★★★★★ 4
4 star read - dark gothic romance
Format: Kindle
Master of Salt and Bones by Keri Lake
4 STAR READ
“You’re my curse. Staying away from you, is like trying to hold my breath when the tide is rising.”
This book reminds me a lot of Nightshade, also by Keri Lake, but without the fantasy element. It gives off the same gothic vibes, including flash backs, history of abuse, and sexual deviances. It also has some overlap with the older male character obsession that is seen in Nocticadia - though Lucien doesn’t hold a candle to Professor Bramwell.
SUMMARY
Lucien was abused, lied to, and manipulated his whole life, by everyone who should have protected and cared for him. A wealthy heir to a massive fortune, he is hard, dark, and delicious. The story unfolds across two timelines, jumping between Lucien’s past and present, and Isa’s POV. Lucien is viewed as the devil of Tempest Cove, covered in scars and rumors abound involving the death of his wife and son. Isa is the daughter of the town whore, who has struggle to fit in and cope with the tribulations of her life. Lucien hires Isa to be his mother’s companion, to keep her company and encourage her to get out of bed each day. As they continue to bump into each other and interact, their relationship develops beyond his dark obsession. Lucien is wary to get attached as his connection to a dangerous secret society puts everyone he cares about at risk, however there may be no way around Isa’s involvement.
WHAT I LIKED and DISLIKED
It was a great story full of tragedy and resilience. Both characters have deep back stories that unfold throughout the book, we get information at just the right time to make things make sense. It is really well told. It does feel a bit slow in the middle, I took a mid book break to read something else but came back to it and wondered why I stopped - the reason I gave 4 stars was because I had the need to take the break. Which tells me I lost interest during part of it.
Lucien has so many layers and each one is full of sadness and devastation. Isa’s story is tragic in its own way, however her youth has her dealing with them in a difference way - she is definitely more detached in her own way.
There is an age gap - Lucien is 33, Isa is 19 — I’m not usually a fan of this kind of age gap, but Isa isn’t childish or immature so it works. The book definitely gives Grumpy x sunshine vibes. The spice is well done and paced well throughout the book.
If you like spicy, gothic, dark romance and have enjoyed other books by Keri Lake this book will not disappoint.
There are references to rape, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and mental illness — I would check any triggers before reading
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Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2025
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