I can't decide if I want to give 3.5 stars or a solid 4 stars. Maybe I'll settle for 3.75? 
 Hmmmm... what to say about The Golden Lily. I really liked it. But as I got towards the end I realized I wasn't loving it. While the main characters didn't annoy me as much as they did in Bloodlines there were times I really wanted to knock them out. 
 Let's start out with Jill. The whole reason they are in Palm Springs is to protect her from the people who want to KILL her! I get that she's a teenager and needs some kind of normal life but encouraging her to date a human who can't know anything about her is pretty stupid! And modeling?! Really?! What part of people are trying to KILL her is unclear?! For being in hiding and trying to protect her... they sure are extremely lax when it comes to her safety. 
 Moving on to Brayden... Oh my heck! That guy was an idiot who annoyed the crap out of me from the beginning! I know Sydney needed some kind of first relationship but to make it last the entire book?! I wanted to skip the majority of the parts he was in. I get that he's uber smart and all but hello! Uber smart people have personalities too! Brayden was like a no-nonsense... I'm always right stick in the mud! 
 I really like Ms. Terwilliger... she pushes Sydney and frustrates her... makes her freak out over magic BUT that's exactly what she needs! Her eyes need to open and realize the Alchemists are essentially brainwashing her to believe everything is black and white. They are full of secrets and want everyone to have their opinion. And if you don't?! They'll put you through a re-education program to brainwash you some more! 
 Sydney... well... I hate to say it but she annoyed me too at times. And I really wanted to slap her! Her being young and naive was cute and sweet... until it wasn't anymore. I just can't believe that she can look at other people and see how much they love and adore another person by their facial expressions but when Adrian looks at her that way?! She can't see it! When he says sweet things to her?! She doesn't believe it! She always brushes them off and claims that spirit is making him "crazy"! Really?! It was totally frustrating! 
 And poor Adrian! My heart just breaks for him at times! He finally finds someone he can trust... someone who supports him... someone who believes in him and when he admits to her his feelings and why he's doing what he's doing how does she repay him?! By pretty much walking out of his life. I understand Sydney has a LONG way to go before she can admit her feelings for Adrian but I REALLY wanted to slap her! He's overcome so much and he's a fighter so I know it won't be the last of them. 
 I'm continuing on with the series if only to see Adrian and Sydney get their HEA. I have a feeling it's going to get worse before it gets better but there's just something about Adrian and Sydney.... ;)