Honey Cut is the second book in the Lyonesse trilogy, which I enjoyed but I think I didn't love this one as much as the first. We return to the story following Tristan, Isolde and Mark who dive further into forbidden territory as their relationships progress. We uncover more secrets and to say I was shocked by the ending was an understatement.

I think that the issue with this book is more me than anything else. I am not a huge fan of MMF relationships and especially not love triangles and that just a personal preference. I think if you love these tropes, then you'll love this series. Now this is not me saying I didn't enjoy this book, because I did, the subject matter just isn't for me. What I did love was Tristan (he just seems like such a genuine person and he is the best character IMO).

This book was hot and had tension and secrets and betrayal and I ate the plot UP. Overall, this one was good, just didn't enjoy the relationship tropes in this one. Will I pick up book 3? You bet.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sierra Simone and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for the eArc in exchange for an honest review. Honey Cut is available now!

I’m utterly destroyed. Sierra Simone done it again, she took my taped up heart and smashed it. I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. I love Tristan and Isolde so much and god this plot is amazing.

The first review I saw of this book before is started was basically “his book is so horny!” And I’m here to say that THIS BOOK IS SO HORNY! I’m absolutely obsessed with it. If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it 100 times that I have a baby and reading physical books is HARD, but I devoured this book in two days and it would have been even faster without my rugrat lol.

***Don’t read this next part if you haven’t read Salt Kiss because there’s some spoilers***

The romance, the pinning/angst, and the mystery had me GRIPPED! Finally getting Mark, Isolde, and Tristan interacting together was so exciting! (Also I totally think he knew about the boat - granted I thought this before Salt Kiss was over).

“That sometimes my noes and my yeses mix together, that I want to be made to do something I know is vile and hurtful and immoral on top of it all? That I will let him do whatever he wants to me even when I don’t know what I actually want myself?”

Sierra can write such poetic books, and while some I haven’t really enjoyed, I adored this book! I also loved how subtle she recapped what had happened in Salt Kiss & the interconnected universe with the New Camelot series 😍

Finally getting more of the plot (not just the romance) had me so confused cause ya girl has no idea where we’re going but I’m loving following along! The saints, spy’s, killers, and stalkers! Gimme more! (Having to wait for 2025 for book three is PAINFUL!)

“You are made of shadows and glass instead, and I am too. I hadn’t ever met someone else so much like me and I still haven’t and knew if I didn’t find a way to sever my attachment to you then, I would lose..”

💜Romantic Suspense/ Mystery
💙 Forbidden Romance
💚Age Gap Romance
💙LGBTQ+/ Polyamorous Relationships
💜 Book Two of Lyonesse Series/ “Trilogy” (not a standalone)

“Maybe I’m made wrong if for me love is being jealous of the air inside someone’s body and of the sunlight for touching their skin.”

Final Rating: 4.75⭐️, 4🌶️

THANK YOU NETGALLEY for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

No one writes sacred pleasure and profane yearning better than Sierra Simone. I love how she expertly uses the spicy scenes to build more characterization; they always have a purpose and payoff.

Thank you so so much to Netgalley and Bloom Books for allowing me to read the ARC of Honey Cut. 🍯🗡

<img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/ba0cea70859b9b0a55b7bcaa7053f9b1/f184808f7610c4e5-e1/s400x600/48f8680ec396b2f3a06744ac48189adb8356d3a5.gif" height="250" alt="Florence Pugh as Yelena, a secret agent from the movie Black Window. She is leaning against a railing, resembling our character in live action according to my own imagination."/>

<blockquote><i>"Funny how the world keeps moving even when you find yourself stuck in place."</blockquote></i>

I will be thinking about this book for at least the next 8 months until the next book, and definitely for years to come. WOWOWOWOW. I had to take a full day to process my reactions to even be able to put in to words. I was crying, I was laughing out loud, and I was falling in love myself.

Sierra Simone has such a beautiful way of describing human anguish and it was so conflicting to read. In one part, I didn't want to admit to understanding her character feelings but on the other hand, she's explained it perfectly, and I can't help but relate in some ways (minus all the secret agent and assassin stuff). I went through most of Salt Kiss being prepared to be annoyed by Isolde, but I didn't expect to love her as much as I did in this book and I could not get enough of Isolde or Tristan. Not only do we get development on Tristan's part in comparison to how we first met him, so timid, so obedient, but Isolde too, and hell, even Mark, regardless of their independent schemes.

The kink scenes with the characters are so beautifully written, another testimony to the authors ability to convey emotion so delicately regardless if it's lust or pain, physical or emotional. The scenes in the hall and when our characters interacted were spicy and raw and just a wonderful example of love in an uncommon form not really seen often in even mainstream writing and I could read at least a dozen more books like it and still have my heart wretched out and squeezed and forced back in, heavier than it started, and say thank you mistress, can I have some more.

I love consuming media books or screen and, especially any that are based in retellings, I tend to guess most of the plot points before they happen but with Simone and her books so far, I never know for sure what is going to happen next. I thought I did, but at every twist and turn, I was proven wrong in the best ways, and that cliff hanger(!) had me reeling at 2 in the morning.

Me at 2 am (colorized):
<img src="https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/facebook/000/012/589/patrickstar.jpg" height="175" alt="Patrick Star from Spongebob, with eyes wide and mouth open in a shocked face."/>

I absolutely will recommend this to my friends and anyone I can get the chance to, and I cannot wait for the final book in the trilogy and to hear from the man, the legend, the god of Lyonesse himself.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🥵🌶️🥵🌶️🥵🌶️🥵🌶️🥵🌶️🥵
Tropes
• Spy/Secret Agents/Assassins
• Arranged Marriage
• Enemies to Lovers
• TW: Brief cheating (but as Sierra Simone says, is it really cheating if they're both sleeping with the bodyguard?), allusions to clerical sex abuse twice.

Sierra Simone knows how to write a naughty romance, she NEVER disappoints. Great continuation of book 1, amazing plot, great characters.
If she writes it, I will read it!!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a free eboook of this in exchange for an honest review.

Having read Salt Kiss I was really interested to see where the dynamic of this would go. There is very much a love triangle, except everyone is in love with everyone. Sierra does write this kind of dynamic really well and I really enjoyed seeing more glimpses of what the characters were thinking and their pasts. There's a lot of tropes covered in this but the book itself doesn't come across as tropey, which makes it a much easier read than a lot of other dark romances. There is a bit of a mafia/thriller aspect to this story, with the main female character being a trained assassin (for the church!?) and one of the main male characters being her target. I loved that enemies to lovers element and, whilst the relationship was incredibly toxic at times, Sierra wrote some phenomenal scenes where consent was actively discussed and negotiated. The two main male characters are queer (I believe bisexual) and it was really interesting to see that put into the book and throughout the dynamic.

The story itself was a bit slow to start in this book but I reached about 20 percent in and read the rest in one evening. This is book two in a series and ended on a cliff-hanger, which I really could have done without. I am so rooting for all three main characters to get their happy endings with each other and create their own little family. I loved seeing them protect each other and themselves throughout the story - especially as one of the side characters is definitely spying on them and are about to betray them.

This was a solid 4 star read for me.

Sierra is the QUEEN of gripping my heart and getting her smutty webs in there! I absolutely loved this book and the cliffhanger making us wait a year to get to the next part is going to Killlllll me! 😂😩😩😩

Isolde finds herself entangled in a love triangle, falling for both Mark's emotionally scarred bodyguard, Tristan, and Mark himself. This dual attraction adds layers of tension and heartache, as Isolde grapples with her growing feelings and the bitter memories of past mistakes.

The plot thickens with the revelation that Mark harbors his own dark secrets, willing to go to any lengths to claim both Isolde and Tristan. The stakes are high, with the potential for heartbreak and destruction looming over the trio.

The author masterfully weaves a story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, blending romance with suspense and mystery. The characters are well-developed, their relationships complex and deeply engaging. "HoneyCut" is a must-read for fans of romantic thrillers, offering a gripping narrative that explores the darker facets of love and loyalty.

***4.0 Stars***

Overall,
I am a die hard Sierra Simone fan so I really appreciate the opportunity to read this book early and review it. This is the second book in the Lyonesse series loosely inspired by the Tristan and Isolde story. This book does struggle with second book syndrome and it is definitely a bridging book. What I love about Sierra's writing is that her characters area always intriguing and the smut is great. There is a bit of love triangle in this book, but everyone loves everyone so I am not sure that is the right trope. The overarching story is getting very intriguing and the end of the book left me chomping at the bits to find out what happens next. I will definitely be continuing this series. 5 chili peppers. 18+

Sierra Simone is the queen of ultra spicy stories that break your heart with angst-filled relationships. Add in a dash of "my smut feels like literature" as she weaves in inspiration from the classics' most tortured romances, and you have Ms. Simone's formula. "Honey Cut" continues the Lyonesse saga, but fans of the New Camelot triad will be pleased to spot a quick appearance as well. This is truly a middle book as more questions are surfaced and almost nothing is resolved, but there's plenty of spice to keep readers satisfied. Perhaps it's the nature of a middle book, but I do wonder if there are a few too many layers in this story. Each character seems to have at least 3 secret identities, and suspension of disbelief is starting to wear a bit thin. Looking forward to the conclusion. (Final recommendation will be sent to email subscribers of wordsmarts.com)

"Honey Cut" by Sierra Simone is the second in the Lyonesse series, which is not something I knew before diving in. Although I missed some of the back story from the first book, I was still able to follow along and found the book to be a mesmerizing blend of romance, mystery, and dark intrigue. The story follows Isolde, a strong-willed heiress, as she navigates an arranged marriage with the enigmatic Mark Trevena, while also becoming entangled with his bodyguard, Tristan Thomas. As secrets and desires unfold, the lines between love and manipulation blur, creating a complex web of emotions.

**Thank you NetGalley, Bloom Books, and Sierra Simone for an eARC of Honey Cut.

As with every Sierra Simone book I have read, the spice in this book certainly did not disappoint.

Honey Cut is the second in the Lyonesse triology. I first read Salt Kiss back in May so I was desperate to get my hands on the sequel and I am eagerly awaiting the final book in the series.

Honey Cut focuses on Isolde. Her and Tristan have been together since the boat. Both agreeing to end once Isolde marries Mark.

I was hoping for more of a relationship between the three of them. The relationship between Isolde and Tristan did feel like more of a betrayal to Mark than in Simone’s other three people relationship books but I am eager to see how this all plays out in the final book.

There was a lot of angst and tension and twists in this book that it is hard to discuss without spoiling but rest assured it is still a great read.


3.5/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for providing me with an eARC of Honey Cut in return for my honest opinion.

O.M.G Sierra Simone this book was incredibly hot holy shit 🥵. This spice in this book is next level!!! Honey Cut is the second book in the Lyonesse series and if thought it couldn’t get any better or hotter than Salt Kiss then you are sorely mistaken! I often worry that when the books are incredibly spicy that this will come at the cost of a decent plot, but this is definitely NOT the case with this series. The plot is interesting and constantly keeps the reader on their toes.

I am in love with Mark, Tristan and Isolde. As characters they all bring something so different to the story and their messy relationship/s. They all have their own flaws, but these flaws make them all more interesting and likeable.

As this is a middle book in a series, we do not get our happy ending yet.. However that throne room scene? 🥵 Incredible… It’s going to be a long wait for the final book in this series!!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC! I am looking forward to reading the first book in this series- should have read it first but thats ok. I like the characters and the spicy scenes- oh my! Love the flowers on the cover as well!

Thanks to Bloom Books and Netgalley for the ARC.

4.5/5

My goodness, Queen Sierra sure knows how to edge.......leave you on the edge of your seat with that ending!!! Our threesome is back in this follow up to Salt Kiss and the tension, lies, betrayals and SPICE is of course, smoking hot. I loved the inclusion of some characters from the American Queen series and while you don't have to have read that, if you have you definitely feel some of those King Arthur/Druid vibes in a few scenes in this story. I am excited to see in the final book exactly who is behind Ys, and the lengths to which Mark will go to complete his plan. And then of course, how are these three going to find their way back to each and what bombshells will be thrown at us all by our Queen and Savior, Sierra.

Honey Cut, the second book in the Lyonesse series, is told through the perspective of Isolde, unlike the first book, told by Tristan. This story picks up where we left Tristan and Isolde, coming home to Mark. Isolde, being betrothed to Mark, can't help but fall for Tristan, as they journeyed back to Mark, right before their wedding. Tristan, in love with Mark...and Isolde, is in for the ride of his life! Sierra Simone does not disappoint with this spicy and naughty novel!

THE CLIFFHANGER? AND ANOTHER YEAR WAIT? I'm already counting down the days!!! Sierra's proving to be one of my favorite authors in recent times and Lyonesse has absolutely been delivering on everything I love from her: the pining, angst, the taboo, and the hot spice!! The year wait from Salt Kiss to Honey Cut was so painful, and now the wait is 100x worse for book three!! I loved everything that was built up here, with the relationships between all three characters being touched upon, and Mark, Tristan and Isolde are definitely quickly becoming my all-time fave from Sierra. The spice scenes in this werre SO HOT and I love the different settingsthat Sierra takesus to. Highly recommend reading New Camelot ahead of Lyonesse for some nods and references.

4.5 ⭐️
This series started out a bit rocky, but it has turned out to be really good. The story has continued to surprise me and I have enjoyed reading this book. It is what I like to call 'high-class smut'. Ms. Simone really knows how to write a sex scene, that's for sure.

~~What I liked~~
-The story has evolved in a way that surprised me. I had my thoughts about what was happening, and I was wrong, but happily so. The pacing was good and I am eager for the last book to come out so I can see what happens. Just like Salt Kiss, the story is told in alternating POV by Isolde and Tristan. This adds for a bit of transparency and we get to know each character better.
-The characters, while very hard to relate to personally, do exhibit traits that make them easier to understand. It is good to see their inner thoughts and feelings, which added to the depth of the book.
-As previously mentioned, those sex scenes are on point. This is not a book I would EVER recommend to my mother, but if you ever need a good smut book, you can't go wrong with Sierra Simone. There are MM scenes, so if that isn't your thing, you might take a pass.

~~What I didn't like~~
-I wish we could know a bit more about Mark, he's such an enigma. Maybe book 3 will have his POV.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I can't wait for the last book to come out.

Sierrrrra Simone!!!! Man, does she rip your heart open! This was an intense follow up to the amazing Salt Kiss. It follows the story of the forbidden romance between Isolde, Mark and Tristan. I can say you literally hate and love each of these characters throughout the book. I dont want to give too much away, but it hangs on yet another cliffhanger and I can't wait until the final book in this series comes out.

Thank you #NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.