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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As you read A Lesson in Thorns you might wonder if Serria Simone has maybe sold her soul, maybe to St. Brigid but no she is just an exceptional writer and five stars really doesn’t do her latest offering justice. Six friends, one summer, one house, one chapel, one pretend wedding and one very real kiss. Jump forward 12 years and we find them reunited at the one place that won’t let them go…..Thornchapel. It has a hold on them all. It’s filled with intrigue and mystery. It has secrets and desires just as they do. The memories of that summer so long ago and the sexual desires of them all are slowly bubbling away just waiting to come to the surface and when they do they arrive in true Sierra Simone fashion. You’re invested in this story within minutes of reading. The characters have you within moments of meeting them. Some parts are beautifully poetic and it’s smooth and sensual. It’s a crazy good read and I look forward to meeting up with them again in Feast of Sparks. I think the synonyms for astounding have it just about right: amazing, astonishing, staggering, shocking, surprising, breathtaking, striking, impressive, bewildering, stunning, stupefying; unnerving, unsettling, disturbing, disquieting; awe-inspiring, remarkable, notable, noteworthy, extraordinary, outstanding, incredible, unbelievable, phenomenal, uncommon, unheard of; informal mind-boggling, mind-blowing
A Lesson in Thorns is a slow burning, sexy seduction. A seduction of words that evoke the most powerful of imagery—places, people, acts—that leave you breathless and begging. Begging for more. Begging for some sort of release.
The plot builds upon Auden, Proseprina, Delphine, Becket, Rebecca, and St. Sebastian meeting during a summer holiday when they were children. Yet this group never forgot each other and through a series of events, they’re brought together again twelve years later.
In this first book, the main storyline revolves around their inner relationships. And the love, envy, and romance that blooms between them. And there are multiple romances and interludes. Each one intimate, smart, and sexy AF.
It also establishes the back story and world building of the village of Thorncombe and the manor known as Thornchapel. There’s a ton to learn. A lot of secrets to be revealed. Much of the story is still to come.
I cannot wait to see where this Thornchapel series takes me. A Lesson in Thorns is just the beginning of what appears to be one hell of a sexy, smart, twisted series.
This book is completely wild and completely wonderful. It made me hot and bothered in such a good way. My old friend BOB was definitely in demand and the phrase wetter than at otter’s pocket was absolutely true life.
The book opens with a group of children having an adventure. Twelve years later the group of six children, now adults, are reunited in the wonderful Thornchapel, home of floppy haired, Auden Guest.
Proserpina Markham aka Poe (yes, I love that family) is the dreamer and she’s a librarian- hello, that’s my favourite job. God, I want to be Poe so badly. She is back at Thornchapel to catalogue the vast library.
I loved how this book is written. Poe is undoubtably the main character of A Lesson in Thorns and the majority of the book is written in first person from her POV. Sierra Simone, very cleverly weaves in chapters featuring the other five characters written in third person and the effect is stunning. They feel like little secrets that are between the character and the reader because Poe doesn’t know.
The book has mysteries to be uncovered, adventures to be had, Celtic goddess role play and delicious naughtiness bursting out of the pages.
I’m dreaming of lip piercings and lanterns and strange drums are beating in the background. That little minx Sierra has me hooked again. I can’t wait for the next instalment.
Spoiler free quotes:
“I bloom like a rose when I’m handled like a weed.”
“Thornchapel knows my name and the crooked corners of my heart, and it wants me to make promises that I’m going to keep.”
“He moves his lips over my temple, then over my face in helpless searching kisses, like the answers he’s looking for are in the curve of my jaw and the blush warming my cheeks, like he can kiss the meaning of life right out of my skin.”
“Thornchapel waited. And in a clearing in the woods, in a church ruined by thorns and time, something stirred.”
“It feels so good to be fucked, so good like I never want to stop, I want to be fucked forever, I want fucking to be my new job.”
Man alive, is it hot in here or is it just the heat from the bonfire as I sit here with my lantern and Imbolc themed biscuit?
New from Sierra Simone, need I say more? Holy hotness.
This book is…FANTASTIC!
It follows the lives of six different individuals whose lives are forever entwined.
It has it all!
Love, sex, drama, pain, desires and secrets that come out to play with all the characters from past to present.
I totally enjoyed how Author Sierra Simone captivated me into this world she created.
Once I started reading this book, I could not stop.
Loved it & can’t wait to read the next book in the series because I am soo invested in all of these characters
Go One Click it & get addicted!
5 popped!
Where do I even begin writing a review for this masterpiece of a book?
OK I am one of the rare bookworms that wasn’t 100% sold on the New Camelot series, therefore I was a little hesitant to begin a new series – but I am so glad I took the plunge!
A Lesson in Thorns is book 1 of 4 in the Thornchapel series, setting up a wonderful world of erotica, intrigue and wonderment. Centred around 6 main characters Proserpina, Auden, Saint, Becket, Rebecca and Delphine we begin the story in their childhood. During a summer exploration they stumble upon a ruined chapel, they feel a draw to it and do what most children would do, role play a wedding of course. It is here you get the first taste of the chemistry and connection that is to come.
12 years on our 6 central characters are reunited and so begins the exploration and renewal of their friendships, their old and new relationships, and the discovery of the pagan ritualistic past and legends that entwine throughout their family history’s with surprising results.
A Lesson in Thorns completely captivated me, I did not want to put it down. Sierra’s writing was elegant and the depth of character chemistry was insane. It felt organic, unforced, fated and I was swept away in the tension that was painted all over the pages of this book. The strength and confidence of Proserpina to feel no shame in who she is and her kink, Auden’s brooding and loyalty to those he loves almost to a fault. Saint the loner who feels with every inch of his being, yet never puts himself first, Rebecca is an intellect with a dominant side, yet she craves to allow the softer parts to shine. Delphine is an image concious socialite, curious and a flower in midst of blooming and lastly Becket a man of faith but one challenged by his own demons and conceptions of the responsibilities of that faith.
Thornchapel goes so far beyond these 6 characters, Sierra’s writing and prose made it seem as though Thornchapel was a seventh character and I have just as strong a need to know more about it as I do the central cast.
What more can I say really this novel for me was a wonderful read, I am excited to see what other readers think; it is a book that you just have to discuss with friends. I have numerous questions about how the story developed throughout the first book that I am in awe and eager for book 2 later in the year.
DREAMY’S REVIEW
A secret garden filled with thorns and roses.
Of all the things!
Hauntingly beautiful.
Spell-binding.
Captivating.
Breathtaking.
Erotic.
MY GOD! I don’t even know how to fully articulate exactly what I just devoured the hell out of!
What I highly recommend is DON’T READ THE REVIEWS. Go in blind, completely blind!
I didn’t know what to expect when I went in, but now I’M BROKEN! I love a good cliffhanger, but this left me needy and beggy and pleedy!
*****
You will think you know everything about these characters, Thornchapel, and everything that surrounds them… AND THEN YOU DON’T.
The twists, the turns, the angst, the drama, the interwoven relationships/‘friendships’, the high emotional, off the charts sexual tension, and the magical/ mysterious/ enchanting atmosphere.
It’s all so inviting, so intriguing.
“Like you come to a place, and instead of planting a flag and saying mine, the place plants something in you. This place claims you, it knows your name and the crooked corners of your heart, and you’ve pledged yourself to it before you’ve even realized what’s happening. That’s why I’ve stayed, that’s why I can’t leave.”
Don’t have expectations because this beautifully erotic, captivating, screwed up, and magical story will HOLD YOU CAPTIVE, WILL BLOW YOUR MIND, WILL EXCEED EVERY SINGLE EXPECTATION, AND LEAVE YOU WANTING MORE!
“Thornchapel knows my name and the crooked corners of my heart, and it wants me to make promises that I’m going to keep.”
******
Sierra Simone is the QUEEN and so brilliant, so elegant and I bow down to her!! She tells a tale with vibrant imagery! You see and feel everything that happens in this world as you devour every word!
THE BEST BOOK HANGOVER EVER.
And I wish I was Proserpina. GAH.
… now I need ALL of the glasses of red wine until the next book.
I.
Need.
It.
ASAP.
Five thorniest dreamy stars:
THIS BOOK IS EPIC! It ruined me!! Right from the first page I was like “what the hell did I get myself into?” I couldn’t even put it down! It was emotional and friggin twisted as hell! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series when it comes out!
This is a story with 6 entwined thornes with personalities.
The heir.
The dreamer.
The priest.
The genius.
The socialite.
The saint.
A slow burn romance between Auden, Poe and St.Sebastian were cohesive and painful. The story was rich.. full with myth and yes it was enchanting!
When I started reading I couldn’t put it down.Sierra Simone is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can’t wait for the next book
If you want to read something different, something truly engaging then you must read A Lesson in Thorns! Sierra Simone is a master weaver of tales and this book will keep you absolutely hanging onto every word! You will see her words in pictures that she has clearly painted and you will feel the magic and passion that is in the hearts and minds of her characters so vividly!
This book takes us through a tale of mysteries from the past that wind their way into the present. Six players in this game each with hidden desires. They have all denied their desires and now as the hidden secrets are revealed and the rituals are followed, the journey they are destined for begins. But this book is not the end of their story!
Sierra Simone is an automatic 1-click author for me. I do not need to read the blurb or know anything about it to pick it up and know I will love it. I have loved every book of hers I have read, and A Lesson in Thorns is no different! I devoured it! It was unexpected and completely captivating! This is a story you need to go in and just read without any other knowledge or spoilers.
I had no real idea what this book was about prior to starting it and even so, I could not put it down. It was full of twists and turns and characters that will captivate you. I am literally siting here anxiously waiting for the next book in the series. Six characters that are different and lost in their own way and what brings them together years later. There is so much happening between them and amongst them. Get ready to go on a wild ride!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Where do I begin?? A Lesson in thorns in the first installment in this series, and I am hooked! Sierra has a way of writing that is spiritual, intellectual and at the same time, hot & steamy! I don’t know how she does it, but she hooks you every single time. These six characters became connected as children at a place called Thornchapel. Twelve years later they’ve all ended up back there together and what takes place surprises them all. This is more than your average love story. It’s beyond anything I’ve ever read and quickly become my favorite Sierra book ever. Poe, Auden, Saint, Rebecca, Becket and Delphine are waiting… you will not be disappointed! June is entirely too long to have to wait for book 2.
Ms. Simone is such a great story teller. I didn’t know what to expect with this book and of course, it took me for a ride and I loved it. I can’t wait for the next book and the rest of the series.
This story is about 6 childhood friend who comes together again 12 years later. Everyone is now in their early to late 20s and they each have their own secrets. Poe wants to find out what happened to her mother and she also wants to see Auden and Saint since she has never forgotten the 2 men that she was “married” to when they were kids. We are introduced to 6 people that are different but are bonded by their summer friendship over 12 years ago.
Ms. Simone weaves this story with so many interesting things about each character and how they are each tied to the other and each wanting to keep their secrets. The attraction that everyone seems to have for each other is so interesting and makes you want to find out more about the attraction. I can’t wait to read more about what the 6 friends will find out about the secrets and past that no one really knows about and the sexual attraction between all 6 of them and how that will all work. The first book starts out hot and it keep up a steady pace of mystery and sexual tension from beginning to end with so many hot scenes between the character. I just can’t wait for more!!!
This is without a doubt one of the best book I’ve read this year. A Lesson in Thorns was nothing like I expected yet it was so much more. This novel was bold, captivating, and intriguing and will have you riveted from the first page right until the end.
This is a story about six children whose lives were unknowingly entwined and changed one faithful summer twelve years ago. Its a story about 6 characters who are now so flawed and complex. Its a story about knowing oneself and finding oneself. It a story about acceptance. Yet this is a story about so much more. There’s rituals, and mystery and secrets, off the charts hot steamy scenes (MM, FF, MMF, MF) and hint of the otherworldly. There’s tension and angst, and a hint of uncertainty. There’s love, friendship, jealously, hurt and betrayal.
This novel was well-crafted with so many layers we’ve barely scratched the surface. It was so well detailed you could picture every scene in your mind. The twists and turns take you on a journey you never saw coming as it all unravels chapter by chapter and then there’s the ending leaving you anxious for the next book. OMG…I don.t have enough words to accurately describe how phenomenal this story was. I would give this 10 stars if it was possible. This was a fantastic, consuming read. I absolutely loved it and I would highly recommend it.
If I could give this 25 stars I would! Holy smokes was this book ever hot!!!! I know when I open a Sierra Simone book, I’m going to get some hot and steamy scenes. She goes above and beyond to get you involved in the story. A Lesson in Thorns was a page turner for sure and will be one of my top 2019 reads!!! I need book 2 ASAP!
This story had me like what the heck am I reading. It was full of twists and turns and so interesting and exciting to read. It was a magical escape so beautifully written. I cannot wait to see what the next book has in store for us. Easy 5 stars.
A Lesson In Thorns is a magical and mysterious story that had me wanting to rush through and uncover all of the mystery and at the same time wanting to read as slowly as possible and just revel in the beautiful phrasing and imagery.
“…this whole place is cloistered in a strange, timeless little bubble? Like a Sarah Waters novel but with pizza delivery?”
The story begins with six children discovering a hidden path at the center of a maze which leads to a crumbling chapel. Twelve years later in the midst of renovations the six are together again and the strange connection and call to the place and each other has only become stronger in the passing years.
“…pretend he’s not unraveling. Pretend he isn’t growing a tree of thorns inside his chest and that those thorns don’t have names.”
A Lesson In Thorns is a beautiful story that definitely had my insides burning up with the completely erotic storytelling.
-4 Stars!-
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
NO WORDS. I have no words to describe this book. None that will do it the justice that it deserves. If you’ve read Sierra Simone’s work before you’ll know the creativity of her plot lines. You’ll already know the depth of her characters, their pain, their sins, their path to something that resembles a kind of redemption. You’ll also know about her gift for writing the most sensual erotica, how you find yourself RIGHT. THERE. with the characters as they love each other, tortuously, delightfully, at times.
I didn’t think it could get better than her American dynasty, but this, wow… this is off to the same level of brilliance in all the dimensions that we read Sierra Simone’s books for. These are really the definition of original, there is no-one quite like Simone as a writer. Fan-Tastic.
Six friends reunite after 12 years at Thornchapple. Thornchapple is a place of secrets, mysteries and ancient pagan rituals. A Lesson in Thorns will keep you enthralled from beginning to the end. The book is brilliant, Ms. Sierra Simone is brilliant. The book is part of the Thornchapple series and it ends in a cliffhanger.
Review copy was received for a honest opinion.