What do you think?
Rate this book
Giltmaker #1
Good as Gold
A swoony, heart-wrenching small-town romance .
Leila:
What I meant to do: Quietly divorce my lout of a husband and then have a child all on my own.
What happens instead: My crush comes back to town when I’m at my most vulnerable. After too many cocktails, I ask him to be my baby’s father.
In my defense, it’s been a rough couple of months. Seeing Matteo Rossi again after fourteen years has done a number on my emotions. And my libido.
In the morning, I’m hoping he’s forgotten the whole thing. But no such luck. In fact, Matteo has a few clarifying questions. And a few naughty ideas, too…
Matteo:
What I meant to do: visit Vermont for my brother’s wedding. Make amends to my family, and mourn the loss of a friend.
What happens instead: a hot affair with the one who got away. But it can’t last. My life is two thousand miles away, and Leila deserves everything. She’s as good as gold.
Leila:
What I meant to do: Quietly divorce my lout of a husband and then have a child all on my own.
What happens instead: My crush comes back to town when I’m at my most vulnerable. After too many cocktails, I ask him to be my baby’s father.
In my defense, it’s been a rough couple of months. Seeing Matteo Rossi again after fourteen years has done a number on my emotions. And my libido.
In the morning, I’m hoping he’s forgotten the whole thing. But no such luck. In fact, Matteo has a few clarifying questions. And a few naughty ideas, too…
Matteo:
What I meant to do: visit Vermont for my brother’s wedding. Make amends to my family, and mourn the loss of a friend.
What happens instead: a hot affair with the one who got away. But it can’t last. My life is two thousand miles away, and Leila deserves everything. She’s as good as gold.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2023
About the author
Sarina Bowen
98 books16.9k followers
Sarina Bowen is the 24-time USA Today bestselling and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary fiction, including: The Five Year Lie, the True North series, and the Brooklyn Hockey series. She's the co-author of Him/Us and the WAGs series with Elle Kennedy. And more!
You can find a complete reading order list of Sarina's books on her website. Or see what's coming next from Sarina, and sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss a new book or a deal.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 537 reviews
June 22, 2023
Awwww I’m so glad I took the plunge by one clicking, reading it, and enjoying it.
I loved how these two came about, a road long travelled to get to where they needed to be, where they belonged.
This was the type of romance you could see unfolding in life. I’m so glad the author didn’t throw in unnecessary twists and turns and just kept it simple and real.
I loved how these two came about, a road long travelled to get to where they needed to be, where they belonged.
This was the type of romance you could see unfolding in life. I’m so glad the author didn’t throw in unnecessary twists and turns and just kept it simple and real.
June 11, 2023
4 stars
Good as Gold is the first book in Sarina Bowen's 'Giltmaker' series, but if you've read her other books, this one is closely related to her 'True North' series, as the hero is the oldest Rossi brother.
Matteo Rossi hasn't been back home to Vermont in over a decade, but he decides to come back for his brother's wedding and a long overdue visit with family. He wasn't expecting Leila to be single, but timing really is everything.
Leila is newly divorced and is ready to move on with her life. She wants a baby, even if she has to do it a lone. I enjoyed this part of the story. It's obvious to everyone that Matteo has been in love with Leila for the longest time, and I enjoyed watching them rekindle their friendship.
I could have done without so much of the ex, but I felt like it resolved nicely at the end. I do wish we would have gotten a bit more with Matteo and Leila as an actual couple, but aside from that I really enjoyed this one!
Good as Gold is the first book in Sarina Bowen's 'Giltmaker' series, but if you've read her other books, this one is closely related to her 'True North' series, as the hero is the oldest Rossi brother.
Matteo Rossi hasn't been back home to Vermont in over a decade, but he decides to come back for his brother's wedding and a long overdue visit with family. He wasn't expecting Leila to be single, but timing really is everything.
Leila is newly divorced and is ready to move on with her life. She wants a baby, even if she has to do it a lone. I enjoyed this part of the story. It's obvious to everyone that Matteo has been in love with Leila for the longest time, and I enjoyed watching them rekindle their friendship.
I could have done without so much of the ex, but I felt like it resolved nicely at the end. I do wish we would have gotten a bit more with Matteo and Leila as an actual couple, but aside from that I really enjoyed this one!
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Lessa Lamb & Jason Clarke
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 10h 43m
April 16, 2024
First we had the Shipleys. Then along came the Rossis. And now we have the Giltmakers. The World of True North is the gift that keeps on giving. Sarina Bowen has done it again, and I am never leaving.
Good as Gold is a standalone set in the World of True North. If you’re familiar with the True North series you will recognize many of the characters, but it can definitely be read without having read any other book in the series.
It is no secret I love the True North Series. I love everything about it. The characters, the settings, the Vermonty-ness, and of course, Sarina Bowen’s writing. I love her sense of humor and her ability to tell a story. And Good as Gold is exactly that: Gold.
Matteo Rossi left Vermont 14 years ago and never looked back. When he found out the girl of his dreams was definitely out of reach, dating his best friend, he decided to stay gone. He was broken-hearted but determined to make his own path. And he succeeded. Until his brother’s wedding gave him the opportunity to come back home. He decided he’d stayed away for far too long and he needed to make amends with his family.
Leila Giltmaker is single again. It took her a long time to come to the conclusion that her marriage was over. She is determined to take control of her own life and do what she wants to do with it. And that happens to be becoming a mother. Matteo Rossi’s sudden reappearance in Vermont shakes her to her core, making old feelings resurface. And one shot of tequila too many gives voice to her best and wildest idea: ask Matteo to be the father of her child.
I loved Matteo and Leila as people. And I loved the setup and their backstories, and how things evolved between them. They were best friends who had crushes on each other as teenagers but never said anything. So there’s a lot of longing and bottled-up lust waiting to be unleashed. It’s actually an exquisite exercise in building up to the explosion.
And the baby project turns out to be pretty fun. Matteo ends up staying in Vermont the whole summer, working as a bartender in the Gin Mill and managing a beer wagon for his uncle and Leila’s father. It’s really endearing to see them reconnect as friends and their initial approach to their project and how it changes without them even realizing it.
Then again, a summer is just a summer, and Matteo has a life and a business to run in Aspen. But one taste of the Vermont life he left behind plus the possibility of a future with the love of his life might have him reconsidering his life choices and fight for what he really wants.
There’s a lot of feelings in this book. There’s grief, there’s guilt, there’s longing, and there’s also love. There’s lots of laughter and so much heat. I love these books because they’re well balanced. They tug at my heartstrings—sometimes more forcefully than others—and make me feel, but in the best of ways. Good as Gold left me feeling happy and craving more. So much more. I can’t wait for more Giltmaker shenanigans.
Good as Gold is a standalone set in the World of True North. If you’re familiar with the True North series you will recognize many of the characters, but it can definitely be read without having read any other book in the series.
It is no secret I love the True North Series. I love everything about it. The characters, the settings, the Vermonty-ness, and of course, Sarina Bowen’s writing. I love her sense of humor and her ability to tell a story. And Good as Gold is exactly that: Gold.
Matteo Rossi left Vermont 14 years ago and never looked back. When he found out the girl of his dreams was definitely out of reach, dating his best friend, he decided to stay gone. He was broken-hearted but determined to make his own path. And he succeeded. Until his brother’s wedding gave him the opportunity to come back home. He decided he’d stayed away for far too long and he needed to make amends with his family.
Leila Giltmaker is single again. It took her a long time to come to the conclusion that her marriage was over. She is determined to take control of her own life and do what she wants to do with it. And that happens to be becoming a mother. Matteo Rossi’s sudden reappearance in Vermont shakes her to her core, making old feelings resurface. And one shot of tequila too many gives voice to her best and wildest idea: ask Matteo to be the father of her child.
I loved Matteo and Leila as people. And I loved the setup and their backstories, and how things evolved between them. They were best friends who had crushes on each other as teenagers but never said anything. So there’s a lot of longing and bottled-up lust waiting to be unleashed. It’s actually an exquisite exercise in building up to the explosion.
And the baby project turns out to be pretty fun. Matteo ends up staying in Vermont the whole summer, working as a bartender in the Gin Mill and managing a beer wagon for his uncle and Leila’s father. It’s really endearing to see them reconnect as friends and their initial approach to their project and how it changes without them even realizing it.
Then again, a summer is just a summer, and Matteo has a life and a business to run in Aspen. But one taste of the Vermont life he left behind plus the possibility of a future with the love of his life might have him reconsidering his life choices and fight for what he really wants.
There’s a lot of feelings in this book. There’s grief, there’s guilt, there’s longing, and there’s also love. There’s lots of laughter and so much heat. I love these books because they’re well balanced. They tug at my heartstrings—sometimes more forcefully than others—and make me feel, but in the best of ways. Good as Gold left me feeling happy and craving more. So much more. I can’t wait for more Giltmaker shenanigans.
June 4, 2023
3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise. The side characters.
The Not-So-Good: The ending. It could've been better for sure.
The Bad: The lack of conflict and emotions evoked. I just felt kinda apathetic towards the whole thing tbh 🙈
Overall: This was sweet. Pretty much no angst. Definitely one that my safety gals would probably like! It's just not necessary going to be all that memorable or landing itself on my favorites shelf for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Leila and Matteo's story. When they were teens, it was them and one other guy friend and Matteo secretly held a torch for her. He backs off and lives across the country when he finds out that she is with their friend now and eventually marries him. Years later when he returns for his brother's wedding, he realizes that they are now divorced and with some drunken bravado, Leila asks him to help her be a single mother by donating the goods. He agrees and the work they put into it makes the lines of friendship blur and they develop feelings even though he is moving back across the country at the end of the summer. There are some secrets revealed, some sexy times, and some sweet moments...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Leila and Matteo's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good, I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they both had feelings from when they were close friends.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Matteo. I liked how he took care of others but I wanted him to stick up for himself a little more.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Leila. She was alright. I wanted her to communicate better, especially in their past.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Not really
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Not technically because they aren't considered together
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a cute place but with what I would call a HFN ending , though I'm sure others would be fine calling this a HEA.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise. The side characters.
The Not-So-Good: The ending. It could've been better for sure.
The Bad: The lack of conflict and emotions evoked. I just felt kinda apathetic towards the whole thing tbh 🙈
Overall: This was sweet. Pretty much no angst. Definitely one that my safety gals would probably like! It's just not necessary going to be all that memorable or landing itself on my favorites shelf for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Leila and Matteo's story. When they were teens, it was them and one other guy friend and Matteo secretly held a torch for her. He backs off and lives across the country when he finds out that she is with their friend now and eventually marries him. Years later when he returns for his brother's wedding, he realizes that they are now divorced and with some drunken bravado, Leila asks him to help her be a single mother by donating the goods. He agrees and the work they put into it makes the lines of friendship blur and they develop feelings even though he is moving back across the country at the end of the summer. There are some secrets revealed, some sexy times, and some sweet moments...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Leila and Matteo's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good, I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they both had feelings from when they were close friends.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Matteo. I liked how he took care of others but I wanted him to stick up for himself a little more.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Leila. She was alright. I wanted her to communicate better, especially in their past.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Not really
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Not technically because they aren't considered together
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a cute place but with what I would call a HFN ending , though I'm sure others would be fine calling this a HEA.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
June 7, 2023
The crux of my issue with this book is the absolute lack of chemistry between the main couple. Add to this the most tasteless scorned lover plot (their best friend Rory continuously disparaging and abusing Leila in public but still scoring brownie points with a complacent Matteo) and flimsy sperm donor arrangement, I was left with very little to appreciate. Hard to get behind a hero who cut all family ties for a over decade because his childhood crush didn't choose him. Juvenile much?
I do love the author and many of her books but this one, like her previous release (A Little Too Late) was a total miss for me.
I do love the author and many of her books but this one, like her previous release (A Little Too Late) was a total miss for me.
May 26, 2023
I always enjoy Sarina Bowen's stories as the familiar characters, banter and swoony love stories always hit the spot. Good as Gold brings us back into Bowen's True North series and right back into the Rossi fold as we experience the lovestory between Matteo and Leila. This story was sweet and poignant but also heartbreaking with moments of sadness and angsty periods of deep longing. I felt Leila and Matteo's need for one another over the span of decades (told through flashbacks) and could not help but root for them both in the past and the present.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. While repeated flashbacks aren't always my favorite, I think the flashbacks in this story helped showcase Leila and Matteo's feelings for one another. I loved seeing all the familiar faces and can't wait for more. 4.5 stars! ~Ratula ♥️
***
Matteo and Leila's love story straddles a line between friends-to-lovers and second-chance - and it delivers all the delicious ooey gooey feelings that those two tropes promise. There is angst! There is banter! There is so much heartfelt emotion that I felt myself get wholly wrapped up in it, rooting for these two to get out of their own way and find their happily-ever-after together.
I loved it.
I loved being back in Vermont, in this "universe" that Sarina Bowen has created, filled with familiar characters and settings. It feels a little bit like coming home every time I crack a new one open. I love the warmth of the storytelling, and the way the romance hits every single sweet spot: swoony, heartfelt, and sizzling with heat. And I loved, maybe most of all, how she balanced the angst against the inevitability of Matteo and Leila's love story.
Of course, I also adored getting time with the Rossi family. I loved their family dynamic and interactions. This family was an absolute blast to spend time with, and I was so happy to get glimpses into all their lives again. I loved the entire sibling dynamic (which felt authentic and fun) and the way everything came together in the end.
In case I haven't been clear: I absolutely loved this story. Matteo and Leila did not disappoint and I fell so easily in love with them and their lovely - if a bit unconventional - love story. ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
Overall, I enjoyed this story. While repeated flashbacks aren't always my favorite, I think the flashbacks in this story helped showcase Leila and Matteo's feelings for one another. I loved seeing all the familiar faces and can't wait for more. 4.5 stars! ~Ratula ♥️
***
Matteo and Leila's love story straddles a line between friends-to-lovers and second-chance - and it delivers all the delicious ooey gooey feelings that those two tropes promise. There is angst! There is banter! There is so much heartfelt emotion that I felt myself get wholly wrapped up in it, rooting for these two to get out of their own way and find their happily-ever-after together.
I loved it.
I loved being back in Vermont, in this "universe" that Sarina Bowen has created, filled with familiar characters and settings. It feels a little bit like coming home every time I crack a new one open. I love the warmth of the storytelling, and the way the romance hits every single sweet spot: swoony, heartfelt, and sizzling with heat. And I loved, maybe most of all, how she balanced the angst against the inevitability of Matteo and Leila's love story.
Of course, I also adored getting time with the Rossi family. I loved their family dynamic and interactions. This family was an absolute blast to spend time with, and I was so happy to get glimpses into all their lives again. I loved the entire sibling dynamic (which felt authentic and fun) and the way everything came together in the end.
In case I haven't been clear: I absolutely loved this story. Matteo and Leila did not disappoint and I fell so easily in love with them and their lovely - if a bit unconventional - love story. ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
June 3, 2023
5 Really Is Good As Gold Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
To give you an idea of my "expertise" in Sarina Bowen's writing, Good As Gold is my 45th read of hers. I started reading Bowen in 2014 and from that first book, I was hooked. Bowen has many talents but one that weaves its way throughout all of her books is the ability to touch you deeply one way or another. She has this uncanny way to look at current issues out there, making them easy to identify with, and then making you wish everything works out for all.
Delicious, right? I mean, how many of us have been involved in a miscommunication/miss-observational situation...
We all have had these types of experiences and have impacted us in many ways. We also have been touched by others manipulating things causing us to act against our better judgment. These types of experiences are part of growing up and we learn from them, sometimes quickly, sometimes longer.
Bowen takes these real-life experiences, threads them through her story-writing needle, and crafts a story that rings true even though it is fiction. Bowen does this Every Single Time.
So although this is a review for Good As Gold, which is fun, sexy, emotional, and satisfying...It is more of a continual love letter for Sarina Bowen's writing. She has given me so much joy with her writing and I will be forever grateful.
Good As Gold
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * * Spoiler Free
To give you an idea of my "expertise" in Sarina Bowen's writing, Good As Gold is my 45th read of hers. I started reading Bowen in 2014 and from that first book, I was hooked. Bowen has many talents but one that weaves its way throughout all of her books is the ability to touch you deeply one way or another. She has this uncanny way to look at current issues out there, making them easy to identify with, and then making you wish everything works out for all.
Delicious, right? I mean, how many of us have been involved in a miscommunication/miss-observational situation...
We all have had these types of experiences and have impacted us in many ways. We also have been touched by others manipulating things causing us to act against our better judgment. These types of experiences are part of growing up and we learn from them, sometimes quickly, sometimes longer.
Bowen takes these real-life experiences, threads them through her story-writing needle, and crafts a story that rings true even though it is fiction. Bowen does this Every Single Time.
So although this is a review for Good As Gold, which is fun, sexy, emotional, and satisfying...It is more of a continual love letter for Sarina Bowen's writing. She has given me so much joy with her writing and I will be forever grateful.
Good As Goldhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
May 21, 2023
4.5 stars!
A fun, steamy and chemistry-filled friends-to-lovers romance with a newly divorced woman trying to have a baby, and her childhood best friend only too happy to help out.
This is the story of Matteo Rossi, whose siblings have shown up in the True North series, and though this book reads well as a standalone, I was happy that we got the chance to catch up with characters that I love, once again.
Matteo left Vermont as a teenager to follow his dreams and make something of himself. He now has a well-established ski tour company in Colorado and is doing very well for himself, but his best friend and business partner has tragically died, and he’s heading home to Vermont for a break, and to see his family after years of being away.
Leila and Matteo were best friends as teenagers, and crushed wildly on each other. But Matteo never felt worthy of Leila, which is what led him to leave town to make a success of himself. But by the time he returned to get the girl, she had moved on with their other best friend. Now, Leila has left her unhappy marriage, and is establishing herself as a single woman when Matteo finally comes back to town. Though she’s angry at him for being away for so long, they quickly recapture their easy friendship, and when a drunken Leila confesses that she longs for a baby and is investigating ways to make it happen on her own… Matteo offers to help.
It’s a fun set-up, made all the more exciting by the sizzling sexual tension between Matteo and Leila. It’s clear they still have feelings for each other (for Matteo, Leila was the girl who got away), and watching them work through it all and build up to the big moment is so entertaining!
I love the dynamic between these two! I loved their friendship, their banter, how easy everything is between them, and how openly they go into their arrangement. They never actually share what they’re feeling, but they don’t hide their attraction, and though it should be awkward as all hell, their mad lust for each other makes it an easy and natural shift in their relationship.
And there is nothing awkward about Matteo and Leila together, because oh holy damn, they are so freaking hot together! The sexy time is sizzling, and their close connection and depth of feeling for each other make everything all the more intense.
Their baby making efforts bring a new closeness to their relationship, and their feelings for each other only grow, and I loved watching them fall so hard and so completely. But Matteo is only in town temporarily; he has commitments, and a life across the country. Does he truly have a shot with the one who got away? And where does his happiness truly lie?
This is such a gorgeous story. I loved Matteo, loved seeing him reconnect with his family and all of the wonderful moments with them together. He’s absolutely beautiful with Leila, and though he’s a bit confused as to what he wants from the future, I loved watching him work through it and figure it all out. Leila handles it all like a champ. She’s strong and brave, and she follows her heart, and I loved seeing these two get their happy ending!
Though there are lots of fun and funny moments, this book is full of emotion, with a gorgeous love story and plenty of swoon. I loved it.
4.5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
A fun, steamy and chemistry-filled friends-to-lovers romance with a newly divorced woman trying to have a baby, and her childhood best friend only too happy to help out.
This is the story of Matteo Rossi, whose siblings have shown up in the True North series, and though this book reads well as a standalone, I was happy that we got the chance to catch up with characters that I love, once again.
Matteo left Vermont as a teenager to follow his dreams and make something of himself. He now has a well-established ski tour company in Colorado and is doing very well for himself, but his best friend and business partner has tragically died, and he’s heading home to Vermont for a break, and to see his family after years of being away.
Leila and Matteo were best friends as teenagers, and crushed wildly on each other. But Matteo never felt worthy of Leila, which is what led him to leave town to make a success of himself. But by the time he returned to get the girl, she had moved on with their other best friend. Now, Leila has left her unhappy marriage, and is establishing herself as a single woman when Matteo finally comes back to town. Though she’s angry at him for being away for so long, they quickly recapture their easy friendship, and when a drunken Leila confesses that she longs for a baby and is investigating ways to make it happen on her own… Matteo offers to help.
“I’m really sorry. Especially for making it weird by bringing up sex. I know you’ve never thought of me that way.”
He laughs again. “It’s cute that you think that.”
It’s a fun set-up, made all the more exciting by the sizzling sexual tension between Matteo and Leila. It’s clear they still have feelings for each other (for Matteo, Leila was the girl who got away), and watching them work through it all and build up to the big moment is so entertaining!
“I didn’t know you were actually thinking about this.”
“Can’t seem to think about anything else.” He shrugs. “The question is, though, whether I’m considering it because it’s generous. Or because I want to bang you.”
I love the dynamic between these two! I loved their friendship, their banter, how easy everything is between them, and how openly they go into their arrangement. They never actually share what they’re feeling, but they don’t hide their attraction, and though it should be awkward as all hell, their mad lust for each other makes it an easy and natural shift in their relationship.
“I’m in. I want to do this for you.”
Oh my heart. It’s fluttering again.
“In the interest of full disclosure. I also want to do you.”
And there is nothing awkward about Matteo and Leila together, because oh holy damn, they are so freaking hot together! The sexy time is sizzling, and their close connection and depth of feeling for each other make everything all the more intense.
She wanted a sperm donor, and I delivered. But it feels like I left a piece of my soul up on the second floor.
Their baby making efforts bring a new closeness to their relationship, and their feelings for each other only grow, and I loved watching them fall so hard and so completely. But Matteo is only in town temporarily; he has commitments, and a life across the country. Does he truly have a shot with the one who got away? And where does his happiness truly lie?
This is such a gorgeous story. I loved Matteo, loved seeing him reconnect with his family and all of the wonderful moments with them together. He’s absolutely beautiful with Leila, and though he’s a bit confused as to what he wants from the future, I loved watching him work through it and figure it all out. Leila handles it all like a champ. She’s strong and brave, and she follows her heart, and I loved seeing these two get their happy ending!
Though there are lots of fun and funny moments, this book is full of emotion, with a gorgeous love story and plenty of swoon. I loved it.
4.5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2023
*hangs head*
I thought for sure this would be a slam dunk for these reasons:
I find Bowen's writing homey and so readable.
I love the cover.
MC that occasionally dons a man bun?
Second chance romance?
I did finish it and kept going back to it but when I reflected on why the truth is, mostly to catch up with the characters of Colebury.
These characters, unfortunately, have zero chemistry and I found their relationship extremely transactional which made for some dry reading.
Oh well, c'est la vie. However, as always my opinions are my own and YMMV.
I thought for sure this would be a slam dunk for these reasons:
I find Bowen's writing homey and so readable.
I love the cover.
MC that occasionally dons a man bun?
Second chance romance?
I did finish it and kept going back to it but when I reflected on why the truth is, mostly to catch up with the characters of Colebury.
These characters, unfortunately, have zero chemistry and I found their relationship extremely transactional which made for some dry reading.
Oh well, c'est la vie. However, as always my opinions are my own and YMMV.
June 12, 2023
This was really beautiful. The angst hurts juuussst the right amount. But these two are such genuinely good people that they had my heart soaring.
4.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
CW: grief
4.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
CW: grief
June 2, 2023
I kept reading "Yes, Queen" as "Yaaaass, Kween" (slay) so it completely took me out every time it was used and nearly ruined my immersion. I didn't find a super serious, super angsty scene as angsty/serious as it should have been because when he whispered "Queen," I cackled.
June 1, 2023
Leila + Matteo
Twenty years ago they, plus their friend Rory, where besties who did everything together. But there was that pact that neither Rory nor Matteo would ever date Leila.
But then Matteo left after highschool to make something of himself and Rory and Leila started dating. Got married.
Matteo never came back.
Until now. To his brother's wedding.
And Leila is there too. Freshly divorced and ready to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a mom.
Let the fun times begin....
══════════════════
That was so cute!
I just love Sarina's Vermont books. I want to move there and drink all the Shipley cider and eat all the maple thingies I can get my hands on!
Leila and Matteo are so adorable. They wasted so much time! They could've been happily married for over a decade but ... nope.
But now they get a second chance.
I loved reading this. It was so fun and sweet and heartwarming and sparky and sexy and vermonty and beery and so full of family and friends and all the things!
READ IT!
We also get teased with the next book... Nash anyone??? - GIMME!
GOOD AS GOLD was such an adorable + sweet + funny + sparky + sexy + emotional + beery Vermonty Love Story! Run to your nearest bookdealer for your own Matty - this one is MINE!
💜
💜
May 31, 2023
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I loved this book! I am a huge fan of all things Sarina Bowen but I have a soft spot in my heart for any of her books set in the True North world so I was thrilled to get my hands on this book featuring Matteo Rossi. I went into this book with high expectations and all of them were met. Once I started listening, I simply couldn’t stop until this awesome couple had found their happily ever after.
