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lornaj_reads 's review for:
Gleam
by Raven Kennedy
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Gleam – The Plated Prisoner Series #3
⭐️ 5 stars | 🌶️ 2.5 spice
After the emotional build-up of Glint, Gleam delivers a powerful and deeply satisfying turning point in Auren’s journey. This is the book where she truly begins to reclaim herself not just emotionally, but physically and mentally as well. Watching her break free from Midas’s control and finally begin to stand up for herself was so rewarding.
One of the most impactful elements of Gleam was the emotional weight carried by her ribbons. They’ve always felt like a part of Auren, but in this book, they practically became their own characters. Their interactions with Slade (Rip) were some of the most tender and funny moments. Yes, I cried how could I not? That bond was raw and intimate, and saying goodbye to that part of her was like losing a friend.
Slade, of course, continues to be everything. The way he sees Auren not just for who she is, but for who she could be is deeply moving. His words are laced with both desire and reverence. Here are just a few of my favourite lines:
“You’re not the villain in my story.” “I am,” he says without remorse, his sharp jaw tight with tension. “But I’ll be the villain for you. Not to you.”
“I’ve wanted you since the moment I laid eyes on you, Goldfinch. I was just waiting for you to catch up.”
“I want all of you… This isn’t going to be temporary. I want you soul, mind, and body. I want your trust and your thoughts. I want your past, your present, your future.”
That final intimate scene between Slade and Auren. It was exactly what she deserved consensual, intense, and rooted in love and admiration. It wasn’t just spice for the sake of spice it was deeply personal. And the stripping scene? 🔥 Absolutely unforgettable.
As for Queen Malina and Midas… I have nothing nice to say. Malina continues to make reckless decisions that show just how out of touch she is, and Midas’s manipulations and cruelty finally come to a head. He deserved every bit of what came to him.
I also loved seeing Digby return he is loyal, quiet, and strong. His steady presence reminds us that not all protectors are loud or flashy. The bond he shares with Auren is simple but unshakable.
This book had me hooked from start to finish. I was on the edge of my seat, and when I turned the final page, I felt completely changed. Gleam was a turning point not just for Auren, but for the entire tone of the series. She’s no longer just surviving she’s becoming who she was always meant to be.
If you’re reading this series stick with it. The payoff in Gleam is absolutely worth it.
Happy reading, everyone! 📚