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Gold Fever
Having rebuilt her life after a devastating betrayal, Kate Ballantyne has finally returned to her home town. Leading a quiet, solitary existence as the city librarian, she is busily preparing for a special appearance by a mysterious new author whose first novel, Gold Fever, has become an instant best-seller. But the news that Ashley Maclean is also coming to town quickly turns Kate’s carefully controlled world upside down.
Growing up together, Kate and Ashley used to be inseparable, first as best friends, then as lovers. Never doubting Ashley’s love, Kate thought their lives were mapped out – that they would always be together. But Ashley’s family had other ideas. After catching the young lovers together, Ashley’s mother forced them to separate. Upon receiving the news that Ashley was about to be married, a distraught Kate left home, vowing never to let anyone get close enough to hurt her again.
Although Kate had convinced herself that the pain was behind her, the very mention of Ashley’s name brings all of the old memories – and feelings – rushing back. What will she do if Ashley wants to see her again? Even worse – what if Ashley doesn’t?
Growing up together, Kate and Ashley used to be inseparable, first as best friends, then as lovers. Never doubting Ashley’s love, Kate thought their lives were mapped out – that they would always be together. But Ashley’s family had other ideas. After catching the young lovers together, Ashley’s mother forced them to separate. Upon receiving the news that Ashley was about to be married, a distraught Kate left home, vowing never to let anyone get close enough to hurt her again.
Although Kate had convinced herself that the pain was behind her, the very mention of Ashley’s name brings all of the old memories – and feelings – rushing back. What will she do if Ashley wants to see her again? Even worse – what if Ashley doesn’t?
202 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1998
10 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Denison
15 books60 followersLyn Denison was born and still resides in Brisbane, Australia, and attended school in Brisbane and Charters Towers. Before making writing a full-time career, Lyn was a librarian. Apart from reading, Lyn enjoys genealogy, scrapbooking, photography, playing her 12-string guitar and chatting with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 11, 2022
I always think of GR as a community rather than a spot for reviews. I’ve been so fortunate to interact with so many welcoming people, who like me, seek to find the buzz of a great new book. I just want to thank you all for talking my language. A special thanks tonight to Guerunche for bringing this author to my attention. I missed out on many of these authors from decades ago and it’s such a revelation to read one of these older books.
Kate is settled into her childhood town as the librarian. She’s living a low key life, has a nice girlfriend, and is basically content. Then Ashley, the love of Kate’s teenage years, comes back to town. She shattered Kate’s heart into a thousand pieces and then left town. That was ten years ago. Now, Ashley is back.
Kate is so genuinely likable that I immediately wanted to side with her and throw rocks at Ashley. But the beauty of the story is that it unravels piece by piece, past and present interweaving into a full picture that devastates. I also appreciated that both women seem older than their 28 years, no histrionics but instead, there are frank discussions and a view of past mistakes through the lens of life lived. I kept nodding my head at certain points where I understood the truths being told. Well written, angsty but humorous, and the secondary characters pop. The chemistry between Kate and Ashley sizzle and their intimate scenes are worth the wait. The second chance aspect happens quickly but no need to over analyze as far as I’m concerned. Just enjoy. I want to add that the book reads like a contemporary story. It does not feel dated.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator truly outdid herself. Hi, Australia. I am smitten.
On Scribd.
Kate is settled into her childhood town as the librarian. She’s living a low key life, has a nice girlfriend, and is basically content. Then Ashley, the love of Kate’s teenage years, comes back to town. She shattered Kate’s heart into a thousand pieces and then left town. That was ten years ago. Now, Ashley is back.
Kate is so genuinely likable that I immediately wanted to side with her and throw rocks at Ashley. But the beauty of the story is that it unravels piece by piece, past and present interweaving into a full picture that devastates. I also appreciated that both women seem older than their 28 years, no histrionics but instead, there are frank discussions and a view of past mistakes through the lens of life lived. I kept nodding my head at certain points where I understood the truths being told. Well written, angsty but humorous, and the secondary characters pop. The chemistry between Kate and Ashley sizzle and their intimate scenes are worth the wait. The second chance aspect happens quickly but no need to over analyze as far as I’m concerned. Just enjoy. I want to add that the book reads like a contemporary story. It does not feel dated.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator truly outdid herself. Hi, Australia. I am smitten.
On Scribd.
May 15, 2022
Not long ago, a question was posed in an Facebook group about which books we wished were on audio, but weren't. I answered that I would really love to see more sapphic classic literature being produced. The goddesses must have been listening because to my utter delight, Aussie author
Lyn Denison decided to self-publish her books on audio. And not just her current work, but the wonderful books that have been sitting on my bookshelves for the last two decades. And if that wasn't exciting enough, she's brought us a new fabulous Aussie narrator in Jenny Walters, whose voice has me swooning for days! Imagine a delicious tone like that of Anastasia Watley, but with an Australian accent. It's like I'd died and gone to heaven listening to the actress narrate Gold Fever, an old favorite second chance romance. It felt like visiting an old friend, but at the same time experiencing it in a whole new and exciting way.
For those participating in Jae's Sapphic Bingo, some of Denison's books were originally published before the year 2000 (Gold Fever in 1998) so they could fit in the Classic category as well as setting outside of the US or UK categories (they are set in Australia. These books mean a lot to me for many reasons. Decades ago when I started reading lesbian literature, the only way to find these books was to seek out independent gay and lesbian bookstores and they were few and far between in the U.S. I would often travel and look for them specifically so I could load up on books until my next trip.
Back then there weren't FB groups to discuss books with or forums like Goodreads to see if something would appeal. You had to read the blurbs in the bookstores and hope it would be something you'd like once you got it home. And because there wasn't the availability there is now, these books felt so precious to find and to own. Lyn Denison's books were some that I sought out and would re-read often until I could take another trip to stock up again.
I'm so excited Denison is writing and releasing new books after being away for a while. She said she wanted to put her books on audio to make them accessible to folks who wouldn't be able to enjoy them otherwise. I'm beyond happy about this and while this was the first of them I have listened to so far, I am so looking forward to the others. Thankfully Walters is narrating more, as is another Aussie favorite Cat Gould. Please consider giving this a listen and let me know if you're as excited about Walters as I am! It's crazy, but after just one book I am HOOKED on her in a big way!
Lyn Denison decided to self-publish her books on audio. And not just her current work, but the wonderful books that have been sitting on my bookshelves for the last two decades. And if that wasn't exciting enough, she's brought us a new fabulous Aussie narrator in Jenny Walters, whose voice has me swooning for days! Imagine a delicious tone like that of Anastasia Watley, but with an Australian accent. It's like I'd died and gone to heaven listening to the actress narrate Gold Fever, an old favorite second chance romance. It felt like visiting an old friend, but at the same time experiencing it in a whole new and exciting way.
For those participating in Jae's Sapphic Bingo, some of Denison's books were originally published before the year 2000 (Gold Fever in 1998) so they could fit in the Classic category as well as setting outside of the US or UK categories (they are set in Australia. These books mean a lot to me for many reasons. Decades ago when I started reading lesbian literature, the only way to find these books was to seek out independent gay and lesbian bookstores and they were few and far between in the U.S. I would often travel and look for them specifically so I could load up on books until my next trip.
Back then there weren't FB groups to discuss books with or forums like Goodreads to see if something would appeal. You had to read the blurbs in the bookstores and hope it would be something you'd like once you got it home. And because there wasn't the availability there is now, these books felt so precious to find and to own. Lyn Denison's books were some that I sought out and would re-read often until I could take another trip to stock up again.
I'm so excited Denison is writing and releasing new books after being away for a while. She said she wanted to put her books on audio to make them accessible to folks who wouldn't be able to enjoy them otherwise. I'm beyond happy about this and while this was the first of them I have listened to so far, I am so looking forward to the others. Thankfully Walters is narrating more, as is another Aussie favorite Cat Gould. Please consider giving this a listen and let me know if you're as excited about Walters as I am! It's crazy, but after just one book I am HOOKED on her in a big way!
September 20, 2022
A new author for me and I liked this book a lot. It felt a bit dated (which is not surprising as it was released in 1998) but it’s still good. And the aussie accent of Jenny Walters is a delight to listen to.
April 22, 2024
3.5⭐️ I enjoyed the narration on this audio book with Jenny Watters great Australian accents. Both MCs were very likable. It was short and sweet and held its own after bringing written 25 years ago. It’s my first Lyn Dennison book and I’m looking forward to more.
May 15, 2023
As close to a brick wall ending you can get - would have loved an epilogue. Bit angst but enjoyed it.
April 20, 2023
Very good
This is my first book by the author but won’t be the last. I really enjoyed it. I highly recommend this book.
This is my first book by the author but won’t be the last. I really enjoyed it. I highly recommend this book.
November 3, 2021
Lyn Denison has been a pioneer of the lesbian book since 1990, when she released her first book.
She has written over twenty books formerly published by Bella Books. The 90s were not yet very open to lesbianism. but since that date she has been able to write lesbian romances with sexual relations.
Many lesbian books today would not be published if some authors had not taken the lead. Read,The Wild One, Gold Fever, among others.
Read her books and see the modernity of what she wrote.
She has written over twenty books formerly published by Bella Books. The 90s were not yet very open to lesbianism. but since that date she has been able to write lesbian romances with sexual relations.
Many lesbian books today would not be published if some authors had not taken the lead. Read,The Wild One, Gold Fever, among others.
Read her books and see the modernity of what she wrote.
