The Earl’s Complete Surrender audiobook

Wonderful Book!! Sophie knows how to write a truly suspenseful, action packed novel with truly authentic characters and a heart wrenching love story. There are not many Historical Romance writers who can write an alluring and captivating story with such mystery and intruigue that blends so well with the love story of the two main characters.James and Chloe are in two completely different places in their lives. Chloe is recovering from six years in a marriage where her husband cheated on her and beat her when he was drinking. He died in a duel over another man's wife. She doesn't want anything to do with getting married again. She is on holiday with her family and just wants to enjoy her stay at Thorncilff. James is there to do one thing only, find the book that will reveal the names of the traitors that killed his parents when he was 10 years old. He is spy for the crown, a loner and wants nothing to do with love, marriage or having a family. Then he meets Chloe and both their worlds are turned upside down.This is truly a story of two people who find what they are least expecting and how it will change the way feel about each other and their futures. I have read all of Sophie's books and have loved them all. She is exceptional and you should never miss any of her books.

Reviewed @ Confessions From Romaholics Review copy kindly provided by publisher in exchange for a honest reviewI think this is my first Barnes book as far my memory serves but it definitely won’t be the last. As this historical had plenty to offer. Handsome brooding hero, unscrupulous men of the realm , an heroine who has a nose for mysteries and a bit of intrigue and more in this delightful offering from Barnes.Lady Chloe Newbury has been a widow for a year and is about to come out of her mourning period. However finding a new husband is the least of her worries. Guided by a family friend and retired spy, her summer is not going to be a summer soiree. She is on a mission to find a journal unaware she isn’t the only one.The Earl of Woodford has come to spend the summer like many other men of the peerage unaware underneath the calm and cool manner. Is a calculated spy who is determined to find the journal that will offer him answers. Instead of finding his answers he comes to seek, he seems to end up in company with Chloe. A determined woman who hindering his investigation unaware he is seeking the same object.Leading to testing times for the both as they try to stay away from each other but somehow find themselves keeping company and slowly discovering the truth about each other away from eyes and ears. However will they last with each determined not form a romantic entanglement.With a title like The Earl’s Complete Surrender seemed it was going to be an spicy offering but it soon became obvious it wasn’t to be thought these two did get entangled . Whilst I do like a bit spicy and this title did make think I would get just that thinking that it was literally in the sense. The author didn’t disappoint though not giving the surrender I was hoping for.As Woodford has controlled his life for so long as a spy and doing his duty that he need a woman like Chloe would guide and show him there was more to life then the one he knows. And whilst this was more the background at times, I was too engrossed with the story to question it a the time. The story isn’t perfect but isn’t lacking for my needs when I go reading a book like this . I was left satisfied with the ending with their story. It was more sweet then anything but the action sure made up for the lack of spiciness.As Chloe nose for mystery lead down a path of action that wasn’t too surprisingly and whilst the outcome was obvious, it did add excitement to the story.I’m definitely tracking down and reading the previous book, as it features her older brother Kit and Sarah who were both minor characters in this novel whilst I wait for the next book in the series. As this book was a perfect read in terms in what I want when I seek out a historical novel. Engaging storyline, with characters that you can fall in love with . As who wouldn’t a Woodford in their life. 4 couples For more of my reviews, visit Confessions From Romaholics.And drop by the blog's Facebook page

This was a sweet historical romance, good for fans who like a bit of historical mystery/espionage without a lot of steam. This story takes place parallel to Lady Sarah's Sinful Desires, which I have not read. As the stories are taking place at the same time, I don't think it will matter which order you read them in.The heroine of this second installment of the Thorncliff Manor books is Chloe, Lady Newbury. (Chloe's brother, Spencer, is the subject of the first book.) Chloe is recently widowed (about a year past) and suffered 6 years of marriage to a degenerate, violent and self-important bastard. After he was killed in a duel, his cousin came to take residence of her estate as heir and she is forced to go live with her parents. At her debut, Chloe was apparently a diamond of the first water... but after being duped in her marriage, she is wary of the institution and men altogether. She has traveled with her family to Thorncliffe Manor for the season. And while Thornecliffe is the place to make matches, Chloe is there for a cover purpose - to find the Political Journal and uncover the identities of The Electors. I liked Chloe quite a bit, and hated that she had such a horrid marriage. There was some animosity between Chloe and a couple of females with questionable morals, and I totally understood her jealousy and insecurity after the way her late husband behaved. I was really glad that she stood up to the catty witches and didn't let them run roughshod over her.At Thornecliffe, Chloe keeps running (literally) into James, Earl of Woodruff. James is a spy with an eidetic memory, who has been ordered by the king to find the Political Journal. It has been James' mission to unmask The Electors for some time, as they were responsible for the murder of his parents when he was a young child. James is not the typical charming historical romance hero. He is bookish and intelligent, and not popular with his peers. He doesn't have many friends as they don't like his memory abilities, and saw him as damaged by his parents' death. I really liked James' character as well. As for The Electors and their leader, I had a good idea of who he was before it was ever revealed. However it was not a clear-cut mystery by any means, and I was constantly doubting my suspicion. I enjoyed this part of the book and it kept the pace going fairly well. It seemed to me that the focus of this story was more on the espionage/mystery than building the romance. While we got a lot of detail in the interactions and conversations between James and Chloe, there was not any heat to the relationship. I would have liked to see more spark and passion to draw me in emotionally. The steamy potential was there, but it fell short of a complete surrender.I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars / 1 flame.

The Earl’s Complete Surrender: Secrets at Thorncliff Manor Review: The two main characters in the historical Romance by Sophie Barnes are intriguing: James, the Earl of Woodford, the hero, and Chloe Heartly, the heroine. It is fascinating to watch how they overcome their vows never to love again and fall head over heels in love step by step. But there is a third main character in this Regency era romance, too —- Thornchiff Manor itself. A map of the estate is presented to the reader after the title page and before chapter one for a very good reason. It is to be the place of enchantment, the place of romance, it establishes both the mood and the setting, and it will be with you for one more than one novel to come in the series. In a way the Thornchiff Manor of the novel reminds the reader of a Turner painting. Who was Turner but a romantic painter of landscapes of the nineteenth century? And who would be a more fitting comparison for this novel of the early nineteenth century? The painting “Harewood House from the North-East” by Turner is a case in point. You see a palatial estate in the distance that looks like Pandora’s box in its mystery and allure, a place too tempting not to visit and full of clues if you do. Thorncliff Manor is such a place too where the main characters spend lots of time in the library looking for . . . well, maybe I shouldn’t tell you and spoil the story. But The Earl’s Complete Surrender is a romance pregnant with allure and not to be missed. One only wishes that she could tour the real Thorncliff Manor for herself.

What could be better? A brooding spy. A wronged widow. Both of them searching for a hidden book of secrets that might topple the throne if the baddies aren't uncovered.

