midnightblu's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely lovedddd this book! I was starting to worry as I was more than halfway through and it wasn’t progressing as I was expecting, but this took such a good turn instead and left me begging for more. I loved the dynamics between everyone and also the build up to it. I was honestly a bit skeptical about Tristan and how easily he falls for people but oh myyyy I don’t know how, but it was executed so well. I am so excited for the rest of the story and I will be silently crying in a corner as I wait.
andreabookster's review against another edition
4.0
Salt Kiss by Sierra Simone - A Steamy Twist on a Classic Tale
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5 (3.5 stars)
Salt Kiss, written by Sierra Simone, puts a spicy twist on the Tristian and Isolde story we all know. It starts with Tristian becoming Mark's bodyguard, who happens to run a wild kink club called Lyonesse. Things get hot and heavy between Mark and Tristian, with a dominant-submissive relationship brewing.
Most of the book explores Mark and Tristian's intense connection while they also deal with their professional duties. But things get complicated when Tristian learns that Mark is engaged to Isolde. Tristian is then sent on a mission to bring Isolde from Ireland to America on Mark's yacht, leading to a surprising romantic triangle.
As the yacht docks in Manhattan, secrets are revealed, and the story leaves us hanging on the edge of our seats.
While Salt Kiss offers a fresh take on a classic story and keeps you hooked, some readers, including me, wished there was a better balance between the different relationships in the book. Instead of the 70/30 focus, a 50/50 split might have been more satisfying.
One thing that bothered me was Tristian's character. He didn't quite grab my attention, especially because I prefer strong male leads like Mark. Also, the lightning-fast way he falls for both Mark and Isolde in just a week each might seem a bit unrealistic.
But here's the deal: despite these issues, the book's exciting ending will make you want to dive into the next part of the series to find out what happens next.
In short, Salt Kiss by Sierra Simone adds spice to a classic tale, though it could have balanced its relationships better and worked on Tristian's character development. Nevertheless, its gripping ending will leave you eager for more.
I was given this title as an ARC through #NetGalley
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5 (3.5 stars)
Salt Kiss, written by Sierra Simone, puts a spicy twist on the Tristian and Isolde story we all know. It starts with Tristian becoming Mark's bodyguard, who happens to run a wild kink club called Lyonesse. Things get hot and heavy between Mark and Tristian, with a dominant-submissive relationship brewing.
Most of the book explores Mark and Tristian's intense connection while they also deal with their professional duties. But things get complicated when Tristian learns that Mark is engaged to Isolde. Tristian is then sent on a mission to bring Isolde from Ireland to America on Mark's yacht, leading to a surprising romantic triangle.
As the yacht docks in Manhattan, secrets are revealed, and the story leaves us hanging on the edge of our seats.
While Salt Kiss offers a fresh take on a classic story and keeps you hooked, some readers, including me, wished there was a better balance between the different relationships in the book. Instead of the 70/30 focus, a 50/50 split might have been more satisfying.
One thing that bothered me was Tristian's character. He didn't quite grab my attention, especially because I prefer strong male leads like Mark. Also, the lightning-fast way he falls for both Mark and Isolde in just a week each might seem a bit unrealistic.
But here's the deal: despite these issues, the book's exciting ending will make you want to dive into the next part of the series to find out what happens next.
In short, Salt Kiss by Sierra Simone adds spice to a classic tale, though it could have balanced its relationships better and worked on Tristian's character development. Nevertheless, its gripping ending will leave you eager for more.
I was given this title as an ARC through #NetGalley
msh_2552's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
ladybreww_reads's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed a lot of things about this book, and then there were a few small details that I just struggled with. If you are a reader looking for mega hot spice and a dark subplot - this is the book for you.
This book is perfect for fans of Sara Cate and Katee Robert. There is a high stakes sex club, lots of BDSM, role playing, and MM/MF spice. It is extraaaaa spicy (5 peppers for sure) and check your content warnings if taboo romance and BDSM isn’t your thing. It’s got a mafia/bodyguard vibe, rich boy secrets, and lots of kink.
A few things I didn’t love- I’m not a huge fan of the virgin trope, instalove, and breeding. The virgin trope wasn’t too overwhelming so it didn’t bother me as much as it usually does. MMC Tristan is a softy. If you like a submissive golden retriever- he’s your guy. It’s just not my favorite. As for the breeding- it was mentioned a few times as a kink. It was not a big focus so it didn’t impact the plot all that much - and I could basically ignore it.
There was an overall great balance of plot and smut. However there was a chunk where it seemed the spice went on for a really long time without other activity or plot points.
The last 10-15% was definitely a setup for the next book and it ends on a big cliffhanger. I could see this coming, but I’m still invested in how it turns out. I have a pretty good idea…
This book is perfect for fans of Sara Cate and Katee Robert. There is a high stakes sex club, lots of BDSM, role playing, and MM/MF spice. It is extraaaaa spicy (5 peppers for sure) and check your content warnings if taboo romance and BDSM isn’t your thing. It’s got a mafia/bodyguard vibe, rich boy secrets, and lots of kink.
A few things I didn’t love- I’m not a huge fan of the virgin trope, instalove, and breeding. The virgin trope wasn’t too overwhelming so it didn’t bother me as much as it usually does. MMC Tristan is a softy. If you like a submissive golden retriever- he’s your guy. It’s just not my favorite. As for the breeding- it was mentioned a few times as a kink. It was not a big focus so it didn’t impact the plot all that much - and I could basically ignore it.
There was an overall great balance of plot and smut. However there was a chunk where it seemed the spice went on for a really long time without other activity or plot points.
The last 10-15% was definitely a setup for the next book and it ends on a big cliffhanger. I could see this coming, but I’m still invested in how it turns out. I have a pretty good idea…
deeloro's review
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
malina_ioana's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
theblackstepford's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.75
Not really my cup of tea. I am a Sierra Simone stan- usually, but I really need to not read books that end on cliffhangers if the next book isn’t available. I don’t like it and really, at this point, I should know better. I am wondering if this is going to be like the New Camelot trilogy, but, eh, I’m just NOT excited to read what comes next.
booksandcoasters96's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75