Member Reviews
Wow what a wild ride this book has taken me on! It was a slow burn but then at the end I got scorched! I was not expecting that ending whatsoever and I am curious to see how the next book will play out. There is just something so different about this book with Isolde, we really get to see more of her character development. I really would love to hear from Marks POV and hoping that is coming in the next book. Part of me wants to not like Isolde but she really is such a strong FMC that I end up admiring her. I am very curious where we will be going with one character and if my theories are correct (the club scene). And there was a lot of unspoken things that I believe Mark and Isolde need to discuss. I am just itching for the next book already so I can see how all this plays out!
The angsty, emotional, will they won't they tension is perfectly carried over from book one and wildly expanded as Isolde, Mark, and Tristan continue to orbit each other. This book will have you questioning your morals while desperately wanting more. The way the tension builds and builds as Mark and Isolde try to discover if Mark knows what occurred while they were on the yacht paired with the way Mark always finds a way to bring Tristan into his interactions with Isolde leaves readers on the edge of their seat.
I wish we got chapters from Mark's POV. I am dying to get a glimpse inside of his mind.
Dual POV, Spicy, Forbidden Romance, FMM, Kink Club Setting, Age Gap, Billionaire Romance, Love Triangle, Protective MMC, He Falls First & Harder
I have yet to find a Sierra Simone book that did not work for me and these book continues that fabulous trend. Honey Cut is the the much anticipated (by me at least!) sequel to Salt Kiss which is a Tristan and Isolde retelling with Simone's trademark kinky spin.
I will start by saying the one thing that I didn't love at this book and it isn't really about the book but more about the marketing and that is that I was waiting for a specific moment that had been teased to happen in this book and it doesn't occur until well over the halfway mark.
Now, for what worked for me about this book. I was a little bit hesitant that the dynamic of this book would mirror a little closely to New Camelot however the way that the relationships play out in this book is really different and felt wholly fresh. I think all three of our leads are incredibly interesting and have distinctive voices from one another that really drives the story forward. I was also really fascinated by Isolde's individual character arc as she navigates her relationship with her faith and the things that she has been asked to do in the name of that fate. Simone is an author that does not shy away from showing queerness and faith as things that do not have to be in opposition with one another and it is something that I really enjoy in her works.
The ending of this book leaves the reader on somewhat of a cliffhanger once again so beware going into this book that you will have moments that have a really fun payoff but these characters still feel as though their HEA is a long way off. I will eagerly anticipate Bitter Burn and seeing what happens next...
Consider my jaw dropped, my flabber gasted and my mind blown. I avoid series like the plague because I am big baby about cliffhangers, but.... It's Sierra Simone and waiting is NOT an option. Honey Cut is pretty much a book 2 and you have to read books 0.5 and 1. This one picks up right after Tristan and Isolde get back from Ireland and you had THAT cliffhanger thrown at you. Now, Tristan, at Isolde's behest, decides to stay as bodyguard even though it will hurt him to see Mark Trevena take her as his bride.
This is Sierra Simone at her best. This woman has the gift of enthralling you with her words and catching us as little flies (should I say lambs?) on a web of machinations and twists and turns. She makes you get totally invested and you see yourself rooting for, let's face it, horrible horrible human beings. LOL
Isolde is a full-fledged Saint by now, with plenty of "sacrificial blood" on her hands. Mark is still dealing with the attack on him and Lyonesse while working on his nefarious plans. Tristan is more tortured than ever now that he is in love with both Mark and Isolde. See? A mess. But a Sierra Simone mess and you will love it!
The kink is kinky, the twists are twisty and yes, you'll scream at the end when you realize you have to wait till next year for book 3. It'll hurt... but it's a good hurt... ;)
Content notes: Oh, FFS, it's a Sierra Simone book, stuff happens, as always. (listed in book: mentions clerical sexual abuse in prologue and chapter 5)
My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Not to be dramatic or anything but Sierra Simone likes to ruin my life with how good these books are and then how long I have to wait for the next installment. I should be used to it by now. At least I have the next Christmas Notch book to keep me going *sigh*. But for real, did not see the plot twist cliffhanger at the end of this one coming.
I will never ever be the kind of person who yucks someone’s yum, but Sierra Simone always takes things just a little too far for me. I can handle every dynamic in this book except for the incorporation of religion. I understand that it adds to the underlying plot of the book, but when there is such a lack of real plot at the same time it just makes me feel uncomfortable. Everyone has their own tolerance levels for this, I just simply can’t handle it. Thank you to NetGalley, Sierra Simone, and Bloom for the chance to read and review this advanced copy for Honey Cut.
I've said it once and I'll say it again. Sierra Simone can truly do no wrong in my eyes. Every book I've read of hers keeps me up all night to finish and somehow has perfectly mastered the almost impossibly balanced scale of having tons of spice and some of the hottest sex scenes I've read while also perfectly keeping the plot interesting and moving. If you've read the other Lyoness books in the series this book starts out right where Salt Kiss ends (so much so that I had to go back and re-read the other books -- not that I'm complaining at all). The dynamic we find Isolde, Mark, and Tristian in can only be described as a heartbreaking cluster-fuck. Sierra has done an incredible job with the dual POV from Isolde and Tristian to see how this 'marriage' has its effects on them both while Mark continues to play King to his kinky kingdom. I know there's a HEA coming (only because Sierra says it in the acknowledgments) but with how we're left at the end of Honey Cut I am worried.
This is a true 5+ spice level and probably her smuttiest book, which if you've read her other novels, should speak VOLUMES.
The way I’m so obsessed with this series! Book 2 in the Lyonesse series and picks up right where book 1 left off, so definitely go read that plus the prequel novella too while you’re at it.
“It is lovely to have you together. My bodyguard and my bride. My two pretty things.”
Isolde, Mark, and Tristan are just everything and we finally get to see the three of them in the same scenes in this book! As the prequel novella (Salt in the Wound) was the setup of Isolde and Mark’s arranged marriage and the first book (Salt Kiss) was the setup of Mark and Tristan and then Tristan and Isolde 👀! This book is now 3 years after the prequel novella of Isolde and Mark’s arranged betrothal and the story picks up immediately and never lets you go. Easily my favorite Sierra Simone series and after that cliffhanger ending, like excuse meeee!? Ahhh just so good!
I received an audio ALC, all thoughts in this review are my own. Go read this whole series, you won’t be disappointed.
FIVE STARS. Five peppers. Absolutely loved this. Thank you so so much to NetGalley for blessing me with an advanced copy of this. This review is 100% my own honest feedback.
WHAT in tarnation just happened?! This may be my favorite Sierra Simone book to date. There was so much delicious slow burn in this book, which is impressive considering how spicy book one was because you wouldn't think there would be much left to the imagination in this book. WRONG. Sierra does such an amazing job of making the absolute raunchiest scenes you've ever read sound like absolute poetry. I also (as always) appreciate how she works religion into so much of her work. I am not religious at all, but I appreciate how it adds so much depth to these characters and their stories.
After that ending I'm gonna need to speak to someone because I don't know what the HECK is going on and I'm nervous and excited and I feel like a child being given a lollipop and having it RIPPED away from me.
Please, I beg of you, read this series.
Tristan, Mark, and Isolde. What a fun trio you all are. I'm so glad I picked up this trilogy. This is book 2, and leaves you with one heck of a cliffhanger. As always, this author's writing is sensual and bold, making you eager to turn the pages and find out what's going to happen next.
So far in the story, we have Isolde who is in a marriage-of-convenience with Mark. Mark, who is a Dom and has had a situationship with his bodyguard Tristan. And Tristan who has had them both. This has turned into one brilliantly plotted love triangle.
Behind the scenes there's secret societies that hint at fighting a holy battle mixed with politics. There's side characters with grudges, back stories that have left stains on souls, and unspoken grief and guilt that threaten to take everyone over the edge
I'm loving this story so much and can't wait for the finale.
This is book 2 of the Lyonesse series and I have to say I’m just not a huge fan. If you enjoy all spice, little plot, with extremely emotionally frustrating characters, this is the book for you. Most times I do enjoy these books, but I just really struggled with this one.
I had found myself skimming a lot during Isolde’s chapters mostly because it just seemed repetitive about church and wanting both Mark and Tristan and I got rather bored.
I wasn’t huge on the first book either, although this book ends in a cliff hanger as well as the first, I’m not sure if I’ll finish this series. Maybe further down the road I’ll revisit the series because I do enjoy the spice and I was interested enough to finish the books, but we will see.
Thank you NetGalley and Bloom Books for the arc!
Sierra Simone could write a troupe list and I’d probably give it 5 stars. This book 2 in the Lyonesse series. You must read Salt Kiss before. Honey Cut picks up a little after Salt Kiss ended. The majority of this book is from Isolde’s prescriptive as we learn so much about why she’s in this marriage but we get layers of politics at play. Note: as a former Catholic, the aspects based on some archaic beliefs were terrifying to me but it kept me on my toes. So much of the simmering, delicious tension is that Tristan and Isolde as well as Mark exploring the new dynamic between them all. While Sierra’s books are stunningly beautiful and spicy, you have to use your big kid brain when reading them. There is A LOT of information in this book and I suspect we will need every little bit of it for the final book, so you defiantly need to pay attention as you read. Plus we got to learn about Mark and everything that summers under that sexy, controlled exterior. As a huge fan of the New Camelot series and a certified Ash fan, I already am addicted to Mark. I need his perspective now. That said, the Sierra Simone standard of care for our spice needs is in full effect and not only is beyond spicy, but it’s glorious . Since we are in Isolde’s perspective, we get to watch her relationships with Mark and Tristan separately, Mark and Tristan, and finally them as beautiful unit. Plus we see how that unit has work with all the outside events taking place. The depth of Sierra’s writing in all of her books is honestly what keeps me reading. I am so emotionally invested in these characters my heart almost can’t take it. There was just so much happening in this book and the wait till the final one will be a rough one.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an early copy to read and review. All thoughts are my own.
When I say this book was hot, I mean it was HOT!!!
I will say I just wish there was more information pertaining to the actual plot. I don’t feel like much happened that went along with her having to kill Mark.
With that said; I did throughly enjoy this book and can’t wait to read the next one!
3 stars!
I have mixed feelings on this one - overall I enjoyed it, its a easy read (well as easy as dark romance gets).
The plot is interesting and the writing style is good, it kept me reading and the pacing was good.
There is some top level kink in this book - if you pick up a Sierra Simone book you know what to expect and she definitely delivers some quality spice every time.
My biggest challenge with this book was the characters - I just didn't really connect with them and didn't really care what happened to them. I have read other books by this author which really worked for me so this is an anomaly but these characters just weren't really for me,
I finished the book and finished it quickly. It was a enjoyable read but not my fave
Second tome de la série Lyonesse de Sierra Simone qui sortira la semaine prochaine en anglais et oh mon dieu! Ce livre est juste extraordinaire!
Nous reprenons l’histoire là où on l’avait laissée à la fin du premier tome, Tristan, Isolde et Marc doivent trouver un équilibre dans leur relation qui s’annoncent très complexe…
J’ai tout simplement adoré cette histoire que j’ai dévorée en quelques heures tellement j’ai été tenu en haleine par cette intrigue! Sierra Simone nous offre un récit plein d'ambiguïté, de trahison, de mensonges mais aussi plein d’émotions qu’on ressent de plein fouet! C’est terriblement addictif! Les personnages sont aussi très attachants et j’ai aimé voir que Sierra avait bien travaillé la psychologie! J’ai aussi aimé le passage des personnages de New Camelot! Mais maintenant, je n’ai qu’une hâte : avoir le dernier tome de cette série vu la fin explosive!
En bref, un excellent second tome et j’espère vraiment qu’on aura une traduction un jour en France!
In this sequel, Sierra brings her best with beautiful writing and moments you won't forget. Her Catholic background adds depth to the story, and she's really good at capturing scenes of passion and humility.
Just when you think you know where it's going, a new exciting part of the story jumps in, full of action, like sex or fighting.
And don't forget about the scene where someone gets collared—it adds even more depth to the story.
But be ready, because your heart will go through a lot. Sierra really did a great job with this one, making you feel all kinds of emotions. Some parts are so well-written, they might make you cry.
"Honey Cut" is a mix of romance, mystery, and suspense. It follows Isolde as she enters into an arranged marriage with Mark Trevena, and you'll be hooked until the very end.
I jumped into this series after reading a review of Salt In the Wound, basically outlining how Mark feels feelings and we can't handle it. As I was reading more about the series I saw the next book was coming out and thought "hey I'll request a copy and see what happens next". Little did I notice that there was a whole book in between. In the last few days I have devoured Salt in the Wound, Salt Kiss, and now Honey Cut.
And I would like to report that I am now dead, died, deceased. This series is so good and so frustrating and so amazing.
I am very guilty of reading ahead because I get impatient but this book was so good that I didn't, I could not bring myself to spoil anything and I was not disappointed.
I cannot wait until the last book, I will be impatiently waiting to see what happens next
The best book I have read this year! The writing is superb I could not put it down. Honey Cut is full of angst, lies and betrayal, secrets and spice. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Isolde, Tristan and Mark.
Just when I think Sierra Simone can’t get better she goes and writes this absolute banger as a follow up book. If salt kiss was my gate way drug to this type of book honey cut has me totally addicted. I loved how this book was a bit more of a slow burn but not when it heated up the pages were on fire! The complicated relationship between Tristan Isolde and Mark is crazy but in such a hot way that keeps you wanting more and more. This book was filled with twists that really kept the story engaging and I couldn’t put it down. I’m beyond shell shocked with the ending and cannot wait for end next installment of The Lyonesse trilogy!
“A shame,” “He is missing you in this dress”
“A shame he’s missing more of you in this tuxedo, then”
“with his hands opening my wedding dress while my husband just sits a few feet away. My husband, who used to fuck him. My husband, whom he’s still in love with him”
This book was INSANELY good. It was the perfect continuation after Salt Kiss. Mark and Isolde are kind of top of my favorite scenes but Tristan, Mark, and Isolde are perfection.
Aside from the top tier spice, Sierra Simone is such an amazing writer. The way she describes her characters and the scenery. All the details help really envision the story, which is something I enjoy from her books.
The plot was interesting and lots of shocking moments here and there. The backstory for each main character was chefs kiss though. The beautiful story between the three of them is worth it alone!