so great and loved being drawn into their world. I look forward to more books by this author.
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 8, 2021
Loved it
This was amazing. This book was so different to other fated mate books that I kept wanting to know more what was going to happen. I loved Ainsley and Alex and I’m hoping we get more of this series so that all the guys find there fated mates. Thank you A.S. Green for an amazing book.
This was amazing. This book was so different to other fated mate books that I kept wanting to know more what was going to happen. I loved Ainsley and Alex and I’m hoping we get more of this series so that all the guys find there fated mates. Thank you A.S. Green for an amazing book.
June 20, 2022
This was an interesting and intriguing read. A paranormal romance filled with action, passion and a whole lotta steam. It’s a unique tale about Ainsley a botanist and Alex a fae whose in on a quest to find his queen! It’s an entertaining read, it’s exciting and more then a little cray cray and I am so looking forward to reading the next book.
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November 22, 2020
Such a good book! I usually love everything I read from A.S. Green but this might be my favorite of all her books.
November 28, 2020
This was the first book from this author that I read and I enjoyed it immensely. It was well written and the storyline was enthralling. Loved the characters. This was one of those books that was hard to put down. I was given an ARC and am voluntarily reviewing it.
December 4, 2020
Really enjoyed this book, Vampires and adventure, twists and fab characters, great start cant wait until next book.
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.
December 15, 2020
Ainsley is a botany major and science nerd and Alex is sexy, rich, and vampire fae. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters are well developed and interesting. Blood Thorn has an intriguing storyline about a group of vampires who are in search of their new queen. This is a great start to a new series and I look forward to reading the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
November 18, 2020
I was given the opportunity to review an ARC of Blood Thorn by A. S. Green in exchange for an honest review.
Vampires? Yes, please! I love this new take on vampire origins in this contemporary setting. Definitely worth adding to your To Be Read list.
Vampires? Yes, please! I love this new take on vampire origins in this contemporary setting. Definitely worth adding to your To Be Read list.
November 20, 2020
Enjoyable, fast-paced read. Looking forward to more in this series.
March 9, 2021
Great book, interesting story line, characters that make you want to keep reading. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
December 7, 2020
What a read this was. Love the thrills and adventure and the chemistry was sizzling. Fantastic book throughout. I was hooked. Amazing characters and storyline
December 7, 2020
I love the mix of vampire and fae. Could not put it down cant wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews