Twelve years ago my mother disappeared into the fog-shrouded moors of Thornchapel.I left her memory there, along with the others. Of my childhood friends, playing in the woods. Of the crumbling, magical world we found, and of the promises we made beneath the wild roses. I moved on, building a life as a librarian in America, far away from the remote manor where my mother was last seen alive. And … alive.
And then the letter arrives.
A single word, in her handwriting, calling me back to England. Followed by a job offer I could never refuse, from a person I never could resist: Auden Guest. The new owner of Thornchapel, the seductive, elegant man I met as an imperious little boy when we were both children. Inside his private library, I begin to uncover the ancient secrets of the house–and the ones hidden inside my heart.
It’s so very easy to be drawn back into the world of Auden’s friends . . . and into the world of his worst enemy, St. Sebastian Martinez. The beautiful and brooding St. Sebastian is as irresistible as he ever was, and the three of us can’t seem to unknot ourselves from each other. From the hasty promise we three made all those years ago.
As Thornchapel slowly tightens its coil of truths and lies around us, our reluctant threesome starts unravelling into filthy, holy pleasure and pain. Together we’ve awakened a fate that will either bloom like a rose . . . or destroy us all.
From the author of the USA Today bestselling New Camelot series comes an original contemporary fairy tale full of lantern-lit rituals, hungry desire, and obsessions that last for lifetimes…
A Lesson in Thorns is the first book in the Thornchapel Quartet.
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3.5 STARS!!
A flawless and beautiful writing from start to finish, that took me back to revisit some of this author’s past characters.
The storyline is intriguing, intense, perfectly paced, utterly captivating, scorching hot, kinky and way to graphic. So, just be warned!
I won’t go into detail because there has been a lot of feedback from reviewers/fans, and in some cases way to much information. So, I’ll just say that this has been a very interesting, and entertaining read, and can’t way to see where this story is taking us.
I enjoyed this book but it was a little hard for me to get into and understand until half through it. Everyone in the book has secrets they’re keeping from one another and also lies they are telling. It is a very well written romance novel but will leave you wanting more and waiting for the 2nd book to come out. By Kristina
The book was awesome and couldn’t wait for the next one. But Sierra likes to torture her little lambs and make them wait. I could read anything by Sierra and not be disappointed.
I love this women’s writing. How intriguing and hot all at the same time. Cannot wait for book 2.
Man, I love me some Sierra Simone! Every single time, she blows my mind with her talent and story execution. A Lesson in Thorns is exactly what I hoped and more from her storytelling. It’s full of unique and layered characters, each with individual pasts and personalities. The tension, angst and chemistry between them—both light and dark—are so much MORE…and legendary feeling. That sounds silly to say legendary, but Sierra is the queen at interweaving magic and myth into her stories and characters. There is suspense and intrigue and delicious friction aplenty in this one and I am here for it! Another wonderful charmed start to a new series from this author! 5 stars absolutely!
First off, Sierra Simone’s writing is absolutely impeccable. I can’t believe what I read. It was so amazing to read this world come to life.
Second, this book is way more… erotic, I guess, than I had expected it to be. Not that it wasn’t a good kind at all. The characters were extremely complex and I enjoyed getting to know them all. This isn’t a simple guy meets girl and falls and tries to become her everything, this is way more than that. This book must have been very challenging to categorize because of how complex it was.
The world building was something I’ve never experienced before, the way that Thornchapel ‘came to life’, how it brought people together and helped them slowly unravel how much they didn’t know about the past.
I’m very eager for book two!
Oh sweet jesus, I should know better than to read a Sierra Simone book on an airplane, right? RIGHT?
Apparently not because I gave myself a cramp in my shoulder trying to hide my screen from the dad and his daughter sitting behind me.
But it didn’t stop me reading because OH MY GOD this is the smart, sexy bisexual book of my dreams. Ancient small town lore? Oh yes. Characters drawn to each other in spite of complicated and troubled pasts? check check check check check check
Not so innocent games of spin-the-bottle? *peeks from between fingers*
Shame-free and shameless exploration of kink and sensuality in a slightly taboo setting including a priest? DON’T TELL MY MOTHER.
highly recommended!
Love this world she built with interesting characters without pandering.
It took me longer to get sucked into A Lesson In Thorns than Sierra Simone’s books normally do. I just think there’s so much detail (which is never a bad thing) that I kind of got lost in the words instead of the relationships between the characters.
I loved the history, and symbolism behind the story and the build up of stress, attraction, and angst between Auden, Poe, and Saint. Certain parts made me want to shake each of them because it seems as though things could have been resolved if they simply communicated with one another.
The development of Rebecca’s character as a Dominant was beautiful, and so enlightening. It’s very clear to see how much more educated than the other characters she is, and the explanation that she had to better than everyone else, on target, etc. because she is a Person of Color is spot on. It made me sad for her that she couldn’t even relax around her father because his standards are even higher than the ones she comes up against daily.
The character development of Delphine and Beckett almost felt that it took too long, but once their feelings and fears were explained I understood completely.
I knew this was a cliffhanger going in, but I’m glad I held off this long to read it because I want to know where Ms. Simone is headed with the next book right now! A solid four stars simply because some of the plotline, and character development dragged a little.
Ratings (out of 5)
Chemistry:
Heat:
Kink:
God, this book is gorgeous. I mean, yes, the cover is beautiful and eye-catching and brilliantly designed but THE BOOK is such a pretty, perfect, filthy fairy tale I couldn’t put it down. Here’s why:
Simone’s prose is as elegant as the ancient country estate in which the book is set and as delightfully modern as the six young protagonists who populate the story. No small feat.
In true fairy tale fashion, A Lesson In Thorns has a plot of both simplicity (a young woman searches for answers about her missing mother while having loads of feelings about herself and her housemates) and depth (said young woman has dark, deep, mysterious YEARNINGS… and so does every other gorgeous but tortured character she associates with) As a fan and writer of sexy magical realism, I was impressed.
Delicious, ancient, bondage-based rituals take a starring role to drive both the story and my inability to stop turning pages. Does the phrase, “bound with thorns” do anything for you? It certainly does for me.
The characters here are all young and vibrant and they all play into their fairy tale role: the dreamer, the heir, the saint, the genius, the socialite, and the priest. They are each cast from a certain mold and they all find themselves fighting against it. Watching these characters struggle and writhe within the confines of their role is a unique delight. Especially when they all harbor dark secrets and crave something they know they shouldn’t have.
It’s kink-done-right. There’s a lot of talk about consent, communication, choice, and aftercare in Lesson in Thorns without ever getting boring or preachy. Some characters are experienced, some are virgins (to both BDSM and sex in general) and all of them help each other learn what it means to experience kink. It’s always sexy. It’s always safe.
Kiss & Tell: I feel like A Lesson In Thorns is JUST THE START of the kinky firestorm that will be the Thornchapel series. As such there’s: spanking, kissing, hand play, oral, and P+V sex.
UNF THIS BOOK. Talk about a can’t-read-anything-else book hangover. Sexy, romantic, thrilling, ethereal – this book has it all. *heart eyes*
I usually read 2-4 books at the same time. To me it’s like watching a host of TV shows in a night – like, back before Netflix and Hulu and binge-watching a season or entire series.
But when I pick up a Sierra Simone book, other books don’t have a chance. They’re shrouded in fog, set aside for a later time… as in, when I’m done with the Sierra Simone Book!! A LESSON IN THORNS was no different.
I read, and re-read paragraphs or pages – sucking the marrow of lust and passion from each word… Dizzy and hungering for more. Picking up my phone or kindle to read “just one more page” when I should be working, or paying attention to the line i’m standing in at the grocery store.
I cannot wait for FEAST OF SPARKS (book 2)
My mind is so blown right now I can’t even with this book, just wow!
This story has so much going on it’s so beautifully twisted and dark that I can’t even possibly begin to describe its storyline in a way that could do it justice. It’s one of those books you’ll have to read for yourself to get the full impact of it.
There’s many twists and turns packed into this little beauty that you won’t see coming. You’ll just learn to go along with it and embrace the unexpected.
The characters are all amazing in their own way, all dealing with things that nobody knows and it’s so intriguing to see. The sexual chemistry between them all is so damn hot and exciting.
A Lesson In Thorns involves ancient rituals and mysteries. It’s full of jealousy and secrets and past mistakes and wanting! It’s kinky fun, sexy and completely and 100% scorching hot. It’s most definitely my top favourite of Sierra’s books and I can’t wait for more of this series.
This books takes us into the mind of Sierra Simone and shows how insanely talented she is to come up with a story as incredible as this one.
It should surprise no one that A Lesson In Thorns was everything I never knew I always needed. Sierra Simone’s talent is unparalleled and I love this new direction for her work. She explores the intersection of the sacred and profane in such fascinating ways. And her prose never ceases to blow me away. Symbolism galore and I ate it up with a spoon.
This had such a dreamy, fairy-tale quality and yet it was very much rooted in reality, albeit with a slight magical glaze. Poe reconnects with several friends twelve years after a memorable summer as pre-teens. She’s there to work as a librarian but also to see if she can find clues as to her missing mother’s whereabouts. Thornchapel, a remote manor with gothic vibes, holds the key to it all in true Sierra Simone fashion.
There’s a bibliophile mystery element and the group all has to read dusty old books for information. This is basically my dream. Send me off to the UK to organize someone’s personal library and if there are some hot men nearby, all the better.
Poe, Auden, St. Sebastian, Rebecca, Delphine, and Becket were such richly developed characters. While the story is primarily told from Poe’s perspective, we’re given interludes that allow us to delve into the others’ POVs so I had a great sense of who they were and what they wanted, as well as their hopes and fears. There’s also a range of diversity, which is always appreciated.
Sierra’s title of erotic theologian is firmly in place as the story delves into rituals and holy holidays, all with the lens of kink and sex. The story explores virginity as a construct, the meaning of sex, and the way we engender religion and God in some really interesting and thought-provoking ways. I wish everyone thought about sex and God the way these characters do. The context for all of this makes a world of difference. The group has to decide what they think about Imbolc and the ritual sex at its center; they have to imbue it with meaning and figure out what parts of the ceremony to keep or reclaim and what to make their own. And yes, let’s be honest: the end result is hot. Do I wish I had an Auden and Saint of my own? Absolutely.
The group is collectively and individually becoming themselves. They each come to an understanding about who they are, whether it’s a side they didn’t know they had, such as Auden’s dominance, or whether it’s the chance to finally be who they were meant to be, as with Poe. The sex scenes are incredibly steamy but they also serve the plot in some memorable and important ways.
Again and again we’re given this idea of “waking up.” This is contrasted with Poe’s narcolepsy without cataplexy and the way she manages it. In some ways, they have all been asleep. They are waking up to who they are but I suspect Thornchapel is also waking up, although we don’t yet know how or why. But change is coming.
The idea of place is really important. Thornchapel means something different to each person but they’re all inexplicably drawn there. And events at the end will certainly propel the story in some big ways. There was a good amount of angst and a good amount of satisfaction at certain developments. There’s no cliffhanger at the end but there’s still a lot of story to tell. I for one cannot wait to see what happens next.
CW: parental abandonment, grief, references to abusive father, references to past rape
AHH!! I don’t even know what to say about this absolutely incredible read from Sierra Simone!
A Lesson in Thorns was a brilliant novel. As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was going to fall head over heels in love wit this novel. I would even go as far to say that it is my all time favourite read from Sierra Simone.
I loved the entire premise of this novel. It was so unique and original, that I have never read any novel with even a remotely similar plot line. It was hands down a fabulous read. I cannot wait to see where this series is going to go next.
I honestly have no words about this read. It was one of the best, most exciting books I have ever read. You must pick this book up for yourself!
5/5 Stars!
Thornchapel ̶ a mysterious and mystical place where six friends spend a summer they’ll never forget, only to be drawn back to its entrancing hold once again as adults. It holds the key to the past and the present as Auden, Poe, St. Sebastian, Delphine, Rebecca and Becket entwine themselves in friendship and love, secrets and pain. But A Lesson in Thorns is just the beginning. The author writes such a captivating tale that draws you in right from the start, from the unique connection among friends, to the dark and intriguing lure of Thornchapel and its skeletons waiting to be revealed. I look forward to uncovering the truths and discovering their fate as the author takes us on this seductive adventure.
WHAT DID I JUST READ?!?! This book is amazeballs. I don’t know what to do with myself.
Oh Sierra, I truly loved every word. This was a pleasure to read. I kept thinking this magical place called Thornchapel, you described the setting so well. I’ve dreamnt about this enclave of naughty country setting that embodies English couture.
These six beautifully complex characters stole my breath. I want to love and reach out to them. To ensure that what they felt was ok and real. That there was light in the darkness. To encourage them to love and keep each other safe as this reality shaped around them.
I was team Saint until I couldn’t deny my growing lust for Auden. I loved how transparent they could all love another without judgement or fear. I also enjoyed how the dominance and submissive roles changed constantly. So each character was allowed to unfold, be fragile and strong. This was writing at it’s finest. It read like fairytale and homily all in one.
In the end this is a masterpiece and I am honored to have read it.
Buy this book! Read the book NOW
A lesson in thorns, is an emotional read. You have a story that has tons of secrets. You discover one and another gets uncovered. Through this whole book, you have 6 friends who all were close 12 years ago and now there back at the same place once again but now you have secrets that are all unwinding. What will happen when all the secrets come out…. All I will say is I need the next one like now lol…
I honestly don’t know where to begin with this review. A Lesson in Thorns is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. The entire premise of the book is intriguing and the characters are entrancing. ALiT weaves love, religion, and secrets that go back generations in a way that this story invades your soul. I was drawn to Poe and her kinky innocence and I believe she is written that way for a purpose. Rebecca who’s aloofness is married with a strength that gives her an almost regal air about her. Delphine is the beauty you would love to hate, but her pixie like spirit makes it impossible not to love her. Beckett is one who’s fire is simmering just below the surface and when it is set free, it will be liberating. Saint is a tortured soul trying to find a place in a world where he shouldn’t belong, but it is the only place he feels like home in. Then there’s Auden with his secret desires and need to make those around him happy, even if that means suppressing the very thing that sets his soul on fire.
Sierra Simone has given us a world that I cannot get enough of. I cannot wait until we unlock more of Thornchapel’s secrets