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…
more
I received a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
REVIEW
Diamond In The Rough is another fabulous story by Skye Warren, just as I anticipated. I have to say, I like the whole hostage romance vibe going on here. A diamond heist is a unique aspect that adds a whole other level of dimension to the story. This is more than an angsty hot guy and girl thing, and some well crafted twists are thrown into the mix. I give no spoilers, but I do highly recommend giving this one a try. It’s got drama, heat, mystery, romance and fun. If you’ve never read Skye Warren, Diamond In The Rough is a great place to start!
Their stories don’t quite mesh
The Prologue novella Hidden Gem – recounting Elijah and Holly’s holiday romance in Paris – is included in this book and roughly takes up 20%. After having found the prologue quite promising and engaging, I was slightly disappointed how this first book of what is supposed to be a trilogy – according to information on Skye Warren’s website – turned out.
First of all, anybody who has ever watched Taken (the action movie with Liam Neeson) knows that you are not supposed to get into a car with a guy you have just met at the airport – however good-looking and charming he might appear, yet that is precisely what Holly is planning to do. Although I am prepared to suspend disbelief quite a ways, I just don’t see any dark hidden alleys behind buildings at an International Airport like Charles de Gaulle, from where you could manage an abduction unseen. CDG Airport is out in the boondocks, surrounded by bloody fields.
So then Holly has come to Paris to search for her sister, since this was the last place she was supposed to have been before she went radio silent. But instead of being able to look for her sister, she is abducted herself and at that point the plot turns even more fantastic and unbelievable…
But despite these weaknesses I still liked the book, mostly because of Skye Warren’s writing style that I always feel is slightly elliptical, as if there is something under the surface of the text that we as readers are meant to tease out, although it continues to elude us. This is underscored by the heroine being an author; and sometimes the narrative layers bleed into each other. Holly is constantly trying to make sense of the world by telling herself the story of herself or rather the story overwhelms her, pours out of her, haunts her in her dreams. As prim and proper as she appears, her stories are strange and violent and tragic. Elijah is also caught in his own story, the one he tells his boss, the one he tells Holly and the one he won’t admit to even himself, after all, he is good at lying, that’s the talent that got him recruited to a covert ops team in the first place. And even though they connect on more than just a physical level, they can’t quite make their stories mesh.
Maybe I am crazy, but Skye Warren’s writing always reminds me of Hélène Cixous’ écriture féminine, the notion that there is a different language that is female, a mode of writing that inscribes the female body into text, gives voice to our deepest desires…
I suggest reading the prequel novella to get some context and background for how the 2 main characters know each other. This book had me hooked from the start! I was scared for Holly and had bad vibes from Adam. I was mad at her sister London once more was revealed. North was interesting and I was curious what he’d done and why he was in the cell next to her. I don’t want to say too much or give away too much of the story line because there is A LOT going on in this book! This is the first book in the series and ends in a cliffhanger but I’m SO excited for the next book to see what happens between Holly, North, London and Adam!!!!
This is a dark romance with themes that may be uncomfortable or triggering, such as coercion.
Diamond in the Rough (The Diamond Trilogy #1) by Skye Warren
5 STARS
Diamond in the Rough was my first read from author Skye Warren. It is the first book in The Diamond Trilogy and it’s written in dual POV.
I’ve always wanted to read something from Skye Warren, and this was my chance. I didn’t knew what to expect, but I was blown away. I loved every word of hers. Her writing style is exquisite as her imagination. Diamonds in the Rough is a captive romance, but it was difrent then the others. The hero is also a captive, not the captor.
The book starts with The Hidden Gem novella, wich introduce us to Elijah and Holly, how they met, and what they meant to each other.
This book was full of sexual tension, emotions, danger, suspense, secrets, twists and turns.
I was so surprised to find who Elijah was. He is mysterious, dominant, protective and posessive.
Holly at first, when we meet her, in the novella, she is sweet and innocent, a naive teenager, but now, after 8 years, she is a strong woman.
I am not gonna say much more. If you are a dark romance lover, and captive is your jam, this book is the one for you.
This is, without a doubt, another thrilling story that will leave you hanging from the edge of your seat and begging to have your hands on the second book. This time, we have Elijah, the youngest of the North brothers, in one of his deep undercover jobs. Delirious and half dead, he didn’t expect to share a cell with the girl from his past, the one he wasn’t able to forget all these years. Holly, is in France to check on her sister who has gone suspiciously missing after arriving her arrival. Only, she found herself at what could be the same predicament her sister has fallen into.
Suspense, secrets, lies, betrayals with the perfect balance of steamy scenes and burning chemistry that made this first book in the series a riveting read from start to finish. Another perfection and can’t wait for the next book!
Skye Warren has done it again!!! DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH will keep you on the edge of your seat from the very beginning . I LOVED this steamy page-turner with its delicious twists and turns!
Great start to this series. I was hooked on Elijah and Holly’s story from the first page and it was a wonderfully crazy and sexy story. I cannot wait to see where else this series goes and how it all ends. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book for an honest review.
Skye Warren is one of those authors that when I read I know I’m going to get this amazing book that will leave me feeling all the things. Diamond in the Rough is a dirty, sexy, dark, dangerous romance. It’s everything I expect from Skye Warren.
Holly is broken and innocent, but shows her spunk. Warren has this way to make such broken heroines that I absolutely love. Elijah is as f***ed up as they come. His entire family is full of a****les.
Diamond in the Rough is why I love Skye Warren. She is just one of those authors who hooks me from start to finish and leaves me wanting to beg he for more. Her mind is dark and I want to live inside it. Secrets and lies are what the walls are made of in this book.
Warren delivers an addicting book that had me turning page after page needing more but not wanting it to end. Her writing is amazing which makes this fantastic plot even better. The twist in this book was just perfect! I’m trying so hard to not give it away.
And then there was the cliffhanger! Warren is the queen of cliffhangers. I swear each one she delivers is worst than the last. I NEED book two more than I need air right now!
Diamond in the Rough is a must read dark romance! 5 stars for Warren and this amazing book!
This is the first book in The Diamond Trilogy, a dark romantic suspense, and a spin off of The North Security Series. Wow!! I loved it! The story is suspenseful, complex, action packed, dark, and captivating! Impossible to put it down. The characters are great, intriguing, and well developed. The story ends with a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to listen to the next book in this trilogy! Jason Clarke and C J Bloom did a great job with the narration. (review updated with the audiobook version)
She’s a Diamond in the Rough
Wow, this story was amazing and drew me in from start to finishIt starts off with the prequel a Hidden Gem which tells us how Holly and Elijah meet the first time in Paris. But the rest of the story will have you guessing and guaranteed what you think is so far from what it actually is
I loved this start to Holly and Elijah and now I hope the next book gets here quickly, so we can find out what happens next
I love how Skye somehow manages to remind me with every book about the historicals that made me love romance. The hero is dark and as a reader we aren’t sure if he’s a good guy or bad guy. The premise is loaded with intrigue and conflict. The heartbreak is coming from the first page and the pages truly can’t turn fast enough.
Skye Warren never fails to disappoint in delivering a gritty dark romance that will leave you wanting for more! I love the sizzling chemistry between Elijah and Holly.
Diamond in the Rough had such a great plot and was so masterfully written. You will definitely feel torn as you get to empathize with the characters and the motivation behind their actions.
I can’t wait to hear more of Elijah and Holly’s story! That cliffhanger ending made me so intrigued!
This is Book 1 after the prequel, Hidden Gem.
This is the story of North (Elijah) & Holly. It’s eight years later. Holly goes to France to find her sister, London, who has disappeared. She’s on the plane and falls asleep on the man sitting next to her, Adam. He ends up kidnapping her and she is in a cell with North, though it’s so dark she can’t see him. He realizes it’s her from eight years ago. What’s she doing here? It takes her a while to realize it’s him, though. This is not only a dark romance, but it’s a dark story, too. It’s full of mystery and secrets and anticipation, and of course attraction. Holly’s sister, London, is also intertwined in this story. It’s bizarre how he gets these two sisters involved eight years apart. This is such a different story, but an excellent one. The way Skye Warren writes to present the story is unique. Looking forward to the next book to find out what happens.
~~ 4.5 DARK GLITTERING STARS! ~~
“I know a diamond in the rough when I see one.”
Captive romances are my KRYPTONITE! So when one of my all-time fave authors, Skye Warren, revealed that she was writing a new dark romance trilogy, I was QUIVERING with anticipation! And, as expected, she truly penned an entrancing first installment in The Diamond Trilogy that leaves us bewitched. Breathless. And positively BEGGING for more!
THE PREMISE:
This story revolves around Elijah and Holly, who first cross paths in the prequel, HIDDEN GEM. When 16-year-old Holland Frank is vacationing with her family in Paris, France, the sweet, sheltered introvert catches the eye of a handsome young security guard while touring the Louvre. Elijah charms her into sneaking out and going on a date with him and their whirlwind evening culminates in her first toe-curling liplock! They part ways after one more “chance” encounter but she never forgot about the mysterious man with the green eyes and burnished brown hair who stole her first kiss, a priceless diamond …and a piece of her young, innocent heart!
Fast forward eight years later to the present. Holly, now a famous children’s book author, flies back to France to try to track down her sister, London, who has disappeared off the map. But moments after she steps off the plane she is kidnapped by a man in a black hood, knocked unconscious and then awakens in a cold, dank French prison cell. However, she isn’t alone. Eventually, she discovers her badly injured cellmate is none other than Elijah! But even though he is brutalized daily by their cruel captor and is barely clinging to life, she rouses his every protective instinct and he is determined to shield her at all costs!
Elijah makes her feel safe and less afraid amid the worst nightmare of her life, but he’s clearly hiding something. And Holly’s determined to unearth this gruff, guarded man’s secrets at all costs. Who is Elijah really? How did he get locked up with her and is it tied to their fateful first encounter? Did he ever truly care for her or just use her as an end to a means to pull off a daring diamond heist all those years ago? And how does her MIA sister factor in? As she tries to piece together the mystery whilst she and Elijah join forces to plot their daring escape, their pent up passion CANNOT be contained. However, as they fight for their very survival, will their soul deep connection triumph over the darkest evil?
MY MUSINGS:
Skye Warren DAZZLES with DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH! This dangerously edgy, deliciously steamy and darkly tantalizing first book in her brand new trilogy completely blew me away!
Relayed in dual POV, this wildly addictive romantic thriller is packed with red hot passion, adrenaline pumping action, spine-chilling suspense, heart shattering feels and so many mysterious twists and turns you will be left gasping for breath! I love how the author included the prequel in this story, which sets the stage for the main event, provides rich background on the heroine’s flight, and offers a springboard for so much more to come.
“He’s a stranger to me in every single way, except the most important one—a soul recognizing another soul.”
The cadence and flow of this story is top notch and the author’s prose is spellbinding as always! As for the development of the central romance? WICKED GOOD! The chemistry between Holly and Elijah, who reunite under the most terrifying circumstances, is ELECTRIFYING. “He lives a life of subterfuge. I mostly live in made-up worlds.” But together they are unstoppable! With danger looming at every turn, to say their future is precarious is an understatement. But their dire circumstances and close proximity only serve to fuel their fiery passion. Their erotic interludes are feral and filthy hot, teeming with raw primal emotion and frenzied desperation, and this is very much an all-consuming love story that truly embeds itself in your heart and refuses to let go!
“It’s something deeper than affection. Darker than love. She’s mine.”
Both MCs are haunted by their pasts, most especially Elijah! Readers who have read the North Security trilogy will recognize Elijah as Liam and Josh’s broody younger brother, and I am thrilled to see him get his own trilogy! Gah this tortured, alpha protector just OWNED me! He’s so commanding and strong and stoic on the outside but inside? He’s one broken, damaged soul. I love his darkness. His demons. His chivalry. His filthy mouth. His UNBRIDLED, BEASTLY DESIRES! And against all odds, only one woman can shine a light into this ruggedly handsome rogue’s desolate soul. Holly! She’s so many things to him,: His “little mermaid,” his “own personal siren” …. His hope, his salvation, his ACHILLES HEEL! And she may very well be the one to destroy him in the end.
“She looks like everything I want, and nothing that I deserve.”
As for Holly, she is a woman of MANY contradictions too. She may have led a sheltered life and act all prim and proper, but she’s also gentle-hearted, sweet and savvy. And unflinchingly loyal and brave! I also thought the manner in which Elijah taps into the wanton harlot lurking beneath the prudish surface, stripping them both down to their basest nature, was absolutely INTOXICATING! She has coveted Elijah since their first encounter all those years ago, but that was a naïve, schoolgirl crush. What he awakens in her NOW is so much more potent and real. Holly craves his rough possession with every fiber of her being. But is she foolish to entrust her heart and soul and her VERY LIFE to this tight-lipped, formidable man who clearly is not all that he appears?
The tautly plotted, overarching suspense plot is brilliantly executed, fantastically crafted and a good part of the mystery revolves around a daring diamond heist that added a level of thrilling excitement to the plot! I also like how the author cleverly plants enough seeds to continuously keep us guessing about who the good guys and the bad guys really are. But there no question that that the MCs have made themselves some powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to reclaim what was stolen! And since this is just the first book in a trilogy, brace yourself for an ending that will leave you reeling!
BOTTOM LINE:
I was truly consumed by DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH from page one and think this trilogy is off to a SPECTACULAR start! There is a delicious abundance of edge of your seat danger, passionate intensity, secrets and subterfuge, and palpable, perilous tension in this pulse-pounding page turner. And now, I CANNOT WAIT for GOLD MINE!
Highly recommend!
The dark + dangerous new romance from Skye Warren is now LIVE! Skye’s writing is absolutely beautiful, and her storytelling is totally addictive. DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH will keep you on the edge of your seat.
A dark and deliciously addictive romance!
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.
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 pleasures 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 love this book! Elijah and Holly’s story was intense, suspenseful and so dark! One of my favorite books this year! This author captivated me with this story and I can’t wait for book two in this series! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
Diamond in the Rough picks up 8 years after Hidden Gem left us. Holly is headed back to Paris to find her sister who hasn’t been responding to messages. Before she even leaves the airport she is taken captive. She is thrown into a cell and there is a guy in the cell who tells her that she isn’t safe. This is one of those stories that leave you with many questions and I get that as a trilogy there will be more to come, but unfortunately there were moments that I couldn’t piece together in this first book. Not part of the mystery, but things that were not well developed in the plot like when does Holly learn who is in the cell with her? Hopefully the subsequent books flow smoother. Overall, there is enough that has me hooked for The Gold Mine releasing in September 2020!
Hero (Elijah) 5 | Heroine (Holly) 5 | Plot 5 | Writing Style 5 | Steam 4 | Romance 4 | Angst-Suspense 3 | Darkness 3 | Humor 1 | Secondary Characters 4 | Drama-Conflict 3 | Mystery 3 | Twists 4 | Action 3 | Pacing Steady | Dual POV | MF | Part of a Trilogy | Mysterious | Overall 5 Stars
#MSBB