Matteo has had a rough year. He has stayed away from his family for a long time but decides that it is time to go home to attend his brother’s wedding. When he runs into his good friend, Leila, he has no idea that she is now divorced. Leila is finally trying to get what she wants out of life and is determined to have a child before it is too late. These two have always had eyes for each other so it is no surprise when they end up forming a plan to have a child together.
Leila and Matteo were perfect together. It was obvious that they were right for each other even when they were younger so I was thrilled to see them have this second chance together The chemistry between them was scorching hot and they just seemed to have a great time whenever they spent time together. Matteo was willing to give Leila anything she wanted including a child so I knew that he wouldn’t be able to walk away.
Jason Clarke and Lessa Lamb did a great job with the narration of this book. I thought that their voices complimented each other quite nicely. The voices that they used for their characters really helped to bring the story to life and I loved the way that they were able to show emotion in their reading. I am certain that their narration only added to my overall enjoyment of this story.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. I found this book to be an incredibly well-done romance featuring characters that were easy to fall for. I cannot wait to read more of this favorite author’s work!
I received a review copy of this book from Tuxbury Publishing LLC.
I loved this book! I am a huge fan of all things Sarina Bowen but I have a soft spot in my heart for any of her books set in the True North world so I was thrilled to get my hands on this book featuring Matteo Rossi. I went into this book with high expectations and all of them were met. Once I started listening, I simply couldn’t stop until this awesome couple had found their happily ever after.
Matteo has had a rough year. He has stayed away from his family for a long time but decides that it is time to go home to attend his brother’s wedding. When he runs into his good friend, Leila, he has no idea that she is now divorced. Leila is finally trying to get what she wants out of life and is determined to have a child before it is too late. These two have always had eyes for each other so it is no surprise when they end up forming a plan to have a child together.
Leila and Matteo were perfect together. It was obvious that they were right for each other even when they were younger so I was thrilled to see them have this second chance together The chemistry between them was scorching hot and they just seemed to have a great time whenever they spent time together. Matteo was willing to give Leila anything she wanted including a child so I knew that he wouldn’t be able to walk away.
Jason Clarke and Lessa Lamb did a great job with the narration of this book. I thought that their voices complimented each other quite nicely. The voices that they used for their characters really helped to bring the story to life and I loved the way that they were able to show emotion in their reading. I am certain that their narration only added to my overall enjoyment of this story.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. I found this book to be an incredibly well-done romance featuring characters that were easy to fall for. I cannot wait to read more of this favorite author’s work!
I received a review copy of this book from Tuxbury Publishing LLC.
June 7, 2023
3.5 STARS
June 19, 2024
It pains me to read a book by one of my favorite authors and it doesn't live up to the hype. I love Sarina Bowen so much; her writing made me fall in love with contemporary romance, but this book didn't work for me.
I love a surprise pregnancy, and if done correctly, a secret pregnancy, but there is nothing romantic about the let me impregnate you then never have anything to do with you or the baby trope. Add in that Matteo and Leila are former best friends; she lives in the same town they grew up in, and things start getting messy. I ended up with a lot of questions, like how did she plan on raising the child while continuing to be friends with the baby daddy's family and bringing the child around them while pretending it's not a member of their family. Logistics aside, I never felt a spark between Matteo and Leila. Their relationship always felt transactional even though they both had feelings for one another, and their reasoning for not being together was just one big miscommunication. I would have liked this more had it been written as a summer fling turned surprise pregnancy.
Even though I was less than impressed with this book, I loved revisiting Colebury and catching up with some of my favorite couples for the True North series. Not every book will be a winner, but that won't deter me from reading Sarina Bowen's next release.
I love a surprise pregnancy, and if done correctly, a secret pregnancy, but there is nothing romantic about the let me impregnate you then never have anything to do with you or the baby trope. Add in that Matteo and Leila are former best friends; she lives in the same town they grew up in, and things start getting messy. I ended up with a lot of questions, like how did she plan on raising the child while continuing to be friends with the baby daddy's family and bringing the child around them while pretending it's not a member of their family. Logistics aside, I never felt a spark between Matteo and Leila. Their relationship always felt transactional even though they both had feelings for one another, and their reasoning for not being together was just one big miscommunication. I would have liked this more had it been written as a summer fling turned surprise pregnancy.
Even though I was less than impressed with this book, I loved revisiting Colebury and catching up with some of my favorite couples for the True North series. Not every book will be a winner, but that won't deter me from reading Sarina Bowen's next release.
June 1, 2023
Pining✔️
UST✔️
Second chances✔️
Best friends to lovers✔️
Family✔️
Class difference✔️
Humor✔️
Chemistry✔️
What wasn't there to love about this friends-to-lovers story? Leila and Matteo together were lovely to read. I loved how they were able to pick up right away after having not seen each other in years. The feelings of friendship, longing, and love were palpable on every page.
Sarina Bowen + Friends to lovers = Gold As Gold
Pun intended.
Highly recommend!
June 29, 2024
🎧📚AUDIO & EBOOK REVIEW📚🎧
I had the pleasure of experiencing this story in both ebook and audio format and while I think both formats were excellent experiences, I am super glad I read the story first. (I only say that because the female narrator, Lessa Lamb, talented as she might be, needs a bit of a speed bump-up to her narration but not as high as the minimum jump allowed in the app Sarina uses. Soooooooooo, you either listened to her talk at warp speed (and also have to slow it down for Jason Clarke) or listen to her narrate veeeeery slooooooooowly. Feel me? Hence, I’m glad I experience this story via reading it first :) because Good as Gold is gold!! ;)
Okay, let’s just chat about the story now,k.
Sarina Bowen makes me happy. She brings me joy. GAH, I wish she wrote more LOL
Let me tell you what I liked most about this story. The execution of the storyline. See, there’s a past to Matteo and Leila and that past is not really known to us when the story begins or even takes off. Instead, it’s told to us via flashbacks. Flashbacks that are pivotal to not just understanding how the past became to be, but also why the present was the way it was. For me, it felt different than the typical retelling of the past in a story because it was just flashes and not a back-n-forth/chapter-to-chapter, past to present situation. It’s just a technique, but I felt I got a more genuine experience of their friendship leading up to the now because of it. The other thing I found was not just well done but hell-a appreciated is adults adulting correctly. From the time Matteo and Leila “reconnected” there was no coyness to it or pretense. They knew what they wanted, and they went after it, for lack of a better term. Yes, the story has its share of turmoil and angst, but adults adulting correctly is a huge #win in my book!
I loved the chemistry and bond that Matteo and Leila had from the beginning. Their friendship was sweet and captivating and even thru all their angst and apprehension, their story had an easy air about it. I can’t really explain it, but I felt light-hearted when I read it and that’s one of the reasons that Sarina is a one-click author for me. So, go do the thing because again, Good as Gold is gold!! #trust
I had the pleasure of experiencing this story in both ebook and audio format and while I think both formats were excellent experiences, I am super glad I read the story first. (I only say that because the female narrator, Lessa Lamb, talented as she might be, needs a bit of a speed bump-up to her narration but not as high as the minimum jump allowed in the app Sarina uses. Soooooooooo, you either listened to her talk at warp speed (and also have to slow it down for Jason Clarke) or listen to her narrate veeeeery slooooooooowly. Feel me? Hence, I’m glad I experience this story via reading it first :) because Good as Gold is gold!! ;)
Okay, let’s just chat about the story now,k.
Sarina Bowen makes me happy. She brings me joy. GAH, I wish she wrote more LOL
Let me tell you what I liked most about this story. The execution of the storyline. See, there’s a past to Matteo and Leila and that past is not really known to us when the story begins or even takes off. Instead, it’s told to us via flashbacks. Flashbacks that are pivotal to not just understanding how the past became to be, but also why the present was the way it was. For me, it felt different than the typical retelling of the past in a story because it was just flashes and not a back-n-forth/chapter-to-chapter, past to present situation. It’s just a technique, but I felt I got a more genuine experience of their friendship leading up to the now because of it. The other thing I found was not just well done but hell-a appreciated is adults adulting correctly. From the time Matteo and Leila “reconnected” there was no coyness to it or pretense. They knew what they wanted, and they went after it, for lack of a better term. Yes, the story has its share of turmoil and angst, but adults adulting correctly is a huge #win in my book!
I loved the chemistry and bond that Matteo and Leila had from the beginning. Their friendship was sweet and captivating and even thru all their angst and apprehension, their story had an easy air about it. I can’t really explain it, but I felt light-hearted when I read it and that’s one of the reasons that Sarina is a one-click author for me. So, go do the thing because again, Good as Gold is gold!! #trust
June 3, 2023
Good as Gold is the first book in a new series by Sarina Bowen! It does exist in the same world as her True North series so you definitely see characters and familiar places make appearances. This is a small town, friends to lovers, with the heroine asking the hero for help in having a baby!
Leila, Matteo, and Rory grew up together in Vermont spending their highschool years snowboarding together. Rory noticed Matteo interested in Leila and ended up making a pact with him, that Leila was off limits to both of them. Matteo ended up leaving Vermont after graduation and Rory and Leila got married! We then jump to 20 years later.
Matteo Rossi hasn’t been back home to Vermont for 14 years, but decided to come back for his brother’s wedding. He finds out Leila and Rory got divorced recently and when he runs into her again, all those old feels are still there. While babysitting his nephew he needs help and reaches out to Leila, who is also a preschool teacher. Leila and Matteo end up spending time together now that he’s back in town. His best friend and business partner back in Colorado was killed in a slope accident while Matteo was filming him on the slopes, so he’s taking a break back home in Vermont helping out his family with their businesses. Leila ends up telling Matteo she wants to have a baby, she’s 35 and already looking at sperm donors. But one night she gets drunk and asks Matteo to impregnate her!
This had some great mutual pining, both have been into one another for so long and it was fun seeing them finally give into one another. I loved how much his family and her family, the Giltmakers, were in this. The flashback chapters did throw me off as they’re told in 3rd person POV, while the present day chapters are 1st person. This story definitely focuses heavily on pregnancy and Leila’s fertility journey of trying to have a baby. The chemistry between Matteo and Leila was really good and I just wanted him to get the girl already. The audiobook was really good, Jason Clarke and Lessa Lamb, definitely delivered! I feel like we got a good setup for her brother having a book next and I’m just excited for more in this new series.
Leila, Matteo, and Rory grew up together in Vermont spending their highschool years snowboarding together. Rory noticed Matteo interested in Leila and ended up making a pact with him, that Leila was off limits to both of them. Matteo ended up leaving Vermont after graduation and Rory and Leila got married! We then jump to 20 years later.
Matteo Rossi hasn’t been back home to Vermont for 14 years, but decided to come back for his brother’s wedding. He finds out Leila and Rory got divorced recently and when he runs into her again, all those old feels are still there. While babysitting his nephew he needs help and reaches out to Leila, who is also a preschool teacher. Leila and Matteo end up spending time together now that he’s back in town. His best friend and business partner back in Colorado was killed in a slope accident while Matteo was filming him on the slopes, so he’s taking a break back home in Vermont helping out his family with their businesses. Leila ends up telling Matteo she wants to have a baby, she’s 35 and already looking at sperm donors. But one night she gets drunk and asks Matteo to impregnate her!
This had some great mutual pining, both have been into one another for so long and it was fun seeing them finally give into one another. I loved how much his family and her family, the Giltmakers, were in this. The flashback chapters did throw me off as they’re told in 3rd person POV, while the present day chapters are 1st person. This story definitely focuses heavily on pregnancy and Leila’s fertility journey of trying to have a baby. The chemistry between Matteo and Leila was really good and I just wanted him to get the girl already. The audiobook was really good, Jason Clarke and Lessa Lamb, definitely delivered! I feel like we got a good setup for her brother having a book next and I’m just excited for more in this new series.
July 15, 2023
Normally, I stay away from books involving pregnancy related plots, but Sarina Bowen is a favorite author of mine and I figured I would give this one a try. I was really enjoying it at the start and couldn't get enough of the pining and childhood friends to lovers vibes. I loved that Leila was taking charge of her life and chasing her dream of motherhood. Things turned from friendship to more between Matteo and Leila kind of abruptly for me though. I had a hard time believing these 2 people, who haven't seen or spoken to each other in over a decade, would make this decision so quickly. Yes, there's been years and years of pining, but they didn't really know each other anymore and nostalgia can only take you so far. I was rooting for them though, so I was willing to overlook it. What I couldn't overlook so easily was the lack of communication. I also was not expecting the book to be so emotionally heavy. Matteo's grief and survivor's guilt play a huge part in the story. Overall, this was an entertaining read, but sadly I didn't love it.
CW: death of close friend (past, but discussed heavily), grief, heart attack & hospitalization of parent, parental abandonment (past), strained relationship with father, cheating ex, discussions about fertility, IVF, sperm donation, and difficulty conceiving, pregnancy complication and unexpected delivery (on page)
* Read via Kindle Unlimited *
CW: death of close friend (past, but discussed heavily), grief, heart attack & hospitalization of parent, parental abandonment (past), strained relationship with father, cheating ex, discussions about fertility, IVF, sperm donation, and difficulty conceiving, pregnancy complication and unexpected delivery (on page)
* Read via Kindle Unlimited *
June 5, 2023
3.0 frustrating stars. I wanted this story to carry the potential it had at the beginning all the way through. After Leila/ Matteo's promising summer, I wanted one of them to reveal an inkling of their feelings. Even though it was clear what both wanted, they both got in their own way. Matteo's overly responsible and Leila is so focused on baby fever and her previous poor choices that neither one of them could vocalize their feelings. Their's no passion here, just responsibility. Even after they finally get together it was just rather..."meh".
I also thought the "queen" thing was annoying as hell. And then there was everyone making such a big deal that Matteo had long "Jesus" hair. One reference to his hair was fine, ok we get it, but these people acted liked they'd never seen a guy with long hair before. Waayyyyyy to many Jesus comments. Sheesh!
I also thought the "queen" thing was annoying as hell. And then there was everyone making such a big deal that Matteo had long "Jesus" hair. One reference to his hair was fine, ok we get it, but these people acted liked they'd never seen a guy with long hair before. Waayyyyyy to many Jesus comments. Sheesh!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
July 6, 2023
I did NOT want this one to end!
Review coming…
Review coming…
May 29, 2023
Audiobook Review
Good as Gold features a single woman with a planned pregnancy premise—my personal catnip. As an added bonus, it’s part of the True North universe. This series has long held a soft spot in my heart, and I’m always excited to reunite with the Shipley and Rossi families in their small Vermont town.
Matteo Rossi and Leila Giltmaker were best friends growing up. Neither was aware their attraction was mutual, and Matteo let Leila slip away when he left for college. She fell in love with someone else and married, and Matteo never returned to his hometown because of it. Now, Matteo has come home for his brother’s wedding only to discover Leila is newly divorced. He decides to stay a little longer to make amends with his family and spend time with Leila. Leila is desperate to become a mother, so she asks Matteo to father her child. How could he refuse?
I loved the friends-to-lovers aspect. Leila and Matteo desperately try to compartmentalize the easy rapport of their friendship versus having hot sex solely for the purpose of making a baby. Their chemistry is too strong for that to last. I also enjoyed the roasting Matteo’s siblings give him in their text threads and how he takes it in stride.
Their small town is getting more trendy with each book. I would be a happy regular at the coffee shop and bar. And now there’s a line of craft beers created by Leila’s father that’s all the rage. The Giltmaker Brewery is quite lucrative, so I’m hopeful that the family sticks around for awhile. Maybe Leila’s brother will get his own book, and the True North universe will continue to grow.
Sarina Bowen doesn’t discard old characters and details from previous books, but instead finds ways to lovingly incorporate them into the current story. Reading this series is like comfort food for my soul.
About the audiobook:
I hate to say it, but I’m not a fan of the narration. Jason Clarke is as flawless as always. However, Lessa Lamb leaves something to be desired. She can be over the top in her delivery, but the most distracting thing is that she speaks so slowly with loooong pauses. I tried speeding up the audio so it sounded more normal, but then I had to lower the speed again when Jason narrates. It’s problematic.
Recommended for fans of:
Friends to lovers
Planned pregnancies
Snowboarding
Beer
Good as Gold features a single woman with a planned pregnancy premise—my personal catnip. As an added bonus, it’s part of the True North universe. This series has long held a soft spot in my heart, and I’m always excited to reunite with the Shipley and Rossi families in their small Vermont town.
Matteo Rossi and Leila Giltmaker were best friends growing up. Neither was aware their attraction was mutual, and Matteo let Leila slip away when he left for college. She fell in love with someone else and married, and Matteo never returned to his hometown because of it. Now, Matteo has come home for his brother’s wedding only to discover Leila is newly divorced. He decides to stay a little longer to make amends with his family and spend time with Leila. Leila is desperate to become a mother, so she asks Matteo to father her child. How could he refuse?
I loved the friends-to-lovers aspect. Leila and Matteo desperately try to compartmentalize the easy rapport of their friendship versus having hot sex solely for the purpose of making a baby. Their chemistry is too strong for that to last. I also enjoyed the roasting Matteo’s siblings give him in their text threads and how he takes it in stride.
Their small town is getting more trendy with each book. I would be a happy regular at the coffee shop and bar. And now there’s a line of craft beers created by Leila’s father that’s all the rage. The Giltmaker Brewery is quite lucrative, so I’m hopeful that the family sticks around for awhile. Maybe Leila’s brother will get his own book, and the True North universe will continue to grow.
Sarina Bowen doesn’t discard old characters and details from previous books, but instead finds ways to lovingly incorporate them into the current story. Reading this series is like comfort food for my soul.
About the audiobook:
I hate to say it, but I’m not a fan of the narration. Jason Clarke is as flawless as always. However, Lessa Lamb leaves something to be desired. She can be over the top in her delivery, but the most distracting thing is that she speaks so slowly with loooong pauses. I tried speeding up the audio so it sounded more normal, but then I had to lower the speed again when Jason narrates. It’s problematic.
Recommended for fans of:
Friends to lovers
Planned pregnancies
Snowboarding
Beer
*I received an advanced listener copy. This does not affect the content of my review.*
May 18, 2023
This trip back to Vermont was exactly what I needed!
Sarina Bowen’s True North series has been a favorite of mine, including all the spin offs. I was so intrigued when we learned that Matteo was going to be the hero in this book.
This book has a good balance of flashbacks to when Leila and Matteo were young, it really set the stage on how they interacted, while letting the reader know enough about how they felt for each other. Most of the book does take place in the current time.
Matteo and Leila have chemistry in spades. And I love that they are able to fall back into their friendship as well.
There are definitely some heartbreaking moments in this book, and moments I could not contain my laughter.
It was an absolute treat to spend time with the Rossi family, to see some of our favorite characters further into their HEAs.
This book has so much heart, and Matteo is definitely one of my favorite heroes recently. He is just so gone for Leila, and I love it.
CW: pregnancy, loss of a close friend
Sarina Bowen’s True North series has been a favorite of mine, including all the spin offs. I was so intrigued when we learned that Matteo was going to be the hero in this book.
This book has a good balance of flashbacks to when Leila and Matteo were young, it really set the stage on how they interacted, while letting the reader know enough about how they felt for each other. Most of the book does take place in the current time.
Matteo and Leila have chemistry in spades. And I love that they are able to fall back into their friendship as well.
There are definitely some heartbreaking moments in this book, and moments I could not contain my laughter.
It was an absolute treat to spend time with the Rossi family, to see some of our favorite characters further into their HEAs.
This book has so much heart, and Matteo is definitely one of my favorite heroes recently. He is just so gone for Leila, and I love it.
CW: pregnancy, loss of a close friend
July 3, 2023
3.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐.5🎧
Matteo Rossi hasn’t been home in 14 years. He is home for Alex’s wedding he will have to make up for it his family is kind of pissed at him, but they are family they will get over it and be glad he is home at all.
I am going to hide the rest because I believe it’s going to be spoilers and a bit of a rant.
In the end, I liked it, but I hope the next book in this series is more like the True North stories.
Matteo Rossi hasn’t been home in 14 years. He is home for Alex’s wedding he will have to make up for it his family is kind of pissed at him, but they are family they will get over it and be glad he is home at all.
I am going to hide the rest because I believe it’s going to be spoilers and a bit of a rant.
In the end, I liked it, but I hope the next book in this series is more like the True North stories.
January 6, 2024
I read this book as a part of a tbr challenge.
I'm a big fan of Sarina's books but I mostly read her NA books. I wanted to read other romances she wrote and chose this one for the challenge.
It didn't disappoint. The main characters are older than 35 years. They have known each other since childhood and have been best friends. But they never confessed to their love for each other. But Matteo leaves town after he saw his other best friend Rory kiss Leila. He didn't return for 14 years until he lost his business partner (who is also his friend) and his brother marries. So he surprises his family and friends when he returns without telling them. And because his business has financial problems after the accidental death of the co-owner Matteo decides to rent out his home and stays in town for the summer. Leila and Matteo get closer and now they might get their second chance.
It was a cute story and I enjoyed it very much. Both main characters had some issues because tragic things happened to them. And for a long time it's not really clear, if they will make it but we get our HEA.
I'm a big fan of Sarina's books but I mostly read her NA books. I wanted to read other romances she wrote and chose this one for the challenge.
It didn't disappoint. The main characters are older than 35 years. They have known each other since childhood and have been best friends. But they never confessed to their love for each other. But Matteo leaves town after he saw his other best friend Rory kiss Leila. He didn't return for 14 years until he lost his business partner (who is also his friend) and his brother marries. So he surprises his family and friends when he returns without telling them. And because his business has financial problems after the accidental death of the co-owner Matteo decides to rent out his home and stays in town for the summer. Leila and Matteo get closer and now they might get their second chance.
It was a cute story and I enjoyed it very much. Both main characters had some issues because tragic things happened to them. And for a long time it's not really clear, if they will make it but we get our HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2023
*5 Stars*
ARC kindly received for an honest review.
The World of True North is the world/series that keeps on giving. I loved this book. I was excited to finally read Matteo's story - he and Leila had a lot to work through and were also just really blind to what was right in front of them. I sped through this book and was really keen to see how everything would play out. I loved getting our characters from the previous books too. Really, I just loved everything about this. Definitely recommend.
Follow me on:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
The Storygraph
ARC kindly received for an honest review.
The World of True North is the world/series that keeps on giving. I loved this book. I was excited to finally read Matteo's story - he and Leila had a lot to work through and were also just really blind to what was right in front of them. I sped through this book and was really keen to see how everything would play out. I loved getting our characters from the previous books too. Really, I just loved everything about this. Definitely recommend.
Follow me on:
The Storygraph
August 30, 2024
La que es buena, es buena, y se nota ➕ cuando acabas de leer 📚 malonchos. Bowen es de las pocas escritoras de romántica con un mundo propio (fuera de la romantasía), el Vermont de True North. Ha sido una gozada volver a él, en este caso con el mayor de los Rossi, el ausente Matteo (36). Vuelve a casa después de tres lustros sin aparecer por allí. Se reencuentra con Leila Giltmaker (35), recién divorciada. Como ella quiere ser madre, y la inseminación artificial es cara, que oye, mira a ver si me puedes hacer el favor. Es un friends to lovers con planteamiento así de loco pero que, sin embargo, consigue transmitir auténtico amor, y amistad, en personas reales, con sus toques de humor, con tragedias cotidianas.
Aunque se narra en primera persona dual, hay flashbacks sobre lo que ocurrió hace años entre Leila, Matteo y otro amigo, Rory, y eso va en tercera persona, ¡Ay, qué descanso...!
Crítica amplia, en mi blog.
Aunque se narra en primera persona dual, hay flashbacks sobre lo que ocurrió hace años entre Leila, Matteo y otro amigo, Rory, y eso va en tercera persona, ¡Ay, qué descanso...!
Crítica amplia, en mi blog.
August 17, 2023
Sweet! Sassy! Suspenseful!
I absolutely love this story! When I wasn't laughing out loud, (at their crazy texts),
I was smiling, except when I was angry and wanted to choke that sleazy Rory!
Besties Rory and Matteo made a pact not to get involved with Leila, in order to preserve their precious friendship. As soon as Matteo moved to Aspen to open up his ski resort, Rory was on her like white on rice. So deceitful.
Now Leila is single and Matteo is back for his brother's wedding. The relationship the Rossi brothers and sister in laws have with each other is hilarious, and filled with so much love!
Nevertheless, can Matteo and Leila rekindle the feelings they had for one another, as well as achieve Leila's secret dream?
I absolutely love this story! When I wasn't laughing out loud, (at their crazy texts),
I was smiling, except when I was angry and wanted to choke that sleazy Rory!
Besties Rory and Matteo made a pact not to get involved with Leila, in order to preserve their precious friendship. As soon as Matteo moved to Aspen to open up his ski resort, Rory was on her like white on rice. So deceitful.
Now Leila is single and Matteo is back for his brother's wedding. The relationship the Rossi brothers and sister in laws have with each other is hilarious, and filled with so much love!
Nevertheless, can Matteo and Leila rekindle the feelings they had for one another, as well as achieve Leila's secret dream?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 537 reviews