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Rough Diamonds
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 26, 2026
4🌟 | 2.5🌶️
A badass FMC, dangerous men, and a whole lot of secrets? Yeah, I was sold.
Evie was such a fun character to follow. She’s tough, mouthy, smart, and has absolutely no problem standing up for herself, which made her so easy to root for. I especially liked seeing how her past shaped the way she handled everything thrown at her.
The multiple POVs worked really well for me because they gave little pieces of the bigger picture without giving everything away. There was a lot going on, and while the timeline shifts made me stop and think a couple of times, I was still flying through the chapters because I needed to know what was actually happening. The tension and complicated dynamics kept me invested the whole way through.
And that ending? I definitely did not see that coming. I had a few theories about where things were heading, but clearly I needed to think bigger.
This was a quick, easy, addictive read that kept me entertained from start to finish, and I’m very curious to see what comes next.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Melissa Raylene and The Author Agency for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
A badass FMC, dangerous men, and a whole lot of secrets? Yeah, I was sold.
Evie was such a fun character to follow. She’s tough, mouthy, smart, and has absolutely no problem standing up for herself, which made her so easy to root for. I especially liked seeing how her past shaped the way she handled everything thrown at her.
The multiple POVs worked really well for me because they gave little pieces of the bigger picture without giving everything away. There was a lot going on, and while the timeline shifts made me stop and think a couple of times, I was still flying through the chapters because I needed to know what was actually happening. The tension and complicated dynamics kept me invested the whole way through.
And that ending? I definitely did not see that coming. I had a few theories about where things were heading, but clearly I needed to think bigger.
This was a quick, easy, addictive read that kept me entertained from start to finish, and I’m very curious to see what comes next.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Melissa Raylene and The Author Agency for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
September 26, 2026
I had the pleasure if receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. Melissa you did it again!! I completely devoured this story! Evie is a strong FMC and a bad a$$! Absolutely loved her!! The ending though 😢…
“Evie
What did you expect to find? My rough edges were carved by survival and sharp enough to cut through anyone who underestimated me. I was like a rough diamond; untamed, unbreakable, and dangerous in all the right ways. And one thing was certain, no one was going destroy me before I destroyed them first.
The Demon Boys
The city belongs to us. We rule the streets, know all the secrets, and control everyone who matters. We’re the Demon Boys. We don’t make empty threats. If you cross one of us, then you cross all five of us. In our world, loyalty is everything, obedience is expected, and betrayal could find you six feet under.”
“Evie
What did you expect to find? My rough edges were carved by survival and sharp enough to cut through anyone who underestimated me. I was like a rough diamond; untamed, unbreakable, and dangerous in all the right ways. And one thing was certain, no one was going destroy me before I destroyed them first.
The Demon Boys
The city belongs to us. We rule the streets, know all the secrets, and control everyone who matters. We’re the Demon Boys. We don’t make empty threats. If you cross one of us, then you cross all five of us. In our world, loyalty is everything, obedience is expected, and betrayal could find you six feet under.”
September 28, 2026
Told in multiple POVs this story follows Evie & her “Demon boys”. All she wants for her little sister is to have a better life than she did. Evie is an absolute baddie of an FMC. Getting the multiple POVs really gives you a sense of exactly what each character is feeling which I loved because each of the guys is so different. It was hard reading what Evie experienced when she was younger but it gave you an appreciation of what she is doing now and why she is the way she is. I only wish the book was longer because I was left with some questions but from that ending I have a feeling we are going to see more of these characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Melissa Raylene for the opportunity to read your advanced copy of your book!
"It’s so hard trying to pretend that I’m some wilted flower, when in reality I’m more like the black widow, silently waiting to make her move."
What did you really think you'd find? Enlighten me... Go on. My jagged edges are molded into piercing sharp diamonds that'll obliterate anyone who crosses and underestimates me. I was like a rough diamond, untamed, unbreakable, and dangerous in the best ways possible. You think you're going to destroy me first? Guess again big boy, I'll destroy you before you even make the first move. Try me, I'm not one to be wreckoned with. But then there's The Demon Boys, ruler of the city and streets, it belongs to them. They control everyone who matters, if you mess with one then you're messing with all five. In the darkened world, they know all the secrets every last one. Loyalty and obedience are expected and mean everything. Betrayal, well... depending on the circumstances you could land your ass six feet under.
