Reviews

Good as Gold by Sarina Bowen

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molly_p_w's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

1bookobsessionconfessions's review

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5.0

4.5 STARS
This sweet, steamy and swoony romance has plenty of emotional aspects that tugged at my heartstrings AND it’s extremely fun and super sexy. I love that the characters are in their mid/late 30’s, it’s nice to read a romance with characters who have experienced a lot of life and are mature.
I also love this wonderful world the author has created in Vermont. It has small town appeal with open minded characters and ties that bring so many characters together. The town is practically a secondary character.
Leila and Matteo are back in each other’s lives many years after their friendship hit a wall and they didn’t stay in touch.
Leila married their mutual best friend, but is recently divorced from him.
Both had romantic feelings for each other as teens, but never acted on it or knew the feelings were reciprocated. I love this part of the “second chance romance.”
The two find themselves easily falling back into their friendship. I really love that they were such close friends as teens and as adults they still have strong feelings for each other. Their interactions are funny, smart and at times butterfly inducing.
Things get interesting with Leila’s big ask… Would you please be my sperm donor?!?
So, it becomes an even more sexually charged situation. The chemistry between them is super hot, they initially hold back because Matteo is only in town for a visit.
The emotional side of their relationship is just as satisfying as the physical.
Both characters are facing their own personal issues, challenges and hurts. These are a big part of the story.
I loved the evolution of the characters and the way it all played out.
The characters are very charming, witty and likable.
I love the secondary characters, many of whom are familiar if you’ve read the author’s previous books.
(It’s not necessary to read anything before this book, it is a standalone in a very big book world the author has created.)
The siblings and friends all have opinions and are not afraid to make them known. Their meddling is a fun aspect and provided many laughs for me. I love the family/community feeling so much.
It was an enjoyable read with tons of big emotions and depth. Despite some serious issues it’s not a heavy read, it is a feel good and enjoyable story.
Another hit from this author who never disappoints.

kirbyj_'s review against another edition

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4.0

i don't know about this one but it doesn't give me the same feels a sarina bowen book normally does. was it well written? yes. was it a good story? yes. but there was just something missing.

it kind of feels like this was written because its what people asked for, more of the true north world and the rossi family, it feels like it was just missing heart. maybe we need a new book from bowen that is unrelated to her other worlds to give us a fresh start without the other entanglements.