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Gold #3
Stronger Than Gold
As Reyah prepares for her journey north, the Realm is attacked once again. In order to appear in control of the situation, the palace places the blame on the captured gang leader, Lazio. While in lock up awaiting his execution, Reyah visits Lazio, where he tells her a strange, foreboding prophecy, one in which hints that Kaspian may be in danger.
Reyah braces herself as she must confront the dark reason she left the north, as well as her estranged brother, but matters are made worse when someone discovers her affair with the general.
Will the mission for peace end in a war with the Kala Muata, or will everything erupt before they even make it to the Kardonian Mountains?
This book contains explicit material not intended for readers below the age of 18.
Reyah braces herself as she must confront the dark reason she left the north, as well as her estranged brother, but matters are made worse when someone discovers her affair with the general.
Will the mission for peace end in a war with the Kala Muata, or will everything erupt before they even make it to the Kardonian Mountains?
This book contains explicit material not intended for readers below the age of 18.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2023
36 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
January 3, 2023
The perfect ending to one of the best Trilogies I've ever read!
I was so nervous to read this book because I wasn't sure how I wanted this story to end. I loved the first two books in this series and I desperately craved a good ending.
Stronger than Gold was the perfect ending that I didn't know I needed. It was so satisfying. Once again June didn't give me what I thought I wanted for this story, but she gave this story exactly what it needed. This trilogy is a work of art. I can't wait to get to re-read this whole series so I catch some of the little details I may not have caught the first time. I am obsessed and I will never stop talking about The Gold trilogy.
I was so nervous to read this book because I wasn't sure how I wanted this story to end. I loved the first two books in this series and I desperately craved a good ending.
Stronger than Gold was the perfect ending that I didn't know I needed. It was so satisfying. Once again June didn't give me what I thought I wanted for this story, but she gave this story exactly what it needed. This trilogy is a work of art. I can't wait to get to re-read this whole series so I catch some of the little details I may not have caught the first time. I am obsessed and I will never stop talking about The Gold trilogy.
January 1, 2023
The entire Gold Series has been such a beautiful journey. I’ve laughed, cried, fell in love with Reyah, Kaspian, Callan, and Nyx; and found a new kink or two that I didn’t know I had.
This last installment delivered so many plot twists and surprises, and to me, had a fulfilling ending that I didn’t expect.
One thing I appreciated about this series is June Harding wrote tropes that readers traditionally don’t like (surprise pregnancy, unfaithfulness, etc.) and packaged them in a way that was new and enjoyable. These tropes that I normally wouldn’t enjoy became a central part to the story that I simply couldn’t put down.
June Harding has created an alluring and sexy debut fantasy series (one that was easily some of my favorite reads of 2022) and I absolutely cannot wait to see what she writes next!
This last installment delivered so many plot twists and surprises, and to me, had a fulfilling ending that I didn’t expect.
One thing I appreciated about this series is June Harding wrote tropes that readers traditionally don’t like (surprise pregnancy, unfaithfulness, etc.) and packaged them in a way that was new and enjoyable. These tropes that I normally wouldn’t enjoy became a central part to the story that I simply couldn’t put down.
June Harding has created an alluring and sexy debut fantasy series (one that was easily some of my favorite reads of 2022) and I absolutely cannot wait to see what she writes next!
January 16, 2023
Dark Romance, 18+
ARC: The third and final installment by indie author June Harding. This is a wrap in Reyah’s journey with an explosive ending. Quite literally. In my mind, I could determine where the author was going with this piece. Was I prepared? Hell no. My emotions have been all over the place with that ending. I am absolutely in love with the story line, but I also feel like my emotions are deceiving. I find myself very torn. In conclusion of Harding’s trilogy, it’s a grenade of heartache and happiness..
I also feel like this is an open ending. I’d love to see more in depth with the Kala Muata. Who are they? What are they? What do they do and why do they feel so superior over everyone else? Hopefully, by the time you’re reading this, you’ve finished Thicker Than Gold and Brighter Than Gold. Courtesan meets King. Meets friends. The unexpectedness and gestation of pregnancy (tastefully put, I might add). Friends turn into family. One word: Charlotte (Ohhhh, my heart). Love is divided and pulled between three major characters. Resulting in… what you might not expect. Team Daddy Callan.
I applaud June for opening a window for me! A kink I never knew I would LOVE but I also enjoyed the growth of power in Reyah’s character. I see more coming from her. I see more in Callan and Kaspian. I truly hope there is more, ONE DAY, in the future. Give me a Novella, June! For an indie author, this is a straight 5 out of 5 stars in my book. The romance, the lust, and want. The political intrigue and family betrayal. It’s all there.
Side Note: One more thing I picked up from this author – her writing style. You can read a line and be left in utter confusion. I’d flip back and think I had missed something. It was actually enjoyable to continue to read and like a light bulb – "Oh, Okay, June!". I’ve had many conversations with June, alone. Scary, I know. Regardless, I’m eager to know what she comes up with next.
ARC: The third and final installment by indie author June Harding. This is a wrap in Reyah’s journey with an explosive ending. Quite literally. In my mind, I could determine where the author was going with this piece. Was I prepared? Hell no. My emotions have been all over the place with that ending. I am absolutely in love with the story line, but I also feel like my emotions are deceiving. I find myself very torn. In conclusion of Harding’s trilogy, it’s a grenade of heartache and happiness..
I also feel like this is an open ending. I’d love to see more in depth with the Kala Muata. Who are they? What are they? What do they do and why do they feel so superior over everyone else? Hopefully, by the time you’re reading this, you’ve finished Thicker Than Gold and Brighter Than Gold. Courtesan meets King. Meets friends. The unexpectedness and gestation of pregnancy (tastefully put, I might add). Friends turn into family. One word: Charlotte (Ohhhh, my heart). Love is divided and pulled between three major characters. Resulting in… what you might not expect. Team Daddy Callan.
I applaud June for opening a window for me! A kink I never knew I would LOVE but I also enjoyed the growth of power in Reyah’s character. I see more coming from her. I see more in Callan and Kaspian. I truly hope there is more, ONE DAY, in the future. Give me a Novella, June! For an indie author, this is a straight 5 out of 5 stars in my book. The romance, the lust, and want. The political intrigue and family betrayal. It’s all there.
Side Note: One more thing I picked up from this author – her writing style. You can read a line and be left in utter confusion. I’d flip back and think I had missed something. It was actually enjoyable to continue to read and like a light bulb – "Oh, Okay, June!". I’ve had many conversations with June, alone. Scary, I know. Regardless, I’m eager to know what she comes up with next.
February 1, 2023
I have been blessed with an arc copy of the final book in this amazing series. This book was an amazingly beautiful rollercoaster. I was so lost in this story I felt every moment of hope, fear, heartbreak, betrayal, love, and arousal. I cried swore and almost threw my kindle across the room. This was not a conventional love story with an unconventional ending and I loved it.
February 16, 2023
What an ending to an incredible series. This series has been a journey and I'm so glad that this is the series that reignited my love for reading in 2022. After reading this final instalment, it's safe to say these 3 books are way up in my favourites list.
Stronger than gold managed to break my heart, make me blush (me, blush..wth), cry, giggle and amaze me with the world building, characters and yes..the spice. The spice was next level in this book and I loved it.
Getting to know Reyah, Kaspian, Nyx, Callan and all the others has been a lot of fun.
What made it extra special to me, is that there were some tropes in here that I don't normally like. Pregnancy for example, I don't like reading about it. But June has a way of writing that made it impossible to put this book down. I also discovered some new kinks I didn't know I liked.
The ending was so satisfying. I didn't expect June to end it like that, but it made me smile.
I will really miss these characters and their world and wish I could read the trilogy for the first time again. I'll definitely be re-reading this. Congrats an such an incredible debut June!
Stronger than gold managed to break my heart, make me blush (me, blush..wth), cry, giggle and amaze me with the world building, characters and yes..the spice. The spice was next level in this book and I loved it.
Getting to know Reyah, Kaspian, Nyx, Callan and all the others has been a lot of fun.
What made it extra special to me, is that there were some tropes in here that I don't normally like. Pregnancy for example, I don't like reading about it. But June has a way of writing that made it impossible to put this book down. I also discovered some new kinks I didn't know I liked.
The ending was so satisfying. I didn't expect June to end it like that, but it made me smile.
I will really miss these characters and their world and wish I could read the trilogy for the first time again. I'll definitely be re-reading this. Congrats an such an incredible debut June!
January 25, 2023
I absolutely adore this trilogy. They will be joining my faves shelf for future rereads.
This was such a beautiful ending to a series that had EVERYTHING.
I was rooting for Burke in the first book, Callan in the second and I honestly didn't know which way I was swaying in the third / didn't know how there could be an ending that COULD do these characters justice. HOWEVER! The way June ended it was perfect!
This is a series I have recommended over and over again and will not stop recommending any time soon.
It's full of twists and turns, suspense, characters that you can't help but adore and good lord is it spicy.
For a debut series June has dropped an absolute masterpiece and I can't wait to see what she gives us next!
This was such a beautiful ending to a series that had EVERYTHING.
I was rooting for Burke in the first book, Callan in the second and I honestly didn't know which way I was swaying in the third / didn't know how there could be an ending that COULD do these characters justice. HOWEVER! The way June ended it was perfect!
This is a series I have recommended over and over again and will not stop recommending any time soon.
It's full of twists and turns, suspense, characters that you can't help but adore and good lord is it spicy.
For a debut series June has dropped an absolute masterpiece and I can't wait to see what she gives us next!
February 2, 2023
I wanted to like this book. The first two were good! The spice was good and the plot was interesting.
But this book was just lacking for me. Still had great spice, but the plot wasn’t there for me. There was something missing and the things that were there just weren’t interesting.
For example, they talked about how there was going to be this big war with the North (which I love wars in fantasy books) but then they end up just having a small fight and Reyah becomes reagent and that’s the end of it lol 🙃
Also there’s this whole plot point in books two and three about Callan and Reyah having an affair and they don’t want Kas to know, to the point where his sister literally runs away because she’s so upset finding out, just for at the end for Kas to be like “Yeah I was a little mad but I’m totally cool with it and we can be a weird thrupple.”
Like she continues to have a sexual relationship with this man and raising the child with him while also having a relationship with Callan. I feel like she’s kinda leading Kas on because he’s in love with her and she’s in love with Callan but keeps on having this sexual relationship with Kas to the point where she’s pregnant again and doesn’t know who the father is -she previously stated when pregnant with her son she had wished Callan was the father (hence my confusion with her now relationship with Kas)
Idk I liked the first two books but this one just wasn’t it for me 👎🏼 3 stars because the spice was good and I enjoyed Darians character development.
But this book was just lacking for me. Still had great spice, but the plot wasn’t there for me. There was something missing and the things that were there just weren’t interesting.
For example, they talked about how there was going to be this big war with the North (which I love wars in fantasy books) but then they end up just having a small fight and Reyah becomes reagent and that’s the end of it lol 🙃
Also there’s this whole plot point in books two and three about Callan and Reyah having an affair and they don’t want Kas to know, to the point where his sister literally runs away because she’s so upset finding out, just for at the end for Kas to be like “Yeah I was a little mad but I’m totally cool with it and we can be a weird thrupple.”
Like she continues to have a sexual relationship with this man and raising the child with him while also having a relationship with Callan. I feel like she’s kinda leading Kas on because he’s in love with her and she’s in love with Callan but keeps on having this sexual relationship with Kas to the point where she’s pregnant again and doesn’t know who the father is -she previously stated when pregnant with her son she had wished Callan was the father (hence my confusion with her now relationship with Kas)
Idk I liked the first two books but this one just wasn’t it for me 👎🏼 3 stars because the spice was good and I enjoyed Darians character development.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2025
This series was so addictive, I loved the characters - most of the time. The plot was super engaging, and mostly fast paced, I could not put any of these books down, I now have about a weeks worth of work to catch up on because I was sneaky reading, more than i should have.
February 18, 2025
"Blood is thicker than water," he said
"No. Blood is thicker than gold."
I'm so happy this series ended the way it did, bc a certain someone was really starting to pmo.
"No. Blood is thicker than gold."
I'm so happy this series ended the way it did, bc a certain someone was really starting to pmo.
March 12, 2025
A good ending to the trilogy. Definitely not the ending I was expecting but good none the less
January 31, 2023
Wow this entire series has been a slam dunk!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I truthfully there are tropes in The Gold Series I NEVER thought I would enjoy but June Harding is a master at creating story the you can help falling in love with.
Reyah, Callan and Kas are superb characters that each have their oiled journeys throughout the trilogy but their interactions together are what really set this series apart. I knew from noon one I was going to live this series…and each book just got better and BETTER!!!
There are dark elements that touch on some kinks i didn’t know I had but there’s still so much vulnerability and authenticity to these characters. And the ending was oh so perfect!!!! Gahhhh I can’t wait for the next series June writes.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I truthfully there are tropes in The Gold Series I NEVER thought I would enjoy but June Harding is a master at creating story the you can help falling in love with.
Reyah, Callan and Kas are superb characters that each have their oiled journeys throughout the trilogy but their interactions together are what really set this series apart. I knew from noon one I was going to live this series…and each book just got better and BETTER!!!
There are dark elements that touch on some kinks i didn’t know I had but there’s still so much vulnerability and authenticity to these characters. And the ending was oh so perfect!!!! Gahhhh I can’t wait for the next series June writes.
January 2, 2023
I want to first say a big thank you to June for giving me the opportunity to read her debut trilogy as Arc's.
The whole trilogy is an amazing read and a definite must-read, hooked from the start.
Stronger than gold is the last book in the trilogy, and it didnt disapoint it just got better.
I love Callan, Kaspian, and Reyah, and their amazingly written story. Plus, can't forget the amazing Nyx.
June has such a way with words that she makes you feel you're there watching in the sidelines. The character and world building is just fantastic, and please dont get me started on the steamy bits they are amazing.
There were bits in this book i really wanted to happen, and June definitely exceeded my expectations and more.
Full of plot twists and surprises, and you'll experience all the emotions when reading.
I am so sad that this trilogy has ended, but i can't wait to see what is on the cards for June next. Congratulations on finishing your debut trilogy.
The whole trilogy is an amazing read and a definite must-read, hooked from the start.
Stronger than gold is the last book in the trilogy, and it didnt disapoint it just got better.
I love Callan, Kaspian, and Reyah, and their amazingly written story. Plus, can't forget the amazing Nyx.
June has such a way with words that she makes you feel you're there watching in the sidelines. The character and world building is just fantastic, and please dont get me started on the steamy bits they are amazing.
There were bits in this book i really wanted to happen, and June definitely exceeded my expectations and more.
Full of plot twists and surprises, and you'll experience all the emotions when reading.
I am so sad that this trilogy has ended, but i can't wait to see what is on the cards for June next. Congratulations on finishing your debut trilogy.
January 8, 2023
Super grateful to have received an arc of this!!! this series is so fun and easy and entertaining and this book didn’t disappoint (legit read it in a day) it definitely didn’t end the way I expected to AT ALL but it makes sense for the direction the book went so I’m happy with it :) I could read a whole entire extra book just of epilogue content
Love this series and def recommend if you need a fun easy fantasy romance - you can crank through the whole trilogy in a weekend💛
Love this series and def recommend if you need a fun easy fantasy romance - you can crank through the whole trilogy in a weekend💛
January 19, 2023
June harding has done it again, book 3 to the gold series ladies and gents. If you have no read this series it is a must!
I barely have words to describe how much I loved these books and the characters. The perfect amount of story to spice. This book had me in tears happy and sad. Had me giggling in other parts.
I barely have words to describe how much I loved these books and the characters. The perfect amount of story to spice. This book had me in tears happy and sad. Had me giggling in other parts.
January 10, 2023
I am beyond fortunate to have such brilliant author friends. Having the opportunity to read this book before the general public is such an honor! A fantastic conclusion to the Gold saga, this book is full of political intrigue, SPICE, and a satisfying conclusion!
Now, June, I’m mad and you know exactly why. But I love you anyway. 😂🥰
Now, June, I’m mad and you know exactly why. But I love you anyway. 😂🥰
March 7, 2023
Enjoyed this trilogy a lot! This is definitely one of those stories that will stick with me for a while.
January 9, 2023
ARC reader here! And thank goodness because the cliffhanger for book 2 was killing me!
I need this series to be long. Like Wheel of Time long. I can't get enough of this content, the world or the characters. And the sex is pretty damned fantastic too! I love that the world isn't as crazy ridiculous as a lot of fantasy worlds. The magic isn't huge and wild or everywhere you look. But I could have eaten up more of the culture and how it varies from place to place, more of the religion, more side stories and off-shoot relationships, because all the ones we saw were extremely promising! One thing I loved was that the main story wasn't the only thing going on in the world. Lots of other major changes happening elsewhere, and I could spend a lot of time enjoying all that upheaval and watching it all fall into a new normal.
I felt like the main characters are pretty believable. They do irrational things sometimes, but the way your BFF tells you something they did and you're like WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT, not the "Don't go in the basement" kind of irrational. They have feelings (really BIG feelings!) but they are actually emotionally competent adults, who can work through their feelings, be rational and act like actual humans.
Spice wise, these are some of the best threesomes I have ever read. Full stop. Spicy content scenes are not short or rushed. There is a pretty great balance between the spice and the story and how much care has gone into both aspects of the writing. Even as the last book of the series, it is full of consent conversations (with frequent check-ins!), after care, and nods to playing safely and escalating thoughtfully. If you are relatively new to BDSM content, or considering trying to take a mental/written fantasy into your real life, I think this book is a good influence (not an instruction manual!), and one I feel good about recommending to the baby-kinksters I meet.
In terms of non-monogamy/cheating/poly, this series really explores how COMPLICATED all of that can be. How normal life power dynamics are always present (and have to be managed!). How even if everyone is following the "rules" people can still have their feelings hurt or get jealous. How getting jealous does not mean the other person needs to atone. One of my absolute top tier favorite moments is that when the MFC actually confronts the King about his new girl, after working through a lot of her feelings, it is the fact that she feels he has abused his power and done a disservice to the new girl that she has a problem with (though she also still shares all her other feelings as well). This series does not just toss some polyamory in there and say Look it magically works! It also doesn't have the kind of insane jealousy over cheating or changes to the dynamic that is standard in mainstream pop culture. Again, this aligns with real-life messy stuff, and at least alludes to the tough conversations.
And finally, as an ending to a book series, this one was actually great. The conflict resolution was a little fast, and I could have enjoyed more tough conversations in those last few chapters, but it wasn't crazy rushed. I tend to hate epilogues, as they always feel so brusque and awkward to me. This one was much smoother than that. Do we get to see character resolution for every person we've ever met? Sorry no. But I am so glad that they weren't paraded by the narrator with brief voice-over summaries of their lives. The resolution is realistic, and elegant, without being too fairy tale happily ever after. Just really well balanced.
All in all, this was a quick read. Definitely can be knocked out in a weekend. But when you're flying through books on KU, sometimes story lines or mythologies or relationships can all kind of run together and looking back, you can't really remember which was what. From that, this series absolutely stands out.
I need this series to be long. Like Wheel of Time long. I can't get enough of this content, the world or the characters. And the sex is pretty damned fantastic too! I love that the world isn't as crazy ridiculous as a lot of fantasy worlds. The magic isn't huge and wild or everywhere you look. But I could have eaten up more of the culture and how it varies from place to place, more of the religion, more side stories and off-shoot relationships, because all the ones we saw were extremely promising! One thing I loved was that the main story wasn't the only thing going on in the world. Lots of other major changes happening elsewhere, and I could spend a lot of time enjoying all that upheaval and watching it all fall into a new normal.
I felt like the main characters are pretty believable. They do irrational things sometimes, but the way your BFF tells you something they did and you're like WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT, not the "Don't go in the basement" kind of irrational. They have feelings (really BIG feelings!) but they are actually emotionally competent adults, who can work through their feelings, be rational and act like actual humans.
Spice wise, these are some of the best threesomes I have ever read. Full stop. Spicy content scenes are not short or rushed. There is a pretty great balance between the spice and the story and how much care has gone into both aspects of the writing. Even as the last book of the series, it is full of consent conversations (with frequent check-ins!), after care, and nods to playing safely and escalating thoughtfully. If you are relatively new to BDSM content, or considering trying to take a mental/written fantasy into your real life, I think this book is a good influence (not an instruction manual!), and one I feel good about recommending to the baby-kinksters I meet.
In terms of non-monogamy/cheating/poly, this series really explores how COMPLICATED all of that can be. How normal life power dynamics are always present (and have to be managed!). How even if everyone is following the "rules" people can still have their feelings hurt or get jealous. How getting jealous does not mean the other person needs to atone. One of my absolute top tier favorite moments is that when the MFC actually confronts the King about his new girl, after working through a lot of her feelings, it is the fact that she feels he has abused his power and done a disservice to the new girl that she has a problem with (though she also still shares all her other feelings as well). This series does not just toss some polyamory in there and say Look it magically works! It also doesn't have the kind of insane jealousy over cheating or changes to the dynamic that is standard in mainstream pop culture. Again, this aligns with real-life messy stuff, and at least alludes to the tough conversations.
And finally, as an ending to a book series, this one was actually great. The conflict resolution was a little fast, and I could have enjoyed more tough conversations in those last few chapters, but it wasn't crazy rushed. I tend to hate epilogues, as they always feel so brusque and awkward to me. This one was much smoother than that. Do we get to see character resolution for every person we've ever met? Sorry no. But I am so glad that they weren't paraded by the narrator with brief voice-over summaries of their lives. The resolution is realistic, and elegant, without being too fairy tale happily ever after. Just really well balanced.
All in all, this was a quick read. Definitely can be knocked out in a weekend. But when you're flying through books on KU, sometimes story lines or mythologies or relationships can all kind of run together and looking back, you can't really remember which was what. From that, this series absolutely stands out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2023
4.25 ⭐ The characters and plot were unique and unexpected, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. Many of the 🌶️ scenes I didn't enjoy which brought the rating down - I would have liked it better if a lot of that were left out. But overall, a great ending to the trilogy.
July 14, 2025
✨hidden gem✨🥳
January 14, 2023
What an amazing ending to the series! Not going to lie at the end I did cry, it was a beautiful ending that I feel all the characters deserved. June's writing truly made me connect with the characters and in the end I was sad to say goodbye.
As we progress through the story June manages to keep me, the reader, on the edge of my seat with all the different sub plots that happen alongside the main plot. I loved how these all intertwine and add to the way I felt as I read, which generally was all the emotions!
The final conclusion had me on the edge of my seat and I just couldn't put the book down because I wanted to know what happened next! And even when I had to step away I couldn't stop thinking about it.
The spice in this book is just wow! As the series has progressed so has the spice! And this one is the spiciest, June explores different troupes we haven't seen in the series before. And again manages to write troupes I wouldn't normally enjoy but with her style of writing I love! This is truly a unique trait of hers.
As this is the third book in a series I must admit I was worried that it wouldn't live up to the second, as many series can fall short as they continue on. But once again June has met my high expectations and even gone above! I was never bored when reading and thoroughly enjoyed all the storylines as well as being happy to see they were resolved. I got all the answers to any questions I had and wasn't left wondering what happened to any subplots or characters.
I'm truly grateful that I found this series and read them all, but it's bittersweet as unfortunately it's the end.
As we progress through the story June manages to keep me, the reader, on the edge of my seat with all the different sub plots that happen alongside the main plot. I loved how these all intertwine and add to the way I felt as I read, which generally was all the emotions!
The final conclusion had me on the edge of my seat and I just couldn't put the book down because I wanted to know what happened next! And even when I had to step away I couldn't stop thinking about it.
The spice in this book is just wow! As the series has progressed so has the spice! And this one is the spiciest, June explores different troupes we haven't seen in the series before. And again manages to write troupes I wouldn't normally enjoy but with her style of writing I love! This is truly a unique trait of hers.
As this is the third book in a series I must admit I was worried that it wouldn't live up to the second, as many series can fall short as they continue on. But once again June has met my high expectations and even gone above! I was never bored when reading and thoroughly enjoyed all the storylines as well as being happy to see they were resolved. I got all the answers to any questions I had and wasn't left wondering what happened to any subplots or characters.
I'm truly grateful that I found this series and read them all, but it's bittersweet as unfortunately it's the end.
January 18, 2023
I received this book as and ARC and had some trouble getting into it based on how that second book in the series ended.
This books follows Reyah as she journeys to her homeland in the north in the hopes of peaceful diplomacy while trying to navigate her marriage to king Kaspian and love for General Callan.
This installment of the series was not my favorite, but I believe that is due to how Kaspian treated Reyah. I found his treatment of her to be dismissive, distrusting and volatile when it wasn’t always needed for the story. I am also not a fan of the cheating trope, but that is a me problem. However, I think Harding did a great job of creating a perfect balance of tension, action, intrigue, and comic relief. I did enjoy the story and am glad to have read it.
The spicy scenes fit well into the book and were well written; none of them was confusing about who’s arm was where or anything like that, which can be found in some romance books.
I really enjoyed the Sisterhood subplot and hope Harding has plans for a spin-off novel/series as she did a wonderful job of setting up a storyline for them.
Definitely give this a read!
This books follows Reyah as she journeys to her homeland in the north in the hopes of peaceful diplomacy while trying to navigate her marriage to king Kaspian and love for General Callan.
This installment of the series was not my favorite, but I believe that is due to how Kaspian treated Reyah. I found his treatment of her to be dismissive, distrusting and volatile when it wasn’t always needed for the story. I am also not a fan of the cheating trope, but that is a me problem. However, I think Harding did a great job of creating a perfect balance of tension, action, intrigue, and comic relief. I did enjoy the story and am glad to have read it.
The spicy scenes fit well into the book and were well written; none of them was confusing about who’s arm was where or anything like that, which can be found in some romance books.
I really enjoyed the Sisterhood subplot and hope Harding has plans for a spin-off novel/series as she did a wonderful job of setting up a storyline for them.
Definitely give this a read!
May 1, 2025
emotional series
And what a series!!! Loved it, it wasn’t overly angsty, wasn’t overly dramatic, plot made sense, and the 🌶️ was 👅👅👅👅👅. Another reviewer said the ending wasn’t the HEA she was hoping for and I kind of felt the same. It was a compromise, slightly bittersweet. Still recommend!!!!!!
And what a series!!! Loved it, it wasn’t overly angsty, wasn’t overly dramatic, plot made sense, and the 🌶️ was 👅👅👅👅👅. Another reviewer said the ending wasn’t the HEA she was hoping for and I kind of felt the same. It was a compromise, slightly bittersweet. Still recommend!!!!!!
January 21, 2025
a great read
I loved this whole series and am sad to leave the realm! It was fun, entertaining, spicy 🌶️, whilst still having an interesting plot.
I loved this whole series and am sad to leave the realm! It was fun, entertaining, spicy 🌶️, whilst still having an interesting plot.
January 20, 2023
Book 3 in the Gold Series is here! Firstly June Harding needs extra points for the fact she gives you a summary of the previous books in the series at the start! All authors should do this.
I've been so excited to the find out what's in store for Reyah in this final instalment of this trilogy. Books 1 & 2, were so compelling. They took me through all the tropes I normally do not like yet still had me enjoying the story and not being able to put them down. One of the things that June Harding does really well, is write imperfect characters with messy stories. Because of this I can guarantee you that they will not follow popular tropes and they will not behave in formulaic ways.
Catch Up - Book 1 & 2 spoilers (plot, tropes & potential TW's before you start this series/book 3)
When I was reading book 3 I found that I went on an emotional rollercoaster ride. However looking back I think this was because going into book 3 I had a clear idea of what I wanted to happen by the end. The more I read, the more anxious I got because in all honesty things did not pan out how I wanted. From 85% onwards the book ends differently in my head compared to what happens on the page. And I want to elaborate as this is the reason the book is a 4 star read for me but I also think the ending is what will make it a 5 star read for others. Because of the complicated relationships between Burke, Reyah an Briggs you are never going to be able to make everyone happy however you end this story.
Elaborating on my 4 stars... Spoilers for book 3
Overall, enjoyed this entire series immensely and whether it ended how I wanted or not. I got great enjoyment from reading all 3 books and the emotional journey I went on through the story is one I'm happy I've experienced. This is a series where my main take away is that whether I agreed or not with the outcome, the author elicited an emotional response from me in multiple places in this story.
When we consume content for entertainment (be it books, films, tv shows) sometimes we want the fairytale, sometimes the tragedy, sometimes the adventure and sometimes we want the reality... This may not have been the HEA I was rooting for, but I was entertained, engaged and enjoyed this authors story.
I've been so excited to the find out what's in store for Reyah in this final instalment of this trilogy. Books 1 & 2, were so compelling. They took me through all the tropes I normally do not like yet still had me enjoying the story and not being able to put them down. One of the things that June Harding does really well, is write imperfect characters with messy stories. Because of this I can guarantee you that they will not follow popular tropes and they will not behave in formulaic ways.
Catch Up - Book 1 & 2 spoilers (plot, tropes & potential TW's before you start this series/book 3)
When I was reading book 3 I found that I went on an emotional rollercoaster ride. However looking back I think this was because going into book 3 I had a clear idea of what I wanted to happen by the end. The more I read, the more anxious I got because in all honesty things did not pan out how I wanted. From 85% onwards the book ends differently in my head compared to what happens on the page. And I want to elaborate as this is the reason the book is a 4 star read for me but I also think the ending is what will make it a 5 star read for others. Because of the complicated relationships between Burke, Reyah an Briggs you are never going to be able to make everyone happy however you end this story.
Elaborating on my 4 stars... Spoilers for book 3
Overall, enjoyed this entire series immensely and whether it ended how I wanted or not. I got great enjoyment from reading all 3 books and the emotional journey I went on through the story is one I'm happy I've experienced. This is a series where my main take away is that whether I agreed or not with the outcome, the author elicited an emotional response from me in multiple places in this story.
When we consume content for entertainment (be it books, films, tv shows) sometimes we want the fairytale, sometimes the tragedy, sometimes the adventure and sometimes we want the reality... This may not have been the HEA I was rooting for, but I was entertained, engaged and enjoyed this authors story.
January 9, 2023
I simply could not put this book down! It was a wonderfully detailed conclusion to the series! I’ve the first two parts, I have seriously had so many emotions and thoughts about the characters! All the build up and growth of their relationships, and the way that June beautifully gave us closure of the stories for even the “side” characters. Everything that I could’ve hoped for, and then some thing I couldn’t!
This closing of the series focuses on the story from the perspectives of all three characters that we’ve followed in the other books. Reyah, Kaspian Burke, and Callan Briggs. It is emotional, well paced, and has the right amount of depth and spice. The particular darker flavor of spice that she included across the series isn’t something I usually enjoy, but the way she wrote things out was something that didn’t bother me.
The love story seemed straightforward in the Thicker than Gold, but got a whole different twist in Brighter than Gold. And the way she finished Stronger than Gold, romantically, made my heart flutter! And Reyah’s external relationships outside of the love story change as well. June brings things from the other books back in this one and finds ways to beautifully bring closure to the tales of the Side characters.
My heart broke when Reyah arranged a meeting for Charlotte from the South Wing to meet her daughter. I audibly gasped at a few of the plot twists that she gave us, because she found a new spin for several common tropes that just didn’t even feel like a trope with her writing. The tension between the characters escalated at just the right points in the tale to push things forward. I cried in the last few chapters several times. Sorrow, fear, anger, joy.
This was a wholly binge worthy series, it reignited my absolute passion and appreciation for reading. I simply cannot wait to see what else June comes out with! This is definitely a series that will remain as a top tier recommend from me!!!
This closing of the series focuses on the story from the perspectives of all three characters that we’ve followed in the other books. Reyah, Kaspian Burke, and Callan Briggs. It is emotional, well paced, and has the right amount of depth and spice. The particular darker flavor of spice that she included across the series isn’t something I usually enjoy, but the way she wrote things out was something that didn’t bother me.
The love story seemed straightforward in the Thicker than Gold, but got a whole different twist in Brighter than Gold. And the way she finished Stronger than Gold, romantically, made my heart flutter! And Reyah’s external relationships outside of the love story change as well. June brings things from the other books back in this one and finds ways to beautifully bring closure to the tales of the Side characters.
My heart broke when Reyah arranged a meeting for Charlotte from the South Wing to meet her daughter. I audibly gasped at a few of the plot twists that she gave us, because she found a new spin for several common tropes that just didn’t even feel like a trope with her writing. The tension between the characters escalated at just the right points in the tale to push things forward. I cried in the last few chapters several times. Sorrow, fear, anger, joy.
This was a wholly binge worthy series, it reignited my absolute passion and appreciation for reading. I simply cannot wait to see what else June comes out with! This is definitely a series that will remain as a top tier recommend from me!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2023
Stronger than Gold is the third book in the Gold series by June Harding. In the final book of the series Reyah and Kas head north to meet the Regents in hope to stop a war from brewing. The journey to the north is a month long trip and Reyah is nearing the end of her pregnancy. The journey is long and Reyah finds herself in quite a few predicaments but as always she comes out stronger that ever. When they arrive in the north it seems they are nothing but welcoming and friendly and looking for peace with the Realm. Quickly how things changed once Reyah goes into preterm labor and the north (her hometown) decides to revolt against them. When Kieran (Reyah’s brother) makes a thread against her and her newborn baby Kas decided he has had enough and does what it takes to protect his family. Kas quickly finds himself on trial and Reyah has to do what needs to be done to protect her King. Reyah doesn’t hesitate to put herself in harms way to protect him just like he’s done for her so many times before. Although what she has done will drastically change their life and their family she had to do what needed to be done in order for the King to survive.
Holy freakin’ cow I ate this book up. The spice was 🤌🏼 the story was flawless. And I was left needing and wanting more. I am so sad to see this series come to and end because honestly it’s one of my newest favorites. June you did incredible on this series and seriously I am so glad I got recommendations for this book. Thank you for writing this story and all the hard work that was put into it.
Keep an eye out for this book to release on January 31st!
Holy freakin’ cow I ate this book up. The spice was 🤌🏼 the story was flawless. And I was left needing and wanting more. I am so sad to see this series come to and end because honestly it’s one of my newest favorites. June you did incredible on this series and seriously I am so glad I got recommendations for this book. Thank you for writing this story and all the hard work that was put into it.
Keep an eye out for this book to release on January 31st!
January 20, 2023
ARC Review! Final book in The Gold series - Stronger than gold by @junehardingauthor
Hands down five stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this series and read it like my life depended on it. These books consumed my life for the last few days in the best way possible. I couldn’t stop… home, breaks at work, on the bus ride home after work, I couldn’t put it down. 🤤🤤🤤
What a freaking ending that was to an amazing series! 🥰🥰 I don’t even know how to process my emotions I feel for this book. I honestly cried, felt devastated, heartbroken, anger , and other times I just wanted to squeeze the characters I felt so giddy. 😂
June’s writing is so captivating! She engulf in this world you can’t get enough of. It’s full of political scandals, infidelity, surprise pregnancies, betrayal on multiple levels, violence, wars and of course hands down some of the best kinky af smut I’ve read in a long time. Chapter 24… best.. Chapter.. EVER! that’s all I’m saying, I’ll be thinking about that for many months 🔥🥵🤤
This has to be one of the best debut for a trilogy I’ve read in a while. I can’t wait to see what you come out with next, I’ll be patiently waiting. 🥰🥰
I’m so grateful for the ARC of this book! It comes out Jan 31st and I can promise you it doesn’t disappoint.
#DaddyCallan 🤤
Hands down five stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this series and read it like my life depended on it. These books consumed my life for the last few days in the best way possible. I couldn’t stop… home, breaks at work, on the bus ride home after work, I couldn’t put it down. 🤤🤤🤤
What a freaking ending that was to an amazing series! 🥰🥰 I don’t even know how to process my emotions I feel for this book. I honestly cried, felt devastated, heartbroken, anger , and other times I just wanted to squeeze the characters I felt so giddy. 😂
June’s writing is so captivating! She engulf in this world you can’t get enough of. It’s full of political scandals, infidelity, surprise pregnancies, betrayal on multiple levels, violence, wars and of course hands down some of the best kinky af smut I’ve read in a long time. Chapter 24… best.. Chapter.. EVER! that’s all I’m saying, I’ll be thinking about that for many months 🔥🥵🤤
This has to be one of the best debut for a trilogy I’ve read in a while. I can’t wait to see what you come out with next, I’ll be patiently waiting. 🥰🥰
I’m so grateful for the ARC of this book! It comes out Jan 31st and I can promise you it doesn’t disappoint.
#DaddyCallan 🤤
January 31, 2023
I am a relative newcomer to the series. I was excited to have found it, as it has all the elements I look for in a good romance. Dynamic characters, an element of fantasy, the charm of an old-world setting, and very well seasoned with spice, this series checks all the boxes. There are some elements of these books that are not for everyone. Each book contains a trigger warning, though, which I really appreciated.
Reyah's relationship with Burke has, from the beginning, reflected the disparity of power and societal expectations of men and women. In Stronger Than Gold, Reyah pushes the boundaries of those expectations with her affair with Callan and the evolution of her dynamic with Burke. The rising tensions between the Kings and the Kal Muata are mirrored in the relationship between Reyah and Burke as they journey North to confront Reyah's family and past. Harding balances the story by catering to the reader's expectations by incorporating both familiar turns and unexpected twists in a book that keeps your attention beginning to end. While I do wish there had been more exploration of some aspects of the story, the passion that was so evident in the first two books is still present here. Harding wraps up Reyah's story neatly in a book that I would definitely recommend.
Reyah's relationship with Burke has, from the beginning, reflected the disparity of power and societal expectations of men and women. In Stronger Than Gold, Reyah pushes the boundaries of those expectations with her affair with Callan and the evolution of her dynamic with Burke. The rising tensions between the Kings and the Kal Muata are mirrored in the relationship between Reyah and Burke as they journey North to confront Reyah's family and past. Harding balances the story by catering to the reader's expectations by incorporating both familiar turns and unexpected twists in a book that keeps your attention beginning to end. While I do wish there had been more exploration of some aspects of the story, the passion that was so evident in the first two books is still present here. Harding wraps up Reyah's story neatly in a book that I would definitely recommend.
January 12, 2023
June Harding created an FMC that is fallible and mighty. The story is fun, creative and hot....but theres something extra here, something hard to see at first. You only really start to feel or understand what Im saying after a few read throughs. Reyah is, well, quite simply, The Gold Standard. A powerful woman with all the tools to change her destiny at her disposal. She in unashamed of her worth and pleasures. She chases what gives her heart meaning and doesnt waste what keeps her baby safe. There is a underlying complexity here that is masterfully woven and I am simply in awe that a self published author was able to achieve this.
For me, it all culminated into one scene. The charlotte scene. If you read that and didn't immediately sign on to read anything June writes in the future then you are missing the real gold here.
Reyah in that moment, under the pressures of new found royalty, pregnancy, threat of life and confronting her past...chooses not to cower, hide or complain...instead she uses her political reach to find the natural born child of one of her concubine friends. This is an extremely sweet gesture and would have been fine enough, but what June adds, that absolutely crushed me, is charlotte is introduced as a fellow princess. The child, not knowing her mother is the woman before her believes Charlotte to be a beautiful princess and is delighted to enjoy a tea party..... well shit. This scene had heart ache, the tragedy of accidental birth and having to give up a child, the bonds of a mother and child. The power of friendship & loyalty and simply what love can achieve.
If a new, debut, self published author treated her 2nd or 3rd tier character with that much love and respect I can only imagine how she will treat her readers for years to come.
Well. Fucking. Done.
I am now a fan for life and will support you in your ups and downs, thank you for this trilogy and I hope one day you may spread your wings and soar with the high notoriety you deserve.
For me, it all culminated into one scene. The charlotte scene. If you read that and didn't immediately sign on to read anything June writes in the future then you are missing the real gold here.
Reyah in that moment, under the pressures of new found royalty, pregnancy, threat of life and confronting her past...chooses not to cower, hide or complain...instead she uses her political reach to find the natural born child of one of her concubine friends. This is an extremely sweet gesture and would have been fine enough, but what June adds, that absolutely crushed me, is charlotte is introduced as a fellow princess. The child, not knowing her mother is the woman before her believes Charlotte to be a beautiful princess and is delighted to enjoy a tea party..... well shit. This scene had heart ache, the tragedy of accidental birth and having to give up a child, the bonds of a mother and child. The power of friendship & loyalty and simply what love can achieve.
If a new, debut, self published author treated her 2nd or 3rd tier character with that much love and respect I can only imagine how she will treat her readers for years to come.
Well. Fucking. Done.
I am now a fan for life and will support you in your ups and downs, thank you for this trilogy and I hope one day you may spread your wings and soar with the high notoriety you deserve.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2023
An absolutely fantastic ending to an absolutely fantastic series!
Thank you June for sending me this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was immediately in love with the first book, world and characters. June's writing and worldbuilding are captivating and intense.
Stronger than Gold finishes the story about Reyah, the conflicts and characters already introduced in the former books. This is all about her journey to the North, meeting up with her family and preventing war between both words.
Reyah is also torn between her to lovers, between the child's father and the love of her life, forbidden as it is.
Even this book doesn't lack the spice, so be careful, and the relations between the characters are even intensified!
The story pushed me through every emotion possible, foremost anger, but that would be too big of a spoiler.
The ending was quite a ride, especially when you are at 85% and still there is too much to process and resolve! But June did a damn great job with it, so we get a beautiful HEA ending, in which everyone gets their deserved closure.
I highly recommend Reyah's fantastic journey
Thank you June for sending me this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was immediately in love with the first book, world and characters. June's writing and worldbuilding are captivating and intense.
Stronger than Gold finishes the story about Reyah, the conflicts and characters already introduced in the former books. This is all about her journey to the North, meeting up with her family and preventing war between both words.
Reyah is also torn between her to lovers, between the child's father and the love of her life, forbidden as it is.
Even this book doesn't lack the spice, so be careful, and the relations between the characters are even intensified!
The story pushed me through every emotion possible, foremost anger, but that would be too big of a spoiler.
The ending was quite a ride, especially when you are at 85% and still there is too much to process and resolve! But June did a damn great job with it, so we get a beautiful HEA ending, in which everyone gets their deserved closure.
I highly recommend Reyah's fantastic journey
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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