October 12, 2018
This book made me think of my wife and I as we were separated for 8 years before getting back together and getting married
May 7, 2023
I love revisiting Denison's books. They've been among my favorites for years, and Gold Fever is no exception. It's a story of young love...best friends who discover they are meant for one another.
Kate and Ashley are inseparable as children, then as young lovers until their secret is discovered. Plans of a life together are shattered, and ten years pass before an unexpected reunion brings them together again. The emotional upheaval for Kate is palpable, especially as the truth of what really happened all those years ago is finally revealed. Ashley's story is one of bravery and tenaciousness that lends strength as Kate struggles to overcome these years of loneliness.
As with all of Lyn's books, the sweet ending is a soothing balm.
Love it!
Kate and Ashley are inseparable as children, then as young lovers until their secret is discovered. Plans of a life together are shattered, and ten years pass before an unexpected reunion brings them together again. The emotional upheaval for Kate is palpable, especially as the truth of what really happened all those years ago is finally revealed. Ashley's story is one of bravery and tenaciousness that lends strength as Kate struggles to overcome these years of loneliness.
As with all of Lyn's books, the sweet ending is a soothing balm.
Love it!
July 29, 2025
Quick read, second chance story!
Kate and Ashley were best friends since the age of ten, but at seventeen their relationship morphed into so much more. Caught by Ashley's mom, she married an "acceptable man" and had a daughter, Jenny. Fast forward ten years and they all meet again. Now divorced, Ashley were wants to rekindle what they once had. I have to confess that I wanted more from the ending. Do they really become a family?
Kate and Ashley were best friends since the age of ten, but at seventeen their relationship morphed into so much more. Caught by Ashley's mom, she married an "acceptable man" and had a daughter, Jenny. Fast forward ten years and they all meet again. Now divorced, Ashley were wants to rekindle what they once had. I have to confess that I wanted more from the ending. Do they really become a family?
August 31, 2021
Me entretuvo quizás no al 100% pero creería que estuvo bien para el género. Me quedé con un sin sabor con el final, ya que una de las protagonistas para mi fue también la antagonista y quedó feliz, demasiado final feliz para mi gusto. A veces se me hizo un poco aburrido. Quizás le doy un 2.5 no un 3.
June 6, 2022
Loved this book. I love a good romance and this one did not disappoint. The characters were good and the storyline was excellent. Jenny Walters as the narrator was excellent. She is easy to listen to. Lyn has written another great romance and to hear it as an audiobook was good. Only the 2nd ever audiobook I have listened to and this was a hit.
April 20, 2025
Nice quick read.
This was a very good quick read. As other reviews have mentioned it does seem to end too soon, a good ending true but still. The two MCs make you want to read more and complete the hea with oh ya know the family wrap up, move in, telling the little, the list could go on. So that’s why four stars instead of five. Still well worth a read for sure.
This was a very good quick read. As other reviews have mentioned it does seem to end too soon, a good ending true but still. The two MCs make you want to read more and complete the hea with oh ya know the family wrap up, move in, telling the little, the list could go on. So that’s why four stars instead of five. Still well worth a read for sure.
September 1, 2024
great story
This story was very interesting. The main characters losing a love for each other when they were young and finding each other years later.
A page turner. This author never disappoints.
This story was very interesting. The main characters losing a love for each other when they were young and finding each other years later.
A page turner. This author never disappoints.
December 4, 2024
no real ending
No resolution of the story.
The main issues, the tension of the mother is never resolved. It’s a good book overall, but the story doesn’t resolve, it’s just 2 people making pronouncements and then- cut!
No resolution of the story.
The main issues, the tension of the mother is never resolved. It’s a good book overall, but the story doesn’t resolve, it’s just 2 people making pronouncements and then- cut!
January 4, 2018
Ce roman est une vraie pépite
May 25, 2022
good book
I read this book years ago and liked it them. Good second chance romance. Books are a little different now. This book seems tame by today’s standards. But I enjoyed it.
I read this book years ago and liked it them. Good second chance romance. Books are a little different now. This book seems tame by today’s standards. But I enjoyed it.
September 18, 2022
A first love story that has all the feels
October 11, 2022
childhood best friends to lovers to stranger to lovers again set in australia, it was made for me
January 10, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
March 29, 2024
I loved this book, but it ended too abruptly. I needed it to continue longer. I wanted to read the families feelings, now that things were going to be settled.
May 20, 2024
Lovely and nostalgic second-chance romance written in the '90s.
July 18, 2024
I spent 95% of this book hoping the MCs would suffer more. Then BOOM it was over!
So 3 stars for not suffering enough ❤️
So 3 stars for not suffering enough ❤️
March 8, 2025
Loved revisiting this classic in audio format, and absolutely fell in love with narrator Jenny Walters. I shall be listening to more of her narrations for sure.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews