I want to start by thanking SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, Sierra Simone and NetGalley for an advance copy. These are my honest thoughts.

After reading the description for Salt Kiss and then seeing some early reviews, I was very excited to dive in. Usually Bloom doesn't steer me wrong and I have liked other books written by Sierra. However, after reading I have mixed feelings.

Overall, this was a good read. If you like spicy, dark romance, don't have a lot of triggers and love an MMC that's a walking red flag you'll enjoy it! Some parts even had me laughing, like this quote from Mark:
"Juniper berries are a superfood, which basically makes gin a cold-pressed juice. I'm looking out for my health."

I loved Tristan from the beginning, with his open vulnerability and sense of honour. The spice starts early, which I loved, and it was interesting that Tristan brought out moments of tenderness in Mark. However, these are brief. I also liked that physically and with their combat histories, Mark and Tristan were equally matched.

I did find that the plot was slow and hard to follow. It wasn't until chapter kind of all over the place though and that it caught my attention. And I don't know that adding Isolde to the mix was needed. I actually think this may have been a four-star read for me if it had stayed a MM romance between the two MMCs.

I would be open to reading the next book in the Lyonesse series to see what the future has in store for Tristan, Mark and Isolde.

Sierra Simone can do no wrong in my book. Her characters are so well crafted that they feel like they could be real people plucked from the street. And the way she’s able to weave heavier topics into erotica and pull at my heartstrings is unparalleled. Bravo!

While this book had some great spice, and I adored some of the side characters, I was confused for a majority of this entire read. I don’t want to give away too much information without spoiling it, because it does end on a cliffhanger that sets it up for the rest of the trilogy. But I was just lost. I felt like the book focused so much on the Main Character being the employee of Lyonesse and his relationship with the owner, and then did a complete 180 without much warning. It left me very confused and did not hold my attention like I was hoping a dark story like this would. I liked the premise and I’m going to give the second book in this trilogy a shot to hope that it clears up some of the confusion, but this first one lacked the hype for me personally. If you’re a fan MM or dark romance I say give it a shot, I know a lot of people loved this one and Sierra Simone, but just a warning that it’s very confusing, at least to me!

Not having read a romance in a bit, much less one this spicy, and involving some BDSM, I can’t believe how easily I fell for this story!

𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘁 𝗞𝗶𝘀𝘀, though had a little something extra. I think it’s that Tristan’s character felt so authentic to me. He’s the quintessential tortured hero - a war hero going by the medals and accolades. He doesn’t feel it. Instead he’s adrift, and when offered a job by his new stepmom’s brother to be his bodyguard, he accepts. Mark’s his own sort of tortured guy l, and he keeps that under wraps. As the owner of an upscale, highly exclusive kink club, he’s in a unique position of power - to access it and wield it. Tristan’s in awe, and slowly falls under his spell. Mark likes control, and Tristan misses being told what to do.

Sometimes the smut in romances can seem gratuitous where it’s more about the graphic details, and less about the plot or people. It didn’t feel like it here. The context was set, and everything that happened made sense for the story. Tristan and Mark’s connection had my full attention. I’m ambivalent about Idsolde for now. She felt flat to me. Probably because she came in towards the end, and was more of a set up for the next book that’ll be from her POV.

I wish I’d read this sooner. I finished it one day so that should tell you how much I liked it. More, please!

Thanks to @netgalley & @read_bloom for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sierra knows how to write! I was completely consumed by the entire book. From the characters to the storyline, everything was great and I loved it all. Read this.

Good Lord, how hot was this book!

I have never read a RH before and didn't think I'd like any BDSM play, but this was super good.

Tristan is a great guy and he falls for his boss/uncle in law who owns a sex club. They become lovers and the scenes of play are so fire! This isn't for the weak or thirst that love closed door romances. This is dark and explicit.

I wish we got to get Isolde in earlier in the book to see more of what she did to Tristan and Mark but I guess that's what's book 2 is for.

ARC Review - I’m so grateful to have received this ARC. I’ve actually never seen or read Tristan and Isolde’s story before this rendition and I love that this was my first, twisted exposure. I usually prefer dual POV books but only getting Tristan’s perspective made Mark and Isolde so mysterious and kept me coming back for more.

This story is SO spicy with different parties and different roles, and it handles them all exceptionally. There’s a note of constant danger and mystery, but also such strong character and relationship building. I’m a HUGE fan and highly recommend this. Be sure to check trigger warnings because there’s some delicious taboo spice all over the place.

Taboo step-uncle/step-nephew
Ex-military
Ex-CIA
Kink club
MM
MF
Cheating (sort of)
Dom/Sub
Virgin
Forced Proximity

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I almost wanted to not like this book. After reading the prequel I was pretty sure this series wasn't for me. There was a little too much religion focus for me, the premise seemed ridiculous. (miss girl has to marry/bang a guy for... Jesus? huh. what.) but I am so pleased to report that this was not the case. I cannot get enough of this book. As soon as I put it down I picked it back up to reread some scenes. Sierra Simone knows how to bring the smut. That's a given. But I think the magic of a Sierra Simone novel is that they also pack a gut punch/heartache component. This book built up these two relationships in a way that is making me angsty to not have the next book. I need more! I need their HEA already. This book has so many great components. Some strong kink, body guard, billionaire, marriage of convenience.

This series is going to be a powerhouse!

Sierra Simone's 'Salt Kiss' flawlessly blends sexuality and story. Simone is unequaled in writing 'profoundly sexual smut' set amid DC politics, secret agencies, and high society kink. Mark, Isolde, and Tristan are complicated characters with moral uncertainty, passion, and sensitivity. Simone succeeds at constructing morally depraved, yet alluring individuals and their complex relationships. She elevates erotica to a spiritual reading experience. The book's intriguing premise and intense chemistry make it worth reading despite minor pacing flaws. The cliffhanger ends this tantalizing series, leaving readers anxious for the next volume.

HOT! Sierra Simone has me speechless yet again. Salt Kiss is a must-read if you're a romance reader.

Sierra Simone's "Salt Kiss" has made a lasting impression on me with its captivating and dark narrative. The transformation of Tristan from soldier to protector, as he grapples with PTSD and searches for purpose, is depicted with a raw intensity that is deeply felt. Simone skillfully delves into his inner turmoil and the conflict between duty and desire. The book delves into the forbidden love theme through Tristan's intricate relationships with Mark and Isolde, each adding emotional depth to the story. Rather than concluding abruptly, the novel lingers on the brink of an emotional abyss, hinting at a turbulent journey ahead. Simone's writing is a complex tapestry of emotion and mystery, with each character intricately crafted to enthrall and captivate. "Salt Kiss" is an exploration of the human experience through the prism of myth and magic.

SIERRA NEVER DISAPPOINTS!!!!

I have so many thoughts but very little words. This book was spectacular. Tristan and Mark were jaw droppingly hot! I am so excited for this series and cannot explain my love for them. I’m looking forward to getting to read more about Isolde in the upcoming books. Other than that I cannot recommend this enough. Sierra can truly write spectacular books!

Thank you Bloom Books for the Arc

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC of Salt Kiss.
I am deeply in love with this steamy and ultra-hot story. I literally couldn't get enough of it. The character dynamics were phenomenal. And I can't wait to see all three of them in action. I need the second book now.

"Salt Kiss" by Sierra Simone has left an indelible mark on me with its darkly seductive narrative. Tristan's journey from soldier to protector, marked by PTSD and a search for purpose, is portrayed with a raw intensity that's palpable. Simone masterfully navigates his inner turmoil and the tension between duty and desire. The allure of forbidden love is explored through Tristan's complex relationships with Mark and Isolde, each bringing a different emotional depth to the story.
This novel doesn't just end; it lingers on the cusp of an emotional chasm, promising a tumultuous journey ahead. Simone's writing is a labyrinth of emotion and intrigue, with each character intricately designed to captivate and engage. "Salt Kiss" is is an exploration of the human condition through the lens of myth and magic.

Okay this book….suprised me in the best way possible and was SOOOOOO GOOD!

I had read the salt in the wound novella first so I was expecting to dive right back into Mark and Isolde’s story, but as we got more of Mark and Tristan I really wanted more of them!!

I literally didn’t want this book to end. And I need the next book NOW🤭 this book did have some of the hottest spice, but the amazing thing about sierra’s writing is that she is able to write some of the smuttiest smut, but then write some of the most addicting plot and characters.

I seriously can’t wait to see where this series go!!

If you love
Forbidden romance, MMF, spice, angssssst and tension galore then this is the book for you!

I highly recommend reading the prequel “salt in the wound” first! But omg this series is going to be top tier!!!! It’s super spicy of course. The MMF dynamic strongggggg and doesn’t feel like someone is getting left out! Sierras writing is always so beautiful and so scorching hot at the same time and I love her for that.

My goodness, I couldn't put this down at all. I find myself obsessing over this book after finishing it. I did not want it to end, I absolutely loved this. It was such a marvelous start to a series. My smutty heart is loving this to pieces, I am so happy with how this came together, the direction its going I can not wait to read what comes next, I need more.

Ohhh she loves a spicy book! Loved it! I thought the characters were all thought out and well developed!!

MMF but let’s throw in all the spice and some hidden romance and the beloved tension and angst. Sierra Simone knows exactly what’s she’s doing.

The perfect blend of spice and plot with twists and edge of the seat moments keeps it interesting while our main characters always seem to be so dang lovable. Tristan is a fluffy marshmallow of delight and this trio is certainly going to lead to some sticky situations.

There is one thing that Ms. Simone knows how to do well is write messy, complicated, romantic entanglements.
Here we have a battle weary soldier, who manages to be endearing, vulnerable and naive, while also being pragmatic and realistic. He is thrust into a world of privilege and secrets that also happens to be a sex club, and ends up falling in love with his boss.
You would think that wouldn't be so bad, but he finds out that this relationship isn't without complications, aka, his boss's fiancee.
This one kept me on my toes the entire time the story unfolded, and ended on one heck of a cliffhanger.