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Elysium
Finding the greatest love requires taking the greatest risks...
When entrepreneur Vance Griffin sends a flirty private message to Travel Nurse Athena Wilcox, she's intrigued... but conflicted. Casual flirtation soon blossoms into late-night conversations that bring a yearning for more. Only months later, an enticing invitation sparks hope that the fantasy they've been creating could become reality.
Both know this is no casual fling, but can an online relationship translate to the real world?
At stake is a second chance for Vance and Athena to find love and the new life they deserve. What started with a flirty message could become a love that stands the test of time.
The emerald waters and white sands of Black Diamond will sweep you away with pulse-pounding romance, sensuality, and emotional depth as two lovers begin the second chapter of their lives while discovering what it means to wander together.
When entrepreneur Vance Griffin sends a flirty private message to Travel Nurse Athena Wilcox, she's intrigued... but conflicted. Casual flirtation soon blossoms into late-night conversations that bring a yearning for more. Only months later, an enticing invitation sparks hope that the fantasy they've been creating could become reality.
Both know this is no casual fling, but can an online relationship translate to the real world?
At stake is a second chance for Vance and Athena to find love and the new life they deserve. What started with a flirty message could become a love that stands the test of time.
The emerald waters and white sands of Black Diamond will sweep you away with pulse-pounding romance, sensuality, and emotional depth as two lovers begin the second chapter of their lives while discovering what it means to wander together.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2024
17 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
D.L. White
23 books393 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.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 17, 2023
I love mature love
So many times when I read about a late 40s early 50s couples, I rarely get the warm feelings as this experience. The story started with this snappy and extra sexy introduction with Vance Griffin, a Travel Advisor, and Athena Wilcox, a Nurse. My eyebrows wagged with interest with this super sexy plot. The couple lived in two different states, with him in Texas and her in cold-ass Minnesota… burrrrr. The idea for this mature, grown-folks relationship was magical. The fact that a good part of their relationship they resided in states miles apart,yet I could feel their connection in earnest. When Vance decided it was time to meet face to face, it ended up being a chest to chest, pelvis to pelvis meeting. Readers, that event was gloriously written. Real love vibes hit me solidly in the chest. And later, I laughed out loud at Vance and Athena’s fully grown children acting like toddlers over their parents being in a relationship.
Here’s what I liked about this story:
The mature couple behaved like grown-ups
The acts of Love between the couple gave off genuine vibes
The love scenes were sensually appealing
Vance and Athena communicated
The ancillary characters added more depth to the story- No page fillers were needed
The happy for now ending was appropriate for the storyline
I recommend this story 100%.
So many times when I read about a late 40s early 50s couples, I rarely get the warm feelings as this experience. The story started with this snappy and extra sexy introduction with Vance Griffin, a Travel Advisor, and Athena Wilcox, a Nurse. My eyebrows wagged with interest with this super sexy plot. The couple lived in two different states, with him in Texas and her in cold-ass Minnesota… burrrrr. The idea for this mature, grown-folks relationship was magical. The fact that a good part of their relationship they resided in states miles apart,yet I could feel their connection in earnest. When Vance decided it was time to meet face to face, it ended up being a chest to chest, pelvis to pelvis meeting. Readers, that event was gloriously written. Real love vibes hit me solidly in the chest. And later, I laughed out loud at Vance and Athena’s fully grown children acting like toddlers over their parents being in a relationship.
Here’s what I liked about this story:
The mature couple behaved like grown-ups
The acts of Love between the couple gave off genuine vibes
The love scenes were sensually appealing
Vance and Athena communicated
The ancillary characters added more depth to the story- No page fillers were needed
The happy for now ending was appropriate for the storyline
I recommend this story 100%.
October 19, 2024
The dialogue in this book is so good. I liked the middle aged couple and found their conflicts to be adult ones which I appreciated. Really good sex scenes. It’s a hair long.
January 21, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ This story is about Vance Griffin owner of his own travel company & Athena Wilcox a travel nurse & how they embark on a journey with one another in their late 40’s. This was such a beautifully written story about 2 real GROWN folks joining their lives together.!
“I like to be reminded that there’s hope, even in the darkest of times.”
“Indigo is about the love that people found for each other against the backdrop of enslavement.”
“I like to be reminded that there’s hope, even in the darkest of times.”
“Indigo is about the love that people found for each other against the backdrop of enslavement.”
September 19, 2023
Who knew you could find love in the DMs
Elysium was an enjoyable read from the very beginning, and I do mean that literally ;). Vance and Athena just seemed to fit in my eyes not only because of their mutual attraction but a mutual need to remind the other that it's okay to move on. To make decisions for you and your happiness. D.L. writes grown ups, staring directly at their second acts, extremely well. This one being set in my favorite fictional locale of Black Diamond Isles is a bonus. The dialogue is fun, flirty, and a constant reminder of how easy things come when you communicate and care to learn your partner (even if it is out of necessity). Then there is the sex. WARNING (as if she didn't give us enough of those lol), they have a lot of it. However, its written so well in the context of their pairing that it makes sense. Loved their overall dynamic and the ease in how comfortable they communicated and moved around each other. Elysium is a fun, fast-moving ride.
Elysium was an enjoyable read from the very beginning, and I do mean that literally ;). Vance and Athena just seemed to fit in my eyes not only because of their mutual attraction but a mutual need to remind the other that it's okay to move on. To make decisions for you and your happiness. D.L. writes grown ups, staring directly at their second acts, extremely well. This one being set in my favorite fictional locale of Black Diamond Isles is a bonus. The dialogue is fun, flirty, and a constant reminder of how easy things come when you communicate and care to learn your partner (even if it is out of necessity). Then there is the sex. WARNING (as if she didn't give us enough of those lol), they have a lot of it. However, its written so well in the context of their pairing that it makes sense. Loved their overall dynamic and the ease in how comfortable they communicated and moved around each other. Elysium is a fun, fast-moving ride.
September 5, 2023
Finished it in a few hours
I started this right after finishing Beach Thing. It was so cool to read about some grown (around-my-age grown) people with relatable body types that knew what they wanted and didn't spend half the book hemming and hawing. I loved Vance and Athena's chemistry and banter, and I was laughing at several points throughout... not just at them but at scenes with Athena and her coworkers, too. I was deeply engrossed. And soooo thrilled there wasn't some sudden third-act breakup to wander (suffer) through. I kinda wished we'd gotten to see Athena's meeting with Vance's daughter, or at least a recap. That's really the only thing I was missing.
I look forward to more Black Diamond stories.
I started this right after finishing Beach Thing. It was so cool to read about some grown (around-my-age grown) people with relatable body types that knew what they wanted and didn't spend half the book hemming and hawing. I loved Vance and Athena's chemistry and banter, and I was laughing at several points throughout... not just at them but at scenes with Athena and her coworkers, too. I was deeply engrossed. And soooo thrilled there wasn't some sudden third-act breakup to wander (suffer) through. I kinda wished we'd gotten to see Athena's meeting with Vance's daughter, or at least a recap. That's really the only thing I was missing.
I look forward to more Black Diamond stories.
Read
June 11, 2025Elysium is on sale for $.99 at most eBook retailers and my direct store. If you haven't met Vance & Athena, now is the PERFECT time. This one's for the (online) lovers!
July 2, 2025
Warning...the spice level is hot hot hot!!! Like...thigh clenching hot! So make sure you've got a fan and some good ole cold sweet tea! lol
I loved getting to know Athena and Vance. The first thing I loved is that this couple is my age! I'm not watching 2o somethings fall in love! They're good and grown and have lived some life. She's 46 and he often refers to being near 50...So that's already a plus! But their love story begins in an unconventional way...VIA DMS on Instagram of all places! In this digital age, we get lots of stuff thrown at us...and people DO get in the dms. But we don't always take it seriously.
Vance and Athena have some challenges to overcome to make their thing a go though. Distance...adult children...former lovers...mental aerobics...all of that! I hope they enjoy their paradise! I thoroughly enjoyed watching them pull it together.
I loved getting to know Athena and Vance. The first thing I loved is that this couple is my age! I'm not watching 2o somethings fall in love! They're good and grown and have lived some life. She's 46 and he often refers to being near 50...So that's already a plus! But their love story begins in an unconventional way...VIA DMS on Instagram of all places! In this digital age, we get lots of stuff thrown at us...and people DO get in the dms. But we don't always take it seriously.
Vance and Athena have some challenges to overcome to make their thing a go though. Distance...adult children...former lovers...mental aerobics...all of that! I hope they enjoy their paradise! I thoroughly enjoyed watching them pull it together.
September 23, 2023
He slid in her inbox. It worked. The long distance dating and face time sex is getting old. He wants her live and in person. She’s she’s hesitant. They are in love. So plans are made so the can finally meet in person for the very first time. It’s passionate, lustful, and makes them both happy. I’d you are looking for a grown and sexy read with two adults that have lived life and know what they want and make it happen read this book. Oh, they have lots of nasty sex, the good kind.
September 2, 2023
Vance and Athena met online and have been in a long distance, electronic relationship for nine months. Now Vance has to spend some time in a swanky new hotel on Black Diamond Island and wants to fly Athena out to be with him in person for the first time. But she hesitant. Will she give in?
Okay, so this was so stinking cute. Meeting people online can go badly so much of the time that we forget that it can also go well. This was a great reminder of that. Vance and Athena are too old to play games, and they know what they want. They are self-aware adults, parents trying their best, and single people who want love. And their relationship is so sweet and easy. They mesh well. They know when to push each other, and when to pull back. Vance applied the pressure in a great way. But was still understanding and patient. I loved seeing them deal with their children and stress the need to carve out some happiness for themselves. And they had real desire. Real heat. Passion that came with the joy of knowing each other and actually liking each other. I loved how open they were in that regard. This was a really great read.
Okay, so this was so stinking cute. Meeting people online can go badly so much of the time that we forget that it can also go well. This was a great reminder of that. Vance and Athena are too old to play games, and they know what they want. They are self-aware adults, parents trying their best, and single people who want love. And their relationship is so sweet and easy. They mesh well. They know when to push each other, and when to pull back. Vance applied the pressure in a great way. But was still understanding and patient. I loved seeing them deal with their children and stress the need to carve out some happiness for themselves. And they had real desire. Real heat. Passion that came with the joy of knowing each other and actually liking each other. I loved how open they were in that regard. This was a really great read.
September 7, 2023
This is book 2 in DL White’s Black Diamond Romance series. While tangentially related to Beach Thing, none of the characters crossover and they each stand alone and can be read in any order.
Whew was my iPad heating up with this one. I love that White wrote about two late-40s MCs in an erotic mix of online and in person romance. She – and they – held nothing back. Vance and Athena have been regularly talking (and more!) online for nearly a year. When Vance wants to meet in person, Athena is suddenly nervous.
It’s an interesting dynamic when Van has to switch from Skype lover to courting a previously-burned Thena. I enjoyed the look into a travel agent business and nursing as White shares their daily lives. Plus the reality of what it’s like to be parents of adult children facing their own struggle of coming to terms with their parents having a life outside of them. Thena & Van’s banter especially via texting was hilarious. An extravagant visit to Pearl Hotel & Resort on Black Diamond change will change both of their lives forever.
The ending/epilogue were lovely and I hope to “see” more of them in future books. Bonus thanks to White for the impetus to book a couple’s weekend with my husband.
Whew was my iPad heating up with this one. I love that White wrote about two late-40s MCs in an erotic mix of online and in person romance. She – and they – held nothing back. Vance and Athena have been regularly talking (and more!) online for nearly a year. When Vance wants to meet in person, Athena is suddenly nervous.
It’s an interesting dynamic when Van has to switch from Skype lover to courting a previously-burned Thena. I enjoyed the look into a travel agent business and nursing as White shares their daily lives. Plus the reality of what it’s like to be parents of adult children facing their own struggle of coming to terms with their parents having a life outside of them. Thena & Van’s banter especially via texting was hilarious. An extravagant visit to Pearl Hotel & Resort on Black Diamond change will change both of their lives forever.
The ending/epilogue were lovely and I hope to “see” more of them in future books. Bonus thanks to White for the impetus to book a couple’s weekend with my husband.
September 3, 2023
I'll admit I've been in a romance slump lately. Not lately . . . but for quite a while. I've been searching for a book that reminded me why I fell in love with this genre in the first place, and Elysium fit the bill. (Thank God!) It's that right balance between steam and plot line. Athena and Vance are characters I definitely rooted for and wanted to have their happy ending. They were two grown folks with their own complex histories and lives (divorces, meddling older children, successful careers) but not so heavy on trauma that reading about them was an emotional slog. They're good people and this was a REALLY good book. Highly recommend it to those seeking a steamy book about mature characters who are willing to take a chance on love.
June 20, 2024
Good thing the story turned out to be really good, because I almost DNF. I have read many books by this author and loved them, but ELYSIUM had way too many pages and way too many repetitious sex scenes. There was a really good story buried under all of that!
Travel entrepreneur, Vance Griffin and Travel Nurse, Athena Wilcox are a mature couple who decide to use ZOOM, to engage in some naughty fantasies. Needless to say, her grown son and his adult daughter are not happy with the relationship.
Although we get to see the confrontation between Vance and Athena's son, Darius, (and it's a doozy), we don't get to witness Vance's daughter expressing her objections. More story and less sex scenes would have made room for that!
September 17, 2023
First I have to say that I need Black Diamond to be a real place because I want to spend my summers there and have a second house at Potter Lake (if you know, you know).
This book comes right out the gate with the steamy love scene and I am here for every. Single. Bit. Of. It. Vance and Athena are both entering a new phase of their lives. Both divorced. Both are almost empty nesters. And both are looking for something to make their lives a little more complete.
This is a juicy, funny, steamy romance that had me swooning and longing for a beach vacation.
D.L. White is one of my favorite romance authors. She's neck and neck with Beverly Jenkins for me. Her books never disappoint!
This book comes right out the gate with the steamy love scene and I am here for every. Single. Bit. Of. It. Vance and Athena are both entering a new phase of their lives. Both divorced. Both are almost empty nesters. And both are looking for something to make their lives a little more complete.
This is a juicy, funny, steamy romance that had me swooning and longing for a beach vacation.
D.L. White is one of my favorite romance authors. She's neck and neck with Beverly Jenkins for me. Her books never disappoint!
June 25, 2024
This is one sexy romance! The book centers around Athena and Vance. A mature couple who meet online through DMs. What I like most about the book is that it explores the complexities and reservations individuals have in taking an online relationship to a face to face one. Since the couple is mature, the reader gets to experience the conflict this causes for adult children to see their parents in a relationship.
This is a great read for lovers of romance especially romance between individuals who are closer to middle age. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
This is a great read for lovers of romance especially romance between individuals who are closer to middle age. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 7, 2025
Love and Romance after 40
I really like this author's writing style and appreciate how steamy, thoughtful, and captivating the story is with seasoned characters. I definitely recommend
I really like this author's writing style and appreciate how steamy, thoughtful, and captivating the story is with seasoned characters. I definitely recommend
December 18, 2024
Romance but with middle aged lovers who are also concerned about their jobs and families. It's my lack of romance reading that made me think doom and gloom (oh no, now there will be a murder! Nope). Truly this went down easy like a margarita. Delightful!
April 16, 2025
I was rooting for Athena and Vance. The author made us care about them as individuals and as a couple. I liked the freedom and the familiarity they had with each other. We knew the end game, but the journey to get there was cute. And steamy. My only critics would be the absence of a scene between Athena and Vance's children. Especially since Darius got to meet and hate with Vance. I wonder how Kareema would have reacted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews