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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What did I just read?!?
I don’t even know where to begin. I am wholly enamored with this book! There’s not a single thing about it that I didn’t like.
These characters leapt off the pages for me – six vastly different people with conflicting and complementing personalities, navigating this strange pull they have toward a piece of their past and each other. Poe, Audin, Saint, Becket, Rebecca, and Delphine are all complex, mysterious, and intriguing individuals. They each have their own set of struggles and desires – desires that they aren’t afraid to explore given the right circumstances.
This book is AMAZING! So many secrets to reveal, so many bonds to be formed. This book is packed full of feels and emotion, secrets and hidden truths, and more heat that should be allowed. Seriously, this is one of the hottest books I’ve read in a long time, but then I’d expect nothing less from this author. Cliffhanger haters, listen up: this book will leave you wanting more. The secrets of Thornchapel are aplenty, and we’ll have to wait to see what’s revealed next.
Sierra Simone gets all the stars for this sexy, steamy, full-of-feels piece of perfection!
Sierra Simone does it again, what an exquisite erotica story, she just writes with a sensuality that is not easy to achieve. Six friends getting back together, the mystery of Thornchapel will captivate you. It’s so hard to write a review for a book that has everything so well done, a beautiful masterpiece. Will need the next in the series soon…
A Lessons In Thorns was an addictive, unique, sensual, and spellbinding book that hooked me from the start. This story surrounds six friends whose lives were forever intertwined one unforgettable summer. Fast forward twelve years later and I was held intrigued by the complex and somewhat lost and broken individuals they’ve each become. Each character held me captive and had me wanting to peel back their layers to reveal more about them. I loved the mystery, passion, deceptions and twists and turns that kept me constantly craving to know more. With such an intriguing, steamy, and riveting start to this series and I can’t wait to unravel the mysteries of Thornchapel.
I didn’t know what to expect going into this book and all I can say is, A Lesson In Thorns is very interesting. The plot is intriguing although a little complicated at times, it’s still a good one. I don’t want to give too much away as it would be a disservice. Just know thats it’s packed with secrets, mystery, tension and there is a good amount of angst surrounding this story. It’s well written, steamy and one heck of a ride.
A Lesson In Thorns Book 1 Thornchapel
AMAZING!! FANTASTIC!! PHENOMENAL!!
Sierra Simone has got another hit on her hands! Very well written! Love the characters! It is so captivating that I did not want to end! Absolutely can’t wait for the next book!
I am speechless and spellbound! Sierra Simone always manages to take her readers by surprise and to push our boundaries.
I fell in love with the cover of A Lesson in Thorns and I wanted desperately to read the story.
I was hooked from the beginning and intrigued. It is not your classic story with two main characters- we have six characters , six ” friends ” who returned where it all started.
Thornchapel is a place full of history, mystery and secrets…
” I belonged at Thornchapel and I could never really belong anywhere else. ”
” I know exactly what you mean (…) I used to dream about it. For years I’ve dreamed about it”
I fell in love with the words, the scenery and the poetry. Sierra Simone is a stroy teller like no other , and trust me A Lesson in Thorns is unique and will capture your full attention.
Wow! I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like this before. It’s original, unique and breathtakingly beautiful. There’s secrets, sex and a story that will pull you in and never let go.
These characters will consume you, I have fallen in love with each and every one of them. Friends who experienced something together as children come back together years later for answers. A Lesson in Thorns is absolutely mesmerizing and I can not wait to see where we go next.
*Review by Michelle
Wow! I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like this before. It’s original, unique and breathtakingly beautiful. There’s secrets, sex and a story that will pull you in and never let go.
These characters will consume you, I have fallen in love with each and every one of them. Friends who experienced something together as children come back together years later for answers. A Lesson in Thorns is absolutely mesmerizing and I can not wait to see where we go next.
Magical, spiritual, and sexy as sin.
Six characters, six personalities, 2 rituals, and one big mystery.
“I have the same feeling looking at him as I do looking at the winter moors and leafless forests. I’m fascinated, I’m drawn, I want to touch all that loneliness with my bare fingertips and take it inside myself.”
Sierra Simone is a constant. She constantly writes unique storylines that provoke thought, exude emotion and smartly written. She constantly has you on your toes and turning pages with inhuman speed.
“But it’s not a posture of someone defeated or reluctant; it’s more like the stillness of a prince waiting for the touch of his father’s crown on his head. It’s the restraint of youthful power and deep anguish—a deceptive claim held only through his strength of will while he decided what he’ll do. And we’re all in captivity to it, all of us enthralled and possessed as a muscle ticks in his cheek and his lips press together in finality.”
Five stars to the start of an amazing series.
NO SPOILERS!
