Wow

You know how sometimes you go into a book thinking this is going to be fantastic and it blows even your highest expectations out of the water. This does that. I knew it would be good. I just didn’t have any idea how good it would be. I wish I could listen to it for the first time again just to savour how amazingly good it is. Can’t wait for the next one.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Drawn from the first chapter

I’ve wanted to read this book for so long but somehow it sat on my list for a while and when I finally picked it up, I was captivated and charmed from the first page.

It’s got everything: great plot, amazing characters who keeps you wondering, slow burn that is very sexy, kink and magic that is cleverly weaved into contemporary world.

Loved it and can’t wait to read the next book.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Not for me

I was really intrigued by the premise, but once I realized I was only listening to figure out the mystery and get to more of the rituals and wasn’t really paying attention to any of the relationship dynamics/sexy times then I knew this series wasn’t for me.

Narration: While there are six main characters, there is only one POV and one narrator for this book. Appropriate narration.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

This is a lot

I don't even really know how to review this. Because it took a while to get going. But when it did go, MAN DID IT GO. There's so many characters and backstories that we dont really get into, and there is so much drama dripping from practically every one (Becky seems the least dramatic) There is a lot of diversity in this book. LGBT, mixed race characters and black characters, also religious diversity. Just what I've come to expect from a Sierra simone book, I find here. And I'm so gripped by each of the characters (except Poe who annoyed me a little) and I find I do actually want to know every little thing about them. Sierra has me hooked and ready for the next 3 books in this series. Bring it on.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Magical, mysterious and erotic!

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!-

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

slow, wordy, not that dirty

This is going to be a LONG series. It had the potential to be dirty but nothing much really happened until the very end. I am interested in the next book BUT the pace better start picking up or I will not make it through 4 books.

The narrator has a good reading voice but OMG I could hear every breath she took and it was insanely distracting. Hopefully she gets better breath control in the next book. I might recommend reading this and then you can skim over some of the boring sections as well.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

This was the start of something dark and dirty...

The story/characters were very complex and if I'm honest I really had to pay attention to keep up with everything to start with. But the detail was perfection and I was left eager for the next book!!

The narrator had a great voice and did well portraying all the characters. But for some reason, and very distractingly, I could hear every "extra sound" the narrator made. I'm only assuming this is an equipment issue. However, I powered through, but could understand if there are others who couldn't, especially if listening through earphones like I did.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

This just gets getting better and better

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. We will need the next in the series soon...

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Holy freakin HOTNESS!!!

Mind blown and swept away. Story telling at its very best. My introduction to Sierra Simone and holy freaking WOW!! This story is incinerated but not than that it captures you heart, mind and soul.
The narration is PERFECTION especially how the story allows multiple perspective.
I need book 2 now!!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

LOVED it

I really loved this book. It was magical and intriguing. I’m curious to see where it goes next. Not super spicy but hopefully it’ll get spicier as the series goes on

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!