What do you think?
Rate this book
Beach Thing
Two worlds collide on Black Diamond Bay, when hip hop mogul Wade Marshall meets spirited island resident Ameenah Porter.
Wade flees the hustle of Brooklyn for the beach, seeking refuge to reignite his creative fire. Ameenah opens Tikis & Cream, her smoothie oasis and island dream. Their mutual longing ignites a sizzling romance neither bargained for.
What starts as a summer fling soon threatens to consume them. Wade must return to the city. Ameenah belongs to the island. Yet... every kiss pushes them to dare for more - to abandon plans, follow hearts, and seize what soon may vanish with the season.
Can two souls born of different worlds surrender to a love without borders, and claim what fate and the tides of Black Diamond Bay have joined?
Immerse yourself in the emerald waters and sugar white sands of Black Diamond, where a beach romances blossom, and summer love knows no end.
What happens on Black Diamond doesn't have to stay there.
Wade flees the hustle of Brooklyn for the beach, seeking refuge to reignite his creative fire. Ameenah opens Tikis & Cream, her smoothie oasis and island dream. Their mutual longing ignites a sizzling romance neither bargained for.
What starts as a summer fling soon threatens to consume them. Wade must return to the city. Ameenah belongs to the island. Yet... every kiss pushes them to dare for more - to abandon plans, follow hearts, and seize what soon may vanish with the season.
Can two souls born of different worlds surrender to a love without borders, and claim what fate and the tides of Black Diamond Bay have joined?
Immerse yourself in the emerald waters and sugar white sands of Black Diamond, where a beach romances blossom, and summer love knows no end.
What happens on Black Diamond doesn't have to stay there.
ebook
First published September 18, 2016
40 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
D.L. White
23 books394 followersDL White writes romance novels that celebrate Black love across multiple series, including the Ruby's Novels, Black Diamond Bay collection, and Potter Lake Small Town Romance. Her fifteen-plus titles offer rich, nuanced relationships that center Black characters. Through The Books by DL White Bookcast, she shares her current reads and writing updates. An Atlanta-based author and Executive Administrative Assistant, White finds inspiration from lakeshores to white sand beaches. When she's not writing, you'll find her chasing the perfect Sunday brunch or enjoying a great cup of coffee.
Browse, read, and buy her work at BooksByDLWhite.com.
Browse, read, and buy her work at BooksByDLWhite.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 23, 2022
I loved this! The great part about Wade and Ameenah agreeing that their summer fling was finite is that there was practically no angst for the majority of the book. They got to know each other, had a great time, adventurous dates, humor, and enjoyed amazing sex. Both are strong and driven, committed to their businesses, and complemented each other really well.
Things get tricky when they each realize it’s more than just a “Beach Fling” and aren’t sure how the other feels. A little parental drama on both sides. Then they come back together beautifully.
Cute little epilogue. This was the perfect Summer listen.
Narration:
Sharell Palmer was fantastic here. I like the way she distinguishes the chapters that are from Wade’s perspective in a slightly lower register. She does a good job with all the character voices & personalities. Wade & Meenah have a lot of banter that Palmer brought through as well. Easy listen.
Things get tricky when they each realize it’s more than just a “Beach Fling” and aren’t sure how the other feels. A little parental drama on both sides. Then they come back together beautifully.
Cute little epilogue. This was the perfect Summer listen.
Narration:
Sharell Palmer was fantastic here. I like the way she distinguishes the chapters that are from Wade’s perspective in a slightly lower register. She does a good job with all the character voices & personalities. Wade & Meenah have a lot of banter that Palmer brought through as well. Easy listen.
September 21, 2016
Who among us hasn’t dipped our toes in a friends with benefits situation only to find ourselves falling just a little bit for the person we swore was just a temporary thing, or as my friends and I called it in college, something to do. You know how it is. The summer comes upon us, the sun is out, days are longer and you’re feeling good about life. Finding someone to do the horizontal hokey pokey with on those warm summer nights is an added bonus. (I’m talking about single people. You married people need to go get your groove on with your spouse.) Summer flings are great, right? No long-term commitment, just three short months of bliss and then you go on your merry way and I go on mine. Or do I? Author D.L. White tackles this very topic in her latest, Beach Thing.
Ameenah Porter has left the mean streets of New York behind for a simpler life on Black Diamond Isles. Actually, life in New York wasn’t that mean. The daughter of well-respected restauranteurs, Ameenah has been groomed to take over the family business. However, she’d rather move to Black Diamond into the house her grandmother left her and start her own business on the board walk.
Wade Marshall is a super producer for one of the hottest rappers in the game, hopefully not one that insists on shouting his name out in every song he produces though. (I’m looking at your Diddy, DJ Khaled, Rodney Jerkins, etc. Y’all know who you are.) He’s come to Black Diamond to work on some beats while his most important artist, and best friend, Gage Coleman takes a vacation in Jamaica with his family. Wade has never been the long-term relationship man. He can barely tolerate women spending the night and keeps an arsenal of excuses on hand. But the day he bumps into Ameenah Porter coming out of Tikis & Cream, everything changes.
I’ve told you all repeatedly that I don’t do romance. Very few authors keep my interest because their story lines are so formulaic, but D. L. White creates great characters and give them even better story lines. Her character interactions feel authentic and not forced. Beach Thing is a perfect read for the beach or otherwise and I’d love to see more from the characters. I’ve already whined to the author about the possibility of a book two or three. Much like Farrah RochonFarrah Rochon makes me want to pick up and move to the small Louisiana towns in her A Forever Kind of LoveBayou Dreams series, D. L. White has me ready to pack my bags for Black Diamond Isles.
Ameenah Porter has left the mean streets of New York behind for a simpler life on Black Diamond Isles. Actually, life in New York wasn’t that mean. The daughter of well-respected restauranteurs, Ameenah has been groomed to take over the family business. However, she’d rather move to Black Diamond into the house her grandmother left her and start her own business on the board walk.
Wade Marshall is a super producer for one of the hottest rappers in the game, hopefully not one that insists on shouting his name out in every song he produces though. (I’m looking at your Diddy, DJ Khaled, Rodney Jerkins, etc. Y’all know who you are.) He’s come to Black Diamond to work on some beats while his most important artist, and best friend, Gage Coleman takes a vacation in Jamaica with his family. Wade has never been the long-term relationship man. He can barely tolerate women spending the night and keeps an arsenal of excuses on hand. But the day he bumps into Ameenah Porter coming out of Tikis & Cream, everything changes.
I’ve told you all repeatedly that I don’t do romance. Very few authors keep my interest because their story lines are so formulaic, but D. L. White creates great characters and give them even better story lines. Her character interactions feel authentic and not forced. Beach Thing is a perfect read for the beach or otherwise and I’d love to see more from the characters. I’ve already whined to the author about the possibility of a book two or three. Much like Farrah RochonFarrah Rochon makes me want to pick up and move to the small Louisiana towns in her A Forever Kind of LoveBayou Dreams series, D. L. White has me ready to pack my bags for Black Diamond Isles.
October 5, 2023
Wade & Ameenah - very sweet couple! Imagine, moving away from your family to pursue a dream, running into someone famous (literally), cursing them out, then falling in love with them! That is literally what happened, in that order! There was a decent amount of “di** seizing” & “standing up in it” going on too! This was a pretty good, sweet, decent book. This is my first book by this author & it was good, slow but good!
July 16, 2020
I really enjoyed Beach Thing! It's a romance for the grown an sexy. The chemistry between Ameenah and Wade was off he charts! I loved that there was no drama. Just two people starting out as friends with benefits then, falling in love with one another. The author gets straight to the point and doesn't drag out the small personal problems each character had. Sharell Palmer did a phenomenal job as the narrator. This was my first book by DL White and it did not disappoint. I look forward to reading more from her.
July 25, 2023
I love the concept of this story. A little sexy summer arrangement between 2 consenting adults. Wade and Ameenah had a beautiful thing going on. Even before they realized real feelings were involved. They had great, lighthearted fun conversations. Their connections in the bedroom were even better. I just love how the author manages to create the most lovable characters. They're sweet, funny, and make you want to root for them. Loved this book, though the ending felt somewhat incomplete to me.
4.8⭐️
4.8⭐️
October 5, 2019
I do love a good, HEA story with two charming characters. I liked both of the characters in this romance novel a lot. If someone is into drama, drama, drama, this book isn't for that person. It did have some drama, but it is more simple and sweet.
Wade and Ameenah had really good chemistry and I liked how they had a summer affair and most of those probably don't go much further; however, these two were able to take it to another level altogether. It made it more fun that I am currently in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, in a beach front room BUT I'm with my husband. LOL No affairs here! It did make it fun reading about them in the setting I am in though.
Cute, light, sweet romance, and I highly recommend it.
Wade and Ameenah had really good chemistry and I liked how they had a summer affair and most of those probably don't go much further; however, these two were able to take it to another level altogether. It made it more fun that I am currently in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, in a beach front room BUT I'm with my husband. LOL No affairs here! It did make it fun reading about them in the setting I am in though.
Cute, light, sweet romance, and I highly recommend it.
August 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this novella. It was so refreshing to read a love story without a lot of the usual trauma and drama I have read in romances in the past. I can’t wait to read DL White’s novels, including The Never List and The Gut Next door.
August 1, 2021
Nice beach listen
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Performance 3 out of 5 stars
Story 3 out of 5 stars
Two people destine for something different Both meet in a beach island you run in of not so pleasantries. A conversation an apology and smooth and a muffin or two three four later. Whet a beach thing between these two different yet the same people.
Sharell was a new voice for me. The story was relayed wi the some inflection and minor changes. The draw back was the many places that a phrase or two would repeat itself. After the fourth time happening. I just was ready for the audio to be over.
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Performance 3 out of 5 stars
Story 3 out of 5 stars
Two people destine for something different Both meet in a beach island you run in of not so pleasantries. A conversation an apology and smooth and a muffin or two three four later. Whet a beach thing between these two different yet the same people.
Sharell was a new voice for me. The story was relayed wi the some inflection and minor changes. The draw back was the many places that a phrase or two would repeat itself. After the fourth time happening. I just was ready for the audio to be over.
April 10, 2023
Really enjoyed this and actually listened on spotify. my first time listening to an entire book there and I was not disappointed. The storyline was a breath of fresh air. The characters were adorable. DL White is a funny, spicy author and I can't believe I'm so late to this party. The narrator was really good as well. Overall, I would definitely recommend this story.
June 19, 2024
Absolutely loved Wade & Ameenah together! Wade produced music for rapper Gage. Ameenah owns a juice bar on Black Diamond Island. Their developing relationship is fascinating to watch.
Too bad so many people are against it, mainly her parents and his client, and mainly for their own selfish reasons. Great story!
October 4, 2022
This book was so lovely and refreshing. Ameenah and Wade had an instant connection from the beginning and tried to hold to their agreement but sometimes its hard to let a good thing go :-)
September 18, 2016
Super fun, light read!
October 27, 2016
Super great semi-weekend read. Who doesn't want the live on a cozy island life living out your dreams. This is amazing I love how the father issue was done so cleanly on both sides. I really liked that the characters didn't have to give anything up friendship, jobs, family they all worked out...love that happy ending. Good read.
September 21, 2016
Refreshing
I so loved this. I was smiling through this whole book. I was so excited for them. I just wished that Wade could have really talked to his dad and that they worked on their relationship. A very great read.
I so loved this. I was smiling through this whole book. I was so excited for them. I just wished that Wade could have really talked to his dad and that they worked on their relationship. A very great read.
July 12, 2020
This story is so cute. The romantic talk is so well written that I found myself smiling and blushing, so I know the characters were. D.L. has done an excellent job (as usual) of creating a full story with characters that feel real. If you haven't read her other books, you really should.
July 1, 2024
I am the author of this contemporary, beachy black romance! I hope you enjoy reading it and if you did, you'll drop a good word here or/and at Amazon.com.
HAPPY READING!
HAPPY READING!
September 23, 2016
Nice Escape
This was an enjoyable read. I liked reading about Black Diamond Island and Ameenah and Wade turned their "beach thing" into a forever kinda thing.
This was an enjoyable read. I liked reading about Black Diamond Island and Ameenah and Wade turned their "beach thing" into a forever kinda thing.
March 20, 2024
I loved this novella! It’s a vacation fling on a small island. Ameenah and Wade were perfect together from start to finish. They knew what they were getting into, communicated really well. Even their period of giving each other space didn’t feel overworked or like the dreaded third act breakup. They felt natural, like their connection was light but rooted deep also. In a short story we experienced them going on dates, talking about life, their families. I loved it!
June 28, 2025
A cute beach romance. I love how Ameenah followed her dream. Wade found what he didn’t even know he was looking for. Their whirlwind romance is what summer dreams are made of! 🤭
September 4, 2023
Audio
First book by this author. It was free so I dove in. Cute, short and vacation vibe. Two people meet, have a supposed weeks fling and fall in love. Only angst involves parents but didn’t go too far. Glad I read.
First book by this author. It was free so I dove in. Cute, short and vacation vibe. Two people meet, have a supposed weeks fling and fall in love. Only angst involves parents but didn’t go too far. Glad I read.
April 21, 2020
This book gave me all the feelings and made me swoon. There wasn't a character I didn't like, well except for Drae and Ruben those good for nothing street rats.
Ameenah's parents have built a very successful restaurant chain with hopes that their daughter and son would take it over and run it. Ameenah's brother was down, but she wasn't. She had her own dreams that involved the house her grandmother willed to her in Black Diamond Isles and opening her own smoothie shop (she was a master creator of delicious drinks).
Her parents gave her the cold shoulder when she left for the island and opened the shop, but she was so happy--and busy--she didn't have time to wallow in hurt feelings.
One day after she closed up her shop, two very handsome men bump into her. In a typical rude New York way (sorry, but it is typical) she said "excuse you!" When the two men turned around, she slowly recognized them as a very famous rapper/producer duo.
She had no idea that one of them would become a steamy summer love affair. What ensues are warm romantic moments that literally made me swoon and sigh with happiness. There was even some drama mixed in between Ameenah and her parents, who tried to make her give up her dream (she wasn't having it) and between Wade (her homey, lover friend) and his no good, ex-convict father.
This book was just the right mix of heady love scenes with just a sprinkle of drama that had you like "oh NO you didn't!"
A delicious and delightful read that will have you feeling equal parts romantic --and hungry for some ice cream and one of Ameenah's tropical smoothies!
Ameenah's parents have built a very successful restaurant chain with hopes that their daughter and son would take it over and run it. Ameenah's brother was down, but she wasn't. She had her own dreams that involved the house her grandmother willed to her in Black Diamond Isles and opening her own smoothie shop (she was a master creator of delicious drinks).
Her parents gave her the cold shoulder when she left for the island and opened the shop, but she was so happy--and busy--she didn't have time to wallow in hurt feelings.
One day after she closed up her shop, two very handsome men bump into her. In a typical rude New York way (sorry, but it is typical) she said "excuse you!" When the two men turned around, she slowly recognized them as a very famous rapper/producer duo.
She had no idea that one of them would become a steamy summer love affair. What ensues are warm romantic moments that literally made me swoon and sigh with happiness. There was even some drama mixed in between Ameenah and her parents, who tried to make her give up her dream (she wasn't having it) and between Wade (her homey, lover friend) and his no good, ex-convict father.
This book was just the right mix of heady love scenes with just a sprinkle of drama that had you like "oh NO you didn't!"
A delicious and delightful read that will have you feeling equal parts romantic --and hungry for some ice cream and one of Ameenah's tropical smoothies!
September 21, 2016
Glorious Hips & Music Man -Stand Up In It!
Yes it was definitely a real nice beach thing.. When Ameenah moved to Black Diamond Isle, her plans were to open her new coffee/ juice bar and enjoy life outside the hustle and bustle of the city. When a visitor from said city came to stay at Black Diamond, also with the plans of rest, relaxation and making sweet music, things would rapidly change. What Wade did not expect was to feel a tug at his heart a few weeks into his stay. Wade and Ameenah decided to call it a Beach Thing. As love would have it, the thing happened, and neither of them were prepared to go for it. At this point in the story,the sex and the relationship was too good to give up, and why would they have to? Wade and Ameenah needed to decide if her glorious hips were enough to entice the music mogel to turn the beach thing into the Real Thing. Readers this story was all that and some. DL White stood up all the way in this novel.. She gripped our hips and hearts and pummeled this novel with just enough sexy to make a girl smile.. Pun intended... This is a 5+ Stars Read. I highly recommend this novel.
Yes it was definitely a real nice beach thing.. When Ameenah moved to Black Diamond Isle, her plans were to open her new coffee/ juice bar and enjoy life outside the hustle and bustle of the city. When a visitor from said city came to stay at Black Diamond, also with the plans of rest, relaxation and making sweet music, things would rapidly change. What Wade did not expect was to feel a tug at his heart a few weeks into his stay. Wade and Ameenah decided to call it a Beach Thing. As love would have it, the thing happened, and neither of them were prepared to go for it. At this point in the story,the sex and the relationship was too good to give up, and why would they have to? Wade and Ameenah needed to decide if her glorious hips were enough to entice the music mogel to turn the beach thing into the Real Thing. Readers this story was all that and some. DL White stood up all the way in this novel.. She gripped our hips and hearts and pummeled this novel with just enough sexy to make a girl smile.. Pun intended... This is a 5+ Stars Read. I highly recommend this novel.
September 19, 2016
Beach Thing starts out with Ameenah Porter moving to Black Diamond Isles to follow her dream of opening a smoothie shop called Tikis & Cream. This is a place that has sentimental memories for her and she feels that she is finally where she belongs.
Wade Marshall is visiting the small town to get his mind off of the things he can't get away from back home.When he literally runs into Ameenah he is taken by her and looks to get to know her. He begins to seek her out regularly to get her to agree to spend just a little time with him. It takes some work on his part, but with his good looks and charm, he finally wears her down and she agrees to see where their budding friendship will go.
I really enjoyed this story as Wade and Ameenah wrestle their way through their feelings while finding their way to each other. This is a quick, enjoyable and light read. Ameenah may be cooling people off with her cold smoothies, but when she and Wade come together, they heat up the pages with some steamy sex scenes.
Wade Marshall is visiting the small town to get his mind off of the things he can't get away from back home.When he literally runs into Ameenah he is taken by her and looks to get to know her. He begins to seek her out regularly to get her to agree to spend just a little time with him. It takes some work on his part, but with his good looks and charm, he finally wears her down and she agrees to see where their budding friendship will go.
I really enjoyed this story as Wade and Ameenah wrestle their way through their feelings while finding their way to each other. This is a quick, enjoyable and light read. Ameenah may be cooling people off with her cold smoothies, but when she and Wade come together, they heat up the pages with some steamy sex scenes.
September 23, 2016
Fantastic Read
I've been patiently waiting for DL to release a new book and I was not disappointed with Beach Thing. Ameenah and Wade drew me in from the beginning and I fell in love with them. That's what a great story is all about, connecting with the characters. It was great to see their beach thing turn into a forever thing. I hated that the story had to come to an end.
I'm looking forward to seeing what DL has in store next.
I've been patiently waiting for DL to release a new book and I was not disappointed with Beach Thing. Ameenah and Wade drew me in from the beginning and I fell in love with them. That's what a great story is all about, connecting with the characters. It was great to see their beach thing turn into a forever thing. I hated that the story had to come to an end.
I'm looking forward to seeing what DL has in store next.
October 3, 2016
Unexpected Love In The Sand
I really enjoyed this book. Wade and Ameenah were a perfect example of how a summer fling could tern into something more. Their chemistry was great and I liked their light and easy banter between each other.
I really enjoyed this book. Wade and Ameenah were a perfect example of how a summer fling could tern into something more. Their chemistry was great and I liked their light and easy banter between each other.
September 25, 2016
Loves
One of those books you want to read again and again. I really loved the dialogue and the effortless love between Meenah and Wade.
One of those books you want to read again and again. I really loved the dialogue and the effortless love between Meenah and Wade.
September 26, 2016
Great story!
Loved it! I'm a fan and felt like I was in the story! Ameenah and Wade were so true to life....did I say Great Story? Couldn't put it down...want more!
Loved it! I'm a fan and felt like I was in the story! Ameenah and Wade were so true to life....did I say Great Story? Couldn't put it down...want more!
September 30, 2016
I loved this. Sexy, fun, smart, with characters that leap off the page. This is exactly the sort of book that takes you away from your own life into a fun, romantic fantasy. Well deserved 5 stars !!!
December 31, 2021
I love reading books that make me feel good and take me out of my seasonal depression!
I’m do glad I picked this book which is just what I needed now that it is starting to get cold where I live.
I really enjoyed every aspect of the book. Everything flows so naturally between the characters and there is no unnecessary drama in this love story. It felt very much like something that could happen in real life and as much as I love angsty romance, I loved that this one was just about two grownups finding each other and finding a way to be together despite their everyday life and career.
I liked how the author used Black experiences (the good and the bad) without it being problematic but more like experiences that shape human beings.
I really wish this book was translated in French to give my reader friends another more positive view if Black people making it in the US. It could be a fresh way to present Black Americans and their experience which is not focused on violence and trauma but rather on success and fulfillment.
And a very special shoutout to the narrator who did enhance my experience by infusing her narration with tones and voice influxes that just made it as though I was watching real people interact.
I’m do glad I picked this book which is just what I needed now that it is starting to get cold where I live.
I really enjoyed every aspect of the book. Everything flows so naturally between the characters and there is no unnecessary drama in this love story. It felt very much like something that could happen in real life and as much as I love angsty romance, I loved that this one was just about two grownups finding each other and finding a way to be together despite their everyday life and career.
I liked how the author used Black experiences (the good and the bad) without it being problematic but more like experiences that shape human beings.
I really wish this book was translated in French to give my reader friends another more positive view if Black people making it in the US. It could be a fresh way to present Black Americans and their experience which is not focused on violence and trauma but rather on success and fulfillment.
And a very special shoutout to the narrator who did enhance my experience by infusing her narration with tones and voice influxes that just made it as though I was watching real people interact.
October 7, 2019
Wade and Ameenah are having a summer fling with each other. The relationship felt casual as first with the two. It felt like two consenting adults having a casual affair with each other. It was just suppose to be temporary no string attach but casual flings can lead to long term relationships. For these two does this happen or does the fizzle go away when summer ends since it was meant to be a beach thing summer type of thing not a serious relationship type of thing. I am ready to go to the beach and have my own summer fling ha ha. I like how this story flowed and how the characters think that having fun with no strings attached is easy to walk away from. What is it about sex that makes us go into direction that our brain tells us we are not going but then the heart leads us into a world we least expect. It is a good read and fast paced.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews