I’m stepping off a nine hour flight when it happens.A white van. A dark hood. Every woman’s worst nightmare.“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.” – Giana Darling, USA Today bestselling authorNow I’m trapped in an abandoned church. The man who took me says I won’t be hurt. The man … 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.
“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
DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH is a new dark romance from New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren. Finding yourself has never been so dangerous…
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Skye proves again why she is the queen of dark and delicious romance! Diamond in the Rough is masterfully written, sinfully sexy, and utterly addictive. I loved the morally ambiguity of the characters, especially Elijah, the hero, who is so damned sexy I thought my kindle would catch on fire.
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!
Gritty and pulse-pounding, with sizzling chemistry, this romance is one hell of a hot ride.
Rating:
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 a cliffhanger.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Skye Warren writes some of the best dark romance out there! I love this book!
4* Gritty Captive Stars
I was a lucky winner of an ARC and was grateful that the prequel, Hidden Gem was available to read before Diamonds in the Rough. It was a great introduction to the main characters Holly and Elijah and how they met. Fast forward 8 years and Holly and Elijah meet again unexpectedly under very different and dangerous circumstances.
Just like the first time they met, there is such a strong connection and when they act upon it their chemistry is sizzling and tense.
This is a captivating love story filled with adventure, secrets, lies and betrayal. There are twists and turns that are slowly unravelling and just when you are wanting the answers the book ends on a cliff-hanger!
I look forward to reading the next instalment Gold Mine and discovering what happens next on their journey.
Holly gets kidnapped after stepping off a flight. A woman’s worst nightmare becomes her bleak reality. Her kidnapper reassures her she won’t be harmed, but Elijah, the man trapped in the same cell with her, tells her that’s a lie! She’ll need all her strength to survive not only physically but emotionally. Elijah is a ruthless and elusive man, who has his own agenda. Will he jeopardize it for her sake? Can she trust him? A captivating story of love, secrets and betrayal! Holly’s only hope and salvation is Elijah, but is he who he claims to be? Elijah feels a deep connection with Holly, she awakens inside him something that he can’t define! He wants to keep her safe but they face many threats. Will their feelings become their destruction? Diamond in the Rough has passion and suspense! Holly and Elijah are hungry for affection and love. I can’t wait for the next part of their adventure!
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
Keep me off my chair! Love the characters and writing style
Diamond in the Rough – Skye Warren
Skye Warren has never let me down, that’s how much I love her writing.
Diamond in the Rough was not just what I expected but so much more.
Setting up the story line between Holly and Elijah’s first meetings was perfect, then blowing my mind when I realized who Elijah was! Maybe I should have suspected it, I don’t know but when I found out I yelled out a few “What the ****” and then realized Warren owned me until I finished this book, no matter what time in the early morning hours.
Elijah and Holly are made for each other, Holly never having felt she meshed with her family and Elijah never really having had a family.
It can be hard sometimes to write a review for Skye Warren’s books, this isn’t hard I just want to share with everyone what happens, but I’m not going to. That wouldn’t be fair as we the reader have to experience this story and this couple and not allow anyone to take that experience away from us.
All I can say is; I need more of these two!
Elijah, we met in the short prequel novella, Hidden Gem. In Hidden Gem, Elijah, talks to Holly in Paris at the Luv where she is mesmerized while looking at the Mona Lisa. He is a few years older than Holly, but seems interested in her. Holly is 16, doesn’t seem to realize there are good and bad people in this world. Elijah kisses Holly while they are together. The next day he sees her again and steals a few more kisses from her. Holly had heard that there was a diamond thief at the Luv and is wondering if Elijah did this.
Holly has gone to France to look for her wayward sister. Sitting next to Holly is a good looking man, dressed to good to be in the economy section. His name is Adam Bassett. Holly and Adam have small talk. Once they arrive in Paris, Holly realizes there are no taxi’s no way out of the airport. Adam approaches her saying he already has a car and she could join him. What is the harm of that? Holly realizes too late that trusting him is a bad idea.
Holly winds up in a cell of an old church somewhere in France. Where is she? What has Adam done? Will anyone ever find her? How can she rescue her sister now if she’s trapped?
In her cell, Holly notices there is a man with her? Who is this man? How long has he been in here? Will he harm her? Or is he too weak to move? Holly soon realizes that the man with her has either cracked or bruised ribs. He’s hurt, and he needs help. Why has Adam done this to him? What has this man done to Adam??
Elijah realizes that his new cell mate is Holly. Will she remember him from 8 yrs ago? He needs to help her escape before any harm is done to her.
I’ve suffered from a long-term book slump since December. Reading ceased to interest me, writing reviews became a dreaded chore and the prospect of organising Instagram photos made me stressed. Romances that managed to capture my attention were devoured within days, but the cycle repeats. Skye Warren reinstated my love of getting lost in romances with this dark narrative somewhat reminiscent of her Captives & Criminals series with Annika Martin.
“That pretty much defines my feelings for her. Being near her is heaven and hell.”
Elijah North is my newest obsession—complex, brilliantly so, dangerous and devastating—I couldn’t seem to stay away from this enigmatic, troubled boy who transformed into an irresistible, hardened antihero. We receive numerous glimpses into various features of his persona; from cold ruthlessness and conceited offhandedness, to this charming albeit rare fondness and protectiveness of the ones he cares about.
“It’s something deeper than affection. Darker than love. She’s mine.”
Wholesome and innocent, Holland Frank’s characterisation soothes the harshness of Elijah’s. Despite Holly’s naive nature and her sheltered childhood, she’s full of bold fearlessness, irrevocable love and unmatched stubbornness that assist in overcoming extreme situations she’s subjected to. She’s a character with fierce fire, determination and tenderness to make her not just likeable but also memorable.
“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.”
Diamond in the Rough is rife with noticeable chemistry that crackles in steam-filled, erotic encounters. Holly and Elijah have a bond that is intense, but the visceral rawness is intensified when they reconnect in the future—the intimate scenes between them are full of true desire and incredible hotness. It isn’t without haunted darkness and roughened aspects though that make it more heated and heartfelt.
Diamond in the Rough features an enthralling hostage romance that is dark, intricate and filled with mysteriousness, with a hint of forbiddenness to make it more enticing; a near flawless combination of themes to retain your attention. Skye Warren delivered a wicked and deviant beginning to what will be a riveting series.
I’ve been reading Skye’s work for a number of years now and I pretty much know going in that the story will more than likely be unconventional, dark, dramatic and passionate. She very rarely disappoints, like almost never. But sometimes … sometimes she blows my mind. This is one of those times!
Diamond in the Rough begins with a whoosh and continues from there at a very fast pace. This is probably not going to be much of a review for you guys because I honestly can’t say a thing without it being a spoiler. This is an action-packet gripping story full of twists at every turn. AND it is only the beginning. Thinking about what I read and what is to come gives me heart palpitations! It’s engrossing and shocking and so well written you will not be able to stop once you start!
Good luck! Happy reading 😉
Very exciting and strong characters who interacted together in a believable way whether in a life and death situation or intense sexual charisma toward one another. A real page turner.
Oh my god, the missing North brother! I was so chuffed to find this book is about him. In past books, Liam and Josh talk about Elijah as the crazy one. I didn’t find him crazy; he’s as broken as his brothers, but furthermore, he’s a loner. Once he could get free from his prison, meaning his father, he enlisted and was gone, same as his brothers before him. They haven’t seen each other for years!
Elijah paints himself as a person without feelings but I didn’t believe that. I did believe he fell in love with Hollie when they first met at The Louvre, eight years ago, but he was just starting his training in black ops, so he couldn’t offer her a future. When Hollie is imprisoned with him, his feelings came up again, and he acted just like a man with a heart acts, he put her safety first, operation be dammed.
Hollie never forgot that young man who ensnared her attention on that fateful vacation in Paris. Now that she’s a famous children’s books author, she can live the life she liked, a nerd’s life submerged in her books, not gallivanting around the world like her parents and sister London like to do. When London disappeared for two weeks without any messages, Hollie got on a plane to Paris to find her, and ended kidnapped and imprisoned with Elijah. Who knew?
“He’s an undercover operative in some shadow military department, and I’m… me. Holly Frank. Bestselling author of children’s novels. The scariest thing in my life is a speaking gig in front of sixth graders. We were thrown together, literally, but we don’t belong together.”
This story was gritty and real. Elijah had real expectations of ending dead during this imprisonment but once Hollie was added to the mix, his sense of preservation and protection came to the front. I loved that although he says there’s no love lost between him and his brothers, as soon as he places a call for help to Liam, Liam drops everything and comes, and Josh is in standby if he’s needed. They say they don’t love each other, but they have each other’s backs and rush to the rescue, and if that’s not love, what is?
“I remember my brothers taking beatings that were meant for me. I remember them giving me food at night when our father had passed out. I remember the way they protected me before they left.”
This was not a romantic love story, more like brusque, possessive, dark and sinister, full of secrets and hidden agendas. But for me, the feelings were sincere even if there were unusual circumstances that prevent them from being together.
“The thought of being separated from her feels like a grate running across my internal organs. I’m not sure what to call my feelings for her—obsession? Being held in that church changed the internal makeup of my cells.”
I love this author’s writing! It’s edgy, intense and passionate. Her characters are not cookie cut, they have defects, they are dark, violent but when they face the object of their love, they are passionate and possessive. This book was a page-turner of suspense, so very focused on Hollie and Elijah, with a side plot of North brother’s drama. I love how this author doesn’t waste space and words on blah blah, but sticks to the nitty gritty of the story. The book ends in a cliffhanger, so all the suspicions we have about the connections with London and her disappearance, Elijah’s boss agenda, and the guy who got away, all those are awaiting us in the sequel. Can’t wait!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, a captive read with a difference…. dark, gritty, suspenseful!
There is a prequel included in the beginning of the book, which gives you a background and a connection to the two main characters, Holly and Elijah, but also allows you to see them both in a different light to what they are in the main story, to see how their characters have changed.
In the prequel Holly is on holiday in Paris with her family, who are all adventurous types, whereas she is more arty. She meets a young security guard at the Louvre who captivates her and whom she goes to meet for a meal, without telling her family. She ends up getting her first kiss from him, before we find out how he used her for his own purposes.
Eight years later and her sister has disappeared in France and Holly goes to find her, ending up being kidnapped herself. Holly finds herself in a cell, with a very badly beaten up man. The man turns out to be Elijah, her security guard from eight years ago. Elijah, once he realises the woman is Holly, is fiercely protective of her and wants to free her. But nothing is quite as it seems, Elijah is not the person he portrays.
I loved the story line, the twists and turns, the suspense, the mystery…. all of which keeps you on your toes as you read. Their connection is undeniable even after eight years, with some hot and steamy scenes. A great read, which does end in a bit of a cliffy, but definitely worth the read, I can’t wait for the next one!
4.5 stars
When I picked this book, I didn’t really know what to expect. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read from Skye Warren so far, and this one is not an exception. I was pleasantly surprise when I realized that the male MC was Elijah North, Liam’s brother from the “North Security” trilogy.
Holly has always been the most reserved of her family. In a house full of wanderers, she only wanted a peaceful place and a good book. When her sister gone missing, she travels to France to find her. Her plans are interrupted when she’s kidnapped from the airport and thrust into a cell. There’s a man in there with her, a man she met 8 years ago, Elijah.
Elijah North is a mystery. Even after finishing the book, I still don’t fully know who he is. There are too many questions about his life. He has a dark past and an even darker present. Holly is the first person that he cares about. The first woman he bends the rules for.
“I crash against the rocks, not because she sings. I crash because she exists. Because I’m weak and she’s strong.”
There are too many secrets and hidden agendas. Nearly everyone is hiding something, and Holly is the only one not knowing what’s going on. The trilogy started off really strong and I’m looking forward to “Gold Mine”. I’m eager to see how their story will progress!!!
Beware charming rogues…
This opens with the prequel, Hidden Gems. We are introduced to the 16 yo Holly/Holland, her sister, 18 yo London, their parents, and the charismatic Elijah.
While visiting the Louvre, Holly convinced her family to let her stay and explore at her own pace while they move into their next place.
She meets Elijah. He is a security guard. He asks her if she’d join him in his break.
He completely charms her.
She convinced her family to let her stay back that night when they go your the catacombs so she can sneak away for a date with him.
She gets a romantic evening in Paris & her first kiss. And in trouble with her parents since she gets caught when she returns.
But she also discovers the next day that the Louvre was robbed and it may have been an inside job.
That is confirmed when she is surprised by Elijah while out with her family the next day. She gets a goodbye kiss and discovers she was unwittingly turned into a diamond mule.
Not that she reveals this to anyone…
So we begin the novel 8 years later. She is a successful novelist of young adult books. She is headed to Paris to find her sister who has dropped off the face of the earth mysteriously.
I loved this book. I adore romantic suspense.
We meet a mysterious stranger who may or may not be a good guy. But he definitely isn’t what he appears to be.
Holly reconnects with the charming rogue who was her first kiss. Although the circumstances are far from favorable.
And what mess has her sister gotten herself into?
Not that all our questions are answered, because the story is not over yet. It’s a cliffie.
Men with dubious motives, stolen jewels, risky escapes, a safe house, siblings with their own agendas, secrets, lots of secrets.
Not a sweet book. Steamy. Dark. And full of questions.
Just my kind of suspense.
I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The prologue, Hidden Gem, is a novella included before the beginning of Diamond in the Rough, and sets this story up nicely. Holland Frank needs to find her sister London, last known to be in France. The tension is heightened from the beginning of this book, and only increases when she meets Elijah North. I loved the psychological elements in this book-nothing is as it seems, and it’s hard to know who to trust. It’s dark, gritty, and raw and I loved it! I could not stop reading & I was totally engrossed in the story. The plot carries on but it’s not a cliffhanger, and I definitely will be grabbing the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My honest opinion is voluntarily provided.
Skye Warren newest romance does not disappoint! I grabbed it yesterday and just came up for air today, replete with ALLL of the feels. Diamond in the Rough is no rough diamond…it shines!