Holly’s Modern Books

Introduction to Modern Books

Dearest Readers,

My first post focused on Holly's Golden Girl books. Now, in this post, I will shift my focus onto her modern stories. She has been working on them since late 2024, and some have finished earlier this year.

If you want to know what they are about, I’d suggest you read on. 

You would not want to miss these!

Modern Day Books (2024-2025)

• Blissful Misery
• How to Rob a Billionaire
• How to Chase a Billionaire
• The Death of a Tyrant's Concubine

The first of these stories, Blissful Misery, is below.

Blissful Misery Basic Book Info:

Blissful Misery is a psychological mystery/thriller novel. It has 103 chapters and is not complete. Holly primarily posts chapters on Wednesdays and Saturday afternoons. However, she’ll write and post an extra chapter on holidays.

Book Cover Image:

The cover for Holly's thriller/mystery novel, designed by Holly.

Book Summary:

When you've been a victim all your life, falling in love with a serial killer doesn't seem all that bad.

It has been two years since people in New Hale started going missing. Yet without any bodies found, it's unclear whether this is a pure coincidence or the work of a genius serial killer.

Lucy Starling started her life at university with hope. The hope that her awful time in high school won't be repeated here. The hope that her family will stay safe in these uncertain times. And hope that her missing best friend is still alive out there somewhere. But all that hope is crushed when the first body is found, and she is the prime suspect.

As though her life couldn't get worse, Lucy catches the attention of the real killer. Yet instead of giving in to despair, Lucy falls in love.

What happens when the perfect killer finds the perfect victim?

Tropes: Killer x Victim, Serial Killer, Yandere, Stalker, Bullying, Innocent Girl x Murderous Guy, Slow Burn, Love Triangle, Reverse Harem, Stockholm Syndrome. She falls first, but he falls harder.

Link to read: 

https://www.wattpad.com/story/376938933-blissful-misery

My Personal Book Ratings: 

Overall Rating: 5/5

Plot: 5/5

Writing Style: 4/5

Characterization: 5/5

Grammar/Punctuation: 4.5/5

My Personal Review:

For starters, let's talk about the main heroine of Blissful Misery, Lucy Starling.

I'll admit that Lucy initially annoyed readers. It took a good many chapters to warm up to her. She was kind, but that was all she supposedly had going for her. 

Everyone was focused on Jace, Lucas, George, or God forbid, crazy Charlie.

As I continued reading, I started to sympathize with and like Lucy as a character. In addition to being a sweetheart, Lucy had her moments of sassiness or humor that Jace triggered. 

What she dreamed of doing with her life was amazing.

Then, there's Jace.

I'm ashamed to admit this, but Jace was my crush throughout the book. I knew something was off, though. That's why I poked fun at him. Although as much of a dark guy as he was, he did have his moments of goodness. 

I'm aware it's a facade, though. There is no hope for that guy.

Going onto the plot itself.

I enjoyed that the plot was a slow burn as opposed to rushing into things. The worldbuilding Holly put into this story was incredible. The places were quite vivid, and each character's personality evolved perfectly for each person in each situation.

That's how many Wattpad stories should go, but authors don't always write them like that. Since it's Wattpad, they're geared toward teens, so they are teen-oriented.

As I've grown up, stories like Blissful Misery have become more my speed. The storyline was entertaining with twists, turns, and surprises. And of course, it gave me more time to learn about each character!

Anyway, I'm moving to How to Rob a Billionaire and its sequel, How to Chase a Billionaire. 

How to Rob a Billionaire Basic Book Info:

How to Rob a Billionaire was published in December 2024 and finished updates in early April. It's complete with fifty chapters. The primary genre is Billionaire with the subgenre of Mafia Romance. The audience is geared toward new adult readers (18-25 years old).

Book Cover Image:

The cover for Holly's first mafia/billionaire romance novel, crafted by Wattpad.

Book Summary:

Beth Corday never expected that accidentally stealing from crime boss Rob B. Illion would land her in a dangerously intimate contract with him. With her life on the line, can she make him fall in love with her?

Season 1 of the How to Rob a Billionaire series.

At just twenty-three years old, Beth Corday has mastered the art of thievery to pay the debts her mom left behind. Once she completes her biggest mission yet-- stealing from the mysterious billionaire, Rob B. Illion-- she's thrilled by the forty million dollars she acquires until she realizes Mr. B. Illion has no problem with killing her for revenge.

Now trapped in the deadly world of this ruthless crime boss, Beth silently vows to make him regret the day he crossed her path. 

Rob B. Illion doesn't think twice about the young woman who stumbled into his arms until he realizes his forty-million-dollar watch is gone. When Rob proposes a deal to Beth to work for him in exchange for her life, he realizes she's his best shot at taking down his rivals. 

He moves her under his roof, also discovering Beth is intelligent, sly, and impossible to trust, and now she's all he can think about. 

As their dangerous game unfolds, they find themselves drawn to each other in ways they never expected. 

But can Beth steal Rob's heart before it's too late?

Link to read it on Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/story/370805290-how-to-rob-a-billionaire

My Personal Book Rating:

Overall Rating: 5/5

Plot: 5/5

Writing Style: 4/5

Characterization: 5/5

Grammar/Punctuation: 4.5/5

My Personal Review: 

I have always been iffy about mafia books. They jump into the relationship and don't build the main relationship until much later. It's just not a good formation of a relationship. That's all I'm going to say about that.

But....

Yours is completely different.

Beth is not what I would expect out of a heroine in a mafia book. Typically, they're known for being damsels in distress who need saving. 

Beth is smart, crafty, and takes things into her own hands. When she wants something, she does everything she can to get it. That was one of the things I enjoyed about the story and her character in particular.

Of course, Beth wasn't without her humor-- occasionally getting herself into awkward situations. I laughed when she walked in on Ace changing clothes, and he was shirtless. Beth was about to combust.

I wouldn't blame her since Ace's amused reaction did not help her in that moment XD

However, in the entire story, there was one minor thing that bugged me. It was the change of Aurelia's name. It went from Aurelia to Audrina halfway through. I understand that you were rushed in writing it, but many people thought it was a new character. She was the character with feelings for Secretary Coy.

Anyway, back to positive things.

One of the primary reasons I read the story was for Rob's character. I got to insult him the entire time. It was great!

The guy was super-irritating at times and a big germaphobe. He didn't have many redeemable traits. Well, other than his love of oranges, symbolizing his health, and not being an alcoholic.

How to Chase a Billionaire Basic Book Info:

Just like with the first book, HTCAB has the same primary genres, but it embellishes on known details. It's currently incomplete with twenty chapters. We don't know if it's going to be finished.

Book Cover Image:

The cover for How to Chase a Billionaire, Holly's billionaire/mafia romance designed by Wattpad.

Book Summary:

Beth Corday is about to face the consequences of falling for Rob. B. Illion. When a ruthless mafia heir and Rob's rival insists on marrying her, she must find a way to save not only herself but the man she loves.

Season 2 of How to Rob a Billionaire.

Beth Corday had managed to pay off her debts to Rob B. Illion, the billionaire who kept her as his personal thief. But just as she realizes her feelings for him, she gets abducted by Alistair Chase, a cutthroat mafia heir and Rob's number one rival.

Alistair grew up thinking he would inherit the Russian mafia from his godfather, but when the time came, he was rebuked. Now, the only way to get what he wants is to use the card he kept hidden. 

He must marry the don's secret daughter, Beth Corday, no matter what it takes.

Rob B. Illion has never let anyone near him. But all that changed after Beth entered his life. Now he will do anything to keep her close, but that's easier said than done. He must find a way to get Beth back before she falls too deep into Alistair's world, and there's no way back.

As the three enter a dangerous game, they all find themselves questioning what the right choice is in their situation. 

Should they choose the path they were born for or the one they carve for themselves?

Link to Read: https://www.wattpad.com/story/379402246-how-to-chase-a-billionaire

My Personal Book Rating:

Overall Rating: 5/5

Plot: 5/5

Writing Style: 4/5

Characterization: 5/5

Grammar/Punctuation: 4.5/5

My Personal Review:

There is only one thing that I hate in this entire book, and it is that it is unfinished. It's driving me crazy, and not in a good way. I have to know how this will end. One of the things I dislike on Wattpad is good authors leaving their books on a nasty or confusing cliffhanger.

Just like Book 1, Book 2 has many of the same characters as the first. Beth, Rob, Alistair, Jack, and others. However, there are some new additions in the form of Beth's extended family. I won't spoil the characters too much.

A major thing in this book is the expansion of Rob and Beth's relationship- a beautiful evolution from enemies to friends, becoming lovers. I love a good slow-burn just as much as the readers who love plots that take the time to build things instead of jumping into them.

Another thing I enjoyed was learning Alistair's backstory and his connection to Beth. I saw it coming, and it makes so much sense.

Moving on, the scenery was amazing-- I loved the descriptions of Russia, people, and the buildings. Everything was so cold, rough, and intimidating. I'll admit that Beth's introduction to the Pakhan was hilariously awkward, though. I would not want to be her! 

The final book out of Holly's collection is..... 

The Death of a Tyrant’s Concubine Basic Book Info:

The Death of a Tyrant's Concubine is a Dark Fantasy Romance novel set in a historic but alternate world. It has fifty chapters and was recently marked "Complete" in August of this year. It is known for its gorgeous descriptions of locations, royal/noble characters, and several very creative magical creatures.

It was supposed to be the first in a trilogy.

Book Cover Image:

The cover for The Death of a Tyrant's Concubine, Holly's dark fantasy romance.

Book Summary: 

"I loved him even as he thrust his sword right through me."

A hundred concubines lived in Emperor Sylvos's inner court-- the heart of his thorned fortress. With a cruel ranking system, only favored concubines had the honor of meeting with His Majesty. And only the woman able to bear him a child could become empress.

Raine Stjorme had climbed the ranks to the top. And after praying each night, she was finally with child. Yet all this was rewarded with the cruelest of fates.

Murdered by the man she loved, Raine cursed Emperor Sylvos with her dying breath. She cursed his whole court as they snickered at her final moments.

And her curse had taken root.

Now, Raine awakens three years before her destined death, on the fateful day she first encounters the emperor. Armed with this second chance, she vows to make him fall-- and to bring his empire down with him.

But when faced with the tyrant who claimed her heart, could she still follow through?

******

Tropes Included: Enemies to lovers, Second Chance, Forced Proximity, Arranged marriage, Love triangle, The villain wants the girl, Badass FMC, and Magical Creatures

Link to read: https://www.wattpad.com/story/378295546-the-death-of-a-tyrant%27s-concubine

My Personal Book Ratings:

Overall Rating: 5/5

Plot: 5/5

Writing Style: 5/5

Characterization: 5/5

Grammar/Punctuation: 5/5

My Personal Review:

Firstly, the worldbuilding in this book is amazing. A reader can see the dedication Holly puts into this book: the scenery, descriptions, characterizations, and plot. Holly even said to her readers that fantasy was her favorite genre to read or write-- (looking at you, Game of Thrones). 

This story is proof that when you're passionate about something, you tend to put more work and dedication into making it your very best.

Now, onto the characters.

One of the things that stood out to me was the dynamic between Raine and Sylvos (the emperor and main male love interest). It was hilarious how Sylvos was overly interested while Raine hated him. She just wanted him to stay away from her. She, of course, would not get her wish-- he was too stubborn.

Then, there's Ryn-- the pervert elf in a dagger.

I'll admit he's helpful, at times, such as teaching Raine his native language so she can free Sylvos's pet. Or keeping her from being killed. However, he has his moments where he watches her get dressed or even bathe, and I'm just trying not to groan (sorry, Holly!) 

Anyway, I hope I don't spoil the stories too much, but instead give the people an incentive to read them. Please be sure to check out my previous post for Holly's earlier works.

Booktastic Reviews and Author Spotlights: Holly Shmit: Wattpad's Golden Girl

See you next week!

~Victoria~  

The Golden Girl books

Introduction to Golden Girl Book Reviews

One of the things I've struggled with as a reader is searching for well-written books. Those are the stories with compelling plots, engaging scenes, and dynamic characters. I know I'm not the only one who suffers from this problem.

There are many people out there who struggle to find decently-written literature. One that tells an actual story. That engages the reader and their mind over being full-on smut without a plot.

Personally, I have nothing against smut. I'm just saying that's not something I or certain people would want to read. It's just that there are some people want written literature that makes them feel something other than lust.

Anyway, this author's spotlight is about one of those people. 

Her name is Holly Shmit, and what she decided to do about it. 

Holly at her book signing for Girl in Gold in 2023.

Meet the Author: Holly Shmit

Holly is a South African author in her mid-twenties, affectionately known as the Cabbage Queen by her older readers. Her fans are called Golden Cabbages, or Cabbages. It's odd, but that's what makes it so endearing.

Besides writing, she likes reading, painting, anime, and creating YouTube content. She is notorious for her gorgeous book trailers, funny anime reviews, and detailed and quirky How-to videos. Many of them have given several thousand views.

Anyway, I'll post links to some of the videos later on in this post or in my next post about her. That way, you guys can check out her videos on your own.

All right, let's talk about her books! 

List of Golden Girl Books

There are three books in the Golden Girl trilogy:

• Two Gangs and a Golden Girl
• Three Gangs and a Silver Sin
• One Gang and a Bronze Battle 

I'll provide readers with each book's basic info, summary, book cover/character images, and the links to where you can read the books. Then, I'll provide ratings and a detailed review for each one. Fair warning, there will be some spoilers.

This is for those people who have taken the time to read the books.

First up is TGAAGG, then TGAASS, and finally OGAABB.

Let's get started.

Two Gangs and a Golden Girl Basic Info

Holly began writing TGAAGG in April of 2018. She finished it later that summer. The genres are Action, Teen Fiction, and Romance. 

It is the most popular of the trilogy, amassing over 24 million reads.

The status of the book is currently complete, and it has seventy chapters. Each chapter has a different POV-- Amber, Blake, Owen, and others.

Summary: 

The West and East gangs of Tygerwell have been at each other's throats since the dawn of time. The leaders of those gangs want to end the fight once and for all. 

Because fighting with their fists is easy, but fighting with wit and charm? 

That is a whole other ball game.

Blake Bowmen is the Westside gang leader. He's known for his black leather jacket, motorcycle, and a killer glare. Anyone talking back to him would regret it.

Owen Rhodes is the Eastside gang leader. He's known for his fancy coats, sultry stare, and boxing. Any attempt at resisting him is futile.

Enter Amber, with hair of gold, oceans in her eyes, and too much sass for her own good. She always lands in trouble.

These boys have no idea who they are dealing with when she shows up. 

But soon, Amber discovers she knows a little too much about guns and fighting. She must question everything she thought she knew about herself.

Still, three can play this game.

Link to Read on Wattpad:

https://www.wattpad.com/story/146776738-two-gangs-and-a-golden-girl

Book Cover Images: 

The original cover for TGAAGG. It's the one EVERYONE knows.

The new and improved cover.

Main Character Info/Images: 

Amber Marigold-- eighteen years old, high school senior. Sassy, sarcastic, and never knows when to shut up. Has a surprising past.

Blake M. Bowmen-- 18, Westside gang leader, loves smoking, playing piano, and driving his motorcycle. The "brains" of the group.

Owen William Rhodes, 18, Eastside gang leader. He loves Jane Austen, boxing, flirting, and his family. The "muscle" of the group.

Personal Book Ratings: 

Overall Rating: 5/5

Plot: 5/5

Writing Style: 4/5

Characterization: 3/5

Grammar/Punctuation: 3/5

My Personal Review:

When I read the first chapter, I realized that it started in the middle of the action. That was something that caught my attention. Most stories have the character waking up to look at themselves in the mirror or something equally cliché.

The story was engaging with heart-stopping shootouts and car races. Readers were always on the edge of their seats. They also wanted to see the playful teasing and passionate kisses that had them squealing.

Not to mention the emotional scenes resonated with readers, making them sympathize with the characters' current situations.

However, it's not all doom and gloom. There are dashes of Holly's signature humor within the characters' personalities/actions. Moments like Amber calling Owen and Blake "Mister Leather Jacket/Mister Fancy Coat" or coming up with a fake boyfriend to evade them. 

That was funny, considering it blew up in her face big time.

I also loved Holly's descriptive writing style and how it made readers feel like they were in the book too. They were experiencing the same things as the characters.

Some noteworthy scenes for me at least included.....

-The sizzling gym fight between Owen and Amber, which ended in a passionate make-out session, and of course, Owen was shirtless. 

- The moment where Amber and her cousin Jessy came home after the party and car race to find Anton (Jessy's dad) in the dark. He was stroking Tessa's (Jessy's mom) cat socks since he didn't have a cat.

Anyway, moving on to the characters themselves!

The characters are not what I'd expect from a gang book..... because they're teens.

Amber is lively with a tendency to get herself into trouble. She also loves her family fiercely, and has a strong sense of justice.

Owen is a charismatic, flirty boxer with a love of Jane Austen and his silver Lamborghini. He is also protective of his sister. He also took over the East gang's leadership from his father.

Blake is a gloomy young man but with a brutal mouth. However, his listening to Amber or other characters is thoughtful. He's the "therapist" of the group, and his heated arguments with Owen never fail to entertain.

Seeing each chapter from a different perspective was different from any story I'd read. It allowed readers to see what's going on inside someone's mind. To get a feel for their thought processes, feelings, and personalities.

It's quite brilliant, really.

Another unique thing about Holly's writing style is that she tends to end her chapters in a way that has readers wanting to read more. 

Overall, the first book is a mix of humor, romance, and cliffhangers.

Three Gangs and a Silver Sin Basic Book Info:

TGAASS is complete with eighty chapters, having taken slightly longer than book 1. It also has the same primary and subgenres as the first novel. It even contains the same key elements that made readers crazy about TGAAGG.

And not only that, but the same humor, characters, and writing style that made readers fall in love with the first book.

Book Summary:

In the first novel, readers were introduced to the feisty Amber Marigold. The same Amber, with gold in her hair, oceans in her eyes, and paint on her clothes. The girl who wanted to save the world and be a hero, just like her mom.

But what happens when gold falls?

It turns out Amber has a dark side. And it's time for one of these bad boys in Tygerwell to tame it, or should I say, men?

This is the book where Amber answers the readers' question of "Who's she going to pick?"

But with Xavier's nefarious plan lurking, it's going to be difficult.

Get ready for the next level- things are bigger, more expensive, and much more dangerous.

You've all seen the start of Amber's story, but now it's time to get to the good part.

Link to Read on Wattpad: 

https://www.wattpad.com/story/150995697-three-gangs-and-a-silver-sin

Book Cover Images:

 

Three Gangs and a Silver (original) cover.

Three Gangs and a Silver Sin (updated) cover.

Book Character Images/Info: 

Amber Marigold, still eighteen, but going by Rebma D'logiram. Leader of Sterling. Her cold "silver" side comes into play here. 

Blake M. Bowmen, still the brains of the operation. Now the brains of Sterling.

Owen William Rhodes-- still the muscle of the group. And still a flirt.

Xavier Jilten-- 24, leader of the North, and a Nutella lover. He was Mysterious Fucker in Book 1.

Personal Book Ratings:

Overall Rating: 5/5

Plot: 5/5

Writing Style: 4/5

Characterization: 5/5

Grammar/Punctuation: 3/5

My Personal Review:

In TGASS, readers are introduced to badass Amber. The emotionless fighter/leader version of the Golden Girl. 

We cheer her on because Xavier will get what he deserves.

As a reader, I enjoyed the introduction to the North's inner gang. With contrasting personalities and relationship dynamics, there are plenty of notable moments.

However, one of the characters I have a love-to-hate thing for is Xavier. His smug attitude is annoying or amusing, depending on the situation. It amused me whenever Amber embarrassed him, as such, when she forced him into a dress for Halloween.

Another character that stood out to me was Myra Abston.

I loved how she integrated herself into the group. She only had experience in a fight using her intellect or strategic pressure points. She still managed to make it work though.

Moving onto writing style.

The writing style was quite similar to the first. Engaging and easy to follow from start to finish. I never once got bored and looked forward to reading every chapter.

Like all her books, Holly concluded chapters with a captivating cliffhanger. It either had me laughing, crying, or worried about what was going to happen next. 

Overall, it's a mix of dynamic characters, thrilling action, great humor, and steamy romance, and cliffies! 

Ba

One Gang and a Bronze Battle Basic Book Info:

One Gang and a Bronze Battle is the finale in Holly's trilogy. It is also the longest. Holly had originally planned to write 100 chapters for it.

It's the most intense out of the three. 

Still, there is plenty of humor and romance to balance out gang wars, shootouts, and car chases. The story has sixty-six chapters and is not complete. 

It will be published fully in the future when Holly gets the funds. 

Book Summary: 

You have been on Amber's journey since she arrived in Tygerwell to live with her family. Now join the end. We level up with bigger races, more intense fights, and much more death.

In this book, Amber has married Xavier in a lovely wedding and enjoys being Mrs. Jilten. But now

that they've come together, they realize that there is a lot more going on.

It's not just Tygerwell or the country that's at risk of war or destruction anymore.

It's the entire world. 

In the final battle of blood, loss, and pain, victory is not a certainty. The couple and their friends know that the good guys don't always win. The lines between good and bad actually become blurred.

One thing Xavier, Amber, and co know is that not everyone will make it out alive.

 Link to Read on Wattpad:

https://www.wattpad.com/story/151457542-one-gang-and-a-bronze-battle

Book Cover: 

The final book in the Golden Girl series.

Book Character Images/Info: 

Amber Marigold- co-leader of the North and Xavier's future wife. Still sassy. Still friends with Blake and Owen.

Xavier Jilten- Amber's husband. Co-leader of the North.

Jane Marigold-  Amber's cousin and the new leader of Sterling. One of the main antagonists of OGAABB.

Blake Bowmen-- found out a BIG family secret, and now he's thinking of choosing sides.

Kyle Bowmen-- Blake's older brother thought to be deceased. He's the co-leader of the South.

My Personal Book Ratings: 

Overall Rating: 5/5

Plot: 5/5

Writing Style: 5/5

Characterization: 5/5

Grammar/Punctuation: 4/5

 My Personal Review:

In OGAABB, what I was most excited about was the wedding. I loved how Amber had all her friends and family there to support her. I even started liking Xavier because he wanted the best for Amber.

Another thing I remembered that was interesting was that there was a sympathetic side to Jane. Jane may have been horrible to Amber, but now I can kind of guess why. And seeing her and Sean together was so sweet.

Then there was the Kyle Bowmen reveal..... and I was not ready for that. He was like a male Amber with some of Xavier's sleazier traits thrown in. Part of me hated him for trying to get in between Amber and Xavier, and part of me hoped he could be redeemed and see his brother again. 

Anyway, the descriptions of the scenes were amazing.

They were enchanting, proving Holly's brilliant writing shone through. Just like with the first two books, I believed I was one of the characters in the story.

I truly look forward to seeing when this book is finished!

Conclusion:

 

All of these books have their good and bad points. As does any book. There isn’t a novel that is 100% perfect, and that’s okay.

That’s what makes them great!

Anyway, I hope I highlighted enough of the good points of those books to make you guys want to read them. Well, without spoiling them too much. If I did, I am so sorry, Holly, and so sorry to everyone else! 

I will soon be re-structuring my second post on Holly's modern novels, so be on the lookout for that. 

And be sure to check out my "About Me" section if you want to know more about me. If you want to contact me, please be sure to use the Contact Form or "Contact Me" info. 

Those can be found under the “Pages” section on the right side of the website. 

Have a great week, everyone! 

-Victoria-