Diamonds and Pearl: A Novel

Diamonds #1

by K'wan

From # 1 Essence best-selling Crime Novelist K'Wan comes a tale of forbidden love, high stakes murder and the robbery gone bad that set it all in motion, Diamonds and Pearl.They say that good girls like bad boys, and this was especially true for Pearl Stone. A child born of privilege to a drug baron and reputed killer known in the streets as Big Stone. Although the flashy, fast-paced nature of the streets calls to Pearl, she’s been brought up to look but not touch. But when a young hustler named Diamonds crawls up from the swamps of Louisiana and sets up shop in New York City, everything Pearl was taught flies out the window.Raised in the wild and schooled on the mean streets of New Orleans, Diamonds is no stranger to hard times and is willing to do whatever it takes to stay above the poverty line, including kill. When a robbery turned mass murder goes wrong, Diamonds is forced to flee New Orleans and lands in New York where he meets Pearl, and for the first time finds something he craves more than wealth and power…love. As the stakes get higher, Diamonds has to push away his past if he’s to grab hold of his future—but by doing so, will he show Pearl that all that glitters isn’t gold?

Genres: Urban, African American

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2016

About the author

In 2002 K'wan hit the scene with his debut novel Gangsta, under Triple Crown Publications. It was the first novel released by the budding house and would eventually become the building block for what is now a multimillion dollar company. What started as a therapeutic release went on to become a part of urban-lit history and an Essence bestseller, as well as drawing rave reviews overseas.
After penning his second novel, Road Dawgz (2003), K'wan drew the attention of St. Martins press. The literary powerhouse quickly signed K'wan to a multi-book deal, the first of which being Street Dreams (2004). In 2008 he received the Black Author of the year award from Black Press Radio for the novella Blow.
Since his insertion into the publishing world K'wan has been featured in Vibe, Pages, King, Felon, Big News, The Library Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Press, Clutch and most notably Time Magazine, to name a few. He was also interviewed by MTV News for a feature on Hip-Hop fiction, and a guest on Power 105s morning show as well as NPR (national public radio). In addition to being an accomplished author, K'wan is also a motivational speaker, mentor to at risk children and the C.E.O of Black Dawn, Inc.
K'wan currently resides in New Jersey where he is working on his next novel.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/kwan

Reviews

[Yellagirlgc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

K'wan definitely has a hit with his new series. I liked Animal, but Diamonds is a whole other breed of animal. Thankfully this book is in an entirely different direction than any other book written by this author and I've read them all. I'm anxiously anticipating future books about these interesting killers and gangsters. Its going to be very interesting to see the outcome of Diamonds and Pearl's relationship. I'm a fan.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. So good!

[Ursula Lenori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it, not a 5 star some words was off and one time character mix up but the story was decent. I want to see how Diamonds and Pearl going to be able to be in a relationship with Diamonds trying to take over the city and Pearl father being one of the Head Men in charge and if Diamonds going to be able to get out this predicament his in, And I can see that is going to be a part 2 so I know it's going to be more action.

[Lydia Granda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a goodreads giveaway, thank you...This is one of those books that grabs you from the get go. It is the typical story of good girl, Pearl, likes bad boy, Diamonds. Set in the streets of New Orleans Diamonds is willing to do whatever it takes to stay above the poverty line until a robbery turned mass murder goes wrong and he leaves for New York. Pearl Stone is born of privilege to a drug baron and reputed killer, but taught to look and not touch. Until she meets Diamonds.
Its a good urban fictional crime/romance read with the story growing more intense with the turn of each page. It gives the reader a look into the dark drug world of gangs and the "hood". It reminds me of a coming of age Godfather. If you like the genre of book it is worth reading.

[Mrs Tupac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book i haven't read about new Orleans in a minute. I wish the book cover was better. Buda so far gone smh send his ass back to New Orleans yeah I understand he lost his brother but damn must you loose yourself as well. Diamonds a cold nigga he shouldn't be trying to sniff around THIS spoiled ASS brat Pearl especially if he got this pitbull in a skirt madly in love with him. Vita needs to understand it was all about the p*ssy to him she shouldve kept her feelings in check and been about the money honey. That fight with buda and domo was funny asf "I'll take his fade" I hate sequels but I have to see how things turn out. K wan pen game is the business especially when there's no typos. I hate sequels but I gotta know what happens from here TBA

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read
I don't know if I love/hate Diamonds but do want to know the outcome of his relationship with Pearl but Vita is going to be a problem because Diamonds is the love her life. Buda it's time to get rid of him nothing but a snake but you can't help it when your leader is a snake. Big Slim came back to get what his (money and Diamonds life). Can't wait for part 2 to know the outcome.

[Keyona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good start to obviously a new series. We get introduced to a new set of characters which I'm happy to find. I wouldn't say I particiularly like Diamonds OR Pearl which is why I'm glad I didn't have to read from their pov. There are other characters like Domo and Buddha that steal the show for me. Of course it leaves us on a cliff hanger so thankfully the sequel just came out just in time. K'wan and his constant narrator Cary Hite make the perfect urban fiction duo and never disappoint.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty good, but I did NOT like Diamonds. I know we read a lot of books with gangsters that get into gangster shit, but there was nothing redeeming about this person to me. I am not rooting for him at all. The story was still good, but it doesn't really get into Diamonds and Pearl very much. It ended on a cliffhanger, and I'm hoping something happens that makes me not hope he dies at the end of the next book, because at this point I am really hoping Diamonds gets his.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first K'wan novel--sexy, gritty Urban crime/romance. Compelling story line with interesting characters, possibly the first of a new series? Moves at a fast pace with graphic sex and violence; colorful language; dark, moody tone; set in dangerous world of drugs in urban landscape.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opens in New Orleans and follows a group of kids post-Hurricane Katrina through their travels to New York City. Along the way, they make a name for themselves for wreaking havoc and leaving no prisoners. Once they reach their destination, all hell breaks loose.

If you're looking for the typical K'wan book, this ain't it!!! This man dug deep and went so far left that I was shook yet at the same darn time. He accomplished something that no other authors has ever done…make me put the book down for 24 hours just to reflect what the heck I just read. You'll have to read it for yourself to find out what I'm talking about, but my hat is definitely of to the author. He has earned the

[Stephanie Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

KEEP ME NEAR THE CROSS!

Oh My, My, My ... A sequel on the horizon ... I am excited! K'wan has penned another MASTERPIECE!!! Just when things got really good, I ran out of pages to read ... you can only imagine my disappointment. Diamonds is the man and he must slither himself out of his current predicament before his crew levels the city looking for him!!! I totally recommend this book, as well as, any other book K'wan has written!!!

[Drenna Gurl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stretched this story out for as long as I could because I know I will have to wait for the next K'wan release. I'm speechless! I'm so happy with the new characters and the drama they all bring to the table. Domo is by far my favorite character.

[Keisha‼️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love k'wans books but this was a waste of my time. He spends so much time introducing characters and nothing ever happens. Then diamonds and Pearl were only introduced to each other and the name of the book is Diamonds & Pearl so I wanted more of them. Then the end smh really. Very disappointed

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot

Once again K'wan has pulled me into a great story. His characters you feel as if you know them. Loved it.

[Shelly Reddinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that will keep you on your toes. There are a few main characters that you follow through out the book.

The first person you meet is Diamonds and his crew. You get to know them while they are located in New Orleans. You get a feel his crew and what they are about. Diamonds has a specific way of doing business that is all to his own.

The next group you meet is Pearl Stone, her friends, and her family. Pearl is 17 and she is full of life and trouble. She is always getting into something that she shouldn't be and nothing will change that. You learn a lot about her, her family and friends.

One of Pearl's issues is that her father is a bit over protective of her and wants to keep her a child so he is not great about her dating. She goes out one night with her friends and meets a new guy and it's basically love at first site. She is meeting him at the wrong time as things are going wrong all around the city and putting everyone on edge.

This is one crazy ride of action and mystery. This is a must read if you love a book that just doesn't slow down. I would recommend this book to anyone who is not afraid to read a book that has violence, action, drugs, and loyalty. I really enjoyed this book. It's not what I normally read but it was so worth picking up.

