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Dangerous Gems #2
Diamond
In this game of life, I never know whether I am the pawn or the queen.
Valentina:
I always knew I wouldn’t choose my groom, but I’d never imagined I’d be given in marriage to the last man on earth I wanted. Matteo is the dark prince from my childhood, but I never wanted him to be my king.
Matteo:
From the time I was a boy, I’d known Valentina was mine. Her reluctance to unite our families does not matter. She’s always belonged to me, and It is time to bring her home.
When enemies conspire to end our alliance before it can begin, I will do whatever it takes to claim my Queen.
Originally published in Dark Vows. Story has been expanded and edited.
Valentina:
I always knew I wouldn’t choose my groom, but I’d never imagined I’d be given in marriage to the last man on earth I wanted. Matteo is the dark prince from my childhood, but I never wanted him to be my king.
Matteo:
From the time I was a boy, I’d known Valentina was mine. Her reluctance to unite our families does not matter. She’s always belonged to me, and It is time to bring her home.
When enemies conspire to end our alliance before it can begin, I will do whatever it takes to claim my Queen.
Originally published in Dark Vows. Story has been expanded and edited.
- GenresMafia Romance
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2021
17 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Clark
27 books592 followersLesley Clark is a USA Today bestselling author of romance with hot alpha men and sexy sassy ladies that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
She is also an unashamed southern girl with a love of all things fried and covered in bacon. Mountain Dew is the fuel that keeps her going.
When she isn’t writing or working as an RN, she is likely reading one of the thousands of books in her library. Since her nest is currently empty, she can often be found playing with her fur babies who rule her life.
Lesley writes stories with hot alpha men and sexy sassy ladies that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
When she has a spare minute between her fur babies, books, and nursing, Lesley loves to connect with her readers.
She is also an unashamed southern girl with a love of all things fried and covered in bacon. Mountain Dew is the fuel that keeps her going.
When she isn’t writing or working as an RN, she is likely reading one of the thousands of books in her library. Since her nest is currently empty, she can often be found playing with her fur babies who rule her life.
Lesley writes stories with hot alpha men and sexy sassy ladies that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
When she has a spare minute between her fur babies, books, and nursing, Lesley loves to connect with her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 14, 2022
Diamond is the second in the Dangerous Gems series,and it’s a little longer than Amethyst.
Since the scene is already set,all we needed were the players.
Here we have Matteo,who’s going to marry Valentina Costa to unite the families.
She had a chance to go to college in the States,but he’s kept his men closeby to protect her from other men all this time.
Val used to have a crush on him until she saw her friend Bianca having sex with him.
Now,she’s not so sure she wants to marry this playboy…..but he’s determined,and no-one is going to stop him,including Val.
Her besties have been trying to help her get rid of her V-card,but so far it hasn’t happened.
And now Matteo is here to take her home and get married….
After an unconvincing struggle,Val is now ready to seal the deal,and her besties are there to help her.
But not everyone is happy about the union,and it looks like someone is going to take Matteo’s weak spot….Val!
A quick read with a basic storyline,namely a little suspense,some struggles between the lovers,and a happy end.
Nothing too complicated,but an ok read.
Since the scene is already set,all we needed were the players.
Here we have Matteo,who’s going to marry Valentina Costa to unite the families.
She had a chance to go to college in the States,but he’s kept his men closeby to protect her from other men all this time.
Val used to have a crush on him until she saw her friend Bianca having sex with him.
Now,she’s not so sure she wants to marry this playboy…..but he’s determined,and no-one is going to stop him,including Val.
Her besties have been trying to help her get rid of her V-card,but so far it hasn’t happened.
And now Matteo is here to take her home and get married….
After an unconvincing struggle,Val is now ready to seal the deal,and her besties are there to help her.
But not everyone is happy about the union,and it looks like someone is going to take Matteo’s weak spot….Val!
A quick read with a basic storyline,namely a little suspense,some struggles between the lovers,and a happy end.
Nothing too complicated,but an ok read.
October 10, 2021
This is the second book in the series, and it can be read as a standalone. Matteo knew that Valentina would one day be his and told her so. He comes to claim her at her university graduation, and they are quickly married. She is taken the day after they wed, will he be able to get her back before it is to late? Great characters, lots of drama and steam as wells as steamy chemistry. I liked it.
October 10, 2021
Valentina and Matteo are enemies turned lovers with plenty of twists and turns before they get their HEA. The storyline has plenty of twists and turns throughout the pages making this a book worth reading.
I received a copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received a copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
October 7, 2021
This was a wonderful read, great characters and storyline
I thoroughly enjoyed this read from start to finish it was simply wonderful and I cannot tell you how much you will be totally blown away by this story, the characters were simply fantastic and the plot was so well written that once you started reading it was impossible to put the book down till the end.
Valentina had always known that in a family such as hers the norm was that she would not fall in love and marry the man of her dreams, no in fact it was most likely to be a business arrangement between families it was just as things were in her life.
Matteo was the man that she was supposed to marry and she was not at all happy about it, she had known him as a boy and had known the families wanted to unite but that had been years before and yet it seemed that fate had come calling again.
Matteo had never forgotten Valentina and was determined to make her his but other have far more devious ideas to stop the alliance of their families.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read from start to finish it was simply wonderful and I cannot tell you how much you will be totally blown away by this story, the characters were simply fantastic and the plot was so well written that once you started reading it was impossible to put the book down till the end.
Valentina had always known that in a family such as hers the norm was that she would not fall in love and marry the man of her dreams, no in fact it was most likely to be a business arrangement between families it was just as things were in her life.
Matteo was the man that she was supposed to marry and she was not at all happy about it, she had known him as a boy and had known the families wanted to unite but that had been years before and yet it seemed that fate had come calling again.
Matteo had never forgotten Valentina and was determined to make her his but other have far more devious ideas to stop the alliance of their families.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
October 12, 2021
Wet Panties : 2
Tropes : Virgin FMC, Alpha male, Mafia romance,
TW :
The book abided by the name of the series - Dangerous Gems
and I read it in one sitting and DID NOT regret it.
I enjoyed it because for once the plot didn't revolve around sex albeit, 'twas a cliché mafia romance ngl but better than what I've been reading for the past few days and so this book gave me a much needed break.
I was as much invested in other ships as I was in the MCs and I'm eagerly waiting for other books in the series to boot.
Overall, it's a good book, even with this accustomed mafia trope I wasn't bored.
Tropes : Virgin FMC, Alpha male, Mafia romance,
TW :
The book abided by the name of the series - Dangerous Gems
and I read it in one sitting and DID NOT regret it.
I enjoyed it because for once the plot didn't revolve around sex albeit, 'twas a cliché mafia romance ngl but better than what I've been reading for the past few days and so this book gave me a much needed break.
I was as much invested in other ships as I was in the MCs and I'm eagerly waiting for other books in the series to boot.
Overall, it's a good book, even with this accustomed mafia trope I wasn't bored.
January 20, 2022
Diamond is the Second part of "Dangerous Gems Series".
Another great gift to the reader by Lesley Clark...
Matteo who is fighting with his own shaded side and desires, while on other hand Valentine is strong and courageous. Both this bold and intense characters are going to win your heart with their imperfectly perfect bond...
Matteo who always told Valentine that belongs to him since they knew each other from childhood. But she didn't quit realize it not until he comes to claim her on here under graduation.
Soon they get married and in this very moment get's spoiled as Valentine is taken the day after her wedding....
This situation is make Matteo enraged, who took her? And Will he be able to find her?
There are lot's of questions, twists and turns and the only way to find out what comes next is to hang tight throughout the book....
Another great gift to the reader by Lesley Clark...
Matteo who is fighting with his own shaded side and desires, while on other hand Valentine is strong and courageous. Both this bold and intense characters are going to win your heart with their imperfectly perfect bond...
Matteo who always told Valentine that belongs to him since they knew each other from childhood. But she didn't quit realize it not until he comes to claim her on here under graduation.
Soon they get married and in this very moment get's spoiled as Valentine is taken the day after her wedding....
This situation is make Matteo enraged, who took her? And Will he be able to find her?
There are lot's of questions, twists and turns and the only way to find out what comes next is to hang tight throughout the book....
October 8, 2021
Valentina has belonged to Matteo since they were children. He has always told her she was his. She did not quite get it until he comes to claim her from her university graduation. Two weeks later, they are married. Her American friends do not quite understand, but this is how it is in her world. When she is taken the day after their wedding, he is out of his mind, but he will find her. Will it be in time?
If this story seems familiar, it is because it was originally published in the Dark Vows Anthology, before being expanded upon. It is a well-developed story with a feisty heroine and a dark and possessive Hero. It is a good read, and definitely worth the one click.
I received an advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If this story seems familiar, it is because it was originally published in the Dark Vows Anthology, before being expanded upon. It is a well-developed story with a feisty heroine and a dark and possessive Hero. It is a good read, and definitely worth the one click.
I received an advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2021
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. Matteo and Valentina have had an arranged marriage since children. It was done to keep the families tied together close. He has been waiting for her and now that she has graduated, things happen quickly. He can make Valentina his bride finally, but because of an enemy, he cannot keep her. She is taken from him and he will do whatever it takes to get his wife back. She can only trust that he will find her. I really enjoyed their story. Matteo is perfect for her and she for him. I actually liked it better than Amethyst, but not by much. I am looking forward to reading Ruby
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.
October 11, 2021
She has always belonging to him....but that does not mean he can keep her forever
Diamond is the second book in the Dangerous Gems series and this story is about Valentina and Matteo. This is an arranged marriage, from childhood, between two powerful Mafia families uniting. Valentina is graduating university when Matteo comes for her and takes her home. It is time for their marriage but this is not quite what Valentina was expecting. They are married but that does not quite mean they will stay married.
This story is well written and has an engaging story-line. I really loved Valentina as she is sweet, innocent and beautiful. She is also surprised by what "belonging" to Matteo really meant.
Diamond is the second book in the Dangerous Gems series and this story is about Valentina and Matteo. This is an arranged marriage, from childhood, between two powerful Mafia families uniting. Valentina is graduating university when Matteo comes for her and takes her home. It is time for their marriage but this is not quite what Valentina was expecting. They are married but that does not quite mean they will stay married.
This story is well written and has an engaging story-line. I really loved Valentina as she is sweet, innocent and beautiful. She is also surprised by what "belonging" to Matteo really meant.
October 17, 2021
Diamond is the first book in the Dangerous Gems Series which features Matteo, the Don of the DeStefano Mafia Family, and Valentina, sister of the Don of the Costa Family, who are under contract to wed in order to strengthen their families. The time has come for the wedding as Valentina has completed her college degree and is surprised to find Matteo as her fiancée. This well written book has amazing characters, strong emotions, unexpected twists, mafia violence, and steamy passion. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series which is Ruby and is the story of Matteo’s brother, Salvatore, and Mia.
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.
January 9, 2022
I liked book 1 better...
Overlooking the outline of this story, I would give it 4 stars, but there are too many details that I found unacceptable, namely spanking and foul language. None of the characters have their own individuality since they are all written with the same voice of foul language. There isn't one character who hasn't dropped the F-bomb. I'm no prude, but there's a problem with the writing when the foul language is what you remember most from the prior chapter. I read book 1, Amethyst, yesterday and while language and spanking were also a part of the text, it wasn't as overbearing.
There were about a dozen proofreading typos and the use of 'Duh' that helped to weaken the story. I won't be reading anymore work by this author.
Overlooking the outline of this story, I would give it 4 stars, but there are too many details that I found unacceptable, namely spanking and foul language. None of the characters have their own individuality since they are all written with the same voice of foul language. There isn't one character who hasn't dropped the F-bomb. I'm no prude, but there's a problem with the writing when the foul language is what you remember most from the prior chapter. I read book 1, Amethyst, yesterday and while language and spanking were also a part of the text, it wasn't as overbearing.
There were about a dozen proofreading typos and the use of 'Duh' that helped to weaken the story. I won't be reading anymore work by this author.
September 29, 2021
Valentina and Matteo were promised to each other by their grandfathers when they were children to strengthen the two families. Valentina was allowed to go to college in America but as she is about to graduate, Matteo comes to claim her. Valentina’s friends were horrified, but Valentina has had a crush on Matteo for years. Matteo was not a virgin when he got married and his past comes back to haunt him. There is a happy ending though and some wonderful characters. Alessandro (Valentina’s brother) and Jessica’s verbal exchanges are delightful and Melody and Luca are equally as fun. This is a fast read that will make you smile.
October 9, 2021
I could not put this book down until I turned the last page!
I figured I would read a few chapters before bedtime, yet it was 3:30am before I went to bed as I couldn’t put it down until I turned the last page. I loved how innocent Valentina finds out that Matteo, the boy she always admired in her youth until she didn’t, is now front and center in her life. Perhaps Valentina’s feeling of isolation from the opposite sex wasn’t just a figment of her imagination. Yet as Matteo takes controls of Valentina’s life, some foreshadowing from the past will cause turmoil in the present. Lesley weaves a wicked tale that has you hoping for a happily ever after!
I figured I would read a few chapters before bedtime, yet it was 3:30am before I went to bed as I couldn’t put it down until I turned the last page. I loved how innocent Valentina finds out that Matteo, the boy she always admired in her youth until she didn’t, is now front and center in her life. Perhaps Valentina’s feeling of isolation from the opposite sex wasn’t just a figment of her imagination. Yet as Matteo takes controls of Valentina’s life, some foreshadowing from the past will cause turmoil in the present. Lesley weaves a wicked tale that has you hoping for a happily ever after!
October 10, 2021
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. Matteo and Valentina's story will captivate you, friends from childhood she now belongs to him just like he always said. Within weeks they're man and wife and then she's gone. Will he be able to find her and whoever has her? Can he get her back before anything terrible happens? You really need to grab a copy of this book and find out what happens. If this story seems familiar it's been published before in the Dark Vows Anthology but the author expanded on the original story. I would definitely recommend this book.
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.
October 16, 2021
I liked that Valentina and Matteo had been arranged to marry since they were young and when she graduates he is there. I loved that even though she was taken there was nothing that was going to stop him from getting her back.
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.
January 4, 2022
After reading Amethyst, I was very curious about Matteo and his situation. This book didn’t disappoint. It’s longer than the first book, but still pretty short. I read it very quickly. Matteo & Valentina’s story is perfection. I loved how much Matteo treasures her and treats her like the most precious thing in the world.
May 17, 2023
I loved Valentina so much and how strong and independent she was. I hate that she knew she had to marry someone from the mafia family but I love that she still went to college and got a degree. I loved Mattea and how possessive he was and how he didn’t let anyone touch her at all. I love that even though it was an arranged marriage she still loved him and they were able to be happy together.
October 10, 2021
Another solid story from the pen of Lesley Clark! I do feel the story could have fleshed out the inner workings of the mafia family's business, however the love story was sweet and tension filled on its own. I have already pre-order the next book in the series.
October 20, 2021
Wow this book get so hot you may need a cold shower I absolutely could not get enough of this I was hooked from the first page great writing job bravo loved it and if anyone is looking a steamy wonderful read then add this one to your list you will not be disappointed, I was not, I loved it.
April 12, 2023
Another quick steamy read. I didn't really care much for the lead female in this one. She grew up in the mafia but was too naive, even if women aren't informed of the business dealings they still know their life is always in danger. She seemed too uneducated about the mafia world.
October 5, 2021
Valentina has been promised to Matteo since she was six. Upon her graduation from college, she finds out exactly what that means. An enjoyable and fun read.
October 25, 2021
I enjoyed Matteo & Valentina's book. It was an intriguing, fast-paced read. Great book. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
Want to read
December 30, 2021🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (12/30/2021)! 🎁
January 12, 2022
A 10 + for me
This book captivated me immediately! I felt the connection between the main characters to the bone ...
Definitely worth reading!
This book captivated me immediately! I felt the connection between the main characters to the bone ...
Definitely worth reading!
January 25, 2022
It was fine.🤷♀️
#loversbetweencoversreads22 #4MafiaRomance
#loversbetweencoversreads22 #4MafiaRomance
October 7, 2022
Matteo and Valentino
Fabulous arranged marriage story with some crazy thrown in just to keep it interesting. Loving this series by Lesley Clark. Looking forward to the next one
Fabulous arranged marriage story with some crazy thrown in just to keep it interesting. Loving this series by Lesley Clark. Looking forward to the next one
June 2, 2023
This series is comprised of short, Dark Mafia books with some spice....I'm enjoying them!
November 26, 2023
Li em DARK voms
E fiquei curiosa com os romances das amigas Melody e Jessica
E fiquei curiosa com os romances das amigas Melody e Jessica
January 20, 2023
In the second book in this new series, we get Matteo and Valentina's story. From the beginning to the end, I loved this. Ms. Clark is one of my one click authors from whom I will read anything. Matteo is possessive and dominant and will do whatever it takes to keep Valentina with him. Loved it and am ready for more!!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews