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.

I love pretty much everything Sierra Simone writes and have been waiting for this series for five years now, so of course I devoured this and loved it--but I will say that I think reading the prequel novella SALT IN THE WOUND first made this book so much better than it would have been without it, and I will strongly recommend readers do that first (it's free online, but I found out print copies are available so libraries and booksellers can order it, and should have both titles if they have SALT KISS). Anyway, I'm so excited to finally be able to enter the world of Lyonesse and can't wait for the next book now!

ETA: As another reviewer notes below there is a pretty big spoiler for the New Camelot series in SALT KISS, so although it's by no means necessary to read that series before this one, there are enough similarities between the New Camelot and Lyonesse books that if kinky contemporary queer mmf Arthurian retellings are your thing and you somehow missed New Camelot up until now, I'd also recommend starting with New Camelot first for the most complete and satisfying reading experience.

Umm, Wow, this is not what I expected to read when I requested to read a dark romance.
It’s not that I have any issues or problems with it at all, it's just a first for me and the first 70% was quite an experience for me. I was a bit confused at first but then intrigued.

Sweet Tristan is a 29 year old ex military virgin. He’s never been with anyone, his experiences in this book leads him to fall in love with Mark and Isolde.

Mark is ex CIA, turned Kink Club owner. He’s powerful, rich and mysterious.

Isolde is a villain with a knife. She’s engaged to Mark but hasn’t seen him in 2 years.

The story with each of these 3 characters is dark, kinky and an explosive ride with a cliffhanger ending.

Okay, Sierra Simone! I see you!

I haven't read Simone's writing since the Priest series last year and have been wanting to read more of her work. I'm glad I read this even though it didn't totally end up being what I hoped for or giving me the same feelings I had when I've read her work before.

I think how much you like/enjoy this story is going to depend on whether you care for the characters. In this case, I couldn't care for them at all. It was odd because Simone does make them very multifaceted, complex, and interesting, but there was something missing in them that made me feel like I couldn't fully grasp them. Simone has proven that she can write emotional and complex stories even with the story having heavy spice, but I didn't experience that this time and it really marked things down for me. In her Priest series, I felt so much emotion. It was so layered and I cared deeply for the characters. This was not the case for this story and, in turn, it made me not enjoy it as much. It also made the several spice scenes less enjoyable because I just...did not care much for the characters. This felt like such a shame too because I could see what she was trying to do with Tristan and Mark, but I just couldn't get on board when I didn't feel any connections or care for them.

So please take this review lighlty as it seems that my experience was heavily influenced by how little I liked the characters. If you're a fan of Simone's previous works or if you're looking for a romance with heavy spice, I still think this is something you should pick up! I still think Simone is a great writer and her stories are always wildly entertaining and intersting. This one just didn't seem to click for me.

Giving it a 2.5 possibly rounded up to 3 but I truly felt like this was more of a me not you situation.

A big thank you to Sourcebooks Bloom for the chance to give my honest review! I look forward to reading more of Simone's works in the future!!

Thanks to Bloom Books and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this title!

This was my first Sierra Simone book, and I'm so torn.

Overall, it was a decent book. But I struggled to get into it, and I found myself not really enjoying it. I found this really surprising because normally I'm all for a good spicy read. I think I just wasn't really in the mood for this read. I ended up DNF'ing around the 30% mark.

I really liked Sierra's writing style, and I can understand why a lot of people love their novels. I'm hoping to give this book another go at some later date. I think this book definitely has potential! I just didn't vibe with it this time around.

Overall Rating: 3/5

I'm not sure there's another romance author who's ever going to do it for me exactly like Sierra Simone does, and her latest series (set in the same world as her New Camelot books, which WRECKED ME) already has the bones of becoming my latest obsession. It doesn't quite deliver on the Mark/Tristan/Isolde triangle as of yet, since the book is from Tristan's POV and follows him falling for each of the other people in this destined triad in close succession — and while I would've liked a little more time in the narrative between Tristan and Isolde compared to the rest of the book, which is predominantly about Tristan entering the world of Lyonesse and establishing his dynamic with Mark, I have a suspicion that this might be alternating POVs between stories, the same way the New Camelot trilogy was? If that's the case, I can't wait to dive into the other two halves of this equation once the subsequent books come out! (And if you want a bit of backstory on Mark and Isolde's dynamic, I'd strongly suggest reading <i>Salt in the Wound</i>, which really works well as a prologue to all of these events.)

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

After reading the prequel novella over the summer i had been not so patiently waiting for Salt Kiss to come out. I will preface this review with, I will read anything Sierra Simone writes, and detach any rationale or realistic expectations when it comes to her work.

I loved every word of this story, I was so intrigued how we were going to follow up the novella, especially with the huge cliffhanger we were left with.

Salt Kiss follows Tristan as he becomes Mark’s new bodyguard everything should be fine but Tristan the longer his working for Mark the harder he falls in love with him. Opening his heart for the first time in a long time he can see their future building, the complex feelings he has for his boss come to a roaring halt when he finds out about his latest assignment and that Mark is engaged to Isolde and things get insanely complicated after that.

In classic Sierra fashion, we have the virgin, Dom, and the woman who is caught in the middle.

<b>Sierra Simone's writing is so beautiful that I want to weep whenever I read any book by her. It's so hard to express this breathtaking ache in my heart every time I immerse myself in the scintillating all consuming world she creates. Salt Kiss was no exception. No one makes can write kinky sex scenes those are divine almost religious experience like Sierra Simone. She has this unique way to perfectly blend heartbreaking angst in kink and sin. Her words feel like chaos and comfort at the same time.</b>

Salt Kiss is the first book in The Lyonesse Trilogy and this took me back to the New Camelot days. An ex CIA with ruthless reputation being king of an exclusive sex club and having unlimited power in every part of world. His step-nephew who has just left army as a hero from Carpathia and who is working as his bodyguard now. And the beautiful woman who is his fiancé for a greater purpose. What a beautiful epic mess that only Sierra Simone can deliver in an impeccable way.

<b>Salt Kiss has a background of political power plays, complicated business moves changing the world and dangerous underworld liaison that makes it a thrilling adventure. And I have not even started about Mark, Tristan or Isolde. It's a MFM romance with book one being MM mostly and some MF. Forbidden, taboo, sinful in a stunning way that only Sierra Simone can deliver. Mark just captures my attention completely every time he appears on page. His sexy arrogance, his calm confidence, his sharp mind, his edgy moves, his hidden vulnerability, his utter mastery over the world and people around him..makes him an enigma who will haunt me for a long long time. I cannot blame our sweetheart of a damaged soldier for wanting to submit to Mark so completely. Tristan loves hard, deep and fast and his obsession is an weapon against his own heart. He knew Mark would use him, would destroy him and yet he couldn't stop worshipping Mark. And the truth is, Mark's mask slipped too and Tristan stopped being a plaything. It was so dirty and filthy and so gut wrenching.But then comes the arranged marriage. God I wanted to just sit at a corner and cry for Tristan because his pain was just too visceral and I felt it in my guts. But more shocking was the sadness and apology radiating from Mark. Isolde is perfect outside. Trained as a heiress. Poised. Beautiful. And deadly with her hidden martial art skills. It was deliberately cruel on Mark's part to send Tristan to bring her to Lyonesse from Ireland. But those few weeks in the ridiculous luxury of a grand yacht, unraveled everything. Tristan was hurt and jealous and needy and inconveniently attracted to the fiance of the man he loves. Isolde was lost and drowning. I wonder..was it coming from Mark's mastermind? That ending was a Savage blow to my heart and I cannot imagine how to wait for the next book! The emotions here paralysed me and I am still overwhelmed.</b>

Thanks for the ARC Bloom Books