this is the first time I have read a book by this author and I am looking forward to reading more by this author. This book was p[previously published as Gold.

The synopsis gives a good idea about who Julie is, and how she is very protective of her sister. The run-up to why Julie takes to the trade she does is told early on in the book. In fact, that opening was an indication as to how gritty this author writes.

Ralph, now he was a bit of a dark horse. With a criminal record, I soon realised that he is not squeaky clean, he and his friend Paddy have ambitions. What I did see was several sides to Ralph, hardworking, loyal and with an edge to him.

The book alternates between Julie and Ralph. They are completely unknown to each other, For a good part of the book, I got to know each of the characters. An important journey as it gave a good idea of their backgrounds and why they have chosen the routes in life they have. It is past the halfway point when things start to slide.

As the synopsis indicates, the two do meet. The combination of the two makes for a great team. They do have a ruthlessness to them it is a story of two people who have both suffered.

This is one for those who like a grittier, urban setting story. One that involves criminals and various criminal acts, it is after all a gangland crime thriller. It is also one I read in one day, once I started I found it really difficult to put down. Thoroughly enjoyed this, the two main characters are excellent and the story totally addictive. I would definitely recommend this one.

Slow paced and a disappointing read, just not for me. I gave up halfway through as I totally lost interest. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

I started to read this book, then realised I had already read it a while ago.

This is very disappointing. Had I had to pay for this I would have felt cheated.
At least it could have stated that it was a re-release.
Very unfair on the reader.

This is my first book by Gillian Godden but I understand this is a prequel to a series on the Golds. I will most certainly be hunting those down as this book was magnificent! Really enjoyed how the story progresses and the chemistry between Ralph and Julie is tangible.

If you are looking for the perfect gangland read then search no more this is for you.

This is about Julie who will do anything to protect her little sister Frankie, set in Liverpool they are on the run to Spain, after a difficult time they end up back in Liverpool.

Julie ends up meeting con Ralph can she make a better life for herself?

I loved the way the chapters were set alternating between Julie and Ralph, brilliant characters and an excellent storyline.

An explosive read from start to finish I didn't want this end, but happy to know that there is more to come.

Thanks to Netgalley and Gillian Godden for allowing me to read this.
This is the first book I have read by Gillian Godden but it most definitely won't be my last. OMG how did I miss out on discovering this author until now?? I absolutely loved every minute of it from start to finish. I'm going back to the first book by Gillian and devour them all! I can't wait to start!!
Definitely worth more than five stars!!

Totally loved this book. I loved Ralph and Julie gold from the previous books. So to actually read and find out there back story is amazing
Would greatly recommend this for others who want something to get there teeth into

I was so excited for this book but realised I'd already read it several months ago and it had just been re-released. It is a good story but I'd have been so disappointed if I paid twice for it

Having read Gillian Goddens ofter books I was excited to read this one and it didn't dissapoint.
I enjoyed learning about Julie and Ralph's early lives and how they became a couple.
Plenty of action and a fast paced story I could'nt put it down.
I'm sure there could be more to tell us about this couple going forward I definitely hope so.
SOLID GOLD.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for the chance this read this book.

Apologies I did not realise this was a re issue of ‘Gold’

If you have read the authors previous books you will know Ralph and Julie Gold, this book is a prequel to their lives in the other books and shows how they became the ‘Golds’ that we now know
It is a great book, both stories, Ralph and Julie’s are well told and delve into their both very ‘murky’ and at times terrifying pasts, the beginning chapter deals with Julie and her Sister as they are held captive as modern day slaves in Spain and builds a horrifying picture, both are big characters and both a force to be reckoned with in their wheelings and dealings, from terrorism to brothels, that lead ultimately to them meeting....and that is explosive!
Well written and really well told thoroughly enjoyed every page and look forward to the next instalment

10/10
5 Stars

I already have this book
I must have thought it was a new one
I loved the book
I really enjoyed the book it was such a good read
I had an ARC