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Blue Gold
How cruel is it to want something you can never have?
That’s exactly what meeting Elliot Dufort was like.
A random encounter on a rainy New York morning threw me into a constant struggle between desire and reality. A yearning that could never be fulfilled, for one bite of the forbidden fruit would lead to my downfall.
What felt like a slow descent into a realm of love and passion turned out to be a crash, so intense it shattered the lies I called a life.
At the age of thirty-three, I’d long accepted my fate of living in the shadows of my responsibilities and playing the role that was assigned to me. But what could I do when one glance into his sapphire eyes was enough to make my heart miss a beat and my imagination run wild?
What was the price I was willing to pay to be with him, and more importantly, what would it cost him?
What happens when a strait-laced American lawyer meets a young French model on a cold New York day? Blue Gold is a standalone MM romance set in the early 2000s. It's a story about love, the kind that can change your life completely. So, if you're into Age gaps, Pining, Infidelity, and Opposites attract, this might be for you.
**You can check the book preview for Trigger Warnings**
That’s exactly what meeting Elliot Dufort was like.
A random encounter on a rainy New York morning threw me into a constant struggle between desire and reality. A yearning that could never be fulfilled, for one bite of the forbidden fruit would lead to my downfall.
What felt like a slow descent into a realm of love and passion turned out to be a crash, so intense it shattered the lies I called a life.
At the age of thirty-three, I’d long accepted my fate of living in the shadows of my responsibilities and playing the role that was assigned to me. But what could I do when one glance into his sapphire eyes was enough to make my heart miss a beat and my imagination run wild?
What was the price I was willing to pay to be with him, and more importantly, what would it cost him?
What happens when a strait-laced American lawyer meets a young French model on a cold New York day? Blue Gold is a standalone MM romance set in the early 2000s. It's a story about love, the kind that can change your life completely. So, if you're into Age gaps, Pining, Infidelity, and Opposites attract, this might be for you.
**You can check the book preview for Trigger Warnings**
475 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
November 24, 2025
4.5***** stars
I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS now I finally got to read it.
I don’t know if TL always intended on writing this book eventually or if readers demanded it but when we met Elliot and Daniel in the author’s debut novel Mistaken Prejudice as one of the MC’s parents they almost stole the whole damn show.
Did I want these two to get an easy and sweet romance? Yes, yes I did.
Did I expect to get it from Tal Lewin? *snort, absolutely not.
Daniel has always known that he’s gay but he still married a woman anyway. She is a great person and a loving wife. He had hope that it would work out in the end; that day almost a decade ago when she joined him at the altar, not knowing the truth. And it did, mostly, until one day in the early 2000s when he meets this beautiful young French man that would become his whole world.
But the secrecy, the lies, the guilt, raging homophobia, cowardice and the merciless longing are not the only challenges Daniel and Elliot face along the way to their HEA. There is also Elliot struggling to settle in a foreign country he doesn’t speak the language of, with being afraid of heartbreak finding him again and later with the pressure of the modeling/fashion industry causing him to develop an eating disorder. (And let me tell you, the 2000s were rough times for body positivity, when a slim body was still considered fat! Size zero was such a toxic fuck up.)
Once again the author tells an honest story about how people make mistakes, make decisions that end up hurting others even if that was the last thing they wanted. But yes, humans tend to do that.
I love that these characters and their actions, good and bad, feel so real and relatable and that, in the end, all the heartache was worth it. As it always is.
I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS now I finally got to read it.
I don’t know if TL always intended on writing this book eventually or if readers demanded it but when we met Elliot and Daniel in the author’s debut novel Mistaken Prejudice as one of the MC’s parents they almost stole the whole damn show.
“I know I said we’ll study first and then eat dinner, but instead we’ll have lunch.”
“Oh, that’s okay.”
“With my parents.”
Oh, fuck. “Parents, as in with your cute French dad?”
“Parents, as in my cute French dad and my less cute American lawyer dad.”
⇢ From “Mistaken Prejudice”
Did I want these two to get an easy and sweet romance? Yes, yes I did.
Did I expect to get it from Tal Lewin? *snort, absolutely not.
I wish I were brave enough to be honest with her.
Daniel has always known that he’s gay but he still married a woman anyway. She is a great person and a loving wife. He had hope that it would work out in the end; that day almost a decade ago when she joined him at the altar, not knowing the truth. And it did, mostly, until one day in the early 2000s when he meets this beautiful young French man that would become his whole world.
But the secrecy, the lies, the guilt, raging homophobia, cowardice and the merciless longing are not the only challenges Daniel and Elliot face along the way to their HEA. There is also Elliot struggling to settle in a foreign country he doesn’t speak the language of, with being afraid of heartbreak finding him again and later with the pressure of the modeling/fashion industry causing him to develop an eating disorder. (And let me tell you, the 2000s were rough times for body positivity, when a slim body was still considered fat! Size zero was such a toxic fuck up.)
Once again the author tells an honest story about how people make mistakes, make decisions that end up hurting others even if that was the last thing they wanted. But yes, humans tend to do that.
I love that these characters and their actions, good and bad, feel so real and relatable and that, in the end, all the heartache was worth it. As it always is.
“Do you know what coup de foudre mean?” he asked in English, voice so faint you could hardly hear it even in this silence.
Translating it in my head, I asked, “Lightning… strike?”
He hummed a yes. “Americans call it love at first sight, but I think that isn’t enough.” He now spoke French again. “Because when I first met you, it truly felt like the strike of lightning. So overwhelming that nothing could ever compare.”
March 14, 2026
Blue Gold is a beautifully mesmerizing romance that swept me away, and I never wanted it to end. Elliot and Daniel share a pure, intense, all-consuming love for each other. They meet by chance, and in that moment, their entire lives are changed forever.
What I enjoyed most about this story is how, even though countless obstacles are preventing Daniel and Elliot from being together, their determination and resilience in pursuing and choosing each other made for a truly romantic story that is simply magical.
Another fantastic aspect of this story is the journey of Elliot and Daniel falling for one another. With each moment and interaction, it becomes so blatantly clear these two are meant for each other, regardless of their age gap or professional differences. When they meet, there is a seismic shift that pulls them both towards one another intensely and undeniably.
Overall, I cannot praise this story enough. Daniel and Elliot are beautifully complex and full of love for one another, and watching them show up and devote themselves to one another even when it appears impossible is perfectly captured. I love this story from beginning to end and how these two fought for one another and earned their HEA.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
What I enjoyed most about this story is how, even though countless obstacles are preventing Daniel and Elliot from being together, their determination and resilience in pursuing and choosing each other made for a truly romantic story that is simply magical.
Another fantastic aspect of this story is the journey of Elliot and Daniel falling for one another. With each moment and interaction, it becomes so blatantly clear these two are meant for each other, regardless of their age gap or professional differences. When they meet, there is a seismic shift that pulls them both towards one another intensely and undeniably.
Overall, I cannot praise this story enough. Daniel and Elliot are beautifully complex and full of love for one another, and watching them show up and devote themselves to one another even when it appears impossible is perfectly captured. I love this story from beginning to end and how these two fought for one another and earned their HEA.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
November 2, 2025
5 ⭐ This might be one of the most beautiful stories I've read this year, and Tal Lewin once again proves how incredible talented she is with her storytelling!
We're thrown right into the early 2000's busy and grey New York, and introduced to Daniel, a well mannered and styled businessman who works for his fathers company. When he suddenly meet a beautiful french man named Elliot, his life suddenly seems to brighten. From here, this story takes us on an incredible ride of emotions, forbidden love and mental health.
Being able to read how the love between Daniel and Elliot (Miles parents) started, was such a treat! Already being in love with those two, this book took my obsession with them to a whole new level! I also think the descriptions in this book for not only the story, but the environments and time period was so well written and detailed! I felt like I was right back in the early 2000's with the fashion, music, and trends. There is also some themes in this book that could be considered sensitive, which I think the author did an amazing job giving thought and justice to. These parts were written with so much respect, and it was clear that they had did a great job with writing this rightfully.
Overall, this was such a beautiful journey of love and two people who are meant to be! Having read all of the authors books, this one is another example of their gift for writing incredible stories! I'm excited for what's next to come, and I can't wait to read Blue Gold again!
I would highly recommend reading the Bad Inceptions-series either before or after reading Blue Gold (just read it, its the best) to get the whole story of Elliot and Daniel, but I think anyone will very much enjoy this book regardless of having read that series prior to reading this book! As well, a big thank you to Tal for allowing me to beta-read her amazing work, I'm forever grateful! <3
We're thrown right into the early 2000's busy and grey New York, and introduced to Daniel, a well mannered and styled businessman who works for his fathers company. When he suddenly meet a beautiful french man named Elliot, his life suddenly seems to brighten. From here, this story takes us on an incredible ride of emotions, forbidden love and mental health.
Being able to read how the love between Daniel and Elliot (Miles parents) started, was such a treat! Already being in love with those two, this book took my obsession with them to a whole new level! I also think the descriptions in this book for not only the story, but the environments and time period was so well written and detailed! I felt like I was right back in the early 2000's with the fashion, music, and trends. There is also some themes in this book that could be considered sensitive, which I think the author did an amazing job giving thought and justice to. These parts were written with so much respect, and it was clear that they had did a great job with writing this rightfully.
Overall, this was such a beautiful journey of love and two people who are meant to be! Having read all of the authors books, this one is another example of their gift for writing incredible stories! I'm excited for what's next to come, and I can't wait to read Blue Gold again!
I would highly recommend reading the Bad Inceptions-series either before or after reading Blue Gold (just read it, its the best) to get the whole story of Elliot and Daniel, but I think anyone will very much enjoy this book regardless of having read that series prior to reading this book! As well, a big thank you to Tal for allowing me to beta-read her amazing work, I'm forever grateful! <3
October 22, 2025
Blue Gold is one of those rare stories that takes root quietly, unfurling through the seasons until it blossoms into something whole, beautiful, and totally unforgettable. If you are looking for a straightforward infidelity romance then you won’t find it here, but you will find honest characters with honest love, navigating real-world challenges without apology or restraint.
If you’ve read Mistaken Prejudice, then you already know that Elliot and Daniel are soulmates, but it’s another thing entirely to step back in time and watch their love unfold on the page. Their chemistry is palpable, with each interaction feeling heavy with longing. It’s coup de foudre in its truest form, though their journey is far from easy. This is as much a story about personal growth as it is about love, and learning how to live authentically even when the cost feels unbearable.
When we first meet Daniel, he’s an uptight lawyer working for his (disgustingly homophobic) father’s law firm, and married to his best friend who he can never love in the right way. He’s stagnant and resigned to a life that doesn’t fit him, until a chance encounter with a breathtaking Frenchman on a rainy New York day changes everything, and he finally feels his heart skip a beat at someone else’s mercy.
Daniel’s struggle with what it means to love another man, and one a decade younger no less, is written with care and authenticity. His fear of losing his career, his family, his reputation all feels painfully true to the early 2000s, when society was far less forgiving. He’s complicated, flawed, and at times difficult to love, but his inner turmoil is deeply relatable. Even when his choices hurt, his growth is rewarding to witness. Watching him evolve into a man unashamed of who he loves, and how deeply he can love, is profoundly satisfying.
As for Elliot, I don’t think anyone could read this story and not feel a deep sense of affection for him. He may seem naive and innocent, but he is sharp as a knife with sass to match, and I adore everything about him. Despite his age, he is at times more commanding than Daniel, but still has a shining vulnerability that’s incredibly endearing. His personal arc is equal parts devastating and moving, and I think Tal handled it with all of the grace and care I’ve come to expect from her.
Tal’s writing is as beautiful as always. The early 2000s setting feels so nostalgic, and her characters don’t feel like characters at all, more like actual people. The romance is the heart of the story, but there’s a whole world breathing around it.
Overall, this is a story that has a lot to say, but doesn’t need to shout to be heard. It sits in the quiet with the gritty and the real, peeling back the layers of shame and longing to reveal something tender and real underneath. If you enjoy age-gap infidelity romances, full to the brim with pining and character development, then you will love this.
If you’ve read Mistaken Prejudice, then you already know that Elliot and Daniel are soulmates, but it’s another thing entirely to step back in time and watch their love unfold on the page. Their chemistry is palpable, with each interaction feeling heavy with longing. It’s coup de foudre in its truest form, though their journey is far from easy. This is as much a story about personal growth as it is about love, and learning how to live authentically even when the cost feels unbearable.
When we first meet Daniel, he’s an uptight lawyer working for his (disgustingly homophobic) father’s law firm, and married to his best friend who he can never love in the right way. He’s stagnant and resigned to a life that doesn’t fit him, until a chance encounter with a breathtaking Frenchman on a rainy New York day changes everything, and he finally feels his heart skip a beat at someone else’s mercy.
Daniel’s struggle with what it means to love another man, and one a decade younger no less, is written with care and authenticity. His fear of losing his career, his family, his reputation all feels painfully true to the early 2000s, when society was far less forgiving. He’s complicated, flawed, and at times difficult to love, but his inner turmoil is deeply relatable. Even when his choices hurt, his growth is rewarding to witness. Watching him evolve into a man unashamed of who he loves, and how deeply he can love, is profoundly satisfying.
As for Elliot, I don’t think anyone could read this story and not feel a deep sense of affection for him. He may seem naive and innocent, but he is sharp as a knife with sass to match, and I adore everything about him. Despite his age, he is at times more commanding than Daniel, but still has a shining vulnerability that’s incredibly endearing. His personal arc is equal parts devastating and moving, and I think Tal handled it with all of the grace and care I’ve come to expect from her.
Tal’s writing is as beautiful as always. The early 2000s setting feels so nostalgic, and her characters don’t feel like characters at all, more like actual people. The romance is the heart of the story, but there’s a whole world breathing around it.
Overall, this is a story that has a lot to say, but doesn’t need to shout to be heard. It sits in the quiet with the gritty and the real, peeling back the layers of shame and longing to reveal something tender and real underneath. If you enjoy age-gap infidelity romances, full to the brim with pining and character development, then you will love this.
With every bit of my being, and with my heart beating just for him, I would love my French prince until the day this world ceased to exist. And far, far, beyond that.
March 19, 2026
Wow, I think this book may have left a big mark on me. Is it a new premise? No, but for me it was so well done. The romance was addictive, and the problems they faced, especially one in particular, got to me in a way I wasn’t prepared for.
This is one of those books where the relationship is so freaking addictive that all the wrong they do just doesn’t matter. I don’t know what it was about Daniel and Elliot, but their story made me feel everything. It felt inevitable, it felt strong even when they weren’t together, and I am so happy that after all those obstacles they got their beautiful HEA.
Daniel, the way this man talked about and saw Elliot just melted me. His words were especially beautiful, and if I could, I would share every description of Elliot in Daniel’s inner thoughts because wow, just wow. He was a really nice man, I really loved him, and his situation was a complicated and unfair one.
And Elliot, I have no words to really explain what this character did to me. I absolutely adore him, and I saw parts of myself in him in many internal ways. He broke me and gave me a warm hug at the same time, and that is all I can get myself to say about him.
“He looked like an angel who’d fallen from the heavens, and not leaning in to kiss him was almost a crime. Every part of me yearned to touch him, and so I gently stroked his cheek, savoring the pleasure of having him lean into my touch. The only thing I missed was the blueness of his irises, which was even deeper than the ocean. Then, as if reading my mind, he opened his eyes and stared right into my soul, turning me into nothing but a servant at his feet.”
“Gazing through the open window, Elliot looked mesmerized by the sights of the blue ocean, which was nowhere near as blue as his eyes. I wondered if he ever looked at nature’s beauty and drew the same conclusion as I did—that he was much more beautiful than anything else on this earth.”
“From the second we met, I’d engraved Daniel Williams into my core, from the rare shade of gray in his eyes, to his scent that brought back memories of forgotten summers, to the sound of his voice, rich and strong like the ocean, to his touch, gentle at times but also so reassuring and protective. It was probably why I could never erase him from my heart, not even after he broke it. But I guess that was the punishment for loving someone this deeply, more than you ever loved yourself.”
There is cheating in this book and yeah, I hate it, but I just couldn’t help but understand both sides. I appreciate the author for not making the woman a villain or mean. Claudia was justified in her reaction, and she was also kind, so I liked her a lot. I felt bad for her, but the circumstances were just so bad that I couldn’t bring myself to blame Daniel too much.
Another element of the story really hit me, and I wasn’t prepared for how hard it would hit. I read the TW, so I knew it would be there, and I’ve read books that talk about this before, but I have never seen reactions and thoughts so similar to mine as in this book, and holy hell that broke me. Different situations, different lives, and yet so familiar.
I definitely want to read more books from this author. I’m truly impressed by her writing and the beautiful way she developed such a complex story. And I just learned Elliot and Daniel’s son has a book… I’m getting that one immediately and reading it as soon as possible.
This was just a really moving book for me. It was a beautiful romance between two imperfect men who were so perfect for each other that they just became another example of the idea of soulmates for me.
“Do you know what coup de foudre mean?” he asked in English, voice so faint you could hardly hear it even in this silence.
Translating it in my head, I asked, “Lightning… strike?”
He hummed a yes. “Americans call it love at first sight, but I think that isn’t enough.” He now spoke French again. “Because when I first met you, it truly felt like the strike of lightning. So overwhelming that nothing could ever compare.” What a beautiful way of putting it. One I absolutely agreed with because to this day, I still recalled how my heart paused in my chest as if I were electrified the first time I saw him.”
This is one of those books where the relationship is so freaking addictive that all the wrong they do just doesn’t matter. I don’t know what it was about Daniel and Elliot, but their story made me feel everything. It felt inevitable, it felt strong even when they weren’t together, and I am so happy that after all those obstacles they got their beautiful HEA.
Daniel, the way this man talked about and saw Elliot just melted me. His words were especially beautiful, and if I could, I would share every description of Elliot in Daniel’s inner thoughts because wow, just wow. He was a really nice man, I really loved him, and his situation was a complicated and unfair one.
And Elliot, I have no words to really explain what this character did to me. I absolutely adore him, and I saw parts of myself in him in many internal ways. He broke me and gave me a warm hug at the same time, and that is all I can get myself to say about him.
“He looked like an angel who’d fallen from the heavens, and not leaning in to kiss him was almost a crime. Every part of me yearned to touch him, and so I gently stroked his cheek, savoring the pleasure of having him lean into my touch. The only thing I missed was the blueness of his irises, which was even deeper than the ocean. Then, as if reading my mind, he opened his eyes and stared right into my soul, turning me into nothing but a servant at his feet.”
“Gazing through the open window, Elliot looked mesmerized by the sights of the blue ocean, which was nowhere near as blue as his eyes. I wondered if he ever looked at nature’s beauty and drew the same conclusion as I did—that he was much more beautiful than anything else on this earth.”
“From the second we met, I’d engraved Daniel Williams into my core, from the rare shade of gray in his eyes, to his scent that brought back memories of forgotten summers, to the sound of his voice, rich and strong like the ocean, to his touch, gentle at times but also so reassuring and protective. It was probably why I could never erase him from my heart, not even after he broke it. But I guess that was the punishment for loving someone this deeply, more than you ever loved yourself.”
There is cheating in this book and yeah, I hate it, but I just couldn’t help but understand both sides. I appreciate the author for not making the woman a villain or mean. Claudia was justified in her reaction, and she was also kind, so I liked her a lot. I felt bad for her, but the circumstances were just so bad that I couldn’t bring myself to blame Daniel too much.
Another element of the story really hit me, and I wasn’t prepared for how hard it would hit. I read the TW, so I knew it would be there, and I’ve read books that talk about this before, but I have never seen reactions and thoughts so similar to mine as in this book, and holy hell that broke me. Different situations, different lives, and yet so familiar.
I definitely want to read more books from this author. I’m truly impressed by her writing and the beautiful way she developed such a complex story. And I just learned Elliot and Daniel’s son has a book… I’m getting that one immediately and reading it as soon as possible.
This was just a really moving book for me. It was a beautiful romance between two imperfect men who were so perfect for each other that they just became another example of the idea of soulmates for me.
“Do you know what coup de foudre mean?” he asked in English, voice so faint you could hardly hear it even in this silence.
Translating it in my head, I asked, “Lightning… strike?”
He hummed a yes. “Americans call it love at first sight, but I think that isn’t enough.” He now spoke French again. “Because when I first met you, it truly felt like the strike of lightning. So overwhelming that nothing could ever compare.” What a beautiful way of putting it. One I absolutely agreed with because to this day, I still recalled how my heart paused in my chest as if I were electrified the first time I saw him.”
December 2, 2025
3.65 rating 🌟
Blue Gold, to me, felt like a gay fiction-tragic, lyrical, poetic prose, and at times even funny. ofcourse, it’s MM romance, so it doesn’t wallow in or descend completely into despair and bleakness, though it carries that undertone of wistfulness and aching, which makes the narrative feel even more distinctive and refined.
what sets this one apart is that it actually has a HEA, which was suuuuuuch a relief ISTG. because narratives like this often come down to how much emotional weight you can endure-either you’re brave enough to read it and suffer, or you avoid it completely. trust me, i’ve always been the former, so this was honestly rare and a blessing 😁.
as for my thoughts on this book, i'm genuinely conflicted. it was a mercurial oscillation between admiration and vexation 😤.
for now, i'll stop here as i'm feeling jaded and lazy.
full detailed RTC 😊😊 .
Blue Gold, to me, felt like a gay fiction-tragic, lyrical, poetic prose, and at times even funny. ofcourse, it’s MM romance, so it doesn’t wallow in or descend completely into despair and bleakness, though it carries that undertone of wistfulness and aching, which makes the narrative feel even more distinctive and refined.
what sets this one apart is that it actually has a HEA, which was suuuuuuch a relief ISTG. because narratives like this often come down to how much emotional weight you can endure-either you’re brave enough to read it and suffer, or you avoid it completely. trust me, i’ve always been the former, so this was honestly rare and a blessing 😁.
as for my thoughts on this book, i'm genuinely conflicted. it was a mercurial oscillation between admiration and vexation 😤.
for now, i'll stop here as i'm feeling jaded and lazy.
full detailed RTC 😊😊 .
November 15, 2025
STOP IT RIGHT NOW. this book sucked me in from the beginning and didn’t let me go. it was also giving off cozy vibes? i don’t really know how to explain it. i just loved this so much 🥹
these boys will be living rent free in my head forever!!!
these boys will be living rent free in my head forever!!!
November 24, 2025
Blue Gold
Tal Lewin
Daniel & Elliot
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Age Gap
Pining
Infidelity
Opposites attract
Lawyer/Book/Model
Hurt/Comfort
Sometimes when reading, you are simply reading words on a page and begging to find a connection.
Then there are times when you look up and realize you have lost the connection of the world you were just in from such incredibly written words on paper it makes you smile.
Few books allow you to get lost into their pages. This is one of those books.
This was so good. I know Infidelity is a tricky thing in books, but I tend to love it. We see some of the greatest romances.
Those willing to blow up their whole life for their one true love.
But to get there… To get to the other side is always brutal. Lots of emotional damage. That's what I love.
We have a story of two men who have an instant connection. One out and proud one hidden so deep in the closet it seems impossible to come out.
“My attraction to him was so palpable it could almost be an extra guest around the table.”
This book hurts. It's beautiful. Also frustrating at times. But these two wonderful men go through a lot to get to their hea. At times, it wanted to through my kindle lol
“It’s always the married ones who’re jealous.”
I loved this. I couldn't put it down simply because I just had to know how they were finally going to get what they wanted, what they deserved.
There are a lot of ups and downs for both characters. More so I think Elliot towards the end.
This was a fantastic book. I think you should go in blind. The tropes given are basic, but there is more to this story than just the basics
We see these men struggle in many ways. Thinking they either can't have their hea or simply don't deserve it.
They stumble and fall and do dumb things, but they also love and desire and want more. It's an incredibly beautiful story.
The men have to climb mountains to get there but trust the process they get there and it's beautiful
Beautiful book
Wonderfully written
So thankful for this arc
Tal Lewin
Daniel & Elliot
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Age Gap
Pining
Infidelity
Opposites attract
Lawyer/Book/Model
Hurt/Comfort
Sometimes when reading, you are simply reading words on a page and begging to find a connection.
Then there are times when you look up and realize you have lost the connection of the world you were just in from such incredibly written words on paper it makes you smile.
Few books allow you to get lost into their pages. This is one of those books.
This was so good. I know Infidelity is a tricky thing in books, but I tend to love it. We see some of the greatest romances.
Those willing to blow up their whole life for their one true love.
But to get there… To get to the other side is always brutal. Lots of emotional damage. That's what I love.
We have a story of two men who have an instant connection. One out and proud one hidden so deep in the closet it seems impossible to come out.
“My attraction to him was so palpable it could almost be an extra guest around the table.”
This book hurts. It's beautiful. Also frustrating at times. But these two wonderful men go through a lot to get to their hea. At times, it wanted to through my kindle lol
“It’s always the married ones who’re jealous.”
I loved this. I couldn't put it down simply because I just had to know how they were finally going to get what they wanted, what they deserved.
There are a lot of ups and downs for both characters. More so I think Elliot towards the end.
This was a fantastic book. I think you should go in blind. The tropes given are basic, but there is more to this story than just the basics
We see these men struggle in many ways. Thinking they either can't have their hea or simply don't deserve it.
They stumble and fall and do dumb things, but they also love and desire and want more. It's an incredibly beautiful story.
The men have to climb mountains to get there but trust the process they get there and it's beautiful
Beautiful book
Wonderfully written
So thankful for this arc
November 15, 2025
blue gold is the type of story that holds you under and keeps you pining, longing, yearning for the characters and what they could be — on many occasions i found myself so invested in their story, hours had passed and i never wanted it to end.
it’s safe to say as many have said before, our hearts were captured by these two particular individuals within book one of the bad inceptions series, mistaken prejudice, just from the small snippets we saw of miles’s charming and endearing dads had us all begging on our knees for more of them, more of their love and more of their history which tal delivered and then some.
their story comes with struggle, heartache, infidelity, character complexity, secrets and a love that’s oh so real. i love characters that hit you square in the feels and make you want to pull back the layers underneath.
daniel, our strait-laced lawyer, serious yet hiding behind his suit and armour, the way he has done for so long, he took his shame, fear and vulnerability and learned to love and free himself from the ideals that have been forced upon him. sweet elliot, my deeply misunderstood prince, he was something so precious, such a complicated being with so many layers but still so light and humorous, i was just obsessed with every version of him.
blue gold is something that hurts you with reason, that makes you feel every emotion that each character is feeling and still, find ways to relate and understand. it shows vulnerability, growth, heartache, pining and longing, the overcoming of fear and shame and learning to trust.
without a doubt, one of my favourite reads of the year, tals writing is exquisite and is full of emotion, i can’t recommend this read enough.
five star read, thank you tal for the arc opportunity <3
it’s safe to say as many have said before, our hearts were captured by these two particular individuals within book one of the bad inceptions series, mistaken prejudice, just from the small snippets we saw of miles’s charming and endearing dads had us all begging on our knees for more of them, more of their love and more of their history which tal delivered and then some.
their story comes with struggle, heartache, infidelity, character complexity, secrets and a love that’s oh so real. i love characters that hit you square in the feels and make you want to pull back the layers underneath.
daniel, our strait-laced lawyer, serious yet hiding behind his suit and armour, the way he has done for so long, he took his shame, fear and vulnerability and learned to love and free himself from the ideals that have been forced upon him. sweet elliot, my deeply misunderstood prince, he was something so precious, such a complicated being with so many layers but still so light and humorous, i was just obsessed with every version of him.
blue gold is something that hurts you with reason, that makes you feel every emotion that each character is feeling and still, find ways to relate and understand. it shows vulnerability, growth, heartache, pining and longing, the overcoming of fear and shame and learning to trust.
without a doubt, one of my favourite reads of the year, tals writing is exquisite and is full of emotion, i can’t recommend this read enough.
five star read, thank you tal for the arc opportunity <3
November 13, 2025
I was so fortunate to beta-read Blue Gold, and it was my favorite book that Tal Lewin has written! Elliot and Daniel have my whole heart!
After reading Mistaken Prejudice and getting a glimpse into who they were as adults and parents, getting to read their backstory was everything. Their story has so much heartache that came with the time period and circumstances, but their hard-earned HEA made all of the trials worth it. I cried multiple times and wanted to yell at both Daniel and Elliot for their stubbornness, but the best part was how they found pockets of happiness together.
I’m so excited to see more art come of these two characters and to add their book to my shelf! I’ve already re-read it a couple of times and can’t wait to do so again and again.
After reading Mistaken Prejudice and getting a glimpse into who they were as adults and parents, getting to read their backstory was everything. Their story has so much heartache that came with the time period and circumstances, but their hard-earned HEA made all of the trials worth it. I cried multiple times and wanted to yell at both Daniel and Elliot for their stubbornness, but the best part was how they found pockets of happiness together.
I’m so excited to see more art come of these two characters and to add their book to my shelf! I’ve already re-read it a couple of times and can’t wait to do so again and again.
February 9, 2026
daniel & elliot - 4.5 stars 🩵 this was so good omg. enthralling, interesting & romantic i loved it and loved our mc’s soooo much. if infidelity isn’t your jam (it absolutely is mine) then you might not go for it but even then id urge its sooooo good. this is my first book by tal and ive had mistaken prejudice on my shelf for a while, i will get to it very soon as i see that daniel & elliot are the mc’s parents in that book 😭🩵🩵
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November 10, 2025
After meeting Daniel and Elliot in Mistaken Prejudice, I was beyond excited to read their origin story and see how it all came to be, and I was not disappointed!🥹
Once again, Tal has blown me away with her storytelling, transporting us back into the early 2000's where these two beautiful characters meet. Their meet cute was everything I wanted it to be and more! So innocent, so random, but goes to show how these two were truly meant for each other. I loved going back into the past with dad hats, walkmans and cd's, and basic flip phones. It really set the stage for their love story, and also highlighted their age gap in the best of ways.
Throughout the "Bad Inceptions" series, Daniel was definitely one of the standout characters, and that did not change here! Seeing through his eyes and going through his internal struggle gave him so much depth, and it explains why he is the way he is, and why he's such an AMAZING dad to Miles. His own family was absolutely trash, and for a moment I wondered how far the story would take things, but was very relieved when Daniel stayed true to himself and took those moments of anger and pain and turned them into transformative opportunities for himself and his life. You can feel the guilt and remorse that he feels going after Elliot and crossing lines he shouldn't be. He is an extremely flawed character but he learns along the way and we get to experience that with him. Seeing him become more comfortable in his own skin and have way more confidence about who he is was beautiful, and we definitely have Elliot to thank for some of that!
Elliot was also a favorite of mine in the series, but I never could have imagined the different sides of him! Since part 1 of the book is primarily through Daniel’s POV, we get this portrayal of Elliot that is obviously one sided. When we get to his POV and some of the later scenes, whoa mama, this man is has LAYERS. He is the onion of all onions with how many layers he is. But they are each so unique and beautiful and so ELLIOT that by the end it just all makes sense. He also grows up so much during this book and in such a short amount of time as well, going from wanna be model to superstar model on the cover of magazines and billboards overnight. But Elliot's darkest part of himself was so hauntingly raw and real and the inner dialogue that he had was heartbreaking. I definitely teared up when Elliot was sharing his body struggles and of course it was hard to read, but I feel like Tal did an excellent job.
This book was perfectly balanced. It has hurt/comfort elements, found family, spice (appropriate amount for the story and the characters), and some moments that will genuinely have you kicking your feet and feeling all the warm fuzzies. I never wanted it to be over but their story is beautiful, and if you haven't read the series yet, PLEASE DO! Thank you Tal for letting me read their story early 🥹❤︎
Bad Inceptions Series (approx. 16 years later)
•Mistaken Prejudice
•Unexpected Prejudice
•Explosive Prejudice
•Forgotten Prejudice
•Dissolving Prejudice
Once again, Tal has blown me away with her storytelling, transporting us back into the early 2000's where these two beautiful characters meet. Their meet cute was everything I wanted it to be and more! So innocent, so random, but goes to show how these two were truly meant for each other. I loved going back into the past with dad hats, walkmans and cd's, and basic flip phones. It really set the stage for their love story, and also highlighted their age gap in the best of ways.
Throughout the "Bad Inceptions" series, Daniel was definitely one of the standout characters, and that did not change here! Seeing through his eyes and going through his internal struggle gave him so much depth, and it explains why he is the way he is, and why he's such an AMAZING dad to Miles. His own family was absolutely trash, and for a moment I wondered how far the story would take things, but was very relieved when Daniel stayed true to himself and took those moments of anger and pain and turned them into transformative opportunities for himself and his life. You can feel the guilt and remorse that he feels going after Elliot and crossing lines he shouldn't be. He is an extremely flawed character but he learns along the way and we get to experience that with him. Seeing him become more comfortable in his own skin and have way more confidence about who he is was beautiful, and we definitely have Elliot to thank for some of that!
Elliot was also a favorite of mine in the series, but I never could have imagined the different sides of him! Since part 1 of the book is primarily through Daniel’s POV, we get this portrayal of Elliot that is obviously one sided. When we get to his POV and some of the later scenes, whoa mama, this man is has LAYERS. He is the onion of all onions with how many layers he is. But they are each so unique and beautiful and so ELLIOT that by the end it just all makes sense. He also grows up so much during this book and in such a short amount of time as well, going from wanna be model to superstar model on the cover of magazines and billboards overnight. But Elliot's darkest part of himself was so hauntingly raw and real and the inner dialogue that he had was heartbreaking. I definitely teared up when Elliot was sharing his body struggles and of course it was hard to read, but I feel like Tal did an excellent job.
This book was perfectly balanced. It has hurt/comfort elements, found family, spice (appropriate amount for the story and the characters), and some moments that will genuinely have you kicking your feet and feeling all the warm fuzzies. I never wanted it to be over but their story is beautiful, and if you haven't read the series yet, PLEASE DO! Thank you Tal for letting me read their story early 🥹❤︎
Bad Inceptions Series (approx. 16 years later)
•Mistaken Prejudice
•Unexpected Prejudice
•Explosive Prejudice
•Forgotten Prejudice
•Dissolving Prejudice
April 18, 2026
Romance books that are heavy on infidelity are fascinating to me. Because how are you going to deal with this morally terrible thing and make us sympathize with the characters? How will you handle the wronged partner, how will you justify the actions of the cheater? I enjoy observing the mental gymnastics authors make us do, so I actually really enjoyed this book. Mostly.
The book starts kind of stiff, from the perspective of Daniel - 33, a repressed and closeted lawyer in New York from a very wealthy and influential family. Daniel moves through his life in a haze of familial duty and doesn't often take anything for himself. Until one day he has a meet-cute with an extremely good looking young Frenchman and his world is upended. Elliot, our 19-year-old Adonis, comes across as a kind of innocent, an ingenue who is just trying to make it in the big city, but he is wilier and more complex than he seems. Daniel is obsessed. But the whole first act is a masterclass in simmering tension as married Daniel tries to resist Elliot. This doesn't last forever and after a very winding road, these two actually embark on an affair that had me sweating. The second act was basically Daniel and Elliot getting everything they want, while the rest of the world fades away. But like eventually reality creeps in and the third act was filled with lots of melodrama as everyone's chickens came home to roost.
It's a longish book, and some parts dragged, while other parts felt breathless. The age gap felt a bit gross when you stopped to think about it, but when you're up close with the two of them, it didn't matter as much. Daniel, for all his wealth and sophistication, has not actually had all that much life experience, whereas Elliot definitely felt older than his years. The relationship didn't feel exploitative or even unequal. Their chemistry is great, especially in the beginning. I also really liked that Daniel's spouse was written with a lot of compassion. She was neither a harpy nor a victim, and handled the situation like an absolute champ.
I think this book handled its heavy themes pretty well. In books with cheating, I'm always ready to hate everyone immediately, but I think the author succeeded here in making the characters flawed and self-aware enough that they won me over in the end.
