Diamond in the Rough

<b>Terrific Captive Romance!</b><br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1593569705i/29742672._SY540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>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.<br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>I voluntarily read &amp; reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts &amp; opinions are my own. <br><br><a href="https://www.ilikebooksbest.com" rel="nofollow noopener">Blog</a>|<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/wennel" rel="nofollow noopener">Goodreads</a>|<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ilikebooksbest" rel="nofollow noopener">Facebook</a>|<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ilikebooksbest" rel="nofollow noopener">Instagram</a>|<a href="https://www.twitter.com/wendysu020202" rel="nofollow noopener">Twitter</a>|<a href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/1895823057" rel="nofollow noopener">BookBub</a>

<b>3 Stars</b><br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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?

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! <br /><br />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! <br /><br />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<br /><br />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! <br /><br />With everything that is going on between Elijah and Holly, there is a diamond heist, so many bad guys, and so much mystery!! <br /><br />With that cliffhanger I need book 2 NOW!!!

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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Cliffhanger! But it’s definitely a series worth the read ??. <br /><br />5 It’s a “Goddamn Delight” Stars!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.<br /><br />Not only does <i>Skye</i> 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.<br /><br />I don’t know how she does it but <i>Skye Warren</i> just keeps writing incredible stories that totally capture my attention. <b>Diamond in the Rough</b> includes the prequel, <b>Hidden Gem</b>, 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.<br /><br /><i>Skye</i> hints at many possibilities in <b>Diamond in the Rough</b> and she leaves us with lots to contemplate with a shocking ending. The suspense while waiting for <b>Gold Mine</b> is going to difficult to weather.

<b> <i>„This is a war that neither of us will win.”</i> </b><br /><br /><br />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. <br /><br /><br />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 ;)<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />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!

Incredible!! Just when I thought I couldn't love a Skye Warren book more, Diamond in the Rough lands in my hands.<br />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.<br /> 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. <br />It had twists and turns that I did not expect. I absolutely loved it. I want the next book now!!!

DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH is live everywhere! ???<br><br>I'm stepping off a nine hour flight when it happens. <br>A white van. A dark hood. Every woman's worst nightmare. <br><br><a href="https://bit.ly/39DqJKu" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1594126199i/29775482._SX540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><br><br>Amazon: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/341aUMy">https://amzn.to/341aUMy</a><br>Amazon INTL: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://bit.ly/39DqJKu">https://bit.ly/39DqJKu</a><br>Apple: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://apple.co/2X2im8S">https://apple.co/2X2im8S</a><br>Barnes &amp; Noble: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://bit.ly/2US7BmS">https://bit.ly/2US7BmS</a><br>Kobo: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://bit.ly/2UABFV2">https://bit.ly/2UABFV2</a><br>Google: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://bit.ly/2ZJ92Gt">https://bit.ly/2ZJ92Gt</a><br><br>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. <br><br>DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH is a new dark romance from New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren. Finding yourself has never been so dangerous... <br><br><a href="https://bit.ly/39DqJKu" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1594126199i/29775483._SY540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><br><br>"Dark, sensuous, and wonderfully deep, Diamond in the Rough is Skye Warren at her best!" - Anna Zaires, New York Times bestselling author<br><br>"Gritty and pulse-pounding, with sizzling chemistry, this romance is one hell of a hot ride." - Pam Godwin, New York Times bestselling author<br><br>"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<br><br>"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<br><br>"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<br><br>"I'm still catching my breath! Classic Skye Warren dark romance at its best." - Natasha Knight, USA Today bestselling author<br><br>"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<br><br><strong>READ AN EXCERPT OF DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH:</strong><br><br>Hope sparks inside me. “The embassy. The American Embassy.”<br><br>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.”<br><br>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.”<br><br>His brown eyes soften. “I can get you to central Paris. Then you can grab the metro.”<br><br>“Thank you. God.” A stone smashes a window. “So much.”<br><br>He takes the handle of my suitcase before I can object.<br><br>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.<br><br>There’s not a neat row of black town cars. There’s only a lonely road. And a dumpster.<br><br>I do a little skip to eat up the pavement. “Are you sure this is the right way?”<br><br>“I’m sure,” he calls back, not slowing for an instant.<br><br>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.<br><br>My step falters, but he has my suitcase. All my things. My clothes.<br><br>Pictures of my sister. Her birth certificate.<br><br>What if I take it from him?<br><br>What if I rip it out of his hand and run back to the cabs?<br><br>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.<br><br>“Excuse me? Mr. Bisset. Adam. Wait.”<br><br>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.<br><br>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.”<br><br>One click DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH now...<br>Amazon: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/341aUMy">https://amzn.to/341aUMy</a><br>Amazon INTL: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://bit.ly/39DqJKu">https://bit.ly/39DqJKu</a><br>Apple: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://apple.co/2X2im8S">https://apple.co/2X2im8S</a><br>Barnes &amp; Noble: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://bit.ly/2US7BmS">https://bit.ly/2US7BmS</a><br>Kobo: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://bit.ly/2UABFV2">https://bit.ly/2UABFV2</a><br>Google: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://bit.ly/2ZJ92Gt">https://bit.ly/2ZJ92Gt</a>

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.

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. <br />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! <br />Get it now and spend some well deserved time in one hell of a good read! ?????