Did you love The Boys but wish there was more romance? Then Gilded Hero might be the perfect read for you.

I’ve explored worlds full of fairies, shapeshifters, monsters, aliens, and all sorts of supernatural beings—but this is my first superhero romance. And it did not disappoint.

In a world where superheroes are revered like celebrities, what’s left for regular humans who dream of making a difference? Lillium, the protagonist, refuses to settle for a mundane life. While others worship the Supers, she sees them for what they truly are—mysterious figures who only seem to help when the stakes are high enough. But she wants more than just a job. She wants to change the world.

After an unexpected one-night stand with Athos, a charismatic and powerful Super, Lillium figures it’s a night she’d rather forget. However, Athos isn’t so easily dismissed. With his super strength, ability to fly, and a smile that could melt anyone’s heart, Athos has everything—except fame. And when they decide to join forces for mutual benefit, things quickly spiral out of control, bringing them into the dangerous, secretive world of the Supers.

Can a human and a Super truly work together, or will the other heroes destroy their partnership?

The plot had me hooked from the very beginning. The transition from a one-night stand to friends (and business partners) was an intriguing twist that kept me turning the pages. The ending leaves you eagerly awaiting more, and I’m excited to see where this story goes next.

Thank you to CM Tillman and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really interesting take on superhero lore. People with powered, or Super powers, are called Supers in this society. They're basically famous and live in their own little world, helping only themselves and ignoring the humans.

Lillium is just trying to survive and figure out what she wants to do with her life, or if she will let the state decide for her. Avoiding it all, she ends up working with Athos, a Super that she met in a one night stand, and doing the menial jobs for people that the other Supers won't do.

As they work together the other Supers catch on and decide that they don't want him getting attention or credit, and it ends up being an all out battle for their lives. Will they be able to reach peace?

From the moment I read the dedication page I knew I was going to like this book. If you loved the show The Boys you are going to love this book!

Tillman does a great job building a unique world where Supers are revered by the humans they strive to share the world with. However not all humans are satisfied with the status quo, Lilly the FMC is looking for more. Lilly is pulled in to the secret world of supers by her charming one night stand, Athos, who also happens to be a super.

The story was entertaining and kept me coming back to find out what was going to happen next. The character development was good, and I could really relate with the anxiety Lilly was managing. The slow burn, enemies to friends to lovers relationship was great and the small amount of spice sprinkled in worked well with the overall story. Honestly, Athos and Lilly’s banter had me torn between laughter and anger all the way up to the end. Sometimes I couldn’t tell if they were enemies or lovers. And let’s not even talk about that ending! Even though I kind of saw it coming I still wasn’t ready for it, I NEED to know what happens next!

Overall I would definitely recommend giving this book a try when it releases January 2, 2025!

This was such a good book i was actually SO surprised how much i loved it!! I was laughing at so many parts in this book and i really enjoyed the wonderful representation for mental health throughout this book! I could not put this book down and i highly recommend everyone to read it so i can yap with everyone about it!

Lilly was such an interesting character but i also really connected with her and the anxiety she had. The character development throughout this book was gorgeous and the writing was so good! The spice was done really good as well and im glad it only played a small part in the plot.

I NEED the second book!!

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★★★★
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:

Oh my goodness, this book totally took my heart and gave it a joyful squeeze! Honestly, if you loved show “The Boys”, you’re going to find a new best friend in this book.

From the first page, I was swept away into a world where superheroes zip through the skies and humans are just trying not to trip over their capes!

CM Tillman creates a vibrant universe where Supers reign supreme, leaving regular folks like Lily scrambling for their place. The humor is sharp, and the dialogue flows with a natural wit that kept me giggling through every chapter. Lily is such a relatable character, her struggles in a world filled with dazzling heroes made me cheer for her every step of the way.

Now let’s talk about Athos…oh Athos!
He’s charming and swoon-worthy, and let’s just say, after reading about his one-night stand with Lily, I might have needed a fan to cool down! Their chemistry is electric, and the funny banter between them had me laughing out loud. I’ve got to admit, I was secretly cheering for their success, even if it meant a few bumps and heroic fails along the way.

What I loved most was how Tillman played with the idea of fame and success in this unique world. The plot twists had me grinning like a Cheshire cat! Just when I thought I had it all figured out, something unexpected happened, and I was flipping pages faster than my dog can chase his tail.

I can’t share too much since this is an ARC, but let me tell you, I was on the edge of my seat as the plot unfolded. There are surprising twists and turns that will have you gasping and laughing in equal measure.

If you’re looking for a book that’ll make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even warm your soul, grab this book when it drops on January 2, 2025. I promise you won’t regret it!

I rated this book 4 stars because I really liked this story and I will totally recommend it to everyone I know including my dear followers. Lovely experience of reading it.

As soon as I heard The Boys meets dark fantasy, I was SOLD and Gilded Hero did not let me down! There were many moments in this book that made me laugh out loud, right from the first chapter. Not to mention the exceptional representation of mental health. When our FMC had a panic attack, I felt that deep and I had a hard time putting this book down. I loved the unique world and take on a superhero-laden world which I haven't seen in fantasy books lately and I'm so happy I stumbled across this one. It was new and refreshing, and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book. AND THEN THE ENDING, CM TILLMAN I DON'T FORGIVE YOU FOR THAT ENDING. I am absolutely ravenous for the next book, I need to know wtf Athos is doing and where this is going.