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Seth & Raider #2
Silver & Gold
The revelations about Raider’s past have turned Seth’s simple manhunt into a complicated mess. He’s stepped into a tangled web of arcane mysteries and political machinations. As an experienced Curator for the Arcanum College, he can handle that. What he can’t quite handle is his feelings for Raider. There’s love—gods, he can’t deny that—but Raider’s lies have made a mess of Seth’s heart, his principles—and everything else. Because Raider himself is at the very center of this tangled web.
Raider has been running from his past for ten years. (And what was wrong with that? A strong cup of raaki, a bit of music, a gorgeously scowling Curator—what more could anyone want?) The past, however, has finally caught up with him. And if Raider wants to keep his gorgeously scowling Curator alive and well, he’s going to have to face those old nightmares—because he and Seth need each other.
Only together can they navigate the treacherous court of Empress Zarina. Only together can they survive a dangerous new mission that will take them deep into the unknown reaches of the Sands, where mythical creatures and ancient mysteries await.
Silver & Gold concludes the high-heat fantasy adventure begun in Silk & Sand. Get ready for more fabulous locations and deeper, darker secrets. And of course, all the action, humor, and sexy intensity that only these two gorgeous, complicated, irresistible men can deliver.
Raider has been running from his past for ten years. (And what was wrong with that? A strong cup of raaki, a bit of music, a gorgeously scowling Curator—what more could anyone want?) The past, however, has finally caught up with him. And if Raider wants to keep his gorgeously scowling Curator alive and well, he’s going to have to face those old nightmares—because he and Seth need each other.
Only together can they navigate the treacherous court of Empress Zarina. Only together can they survive a dangerous new mission that will take them deep into the unknown reaches of the Sands, where mythical creatures and ancient mysteries await.
Silver & Gold concludes the high-heat fantasy adventure begun in Silk & Sand. Get ready for more fabulous locations and deeper, darker secrets. And of course, all the action, humor, and sexy intensity that only these two gorgeous, complicated, irresistible men can deliver.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2024
135 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Diane
9 books170 followersKatherine Diane loves intense, complex heroes and fascinating worlds. She likes her romances a little dark, a little raw, and suffused with erotic realism.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
August 10, 2024
Unfortunately I found this to be a bit underwhelming and no one is more disappointed than I am. The first book in this series, Silk and Sand, was a 5 star read for me and one of my top reads of the year so far, and with the cliffhanger at the end of book 1, this sequel was one of my most anticipated upcoming book releases but ended up landing around 3 stars for me.
Book 2 picks up immediately after the events at the end of book 1, and initially I was so pleased cause it looked like we would side step the miscommunication trope and actually have some open communication and address the bombshell at the end of book 1. Except that the whole story seemed to kind of pivot and change direction and for a large portion of this, it felt like it was just a completely different storyline to book 1, despite it being a direct continuation.
I think that the bones and world building of this story hold a lot of promise but I don’t think they are ever fully actualized. There are all these fabulous ideas and concepts but they’re treated in a bit of a surface level manner and never explored with the depth they need to reach their full potential.
Personally, I think in part it wasn’t helped by the balance of plot and spice being off (for my tastes). There was SO much spice in this, and it started to feel repetitive when there was back to back (yet separate) spice scenes and they didn’t really seem to be adding much to the story and characters other than to exist. I get that there was this element of Seth and Raider being able to better connect with physical intimacy and struggling to communicate with words, but I feel like the point could have been made once or twice and moved on to them trying to tackle that barrier in other ways.
Unfortunately, the spice just didn’t hit for me in this one the way it did the first. The spicy scenes actually felt weirdly MF to me. As far as I remember there was only one scene in which any sort or prep was mentioned and there was multiple scenes in which there was no prep and no lube. I wondered if that was meant to feed into the ‘dark’ BDSM element, but it didn’t really read that way, and i couldn’t escape that it just wouldn’t be practical or really all that enjoyable and honestly thinking about how much it wouldn’t work (so much sand) kind of drew me out of the story a bit at times.
Finally, the ending was just resolved so quickly. Like a throw away line sort of quickly. I was actually almost shocked at how quick it was wrapped up. This wasn’t a bad book, and I’m sure there will be plenty of people who love it. But perhaps book 1 just set my expectations too high and I wanted to see it live up to more of its potential. Such a bummer.
Thank you to GRR for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Book 2 picks up immediately after the events at the end of book 1, and initially I was so pleased cause it looked like we would side step the miscommunication trope and actually have some open communication and address the bombshell at the end of book 1. Except that the whole story seemed to kind of pivot and change direction and for a large portion of this, it felt like it was just a completely different storyline to book 1, despite it being a direct continuation.
I think that the bones and world building of this story hold a lot of promise but I don’t think they are ever fully actualized. There are all these fabulous ideas and concepts but they’re treated in a bit of a surface level manner and never explored with the depth they need to reach their full potential.
Personally, I think in part it wasn’t helped by the balance of plot and spice being off (for my tastes). There was SO much spice in this, and it started to feel repetitive when there was back to back (yet separate) spice scenes and they didn’t really seem to be adding much to the story and characters other than to exist. I get that there was this element of Seth and Raider being able to better connect with physical intimacy and struggling to communicate with words, but I feel like the point could have been made once or twice and moved on to them trying to tackle that barrier in other ways.
Unfortunately, the spice just didn’t hit for me in this one the way it did the first. The spicy scenes actually felt weirdly MF to me. As far as I remember there was only one scene in which any sort or prep was mentioned and there was multiple scenes in which there was no prep and no lube. I wondered if that was meant to feed into the ‘dark’ BDSM element, but it didn’t really read that way, and i couldn’t escape that it just wouldn’t be practical or really all that enjoyable and honestly thinking about how much it wouldn’t work (so much sand) kind of drew me out of the story a bit at times.
Finally, the ending was just resolved so quickly. Like a throw away line sort of quickly. I was actually almost shocked at how quick it was wrapped up. This wasn’t a bad book, and I’m sure there will be plenty of people who love it. But perhaps book 1 just set my expectations too high and I wanted to see it live up to more of its potential. Such a bummer.
Thank you to GRR for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 23, 2024
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
✧ Seth and Raider’s journey continues - a quest for a lost stone, discovering a magical oasis, uncovering more of Raider’s past, and falling more in love with each other. ✧
Even though this installment was missing that initial spark, the banter, the hate/love connection between Raider and Seth, I still very much enjoyed seeing them again. Just like in book one, there was never a dull moment with these two.
Their adventure was filled with just as much action, just as much passion and heat, just as much angst and comfort.
I enjoyed getting to know more about the characters, about the world they live in.
The spice kept the same tones as the first book, with the dominance and the roughness, but it was also laced with more love and caring as their love grew stronger. Needless to say, it was hot as Hasa’s hell.
Silk & Sand is still my favorite, but Silver & Gold was a great sequel, and I’m curious to see what else the author creates.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Depictions of violence and torture
- Light BDSM (rough sex, dominance, choking, restraints)
- Spanking
- Biting
- Coming hands-free
- Frotting
- Brief public sex scene
❝ He’d never had to choose between his principles and his heart before. It shocked him how easy the choice was. His heart. Raider. No contest. ❞
✧ Seth and Raider’s journey continues - a quest for a lost stone, discovering a magical oasis, uncovering more of Raider’s past, and falling more in love with each other. ✧
Even though this installment was missing that initial spark, the banter, the hate/love connection between Raider and Seth, I still very much enjoyed seeing them again. Just like in book one, there was never a dull moment with these two.
“My heart is given, and I’m never taking it back.”
Their adventure was filled with just as much action, just as much passion and heat, just as much angst and comfort.
I enjoyed getting to know more about the characters, about the world they live in.
“Fuck, baby, I’m dripping for you. Are you dripping for me?”
The spice kept the same tones as the first book, with the dominance and the roughness, but it was also laced with more love and caring as their love grew stronger. Needless to say, it was hot as Hasa’s hell.
Silk & Sand is still my favorite, but Silver & Gold was a great sequel, and I’m curious to see what else the author creates.
« And he would choose Seth. Every time. Always. »
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Depictions of violence and torture
- Light BDSM (rough sex, dominance, choking, restraints)
- Spanking
- Biting
- Coming hands-free
- Frotting
- Brief public sex scene
July 25, 2024
This book was the conclusion of the Seth & Raider duet. It picks up right after the first book ends. I would recommend reading these books back to back, as I did have to try to remember some details from the first one when I started this.
As in the first book, this is filled with lots of desert adventures. This book includes more political intrigue and details about Raider's past.
All of the interactions with Julian and the ifrit were some of my favorites. I also really enjoyed that Seth and Raider fully embraced their love for one another in this installment. They are at their best when they are communicating with one another.
I enjoyed the twist about Raider's ancestry and I loved their time in Jannat.
I received an ARC of this book from GRR and this is my honest opinion.
As in the first book, this is filled with lots of desert adventures. This book includes more political intrigue and details about Raider's past.
All of the interactions with Julian and the ifrit were some of my favorites. I also really enjoyed that Seth and Raider fully embraced their love for one another in this installment. They are at their best when they are communicating with one another.
I enjoyed the twist about Raider's ancestry and I loved their time in Jannat.
I received an ARC of this book from GRR and this is my honest opinion.
July 26, 2024
3,5 stars
Darn.
Darn.
Darn.
I hate to say it (as I really loved the first book), but somehow, this did not live up to my hopes and expectations.
Don’t get me wrong …
.) I still love Seth and Raider
.) I still thoroughly enjoyed the world building
.) there is a lot of great fast paced action here
.) the gradual revelations of Raider’s secrets kept me on my toes
.) there are aplenty of turns and twists
.) and yes, these guys are still burning the sheets at 1000 degrees.
1. Unfortunately, the last point is also the first point of my contention:
For me, there was simply too much sex.
The constant need, insane attraction and urgent desire simply got too much after a while, causing some eye-rolling and skimming on my part (here they go again …) One look, one smile, one wink, one ‘pretty much everything’ gets the other man hot, hard and desperate in milliseconds. God, I’m the last person to complain about a good dose of sizzle, but I don’t think the book needed as much.
While the d/s type power play Seth and Raider love does help them to bond and trust each other, it often was their main way to resolve tension and arguments between them. And although they do talk more and learn how to do better at this, lack of communication is at the bottom of most of their misunderstandings.
I understand that their relationship is new and scary for both men, neither really sure how to deal with their feelings, insecurities and being together. But they often react OTT (reminding me a little of hormonal teenagers), even at the slightest ‘off vibe’ from the other man, worrying about being left, self-blame and doubt, and so on, which at times felt strange and ‘not right’.
2. Now the second point is probably on me, but I’m going to say it anyway.
At the end of book 1 Seth and Raider’s relationship is totally blown open, leaving us with a cliffhanger of sorts. I was surprised (but ok with it!) that this is resolved very quickly in the first 10 percent or so, with ILYs to follow.
But then … there are more ILYs, and more and more. Sigh.
I admit, it’s one of my pet hates, but the overuse of the three little words simply felt wrong for these two guys.
3. The plot:
It is fast paced, with Seth and Raider on the run from one villain or another, which was great fun and made good reading. But some things/events/developments are left a little under-explained (for example Raider’s origins), a little higgledy-piggledy (for example the actions and motivations of the empress) or a little illogical.
More could be said and mentioned, but I’ll leave it at that.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed this book all in all, but it feels like it could have been more?
Raider and Seth’s relationship bothered me most, as it seems to develop into borderline co-dependency with bouts of extreme protectiveness, and an overdose of feelings.
Darn.
Darn.
Darn.
I hate to say it (as I really loved the first book), but somehow, this did not live up to my hopes and expectations.
Don’t get me wrong …
.) I still love Seth and Raider
.) I still thoroughly enjoyed the world building
.) there is a lot of great fast paced action here
.) the gradual revelations of Raider’s secrets kept me on my toes
.) there are aplenty of turns and twists
.) and yes, these guys are still burning the sheets at 1000 degrees.
1. Unfortunately, the last point is also the first point of my contention:
For me, there was simply too much sex.
The constant need, insane attraction and urgent desire simply got too much after a while, causing some eye-rolling and skimming on my part (here they go again …) One look, one smile, one wink, one ‘pretty much everything’ gets the other man hot, hard and desperate in milliseconds. God, I’m the last person to complain about a good dose of sizzle, but I don’t think the book needed as much.
While the d/s type power play Seth and Raider love does help them to bond and trust each other, it often was their main way to resolve tension and arguments between them. And although they do talk more and learn how to do better at this, lack of communication is at the bottom of most of their misunderstandings.
I understand that their relationship is new and scary for both men, neither really sure how to deal with their feelings, insecurities and being together. But they often react OTT (reminding me a little of hormonal teenagers), even at the slightest ‘off vibe’ from the other man, worrying about being left, self-blame and doubt, and so on, which at times felt strange and ‘not right’.
2. Now the second point is probably on me, but I’m going to say it anyway.
At the end of book 1 Seth and Raider’s relationship is totally blown open, leaving us with a cliffhanger of sorts. I was surprised (but ok with it!) that this is resolved very quickly in the first 10 percent or so, with ILYs to follow.
But then … there are more ILYs, and more and more. Sigh.
I admit, it’s one of my pet hates, but the overuse of the three little words simply felt wrong for these two guys.
3. The plot:
It is fast paced, with Seth and Raider on the run from one villain or another, which was great fun and made good reading. But some things/events/developments are left a little under-explained (for example Raider’s origins), a little higgledy-piggledy (for example the actions and motivations of the empress) or a little illogical.
More could be said and mentioned, but I’ll leave it at that.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed this book all in all, but it feels like it could have been more?
Raider and Seth’s relationship bothered me most, as it seems to develop into borderline co-dependency with bouts of extreme protectiveness, and an overdose of feelings.
Read
April 16, 2025DNF - I liked book 1 but I don't think I'm ever going to get to book 2. Had this been 1 book and not a duet I would've kept going but sadly that's not the case. The writing was good and I would read other books from this author in future. The worldbuilding and characters were very good but the plot dragged enough that I don't want to commit to book 2.
August 19, 2024
I'm so sad about how this one turned out. This went downhill almost from the beginning. All the problems I had with the first book increased here. The plot is barely there, if you take out all the sexy times of this book, I think you'll be left with barely a hundred pages or so. After a while, I reached a point in which I couldn't concentrate on who was doing what to whom. Really, there's only some ways you can do the same thing.
The plot, when it's there, didn't grab me the same as it did in the first book which it's a shame because the book is full of good ideas but, in my opinion, they aren't fully developed. I was right and It's like the author lost sight of the plot at some point and all the threads that were set in book one got forgotten. In the end, too many things left to the reader imagination that could have been explained if we would have gotten some plot development instead of all those sexy times and that could have made these two books something amazing.
The plot, when it's there, didn't grab me the same as it did in the first book which it's a shame because the book is full of good ideas but, in my opinion, they aren't fully developed. I was right and It's like the author lost sight of the plot at some point and all the threads that were set in book one got forgotten. In the end, too many things left to the reader imagination that could have been explained if we would have gotten some plot development instead of all those sexy times and that could have made these two books something amazing.
August 19, 2024
2.5 stars
After a promising start, this series/duology lost me a little.
While I appreciated that despite the , that also resulted in the story losing its momentum. After that point (which was almost right at the beginning), I kept going trying to recapture the feeling of the first book, but it never happened.
The relationship remained pretty solid even when , which I liked, but the tension wasn’t there anymore and
The plot helped…a little, but it all felt kind of random and just not well thought-out and executed, and it’s such a pity because this story and characters had so much promise. The worldbulding was so good and interesting and there were a lot of good ideas for the plot, on top on a good pair of characters, it just needed to be developed (and edited) better. There were also a couple of things left undefined ( That wouldn’t bother me under other circumstances, or if the author was planning other books, but since she doesn’t have plans for them, even though she isn’t ruling out the possibility, it can only means that this was plotted and planned as a complete story, which means those points are supposed to be left there and it’s just not good enough for me, especially after spending so much page time reading (or skimming, to be more accurate) about repetitive sex that didn’t add anything of importance.
After a promising start, this series/duology lost me a little.
While I appreciated that despite the , that also resulted in the story losing its momentum. After that point (which was almost right at the beginning), I kept going trying to recapture the feeling of the first book, but it never happened.
The relationship remained pretty solid even when , which I liked, but the tension wasn’t there anymore and
The plot helped…a little, but it all felt kind of random and just not well thought-out and executed, and it’s such a pity because this story and characters had so much promise. The worldbulding was so good and interesting and there were a lot of good ideas for the plot, on top on a good pair of characters, it just needed to be developed (and edited) better. There were also a couple of things left undefined ( That wouldn’t bother me under other circumstances, or if the author was planning other books, but since she doesn’t have plans for them, even though she isn’t ruling out the possibility, it can only means that this was plotted and planned as a complete story, which means those points are supposed to be left there and it’s just not good enough for me, especially after spending so much page time reading (or skimming, to be more accurate) about repetitive sex that didn’t add anything of importance.
August 4, 2024
Hmm...I don't know, y'all.
Dude...LITERALLY, I don't KNOW how I feel. This is gonna be a hard one to rate...
Cause here's the thing: Book 1? Fabulous. Amazing. Wouldn't change a word of it. And you would THINK the vibes and energy of Book 1 would flow into Book 2...but they don't, really. SOMETHING is off and I think I'm having trouble pinning it down because it's more than just one thing.
The book starts strong af; right where Silk & Sand left off. And I was even excited because Seth and Raider IMMEDIATELY communicated any and all misunderstandings which was a FUCKIN' RELIEF cause if that carried through the whole book, I would've literally died. But then that conversation seems to just happen over and over and over again throughout the book? As in, they have small disagreements/arguments but talk and come back together. Which, like, DUH, that's the definition of a relationship, but it felt like EVERYTHING ELSE in the book took a back seat to those conversations? And also their make-up sex?
Like even Seth and Raider as characters seemed to take a backseat to all the fucking and crying and FEELINGS.
DO NOT GET ME WRONG, I still love those two with my whole fucking heart and I love a good Soft Dom/Brat Sub sex scene (more than you know) but there were SO MANY OF THEM that it overshadowed everything else. There is a reason why this book is on my "cliterature" shelf and Silk & Sand was not.
Guys. Girls. Gays. If I, Sarah the Smut Slut™, am saying there are too many sex scenes!? That means something.
And where that gets difficult is that all of these scenes are STILL SO SO SOOO GOOD. But the quantity and timing of them all makes for a book that lacks...finesse.
Though, what I'm truly most upset about is Raider (my fav character, obvs). I know that he goes through a lot more because he's confronting his past for most of the book but it made me sad that a lot of his vibrancy and sassiness was lost in this one. Again, after all the trauma he's been through, I can understand some of a difference in behavior and personality but he almost seemed like a different person. Because of that, we hardly get any of the banter and humor between him and Seth that we got in the first book.
Everything outside of their relationship (i.e. the plot lol) was still REALLY good - I liked the things that happened but because of the PACING of those things and how it all became background noise(?), it didn't quite reach the potential that was outlined in Book 1. Things happened fast and the ending, especially, felt SUPERRR rushed.
UGHGH, I'm on the verge of rambling but BASICALLY, if I had to summarize it, Silk & Sand contained and promised a lot of depth that Silver & Gold just didn't quite deliver.
BUT AGAIN, I still very much love these books and these characters which is why I'm so torn between ratings. I might end up changing my rating after letting it settle more but for now...
Rating: 3.5 rounded up to 4!
✧While I received a free e-arc from GRR, all thoughts are my own.✧
Dude...LITERALLY, I don't KNOW how I feel. This is gonna be a hard one to rate...
Cause here's the thing: Book 1? Fabulous. Amazing. Wouldn't change a word of it. And you would THINK the vibes and energy of Book 1 would flow into Book 2...but they don't, really. SOMETHING is off and I think I'm having trouble pinning it down because it's more than just one thing.
The book starts strong af; right where Silk & Sand left off. And I was even excited because Seth and Raider IMMEDIATELY communicated any and all misunderstandings which was a FUCKIN' RELIEF cause if that carried through the whole book, I would've literally died. But then that conversation seems to just happen over and over and over again throughout the book? As in, they have small disagreements/arguments but talk and come back together. Which, like, DUH, that's the definition of a relationship, but it felt like EVERYTHING ELSE in the book took a back seat to those conversations? And also their make-up sex?
Like even Seth and Raider as characters seemed to take a backseat to all the fucking and crying and FEELINGS.
DO NOT GET ME WRONG, I still love those two with my whole fucking heart and I love a good Soft Dom/Brat Sub sex scene (more than you know) but there were SO MANY OF THEM that it overshadowed everything else. There is a reason why this book is on my "cliterature" shelf and Silk & Sand was not.
Guys. Girls. Gays. If I, Sarah the Smut Slut™, am saying there are too many sex scenes!? That means something.
And where that gets difficult is that all of these scenes are STILL SO SO SOOO GOOD. But the quantity and timing of them all makes for a book that lacks...finesse.
Though, what I'm truly most upset about is Raider (my fav character, obvs). I know that he goes through a lot more because he's confronting his past for most of the book but it made me sad that a lot of his vibrancy and sassiness was lost in this one. Again, after all the trauma he's been through, I can understand some of a difference in behavior and personality but he almost seemed like a different person. Because of that, we hardly get any of the banter and humor between him and Seth that we got in the first book.
Everything outside of their relationship (i.e. the plot lol) was still REALLY good - I liked the things that happened but because of the PACING of those things and how it all became background noise(?), it didn't quite reach the potential that was outlined in Book 1. Things happened fast and the ending, especially, felt SUPERRR rushed.
UGHGH, I'm on the verge of rambling but BASICALLY, if I had to summarize it, Silk & Sand contained and promised a lot of depth that Silver & Gold just didn't quite deliver.
BUT AGAIN, I still very much love these books and these characters which is why I'm so torn between ratings. I might end up changing my rating after letting it settle more but for now...
Rating: 3.5 rounded up to 4!
✧While I received a free e-arc from GRR, all thoughts are my own.✧
April 25, 2025
it got a little boring in the middle but overall a 4 star series for me. Seth and raider are the definition of characters that make the book because I don’t even remember the plot but I fell in love with their dynamic so quick 🥰
September 18, 2025
"Raider spun on him and grabbed his utility belt, yanking him close. “You only get to order me around in bed. Do you understand?” Seth’s nostrils flared. His jaw bunched. He was still angry, but now he was also turned on."
I don't have enough good things to say about this divine Seth and Raider duology from Katherine Diane. Book 2 Silver & Gold was everything I'd hoped for and as action-packed as I'd come to expect from this author!
Seth and Raider were just perfect (I don't think I could love Raider any more if I tried) and shout out to the fabulous side characters too. There's still so much scope for more too!
What To Expect:
🖤MM fantasy romance
🖤opposites attract
🖤forced proximity
🖤dark themes
🖤super spicy times
🖤hurt/comfort
🖤fabulous side characters
🖤hate to love
🖤grumpy sunshine
🖤action adventure
🖤HEA
All the stars! 🌟
I don't have enough good things to say about this divine Seth and Raider duology from Katherine Diane. Book 2 Silver & Gold was everything I'd hoped for and as action-packed as I'd come to expect from this author!
Seth and Raider were just perfect (I don't think I could love Raider any more if I tried) and shout out to the fabulous side characters too. There's still so much scope for more too!
What To Expect:
🖤MM fantasy romance
🖤opposites attract
🖤forced proximity
🖤dark themes
🖤super spicy times
🖤hurt/comfort
🖤fabulous side characters
🖤hate to love
🖤grumpy sunshine
🖤action adventure
🖤HEA
All the stars! 🌟
August 9, 2024
3.25⭐
Real talk. This is NOT how I thought this review was going to be. I wanted to love this book. I was (and still am) obsessed with Silk & Sand. And yet Silver & Gold frustrated me, immensely.
There were parts of this book that I could rate like absolute, hands down 5 STARS; there were other parts that not only were mid at best but I think were incredibly detrimental to the book as a whole, which unfortunately were the great majority. Because, when you have a book with such a rich world building, an almost flawless execution of the plot in the previous book that sets everything up for this one, characters who had a fabulous development during the first book with some miscommunication that you address in the first couple of chapters of this book, and then all of a sudden you have such characters have 14 SEPARATE SEX SCENES IN A 39 (short) CHAPTER BOOK, you can not help to feel like the book had an identity issue; it felt like this book didn’t know if it wanted to be just filth or have a plot. And please, do not misunderstand me there is nothing wrong with a book being just filth. We all love those books, and bless the authors who give us exactly that. The issue for me here was that as much as the sex felt like a brilliantly utilized mechanism to connect between two people with secrets and unable to let their defenses go down in book 1, here it felt like a crutch; multiple times in the book it happened that they would start talking, they would talk (or argue) for a couple of pages, then would start having sex, the chapter ended, next chapter started with them somewhere else again having a conversation for a couple of pages, had sex again, repeating this cycle for 2 or 3 chapters in a row, then slowwwwwwwwwwwly moving the plot for 1 or 2 chapters to do it all over again. It felt repetitive, boring, especially because in those 1 or 2 chapters when they were NOT having sex, the plot and everything that was going on was so incredibly fabulous that had me screaming for more (including arcane At-Atish palanquins to traverse the desert and flying on top of giant birds as a means of transportation from one place to another) that I couldn’t help but wonder what an amazing book it could have been. So frustrating.
It was also frustrating how underutilized the other characters felt throughout the book. I WOULD HAVE LOVED to know more about the dorky fugitive arcanist (Julian) and the mischievous ifrit who was devotedly obedient only to him (and called him Jewel-man) and/or have a little bit of more time exploring Empress Zarina’s relationship with Nasrin, their challenges, their joys.
So yeah, not a bad book. Just a deeply frustrating one for me.
[I received an advance review copy from GRR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]
Real talk. This is NOT how I thought this review was going to be. I wanted to love this book. I was (and still am) obsessed with Silk & Sand. And yet Silver & Gold frustrated me, immensely.
There were parts of this book that I could rate like absolute, hands down 5 STARS; there were other parts that not only were mid at best but I think were incredibly detrimental to the book as a whole, which unfortunately were the great majority. Because, when you have a book with such a rich world building, an almost flawless execution of the plot in the previous book that sets everything up for this one, characters who had a fabulous development during the first book with some miscommunication that you address in the first couple of chapters of this book, and then all of a sudden you have such characters have 14 SEPARATE SEX SCENES IN A 39 (short) CHAPTER BOOK, you can not help to feel like the book had an identity issue; it felt like this book didn’t know if it wanted to be just filth or have a plot. And please, do not misunderstand me there is nothing wrong with a book being just filth. We all love those books, and bless the authors who give us exactly that. The issue for me here was that as much as the sex felt like a brilliantly utilized mechanism to connect between two people with secrets and unable to let their defenses go down in book 1, here it felt like a crutch; multiple times in the book it happened that they would start talking, they would talk (or argue) for a couple of pages, then would start having sex, the chapter ended, next chapter started with them somewhere else again having a conversation for a couple of pages, had sex again, repeating this cycle for 2 or 3 chapters in a row, then slowwwwwwwwwwwly moving the plot for 1 or 2 chapters to do it all over again. It felt repetitive, boring, especially because in those 1 or 2 chapters when they were NOT having sex, the plot and everything that was going on was so incredibly fabulous that had me screaming for more (including arcane At-Atish palanquins to traverse the desert and flying on top of giant birds as a means of transportation from one place to another) that I couldn’t help but wonder what an amazing book it could have been. So frustrating.
It was also frustrating how underutilized the other characters felt throughout the book. I WOULD HAVE LOVED to know more about the dorky fugitive arcanist (Julian) and the mischievous ifrit who was devotedly obedient only to him (and called him Jewel-man) and/or have a little bit of more time exploring Empress Zarina’s relationship with Nasrin, their challenges, their joys.
So yeah, not a bad book. Just a deeply frustrating one for me.
[I received an advance review copy from GRR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]
June 13, 2025
Can’t believe I’m saying this but there were too many sex scenes in the second book. Not that sex scenes are bad at all! But these got a bit … repetitive, I guess? And they weren’t all important for forwarding the relationships or the plot. The book was rather long and I ended up a bit bored at times. The plot aspects were interesting and I’m glad to have read it. Would read another if the series continues.
September 30, 2024
This review contains spoilers.
I really wanted to love this book. I read it immediately after I finished the first book, which I was obsessed with. But I was so disappointed with Silver & Gold.
This book was mostly smut. There's nothing wrong with that, but the first book had such rich world-building and compelling plot points that I was expecting more of the same. The plot of Silver & Gold, which had so much potential, took a huge backseat to the smut.
As for the smut itself... it's fraught.
I don't know where to start aside from to point out that the clinical definition of a sex addiction is when thinking about or seeking sex affects a person's ability to carry out other tasks in their daily life. Both men fit the criteria in this book. Furthermore, it's completely unbelievable that they would have both become aroused during Raider's literal psychotic break when he had fully disassociated and had become violent. Unlikely for Raider, inappropriate for Seth. The scene where Seth realizes he needs to get Raider out of the palace was one of my favorite character-driven scenes in this book, but I found it almost inappropriate when he then immediately had sex with him after they left. It was presented as wholly consensual and of course it's fiction, but it took me out of the book completely while I grappled with whether Raider was in a state of mind to consent. Which brings me to my next point.
I love Seth to death for being so thorough about ensuring Raider's full informed consent and safety during each encounter, but for someone so in tune with issues of mental health and sexuality, it was disappointing that it never occurred to him that perhaps having loads of sex is not the best way to cope with trauma or big feelings. Although the author makes an attempt to connect their sexual encounters to some therapeutic purpose - they connect better emotionally after intimacy - and I acknowledge that that can be valid, nobody should be using sex as an emotional crutch to that degree. A person has to have other coping mechanisms that can be employed when sex is not available. I had hoped to see some acknowledgement or growth in this area but there wasn't any.
As a medical professional, I do want to point out that "going in dry" with anal sex is NEVER advisable. Nor would it be pleasurable. That's a great way to get a serious fissure, fistula, or even intestinal perforation.
The sex scenes felt repetitive. There is so much more to a d/s dynamic that they could have explored. I read every single scene without skimming or skipping, but it was just relatively tame "rough" sex every time. Even if the author did not want to explore other layers, the scenes could have been spiced up with more dialogue, more colorful descriptions, or even just using different narrative phrases (if you make a drinking game of every time one of them simply "shouts" during sex, you will die of alcohol poisoning).
I also noticed an inconsistency... at one point it's stated that djinn can't experience things like sex the way humans can. Then in the garden city we are confronted with an orgy where djinn are very obviously having sex - it is stated outright. It was an annoying oversight.
I don't want my entire review to be about the sex scenes, but that was the majority of the book, so I'm afraid I have very little to say about the plot itself. It was very much in the background, despite some very interesting, high-potential themes. I wish more time had been spent on fleshing out the plot, even if it made the book twice as long. The ending felt rushed and it was incredibly disappointing that the big conclusion for the villain that had haunted Raider for a decade was simply Seth abruptly snapping the guy's neck. Honestly, even that I could get behind, if more than two lines had been spent on it.
Other issues I'm not sure how to categorize:
-When Raider is placed in handcuffs by Nasrin, Seth's POV narration mentions that they'd "played with bondage a little before, but it had to be controlled. Raider needed to feel safe." Why was this even stated? There is NO reality where enjoying BDSM in the bedroom would ever translate to being okay with being held hostage and restrained against one's will whilst their life is being threatened. This line kept me up all night wondering if this was just a clunky way of educating readers, or if the author herself truly doesn't understand this aspect of sexuality and BDSM culture.
-Grammatical errors/typos. Everywhere. Even the main villain's name is misspelled at one point. As if this didn't even get a brief glance by an editor.
-Seth calling Raider "baby" all the time felt so out of place and out of character. The setting has such rich culture and diversity, why couldn't we have made up a word to use as a pet name? Seth made an effort to learn some of the Sudai language during the first book, it would have been so sweet for him to have used a Sudai pet name. Then, as Raider's mental health degraded, "baby" came up even more and felt infantilizing.
-Raider became a completely different character as his mental health declined. Some of this can be chalked up to the disorientation that often comes with processing trauma, but it strayed so far from what we knew of him that it felt forced and over-the-top. I would have liked to see him working through some of that and reclaiming himself a bit, coming back to himself. We didn't get any of that. What we got was Seth snapping Kahzir's neck and then Raider is all better a week later. If any actual healing did happen, it was off screen between the copious sex scenes.
And because it bears mentioning, here are the things I did like:
-Seth & Raider sorting out their communication issues early on in the book. Their inability to just talk to each other caused a lot of the conflict in the first book, and I was relieved that wasn't going to be repeated. I also appreciated that it wasn't just an instant fix - there are some things they do still struggle to be open about, especially when they're afraid of getting their heart broken, but it's clear they are working on it continuously.
-The whole scene where Seth gets Raider out of the palace. His decisive actions, the concise orders he gives to Raider when he knows he can't handle complex instructions, the way he told Nasrin in no uncertain terms that they were going to cooperate but would not stay in the palace, it all just felt right.
-The "twist" where Julian wasn't guilty. His character was surprisingly complex and was legitimately in a difficult situation.
-One of the sex scenes in the second half of the book where Seth does a little more "dirty talk." I think it was one of the final spicy scenes but it added some more of the variety I was craving.
I really wanted to love this book. I read it immediately after I finished the first book, which I was obsessed with. But I was so disappointed with Silver & Gold.
This book was mostly smut. There's nothing wrong with that, but the first book had such rich world-building and compelling plot points that I was expecting more of the same. The plot of Silver & Gold, which had so much potential, took a huge backseat to the smut.
As for the smut itself... it's fraught.
I don't know where to start aside from to point out that the clinical definition of a sex addiction is when thinking about or seeking sex affects a person's ability to carry out other tasks in their daily life. Both men fit the criteria in this book. Furthermore, it's completely unbelievable that they would have both become aroused during Raider's literal psychotic break when he had fully disassociated and had become violent. Unlikely for Raider, inappropriate for Seth. The scene where Seth realizes he needs to get Raider out of the palace was one of my favorite character-driven scenes in this book, but I found it almost inappropriate when he then immediately had sex with him after they left. It was presented as wholly consensual and of course it's fiction, but it took me out of the book completely while I grappled with whether Raider was in a state of mind to consent. Which brings me to my next point.
I love Seth to death for being so thorough about ensuring Raider's full informed consent and safety during each encounter, but for someone so in tune with issues of mental health and sexuality, it was disappointing that it never occurred to him that perhaps having loads of sex is not the best way to cope with trauma or big feelings. Although the author makes an attempt to connect their sexual encounters to some therapeutic purpose - they connect better emotionally after intimacy - and I acknowledge that that can be valid, nobody should be using sex as an emotional crutch to that degree. A person has to have other coping mechanisms that can be employed when sex is not available. I had hoped to see some acknowledgement or growth in this area but there wasn't any.
As a medical professional, I do want to point out that "going in dry" with anal sex is NEVER advisable. Nor would it be pleasurable. That's a great way to get a serious fissure, fistula, or even intestinal perforation.
The sex scenes felt repetitive. There is so much more to a d/s dynamic that they could have explored. I read every single scene without skimming or skipping, but it was just relatively tame "rough" sex every time. Even if the author did not want to explore other layers, the scenes could have been spiced up with more dialogue, more colorful descriptions, or even just using different narrative phrases (if you make a drinking game of every time one of them simply "shouts" during sex, you will die of alcohol poisoning).
I also noticed an inconsistency... at one point it's stated that djinn can't experience things like sex the way humans can. Then in the garden city we are confronted with an orgy where djinn are very obviously having sex - it is stated outright. It was an annoying oversight.
I don't want my entire review to be about the sex scenes, but that was the majority of the book, so I'm afraid I have very little to say about the plot itself. It was very much in the background, despite some very interesting, high-potential themes. I wish more time had been spent on fleshing out the plot, even if it made the book twice as long. The ending felt rushed and it was incredibly disappointing that the big conclusion for the villain that had haunted Raider for a decade was simply Seth abruptly snapping the guy's neck. Honestly, even that I could get behind, if more than two lines had been spent on it.
Other issues I'm not sure how to categorize:
-When Raider is placed in handcuffs by Nasrin, Seth's POV narration mentions that they'd "played with bondage a little before, but it had to be controlled. Raider needed to feel safe." Why was this even stated? There is NO reality where enjoying BDSM in the bedroom would ever translate to being okay with being held hostage and restrained against one's will whilst their life is being threatened. This line kept me up all night wondering if this was just a clunky way of educating readers, or if the author herself truly doesn't understand this aspect of sexuality and BDSM culture.
-Grammatical errors/typos. Everywhere. Even the main villain's name is misspelled at one point. As if this didn't even get a brief glance by an editor.
-Seth calling Raider "baby" all the time felt so out of place and out of character. The setting has such rich culture and diversity, why couldn't we have made up a word to use as a pet name? Seth made an effort to learn some of the Sudai language during the first book, it would have been so sweet for him to have used a Sudai pet name. Then, as Raider's mental health degraded, "baby" came up even more and felt infantilizing.
-Raider became a completely different character as his mental health declined. Some of this can be chalked up to the disorientation that often comes with processing trauma, but it strayed so far from what we knew of him that it felt forced and over-the-top. I would have liked to see him working through some of that and reclaiming himself a bit, coming back to himself. We didn't get any of that. What we got was Seth snapping Kahzir's neck and then Raider is all better a week later. If any actual healing did happen, it was off screen between the copious sex scenes.
And because it bears mentioning, here are the things I did like:
-Seth & Raider sorting out their communication issues early on in the book. Their inability to just talk to each other caused a lot of the conflict in the first book, and I was relieved that wasn't going to be repeated. I also appreciated that it wasn't just an instant fix - there are some things they do still struggle to be open about, especially when they're afraid of getting their heart broken, but it's clear they are working on it continuously.
-The whole scene where Seth gets Raider out of the palace. His decisive actions, the concise orders he gives to Raider when he knows he can't handle complex instructions, the way he told Nasrin in no uncertain terms that they were going to cooperate but would not stay in the palace, it all just felt right.
-The "twist" where Julian wasn't guilty. His character was surprisingly complex and was legitimately in a difficult situation.
-One of the sex scenes in the second half of the book where Seth does a little more "dirty talk." I think it was one of the final spicy scenes but it added some more of the variety I was craving.
September 29, 2024
~ ranting: 4 ☆
~ spice: 4 🌶
Silver & Gold is the conclusion of the Seth & Raider duet. It picks up right after the first book ends. Even tho this book wasn't as good as the first one, Seth and Raider will be in my heart forever. Their love definitely conquered all.
I totally recommend this duet if you're looking for a crazy desert adventure full of sexy scenes with a grumpy mmc x sunshine mmc.
I think this quote sums pretty much everything:
“My eyes are open,” Seth told him, “and I’m not closing them again. I see you. As you are. Kind. Giving. Self-sacrificing to a fucking fault. So damn beautiful in so many ways that sometimes I can’t breathe when I look at you. My heart is given, and I’m never taking it back. I love you. I love your laugh and your smile and all your outrageous charm. I love how you see things. I love how you do things. I love how much shit you give me all the time. I love being with you. I love you. My mind is made up, and I’m not changing it. I choose you. I am with you. I belong to you, and you fucking belong to me—until you say silver.”
~ spice: 4 🌶
Silver & Gold is the conclusion of the Seth & Raider duet. It picks up right after the first book ends. Even tho this book wasn't as good as the first one, Seth and Raider will be in my heart forever. Their love definitely conquered all.
I totally recommend this duet if you're looking for a crazy desert adventure full of sexy scenes with a grumpy mmc x sunshine mmc.
I think this quote sums pretty much everything:
“My eyes are open,” Seth told him, “and I’m not closing them again. I see you. As you are. Kind. Giving. Self-sacrificing to a fucking fault. So damn beautiful in so many ways that sometimes I can’t breathe when I look at you. My heart is given, and I’m never taking it back. I love you. I love your laugh and your smile and all your outrageous charm. I love how you see things. I love how you do things. I love how much shit you give me all the time. I love being with you. I love you. My mind is made up, and I’m not changing it. I choose you. I am with you. I belong to you, and you fucking belong to me—until you say silver.”
July 18, 2024
This was one of those books I just did not want to finish and now that I have I'm SO SAD 😭😭 there is a hole in my life knowing there won't be any more Seth and Raider.
Starts off with incredible communication. Don't you just love MCs who say exactly what they're feeling and what happened and then everyone can figure out if they're actually mad at each other? Well I do, and this book is full of it. Every time something happens Seth and Raider have these incredible conversations where they come away from it knowing more about each other. It makes their relationship feel so deep and authentic.
It's a great book if you want an exciting and tension filled story with a rock solid romance and all the drama happening to everything but the relationship staying firmly in the 'i love you' territory
And like, extremely romantic steamy scenes? While also being insanely spicy? Idk just all round perfection. And that's coming from an asexual so. You know I mean it.
In case it wasn't clear I really loved this duology. The plot was exciting and very vivid, the side characters were well written and had substance, and the romance was complete and utter excellence. I don't know what I will do without more of these two in my life, but I will definitely be eager to read whatever this author decides to write next.
Starts off with incredible communication. Don't you just love MCs who say exactly what they're feeling and what happened and then everyone can figure out if they're actually mad at each other? Well I do, and this book is full of it. Every time something happens Seth and Raider have these incredible conversations where they come away from it knowing more about each other. It makes their relationship feel so deep and authentic.
It's a great book if you want an exciting and tension filled story with a rock solid romance and all the drama happening to everything but the relationship staying firmly in the 'i love you' territory
And like, extremely romantic steamy scenes? While also being insanely spicy? Idk just all round perfection. And that's coming from an asexual so. You know I mean it.
In case it wasn't clear I really loved this duology. The plot was exciting and very vivid, the side characters were well written and had substance, and the romance was complete and utter excellence. I don't know what I will do without more of these two in my life, but I will definitely be eager to read whatever this author decides to write next.
January 28, 2026
A good sequel, full of intrigue and action, and a deeper exploration of Raider's past, which was definitely needed given the bombshell dropped at the end of book one. Like that book, though, there are a few too many sex scenes that don't advance the story much (some of them do, not all) but the intensity and strength of the love between Seth and Raider does come through strongly.
Casey Jones is a terrific narrator - I need to check out more of his work.
Casey Jones is a terrific narrator - I need to check out more of his work.
November 3, 2025
Solid Fantasy
The biggest issue with this duology was how these two refrained from actually SPEAKING to each other. Lol
Aside that, it was pretty solid.
The biggest issue with this duology was how these two refrained from actually SPEAKING to each other. Lol
Aside that, it was pretty solid.
Read
August 9, 2024DNF 14% - no rating
I had been looking forward to this one, but right out of the gate I'm a bit annoyed with Seth, especially, and that ILY's have already been exchanged. There was almost no relationship development in the first book and since book 2 picked up right where book 1 left off, I was hoping we'd see some here. Instead, we get ILY's, lots of sex, and a whole lot of going in circles.
Just isn't working for me.
I had been looking forward to this one, but right out of the gate I'm a bit annoyed with Seth, especially, and that ILY's have already been exchanged. There was almost no relationship development in the first book and since book 2 picked up right where book 1 left off, I was hoping we'd see some here. Instead, we get ILY's, lots of sex, and a whole lot of going in circles.
Just isn't working for me.
April 20, 2025
4.25 stars!
Silver and Gold is a continuation of Raider and Seth’s beautiful love story.
Am I in a huge book hangover? You bet.
While this one lost some of the tension I loved from book one, it made up for it with Raider and Seth developing as a couple in a new way. It was more lovey dovey and intimate. The action, the fantasy and the world building were fantastic and I didn’t want it to end. I did feel like the story itself wrapped up and ended quickly but the moving parts in here were quite intricate.
Seth was still the growly dominant and Raider lost some of his mystery as his past unfolded but these two knew, above all else, they would always choose each other. Even when things got hard.
There was a lot to unpack in regard to trauma and feeling less than but I really loved Raider and Seth’s journey. And the heat between them?! Scorching.
Full of steam and lots of adventure and twists and turns I just really loved this fantasy romance.
Silver and Gold is a continuation of Raider and Seth’s beautiful love story.
Am I in a huge book hangover? You bet.
While this one lost some of the tension I loved from book one, it made up for it with Raider and Seth developing as a couple in a new way. It was more lovey dovey and intimate. The action, the fantasy and the world building were fantastic and I didn’t want it to end. I did feel like the story itself wrapped up and ended quickly but the moving parts in here were quite intricate.
Seth was still the growly dominant and Raider lost some of his mystery as his past unfolded but these two knew, above all else, they would always choose each other. Even when things got hard.
“My eyes are open,” Seth told him, “and I’m not closing them again. I see you. As you are. Kind. Giving. Self-sacrificing to a fucking fault. So damn beautiful in so many ways that sometimes I can’t breathe when I look at you. My heart is given, and I’m never taking it back. I love you. I love your laugh and your smile and all your outrageous charm. I love how you see things. I love how you do things. I love how much shit you give me all the time. I love being with you. I love you. My mind is made up, and I’m not changing it. I choose you. I am with you. I belong to you, and you fucking belong to me—until you say silver.”
There was a lot to unpack in regard to trauma and feeling less than but I really loved Raider and Seth’s journey. And the heat between them?! Scorching.
“Do you have any idea how much I think about this perfect hole? Do you have any idea what it feels like? The way it stretches to take me. The way it clenches around me. Fuck, baby, I’m dripping for you. Are you dripping for me?”
Full of steam and lots of adventure and twists and turns I just really loved this fantasy romance.
August 24, 2024
We pick up exactly where we left off in book 1, and then we plunge straight into some crazy adventure as Seth and Raider go on the lam. Certain parts of this book were 100/10 for me - I loved the trekking across the desert, I loved the inclusion of djinn as a plot point, I loved the arcane/steampunk/Arabian nights vibe. It was just so evocative and fun. Like, I had so much fun with the story and plot. If the author wants to write any more books in this universe, I wouldn't be mad.
What was a major detractor for me was, surprisingly, the relationship between our MCs. Yes, it was still smoking hot, and there is loads of sex in this book, but these two spend maybe 60% of the book misunderstanding each other and bickering and placating. The events at the end of book 1, and then some things that happen very early in this book, brings up a lot of trauma for Raider, and triggers him in a way that makes him difficult to be around. Seth is frustrated and confused and scared for him, and neither of these men know how to handle their feelings. So it's a lot of fucking and fighting, and I was little over it, to be honest. They took waaaay too long to get their shit together, and continued to keep important things from each other for almost the whole book. In some ways, it felt like a realistic portrayal of a new relationship between 2 emotionally stoic men put under unbelievable pressure. But honestly, it was kind of a bummer at times. Enough to steal 1 star, at least.
That said, this has still been an awesome read with some really memorable settings and characters. I will 100% be on the lookout for any other books in this setting, because it's actually just too good to go to waste.
What was a major detractor for me was, surprisingly, the relationship between our MCs. Yes, it was still smoking hot, and there is loads of sex in this book, but these two spend maybe 60% of the book misunderstanding each other and bickering and placating. The events at the end of book 1, and then some things that happen very early in this book, brings up a lot of trauma for Raider, and triggers him in a way that makes him difficult to be around. Seth is frustrated and confused and scared for him, and neither of these men know how to handle their feelings. So it's a lot of fucking and fighting, and I was little over it, to be honest. They took waaaay too long to get their shit together, and continued to keep important things from each other for almost the whole book. In some ways, it felt like a realistic portrayal of a new relationship between 2 emotionally stoic men put under unbelievable pressure. But honestly, it was kind of a bummer at times. Enough to steal 1 star, at least.
That said, this has still been an awesome read with some really memorable settings and characters. I will 100% be on the lookout for any other books in this setting, because it's actually just too good to go to waste.
September 16, 2024
This book felt completely different from the first. It wasn’t as purposeful with the plot. Most of the action happened in the last 20 pages, and the rest felt like I was just drifting from scene to scene. I don’t usually say this, but there was too much sex. It felt like a placeholder for plot and held the story back in my opinion. The whole book felt underdeveloped and left me with questions.
January 26, 2025
2.5 stars.
Here is what happens: They keep things from each other, they argue, they call each other baby, say how much they love each, they have tons of sex. Rinse repeat for 300 pages.
I am disappointed since I did enjoy the first book as it was such an easy read.
Here is what happens: They keep things from each other, they argue, they call each other baby, say how much they love each, they have tons of sex. Rinse repeat for 300 pages.
I am disappointed since I did enjoy the first book as it was such an easy read.
September 29, 2025
I liked this way less than the first book, realistically, 3.5 stars, because I’m damn disappointed.
First point: questionable decision to drop “I love you” in the very first chapter. Let’s be real: there wasn’t much relationship development in the first book, and since this one picked up right where the first left off… what do you mean? I needed some buildup, give me more.
Second point: look, I enjoy some spice as much as the next reader, but good lord, this was a lot. Yes, I get it, sex is their comfort zone, and physical stuff is easier than talking, but come on. There are other ways to show intimacy. After a while, it just felt repetitive. At one point there were back-to-back (yet separate) spice scenes, like the weirdest déjà vu. The plot-to-spice ratio? Way off.
And don’t even get me started on the lack of prep. I know it’s all about dominance, play, blah blah,
but there are so many ways to make that work without skipping the basics.
To be fair, there were some cool ideas and plot points sprinkled in here… they just never lived up to their potential. And that ending?I was actually shocked at how fast it wrapped up. Blink and you’ll miss it.
So no, this wasn’t a bad book, I did enjoy parts of it. But it could’ve been so much more, and I can’t help feeling a little cheated.
First point: questionable decision to drop “I love you” in the very first chapter. Let’s be real: there wasn’t much relationship development in the first book, and since this one picked up right where the first left off… what do you mean? I needed some buildup, give me more.
Second point: look, I enjoy some spice as much as the next reader, but good lord, this was a lot. Yes, I get it, sex is their comfort zone, and physical stuff is easier than talking, but come on. There are other ways to show intimacy. After a while, it just felt repetitive. At one point there were back-to-back (yet separate) spice scenes, like the weirdest déjà vu. The plot-to-spice ratio? Way off.
And don’t even get me started on the lack of prep. I know it’s all about dominance, play, blah blah,
but there are so many ways to make that work without skipping the basics.
To be fair, there were some cool ideas and plot points sprinkled in here… they just never lived up to their potential. And that ending?I was actually shocked at how fast it wrapped up. Blink and you’ll miss it.
So no, this wasn’t a bad book, I did enjoy parts of it. But it could’ve been so much more, and I can’t help feeling a little cheated.
July 31, 2024
I loved the first book and I adored the second! What a great read.I suppose that Raider might be my all time favorite character.In this book we learn so much about him and his traumatic past..it was devastating. Knowing what happened to him makes his growth so meaningful. His love of life and beauty and expressing himself. Love him! Seth was like a rock.That man did everything to support Raider, chose pretty quickly what and how to do.Determent and brave, love him too.This second book was so action packed, everything moved at a fast pace.I have an issue, well not quite cuz they left thing at the right place, buy I feel it wasn't an ending at all. There was also that horrible villain said that he put Seth on the path for Raider, but that wasn't explained properly. I want to know more about Jullian, I need another book. So hopefully will have one, fingers crossed. But thats it amazing read 5 stars indeed
August 24, 2024
I'm disappointed to say that the second part of this duology (not sure there's more) did not live up to expectations.
Why?
While I liked the fact that misunderstandings got resolved very quickly in the beginning of the book. The push and pull tension and subtlety in the first book was absent from this one. There's LOTS of "I love you!"s and "baby"s. Like LOTS. And what I praised about the first book - men being men - is not really true of the second book. They started talking like "women."
The sex got repetitive and boring. Nothing new, nothing intriguing, I skipped most of it whenever it came on page.
The only thing left reading for is the story building, which was fine. But then the ending seemed kinda abrupt. And not necessarily tied off in a satisfying way. It seems like they might go off on another adventure, so maybe there's book 3.
Not sure I'd read it, but since it's on KU, maybe. Please stop with the endless I love Yous and Babys... ugh.
Why?
While I liked the fact that misunderstandings got resolved very quickly in the beginning of the book. The push and pull tension and subtlety in the first book was absent from this one. There's LOTS of "I love you!"s and "baby"s. Like LOTS. And what I praised about the first book - men being men - is not really true of the second book. They started talking like "women."
The sex got repetitive and boring. Nothing new, nothing intriguing, I skipped most of it whenever it came on page.
The only thing left reading for is the story building, which was fine. But then the ending seemed kinda abrupt. And not necessarily tied off in a satisfying way. It seems like they might go off on another adventure, so maybe there's book 3.
Not sure I'd read it, but since it's on KU, maybe. Please stop with the endless I love Yous and Babys... ugh.
February 8, 2025
4.5 | I really love the world building and magic and lore thats in this series! It's so intriguing and I want more haha. I adore Seth and Raider--the development they go through across the two books is so good and reliant in a way? They're so steadfast in who they are despite going through changes and there's this underlying surety as a reader that like, no matter what comes their way they'll be okay. They're relationship is also just full of greenflags I love them. Action scenes (in both the combat way and bedroom way) are soooo good! I don't recall anything that really ever threw me for a loop or took me out of the universe or gave me the ick. Only taking off half a star bc I felt some of the pacing in the last bit of the second book's conflict felt a smidge rushed but totally not a deal breaker imo. Anyway, I enjoyed this book a lot, read it!
August 1, 2024
Oh yes. That is what I am talking about.
The first book was a great story and ended on a cliffhanger, so I was really biting my nails waiting for this one.
And it was a great read.
I loved how their relationship grows into.the focus point of this book.
There is a lot going on and there is a lot if action, but their feelings for each other are always on the forefront.
Yes, they need time to find their groove and find their happily ever after, but they are great together.
I would really REALLY LOVE a third book with these two.
Clear recommendation for this series, but please be aware that the books have to be read in order
The first book was a great story and ended on a cliffhanger, so I was really biting my nails waiting for this one.
And it was a great read.
I loved how their relationship grows into.the focus point of this book.
There is a lot going on and there is a lot if action, but their feelings for each other are always on the forefront.
Yes, they need time to find their groove and find their happily ever after, but they are great together.
I would really REALLY LOVE a third book with these two.
Clear recommendation for this series, but please be aware that the books have to be read in order
August 18, 2024
Warned by a friend's review, I read this with no expectations. And yet, I am still bailing at 45%.
There are some weak choices in the ending of some scenes. The first third sometimes felt like a patchwork, like the author was following the outline but not doing all the work to build a whole. It feels like stitched-together pieces. Finally, I skipped ahead chapter by chapter, but saw nothing interesting enough to keep me reading. Too much fighting or travel. Not enough partnership. Not a lot of trust.
This was not the conclusion I was hoping for.
There are some weak choices in the ending of some scenes. The first third sometimes felt like a patchwork, like the author was following the outline but not doing all the work to build a whole. It feels like stitched-together pieces. Finally, I skipped ahead chapter by chapter, but saw nothing interesting enough to keep me reading. Too much fighting or travel. Not enough partnership. Not a lot of trust.
This was not the conclusion I was hoping for.
August 9, 2024
4.5 Stars
Katherine if you are reading this, please give us a Julian book. He is precious and must be protected.
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This was a nice ending to the series. LOTS of smut amongst the questions being answered. It was slow at times but overall enjoyable!
I think it’s neat that Katherine illustrated the book covers, and I look forward to future books.
Smut: 4-5/5
Angst: 3/5
Katherine if you are reading this, please give us a Julian book. He is precious and must be protected.
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This was a nice ending to the series. LOTS of smut amongst the questions being answered. It was slow at times but overall enjoyable!
I think it’s neat that Katherine illustrated the book covers, and I look forward to future books.
Smut: 4-5/5
Angst: 3/5
December 27, 2024
A little too much sex
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