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katieanne4's review
This was good, if a bit slow. I adored Jonah and Reid and rooted hard for them. I found the first 2/3 charming. The last part was a wee bit over the top and could have been shorter and less complex. I was expecting a twist and once I knew how it was playing out I didn't really want all the dramatics. A quieter ending with maybe more emotional drama and less physical danger would have felt more suited to the rest of the book. (I'm a baby about tense scary scenes but these didn't worry me because I didn't feel like anything truly bad was going to happen-- just not that kind of book. )
Would definitely read more from this author!
Would definitely read more from this author!
gillianw's review
4.0
Reviewed for Just Love
The Only Gold by Tamara Allen is the kind of book I find myself enjoying more and more lately. Thanks to authors like K.J. Charles and Cat Sebastian, I have developed a real love for historicals and this book ticked all my boxes.
On the surface, a novel about two bankers might appear to be dryer than yesterday’s toast but I can assure you that this is far from the truth. There is an amazing, almost teasing slow burn of a plot which builds up steadily throughout the book until it reaches an action-packed climax.
Jonah is an assistant-cashier at a small but very respectable bank. Fastidious, thorough and a stickler for the long established rules that have kept the bank running for years, he is surprised to find himself passed over for a long-expected promotion and instead, must answer to his new boss, a rather flashy upstart who seems to have little respect for the old ways.
Reid is smart, charming and eager to find innovative ways to make improvements in the way the bank is run, much to Jonah’s chagrin. He also seems determined to win stubborn Jonah over the way he seems to easily win the admiration of everyone else at the bank – from employees to valued customers.
Eventually, Jonah does relent, even if it’s only to ensure the continued success of the bank that he seems to love beyond anything else. But eventually, Reid’s charm and good looks are no match for Jonah’s defenses, and suddenly buttoned-up Jonah is being un-buttoned in the most delightful way.
Jonah’s capitulation is a delight, especially since Reid seems so sincerely eager for his friendship and respect. But while the relationship that blossoms between the two of them is immensely satisfying, there is an underlying sense of dread that things may not be as they seem. That’s when things get rather more exciting than either one of them could have predicted.
While there were a couple of small things I took issue with, none of it really affected how I felt about this book as a whole. In every way, I found it engrossing and entertaining. The love scenes are rather more subtle than most romance novels I’ve read, with the author choosing fade-to-black over graphic descriptions, but I wasn’t bothered by that in the least. I still enjoyed it immensely.
Ultimately, I learned that banking can be sexy when plenty of UST is involved and if you think that can’t be true, then maybe this will be the book to prove you wrong.
The Only Gold by Tamara Allen is the kind of book I find myself enjoying more and more lately. Thanks to authors like K.J. Charles and Cat Sebastian, I have developed a real love for historicals and this book ticked all my boxes.
On the surface, a novel about two bankers might appear to be dryer than yesterday’s toast but I can assure you that this is far from the truth. There is an amazing, almost teasing slow burn of a plot which builds up steadily throughout the book until it reaches an action-packed climax.
Jonah is an assistant-cashier at a small but very respectable bank. Fastidious, thorough and a stickler for the long established rules that have kept the bank running for years, he is surprised to find himself passed over for a long-expected promotion and instead, must answer to his new boss, a rather flashy upstart who seems to have little respect for the old ways.
Reid is smart, charming and eager to find innovative ways to make improvements in the way the bank is run, much to Jonah’s chagrin. He also seems determined to win stubborn Jonah over the way he seems to easily win the admiration of everyone else at the bank – from employees to valued customers.
Eventually, Jonah does relent, even if it’s only to ensure the continued success of the bank that he seems to love beyond anything else. But eventually, Reid’s charm and good looks are no match for Jonah’s defenses, and suddenly buttoned-up Jonah is being un-buttoned in the most delightful way.
Jonah’s capitulation is a delight, especially since Reid seems so sincerely eager for his friendship and respect. But while the relationship that blossoms between the two of them is immensely satisfying, there is an underlying sense of dread that things may not be as they seem. That’s when things get rather more exciting than either one of them could have predicted.
While there were a couple of small things I took issue with, none of it really affected how I felt about this book as a whole. In every way, I found it engrossing and entertaining. The love scenes are rather more subtle than most romance novels I’ve read, with the author choosing fade-to-black over graphic descriptions, but I wasn’t bothered by that in the least. I still enjoyed it immensely.
Ultimately, I learned that banking can be sexy when plenty of UST is involved and if you think that can’t be true, then maybe this will be the book to prove you wrong.
linda_1410's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
I was rather worried at first because it seemed pretty obvious where this book was heading. Thankfully, Ms. Allen exceeded my expectations. This is a well-crafted tale that takes its time and lets the characters and their relationships develop naturally. While Reid was excessively cheerful at times, she managed to keep him grounded also, and I liked that Jonah was also shown to have his faults. I was curious to see if Reid could break through Jonah's shell and how those two would get past their differences. A very enjoyable tale.
wusswoo's review
5.0
I did really enjoy this! It's given me a bit of a craving for some more historical novels!
jackiehorne's review
5.0
An unusual m/m historical romance, set in late nineteenth-century New York city. Today's the day that straight-laced banker Jonah receives the promotion he's long been awaiting—or is it? Jonah is more than a little dismayed when he arrives at the bank to discover that the coveted job has been given to a man who seems to be exactly his opposite. As Jonah watches in horrified disbelief, charming Reid turn the staid bank topsy turvy with his wild innovations. That something else besides differing beliefs about banking lies behind Jonah and Reid's war of words only gradually emerges. But when Reid's actions put the bank in jeopardy, can Jonah reconcile his devotion to his job with his feelings for the mercurial Reid?
I loved the careful characterization, the wonderful period detail, and the gradual reveal of Jonah and Reid's attraction for each other. Will definitely be searching for other books by this talented author.
I loved the careful characterization, the wonderful period detail, and the gradual reveal of Jonah and Reid's attraction for each other. Will definitely be searching for other books by this talented author.
alonewolf's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
books_and_cha's review
4.0
“'Mr. Grandborough was right. You don’t do anything in haste. Or maybe….' He leaned closer. 'You’re just waiting for a push.'
Jonah let a cold smile come. 'I’m quite aware of the direction you’d like to push me.'
Reid had the brass to grin. 'Mr. Woolner, you don’t have the first idea.'”
I expected another gem from Tamara Allen and The Only Gold didn't disappoint. While the story is different from the others I've read by her - there is no time travel like Downtime, or young lovers from Whistling in the Dark - it had her signature warmth, humor, and love for a time gone by.
The Only Gold begins on the fateful morning Jonah walks into Grandbourogh Bank, expecting to be promoted . . . only to be passed over, and introduced to Mr. Reid Hylliard, the man who got the coveted position of bank cashier. What follows is a series of sometimes funny, sometimes frustrating interactions between Jonah and Reid, as the two begin to work together. Jonah is stiff, lonely, and set in his own ways. Reid's beguiling smiles and easy charms would have more success if he wasn't upending every reliable nook and cranny in Jonah's safe and predictable world. Of course, their friction soon turns into something much warmer, much to their surprise.
While I found Jonah's initial dislike of Reid and sharp comments to be highly unprofessional, I still enjoyed the banter between the two, especially when Reid took those moments as opportunities to flirt. I loved the dynamic between stuffy, straight-laced Jonah and laidback, charming Reid. The story takes an interesting turn once the two start developing what is essentially an early 20th-century office romance.
Speaking of romance, Jonah and Reid's pairing is both passionate and heartfelt. I kept reading all their moments together over and over again. The plot thickens as the book goes on, and there were twists that I didn't see coming. Allen manages to create a story with love, suspense, surprises, all woven in with a cast of endearing characters.
I can't wait to read more by Allen. I can see myself returning to this book in the future and falling in love with it all over again.
Jonah let a cold smile come. 'I’m quite aware of the direction you’d like to push me.'
Reid had the brass to grin. 'Mr. Woolner, you don’t have the first idea.'”
I expected another gem from Tamara Allen and The Only Gold didn't disappoint. While the story is different from the others I've read by her - there is no time travel like Downtime, or young lovers from Whistling in the Dark - it had her signature warmth, humor, and love for a time gone by.
The Only Gold begins on the fateful morning Jonah walks into Grandbourogh Bank, expecting to be promoted . . . only to be passed over, and introduced to Mr. Reid Hylliard, the man who got the coveted position of bank cashier. What follows is a series of sometimes funny, sometimes frustrating interactions between Jonah and Reid, as the two begin to work together. Jonah is stiff, lonely, and set in his own ways. Reid's beguiling smiles and easy charms would have more success if he wasn't upending every reliable nook and cranny in Jonah's safe and predictable world. Of course, their friction soon turns into something much warmer, much to their surprise.
While I found Jonah's initial dislike of Reid and sharp comments to be highly unprofessional, I still enjoyed the banter between the two, especially when Reid took those moments as opportunities to flirt. I loved the dynamic between stuffy, straight-laced Jonah and laidback, charming Reid. The story takes an interesting turn once the two start developing what is essentially an early 20th-century office romance.
Speaking of romance, Jonah and Reid's pairing is both passionate and heartfelt. I kept reading all their moments together over and over again. The plot thickens as the book goes on, and there were twists that I didn't see coming. Allen manages to create a story with love, suspense, surprises, all woven in with a cast of endearing characters.
I can't wait to read more by Allen. I can see myself returning to this book in the future and falling in love with it all over again.
pgt's review
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Fumbled the Ball
Man this one was a struggle to rate.
On the one hand, it was a great balance between realistically balancing homophobia and queer joy. I loved the protagonist. I liked the setting and the side characters. You'll note the love interest isn't among this list of likes, and that's... Complicated.
I wanted to like him, and maybe around the 70% mark I did. And then... The twist hit. Because
(SPOILERS BEYOND)
he's a ... Cop? Ew.
Who is this for? The twist was so... Ruinous. It doesn't just drop that he's a cop, no, you're made to think he's betrayed the one thing Jonah most values: the bank. It's as if the author realized that wouldn't be redeemable and went "what would be more redeemable to a gay audience? A cop!"
I rate it as highly as I do because I must admit that at no point was it bad writing. Everything was well broadcast and any unsettling, charlatan vibes you got from Reid were *good* because they suit his characterization. But I don't want to feel like my main man Jonah is getting tricked. I have a note on the top of chapter seven, reading "this just makes me feel like crap. Nothing good happens to Jonah. Im rooting for him but everything just makes me sad." Even at the beginning of their blooming romance I wasn't all that into it. I accepted it because it had the air of enemies to lovers, and I think that works well to make you the reader feel as betrayed as Jonah does when it happens. The problem is, I don't share Jonah's relief and return to romance when his true position is revealed.
It got me out of a reading slump and that's probably the only reason I didn't DNF after 70%. I should say more on the treatment of female characters, but I'm not all that passionate about this book to write it all out. Succinctly: though there are several, they're all one of 3 tropes (mother/crone/innocent doe). Alice is treated quite unnecessarily during the hostage scenes by the robbers and her life is barely a concern for the main characters who can't get their noses out of each other's rears.
Disappointing but if someone told me they liked it I wouldn't give them a dirty look, either.
Man this one was a struggle to rate.
On the one hand, it was a great balance between realistically balancing homophobia and queer joy. I loved the protagonist. I liked the setting and the side characters. You'll note the love interest isn't among this list of likes, and that's... Complicated.
I wanted to like him, and maybe around the 70% mark I did. And then... The twist hit. Because
(SPOILERS BEYOND)
he's a ... Cop? Ew.
Who is this for? The twist was so... Ruinous. It doesn't just drop that he's a cop, no, you're made to think he's betrayed the one thing Jonah most values: the bank. It's as if the author realized that wouldn't be redeemable and went "what would be more redeemable to a gay audience? A cop!"
I rate it as highly as I do because I must admit that at no point was it bad writing. Everything was well broadcast and any unsettling, charlatan vibes you got from Reid were *good* because they suit his characterization. But I don't want to feel like my main man Jonah is getting tricked. I have a note on the top of chapter seven, reading "this just makes me feel like crap. Nothing good happens to Jonah. Im rooting for him but everything just makes me sad." Even at the beginning of their blooming romance I wasn't all that into it. I accepted it because it had the air of enemies to lovers, and I think that works well to make you the reader feel as betrayed as Jonah does when it happens. The problem is, I don't share Jonah's relief and return to romance when his true position is revealed.
It got me out of a reading slump and that's probably the only reason I didn't DNF after 70%. I should say more on the treatment of female characters, but I'm not all that passionate about this book to write it all out. Succinctly: though there are several, they're all one of 3 tropes (mother/crone/innocent doe). Alice is treated quite unnecessarily during the hostage scenes by the robbers and her life is barely a concern for the main characters who can't get their noses out of each other's rears.
Disappointing but if someone told me they liked it I wouldn't give them a dirty look, either.
uzoma's review
4.0
This was such a sweet romance. I loved Jonah and Reid and the slow burn of their relationship. I also liked the historical setting! And learned more about old-times banks than I ever thought to lol. I appreciate specificity in a book like that. I also liked that the “twist” was well telegraphed from the beginning lol and it seemed only Jonah was surprised.
elle_mich's review
5.0
steadily making my way through allen’s backlist with zeal. very soothing, quiet stories. i love them so much.