The Only Gold by Tamara Allen
Dreamspinner Press
Gay Historical
ISBN: 978-1-61581-839-6
Reviewed by Cassie









Staid, dedicated Jonah Woolner arrives at the bank where he works expecting to be promoted to head cashier.  Instead, to his horror, he is introduced to Reid Hylliard, the new cashier.  Reid is bold, brash, friendly, and far too willing to change the bank’s established way of doing business.  Jonah is determined to prevent Reid from hurting the bank with his changes.  He’s equally determined not to like the man, no matter what Reid tries to do to win him over.  His attraction to the man is a complication he doesn’t need.

As Jonah slowly allows Reid closer, it becomes more apparent that the man has many secrets.  Add in a blizzard and the possibility of a robbery, and Jonah’s life is suddenly a lot more complicated.  Will Jonah make it through this trying time with his heart—and his life—intact?

The Only Gold is a great historical romance.  Once I started reading, I didn’t want to put it down.  I fell in love with stiff, buttoned-down Jonah right away.  He’s a good man and a hard worker, but terribly set in his ways.  Losing the expected promotion was a crushing blow to him, yet he still wanted to put the good of the bank before his own hurt and anger.  Beneath his stodgy exterior is a man who longs for connection and happiness, although he goes to great pains to hide that.  Of course, due to the time period he’s wise to hide his desire for men.

As for Reid, he’s the opposite of Jonah in almost every way.  He’s friendly, flirtatious, and always ready to make changes.  Reid’s also hiding something major, which I won’t spoil here, and his secret plays a large role in the action-packed last section of the book.  He’s exactly the sort of man Jonah needs to break out of his shell.  Their scenes together, whether they are arguing or being affectionate, crackle with emotion.  The love scenes are restrained rather than graphic, but beautifully done.  The Only Gold has it all: a great historical setting, wonderful characters, romance, intrigue, and even some exciting action.  Tamara Allen can always be counted on to write engaging and enjoyable historical romances, and this one is no exception.  Read The Only Gold.  You won’t be sorry you did!