“His light for her is brighter than the sun.”

Chrysalis is the 2nd book in the Gilded Love series and it continues the story of Michael and Darby. It picks up directly after the end of Snapdragon.

First, let’s talk about the things I absolutely loved:

This book was written in Michael’s pov which made it soo interesting. We are introduced to some of his complexity in Snapdragon but it is not expanded upon so I really loved getting to know his story.
There is also a bit of a mafia-esque conflict in this book which I really enjoyed, although I did really wish the stakes were higher and there was more tension.
There is a happily ever after! After reading Snapdragon, I was unsure where the main characters were going to stand, but I am really happy with how it ended.
Also, his pet name for her is CUPCAKE BECAUSE SHE LOVES TO BAKE… ugh I love it

Okay, now the cons:

SO. MUCH. INNER. MIND. MONOLOGUES.
Now if you like that kinda thing, this is totally for you. I’d say there is a bout 60% inner monologues and 40% dialogue in this book. I just get super bored of that so at some points, this book was a bit hard for me to get through.
And then again, the low-stakes conflict wasn’t my favorite. I felt like it could’ve been expanded a lot more.

That being said, I did enjoy this book and will be starting Vertical (the 3rd book) later today.

“You take such good care of me, baby”

“We take care of each other”

“Are you trying to talk me out of coming, because I’m on the back steps so you better open the door”

Reading Michael’s POV really changed the perspective. I enjoyed seeing this relationship in each book from both sides. I especially liked how the timeline continued— too many books do the same timeline from each perspective with so much repetition. This second book started where the first left off and that worked out great!!

This book continues where Snapdragon left off and is in the POV of Michael.
I don’t know which book I liked more seriously being in Darby’s head or Michaels it is an epic love story. I liked that we see how hard they both fall even knowing they both went in with expectations.

Guidelines that well didn’t take into account hearts. I really enjoyed the low drama they were adults and worked things out like adults do. The fact that we get this well rounded relationship that does have its ups and downs. No one blamed the other one, no pointed fingers. And when the other one needed someone they were there for them. No questions.
The sided stories fueled the rest of the book made me need more find out more want more.
I was left with just happy feelings; I want more romance like this!

The narration for this book was perfection, Sebastian is the right choice for Michael hands down.

I read and enjoyed Snapdragon and at first, I worried this was just Snapdragon retold from Michael's point of view. This has been done for a few years now and I still don't know how I feel about it. It's kind of like when I take a chance on something on Netflix and afterwards I'm sitting there like, I don't know what happened, but I might need a hug.

This is actually the conclusion to Snapdragon in Michael's voice, whereas, Snapdragon is in Darby's voice. Chrysalis is dramatic, satisfying and the characters are likable. We all know what the arrangement in Snapdragon was-No strings. At the end, we know there are strings. We also know Michael is now in Sidney and Darby in Chicago.

At no point was I sitting there screaming for the two of them to just get married and have a million babies already. Instead, I just sat back and enjoyed watching two wary people come together in their own time, making much needed life changes.

If you're a sucker for romances with steamy scenes and happy endings, this would be a good series to pick up

Not as good as the first one.

Why should they both have to give up their careers? Why is that where this story goes? No. I loved their business drive and persona, AND YES I think it should be a BALANCE YOU BIG BABIES.

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!

A love story interrupted that still has so much more to say. Chrysalis is an edge of the seat, hard to resist nailbiter.

Chrysalis is the ending we’ve all been waiting for for Darby and Micheal following their year long relationship in the first book, Snapdragon. This time it’s Michaels story and it highlights their new relationship which for the most part is long distance and in limbo. After going their separate ways from their “friends-with-benefits” relationship, the feelings that they realized they felt for each other allow them to fall into this unspoken relationship while they find the courage and the right time to go all in. Darby and Michael both experience some crazy life changes and with each other by their sides, they begin to realize what they really want.

I was looking forward to this book and I’m sad to say I was a little disappointed. I absolutely loved the first book, Snapdragon and this conclusion to Darby and Michaels story just didn’t hit the same as their beginning. It was still really great story, it was just different this time. I still absolutely loved their close connection, their connection was on a whole other level and it was extremely romantic. Maybe a little too much for me, but it works. I really enjoyed the vigilante work and the political savvy of Darby. I knew she had grown up in the middle of politics but I liked that she put it all to good use. Kilby did a wonderful job on this book and I’m happy to finally see Darby and Michaels HEA. Overall great book, definitely recommend this book for those who like a modern romance.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

Chrysalis
Gilded Love, Book 2
By: Kilby Blades
Narrated by: Sebastian York

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.