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
The story and characters will intrigue, I don’t think I have met a group like these individuals. I found this story to be great foreplay, every scene was mysterious, lustful and delightful like a naughty treat. They are all weirdly connected and belong to each other as a whole, hard to describe to be honest. But each character is unique and pivotal to the story.
Oh. My. Lord. Sierra Simone is at it again. I don’t even know what to say about this beautifully screwed up story of six – yes, six! – equally messed up characters. All unique in their own right and absolutely loveable. And their story … seriously, I get goosebumps just thinking about it.
This series rivals her New Camelot series – madly – and I’m shocked I just admitted that, because I love that series to pieces! But this one … it truly packs a punch – no, understatement of the year, it packs a whole lotta punches!
Don’t be scared away by basically six main characters, they all are described in so much detail, that you will hear their distinct voices, a clear image of their looks and personalities in mind. It’s amazing, but that’s Ms. Simone’s exquisite and vivid storytelling for you.
Speaking of … from the very beginning the atmosphere was enchanting, haunting even. Like a magical breeze was surrounding everything. It’s alluring and mysterious – and dare I say out of this world. It’s all the things and that’s still not coming close to what this book is – goosebumps, I tell you!
What it for sure is though is erotic. Disturbed? For sure. Sensual? Oh, absolutely! Really it’s full to the brim with sexual tension, frustration and every dirty, kinky, delicious fantasy come to life. Several cold showers in between chapters absolutely advised.
And still … it’s all but purely erotica. As filthy as it is, we also have a complex storyline as well as fascinating characters with intricately interwoven relationships and more secrets and mysteries than you would have ever guessed…
Honestly, even now I’m not sure what happened here. It’s beautiful prose and filth that had – still has – my imagination running wild and screaming for more. Stunning, hypnotizing and highly addictive.
I’m yearning for MORE!!
I knew going into A Lesson in Thorns, that I would love it. How could I not, it’s by the amazing Sierra Simone. Once again though, she surprised me. This book is so much more than I was expecting!! It’s the story of 6 children that are forever entwined to each other when the visit the chapel ruins at Thornchapel. Fast forward 12 years and they are all together again. Gah! This story is angsty, shrouded in mystery and secrets and the sexy times? They are hot AF!!! I was riveted to this storyline from page one, as I followed all the twists and turns. I can’t wait for the second book!!
*not giving any details for fear of giving away a spoiler
I don’t even know how to write a review for this book – it feels so ridiculous for me to write any words at all after reading the beautiful language in this first book of a series. The entire story – the characters and their feelings – resonated with me in such a strong way. These six childhood friends are deeply complex and their contradictions – how they feel so strongly one way while simultaneously feeling exactly the opposite just as strongly – that spoke to me on such a deep level. The book itself is contradictory in that it is a seething slow-burn (my favorite) with the aforementioned language that may be too romantic and descriptive for some (not me) but that also seemed like it must have poured from the author feverishly. That passion came through to me as the reader, giving the slow-burn a sense of urgency at the same time. The setting was perfection, a historic stately manor in a village out of time, with all of the cold wet of the moors and season that nevertheless felt steamy and humid from the air of approaching eroticism. From the prologue on there is an underlying mystery that made the book feel like one of my favorite British TV mystery mini-series, complete with the tiny clues that have you turning page after page looking for their reveal. I can’t wait for book two to discover what happens next.
Hoooollleeee shheeeet.
What did I just read?
I often marvel at Sierra Simone’s writing. There’s a lyrical pace to her words, like she’s singing the whole book to you, and let me tell you she has outdone herself in this one.
I don’t want to get too into what A Lesson in Thorns is about because you should just go into it blind. We have six characters, which I was a bit skeptical about. I don’t like reading multi-character novels, often times I find them confusing. I was a bit concerned before reading this one, but let me tell you IT WORKS. Every character is essential, and the subplots surrounding the pairs are freaking amazing.
Poe, Saint, Auden, Delphine, Rebecca, Becket, and Sir James, all these characters are essential to the story. They are all tied together, and as a reader you quickly become involved in their lives.
As a Sierra Simone book the angst is always going to be there, but the angst in this one is on another level. And the sex. It’s not sex, it’s all part of the story. It’s beautiful, dirty, and raw. Do not read this book in public!
This review may sound flakey, but I don’t want to tell you the story and ruin even a little bit. Just trust Sierra to take you on the ride of a lifetime. You won’t regret it.
Perfection. That’s the only word sufficient enough to describe this book! Waiting for part 2 is pure torture!
Reuniting six very different people again after twelve when they parted on strained terms makes for a wild time. The twists and turns in the plot coupled with the different needs of each friend will have the reader turning pages throughout the night.
“ .”
Alluring. Kinky. Angsty AF. is a dark erotic enchantment that hooked me from the very start. I’m a complete masochist when it comes to Sierra Simone’s words, but this was on a whole other level. Book one in Sierra’s series took me by surprise. It’s unlike ANYTHING I’ve ever read and I just want more, more, and MORE! This book is overflowing with such raw sexual energy. It’s laced with grit and emotion. It’s brimming with mystery and intrigue. It’s one of those books where you walk away wondering what the hell you just read…but you can’t help but be insanely curious and completely turned on. I don’t know what else to say, other than if you feel like having your boundaries pushed, or if you like it when your mind, body, and soul are in a blissful tizzy, you need this book in your life.
Amazon → https://amzn.to/2JBcv5k
Apple → sierrasim.one/iThorns
B&N → sierrasim.one/NookThorns
Kobo → sierrasim.one/KoboThorns
Just when I think Sierra’s books can’t get any better than the last she proves me wrong. This story had me intrigued from the moment I read the blurb. I can’t wait to read more!!!
Every time I read a Sierra Simone book, I try to take my time and prolong the reading experience because there is always so much more to the book than just the romance/sex aspect of the story. Shortly after starting this book, I got the feeling that this series is going to pretty epic. A Lesson in Thorns just scratches the surface of the story of Thornchapel and the six people that are drawn to and live in this place. There are so many different aspects to this story; there’s history, magic, angst, attraction, sex, and mystery to just name a few. For me, I saw some similarities between this book and the New Camelot series, not necessarily in the content of the books, but just the scope of the story that is being told over the course of multiple books. The bulk of this book is told in 1st person POV, from Proserpina’s (Poe’s) POV. But there are chapters that features sections in 3rd person POV, from the perspective of each of the other 5 characters (Saint, Becket, Rebecca, Delphine, and Auden). This book ends in a cliffhanger (obviously, since it is the first in a four book series). I loved everything about this book. I loved getting to know each of the characters and seeing hints of the things, that happened during their 12 years apart, that helped shape the person that there are now. I can’t wait to see where this series will go next: how the characters will deal with some of the discoveries in this book; more about the history of Thornchapel and the thorn chapel; how the characters will continue to grow and possibly flourish (or not); and whether or not they will all get a HEA (eventually). Once again, I think this is going to be an epic series and I can’t wait to continue the journey with these 6 memorable characters. I HIGHLY recommend this book/series to anyone that is looking for more than the typical romance/erotica book and wants to read a story that is thoroughly developed, complex, multi-layered, and intense.
Completely captivated from the first line,A Lesson in Thorns is a beautifully crafted,mesmerizing story of love and destiny.
Six kids one moment in time and a kiss begins this erotic and spellbinding tale.
OMG how does Sierra Simone keep writing such books that speak to your soul, that call you to read them, and then captivate you completely in the world you are reading about?! The blurb for this had me intrigued, but the actual story and the book are mind blowing… captivating… mesmerising… magical… powerful… raw… sensual… erotic……
This is one of those books you need to read for yourself, no amount of reading reviews for this will do it for you, its a very personal pilgrimage into something so sensual, erotic and magical you won’t know which way to turn!
There’s a very magical / paranormal accent to Thornchapel in its setting, something you can really feel through the writing, its so vivid! The characters are just wonderful, all of them, the dynamics and the isms between them, the sexual tension that’s just bubbling beneath the surface, all the characters work beautifully together! There are plot twists and turns galore, nothing is as it seems or what you expect.
Be prepared for the passion and feelings this story will bring out in you, it’s beyond erotic and sensual, it’s beyond raw and animalistic…. I had to put the book down several times and walk away just so I could take a breath and calm down a little as I thought I might combust with need on the spot!!!!
I can’t wait to find out more about the mysteries surrounding Thornchapel and how its going to affect all the characters moving forward! OMG book 2 can’t come quick enough, grabby hands here!!!
4.5 stars for – A Lesson In Thorns – book one in the Thornchapel series by Sierra Simone. This book is nothing short of epic with characters that are interesting and endearing in ways you never see coming. What started off as innocent childhood games years before when they were kids turns into steamy hot rituals as adults, written in ways only Sierra can bring to life. Six vastly different people were brought together again for the express purpose of restoring Thornchapel to it’s former glory. This book explores sexuality in many forms -meaning group sex, man-on-man and female-on-female are all something you may read so consider yourself warned if that is not your cup of tea.
Twelve years have passed since these “friends” have seen each other and many things, both good and bad have happened since. Some friends are much closer than others and everyone has something to lose. With them all holding on to a secret or two about what and who they want and exactly why they are there to begin with things are bound to get more intense and scandalous too. Hang on to your seats for a lesson you won’t soon forget!
All the damn stars!!!!!!
Let me tell you something. Sierra Simone is a fantastic story teller!! Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.
I honestly don’t know how to review this book. But i’ll say that it’s intriguingly sexy, alluringly filthy, and erotically smart. My god this book. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and be reunited with this kinky gang.
Poe, Auden, Saint, Becket, Rebecca, and Delphine.
Six adults who once spent a summer together as children at Thornchapel that would irrevocably change their lives forever. All of them seem to feel this same pull towards the place that that seems so hauntingly beautiful. The story was mysterious, intriguing, captivating – and each page pulled me deeper and deeper into this world that is truly different than any of her previous books. Poe seems to be the centerpiece to this six-some, as all roads and paths with everyone seem to come back to her in someway. Will be interested to see what role she plays in everyone’s life as we move forward in the series.
And that ending, or really the last 20% of the book……I still haven’t fully processed all that happened. I knew going into the book that with Sierra Simone I was going to get some kink, but even I didn’t see some of that coming. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the story….but some of it what just not what I was expecting to happen at that particular moment in time. I’m sure it will all make sense as to why at some point, but until then…..I’ll still be trying to figure it all out.
I had so many questions while reading the book and even more now that it’s over. But, it makes me more excited to see where things go from next and to see how that ending will change the dynamic between the group.
I’ve come to expect a lot from author Sierra Simone. I know going into one of her books is going to be a literal literary experience. A Lesson in Thorns Book 1 of 4 in the Throne Chapel series was my latest journey. Sierra is a master storyteller, and this series starter was utterly addictive.
A Lesson In Thorns was razor sharp and sexy as hell, with and an ending that will set your Kindle on fire and blow your mind. I won’t even try and regurgitate the synopsis. You need to go into this book blind and get ready for your heart to be cut open and bruised. I can’t wait to read the Feast of Sparks in June.A Lesson in Thorns
This book was stunning. It was everything I’ve come to expect from this author after reading The New Camelot Trilogy and Priest. It’s smart, sexy, sophisticated, and so so much more than just kink. I cannot wait for the next installment.
“They found the roses right away. The thorns took longer.”
OMG. MY. MIND. IS. BLOWN. I am having trouble forming a coherent thought after finishing this book. All I keep thinking is just… WOW. A Lesson In Thorns is hands down one of the HOTTEST books I think I have EVER read. From start to finish I was just on fire reading this story. At first I found things hard to follow, and difficult to keep up with. However that changed quickly the more I read. Since this is only book one of four, I think some of the confusion was needed. Thornchapel cant give up all its secrets in the first book, what would be the fun in that. Each page pulled you deeper than the one before it. Each chapter only dragged you further and further, into it’s secrets. I have never been so utterly consumed with a book, quite like I was this one. Everything about Thornchapel and it’s characters left me absolutely captivated. I could not devour the pages quick enough. I read this book in one day. It was like I was obsessed and just could not stop reading. A Lesson in Thorns will haunt your mind, while devouring your soul. Get ready for the biggest book hangover of your life. Because Sierra is out to ruin you from everybody else. I feel like no matter what I read following that, it will not even begin to hold a candle. Thornchapel is the rollercoaster ride I never want to get off of. I just want to ride it over and over again.
“Delphine. Rebecca. Becket. St. Sebastian. Proserpina. His thorns, his regrets. His hurts.”
I have never seen a author capture such intense chemistry between characters like Sierra did with Auden, Delphine, Rebecca, Becket, St. Sebastian, and Proserpina. Something about each one of these characters draws you in. Each one brought something new to the story. Everytime I thought I could love one character more, another character would prove me wrong. I felt every character slowly claim a piece of my heart. And each one for their own reasons. I love Delphine for her out going and wild personality. I love Rebecca for her controlling, yet sensitive ways. I love Becket for his calming, yet mysterious ways. But like every book, you will always have your favorites. And in this case it was Proserpina, St. Sebastian and Auden. Something about them just intrigued me above the rest. Everything about that trio utterly consumed me. I could not get enough of them. They burned through my kindle like wildfire. I felt their every emotion sizzle and spark from the pages like a live wire. The feeling. The passion. The angst. They each brought was nothing short of mind blowing. I could not be more enchanted by characters if I tried. I just LOVED every explosive thing about them.
“There’s only this, only this intimate touch, only this kiss like he wants to kiss my very dreams out of me.”
*5 STARS*
Will NEVER feel like enough stars for this book. I could give it a hundred, and it probably still wouldn’t feel like enough. I am on the edge of my seat for the next installment. I just need SO. MUCH. MORE. A Lesson In Thorns WILL haunt your mind long after the pages end.
My, oh my, oh my! What in the world did I just read? A Lesson in Thorns by Sierra Simone has completely frazzled my brain… its sexiness, its drama, its… everything. No, IT’S everything!
This book was not what I was expecting, at all, when reading the blurb. I’ve not read many Sierra Simone novels, but now I have been fully converted.
This book just completely blew me away. I mean, when I was reading it, I was thinking “wow, just, wow!”. This book is so very original, and has made librarians so incredibly sexy. I fell in love with all the characters instantaneously, and damn! wasn’t the book hot?! But more on that later.
I loved the scenery in the novel. The aesthetics just made me imagine a place full of beauty with secrets hidden within. I loved the imagery in my head. It fit with the story well.
And about the steam… well, let’s just say, you’ll need a fan right beside you reading this book. This book explores all bouts of sexuality and certain issues involved with sexuality, and I loved it. I loved it not for just that reason alone, but it was certainly a big one. This book is seriously hot guys. Make sure you have something cold next to ya.
I am exaggerating when I say that this book is everything! The drama has you in its snare, and then with the steaminess, you just can’t help but get immersed in the story. And that ending. EXPLOSIVE! My mind went to mush reading it.
A Chapel of Thorns is a book to be savored and read in a cold room. It hits a lot of poignant points and the steam is in buckets! This book has to be one of my favourites of 2019. Bring on book two!
Well Sierra didn’t disappoint, well maybe the only disappointment is that we have to wait til June for the next book.
Want to know a secret? I felt DUMB throughout this whole book. I used the “look up” feature more often with this story than I have with all books combined by about 100x. But another secret, I LIKED IT. I liked learning new words. So Thank You. Thank you for expanding my vocabulary. Thank you for creating a world and using words not like other stories.
Ok onto the book, I don’t want to give any spoilers. But the one thing I was hoping for didn’t happen, but I have a feeling it will within the next 3 books.
While there was angst, it wasn’t angsty if that makes any sort of sense. You could feel the tug and pull, the want and the holding back. You get answers, but are left with more questions. This story will make you think (see above where I had to look up words).
At the end you are hurting for Poe, you are aching for Auden, you feel for Saint, you start to love Delphine, you are confused by Becket, and you want to learn more about Rebecca.
~I volunteered to read an advance copy.
What a book. I am beyond floored at the masterful way Sierra Simone wrote this incredibly intricate story. A Lesson in Thorns is to be savored. Each word carefully read because you can’t afford to miss a thing as 6 former childhood friends embark on an adventure unlike anything they’ve ever experienced. Using the past as their guide to figure out the mysteries surrounding Thornchapel and the way they are all inexplicably drawn to its crumbling altar and the power it seems to hold.
I went into this book blind and I couldn’t look away from the minute I started the very first page. Simone has a writing style that simply draws you in and continues to hold on long after the last words are read. I found myself experiencing all kinds of emotions as Poe, Auden, Saint, Delphine, Rebecca and Becket are once again back together as young adults and trying hard to decipher just what Thornchapel meant years prior and what it can mean now.
There were times this book was wildly dirty. Erotic scenes being played out that surprised all involved and yet were craved just the same. The fact that a least a few had the same kind of sexual needs, involving the world of BDSM: was that just coincidence or does this mighty house possess the power to push its inhabitants to find their true selves?
This story unravels at the perfect pace with Poe at the center, finding her way back to England to help solve the issue of her mother’s disappearance and her own parents’s part in the rituals performed during that long ago summer and the hold they have on the present for all involved.
Many reviewers have stated: what on earth did I just read? But I know exactly what I read and devoured every single page. Simone has created a smart journey full of exquisite thoughts and intriguing findings that I can’t wait to explore further in the upcoming continuations of this unique tale. I just love that she continues to push the envelope and makes me think.
A Lesson in Thorns is as naughty as it spellbinding. As surprising as it is resilient. There is a beautiful kind of poignancy that I gravitated to right from the start and I honestly can’t wait for more. These characters have found their way under my skin and I’m happy they will be staying for a while.
Take a chance on the unknown and grab this book. It is worthy of 5+ stars and so much more.