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Girl in Gold
DO NOT ATTRACT ATTENTION UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED FOR THE CONSEQUENCES.
Such is the law in Tygerwel, a town torn apart by a long history of bad blood.
19-year-old Amber Marigold can barely face the consequences of skipping breakfast, let alone attracting the interest of criminal organisations. Moving in with her cousin after the unanswered death of her parents, all she wants is a fresh start in a new town. And yet, the girl manages to waltz her way right into the middle of a dangerous rivalry between two young cyngs, leaders of their respective crime bloodlines.
But when a bet on who could win her heart not only risks the safety of her family but raises questions about what truly happened to her parents, Amber must make a choice. Stay an ignorant pawn, keeping safe what she still has, or become a player and gamble it all for a glimmer of truth.
.
.
.
EXPLORE A WORLD OF CRIME YOU'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE. WHERE CRIMINALS ACT AS ROYALTY IN A DANGEROUS GAME OF BLOOD.
"So, this is how the game is actually played, he realised. He finally understood now. It had never been a contest of strength or numbers. It was a contest of who had more to lose… and who had everything to gain."
.
.
.
CONTENT
- General violence and blood
- Gun violence
- Mention of sexual assault
- Mention of drug use
- Mention of racism
Such is the law in Tygerwel, a town torn apart by a long history of bad blood.
19-year-old Amber Marigold can barely face the consequences of skipping breakfast, let alone attracting the interest of criminal organisations. Moving in with her cousin after the unanswered death of her parents, all she wants is a fresh start in a new town. And yet, the girl manages to waltz her way right into the middle of a dangerous rivalry between two young cyngs, leaders of their respective crime bloodlines.
But when a bet on who could win her heart not only risks the safety of her family but raises questions about what truly happened to her parents, Amber must make a choice. Stay an ignorant pawn, keeping safe what she still has, or become a player and gamble it all for a glimmer of truth.
.
.
.
EXPLORE A WORLD OF CRIME YOU'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE. WHERE CRIMINALS ACT AS ROYALTY IN A DANGEROUS GAME OF BLOOD.
"So, this is how the game is actually played, he realised. He finally understood now. It had never been a contest of strength or numbers. It was a contest of who had more to lose… and who had everything to gain."
.
.
.
CONTENT
- General violence and blood
- Gun violence
- Mention of sexual assault
- Mention of drug use
- Mention of racism
448 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2023
25 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 26, 2024
4⭐️
How exactly do you rate a book that you have nostalgic ties to?
I first read this book years ago (I think back in 2019?) on Wattpad and absolutely fell in love with it. I’d been on Wattpad for about a year by the point, and it was definitely one of the best books I’ve ever read on that app.
The first thing: the description of this books presents itself as a cliché gang book to draw in readers. We very quickly learned that this was anything but, as every single cliché was smashed before our very eyes.
That much has not changed with this rewrite.
It’s so weird rereading a rewritten book. On one hand, you already know the general plot. The big plot twists (and there are a few) no longer come as a surprise to you. It’s even weirder having read most of the trilogy on Wattpad (the 3rd book was never finished, as the series was to be published) and noticing all of the foreshadowing, the setting up of events yet to come, seeing cameos from characters who haven’t been introduced yet.
I already knew how the first book ends. I already know how the second book ends. I already know half of what happens in book 3, and yet I found myself laughing and sobbing and holding my breath.
I will eagerly be anticipating the second book.
How exactly do you rate a book that you have nostalgic ties to?
I first read this book years ago (I think back in 2019?) on Wattpad and absolutely fell in love with it. I’d been on Wattpad for about a year by the point, and it was definitely one of the best books I’ve ever read on that app.
The first thing: the description of this books presents itself as a cliché gang book to draw in readers. We very quickly learned that this was anything but, as every single cliché was smashed before our very eyes.
That much has not changed with this rewrite.
It’s so weird rereading a rewritten book. On one hand, you already know the general plot. The big plot twists (and there are a few) no longer come as a surprise to you. It’s even weirder having read most of the trilogy on Wattpad (the 3rd book was never finished, as the series was to be published) and noticing all of the foreshadowing, the setting up of events yet to come, seeing cameos from characters who haven’t been introduced yet.
I already knew how the first book ends. I already know how the second book ends. I already know half of what happens in book 3, and yet I found myself laughing and sobbing and holding my breath.
I will eagerly be anticipating the second book.
September 12, 2024
Love love loveeeee. Next book needs to hurry
September 14, 2023
Haven't read it yet, but I read the wattpad version and it was one of my favourite book trilogy so I'm more than sure this book is perfection
August 5, 2024
cannot describe my love for this book. i read it when it first came out on wattpad and was following along with the updates, so to find it published is so so amazing and i am so proud of the author. impatiently waiting for the second book now!
January 17, 2024
I've been loving this story ever since it was titled "Two Gangs and a Golden Girl" and boy have I only fallen deeper in love with it!!! I love seeing authors finally getting to show their stories to the world and I can't wait for the next book!!!
Read
September 10, 2023okay so, here’s the thing.
I was an OG supporter of this book when it hit wattpad. I loved Holly to death, I loved her work, I literally dived in head first into this whole universe she created. She’s magnetic, and she’s smart, and she is an ambitious writer who I have always admired. I’m not rating this book because I’m so conflicted on the published version.
It’s been years since I read the original version too, just to note.
Pros
- Witty characters, highlightable lines of prose
- Somewhat fast paced progression with slower paced relational progression (I like this in my books)
- Solid writing, gentle prose
Cons
- Predictable
- 3rd Person (it’s my favorite POV but doesn’t work for this story)
- Confusing/Muddled towards the end
I think the may fall of this book is how that fast paced writing catches up with the slow paced romance progression in the latter half of the book. There’s not a lot of chemistry between any of the characters and they don’t move very well together - Owen and Blake are not super compelling. Owen has the typical golden retriever rich boy energy while Blake is your copy & pasted haunted gang boy. Xavier is a stereotypical “bad guy not the bad guy”. Amber is… confusing?
She has a very solid and firm start. She doesn’t sway, and she’s not affected by the boys. But there’s a scene in the latter half of the book where someone who Amber claims is her favorite person DIES to save her, and she just has no reaction. I can pass this off as trauma if on the very next pages she wasn’t back to her normal self with the guys. She was more upset about a friend she made that she talked to like four times in the book getting shot (non lethal) than her supposed favorite person.
On top of that, there are some things Holly tried to handle but did so in such a nonattentive way that it felt sort of… insulting? The opposite of what she intended? Amber and Owen talked about Owen’s first time, and there was SA involved that Owen didn’t realize, and Holly spent like… half of a page on it. Never mentioned again. Another scene, she tells Owen he’s racist because he makes a bunch of comments towards Blake about “going back to his own country”. But we never… we never see these comments? Not to mention Amber mentions it once and then never again… doesn’t hold Owen accountable or follow through, just half heartedly tosses that out and moves on with it. Half a page.
I just think the entire thing is rather performative, and it made me kind of uncomfortable reading through. In addition, Lynch’s whole character also feels really offbeat.
Sorry for the unpolished review. I’m not really sure what to think or how to rate this book based on the above. I think it’s important to be honest about the content you consume, but I’m overall conflicted.
I was an OG supporter of this book when it hit wattpad. I loved Holly to death, I loved her work, I literally dived in head first into this whole universe she created. She’s magnetic, and she’s smart, and she is an ambitious writer who I have always admired. I’m not rating this book because I’m so conflicted on the published version.
It’s been years since I read the original version too, just to note.
Pros
- Witty characters, highlightable lines of prose
- Somewhat fast paced progression with slower paced relational progression (I like this in my books)
- Solid writing, gentle prose
Cons
- Predictable
- 3rd Person (it’s my favorite POV but doesn’t work for this story)
- Confusing/Muddled towards the end
I think the may fall of this book is how that fast paced writing catches up with the slow paced romance progression in the latter half of the book. There’s not a lot of chemistry between any of the characters and they don’t move very well together - Owen and Blake are not super compelling. Owen has the typical golden retriever rich boy energy while Blake is your copy & pasted haunted gang boy. Xavier is a stereotypical “bad guy not the bad guy”. Amber is… confusing?
She has a very solid and firm start. She doesn’t sway, and she’s not affected by the boys. But there’s a scene in the latter half of the book where someone who Amber claims is her favorite person DIES to save her, and she just has no reaction. I can pass this off as trauma if on the very next pages she wasn’t back to her normal self with the guys. She was more upset about a friend she made that she talked to like four times in the book getting shot (non lethal) than her supposed favorite person.
On top of that, there are some things Holly tried to handle but did so in such a nonattentive way that it felt sort of… insulting? The opposite of what she intended? Amber and Owen talked about Owen’s first time, and there was SA involved that Owen didn’t realize, and Holly spent like… half of a page on it. Never mentioned again. Another scene, she tells Owen he’s racist because he makes a bunch of comments towards Blake about “going back to his own country”. But we never… we never see these comments? Not to mention Amber mentions it once and then never again… doesn’t hold Owen accountable or follow through, just half heartedly tosses that out and moves on with it. Half a page.
I just think the entire thing is rather performative, and it made me kind of uncomfortable reading through. In addition, Lynch’s whole character also feels really offbeat.
Sorry for the unpolished review. I’m not really sure what to think or how to rate this book based on the above. I think it’s important to be honest about the content you consume, but I’m overall conflicted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2024
When I first picked up this book on Wattpad,I thought that I'd probably read one page of it and drop it like many stories,but I was completely captured by it,the way that this book manages to get me out of my reading slump since last year I haven't picked up a single book and actually completed it,and I'm so excited for the second one.
Having read the Wattpad version a few years ago at junior year in highschool,I had fallen in love with everything about it,how Amber isn't only a girl who loves painting and a bit of trouble making,she's also a capable one who's able to pick up herself and stand up for herself and others no matter what,it's been a while since I've last loved a main character like her in a book as many that I've picked would either be too strong as steel or too soft,Holly Shmit managed to perfectly balance those two sides in our main character alongside the two cyngs of the East, the West, their kin and other characters. As a 1st pov narration lover I loved how despite this book being in 3rd pov,it clearly depicts the way each character feels and thinks ,and even though I knew the story faintly I still felt like I was reading a new storyline with great pace,stable writing and a satisfying ending with that kind of twist,the one that I had been squeaking over when it finally got revealed on who Mr President was.
Unlike usual,I took my time to read it over 6 months because I wanted the wait for the sequel to lessen or else I would have devoured the entire book in a day or two.
I'm also happy with the new changes in the storyline and characters that didn't felt forced or anything and felt completely natural,the book had various interactions between intense fighting scenes,angsty moments between the characters and gangs,and comedic hilarious moments that would actually make me laugh out loud ,in every scene it felt like I was imagining a movie with my own cast! I'm upset that this book isn't as known as I thought it would be on Booktok and I do hope everyone would get their chance to read such an amazing story.
I wish the author ,Holly Shmit,the best of luck and happiness for getting me out of the worst reading slump and getting me back into reading,and it's safe to say that this book might actually get a reread sooner that I thought!
Having read the Wattpad version a few years ago at junior year in highschool,I had fallen in love with everything about it,how Amber isn't only a girl who loves painting and a bit of trouble making,she's also a capable one who's able to pick up herself and stand up for herself and others no matter what,it's been a while since I've last loved a main character like her in a book as many that I've picked would either be too strong as steel or too soft,Holly Shmit managed to perfectly balance those two sides in our main character alongside the two cyngs of the East, the West, their kin and other characters. As a 1st pov narration lover I loved how despite this book being in 3rd pov,it clearly depicts the way each character feels and thinks ,and even though I knew the story faintly I still felt like I was reading a new storyline with great pace,stable writing and a satisfying ending with that kind of twist,the one that I had been squeaking over when it finally got revealed on who Mr President was.
Unlike usual,I took my time to read it over 6 months because I wanted the wait for the sequel to lessen or else I would have devoured the entire book in a day or two.
I'm also happy with the new changes in the storyline and characters that didn't felt forced or anything and felt completely natural,the book had various interactions between intense fighting scenes,angsty moments between the characters and gangs,and comedic hilarious moments that would actually make me laugh out loud ,in every scene it felt like I was imagining a movie with my own cast! I'm upset that this book isn't as known as I thought it would be on Booktok and I do hope everyone would get their chance to read such an amazing story.
I wish the author ,Holly Shmit,the best of luck and happiness for getting me out of the worst reading slump and getting me back into reading,and it's safe to say that this book might actually get a reread sooner that I thought!
September 21, 2023
amazing!
Oh, Holly!
This version of the book is so wonderful! I enjoyed the slower-build of the friendships between Amber, Owen, and Blake, and Owen and Blake as well. And seeing how they were all just more than cyngs and bloodlines but realistic people trying to survive in a difficult world is truly a delight.
I enjoyed reading all the descriptive scenes; I felt as if I were any of the main characters instead of just a reader. That’s part of the reason why you’re such a phenomenal writer. You make your worlds come to life.
And don’t forget all the emotions I felt while reading!! I laughed at all the funny parts, smiled at the endearing moments, got angry if they were angry etc.
All in all, I just have to say; good job, and I cannot wait for Sins in Silver!!!
Oh, Holly!
This version of the book is so wonderful! I enjoyed the slower-build of the friendships between Amber, Owen, and Blake, and Owen and Blake as well. And seeing how they were all just more than cyngs and bloodlines but realistic people trying to survive in a difficult world is truly a delight.
I enjoyed reading all the descriptive scenes; I felt as if I were any of the main characters instead of just a reader. That’s part of the reason why you’re such a phenomenal writer. You make your worlds come to life.
And don’t forget all the emotions I felt while reading!! I laughed at all the funny parts, smiled at the endearing moments, got angry if they were angry etc.
All in all, I just have to say; good job, and I cannot wait for Sins in Silver!!!
September 14, 2023
I first read this on Wattpad and absolutely loved it so I was so excited to see Holly finally published it!!!
Honestly one of my favorite books ever and the one that got me into the enemies to lovers trope aka the best trope.
The characters are so well developed and you can see how thought-out everything is. I'm still shocked over the plot twists tbh.
Can't wait for the rest of the books to come outtttt
You definitely need to read thissss!!!
Honestly one of my favorite books ever and the one that got me into the enemies to lovers trope aka the best trope.
The characters are so well developed and you can see how thought-out everything is. I'm still shocked over the plot twists tbh.
Can't wait for the rest of the books to come outtttt
You definitely need to read thissss!!!
November 12, 2023
I honestly don't know how to even begin to review this book. Since I started my reading journey 2 years ago there have only been 2 books that I have immensely fell in love with. This is one of them, and if there was an option for 10 stars I would tap it in a heartbeat. I remember reading this book on wattpad a few years ago and loving it them but now that I'm older and re reading it it is just so much... more. I can't wait for the second book 🥰
September 16, 2023
I loved the Wattpad version, and I loved this version!
Girl in Gold stays true to Two Gangs and a Golden Girl, and is everything I love in an enemies to friends story.
The plot, the characters and the writing style all kept me hooked!
Girl in Gold stays true to Two Gangs and a Golden Girl, and is everything I love in an enemies to friends story.
The plot, the characters and the writing style all kept me hooked!
September 27, 2023
i’ve been reading holly since middle school, i adored two gangs and everything that came after it, and i honestly feel like a proud mom watching this story finally be published.
truly a great story with so many twist it will make your heart spin. can’t wait for the rest of the series!
truly a great story with so many twist it will make your heart spin. can’t wait for the rest of the series!
September 15, 2023
I love the book, although I prefer reading first-person narratives like the original version.
September 17, 2023
I just finished it and it's just greatttt!!!
September 24, 2023
Absolutely amazing! So proud of Holly for publishing her series!
December 18, 2023
The nostalgia. I loved this book so much. Lynch>>>>>>
March 17, 2024
CONSUMING PAGE TURNER START TO FINISH!!
The plot, twists and turns, the CHARACTERSSSS ugghhh! I cannotttt get enough of this I NEED THE NEXT BOOKS ASAP!!
The plot, twists and turns, the CHARACTERSSSS ugghhh! I cannotttt get enough of this I NEED THE NEXT BOOKS ASAP!!
Read
April 18, 2025NO RATING. Is this book full of junk? Yes. Does this book also posses basically all of my favorite plot devices, tropes, and character types? Also yes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2025
I read this back in 2018 on Wattpad lol so it was fun to reread this and see the small changes that were made.
January 10, 2024
nostalgic
August 3, 2024
This is a hundred percent a 5 star book. I might be a little biased because I read this years ago and I have nostalgia attached to it. But it still never fails to make me laugh and cry throughout the plot. I can’t wait til the second book is published!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews