I went into this book completely blind and ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!! Sierra Simone just isn’t able to write a bad book and she’s on a roll! This book was so hot, it was sooooo good!! I love the pinging and the tension, it just added to this amazing story!!

This book is hot 🔥 🥵 Ultimately it's a love story and I cannot wait till the next book to see how it will end. The twists and turns in this book are great!
There is a prequel to this but I didn't read it and still understood. But now I need to go back and read it.
If you are looking for a hot spicy book with plot, don't sleep on this one.
As always check trigger warnings before reading.

Salt Kiss is a new twist on a beloved classic tale. But this time in the same realm as the Camelot series. I went into this expecting the same vibe as the previous series and was presently surprised. I would recommend reading the prequel. If you love Sierra Simone and her world building and her characters that make it hot for you, this one is for you!

I really enjoyed this book even though this genre wasn’t something I thought I would enjoy. I think the reason behind that was the deep connection I build with every character but especially Tristian. God I felt his excitement, love but also his pain. The author Sierra Simone has a way of always writing the dialogue so vividly yet so simple that It just flows.

Salt Kiss by Sierra Simone - A Steamy Twist on a Classic Tale
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5 (3.5 stars)

Salt Kiss, written by Sierra Simone, puts a spicy twist on the Tristian and Isolde story we all know. It starts with Tristian becoming Mark's bodyguard, who happens to run a wild kink club called Lyonesse. Things get hot and heavy between Mark and Tristian, with a dominant-submissive relationship brewing.

Most of the book explores Mark and Tristian's intense connection while they also deal with their professional duties. But things get complicated when Tristian learns that Mark is engaged to Isolde. Tristian is then sent on a mission to bring Isolde from Ireland to America on Mark's yacht, leading to a surprising romantic triangle.

As the yacht docks in Manhattan, secrets are revealed, and the story leaves us hanging on the edge of our seats.

While Salt Kiss offers a fresh take on a classic story and keeps you hooked, some readers, including me, wished there was a better balance between the different relationships in the book. Instead of the 70/30 focus, a 50/50 split might have been more satisfying.

One thing that bothered me was Tristian's character. He didn't quite grab my attention, especially because I prefer strong male leads like Mark. Also, the lightning-fast way he falls for both Mark and Isolde in just a week each might seem a bit unrealistic.

But here's the deal: despite these issues, the book's exciting ending will make you want to dive into the next part of the series to find out what happens next.

In short, Salt Kiss by Sierra Simone adds spice to a classic tale, though it could have balanced its relationships better and worked on Tristian's character development. Nevertheless, its gripping ending will leave you eager for more.

I was given this title as an ARC through #NetGalley

As a huge fan of the Camelot series, I honestly didn't know if this book would live up to my expectations. I've never been more happy to be wrong. This series has a dark and sexy vibe to it that's completely different from the Camelot series. I can't wait to read the next instalment of this series.

''I only ask that you keep an open mind. You strike me as a romantic person. There's romance here too, in letting go. In surrender.''

Thank you Sierra Simone, NetGalley and Bloom Books, for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.

Actual rating: 4.55 ⭐

Before Salt Kiss, I quickly read Salt in the Wound (a prequel of Isolde and Mark). And so, my attention was captured and my common sense left my body 😌 I was prepared for my first book by Sierra. As mentioned by the author, The Lyonesse trilogy is a queer, kinky contemporary retelling of the legend of Tristan and Isolde.

If Salt in the Wound was told by Isolde's pov, Salt Kiss follows Tristan's. He is a walking punchline to happen - a 29 year old combat veteran, a hero, who's also a virgin. And he is now working as a bodyguard for DC's wickedest kink club owner and once the most feared operator in the CIA - Mark Trevena. And he is his nephew-in-law. That most certainly will not complicate things, right? Right?

For me, the book is experience/character driven, not plot focused. How can I explain.. Being in Tristan's shoes, I felt mesmerized by how he perceived people and the world around him. How he, a lost puppy in the sea of kinky fuckery and military discipline, started to learn what he likes and what it feels to do certain things with or for someone. What it feels to be free of choice. How it feels to receive and give pleasure. How his honed patience cracks bit by bit and jealousy, and obsession, slips through his armor. His curse.. Seeing this sweet golden retriever being horny, needy and unraveling was delicious!

Isolde - black belt, perfect student, elegant and devout Catholic Isolde. Knife wielding and pain loving Isolde. We had a glimpse of her upbringing in Salt in the Wound throughout the years and it explains certain characteristics. And we already know how and why her relationship with Mark was established. Treacherous thoughts follow her. It was so satisfying to read her sparring scenes with Tristan. A girl can definitely surprise.

Mark.. the mysterious Mark. Who is he really? Dominant, ex-CIA, enigmatic club owner, a selfish devil in disguise, hardly a good Catholic man, a fiancé, a flushing and dangerous lover. Intoxicating charisma. What is his end goal really? What happened in his past? Through the eyes of Tristan, I couldn't help myself to also fall for Mark. Despite hundreds of red flags and not knowing who he truly is. He commands attention and knows what he wants. How is this not hot af? I volunteer as a tribute for whatever you need, Sir!

Overall, I very much enjoyed the world Sierra created. It was beautifully written and packed with passion. From the secretive and luxurious life of the Lyonesse guests and employees, the past memories of our lead characters, the power behind bribes and dangerous information and the unholy spice that was seeping through the pages. One thing to mention, it is promoted as an MMF book, but in reality, like 68+% was MM and then the rest was MF. If it's important for you to have straight away MMF romance - you will be slightly disappointed. The next book, however, will most definitely be MMF. It can't be anything else. I loved the chemistry and all the moments between Tristan and Mark. And Tristan with Isolde (Tristan sure is different with each of them). And I'm so sooo looking forward to the Honey Cut, when all of them will be together!

What to expect:

* Bodyguard Romance
* Tristan and Isolde Retelling
* Morally Grey Vibes
* Forbidden Romance
* Good Boy
* Degradation and Plays
* Lots of Kinks and Lessons
* MM / MF
* Age Gap
* Internal Conflicts
* Single Pov

I want two people.
I'm not able to have either of them.
How did I get here?

The captivating author Sierra Simone has released yet another outstanding book. I find the mystery, appeal, and romance to be intriguing reading, and I can't wait to see what happens in this series next.

Thank you NetGalley and Bloom Books for an ARC of this book!

ARC Review: 5/5 ⭐️ 5/5 🌶️

Well, damn. I’ll just be impatiently waiting for the next book to come out with that cliff hanger there… this book had me by the throat (😏). I could not put this down. The development of the main character, the plot, chefs kiss. The spicy scenes 😮‍💨. This was my first Sierra Simone book, but have plenty more to get after on my TBR. Looks like I’ll be busy for awhile now. The writing was phenomenal. I could clearly picture this whole story as I read it. I can’t wait for the second book in this series.

Thank you the author, Sierra Simone, and NetGalley for allowing me to review this book.

This one is delicious and smart and so, so hot. In the Lyonesse series, we see a retelling of the Tristan and Isolde chivalric romance with a Sierra Simone touch. If you are familiar with that legend, you’ll enjoy how Simone weaves details from it into her modern tale and how she makes it her own, but knowledge of Tristan and Isolde’s original tale isn’t required for this one. It’s just an added bonus.

I recommend picking up the prequel, Salt in the Wound, first, so that you have a little background on Mark, Isolde, and their relationship before diving into this one.

Salt Kiss, primarily told from Tristan’s point-of-view, tells the story of a soldier returning from war and being hired by his new step-uncle, Mark, to serve as a bodyguard. Mark owns Lyonesse, a club that may sound familiar to you if you’ve read the New Camelot series. Mark trades exclusive access to his club for information.

Tristan falls for his dark boss and Mark’s lifestyle before being shipped off to bring Mark’s bride-to-be, Isolde, across the Atlantic for their wedding.

And upon meeting Isolde? Well, our sweet, romantic Tristan falls for her, too.

This series is set up as MMF, but in this novel, we see MM and MF pairings.

And again, this is part of a series, so we do get a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of Salt Kiss. The next book can’t get here fast enough.

What to expect:
- Billionaire boss
- Bodyguard romance
- Inexperienced MMC
- Lots of heat and different kinds of play
- Love triangle
- Forced proximity
- Arranged marriage
- Danger and secrets

I received an advance copy from Bloom Books and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

Sierra Simone is an alluring author who has come with another fantastic novel. The mystery, the allure, and the romance make a compelling read and I am excited for what's next in this series.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much NetGalley and Bloom Books/Sourcebooks.

“Playful cruelty and utter possession, and I am at the center of it all.”

This book is the first installment in the trilogy Lyonesse, which is set in the same world as the New Camelot series. In theory, you don't need to read that series first, I haven't…which had me a little confused at times. Luckily, I have a good friend who helped with some questions I had. That being said, I'd highly recommend reading that trilogy first. I'm myself reading it next.

The story starts three months before the ending of Salt in the Wound, showing how Tristan has started working for Mark as a bodyguard.

Tristan Thomas is a 29-year-old combat veteran who's trying to reacclimate to his civilian life outside the army. His father recently married Mark Trevena's older sister, Blanche, making Tristan Mark's nephew-in-law.

Mark Trevena, on the other hand, is a former CIA agent who now owns a super exclusive kink club, Lyonesse. Mark, however, doesn't hire Tristan out of the kindness of his heart, he has his own agenda, which remains a mystery. We got to see new facets of him, but his motivations are still blurry. We had some glimpses of it, but not the full picture. We got a sneak peek of Mark's POV in the prologue and it only made me even more intrigued by him. By the end of the book, I think I started to figure him out.

It's kind of jarring how ruthless Mark can be. He shocked me a lot, which means something because I'm not easily shocked. He is as morally grey as they come and I think what contributes to this clash of values ​​is that we don't have his point of view, so we don't know what he's thinking and/or doing, nor what his goals actually are. Furthermore, he is not cruel in a violent way, at least not with the other MCs, but rather concerning their feelings. His cruelty is subtle.

I'm not gonna lie, Tristan was boring me a little in the beginning, though. Up to a point, I could understand him being an ex-soldier trying to navigate a new reality, but then it just got boring and his inner dialogue was so repetitive. I also had a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that Tristan is 30 (he turns 30 during the book), his inner thoughts are annoyingly childish and whiny.

I can't help but think that my reactions to Tristan were heavily impacted due to the fact that I had read the novella before. Reading Salt in the Wound before (or ever) Salt Kiss isn't required, it's just a little bonus. Having finished both books now I can say it might not have been my best course of action. I was expecting that Tristan and Isolde's encounter would happen much sooner than it did. In all honesty, I thought the book would have a whole other structure. I liked the introduction of Tristan's character and the development of his relationship with Mark, but I think it dragged on too much. With that being said, my advice is to read the novella afterward.

This book also made me feel like I was reading smut for the first time. Sierra can do this to you. I wasn't ready for Mark, not even a little bit. And I didn't know wax play could be so hot pun intended. I legitimately don't know which pairing is hotter: Mark and Tristan or Tristan and Isolde. God help me when they are all together. Also, the breeding kink was a welcoming added bonus.

AND THAT F-ING CLIFFY. How am I supposed to wait for the next book?

I was really torn about what rating I would give. The last part of the book improved considerably pace-wise and the ending itself was good enough (in spite of the cliffhanger) for me to forget how much Tristan annoyed me throughout the book. Also, the last part, although great, was rushed. Thus, being fair to myself, 4 stars it is.

Well shit! How am I supposed to wait until June 20 freaking 24 to read the next book?! 🫠😩
Ok, first things first… I’ve read other Sierra Simone books and enjoyed them. I started the Camelot series but didn’t finish it for some reason- something I’ll have to go back and do. I read the Priest series but wasn’t as obsessed with the first book as everyone else in Romancelandia seems to be. Possibly because I was already several books into The Original Sinners series by Tiffany Reisz and frankly Father Bell didn’t hold a candle to Sören. All the Father Bell stans can take a seat- I said what I said. 🤷🏻‍♀️
This book did strike a few similar notes for me- Mark’s causal cruelty (although much MUCH lighter than Sören’s), his past and current career reminded me of Kingsley, the religious undertones… but it all served to create a wholly unique book which sucked me in completely.
Had I started this book earlier in the day, I would have read it in one sitting. As it is, I had to force myself to go to sleep and still ignored other responsibilities so I could finish. Sierra Simone is known for bringing the SPICE and Hoo BOY! She BROUGHT ALL THE SPICE 🔥🔥 with this book!
Tristan is clearly one big tongue lolling golden retriever who is in desperate need of love, affection, affirmation and a pat on the head. He’s got some instant attachment issues which while slightly annoying made some sense when combined with his upbringing and time in the military. I didn’t realize there was a prequel until I was midway through so I’ll have to go back and read that. I’m hoping it gives more insight into Isolde and I’m intrigued to read about the scenes she mentioned between her and Mark in the past.
I can’t wait to see how the dynamic between the 3 of them plays out bc that ending was just… mean! What are you doing to “discuss” Mark?! I need to know!
As a side note, I’m not sure I trust Sedge.

This is my second book I've read by Sierra Simone. Thank you NetGalley and bloom books for giving me a chance to read this and review.

Holy. Hot. woah!!
Ok I lovedddddd it! The romance and the raw feeling of love Tristan has to give and always willing to show his emotional side I can relate to him. And when Isolde comes into the picture *chefs kiss* she is perfection I can't wait to see how this all plays out in the next book.

Tristan a veteran living with ptsd haunted by his time in the war and what he had to do in order to save others. Hes lonely and sad and when he is offered the chance to become a bodyguard for his step-uncle at a secret club. Knowing what his step-uncle has done he still goes to work for him and finds himself falling in love.

Mark the owner of the secret club a very powerful man and well loved man in the industry has a fetish for control. When he sets his eyes on something he wants he takes it and doesn't care if he hurts someone in the process. Although I feel he may have a bigger heart then what he shows. I'm excited to learn more about Mark and his vulnerable sides.

-MMF
-BDSM
-TORTURE
-FETISHS
-ROMANCE

This was a very kink forward, full of taboos reimagining of Tristan and Isolde. And as I got romanced into Mark and Tristan’s unlikely impossible connection. Since Mark is Tristan’s step uncle and he is just out of service acting as his bodyguard in his kink club.
Loved how the names didn’t have to change since Tristan and Isolde are still currently used names and his uncle in the original was King Mark of Cornwall.
Tristan is easily influenced and falls for anyone who he is attracted to and shows him interest. It is a fault he recognizes and feels that it is not good but for the right person it could be. He falls hard and fast for Mark then finds out some secrets.
As I was trying to figure out how this retelling Isolde appears. Just spice, there's lots of spice and it's not vanilla spice, it's adventurous and dark spice.

Making me think of pumpkin spice. Wonder if that's where that novella idea came from.
This book may not be for everyone but it was for me.

Thank you bloombooks for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

4 stars! The chemistry between the characters was palpable and kept me invested in their story. The writing style is undeniably evocative and beautifully captures the essence of the romance genre. While it's not a perfect five-star for me, it's still a highly enjoyable read with just a few minor aspects that held it back from a perfect rating. Looking forward to more from this author!

I wanted to branch out my style of reading and read this book. However, it just did not do it for me.

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Sierra Simone, this specific book and storyline just wasn’t for me.
I didn’t love the character development and I just couldn’t connect with him in any way. It took me forever to finish and I almost thought I wouldn’t. The dark action side of this book was OK but overall, it took me too long to get into and once it started speeding up I was already over it.

I still really appreciate the opportunity I was given to read this

Salt Kiss focuses on an ex-army vet bored with the monotony of his civilian life and the nightmares that come from his time in the military.
Tristian inability to feel like a part of his society decides to work for Mark Taverna, a man with many mysteries, and rumors of his shady dealings.
The author did a beautiful job with Tristian's personality. He is humanly flawed, naive, and carried himself with a sort of shameless innocence that drew other characters to him. I felt more of connection to Tristian than any of the other characters and felt that I needed maybe just a bit more (that I'm sure is to come in later books) from Tristian and his past.
I enjoyed never knowing whether I felt that Mark was genuine or his actions had ulterior motives, and knowing that whatever the answer Tristian would be there anyways.
I was captured after the first few chapters, but the "slice of life" descriptions and build up may not be for everyone.

Fudgeeee me.. woo.

Gimme a minute.

…..

Okay I’m back. This was HOT AF. My goodness. I was here for this. Addictive. Intense. Primal. Sweet baby, my lawd.

My mind is dazed. My skin is on fire.

“I want two people and I’m not able to have either of them.”

Tristan is so sweet and vulnerable and falls so hard and so easily. And I fell so hard and easily for this sweet, sweet man.

Gah the CHEMISTRY. 🔥
I couldn’t put this down. Couldn’t get enough.

Reading Salt In The Wound first and then this and tying these together. I just freakin loved it. I can’t wait for the next one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥.5

This was my first Sierra Simone book, and after seeing all of the hype online I can understand why she's so popular.

Her writing flows well and is well written. And I do love a good book full of smut!

I just think that there was something missing, and I'm not sure what it was. I felt for Tristan, and I enjoyed the inclusion of his flashbacks but I just didn't particularly care for him in more than a "oh, yeah, war sucks huh" kind of way.

I DNF'd at ~40% as I felt like there wasn't too much going on plot wise and I wasn't really drawn to the characters in any meaningful way.

I will definitely give this book another try at a later date but for now, it's not really for me.