What do you think?
Rate this book
Gold #2
Brighter Than Gold
When the palace grounds are deemed unsafe, the King sends Reyah away for her own protection, but the unthinkable happens when her group is taken captive. Forced to form an unlikely alliance with a former enemy, the pair rely on each other to get out unscathed. When tragedy strikes yet again, Reyah’s world begins to spiral as she watches the life shaped to be her future, begin to crumble before her. Now the secrets she once guarded so dearly seem irrelevant, and to absolve her guilty conscious, she confides in her new confidant. Reyah knows her admission will cause a ripple through the entire Realm, but the die has been cast, and she must now face the consequences of the secrets she’s been keeping.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2022
57 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
November 8, 2022
Note: 18+ If you cannot handle the harsh reality of today’s world, or the peculiar tastes of the bondage community, this book is not for you. My cup of tea may not be your cup of tea.
Finishing Thicker Than Gold, and immediately able to move on to Brighter Than Gold, was heavenly. This is Book 2 of the Gold Trilogy by indie author June Harding. Reyah’s character started below common status and ended up spreading her wings unintentionally. As her MC grows, we learn why she chose to stay out of the limelight. After finding out she’s carrying the future heir to the throne, Reyah faces a series of tragic events. The steamy romance made me feel like I just rolled out of the bed with the author – nonetheless, the brutality of others make you realize how fragile women can really be.
There’s a crack of light in the shadows when it comes to her past and I’m eager to see more. In Brighter Than Gold, you learn more of who she is and where she’s from. True love being her true discovery in self-growth. Making decisions harder when it comes to her husband, and her people. Her People. Be open minded with that statement.
Multi point of view – as the male characters are introduced the plot gets hotter. A… tasteful amount of “hot”. By the end of its predecessor, I found myself needing more Callan and the author delivered beautifully! I’m almost ashamed of myself. I’ve been trying to find this character for a while now – fulfilling my imaginary needs. And he’s all mine! Oh, and the Lady’s Maids!? I must stop… I can’t give away too much.
I will say, I was not keeping up where I was on my Kindle The ending slammed into me like the map slapping me in the face. I had to restrain myself from throwing my Kindle across the room. Do yourself a favor and pick up this luscious dark romance and get ready for the ride.
Finishing Thicker Than Gold, and immediately able to move on to Brighter Than Gold, was heavenly. This is Book 2 of the Gold Trilogy by indie author June Harding. Reyah’s character started below common status and ended up spreading her wings unintentionally. As her MC grows, we learn why she chose to stay out of the limelight. After finding out she’s carrying the future heir to the throne, Reyah faces a series of tragic events. The steamy romance made me feel like I just rolled out of the bed with the author – nonetheless, the brutality of others make you realize how fragile women can really be.
There’s a crack of light in the shadows when it comes to her past and I’m eager to see more. In Brighter Than Gold, you learn more of who she is and where she’s from. True love being her true discovery in self-growth. Making decisions harder when it comes to her husband, and her people. Her People. Be open minded with that statement.
Multi point of view – as the male characters are introduced the plot gets hotter. A… tasteful amount of “hot”. By the end of its predecessor, I found myself needing more Callan and the author delivered beautifully! I’m almost ashamed of myself. I’ve been trying to find this character for a while now – fulfilling my imaginary needs. And he’s all mine! Oh, and the Lady’s Maids!? I must stop… I can’t give away too much.
I will say, I was not keeping up where I was on my Kindle The ending slammed into me like the map slapping me in the face. I had to restrain myself from throwing my Kindle across the room. Do yourself a favor and pick up this luscious dark romance and get ready for the ride.
February 18, 2025
“Do you know what a predator does when they catch their prey, Reyah?”
Idk why but I just can’t put these books down.
They even have a couple tropes that I typically refuse to read, but here we are. Onto book 3 🫡
*This one was much darker than book 1, so check the TW!!
Idk why but I just can’t put these books down.
They even have a couple tropes that I typically refuse to read, but here we are. Onto book 3 🫡
*This one was much darker than book 1, so check the TW!!
November 11, 2022
This was such a great sequel! I had the honor of ARC reading this and I am so, so glad I was able to!
This story was emotional, dirty and gripping. I don’t think there was a single point where I wanted to put it down until I was finished!
Please be sure to check trigger warnings. This is an adult book with fairly intense scenes, so read at your own discretion.
This story was emotional, dirty and gripping. I don’t think there was a single point where I wanted to put it down until I was finished!
Please be sure to check trigger warnings. This is an adult book with fairly intense scenes, so read at your own discretion.
March 2, 2025
I did not sleep. I could not stop reading, I fought with my husband because he asked for attention, while I was invested in reading this book. It was as riveting.
May 16, 2023
Very lovely serie
November 19, 2022
SHOUTOUT TO JUNE!!
The summary for book 1- there is one! 2- This is a game changer and I can’t express how happy it make me that she included it!
Ok so the book- it’s much darker than book 1. So know that going in, she does have a TW page. With that being said- i loved it BECAUSE it was darker. It fit my preferences more. Now, not everyone may feel that way but I did lol!
I’ve seen other people mention it in their reviews so I’ll mention it too, both book 1 & 2 include tropes that are no usually well received/popular but someone June pulls them off seamlessly.
Book 2 takes some unexpected twists & turns and keep you on the edge of you seat the whole time. I can’t wait to see what book 3 brings!
5 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️
The summary for book 1- there is one! 2- This is a game changer and I can’t express how happy it make me that she included it!
Ok so the book- it’s much darker than book 1. So know that going in, she does have a TW page. With that being said- i loved it BECAUSE it was darker. It fit my preferences more. Now, not everyone may feel that way but I did lol!
I’ve seen other people mention it in their reviews so I’ll mention it too, both book 1 & 2 include tropes that are no usually well received/popular but someone June pulls them off seamlessly.
Book 2 takes some unexpected twists & turns and keep you on the edge of you seat the whole time. I can’t wait to see what book 3 brings!
5 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️
December 17, 2025
I almost didn’t read this because I wasn’t a huge fan of the first one but omg. The love story in this book is so beautiful 😭. I might have a new fave MMC. Read it in a day.
November 7, 2022
I was not expecting the story to start the way it did. My heart was in my throat the whole time. We find out partly what Reyah’s secret is but have to wait till the final book to get the rest. The love story is bittersweet and I’m anxiously hoping for a happy outcome. The final quarter of the book was spice heavy and I got slightly frustrated because I wanted to get more into the conflict. It feels like the final book will be quite dense, there are a fair few things that will need to be tied up (no pun intended). I can’t wait to see how it all comes together.
November 6, 2022
3.5 stars ⭐️
This was not as good as the first one
HOWEVER i did enjoy the first half/ 3/4, when Reyah was just with Callan
I truly enjoyed their story and kind of wished that it either stopped when they came back or their relationship was further explored back at the palace
I also wished that Reyah would tell Kaspian about her and Callan
I didn’t like the ending at all really, towards the end i wasn’t liking Kaspian and Reyah so i think to have the ending be a scene with them, i didn’t like it
AND i didn’t like how just because they had a scene together, all of a sudden she’s going to go, i understand that at the end she says that she’s scared but there is obviously a reason that she didn’t want to go and i think Kaspian kind of manipulated his power in the relationship, although he didn’t force her to change her mind, he also didn’t respect her decision (which he should have)
So yeah, overall i think this book was okay, i genuinely thought it was going to be 5 stars around half way through but the ending kind of ruined it for me
IT MAY NOT HAVE FOR YOU so definitely give it a go if you’d like to but i think if a character does something that i don’t like, i don’t like them for the rest of the book and i think that happened here
This was not as good as the first one
HOWEVER i did enjoy the first half/ 3/4, when Reyah was just with Callan
I truly enjoyed their story and kind of wished that it either stopped when they came back or their relationship was further explored back at the palace
I also wished that Reyah would tell Kaspian about her and Callan
I didn’t like the ending at all really, towards the end i wasn’t liking Kaspian and Reyah so i think to have the ending be a scene with them, i didn’t like it
AND i didn’t like how just because they had a scene together, all of a sudden she’s going to go, i understand that at the end she says that she’s scared but there is obviously a reason that she didn’t want to go and i think Kaspian kind of manipulated his power in the relationship, although he didn’t force her to change her mind, he also didn’t respect her decision (which he should have)
So yeah, overall i think this book was okay, i genuinely thought it was going to be 5 stars around half way through but the ending kind of ruined it for me
IT MAY NOT HAVE FOR YOU so definitely give it a go if you’d like to but i think if a character does something that i don’t like, i don’t like them for the rest of the book and i think that happened here
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2022
WOOF 😅
Okay, so fair warning - this book is much darker than it’s predecessor, however, it’s really only one small arc that is difficult, so as long as you read TW, and know what to expect, it’s not excessive or super lengthy.
NOW, this book was a dreeeeaaaammm. At the beginning of…what happens…I was like “no, I hate this trope. You cannot make me like this.” By the end? Smitten kitten. FINE, JUNE YOU MADE ME LIKE TWO TROPES I HATE THANKS.
The spice is fantastic, the story, wonderful. All my favorites made an appearance, (when am I going to get a full length spicy Yates novel, eh?) and it ended right at a place where now I get to grumpily wait until book three.
TLDR - hot, clever, wonderful.
Okay, so fair warning - this book is much darker than it’s predecessor, however, it’s really only one small arc that is difficult, so as long as you read TW, and know what to expect, it’s not excessive or super lengthy.
NOW, this book was a dreeeeaaaammm. At the beginning of…what happens…I was like “no, I hate this trope. You cannot make me like this.” By the end? Smitten kitten. FINE, JUNE YOU MADE ME LIKE TWO TROPES I HATE THANKS.
The spice is fantastic, the story, wonderful. All my favorites made an appearance, (when am I going to get a full length spicy Yates novel, eh?) and it ended right at a place where now I get to grumpily wait until book three.
TLDR - hot, clever, wonderful.
November 11, 2022
Wow, I don't even know where to start with this one!
Firstly the emotions I felt for and towards the characters were something else! I was crying, laughing, getting giddy, aww-ing, shouting and getting frustrated! It was one whirlwind of a ride through the highs and lows of the storyline.
Secondly the character development within this book was perfect! Reyah really gets center stage and the opportunity to freely be herself, this then helped me to bond and feel for her as she progressed through the story. And god! She went through a lot!
This book was eventful and managed to persuade me to love a character I originally didn't like, then a character I did like I'm now not too sure about! This is presented fluidly through the story's twists and turns.
Woven within the story are scenes of spice and yet again June presents it in a hot, sexy and tension filled way, that had me fanning myself as I read. The chemistry between the two more focused characters was hot and heavy, then when they finally gave in to each other it was spicy.
Lastly this book sets it up perfectly for the next installment and from the way it ending! It's going to be one hell of a ride.
Again I would recommend this book to anyone wishing to escape reality within the fantasy world of Arronbach.
Firstly the emotions I felt for and towards the characters were something else! I was crying, laughing, getting giddy, aww-ing, shouting and getting frustrated! It was one whirlwind of a ride through the highs and lows of the storyline.
Secondly the character development within this book was perfect! Reyah really gets center stage and the opportunity to freely be herself, this then helped me to bond and feel for her as she progressed through the story. And god! She went through a lot!
This book was eventful and managed to persuade me to love a character I originally didn't like, then a character I did like I'm now not too sure about! This is presented fluidly through the story's twists and turns.
Woven within the story are scenes of spice and yet again June presents it in a hot, sexy and tension filled way, that had me fanning myself as I read. The chemistry between the two more focused characters was hot and heavy, then when they finally gave in to each other it was spicy.
Lastly this book sets it up perfectly for the next installment and from the way it ending! It's going to be one hell of a ride.
Again I would recommend this book to anyone wishing to escape reality within the fantasy world of Arronbach.
November 15, 2022
I received this book as ARC from the author June Harding and the book is to be released later this month.
This book 📖 is a sequel to part 1 and are intended to be read together so you can understand the second one
Again total respect for the author for mentioning the trigger warnings for the first page (although a certain trigger warning I felt might have burnt a tiny bit of the story but gladly proved wrong, however another trigger warning did do so but also I expected that turn of events)
Also thanks for the map and the family trees
But again there was some spelling mistakes, typos and grammatical errors. Nothing a good proofreader/ editor can’t fix it
Callan.. totally loved him. A gentleman. My heart ached for him. I need Callan to win.
Reyah.. actually needed more strength from her. I needed to se her soar to be the Queen she is meant to be, when her truth was revealed I expected before hand that the North would be introduced with their ruling system and ppl. Some chapters in parallel timeline with their povs, then when Reyah’s truth was out it would have that dramatic effect.
It was a dramatic truth but didn’t deliver the punchline
Kaspian hate him majorly but also feel that Reyah’s compliance is giving him mixed signals or maybe he is just deluded.
The spiciness level is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, June you know your stuff and its diversity is on point
Concerning the story I needed a cliffhanger scene
I hate cliffhangers, not hate hate but cliffhangers always make me want to know what will happen and give you that urge and I needed the last scene to be like that. There was a cliffhanger but not as strong as I wanted.
Some characters are still flat and need to be more 3D (the queens, the princesses)
I think the story has so much potential and the book could be bigger without being stretched thin.
Overall a fast and enjoyable sexy read
This book 📖 is a sequel to part 1 and are intended to be read together so you can understand the second one
Again total respect for the author for mentioning the trigger warnings for the first page (although a certain trigger warning I felt might have burnt a tiny bit of the story but gladly proved wrong, however another trigger warning did do so but also I expected that turn of events)
Also thanks for the map and the family trees
But again there was some spelling mistakes, typos and grammatical errors. Nothing a good proofreader/ editor can’t fix it
Callan.. totally loved him. A gentleman. My heart ached for him. I need Callan to win.
Reyah.. actually needed more strength from her. I needed to se her soar to be the Queen she is meant to be, when her truth was revealed I expected before hand that the North would be introduced with their ruling system and ppl. Some chapters in parallel timeline with their povs, then when Reyah’s truth was out it would have that dramatic effect.
It was a dramatic truth but didn’t deliver the punchline
Kaspian hate him majorly but also feel that Reyah’s compliance is giving him mixed signals or maybe he is just deluded.
The spiciness level is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, June you know your stuff and its diversity is on point
Concerning the story I needed a cliffhanger scene
I hate cliffhangers, not hate hate but cliffhangers always make me want to know what will happen and give you that urge and I needed the last scene to be like that. There was a cliffhanger but not as strong as I wanted.
Some characters are still flat and need to be more 3D (the queens, the princesses)
I think the story has so much potential and the book could be bigger without being stretched thin.
Overall a fast and enjoyable sexy read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2022
The second instalment in Reyahs life had me hooked from the beginning.
After her journey begins to where she is said to be safe from the attacks on the realm, now she is married to Burke, reyah is thrown in to twists and turns you won’t see coming as she is left with only one guard left and has to maintain a ruse that becomes really and very steamy.
Once I started this book I didn’t put it back down until I was finished and I was left wanting more from both Reyah and Burke and Reyah and Callum.
This book has everything I look for in a novel as well as things I couldn’t have hoped for. At times I had tears in my eyes both for Reyah and at times for Burke which were definitely unexpected as well as some of the insight to other characters that in the first book seemed like they wouldn’t play such a major role in this series, yet now I can’t wait to see what they do in the next instalment.
This is definitely a book that is going on to my re-read list
After her journey begins to where she is said to be safe from the attacks on the realm, now she is married to Burke, reyah is thrown in to twists and turns you won’t see coming as she is left with only one guard left and has to maintain a ruse that becomes really and very steamy.
Once I started this book I didn’t put it back down until I was finished and I was left wanting more from both Reyah and Burke and Reyah and Callum.
This book has everything I look for in a novel as well as things I couldn’t have hoped for. At times I had tears in my eyes both for Reyah and at times for Burke which were definitely unexpected as well as some of the insight to other characters that in the first book seemed like they wouldn’t play such a major role in this series, yet now I can’t wait to see what they do in the next instalment.
This is definitely a book that is going on to my re-read list
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2022
Thank you June for sending me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I loved the first book but this was even more amazing.
June definitely knows how to get you consumed in a book i couldn't put this down. The storyline was fantastic as was the world and character building. Theres plenty of drama, never saw that coming moments, forbidden love, lots of spice, amazing chemistry and dark moments.
I Love Callan ❤️ Wow he is just what you want 🥵 am kinda secretly hoping it ends up Kaspian, Rayah and Callan together now that sounds like my cup of tea 😍 we'll just have to wait and find out 🤞😅
Please run and read this book and the first if you haven't read that one trust me you wont be sorry.
Theres definitely some triggers in this book which can be upseting please read them before reading.
I loved the first book but this was even more amazing.
June definitely knows how to get you consumed in a book i couldn't put this down. The storyline was fantastic as was the world and character building. Theres plenty of drama, never saw that coming moments, forbidden love, lots of spice, amazing chemistry and dark moments.
I Love Callan ❤️ Wow he is just what you want 🥵 am kinda secretly hoping it ends up Kaspian, Rayah and Callan together now that sounds like my cup of tea 😍 we'll just have to wait and find out 🤞😅
Please run and read this book and the first if you haven't read that one trust me you wont be sorry.
Theres definitely some triggers in this book which can be upseting please read them before reading.
November 9, 2022
Thank you, June Harding, for an eARC of Brighter Than Gold in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book more than I enjoyed book one. I wasn’t sure how I felt about certain things, but as the book progressed I really enjoyed the direction June was taking her characters.
The ending was unexpected but not super cliff-hangery which is something I appreciate. I can’t wait to see what book 3, Stronger That Gold, brings us.
I want to also add that I’m incredibly grateful for the map and family trees at the end of the book. I think it might be more helpful to have them at the beginning, but it definitely helped me keep track of the characters!
I enjoyed this book more than I enjoyed book one. I wasn’t sure how I felt about certain things, but as the book progressed I really enjoyed the direction June was taking her characters.
The ending was unexpected but not super cliff-hangery which is something I appreciate. I can’t wait to see what book 3, Stronger That Gold, brings us.
I want to also add that I’m incredibly grateful for the map and family trees at the end of the book. I think it might be more helpful to have them at the beginning, but it definitely helped me keep track of the characters!
December 19, 2022
Check your trigger warnings before reading this series.
We find Reyah on the road to homestead with Nyx and the general when they stop for rest at an inn they are ambushed by the rats. Brighter than gold tells the harrowing tale of how the general saves Reyah and her baby from the terrible men of the Rats.
We find Reyah on the road to homestead with Nyx and the general when they stop for rest at an inn they are ambushed by the rats. Brighter than gold tells the harrowing tale of how the general saves Reyah and her baby from the terrible men of the Rats.
November 6, 2022
Arc reader
I couldn't get my hands on this fast enough and again, binge read this book in one night.
I TRIED to put it down multiple times and lost that battle thoroughly.
Harding has done it again, dishing out spice, plot, addictive characters and some great twists in this book.
It is definitely darker than the first in the series so check triggers but it was excellently written.
I couldn't get my hands on this fast enough and again, binge read this book in one night.
I TRIED to put it down multiple times and lost that battle thoroughly.
Harding has done it again, dishing out spice, plot, addictive characters and some great twists in this book.
It is definitely darker than the first in the series so check triggers but it was excellently written.
July 24, 2025
The first book almost didn’t sell me on this especially since I don’t usually read pregnancy tropes but she really had me going with this second book.
The draaaaaaamaaaaaa and I still ended up being shocked by some of the revealed secrets even though i could have figured it out.
The draaaaaaamaaaaaa and I still ended up being shocked by some of the revealed secrets even though i could have figured it out.
November 20, 2022
Well I didn’t see that coming. Fantastic twists and turns in this story. Very gripping but please read the trigger warnings before starting this book. Some people may not handle the details in some scenes
May 4, 2023
3.75 ⭐ Though I had to drag myself through the first half, the second half flew by. Interesting plot with several twists and turns.
January 18, 2023
Potential spoilers:
I received an advanced reader copy for an honest review. Book 2 was very good. It took me two days to read it although I had to skip 3 days in between starting and ending the book. After finishing book 1 I thought I might know where book 2 was going to go but I am happy to say that it caught me off guard. There are some potentially triggering circumstances so read the trigger warnings to see if these books are for you. Like book 1 there is a good amount of spice but there is also plot. Also, I didn't mind the different perspectives throughout the book. I look forward to book 3.
I received an advanced reader copy for an honest review. Book 2 was very good. It took me two days to read it although I had to skip 3 days in between starting and ending the book. After finishing book 1 I thought I might know where book 2 was going to go but I am happy to say that it caught me off guard. There are some potentially triggering circumstances so read the trigger warnings to see if these books are for you. Like book 1 there is a good amount of spice but there is also plot. Also, I didn't mind the different perspectives throughout the book. I look forward to book 3.
January 9, 2023
Brighter than Gold is the second book in the Gold series by June Harding. I was so happy that idea able to immediately jump into this after finishing Thicker than Gold.
Brighter than Gold expanded on the story line so much. Reyah who had started below commoner status ended up a Princess, when she accidentally fell pregnant with the Kings baby and the Realms future heir.
As war was approaching King Burke felt it was safer to send Reyah to their private house away from the palace in order to keep her safe from harms way. Boy was he wrong. The trip to the house was a 4 day journey by horse and they would have to stay at a different inn each night. One unfortunate night landed Reyah and Cassian (her body guard essentially) kidnapped and imprisoned by one of the most violent men in the Realm. Leaving them fighting for their lives and stay alive and keep the baby safe.
This book was a dual view between Reyah and Cassian mainly and it shared much more about Cassian and man that did not disappoint me a bit. I thought I loved Kas but man Cassian is a whole other level. He was what dream are made of.
The day I finished this book 3 Stronger than Gold was waiting for me to read as an ARC in my inbox and I couldn’t download quick enough.
Be sure to look out for book 3 January 31st!
Brighter than Gold expanded on the story line so much. Reyah who had started below commoner status ended up a Princess, when she accidentally fell pregnant with the Kings baby and the Realms future heir.
As war was approaching King Burke felt it was safer to send Reyah to their private house away from the palace in order to keep her safe from harms way. Boy was he wrong. The trip to the house was a 4 day journey by horse and they would have to stay at a different inn each night. One unfortunate night landed Reyah and Cassian (her body guard essentially) kidnapped and imprisoned by one of the most violent men in the Realm. Leaving them fighting for their lives and stay alive and keep the baby safe.
This book was a dual view between Reyah and Cassian mainly and it shared much more about Cassian and man that did not disappoint me a bit. I thought I loved Kas but man Cassian is a whole other level. He was what dream are made of.
The day I finished this book 3 Stronger than Gold was waiting for me to read as an ARC in my inbox and I couldn’t download quick enough.
Be sure to look out for book 3 January 31st!
June 15, 2025
I’m done with Kaspian, give me Callan pls 😗
November 13, 2022
This book was phenomenal. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this series, and I had to push myself through finishing book 1, but boy am I glad I did. I started this book at 9 am this morning and finished it by dinner. When when I wasn’t reading I was thinking about these characters. June Harding does a good job of making the story riveting even when I was uncomfortable with the subjects. I returned the first book to kindle three times before I forced myself to finish. While I loved it, I needed breaks from the power dynamic and intensity of some of the scenes. But once I had returned it I just kept thinking about the characters and i downloaded it again. This book made the squirmy moments in book one so worth it.
