Whew! Book 2 in the Lyonesse trilogy certainly did not disappoint. This one picks up right where book 1 leaves off with Mark, Tristan and Isolde in DC together and preparing for the wedding between Mark and Isolde. We get lots of intrigue, mystery, and of course heat, from these three in this book which I could not put down. There are lots of loose ends but that’s to be expected in the middle of the trilogy and I trust Sierra Simone to deliver with the final installment. I really liked that this book mixes points of view between Isolde and Tristan and hope we eventually get Mark’s POV.

Content flags: violence both sexual and physical; heavy religious imagery

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Honey Cut is the second full length book in Sierra Simone’s Lyonesse series, a contemporary retelling of Tristan and Isolde. In Simone’s version the star-crossed/forbidden love between the two lovers becomes a messy polyamorous relationship/triangle. There is Mark Trevena, former CIA operator and current owner of exclusive kink club that traffics in secrets; his much younger and reluctant fiancée, Isolde Laurence, a banking heiress who is excellent with a knife and has a mysterious job working on behalf of her uncle, a Catholic cardinal; and Mark’s bodyguard (and nephew by marriage), former soldier Tristan Thomas. While Book 1 (Salt Kiss) is told solely from Tristian’s POV as he meets and falls for Mark and then meets and falls for Isolde, Honey Cut adds in Isolde’s POV as she/Mark get married and she tries to avoid the temptation of sweet sad Tristian (spoiler—she fails). There is also a nefarious cabal that Mark is trying to destroy and secrets both he and Isolde are keeping in terms of why they agreed to this arranged marriage to begin with. It comes to a head as all those secrets start to unravel and our three main characters must face betrayals, lies, and hurt.

I could not put Honey Cut down! I kept waiting for the secrets to come out and when they did—it did not disappoint! I was not expecting things to play out the way they did. This is definitely an unusual romance series (there is cheating both emotional and physical, for one) and the HEA is hard to imagine at times. But I really like that it is keeping me on my toes as a reader and keeps me guessing. While most of the Sierra Simone books I’ve read are heavy on kink and dom/sub relationships—this one really leans into punishment and humiliation (and Mark is pretty cruel, especially in Honey Cut). I am really looking forward to Mark’s POV in Bitter Burn, though, as I am sure there is much more going on beneath the surface than we’ve seen to date.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bloom Books for the complimentary ARC; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have been LONG anticipating this sequel and it did not disappoint. While I’ll be thinking about the ending until next year when the next one comes, I am so happy with where the story is going. Sierra, you can do no wrong in my eyes. I love these characters more than anything. 5/5 ⭐️

Honey Cut by Sierra Simone
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)

HOLY MOLY! This book slapped! I was a little hesitant going into it because the first book was so focused on MM, but this book turned everything around. I could not get enough of Tristan, Isolde, and Mark.

I loved seeing more of Isolde’s story as well—because in the first book she was really just the bride-to-be—but in Honey Cut she blossoms, and we learn so much more about her. Isolde's character development is fantastic, and she really comes into her own in this installment.

Don’t even get me started on the spicy scenes, because they had me sweating. We even got some MMF moments, which I was living for. The chemistry between the characters is off the charts, and the steamy scenes are top-notch.

I love this storyline so far, especially with it being a Tristan and Isolde retelling. The plot twists and character dynamics keep you hooked from start to finish. I can’t wait to see what’s to come when we finally close out this trilogy! This one gets a solid 4/5 stars from me.

I was so excited to get this an eARC read as I am a big fan of Sierra Simone’s writing and this one is no different. I loved it, the only downside is that book 3 isn’t out yet! This book is a mix of Isolde’s and Tristan’s POV following their journey from Ireland to NY; the wedding of Isolde’s and Mark’s wedding; and the unusual trials and tribulations of marriage.

Favourite quote:
“Don’t”
“Oh, sweetheart,” he says, the syllables impish and a little mean. “Don’t is not your safeword”

I don’t really know where to start!? I did not like the first half of the book.. it dragged until 50% then everything picked up and I loved the second half. With what happened at 70% should have happened around 30% then I would have probably gave this higher ratings. This was nothing what I expected from it. The ending shocked me to the core. My head is a mess from this book. This is a dual POV between Isolde and Tristian however I felt more than half of it was between Isolde and Mark. I honestly felt bad for Tristian because of Mark and the way he was treated by him. The spice was intense at times definitely Interesting at the least. I am already for book 3, because I still need a HEA for this story.

Thank you Sourcebooks, Bloom books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

holy moly!! 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 someone call the fire department cause this book was HOT and STEAMY!! this is my first ever Sierra Simone book and i was not prepared for what went down in this book!! I loved the story and I loved the spice! I enjoyed that it was not just pure spice but there was an interesting storyline as well that kept me intrigued.

I did not read the first book in this series but after reading this, I will definitely check it out! If you're looking for a spicy novel with a good plot, please check this book out!

Honey Cut: ★★★★☆ (4) 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (5)

Pub date: June 18, 2024 - preorder yours now!

Honey Cut, is an MMF story, Book 2 in the Lyonness Trilogy. The story of Mark, Tristan and Isolde is intense in terms of using sex as a powerful weapon, it has these tiny glimpses of fun, playful moments too. Overall it's powerplay using every weapon the characters can. I am looking forward to it's conclusion hoping it doesn't disappoint.

Idk how Sierra does it but she always writes the most engaging stories and really throws us back into Tristian, Mark and Isolde’s world!! It ends on a cliff hanger and I am SICK over it!

She’s done it again. I swear, Sierra Simone is incapable of writing a bad book.

First things first, this is the 2nd book of a trilogy so reading Salt Kiss is a must. And if you have time to read Salt in the Wound, also recommended.

Now for Honey Cut itself. I know a lot of people are hating on Mark, but I am all kinds of in Team Mark camp. I actually don’t love Isolde. Mark makes no effort to hide who he is. He’s (painfully) open with what he likes and what he wants. Yes, there’s baggage that lead him to where he is, but so what? Isolde on the other hand is so clueless about herself that she’s willing to f*ck anyone (literally and figuratively) who makes her question her mission.

Beginning is slow-ish spice but the end…my Lord 🥵And if you can get the bonus scene, The Grotto, that occurs after Chapter 25….do it. Do it now.

Oh my WOW! So, silly me not realizing that Sierra Simone’s novel Honey Cut was book two of the Lyonesse trilogy. This gave me the excuse to grab book one Salt Kiss so that I could get the full experience! Let's just say WOW! 🥵🥵🥵 I would encourage people to check TWs but as someone who went into the novel blind, I ate this novel up! Also, know you'll be left needing the third installment like yesterday! I would most definitely recommend Honey Cut (and Salt Kiss) with the caveat of checking TWs, oh and enjoying the ride.

🌟 5 🌶️ 5

ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I cannot wait for the third book to be released,I have mixed feelings, this book has all emotions and is a total roller coaster. The story was well written and so pleasant to read , very spicy too. As always I was not disappointed by Sierra, hands down for this book!

This greatly exceeded my expectations. I think the plot and the sex scenes were well balanced and equally well written. I liked reading from multiple POVs throughout the book but I would’ve liked to read more from Mark’s POV. I’m interested in the rest of the series and where the story ends up.

Holy crapkittens this book deserves more stars than I have available.

“𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥?” 𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐬. “𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐥? 𝐈𝐟 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐯𝐨𝐰𝐬? 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐲, 𝐈𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞, 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡.”

This book takes off where we left off in Salt Kiss - Tristan and Isolde are reunited with Mark and the wedding between Isolde and Mark is planned and in place.

The dichotomy between the traditional wedding and the "wedding" in Lyonesse was PERFECTION.

OMG this book is equal parts intrigue and mystery and sex and secrets and deception and EVERYTHING.

“𝐈’𝐦 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡. 𝐈𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐝. 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫’𝐬. 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨. 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞.”

Watching how this relationship is unfolding with Mark and Tristan and Isolde has me by the neck. I am SO INVESTED. I am in agony for them. I NEED MORE.

I can't say too much without giving things away but the CLIFFY.... Sierra Simone how dare you hurt my feelings. I'm glad we were promised a HEA in the next book because girl.... I need one after that!

Seriously it was too good.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for this review.

To be perfectly honest, seeing as Honey Cut is the second book in a trilogy, I am not sure how much can be said—beyond the fact it is very very good—without spoiling something for the first novel. As such, I will keep this review a little less plot focused, and instead address the novel in a more general sense. For those unaware, Honey Cut is the second book in Sierra Simone’s Lyonesse trilogy, a modern Tristan and Iseult reimagining with a BDSM and polyamorous twist. In terms of this book, Honey Cut does stray a little further from the source material than Salt Kiss did, but that is definitely to its benefit.
Personally I find that the middle book in a series can often suffer from what I term “second book syndrome.” It’s when a book’s narrative is entirely filler—tying off loose ends from book one and setting up plot or theme elements for book three. Honey Cut does not do this. Instead it hyper focuses on its three main protagonists. There is a lot more attention on Mark and Isolde’s relationship and power dynamic, and in turn how being around that affects Tristan’s attraction to the both of them, as well as his internal conflict at that attraction. Needless to say that with all that sexual tension floating around, Honey Cut is a lot more explicit and spicy than the first novel. For me, while I liked Salt Kiss, this feels more like what I expected from the Lyonesse series when I first heard of it.
Overall, fantastic book. It has definitely been added to the very short list of books I’m not sure I can read in public😂 If you even remotely liked or were intrigued by Salt Kiss, I one hundred percent recommend picking up this one. It adds so much, and I look forward to the next novel with baited breath.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this, my most anticipated book of the year, in return for an honest review!

-

“Why I’ve bothered with cuffs and rope all these years when I could just put someone in pretty clothes is a mystery.”

Sierra Simone has once again left me an empty husk on the floor with one of her mid-series books, and I love her so much for it.
Honey Cut picks up quite shortly after Salt Kiss, and the tensions are HIGH. Throughout the book I was so stressed and on the edge of my seat. The characters have so much going on both emotionally and externally, and although you know everything will most likely be alright in the end the journey there is rough.

“I love you, and it hurts.”

I love that this series also has some action sprinkled in, it adds to the excitement and is so cool! All three of the main characters are capable fighters, and skilled at their individual (though at times very similar) crafts - which is hot and intriguing. Mark, especially, has me in a chokehold with all his sketchy endeavors.

“My heart will be immolated along with everything else, the smoke not rising up to God but sinking low to the earth to coil around Mark’s feet.”

The domestic moments that are rare but precious also add so incredibly much to the story and to my investment in the characters. The calm sweet moments make the tense ones hit all that much harder.

“It’s hard to love someone when you know they’re actually a knife pressed to your throat.”

As always, I absolutely adore the writing. Sierra Simone has an incredibly engaging and beautiful writing style in these angsty romantic series of hers, and I eat it up every time. I also love all the little nods, hints and mentions of characters and settings from previous series (I would highly recommend finishing the New Camelot series especially, as this one is increasingly tangled up with the characters and political landscape of it).
I also want to mention how beautiful and rare it is to see kink handled with this kind of both care and realistic messiness in romance. It feels like the characters truly do know what they’re doing, Mark especially, but sometimes just can’t help themselves to push the limits. The focus on consent, discussions of limits and comfort, the reasoning behind certain choices and the needs after a scene are a joy to read.

”Looking up into those eyes and seeing an enemy and a husband and something more wicked than both.”

This series is solidifying its space next to Thornchapel and New Camelot as top tier romance, and I can’t wait to see how it all ends in the next book!

“Oh, how he makes us fall in love with him. We should hate him for it.”

4,75 stars and my heart on a platter for the author, the characters and this world!

“Little wife.”

The way Sierra Simone writes is ADDICTIVE. I was so hyped for this book after reading Salt Kiss and it didn't let me down. I love how the book actually has a plot and isn't just pure smut lmao this book really put me through it. Poor Tristan getting caught in between 🥲 also Mark actually having feelings what???? Kinda shocked at the ending and Tristan's decision, idk how long I'll be able to wait for the next book

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the DRC!

This is Book 2 in the Lyonesse trilogy series. This one continues the messy and dirty story between Isolde, Mark and Tristan. This is a slow burn (which I absolutely love). In the first book we get to see all the characters grow separately and in this book we see spicy MMF relationship grow. The angst in this book was so great. I can’t wait to read the next book. I need to read more from Sierra Simone.

Thank you NetGalley and Bloom Books for the arc of this book.

Sierra Simone's "Honey Cut" is a literary gem that left me in awe of her writing prowess, just as I was with her Priest and New Camelot series. As a devoted fan, I eagerly dived into this new series, fully aware of Simone's ability to tug at heartstrings and evoke powerful emotions.

The heart-wrenching narrative revolves around two lovers tragically torn apart due to their shared feared repercussions of a formidable man they both hold dear. The book delves into a world of deception, infidelity, anguish, and remorse, immersing readers in a whirlwind of emotions. Simone's skillful storytelling ensures we experience every heartache and despair alongside the characters.

Simone's writing style in "Honey Cut" is exquisite. It possesses a rare combination of beauty, poetry, and density that I had come to expect from her. The depth of her prose is genuinely remarkable, painting vivid pictures and crafting a world that feels both tangible and ethereal. I was utterly captivated by the characters of Tristan, Mark, and Isolde, perhaps even more so than the trio in New Camelot. The level of angst infused into their stories is unparalleled, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's soul.

One aspect that struck me profoundly was Simone's attention to detail. Her descriptions are so vivid and evocative that I felt an overwhelming desire to run my fingers through Isolde's platinum waves, to experience the silky strands of Mark's golden hair tangibly, and to be entranced by the dark, luscious locks of Tristan. Simone's ability to conjure such visual imagery extends to the characters' eyes. I yearned to peer into the depths of Mark's dark, sea-like eyes, to lose myself in the turquoise abyss of Isolde's gaze, and to be trapped by the piercing green of Tristan's eyes. The use of pet names, such as "my puppy," "my saint," "my wife," "my honey," "my sir," "my knight," and of course, "my husband," adds an extra layer of intimacy and emotional connection to the story.

Moreover, the seamless fusion of mythology and modern retelling in "Honey Cut" takes the reader's breath away. Simone navigates this delicate balance with finesse, blending ancient legends with contemporary themes, creating a timeless and relevant narrative. It is a testament to her skill as a writer, as she effortlessly weaves together these elements to craft a story that resonates deeply.

In conclusion, "Honey Cut" is a masterpiece that showcases Sierra Simone's immense talent for storytelling. It is a tale that lingers in the mind and heart long after the final page. With her beautiful, poetic, and dense writing, Simone once again proves herself as a literary force to be reckoned with. Bloom Books provided me with an ARC of "Honey Cut" via NetGalley, and it has been a pleasure to read and review this masterpiece.

This is the second book in Sierra's new series, and can not be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed the first book and the prequel novella. There were so many twist to uncover between Mark, Tristan, and Isolde. And the ending left me absolutely pinning for this book. However, this book was sorta of a let down. There is so much spicy, I felt it really took away from the story itself and there wasn't as much progress with the plot as I was hoping. Now, I know Sierra is known for her spice, and yes I'll agree in the beginning I was completely on board. However by the mid-end of the Honey Cut I was left wanted way more in terms of plot. Overall, I really love Sierra's writing and will continue this series for sure. This does end on a cliffhanger, so I'm hopeful the next book will have equal plot to spice.