Lady Sarah’s Sinful Desires audiobook

Summary Christopher, the Viscount Spencer, has many activities he would rather be doing than be searching for a bride. He knows because of his position and title, that he will need to marry and have an heir, but is content waiting a while longer. There hasn’t been a woman to stir his interest until he meets Lady Sarah. When they meet in the conservatory searching for her pet hamster, he is intrigued, and she is so different from any other miss he has ever met before. Sarah’s life is not her own. Due to a past mistake, she knows that she can never marry someone of her own choosing. Even though the man her father has chosen for her is crude and despicable, she knows she doesn’t have a choice in her life anymore. But then she meets Christopher, and she finds a man who could she laugh and play with, a man who could make her forget who she is and enjoy the moment. But Sarah knows that if he were to ever learn of her true circumstances and her past, that he wouldn’t want her and would never risk disgracing herself in such a way, but when one is in love, you have to take a leap of faith in the man you love…The Hero Christopher is quite happy with having a mistress and enjoying the more sensual delights instead of looking for a wife, and despite the constant nagging from his parents and his sisters, he refuses to give in until he is good and ready. Christopher doesn’t want marriage until Sarah catches his eye and then he will do anything to get her away from her soon to be fiancée. Christopher was such a lovely hero, strong and sweet. He is quite the protective hero, I loved his closeness to his family, and how protective he is of Sarah, and even though there were some parts of the story that I felt he could have been more supportive, you see him in a very human realistic way, a man that admits when he is wrong, and I loved how he is true to his character and doesn’t hold himself back.The Heroine Sarah, once thought she was in love, and ruined herself, when the man she thought she loved turned out to be a blackguard. Now she is ruined in the eyes of her father and step mother, and they are desperate to have her off their hands and set up an agreement with a horse rancher, but the man she is supposed to marry disgusts her. She wonders how she can go through with it, with no other option available to her. Sarah is a heroine I grew to admire, she proved to be quite strong-willed, and what backbone…especially in the end. She proves that she deserves more than to just be a broodmare. I love her creativity and her sense of self, and her need to play and have fun with life.Plot and Story LineEvery time I read a book by Sophie Barnes, I always know that I will have a fun time, but this latest book had a different feeling to it, but what a fantastic read this turned out to be, and it surprised me how much I loved it. This is the first book in her newest series, this series takes place at Thorncliff Manor, a huge estate, and focuses on one family and each of the siblings’ stories. The first book is Christopher’s story. We see the bantering back and forth between himself and his siblings, and what a lovely family this is. They all have affection for each other, and his siblings is different from the other, you see the difference of opinion, and I can hardly wait for the second book now. This story was quite emotional at times, and I loved Christopher and Sarah together, and struggling for a way to find their HEA. I can promise you it does happen, so no worries, but they do have some hills and valley to get through before they get there. What I loved most about this story was the tender and sweet love story. It’s very light as far as sexual scenes, we have more focus on the emotional building of their relationship, which is quite necessary. They do have some sparks, and boy when they kiss…watch out or you may get burned. But due to certain circumstances of the heroine, you see how the way the plot unravels is quite needed at times, and I loved seeing them come together in such a poignant manner that evokes quite a few emotions I wasn’t expecting. We also see quite a bit of strong development in growth of characters…especially in our heroine. Where she decides to stand up to her family and choose her own fate and not one that suits them easier. Quite frankly I couldn’t stand her family, they were horrid to her, and treated her quite poorly just because she made a mistake, and they knew the why and how. But I enjoyed seeing Sarah find a man who would love and appreciate her for who she is underneath and I loved that quality to the story.The Cover Now who wouldn’t love this cover? And its perfect for this time of year right? I just loved the manor in the back, and the “spring” feel of colors and what a dress….and the male model….mmm delicious…I just can’t enough of the half shirt open…quite the teaser.Overall View Lady Sarah’s Sinful Desires is a fresh start to a wonderful series, it’s a tale of loyalty, love, and sacrifice, and learning to stand up for what you deserve and a life full of affection and joy. A SWEET AND CHARMING GEM!

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***Lady Sarah's Sinful Desires by Sophie BarnesBook One of the Secrets at Thorncliff Manor seriesPublisher: AvonPublication Date: April 28, 2015Rating: 4 starsSource: eARC from Edelweiss***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***Summary (from Goodreads):Welcome to Thorncliff Manor, where London's elite mix, mingle, and may even find their heart's desire...There are thousands of things Christopher, Viscount Spencer, would rather do than hunt for a bride, especially since experience has taught him that women are not to be trusted. Then he finds the intriguing Lady Sarah scrambling around in Thorncliff's conservatory and he is instantly charmed by her passionate nature. But why is she so intent on avoiding him? Lady Sarah would make the perfect bride for a peer—if not for a tarnished past that she's hiding from the ton. A stay at Thorncliff Manor was meant to help her plan for her future, not fall in love. Yet Christopher's kisses are irresistible, his gallantry enticing. When her secret stands to be revealed, will the truth ruin their dreams of happiness?What I Liked:Contrary to the title, this book is not all that you think it might be. I thought there would be a lot of lust and passion and fire and sex and shenanigans in this book, and there was a dose of each... but it wasn't wild and overwhelming, like I half-expected. This is good! I found this to be a great thing! So if you were like me, and was wary of this book because of the title ("Sinful Desires", oooo), don't be turned off! And if you were hoping for example what the title promised - trust me, the author still delivered!Lady Sarah made a terrible mistake several years ago, and her father and stepmother have not let her forget it. They bring her and her stepsisters to Thorncliff Manor, where Mr. Denison will court Sarah, thus avoiding scandal and an unwed daughter. The problem is, Sarah doesn't want to marry Mr. Denison - for one, he's older than her father. But Sarah knows what she did years ago was wrong, and that she must do as her parents ask, in order to secure a stable match and have a decent future. Christopher, Lord Spencer, is heir to the viscountcy, and has no intentions of marrying anytime soon. But he meets Sarah and is intrigued by her bold, sarcastic, feisty nature. But she's promised to another - will Christopher and Sarah act on their feelings?I really liked this book. It reminded me of It Started With a Scandal by Julie Anne Long, and I wasn't bothered by the similarities. The protagonist went through something that she thought would work out, but didn't, leaving her with a mess, an almost-ruined reputation, and a bleak future. The protagonist does not want to grow attached to anyone, because she knows it's her duty to set things right. For Sarah, that is doing as her father and stepmother say, and marry the awful and disgusting Mr. Denison.I like Sarah. I think it's noble of her to follow through with the courtship, despite the fact that she didn't want to do so. Of course, this is historical fiction, and it's not like she had many choices. But Sarah has every intention of doing what her parents says, because she knows the blame rests on her shoulders. Still, Sarah is very outspoken, and often says too much. But I like this about her.Christopher does too - when they first meet, Sarah insults him intentionally and unintentionally, which is quite the feat. He's an heir, a viscount, a rich lord. He doesn't want to marry, because of his broken heart from years ago. Sarah captures his interest and cracks the stone wall around his heart. But he knows something is wrong with her situation with Mr. Denison, so he thinks to keep his distance from her... but he finds he cannot do that.I love Christopher and Sarah together. Believe it or not, they don't even kiss until about three quarters of the way into the book. That is a looooong time, for a romance novel, especially historical romance. But this is actually a really great thing, because the slow burn romance is impeccably written. Christopher and Sarah are friends first, because they know they must be proper around each other, especially since Sarah is already in a courtship with Mr. Denison when she meets Lord Spencer (Christopher). But sparks are constantly flying between them, and it's so fun to watch them fall for each other and keep denying it - all without the physical aspect of a romance novel. But once they kiss, it's pretty much all over. Lots of physical scenes after that!The story centers around Sarah's struggle with Mr. Denison and his courtship, her controlling, cold parents, her desire to disobey her parents, and her desire for Christopher. Sarah wants to do right by her parents, but she needs to do is forgive herself and move on. Christopher needs to forget about his long-gone lady and move on too. Together, the two of them help each other. In the end, Christopher and Sarah make a lovely couple. The setting is quite notable; Thorncliff Manor is huge, beautiful manor, owned by an eccentric old lady who loves to do and say as she pleases. She's like an older version of Sarah. There is plenty of mystery and intrigue surrounding this manor, and plenty of budding relationships. This series has so much potential - there are sooooo many eligible ladies and gentlemen that Barnes could write about next!What I Did Not Like:While I liked the lack of physical scenes in the first three quarters of the book, I wouldn't have minded more ;)Would I Recommend It:I definitely recommend this one, especially if you're not a fan of explicit romance novels - because this one has only a few physical scenes, which is quite atypical of a historical romance novel. I loved the book, the romance, the chemistry, the story, the characters... this is probably going to be a year-end favorite. Much love!Rating:4 stars. This new series by Sophie Barnes is very promising! I can't wait to see which characters she chooses to write about next. Richard, perhaps? That's Christopher's younger brother. Or maybe one of Christopher's sisters, with Chadwick. Gah! The possibilities!

Real rating: 3.5/5 stars.This one was similar to a notorious vow by johanna shupe but this one was a lot better. Our villain was HORRIBLE AND DISGUSTING AND MADE ME WANT TO VOMIT ON EVERY PAGE. and our heroine's family is tough and cruel towards her because she made a 'mistake' and has left her family is a tough spot. The couple meets in a garden after a runaway bunny and a friendship begins. His mother and sister meddles and plays matchmatcker between these two but he is determined to not fall in love as he's been hurt in the past.

Despite it's rather salacious moniker, Lady Sarah's Sinful Desires, manages to remain 'nunnery chaste' for the majority of its 384 pages. Only hinting at the life altering scandal that hangs about the neck of Lady Sarah Andover like an ill-fitting snood.What readers do get in spades, is a lively, slow building, story that is loaded with vibrant and expressive, one of a kind characters which prove to be easy to love/hate, hard to forget, and a joy to read.Christopher Heartly,Viscount Spencer has just the right amount of quirk and charm to send any fair maiden running for the nearest fainting couch.Titled, handsome, and determined never to marry. Christopher makes quite the layered onion dimension-wise.Just when you think that you have discovered all there is to know about the enigmatic 'Mr. Chris'. Boom...yet another bit of special for the collection.(FYI: It seems that our young miss is not the only soul suffering with secrets of the heart. Young Lord Christopher is a man with tears in his pocket and a story to tell.)Mr. Denisen - dirty old man, or just plain scoundrel. He is the man that has bargained with Sarah's father for her hand in marriage, and he never lets her forget it. He also proves to be quite the annoying foil for Chris on several occasions.Lady Andover - Sarah's resentful stepmother and all around villainous sow.She is the one who knows all of Sarah's secrets, and never hesitates to drop threats to expose her at the slightest provocation.Lady Duncaster - first rate eccentric and proprietress of Thornhill Manor. Whether it be cake for breakfast or smoking at cards; one can always count on this one of a kind lady for just the right amount of oddball, wisdom, and fun.The road to romance is a rather windy one for Chris and Sarah. Full of doubt, self recrimination, and the odd duel here and there. This is a story that is built on the principle of 'friends first'. Concentrating more so on prized character interactions in the form of shared adventures and witty rapport, rather than lust filled pages of passion.Readers are able to get a real sense of who the characters are, and are thereby better able to bond with their favorites.The heat level remains at a respectable simmer for most of the story. Only coming to a steaming boil near the end.The pacing is a well chosen midrange stride. Managing to ride the fine line between too fast, and not fast enough to perfection.Lady Sarah's secret is one that is truly unexpected and worthy of the gasps of shock and awe that it is sure to inspire.This is a read that makes one come to realize that sometimes romance plays second fiddle to friendship, but the song that one hears is all the sweeter for it.

This book was an absolute delight. Lady Sarah's Sinful desires was sweet and romantic, with very engaging characters and a few secrets along the way. It was a lovely read and I absolutely loved it.Sarah was a wonderful heroine. She had made a single indiscretion years ago and paid for it ever since. Not only did she have to deal with her own regret and guilt over it, she had to shoulder all the disappointment and cruelty her unsympathetic parents could muster. However, all of that didn't make her bitter. Instead it humbled her to the point that she thought very little of herself. But, even though she didn't see it, she was a very kind, friendly, and likable person. She was clearly strong to live with all the shame piled on her and she only became stronger when she decided it was time to live for her own happiness.I thought she was fantastic.Christopher was also great. He started out the book with remaining a bachelor being his goal but he changed his tune real quick when he met Sarah. For the most part, he was very sweet, kind, and all around adorable. He did have a moment where his preconceived notions threatened to ruin everything but he, thankfully, got over that quickly so it wasn't a problem. I really liked him as well.The romance was so sweet. It was clear from the start that Sarah and Christopher were perfect together and it didn't take long for them to realize it either. But, of course, things weren't going to be that easy with a secret between them. I thought they were a lovely couple.The plot moved quickly and had me hooked all the way through. The story was engaging, entertaining, and entirely enjoyable from start to finish. And the ending was perfect.Lady Sarah's Sinful Desires was a truly excellent historical romance that I absolutely loved. Enjoyable, romantic, and just an overall lovely read, this book was fantastic. Romance lovers, you won't want to miss this book.*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Sophie Barnes presents another win.Lady Sarah’s Sinful Desires is one the most enjoyable reads of 2015 so far. Slowly we’ll get into all the secrets Thorncliff Manor has; a fantastic place mysterious enough to be the perfect spot for any romance. The secondary characters are fun and totally relatable, I’m curious about what will happen to them next.I like how Sophie took the time to introduce Sarah and Christopher. Both go through some little adventures together and get close enough to start having feelings for one another. The plot is very satisfying and we’re left with the impression that this story was well completed. In the end Sophie Barnes presents another win, a very well written novel.

Lady Sarah’s Sinful Desires is the first book in a new series for Sophie Barnes, The Secrets at Thorncliff Manor. I really enjoyed this one; it almost is a sweet romance the main characters don’t give in to their desires until the last part of the book, almost the ending. I don’t think I would have liked it as much if it was any different, if they had acted sooner on those desires it just wasn’t who the characters were. The story flowed smoothly from beginning to end, it was witty and sweet you can easily sympathize with the characters who have things in their past that have colored their current actions. I love the concept for this series, Thorncliff Manor is a large estate run by a wise and eccentric older lady, a widow who thought it was a shame to let such a big house go to waste and so she lets out rooms in the house for vacationing families who can afford it.Lady Sarah has a secret and it’s not the hamster hiding in her reticule, it’s a secret that can embarrass her family and ruin her sister’s chances at finding good matches. In a way to remedy this, her selfish and uncaring parents have arranged for her a marriage. Sarah is deeply sorry about her indiscretion and bears all the guilt for it, something her parents make sure she doesn’t forget to feel sorry for so she is resigned herself to her fate and together with her family she has traveled to Thorncliff Manor to meet the man she is suppose to marry. Unfortunately then man, Mr. Denison is old enough to be her father with two daughters her age and is absolutely horrible.Christopher, the Viscount Spencer, and his family are vacationing at Thorncliff Manor while the family house is being renovated. He is being pressured by his family to finally settle down and get an heir but that is the furthest thing from his mind. In his past he was betrayed by a woman and he hasn’t quite gotten over it. Looking to avoid any and all matchmaking, napping in the Conservatory changes all that.It was easy to start a friendship with Sarah, what isn’t easy is denying they could easily make something more of it. Sarah as caring as she is, as fun as she is to be with, Christopher respects her plans to marry Mr. Denison. He knows there is another reason she is being forced into a marriage she doesn’t want and confides in her his past in hopes she reveals her own. Holding out as long as she can she finally is forced to explain what happened. But will her past ruin the desire and the friendship they have created or will Christopher love her enough to look past the past.Overall this was a great read, I think on my list of favorite historical for the year this easily falls in the top five. The name is misleading but if you can forgive that you’ll like it.

Lady Sarah's Sinful Desires is a beautifully written historical romance , Sophie Barnes did a fantastic job. It is the story of a ruined heroine and a broken heart hero with meddlesome families.The last thing Christopher, the viscount Spence, wants is searching for a bride in Thorncliff Manor. He knows he needs to marry and has an heir but not anytime soon until he meets Sarah, a beautiful and strong young lady who is not chasing after a handsome titled gentleman. Lady Sarah is beautiful, sweet and ruined two years ago. Her father and stepmother has not forgiven her single indiscretion and have bargained her hand in the marriage with the awful Mr Denisen in Thorncliff Manor.This is a delightful, fun and entertaining historical romance. I loved Sarah, Christopher and his sibling, they were so fun and interesting I can't wait for their stories. Thank you Sophie Barnes

Reviewed by ColanthaBook provided by EdelweissAs I grew up, I loved princess stories. Stories that made me feel happy that the sweet princess got the prince. Stories that made me smile when the "bad guy" doesn't get the princess. With Lady Sophie's Sinful Desires , it reminded me again why I like romances. Christopher as a hero had a mix of baggage and passion that made him one of those well written heroes. You just couldn't hate him.I have never heard of Sophie Barnes and now that I know she writes historical, I know I will pick up more of her books. The chemistry among the characters is something I enjoyed reading. The writing style was simple, an easy read that also had hidden layers to it that didn't have me skipping pages. She writes a comedic historic with this book that doesn't continue to bring you down with the baggage the characters have and focuses on their friendship.Something that in romances I also enjoy reading as romances should be realistic: couples should not get together if they don't have a budding friendship. Christopher and Sophie have the greatest chemistry that was a mixture of passion and feisty banter.  I can't wait to get paid to buy some of her other books as I think she will be a favorite author of mine.

Ah, back to reading brain candy.Okay. Heroine is a fallen woman. That's fine as I'm not into virginal characters. However, I HATE this woman's parents with a fiery passion. I hate her soon-to-be fiance. And I know we have to not like him so that we cheer for the Hero, but does the bad guy have to be so creepy and rapey? I didn't need to feel physically ill whenever he was on the page.The Heroine herself is wonderful. She's full of fire and stands up for herself and isn't completely afraid to say what's on her mind. I get why her ruined state is some big secret, but to be honest and without spoiling, she didn't need to be THAT ruined.I also liked the Hero. He was intelligent and kind and charming, and his broken heart made for some serious catnip for me. I love watching men open up their hearts and be vulnerable.Additionally, the Lady of the Manor is delightful. Eccentric old ladies with hearts of gold are one of my fave romance tropes. They can get away with so much mischief all in the name of love.Overall, I enjoyed the book. I'm glad everything worked out.

No RegretsLord Spencer and his family were heading to Thorncliff Manor. Also going to the same place was Lady Sarah and her family. Lady Sarah was in disgraced and her father was going to introduce her to her future husband. Lady Sarah shudders when she meets him but he knows her secret. Lots of things happen through out this book, that will help you understand Lord Spencer and Lady Sarah. Enjoy!!!!

Wonderful book, although towards the end the sub plot could have been tied up better. Still a good book.

Originally posted on the blog: What the Cat ReadYou’ll need to forgive me if I end up sounding like a crazy fan cat at times in this review. I’ll try to avoid purring madly as much as possible, but the truth is I positively adored this book! From the first page to the last, my whiskers were curling in delight over the wonderful characters and fantastic writing. Historical Romance readers are definitely going to want to give this book a read!Spencer, aka Christopher, is a cautious, endearing, yet stubborn gentleman who intrigued me on many levels. He’s been hurt in love before, and as a result, he refuses to give in to the pressures of his mother and sisters by finding a wife. Sarah is the oldest daughter of three who is willing to do her duty to her family at the cost of her own happiness. Her desire to keep her younger sisters from shame is commendable, though I do feel that she was being more than just a bit too hard on herself for her past transgression. I loved the fact that she was unafraid to speak her mind, both toward Spencer and her parents, and I felt that she was a strong, intelligent woman. Both she and Spencer are perfect for each other and I greatly enjoyed all of the scenes where they were alone together, especially the scene when they first meet in the conservatory.Spencer’s family is awesome! I loved each and every member and I truly hope that I’ll get to see more of them in future books. In particular I hope that Barnes writes a story which centers around Richard, Spencer’s brother, because I found him to be a mysterious individual and after having briefly met him, I’d like him to find happiness at some point after what he’s gone through. Likewise I hope that all of Spencer’s sisters get a story of their own because they were all a lot of fun, especially when meddling in Spencer’s affairs.Sarah’s family, on the other paw, I was divided on. I enjoyed her two sisters and wish the best for both of them, but I despised her father and step-mother. I wanted to claw them both across their faces on more than one occasion. Would it have killed them to be just a tad understanding and supportive? I’ve read enough Regency novels to know that what Sarah did was disgraceful as far as the Ton are concerned, but that doesn’t mean that her parents had to continually berate her about it.And don’t even get me started on Mr. Denison, the slimy bastard. In fact, the least said about him, the better! The man rubbed my fur wrong the minute I got introduced to him in the story. It isn’t often that a character makes me feel like I need a bath after reading about them, but I couldn’t wait for Sarah to be rid of him for good. ~shudders~My all time favorite character in the story is the one who I know will be in all of the books in this series: Lady Duncaster, the owner of Thorncliff. She’s completely eccentric and I love everything about her. This woman doesn’t give a flying fig what society thinks of her and I can’t wait for book two so that I can see her again. You really have to experience her for yourself to understand why I found her to be such a delightful individual. Oh to be a feline in her home, if even for a day.Okay, so enough about the characters, let me take a moment to discuss Barnes’s writing. This is the first novel I’ve ever read by this author, and if her other books are anything like this one, you can bet your sweet whiskers I’ll be picking up them up to read in the near future. This story drew me in and wouldn’t let me go, both emotionally and physically. Barnes’s writing is such that I felt like I was in the story, rather than looking on distantly, and I enjoyed how in each scene you could feel the emotions between the characters. The pacing of the book was perfect, the structure sound, and while some might argue that the plot lacked originality, I found the entire concept to be most enjoyable. As a start to a new series, Barnes has started off brilliantly.As for the romance itself, I liked that it was slow to happen. The fact that it took nearly the entire book before Spencer and Sarah actually had sex was fine. Not every relationship begins with sex, so why should every romance book contain a sex scene within the first 75 to 100 pages? The verbal sparring between Spencer and Sarah can be viewed as their form of foreplay, and no one can deny that they aren’t attracted to each other. I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you are expecting there to be heat right from the start, you’ll probably be disappointed in its lacking. The romance in this is a slow burn, and in my opinion that makes it all the more sweeter when the two finally do get together.Overall, I can’t say enough good things about this story. I’m glad that I had a chance to be introduced to it and I’m greatly looking forward to reading the next book when it comes out in December. In the meantime, I’m going to see about getting my paws on one of Barnes’s other novels and seeing if it is just as good as this was, murr!