Tuesday Reviews: Honey Cut by Sierra Simone

 

The second in the Lyonesse trilogy, following Tristan, Isolde, and Mark further into the forbidden as they wrestle with their love for each other and the growing secrets that surround them.

"He thinks I'll destroy him. It's hard to love someone you know is actually a knife pressed against your throat.

I should know."

Isolde Laurence is an uncommon bride.

She's been raised to do as her father told her, put elegance and duty above all else—but unbeknownst to him, her loyalty has shifted. Now she's in service to the Church, one of the elite spies who work for her uncle, a cardinal. Her latest assignment from the Church? Marry Mark Trevena, the owner of a notorious club in DC where the rich and powerful come to play, and seduce him.

But what was supposed to be a simple lie has become far more complicated: Isolde has fallen for Mark's handsome and emotionally wounded bodyguard, Tristan. Even worse—she's falling for her future husband himself, a mistake she made once before and has bitterly regretted ever since.

And there's something far darker at play than the machinations of Isolde's uncle or even the twisted longings of her own heart. Because Isolde's new husband has secrets of his own, and the reason he'll stop at nothing to possess Isolde and Tristan both might tear all three of them to pieces.

If the heartbreak doesn't do the job first…

While I loved the first book in this series, I struggled with Honey Cut. The characters felt flat, and the story became repetitive, with the same scenarios playing out as the characters created and then complained about their own problems.

That said, the overall premise and Sierra Simone’s signature spicy scenes kept the book engaging. True to her style, Honey Cut explores complex themes of desire, taboo, and religious tension, making it more than just a steamy romance. The poly romance dynamic (M/M/F) and morally grey characters added depth, though I found the plot dragging at times.

The surprising ending did pique my curiosity for the next book, and I’m hopeful that this is a case of "middle book problems" where the story is setting up for a stronger finale. Fans of Simone’s angsty, intense romances will likely enjoy this, but it may not make sense without reading the first in the series.

Definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in, and if you’re into poly romances with a mix of secrets, spies, and political intrigue, this one might be for you. Despite its flaws, I’ll be picking up the next installment, eager for the promised Happily Ever After.