The Earl's Complete Surrender: Secrets at Thorncliff Manor

Sophie Barnes

Dec 2015 · HarperCollins

About this ebook

“Danger, scoundrels, betrayals and sizzling passion . . . the perfect example of what a Regency romance should be” from the USA Today–bestselling author (Fresh Fiction).

Despite the diversions offered at Thorncliff Manor, former spy James, the Earl of Woodford, has one purpose in staying there. He must find an encoded book that exposes a conspiracy within the British aristocracy. And he must do so without revealing his purpose to the clever, tempting Chloe Heartly. The lady has a knack for appearing wherever it is least convenient. In the library. In the salon. And, especially, in his arms . . .

Somewhere within Thorncliff’s labyrinth of rooms lies the journal Chloe desperately seeks. When she realizes the brooding, handsome earl is hunting the same quarry, Chloe enters into an uneasy partnership. But in the face of public danger and enemies hiding in plain sight, both must decide how much they’re willing to risk to solve the mysteries of the heart.

“Delivers everything historical romance readers crave, including vividly etched characters, an involving plot shot through with intrigue and danger, and plenty of passionate romance.” —Booklist

Ratings and reviews

Chloe's aversion to remarrying didn't make sense. She was still young, beautiful by written accounts, and incredibly intelligent. But she's cautious, and it made me wonder, "What happened?" It saddened me that her late-husband treated her unfairly, and it angered me that his former mistress delighted in tormenting her by reminding Chloe she wasn't enough to keep him in her bed. It was a shame for a woman who felt so deeply had given her heart completely to a man who didn't deserve it. After meeting James, a man who was the complete opposite of her late-husband, I wanted him to be the man who deserved to claim it, keep it, cherish it. Their relationship was rocky; they seemed to act and speak differently than they meant to. Their run-ins at Thorncliff were filled with buried feelings and conversations that almost always ended on a harsh or awkward note. Yet, the attraction between them grew which was beautiful to watch. It took them by surprise but their individual needs for self-preservation kept them from acting on that attraction from the beginning. But I was okay with that. Given the travesty of Chloe's marriage and the real reason for James' attendance at Thorncliff, I liked that they took it slow. This was my first historical romance of the year, and I'm happy it was. The story moves slowly, there is absolutely no sex, the attraction builds, and the mystery woven into this romance ends with a surprising twist. It's been a while since I've read a Regency romance that was sweet/sensual and moved at such a leisurely pace. Both were a welcome change for this reader. Received from Edelweiss via Tasty Book Tours for an honest review

About the author

Born in Denmark, USA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes spent her youth traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world. She's lived in five different countries, on three different continents, and speaks Danish, English, French, Spanish, and Romanian. But, most impressive of all, she's been married to the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.

When she's not busy dreaming up her next romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.