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The King of Black Diamonds
New country, new town, new school... all in my final year of high school. Just what every teenage girl dreams of.
I didn't come here with the intention to stir up trouble, but sometimes a fire needs a little friction to really ignite.
That's exactly what happens when I cross paths with him.
Cullen Carrington.
He's captain of the famous Westlake High Black Diamonds rugby team and the most popular guy in school - just ask him.
He thinks I'm the sassy new girl with a chip on her shoulder. He might be right.
I think he's an arrogant player who always gets his own way. Maybe I'll find out.
Drama. Betrayal. Deceit. If I'm going to survive five minutes around here, I'll have to show them I'm not afraid to strike the first match. After all, someone needs to remind these boys they're rugby players, not royalty.
The King of Black Diamonds is a new adult high school romance with enemies to lovers and mature situations and content.
I didn't come here with the intention to stir up trouble, but sometimes a fire needs a little friction to really ignite.
That's exactly what happens when I cross paths with him.
Cullen Carrington.
He's captain of the famous Westlake High Black Diamonds rugby team and the most popular guy in school - just ask him.
He thinks I'm the sassy new girl with a chip on her shoulder. He might be right.
I think he's an arrogant player who always gets his own way. Maybe I'll find out.
Drama. Betrayal. Deceit. If I'm going to survive five minutes around here, I'll have to show them I'm not afraid to strike the first match. After all, someone needs to remind these boys they're rugby players, not royalty.
The King of Black Diamonds is a new adult high school romance with enemies to lovers and mature situations and content.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2022
439 people are currently reading
1018 people want to read
About the author
Nicole S. Goodin
36 books733 followersNICOLE S. GOODIN is a romance author and mother of two from Taranaki in the North Island of New Zealand.
In mid-2015, she started to write about a group of characters who wouldn’t get out of her head. Her first book, Rushed, was published in mid-2016.
Nicole enjoys long walks on the beach, pillow fights and braiding her friends’ hair. She dislikes clichés, talking about herself in the third person, and people who don’t understand her sense of humour.
Please feel free to contact her either via her website, email, Instagram, Twitter or on her Facebook page, she would love to hear your feedback. If you’re feeling really game, you can even sign up for her newsletter.
In mid-2015, she started to write about a group of characters who wouldn’t get out of her head. Her first book, Rushed, was published in mid-2016.
Nicole enjoys long walks on the beach, pillow fights and braiding her friends’ hair. She dislikes clichés, talking about herself in the third person, and people who don’t understand her sense of humour.
Please feel free to contact her either via her website, email, Instagram, Twitter or on her Facebook page, she would love to hear your feedback. If you’re feeling really game, you can even sign up for her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
October 30, 2022
DNF~🥹
First of all, I’m at 50%, and although there was a single kiss that occurred (then weeks of them not talking), Cullen and Berlin have literally only said a handful of things to each other. Instead, Berlin had been developing relationships with her cousin and her friends, and Cullen’s friend. AT 50%!
There’s too much drama and too much of Berlin being a sassy badass. Which is then pointed out over and over again just so we know for sure that she’s a sassy badass. She’s actually rude and annoying, but whatever. 🤩
The Mean Girls thing… why in hell is this movie brought up or quoted so many times, and by different characters? Don’t get me wrong, I love that movie but this was weird. Writing shouldn’t try and vibe off of other vibes.
Lastly, everyone needs to lay off the boomers. They’re more than a generation you blame everything on and make assumptions about. They’re also individual people with feelings.
First of all, I’m at 50%, and although there was a single kiss that occurred (then weeks of them not talking), Cullen and Berlin have literally only said a handful of things to each other. Instead, Berlin had been developing relationships with her cousin and her friends, and Cullen’s friend. AT 50%!
There’s too much drama and too much of Berlin being a sassy badass. Which is then pointed out over and over again just so we know for sure that she’s a sassy badass. She’s actually rude and annoying, but whatever. 🤩
The Mean Girls thing… why in hell is this movie brought up or quoted so many times, and by different characters? Don’t get me wrong, I love that movie but this was weird. Writing shouldn’t try and vibe off of other vibes.
Lastly, everyone needs to lay off the boomers. They’re more than a generation you blame everything on and make assumptions about. They’re also individual people with feelings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2025
Good god what have I done? Started a series with a bunch of characters I desperately need more of when the series is not completed. That’s what I’ve done! Why I do this to myself I’ll never know. What I do know is that I really need Nicole to hurry up and write Pax’s book because Jesus is he gonna be the guy for me - no pressure or anything!! (Sidenote - what is it with me and guys named Pax? Yes I realise I need a support group for my addiction. Maybe I’ll start one?) Anyway onto my review..
The King of Black Diamonds is right there with the best of them if you love a high school, enemies to lovers, sports romance with a side dish of bitchy problematic ex girlfriends. If you didn’t know, that’s my jam. Ugh it was good.
Cullen Cunningham is one of those assholes that has his pick of the girls and makes the most of it. He’s a player of both the ladies and rugby. I’m not mad at him. Nuh-uh. He has two best friends, Bry and Pax. Bry is the quiet one, until he’s had a beer or five and Pax is the cheeky, lovable one. I love him, if that wasn’t already made clear.
Berlin David’s is a girl with sass, who rocks Westlake High’s hierarchy to the core. She ruffles feathers in the best way possible and when I say the girl gives no shits. I sincerely mean she gives none. Zero. Nada. She has a fun set of girlfriends who I’m desperate for more of. Carissa is the one I think will be my fave, but we’ll see! Her relationship with her dad is fun and the guy is hot .. so I’m voting we get a book with Mr David’s sexscapades, and his romantic hea … 😏
The story is fun, there’s a brilliant cliffhanger at the end, nothing too dramatic that you feel like you’re left completely unfulfilled. The book has its conclusion but leaves you right at a place where you shout “What the actual hell Nicole!!” and run to Goodreads to find book 2. Only to find IT’S NOT BEEN WRITTEN YET … again no pressure or anything. I just need it like yesterday.
The King of Black Diamonds is right there with the best of them if you love a high school, enemies to lovers, sports romance with a side dish of bitchy problematic ex girlfriends. If you didn’t know, that’s my jam. Ugh it was good.
Cullen Cunningham is one of those assholes that has his pick of the girls and makes the most of it. He’s a player of both the ladies and rugby. I’m not mad at him. Nuh-uh. He has two best friends, Bry and Pax. Bry is the quiet one, until he’s had a beer or five and Pax is the cheeky, lovable one. I love him, if that wasn’t already made clear.
Berlin David’s is a girl with sass, who rocks Westlake High’s hierarchy to the core. She ruffles feathers in the best way possible and when I say the girl gives no shits. I sincerely mean she gives none. Zero. Nada. She has a fun set of girlfriends who I’m desperate for more of. Carissa is the one I think will be my fave, but we’ll see! Her relationship with her dad is fun and the guy is hot .. so I’m voting we get a book with Mr David’s sexscapades, and his romantic hea … 😏
The story is fun, there’s a brilliant cliffhanger at the end, nothing too dramatic that you feel like you’re left completely unfulfilled. The book has its conclusion but leaves you right at a place where you shout “What the actual hell Nicole!!” and run to Goodreads to find book 2. Only to find IT’S NOT BEEN WRITTEN YET … again no pressure or anything. I just need it like yesterday.
September 22, 2024
Firstly, WOW. I absolutely loved this book.
The enemies-to-lovers vibe was on point, as was the banter. That was, straight up, some A+ chat.
Berlin was so feisty, strong, sassy, and confident that you couldn't help but love her. Yet, when she let her soft show, that was something special.
Cullen was a world-class tool for the better part of the book. But, once again, when he finally opened up it was AMAZING.
I really enjoyed getting to know all the characters, and I have some ideas about who might end up together but I will wait patiently to see how it all plays out.
Pax was a favourite right out of the gate, as were Sofia and Bry.
There were a couple of girls who I wouldn't miss if they somehow disappeared in the next book but I really want to see them get their just desserts.
Add in the hot dad, the surprise twist at the end (which kind of made complete sense), and some amazing one-liners that made me cry with laughter, and you have one helluva fabulous book.
The enemies-to-lovers vibe was on point, as was the banter. That was, straight up, some A+ chat.
Berlin was so feisty, strong, sassy, and confident that you couldn't help but love her. Yet, when she let her soft show, that was something special.
Cullen was a world-class tool for the better part of the book. But, once again, when he finally opened up it was AMAZING.
I really enjoyed getting to know all the characters, and I have some ideas about who might end up together but I will wait patiently to see how it all plays out.
Pax was a favourite right out of the gate, as were Sofia and Bry.
There were a couple of girls who I wouldn't miss if they somehow disappeared in the next book but I really want to see them get their just desserts.
Add in the hot dad, the surprise twist at the end (which kind of made complete sense), and some amazing one-liners that made me cry with laughter, and you have one helluva fabulous book.
June 12, 2023
I really wasn’t a fan of Berlin at the beginning of this story. I felt she was way too obnoxious for a girl moving to a new school where she didn’t know anyone. It really could have been toned back at the start.
As the book went on I came to enjoy her sass and it was more fitting further into the book as she settled in.
Looking forward to the next book on this series.
And that ending …. Holy shit!!
As the book went on I came to enjoy her sass and it was more fitting further into the book as she settled in.
Looking forward to the next book on this series.
And that ending …. Holy shit!!
October 27, 2022
I truly enjoyed this high school romance. Berlin is a sassy, confident and take charge kind of girl and I just adored her. Cullen is arrogant, a bit of a jerk but when he falls, he falls hard. The chemistry between these two are sizzling hot, and there is so much drama that happens. The plus side is that they have supportive parents and some very support friends and family. There were a couple of twist and what a cliffhanger! I cannot wait to see what happens next! That being said, this book was very well written and totally engaged me. I did read the disclaimer and honestly I don’t understand all the slang but it didn’t make the story any harder to understand.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
April 26, 2024
I’ve been slowly losing interest in high school romance books because they’ve become almost all the same with some petty drama mixed in. With this book, it could’ve been the mixture of the petty drama, the NZ slang, and cheeky personalities but I loved the story and enjoyed the characters.
Cullen is cocky, full of himself and knows it too. He’s king of Westlake High and captain of the rugby team , he basically walks around like his shit doesn’t stink and that nothing can phase him..until he meets the new girl, Berlin. She’s full of sass, sarcasm, attitude and much to Cullens dismay, audacity 😂 he’s met his match with the new girl and tries his hardest to make himself believe he’s not affected by her but since the first day they met she officially got under his skin and at first he hated it and couldn’t stand her until he realized he’s pissed at her because of how bad he actually wants her. She doesn’t make it easy on him though, that’s what I love about Berlin, she makes him want to either pull his hair out or kiss her lol.
Based on the ending of this book the next one is going to be about Pax. It’ll definitely be interesting and I look forward to getting into it soon.
Cullen is cocky, full of himself and knows it too. He’s king of Westlake High and captain of the rugby team , he basically walks around like his shit doesn’t stink and that nothing can phase him..until he meets the new girl, Berlin. She’s full of sass, sarcasm, attitude and much to Cullens dismay, audacity 😂 he’s met his match with the new girl and tries his hardest to make himself believe he’s not affected by her but since the first day they met she officially got under his skin and at first he hated it and couldn’t stand her until he realized he’s pissed at her because of how bad he actually wants her. She doesn’t make it easy on him though, that’s what I love about Berlin, she makes him want to either pull his hair out or kiss her lol.
Based on the ending of this book the next one is going to be about Pax. It’ll definitely be interesting and I look forward to getting into it soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2023
sooo boring but the incest plot twist at the end was funny as hell
January 25, 2024
“You’re so fucking wet for me, baby.”
She reaches down and grips my dick in her hand. “And you’re so fucking hard for me.”
So basically he flipped a switch after being an asshole, all of a sudden when he saw his best friend getting along with her he dawned on an idea that he liked her. Crazy… right..
“it’s kind of a Twilight situation. Pax is my Jacob.
He’s like my best friend. Him and I, we’d make sense. But me and Cullen…”
ALSO THIS BROKE ME… cause I could tell from the beginning Pax was her brother. Cause when they’re written like they just get along so well… then you have to wonder…
But the incest plot line CRAZY AGAIN.
Berlin was obnoxious, describing those girls she had never met as basically stuck ups and uncool. Like at least be nice… and the whole Liana plot line was so annoying. I don’t really think this book is realistic on any side… it just annoyed me and I was happy when it was over..
Cheerio bitches
She reaches down and grips my dick in her hand. “And you’re so fucking hard for me.”
So basically he flipped a switch after being an asshole, all of a sudden when he saw his best friend getting along with her he dawned on an idea that he liked her. Crazy… right..
“it’s kind of a Twilight situation. Pax is my Jacob.
He’s like my best friend. Him and I, we’d make sense. But me and Cullen…”
ALSO THIS BROKE ME… cause I could tell from the beginning Pax was her brother. Cause when they’re written like they just get along so well… then you have to wonder…
But the incest plot line CRAZY AGAIN.
Berlin was obnoxious, describing those girls she had never met as basically stuck ups and uncool. Like at least be nice… and the whole Liana plot line was so annoying. I don’t really think this book is realistic on any side… it just annoyed me and I was happy when it was over..
Cheerio bitches
February 17, 2025
I fucking loved this book. Had me kicking my feet and speaking to the invisible camera in my room. I should have been studying for my exam, but I had to know what happened next with this book!!! Super super good and didn’t take me long to finish at all. 10/10 recommend. The ending is a big fat plot twist so be prepared for that!!!
March 6, 2025
it was going so well until the incest sneak …
June 29, 2023
Kind of Shook
I’m actually stumped and gooped this book was so good?! I went in with zero expectations and I found a sweet, interesting, and one of the funniest books I’ve ever read? I want a book on every single person in this friend group I LOVE THEM ALL?!
Pick it up and read it right now, I’m about to go dig for #2
I’m actually stumped and gooped this book was so good?! I went in with zero expectations and I found a sweet, interesting, and one of the funniest books I’ve ever read? I want a book on every single person in this friend group I LOVE THEM ALL?!
Pick it up and read it right now, I’m about to go dig for #2
June 19, 2023
Wow, first book from this author and it was such a amazing book that I hardly put it down!! Berlin and her dad leave Australia to go back where her dad is from. Berlin experiences a new country, new school and town all in her last year of school. When she arrives at school she comes face to face with the most popular boy at school and not only that but the rugby teams captain. Berlin doesn’t let anything bother her she comes strutting in to school with her sassy personality. Berlin will teach Cullen and everyone else that they are just rugby players and not royalty. Definitely recommend and will read more of her books!!
January 4, 2024
4.5 ☆
I was actually pleasantly surprised with this book and how much I enjoyed it. I'm new to this author and so I wasn't really expecting for this book to be a book I read in one sitting but that's what happened.
The only reason I didn't give this book five stars was because of a some minor things that I'm just gonna try and forget happened after I finish this review. Like for example, after Cullen and Berlin get together after he tossed the OW aside, the OW tries to get him back and so she calls his name in the hallway and this is how the author writes this.
"I'm looking down at my phone, reading a message from Pax, so I don't notice her right away. She's leaning against the wall, one leg bent, exposing her thigh in her short-ass skirt. I can't help but look; I'm a straight male after all."
Um.
Just typing this makes me want to drop a full star or two off this book so for that reason I'm ignoring it ONLY because I'm going off a technicality that I HATE HATE HATE which is that they were not dating. He asked Berlin like two pages before this scene to be his girlfriend but she pretty much said no not yet. If this happened after they were dating I'd probably lose my mind.
Say what you want, you might think I'm being dramatic but because it's a book I can be entitled to as many ridiculous things I want and that includes the hero being blind to everyone but the heroine.
On another note because I want to erase that scene from my brain—but seriously, like why did the author have to do that, it was so unnecessary because she literally could've just taken those lines out and it would not have made a difference in the plot so like why—Berlin is genuinely a likable character which I somehow find to be a difficult thing for me to find lately in these books set in high school.
She has so much personality and isn't a heroine who tries to remind everyone on every page that she's such a badass or something because if you have to say it so many times, who are you really trying to convince. She takes everything in stride—every petty little bullshit the stereotypical OW throws at her and that alone says a lot. But even with her thick skin, she wasn't immune to feelings and I love how she had a soft side to her because I don't see many authors writing heroines like that.
It just goes to show that you can have a strong heroine without having to make it their entire personality by making them say every two damn pages I'm such a badass like SHUT THE FUCK UP.
Anyhoo, I loved her attitude and her personality and how she was actually funny.
And for my fellow book friends who hate the OW trope, don't worry, this book is for the most part safe if you forget that one liner in the beginning I shared. The hero is your stereotypical jerk who just has flings he keeps around for purely physical reasons. He was planning on discarding of the OW from the start of the book.
And while Cullen was a major ass for a good chunk of the book while he was messing around being the average promiscuous hero before he got with the heroine, he was entirely different with her and it was adorable. Suffice to say, the man was whipped.
As for the book itself, it was the exact type of book I was looking for. I wanted to read a high school romance but I didn't want a dark high school romance type book. This was perfect because it wasn't full of murder mystery or something but it certainly wasn't exactly fluff, it was just a contemporary, plain old high school romance—a classic if you will.
I was actually pleasantly surprised with this book and how much I enjoyed it. I'm new to this author and so I wasn't really expecting for this book to be a book I read in one sitting but that's what happened.
The only reason I didn't give this book five stars was because of a some minor things that I'm just gonna try and forget happened after I finish this review. Like for example, after Cullen and Berlin get together after he tossed the OW aside, the OW tries to get him back and so she calls his name in the hallway and this is how the author writes this.
"I'm looking down at my phone, reading a message from Pax, so I don't notice her right away. She's leaning against the wall, one leg bent, exposing her thigh in her short-ass skirt. I can't help but look; I'm a straight male after all."
Um.
Just typing this makes me want to drop a full star or two off this book so for that reason I'm ignoring it ONLY because I'm going off a technicality that I HATE HATE HATE which is that they were not dating. He asked Berlin like two pages before this scene to be his girlfriend but she pretty much said no not yet. If this happened after they were dating I'd probably lose my mind.
Say what you want, you might think I'm being dramatic but because it's a book I can be entitled to as many ridiculous things I want and that includes the hero being blind to everyone but the heroine.
On another note because I want to erase that scene from my brain—but seriously, like why did the author have to do that, it was so unnecessary because she literally could've just taken those lines out and it would not have made a difference in the plot so like why—Berlin is genuinely a likable character which I somehow find to be a difficult thing for me to find lately in these books set in high school.
She has so much personality and isn't a heroine who tries to remind everyone on every page that she's such a badass or something because if you have to say it so many times, who are you really trying to convince. She takes everything in stride—every petty little bullshit the stereotypical OW throws at her and that alone says a lot. But even with her thick skin, she wasn't immune to feelings and I love how she had a soft side to her because I don't see many authors writing heroines like that.
It just goes to show that you can have a strong heroine without having to make it their entire personality by making them say every two damn pages I'm such a badass like SHUT THE FUCK UP.
Anyhoo, I loved her attitude and her personality and how she was actually funny.
And for my fellow book friends who hate the OW trope, don't worry, this book is for the most part safe if you forget that one liner in the beginning I shared. The hero is your stereotypical jerk who just has flings he keeps around for purely physical reasons. He was planning on discarding of the OW from the start of the book.
And while Cullen was a major ass for a good chunk of the book while he was messing around being the average promiscuous hero before he got with the heroine, he was entirely different with her and it was adorable. Suffice to say, the man was whipped.
As for the book itself, it was the exact type of book I was looking for. I wanted to read a high school romance but I didn't want a dark high school romance type book. This was perfect because it wasn't full of murder mystery or something but it certainly wasn't exactly fluff, it was just a contemporary, plain old high school romance—a classic if you will.
October 28, 2022
King Of Diamonds - An absolute must-read!!!
With this first book in her Royals of Westlake series, KING OF BLACK DIAMONDS, Author Nicole Goodin has knocked this latest release out of the park. Out. Of. The. Park!!!
It was a nice spring day outside, jobs were beckoning, and I was inside with Ms Goodin’s book firmly in hand. It was gold. Pure gold and I unreservedly loved it! Strong characters, best ever secondary’s, great plot, great writing and some serious humour.
Berlin was a legend in my mind. Nothing phased her and she didn’t bow to anyone. She was straight up fierce and when she was dubbed Ice by one of the rugby dudes, it fitted. She’d faced bigger and better than the girls who thought they were the meanest in their School Area, but nothing had prepared them for the badder-and-with-a-chip-on-her-shoulder Berlin Davids. Bullying tactics didn’t work on her – she outshone and outplayed their school-yard games. It was only when the honourable rules of war were broken that she was caught out. After that, as far as she was concerned, lines had been crossed and she would finish what had been started.
I loved Berlin’s dad so hard, and seriously I wasn’t the only one!! She’d wanted to keep him under wraps, but of course after an incident at a party, Berlin and her cousin had unlikely Knights in White rugby jerseys and they discovered her secret. And, how bad is it that one of your newest friends is ready to become your stepmum given the first opportunity 😬 Ok, so her dad did have some serious cool factor and what was worse was that of course he knew it, and told her to cash in on it to up her game!!!!
I have absolutely no idea where Ms Goodin gets her inspiration from, but not only was I on edge leading into a high tension first kiss that absolutely made an impact on me, but I was also laughing my titties off while reading my way through. The woman wrote with such witty and hilarious prose that I was re-reading sections of it because it was so damn funny!
Poor Cullen Carrington had no show. The rug of rugby royalty and the easy social ride was ripped out from under him and his mates, and even though they enjoyed their school lives in the top social tier, they were actually some pretty awesome young fellas. They worked hard, practiced hard, played hard and had a healthy fear of their mums. It was something to read with great joy for sure.
I also want to say that Kiwi’s have a great sense of humour, and Ms Goodin paired it perfectly with something else that we do so well – Rugby. It’s pretty much considered to be a national passion, and whether any of us choose to follow it closely or not, everyone is proud of our national rugby players. They all have to start somewhere; right at the school boy grass roots level, and this is where The Black Diamonds have been set.
This book is a must-read. It’s a solid read full of all the feels from hilarity through to steamy romantic moments and unusual family situations. There’s a lot going on, but it has a clear linear feel about it so you’ll be plenty entertained without getting lost. I know I’m repeating myself, but I loved this absolute 5-Star-Read!!! 🏈🖤👑
#mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #marnsreads #marnsj
With this first book in her Royals of Westlake series, KING OF BLACK DIAMONDS, Author Nicole Goodin has knocked this latest release out of the park. Out. Of. The. Park!!!
It was a nice spring day outside, jobs were beckoning, and I was inside with Ms Goodin’s book firmly in hand. It was gold. Pure gold and I unreservedly loved it! Strong characters, best ever secondary’s, great plot, great writing and some serious humour.
Berlin was a legend in my mind. Nothing phased her and she didn’t bow to anyone. She was straight up fierce and when she was dubbed Ice by one of the rugby dudes, it fitted. She’d faced bigger and better than the girls who thought they were the meanest in their School Area, but nothing had prepared them for the badder-and-with-a-chip-on-her-shoulder Berlin Davids. Bullying tactics didn’t work on her – she outshone and outplayed their school-yard games. It was only when the honourable rules of war were broken that she was caught out. After that, as far as she was concerned, lines had been crossed and she would finish what had been started.
I loved Berlin’s dad so hard, and seriously I wasn’t the only one!! She’d wanted to keep him under wraps, but of course after an incident at a party, Berlin and her cousin had unlikely Knights in White rugby jerseys and they discovered her secret. And, how bad is it that one of your newest friends is ready to become your stepmum given the first opportunity 😬 Ok, so her dad did have some serious cool factor and what was worse was that of course he knew it, and told her to cash in on it to up her game!!!!
I have absolutely no idea where Ms Goodin gets her inspiration from, but not only was I on edge leading into a high tension first kiss that absolutely made an impact on me, but I was also laughing my titties off while reading my way through. The woman wrote with such witty and hilarious prose that I was re-reading sections of it because it was so damn funny!
Poor Cullen Carrington had no show. The rug of rugby royalty and the easy social ride was ripped out from under him and his mates, and even though they enjoyed their school lives in the top social tier, they were actually some pretty awesome young fellas. They worked hard, practiced hard, played hard and had a healthy fear of their mums. It was something to read with great joy for sure.
I also want to say that Kiwi’s have a great sense of humour, and Ms Goodin paired it perfectly with something else that we do so well – Rugby. It’s pretty much considered to be a national passion, and whether any of us choose to follow it closely or not, everyone is proud of our national rugby players. They all have to start somewhere; right at the school boy grass roots level, and this is where The Black Diamonds have been set.
This book is a must-read. It’s a solid read full of all the feels from hilarity through to steamy romantic moments and unusual family situations. There’s a lot going on, but it has a clear linear feel about it so you’ll be plenty entertained without getting lost. I know I’m repeating myself, but I loved this absolute 5-Star-Read!!! 🏈🖤👑
#mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #marnsreads #marnsj
June 7, 2023
OMG this book was so good!
The fmc was a bad***
Her dad was awesome
Not only am I obsessed with Cullen but I also love Pax. That ending 😱 I wasn’t expecting that. All the signs was going in that direction but it actually managed to shock me. I need more. I want to know what Pax is thinking about all this.
The fmc was a bad***
Her dad was awesome
Not only am I obsessed with Cullen but I also love Pax. That ending 😱 I wasn’t expecting that. All the signs was going in that direction but it actually managed to shock me. I need more. I want to know what Pax is thinking about all this.
October 18, 2022
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first began reading this story, but I was instantly captured by the main character, Berlin. She is a strong, fierce female character with a big heart and an even bigger attitude. Berlin’s character resides in that safe space where a she is confident and takes no shit from anyone else, without her character pushing too far into bitch territory. That’s a sweet spot for a main character to be!
I absolutely fell in LOVE with the relationship that Berlin has with her father, Cole. Cole was a young father when she was born, being only 19 years old and this closeness in age allowed them to basically grow up together and you can see this in the playful banter they have back and forth between each other. I could go on for days about my love for their relationship!
The main supporting females in this story are amazing and realistic. Though I don’t know a lot about some of the characters as this is the first story in the series, there is enough to differentiate them between each other and there is some relationship foreshadowing alluding to their own upcoming books in the series. These girls are just as fierce as Berlin in their own ways and they are the girl group I wish I had as a teenager. Her one male friend Pax is amazing too and so is his relationship with her love interest, Cullen.
Lastly, the building relationship from enemies to lovers between Berlin and Cullen is amazing, with a lot of humor and just the right amount of steam. I don’t want to give too much away about the build up of their relationship, but this writer knows what she is doing!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely fell in LOVE with the relationship that Berlin has with her father, Cole. Cole was a young father when she was born, being only 19 years old and this closeness in age allowed them to basically grow up together and you can see this in the playful banter they have back and forth between each other. I could go on for days about my love for their relationship!
The main supporting females in this story are amazing and realistic. Though I don’t know a lot about some of the characters as this is the first story in the series, there is enough to differentiate them between each other and there is some relationship foreshadowing alluding to their own upcoming books in the series. These girls are just as fierce as Berlin in their own ways and they are the girl group I wish I had as a teenager. Her one male friend Pax is amazing too and so is his relationship with her love interest, Cullen.
Lastly, the building relationship from enemies to lovers between Berlin and Cullen is amazing, with a lot of humor and just the right amount of steam. I don’t want to give too much away about the build up of their relationship, but this writer knows what she is doing!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2023
Good, but could've been better
I wanted to give it 4.5 but had to settle with 3 for reasons stated below.
I really liked the main characters and story plot. I'm glad Cullen and Berlin got together, I love their chemistry! I love the close friendship between Pax and Berlin. I wanted to see more with Sophia and Bryson. I wish authors would STOP having the FMC give in too easily to the MMC "manhore" and let the MMC grovel and chase the FMC. I'd like to see strong-willed FMCs to not easily accept men who loosly sleep with such degrading women (who have no respect for themselves) and easily fall into bed with them. But, back to the book, it would've been nice to see what Cullen's letter said AND the revenge and destruction of Liana, kinda disappointing there was no closure and retribution to Liana. That is where this book fell short-there are too many unanswered questions. The book didn't end on a cliffhanger but on a stunner. I'm disappointed in this author because there is no mention of a book two or three. I HATE when authors leave readers hanging without a heads up!! So, if there are other books in this series, I hope they come out quickly (another pet peeve of mine-too much time in between books)! I would love to read about Bryson and Sophia. And please, for ALL authors....disclose how many books are going to be in a series so readers can wait until they are all published so we can read them all at once without months/years of waiting. Common courtesy!
I wanted to give it 4.5 but had to settle with 3 for reasons stated below.
I really liked the main characters and story plot. I'm glad Cullen and Berlin got together, I love their chemistry! I love the close friendship between Pax and Berlin. I wanted to see more with Sophia and Bryson. I wish authors would STOP having the FMC give in too easily to the MMC "manhore" and let the MMC grovel and chase the FMC. I'd like to see strong-willed FMCs to not easily accept men who loosly sleep with such degrading women (who have no respect for themselves) and easily fall into bed with them. But, back to the book, it would've been nice to see what Cullen's letter said AND the revenge and destruction of Liana, kinda disappointing there was no closure and retribution to Liana. That is where this book fell short-there are too many unanswered questions. The book didn't end on a cliffhanger but on a stunner. I'm disappointed in this author because there is no mention of a book two or three. I HATE when authors leave readers hanging without a heads up!! So, if there are other books in this series, I hope they come out quickly (another pet peeve of mine-too much time in between books)! I would love to read about Bryson and Sophia. And please, for ALL authors....disclose how many books are going to be in a series so readers can wait until they are all published so we can read them all at once without months/years of waiting. Common courtesy!
November 25, 2022
very good
It is my first read from the author. I liked the main characters and the parents. The main female character Berlin is feisty, stubborn, and tough but very feminine and girly. I like the main characters that are feminine and smart. I thought that Cullen is a little immature, but then he got better. I liked the relationship between the boys and Berlin’s new friends. I enjoyed reading about the relationship between her and her dad. It was so obvious that Berlin and Pax are related although I believe they are twins. It is odd how the two got separated; I cannot wait to read about it. I thought reading that there might be a connection when Berlin met with Pax’s mother, but that did not happen and the author did not give any clue of such. I am curious about the reasons why separate the two siblings and if they both have the same mother. Also, why Cole does not know about Pax? That will be quite a story to read. My only regret is that I thought it was a standalone book but it is a HEA, a series. I would wait before starting the book. I am not sure how many books. Not sure when book two is released. The author did not release any information about the release. It is the reason for a 4-star review.
It is my first read from the author. I liked the main characters and the parents. The main female character Berlin is feisty, stubborn, and tough but very feminine and girly. I like the main characters that are feminine and smart. I thought that Cullen is a little immature, but then he got better. I liked the relationship between the boys and Berlin’s new friends. I enjoyed reading about the relationship between her and her dad. It was so obvious that Berlin and Pax are related although I believe they are twins. It is odd how the two got separated; I cannot wait to read about it. I thought reading that there might be a connection when Berlin met with Pax’s mother, but that did not happen and the author did not give any clue of such. I am curious about the reasons why separate the two siblings and if they both have the same mother. Also, why Cole does not know about Pax? That will be quite a story to read. My only regret is that I thought it was a standalone book but it is a HEA, a series. I would wait before starting the book. I am not sure how many books. Not sure when book two is released. The author did not release any information about the release. It is the reason for a 4-star review.
March 13, 2023
It's been a long time since i got so sucked into a story which is a credit to the Author in this case.
As i've mentioned in my previous reviews, i do love a good bully/enemies romance. And this really nailed the brief. It was very well executed and i couldn't stop reading once i started.
Cullen and Berlin were electric. Their banter with each other was in another level to other books that have not accomplished this genre as well.
i loved the supporting characters and would love for their to be a book on Sophia, Pax and Bry.
Berlin's dad was amazing, we have so many books which focus on single mothers that it was nice to see the dynamic between this particular father and daughter. I did feel in parts that Berlin was a bit much if i'm being honest - at some points she could have just dialled down the attitude a bit.
cliffhanger ending - i'm wondering if this is the end of Berlin and Cullen as the main characters and the next book will focus on Pax or whether there will be another book for them. Either way i'll be waiting to read.
As i've mentioned in my previous reviews, i do love a good bully/enemies romance. And this really nailed the brief. It was very well executed and i couldn't stop reading once i started.
Cullen and Berlin were electric. Their banter with each other was in another level to other books that have not accomplished this genre as well.
i loved the supporting characters and would love for their to be a book on Sophia, Pax and Bry.
Berlin's dad was amazing, we have so many books which focus on single mothers that it was nice to see the dynamic between this particular father and daughter. I did feel in parts that Berlin was a bit much if i'm being honest - at some points she could have just dialled down the attitude a bit.
cliffhanger ending - i'm wondering if this is the end of Berlin and Cullen as the main characters and the next book will focus on Pax or whether there will be another book for them. Either way i'll be waiting to read.
October 29, 2022
The King of Black Diamonds is a high school, enemies to lovers read by Nicole S Goodin.
In her final year of High School, Berlin moves to the area with her locally famous father. She’s a direct, sassy and very witty character who doesn’t bow to the pressures of a new school or it’s bullies with hilarious put downs
Drama seems to come ‘hand in hand’ with the Captain of the Westlake High Black Diamonds rugby team. Cullen Carrington is the most popular dude in the school and the school heartthrob. The girls swoon for his attention EXCEPT Berlin; who manages to keep him on his toes and give him a wide berth whilst forging an unlikely friendship with Cullen’s best mate.
With high jinx and bullying tactics, Berlin is a character to be reconned with. She has a no bull… attitude, says it as it is.
A captivating, page turning read, thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable. Can’t wait for the next book in the series because Pax definitely needs his own story.
In her final year of High School, Berlin moves to the area with her locally famous father. She’s a direct, sassy and very witty character who doesn’t bow to the pressures of a new school or it’s bullies with hilarious put downs
Drama seems to come ‘hand in hand’ with the Captain of the Westlake High Black Diamonds rugby team. Cullen Carrington is the most popular dude in the school and the school heartthrob. The girls swoon for his attention EXCEPT Berlin; who manages to keep him on his toes and give him a wide berth whilst forging an unlikely friendship with Cullen’s best mate.
With high jinx and bullying tactics, Berlin is a character to be reconned with. She has a no bull… attitude, says it as it is.
A captivating, page turning read, thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable. Can’t wait for the next book in the series because Pax definitely needs his own story.
October 25, 2022
This bully romance has you captivated by Berlin from the very first glimpse. She is full of spit and fire and has the attitude to go with it but it also comes with a huge heart. She walks a fine line between confident and mean girl without going over the line, in turn giving us a character with strength and determination. The relationship that ignites between Cullen and Berlin has just the right amount of heat and steam with a side of witty banter. Cullen is a jock with an ego the size of Texas and Berlin is just the right girl to put him in his place. However Cullen has a caring nature and a soft heart beneath his jock persona. I am not normally a fan of young adult romances but this story holds your attention and has you unable to put it down. The author takes us on a journey and gives us an ending that has us sitting on the edge and begging for the next book.
October 28, 2022
5 Stars for The King of Black Diamonds
Book 1 of Royals of Westlake
This is my first read by author Nicole S. Goodin and it won’t be my last! This series is going to be great !
If you love :
High school based bully , enemies to lovers
Sports in this case rugby
Great characters and secondary characters
Berlin and Cullen are great well written characters and you really feel their connection
Storyline and plot makes this a page turner
Funny dialog and humor
Great chemistry
You will love this read ! Highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 1 of Royals of Westlake
This is my first read by author Nicole S. Goodin and it won’t be my last! This series is going to be great !
If you love :
High school based bully , enemies to lovers
Sports in this case rugby
Great characters and secondary characters
Berlin and Cullen are great well written characters and you really feel their connection
Storyline and plot makes this a page turner
Funny dialog and humor
Great chemistry
You will love this read ! Highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2022
What a great start to a new series! Royals of Westlake series start of with a bang as The King of Black Diamonds introduce all the delightful characters in the series that will have you flipping the pages until the end. We meet Cullen and Berlin and their wild ride of a romance with all the drama, sass and spice that will have your craving for more. It was a hate/love first meeting for them and when Berlin shows everyone she’s not afraid, it sparks an unexpected interest for Cullen. Will they be more than enemies? One click to find out in this newest bully romance that doesn’t disappoint.
October 30, 2022
The King of Black Diamonds is the first book in the Royals of Westlake series. It is a standalone, Enemies to Lovers High School Sports Romance. This book was filled with humour, sass and hilarity between the two main characters, Cullen and the heroine. This is not like other dark high school bully romances that I have read lately which was a fresh breath of air. I enjoyed this book more then I thought as I originally read it as a nice filler but now I cannot wait to read the inevitable next instalment in this teenage romance series. I highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
November 4, 2022A must read!!!
She's the new girl and he's the rugby captain. Berlin is a firecracker and I love her! She's not some damsel or some shy and timid girl. She has fire and she knows how to use it. Cullen is dropped down a peg or two by B and it throws him off until he realizes he likes it. Pax is so sweet and all the side characters are funny and involved. That cliffhanger was brutal but I kinda had a little feeling about it. This was my first read by this author and I can't wait to read more of her work!
She's the new girl and he's the rugby captain. Berlin is a firecracker and I love her! She's not some damsel or some shy and timid girl. She has fire and she knows how to use it. Cullen is dropped down a peg or two by B and it throws him off until he realizes he likes it. Pax is so sweet and all the side characters are funny and involved. That cliffhanger was brutal but I kinda had a little feeling about it. This was my first read by this author and I can't wait to read more of her work!
September 26, 2022
Can we all just stop for a minute and appreciate the fact that this book was AMAZING?!
Romance ✔️
Crazy Witch ✔️
Heart Break ✔️
Making Up ✔️
Disturbing Twists ✔️
Cliff Hanger ✔️
Every quality that needs to be present to make a novel great, is present in spades! Typically, a cliff hanged just makes angry, but this one has left me on the edge of my seat for I CANNOT wait for the next book!!
This book comes highly recommended by me, I promise you won't be disappointed.
Romance ✔️
Crazy Witch ✔️
Heart Break ✔️
Making Up ✔️
Disturbing Twists ✔️
Cliff Hanger ✔️
Every quality that needs to be present to make a novel great, is present in spades! Typically, a cliff hanged just makes angry, but this one has left me on the edge of my seat for I CANNOT wait for the next book!!
This book comes highly recommended by me, I promise you won't be disappointed.
October 29, 2022
This is my first time reading author Nicole S. Goodin and i have enjoyed them a lot so i can't wait to continue to read this series for sure! Cullen and Berlin what a crazy, silly duo. So many interesting facts that pop up in this book and awe moments that you just want to continue reading this story! But that ending i got questions and hopefully, we get to figure what it means.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 19, 2023
holey smoke
Wow! What a brilliant book. As a fellow New Zealander it’s awesome to read something from a NZDer. Loved Berlin I so want to be like her and have amazing friends like hers also. Pax was a total sweetheart and Cullen started off as not my favourite but became the man 👊 and let’s not forget Cole I think we would all want a dad just like him. I really hope there is a 2nd book
Wow! What a brilliant book. As a fellow New Zealander it’s awesome to read something from a NZDer. Loved Berlin I so want to be like her and have amazing friends like hers also. Pax was a total sweetheart and Cullen started off as not my favourite but became the man 👊 and let’s not forget Cole I think we would all want a dad just like him. I really hope there is a 2nd book
September 21, 2022
Talk about drama...yes the young adult kind along with a few shocking adult secrets. Berlin is the new girl and Cullen is the jock. Each have a like/dislike relationship with the other, add in jealously, bit*hing female and a few other surprises along the way this story will keep you hooked until the final revelation drops.
I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
October 7, 2022
The King of Black Diamonds - Nicole S Goodin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nicole Goodin takes us in a new direction with her latest book. A wonderfully well developed story which is full of emotion, and is both heartwarming and angsty.
Well crafted characters made this an entertaining read I would definitely recommend .
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nicole Goodin takes us in a new direction with her latest book. A wonderfully well developed story which is full of emotion, and is both heartwarming and angsty.
Well crafted characters made this an entertaining read I would definitely recommend .
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