Definitely check the trigger warnings, because some scenes can get very dark, but the plot moves quickly and doesn’t linger on those moments for too long.
The relationships are thorough and I found myself cringing and uncomfortable at times, but in a way that felt very authentic to the dynamic of the characters.
While the first book was spent mostly focusing on the dynamic of her relationship with Burke, this book is more adventure driven. A lot of bombshells were dropped in the second half of the book, and I devoured every word. The worst part about this book, is that I’ll have to wait for a while to get to book three. I can’t wait to see how Reyah’s story develops!
Definitely check the trigger warnings, because some scenes can get very dark, but the plot moves quickly and doesn’t linger on those moments for too long.
The relationships are thorough and I found myself cringing and uncomfortable at times, but in a way that felt very authentic to the dynamic of the characters.
While the first book was spent mostly focusing on the dynamic of her relationship with Burke, this book is more adventure driven. A lot of bombshells were dropped in the second half of the book, and I devoured every word. The worst part about this book, is that I’ll have to wait for a while to get to book three. I can’t wait to see how Reyah’s story develops!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2023
3.75 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book began with quite the dark and twisted bang, and warning to future readers about the rape that occurred within the first few chapters. I was conflicted when reading this book, considering some of the trigger warnings particularly the cheating. I don't like cheating, it always sits wrong with me and now a love triangle has been created between Briggs, Burke and reyah. Love triangles are something I avoid in books. Saying so, this book was quite good and kept me entertained. The story was fast paced, and full of spice. The characters grew on me more and I did like the development of the relationship between Briggs and reyah. I wasn't particularly surprised by reyah been northern and I am interested to see how the rest of her story plays out: she seems terrified of returning home.
I'm not sure how this series will end and that leaves me impatient for my arc copy to arrive hehe.
This book began with quite the dark and twisted bang, and warning to future readers about the rape that occurred within the first few chapters. I was conflicted when reading this book, considering some of the trigger warnings particularly the cheating. I don't like cheating, it always sits wrong with me and now a love triangle has been created between Briggs, Burke and reyah. Love triangles are something I avoid in books. Saying so, this book was quite good and kept me entertained. The story was fast paced, and full of spice. The characters grew on me more and I did like the development of the relationship between Briggs and reyah. I wasn't particularly surprised by reyah been northern and I am interested to see how the rest of her story plays out: she seems terrified of returning home.
I'm not sure how this series will end and that leaves me impatient for my arc copy to arrive hehe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2023
So, I can honestly say this book elicited a reaction from me that no other novel has. I started with the first two chapters to unwind before bed as I always do, the first night I started the book… and I read two chapters the next night. Once I put my kindle down to go to sleep, I actually did sleep. Except I didn’t - I read. I remember everything I read with clarity, though I was entirely unaware of the fact I was reading.
The novel, of course, contains the trigger warning page and it has a few extras from the first novel that push the book into an even darker realm or romance. Without giving too much away, the warnings are most definitely appreciated! The story then opens with a summary of the first books events, catching people up if it’s been a while between the two parts of the story. The first couple chapters picked up where Thicker than Gold left off, giving a satisfying sense of continuity as opposed to simply just starting the second part of the story in a different place with no explanation of how the characters got there.
June once again uses split first person storytelling, though it is not MC Reyah and the King. Instead it is mostly the MC Reyah and General Callen Briggs, though the King does have several perspective shifts to him in the later stages of the novel. Once again, we are shown the constantly evolving relationships and dynamics between characters, as both Reyah and Callen start out still having a great dislike of each other and are forced to deal with their history to survive an impossible situation.
To be honest, I did *not* want to enjoy Callen’s perspective as much as I ended up enjoying it, because Thicker than Gold set him up as a character who I did not enjoy because of his personality, thoughts, and actions. But even as early as the first time I was reading from his perspective, I began to know that he was not the man I thought from the small glimpses of him we had the first time around. In Thicker than Gold, he is shown as an uncaring man who holds no value for anything other than his duty to the Realm and his King. Brighter than Gold shows us that Callen is so much more than that.
Reyah’s secret is finally revealed during the story and I will admit that it was well kept. Yes, in Thicker than Gold, Reyah herself hinted at the truth a few times, but it was still subtle enough that I wondered if maybe the obvious answer of what it was, was just TOO obvious to throw us off. I am truthfully glad I was wrong because June does a wonderful way of showing that it isn’t something Reyah keeps just because she can. But as her secret ties into the plot of the third book, and once more we are left on a sort of cliffhanger, I was still left with more questions.
Brighter than Gold honestly just scratches an itch for me in my reading that I simply didn’t know I wanted. Miss Harding does such a good job of painting scenes, relationships, and drama that all feel real. Her more explicit scenes are detailed enough to paint a proper scene in the mind without reusing so many of the same elements that other scenes have. Each one feels unique and thought out. The story twists, the way she writes the emotional turmoil that Reyah suffers… it’s all exquisite! I definitely cannot wait to be able to get a copy of Stronger than Gold!!
The novel, of course, contains the trigger warning page and it has a few extras from the first novel that push the book into an even darker realm or romance. Without giving too much away, the warnings are most definitely appreciated! The story then opens with a summary of the first books events, catching people up if it’s been a while between the two parts of the story. The first couple chapters picked up where Thicker than Gold left off, giving a satisfying sense of continuity as opposed to simply just starting the second part of the story in a different place with no explanation of how the characters got there.
June once again uses split first person storytelling, though it is not MC Reyah and the King. Instead it is mostly the MC Reyah and General Callen Briggs, though the King does have several perspective shifts to him in the later stages of the novel. Once again, we are shown the constantly evolving relationships and dynamics between characters, as both Reyah and Callen start out still having a great dislike of each other and are forced to deal with their history to survive an impossible situation.
To be honest, I did *not* want to enjoy Callen’s perspective as much as I ended up enjoying it, because Thicker than Gold set him up as a character who I did not enjoy because of his personality, thoughts, and actions. But even as early as the first time I was reading from his perspective, I began to know that he was not the man I thought from the small glimpses of him we had the first time around. In Thicker than Gold, he is shown as an uncaring man who holds no value for anything other than his duty to the Realm and his King. Brighter than Gold shows us that Callen is so much more than that.
Reyah’s secret is finally revealed during the story and I will admit that it was well kept. Yes, in Thicker than Gold, Reyah herself hinted at the truth a few times, but it was still subtle enough that I wondered if maybe the obvious answer of what it was, was just TOO obvious to throw us off. I am truthfully glad I was wrong because June does a wonderful way of showing that it isn’t something Reyah keeps just because she can. But as her secret ties into the plot of the third book, and once more we are left on a sort of cliffhanger, I was still left with more questions.
Brighter than Gold honestly just scratches an itch for me in my reading that I simply didn’t know I wanted. Miss Harding does such a good job of painting scenes, relationships, and drama that all feel real. Her more explicit scenes are detailed enough to paint a proper scene in the mind without reusing so many of the same elements that other scenes have. Each one feels unique and thought out. The story twists, the way she writes the emotional turmoil that Reyah suffers… it’s all exquisite! I definitely cannot wait to be able to get a copy of Stronger than Gold!!
November 25, 2022
Thank you for the ARC opportunity
I loved the first book🥰
But damn, the sequel is almost perfect! Great job👏
Consider, that this is the second book of the Gold Series and it's trigger warnings⚠️
The story hooked me in the first book right away and the sequel does nothing less. It's suspenseful and capturing. I literally breathed it in. I can't wait for the third book.
The character dynamics and background stories are great. There is even more character development!
It was believable and comprehensible.
Giving the twists about Reyahs, Callan and Burk (I don't want to spoiler too much) gave me quite the suspension needed. Who would have guessed, that the two men were so much the opposite and jet that similar. 😮
The spicy scenes are long enough jet not forcibly stretched and they were goooooood! 🤤🥵And thank you for making it no taboo having (rough) sex while pregnant!
Thank you for displaying BDSM in a right way. Showing how important savewords and safety is while playing, is not something every author does and I think the latter is quite harmful and dangerous half knowledge on display. Consent is key and June had a good focus on that.
I can't wait for the third, but sadly last, book, cause there is so much left to unpack! June, I really hope you wirte HEA, it would breake my heart if not. But who am I to judge you. 😉
The book is fantastic, could have been a little longer, but that's fine with me. Yes, it's much darker, but that's a good thing. The warnings are good placed, especially the probability of losing the baby.
Her writing style itself is captivating. It's easy to read and flows without unnecessary over-long sentences and the descriptions are very colourful🥰. I like it! The character names reminded me very much of other book series I loved, they got me in the right mindset while reading.
Go get the first book "Thicker than Gold", but beware, you'll get hooked!🧡
Rating: 9/10!!
I loved the first book🥰
But damn, the sequel is almost perfect! Great job👏
Consider, that this is the second book of the Gold Series and it's trigger warnings⚠️
The story hooked me in the first book right away and the sequel does nothing less. It's suspenseful and capturing. I literally breathed it in. I can't wait for the third book.
The character dynamics and background stories are great. There is even more character development!
It was believable and comprehensible.
Giving the twists about Reyahs, Callan and Burk (I don't want to spoiler too much) gave me quite the suspension needed. Who would have guessed, that the two men were so much the opposite and jet that similar. 😮
The spicy scenes are long enough jet not forcibly stretched and they were goooooood! 🤤🥵And thank you for making it no taboo having (rough) sex while pregnant!
Thank you for displaying BDSM in a right way. Showing how important savewords and safety is while playing, is not something every author does and I think the latter is quite harmful and dangerous half knowledge on display. Consent is key and June had a good focus on that.
I can't wait for the third, but sadly last, book, cause there is so much left to unpack! June, I really hope you wirte HEA, it would breake my heart if not. But who am I to judge you. 😉
The book is fantastic, could have been a little longer, but that's fine with me. Yes, it's much darker, but that's a good thing. The warnings are good placed, especially the probability of losing the baby.
Her writing style itself is captivating. It's easy to read and flows without unnecessary over-long sentences and the descriptions are very colourful🥰. I like it! The character names reminded me very much of other book series I loved, they got me in the right mindset while reading.
Go get the first book "Thicker than Gold", but beware, you'll get hooked!🧡
Rating: 9/10!!
November 21, 2022
Book Review – Brighter Than Gold by June Harding (Book 2)
Fantasy Romance Trilogy
Giving polyamorous vibes / love triangle
Releases 25th November Pre-Ore NOW
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book.
Check your trigger warnings. This book is very dark quite early on and there is a scene that occurs which is the worst in the book but just know that it moves on.
What I have never come across is that June has a summary of book one at the start of book two, so you don’t need to go back and read book one, absolutely fantastic.
I love June Harding, this book OH MY GOD, I honestly don’t know where to start. I loved the King but Callan HOLY GODS. What was great about this book is the way June writes the tropes. June presents you with all these different tropes that you would normally steer clear of, but she writes them in such a way that with the context of the book they just make sense. This book is a very different pace compared to the first. It is more centred around Reyah. She is now in peril and danger and has a need to be protected at all costs, however not by the King but by his right-hand man. This book gives so much from character developments to their relationships and now it looks like we could be going to war. There was so many twists and turns which I literally gasped at. There were so many times I just wanted to jump into the book and annihilate some of the characters in the most barbaric way possible. My hope for the third book is that we get to see some of them die a bloody and horrific death. I need book three right now, please and thank you.
Fantasy Romance Trilogy
Giving polyamorous vibes / love triangle
Releases 25th November Pre-Ore NOW
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book.
Check your trigger warnings. This book is very dark quite early on and there is a scene that occurs which is the worst in the book but just know that it moves on.
What I have never come across is that June has a summary of book one at the start of book two, so you don’t need to go back and read book one, absolutely fantastic.
I love June Harding, this book OH MY GOD, I honestly don’t know where to start. I loved the King but Callan HOLY GODS. What was great about this book is the way June writes the tropes. June presents you with all these different tropes that you would normally steer clear of, but she writes them in such a way that with the context of the book they just make sense. This book is a very different pace compared to the first. It is more centred around Reyah. She is now in peril and danger and has a need to be protected at all costs, however not by the King but by his right-hand man. This book gives so much from character developments to their relationships and now it looks like we could be going to war. There was so many twists and turns which I literally gasped at. There were so many times I just wanted to jump into the book and annihilate some of the characters in the most barbaric way possible. My hope for the third book is that we get to see some of them die a bloody and horrific death. I need book three right now, please and thank you.
November 14, 2022
I am obsessed with this book and this series. Brighter than Gold is book 2 in the Gold series. I loved book 1, but book 2 blew it out of the water. I'm not ever sure how to talk about the beauty of this book without giving away spoilers, but I am going to try. There will be spoilers for book 1, Thicker than Gold (It is impossible to avoid that here).
Book 1 leaves off with Reyah being taken away from the palace for "her own protection," after being married to the king she loves. Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left off. The plan doesn't work out as anyone planned because Reyah is taken captive while traveling to her safe house right away. Only one guard survives with her and this book is the story of them doing what it takes to get Reyah back to her husband and protect the baby growing in her belly.
June Harding's writing is like magic. Not only has she convinced me to love a series full I tropes I normally despise, but she has truly kept me on my toes. Every time I think I have this series figured out, June throws something else in there to have me completely rethinking everything. I can't remember the last time that I felt so completely taken over by an authors writing like this. I can't remember the last time a book series has gotten me so invested in what is going to happen next. I can't put these books down, and I can't wait for the next book. This series is a work of art!
Book 1 leaves off with Reyah being taken away from the palace for "her own protection," after being married to the king she loves. Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left off. The plan doesn't work out as anyone planned because Reyah is taken captive while traveling to her safe house right away. Only one guard survives with her and this book is the story of them doing what it takes to get Reyah back to her husband and protect the baby growing in her belly.
June Harding's writing is like magic. Not only has she convinced me to love a series full I tropes I normally despise, but she has truly kept me on my toes. Every time I think I have this series figured out, June throws something else in there to have me completely rethinking everything. I can't remember the last time that I felt so completely taken over by an authors writing like this. I can't remember the last time a book series has gotten me so invested in what is going to happen next. I can't put these books down, and I can't wait for the next book. This series is a work of art!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews