Salt Kiss by Sierra Simone
This book is sort of divided in thirds in my mind.
1. The set-up back story - in my opinion this goes on a bit long and is less interesting to read, although some of the info is relevant later on.
2. Mark and Tristan - this is a very steamy section, and should appeal to those who enjoy reading about Gay BDSM.
3. Tristan and Isolde (? meaningful names much?) - this section is about discovering hetero sex, etc.

As a cis-hetero reader, I enjoyed the thrid section the most, and I did like the way the story ended-
you don't know what will happen next, but there are several different paths you can imagine.

Ahhhhhhh this was everything I wanted and more! Sierra has managed to evoke the same vibes of New Camelot without it feeling like a copy-paste, which is something that I was worried about. But Tristan, Mark, and Isolde stand on their own.

This book managed to fit so much into so few pages, and the pacing was great from beginning to end. The author is a *master* of the slow car crash, I could feel the sense of “this is all going to crumble” from beginning to end, watching Tristan and Mark bond, and knowing how Salt in the Wound had ended- and yet my heart still broke right along with the story.

My only wish is that Isolde & Tristan had had longer together in the book, I really wanted to see more development between them on page- and I’m hoping more comes in Honeycut

DNF @ 47%. At first I was interested in this story and where it was going but now I’m just realizing it’s not for me. It moves a lot slower than I was expecting it to.

Sierra Simone is an auto buy author for me and I sincerely love everything that she writes. While usually deals with sex and kink there’s always a layer of emotion and thought that always pulls me in and makes me think. It always fascinates me how she can open up the world of kink to talk about its many layers and these very complex characters that she’s built. She very seldom writes superficial or one sided characters, they’re very very much multi-faceted.
Very much looking forward to the rest of this Tristan and Isolde retelling (One of my favorites) and the unique way in which Simone has reshaped its foundation.
The strings now tying all of these characters together at the end of the book fascinate me so much and I am THIRSTING for the last book.

This was one that just didn't click with me as much as I wanted it to. Maybe it was my mindframe when reading the story. Perhaps when the series is finished I will give it another shot.

Wow this is super spicy and I’m looking forward to the next one. If you love super spicy and description romance (not a single thing left to the imagination) then this is for you. It has M/M and M/F storylines.

"Salt Kiss," the first full-length book in Sierra Simone's Lyonesse series, has left a profound impression on the reviewer as the best read of the year. The story begins with the prequel novella, "Salt in the Wound," available for free and providing crucial insight into Isolde and Mark's meeting. Isolde's journey from aspiring nun to a coerced marriage with Mark, along with her father's banking empire aspirations, sets the stage for a compelling narrative.

The reviewer applauds the high heat level, exceptional character development, and the mysterious allure surrounding Mark. Sierra Simone's storytelling prowess is highlighted, with stunning prose and intricately crafted, dark, and intelligent characters that keep readers guessing. The anticipation for the next installment in 2024 is acknowledged, and the reviewer, captivated by the story, is tempted to turn to the audio version to ease the wait. The novella, "Salt in the Wound," is recommended for its added layers of intrigue and context, enriching the overall reading experience. The review concludes with an emotive reaction to the ending, expressing an urgent need for the sequel.

I read Sierra’s American Camelot series years ago and knew she would do magical things to the Tristan and Isolde legend. So far, I am enthralled and incredibly intrigued by this magical story. It’s everything we love about Sierra’s steamy reads - forbidden, twisted, and oh so spicy. It’s also a little dark and dangerous with characters that will keep you guessing. Sierra is the queen of a plot that builds slowly and only reveals what it must that keeps you guessing all the way to the HEA. Be on your toes or you’ll miss how this story develops.

Tristan has just left the army and is struggling to find his place in the world. When offered a job as his new Uncle-in-Law’s bodyguard, he figures why not. What he discovers is a decadent world unlike any he’s experienced and he is drawn to Mark, a man he shouldn’t want but can’t help desire. Mark then asks him to escort his fiance home to Manhattan from Ireland on Mark’s yacht. She is more than he ever could have imagined. And even though he wants to hate her for who she is to Mark, he can’t help desire her too.

This story is so much more than a story of people falling for each other. There is NO cheating, and Sierra has crafted an amazing world and characters I love already. I love that we got a glimpse of how first Isolde met Mark; and then in Salt Kiss, how Tristan met Mark. I can not wait to see how Sierra rewrites the tragic Tristan and Isolde legend. So far the series has been angsty and full of spice. I love getting into my feels. Mark is positively machiavellian and I know people are going to love but also hate him a little. He plays people like a chessboard and when he falls in love, it’s going to be so deliciously sweet. This series is going to be a wild ride and I am here for it.

I love Sierra Simone's books and particular world but this one is not going to be one of my favourites.
Although the story is fascinating (a Tristan and Isolde retelling, give it to me!!), I think Sierra focus too much on the story between Tristan and Mark, and everything related to Isolde occurs too lateand with little importance compared to the M/M story.
There's too much sex (greatly written, of course) that doesn't move the story forward and I think that's the biggest flaw to me.
But I'm going to keep reading Sierra Simone's books because I think she is a great narrator and a intelligent one.

Sierra Simone's Salt Kiss is a five-star masterpiece that weaves passion, intrigue, and sensory delight into a mesmerizing tapestry. The writing is lush, the characters are deeply compelling, and the story is a delicious journey. If you crave a romance that transcends the ordinary, 'Salt Kiss' is an absolute must-read. Simone crafts an unforgettable experience that deserves every one of those five stars!

Okay this book was NOT what I realized it was going to be but gosh it was SOOOOOOO delicious. 🥵

It was twisty, STEAMY, surprisingly emotional. An arranged marriage, a virgin bodyguard... Are you kidding me. I have never read anything like this before. This was my first Sierra Simone book and it def willlll not be my last.

There are no words for how this book put me in a chokehold!!

Sierra will always be my go-to bestie whenever I crave for spice. This book is definitely addicting, I couldn't put it down. I'm telling you five stars aren't enough to describe exactly how hot and bothered I've felt the entire time when I read this book. Don't get me talking about the ending, I just need the one ASAP!

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ Rounded Up
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Oh boy was this SPICY. This book had an interesting storyline with intriguing characters so it was more than just the spice scenes. I did not realize it was a series so I was disappointed with how it ended, but I will probably continue the series.

Thank you NegGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

You had me at Sierra Simone. I can already tell I am going to love this series as much as the New Camelot trilogy and I cannot wait for the next book. The spice, the mess, this book gave me everything I wanted. I can’t wait to see how these three untangle the mess they get into in the rest of the series

I will forever love Sierra Simone’s books. This was so good. THE SPICE. Absolutely top tier spicy book, but with a great storyline too. I cannot wait for the next one!! love the rep, I love the our MCs. They were just so good. Chefs kiss. Yes recommend this for everyone who loves spicy books!

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Salt Kiss" by Sierra Simone is an erotically charged novel that delves into themes of desire, power, and forbidden love. As the first book in the Lyonesse series, a spin-off of Simone’s bestselling New Camelot books, it introduces readers to the complex and intoxicating world of Tristan Thomas, a former soldier turned bodyguard, his employer Mark Trevena, and Isolde Laurence, Mark's soon-to-be bride.

Simone's storytelling is rich in sensual detail and psychological depth. The character of Tristan, lost after leaving the army and grappling with his attraction to the enigmatic and morally ambiguous Mark, is compellingly drawn. His internal conflict and emerging desires are explored with a raw honesty that adds depth to the narrative. Mark, as the dominant and seductive owner of Lyonesse, DC's ultra-secret club, is a character that exudes power and complexity, perfectly embodying the allure and danger of the world Tristan is drawn into.

The introduction of Isolde adds a fascinating dimension to the story. Her character, young and seemingly reserved yet sharp and determined, provides a contrast to the intense and shadowy world of Tristan and Mark. The development of the relationship between Tristan and Isolde, marked by a shared kiss under the cold stars and their subsequent fall into forbidden territory, is both steamy and emotionally charged.

The setting, from the secretive environment of Lyonesse to the intimate confines of Mark's yacht, is skillfully used to heighten the novel's erotic and emotional tension. The interplay of power dynamics, desire, and the struggle against societal and personal boundaries is a central theme, explored with an intensity that is characteristic of Simone's writing.

However, readers should be aware that "Salt Kiss" is heavy on erotic content and explores complex sexual relationships, which might not be suitable for all audiences. The themes of power dynamics and moral ambiguity are central to the story, and readers looking for more conventional romance may find this challenging.

Content warnings for explicit sexual content, power dynamics, and themes of forbidden love are appropriate. This book will appeal most to readers who enjoy erotica with rich character development and a storyline that delves into the complexities of desire and forbidden relationships.

In conclusion, "Salt Kiss" by Sierra Simone is a provocative and deeply sensual novel that explores the boundaries of desire and the complexities of the human heart. Its compelling characters, intense eroticism, and emotional depth make it a standout read for fans of the genre.

Omg. Miss girl really knows how to deliver on the spice. I adored sierra Simone’s Camelot trilogy (American queen) and to get this arc was so exciting, the arranged marriage aspect is one of my favorite tropes, with mark coming in at one of my favorite book boyfriends. I can’t wait to see where the rest of this story takes us. Sierra, you own me heart and soul

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I listened to the first book in the series before reading this ARC and hadn’t cared for Mark’s character much. The character was much more developed throughout this book and Tristan’s story was a delight. Can’t wait for the next book to see how they resolve things!