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Double Black Diamonds
Jordan James goes on a holiday ski vacation with his friend Dave to Park City, Utah. Left alone at the top of a run that is beyond his skill level, Jordan takes a chance. When things go bad fast, he’s left with little choice but to call for help.
Trace Griffin has worked for the ski patrol at Park City for a few years. He enjoys the freedom it gives him, and he likes helping people. When a call comes in to ski patrol about a skier in trouble at the top of the mountain, he doesn’t hesitate. When he finds Jordan injured and bordering on hypothermia he gets right to work and helps him.
Neither Trace nor Jordan were looking for love when they met, but maybe an unfortunate break will give each of them a chance to find the love they’ve both craved.
Trace Griffin has worked for the ski patrol at Park City for a few years. He enjoys the freedom it gives him, and he likes helping people. When a call comes in to ski patrol about a skier in trouble at the top of the mountain, he doesn’t hesitate. When he finds Jordan injured and bordering on hypothermia he gets right to work and helps him.
Neither Trace nor Jordan were looking for love when they met, but maybe an unfortunate break will give each of them a chance to find the love they’ve both craved.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
5 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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January 24, 2021
RATING 4.5 STARS
Double Black Diamonds is my very first book by B.L. Maxwell. This was such a sweet, make you feel all the warm fuzzies story that I didn’t even know I needed right now. No angst, no drama, just lots of love!
Jordan James is on vacation with his friend from work, Dave, to do some skiing in Park City, Utah. Dave has no fear and convinces Jordan he needs to go to the very advanced Double Black Diamonds run. Jordan knows he’s not experienced enough for it, that he should have said no. But Dave kept pushing him until he agreed. But then Dave took off without him, and Jordan was left on his own. Things went wrong and he ended up injured and cold. Luckily his phone worked and he could call for help. That was how he first met his hot ski patrol guy!
Trace Griffin was on duty when the call came in. He loved his job. He loved helping people. He and his partner rushed to find the injured skier. When they found him, all it took was one look into those eyes and he was lost.
With a broken leg and his friend Dave no help at all, Trace volunteers to take care of Jordan. Their attraction was mutual. Jordan just automatically trusted Trace. Each day that passed, their connection became stronger, until the thought of being apart seemed unimaginable.
“There had to be a way for us, there just had to be.”
With Jordan’s life in Sacramento and Trace’s in Park City, they both know their time together has an expiration date. But how can something that feels this right have to end? Both of these men are determined to find a way. Neither of them are willing to give up on what they have found together.
This was such a warm hearted, sweet, lovely little story. If I had one complaint, it’s that I would have liked a little more steam. But really, it was more about these two and their connection. I loved Trace’s caring nature. I adore a good insta-love story and this one made me so happy. I will definitely be looking at this author’s other work in the future.
“He was everything I didn’t know I wanted, and then some.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Double Black Diamonds is my very first book by B.L. Maxwell. This was such a sweet, make you feel all the warm fuzzies story that I didn’t even know I needed right now. No angst, no drama, just lots of love!
Jordan James is on vacation with his friend from work, Dave, to do some skiing in Park City, Utah. Dave has no fear and convinces Jordan he needs to go to the very advanced Double Black Diamonds run. Jordan knows he’s not experienced enough for it, that he should have said no. But Dave kept pushing him until he agreed. But then Dave took off without him, and Jordan was left on his own. Things went wrong and he ended up injured and cold. Luckily his phone worked and he could call for help. That was how he first met his hot ski patrol guy!
Trace Griffin was on duty when the call came in. He loved his job. He loved helping people. He and his partner rushed to find the injured skier. When they found him, all it took was one look into those eyes and he was lost.
With a broken leg and his friend Dave no help at all, Trace volunteers to take care of Jordan. Their attraction was mutual. Jordan just automatically trusted Trace. Each day that passed, their connection became stronger, until the thought of being apart seemed unimaginable.
“There had to be a way for us, there just had to be.”
With Jordan’s life in Sacramento and Trace’s in Park City, they both know their time together has an expiration date. But how can something that feels this right have to end? Both of these men are determined to find a way. Neither of them are willing to give up on what they have found together.
This was such a warm hearted, sweet, lovely little story. If I had one complaint, it’s that I would have liked a little more steam. But really, it was more about these two and their connection. I loved Trace’s caring nature. I adore a good insta-love story and this one made me so happy. I will definitely be looking at this author’s other work in the future.
“He was everything I didn’t know I wanted, and then some.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
November 21, 2021
Such a cute story.
May 8, 2021
4.5 low-angst, heartlightening stars
Jordan and Trace’s love story begins on a ski slope when Jordan is injured by the actions of his absentminded friend. When Dave takes off down the slope, ignoring Jordan’s protests of not being advanced enough, Jordan decides to just go for it. When he’s unable to stop himself and breaks his leg, Jordan is thankfully able to call for help. Enter Trace, who is imediately drawn in by the injured man’s eyes.
Trace, understandably, is not thrilled at leaving Jordan’s care in the hands of the friend who got him into this mess, so he offers to let Jordan stay with him for the duration of his week in Utah. What follows is a lot of care and home-cooked meals while their attraction simmers. By the time a week is up, the men are not prepared to part.
There are so many sweet kisses, heartfelt moments, and open communication that I didn’t know what to do with myself (especially for the open communication bit.) Though the men live in different states, they make long distance work until they figure out a permanent arrangement. And while this went on, I loved experiencing Jordan and Trace together. The way Trace was constantly carrying Jordan with ease, but also how they cared for each other and wanted to support the other’s career.
I’d recommend this one if you’re looking for light, fairly fluffy, low-angst but sweet romance. Emphasis on the sweet, there is much kissing but minimal sex (only one scene that I can think of).
Jordan and Trace’s love story begins on a ski slope when Jordan is injured by the actions of his absentminded friend. When Dave takes off down the slope, ignoring Jordan’s protests of not being advanced enough, Jordan decides to just go for it. When he’s unable to stop himself and breaks his leg, Jordan is thankfully able to call for help. Enter Trace, who is imediately drawn in by the injured man’s eyes.
Trace, understandably, is not thrilled at leaving Jordan’s care in the hands of the friend who got him into this mess, so he offers to let Jordan stay with him for the duration of his week in Utah. What follows is a lot of care and home-cooked meals while their attraction simmers. By the time a week is up, the men are not prepared to part.
There are so many sweet kisses, heartfelt moments, and open communication that I didn’t know what to do with myself (especially for the open communication bit.) Though the men live in different states, they make long distance work until they figure out a permanent arrangement. And while this went on, I loved experiencing Jordan and Trace together. The way Trace was constantly carrying Jordan with ease, but also how they cared for each other and wanted to support the other’s career.
I’d recommend this one if you’re looking for light, fairly fluffy, low-angst but sweet romance. Emphasis on the sweet, there is much kissing but minimal sex (only one scene that I can think of).
January 12, 2021
BL Maxwell is one of my favorite authors so I was excited to hear that she would be releasing Double Black Diamonds as a freebie for the Winter Giveaway on Prolific Works. I read the short version as part of the Winter Giveaway on Prolific Works so I was double thrilled to hear that BL Maxwell would be expanding Jordan and Trace’s story for release on Jan 14 :) I love all of her books so Double BLack Diamonds was another great hit :) Jordan is on a ski vacation with his friend Dave in Park City and is excited to ski for a few days. He isn’t an experienced skier but decides to hit the top of a double black diamond run with Dave. He has an accident and falls behind with his friend skiing off without him. Jordan is stranded at the top and has to call for help. His snow patrol rescuer is Trace who has been working for the Park City Ski Patrol for a few years. From that first meeting, both men feel a spark of attraction that turns into something more when Trace invites Jordan to his home to recuperate and for him to look after him. A friendship develops as they learn more about the other but they know that Jordan will be leaving soon to go back home. I really enjoyed the premise of this story because we’ve all had that one vacation where we meet someone cute (not necessarily the way Jordan did) and considered what would have happened had something romantic developed. I was glad to see BL Maxwell give both men their HEA as well as develop their relationship over a series of weeks. I’ve never been skiing before but if I ever get stranded somewhere, I hope I get to meet my own Trace ;) I also loved Jordan’s mother who reminded me of a certain Ghost Hunter’s mom as well so the caring, pushy and funny moms are something I always enjoy reading :)
May 4, 2021
Cute insta-love story.
Double Black Diamonds is a cute, insta-love story, but it also deals with managing a long distance relationship when the bubble of “vacation love” is over.
This is pure BL Maxwell contemporary style: a sweet, low-angst, feel-good story.
I loved both Trace and Jordan, they both are level-headed men who go and fall head over heels in love with each other in a matter of a few days.
Double Black Diamonds is a cute, insta-love story, but it also deals with managing a long distance relationship when the bubble of “vacation love” is over.
This is pure BL Maxwell contemporary style: a sweet, low-angst, feel-good story.
I loved both Trace and Jordan, they both are level-headed men who go and fall head over heels in love with each other in a matter of a few days.
May 23, 2021
DNF at about 83%. Real rating 1.5 stars, so rounded up to 2 stars.
December 5, 2022
This takes place over the chhristmas holiday. While skiing Jordan has an accident and along comes his knight in shining armour..Trace, who not only saves his life steals his heart.
Insta love at first sight and very sweet
Insta love at first sight and very sweet
January 11, 2021
This was really good insta love story! Jordan is unintentionally abandoned at the top of a ski hill that’s too steep for him to ski. He tries it and get hurt. He calls for help and Trace shows up. Trace is instantly smitten with Jordan and wants to help him. Jordan ends up staying with Trace while he recoups until he has to go back home to Sacramento. I loved the instant chemistry and connection these two shared. I smiled throughout the whole story! I’m voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received from the author. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
January 16, 2021
Perfect as fresh powder
Jordan and Trace really do make the best team. With such a strong connection and wonderful chemistry, it’d be hard not to fall for them. “You’re my heart. You’re everything I ever wanted, but never knew I needed.” So many swoony moments you’ll want to cuddle by the fire while reading this lovely, heartwarming romance.
Jordan and Trace really do make the best team. With such a strong connection and wonderful chemistry, it’d be hard not to fall for them. “You’re my heart. You’re everything I ever wanted, but never knew I needed.” So many swoony moments you’ll want to cuddle by the fire while reading this lovely, heartwarming romance.
Want to read
January 1, 2021Free on prolific works: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/6...
April 2, 2021
So this… wasn’t great. Jordan is a novice skier who wipes out on an expert run and breaks his leg. Trace is one of his rescuers. They fall in love. And somehow it manages to be pretty boring. Usually I’m big into hurt/comfort and fluff, but I wasn’t feeling it here. I think part of it was that I didn’t really feel like Jordan and Trace really earned the level of feelings they had for each other seemingly out of nowhere. They were, like, instantly in love after very little anything, and that was kind of off-putting to me. Also didn’t help that there was no clear timeline of events, so I was confused on how much time they were actually spending together. Not to mention the inconsistent snow that seemed like it would cause some issues and then was never really mentioned again. Glad things worked out for them, didn’t really vibe with me. Also I thought that Jordan’s friend Dave was shitty and that Jordan honestly didn’t hold him to task enough. And I think the version of the ebook I downloaded is missing a scene. In the last chapter before the epilogue it looks like it’s setting up for a sex scene but then the chapter just ends abruptly and moves on to the epilogue. So overall this could use some work.
January 16, 2021
2.5 stars
Good story idea. But everything about this felt rushed. The scenes were often short and changed so suddenly into the next one that the whole novella felt choppy. There was no real background information about the MCs. Lots of dialogue about mundane things while deeper conversations were left out. But those would have been necessary to show the connection between them. I got no real sense for them as characters, especially Jordan stayed pretty bland for me.
The side characters were just there to add some dialogue. Jordan's best friend Dave didn't come across as a friend to me at all. His behavior felt constructed to fit the plot.
So yeah, good idea but the writing seemed sloppy like the author only wanted to tell the plot without having to examine the characters. Too much tell, not enough show. Hopefully the full length novel, that the author wants to turn this story into, will improve on that account. Sadly, as a novella this was a fail for me.
Good story idea. But everything about this felt rushed. The scenes were often short and changed so suddenly into the next one that the whole novella felt choppy. There was no real background information about the MCs. Lots of dialogue about mundane things while deeper conversations were left out. But those would have been necessary to show the connection between them. I got no real sense for them as characters, especially Jordan stayed pretty bland for me.
The side characters were just there to add some dialogue. Jordan's best friend Dave didn't come across as a friend to me at all. His behavior felt constructed to fit the plot.
So yeah, good idea but the writing seemed sloppy like the author only wanted to tell the plot without having to examine the characters. Too much tell, not enough show. Hopefully the full length novel, that the author wants to turn this story into, will improve on that account. Sadly, as a novella this was a fail for me.
January 12, 2021
Cute insta-love, but I wish we had more information on their lives and family…
No steam. No angst. Felt a little flat TBH.
This was a Winter Wonderland giveaway from Prolific Works.
No steam. No angst. Felt a little flat TBH.
This was a Winter Wonderland giveaway from Prolific Works.
August 15, 2021
BL Maxwell is the mistress of what I affectionately term 'the quick and dirty'. She can craft a two to a four-hour story packed full of ALL that is essential in a GREAT M/M romance: great world-building, great character development, distinctly defined conflict, and clearly delineated conclusion. In addition, the mistress checks off the additional boxes of impeccable pacing (the rate at which the writer introduces key elements in the story) and precise balance (the distribution of varying types of elements in the narrative), giving her audience a very rich reading experience in a short amount of time!
Jordan James has the worse experience of his life when he takes a chance on a ski run much too advanced for his skill level. His buddy goes on as he lays injured in the snow, getting cold, and desperately needing help. Good thing Trace Griffin is on the ski patrol and ready to assist those persons lost or injured at Park City. Along with his partner, Trace gets Jordan down from the mountain before hypothermia could leave him worse.
Jordan's leg is broken and he requires care he cannot manage on his own. Given the irresponsibility of the friend that goes off on and leaves him on the mountain, Trace invites Jordan to hunker down at his place for care and recuperation. With Trace having days off his job, Jordan is treated to a kind, attentive, and considerate man he quickly falls for. Before too long, both men are dreading the time when Jordan would leave Utah to resume his life in Seattle. In the end, Jordan joins Trace in Utah to put his mechanics skills to work for the ski resort.
The story is short but BL Maxwell leaves the readers certain that it is told completely. The narrative is thoroughly descriptive as the writer provides everything necessary for the tale without additional background information. Such tricks employed by some authors usually leave the reader feeling something's missing. This writer makes every tale she tells light, tight, and quite all right!
Jordan James has the worse experience of his life when he takes a chance on a ski run much too advanced for his skill level. His buddy goes on as he lays injured in the snow, getting cold, and desperately needing help. Good thing Trace Griffin is on the ski patrol and ready to assist those persons lost or injured at Park City. Along with his partner, Trace gets Jordan down from the mountain before hypothermia could leave him worse.
Jordan's leg is broken and he requires care he cannot manage on his own. Given the irresponsibility of the friend that goes off on and leaves him on the mountain, Trace invites Jordan to hunker down at his place for care and recuperation. With Trace having days off his job, Jordan is treated to a kind, attentive, and considerate man he quickly falls for. Before too long, both men are dreading the time when Jordan would leave Utah to resume his life in Seattle. In the end, Jordan joins Trace in Utah to put his mechanics skills to work for the ski resort.
The story is short but BL Maxwell leaves the readers certain that it is told completely. The narrative is thoroughly descriptive as the writer provides everything necessary for the tale without additional background information. Such tricks employed by some authors usually leave the reader feeling something's missing. This writer makes every tale she tells light, tight, and quite all right!
February 8, 2025
This didn't work for me due to the frustrating inaccuracies and the horrible instalove didn't help either. I picked this up for free because I love skiing and this takes place where I live. It certainly read as if the author did no more than five-minutes' internet research about this town, this ski area, and the sport of skiing as a whole before writing this. I was so frustrated because it was all wrong, again and again and again. A few weeks' have passed since I read this, so the outrage has cooled and I'll keep my long and detailed rant to myself. I shouldn't complain too much about a free novella, but this one bugged me so much. I also didn't care for the cheesy, instalove romance, either. It's a very generous two stars. Another reminder to myself to tread carefully when reading romance that includes things I know anything about, because it usually ends badly. Authors, do your research.
April 30, 2021
Fun, easy to listen to, book.
We meet Jordan on holiday skiing and Trace, who is a mountain rescuer.
This book is a perfect cute holiday romance book, light and easy to read/listen to. However, Jordan gets hurt. There's a lot of love and comfort in the book. I love the details in this book, especially the lights around Trace's house, which sets the scene perfectly.
Good narration from Jack Watson. Very clear and easy to listen to. Although, like usual, I sped up the audio, and I listened at 1.30 speed on audible, but I do prefer all my audios to be a little quicker.
Double Black Diamonds
By: BL Maxwell
Narrated by: Jack Watson
Length: 4 hrs and 23 mins
❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.30 speed on Audible
We meet Jordan on holiday skiing and Trace, who is a mountain rescuer.
This book is a perfect cute holiday romance book, light and easy to read/listen to. However, Jordan gets hurt. There's a lot of love and comfort in the book. I love the details in this book, especially the lights around Trace's house, which sets the scene perfectly.
Good narration from Jack Watson. Very clear and easy to listen to. Although, like usual, I sped up the audio, and I listened at 1.30 speed on audible, but I do prefer all my audios to be a little quicker.
Double Black Diamonds
By: BL Maxwell
Narrated by: Jack Watson
Length: 4 hrs and 23 mins
❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.30 speed on Audible
November 19, 2023
This was really cute and sweet. Very instalove, but I found it pretty believable. I loved both Trace and Jordan. Trace was a caretaker which made sense given his jobs and Jordan was a sweetheart who deserved to be taken care of; he also did some cute things for Trace to thank him. This was first person dual POV, so we got to see the feelings develop on both sides.
I thought we’d see more of Trace’s woodworking and maybe them decorating the inside of their house. If you’re looking for something with steam, look somewhere else. This mostly just had some sexual tension a couple times and one bj scene. But these two were so cute together that I found I didn’t care. Probably 4-4.5 out of 5 stars for this. I’ll definitely read more from this author in the future!
I thought we’d see more of Trace’s woodworking and maybe them decorating the inside of their house. If you’re looking for something with steam, look somewhere else. This mostly just had some sexual tension a couple times and one bj scene. But these two were so cute together that I found I didn’t care. Probably 4-4.5 out of 5 stars for this. I’ll definitely read more from this author in the future!
January 23, 2021
Hurt/Comfort winter holiday novella.
Free, short promotional novella was revised and added to, creating a terrific full read novella with plenty of feels.
Every year, best friends Dave and Jordan hit the slopes as soon as the season opens. Where Dave is a risk taker, Jordan is more reserved. Dave talks Jordan into skiing an advanced slope, and Jordan injures himself.
Ski Patrol to the rescue. Trace rescues Jordan from the mountain and the rest is history. ;)
Their story provides an implied HEA via a short fast-forward epilogue.
Free, short promotional novella was revised and added to, creating a terrific full read novella with plenty of feels.
Every year, best friends Dave and Jordan hit the slopes as soon as the season opens. Where Dave is a risk taker, Jordan is more reserved. Dave talks Jordan into skiing an advanced slope, and Jordan injures himself.
Ski Patrol to the rescue. Trace rescues Jordan from the mountain and the rest is history. ;)
Their story provides an implied HEA via a short fast-forward epilogue.
February 11, 2022
I’ve just checked and this is my second book by BL that I have read. I enjoyed the other one as well as this one. The only thing I can’t remember was the other book’s smexyness not a word I know but this one is totally lacking in this department. It might not be “fade to black” which I detest but it might as well have been. I love the romance of a book but also love any sensuality. Any s%x they had was mentioned not explored. I’ll try another book sometime but if that one is as “clean” as this one, it’ll be my last. 3 1/2 stars for the storyline which would have more.
Steam 0
Steam 0
January 24, 2021
Hot ski patrol guy and a mechanic, what a pair!
When you need a break from suspenseful action and just want the romance and all the feels, this is the perfect book. Trace and Jordan are so sweet and compliment each other perfectly. This was just what I needed to bring back the happy lovey-dovey feelings.
When you need a break from suspenseful action and just want the romance and all the feels, this is the perfect book. Trace and Jordan are so sweet and compliment each other perfectly. This was just what I needed to bring back the happy lovey-dovey feelings.
January 31, 2021
I really liked this book; it is well written with a smooth flow.
The one question I kept coming back to, however, was… Just how big is Trace that he can just carry Jordan around all over the place? Even up and down stairs! Aside from their eyes, and a dimple, the characters physical descriptions are left rather vague, but Jordan is a mechanic, and mechanics are seldom small guys.
February 23, 2021
Quick, easy to read enjoyable 3.5*
Yes, it got a bit cheesy with all the carrying around.
Not giving Jordan any pass as broke my leg 6m ago and non weight bearing for 6 weeks - you can get about on your bum a lot!!
As a holiday romance turned into love it was fine.
Can understand the double black diamond terror.
Yes, it got a bit cheesy with all the carrying around.
Not giving Jordan any pass as broke my leg 6m ago and non weight bearing for 6 weeks - you can get about on your bum a lot!!
As a holiday romance turned into love it was fine.
Can understand the double black diamond terror.
March 1, 2021
I loved this book. Jordan James goes on a ski vacation with his friend Dave. His friend Dave leaves him on a ski run that is way past his skill level. He tries it anyway and disaster strikes. But is is really when he calls for help and is rescued by a A hot ski guy. Trace Griffin takes him home because he knows his friend Dave is a bit clueless. Neither expect to fall in love. But will it last?
February 2, 2021
Winter Wonderland download. Breaking a bone while skiing sets up a plot line for this short novella. Hot ski guy rescues a mechanic, and instant attraction. These characters bond over the course of the story, revealing some of their thoughts and nature.
February 26, 2022
A heartwarming story of insta-love which always makes me smile. These two young men are gorgeously sweet and smitten but live so many miles apart, their romance and flying to and fro makes for a lovely read. Who knew breaking your leg could be so perfect.
January 28, 2021
This was ok. Cute story of love at first site. But nothing happens. Like literally nothing. And Dave? What kind of “friend” is that?
March 20, 2021
Cute story, inconsistent writing. Some parts were good, others, particularly dialog were weak. Ending is abrupt and definitely needs more fleshing out.
August 21, 2021
DNF @ 30%
January 17, 2021
Such a fun story! I loved the premise and the meet cute in this story so much!
Reading it was a perfect relaxation. No angst, just a lot of sweet falling in love and figuring out how to connect dots between states. If you need a light wintery read, grab it!
Reading it was a perfect relaxation. No angst, just a lot of sweet falling in love and figuring out how to connect dots between states. If you need a light wintery read, grab it!
January 11, 2021
A lovely sweet short read with lots of chemistry between Jordan and Trace who have an instant attraction to each other. No big steamy moments but lots of loving, caring intimate ones as they build their connection. A really enjoyable low angst read.
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