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Black Diamond #1
Legacy of the Diamond
A priceless gem. A hunger for vengeance. A love they'll risk everything to claim.
First, they killed her father. Now Courtney Johnston is imprisoned aboard a privateer ship, an unwitting pawn in a nefarious scheme to snatch a rare and coveted diamond. Determined to take her revenge, the resourceful sea captain's daughter never dreams that fate will sweep her into the embrace of a dashing earl on his own desperate mission.
Slayde Huntley, earl of Pembourne, will gladly barter his family's priceless gem in exchange for the return of his kidnapped sister, Aurora. But Courtney, the fiery beauty who steps onto the plank like a sea nymph, is a shock to his senses. Blindsided by passion, Slayde joins Courtney to restore what is rightfully theirs...even as a centuries-old legacy of murder and betrayal threatens to tear them apart forever.
12 hrs and 26 min
First, they killed her father. Now Courtney Johnston is imprisoned aboard a privateer ship, an unwitting pawn in a nefarious scheme to snatch a rare and coveted diamond. Determined to take her revenge, the resourceful sea captain's daughter never dreams that fate will sweep her into the embrace of a dashing earl on his own desperate mission.
Slayde Huntley, earl of Pembourne, will gladly barter his family's priceless gem in exchange for the return of his kidnapped sister, Aurora. But Courtney, the fiery beauty who steps onto the plank like a sea nymph, is a shock to his senses. Blindsided by passion, Slayde joins Courtney to restore what is rightfully theirs...even as a centuries-old legacy of murder and betrayal threatens to tear them apart forever.
12 hrs and 26 min
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 1997
13 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Kane
48 books834 followersComing in March 2019 from Andrea Kane: DEAD IN A WEEK.
Andrea Kane is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-nine novels, including fifteen psychological thrillers and fourteen historical romantic suspense titles. With her signature style, Kane creates unforgettable characters and confronts them with life-threatening danger. As a master of suspense, she weaves them into exciting, carefully-researched stories, pushing them to the edge—and keeping her readers up all night.
Kane’s first contemporary suspense thriller, Run for Your Life, became an instant New York Times bestseller. She followed with a string of bestselling psychological thrillers including No Way Out, Twisted, and Drawn in Blood.
Her latest in the highly successful Forensic Instincts series, Dead in a Week, adds the Zermatt Group into the mix—a covert team of former military and spy agency operatives. With a week to save a young woman from ruthless kidnappers, this globe-spanning chase, from the beerhalls of Germany, to the tech gardens of California, to the skyscrapers of China, and finally the farmlands of Croatia will keep readers guessing until the very end. The first showcase of Forensic Instincts’ talents came with the New York Times bestseller, The Girl Who Disappeared Twice, followed by The Line Between Here and Gone, The Stranger You Know, The Silence that Speaks, The Murder That Never Was, and A Face to Die For.
Kane’s beloved historical romantic suspense novels include My Heart’s Desire, Samantha, Echoes in the Mist, and Wishes in the Wind.
With a worldwide following of passionate readers, her books have been published in more than twenty languages.
Kane lives in New Jersey with her husband and family. She’s an avid crossword puzzle solver and a diehard Yankees fan. Otherwise, she’s either writing or playing with her Pomeranian, Mischief, who does his best to keep her from writing.
Andrea Kane is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-nine novels, including fifteen psychological thrillers and fourteen historical romantic suspense titles. With her signature style, Kane creates unforgettable characters and confronts them with life-threatening danger. As a master of suspense, she weaves them into exciting, carefully-researched stories, pushing them to the edge—and keeping her readers up all night.
Kane’s first contemporary suspense thriller, Run for Your Life, became an instant New York Times bestseller. She followed with a string of bestselling psychological thrillers including No Way Out, Twisted, and Drawn in Blood.
Her latest in the highly successful Forensic Instincts series, Dead in a Week, adds the Zermatt Group into the mix—a covert team of former military and spy agency operatives. With a week to save a young woman from ruthless kidnappers, this globe-spanning chase, from the beerhalls of Germany, to the tech gardens of California, to the skyscrapers of China, and finally the farmlands of Croatia will keep readers guessing until the very end. The first showcase of Forensic Instincts’ talents came with the New York Times bestseller, The Girl Who Disappeared Twice, followed by The Line Between Here and Gone, The Stranger You Know, The Silence that Speaks, The Murder That Never Was, and A Face to Die For.
Kane’s beloved historical romantic suspense novels include My Heart’s Desire, Samantha, Echoes in the Mist, and Wishes in the Wind.
With a worldwide following of passionate readers, her books have been published in more than twenty languages.
Kane lives in New Jersey with her husband and family. She’s an avid crossword puzzle solver and a diehard Yankees fan. Otherwise, she’s either writing or playing with her Pomeranian, Mischief, who does his best to keep her from writing.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 19, 2011
Slayde está desesperado porque su hermana Aurora ha desaparecido, por eso, cuando recibe una carta citándole al anochecer para el pago del rescate, a condición de que entregue el diamante negro, él accede. Nada vale más que la vida de su única hermana. No importa que ella le cause más problemas de los que le gustaría. El problema es que una vez hecho el canje, descubre que ha sido engañado. La mujer que le han dado, en bastante mal estado de salud, no es su Aurora. Convencido de que Courtney puede ayudarle a localizarla, le da la protección en su casa mientras se recupera de sus heridas. Pero Slayde ha sabido siempre que la maldición que pesa sobre su familia implica que nunca podrá tener una familia, desafortunadamente para él, no cuenta con que Courtney tenga una idea muy distinta para ganarse el corazón de un conde atormentado.
El inicio de la novela es un poco lento, con los detalles que se van mostrando sobre la vida de Slayde, de Courtney, de lo que le sucedió a sus respectivos padres, etc. Había mucha información a la mano pero yo sentía que no sabía mucho, que no terminaba de cuajar nada. Sobre todo porque muy al inicio vemos una escena en la que conocemos al "conspirador" entonces me hizo pensar que no me gustaría como se desarrollaría todo, qué caso tenía conocer quién era el infiltrado. Pero me tuve que tragar mis pensamientos.
Hay una escena en especial que depende del cómo la leas pero puede arruinar la sorpresa del personaje malvado que esta detrás de todo. Digo "puede" porque yo me leí el libro y recuerdo que esa escena no significó gran cosa para mí. Creo que el problema es que fue en los primeros capítulos y como dije, no había llamado mucho mi atención. Sin embargo, mi mamá se lo leyó también (amó la novela) y ella me dijo: No me gustó que la autora te desvele ahí el misterio. Y yo con mi cara de ¬¬" No sé de qué me hablas!!! Se los juro nunca lo supe!!!
Pero bien, la novela tiene muchas partes hermosas. La relación entre Slayde y Courtney esta llena de ternura y amor. Y Aurora es un personaje chispeante que anda en busca de aventuras y pidiendo de ese modo, un poco de atención de su hermano. Creo que realmente valió la pena todos esos capítulos lentos porque de otro modo no se llegaría a comprender la historia del todo. Y hay un elemento paranormal, que de verdad me gustó mucho, el señor Scollard es un personaje muy sabio, disfruté muchísimo de los momentos en que aparecía.
Y el final, no podía haber sido mejor. Totalmente conmovedor, me hizo soltar unas cuantas lágrimas. El único detallito que tiene es que una vez que se resuelve todo el lío, lo siguiente que sabes es que ya hay un final feliz, no me quejo por el final porque como ya dije es muy emotivo, lo que no me gustó fue que sucediera tan de pronto, casi sin decir agua va. Pero sin duda valió la pena leer El legado del diamante.
El inicio de la novela es un poco lento, con los detalles que se van mostrando sobre la vida de Slayde, de Courtney, de lo que le sucedió a sus respectivos padres, etc. Había mucha información a la mano pero yo sentía que no sabía mucho, que no terminaba de cuajar nada. Sobre todo porque muy al inicio vemos una escena en la que conocemos al "conspirador" entonces me hizo pensar que no me gustaría como se desarrollaría todo, qué caso tenía conocer quién era el infiltrado. Pero me tuve que tragar mis pensamientos.
