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Diamond #1
Diamond in the Rough
I'm stepping off a nine hour flight when it happens.
A white van. A dark hood. Every woman's worst nightmare.
Now I'm trapped in an abandoned church. The man who took me says I won't be hurt. The man in the cell next to me says that's a lie. I'll fight with every ounce of strength, but there are secrets in these walls. I'll need every single one of them to survive.
DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH is a new dark romance from New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren. Finding yourself has never been so dangerous...
A white van. A dark hood. Every woman's worst nightmare.
Now I'm trapped in an abandoned church. The man who took me says I won't be hurt. The man in the cell next to me says that's a lie. I'll fight with every ounce of strength, but there are secrets in these walls. I'll need every single one of them to survive.
DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH is a new dark romance from New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren. Finding yourself has never been so dangerous...
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 381 reviews
August 14, 2021
Terrific Captive Romance!
I really liked this captive romance. The characters were great, the action was suspenseful and interesting, and the story was written well. I also liked the fact that the hero was also a captive, so it wasn’t the traditional captive romance. The heroine has a strong voice and we first see her as a naïve teenager, which shows her in a different light with anxiety and doubts.
The prequel was included in this book and that was a nice window into the background, of the heroine especially but it also gave the couple a connection that they would later feel. When I first was reading the prequel I kept thinking that the heroine Holly was too naïve and that the Hero, whom she meets while touring the Louvre is setting her up to be trafficked.
I was glad that instead of her being a captive at that age, it was just an introduction to their background and into Holly’s family. Holly meets the Hero, Elijah while she is on a family vacation to France. He is a security guard at the Museum while she is away from her family because she wants to sit at the Mona Lisa and have time to really see it.
Elijah takes an interest in her and they go on a date, she gets her first kiss and then sees him one more time before she leaves France. Though at that time she finds out that he had been using her which she took as par for the course because Holly couldn’t understand why someone like Elijah would have been interested in her anyway.
Eight years later, Holly’s sister disappears in France so Holly comes to find her and is kidnapped. She ends up in a cell with Elijah who has been tortured and is near death. I really liked the flow of this book. The author (Skye Warren) spent plenty of time at each location in the story and gave enough background so we knew what was going on but we didn’t know everything, keeping mystery and suspense high throughout the book.
I also really liked Elijah. He is stoic after being tortured, and when he finds out that he is sharing the cell with Holly, whom he met in Paris eight years ago, he is possessive and protective. So much so that he just wants to keep her. There were also some super steamy scenes but not too many. Elijah is very hot and tough as well. Plus the ending was terrific, though it was a cliffhanger.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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I really liked this captive romance. The characters were great, the action was suspenseful and interesting, and the story was written well. I also liked the fact that the hero was also a captive, so it wasn’t the traditional captive romance. The heroine has a strong voice and we first see her as a naïve teenager, which shows her in a different light with anxiety and doubts.
The prequel was included in this book and that was a nice window into the background, of the heroine especially but it also gave the couple a connection that they would later feel. When I first was reading the prequel I kept thinking that the heroine Holly was too naïve and that the Hero, whom she meets while touring the Louvre is setting her up to be trafficked.
I was glad that instead of her being a captive at that age, it was just an introduction to their background and into Holly’s family. Holly meets the Hero, Elijah while she is on a family vacation to France. He is a security guard at the Museum while she is away from her family because she wants to sit at the Mona Lisa and have time to really see it.
Elijah takes an interest in her and they go on a date, she gets her first kiss and then sees him one more time before she leaves France. Though at that time she finds out that he had been using her which she took as par for the course because Holly couldn’t understand why someone like Elijah would have been interested in her anyway.
Eight years later, Holly’s sister disappears in France so Holly comes to find her and is kidnapped. She ends up in a cell with Elijah who has been tortured and is near death. I really liked the flow of this book. The author (Skye Warren) spent plenty of time at each location in the story and gave enough background so we knew what was going on but we didn’t know everything, keeping mystery and suspense high throughout the book.
I also really liked Elijah. He is stoic after being tortured, and when he finds out that he is sharing the cell with Holly, whom he met in Paris eight years ago, he is possessive and protective. So much so that he just wants to keep her. There were also some super steamy scenes but not too many. Elijah is very hot and tough as well. Plus the ending was terrific, though it was a cliffhanger.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
March 20, 2021
3 Stars
I enjoyed this...but I don't think I enjoyed it enough to merit spending an additional $4.99 for the second installment. For me, anyway.
Also, this was one was fairly short for the price. And I feel like the whole story could have been told in one go instead of being broken into installments...I'm tired of the duet/trilogy trend where each individual story amounts to a novella and could have all been one solid story instead of two or three cliffhanger novellas. It's old.
Either write a standalone or write a series of full books where each one is worth the individual price tag. These shorts books that have three or four dots on my kindle at $4.99 each just feel like money grabs. I want to support authors, but I also only have so much money I'm willing to spend, you know?
I enjoyed this...but I don't think I enjoyed it enough to merit spending an additional $4.99 for the second installment. For me, anyway.
Also, this was one was fairly short for the price. And I feel like the whole story could have been told in one go instead of being broken into installments...I'm tired of the duet/trilogy trend where each individual story amounts to a novella and could have all been one solid story instead of two or three cliffhanger novellas. It's old.
Either write a standalone or write a series of full books where each one is worth the individual price tag. These shorts books that have three or four dots on my kindle at $4.99 each just feel like money grabs. I want to support authors, but I also only have so much money I'm willing to spend, you know?
July 7, 2020
Skye Warren continues to keep me on edge and in suspense with another sexy dark romance that has me begging for more!! Declious darkness in the best ways!
First of all it took me a few chapters to realize who Eijah was and then when I did my mind ran into a million places! He is a broken, ruthless Alpha who has one weakness!
Holly is such a wonderful character and I love how we get glimpses of her through her writing! She's been in love since she was a teenager (Read Hidden Gem) and views herself in comparison to her sister and family which makes for a very interesting dynamic
The chemistry and passion between these two are HOTTTT!!🔥🔥🔥🔥 Elijah bring all his darkness and demons into the bedroom which makes prim and proper Holly melt!
With everything that is going on between Elijah and Holly, there is a diamond heist, so many bad guys, and so much mystery!!
With that cliffhanger I need book 2 NOW!!!
First of all it took me a few chapters to realize who Eijah was and then when I did my mind ran into a million places! He is a broken, ruthless Alpha who has one weakness!
Holly is such a wonderful character and I love how we get glimpses of her through her writing! She's been in love since she was a teenager (Read Hidden Gem) and views herself in comparison to her sister and family which makes for a very interesting dynamic
The chemistry and passion between these two are HOTTTT!!🔥🔥🔥🔥 Elijah bring all his darkness and demons into the bedroom which makes prim and proper Holly melt!
With everything that is going on between Elijah and Holly, there is a diamond heist, so many bad guys, and so much mystery!!
With that cliffhanger I need book 2 NOW!!!
July 9, 2020
I’m dying. I’m actually dying. Because this book (along with Hidden Gem) is such a WHIRLWIND. Such a rush and SO MUCH STEAM.
I feel like I’ve waited a hundred years for Elijah’s book, and Skye Warren DOES NOT disappoint!! She literally is incapable of writing a bad story and digs in deep into Elijah and Holly. Deliciously dark and outrageously exciting.
Elijah... 😩🔥🤤 He’s a guilty pleasure for sure. Hate to love him. He is everything you crave and definitely is not good for the soul. That’s what makes him so irresistible 🥴. He’s facing all his demons and going against all he knows by being with Holly and I could not be more needy for these two.
Cliffhanger! But it’s definitely a series worth the read 😍😍.
5 It’s a “Goddamn Delight” Stars!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I feel like I’ve waited a hundred years for Elijah’s book, and Skye Warren DOES NOT disappoint!! She literally is incapable of writing a bad story and digs in deep into Elijah and Holly. Deliciously dark and outrageously exciting.
Elijah... 😩🔥🤤 He’s a guilty pleasure for sure. Hate to love him. He is everything you crave and definitely is not good for the soul. That’s what makes him so irresistible 🥴. He’s facing all his demons and going against all he knows by being with Holly and I could not be more needy for these two.
Cliffhanger! But it’s definitely a series worth the read 😍😍.
5 It’s a “Goddamn Delight” Stars!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 27, 2020
Cue the FAN! I need a cool down period! Holly and Elijah are a steamy couple full of secrets and intensity. Elijah makes your mouth water your heart skip a beat. His delicious mouth makes your ears burn and body melt. He’s the type of hero we all wish for in our deepest fantasies.
Not only does Skye capture my rapt attention in this book, she knocked me backwards when realization kicked in--A total OMG moment! I was totally oblivious to who the characters were and where the story was leading and that made it so much more enjoyable.
I don’t know how she does it but Skye Warren just keeps writing incredible stories that totally capture my attention. Diamond in the Rough includes the prequel, Hidden Gem, to introduce you to Holly and Elijah and what an introduction it is! She teases us and makes us crave more of this seductive couple.
Skye hints at many possibilities in Diamond in the Rough and she leaves us with lots to contemplate with a shocking ending. The suspense while waiting for Gold Mine is going to difficult to weather.
Not only does Skye capture my rapt attention in this book, she knocked me backwards when realization kicked in--A total OMG moment! I was totally oblivious to who the characters were and where the story was leading and that made it so much more enjoyable.
I don’t know how she does it but Skye Warren just keeps writing incredible stories that totally capture my attention. Diamond in the Rough includes the prequel, Hidden Gem, to introduce you to Holly and Elijah and what an introduction it is! She teases us and makes us crave more of this seductive couple.
Skye hints at many possibilities in Diamond in the Rough and she leaves us with lots to contemplate with a shocking ending. The suspense while waiting for Gold Mine is going to difficult to weather.
June 28, 2020
„This is a war that neither of us will win.”
The Hidden Gem novella left me so hungry for more that as soon as Diamond in the Rough appeared on my Kindle, I immediately began to read and fell right into the rabbit hole. Skye Warren has such a way with words that she draws you in right from the first page and every unexpected twist makes you unable to break away. I was completely mesmerized during this read. Elijah and Holly’s story is full of emotions, suspense, secrets, danger and sexual tension.
The moment I realized who Elijah was I squealed and almost fell off my chair! His character will be a great surprise for fans of Skye's work. This man is complicated and mysterious. His job doesn’t allow him to engage in close relationships and it was fine by him... until he met Holly. Throughout the story we learn his many features- from coldness and rudeness, to fondness and care. He’s very dedicated when it comes to his work, he’s also protective, dominating and so intense. He is exactly the type of hero for whom readers lose their minds... and some parts of clothing ;)
Holly is a good girl- sheltered, respectable and innocent. She gives her family unconditional love and loyalty. But she also has inner bravery and stubbornness that allow her to survive in extreme conditions. This woman is caring and devoted to her loved ones and she won’t stop at nothing to save them from harm.
Elijah and Holly have a sizzling chemistry, a connection so intense that you can almost hear the sparking in the air. They both know how dangerous is the situation they’re in, but the attraction is too strong to resist. Calling their intimacy hot would be an understatement of the year. They're EXPLOSIVE. So sensual and downright carnal. I loved how Elijah was playing Holly's body and how she surrendered to him.
Diamond in the Rough is exactly what I love about Skye Warren's books- it's action-packed, steamy as hell and mysterious. This story alternately made me blush and gave me goose bumps. Reading this book was like solving a riddle and I cannot wait for the next part, where hopefully I'll get all the missing pieces! The ending was completely mindblowing and I need to know what happens next!
The Hidden Gem novella left me so hungry for more that as soon as Diamond in the Rough appeared on my Kindle, I immediately began to read and fell right into the rabbit hole. Skye Warren has such a way with words that she draws you in right from the first page and every unexpected twist makes you unable to break away. I was completely mesmerized during this read. Elijah and Holly’s story is full of emotions, suspense, secrets, danger and sexual tension.
The moment I realized who Elijah was I squealed and almost fell off my chair! His character will be a great surprise for fans of Skye's work. This man is complicated and mysterious. His job doesn’t allow him to engage in close relationships and it was fine by him... until he met Holly. Throughout the story we learn his many features- from coldness and rudeness, to fondness and care. He’s very dedicated when it comes to his work, he’s also protective, dominating and so intense. He is exactly the type of hero for whom readers lose their minds... and some parts of clothing ;)
Holly is a good girl- sheltered, respectable and innocent. She gives her family unconditional love and loyalty. But she also has inner bravery and stubbornness that allow her to survive in extreme conditions. This woman is caring and devoted to her loved ones and she won’t stop at nothing to save them from harm.
Elijah and Holly have a sizzling chemistry, a connection so intense that you can almost hear the sparking in the air. They both know how dangerous is the situation they’re in, but the attraction is too strong to resist. Calling their intimacy hot would be an understatement of the year. They're EXPLOSIVE. So sensual and downright carnal. I loved how Elijah was playing Holly's body and how she surrendered to him.
Diamond in the Rough is exactly what I love about Skye Warren's books- it's action-packed, steamy as hell and mysterious. This story alternately made me blush and gave me goose bumps. Reading this book was like solving a riddle and I cannot wait for the next part, where hopefully I'll get all the missing pieces! The ending was completely mindblowing and I need to know what happens next!
July 13, 2020
Incredible!! Just when I thought I couldn't love a Skye Warren book more, Diamond in the Rough lands in my hands.
Utterly thrilling, dark, twisted and sizzling. I loved the prequel, it had me hooked and now the first book had me at the edge of my seat.
Holly and North are my new favorites. I cannot wait to see where Skye will take this trilogy. It was my kind of dark and my kind of emotional.
It had twists and turns that I did not expect. I absolutely loved it. I want the next book now!!!
Utterly thrilling, dark, twisted and sizzling. I loved the prequel, it had me hooked and now the first book had me at the edge of my seat.
Holly and North are my new favorites. I cannot wait to see where Skye will take this trilogy. It was my kind of dark and my kind of emotional.
It had twists and turns that I did not expect. I absolutely loved it. I want the next book now!!!
Read
July 7, 2020DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH is live everywhere! 💎💎💎
I'm stepping off a nine hour flight when it happens.
A white van. A dark hood. Every woman's worst nightmare.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/341aUMy
Amazon INTL: https://bit.ly/39DqJKu
Apple: https://apple.co/2X2im8S
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2US7BmS
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2UABFV2
Google: https://bit.ly/2ZJ92Gt
Now I'm trapped in an abandoned church. The man who took me says I won't be hurt. The man in the cell next to me says that's a lie. I'll fight with every ounce of strength, but there are secrets in these walls. I'll need every single one of them to survive.
DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH is a new dark romance from New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren. Finding yourself has never been so dangerous...
"Dark, sensuous, and wonderfully deep, Diamond in the Rough is Skye Warren at her best!" - Anna Zaires, New York Times bestselling author
"Gritty and pulse-pounding, with sizzling chemistry, this romance is one hell of a hot ride." - Pam Godwin, New York Times bestselling author
"Diamond in the Rough is masterfully written, sinfully sexy, and utterly addictive! Skye Warren proves why she is the queen of dark and delicious romance." - USA Today bestselling author Giana Darling
"A novel full of intrigue, secrets, lies, and a love that won't be denied, Diamond in the Rough is easily a top read of 2020." - Celia Aaron, USA Today bestselling author
"Five glowing stars! Diamond in the Rough is the dark and dangerous world that I love from Skye Warren. You will be completely caught up in Elijah and Holly's story from the first page to the last." - New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig
"I'm still catching my breath! Classic Skye Warren dark romance at its best." - Natasha Knight, USA Today bestselling author
"Diamond in the Rough has ruined me! Everything Skye Warren touches turns to gold, and Diamond in the Rough is no exception. She brings all of the elements that dark romance readers crave, and she does it beautifully." - New York times bestselling author Lili St. Germain
READ AN EXCERPT OF DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH:
Hope sparks inside me. “The embassy. The American Embassy.”
A pause. He rubs a large palm across his jaw, and I can hear the scrape of his growth from here. “I believe that’s in central Paris. Where I’m heading. Listen, are you in some kind of trouble? We could look for a cop around here. I’m sure we can find one.”
That’s what decides me, that genuine note of concern in his voice. “No, I’m not in trouble. It’s my sister. She’s been missing two weeks already. I have to go to the embassy.”
His brown eyes soften. “I can get you to central Paris. Then you can grab the metro.”
“Thank you. God.” A stone smashes a window. “So much.”
He takes the handle of my suitcase before I can object.
Then he’s wheeling it over a bumpy sidewalk crossing. I struggle to keep up with his long strides. We round a corner, and everything becomes suddenly quieter. It’s almost eerie, the way sound doesn’t travel around this building. As if the riot a few yards away was a dream.
There’s not a neat row of black town cars. There’s only a lonely road. And a dumpster.
I do a little skip to eat up the pavement. “Are you sure this is the right way?”
“I’m sure,” he calls back, not slowing for an instant.
Nervous energy hits my body like I’ve run into a wall. Sparks in my chest. A thud at the base of my skull. I suck in air through a straw. I can’t trust him, this Adam Bisset. That might not even be his name.
My step falters, but he has my suitcase. All my things. My clothes.
Pictures of my sister. Her birth certificate.
What if I take it from him?
What if I rip it out of his hand and run back to the cabs?
Part of me feels ridiculous for even thinking it. He’s done nothing wrong. All he did was walk fast. That’s not a crime. Twenty-four years of social conditioning tell me to act normal. Act nice. The persistent rat-tat-tat of my heart warns me that something is wrong.
“Excuse me? Mr. Bisset. Adam. Wait.”
He doesn’t wait. He just keeps walking, and that’s when I know, when I know that I’m in trouble. I stop midstep. I need what’s in the suitcase. How can I make my way in a foreign city without clothes? But I can’t follow this man into—where? I take a step back.
The screech of a tire snaps me to attention. A white van bumps onto the curb. The man inside wears a black ski mask. Time slows to a crawl. Gravel sprays from the thick black tires. The protestors are only a dull roar. They won’t hear me if I scream. I turn toward Adam, as if he might protect me. And for a moment, he does. He pulls me close to him, shielding me. He murmurs in my ear, “Don’t fight, ma petite. It will only make this harder for you.”
One click DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH now...
Amazon: https://amzn.to/341aUMy
Amazon INTL: https://bit.ly/39DqJKu
Apple: https://apple.co/2X2im8S
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2US7BmS
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2UABFV2
Google: https://bit.ly/2ZJ92Gt
I'm stepping off a nine hour flight when it happens.
A white van. A dark hood. Every woman's worst nightmare.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/341aUMy
Amazon INTL: https://bit.ly/39DqJKu
Apple: https://apple.co/2X2im8S
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2US7BmS
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2UABFV2
Google: https://bit.ly/2ZJ92Gt
Now I'm trapped in an abandoned church. The man who took me says I won't be hurt. The man in the cell next to me says that's a lie. I'll fight with every ounce of strength, but there are secrets in these walls. I'll need every single one of them to survive.
DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH is a new dark romance from New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren. Finding yourself has never been so dangerous...
"Dark, sensuous, and wonderfully deep, Diamond in the Rough is Skye Warren at her best!" - Anna Zaires, New York Times bestselling author
"Gritty and pulse-pounding, with sizzling chemistry, this romance is one hell of a hot ride." - Pam Godwin, New York Times bestselling author
"Diamond in the Rough is masterfully written, sinfully sexy, and utterly addictive! Skye Warren proves why she is the queen of dark and delicious romance." - USA Today bestselling author Giana Darling
"A novel full of intrigue, secrets, lies, and a love that won't be denied, Diamond in the Rough is easily a top read of 2020." - Celia Aaron, USA Today bestselling author
"Five glowing stars! Diamond in the Rough is the dark and dangerous world that I love from Skye Warren. You will be completely caught up in Elijah and Holly's story from the first page to the last." - New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig
"I'm still catching my breath! Classic Skye Warren dark romance at its best." - Natasha Knight, USA Today bestselling author
"Diamond in the Rough has ruined me! Everything Skye Warren touches turns to gold, and Diamond in the Rough is no exception. She brings all of the elements that dark romance readers crave, and she does it beautifully." - New York times bestselling author Lili St. Germain
READ AN EXCERPT OF DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH:
Hope sparks inside me. “The embassy. The American Embassy.”
A pause. He rubs a large palm across his jaw, and I can hear the scrape of his growth from here. “I believe that’s in central Paris. Where I’m heading. Listen, are you in some kind of trouble? We could look for a cop around here. I’m sure we can find one.”
That’s what decides me, that genuine note of concern in his voice. “No, I’m not in trouble. It’s my sister. She’s been missing two weeks already. I have to go to the embassy.”
His brown eyes soften. “I can get you to central Paris. Then you can grab the metro.”
“Thank you. God.” A stone smashes a window. “So much.”
He takes the handle of my suitcase before I can object.
Then he’s wheeling it over a bumpy sidewalk crossing. I struggle to keep up with his long strides. We round a corner, and everything becomes suddenly quieter. It’s almost eerie, the way sound doesn’t travel around this building. As if the riot a few yards away was a dream.
There’s not a neat row of black town cars. There’s only a lonely road. And a dumpster.
I do a little skip to eat up the pavement. “Are you sure this is the right way?”
“I’m sure,” he calls back, not slowing for an instant.
Nervous energy hits my body like I’ve run into a wall. Sparks in my chest. A thud at the base of my skull. I suck in air through a straw. I can’t trust him, this Adam Bisset. That might not even be his name.
My step falters, but he has my suitcase. All my things. My clothes.
Pictures of my sister. Her birth certificate.
What if I take it from him?
What if I rip it out of his hand and run back to the cabs?
Part of me feels ridiculous for even thinking it. He’s done nothing wrong. All he did was walk fast. That’s not a crime. Twenty-four years of social conditioning tell me to act normal. Act nice. The persistent rat-tat-tat of my heart warns me that something is wrong.
“Excuse me? Mr. Bisset. Adam. Wait.”
He doesn’t wait. He just keeps walking, and that’s when I know, when I know that I’m in trouble. I stop midstep. I need what’s in the suitcase. How can I make my way in a foreign city without clothes? But I can’t follow this man into—where? I take a step back.
The screech of a tire snaps me to attention. A white van bumps onto the curb. The man inside wears a black ski mask. Time slows to a crawl. Gravel sprays from the thick black tires. The protestors are only a dull roar. They won’t hear me if I scream. I turn toward Adam, as if he might protect me. And for a moment, he does. He pulls me close to him, shielding me. He murmurs in my ear, “Don’t fight, ma petite. It will only make this harder for you.”
One click DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH now...
Amazon: https://amzn.to/341aUMy
Amazon INTL: https://bit.ly/39DqJKu
Apple: https://apple.co/2X2im8S
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2US7BmS
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2UABFV2
Google: https://bit.ly/2ZJ92Gt
July 6, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
I'm stepping off a nine hour flight when it happens. A white van. A dark hood. Every woman's worst nightmare. Now I am trapped in an abandoned church. The man who took me says I won't be hurt. The man in the cell next to me says that's a lie. I'll fight with every ounce of strength, but there are secrets in these walls. I'll need every single one of them to survive.
This book will have you one the edge of your seat from the very beginning to the end. I loved this one. It is dark and full of stolen diamonds, missing sister and one who is coming to her rescue. What would you do if your first kiss is suddenly in front of you again in the cell your being held captive in? You do everything that you can to save each other is what you do. All while worrying about your sister. This book is amazing and will have you one the edge of your seat. I loved every second of it and I so need the next book in my hands right now.
I'm stepping off a nine hour flight when it happens. A white van. A dark hood. Every woman's worst nightmare. Now I am trapped in an abandoned church. The man who took me says I won't be hurt. The man in the cell next to me says that's a lie. I'll fight with every ounce of strength, but there are secrets in these walls. I'll need every single one of them to survive.
This book will have you one the edge of your seat from the very beginning to the end. I loved this one. It is dark and full of stolen diamonds, missing sister and one who is coming to her rescue. What would you do if your first kiss is suddenly in front of you again in the cell your being held captive in? You do everything that you can to save each other is what you do. All while worrying about your sister. This book is amazing and will have you one the edge of your seat. I loved every second of it and I so need the next book in my hands right now.
July 8, 2020
Yes! This first book of Skye Warren's latest trilogy was set up perfectly in the scintillating taster, Hidden Gem. We are now on to the first delicious, action packed course. And it is fabulous. Filled with jeopardy, revelations, very hot times, questions, suave, ruthless baddies, reunions with old friends, and the undeniable, intense attraction between Holly and Elijah.
Holly goes through so much in the book, and, I am sure, there is more to come (hurray!), as we are left with one hell of a nail biting cliffhanger. Elijah is a fascinating, complex hero, who I cannot wait to meet again!
Get it now and spend some well deserved time in one hell of a good read! 💖💖💖💖💖
Holly goes through so much in the book, and, I am sure, there is more to come (hurray!), as we are left with one hell of a nail biting cliffhanger. Elijah is a fascinating, complex hero, who I cannot wait to meet again!
Get it now and spend some well deserved time in one hell of a good read! 💖💖💖💖💖
August 12, 2020
I was so excited for
Diamond in the Rough
that I read all of it in one sitting. This book completely changes the context of
Hidden Gem
because not everything is what it appears to be. The story does answer some lingering questions from the prologue but not all. There are even more questions now because of what happens by the end of this book. This book was thrilling, sexy, and full of some revelations but also mysteries as well. I don't know what's going to happen next but I absolutely can't wait to see what Skye Warren has in store for us.
Diamond in the Rough takes place eight years after the events of the prologue. Holly Frank is now 24 years old and has become a best-selling author of children's books. Not that far-fetched considering she told Elijah about mermaids and dragons back then. The story starts off with her traveling to France to find her missing sister, London Frank. As you can tell from the synopsis, nothing goes as planned and she is eventually kidnapped and left in an abandoned church turned prison. There she meets a man from her past and the events that unfold were nothing but captivating. I was enthralled and worried for Holly. I won't divulge anymore details because what happens next will have you wanting more. I also want to note that this book has a direct connection to Overture. Skye Warren fans who have read that series will definitely be pleased by its link to this one.
As for the romance, Holly and Elijah's relationship is just as haunting, dark, and sexy as it has always been since they first met in Paris all those years ago. Elijah is your tormented hero who is possessive, broody, and dangerous. I loved being able to get inside his head and read about his feelings for Holly. I also liked Holly as well and I don't blame her for what she decided to do by the end of this book. She was constantly kept in the dark and Elijah was being an idiot for making certain decisions on her behalf.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I absolutely can't wait for Gold Mine. This book does indeed have a cliffhanger and I kind of regret starting it because I really want to know what happens next. Diamond in the Rough was incredibly fast-paced and I rushed through it wanting to know if things will be okay. The cliffhanger says it all. Fans of Sky Warren will devour this book. I highly recommend it!
*This ARC was generously provided by Valentine PR & Literary Management and Skye Warren for an honest review*
“It feels like I’m losing something precious. Like holding a diamond and watching it dissolve into sand.”
“This is a war that neither of us will win.”
Diamond in the Rough takes place eight years after the events of the prologue. Holly Frank is now 24 years old and has become a best-selling author of children's books. Not that far-fetched considering she told Elijah about mermaids and dragons back then. The story starts off with her traveling to France to find her missing sister, London Frank. As you can tell from the synopsis, nothing goes as planned and she is eventually kidnapped and left in an abandoned church turned prison. There she meets a man from her past and the events that unfold were nothing but captivating. I was enthralled and worried for Holly. I won't divulge anymore details because what happens next will have you wanting more. I also want to note that this book has a direct connection to Overture. Skye Warren fans who have read that series will definitely be pleased by its link to this one.
“That pretty much defines my feelings for her. Being near her is heaven and hell.”
“It’s something deeper than affection. Darker than love. She’s mine.”
As for the romance, Holly and Elijah's relationship is just as haunting, dark, and sexy as it has always been since they first met in Paris all those years ago. Elijah is your tormented hero who is possessive, broody, and dangerous. I loved being able to get inside his head and read about his feelings for Holly. I also liked Holly as well and I don't blame her for what she decided to do by the end of this book. She was constantly kept in the dark and Elijah was being an idiot for making certain decisions on her behalf.
“He’s already hurt me more than I would have thought possible. It seems like my heart would know better than to love a man who’s a thief and a liar.”
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I absolutely can't wait for Gold Mine. This book does indeed have a cliffhanger and I kind of regret starting it because I really want to know what happens next. Diamond in the Rough was incredibly fast-paced and I rushed through it wanting to know if things will be okay. The cliffhanger says it all. Fans of Sky Warren will devour this book. I highly recommend it!
*This ARC was generously provided by Valentine PR & Literary Management and Skye Warren for an honest review*
June 26, 2020
What a sensational book! Holly is traveling back to Paris to look for her sister when she is taken. Holly is imprisoned in a cell, however she isn’t alone. What do they want with her? Will she be able to break free and find her sister and who is the man locked up next to her? This is a fast paced, action suspense with so many twists you’ll need to pick your jaw up off the floor! From the very beginning you will be dragged into this story and won’t be able to put it down. If you have read the freebie prologue Hidden Gem (also includes) then you saw how Elijah & Holland “Holly” first met in Paris. Diamond in the Rough takes place 8 years after Hidden Gem. There is a reason for this but I’m not saying why as I don’t want to spoil anything. Be prepared as this ends in quite the cliffhanger. I cannot wait to find out what happens next! Told in dual POV
📷 Teaser by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
📷 Teaser by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
June 25, 2020
I have been desperate for this one from the moment I inhaled the Hidden Gem Novella. Elijah and Holly are EVERYTHING I need in my romance. She's strong and smart. He's dirty and determined. Together they are explosive.
Packed with action, a healthy dose of filthy and just the right amount of feels to have me hooked from page one to the very end!
Plot twists abound in this romantic suspense and there are characters I was left wondering about. Good guy? Bad guy? A little of both. I need to know!!! I love it when a book can keep me guessing.
That ending had me yelling at my Ipad & I'm in desperate need of the next part of their journey.
I received an ARC of this book.
Packed with action, a healthy dose of filthy and just the right amount of feels to have me hooked from page one to the very end!
Plot twists abound in this romantic suspense and there are characters I was left wondering about. Good guy? Bad guy? A little of both. I need to know!!! I love it when a book can keep me guessing.
That ending had me yelling at my Ipad & I'm in desperate need of the next part of their journey.
I received an ARC of this book.
June 26, 2020
Diamond in the Rough by Skye Warren was a thrilling and utterly captivating ride. It was pure adrenaline rush. It was scorching hot and intensely emotional .It was action packed and suspenseful. It just captured my heart and soul completely.
When Hollie Frank set out for Paris in search of her sister, she didn't know what will wait for her in the airport. Now she has been kidnapped and thrown into a dark cell. And something from her past appears mysteriously. Elijah North isn't a good man. He is dark. He is dangerous. She cannot control her desire and fascination. But her life is in danger and she doesn't know who to trust. They are on the run and the unknown factors are chasing them throughout this fast paced story.
This is the beginning of a new trilogy .This story is kind of a crossover story. Hollie is daughter of the couple in Wanderlust and Elijah is the youngest brother of North family (North Security series). So my excitement was off the charts. I have seen snippets of Elijah and he cam across as a complicated man. And what a man he is! His early life was ugly and traumatic. He has internalised the pain and has become this cold hard man who isn't affected by any emotion. His work as special service agent to US government suits his personality. He is rude. He is almost cruel. He is arrogant. He is dominating and controlling. In one word, he has every single thing that makes me fall in love and lust with any fictional man. And there is Hollie. She is sweet. She had a protected life and she is extremely loyal to her sister even in extreme conditions. She is caring, soft and loving but she has this unputdownable courage and sass inside. She was stuck in an impossible situation with a rather scary yet attractive man but she held her own.
The chemistry in this story is just otherworldly. It's an intoxicating and exciting mix of filthy, deviant and sweet. They have sex like they trying to claw inside each other's soul. It's just breathtakingly beautiful. They have so many barriers and obstacles. They cannot trust each other yet somehow they become essential to each other. Hollie feels safe and sane with Elijah even when she knows Elijah is hiding big secrets. Elijah knows his dark poisoned soul is no good for Hollie yet he cannot stay away from her light and he cannot stop himself from going to extreme measures to save her. Even if it means hurting her. That ending was one of the worst cliffhanger ever.
Skye Warren brings heartaching and steamy intensity with maximum damage effect to my heart and soul in Diamond in the Rough. This was hedonistic and addictive. I can see it's the jaw dropping beginning of another epic series.
Received ARC for honest review
When Hollie Frank set out for Paris in search of her sister, she didn't know what will wait for her in the airport. Now she has been kidnapped and thrown into a dark cell. And something from her past appears mysteriously. Elijah North isn't a good man. He is dark. He is dangerous. She cannot control her desire and fascination. But her life is in danger and she doesn't know who to trust. They are on the run and the unknown factors are chasing them throughout this fast paced story.
This is the beginning of a new trilogy .This story is kind of a crossover story. Hollie is daughter of the couple in Wanderlust and Elijah is the youngest brother of North family (North Security series). So my excitement was off the charts. I have seen snippets of Elijah and he cam across as a complicated man. And what a man he is! His early life was ugly and traumatic. He has internalised the pain and has become this cold hard man who isn't affected by any emotion. His work as special service agent to US government suits his personality. He is rude. He is almost cruel. He is arrogant. He is dominating and controlling. In one word, he has every single thing that makes me fall in love and lust with any fictional man. And there is Hollie. She is sweet. She had a protected life and she is extremely loyal to her sister even in extreme conditions. She is caring, soft and loving but she has this unputdownable courage and sass inside. She was stuck in an impossible situation with a rather scary yet attractive man but she held her own.
The chemistry in this story is just otherworldly. It's an intoxicating and exciting mix of filthy, deviant and sweet. They have sex like they trying to claw inside each other's soul. It's just breathtakingly beautiful. They have so many barriers and obstacles. They cannot trust each other yet somehow they become essential to each other. Hollie feels safe and sane with Elijah even when she knows Elijah is hiding big secrets. Elijah knows his dark poisoned soul is no good for Hollie yet he cannot stay away from her light and he cannot stop himself from going to extreme measures to save her. Even if it means hurting her. That ending was one of the worst cliffhanger ever.
Skye Warren brings heartaching and steamy intensity with maximum damage effect to my heart and soul in Diamond in the Rough. This was hedonistic and addictive. I can see it's the jaw dropping beginning of another epic series.
Received ARC for honest review
June 26, 2020
Sexy, gritty and intruging, Diamond in the Rough showcases Skye Warren's unique talent for writing dark romance. Holly and Elijah's story was sexy and completely captivating, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
“I know a diamond in the rough when I see one.”
I absolutely loved the connection that the author built between these two characters. She created such and intense bond that began when they were younger and exploded fully when they reconnect years later. The chemistry between them was raw and visceral, and the intimate scenes were explosively hot. I loved the way they kept wavering back and forth between affection and animosity. Warren did such a good job with keeping me hooked, both with the suspenseful storyline and Holly and Elijah’s precarious relationship.
“It’s something deeper than affection. Darker than love. She’s mine.”
There was a ton of intrigue in this story and some great build up leading into the rest of the books in the series. I’m so curious to see how Holly’s sister factors in to the chaos that is surrounding them, and I am equally intrigued by Adam. The plot was fast-paced and engaging, and the writing was fantastic as it always is with Skye Warren. I am so excited to get my hands on the next book and find out what will happen next.
“I know a diamond in the rough when I see one.”
I absolutely loved the connection that the author built between these two characters. She created such and intense bond that began when they were younger and exploded fully when they reconnect years later. The chemistry between them was raw and visceral, and the intimate scenes were explosively hot. I loved the way they kept wavering back and forth between affection and animosity. Warren did such a good job with keeping me hooked, both with the suspenseful storyline and Holly and Elijah’s precarious relationship.
“It’s something deeper than affection. Darker than love. She’s mine.”
There was a ton of intrigue in this story and some great build up leading into the rest of the books in the series. I’m so curious to see how Holly’s sister factors in to the chaos that is surrounding them, and I am equally intrigued by Adam. The plot was fast-paced and engaging, and the writing was fantastic as it always is with Skye Warren. I am so excited to get my hands on the next book and find out what will happen next.
June 30, 2020
Raw, intense and captivating. Lana~White Hot Reads
Elijah and Holli reignite in the most unexpected place. Unbeknownst to Elijah, Holli is the women who is being held captive with him in a dark cell. Not sure who to trust, Holli put here faith in Elijah and he helps her but he has his own secrets he is hiding as well. The sexual chemistry is off the charts with the grittier aspect of it. This new series is spell bounding. Can't wait for book 2.
Elijah and Holli reignite in the most unexpected place. Unbeknownst to Elijah, Holli is the women who is being held captive with him in a dark cell. Not sure who to trust, Holli put here faith in Elijah and he helps her but he has his own secrets he is hiding as well. The sexual chemistry is off the charts with the grittier aspect of it. This new series is spell bounding. Can't wait for book 2.
July 7, 2020
Skye teased us when we met Elijah and Holly in the Hidden Gem novella and it on it made me want to know more. What an intoxicating pair these two are the chemistry is explosive. I love strong female characters and Holly definately is, whilst Ethan is just the kind of dirty I like in my book men.
Skye created an inense bind between them that started when they were young which grew when they are reunited years later. I loved how they waiverd back and forth between love and hate, their feelings and emotions cannot be hidden. The storyline is one full of mystery and suspense that kept me reading. When I got to that chapter ( you'll know the one ) and I realised who Ethan was I was super happy I really don't know how I missed the clues. This is a fast paced storyline and as usual the writing is amazing. After that ending I cannot wait to get my hands on book two.
Skye created an inense bind between them that started when they were young which grew when they are reunited years later. I loved how they waiverd back and forth between love and hate, their feelings and emotions cannot be hidden. The storyline is one full of mystery and suspense that kept me reading. When I got to that chapter ( you'll know the one ) and I realised who Ethan was I was super happy I really don't know how I missed the clues. This is a fast paced storyline and as usual the writing is amazing. After that ending I cannot wait to get my hands on book two.
August 23, 2021
Many years ago, I discovered a new author, and a new genre to me, all at once. Prisoner - co-written with Annika Martin - was the first book of Skye’s that I read. I was instantly hooked into the gritty depth of a story that wasn’t rainbows and unicorns. I devoured it with a definite feeling of wrongness that I couldn’t fully square away.
Then I read Wanderlust.
It made me question everything I thought I knew about myself. Sure, it’s fiction, but it does more than just blur the lines, and yet, I was completely hooked.
Since that first discovery, I’ve read every book Skye has written, and I’ve enjoyed them all. Each for their own reasons, but in a large way - for the same reasons. Her storytelling is unparalleled, her prose is its own hauntingly poignant lullaby, and her characters always, always speak to me in their own fractured, complex ways.
And then there was Holly.
I read Hidden Gem in a single sitting, without knowing that Holly was the daughter of Hunter and Evie from Wanderlust. Talk about a trip down nostalgia lane.
Even better - Elijah - the North brother we knew nothing about. Could it be any more serendipitous? More perfect?
Diamond in the Rough brings those of us who’ve been around for a long time, all the way back to the beginning.
The confinement, the blurred lines, but most importantly - the idea of love and fate, connected by unlikely circumstances.
I felt the emotions every step of the way in this book. The hope, the heartbreak, the betrayal, the uncertainty - and the hidden secrets and agendas.
This is Skye at her absolute best, and it will be nothing short of torture waiting for the next installment.
Then I read Wanderlust.
It made me question everything I thought I knew about myself. Sure, it’s fiction, but it does more than just blur the lines, and yet, I was completely hooked.
Since that first discovery, I’ve read every book Skye has written, and I’ve enjoyed them all. Each for their own reasons, but in a large way - for the same reasons. Her storytelling is unparalleled, her prose is its own hauntingly poignant lullaby, and her characters always, always speak to me in their own fractured, complex ways.
And then there was Holly.
I read Hidden Gem in a single sitting, without knowing that Holly was the daughter of Hunter and Evie from Wanderlust. Talk about a trip down nostalgia lane.
Even better - Elijah - the North brother we knew nothing about. Could it be any more serendipitous? More perfect?
Diamond in the Rough brings those of us who’ve been around for a long time, all the way back to the beginning.
The confinement, the blurred lines, but most importantly - the idea of love and fate, connected by unlikely circumstances.
I felt the emotions every step of the way in this book. The hope, the heartbreak, the betrayal, the uncertainty - and the hidden secrets and agendas.
This is Skye at her absolute best, and it will be nothing short of torture waiting for the next installment.
July 5, 2020
I cannot get over this book. It is savage passion, dark dangers, and a devious suspense plot around stolen diamonds. Fascinating.
The prequel, Hidden Gem, lays an intriguing foundation of risky rendez-vous, the Louvre, and promising romance on the wrong side of the law. This first novel? It’s an attack on the senses!
Sisterly love takes Holly to Paris only to throw her into every woman’s hell. There she falls down the rabbit hole between two men on different sides of iron bars. I loved her smart bravery, her angelic compassion, her relentless logic. I relished the odd pleasure of that life-threatening situation where survival clashes with secrets, guilt, thirst, and sacrifices.
Elijah is one hell of a duplicitous hero that you are afraid to trust, but fall head over heels in love with anyway. He should come with a warning: he will make you sweat and moan, but he will use like an animal in heat while planning terrible missions.
It is wonderful to see the connections with another amazing trilogy by the author with Elijah's brother. The suspense evolves in tightening knots while the mystery thickens and involves more than Holly could have ever imagined. Brace yourself for primitive mating, harsh realities, and a heroine with a uniquely obscure imagination.
Wow. Just an exhausted, well-used, utterly trembling wow.
The prequel, Hidden Gem, lays an intriguing foundation of risky rendez-vous, the Louvre, and promising romance on the wrong side of the law. This first novel? It’s an attack on the senses!
Sisterly love takes Holly to Paris only to throw her into every woman’s hell. There she falls down the rabbit hole between two men on different sides of iron bars. I loved her smart bravery, her angelic compassion, her relentless logic. I relished the odd pleasure of that life-threatening situation where survival clashes with secrets, guilt, thirst, and sacrifices.
Elijah is one hell of a duplicitous hero that you are afraid to trust, but fall head over heels in love with anyway. He should come with a warning: he will make you sweat and moan, but he will use like an animal in heat while planning terrible missions.
It is wonderful to see the connections with another amazing trilogy by the author with Elijah's brother. The suspense evolves in tightening knots while the mystery thickens and involves more than Holly could have ever imagined. Brace yourself for primitive mating, harsh realities, and a heroine with a uniquely obscure imagination.
Wow. Just an exhausted, well-used, utterly trembling wow.
August 12, 2021
This book was all consuming!!!!
Elijah North, youngest North sibling....
How to describe him, dominant, ironic, awesome, serious moral compass when it comes to....
Holland.... a sweetheart that comes from a family that loves adventure and has a flaky sister...
Holland’s sisters goes dark, no communication. Holland goes to find her and chaos ensues.
Elijah May or may not be a dark night...
Highly recommend
Elijah North, youngest North sibling....
How to describe him, dominant, ironic, awesome, serious moral compass when it comes to....
Holland.... a sweetheart that comes from a family that loves adventure and has a flaky sister...
Holland’s sisters goes dark, no communication. Holland goes to find her and chaos ensues.
Elijah May or may not be a dark night...
Highly recommend
July 11, 2020
4 STARS
So who's the idiot that completely missed that this is a trilogy because she didn't even bother to read the blurb before diving on a new Skye book?
Yeah.
Suffice it to say, there was a lot of colorful language and feet stomping that happened at the end.
Le sigh.
But guuuuuurl. I haven't been this invested in one of Skye Warren's stories since The Pawn. And I loved me some of that trilogy. And I swear to you, this one is even more delicious. There's a dark thriller element to this that I gobbled right up and was left with a mind f*ck to end all mind f*cks.
Holly grew up in the shadow of her sister's beauty, if only by her own insecurities. But one time when she's a young girl, her heart gets stolen by a mysterious boy, only for it to be shattered. The encounter, although brief, leaves an unforgettable imprint on her heart, and a jaded after taste.
Now Holly is no longer the naive young girl she used to be. But the one constant, is her constantly running to her sister's rescue. And when her sister goes radio silent, Holly's fear finds her on a plane, and landing straight into hell. Kidnapped. Imprisoned. She has no idea what to believe or who to trust. There's a man beaten half to death in her cage that tells her she can trust him. And a man keeping her in the cage that says he's a liar. What begins is a mind game Holly never saw coming and doesn't know how to get out of.
Now, if you've read Sonata, you'll see quite a few welcome cameos here. And if you haven't, you MUST.
As for the story, I simply won't give you more than that. The blurb is vague AF and there's a reason for it. You want to go in completely blind to experience the mind f*ck to it's fullest. Trust me here. I loved Holly's fierceness and fight. And the hero? Sweet baby jesus! Here! Hold my ovaries! But seriously. The man is intense with a capitol I. My only quibble is I wanted a little more detail with the sex. What? Stop looking at me like that. It was the mother of all sexual tensions and I wanted more, ok? Call me a greedy pervert here, whatever. I am what I am. But I digress. Aside from that one very minor quibble, I was completely invested and addicted to this story. I'm not sure if I'll survive the wait for book two, but NEED!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
It’s something deeper than affection. Darker than love. She’s mine.
So who's the idiot that completely missed that this is a trilogy because she didn't even bother to read the blurb before diving on a new Skye book?
Yeah.
Suffice it to say, there was a lot of colorful language and feet stomping that happened at the end.
Le sigh.
But guuuuuurl. I haven't been this invested in one of Skye Warren's stories since The Pawn. And I loved me some of that trilogy. And I swear to you, this one is even more delicious. There's a dark thriller element to this that I gobbled right up and was left with a mind f*ck to end all mind f*cks.
Holly grew up in the shadow of her sister's beauty, if only by her own insecurities. But one time when she's a young girl, her heart gets stolen by a mysterious boy, only for it to be shattered. The encounter, although brief, leaves an unforgettable imprint on her heart, and a jaded after taste.
Now Holly is no longer the naive young girl she used to be. But the one constant, is her constantly running to her sister's rescue. And when her sister goes radio silent, Holly's fear finds her on a plane, and landing straight into hell. Kidnapped. Imprisoned. She has no idea what to believe or who to trust. There's a man beaten half to death in her cage that tells her she can trust him. And a man keeping her in the cage that says he's a liar. What begins is a mind game Holly never saw coming and doesn't know how to get out of.
Now, if you've read Sonata, you'll see quite a few welcome cameos here. And if you haven't, you MUST.
As for the story, I simply won't give you more than that. The blurb is vague AF and there's a reason for it. You want to go in completely blind to experience the mind f*ck to it's fullest. Trust me here. I loved Holly's fierceness and fight. And the hero? Sweet baby jesus! Here! Hold my ovaries! But seriously. The man is intense with a capitol I. My only quibble is I wanted a little more detail with the sex. What? Stop looking at me like that. It was the mother of all sexual tensions and I wanted more, ok? Call me a greedy pervert here, whatever. I am what I am. But I digress. Aside from that one very minor quibble, I was completely invested and addicted to this story. I'm not sure if I'll survive the wait for book two, but NEED!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
July 8, 2020
★4.5★
Diamond in the Rough is the first book in The Diamond Trilogy. Holly is on a mission to find her sister who disappeared from France. When Holly arrives in the country, she is instantly kidnapped. Thrown into hell, Holly is caged up with an old flame Elijah. Although he is also being held against his will, Elijah is no saint. Despite their current circumstances in captivity, he has never forgotten the girl who got away. Now that he has Holly back in his arms, will he ever be able to let her go??? If Holly escapes is she going to flee one prison to simply end up in another?
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
"I'm a dragon who flew her to the top of a mountain, far from the water she needs to breathe."
Diamond in the Rough is the first book in The Diamond Trilogy. Holly is on a mission to find her sister who disappeared from France. When Holly arrives in the country, she is instantly kidnapped. Thrown into hell, Holly is caged up with an old flame Elijah. Although he is also being held against his will, Elijah is no saint. Despite their current circumstances in captivity, he has never forgotten the girl who got away. Now that he has Holly back in his arms, will he ever be able to let her go??? If Holly escapes is she going to flee one prison to simply end up in another?
"I'll never be good enough for Holly-never soft enough."Told in multiple POV, Diamond in the Rough is a dark and twisted story with an overabundance of passion and mystery. Elijah and Holly make quite the pair as they are both stubborn and determined to get what they want. The tempo of the read is well-paced as the plot unfolds and the intensity continues to increase with every turn of the page. Although the connection between the two is strong, I look forward to seeing more growth from both of them as the series continues!
"We destroy the things we love."Overall, Diamond in the Rough will appeal to readers who enjoy a complex captive romance with mystery and intrigue. Skye Warren never fails to create a flawless dark romance that will hold you hostage from the first word on the first page to the last punctuation mark on the last page. I am desperate for more Holly and Elijah!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
February 4, 2021
Title: ➳ ❤ Diamond in the Rough
Series ➳ Diamond Series1#
Author: ➳ Skye Warren
Published July 7th 2020
June 25, 2020- Paperback
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
💖💖💖💖💖
👄👄👄👄👄
ღ Wow it’s been a hot second, since I’ve picked up one of Skye Warren’s books, don’t ask me why cuz I got no damn clue why! But boy O boy I’m kick myself now! Anyhow Elijah & Holly’s story is full of emotions, suspense, secrets, danger & sexual tension. I actually read both Hidden Gem & Diamond in the Rough
Hidden Gem, is just short read of Elijah & Holly’s back story… Which don’t get me wrong was amazing start to this series! But Holland Frank was only 16 year old in Paris with her family on vacation when she first met Elijah… Holly meets Elijah while at London’s Louvr & her life will never be the same again!
Diamond in the Rough starts up again about 8 years later when Holly finds herself on flight back to Paris, in hunt of her sister London… who been missing for about 2 weeks…. Be for you know it, Holly finds herself waking up locked up in a dark cell with a injured stranger … or is he really stranger!
By the end of this book, you’ll realize that Skye Warren had kept you on edge of your seat & in suspense with another sexy dark romance that has you begging for more!! 🔨🔨
I must warn you that there is a Cliffhanger! But it’s definitely a series worth the read
Hot damn I want more of these 2 characters
📚Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion+ Also I wouldn’t never discourage anyone from reading this book.
Happy Reading --- Enjoy ……. Paulette Review
Series ➳ Diamond Series1#
Author: ➳ Skye Warren
Published July 7th 2020
June 25, 2020- Paperback
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
💖💖💖💖💖
👄👄👄👄👄
ღ Wow it’s been a hot second, since I’ve picked up one of Skye Warren’s books, don’t ask me why cuz I got no damn clue why! But boy O boy I’m kick myself now! Anyhow Elijah & Holly’s story is full of emotions, suspense, secrets, danger & sexual tension. I actually read both Hidden Gem & Diamond in the Rough
Hidden Gem, is just short read of Elijah & Holly’s back story… Which don’t get me wrong was amazing start to this series! But Holland Frank was only 16 year old in Paris with her family on vacation when she first met Elijah… Holly meets Elijah while at London’s Louvr & her life will never be the same again!
Diamond in the Rough starts up again about 8 years later when Holly finds herself on flight back to Paris, in hunt of her sister London… who been missing for about 2 weeks…. Be for you know it, Holly finds herself waking up locked up in a dark cell with a injured stranger … or is he really stranger!
By the end of this book, you’ll realize that Skye Warren had kept you on edge of your seat & in suspense with another sexy dark romance that has you begging for more!! 🔨🔨
I must warn you that there is a Cliffhanger! But it’s definitely a series worth the read
Hot damn I want more of these 2 characters
📚Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion+ Also I wouldn’t never discourage anyone from reading this book.
Happy Reading --- Enjoy ……. Paulette Review
July 27, 2020
3.75 Stars
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s the first installment in "The Diamond trilogy" and ends on a cliffhanger but not a huge one. Albeit, I'd like we have another chapter, just to know what he'll feel when he comes home and sees… It’s dark, a captive romance and we have a broken alpha here who is dominating and controlling. It’s been a while since I read one of Skye warren’s books and enjoyed it. Recently I wasn’t in luck with her recent books and I think if I tried this another time, I wouldn’t enjoy it as much. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and hope you enjoy it as well!
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s the first installment in "The Diamond trilogy" and ends on a cliffhanger but not a huge one. Albeit, I'd like we have another chapter, just to know what he'll feel when he comes home and sees… It’s dark, a captive romance and we have a broken alpha here who is dominating and controlling. It’s been a while since I read one of Skye warren’s books and enjoyed it. Recently I wasn’t in luck with her recent books and I think if I tried this another time, I wouldn’t enjoy it as much. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and hope you enjoy it as well!
July 7, 2020
”Maybe if the prison is warm and comfortable enough, the captive learns to enjoy herself.”
Diamond in the Rough is a captive romance mixed up with what is also a sort of diamond heist suspense. Honestly all I can say is that Holly the heroine we met in Hidden Gem is back in Paris looking for her sister, London. She’s taken by someone she thought she could trust, and thrown in a cell, and yeah. There are some new players and she isn’t sure who to trust and who not to trust. There’s some steamy bits, some suspenseful bits, some questions are answered and some are obviously left in the air. I really don’t want to say too much, because this is only the first part of the story, BUT I can say that where this one ends I definitely never would have seen coming at the start.
That is all, can’t wait for the next book.
*the prequel novella, Hidden Gem, is included in DitR prior to the story starting, so you can either read it now for FREE or just wait until this book is out!*
AVAILABLE NOW!!
*ARC
Diamond in the Rough is a captive romance mixed up with what is also a sort of diamond heist suspense. Honestly all I can say is that Holly the heroine we met in Hidden Gem is back in Paris looking for her sister, London. She’s taken by someone she thought she could trust, and thrown in a cell, and yeah. There are some new players and she isn’t sure who to trust and who not to trust. There’s some steamy bits, some suspenseful bits, some questions are answered and some are obviously left in the air. I really don’t want to say too much, because this is only the first part of the story, BUT I can say that where this one ends I definitely never would have seen coming at the start.
That is all, can’t wait for the next book.
*the prequel novella, Hidden Gem, is included in DitR prior to the story starting, so you can either read it now for FREE or just wait until this book is out!*
AVAILABLE NOW!!
*ARC
July 1, 2020
Gritty and pulse-pounding, with sizzling chemistry, this romance is one hell of a hot ride.
July 6, 2020
Diamond in the Rough is about Holland “Holly” Frank who traveled to France to look for her missing sister, not knowing that she’d be the one to go missing when she gets kidnapped and held prisoner in a vacated church. But she’s not alone there. In the cell next to her is a wounded and strangely familiar man. Can she trust him? Will she make it out alive?
I loved this book so freaking much! This didn’t really came as a surprise to me because I usually always enjoy a book by Skye Warren, especially if it’s a dark romance like this one was. Ugh, I just devoured this story. I couldn’t stop reading about Holly and Elijah. The chemistry between them simply gave fireworks!
The story was also action-packed, unexpected as hell and I didn’t quite know which characters to trust to be completely honest. I really liked this, though. The element of surprise is something I’m looking for in every book I read. And Skye Warren did an excellent job with this as well. I already can’t wait for book two!
I think I say this each and every time when I read a new Skye Warren book but Diamond on the Rough is now my favorite book of hers. I just love her dark romance novels so much and she really does her best writing in this genre. With this latest new book of hers I only picked up my Kindle twice before finishing. I just couldn’t put it down and kept telling myself I would just read one more chapter and then woops the book was done. That means it was a damn good one!
I loved this book so freaking much! This didn’t really came as a surprise to me because I usually always enjoy a book by Skye Warren, especially if it’s a dark romance like this one was. Ugh, I just devoured this story. I couldn’t stop reading about Holly and Elijah. The chemistry between them simply gave fireworks!
The story was also action-packed, unexpected as hell and I didn’t quite know which characters to trust to be completely honest. I really liked this, though. The element of surprise is something I’m looking for in every book I read. And Skye Warren did an excellent job with this as well. I already can’t wait for book two!
I think I say this each and every time when I read a new Skye Warren book but Diamond on the Rough is now my favorite book of hers. I just love her dark romance novels so much and she really does her best writing in this genre. With this latest new book of hers I only picked up my Kindle twice before finishing. I just couldn’t put it down and kept telling myself I would just read one more chapter and then woops the book was done. That means it was a damn good one!
July 8, 2020
Diamond In The Rough is a dark, steamy and sensual story of two people who always find themselves in the unlikeliest of circumstances. Elijah and Holland share a moment from the past that reflects on their present relationship. This book is filled with so much action, mystery and intensity that I flew threw the story in just a few short hours. And just in case you’re wondering, you’ll be pleased with all the sexy goodness that happens between our two main characters.
I love Skye’s work and was ecstatic to jump into this dark romance. As this is only the first book in the Diamond series, I was left flustered and now I just want more, more, MORE! I’ll be counting down the days for Gold Mine.
I love Skye’s work and was ecstatic to jump into this dark romance. As this is only the first book in the Diamond series, I was left flustered and now I just want more, more, MORE! I’ll be counting down the days for Gold Mine.
September 30, 2020
!!SPOILERS!!!! I warned you, so read at your expense.😉
First of all, please, if any one of you knows Liam Neeson , tell him to give this girl a call, and explain to her how things work when traveling!
This Holly needs some cinematography culture! TAKEN? hello??
She is no Liam Neeson tho, she has not a single skill to help her, she is YA novelist, So bitch please, just ask for help!
Also, duhh! You don't flirt with sexy dudes in airports in Paris, you definitely don't follow them on strange alleyways under the pretense of sharing transportation. Just NO! big fat NO!
Holly and London are the girls of Evie and Hunter from Wanderlust. Holly made from the start just bad decisions.One after another. She went to Paris in search of her missing sister. She told, guess what? NOT ONE SOUL. Of course that's the intelligent thing to do, especially when you travel across the globe. She was dumb, there! I said it, she really was.
And Of course she gets kidnapped by handsome sexy french Adam and thrown into a dungeon with no one else than her 8 years ago, adolescent crush, Elijah, a boy/man she met when she was 16 in Paris, and he was part of a heist, and used her as a mule.
Elijah, he is a bit crazy that man. Part of military of us gov or something like that, his missions are to infiltrate ,lie, steal , kill anyone who is in his way in order to complete his job.
Imagine Elijah is being tortured for 1 week straight, is starved, thirsty, has broken ribs, punctured kidney or lung I can't remember, and when they escape he has no problem having wild sex multiple times, has nooo struggle carrying Holly for miles and miles because she is so tired. That man is a GOD , he is a robot, he is not real🙄🙄.
They of course fall in love, reveal some emotional moments, bond, blah blah, Liam North (Elijah's brother) from Overture comes into play as well. They are relocated to a safe house. Holly looses her shit because again Elijah had lied and used her, and he does want to help find her sister but for the wrong reasons.
Its such a shame really, I love the writing, I love the ideas, but just the delivery is not done well. So many plot holes.
Because I loved Hidden Gem, I ll give this 2.5/3 stars. But I am not sure I will go to the second book.
First of all, please, if any one of you knows Liam Neeson , tell him to give this girl a call, and explain to her how things work when traveling!
This Holly needs some cinematography culture! TAKEN? hello??
She is no Liam Neeson tho, she has not a single skill to help her, she is YA novelist, So bitch please, just ask for help!
Also, duhh! You don't flirt with sexy dudes in airports in Paris, you definitely don't follow them on strange alleyways under the pretense of sharing transportation. Just NO! big fat NO!
Holly and London are the girls of Evie and Hunter from Wanderlust. Holly made from the start just bad decisions.One after another. She went to Paris in search of her missing sister. She told, guess what? NOT ONE SOUL. Of course that's the intelligent thing to do, especially when you travel across the globe. She was dumb, there! I said it, she really was.
And Of course she gets kidnapped by handsome sexy french Adam and thrown into a dungeon with no one else than her 8 years ago, adolescent crush, Elijah, a boy/man she met when she was 16 in Paris, and he was part of a heist, and used her as a mule.
Elijah, he is a bit crazy that man. Part of military of us gov or something like that, his missions are to infiltrate ,lie, steal , kill anyone who is in his way in order to complete his job.
Imagine Elijah is being tortured for 1 week straight, is starved, thirsty, has broken ribs, punctured kidney or lung I can't remember, and when they escape he has no problem having wild sex multiple times, has nooo struggle carrying Holly for miles and miles because she is so tired. That man is a GOD , he is a robot, he is not real🙄🙄.
They of course fall in love, reveal some emotional moments, bond, blah blah, Liam North (Elijah's brother) from Overture comes into play as well. They are relocated to a safe house. Holly looses her shit because again Elijah had lied and used her, and he does want to help find her sister but for the wrong reasons.
Its such a shame really, I love the writing, I love the ideas, but just the delivery is not done well. So many plot holes.
Because I loved Hidden Gem, I ll give this 2.5/3 stars. But I am not sure I will go to the second book.
July 11, 2020
5 HOLD ON TIGHT STARS!! OMG....I was holding on tight through Elijah and Holly's story, these two took me on a crazy sexy ride. I am so hooked on this series....I need more. Their story has it all for one memorable story, so buckle up and listen to them. You must read this book...Skye Warren has done it again with her storytelling.
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