[K L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so this story was really really good and I’m actually really excited for the second one ! Where the book shines is with the spooky dark magic , fight for territory in the streets , authors dialogue of the men & Vida , and I honestly had no idea where this was going which is very very RARE for me … but I really hated k’wan dialogue with Pearl and the school scenes I get he wanted to emphasize how young and naive she is but those parts of the book were painful to get into and the sex scenes - they aren’t good and I really hate that Pearl is a staple in this series as she so flat as a character , entitled and annoying !! These weakness really had me thinking of DNFing this book early on when we arrive in NY but I’m happy I stayed for the ride because I am intrigued where this is going! What will happen to diamomds , will domo and vida new relationship cause more issues , and will big stone and knowledge learn of the deception in the family before it’s too late ? GIRLLL I AM SEATED FOR BOOK 2. I hope K’wan doesn’t disappoint me .

[Nina DuBois · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book as part of a goodreads giveaway.

Actual Rating 3.8

I have to admit I was a little surprised that this book wasn't mostly about Diamonds and Pearl since that's the title of this book. The story centers around multiple characters whose lives become intertwined with Diamonds and Pearls father. The story of each character is deeply woven into each other than makes all the dots connect as your reading. Diamonds was a very interesting character. The man is definitely crazy, dangerous, and as smart as he is meticulous. I really enjoyed whenever he came on the scene. Pearl was just an ok character because I found her to be selfish and entitled.

I did enjoy this book even though it was not what I was expecting it to be.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another one that I finished last year but had to take a minute to get my thoughts together. See when you read a K'wan book, it takes over your life (at least it does mine). The world is so intriguing, the characters so real, the story is so engaging... I had the pleasure of listening to this on audio narrated by Cary Hite, whose voice is so soothing. The story of Diamonds & Pearl is a typical girl falls for the bad boy. What makes this different is the mystery surrounding Diamonds & his New Orleans crew as well as the "REAL" life relationships within the story. Video Review coming soon because there is just too much to talk about.

4 stars because the book title just doesn't fit but otherwise, THIS WAS EVERYTHING!!!

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters were interesting. I am a little on the fence with how the book or story is laid out. The book is called Diamonds and Pearl but they really don't get their romance of the ground. I realized this book is setting the stage for the next book that will have more drama. I am a K'wan fan so I hope he will not disappoint with the second book. I hope Diamonds makes it out and find out about the snake in his camp!
The Diamonds character is ruthless with a bit of suave to him. He is diplomatic, smart, cunning and deadly!!!! A bad boy girls would love to have!!! I am intrigue by Knowledge!

[Jeannie Bilodeau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid read, good characters, would have been much better if the story concluded. This is the 1st book in a series (I was unaware of this) and it ends in the middle of the build up to the ending. It's about Thug life and who has the power, who wants the power and the savage killers who are.poised to take the power until the boss of the newcomers falls in love, with the daughter of the OG with the most power.

[Kendra Willis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such a bad read

This book was not what I expected. There was several storylines going on at the same time. The characters weren’t developed enough and some didn’t even need to be apart of the storyline. Too much was going on and a lot was left unfinished. The ending was horrible. I am disappointed.

[Sheryl Boyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diamonds is my Thug! He's smart and good at what he does, but that cockiness can be a bit much. I can't wait to find out if him and Pearl will get a chance to have a real relationship. But he gotta let Vita be free to do her. I can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens to Diamonds now that he got captured by who he thought was dead.

[Cherise Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a slow read in the beginning but, once the crew got to New York it was on. The storyline kept you intrigued to find our what will happen next. He always in my book does an awesome job!! Thank you K'wan for all the adventures!!!!

[Kia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept me engaged, but unnecessarily slow, long and drawn out. K'wan's novels are always on point and engaging; however, this read was just OK. I'll read/listen to the sequel when it becomes available.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a good read, however it was not exciting enough for me to not want to put it down. The climax comes and the book leaves you open. Luckily I ordered both novels at one. Prayerfully the 2nd book will contain more excitement. This was just an introduction of all the characters.

[Angel Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love K'wan and this book was the business!!!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read..... definitely waiting on the sequel

[Jennah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Diamonds is my new man. After Animal..... Of course. Can't wait to see where this goes.

[Prima Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? It’s a K’wan novel. He never disappoints. There was never a dull moment. Anxiously waiting on the sequel that’s sure to follow.

[Theron King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, well written, and hood.