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justalilbitbookish's reviews
615 reviews
Gilded Hero by C.M. Tillman
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4⭐ - Superpowers, Swoon, and a Cliffhanger That Left Me Screaming
Gilded Hero by CM Tillman hooked me from the very first page with its fresh take on superheroes, sizzling chemistry, and a plot so gripping I couldn’t stop reading. If you’re a fan of strong FMCs, charming yet mysterious MMCs, and high-stakes drama, this book is for you.
Lily, our headstrong and no-nonsense FMC, has no love for Supers and their godlike egos—until a chance one-night stand with Athos, a centuries-old Supe, flips her world upside down. Their dynamic is pure magic: witty banter, undeniable tension, and a slow-burn connection that has you rooting for them even as they push each other’s buttons.
The world-building here is next level, blending sci-fi and fantasy in a way that feels entirely unique. Think The Boys but in a post-apoloptic world. From the societal divide between Supers and humans to the intricate tech and power dynamics, CM Tillman creates a world that’s both fascinating and believable.
But let’s talk about that ending. That cliffhanger? Absolutely brutal. I’m still reeling and already desperate for book two to see where this story goes next.
Why You’ll Love It:
✨ A slow-burn romance packed with tension
✨ Smart, layered world-building with plenty of twists
✨ A fierce, relatable heroine and a swoon-worthy Supe
If you’re into superhero stories with heart, heat, and plenty of drama, Gilded Hero will hit the spot. CM Tillman, please—bring on book two ASAP!
Gilded Hero by CM Tillman hooked me from the very first page with its fresh take on superheroes, sizzling chemistry, and a plot so gripping I couldn’t stop reading. If you’re a fan of strong FMCs, charming yet mysterious MMCs, and high-stakes drama, this book is for you.
Lily, our headstrong and no-nonsense FMC, has no love for Supers and their godlike egos—until a chance one-night stand with Athos, a centuries-old Supe, flips her world upside down. Their dynamic is pure magic: witty banter, undeniable tension, and a slow-burn connection that has you rooting for them even as they push each other’s buttons.
The world-building here is next level, blending sci-fi and fantasy in a way that feels entirely unique. Think The Boys but in a post-apoloptic world. From the societal divide between Supers and humans to the intricate tech and power dynamics, CM Tillman creates a world that’s both fascinating and believable.
But let’s talk about that ending. That cliffhanger? Absolutely brutal. I’m still reeling and already desperate for book two to see where this story goes next.
Why You’ll Love It:
✨ A slow-burn romance packed with tension
✨ Smart, layered world-building with plenty of twists
✨ A fierce, relatable heroine and a swoon-worthy Supe
If you’re into superhero stories with heart, heat, and plenty of drama, Gilded Hero will hit the spot. CM Tillman, please—bring on book two ASAP!
A Court of Honey and Ash by Kelly St. Clare, Shannon Mayer
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Action, Intrigue, and Slow-Burn Romance—An Absolute Page-Turner!
Honey and Ash by Shannon Meyer and Kelly St. Clare was a thrill from start to finish! From the first page, I was hooked by Alli, our crass, witty, and undeniably badass FMC. Orphaned and outcast, she’s spent her life proving her worth, but when her final trial accidentally shatters Underhill—the magical heart of the fae world—her entire existence spirals into chaos.
The action kicks off immediately, throwing us into a world of betrayal, court drama, and political intrigue. The pacing? Steady with bursts of heart-pounding intensity that kept me glued to the pages. Every chapter brought new twists, and by the time I hit the cliffhanger, I was ready to beg for the second book.
Characters I’m Obsessed With:
💥 Alli: Fierce, flawed, and refreshingly relatable. She’s the perfect blend of strength and vulnerability, making her an easy character to root for.
💥 Faolan: The broody, infuriating love interest who’s impossible not to adore. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic is everything—slow-burn tension, witty banter, and all the angst I crave.
💥 Hyacinth: The ride-or-die best friend with perfect comic timing. She’s the emotional support we all need.
The romance is a delicious slow burn with just enough chemistry to make you desperate for more. Faolan’s guarded demeanor paired with Alli’s fiery stubbornness? Chef’s kiss.
What I Loved:
✨ Sharp, laugh-out-loud banter that lightens the dark moments.
✨ Alli’s journey of self-discovery and strength.
✨ A richly built fae world full of intrigue and danger.
✨ That one quote: “You may have a dick, but I can cook. Dicks go limp over time; good cooking is forever.” Iconic.
What Could Be Better:
I wouldn’t have minded more scenes between Alli and Faolan—their chemistry is too good to resist! But maybe I’m just greedy.
If you’re a fan of Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince or love slow-burn romantasy with fierce heroines, this book is a must-read. Bring on book two—I’m not ready to leave this world yet!
Honey and Ash by Shannon Meyer and Kelly St. Clare was a thrill from start to finish! From the first page, I was hooked by Alli, our crass, witty, and undeniably badass FMC. Orphaned and outcast, she’s spent her life proving her worth, but when her final trial accidentally shatters Underhill—the magical heart of the fae world—her entire existence spirals into chaos.
The action kicks off immediately, throwing us into a world of betrayal, court drama, and political intrigue. The pacing? Steady with bursts of heart-pounding intensity that kept me glued to the pages. Every chapter brought new twists, and by the time I hit the cliffhanger, I was ready to beg for the second book.
Characters I’m Obsessed With:
💥 Alli: Fierce, flawed, and refreshingly relatable. She’s the perfect blend of strength and vulnerability, making her an easy character to root for.
💥 Faolan: The broody, infuriating love interest who’s impossible not to adore. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic is everything—slow-burn tension, witty banter, and all the angst I crave.
💥 Hyacinth: The ride-or-die best friend with perfect comic timing. She’s the emotional support we all need.
The romance is a delicious slow burn with just enough chemistry to make you desperate for more. Faolan’s guarded demeanor paired with Alli’s fiery stubbornness? Chef’s kiss.
What I Loved:
✨ Sharp, laugh-out-loud banter that lightens the dark moments.
✨ Alli’s journey of self-discovery and strength.
✨ A richly built fae world full of intrigue and danger.
✨ That one quote: “You may have a dick, but I can cook. Dicks go limp over time; good cooking is forever.” Iconic.
What Could Be Better:
I wouldn’t have minded more scenes between Alli and Faolan—their chemistry is too good to resist! But maybe I’m just greedy.
If you’re a fan of Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince or love slow-burn romantasy with fierce heroines, this book is a must-read. Bring on book two—I’m not ready to leave this world yet!