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Gilded Love #1
Snapdragon
From USA Today bestselling author Kilby Blades, the smoking-hot book that started it all…
The rules are simple: unattached companionship, toe-curling sex and a clean break whenever it ends. And either one of us can say the single word that will break it off: Snapdragon.
Falling in love is a luxury people like us don’t have.
He’s at the top of his field and I’m at the top of mine.
It’s only a matter of time before ambition calls and one of us walks away.
But I can feel myself slipping, falling for him, every time he unchains me from my desk; every time he plots against my boss for making my life hell; with every tender touch in the dark of night.
I know I ought to be the one to say the word. I've already broken the rules. I know I ought to say it. But I can’t.
The rules are simple: unattached companionship, toe-curling sex and a clean break whenever it ends. And either one of us can say the single word that will break it off: Snapdragon.
Falling in love is a luxury people like us don’t have.
He’s at the top of his field and I’m at the top of mine.
It’s only a matter of time before ambition calls and one of us walks away.
But I can feel myself slipping, falling for him, every time he unchains me from my desk; every time he plots against my boss for making my life hell; with every tender touch in the dark of night.
I know I ought to be the one to say the word. I've already broken the rules. I know I ought to say it. But I can’t.
ebook
First published March 1, 2017
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About the author
Kilby Blades
29 books514 followersKilby Blades is a USA Today Bestselling author of Romance and Women's Fiction. Her debut novel, "Snapdragon", was a HOLT Medallion finalist, a Publisher's Weekly BookLife Prize Semi-Finalist, and an IPPY Award medalist. Kilby was honored with an RSJ Emma Award for Best Debut Author in 2018, and has been lauded by critics for "easing feminism and equality into her novels" (IndieReader) and "writing characters who complement each other like a fine wine does a good meal" (Publisher's Weekly).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
April 6, 2017
➦I really enjoyed this first installment of the Love Conquers None duet by Kilby Blades. Having never read anything by this author before, I didn't quite know what to expect. In all honestly, I thought this was going to be a pretty light and fast paced read. What I got instead was a rather in-depth and well-developed relationship description between two complex characters.
➦It's no secret that I have low patience when it comes to staying invested in a story but this book kept me reading. I won't say that I was glued to it but I was committed to finishing it. I might have thought it was a standalone. lol
➦These two main characters are in their 30s and extremely committed to their careers. They are both successful at work but are struggling to find a lover for a no strings attached relationship. After crossing paths they immediately feel the spark and realize they both want the same thing in life. They agree on a casual relationship they can end at any time, which can be dissolved at any time with a use of a word SNAPDRAGON.
➦So there I am sitting through the whole book waiting for that god damn word to be spoken by one of them. They know it's coming, the reader knows it's coming - it's just inevitable. Anyway. Even though I did enjoy the book, I can't say I fell in love with the hero and that, for me, is important. He is a complete gentleman and has control over everything and that kind of annoyed me. lol I wanted him to flip out about something at least once. :D Overall, a good read with enjoyable characters!
November 24, 2021
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 Snapdragons stars!
This is my first experience with this author, and I liked the idea of this story after reading the blurb, and I'm glad that i took a chance on it.
I've been reading different things lately and this one brought me back to the traditional contemporary romance side.
I was hooked by their story since the very beginning...
Both were so engrossed in their work fields and their growth as a professional, that they missed the companionship of a lover, without all the responsibilities and duties of a relationship. So then it started their "arrangement" as each other escape.
I've felt like a voyeur, looking inside their inner and most vulnerable moments together and apart.
The evolution of their "relationship", their agreement, their chemistry, their doubts, their undeniably connection... I loved everything about them!
Right now I just need more of Michael... I've got Darby's thoughts, fears and emotions and I love how passionate and fierce she is, but now I'm in deep with her about Michael and I just need his POV!
I'm starting Chrysalis right now, because they're too good to each other to be left apart!
🎧 About the Audiobook Narration 🎧
Erin Mallon is the narrator of this first part and she does an incredible job bringing up all the emotions and the feels that Darby is feeling... I freaking love it!
Read
August 3, 2018An absolute stormer of a sexy romance. Hard working doctor and daughter of a dodgy Republican scumbag politician Darby meets supersexy high flying architect Michael and they agree on a no-strings no-stress sexual relationship. Obviously this is a romance so strings happen. Michael is a total cinnamon roll as sexy romance millionaires go: he's emotionally supportive and kind, sends Darby lunches when she's busy, watches her favourite movies with her, hires PIs to grind her enemies into dust--you know, those little things that make a difference in a relationship. Only this isn't a relationship because her horrible father is on a collision course with Michael's firm, and he's about to be transferred to the other side of the world, and they've both agreed to terminate things without argument just by saying 'snapdragon'.
It's well written, at points very funny, hot, lot of dark undercurrents without plunging into excessive angst (although I suspect book 2 will be angstier). Both characters are bi, a fact with which neither has a problem, and there's a nicely diverse cast. What it *doesn't* have is a HEA because this is Part One of a duo--the next book Chrysalis is Michael POV and is going to tell the actual romance to which this is an origin story (according to the author's note). So think of it as a two-parter, but don't miss this one for heaven's sake.
It's well written, at points very funny, hot, lot of dark undercurrents without plunging into excessive angst (although I suspect book 2 will be angstier). Both characters are bi, a fact with which neither has a problem, and there's a nicely diverse cast. What it *doesn't* have is a HEA because this is Part One of a duo--the next book Chrysalis is Michael POV and is going to tell the actual romance to which this is an origin story (according to the author's note). So think of it as a two-parter, but don't miss this one for heaven's sake.
March 7, 2022
Power couple. This book had me pull an all nighter, that's how invested I was in the couple. I LOVED THEM. And the writing was lovely. Characters driven plot, who knew?
Author on my watch list!
Author on my watch list!
June 3, 2022
In a word -- excellent. And the story isn't even done! A rarity for me in that I enjoyed a book that is the first half of a duology. Usually I am not on board with a romance taking more than one full length book to tell the story, but this one feels like it needs the space to tell the story.
I really enjoyed this. I loved the storytelling, the writing, the romantic tension, and most of all the chemistry between to the two main characters. There was just something about the way the author presented them that made them really present on the page.
This one is told from Darby (the heroine's) first person close POV. The next book (which I have just started will be Michael's POV).
Darby is a doctor, a psychiatrist working in the field psychopharmacology in a busy Chicago hospital, Her speciality is working with opioid addicts as they come into the ER and she is also doing research on hoping to break through on new strategies, methodologies and drugs to treat addiction. I mention her job because the book is chock full of her job competence as well as giving a fair amount of page space to her somewhat toxic work environment thanks to a boss who has a shady agenda regarding her. She is also the daughter of a prominent Senator who is on the shortlist to be picked as the running mate for the next Republican running for President.
Michael, the hero, is a prominent architect of a major architectural firm with offices all over the world where he travels a lot for work. He is handsome, charming, built, gorgeously dressed, and sex on a stick. He knows how to work a room, he is well connected and did I say he is sex on a stick? Basically Michael is a wet dream on the page. Perfect book boyfriend material.
Darby and Michael meet at the wedding of a mutual friend where they immediately hit it off by commiserating over their busy professional lives and how it interferes with relationships. Sometimes you just want to have sex without the complications but you also want companionship and friendship without the promises. It is an interesting relationship needle to thread. During their conversation they become aware of an intense attraction to each other. And as they learn they are on the same page with the no strings but not quite just sex relationship, they give in to their attraction and begin what they call 'an arrangement.' It can't get t0o complicated but once it does or if either one of them catches feelings, or at any time really they can end it with no muss, no fuss simply by saying the word 'Snapdragon.' Yeah... we know how that goes but let's pretend everything will go as planned.
So begins an intensely intimate story of these two people who date, have mind blowing sex and slowly become great friends, supporters and companions to each other. The tension of course is the word 'Snapdragon' hanging over our heads. It is a Checkov's gun, waiting to be used and we know it will.
But unless or until that happens, this is a sexy read about two young, gorgeous urbanites each at the top of their professional game as they wine, dine, make love and navigate Chicago high society.
As I mentioned above, this is from Darby's POV so we get a lot of what is happening with Darby -- her work situation, her familial one with her relationship with her father -- beyond the relationship with Michael, she is having some major problems on both fronts. So Michael is at a bit of a remove until he is in her sphere. He travels a lot for his job but even so, he is a very present presence in her life. He supports her, gives her great advice and slays a few dragons for her. He is also great at planning dates and makes sure she eats by having lunches delivered. Like I said he is a great book boyfriend. But even as we know these two are in a real relationship, they seem willfully trapped by the rules they set up for themselves in the beginning a little afraid to make the leap to something else.
As this book winds to a close we begin to learn a bit more about Michael making way for a transition to Michael's POV.
I really enjoyed this. I loved the storytelling, the writing, the romantic tension, and most of all the chemistry between to the two main characters. There was just something about the way the author presented them that made them really present on the page.
This one is told from Darby (the heroine's) first person close POV. The next book (which I have just started will be Michael's POV).
Darby is a doctor, a psychiatrist working in the field psychopharmacology in a busy Chicago hospital, Her speciality is working with opioid addicts as they come into the ER and she is also doing research on hoping to break through on new strategies, methodologies and drugs to treat addiction. I mention her job because the book is chock full of her job competence as well as giving a fair amount of page space to her somewhat toxic work environment thanks to a boss who has a shady agenda regarding her. She is also the daughter of a prominent Senator who is on the shortlist to be picked as the running mate for the next Republican running for President.
Michael, the hero, is a prominent architect of a major architectural firm with offices all over the world where he travels a lot for work. He is handsome, charming, built, gorgeously dressed, and sex on a stick. He knows how to work a room, he is well connected and did I say he is sex on a stick? Basically Michael is a wet dream on the page. Perfect book boyfriend material.
Darby and Michael meet at the wedding of a mutual friend where they immediately hit it off by commiserating over their busy professional lives and how it interferes with relationships. Sometimes you just want to have sex without the complications but you also want companionship and friendship without the promises. It is an interesting relationship needle to thread. During their conversation they become aware of an intense attraction to each other. And as they learn they are on the same page with the no strings but not quite just sex relationship, they give in to their attraction and begin what they call 'an arrangement.' It can't get t0o complicated but once it does or if either one of them catches feelings, or at any time really they can end it with no muss, no fuss simply by saying the word 'Snapdragon.' Yeah... we know how that goes but let's pretend everything will go as planned.
So begins an intensely intimate story of these two people who date, have mind blowing sex and slowly become great friends, supporters and companions to each other. The tension of course is the word 'Snapdragon' hanging over our heads. It is a Checkov's gun, waiting to be used and we know it will.
But unless or until that happens, this is a sexy read about two young, gorgeous urbanites each at the top of their professional game as they wine, dine, make love and navigate Chicago high society.
As I mentioned above, this is from Darby's POV so we get a lot of what is happening with Darby -- her work situation, her familial one with her relationship with her father -- beyond the relationship with Michael, she is having some major problems on both fronts. So Michael is at a bit of a remove until he is in her sphere. He travels a lot for his job but even so, he is a very present presence in her life. He supports her, gives her great advice and slays a few dragons for her. He is also great at planning dates and makes sure she eats by having lunches delivered. Like I said he is a great book boyfriend. But even as we know these two are in a real relationship, they seem willfully trapped by the rules they set up for themselves in the beginning a little afraid to make the leap to something else.
As this book winds to a close we begin to learn a bit more about Michael making way for a transition to Michael's POV.
December 1, 2021
***Audiobook Review***
Snapdragon by Kilby Blades one hot steamy good time. Kilby Blades is a new to me author, and I enjoyed listening to Darby and Michael's story in audio. Snapdragon is book one of the Gilded Love duet, and Erin Mallon narrates this audio. I hadn't listened to a solo narration from Erin in a while, and her ability to keep me super intrigued and entertained by Kilby's words never lets me down. In Erin's performance we meet Darby, dedicated doctor and daughter of a sketchy Republican politician. Erin portrays Darby's passions, desires, and vulnerabilities as she figures out her feelings for Michael, hot architect who she agrees to have no strings attached sex with. Michael is a dominant, protective, and emotionally supportive lover whom Erin portrays perfectly in her seductive male voice. (Which I love!) Michael and Darby has electrifying chemistry, and what started as just a mutual friends with benefits relationship turns into so much more, until Michael makes a life altering decision and ends the relationship by saying the word "Snapdragon".
Overall, I really enjoyed this audiobook! If you love a friends with benefits story with a hot protective alpha male, a passionate driven female, lots of super no strings attached steamy times, a little bit of mystery, sketchy family ties, and the need to listen to book 2 right away so you can get all the answers, then you will love this book. Excuse me while I go listen to Chrysalis now!
Snapdragon by Kilby Blades one hot steamy good time. Kilby Blades is a new to me author, and I enjoyed listening to Darby and Michael's story in audio. Snapdragon is book one of the Gilded Love duet, and Erin Mallon narrates this audio. I hadn't listened to a solo narration from Erin in a while, and her ability to keep me super intrigued and entertained by Kilby's words never lets me down. In Erin's performance we meet Darby, dedicated doctor and daughter of a sketchy Republican politician. Erin portrays Darby's passions, desires, and vulnerabilities as she figures out her feelings for Michael, hot architect who she agrees to have no strings attached sex with. Michael is a dominant, protective, and emotionally supportive lover whom Erin portrays perfectly in her seductive male voice. (Which I love!) Michael and Darby has electrifying chemistry, and what started as just a mutual friends with benefits relationship turns into so much more, until Michael makes a life altering decision and ends the relationship by saying the word "Snapdragon".
Overall, I really enjoyed this audiobook! If you love a friends with benefits story with a hot protective alpha male, a passionate driven female, lots of super no strings attached steamy times, a little bit of mystery, sketchy family ties, and the need to listen to book 2 right away so you can get all the answers, then you will love this book. Excuse me while I go listen to Chrysalis now!
March 1, 2017
**4.5 stars**
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
The opening scene of this book literally had me cringing! I kept thinking please don't let this be one of those books...it wasn't!
This is my first book by Kilby Blades and I must admit, it was quite enjoyable. It told the story of an unconventional relationship between Michael and Darby (I should point out that I kept wanting to call the character Kilby instead of Darby, no idea why), but it was a relationship that worked perfectly for them. This book made me question what truly defines a relationship, what makes a relationship? Why does society get to determine instead of the people who are actually in that relationship. I loved that they forged their own path and defined what they wanted and made the absolute best of it.
It takes talent to make a book that isn't a suspense or thriller actually feel like one and maybe it was my own personal doing, but that's what this book felt like to me. Not because of the things that actually happened, but because of what I thought would happen. I kept thinking, "oh, this is going to end soooo bad." I liked that Michael was the epitome of a true gentleman, more so than Darby was used to when it was her who grew up with the "high society." Her father is a politician - dirty, of course, and he plays a huge role in their relationship even though he shouldn't. I loved their honesty with each other and absolutely no judgement - Michael has some skeletons that quite a few women would run from.
I didn't like the designer label dropping. It wasn't excessive, but it's something that always gets me. Just give me the description of how beautiful the clothes are, I don't care who designed them. There were a few times when I felt disconnected from the characters because their lives were so far removed from my own. If I have to give this book one true flaw it would be that. I enjoy books with rich people, but I want to be able to connect to them on a deeper level and there were times where I kept thinking these characters are entirely too perfect. Yes, they had their flaws, but every little good nugget had some sort of attachment to it (like the Sundance Film Festival; they could have just gone and enjoyed it, that seemed relatable, but then it came out that Darby was a producer to one of the films - took me completely out of it).
Overall, Kilby has a new fan and I can't wait to read Chrysalis and get Michael's POV and more of that ridiculous sweet tooth of his!
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
The opening scene of this book literally had me cringing! I kept thinking please don't let this be one of those books...it wasn't!
This is my first book by Kilby Blades and I must admit, it was quite enjoyable. It told the story of an unconventional relationship between Michael and Darby (I should point out that I kept wanting to call the character Kilby instead of Darby, no idea why), but it was a relationship that worked perfectly for them. This book made me question what truly defines a relationship, what makes a relationship? Why does society get to determine instead of the people who are actually in that relationship. I loved that they forged their own path and defined what they wanted and made the absolute best of it.
It takes talent to make a book that isn't a suspense or thriller actually feel like one and maybe it was my own personal doing, but that's what this book felt like to me. Not because of the things that actually happened, but because of what I thought would happen. I kept thinking, "oh, this is going to end soooo bad." I liked that Michael was the epitome of a true gentleman, more so than Darby was used to when it was her who grew up with the "high society." Her father is a politician - dirty, of course, and he plays a huge role in their relationship even though he shouldn't. I loved their honesty with each other and absolutely no judgement - Michael has some skeletons that quite a few women would run from.
I didn't like the designer label dropping. It wasn't excessive, but it's something that always gets me. Just give me the description of how beautiful the clothes are, I don't care who designed them. There were a few times when I felt disconnected from the characters because their lives were so far removed from my own. If I have to give this book one true flaw it would be that. I enjoy books with rich people, but I want to be able to connect to them on a deeper level and there were times where I kept thinking these characters are entirely too perfect. Yes, they had their flaws, but every little good nugget had some sort of attachment to it (like the Sundance Film Festival; they could have just gone and enjoyed it, that seemed relatable, but then it came out that Darby was a producer to one of the films - took me completely out of it).
Overall, Kilby has a new fan and I can't wait to read Chrysalis and get Michael's POV and more of that ridiculous sweet tooth of his!
April 15, 2017
Argh! This is such a hard book to write a review on because you want to do it justice, but you don't want to give anything away and there's a sequel.
You know from the beginning that the relationship is doomed because Darby and Michael have already set their exit plan. But they both seem to break their own rules when it comes to what they want from it and you are rooting for them.
There's several plots going on where one of them can say the word and end it. Every time one of them would appear, I would check where I was in the book to see how much was left and think, maybe not yet.
There's a sequel and I won't say whether it ended or not or someone said the word. I haven't read the sequel and I'm interested to see where this story goes
You know from the beginning that the relationship is doomed because Darby and Michael have already set their exit plan. But they both seem to break their own rules when it comes to what they want from it and you are rooting for them.
There's several plots going on where one of them can say the word and end it. Every time one of them would appear, I would check where I was in the book to see how much was left and think, maybe not yet.
There's a sequel and I won't say whether it ended or not or someone said the word. I haven't read the sequel and I'm interested to see where this story goes
June 8, 2017
This is the first I read of Kilby Blades and from all the reviews I knew this was going to be a good book. Intense sex scenes and the chemistry between the characters were strong and fit together. Each chapter you would think "Something is going to go the opposite direction to the story, right?" but it does not. Intense from the very beginning to the last page. I can't wait to read book 2 in this series Chrysalis!
December 1, 2021
Two people meet. The attraction's there. But, someone always ends up wanting more, feeling more. And that is the conundrum, at least as far as both Michael and Darby can see it. So when they meet, neither wants the commitment, the strings, that an actual, real relationship brings. They want companionship and pleasure but not the feelings. So when they realize the other is of like mind, what else happens but an arrangement of no strings companionship. Yes, one of THOSE kind of arrangements. And everything is going along swimmingly because they're having fun, getting to know each other, actually finding they're becoming fast friends along with enjoying each other in bed.
Michael's everything, well almost, a woman could want in a good companion/friend - he's kind, he's thoughtful, he's hot, and a amazing lover. He's a tad controlling, but Darby can deal. After all, the rest of him is a dream. But, she (and he) know that this arrangement can, and will, end at any time with just one word spoken by either of them. SNAPDRAGON.
So when the ending was nigh and Darby walked into a home filled with...
This was me...
And now I'm anxiously waiting until I can read Chrysalis.
ARC via Hidden Gems Books for an honest review.
Full review posted on Live Through Books Blog.
March 5, 2017
Blades has crafted some surprisingly deep characters. I can't wait to read more!
March 21, 2017
Have you ever been in a relationship where you just felt so connected with the other person that every interaction was too perfect to be real or able to last? Where you felt you had no choice but to hold back a part of yourself, to ensure that you wouldn't be totally devastated when the bubble finally bursts? I just completed Snapdragon by Kilby Blades and I'm truly at a loss for words, which is so unlike me. Maybe it's because parts of the story hit home for me. Regardless, I'm still dwelling on how deeply this story has affected me.
So rather than trying to express the emotions, words which are eluding me now, I'm going to go with the facts. The storyline is intriguing, the character development progresses beautifully throughout the book, and the writing is exceptional. It almost flows poetic at times, even during the frequent sex scenes, like I've never felt when reading other books in this genre. I'd strongly advise you to start this book early in the day when you have nothing else planned because, once you start reading it, you become so drawn into the story that you don't want to put it down.
Darby's life, although privileged, has been difficult. Her parents had a terrible marriage, filled with discord and cheating, which strongly influenced her opinion of relationships. Her father is a lifetime politician, whose corruption and far right positions are totally in conflict with Darby's beliefs.. Her mother, whom Darby parallels in more ways than just her physical beauty, died of a drug overdose a few years prior to this story's start and Darby is still strongly grieving her loss. Darby is a hospital psychiatrist and psychopharmacologist, doing both clinical work and research on addiction. Michael is a brilliant and extremely attractive architect, a workaholic who is quickly rising in his field and within his firm. Raised by a single mother in a poor neighborhood, he has become a philanthropist and is a devoted brother to his fraternal twin sister and uncle to her 6 year old daughter. He is a much sought after bachelor, although he is unwilling to devote his minimal free time to more of a relationship than an occasional date. The women he has seen have misconstrued his deeply connecting with them solely when they are together as a greater emotional connection than he feels. This is not his intention and he doesn't expect that feeling to change. Darby and Michael meet at a mutual friend's wedding. Their immediate physical chemistry and apparent similar feelings against committed relationships bring them to an agreement for a friends with benefits type of relationship, which either can end, if things become too complicated, by saying the word "Snapdragon".
I can't recommend this book highly enough and can't wait for the next book in the duet, Chrysalis, which picks up where Snapdragon leaves off. Snapdragon is Kilby Blades' first book. I am positive it won't be her last and I'm sure I will remain a loyal follower.
So rather than trying to express the emotions, words which are eluding me now, I'm going to go with the facts. The storyline is intriguing, the character development progresses beautifully throughout the book, and the writing is exceptional. It almost flows poetic at times, even during the frequent sex scenes, like I've never felt when reading other books in this genre. I'd strongly advise you to start this book early in the day when you have nothing else planned because, once you start reading it, you become so drawn into the story that you don't want to put it down.
Darby's life, although privileged, has been difficult. Her parents had a terrible marriage, filled with discord and cheating, which strongly influenced her opinion of relationships. Her father is a lifetime politician, whose corruption and far right positions are totally in conflict with Darby's beliefs.. Her mother, whom Darby parallels in more ways than just her physical beauty, died of a drug overdose a few years prior to this story's start and Darby is still strongly grieving her loss. Darby is a hospital psychiatrist and psychopharmacologist, doing both clinical work and research on addiction. Michael is a brilliant and extremely attractive architect, a workaholic who is quickly rising in his field and within his firm. Raised by a single mother in a poor neighborhood, he has become a philanthropist and is a devoted brother to his fraternal twin sister and uncle to her 6 year old daughter. He is a much sought after bachelor, although he is unwilling to devote his minimal free time to more of a relationship than an occasional date. The women he has seen have misconstrued his deeply connecting with them solely when they are together as a greater emotional connection than he feels. This is not his intention and he doesn't expect that feeling to change. Darby and Michael meet at a mutual friend's wedding. Their immediate physical chemistry and apparent similar feelings against committed relationships bring them to an agreement for a friends with benefits type of relationship, which either can end, if things become too complicated, by saying the word "Snapdragon".
I can't recommend this book highly enough and can't wait for the next book in the duet, Chrysalis, which picks up where Snapdragon leaves off. Snapdragon is Kilby Blades' first book. I am positive it won't be her last and I'm sure I will remain a loyal follower.
November 22, 2021
I went into this book with an open mind and wow I was not disappointed. I quiet enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I loved the honesty these characters share. The mystery and the suspense too, this part of the story I was all in for. I wanted to know more and we do get more Darby’s life is more complicated, more than even she knows I think.
Michael is an intense guy and I loved that about him. The sex scenes are intense the rules they set are perfect for them.
This whole book was exactly what I needed that ending makes me wanna keep going and sit and just take in what I listened to all at the same time.
The narration is perfect, I am a fan of Erin’s so I love anything she narrates, but her performance in this book was fabulous. Top notch I say Top notch!
Michael is an intense guy and I loved that about him. The sex scenes are intense the rules they set are perfect for them.
This whole book was exactly what I needed that ending makes me wanna keep going and sit and just take in what I listened to all at the same time.
The narration is perfect, I am a fan of Erin’s so I love anything she narrates, but her performance in this book was fabulous. Top notch I say Top notch!
November 29, 2021
4.5 star Review Snapdragon (Gilded Love #1) by Kilby Blades
AUDIO REVIEW:
Kilby Blades is a relatively new author to me so I was excited to dive in to Snapdragon, book one in the Gilded Love series. Narrated by Erin Mallon who did a great job bringing the emotions of Darby to live for me. Her voice is pleasant to listen too and she quickly drew me in with her narration.
I was intrigued by Darby and Michael’s story. There were numerous layers to these characters and I was invested as each layer was revealed. The story had me invested from the first chapter to the last and I had a hard time putting this one down when real life got in my way.
This was a complicated relationship and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book Chrysalis, which is Michael’s point of view.
AUDIO REVIEW:
Kilby Blades is a relatively new author to me so I was excited to dive in to Snapdragon, book one in the Gilded Love series. Narrated by Erin Mallon who did a great job bringing the emotions of Darby to live for me. Her voice is pleasant to listen too and she quickly drew me in with her narration.
I was intrigued by Darby and Michael’s story. There were numerous layers to these characters and I was invested as each layer was revealed. The story had me invested from the first chapter to the last and I had a hard time putting this one down when real life got in my way.
This was a complicated relationship and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book Chrysalis, which is Michael’s point of view.
July 8, 2017
Smart, grounded and sexy, this contemporary romance sizzled with great (and plenteous) love scenes...and entertained with great dialog and characterizations. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next. Seriously. So hard to put down!
December 23, 2017
I tend to judge books by how easily I'm distracted by other things (Netflix, for instance). In the case of Snapdragon, distractions fell away.
Not unusually for the genre, the protagonists are 1 percenters -- successful, beautiful career people who appear to be at the top of their game. They are driven professionally and are equally uncompromising in their relationships. In this case, Darby (the POV character) and Michael enter into an arrangement that is predicated on physical pleasure. The arrangement can end, without recrimination, by uttering a single word. In other words, friends with benefits under the sword of Damocles.
Despite being 1 percenters, one can't help to sympatize with Darby and Michael. They may be wealthy and successful, but they are hardly the masters of their respective destinies, buffeted by forces they can't (or choose not to) control. And in that respect, the arrangement proves a safe harbor.
Snapdragon shines in its smooth, assured writing style, great sense of pace, perfect balance of reflection and action. The characters are compromised, compelling, and entirely relatable. There is a great balance of sex (which is exquisitely hot) and the various subplots that give the narrative color and lend the proceedings urgency and drama.
While the ending might seem a little abrupt, there is a sequel, in which (interestingly) the point of view switches to Michael. Highly recommended.
Not unusually for the genre, the protagonists are 1 percenters -- successful, beautiful career people who appear to be at the top of their game. They are driven professionally and are equally uncompromising in their relationships. In this case, Darby (the POV character) and Michael enter into an arrangement that is predicated on physical pleasure. The arrangement can end, without recrimination, by uttering a single word. In other words, friends with benefits under the sword of Damocles.
Despite being 1 percenters, one can't help to sympatize with Darby and Michael. They may be wealthy and successful, but they are hardly the masters of their respective destinies, buffeted by forces they can't (or choose not to) control. And in that respect, the arrangement proves a safe harbor.
Snapdragon shines in its smooth, assured writing style, great sense of pace, perfect balance of reflection and action. The characters are compromised, compelling, and entirely relatable. There is a great balance of sex (which is exquisitely hot) and the various subplots that give the narrative color and lend the proceedings urgency and drama.
While the ending might seem a little abrupt, there is a sequel, in which (interestingly) the point of view switches to Michael. Highly recommended.
December 2, 2021
What starts out as a casual friends with benefits arrangement develops into so much more. As independent as Darby is she grows to depend on Michael as a best friend and lover and I am very interested in seeing what will happen in the next book.
May 31, 2017
Sexy, smart, and provocative. A close friendship that evolves into a sizzling and addictive sexual chemistry Extremely detailed (almost too detailed), The story is engaging and inviting. The characters are well developed and likable. I received a free copy and voluntarily choose to leave the review.
March 24, 2017
If you are lucky, every once in a while you find a book that is almost impossible for you to put down. Kilby Blades' book Snapdragon is one of those books! Darby and Michael are both successful, motivated indivduals. Darby is a Psychiatrist, and Phychopharmacologist at Northwestern Hospital.This field is her passion, due to her mother dying of an overdose. Michael is a hugely successful architect and philanthropist, who grew up in poverty, raised by a single mother.They are both in their 30s, career driven, and not wanting or looking for a relationship.
Darby and Michael meet at a wedding In Florida when both are taking a breather. Darby from her friends gushing (and puking) about motherood and marriage, and Michael trying to dodge the wandering hands of a frisky married table mate! They strike up a conversation as they walk along the beach, finding out that they are both from Chicago, and end up talking for hours. they discover that they both have little time to devote to a relationship, but they are undeniably attracted to one another. Beacuse neither want to be in a committed relationship, they settle on a "Friends with benefits" relationship that either can end at any time simply by saying the word Snapdragon.
Their connection is undeniable. Michael becomes that person who has her back, he's the one she can talk to about her passion for why she does what she does, and Darby just fits with Michael. He respects her intellagence and drive. There are challanges they must face.
Will one or both of them utter that word? Trust me this is one of the best, most well written books I have read all year. I urge you to read Snapdragon, and see if you don't agree with me! I can't wait to read the second book in the series Chrysalis.
Darby and Michael meet at a wedding In Florida when both are taking a breather. Darby from her friends gushing (and puking) about motherood and marriage, and Michael trying to dodge the wandering hands of a frisky married table mate! They strike up a conversation as they walk along the beach, finding out that they are both from Chicago, and end up talking for hours. they discover that they both have little time to devote to a relationship, but they are undeniably attracted to one another. Beacuse neither want to be in a committed relationship, they settle on a "Friends with benefits" relationship that either can end at any time simply by saying the word Snapdragon.
Their connection is undeniable. Michael becomes that person who has her back, he's the one she can talk to about her passion for why she does what she does, and Darby just fits with Michael. He respects her intellagence and drive. There are challanges they must face.
Will one or both of them utter that word? Trust me this is one of the best, most well written books I have read all year. I urge you to read Snapdragon, and see if you don't agree with me! I can't wait to read the second book in the series Chrysalis.
March 1, 2017
It was supposed to be just mind-blowing sex and warm, friendly companionship. But, Darby broke the rules. Darby fell in love.... And, sometimes love isn't enough. Now, she wonders if it will cost her not only the career she's worked so hard at but her very heart and soul to boot.
Steamy, sexy and contemporary. This book made even me blush! Darby is that girl we all wish we could be. Michael is THAT guy we all wish we could have.
Once I started this book, I couldn't stop until I had read every single delicious, heartrending page. I don't think I will ever hear the word "Snapdragon" again and not have a secret smile tug at the corners of my mouth.
Blades' debut book is a 5 star winner in MY book!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Steamy, sexy and contemporary. This book made even me blush! Darby is that girl we all wish we could be. Michael is THAT guy we all wish we could have.
Once I started this book, I couldn't stop until I had read every single delicious, heartrending page. I don't think I will ever hear the word "Snapdragon" again and not have a secret smile tug at the corners of my mouth.
Blades' debut book is a 5 star winner in MY book!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.
March 11, 2018
This is intriguing, but the story doesn't end here. You must continue to the next book.
March 27, 2018
It's odd, I haven't both really enjoyed and was really ticked off by a book in ages but this one managed it.
The things that ticked me off:
- the relentless label/brand dropping in lieu of actual scene setting and sometimes as a vehicle to tell you about a character rather than doing it organically
- the villains here are straight up capital V villains that are more like character sketches than what real people are like (corrupt Chicago politician is corrupt, Department Chair is unrepentantly cruel and callous)
- there's a lot of stating what men are like in ways that are horribly stereotyping in ways that aren't necessary, needed, or helpful, and at their heart are mostly untrue.
- Darby's utter callousness with some of her patients. I was particularly ticked with the treatment of the teenager who OD'd and her parents. All caricature and no actual depth. I realize this is a background detail, but I'm supposed to be buying Darby as an incredibly competent at what she does. She isn't. At all. Or at least the relating through these vignettes didn't work.
- in possibly unfair critiques, nothing about the hospital set up, grant funding, department politics, or general functioning of a medical school/academic hospital was remotely realistic and drove me batshit as a result. The list of examples here would be legion, so I won't bore myself.
The read was saved by the fact that the underlying story was compelling and that Michael and Darby worked well together both in all they aren't and are saying to one another. I like stories of people unwilling to face what's right in front of them in terms of emotions and how the unexpected tends to screw up your plans. Also, the book got better as it went; a lot of its weakest moments were in the first third. When I got to the end author's note and saw that this was the author's first book and she has a background in ff writing, a lot of my issues with some of the writing made sense.
All this said, I'll definitely be picking up the second book as I am actually curious for Michael's POV and how their story resolves.
The things that ticked me off:
- the relentless label/brand dropping in lieu of actual scene setting and sometimes as a vehicle to tell you about a character rather than doing it organically
- the villains here are straight up capital V villains that are more like character sketches than what real people are like (corrupt Chicago politician is corrupt, Department Chair is unrepentantly cruel and callous)
- there's a lot of stating what men are like in ways that are horribly stereotyping in ways that aren't necessary, needed, or helpful, and at their heart are mostly untrue.
- Darby's utter callousness with some of her patients. I was particularly ticked with the treatment of the teenager who OD'd and her parents. All caricature and no actual depth. I realize this is a background detail, but I'm supposed to be buying Darby as an incredibly competent at what she does. She isn't. At all. Or at least the relating through these vignettes didn't work.
- in possibly unfair critiques, nothing about the hospital set up, grant funding, department politics, or general functioning of a medical school/academic hospital was remotely realistic and drove me batshit as a result. The list of examples here would be legion, so I won't bore myself.
The read was saved by the fact that the underlying story was compelling and that Michael and Darby worked well together both in all they aren't and are saying to one another. I like stories of people unwilling to face what's right in front of them in terms of emotions and how the unexpected tends to screw up your plans. Also, the book got better as it went; a lot of its weakest moments were in the first third. When I got to the end author's note and saw that this was the author's first book and she has a background in ff writing, a lot of my issues with some of the writing made sense.
All this said, I'll definitely be picking up the second book as I am actually curious for Michael's POV and how their story resolves.
April 25, 2017
Delicious, sexy, and smart. I loved it. Can't wait for Chrysalis.
https://www.amazon.com/Snapdragon-Lov...
https://www.amazon.com/Snapdragon-Lov...
March 7, 2017
Snapdragon was not about your usual no-strings attached relationship. The complexities of Darby and Michael's non-committal affair went beyond the usual friends with benefits. Both were in their 30s, an age where they're no longer new grads or young adults, but each established in his/her own right, yet still climbing the career ladder. I loved how much of a gentleman Michael was, yet so sexy and appealing. So rare in this day and age. I also loved that Darby was a strong, independent woman and knew she was fighting through challenges in working toward a successful career. I felt her pain when she realized that their feelings had changed, which threatened the very nature of their relationship. I was emotionally ambushed by their story, and loved every minute of it. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
February 2, 2019
I was intrigued by this book. Darby and Michael meet at a mutual friend’s wedding and since they are both entirely focused on their jobs, they enter into a “friends with benefits” arrangement. The key to their agreement, however, is that if it gets too complicated either one can end it with no hard feelings by saying “snapdragon.” Through Darby’s troubles at the hospital where she is a psychopharmacologist and Michael’s continued rise as a premier architect, the two learn how to support each other beyond being partners in bed (and those scenes are something else) but realize that feelings and secrets run deeper than either expected.I found myself liking the book a lot but was surprised by the end. As a stand-alone, I found the character choices to be brave. However, as it is actually the first of two books, I hope the choices of the first one are not minimized in the second. I look forward to seeing how it all plays out.
January 17, 2017
You don't need to be a romance fan to love this book- though it's sure to satisfy that audience. Modern, smart and sexy. Layered, fun, page-turning plot.
Characters are so authentic you feel like you might run into them at a fancy Chicago restaurant... and need to know their story. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Warning: Michael will ruin men for straight women. He sets the bar crazy high, and I think that's a good thing;) Be like Darby and geeet it! And still make all you career goals happen, no matter the obstacles.
Characters are so authentic you feel like you might run into them at a fancy Chicago restaurant... and need to know their story. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Warning: Michael will ruin men for straight women. He sets the bar crazy high, and I think that's a good thing;) Be like Darby and geeet it! And still make all you career goals happen, no matter the obstacles.
March 1, 2017
I immediately related to the character of Darby, a 32-year-young woman who is striving to navigate a demanding career. She is determined not to let her feelings for Michael, a dreamy young architect who she meets at a friend's wedding, take up too much space in her life. But despite her efforts to just stay friends with benefits, Darby's emotional connection to Michael deepens throughout the book. I wish there were more books like this - one that doesn't try and fit relationships into neat packages. A true modern love story!
November 13, 2019
5 STARS!
Absolutely fabulous! Luscious prose, intriguing storyline, and a delicious romance. The pacing was perfect and yes, it ended on a cliffhanger, but at the perfect point for a continuation into the next book. This author is subtle, smart, and relevant in her writing. Due to the accolades, I expected great things and the author delivered. I couldn't be any more satisfied.
March 2, 2017
This was a debut novel by Kilby and will not be my last. So well written and beautiful. I feel in love with the characters and was so engaged, I couldn't stop reading this book. I would totally recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
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