The book starts kind of stiff, from the perspective of Daniel - 33, a repressed and closeted lawyer in New York from a very wealthy and influential family. Daniel moves through his life in a haze of familial duty and doesn't often take anything for himself. Until one day he has a meet-cute with an extremely good looking young Frenchman and his world is upended. Elliot, our 19-year-old Adonis, comes across as a kind of innocent, an ingenue who is just trying to make it in the big city, but he is wilier and more complex than he seems. Daniel is obsessed. But the whole first act is a masterclass in simmering tension as married Daniel tries to resist Elliot. This doesn't last forever and after a very winding road, these two actually embark on an affair that had me sweating. The second act was basically Daniel and Elliot getting everything they want, while the rest of the world fades away. But like eventually reality creeps in and the third act was filled with lots of melodrama as everyone's chickens came home to roost.
It's a longish book, and some parts dragged, while other parts felt breathless. The age gap felt a bit gross when you stopped to think about it, but when you're up close with the two of them, it didn't matter as much. Daniel, for all his wealth and sophistication, has not actually had all that much life experience, whereas Elliot definitely felt older than his years. The relationship didn't feel exploitative or even unequal. Their chemistry is great, especially in the beginning. I also really liked that Daniel's spouse was written with a lot of compassion. She was neither a harpy nor a victim, and handled the situation like an absolute champ.
I think this book handled its heavy themes pretty well. In books with cheating, I'm always ready to hate everyone immediately, but I think the author succeeded here in making the characters flawed and self-aware enough that they won me over in the end.
December 29, 2025
₊˚⊹ | 5 ★ read .ᐟ
I haven't been reading much ever since I started my new job and december was a pretty dead month for my reading schedule. I only read 4 or 5 books, but even so, I got myself some heart couples to keep me warm this month and that makes me so happy. And it turned out that Daniel & Elliot are one of those couples. I feel like this book was my late Christmas gift.
I feel like I devoured this book and all I could think about was how to prolong finishing it because I don't want it to end? The 2000s vibes and their complicated love... The details? The power of details? My heart was on the floor in an instant. Elliot was described so flawlessly and I could picture his beauty thru and thru. Again, the small details make the difference. Who wants to be done with a book like this? They made me feel warmth and pain equally through their romance and how their feelings evolved from cute friendly strangers that helped each other in their own way, to ‘I’ve got nothing to risk? What about my heart?’, to the endless and safe love they held for each other. Can you imagine having someone in your life that would do anything to make you happy? Including reading several books in order to understand and help you with your eating disorder? I'm rooting for Daniel with all my being! I know they’re well now cause they have the most beautiful family they could have asked for, but reading their story struck my heart deeply, on so many levels.
Great, now they're my ride or die now, cause they're 'The Blue Gold of my existence'. 😮💨😭
Intrusive thought: And you know what's the sweetest thing in the entire world? Elliot speaking English!!! THE MAPLES HAVE TURNED EVERYONE!!!!! 🤧🤣🤣🤣
Another intrusive thought: I need to know if Aloïs gets his own story asap!!
I haven't been reading much ever since I started my new job and december was a pretty dead month for my reading schedule. I only read 4 or 5 books, but even so, I got myself some heart couples to keep me warm this month and that makes me so happy. And it turned out that Daniel & Elliot are one of those couples. I feel like this book was my late Christmas gift.
I feel like I devoured this book and all I could think about was how to prolong finishing it because I don't want it to end? The 2000s vibes and their complicated love... The details? The power of details? My heart was on the floor in an instant. Elliot was described so flawlessly and I could picture his beauty thru and thru. Again, the small details make the difference. Who wants to be done with a book like this? They made me feel warmth and pain equally through their romance and how their feelings evolved from cute friendly strangers that helped each other in their own way, to ‘I’ve got nothing to risk? What about my heart?’, to the endless and safe love they held for each other. Can you imagine having someone in your life that would do anything to make you happy? Including reading several books in order to understand and help you with your eating disorder? I'm rooting for Daniel with all my being! I know they’re well now cause they have the most beautiful family they could have asked for, but reading their story struck my heart deeply, on so many levels.
Great, now they're my ride or die now, cause they're 'The Blue Gold of my existence'. 😮💨😭
Intrusive thought: And you know what's the sweetest thing in the entire world? Elliot speaking English!!! THE MAPLES HAVE TURNED EVERYONE!!!!! 🤧🤣🤣🤣
Another intrusive thought: I need to know if Aloïs gets his own story asap!!
January 15, 2026
I devoured the first 85’ish percent of this book and did not want to put it down. I loved that I adored Daniel and Elliot individually at different points but I mostly adored them together. I absolutely felt their connection, loved the angsty parts and was frustrated when their communication could have been better. Near the end of the book felt tedious and I began to skim so that’s why only 4 stars.
November 21, 2025
Sensitivity read 🫶🏼
March 13, 2026
One of my favourite feelings is when a book is so good that you completely lose yourself in it.
I was consumed from the first pages, it pulled out so many emotions, and that kind of experience is rare and incredibly special 💙
I don’t know what I expected, but it was something very different from what I imagined - in the best possible way. This story feels deeply human and somehow very different from how most of the romances unfold. The characters’ actions, reactions, and decisions weren’t exaggerated, overly dramatic or stupid. People behave their age, make mistakes, struggle and because of that everything feels painfully believable.
The beginning of the story was incredibly sweet and gentle, I was smiling so much during the first part that when the heartbreak hit, it caught me off guard, which is exactly what I’m talking about - it was a very believable love story that didn’t follow the usual romance scenarios.
Their love didn’t feel too sweet and artificial, it felt very emotional and natural, written with so much tenderness and care that made my chest ache for them 💔
Another aspect I found interesting was the structure. The first part is entirely from Daniel’s POV, which in my experience heightens the tension, leaving you constantly wondering about the other side of the story. And when the narrative opens into dual POV later, it is perfectly timed and emotionally necessary.
The writing itself is simply beautiful, I had to restrain myself from quoting half the book. It is lyrical, almost poetic at times, it never loses the emotional clarity and doesn't feel overdone.
"From the second we met, I’d engraved Daniel Williams into my core, from the rare shade of gray in his eyes, to his scent that brought back memories of forgotten summers, to the sound of his voice, rich and strong like the ocean, to his touch, gentle at times but also so reassuring and protective."
The cheating trope is always a delicate one, especially for readers who are/were married, but it’s handled here with remarkable care. The story never asks you to excuse everything, it allows you to understand the characters, their emotions, and the complexity of their choices.
I also deeply respected how Daniel handled himself once things began spiraling out of control. I am so satisfied when the characters act with maturity and self-awareness, it makes you relate to them even more.
The struggles with body image and eating resonated with me in a very personal way, but they didn’t feel triggering, rather familiar and relatable, echoing somewhere deep inside 💔
This book moved me more than I expected.
It’s utterly emotional, thoughtful, beautifully written, and filled with the kind of love that feels sincere and deeply human.
I loved every page 🤍
I was consumed from the first pages, it pulled out so many emotions, and that kind of experience is rare and incredibly special 💙
I don’t know what I expected, but it was something very different from what I imagined - in the best possible way. This story feels deeply human and somehow very different from how most of the romances unfold. The characters’ actions, reactions, and decisions weren’t exaggerated, overly dramatic or stupid. People behave their age, make mistakes, struggle and because of that everything feels painfully believable.
The beginning of the story was incredibly sweet and gentle, I was smiling so much during the first part that when the heartbreak hit, it caught me off guard, which is exactly what I’m talking about - it was a very believable love story that didn’t follow the usual romance scenarios.
Their love didn’t feel too sweet and artificial, it felt very emotional and natural, written with so much tenderness and care that made my chest ache for them 💔
Another aspect I found interesting was the structure. The first part is entirely from Daniel’s POV, which in my experience heightens the tension, leaving you constantly wondering about the other side of the story. And when the narrative opens into dual POV later, it is perfectly timed and emotionally necessary.
The writing itself is simply beautiful, I had to restrain myself from quoting half the book. It is lyrical, almost poetic at times, it never loses the emotional clarity and doesn't feel overdone.
"From the second we met, I’d engraved Daniel Williams into my core, from the rare shade of gray in his eyes, to his scent that brought back memories of forgotten summers, to the sound of his voice, rich and strong like the ocean, to his touch, gentle at times but also so reassuring and protective."
The cheating trope is always a delicate one, especially for readers who are/were married, but it’s handled here with remarkable care. The story never asks you to excuse everything, it allows you to understand the characters, their emotions, and the complexity of their choices.
I also deeply respected how Daniel handled himself once things began spiraling out of control. I am so satisfied when the characters act with maturity and self-awareness, it makes you relate to them even more.
The struggles with body image and eating resonated with me in a very personal way, but they didn’t feel triggering, rather familiar and relatable, echoing somewhere deep inside 💔
This book moved me more than I expected.
It’s utterly emotional, thoughtful, beautifully written, and filled with the kind of love that feels sincere and deeply human.
I loved every page 🤍
November 28, 2025
This is my first book by this author and on top of that, I went into it blind. I wasn't sure what to expect, but wow did it deliver! This is the story of Daniel, a successful but closeted lawyer who is very rigid/strict with himself because of an overbearing/homophobic parent, and sweet Elliot, who is a French national, can barely speak English, and who came to the US to escape heartache and become a model. Through Daniel's eyes, I too fell for Elliot and felt so much for him. The bond between Daniel and Elliot is immediately forged, but takes years to really develop and come to fruition. They both struggled so much and had to overcome many hurdles to eventually win their HEA. This is a beautiful story and I had so many tears. Now I want to go back and read Bad Inceptions!!
What to Expect:
*lawyer MC + model/chef MC
*American + French
*closeted MC + out MC
*wealthy + struggling
*overbearing father/toxic family + supportive mom
*opposites attract
*age gap
*language issues
*set in the 2000s
*Pining
*Cheating
*slutty socks
*"blue gold"
*hard won HEA
*connection to Bad Inceptions series
What to Expect:
*lawyer MC + model/chef MC
*American + French
*closeted MC + out MC
*wealthy + struggling
*overbearing father/toxic family + supportive mom
*opposites attract
*age gap
*language issues
*set in the 2000s
*Pining
*Cheating
*slutty socks
*"blue gold"
*hard won HEA
*connection to Bad Inceptions series
February 24, 2026
Another 2.5⭐️ maybe 3? If I’m feeling generous?
There were parts where I got invested but majority felt like I was forcing myself to finish? I did a lot of skim reading towards the end. 🤷♀️
There were parts where I got invested but majority felt like I was forcing myself to finish? I did a lot of skim reading towards the end. 🤷♀️
November 12, 2025
5 stars ☆⋆˙
Review:
Elliot and Daniel have been living rent-free in my mind since Mistaken Prejudice. Their connection back then felt so palpable, that I knew I needed their full story. Blue Gold delivers that and more. From the moment they meet, you can feel the pull between them. This book is not light. It deals with heavy themes like infidelity and eating disorders, and Tal approaches these topics with raw honesty.
Elliot, who comes to America to pursue modeling without even speaking the language, feels painfully lost, vulnerable, and alone. Daniel, a successful lawyer with a wife, daughter, and a carefully arranged image, is suffocating inside the life he’s been forced into. They’re both aching in their own ways, and when they met, it’s like love at first sight and their story was beautiful but also painful to read.
Elliot is the softest soul—gentle, sweet, and hurting in ways that made me want to wrap him in a blanket and protect him from everything. He’s been shaped and bruised by the modeling world, but there’s still so much tenderness in him. Daniel, on the other hand, may come across as cold or restrained, but beneath every controlled word and careful choice is a man who feels deeply.
The way he loves Elliot is quiet but powerful, strong and unwavering, even when it shouldn’t be. And that’s the thing, even when it’s “wrong,” you can’t help but root for them. Because it’s so clear, from the first moment, how perfectly they fit. Daniel gives Elliot a sense of safety and belonging he has craved for so long, while Elliot becomes the spark that reminds Daniel he deserves to live, not just exist.
Blue Gold it’s about two souls who find light in each other even when everything around them feels dark. Elliot and Daniel’s story isn’t perfect, but that’s what makes it real. It’s full of contradictions and impossible choices, yet through it all, you can feel the hope and the ache of loving someone you’re not supposed to. As always, Tal amazed me with her talent and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next.
Review:
Elliot and Daniel have been living rent-free in my mind since Mistaken Prejudice. Their connection back then felt so palpable, that I knew I needed their full story. Blue Gold delivers that and more. From the moment they meet, you can feel the pull between them. This book is not light. It deals with heavy themes like infidelity and eating disorders, and Tal approaches these topics with raw honesty.
Elliot, who comes to America to pursue modeling without even speaking the language, feels painfully lost, vulnerable, and alone. Daniel, a successful lawyer with a wife, daughter, and a carefully arranged image, is suffocating inside the life he’s been forced into. They’re both aching in their own ways, and when they met, it’s like love at first sight and their story was beautiful but also painful to read.
Elliot is the softest soul—gentle, sweet, and hurting in ways that made me want to wrap him in a blanket and protect him from everything. He’s been shaped and bruised by the modeling world, but there’s still so much tenderness in him. Daniel, on the other hand, may come across as cold or restrained, but beneath every controlled word and careful choice is a man who feels deeply.
The way he loves Elliot is quiet but powerful, strong and unwavering, even when it shouldn’t be. And that’s the thing, even when it’s “wrong,” you can’t help but root for them. Because it’s so clear, from the first moment, how perfectly they fit. Daniel gives Elliot a sense of safety and belonging he has craved for so long, while Elliot becomes the spark that reminds Daniel he deserves to live, not just exist.
Blue Gold it’s about two souls who find light in each other even when everything around them feels dark. Elliot and Daniel’s story isn’t perfect, but that’s what makes it real. It’s full of contradictions and impossible choices, yet through it all, you can feel the hope and the ache of loving someone you’re not supposed to. As always, Tal amazed me with her talent and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next.
December 1, 2025
daniel being immediately down bad for elliot -- shut up. i was kicking my feet and giggling because the chemistry was just instant and so so good.
and honestly, my heart hurt for all of them -- daniel, claudia, elliot, maya. that whole “being conditioned to believe your real self is wrong” thing? absolutely brutal. and it doesn’t just hurt the person hiding, everyone around them gets caught in the fallout too.
elliot though?? my sweet, sassy, sly boy. the way he can be sharp one second and soft the next -- i was obsessed. and watching both him and daniel break a little as they try to figure out what they mean to each other -- ouch, but in the best way.
also, daniel on his knees for elliot? yes. correct. thank you.
elliot deserves the world and then some. all he wanted was someone who would choose him openly instead of treating him like a secret, and the way that hit me right in the chest? devastating.
the whole story was messy and emotional and so real, and i loved every second of being dragged through it.
Oh! And I definitely know where Miles's personality came from now 😂
and honestly, my heart hurt for all of them -- daniel, claudia, elliot, maya. that whole “being conditioned to believe your real self is wrong” thing? absolutely brutal. and it doesn’t just hurt the person hiding, everyone around them gets caught in the fallout too.
elliot though?? my sweet, sassy, sly boy. the way he can be sharp one second and soft the next -- i was obsessed. and watching both him and daniel break a little as they try to figure out what they mean to each other -- ouch, but in the best way.
also, daniel on his knees for elliot? yes. correct. thank you.
elliot deserves the world and then some. all he wanted was someone who would choose him openly instead of treating him like a secret, and the way that hit me right in the chest? devastating.
the whole story was messy and emotional and so real, and i loved every second of being dragged through it.
Oh! And I definitely know where Miles's personality came from now 😂
January 2, 2026
2 stars ⭐️
I'm so sad about how this story went. I was really looking forward to reading this, because I love a book with this kind of angst sometimes. Even though the cheating trope isn't for everyone, sometimes, especially in a M/M book, the heartache and yearning for another when you're living a life trying to keep up appearances is just so good.
"If we could go back" by Cara Dee, and "Lovers" by Fiona Cole are two of my favourite books with this kind of trope. And when I read the blurb for this and saw high reviews, I thought I'd be reading a similar type of thing here, but I hyped myself up for it too much.
The whole story just felt a bit all over the place, tbh. I liked the beginning a lot, like when they first met, but then it went downhill from there. The pacing wasn't doing it for me, with the year-long separation thrown in randomly and then Daniel just shows up at his hotel room and that's the first time they have sex, then afterwards it's just like 'okay, bye'. I needed more than that to be emotionally invested in this life story!
I didn't really connect with Daniel at first. He seemed really full of himself, but I liked Elliot to begin with. Then, around halfway through, it switched around. I ended up much preferring Daniel over Elliot. Because once Daniel accepted his feelings, he was actually very sweet and considerate. It was very obvious how much he loved Elliot.
I do think he was wrong for marrying someone and having a child with her, knowing he was gay. Not even bisexual, like only attracted to men, so much that he had anxiety every time he had to be physically intimate with his wife in case he couldn't perform and she clocked on. Even if he never planned on acting on it, it wasn't fair because he knew that he would never give Claudia what she deserved. I know he was just trying to live a 'normal' life that was expected of him, but it was still selfish. But once he met Elliot, he knew he couldn't keep up the facade anymore, and I felt sympathy for him here because this kind of thing can happen. Even when a person isn't gay, you can meet someone and build a life, but a decade later, things can change. I did appreciate him being honest eventually and being honest with her about the reason why he wanted a divorce. It was actually Maya I felt the most sorry for, though.
Then we get to Elliot...
He was just all over the place. I know he had past issues with abandonment and not believing himself to be worthy of love, and I felt sympathy for him to a point, but he was never there for Daniel, like, at all. And Daniel was constantly the one fighting for their relationship.
I feel like there were so many issues thrown in just for the sake of it. His dad abandoning him when he was younger, his ex lover making him a secret (this was mentioned way too much, imo as well. Like, opening up about his past a few times fair enough, but Jacques was mentioned so much that I was like, is he even over him? And the flashback memories I just didn't care for), then his eating disorder. It was a lot, just focusing on his eating disorder would have been enough.
I wanted to see him show his love for Daniel more. Daniels whole life had turned upside down, and whilst most of that was his own doing, he still needed some support.
I mean, it was actually Elliot that pursued Daniel in the first place. He invited him for dinner at the restaurant, which, okay, could have just been a thank you. But then he sought Daniel out at his work because Daniel hadn't gone back to the restaurant for 3 weeks, and then he inserted himself into Daniels life by taking the personal chef job. Like, C'mon!
I also didn't really like the part towards the end where he admitted that he didn't really want to learn English that much. He just wanted to get closer to Daniel. It may not seem like such a big deal, but imo he went from seeming really sweet in the beginning, and by the end it left me wondering if it was just an act. I don't know. I just didn't connect with his character and I didn't feel his love for Daniel. It just felt all about him.
And don't even get me started on him up and leaving with a goodbye note, and it being Daniel that flied half way around the world to get him back. Then, when he shows up, Elliot had spent the day with his ex lover. Okay, so it had been perfectly innocent, with Elliot realising that he had no feelings for Jacques anymore, but it still left me feeling like wtf? I didn't care at all about him and Jacques, I wanted him to fight to be with Daniel!!!
They got their HEA in the end, but I wasn't very invested by that point.
I'm so sad about how this story went. I was really looking forward to reading this, because I love a book with this kind of angst sometimes. Even though the cheating trope isn't for everyone, sometimes, especially in a M/M book, the heartache and yearning for another when you're living a life trying to keep up appearances is just so good.
"If we could go back" by Cara Dee, and "Lovers" by Fiona Cole are two of my favourite books with this kind of trope. And when I read the blurb for this and saw high reviews, I thought I'd be reading a similar type of thing here, but I hyped myself up for it too much.
The whole story just felt a bit all over the place, tbh. I liked the beginning a lot, like when they first met, but then it went downhill from there. The pacing wasn't doing it for me, with the year-long separation thrown in randomly and then Daniel just shows up at his hotel room and that's the first time they have sex, then afterwards it's just like 'okay, bye'. I needed more than that to be emotionally invested in this life story!
I didn't really connect with Daniel at first. He seemed really full of himself, but I liked Elliot to begin with. Then, around halfway through, it switched around. I ended up much preferring Daniel over Elliot. Because once Daniel accepted his feelings, he was actually very sweet and considerate. It was very obvious how much he loved Elliot.
I do think he was wrong for marrying someone and having a child with her, knowing he was gay. Not even bisexual, like only attracted to men, so much that he had anxiety every time he had to be physically intimate with his wife in case he couldn't perform and she clocked on. Even if he never planned on acting on it, it wasn't fair because he knew that he would never give Claudia what she deserved. I know he was just trying to live a 'normal' life that was expected of him, but it was still selfish. But once he met Elliot, he knew he couldn't keep up the facade anymore, and I felt sympathy for him here because this kind of thing can happen. Even when a person isn't gay, you can meet someone and build a life, but a decade later, things can change. I did appreciate him being honest eventually and being honest with her about the reason why he wanted a divorce. It was actually Maya I felt the most sorry for, though.
Then we get to Elliot...
He was just all over the place. I know he had past issues with abandonment and not believing himself to be worthy of love, and I felt sympathy for him to a point, but he was never there for Daniel, like, at all. And Daniel was constantly the one fighting for their relationship.
I feel like there were so many issues thrown in just for the sake of it. His dad abandoning him when he was younger, his ex lover making him a secret (this was mentioned way too much, imo as well. Like, opening up about his past a few times fair enough, but Jacques was mentioned so much that I was like, is he even over him? And the flashback memories I just didn't care for), then his eating disorder. It was a lot, just focusing on his eating disorder would have been enough.
I wanted to see him show his love for Daniel more. Daniels whole life had turned upside down, and whilst most of that was his own doing, he still needed some support.
I mean, it was actually Elliot that pursued Daniel in the first place. He invited him for dinner at the restaurant, which, okay, could have just been a thank you. But then he sought Daniel out at his work because Daniel hadn't gone back to the restaurant for 3 weeks, and then he inserted himself into Daniels life by taking the personal chef job. Like, C'mon!
I also didn't really like the part towards the end where he admitted that he didn't really want to learn English that much. He just wanted to get closer to Daniel. It may not seem like such a big deal, but imo he went from seeming really sweet in the beginning, and by the end it left me wondering if it was just an act. I don't know. I just didn't connect with his character and I didn't feel his love for Daniel. It just felt all about him.
And don't even get me started on him up and leaving with a goodbye note, and it being Daniel that flied half way around the world to get him back. Then, when he shows up, Elliot had spent the day with his ex lover. Okay, so it had been perfectly innocent, with Elliot realising that he had no feelings for Jacques anymore, but it still left me feeling like wtf? I didn't care at all about him and Jacques, I wanted him to fight to be with Daniel!!!
They got their HEA in the end, but I wasn't very invested by that point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2025
DNF at 36 pages
so glad this was free for me because of Kindle unlimited
I thought yeah an age gap that's fine sure. THIRTY THREE AND NINETEEN? no that's weird I can't deal with that
then a few pages later the main character goes home to his WIFE AND CHILD?!
he spent the start of the book woe is me I've had no issues 'restraining my sexual urges' ... bro you have a kid ? so evidently you've been up to something
if he was single sure I'd get that or even dating but no
not for me
so glad this was free for me because of Kindle unlimited
I thought yeah an age gap that's fine sure. THIRTY THREE AND NINETEEN? no that's weird I can't deal with that
then a few pages later the main character goes home to his WIFE AND CHILD?!
he spent the start of the book woe is me I've had no issues 'restraining my sexual urges' ... bro you have a kid ? so evidently you've been up to something
if he was single sure I'd get that or even dating but no
not for me
December 14, 2025
Deserves 10 Stars- Excellent Read
TW……. If eating disorders can be triggering for you this may not be the book for you.
Elliot an 19 year old French guy is lost in Brooklyn and soaking wet, struggling to ask for help when he doesn’t speak English. Daniel, a 33 year old wealthy lawyer just happens along and also speaks fluent French, saves the day. Within minutes these two guys can’t take their eyes off each other. Daniel being the gentleman he is, drives Elliot home.
I fell in love with these two guys from the moment they met each other on a Wintery rainy street in NYC. Immediately I got all the good feels when they promised to meet up again.
The first gut punch is delivered by Daniel and I knew this was going to be a very bumpy ride, the kind that breaks my heart. But it was the first of several that this story delivers, and not all from Daniel. Though you can see the mistakes he’s making along the way. It’s understandable when you meet the nasty creature who is his father and head of the family business.
Elliot is a sweetheart, currently a Cook with dreams of being a Runway Model. Be careful what you wish for, it surely had its traps and pitfalls. This love story will break you down. So many obstacles and gut punches.
I’m wondering why Alois, Elliot’s brother, was such a pain in the derrière to him.
Author Tal Lewin here has written one of the best MM Romances I’ve read in a good while. ‘Blue Gold’ delivered everything that I need to give a 5 star rating. It was well researched to deal with the serious issues that are covered here for one MC, as well as offering a good look into the world of Runway Modelling and its pressures. I did like Vito, a lovely man who owned of the famous Agency where Elliot got his chance of a lifetime.
This was a 475 page read, a perfect length for me, that had me devouring each page and clutching my tissue box. It was my first time to read and enjoy Tal’s work, I’m going to look for a lot more that I hope will be as gripping as ‘Blue Gold’.
TW……. If eating disorders can be triggering for you this may not be the book for you.
Elliot an 19 year old French guy is lost in Brooklyn and soaking wet, struggling to ask for help when he doesn’t speak English. Daniel, a 33 year old wealthy lawyer just happens along and also speaks fluent French, saves the day. Within minutes these two guys can’t take their eyes off each other. Daniel being the gentleman he is, drives Elliot home.
I fell in love with these two guys from the moment they met each other on a Wintery rainy street in NYC. Immediately I got all the good feels when they promised to meet up again.
The first gut punch is delivered by Daniel and I knew this was going to be a very bumpy ride, the kind that breaks my heart. But it was the first of several that this story delivers, and not all from Daniel. Though you can see the mistakes he’s making along the way. It’s understandable when you meet the nasty creature who is his father and head of the family business.
Elliot is a sweetheart, currently a Cook with dreams of being a Runway Model. Be careful what you wish for, it surely had its traps and pitfalls. This love story will break you down. So many obstacles and gut punches.
I’m wondering why Alois, Elliot’s brother, was such a pain in the derrière to him.
Author Tal Lewin here has written one of the best MM Romances I’ve read in a good while. ‘Blue Gold’ delivered everything that I need to give a 5 star rating. It was well researched to deal with the serious issues that are covered here for one MC, as well as offering a good look into the world of Runway Modelling and its pressures. I did like Vito, a lovely man who owned of the famous Agency where Elliot got his chance of a lifetime.
This was a 475 page read, a perfect length for me, that had me devouring each page and clutching my tissue box. It was my first time to read and enjoy Tal’s work, I’m going to look for a lot more that I hope will be as gripping as ‘Blue Gold’.
November 19, 2025
After the first few chapters of this book, I decided to read this book a little slower than I normally would. I really tried to pace myself and let every part of it sink in, and I'm extremely grateful that I did.
This story was far deeper than I was anticipating. I could feel the connection between Elliot and Daniel from the moment they met, and every interaction afterward came with new waves of emotions. It was desperate, needy, and raw in all the best ways.
Elliot and Daniel's characters were very well crafted. Elliot was still growing into himself, and learning who he was and wanted to be. He had so many things shape the person he was, and unfortunately for him, he had a lot of things to overcome. Daniel had a lot of growing up to do in his own right. At first I felt like his charcter lacked personality, but that was so far from the truth. He only suppressed who he was out of necessity, and watching his character grow throughout this book was truly a beautiful experience.
Elliot's journey was very rough (albeit very inspiring), and I highly suggest anyone that has triggers, especially regarding ED's, to proceed with caution. I don't have personal triggers with these topics, and still felt heavily pained by his struggles. They were very real circumstances, and very realistic reactions. The authenticity behind the scenes and inner monologue were remarkable.
I loved the touch of French, and language barriers that Elliot faced. It was done with tact and Elliot always took the complications that came with it in strides. I absolutely loved his character and his personality.
Well, I loved it all, honestly. The entire book was beautiful, and I know I'll be back to enjoy these characters story again in the future. :)
This story was far deeper than I was anticipating. I could feel the connection between Elliot and Daniel from the moment they met, and every interaction afterward came with new waves of emotions. It was desperate, needy, and raw in all the best ways.
Elliot and Daniel's characters were very well crafted. Elliot was still growing into himself, and learning who he was and wanted to be. He had so many things shape the person he was, and unfortunately for him, he had a lot of things to overcome. Daniel had a lot of growing up to do in his own right. At first I felt like his charcter lacked personality, but that was so far from the truth. He only suppressed who he was out of necessity, and watching his character grow throughout this book was truly a beautiful experience.
Elliot's journey was very rough (albeit very inspiring), and I highly suggest anyone that has triggers, especially regarding ED's, to proceed with caution. I don't have personal triggers with these topics, and still felt heavily pained by his struggles. They were very real circumstances, and very realistic reactions. The authenticity behind the scenes and inner monologue were remarkable.
I loved the touch of French, and language barriers that Elliot faced. It was done with tact and Elliot always took the complications that came with it in strides. I absolutely loved his character and his personality.
Well, I loved it all, honestly. The entire book was beautiful, and I know I'll be back to enjoy these characters story again in the future. :)
November 21, 2025
Blue Gold completely surprised me in the best way. This is my first time reading this author, and I didn’t expect to get pulled in this deeply. Elliot and Daniel’s story feels soft, emotional, and a little bit overwhelming in the way only real love can feel. From the moment they meet, something shifts, and you just know their lives won’t be the same.
What I loved most is how they keep choosing each other, even when everything around them tries to pull them apart. The obstacles feel heavy, but their connection feels heavier. Their determination makes the whole story so heartfelt, and it gave me that warm, aching feeling in my heart while reading.
Watching them fall for each other was my favorite part. Every moment between them felt meaningful. Their age gap, their careers, the differences in their worlds none of it mattered once you see how naturally they fit. It’s clear they’re meant to collide, and they do, completely and beautifully.
Overall, Blue Gold is emotional, tender, and full of love that feels earned. Elliot and Daniel are complex, devoted, and impossible not to root for. I loved following their journey and seeing them hold on to each other all the way to their ending.
*BRB SOBBING*
What I loved most is how they keep choosing each other, even when everything around them tries to pull them apart. The obstacles feel heavy, but their connection feels heavier. Their determination makes the whole story so heartfelt, and it gave me that warm, aching feeling in my heart while reading.
Watching them fall for each other was my favorite part. Every moment between them felt meaningful. Their age gap, their careers, the differences in their worlds none of it mattered once you see how naturally they fit. It’s clear they’re meant to collide, and they do, completely and beautifully.
Overall, Blue Gold is emotional, tender, and full of love that feels earned. Elliot and Daniel are complex, devoted, and impossible not to root for. I loved following their journey and seeing them hold on to each other all the way to their ending.
*BRB SOBBING*
December 2, 2025
4.25⭐️
Did I spend a lot of this book being frustrated and just straight up bothered by Daniel’s behavior and treatment of others? Yeah, I sure did. Was I still rooting for him to figure his shit out and for Elliot to figure his shit out and for them to ride off happily into the blue gold sunset? You bet your ass I did! All in all, lots of drama, terrible family, cheating to be with each other, ex wife is actually a good person so you feel terrible about it, French delicacies, disordered eating and excessive exercise, chain smoking, hot as hell hotel encounters, sexy gay beach vaca, maman’s home cooking and a younger brother with an attitude from hell that felt inexplicably pointed and as if if should have mattered but didn’t? Almost as is we are to expect more from Alois? Who knows, all I know is I had a good time.
Did I spend a lot of this book being frustrated and just straight up bothered by Daniel’s behavior and treatment of others? Yeah, I sure did. Was I still rooting for him to figure his shit out and for Elliot to figure his shit out and for them to ride off happily into the blue gold sunset? You bet your ass I did! All in all, lots of drama, terrible family, cheating to be with each other, ex wife is actually a good person so you feel terrible about it, French delicacies, disordered eating and excessive exercise, chain smoking, hot as hell hotel encounters, sexy gay beach vaca, maman’s home cooking and a younger brother with an attitude from hell that felt inexplicably pointed and as if if should have mattered but didn’t? Almost as is we are to expect more from Alois? Who knows, all I know is I had a good time.
November 11, 2025
I don't know about you, but there's just something magical about books set in the early 2000s - and this one captured that feeling perfectly! I absolutely loved it with all my heart.
I was so excited when I found out that Miles' parents (We know him from Mistaken Prejudice) were getting their own story. Elliot and Daniel are truly a dream team - they've already proven how strong they are in their son's book, and seeing their own journey here made me love them even more. This story made me laugh, cry, and think deeply all at once.
What I especially loved was the glimpse into the harsh, demanding world of modeling. Elliot finally gets his big break, only to find himself trapped in a personal nightmare of pressure and self-doubt. And then there's Daniel - struggling to find his place in a family filled with homophobia, trying to break free from the box they keep trying to shove him into.
This prequel to the Bad Inceptions series was absolutely brilliant - emotional, raw, and beautifully written.
I was so excited when I found out that Miles' parents (We know him from Mistaken Prejudice) were getting their own story. Elliot and Daniel are truly a dream team - they've already proven how strong they are in their son's book, and seeing their own journey here made me love them even more. This story made me laugh, cry, and think deeply all at once.
What I especially loved was the glimpse into the harsh, demanding world of modeling. Elliot finally gets his big break, only to find himself trapped in a personal nightmare of pressure and self-doubt. And then there's Daniel - struggling to find his place in a family filled with homophobia, trying to break free from the box they keep trying to shove him into.
This prequel to the Bad Inceptions series was absolutely brilliant - emotional, raw, and beautifully written.
November 13, 2025
…
“𝑪𝒂𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒊𝒕?”
“𝑪𝒂𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒔 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖?”
🪻✨
As you all know, we loved Tal's Bad Inceptions series. We loooooved Miles’ dads. And now we got to read their story, Blue Gold. It couldn't be more perfect🫶🏼
The story takes place in the early 2000s. Daniel and Elliot meet by chance, and from that moment on, something pure and beautiful grows between them. Sure, there are some bumps in the road; but these two prove that pure love is unstoppable🥹🥲
We absolutely LOVE this book!💙
Fact about us: Our favorite holiday destination is, oui Provence. We've been there so many times and have lost our hearts there. Small, charming villages, the fresh scent of lavender, the warmth of the sun, and the sound of cicadas🌞🪻🦗 And now, the place where our beautiful Elliot grew up🥹 Perfect🥲
“𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑𝒔.”
“𝑪𝒂𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒊𝒕?”
“𝑪𝒂𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒔 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖?”
🪻✨
As you all know, we loved Tal's Bad Inceptions series. We loooooved Miles’ dads. And now we got to read their story, Blue Gold. It couldn't be more perfect🫶🏼
The story takes place in the early 2000s. Daniel and Elliot meet by chance, and from that moment on, something pure and beautiful grows between them. Sure, there are some bumps in the road; but these two prove that pure love is unstoppable🥹🥲
We absolutely LOVE this book!💙
Fact about us: Our favorite holiday destination is, oui Provence. We've been there so many times and have lost our hearts there. Small, charming villages, the fresh scent of lavender, the warmth of the sun, and the sound of cicadas🌞🪻🦗 And now, the place where our beautiful Elliot grew up🥹 Perfect🥲
“𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑𝒔.”
November 10, 2025
Simply put, this is a beautiful story. A messy, impactful, beautiful story of that moment when lightening strikes and you meet “the one”. As soon as Daniel lays eyes on the exquisite Elliot, he is captivated. Similarly, Elliot is drawn to Daniel more than he can express. What follows is a messy story, based in the early 2000s when phones weren’t common and gay marriage wasn’t legal. It may be messy but this story is outstanding. Told from dual POV, we witness every heartbreaking moment of Daniel and Elliot’s relationship as they fight for that hard won HEA and for each other. This book had me crying a few times- happy and sad tears but it was an outstanding 5⭐️ read and one of my favourites this year.
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