Hay una escena en especial que depende del cómo la leas pero puede arruinar la sorpresa del personaje malvado que esta detrás de todo. Digo "puede" porque yo me leí el libro y recuerdo que esa escena no significó gran cosa para mí. Creo que el problema es que fue en los primeros capítulos y como dije, no había llamado mucho mi atención. Sin embargo, mi mamá se lo leyó también (amó la novela) y ella me dijo: No me gustó que la autora te desvele ahí el misterio. Y yo con mi cara de ¬¬" No sé de qué me hablas!!! Se los juro nunca lo supe!!!
Pero bien, la novela tiene muchas partes hermosas. La relación entre Slayde y Courtney esta llena de ternura y amor. Y Aurora es un personaje chispeante que anda en busca de aventuras y pidiendo de ese modo, un poco de atención de su hermano. Creo que realmente valió la pena todos esos capítulos lentos porque de otro modo no se llegaría a comprender la historia del todo. Y hay un elemento paranormal, que de verdad me gustó mucho, el señor Scollard es un personaje muy sabio, disfruté muchísimo de los momentos en que aparecía.
Y el final, no podía haber sido mejor. Totalmente conmovedor, me hizo soltar unas cuantas lágrimas. El único detallito que tiene es que una vez que se resuelve todo el lío, lo siguiente que sabes es que ya hay un final feliz, no me quejo por el final porque como ya dije es muy emotivo, lo que no me gustó fue que sucediera tan de pronto, casi sin decir agua va. Pero sin duda valió la pena leer El legado del diamante.
April 18, 2018
The black diamond, a gem of unfathomable wealth and beauty, has plagued the Huntley family for generations. It prompted the feud with the Bencrofts, it supposedly brought a curse upon the Huntleys...and now resulted in Aurora Huntley being kidnapped and held for ransom.
Slayde Huntley is more than happy to give up the diamond if it means saving his sister's life...Only it's not his sister that he saves, but Courtney Johnston, a sea captain's daughter whose ship had been attacked by pirates and whose father had been forced overboard. Aurora, on the other hand, had merely been in London for a short trip with a longtime family friend...
This book was a huge disappointment.
From the characters (the heroine and the hero's sister acted like children instead of young women and the hero was a curse-believing idiot for the better part of the story) to the suspense which could've worked if the story wasn't overburdened with the drama and angst of the characters. As it was, the big reveal of who the villain was, came as a huge surprise (the only plus of the book), while the motive ended up sounding rather idiotic, and the whole thing was resolved too quickly (a matter of pages).
It wasn't badly written, but was unfortunately weighted down by the characters and poorly developed suspense plot.
Slayde Huntley is more than happy to give up the diamond if it means saving his sister's life...Only it's not his sister that he saves, but Courtney Johnston, a sea captain's daughter whose ship had been attacked by pirates and whose father had been forced overboard. Aurora, on the other hand, had merely been in London for a short trip with a longtime family friend...
This book was a huge disappointment.
From the characters (the heroine and the hero's sister acted like children instead of young women and the hero was a curse-believing idiot for the better part of the story) to the suspense which could've worked if the story wasn't overburdened with the drama and angst of the characters. As it was, the big reveal of who the villain was, came as a huge surprise (the only plus of the book), while the motive ended up sounding rather idiotic, and the whole thing was resolved too quickly (a matter of pages).
It wasn't badly written, but was unfortunately weighted down by the characters and poorly developed suspense plot.
January 28, 2013
In a recent DB/SA podcast, Sarah and Jane talked about whether a person can continue reading a book even though the style or the grammar bothered the reader At least one believed that a good story can overcome that. It is with that in mind that I plodded ahead on this book. Ms. Kane’s books came highly recommended so I bought several when they were on sale. I hope they get better. Right now, there’s some serious scooby doo narration going on. It’s like Velma and Fred are two key characters in this book (i.e., characters filling the reader in about back story in a way that is not natural). And there doesn’t seem to be true chemistry between the two characters - attraction, but no chemistry.
It’s too bad because the story line was intriguing but the characters and the writing style did not engage me. The author also killed several opportunities for true suspense for reasons I can’t determine. For example, there is a character who helps further the underlying suspense story line involving the feigned kidnapping of Aurora, the hero’s sister. The characters go through a series of machinations to figure out who this person is, but the reader already knows because it was revealed unnecessarily several chapters before.
Meh.
2 out of 5 stars.
It’s too bad because the story line was intriguing but the characters and the writing style did not engage me. The author also killed several opportunities for true suspense for reasons I can’t determine. For example, there is a character who helps further the underlying suspense story line involving the feigned kidnapping of Aurora, the hero’s sister. The characters go through a series of machinations to figure out who this person is, but the reader already knows because it was revealed unnecessarily several chapters before.
Meh.
2 out of 5 stars.
November 10, 2010
such a good story!!
January 3, 2013
Too fast in building the romance between H/H and too slow in the crime part. 3.5 star from me.
October 2, 2023
MY RATING GUIDE: Nearly 4 Stars. I found LEGACY OF THE DIAMOND (book 1 of 2) a sweet historical adventure surrounded with mysteries. It read like an adult fairytale.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I FOUND THIS REFRESHING & FUN; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Summer, Devonshire, 1817 ~
The Pembourne estates and along the Southern coast of England.
Slayde Huntley, 9th Earl of Pembourne, now 31, was just 21 when both his parents were murdered in their own home during a search for a valuable diamond. In the years following their death, Slayde picked up the estate responsibilities, saw to the management of the land and spent most of his time far from his home attempting to forget his grief. Yet still his family’s violent past haunts him. One evening he returns home from his travels to be met with the terrible news that his younger sister has just been abducted for ransom.
Courtney Johnston, nearly 20, is the beloved daughter of a widowed sea captain. Her father travels endlessly between England, the colonies, various ports of call and she goes with him. One day not long after the Isabella has left port, a ship approaches them. The crew of the Isabella is overwhelmed by privateers and Courtney’s father is immediately bound and tossed overboard. Courtney gets glimpses of the crew as she is tossed below deck, but she vows to take her revenge. She will avenge her father.
Comments ~
1) LEGACY OF THE DIAMOND is bk1 in a 2 bk duo. I purchased and listened to the audiobook. LEGACY OF THE DIAMOND stands alone with its own HEA but bk 2/THE BLACK DIAMOND picks up the adventure with Slayde’s younger sister, Aurora. The second book, The BLACK DIAMOND, contains its own story and HEA but also completes the over reaching story arc connecting the 2 books. I read the second book first and decided I wanted to read LEGACY to see how the story began. Each book stands alone, but I enjoyed them both.
2) The Black Diamond books are quest novels surrounded by mysteries. They are light in tone and LEGACY, at times, reminded me of an adult fairytale - fun, romantic, and slightly fantastical. In that spirit, I enjoyed it quite a bit. I smiled frequently throughout. (Bk 2, BLACK DIAMOND, may have been my favorite of the two).
3) The performance by Flora MacDonald was wonderful - portraying humor, excitement, hope and wonder while voicing accents and character voices (both male and female) well. I was pulled into the adventure til the end.
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used occasionally.
VIOLENCE - PG. Not dark.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Intimacy occurs between the MCs (trice). IMO, LEGACY is much more than than these scenes which could easily be skipped if desired.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I FOUND THIS REFRESHING & FUN; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Summer, Devonshire, 1817 ~
The Pembourne estates and along the Southern coast of England.
Slayde Huntley, 9th Earl of Pembourne, now 31, was just 21 when both his parents were murdered in their own home during a search for a valuable diamond. In the years following their death, Slayde picked up the estate responsibilities, saw to the management of the land and spent most of his time far from his home attempting to forget his grief. Yet still his family’s violent past haunts him. One evening he returns home from his travels to be met with the terrible news that his younger sister has just been abducted for ransom.
Courtney Johnston, nearly 20, is the beloved daughter of a widowed sea captain. Her father travels endlessly between England, the colonies, various ports of call and she goes with him. One day not long after the Isabella has left port, a ship approaches them. The crew of the Isabella is overwhelmed by privateers and Courtney’s father is immediately bound and tossed overboard. Courtney gets glimpses of the crew as she is tossed below deck, but she vows to take her revenge. She will avenge her father.
Comments ~
1) LEGACY OF THE DIAMOND is bk1 in a 2 bk duo. I purchased and listened to the audiobook. LEGACY OF THE DIAMOND stands alone with its own HEA but bk 2/THE BLACK DIAMOND picks up the adventure with Slayde’s younger sister, Aurora. The second book, The BLACK DIAMOND, contains its own story and HEA but also completes the over reaching story arc connecting the 2 books. I read the second book first and decided I wanted to read LEGACY to see how the story began. Each book stands alone, but I enjoyed them both.
2) The Black Diamond books are quest novels surrounded by mysteries. They are light in tone and LEGACY, at times, reminded me of an adult fairytale - fun, romantic, and slightly fantastical. In that spirit, I enjoyed it quite a bit. I smiled frequently throughout. (Bk 2, BLACK DIAMOND, may have been my favorite of the two).
3) The performance by Flora MacDonald was wonderful - portraying humor, excitement, hope and wonder while voicing accents and character voices (both male and female) well. I was pulled into the adventure til the end.
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used occasionally.
VIOLENCE - PG. Not dark.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Intimacy occurs between the MCs (trice). IMO, LEGACY is much more than than these scenes which could easily be skipped if desired.
August 23, 2011
I enjoyed reading this book despite the fact I didn't really like Courtney. I can understand her recklessness and her disregard for propriety being a she sailor but that's not really how she was portrayed. She was as lady like as can be, normally for someone to live 20 years of their life, merrily going about on seas with a bunch of rowdy sailors, one can't be expected to be all prim and feminine. Oh well, she did mention a couple of times that school for young girls she attended.
Slayde was a character I liked. His fiercely protective nature and kindess were indeed so charming! I'm such a sucker for knights in shining armour who come to the damsels rescue. The only reason I decided to like Courtney was because she brought about such a great change in him and really made him happy. I had a few other favorite characters in this story. Aurora for one, so lively and gay - reminded me of my friend and sister and how much fun it is to have someone who's loyal and willing to stand by you no matter what you decide to do. Then there was Mr. Scollard. His conversations were interesting and fun! Did I mention I liked Slayde?
I wish the author wouldn't give away Miss Payne as a spy so soon in the book. That put me on guard and I began suspecting Lady Elinore from the start. She wasn't covered enough, and she was involved way too much. Anyways, I guess I paid more attention to the romance in the story and the curse of the black diamond than Courntey's missing father or anything else.
The ending felt rushed, everything came together too quickly and too effortlessly [well, it was all work done by the investigators]. But I like happy endings so I'll let it pass. I was happy Courtney was reunited with her father and Slayde was finally happy.
Actually looking forward to reading the second book in this series. I have a feeling I might like it better since one of the Huntley's family alleged enemy Julian Mortland is in the middle of it and that too with my favorite character Aurora!
Slayde was a character I liked. His fiercely protective nature and kindess were indeed so charming! I'm such a sucker for knights in shining armour who come to the damsels rescue. The only reason I decided to like Courtney was because she brought about such a great change in him and really made him happy. I had a few other favorite characters in this story. Aurora for one, so lively and gay - reminded me of my friend and sister and how much fun it is to have someone who's loyal and willing to stand by you no matter what you decide to do. Then there was Mr. Scollard. His conversations were interesting and fun! Did I mention I liked Slayde?
I wish the author wouldn't give away Miss Payne as a spy so soon in the book. That put me on guard and I began suspecting Lady Elinore from the start. She wasn't covered enough, and she was involved way too much. Anyways, I guess I paid more attention to the romance in the story and the curse of the black diamond than Courntey's missing father or anything else.
The ending felt rushed, everything came together too quickly and too effortlessly [well, it was all work done by the investigators]. But I like happy endings so I'll let it pass. I was happy Courtney was reunited with her father and Slayde was finally happy.
Actually looking forward to reading the second book in this series. I have a feeling I might like it better since one of the Huntley's family alleged enemy Julian Mortland is in the middle of it and that too with my favorite character Aurora!
July 30, 2010
It was hard to read in the sense that I couldnt get into it. It had its ok moments but thats it.
January 26, 2015
Interesante, ligera, fácil de leer aunque creo que el final fue un tanto apresurado.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews