NOW IT’S MICHAEL’S TURN…We both know what this is, even if we’ve never said it. I was so close to telling her. Then my promotion came through. I thought we had more time. Time to break down the last barriers. To figure things out on our own. To choose one another willingly–not because my move to Sydney forced our hands. Not like this. Things between us are already broken. And contriving some … contriving some shit-show of a long distance relationship until we figure something better out could break things between us even more. Both of us kept secrets. Both of us told lies. Both of us kept up the charade. And, because we’re not idiots, each of us knew the other one was doing it.
I’m not proud of all the rules I broke—all the half-truths I let her believe. I did what every guy who likes a girl does: showed her the best parts of me in a desperate attempt to get her to like me back. Fixing things between us now isn’t just about overcoming the distance—it’s about overcoming the lies. But I’ve hidden more than she has. And there are things she wants to know. She was right about me all along.
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Kilby Blades, ‘Chrysalis’.
Gilded Love, book 2.
As an Hidden Gems ARC reader I received a free copy of this books and voluntarily promised an honest review. Here it is.
In general: From Friends-with-Benefits through Long Distance Lovers to an Original HEA.
My rating: 4,5 (of 5 stars).
This book is the sequel to Kilby Blades’ “Snapdragon”, a novel I reviewed in december 2020. The main characters in book 1 en 2 are:
– Darby Christensen (33), psychopharmacologist in Chicago and daughter of a controversial senator. Now, since about a year she has a ‘friends-with benefits’ relationship with
– Michael Blaine (32), also living in Chicago and a famous architect with an international career.
When they started their relationship, both didn’t believe in love. So only a physical bond that either of them could end with the code word ‘Snapdragon’. That was all: no further explanations, discussions or other showings of emotion. But the physical attraction was strong, they got involved in each other’s lives; emotional feelings and love were not far away.
The book ‘Chrysalis’ starts with Michael accepting a big promotion. He becomes chief of the Australian branch of his company. So he has to live 10.000 miles from Darby and tries to use snapdragon petals to indicate the end of their relationship. But both are already too emotional involved with the bond they have. At first they deny it to themselves but in fact they start a long distance relationship with phone or video calls between Chicago and Sydney almost every day. Their relationship is in transition like the birth of a beautiful butterfly in a cocoon or chrysalis.
The author, Kilby Blades, describes with much feeling and insight how their relationship deepens in spite of complications with their families and careers. The additional characters are interesting and credible; the plot is original. So the author created a novel that again – for me – was a pleasure to read.
R. Huiszoon.
I really enjoyed the sequel to Snapdragon. In Chrysalis we are presented the story told from Michael’s P.O.V Through his voice. the layers that comprise the complexities of his personality are exposed. Michael is, at times complex, insular, anxious, intense, kind, loving, and definitely a real man. The evolution of his relationship with Darby is poignantly and beautifully depicted. I enjoyed Darby and Michael as a couple, and as individual characters. The story was rich is supplementary characters that rounded out this well developed story. Kilby Blades has created a beautifully told story, that started in Snapdragon and concluded that in Chrysalis
This slow burning romance doesn’t follow the design of a stereotypical romance. In this sequel to Snapdragon, Sebastian’s narration smoothly takes you on a journey full of mystery, heart ache and unconditional love. The twists and obstacles that the couple must endure to find their way fully back to one another and happiness kept me engaged me till the end. Sebastian’s voice was a perfect reflection of how I would expect Michael to sound and immediately engulfed me into the story.
The perfect second book after Snapdragon.
This time it’s written in Michael’s POV. We get to know his history a bit better, and of course his site how he feels about Darby.
In this book their story goes on and they experience a lot together and a part of each other.
A must-read when you liked book 1 in the Gilded Love series.
Chrysalis, book number two in the Gilded Love series offers an addictive story, full of answers to burning questions left unanswered from book one, Snapdragon.
Typically my favorite storytelling is dual POV. This was the first book series I have read where the point of view of characters featured was told in a very unique manner. In book one the story was told from her POV. Then in book two it was told only from his POV. I felt that this offered a unique take on the story as a whole. York did a stellar job bringing the character, Michael to life in this title.
With so much heat and romance between characters, a political take down, and more, this story was purely addictive. I am so glad I’ve found a new one-click author!
As Always, Happy Reading!
“5/5 Beaming Brains!” – Lit-Up My Mind
Wow – this really was such a fantastic conclusion to Michael and Darby’s story that started in Snapdragon. In the first book, we get Darby’s point of view on the start of her relationship with Michael, and now in Chrysalis, we get Michael’s point of view on their journey to their happy ever after.
This picks up right where Snapdragon left off, broken hearts and all. Michael’s devotion to Darby is so clear, and it’s more than just his obvious protective instincts. I loved the way that he opened up and wanted to slay dragons for his love.
Sebastian York did a fantastic job narrating this book. He really brought Michael to life, and he put all of the emotions on full display for my ears to absorb.
Audio Review
We get to finish Michael and Darby’s love story and book two brings lots of twists and turns to deal with. This was a great story that span over time and we watched as these two fell deeply in love and survived what life threw at them. Part two is told in Michaels POV which I loved how the author did this duet where part one was in her POV and part two is in his. Great story.
Sebastian York is one of my favorite narrators and he was great as always in this book.
I really enjoyed this two book series and highly recommend them.
What a great second half of a complicated live story.
Not a Standalone, you must read Snapdragon first.
This book is told from his point of view.
Michael has not had an easy life but hard work plus his mother’s and sister’s love held him together.
Can he build a future with Derby or she reject him because of messed up her thinks he truly is?
Loved the two books together.
Great HEA, no cliffhanger in this book.
I listened to this on Audible and Sebastian did a great job.
Audio Review
The story of Michael and Darby continues from Michael’s point of view in this, the second part of this stunning two parter.
With this, an understanding of the family feuds and all the other mysterious parts of Snapdragon is developed.
The way that the Kilby Blades manages to continue this relationship, and story, beyond the end if the ‘arrangement’ is just stunning.
All in all, a skillfully crafted and well deserved end for Darby and Michael.
4 Star Review Chrysalis (Gilded Love #2) by Kilby Blades
AUDIO REVIEW:
Having just finished Snapdragon I looked forwarded to listening to Chrysalis which is Michael’s point of view. Narrated by Sebastian York who was perfectly cast as Michael in my opinion. To me his voice screams alpha determined, billionaire men which is Michael.
The story drew me in as Michael realized he has made the biggest mistake of his life when he chose the job over Darby. Now focused on making up for his decision and convincing Darby to take another chance on him, things become complicated as it appears he is about to go head to head with Darby’s father.
Who will win Darby’s support the man she has fallen for, or her father? Things are about to become very complicated. Will Michael be able to keep Darby safe when her father puts her in danger with the mafia?
You’ll have to one click to find out.
Chrysalis
Gilded Love, Book 2
By: Kilby Blades
Narrated by: Sebastian York, Erin Mallon-epilogue
Picking up where Snapdragon lets off, we hear Michael in Australia and Darby in the states. Both miserable and now the contact is just beginning to heat up They both know they are in love, but neither will admit it to the other. Michael’s heart is in Chicago and Darby just wants to be with him. Realizing they both are in professions they are not passionate about, plans begin to develop, but Michael is still harboring a secret that could blow them up. What will happen when all is revealed? Will their love be able to stand the distance and the secrets?Kilby Blades finishes out this story with a bang. It’s an incredible build to the relationship and a deception that will blow your mind. I love this duet. It is everything i love with a little suspense, a twist I didn’t see coming and a romance that filled my heart.
Sebastian York gives us Michaels point of view in this s narration and he is fantastic. Always on point he creates Michael with that warm heart. Erin Mallon ha the epilogue wrapping it all up and giving me happiness.
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Following on from Snapdragon, which left us with not quite a huge cliffie, but nevertheless left us with many questions with regard to Darby’s father, and his misdoings, and of course I had the overwhelming need for Darby and Michael to get their happy ever after. Their ‘not a love story’ rapidly becomes a long distance friendship with lots of video messaging, messaging and phone calls, with a huge possibility for it to become a forever love story, if they’d just stop their facade and admit to their feelings. A proper feel good love story with some added drama from the corrupt Chicago officials. This time the story is written from Michael’s point of view (great to find out about his struggles and insecurities), and Sebastian York narrates perfectly (as always), and there’s also a cameo from Erin Mallon for the epilogue. A joy to listen to.
What an emotional and steamy conclusion to Darby and Michael’s story! Chrysalis picks right up where Snapdragon left off with both their hearts broken and trying to move on with their lives. Michael realizes that his heart is back in his old neighborhood and with Darby. He is determined to win her back and convince her that they are meant to be together forever. But first he must deal with her corrupt father and his sleazy friends who threaten all that Michael cares for. I really liked both Darby and Michael and how they made each other whole. Darby is a smart and clever heroine and Michael is a sweet, thoughtful, and swoony hero.
Chrysalis was from Michael’s pov and I really enjoyed Sebastian York’s narration. He really delivered all the emotion, wit, suspense, and steam. I was totally lost in his performance as he brought these characters and story to life, and I couldn’t stop listening to this heart-pounding, and steamy romance!
“Chrysalis” is the second part of Darby and Michael’s story. It’s such an unconventional love story and it was amazing! It became more than two people finding each other. Through a course of events, they find themselves in the process.
Darby and Michael had a whirlwind of a romance that was meant only to be a fun time. Both developed feelings but when life brings new opportunities, they part ways as lovers but remain friends. However, both are still very much into each other and through a course of events, they find their way back to what they were plus more.
I was so involved with their story and love the plot twist we got! It added some suspense to the story. We knew Darby’s Dad was shady because of her past and her lack of involvement of wanting to be around him.
Michael is so sweet and genuine, you can’t help but fall for him too. He went through so much as a child and is still working some of that baggage. Darby has been through so much as well even though she never had to worry about some of the things Michael did. Their attraction brought them together but their need to break through their pasts kept them together and made them the couple they are.
Sebastian York narrated “Chrysalis” solo and it was amazing. He brought Michael to life and was the perfect choice for him. Sebastian’s alpha voice was a delight to listen to. I’ll never get tired of it.