Tender Thorns

The Ivy Institute, Book 1

By: Albany Walker

Narrated by: Bridget Bordeaux, Jake Bordeaux

Nestled in the shadows of the Mori Forest lies The Ivy Institute. It may look like something out of a fairytale, but if the rumors are true, it’s where nightmares reign.

The only way to get into the elite facility is by invitation and, once received, it’s impossible to refuse.

They were never supposed to know I existed, yet here I am, walking toward the only place that might be more dangerous to me than where I grew up.

Secrets shroud the institute and its inhabitants, but I have secrets too. Secrets that will get me killed…or worse.

I guess I’m about to find out.

Please note: Tender Thorns is a dark academia whychoose romance novel intended for mature audiences.

©2024 Albany Walker (P)2025 Albany Walker

Phenomenal

Absolutely love this book! Albany crushed this story and keeps you wanting more. Jake and Bridget take this book to new heights and really bring the characters to life!

AMAZING

Ms. Walker has done it again! Absolutely loved this book! Bridget and Jake were fantastic as always. Totally worth the credit. Please release book 2 asap!

Great book!

Not only do I love this author, but I love the book. I already love the characters and I’m excited to hear the second book on Audible . I neeeed the next one on Audible!

Impatiently waiting

Seriously. Where is the next book?!??? I couldn’t stop listening to this story and I am dying to see what happens. I yelled at the end of the book because I just wasn’t ready for it to be over. Author did an amazing job character building and making a world that draws you in. Narrators knocked it out of the park! They always add an extra layer of depth that gets me! Ready for the next book in this series!!!!

Terrific Story and Narration!

Tender Thorns is the first book and audiobook in The Ivy Institute Series. It is a dark, paranormal, why choose, academy romance with intrigue and danger galore.

The narrators for the audiobook, Bridget Bordeaux and Jake Bordeaux, did a stand up job on the audio. They brought such life and emotion into the characters, their history, and their story. These two are top of my list of favorite narrators for sure.

This was a terrific start to this new series. Briar, Ziv, and Kage are amazing characters. The character and relationship development is incredibly done. Briar’s past absolutely broke my heart, as did Kage’s predicament. This book/audiobook does end on a doozy of a cliffhanger, so be prepared.

I really enjoyed this book and audiobook and honestly did not want it to end. I am very much looking forward to finding out what will happen next for these wonderful characters.