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Diamond Doms #0
Hard
Diamonds are a Dom's best friend, and David Eastman could sure use some friends right now.
Emily Ballenger just buried her brother after spending ten years as his caretaker. Seven months before he died, she met David Eastman, a billionaire Dom who swept her off her feet and promised her the world. He has every intention of delivering on that promise but then he gets the worst news of his life. He's dying.
Now he's on a quest to fulfill his bucket list and make sure Emily doesn't pine for him when he's gone, because even billionaires can't buy the cure for his cancer. But Emily is determined to see him through his illness and business rivals are determined to make sure his dreams don't come true.
David must face his own mortality and Emily must come to terms with the fact that the love of her life may be ripped from her at any moment. The odds of their love surviving seems hopeless, but they are surrounded by a group of friends who think it's worth the fight.
263 pages, ebook
Published September 16, 2019
30 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Ivy Nelson
46 books771 followersIvy Nelson writes delicious contemporary romance with kinky alpha heroes and sassy heroines you wish could be your best friend. Club Solitaire is her favorite fictional place to hang out in, and she spends most of her free time spinning tales set there. Ivy currently lives in Las Vegas with her husband of five years and their son. When she isn’t writing, she’s probably reading something dirty or drinking wine with her readers on Facebook in the Ivy's Diamond Divas reader group
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 23, 2019
When the usual roles are reversed!
by sewsummore
This was an exciting tease to a new series coming soon. David was a self made billionaire in a loving relationship with Emily when he was diagnosed with a life threatening cancer. Emily had spent the last ten years caring for her brother with cancer and he did not want her to put her life on hold to nurse him as well. Sometimes the things we want for our loved ones is not what they wish for themselves. Emily's only desire was to care for the man she loved and this put them in a difficult situation. I loved how this story evolved, his acts of dominance over Emily as much as her submission to him. This is what happens in all good relationships, not just in those of the BDSM community. Roles can change due to circumstances, sometimes we voluntarily submit and others we are forced to submit due to circumstances. Emily and David were dedicated and loving partners who deserved a chance of forever, their difficulties encountered in this book show case just how difficult it is to love someone facing a life threatening illness when the roles are reversed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by sewsummore
This was an exciting tease to a new series coming soon. David was a self made billionaire in a loving relationship with Emily when he was diagnosed with a life threatening cancer. Emily had spent the last ten years caring for her brother with cancer and he did not want her to put her life on hold to nurse him as well. Sometimes the things we want for our loved ones is not what they wish for themselves. Emily's only desire was to care for the man she loved and this put them in a difficult situation. I loved how this story evolved, his acts of dominance over Emily as much as her submission to him. This is what happens in all good relationships, not just in those of the BDSM community. Roles can change due to circumstances, sometimes we voluntarily submit and others we are forced to submit due to circumstances. Emily and David were dedicated and loving partners who deserved a chance of forever, their difficulties encountered in this book show case just how difficult it is to love someone facing a life threatening illness when the roles are reversed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2019
Absolutely fantastic! A well written emotionally deep romance. The storyline is flawless, funny, witty, enjoyable, and very interesting. The story flows smoothly and moves along at a brisk pace with a few ups and downs and a mix of emotions on every page. The chemistry between them is intense and their love scenes are beautifully written and HOT!
July 7, 2021
Couldn't get enough of David & Emily's story. It was an emotional roller coaster & I hope to read the rest of this fabulous series. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 23, 2019
Ivy Nelson has written a book about a group of friends who are into BDSM and all of them are Doms. This is Emily and David's story. Emily has been David's submissive for a few months and wants their relationship to take the next step. David is putting it off because he is sick and he doesn't know how much time he has left to live. He has a party at the club he wants to open and he tells his friends that he has cancer and he wants them to come in with him with the club as partners. Emily is upset that he did not tell her he was sick before them. Even with David being sick he wants the club opened in 3 months, but they run into problems with the community. As time goes on Emily feels like David is pushing her away and doesn't want her to go with him when he goes for his treatments.
Will David's dream of the BDSM club come true, will he push Emily away so that she doesn't have to watch him die?
Can Emily convince David that no matter what happens that she wants to be with him?
This book was a wonderful read and you can understand the feelings that Emily and David are going through. I would recommend this book to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book via and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Will David's dream of the BDSM club come true, will he push Emily away so that she doesn't have to watch him die?
Can Emily convince David that no matter what happens that she wants to be with him?
This book was a wonderful read and you can understand the feelings that Emily and David are going through. I would recommend this book to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book via and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2019
It was a little difficult beginning a series knowing that there is a lot of death and sadness infusing the storyline. As Ivy Nelson is such an incredible writer, I decided to brave the tissue pack, investing my time and emotions.
Yes, there are some melancholy moments, redolent of our own personal lives, but the bravery and hope that surrounds the group of friends is heartwarming. I really felt for Emily, who has been surrounded by illness for many years, she looks forward to a new chapter in her life and is battered by yet another ill wind. I was rooting for David all throughout for a miracle as he experienced the worst news and tried to create as much quality life as possible with an unknown future.
Although this story seem to have notes of sadness throughout, it is not sad. It encompasses a group of friends who go through life embracing whatever is thrown at them. You finish this book knowing more of the story is in the next book, although not left on a horrible cliffhanger. I am ready for the next book and living a bit more of life with this cast of characters.
This is a voluntary review, I look forward to the remainder of the series.
Yes, there are some melancholy moments, redolent of our own personal lives, but the bravery and hope that surrounds the group of friends is heartwarming. I really felt for Emily, who has been surrounded by illness for many years, she looks forward to a new chapter in her life and is battered by yet another ill wind. I was rooting for David all throughout for a miracle as he experienced the worst news and tried to create as much quality life as possible with an unknown future.
Although this story seem to have notes of sadness throughout, it is not sad. It encompasses a group of friends who go through life embracing whatever is thrown at them. You finish this book knowing more of the story is in the next book, although not left on a horrible cliffhanger. I am ready for the next book and living a bit more of life with this cast of characters.
This is a voluntary review, I look forward to the remainder of the series.
September 16, 2019
OMG Just when I thought Ivy Nelson couldn't outdo herself, I read Hard. I loved, loved it. David is a Dom with a dream, a problem and a sub (Emily) who loves him fully. Their commitment is tested when David becomes ill. He doesn't want Emily to waste her life taking care of him. However, he severely underestimated the devotion of his sometimes shy, sometimes meek and sometimes defiant sub.
Their story will touch your heart and endear you to this couple. David is a great Dom who understands his sub and Emily is a loveable lady who we all can identify with. You will miss a fantastic book and the beginning of a new series if you skip this book. Each is a complete story- no cliffhangers- hallelujah. Thank you Ivy for yet another great group of people to get to know. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Their story will touch your heart and endear you to this couple. David is a great Dom who understands his sub and Emily is a loveable lady who we all can identify with. You will miss a fantastic book and the beginning of a new series if you skip this book. Each is a complete story- no cliffhangers- hallelujah. Thank you Ivy for yet another great group of people to get to know. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
September 15, 2019
David and Emily are in a D/s relationship for 8 mos when he is diagnosed with Cancer and unsure whether he will live a long life. He begins a journey that involves Emily and has to decide whether or not to stay together as he doesn't want to burden her. He is a billionaire business man and has many irons in the fire which he has to put on hold due to his pending treatment. A nice journey to this couple's HEA. Can't wait to read the other books in the series.
September 23, 2019
Just give me more now!!! I'm so into this, I want to cry, and that was the first chapter. Emily has recently lost her brother who she had nursed for ten years, she had met David a billionaire Dom and become his submissive as well as his love. David had a group of friends that were more like family and he had something very important to tell them and Emily. This is just the start, not to be missed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2019
A new series with a good beginning. I'm not really much of a reader of BDSM but this was good.
There was so much more to the story than I have experienced with other books of BDSM that I have read.
This one has depth and emotion in spades!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
There was so much more to the story than I have experienced with other books of BDSM that I have read.
This one has depth and emotion in spades!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
September 16, 2019
Emily and David are in love and they have some challenges that need to be overcome. This book has drama, suspense, twists and turns, and a whole lot of hot, steamy, sizzling, through the roof chemistry. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and gave my honest opinion.
October 20, 2019
Loved this storyline!! This is a great start to the series. I like how the characters have made themselves a family and all support one another. David and Emily are so perfect for each other. I hope the rest of them can find their solitaire!!💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍
January 8, 2023
4.5 stars - emotional, romantic, great characters
POV: dual
HUMOR: some
F BOMBS: yes
CLIFFHANGER: no, but series continues
NEW AUTHOR FOR ME: yes
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS: D/s relationship, handcuffs used once briefly, power exchange, spanking, toys/accessories used, 5th base, cancer, losing parents and taking care of/losing brother to illness, collard/leashed & walked around nude, explicit language/scenes
CHARACTERS: Dominant billionaire David Eastman (35) and submissive Emily Ballenger (28)
OVERALL: Great story to start the series, lots of emotion, medium angst, romantic - highly recommend!
PROS:
1. Dom asks for consent before continuing and actually apologizes for his mistakes
2. Yes, there are super steamy, naughty, taboo, and explicit scenes - but there is deep romance, care, and love, too
3. Wonderful characters, including support characters. Dom David can be firm, but reasonable, giving, and considerate. sub Emily is innocent, but not a doormat and speaks her mind when necessary.
4. Kept me interested and reading to the end.
5. Well-written: I can totally feel the emotions that the FMC was going through
6. Loved how the MC really thought about his actions and what would be best for his sub. I totally fell for David (uh... I mean, Master David).
CONS (these aren't necessarily cons, I'm listing them for those who have these preferences):
1. Ends with HFN instead of HEA because series continues
2. Not all loose ends tied up because series continues
NOTEWORTHY:
1. This shorter read (203 pages) can be considered book 0.5 in the Diamond Doms series (9 full novels), but contains a meaty story. It doesn't feel chopped off nor does it just end like a cliffhanger. Again, it ends in an HFN.
2. This book is not a romantic comedy but there were some funny lines/scenes.
3. Next book focuses on another couple: Elijah and Holly.
4. Yes, I would continue with the series and recommend this book!
POV: dual
HUMOR: some
F BOMBS: yes
CLIFFHANGER: no, but series continues
NEW AUTHOR FOR ME: yes
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS: D/s relationship, handcuffs used once briefly, power exchange, spanking, toys/accessories used, 5th base, cancer, losing parents and taking care of/losing brother to illness, collard/leashed & walked around nude, explicit language/scenes
CHARACTERS: Dominant billionaire David Eastman (35) and submissive Emily Ballenger (28)
OVERALL: Great story to start the series, lots of emotion, medium angst, romantic - highly recommend!
PROS:
1. Dom asks for consent before continuing and actually apologizes for his mistakes
2. Yes, there are super steamy, naughty, taboo, and explicit scenes - but there is deep romance, care, and love, too
3. Wonderful characters, including support characters. Dom David can be firm, but reasonable, giving, and considerate. sub Emily is innocent, but not a doormat and speaks her mind when necessary.
4. Kept me interested and reading to the end.
5. Well-written: I can totally feel the emotions that the FMC was going through
6. Loved how the MC really thought about his actions and what would be best for his sub. I totally fell for David (uh... I mean, Master David).
CONS (these aren't necessarily cons, I'm listing them for those who have these preferences):
1. Ends with HFN instead of HEA because series continues
2. Not all loose ends tied up because series continues
NOTEWORTHY:
1. This shorter read (203 pages) can be considered book 0.5 in the Diamond Doms series (9 full novels), but contains a meaty story. It doesn't feel chopped off nor does it just end like a cliffhanger. Again, it ends in an HFN.
2. This book is not a romantic comedy but there were some funny lines/scenes.
3. Next book focuses on another couple: Elijah and Holly.
4. Yes, I would continue with the series and recommend this book!
June 25, 2022
Loved David Eastman and Emily Diane Ballenger's story. This short story sets up the characters in the stories to come in Diamond Doms and gives us a wonderful story about love and loyalty and inspiration of what a true Dom/sub relationship is like. David Eastman is the 35-year-old CEO of Eatman Enterprises. David was an orphan who went from place to place when he was young, living out of a bag and sometimes a suitcase but he is now a billionaire a true rag to riches story for him. Emily is 25 years old, and she has been taking care of her brother who had a disease, which eventually he died of. His name was Tristan, and she took care of her brother because her parents died in an accident and so she was all her brother Tristan had and of course she loved him dearly. When this story opens, we find out that David has a group of billionaire friends who are like brothers to him. These men are Patrick Sutton, Elijah Barrett and Hunter Novak and then there is Dakota Hylander who is a young billionaire heiress to one of the biggest cattle ranches. They all practice a Kinky lifestyle. David is wanting all to meet up before Hunter Novak's party so he could tell them all some news he had and the one important thing he had to tell them was that he had a cancer of the throat which was in stage two. You have to read this story it will make you laugh and sometimes make you sad, it even had me shedding tears, but I truly enjoyed this story can't wait to read the next story Blood.
April 8, 2020
I am voluntarily writing this review for this book I received through arc.
Patrick, Elijah and David were talking about a new role out of their diamonds. David asked anyone was going to the party the next night and Elijah and Patrick were going stag. David had a big announcement that he was going to release at the party. David was worried about Emily and his big announcement. She just buried her brother she looked after. This was her first time in Las Vegas and she decided to have a drink
while talking to a fellow Submissive Dakota. David tells his big secret and he told Emily he couldn’t collar her which broke her heart. David and friends wanted to open up a resort in Colorado for people in the lifestyle. Emily was having a hard time with David he was pushing her away the best he could. Emily was not going anywhere and she told him that she will be there with him. Emily really wanting David to collar her but she knew how he felt. I liked this book but not the way it ended in a cliffhanger...
Patrick, Elijah and David were talking about a new role out of their diamonds. David asked anyone was going to the party the next night and Elijah and Patrick were going stag. David had a big announcement that he was going to release at the party. David was worried about Emily and his big announcement. She just buried her brother she looked after. This was her first time in Las Vegas and she decided to have a drink
while talking to a fellow Submissive Dakota. David tells his big secret and he told Emily he couldn’t collar her which broke her heart. David and friends wanted to open up a resort in Colorado for people in the lifestyle. Emily was having a hard time with David he was pushing her away the best he could. Emily was not going anywhere and she told him that she will be there with him. Emily really wanting David to collar her but she knew how he felt. I liked this book but not the way it ended in a cliffhanger...
August 11, 2023
This is David and Emily's story. David is very, very, very rich. Emily is very bright and is David's extremely devoted submissive. Emily's brother just died after a long bout of cancer and Emily took care of him through it and is emotionally devastated. And... David gets a cancer diagnosis. A bad one.
The book sets up the construction and opening of the BDSM retreat/club (Club Solitaire) that David and his fellow Doms have designed. And sets up what will be a long-term antagonist in the father of one of the other Doms.
David tries to push Emily away to protect her so she doesn't get stuck caring for another cancer patient. And, yeah, you can guess how well that works. A lot of the plot arc is completely predictable. Not bad, but predictable.
One of the parts that really was discordant is that Emily's intense desire is to enter a grad school program in... wait for it... Women's Studies. Through the book I was shuddering at what would befall a lifestyle submissive in a Women's Studies program.
Anyways, a great introduction to the series.
The book sets up the construction and opening of the BDSM retreat/club (Club Solitaire) that David and his fellow Doms have designed. And sets up what will be a long-term antagonist in the father of one of the other Doms.
David tries to push Emily away to protect her so she doesn't get stuck caring for another cancer patient. And, yeah, you can guess how well that works. A lot of the plot arc is completely predictable. Not bad, but predictable.
One of the parts that really was discordant is that Emily's intense desire is to enter a grad school program in... wait for it... Women's Studies. Through the book I was shuddering at what would befall a lifestyle submissive in a Women's Studies program.
Anyways, a great introduction to the series.
November 23, 2020
A great read
They say that money can buy anything, but that's just not true. How do you know when its a great story? When it makes you so mad you want to throw your kindle, but at the same time you reach for kleenex. This is a very erotic love story with amazing chemistry between the characters. I could not put it down.
David owns Eastman Enterprises. He was on top of the world. Now, he has to deal with his failing health, something that money can’t buy.
Emily has spent her entire adult life caring for others. After her brother passed away, she felt like she was free to enjoy herself. Now the man she fell in love with needs her more than ever.
They say that money can buy anything, but that's just not true. How do you know when its a great story? When it makes you so mad you want to throw your kindle, but at the same time you reach for kleenex. This is a very erotic love story with amazing chemistry between the characters. I could not put it down.
David owns Eastman Enterprises. He was on top of the world. Now, he has to deal with his failing health, something that money can’t buy.
Emily has spent her entire adult life caring for others. After her brother passed away, she felt like she was free to enjoy herself. Now the man she fell in love with needs her more than ever.
October 13, 2023
Hard by Ivy Nelson is the prequel to the Diamonds of Club Solitaire series and tells how Club Solitaire gets started. This story is told from the two main characters POVs, can be read as a stand alone, has a HEA and no cliffhanger for these characters.
The main characters are David Eastman and Emily Ballenger. David is the CEO of his company and a Dom, Emily is his girlfriend and submissive. David and Emily are already in a relationship at the start of this book. The HEA was rushed, but other than that I enjoyed this book.
The main characters are David Eastman and Emily Ballenger. David is the CEO of his company and a Dom, Emily is his girlfriend and submissive. David and Emily are already in a relationship at the start of this book. The HEA was rushed, but other than that I enjoyed this book.
June 29, 2024
David Eastman had a dream and it was called Solitaire. He wanted to build a resort where people could come and express their sexuality. He purchased the property and appointed a board of directors. The dream would come to fruition. His girlfriend Emily, shared his vision. She had taken care of a sick brother for ten years and he recently died. She was finding her footing when she was hit with the news that David was sick and could possibly die. I loved this book, Ivy Nelson did a great job with her story line and characters. I can't wait to read more of her writing.
July 26, 2024
OH WOW!!!! It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was mind blowing. I loved it!!!! I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. David and Emily chemistry was sexual tension and the physical attraction between them was intense with spicy of tension. This love was forbidden and it was witty of romance.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones
December 5, 2020
Hard
By Ivy Nelson
Main Characters: Emily and David
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
I love Ivy Nelson's books. Her stories have substance. This one has plenty of angst, sex, and BDSM. I need to read this one before her next book which is Coming Home. This book leaves you with a big question which is answered in the next book of Coming Home. Loved it!!
By Ivy Nelson
Main Characters: Emily and David
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
I love Ivy Nelson's books. Her stories have substance. This one has plenty of angst, sex, and BDSM. I need to read this one before her next book which is Coming Home. This book leaves you with a big question which is answered in the next book of Coming Home. Loved it!!
March 24, 2021
Hard was an enjoyable and entertaining story. David and Emily were both genuine characters that you'll be rooting for. I also enjoyed the secondary characters and look forward to more of The Diamond Doms series. This had a bit of everything drama, romance, BDSM, sweetness and passion. Ms. Nelson did a great job creating a wonderful group of characters you can't help but cheer for and want them to succeed. This was a great beginning to the series.
June 14, 2022
David is a wealthy Dom; Emily is his devoted submissive. At this time, David is eager to open a Members Only BDSM club in Colorado. Unfortunately, he is currently fighting throat cancer that may shorten his life. I am impressed by the way David goes out of his way to try to keep Emily safe from the sadness surrounding his illness. Will David remain close to Emily or will he push her away? Will Emily find a way to convince David that love can overcome pain?
June 13, 2020
What a great opening story of a new series! I liked the concept of the Club Solitaire and I am anxiously awaiting for the rest of them. This book has a lot of those feels that I always am in search of. This story of David and his submissive Emily had those feels in Spades! Loved it!
I reviewed a complementary copy of this book .
I reviewed a complementary copy of this book .
October 1, 2021
After her Power series, Hard was the first of the Diamond Doms and I was hooked.
The ying yang of their budding romance and a dominants hard head made for terrific reading.
Once I started on that first page nothing interrupted me until I was finished no matter the time.
Needless to say I loved it and you will too. Be prepared towait impatiiently for the next one.
The ying yang of their budding romance and a dominants hard head made for terrific reading.
Once I started on that first page nothing interrupted me until I was finished no matter the time.
Needless to say I loved it and you will too. Be prepared towait impatiiently for the next one.
January 26, 2022
David and Emily's storyline is an emotional rollercoaster. I wanted more about this captivating couple. I can't wait to read the rest of the series with the suspense, mild BDSM, hot, sexy, loving characters. MS Nelson has created a BDSM romantic suspense series that is unlike other BDSM series I have read. I'm so glad that someone recommended this series to me.
March 25, 2023
What a great start to this series. I have read this author's books out of order, but honestly it hasn't made a difference other than not knowing some of the backstory about secondary characters. I am very excited to immerse myself into the Diamond Doms series and get to know these characters better.
September 29, 2023
Emily is use to being a caretaker so when David gets the news that he has cancer she takes it in stride. It is an emotional whirlwind that kept me glued to Emily and David as they navigate their relationship in spite of his cancer news and how they overcome it. It is well written and I enjoyed connecting with David and Emily.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
June 5, 2022
David and Emily’s story happens before Club Solitaire opens. It dragged a bit in the beginning but I’m glad I stuck it out. It ended up being enjoyable and with the teaser of Blood at the end. I’m looking forward to Holly and Elijah’s story.
September 18, 2022
It was…okay. I struggled to attach myself to the story. What should have been a very emotional storyline fell flat for me. Maybe it’s the overall writing style that didn’t impart the feeling and emotion that I would have expected.
July 7, 2020
A very well written start for this series. I loved Emily and David together and can not wait to read the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews