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Hidden Gem #5
Diamonds Are Forever
It’s been three years since Gemma Hunter walked away from Queen Bee and her infamous relationship with Tyler Chase. Now a twenty-two year old in the world’s fashion capital of Manhattan, Gemma is on the verge of a burgeoning career in haute couture. Old and new friends zip in and out of her busy life with her best friend Zoe as a loyal client and Leah as a vital employee of Gemma’s new fashion house. And for once, everything is truly within her own control.
With the SoHo launch of her line’s flagship store just around the corner, boys are the last thing on Gemma’s mind – that is until she learns that Damian plans to sign with the New York Knicks and that Tyler has been spotted house-hunting on the east coast. There’s no question that it would be a matter of time before she’d run into one of them and if they can’t stay out of sight, they certainly won’t be out of mind.
With the SoHo launch of her line’s flagship store just around the corner, boys are the last thing on Gemma’s mind – that is until she learns that Damian plans to sign with the New York Knicks and that Tyler has been spotted house-hunting on the east coast. There’s no question that it would be a matter of time before she’d run into one of them and if they can’t stay out of sight, they certainly won’t be out of mind.
Unknown Binding
First published October 17, 2013
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About the author
India Lee
19 books268 followersIndia Lee is an author of young adult and women’s fiction themed in the world of media and entertainment. She is a lover of fashion, entertainment, shoes, good food, coffee, jetsetting, mild debauchery, and dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 20, 2013
If I could travel back in time, I would warn myself that this book is nothing like the first four books. I'd tell the slightly younger me to read this book as if it were a stand alone book and had nothing to do with the first four books in the series.
And that's the exact advice I've been preaching to myself since I finished reading this book.
WARNING! THERE WILL BE SPOILERS AHEAD SO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Let me do a quick Q&A session...
Q: Was this book well written?
A: Of course. The story line was eventful and interesting just like all of India's other works. She cannot write a bad or boring book. It's just impossible.
Q: Did you enjoy this book?
A: As a stand alone book, yes, I did enjoy it. As a huge fan of Queen Bee and Tyler Chase and all that happened in the previous four books, no, I did not enjoy it.
Q: Why did you rate the book four stars if you did not enjoy it?
A: It deserved four stars for being a good book. There was nothing inherently wrong with it. It had everything a good book should have. Just because things did not go the way I wanted does not mean I'm allowed to give it one star just because my fantasies were ruined. The rating I gave was based on merit; I kept my bias out of it.
Q: What didn't you like about this book?
A: That's a broad question that takes a bit of an explanation to answer. I spent the first four books of this series invested in the world of Gemma Hunter/Queen Bee. Bee ruled over all, no matter what drama and scandals followed her. Her singing career was what drove the books, in my opinion.
But in this book her singing career is over. Officially over. Now, maybe that was clear to all the other readers at the end of the last book, but I somehow assumed that one day Gemma/Bee would return to her music career and sing the pants off the world 'cause she has mad vocals and stage presence.
And that didn't happen.
We open the book to find ourselves three years in the future. Gemma is no longer a singer, but now a designer. And that's all she is for the rest of the book...a designer.
I know, I know. Gemma had been designing her outfits for Queen Bee for years. She already had shown a talent in fashion so why not have her develop her designer skills into something more tangible?
Because she's QUEEN BEE!!!!!! That's why!!!
I know that people grow up and change and find new things. They get new jobs and meet new people, but come on! This is Queen Bee we are talking about here!!! She should never be thrown away so easily! It's like Gemma truly didn't care about music or singing anymore! What's that all about?!
So yeah, point one for why I didn't like the book: Queen Bee is total history.
Point two for why I didn't like the book: Tyler Chase is totally out of the picture.
I mean, like gone so far from Gemma's mind it's like she never cared about him or loved him at all. And visa versa.
Do we see Tyler in this book? Yes. He wasn't completely tossed aside. But the first time we see him we find out he has a fiance...what?!...AND Gemma barely even gives him a second glance. She's like, "Oh, that's Tyler Chase. Okay then."
Tyler is completely in love with this other girl, Sophie, the entire book. They get married and everything. Totally broke my heart.
I loved Tyler for four books. Four whole stinkin' books!!!!! So why can't Tyler and Gemma end up together to make me happy????
I just don't get it. I never cared about Damian. And suddenly he's all Gemma ever thinks about in this book. Damian, Damian, Damian. That's all I hear from Gemma in this book and it KILLS!!!! I still don't understand. Why couldn't it be Tyler???!!!!! It was supposed to be Tyler I tell you! Arg!
Q: Did Lucas make an appearance in this book?
A: Yes he did. I wondered if I'd ever see that bloke again. He just dropped out of the books completely and I never knew if we'd see him again. But we got to in this book. I didn't really care to see him (I was always rooting for Tyler so I never really cared about Lucas), but it was nice to get to see him once more before the close of the series.
-----
Okay, I'm gonna cut away from the Q&A session now so I can just express my opinions in a nice and jumbled mess.
This book was really good if I just think about Gemma and Damian and their lives as completely separate from the first four books. I think their story is cute and sweet, and the book has good drama between the pressures of their jobs and their rocky relationship.
BUT...
I am truly saddened by the end of the story when I think of it as being the last of this five book series. I don't like the direction that the story took and I refuse to accept it.
Which is why I've decided to rely on my fantasies. For me, this book is some weird alternate ending to Gemma's story that does not exist and is totally FALSE!
The REAL story ends completely differently. Let me tell you what really happened...
Tyler and Gemma end up together. They are totally in love and end up getting married and being the cutest and most powerful couple in the world!
AND they are both deeply involved in their music careers, but they do shows together and travel together, so there's nothing getting in the way of their relationship. They even write songs together and sing duets sometimes and it's the best thing ever!!
Gemma still goes by Queen Bee for her shows and she knows how to give a wicked performance. And Tyler gave up acting after the horrific events in the last book because he realized he was only meant to sing with his beautiful voice!
Oh, and Damian is out of the picture, in love with some other girl. He has no feelings for Gemma and she harbors no feelings for him. Tyler is her one true love and they live happily ever after.
THE END!
And that's the exact advice I've been preaching to myself since I finished reading this book.
WARNING! THERE WILL BE SPOILERS AHEAD SO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Let me do a quick Q&A session...
Q: Was this book well written?
A: Of course. The story line was eventful and interesting just like all of India's other works. She cannot write a bad or boring book. It's just impossible.
Q: Did you enjoy this book?
A: As a stand alone book, yes, I did enjoy it. As a huge fan of Queen Bee and Tyler Chase and all that happened in the previous four books, no, I did not enjoy it.
Q: Why did you rate the book four stars if you did not enjoy it?
A: It deserved four stars for being a good book. There was nothing inherently wrong with it. It had everything a good book should have. Just because things did not go the way I wanted does not mean I'm allowed to give it one star just because my fantasies were ruined. The rating I gave was based on merit; I kept my bias out of it.
Q: What didn't you like about this book?
A: That's a broad question that takes a bit of an explanation to answer. I spent the first four books of this series invested in the world of Gemma Hunter/Queen Bee. Bee ruled over all, no matter what drama and scandals followed her. Her singing career was what drove the books, in my opinion.
But in this book her singing career is over. Officially over. Now, maybe that was clear to all the other readers at the end of the last book, but I somehow assumed that one day Gemma/Bee would return to her music career and sing the pants off the world 'cause she has mad vocals and stage presence.
And that didn't happen.
We open the book to find ourselves three years in the future. Gemma is no longer a singer, but now a designer. And that's all she is for the rest of the book...a designer.
I know, I know. Gemma had been designing her outfits for Queen Bee for years. She already had shown a talent in fashion so why not have her develop her designer skills into something more tangible?
Because she's QUEEN BEE!!!!!! That's why!!!
I know that people grow up and change and find new things. They get new jobs and meet new people, but come on! This is Queen Bee we are talking about here!!! She should never be thrown away so easily! It's like Gemma truly didn't care about music or singing anymore! What's that all about?!
So yeah, point one for why I didn't like the book: Queen Bee is total history.
Point two for why I didn't like the book: Tyler Chase is totally out of the picture.
I mean, like gone so far from Gemma's mind it's like she never cared about him or loved him at all. And visa versa.
Do we see Tyler in this book? Yes. He wasn't completely tossed aside. But the first time we see him we find out he has a fiance...what?!...AND Gemma barely even gives him a second glance. She's like, "Oh, that's Tyler Chase. Okay then."
Tyler is completely in love with this other girl, Sophie, the entire book. They get married and everything. Totally broke my heart.
I loved Tyler for four books. Four whole stinkin' books!!!!! So why can't Tyler and Gemma end up together to make me happy????
I just don't get it. I never cared about Damian. And suddenly he's all Gemma ever thinks about in this book. Damian, Damian, Damian. That's all I hear from Gemma in this book and it KILLS!!!! I still don't understand. Why couldn't it be Tyler???!!!!! It was supposed to be Tyler I tell you! Arg!
Q: Did Lucas make an appearance in this book?
A: Yes he did. I wondered if I'd ever see that bloke again. He just dropped out of the books completely and I never knew if we'd see him again. But we got to in this book. I didn't really care to see him (I was always rooting for Tyler so I never really cared about Lucas), but it was nice to get to see him once more before the close of the series.
-----
Okay, I'm gonna cut away from the Q&A session now so I can just express my opinions in a nice and jumbled mess.
This book was really good if I just think about Gemma and Damian and their lives as completely separate from the first four books. I think their story is cute and sweet, and the book has good drama between the pressures of their jobs and their rocky relationship.
BUT...
I am truly saddened by the end of the story when I think of it as being the last of this five book series. I don't like the direction that the story took and I refuse to accept it.
Which is why I've decided to rely on my fantasies. For me, this book is some weird alternate ending to Gemma's story that does not exist and is totally FALSE!
The REAL story ends completely differently. Let me tell you what really happened...
Tyler and Gemma end up together. They are totally in love and end up getting married and being the cutest and most powerful couple in the world!
AND they are both deeply involved in their music careers, but they do shows together and travel together, so there's nothing getting in the way of their relationship. They even write songs together and sing duets sometimes and it's the best thing ever!!
Gemma still goes by Queen Bee for her shows and she knows how to give a wicked performance. And Tyler gave up acting after the horrific events in the last book because he realized he was only meant to sing with his beautiful voice!
Oh, and Damian is out of the picture, in love with some other girl. He has no feelings for Gemma and she harbors no feelings for him. Tyler is her one true love and they live happily ever after.
THE END!
January 27, 2016
Yes! I have been waiting for this development since Book 1! I am so freaking happy but also so sad because it's all over. I am going to miss Damian, Zoe, Gavin most of all. I really think India Lee could give us one more book in the series. Pretty please! But with a little less angst because this one was killer. And with a dual PoV - I agree that the story would have greatly benefited from insight into what a certain someone was thinking. That said, I still loved this final (please not FINAL) installment.
October 25, 2013
**You should definitely read the six shorts that go with this novel, so you know where are all of the characters are at in their lives!
I was really anticipating this novel, and it didn't disappoint! I wanted to give it 5 stars, but i just felt that since so much of the plot line was about Damian's behavior that it would have been better if we got to see his POV as well. I liked seeing Gemma really dissect her feeling and grow up a bit, and I loved seeing most of the characters come back! Also, the ending was what I wanted since book one, so I am a very happy reader!
I was really anticipating this novel, and it didn't disappoint! I wanted to give it 5 stars, but i just felt that since so much of the plot line was about Damian's behavior that it would have been better if we got to see his POV as well. I liked seeing Gemma really dissect her feeling and grow up a bit, and I loved seeing most of the characters come back! Also, the ending was what I wanted since book one, so I am a very happy reader!
December 20, 2020
This final book of the series was hard work, but in a good way. It's a ridiculously long time since I read the previous four, back-to-back, but I soon got back into it even if I couldn't quite remember all the characters and incidents.
I really enjoyed this final installment - in that uncomfortable, gut-churning, butterfly-infested, will-they-won't-they way - but would have killed for just one more closing scene. Ah well, I guess I can't have everything...
I really enjoyed this final installment - in that uncomfortable, gut-churning, butterfly-infested, will-they-won't-they way - but would have killed for just one more closing scene. Ah well, I guess I can't have everything...
December 19, 2019
I really enjoyed this series. It was definitely "comfort reading".
November 25, 2017
Warning some spoilers ahead
Finally! After a year of waiting we get to read the final book of the Hidden Gem Series! Although I loved the book (because I am such a huge fan) I wish we got more of Damien and Gemma in a happy relationship...most of the book was them trying to figure out how to move past the friendship and into a relationship....and then they finally are together and they break up....besides that I loved the story!
It was well written and definitely turn out the way I wanted it too....Team Damien since Book one...sorry Lucas, which by the way makes an appearance!!! I thought we wouldn't see him anymore
"I could have married you any day since knowing you, and I wouldn’t have had a single ounce of regret over it. I loved you from the second I laid eyes on you, Gemma, and I’ve loved you more with every day that’s gone by. Whether you were near me or two thousand miles away. It didn’t matter because I always felt like you were close.” He laughed quietly. “Which is good because ever since meeting you, I’ve needed you somewhere in my day – in my thoughts or my dreams or actually with me. You’ve always fueled me.”
Swoon loved Damien ❤️
However Ms. India Lee if I could suggest I would love to get more of Damien...for example I want to know what was going through his head durning the break-up...I would like to understand how he could just leave Gemma after they had sex for the first time....it was a real dick move and that's not Damien at all. Which is why I ask for his side of the story maybe a book in his POV??? Like his short story (which I loved by the way) Pretty please ;)
So in the end I rate this book 4 stars because it did not disappoint
Thank you India Lee for the wonderful journey
Finally! After a year of waiting we get to read the final book of the Hidden Gem Series! Although I loved the book (because I am such a huge fan) I wish we got more of Damien and Gemma in a happy relationship...most of the book was them trying to figure out how to move past the friendship and into a relationship....and then they finally are together and they break up....besides that I loved the story!
It was well written and definitely turn out the way I wanted it too....Team Damien since Book one...sorry Lucas, which by the way makes an appearance!!! I thought we wouldn't see him anymore
"I could have married you any day since knowing you, and I wouldn’t have had a single ounce of regret over it. I loved you from the second I laid eyes on you, Gemma, and I’ve loved you more with every day that’s gone by. Whether you were near me or two thousand miles away. It didn’t matter because I always felt like you were close.” He laughed quietly. “Which is good because ever since meeting you, I’ve needed you somewhere in my day – in my thoughts or my dreams or actually with me. You’ve always fueled me.”
Swoon loved Damien ❤️
However Ms. India Lee if I could suggest I would love to get more of Damien...for example I want to know what was going through his head durning the break-up...I would like to understand how he could just leave Gemma after they had sex for the first time....it was a real dick move and that's not Damien at all. Which is why I ask for his side of the story maybe a book in his POV??? Like his short story (which I loved by the way) Pretty please ;)
So in the end I rate this book 4 stars because it did not disappoint
Thank you India Lee for the wonderful journey
October 30, 2013
Slight spoilers ahead!
So first off - Finally! Gosh, I feel like I've been waiting for this coupledom since book 2. While it's true we had to wait for it, I can see Gemma needed to go through the relationships she had to be ready for this one. Two problems I had. One - with so much of this being about Damian, it would've been nice to get his POV here and there. Two - I feel like I wish I could have gotten to see more of them together. We sort of hear about it through one of the magazine posts at the end but I don't know, after waiting for so long I wanted more.
But - this was a great read. I absolutely love this series and I loved seeing Gemma grow up. I'm really glad it was suggested that I read the shorts about each character before reading this book because it really lent to some of the changes in their lives - really the only one I probably could've done without was Harpers. But I feel like Tyler's short especially was important.
Anyhoo, I'll miss the gang but I'm glad I was introduced to this author, she hasn't disappointed yet!
So first off - Finally! Gosh, I feel like I've been waiting for this coupledom since book 2. While it's true we had to wait for it, I can see Gemma needed to go through the relationships she had to be ready for this one. Two problems I had. One - with so much of this being about Damian, it would've been nice to get his POV here and there. Two - I feel like I wish I could have gotten to see more of them together. We sort of hear about it through one of the magazine posts at the end but I don't know, after waiting for so long I wanted more.
But - this was a great read. I absolutely love this series and I loved seeing Gemma grow up. I'm really glad it was suggested that I read the shorts about each character before reading this book because it really lent to some of the changes in their lives - really the only one I probably could've done without was Harpers. But I feel like Tyler's short especially was important.
Anyhoo, I'll miss the gang but I'm glad I was introduced to this author, she hasn't disappointed yet!
March 18, 2020
So this is it - the end of the Hidden Gem series. I bought Diamonds are Forever as soon as it was released but tried to stop myself from starting it, for the simple reason once I started it, i wouldn't be able to stop and then it would all be over.
There'd be no more Gemma. No more Zoe. And most importantly, no more Damien.
But all good things must come to an end, and what a perfect ending. This book shows Gemma still adjusting to a new life, a new identity, trying to separate herself from her former persona of Queen Bee without forgetting her past. Gemma is all grown up now and she's changed a lot from the shy girl from the beginning of the series.
This book, and this series, has been a pleasure to read. Diamonds are Forever is a fantastic ending, ties up all the loose ends and there's an awful lot of Damien so I've happy very happy with it. So thank you, India Lee, for the Hidden Gem series.
There'd be no more Gemma. No more Zoe. And most importantly, no more Damien.
But all good things must come to an end, and what a perfect ending. This book shows Gemma still adjusting to a new life, a new identity, trying to separate herself from her former persona of Queen Bee without forgetting her past. Gemma is all grown up now and she's changed a lot from the shy girl from the beginning of the series.
This book, and this series, has been a pleasure to read. Diamonds are Forever is a fantastic ending, ties up all the loose ends and there's an awful lot of Damien so I've happy very happy with it. So thank you, India Lee, for the Hidden Gem series.
August 28, 2014
I really enjoyed this! It was a while between books for me, so it took a little while to get used to this story again, but once I did I was completely enthralled by Gemma and Damian. I just adore them. I still had plenty of love for Tyler but I actually like how his storyline wrapped up. As usual the blog posts added a lot of interest to the story. It made you feel like you're following a real celebrity couple and reading about them in the tabloids. There was plenty of angst in this book, as it was to be expected, and heaps of sweet moments. I almost didn't think I'd get a resolution until the very end. Love Gemma, love Damien,love Tyler, love Zoe, just loved this who series.
January 8, 2014
I really really liked this series, but this last book just fell apart. Bee is not as interesting when she's a fashion designer instead of a pop star. I loved reading about her exploits, her trials and tribulations while dealing with her fame, and her screwy love life.
Unfortunately, this book bored me so badly that I just gave up on it. I used to have this NEED to finish any book I started, and I'm glad I gave that up because I ended up wasting my time slogging through books that made me miserable. Bee was boring, her love interest is boring, their romance is boring....
I couldn't finish it, sorry. :(
Unfortunately, this book bored me so badly that I just gave up on it. I used to have this NEED to finish any book I started, and I'm glad I gave that up because I ended up wasting my time slogging through books that made me miserable. Bee was boring, her love interest is boring, their romance is boring....
I couldn't finish it, sorry. :(
October 22, 2013
I'm so so so happy with how this ended and that they are completely together finally. just for others you have to read the short stories to understand half of it!!!!!! but I was happy that everyone was reunited in this book was the best. :)
February 10, 2017
So I've just re-read this whole series and I'm so heartbroken that's it's wrapped up. Can we have another book please??!!!! I just want to see more of Damian & Gemmas HEA.. *sigh* I love them so much.. And this series too. I need more..waaaaahhh :'(
November 22, 2014
Absolutely loved this book. My favourite out of the whole series and I really did not want this book to end. I loved that Damien had a different dimension to him and that Gemma was challenged as a character. Really sad that this is the last in the series.
October 22, 2013
Love the cheesy story lines, just wish someone edited these books before publishing them. A little sloppy.
October 19, 2013
Wow what a journey! So much pain between the main characters but its all wort it in the end. Plssss India can i request that you write an epilogue?? Thanks in advance! :-)
January 29, 2014
Yay! I was so happy that Gemma and Damian found each other. I think that was my biggest issue with the whole series, because I felt like Gemma was always using Damian in some way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2013
When is the realise date for this as I need it now
December 9, 2013
Loved the end of this series with all of heart. I am so happy at how each characters story ended.
January 21, 2014
I hope there's another one..........soon!
June 16, 2015
Awesome book
Wow such a good book you have to read this book. Gemma and Damian got married! Omg it was awesome.
Wow such a good book you have to read this book. Gemma and Damian got married! Omg it was awesome.
May 9, 2018
Good
This was a good conclusion to an exciting series. I would totally recommend it for a fun read. I'm glad this ended well.
This was a good conclusion to an exciting series. I would totally recommend it for a fun read. I'm glad this ended well.
April 26, 2016
AMAZING
This was a great ending to an amazing series. I am looking forward to reading more from this author! :-)
This was a great ending to an amazing series. I am looking forward to reading more from this author! :-)
May 27, 2017
Loved it
I loved this book. It summed up every loose end in the series and had a great ending. I want to say to India Lee good job with the series!!
I loved this book. It summed up every loose end in the series and had a great ending. I want to say to India Lee good job with the series!!
April 14, 2017
Kind of anticlimatic
But love and relationships mostly, growing up vs/and growing apart vs/and growing up together
But love and relationships mostly, growing up vs/and growing apart vs/and growing up together
September 10, 2016
I great ending wanted a little more but you know... that's life!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews