Book Review: Good as Gold (Giltmaker #1) by Sarina Bowen
Caution: Spoilers Ahead
“Good as Gold” offers a captivating plot that piqued my interest from the beginning and held its promise throughout the story. However, my overall enjoyment of the book was somewhat marred by one particular character: Matteo.
Initially, Matteo’s character held a certain allure. His connection to the protagonist and his childhood love for her added depth to the narrative. Yet, as the plot unfolded, my appreciation for him waned, especially after the revelation of the pregnancy. While it’s clear that Matteo’s role was that of a sperm donor without direct involvement, I couldn’t help but anticipate more effort from him in drawing closer to the protagonist and supporting her during this pivotal period. His proclaimed love for her since childhood left me wishing for a more substantial presence in her life during this significant moment.
It became apparent that Matteo’s affections seemed driven more by physical attraction than by genuine emotional attachment, which was disappointing given their shared history. I had hoped for a deeper emotional connection to be depicted in their relationship.
Another aspect that left me somewhat disillusioned was Matteo’s ongoing friendship with the protagonist’s ex-husband. While their enduring friendship might be explained by their long-standing childhood bond, it was challenging to reconcile why Matteo would maintain such a relationship with someone who had treated the woman he loved so poorly. The ex-husband’s mistreatment, emotional manipulation, infidelity, and the turmoil he caused following the divorce warranted a clear boundary. It was disheartening to witness Matteo’s continued association with an individual who had inflicted such pain on the protagonist.
In summary, “Good as Gold” boasts a compelling plot that successfully captivated my attention. However, the intricacies of the character dynamics, especially those involving Matteo, left something to be desired. His lack of initiative and emotional depth during the protagonist’s pregnancy made it difficult to connect with his professed love for her. Additionally, his enduring friendship with her ex-husband, despite the harm caused, felt somewhat unrealistic and unsatisfying. With more substantial character development and authentic relationships, the book could have reached even greater heights in its engagement.