WHAT THE HECK DID I JUST READ?! Seriously, I’ve never in my life read anything like A Lesson in Thorns. It was downright sexy, mysterious, forbidden, and so much more. Sierra Simone created a world unlike anything I’ve come across before, and I honestly don’t know what to think or how to feel about all of it. I truly didn’t know what to expect going into A Lesson in Thorns, but I couldn’t have been more surprised. The storyline and characters threw me for a loop and took me on a roller coaster ride from beginning to end. Sierra Simone wove a tale so incredibly unique and entertaining, and I really loved her prose. She took me on quite the journey in the first book in the Thornchapel series, and I’m looking forward to reading more about the dynamic between Auden, Proserpina, St. Sebastian, Rebecca, Delphine, and Becket.
4.5 Stars
Have you ever finished a book and you just stare into space with your mouth open and your mind whirring. That was me and to be honest I’m still like it.
Six children bond over a summer and twelve years later they are brought back together at Thornchapel. There is a mystical feeling present throughout the story. The writing is sublime and so clever. You feel like Thornchapel is not just a building but a living entity that has the power to influence them all.
As the story unfolds we see the dynamics between them all, the love the hate, the disdain and the longing. The sexual tension is off the scale it ripples through every interaction and leaps off the pages.
There are so many secrets to be uncovered and we are just at the start of this confusing sensual journey which I can’t wait to see unfold.
reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood
I don’t even know how to write a review for this book. Sierra Simone takes her writing to a whole new level. It was intriguing, mythical, sensual, erotic, magical.
Six kids build a friendship 12 years ago at Thornchapel. Then it’s ripped away from them by their parents. Well those six kids are back. But their not kids any more. And Thornchapel isn’t either. The place is more alive and magical then they remember as children.
It’s like they all have been called here to find themselves, their true selves…….
In this book you will get to know the characters and their back stories. And learn a little of Thornchapel. This book is filled with a lot of kink and has a big cliffhanger. But it was so good. Book two will be out in June 2019
What an amazing start to a new series! With references to myth and religion, with moody, Dartmoor weather, with wonderful sexy times and a cast of six fascinating characters, I was completely enthralled from the start. Sierra Simone has used fabulous character names which are full of meaning, evoking specific reactions: the virgin/maiden, two martyrs, a beautiful poet, a name that mean binding (oh fun), tying, the chronicler of myths and legends. The strength of the voice of the main teller of this tale underlines her centrality to the events. The dreamer, the feisty virgin, the finder of thoughts and ideas, bringing them back from the dark and into the light, the compassionate heart. All in one person. Wonderful. Yet, each character has a sort of purity about them, just waiting to bloom, to ‘quicken’.
As you may have guessed, I fell in love with this book and am now waiting for the unveiling of the other ‘seasons’ and what they bring. Bravo!!
First time I read Priest, I was like wow this author! Its taboo, but the way she write it so beautiful, Priest become my fav book of all time.
Then New Camelot series comes. One of the most taboo story ever written about the President, first lady and the vice President. And once again, Sierra Simone write their story so eloquint, I can feel all their angst above their taboo romance. Right to this moment their love story is one of the best in literature.
And now, Sierra Simone bring six people with six different characters with tangle feelings, secrets so old, rituals both pagan and religious have long story in it, intense sexual intension goes along with mistical surrounding the Thornchapel and finally… Finally the hottest steamy scenes I have ever read!
And it’s just book one in a series with four book in it!
Once again Sierra Simone brings first class literature where I can see every word she write bring to life. I can smell the rain, the mud, the fire. I can see all the colours. I can feel every touch. And I can feel every angst of every characters in this book.
I’m not sure how to even describe this book. It’s one hell of a mindf..k that I couldn’t get enough of. Everytime I thought I knew what was going on it was as if the author was laughing at me. I love every single character for a different reason. Each one has such distinct personalities it made me wonder how one person could have written so many different perspectives. Pure genius is the only way I can think to describe this book.
There are great books. And then there are books like “A Lesson in Thorns” that affect you and change you forever. You cannot prepare yourself for this experience. I know a Sierra Simone book will always be extraordinary but this book was something else.It is one of those legendary books you must read before you die. A mystical, philosophical, religious and erotic masterpiece.
Proserpina. Becket. Rebecca. Delphine. Auden. St. Sebastian. Six kids find a secret garden and an abandoned old chapel, Thornchapel in middle of the garden maze of Auden’s family home. Something happens that day to bind them forever to this place. And now they are back here after years. They have changed so much yet they are bound by their attraction to Thornchapel. Secrets come out. Passion breaks boundaries. Old friends and new rules begin in a different way. Religion, sexual games and rituals are turning everything messy.And we are no where near the ending. The story was impossibly intricate. And you have Sierra Simone’s intelligent, genius and perfect writing.
The story is told from multiple POV and also third person narration. I have not read anything like this before. The main story revoles around Poe, Auden and St.Sebastian. But each character adds a new dimension. Auden is the owner of the mansion now and he has employed Poe to digitalize the library. And St.Sebastian is also librarian in the village. But the interactions are beyond complex. They want each other, alone and together. They all crave each other in a way. Auden is the epitome of sophisticated elegance but he has a storm of despair, need and yearning brewing inside. Saint is another tortured soul with deep seated longing and love. And Poe is one of the strongest and strangest female characters I have ever read. She is soft and hard. She is curious, intelligent, full of forbidden desires and willing to embrace everything.
I don’t know how can I express the dynamics. It is beyond erotic, beyond magical and beyond sensational. I was mesmerized and lost. I had to look around from time to time to assure myself that I am in reality. The effect was so deep, intense and overwhelming. I can go on and on. Yet I feel I don’t have enough words to praise this book. Sierra Simone created an alternate reality where normality doesn’t exist still it feels like the most natural things to happen!
The words of Sierra Simone were like living breathing things those entered my mind and gripped my heart painfully. It was breathtaking and utterly captivating. My pulse hammered. My throat clogged. My heart ached painfully. I was transferred to another world completely. I am lost and I don’t know what to do with my messed up emotions. This is not a book. This is an experience I will never forget. And like a true masochist, I can’t wait to be tortured by Sierra Simone’s skillful writing again.
Received ARC for Honest Review
Holy Moly this book is pure Sierra Simone, deep breath and jump!
A Lesson in Thorns has his own language, like the book, talk to the reader, when you suppose to have a break to get your bearings or spend the night reading because you can’t stop a minute.
The book has this power, this feeling in contact with your hands like your heartbeat synchronised, and everything connected to the evolution of the characters.
This sentimental book filled with secrets that will consume you, the sexy twists will get your skin damp thinking with all the kink, there is no discrimination of colour or gender, dominants will rise, and subs will kneel, keep your mind open, religion can be trick, friendship will be forever.
Blood will be shed, with a good of me most intention and love.
Can’t wait to next instalment.
Impossible to give just 5 stars this book deserves the constellation!
All the Stars Sierra Simone.
Wow, wow wow – how does Sierra Simone do it? Ms Simone takes her writing up 10 fold with her characters, her prose, and her dialog, A Lesson in Thorns is as close to perfect as it comes.
Take 6 friends who spent a summer together as children a summer that is really a prelude to how their live turns out. Then flash 12 years later and these 6 friends end up at the same place this time as adults but with secrets and darkness that follows them all in different ways. We start the story following Poe a young women from Kansas asked by her old rich friend Auden to come back to England and help catalog his library. Poe who was fascinated as a child of his library jumps at the chance to her father’s objections. There she sees old friends Saint, Delphine, Rebecca, and Beckett all have secrets and all drawn back to Thornchapel. This is just the start of their journey together and what a ride this will be.
I don’t want to give anything away, I truly feel that this is a journey that the reader needs to experience. Do know that this is a series so there is a major cliffhanger but I for one can’t wait to see how Ms Simone weaves this journey.
I’m volleying between screaming obscenities to express my enthusiasm and desire for everyone to read this book or searching for the eloquent words of praise I know I lack in order to make a meager attempt at describing the beauty found within these pages! Sierra Simone is not simply a writer or storyteller. Such a title is too small to capture such talent. She is a master of words, an artist that weaves a tale with an old-world feel, paints pictures so vivid, so detailed that one can easily get lost in the magic of the moment. As I sat there reading, I was entranced in the world of Thornchapel. The characters, so different yet so similar, entertained me with their daring, teased me with their secrets, shocked me with their innocence and enticed me with their desire for something greater than even they recognized. I heald my breath from one chapter to the next desperate to learn all the secrets of Thornchapel, lost in the mystery and hoping for resolution while at the same time praying that the story never ended. Thornchapel is a gift wrapped in intrigue, mystery, and secrets, and topped with an erotic bow of seduction. A Lesson In Thorns is unlike anything you will read this year and trust me, you should definitely fall down the rabbit hole of Thornchapel!
Indulge
From the Latin indulgentia: a yielding; to give oneself up.
Readers are in for a once in a lifetime experience with Sierra Simone’s new series, Thornchapel. It’s beguiling and unputdownable. All because Ms. Simone indulges her love – for the sacred and profane; for myths and magic long forgotten; for literature and language; for pretty submissives and tortured Dominants. There’s so much bubbling emotion and seething, squirmy longing wrapped up in this beautiful Gothic package with its undertow of dread and compulsion. It’s a woozy, absinthe fueled, waking dream and quite simply, one of the best stories I have read – bar none. With her first installment in the Thornchapel series, A Lesson in Thorns, Simone has proven herself to be the DuMaurier of kink. I love everything about it – the friends who teeter on the razor’s edge of love and hate, the unrelenting pull of sexual attraction that burns slow and white hot, and the sense that an unavoidable fate awaits them all. A fate that they ultimately yield to even as it consumes them. It’s a story that feels as if time is layered upon itself – a contemporary friends/enemies/lovers drama with a curious Victorian sensibility engulfed by the fog of a pagan past swirling with ritualistic magic charged with sex and sacrifice. It’s simply, stunningly brilliant.
Indulge yourself. You’ll regret it if you don’t.
“Last night I dreamt I was at Thornchapel again.”
All the stars I’m allowed to give
#TopReadof2019