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Salt in the Wound

Book 1 in the series:Lyonesse

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'Salt in the Wound' by Sierra Simone is a compelling story told from the perspective of Isolde, a young woman who has been groomed by her father and uncle to marry a mysterious older man, Mark. Despite her aspirations of becoming a nun, Isolde finds herself entangled in a complex web of family expectations, manipulation, and a world of BDSM that Mark introduces her to. The book delves into themes of religious conflict, coercion, and the blurred lines between sacrifice and exploitation as Isolde navigates her feelings and beliefs.

The narrative unfolds over a span of five years, starting when Isolde is a high school senior, and offers a deep exploration of her character, her struggles, and her desires. Sierra Simone's writing style is praised for its depth, complexity, and unique approach to romance, keeping readers engaged and intrigued as the story progresses.

Characters:

Characters are intricate and morally ambiguous, with the heroine struggling between her religious devotion and her relationship dynamics.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by complex word choices and descriptive character building, effectively creating tension and depth in the narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features emotionally complex themes involving murder, manipulation, and unconventional romance. The story unfolds through an unreliable narrator, creating depth in the character dynamics.

Setting:

The setting combines contemporary themes with dark, secretive elements, rooted in a high society backdrop.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberate, building tension gradually and maintaining reader engagement.

Notes:

The story has dark themes, involving murder and consent-based kink.
The main female character, Isolde, is 17 and wants to become a nun.
Isolde has been trained in combat by nuns, making her a skilled fighter.
The book features a dominant male character with two submissive partners in a MMF dynamic.
Isolde's father is against her becoming a nun and has betrothed her to an older man.
The older male character runs a sex club and is also a former CIA operative.
Powers of manipulation and religious undertones play a significant role in the plot.
Isolde's mother died when she was young, leading to a distant relationship with her father.
The entire story is told through Isolde's perspective, creating an unreliable narrator effect.
The book ends with a cliffhanger, leaving readers eager for more.
Sierra Simone's writing is noted for its depth and complexity, breaking typical romance conventions.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Contains triggers such as manipulation, coercion, underage themes, BDSM elements, and heavy religious overtones.

Has Romance?

The book contains a strong romantic element, exploring various relationships and dynamics between the main characters.

From The Publisher:

The first time I meet the devil, he knows my name.

The second time I meet him, the truth becomes clear: Mark Trevena is to be my husband.

No matter that we don't know each other. No matter that he's older than me; shameless and sinful; the owner of a secret club where the powerful come to play. My father has spoken, and I'll be the devil's bride the minute I graduate from college.

Except my future husband has one condition for this arranged marriage: we have to pretend it's real.

He'll teach me, he says. How to pretend to be his in pain and pleasure both. How to pretend to arch and writhe under his touch. But his lessons are teaching me something else entirely…

…that Mark Trevena wants me in a way that's not pretend at all.

And no matter how I might fight it, the devil will have his due.

Ratings (5)

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Reader Stats (9):

Read It (5)
Want To Read (2)
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