I read this in two hours! Worth the binge read? Absolutely! Would I do it again? Hell yeah! Evie is a firecracker and one witty smart ass! She's unstoppable, resilient, fierce and not one you want to get on her bad side, it's her way or the highway. Through the chaos and commotion, Evies past is daunting her in ways she never imagined. Was running the best idea? Absolutely not, especially being under the wing of The Demon Boys. Now facing the repercussions, protection is Evies objective, making sure her sister Lizzy is safe and trying to make ends meat. Evie is in survival mode, navigating through the cold, weathered streets she has faced through the years .
This book put me over the edge in the best way possible! Multiple point of views, giving various angles and perspectives that bring a bigger picture of The Demon Boys and where Evie stands with her past as it unravels beneath her. Diving into a world that is so complex and complicated, the web that has been woven and has spun out of control. The question is what will Evie do to gain it all the control back?
"Everyone is your enemy until they prove themselves otherwise."
"It’s so hard trying to pretend that I’m some wilted flower, when in reality I’m more like the black widow, silently waiting to make her move."
What did you really think you'd find? Enlighten me... Go on. My jagged edges are molded into piercing sharp diamonds that'll obliterate anyone who crosses and underestimates me. I was like a rough diamond, untamed, unbreakable, and dangerous in the best ways possible. You think you're going to destroy me first? Guess again big boy, I'll destroy you before you even make the first move. Try me, I'm not one to be wreckoned with. But then there's The Demon Boys, ruler of the city and streets, it belongs to them. They control everyone who matters, if you mess with one then you're messing with all five. In the darkened world, they know all the secrets every last one. Loyalty and obedience are expected and mean everything. Betrayal, well... depending on the circumstances you could land your ass six feet under.
I read this in two hours! Worth the binge read? Absolutely! Would I do it again? Hell yeah! Evie is a firecracker and one witty smart ass! She's unstoppable, resilient, fierce and not one you want to get on her bad side, it's her way or the highway. Through the chaos and commotion, Evies past is daunting her in ways she never imagined. Was running the best idea? Absolutely not, especially being under the wing of The Demon Boys. Now facing the repercussions, protection is Evies objective, making sure her sister Lizzy is safe and trying to make ends meat. Evie is in survival mode, navigating through the cold, weathered streets she has faced through the years .
This book put me over the edge in the best way possible! Multiple point of views, giving various angles and perspectives that bring a bigger picture of The Demon Boys and where Evie stands with her past as it unravels beneath her. Diving into a world that is so complex and complicated, the web that has been woven and has spun out of control. The question is what will Evie do to gain it all the control back?
"Everyone is your enemy until they prove themselves otherwise."
September 29, 2026
Dark, gritty, and definitely not short on triggers, Rough Diamonds is the first book in a new series from Melissa Raylene, and it introduces us to one seriously badass heroine. Evie is tough, feisty and fiercely independent, but it’s easy to see that a lot of that comes from necessity rather than choice. She’s obviously been shaped by the events in her past and is determined not to need anyone. After everything she’s been through, she’s learnt the hard way not to rely on anyone, that trusting people only leads to disappointment, so now her main priorities are surviving and protecting her younger sister in a way no one ever protected her. The last thing she needs is trouble from the Demon Boys, the gang that rules the streets. Evie knows better than most that crossing one of them means crossing them all, especially after once believing they would protect her only to be let down.
I liked how Evie’s past was gradually revealed rather than having everything laid out at once. The story switches between past and present and uses multiple POVs, slowly giving us more pieces of her history, what she’s running from and what has shaped her into the person she is now. It worked well for the story and kept me wanting to know more without giving everything away too soon. Overall, it’s a fast-paced read with plenty of darker themes, and there’s a definite sense that there’s still a lot more to come. The ending isn’t exactly a cliffhanger, but it does feel quite abrupt - cue the dramatic duh duh duuuuh music! Even so, I’m still keen to see where her story goes from here.
I liked how Evie’s past was gradually revealed rather than having everything laid out at once. The story switches between past and present and uses multiple POVs, slowly giving us more pieces of her history, what she’s running from and what has shaped her into the person she is now. It worked well for the story and kept me wanting to know more without giving everything away too soon. Overall, it’s a fast-paced read with plenty of darker themes, and there’s a definite sense that there’s still a lot more to come. The ending isn’t exactly a cliffhanger, but it does feel quite abrupt - cue the dramatic duh duh duuuuh music! Even so, I’m still keen to see where her story goes from here.
September 28, 2026
💎 Rough Diamonds by Melissa Raylene 💎
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Evie and the Demon Boys… what can I say?! 🔥
Evie has had to endure so much, and the Demon Boys were always her guys—the ones who had her back. But when she had to escape, she truly believed leaving was the only way to save them.
Now she’s back, her stepfather is after her again, and the Demon Boys aren’t about to let her face him alone. They step right back in to protect her…and make it very clear that Evie is theirs. 🖤
I was so engrossed in Evie and the guys’ story that I was genuinely sad when I reached the end. It went by way too fast! The ending did catch me off guard—it was so abrupt that I actually wondered if I was missing pages. 😂 I’m REALLY hoping that means there’s a Book 2 because I am definitely not ready for this to be the end of their story!
And a warning for my fellow readers: this one is VERY spicy. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ You have been warned! 🔥😂
⭐️ 4 stars
🌶️ 5 peppers
I received an ARC of this book through BookSprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Evie and the Demon Boys… what can I say?! 🔥
Evie has had to endure so much, and the Demon Boys were always her guys—the ones who had her back. But when she had to escape, she truly believed leaving was the only way to save them.
Now she’s back, her stepfather is after her again, and the Demon Boys aren’t about to let her face him alone. They step right back in to protect her…and make it very clear that Evie is theirs. 🖤
I was so engrossed in Evie and the guys’ story that I was genuinely sad when I reached the end. It went by way too fast! The ending did catch me off guard—it was so abrupt that I actually wondered if I was missing pages. 😂 I’m REALLY hoping that means there’s a Book 2 because I am definitely not ready for this to be the end of their story!
And a warning for my fellow readers: this one is VERY spicy. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ You have been warned! 🔥😂
⭐️ 4 stars
🌶️ 5 peppers
I received an ARC of this book through BookSprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 26, 2026
"Everyone is your enemy until they prove themselves otherwise"
This is a quick read but the ending came out of nowhere and left me wondering if I'd missed something.
This book is in dual timelines but without the chapter telling you where you were it was kind of confusing. She ran away but also didn't truly run away. I'm not sure how no one noticed her before.
I give the girl props for trying to give the girl a better life but I don't feel like she accomplished that seeing as the situation she is in is still precarious.
I have some ideas of what is really going on but it is pretty chaotic.
The boys are honestly awful to her. Both in the past and present. They are so focused on taking over and seeming strong and control. They just walk alk over her. I get there are things we don't know but they have not shown anything that makes me want these guys all together at the end.
This is a quick read but the ending came out of nowhere and left me wondering if I'd missed something.
This book is in dual timelines but without the chapter telling you where you were it was kind of confusing. She ran away but also didn't truly run away. I'm not sure how no one noticed her before.
I give the girl props for trying to give the girl a better life but I don't feel like she accomplished that seeing as the situation she is in is still precarious.
I have some ideas of what is really going on but it is pretty chaotic.
The boys are honestly awful to her. Both in the past and present. They are so focused on taking over and seeming strong and control. They just walk alk over her. I get there are things we don't know but they have not shown anything that makes me want these guys all together at the end.
September 30, 2026
Overall, I thought this was a good read and I really liked the story itself! The concept definitely has a lot of potential, and there was enough happening that I’m curious to see where the story goes next.
That being said, there were quite a few typos and mistakes throughout the book, and unfortunately, some of them made parts of the story a little confusing to follow.
I also felt like everything moved really fast. I wish certain moments, relationships, and parts of the storyline had been given a little more time to develop because I think that would’ve made me even more invested.
And then…the ending. 😭 I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about it. It was kind of a cliffhanger, but it also felt like the book just…ended?? I genuinely thought I had accidentally skipped a page for a second. 😂
Despite those issues, I did enjoy the story and I think it has a lot of potential. I’m definitely curious enough that I’ll continue the series because now I NEED to know what happens next! 👀📚
That being said, there were quite a few typos and mistakes throughout the book, and unfortunately, some of them made parts of the story a little confusing to follow.
I also felt like everything moved really fast. I wish certain moments, relationships, and parts of the storyline had been given a little more time to develop because I think that would’ve made me even more invested.
And then…the ending. 😭 I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about it. It was kind of a cliffhanger, but it also felt like the book just…ended?? I genuinely thought I had accidentally skipped a page for a second. 😂
Despite those issues, I did enjoy the story and I think it has a lot of potential. I’m definitely curious enough that I’ll continue the series because now I NEED to know what happens next! 👀📚
September 26, 2026
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
I ate this up in one sitting! Fast paced and full of action.
Evie the FMC is a firecracker! She is badass and not even all of those boys can handle her!
She’s feisty and gives all she has so that her little sister has a better life.
After coming across The Demon Boys, her past trauma is coming back to the surface.
Everything she ran from she now has to face.
This read is multiple person POV and timeline jumps, so it can be difficult to follow.
This being said, I liked viewing the story from the perspectives of The Demon Boys and how each of them feels for Evie, the way they try and care for her is very heartwarming, even though she incorporates herself into their gang ways, they all still try to keep her safe.
This read does include heavy themes, childhood trauma and substance abuse, so please check your triggers before diving straight into this one 💋
I ate this up in one sitting! Fast paced and full of action.
Evie the FMC is a firecracker! She is badass and not even all of those boys can handle her!
She’s feisty and gives all she has so that her little sister has a better life.
After coming across The Demon Boys, her past trauma is coming back to the surface.
Everything she ran from she now has to face.
This read is multiple person POV and timeline jumps, so it can be difficult to follow.
This being said, I liked viewing the story from the perspectives of The Demon Boys and how each of them feels for Evie, the way they try and care for her is very heartwarming, even though she incorporates herself into their gang ways, they all still try to keep her safe.
This read does include heavy themes, childhood trauma and substance abuse, so please check your triggers before diving straight into this one 💋
September 28, 2026
Tropes-
Why choose
Multi- POV
Gang romance
Dark romance
Trauma/ childhood trauma
This was a quick, easy, addictive read that kept me entertained from start to finish, and I’m very curious to see what comes next.
This read does include heavy themes, childhood trauma and substance abuse, so please check your triggers before diving straight into this one
There are multiple POVs that help give different perspectives on what is going on in the story. I liked the FMC she's fierce and definitely is a baddie. Overall, I felt like this was an engaging page turner. Plus the ending was not what I was expecting. It will leave you wanting more and I look forward to finding out what's coming next.
Why choose
Multi- POV
Gang romance
Dark romance
Trauma/ childhood trauma
This was a quick, easy, addictive read that kept me entertained from start to finish, and I’m very curious to see what comes next.
This read does include heavy themes, childhood trauma and substance abuse, so please check your triggers before diving straight into this one
There are multiple POVs that help give different perspectives on what is going on in the story. I liked the FMC she's fierce and definitely is a baddie. Overall, I felt like this was an engaging page turner. Plus the ending was not what I was expecting. It will leave you wanting more and I look forward to finding out what's coming next.
Review of advance copy
A different kind of read for me but nonetheless I found it to be a good book. This one moves along at a nice even pace. There are multiple POVs that help give different perspectives on what is going on in the story. I liked the FMC she's fierce and definitely is a baddie. Overall, I felt like this was an engaging page turner. Plus the ending was not what I was expecting. It'll leave you wanting more and I look forward to finding out what's coming next. Thank you to the author agency and the author for a copy of this. All thoughts are my own and freely given.
September 29, 2026
I absolutely loved the premise of this book. I enjoyed the story I found following Multiple POVs was a bit hard at times and I don’t think the Flashbacks was easy to follow either. I loved the characters especially Evie. I’m contemplating if this book would have done better as series or something so we could have gotten more out of the story and seen more characters development from both Evie and The Demon Boys. Overall this story was good but it could have been better with a few creative changes and less flashbacks as those got a little overwhelming going from past to present so often.
September 30, 2026
Rough Diamonds by Melissa Raylene features a dark, why choose, g@ng romance. This is book one in the Demon Boys series. Please check your trigger and content warnings before reading. This was a quick, short story that I devoured. It follows our FMC and her guys (the Demon Boys) as they cross paths again, years after she left. I couldn't help but pick up on a certain "truth" from the start. I absolutely loved the storyline and can't wait to dive deeper in the next book. This one does end on a cliffy. Melissa did such a great job with this story.
September 25, 2026
Thank you to the author for letting me read this story!
This is my first read by the author and woah did she take me on an emotional roller coaster Evie is my kind of fmc she is a total badass and doesn’t take crap from anyone and her men are so dang dominant it’s hot! And Melissa you did me dirty with that cliffhanger I need more! I want to know what happens next this book had me hooked from the very beginning!
This is my first read by the author and woah did she take me on an emotional roller coaster Evie is my kind of fmc she is a total badass and doesn’t take crap from anyone and her men are so dang dominant it’s hot! And Melissa you did me dirty with that cliffhanger I need more! I want to know what happens next this book had me hooked from the very beginning!
September 26, 2026
Wow what an interesting story. I really loved it, and I kind of figured some things out before they were brought to light. But the freaking cliffhanger!? Geesh...that was intense and so unfair! Lol. I cannot wait to read the next book to find out what happens next because I definitely need to find out what happens next!
I recieved an advance reader copy of this book for an honest voluntary review
I recieved an advance reader copy of this book for an honest voluntary review
September 27, 2026
ARC Reader-
Tropes-
Why choose
Multi- POV
Gang romance
Dark romance
Trauma/ childhood trauma
The only bad thing i can say is I wish it was longer. I wanted to read more and i wish it didn’t end on a cliffhanger. I love having multi POV. I believe it allows the reader to see inside the minds of the main characters more. It allows me to connect to the characters more. Looking forward to the next book.
Tropes-
Why choose
Multi- POV
Gang romance
Dark romance
Trauma/ childhood trauma
The only bad thing i can say is I wish it was longer. I wanted to read more and i wish it didn’t end on a cliffhanger. I love having multi POV. I believe it allows the reader to see inside the minds of the main characters more. It allows me to connect to the characters more. Looking forward to the next book.
September 27, 2026
This is a quick read so don't expect a lot in the steamy scenes. It takes place where depending on where you live, gangs rule and women are dispenable. Evie grew up in a rough house, experiencing the worst of the worst and only wants to live. Meeting the guys, she thought her life would get better but was wrong.
I was left with a lot of questions and nothing answered for me. Maybe that's how your supposed to feel after this..i don't know.
I was left with a lot of questions and nothing answered for me. Maybe that's how your supposed to feel after this..i don't know.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just finished *Rough Diamond* by Messlia Raylene, and I’m so happy I got to be part of this ARC! This beautiful book comes out September 26, so make sure you check it out. It was beautifully written and kept me engaged the whole time. I loved Evie and Emmit—their chemistry was so good, and I loved them together. **Five stars!**
September 26, 2026
Well…
I absolutely loved the concept for this book! It could’ve been so good, but something was missing 😩
The dual timeline was hard to follow & I felt like the swapping POVs was also very confusing. The book also…just ended… not really a cliffhanger or anything… I just felt it stopped.
Thank you The Author Agency for my ARC.
I absolutely loved the concept for this book! It could’ve been so good, but something was missing 😩
The dual timeline was hard to follow & I felt like the swapping POVs was also very confusing. The book also…just ended… not really a cliffhanger or anything… I just felt it stopped.
Thank you The Author Agency for my ARC.
September 26, 2026
I’ve been feigning for a book like this!! The characters, the multiple POVs, the dual timeline, the pain, the obsession, the power play. I really enjoyed this and felt so damn bad for Evie, but also so proud. Do your thing girl!! Those Demon boys were ruthless & Evie loved every minute of it! 🥵
Thank you Melissa Raylene and Literally Yours PR for the opportunity to arc read this novel!
Thank you Melissa Raylene and Literally Yours PR for the opportunity to arc read this novel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was amazing! My heart broke so much for Evie at times and I wanted to cry. This story was everything! Melissa knocked this outta the park and sent me into a world I have never seen before and I didn't wanna leave!!! I am excited to see what's next! I am so happy I read this
September 26, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I like the idea of the story and the overall storyline, but there is just something that doesn’t really get me. For me it’s to fast paced and I got confused a couple of times through out the story. Evie is an absolute baddie and the ending has left me curious about what happens next.
I like the idea of the story and the overall storyline, but there is just something that doesn’t really get me. For me it’s to fast paced and I got confused a couple of times through out the story. Evie is an absolute baddie and the ending has left me curious about what happens next.
September 28, 2026
Oh how much I loved this Melissa! You have Evie how is such a strong women who has endured so much! She has her five guys who pick her peices up but will that be enough to get her through what she has and is still going through?
September 29, 2026
Great read. Evie was such a great fmc to get to know. The demon boys were definitely intriguing. Lots of betrayals, heartache, hurt, and so much. The ending was heartbreaking and had me questioning so much. I for sure have so many theories
Review of advance copy received from Author
I liked the plot didn’t want the book to stop only thing I didn’t like was how many flash backs
September 26, 2026
ARC review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I am speechless! This was so good! It was dark, spicy and I did not want to stop reading.
This made a great weekend read..
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I am speechless! This was so good! It was dark, spicy and I did not want to stop reading.
This made a great weekend read..
September 29, 2026
Good premise, I enjoyed the book was quite fast paced but has flashbacks throughout and can get confusing.
Id like to hear more about Evie and her Demon Boys.
Id like to hear more about Evie and her Demon Boys.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews