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A Golden Life
Nothing has ever been easy for Golden. Coming from the poorest family in a town filled with money, she has never gotten anything handed to her. The only thing she didn't have to work for was her best friend, Lilie, but when they turn fourteen, a death causes their friendship to end. Throughout time, Golden is still figuring out how to deal with the scar it left.
Ridge has always been a charmer. With his beautiful looks and old wealth, he has never had to try for anything. Girls, school, and everything in between came easy for him, but naturally, the easiest thing for him was to be an asshole, especially to his little sister's best friend. When that blindsiding death turns her away, he takes for granted the time spent with her.
When their paths reunite four years later, nothing is the same as it used to be. The past Golden was running from is now entwined with her future, and the girl Ridge use to despise became the only one he ever thinks about. Feelings develop while emotions run high, blindsiding them both from the secrets that are hiding. If those secrets uncover, Ridge faces the difficult decision of keeping it to himself. . .
Or destroying Golden with the truth.
Ridge has always been a charmer. With his beautiful looks and old wealth, he has never had to try for anything. Girls, school, and everything in between came easy for him, but naturally, the easiest thing for him was to be an asshole, especially to his little sister's best friend. When that blindsiding death turns her away, he takes for granted the time spent with her.
When their paths reunite four years later, nothing is the same as it used to be. The past Golden was running from is now entwined with her future, and the girl Ridge use to despise became the only one he ever thinks about. Feelings develop while emotions run high, blindsiding them both from the secrets that are hiding. If those secrets uncover, Ridge faces the difficult decision of keeping it to himself. . .
Or destroying Golden with the truth.
- GenresRomance
320 pages, Paperback
Published December 8, 2021
6 people are currently reading
1104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 19, 2021
Everyday I’m in shock my best friend literally wrote a book.
UPDATE: Just finished reading the final copy and WOW I LOVED IT EVEN THE SECOND TIME!!
I loved this story! I know it looks biased because Katie is literally my best friend and she created a character after me but I would tell her if her book was bad so trust me when I say this is such a good story.
Golden and Ridge and their relationship is so sweet. It’s very much two young people falling in love for the first time. The progression, banter, and romance between the characters were so good they had me laughing one chapter and crying the next. I love them!
The plot was so good, I never thought it was dragging and I never got bored! The Harry and Fine line references were a plus. I also loved the way that yes golden and ridge were the main part of the story but the story was also Golden finally healing and overcoming her mental health struggles and I think that is also an important part of the story. 5/5⭐️
UPDATE: Just finished reading the final copy and WOW I LOVED IT EVEN THE SECOND TIME!!
I loved this story! I know it looks biased because Katie is literally my best friend and she created a character after me but I would tell her if her book was bad so trust me when I say this is such a good story.
Golden and Ridge and their relationship is so sweet. It’s very much two young people falling in love for the first time. The progression, banter, and romance between the characters were so good they had me laughing one chapter and crying the next. I love them!
The plot was so good, I never thought it was dragging and I never got bored! The Harry and Fine line references were a plus. I also loved the way that yes golden and ridge were the main part of the story but the story was also Golden finally healing and overcoming her mental health struggles and I think that is also an important part of the story. 5/5⭐️
November 28, 2021
Cant wait!!! Saw you on tiktok and love the idea. Will be looking forward to this!
December 18, 2021
A Golden Life by Katie Rankin is about a young woman named Golden Lindey who has suffered the trauma of losing her best friend to suicide. This traumatic event makes a big mark on her life as she lost a special bond with her childhood best friend. The story flashes forward four years later where Golden is faced with the hardship that she can't afford to pay her college tuition. Her problems are furthered when she is then fired from her job at her town's local bookstore. With no option left, Golden finds herself starting a waitress job at a restaurant managed by her deceased best friend's family, the Arthurs. The Arthurs family are rich upper class Americans who don't approve of Golden's lower class background. After starting her new job at the restaurant, Golden comes into regular contact with her best friend's older brother, Ridge Arthurs. Ridge is a rebellious, charming guy who just got into trouble with the law and is paying off his punishment by working at the restaurant. A connection sparks between them and it creates drama and uncovers secrets throughout the story.
A Golden Life is a heartfelt story that doesn't shy away from heavy topics such as suicide, anxiety and grief. The characters are wholesome, down to earth and very caring to the people they love. I found that the writing in the story was very clear, but it could have been better developed and proofread by someone else. The swearing in the dialogue was a bit excessive at times and made the sentences less flowing. I loved how the romance between Golden and Ridge was sweet and how it was stemmed off of a mutual love they had for the best friend and sister. But the pacing of their getting together felt very rushed. Their union would've been more intriguing and entertaining had it been a slow burn with build up of tension, banter, etc.
The plot of this story didn't really pick up until the end but when it did I wasn't disappointed! The conflict between Golden and the Arthurs was very thrilling and kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt bad for Ridge during this part because I feel like he was put in a difficult situation and there was almost nothing he could do!
I wish there was more description in the story with the facial expressions, characters appearances and the setting. I did find myself struggling to picture how the characters looked and talked.
Otherwise I really enjoyed this book and I think it would be a great summer read!
A Golden Life is a heartfelt story that doesn't shy away from heavy topics such as suicide, anxiety and grief. The characters are wholesome, down to earth and very caring to the people they love. I found that the writing in the story was very clear, but it could have been better developed and proofread by someone else. The swearing in the dialogue was a bit excessive at times and made the sentences less flowing. I loved how the romance between Golden and Ridge was sweet and how it was stemmed off of a mutual love they had for the best friend and sister. But the pacing of their getting together felt very rushed. Their union would've been more intriguing and entertaining had it been a slow burn with build up of tension, banter, etc.
The plot of this story didn't really pick up until the end but when it did I wasn't disappointed! The conflict between Golden and the Arthurs was very thrilling and kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt bad for Ridge during this part because I feel like he was put in a difficult situation and there was almost nothing he could do!
I wish there was more description in the story with the facial expressions, characters appearances and the setting. I did find myself struggling to picture how the characters looked and talked.
Otherwise I really enjoyed this book and I think it would be a great summer read!
December 15, 2021
so good!! i wish there was more build up in the angst with ridge and golden but other than that the story plot was so good
December 23, 2021
this book was so good and i’m love with golden and ridge <33
March 16, 2022
As first novels go, this was a great start. Could use some editing due to quite a few grammatical errors, but looking past that the story was fun to get into.
Loved getting both Golden and Ridge’s povs. It seemed a little fast paced, yet slow burn at the same time. Maybe I just wasn’t understanding the timing of everything right though.
As far as twists go, this one was pretty good. I knew something was going to blow up, but when and how was shocking.
It was entertaining and comical. Wouldn’t mind getting more stories about the other characters in the book.
Loved getting both Golden and Ridge’s povs. It seemed a little fast paced, yet slow burn at the same time. Maybe I just wasn’t understanding the timing of everything right though.
As far as twists go, this one was pretty good. I knew something was going to blow up, but when and how was shocking.
It was entertaining and comical. Wouldn’t mind getting more stories about the other characters in the book.
December 19, 2021
I loved the book! There were a few mistakes in the book, but overall it was really good! The beginning hooked me, and the end made me sob! The love between Ridge and Golden was perfect! The shower scene was amazing! That night before was amazing too! Very well written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2021
CANT WAIT FOR IT TO BE OUT!!!
January 15, 2022
I went into this book with 0 expectations, and I was blown out of the water. This book was phenomenal. This book is a literal 15/10. It was modern and realistic, which is pretty rare. The writing style and dialogue actually sounded like a normal conversation. This book was so enjoyable, as were all the characters. Ridge Arthurs has literally set the bar. I absolutely loved how everything tied together at the end, kind of like a full circle moment. There’s not enough good things I can say about this book; there’s not one thing I would change about it. I will say the book needed a bit editing. There were a few mistakes regarding wording, but it was easy to see what the author was trying to get across. If you’re reading reviews trying to decide if you should read this book, take this as a sign that you should!
December 28, 2021
wow wow wow!
I honestly didn’t know what to expect with this book, but I’m so happy I decided to take a chance on it!
I loved every part of this beautiful story! I’m also kinda sorta in love with Ridge Arthurs…because he’s the most perfect book boyfriend.
There were a few spelling/grammar errors, but that’s okay. Because I found the author on tiktok and she explained that she can’t afford to hire an editor or designer etc. So she created this whole thing herself, including the cover.
A Golden Life is definitely one of my favourite reads of this year, and one of my favourite books!!!
I honestly didn’t know what to expect with this book, but I’m so happy I decided to take a chance on it!
I loved every part of this beautiful story! I’m also kinda sorta in love with Ridge Arthurs…because he’s the most perfect book boyfriend.
There were a few spelling/grammar errors, but that’s okay. Because I found the author on tiktok and she explained that she can’t afford to hire an editor or designer etc. So she created this whole thing herself, including the cover.
A Golden Life is definitely one of my favourite reads of this year, and one of my favourite books!!!
May 13, 2022
I started crying when I finished the book, I am writing this review 2-3-4-5 months after reading it. I loved it so much, and the one thing I had a problem with was the end. I wish this book never ended. I hope you make a sequel Katie!! I loved it so much now I can't think about life without reading it. I brag to all my friends that I've read your book and they want to read it too!! Have fun reading Katie!!:)))
December 27, 2021
Literally the best thing ever.
I am a person that barely reads, and I mean barely. Last time I was this interested in a book was in my 7th grade year (6ish years ago). I read this book in less than 24 hours and was so upset when I finished because it was over. 10/10 recommend reading this right now!!
I am a person that barely reads, and I mean barely. Last time I was this interested in a book was in my 7th grade year (6ish years ago). I read this book in less than 24 hours and was so upset when I finished because it was over. 10/10 recommend reading this right now!!
December 29, 2021
This is literally my favorite love story I’ve ever read. I have never felt more connected to two characters than Golden and Ridge! The typos/misspelled words were distracting when reading, but I’d read this again in a heartbeat. I want the entire world for Golden…but I also want to steal Ridge for myself 😭 Congrats on an amazing first book Katie! I can’t wait to read your next.
December 29, 2021
best book ever.
January 3, 2022
Loved this book!! It was hard to put it down. Also, can I just say that ridge and golden are goals?? 🤩🤩 I’m excited to read more from this author in the future.
January 31, 2022
This is the best book I have ever read. Ever.
February 2, 2022
such a beautiful story and i sobbed so many times omg. golden and ridge are so sweet, i’m obsessed
February 6, 2022
I ADORE THIS BOOK
March 4, 2022
LITERALLY SO GOOD I READ IT IN ONE DAY OMG !!!! i love love love it
March 23, 2022
Read the book and loved it in every way! I cry alot over books and have never cried as much as I did while reading this one! One of the favorite books I have read, can 100% recommend!!!
May 8, 2023
I think I would have been obsessed with this book when I was like 17. Now it earned points for the nostalgia and for the Harry references
January 30, 2024
It’s really cute. Had the cheesy stuff everyone likes. It’s definitely Wattpad kinda vibe but a lot better. It was a quick read for me.
February 20, 2022
Absolutely amazing. I read the whole thing in 3 days and I was so obsessed with it I never wanted to put it down.
March 21, 2022
i loved this book so much, it was hard to put down after the ending of each chapter, i just wanted to keep reading. i got this book for christmas and had been reading it since. the first time i’ve really ever been actually interested in like a ‘real’ like actual book and not like a graphic novel or “kid” books, and now i want to start getting into reading and read other books because of this one. i also read the epilogue at the end of the book when i finished reading the book which is something i never really do because i just don’t really ever want to but i just had to. towards the end of the book while i was reading, i was so anxious, my heart was beating while wondering what would happen. love the ending, also loved the epilogue, so cute.
December 28, 2021
This was one of my favorite books ever!!!! Not only was the chemistry between Ridge and Golden amazing, but the character development of both of them was breathtaking. The story line was so clever and well thought out, I was kept on the edge of my seat the entire time. I never got bored. In fact, I finished the whole book in a day. This book is so heartfelt and descriptive that I felt as though I were in the book with the characters. If you’re thinking about reading this book, I promise it will not disappoint. 5/5⭐️
BTW RIDGE IS LITERALLY THE BEST LOVE INTEREST EVER AND IS SO ADORABLE SO IF YOU DONT READ IT FOR THE PLOT READ IT FOR HIM🤩
BTW RIDGE IS LITERALLY THE BEST LOVE INTEREST EVER AND IS SO ADORABLE SO IF YOU DONT READ IT FOR THE PLOT READ IT FOR HIM🤩
April 12, 2023
Omg this might be one of my favorite books. I never cried more in a book then I did with this one. I related to Golden so much from her loving Harry styles to her friendship with Lillie. I never read a book that talked about suicide the way she did and executed so well. Also Ridge my sweet boy no words on how much I loved him as a person and him in a relationship. Such a good read.
December 17, 2021
how do I put into words how much this book means to me??? first of all the harry references are 🤌 and ridge and goldie are so adorable. anyways I loved this book so much, it was such a fun and cutesy read- definitely need to order a physical copy asap
January 22, 2022
amazing. i love the characters and everything about it! the fact that it is written by an 18 year old literally blows my mind.
March 27, 2022
loved the trope and book, but mc gave off lots of pick-me and childish vibes
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews