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!

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