3.5 Stars – rounded I think I first discovered Sophie Barnes through her Kingsborough Ball series, and after reading and enjoying the first in her Thorncliff Manor series, I knew I would read The Earl’s Complete Surrender. This book combines mystery, romance and a bit of atmosphere to bring the story to fruition. James, an Earl, is a former spy, but at Thorncliff to find a particular book that contains evidence of a conspiracy within the aristos. Chloe is just a year into widowhood, not particularly comfortable in a return to society, but also desperate to find a particular journal. Both of these characters are more unusual than common in historical romance: Both are bookish, logical and quieter people, although they come to those traits for different reasons. While it would be logical to find a book in the library, as the two search that particular room and try to hide their own reasons, the moments for them to interact give a tentative and testing feel to their romance. As with the first in this series, Barnes has built secondary characters and the setting nicely, giving the couple a ‘star billing’ while not necessarily diving headfirst into the romance. In fact, the romance in this story is often sent to the back burner in lieu of the mystery, as danger levels increase and the two combine forces, more than a bit reluctantly, to find the book. Slowly we are given bits of both Chloe and James’ backstories and history, all the better to help us understand their reluctant attitudes toward relationships. This is a story that allows the connection to build slowly, and while I found that the ‘big OH” moment that solidified their connection with vivid and visceral chemistry never really rose to the levels I hoped for, the path and build of their connection was solid and well-defined. Not as sexy or exciting as some, but certainly a relationship that is built on solid foundations, if not explosively passionate. Certainly a solid book in the series, with a touch of hesitation and restraint in the chemistry of the lead couple that kept the romance secondary to the threads of mystery and grand plots as we watch a spy unravel clues with a greenhorn accomplice. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility. This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed

Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' FavoriteThe Earl’s Complete Surrender: Secrets at Thorncliff Manor is a historical romance by Sophie Barnes. James, the Earl of Woodford, is a spy whose latest mission is to find a missing journal containing names of The Electors, a group of dominating political conspirators. His search takes him to Thorncliff Manor where he meets Lady Newbury. She constantly bumps into James whenever he looks for the journal, and the two soon realize they are attracted to each other. However, one of James’ rules is to never mix business with pleasure. Lady Chloe Newbury admits she is also looking for the journal so the two agree to work together. Now someone else desperately wants the book and will commit murder to keep the identities of The Electors safe. Sophie Barnes’ The Earl’s Complete Surrender: Secrets at Thorncliff Manor is more than a historical romance. It has a good, suspenseful mystery and a vibrant group of characters who display the typical habits and wit of the specified period. I like the author’s descriptive writing and how she develops her characters. The events are entertaining with sufficient action, and the romantic scenes were mild and tasteful. Chloe experienced problems that are very realistic and these were expressed very well. It’s an interesting read since James is a spy and Chloe is a novice. I think the cover illustration is eye-catching and complements the story. The Earl’s Complete Surrender: Secrets at Thorncliff Manor by Sophie Barnes is a quick, light-hearted mystery-romance read.

The Earl Complete Surrender is the second book in the Secrets at Thorncliff Manor series, it can be read by itself but it is good to have read the first one in the series and be familiar with all the characters and Thorncliff manor.Sophie Barnes created another beautifully written romance with suspense, mystery and two characters who don't want anything to do with love or marriage.Chloe Newbury is a beautiful widow who is recovering from her miserable marriage while she wants to enjoy the beauty of Thorncliff manor, she needs to find a specific book.James, the Earl of Woodford, has one purpose in staying in the Thorncliff manor to find the encoded book that exposes the names of the traitors who responsible for his parents death.I like the thrill of anticipation and the slow building romance between Chloe and James, although from the first encounter they could feel the chemistry and attraction they didn't want to accept their feelings.Can Chloe trust another handsome man with her heart or can James overcome his fear of losing a love one with his profession.This is a great suspense romance with fun encounters, bumping into each other, interesting secondary characters, jealousy, danger, villain and mystery.I love Sophie's books and can't wait for the next one in this fabulous series. Thank you Sophie Barnes

ARC REVIEW TO COME

I enjoyed reading this, although it's not the author's best. More mystery than romance with the "heat" just above the 'fade-to-black' level. Woodford/James and Chloe were interesting characters. I didn't come across any hiccups until page 173 of the paperback, where Chloe is confronting Lady Dewfield at the ball:"...Chloe decided that a woman like her - one who slept with other men's wives without feeling a modicum of guilt - most definitely would...."Lady Dewfield slept with the husbands, NOT the wives. That was a big stumble and I had to reread it a couple times to be sure that what I'd read was actually what I'd read.Then on page 268, Woodford pulls up his *breeches*, not breaches.

One: This books needs a minor trigger warning as the Heroine's late husband was an abusive asshat.Two: She's widowed. YAY!Three: The Hero is freaking catnip to me. Double YAY!Four: Interesting storyline/mystery in the background. I loved the role the Lady of the House continues to play in everyone's lives. I had a hard time placing how long past the previous book this one was.Five: There is NO actual hot, steamy sex in this novel, for which I knocked the book down a star.

LoveExcellent story by Sophie Barnes! James was sent to Thorncliff Manor to hunt for a book. Lady Newbury was also there with her family and she was looking for this book. The book was a list of names that belonged to a group called the “Elector”. This story is one that needs to be read because of the different events that happen and to find out who the bad person is.

Woodford and ChloeThis is one Sophie Barnes best book Woodford and Chloe were 👍 together.You will fall in Love 💘 with them . Please get an read the book.

Sex, lies, corruption…and love – what a scandalously naughty time-taker!James, The Earl of Woodford has his secrets, but doesn’t everyone? Oh, but his are just a taste more juicy. He’s a spy. A sexy, brave, unapproachable spy. It’s obvious – to him, nonetheless- why he limits his socializing. Not only could befriending him result in a person’s early demise, but he just doesn’t like mundane chit-chat, which his all he seems to get from those who surround him. That is, until he meets Chloe. They share many interests, and she’s one hell of a conversationalist. Although reluctant to admit it at first, he actually looks forward to their chance meetings. When they discover they’re searching for the same book, they join forces, resulting in more alone time than they both can appropriately handle. As their search becomes a chase to hold on to their findings, as well as their lives, they realize that their strengthening connection to each other is not the only thing to fear.James and Chloe’s relationship unfolded with ease. There was no pressure, no trickery, no need for them to join. Nobody was forcing either or them to get married, although their friends/family did attempt to encourage the widow Chloe to seek out love. Their hassle-free joining did have it’s potential obstacles from others who were interested in both parties, but I appreciated that there was no need for a marriage of convenience, as often found in historicals.This espionage-packed tale is a definite attention-grabber. The story is full of danger and shameless – yet scene-stealing – characters. I didn’t know what to make of Scarsdale. He was one obscene individual, but I did unexpectedly gain some sympathy for him later on. The situation with Lady Dewfield was rather…interesting. A slightly irregular piece of the puzzle.The suspense was very engrossing, and I was very satisfied with the revealing. The pace toggled between fast and steady – all at the right moments, and the flow was devoid of speedbumps. Kudos to Barnes! I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.

Originally reviewed for www.buriedunderromance.com THE EARL’S COMPLETE SURRENDER, the new novel by bestselling author Sophie Barnes, is the second book in the Secrets at Thorncliff Manor series. James, the Earl of Woodford, has come to Thorncliff Manor to stay for awhile. He is a former spy and he is actually there on a mission from the King to find an encoded book that might expose conspiracies in the British government. His mission constantly takes him into the path of widow Chloe Heartly, who, unknown to him, is also searching for the same book but for her own reasons. Eventually they figure it out, and they realize that they might do better working together than alone. As the mystery played out, I found it to be well-written, complex and engaging. James and Chloe learned to work well together, and their strengths and weaknesses balanced each other out as they tried to solve the mystery. At the same time they were developing a solid working relationship, the expected romance was also developing, albeit very slowly The romance, or lack thereof, is the main problem with this book. I actually don’t mind it when the sex in a book takes place primarily in my imagination as it did in this book. There are many other ways of showing love and attraction between two people, and I think the author could have made better use of those other ways. I just never felt a strong romantic connection between James and Chloe even though I liked both of them very much. THE EARL’S COMPLETE SURRENDER gets four stars. It works well as a standalone novel although there were a few times when I felt like I would have had more info had I read the first book. I would, however, recommend this book to anyone looking for a romantic (light on the romance) mystery with solid, likeable characters and an intriguing plot. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.