Diamond Dreams

The Drakes of California #1

by Zuri Day

As the only daughter of Southern California's most famous wine dynasty, Diamond Drake devotes all her waking hours to the family business. Burned by love, she's not sure she ever wants to fall in love again. But construction millionaire Jackson Wright is sweeping her up in a whirlwind romance. Is he the real thing? Or will the sinfully sexy bachelor prove to be all flash and no substance?
From the moment he sees her, Jackson is dazzled by the stunning, sultry Diamond. He knows it's dangerous to mix business with pleasure. If only Diamond will say yes to a future glittering with their passion and love.…

Genres: Romance, African American Romance

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 20, 2012

About the author

Zuri Day is a hopeful romantic. She believes in happy endings, half-full glasses and dreams coming true. That's why she's thrilled to be a contributing writer to this genre...one of her favorites!

Zuri doesn't remember exactly how old she was when she picked up her first romance novel, but she does remember it was love at first sight. "It was probably a Harlequin," she recalled during a recent interview. "And it thankfully took me away from a fairly dull and routine existence growing up in a small Kansas town."

Things aren't dull and routine anymore. Zuri now resides in Los Angeles with her family and when she isn't writing loves to travel the world, cook vegetarian food, work out, watch sports, attend concerts and theatre and enjoy the simple things in life.

"Many people have given up on love, much less romance," Zuri says. "I'm hoping that somehow, through the love-filled pages of my romance novels, I can ignite the reader's desire to believe again. Because everything is possible, when we believe..."

Reviews

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com for readers

BRIEF SUMMARY
Set in Southern California, Diamond Drake is apart of the Drake dynasty who owns a vineyard. Although she's a daddy's girl, she works hard as she is apart of the family business. As they are looking to expand on the vineyard, she has to work in close proximity to Jackson 'Boss' Wright, owner of Boss Construction.

THOUGHTS

I love romance novels that involves family and this book was an exception. While reading this story, I enjoyed myself immensely along with getting to know the Drake family.

Diamond and Jackson's first encounter was interesting and a bit entertaining. The story remained at the same peak while characters are being established. However, once everyone was established the story and the plot took off. In the beginning, Diamond was playing hard to get but once Jackson's charms and physical attributes takes a hold of her, she is unable to resist. Jackson was always taught not to mix business with pleasure, but with Diamond, he is looking to break those rules. I enjoyed their romance and physical attraction/ bedroom workouts throughout the story as I thought it got better as the story developed. What I also enjoyed about the story was that the author not only gave us romance but some mystery as well surrounding Jackson's past that could put everyone in danger. I believe this gave the plot an extra push.

As for the family, I loved all of them. I selfishly wish their parents had more kids but I'm satisfied. We were introduced to Donovan and Dexter, Diamond's brothers. Donovan is the serious one and I can't wait for his story. Without giving too much away, just reading about his introduction to a certain female has me a little impatient for his story. Dexter is the love them and leave them type and the youngest of the family. Papa Dee, now I know Papa Dee isn't getting his story but I love Papa Dee.

Lastly, the dialogues, comments and thoughts between the characters got a head shake and a smile from me as I enjoyed some of the reactions from the characters. I enjoyed the book and commend the author on a well thought out story.

Length: Full Length
Storyline: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
Intimacy Level: VERY GOOD

Romance Novel Junkies

Release date: 3/20/2012

[Elise Marion · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my second Kimani romance and I have to say that after all I've heard about it I am pretty underwhelmed. The characters were bland and uninteresting and the dialogue was corny. I wasn't a fan of the writing style and just about threw my kindle across the room when the author used the term vajayay in the middle of a sexy scene....seriously. Not for me, I'm afraid. The story ideas were interesting but not executed in a way that made me care about these people.

[Jackie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Zuri Day book I have ever read. I really enjoyed Diamond and Jackson's story. I loved that Diamond was her own woman and didn't let Jackson's past sway her from finding true love. The first book in the Drakes of California series is amazing. Next up Donovan's story!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started and finished this in approx 6 hours. As usual Zuri has done her thing. Love the story line and it was HOT HOT HOT.

[Mary Calton Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent ✍🏾

I have read several of the author's book series and I have been thoroughly impressed and entertained. But, this series started out with a smash! I have been a fan of her humorous sayings since "Morgan Men" and "Sin City Secrets". Purchased the series without reading one word. Worth it!

[CaroMommie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sooooo good. It is rare that I've read a romance book where the male lead was so in control, from the beginning. Jackson is written well, his personality leaps off the page.

This is definitely a book I would recommend. You will thoroughly enjoy it.

[Fanita Pendleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm New to Zurich Day

But I am now hooked. I am about to read the entire Drake collection and then the rest of her catalog. That should tell you how much I enjoyed this book...Moon

[Carmen Blalock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looks can be very deceiving. We have all been taught not to judge a book by its cover but with some things, you go according to first impressions without looking deeper into it. First impression are supposed to be the window on which you determine how you are going to approach someone or something but as we all know, that is just not the case. Sometimes you have to take a step back and see things from a different perspective in order to get the TRUE feel of what is really going on.

Diamond Drake is true to her name, she is hard but transparent and flawless. She does what it is that needs to be done because she has come up in a family that doesn't have time for mistakes and weaknesses. Diamond has shown her parents and her brothers that she is more than capable to handle the family business and now it is time for Diamond to take the world by storm. What will Diamond do when she comes in contact with the very person who can snatch the wind from her sails? Will she continue to fight or will she show a side that many hasn't ever seen before?

Jackson Wright is a very strong person, on the outside. He is the head of his own construction company and seems to be holding his own against his competitors. There are things that haunt Jackson from his past but that is what gives him the fuel to continue on to bigger and better success. When Jackson is faced with his past will he let it be his fuel or will it burn down everything that he has built?

Diamond Dreams is definitely a love story in every aspect. Love of family, love of siblings, love of family business and new and or building loves. You can see this family as the family that you watch on tv and root for the underdog because you know scrappy has to come up to be equal with the rest of the family. You see many different degrees of intensity in this story and it makes you want to know what will happen next. Day is excellent when it comes to writing about people and their interactions with each other. It is like she watches society and builds something worth reading and absorbing. You will be pleased with this book and you will absolutely look forward to reading more

Diamond Dreams is available for purchase everywhere you buy your favorite romance novels and also available on Kindle and Nook.

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vintage Dreams

I am very impressed, enlightened and wowed at the level of research and time dedicated to this wonderful novel. Romantic and Steamy indeed.
Diamond Drake, heiress to wine vineyards inherited as far back as slavery, has put her love life on pause after being in a relationship that did not quite go in the direction she would have liked. She delves completely into the renovation that will turn her family' vineyard into a world sought out resort. Sought out by Oprah herself. She has been successful at avoiding the advances of the opposite sex until she runs into the "boss" other wise known as Jackson Wright. At first meeting, Diamond thinks Jackson is the foreman for the construction group completing the renovations. However, that does not stop her body from responding to Jackson's sex appeal. Unbeknownst to her, he is the owner. Jackson, known to love them and leave them with a smile on their face, at least; lets his guard down with Diamond revealing the secrets he's carried from his past. He realizes that love unconditional love does exist.
Filled with as much suspense as it has fire and sensuality, Zuri Day did not disappoint in this novel. I learned a lot about wine vineyards and how wine is made. I had no idea that you could get a degree in "viticulture" and "enology" to learn the wine business and how to make wine. I love books that entertain and teach. I really enjoyed this book and recommend this 4 star read to all Romance enthusiasts.

Yolanda Maria
"Reviewed for the Sankofa Literary Society. Book provided by author or publisher for review purposes."

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 STARS
A nice story line but too many love scenes for me and the mystery not much of a story line.
The settings sound lovely I would like to stay their.
Diamond Drake works for her family vineyard. Her designs a major part of the hotel and spa they are building. Even though her brothers tease her that she got the job because she kept turning it in time after time.
Dexter and Donovan Drake work along with Donald their father and company founder.
The vineyard has been in their family over a 100 years but Donald the one that built it way up. They are a close family and live on the same estate plus two older generations live thier too.
Jackson "Boss" Wright owns Boss Construction and they are handling the building the Drake hotel and spa resort. Someone has been threating his life by sending letters but he has not called the police.
He is overseeing the hotel one day and Diamond is over for a walk through and they can't take eyes off each other. Diamond things he is just a foreman and threatens to tale his boss about the sexual comments he is making to her.
That night at a fundraiser she runs into him again and finds out who he is and when she is out for a walk he grabs and kisses her.
The next time they meet and she is asked to give him the tour they have sex in wine cellar.
Just seems like too make sex scenes and short on plot or conversations that are not about sex.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
03/27/2012 Harlequin Kimani Romance

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Diamond Dreams, her first Kimani Romance novel, Zuri Day gives readers a juicy romance to start the summer. The middle child and only daughter of Donald and Genevieve Drake, Diamond had a lot to prove. As director of marketing and public relations, Diamond was in charge of one of the company's biggest expansion project - turning Drake Vineyard into Drake Wines Resort & Spa. To do that, Diamond made sure that she reviewed everything from construction to interior design. As the project neared its completion and last minute changes were being made, Diamond received news that the resort and spa would be featured in the February edition of O magazine. As she made one of many inspections of the site, Diamond was not prepared for the tall, dark piece of chocolate at the site.

After inheriting his uncle's company, Jackson Wright turned Boss Construction into one of the biggest multi-million dollar construction firms. When he won the bid for the Drake Vineyard, he was ecstatic. However, nothing could have prepared him for the magnetism he felt when he saw Diamond. Determined to have her, Drake set out to win her heart and keep his past life in the dark.

Diamond Dreams was fun and sexy to read. Readers will quickly become involved in the sexual banter between Diamond and Drake as they fall head over heels in love. In addition, Day managed to give readers on a tour of vine yards and how wine is harvested. I recommend this story for everyone's summer reading list.

Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zuri Day has once again written another enthralling story that captures the excitement and magic of romance. Sassy Diamond Drake is not only a curvy gorgeous BAP but is also an astute businesswoman who is in control of all situations. Diamond is now in charge of the expansion project tuning her family-owned Drake Winery into Drake Wines Resort & Spa, leaving no time for dating. This excuse holds true until a run-in with Jackson “Boss” Wright and sparks fly in many ways. Jackson is not intimated by Diamonds spunky attitude or words, in fact he finds it quite a turn-on. And to Diamond’s surprise, Jackson, sexy with swagger to spare, not only has a way with words, but is the billionaire owner and is not just an employee but the owner of Boss Construction – the firm responsible for the resort build out. Sexual tensions give way to imaginative sizzling love scenes. But Jackson has secrets about his past that have reared their ugly head – with deadly consequences. The passionate, intelligent characters make it impossible to put this fast-paced book down. Luckily this is the first book in the Drake Family series – so more is coming.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diamond Dreams by Zuri Day - 4 stars

There is nothing like a flaming hot romance and Day delivers with this one. Diamond Drake is the marketing/public relations director for her families multi-million dollar wine dynasty. Diamond is in the middle of transforming a portion of the property into a high end day spa and resort. Enter construction millionaire, Jackson "Boss" Wright, sexy and the best in the field (in both love and work). The flames are sparking and in more ways then one but all that glitters isn't gold. Broken hearts, trust issues, attempted murder and family problems threaten to ruin their pending relationship and both businesses.

Day uses extraordinary details to transport the reader to Southern California. The love displayed between the characters seems real and promises to make you reach out to your family. The ending seemed a bit rushed but the mystery leading up to it was good and intense. This read was a great way to end a tough work week...passion, love and family bonds.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know I love a good romance series! Diamond Dreams is the first in a new series by Day featuring the Drakes of California. This one is set in the Napa Valley, wine country, as the Drakes own a vineyard there on land owned by one of their ancestors. Diamond is the only girl in her family and the marketing director for the vineyard and works hard to prove that she is just as good as her brothers and father. Jackson Wright is a contractor working on a new hotel on the Drake property and his initial meeting with Diamond is interesting as they are attracted to each other but neither is especially keen on mixing business with pleasure. That's a battle they eventually lose.

Although Diamond and Jackson get together early in the story, the real plot comes from the secrets to be revealed from his past and convincing her family that their relationship is real. This was a quick read and I wish there was a little more substance to the story, I look forward to reading others in the series.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid read, but I did feel like there was a little something missing that I just couldn't put my finger on. The storyline was good, but it just wasn't a page turner. I do have to say that the sex scenes were very high on my erotic meter, so that was definitely a plus for this book. Diamond and Jackson had good chemistry, but the love between them just came too quickly for me. The whole courtship spanned a few weeks, and it didn't seem like their love really developed in that time, more like they were saying I love you just to just to say it. I know this is Zuri Day's first kimani book, so the shortness is to be expected, but I would like kimani editors to not totally short change a very talented author. I do look forward to reading more of her other books, as I've been a fan of her previous books.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diamond is the consummate BAP (Black American Princess) in wine country California. She has been nursing a broken heart for some time after her ex-fiance refuse to set the date for their wedding but late she finds out that he is now married to her look-alike.

Jackson (Boss) is a man's man. He comes from a broken home early in his life but had it changed around completely by he uncle and aunt before their death. He meets the undeniable beauty that Diamond turns out to be and wants so much more.

That first kiss is so much more than either of them would have been willing to bet on. It only leads to them want more and most certainly getting in. No less while conducting a tour. One thing leads to this thing and then another. Before you know it they are making the sheet set fires of their own.

Day has delivered a scorcher of the vineyards.

[Deloris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a cute sexy story Diamond and Boss are a good start to whats going to be a wonderful series. The chemistry for this couple was Hot and heavy they did it in some daring places because they could not keep their hands off of each other. Diamond was a ride or die chick who happened to be a princess, she stuck by boss no matter what I liked that about her. The unconditional love Diamond had for Boss was great because they came from two different places,he was so afraid that she would look him differently if she knew how he grew up. Overall this is a very good story my only complaint is there just was not enough of it . I am looking forward to the next book of the series I know I will enjoy it also.

[D.lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!! I don't have a single complaint. Jackson had serious swagger and although Diamond initially gave the impression of being the spoiled little rich girl, she showed she could truly be a ride or die chick. She tried to resist Jackson, however he had other plan and wasn't having it. I loved the tight bond between the Drakes. Maybe because my family is similarly bonded. I liked the fact that there was none of that break up to make up nonsense that usually runs ramped in romance novels. It was a very refreshing and heartwarming read. I'm looking forward to the next installment. Kudos Ms. Day you did it again!

[Reshemah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can tell from the first book that this is going to be a very romantic and funny series. The chemistry between Diamond and Jackson was so hot. The thing I liked most about the book was the humor. I love a good love story that can make me laugh. I can not wait for the next book in the series. I think Donnavon Drake is going to have his hands full with Marissa and we get more humor from the rest of the Drake clan.

[Melissa Nicole Burnett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't think this was Zuri's best work. I've only read a couple of her books and they were way better then this one. I didn't really connect with the characters, particularly the main character, Diamond. The book was only 218 pages, it was a quick read, so for me it didn't leave enough time to truly develop the characters. It wasn't a terrible story I just wasn't in love with it. It was way too quick of a read for me, predictable and really nothing going on that interest me.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! The attraction between Diamond and Jackson, was explosive. Two strong will minds coming together and joining forces was awesome. Both having there own issues to face they still over came and found there way.

[Velicia Tillman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story do Diamond Drake and Jackson Wright was a good read. The setting of California was very familiar and enjoyed reading about areas I grew up in Los Angeles and San Diego. The background on the Wineries was very informational. A very realistic love story for 2012.

[Sistaharlem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I want to know where is a Jackson Wright in real life. This book was sexy, funny & yes romantic. The romance scenes were HOT! Cannot wait until the next book in the series to come out.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored Diamond's and Jackson's story. I love when either person tries to play hard to get when they know resisting is pointless. And when they give into the desire and passion, it makes me happy. I love to live through these books. I can't wait to read more about the other Drakes.

[Lakysha Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book One of the series

It was a good read, the intensity wasn't as heavy as Ms. Day can go. But the relationship of Jackson & Diamond was excellent. She showed him her strength & he fell in love with that. I'm ready for book two.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diamond Drake is a workaholic after she was burned by love. Jackson Wright is a construction millionaire who doesn't want to mix business with pleasure. The passion between them is sizzling, as they work together.

[Tonya Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diamond is a go getter and woman of her own despite her family and privilege. She finds a love that does not align with her life but takes the chance. Cannot wait to read her brother's stories!!!!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. It kept me interested. The attraction between Diamond and Jackson was amazing. All of us need a Boss in our lives!!!

[Chivon · Rating 3 out of 5]

classic love story, loved it.

[Lisa G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book from Zuri Day. This author writes great romance book.