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Fractured Diamond

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Christian Romantic Suspense
Standalone Novel


After a vicious attack leaves Brianna Gem paranoid, she decides to hire private security. Little does she know, the man she hires is none other than Bobby Ackard, her high school sweetheart.

It’s been six years since Bobby dumped Brianna—now he’ll be following her around everywhere she goes. Protecting her.

Neither Brianna nor Bobby are kids anymore, but Bobby’s still got those piercing blue eyes and that dangerous smile. Absolutely nothing about him has changed but everything is different about Bri—and how could it not be? The last time Brianna saw her ex, they were madly in love. Then she found herself suddenly abandoned and drowning in rumors about her boyfriend. He was at the center of a police investigation before he dumped her and vanished six years ago. Now he's back, but with his arrival comes a new load of drama and mystery.

Is it possible that Bobby isn’t the man Brianna thought he was? Could he be tied to the dangerous gangs of New York? Did he have something to do with the attack that led to their reunion?

Maybe Bobby’s untimely return is just a chance encounter. It might even be a gift from God so they can finally clear the air. Brianna has been targeted more than once. Her life could very well be in danger and Bobby could be her saving grace. But as Brianna gets to know him again and begins to peel back the layers covering the secret of his disappearance six years ago, she starts to wonder if their connection is a coincidence or a curse.

Fractured Diamond is a standalone novel that takes place ten years after the Withered Rose trilogy . While some characters from its prequel series do make an appearance throughout the novel, the storyline is unrelated and can be enjoyed without reading Withered Rose.

***WARNING***
Due to gang-related activity, this book is recommended for adult readers

Other Books by Valicity

Withered Rose Trilogy
Cross Academy Series
I AM MAN Saga
The 'I' Word
Patches

271 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2022

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About the author

Valicity Elaine

33 books757 followers
I love fantasy and magic and quirky high school stories. Writing is my passion, Jesus is my life.

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5 stars
119 (44%)
4 stars
71 (26%)
3 stars
54 (20%)
2 stars
14 (5%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Kait.
907 reviews61 followers
February 1, 2024
I read this on the recommendation of indie author Elizabeth Wheatley because she said Christian fiction isn't typically her thing but that she enjoyed this mafia inspired romance. And I would say I fall into the same line of thinking now that I have finished "Fractured Diamond." While I recognize that not all books labeled "Christian fiction" are cheesy or underdeveloped plots in lieu of sermons, I usually find them, as one might say, a little on the nose. And when authors go out of their way to be specific (quoting Bible verses, stating theological positions, etc.), my radar goes up because how God is represented in fiction matters. Having said both of those things, I think Valicity Elaine's story is a decent stab at telling a contemporary love story of the good Christian girl who falls hard for the ex-mafia bad boy. My main critique would be that the writing is too direct and lacks nuance; as a reader, I don't want an author to hold my hand and talk me through everything– I want to feel what is happening and I want to fill in the blanks because the book has provoked me to think. The 3rd act breakup was beyond frustrating but that kills me anytime it shows up in a story and doesn't necessarily reflect its necessity (or lack thereof) for this book. Honestly, if you like suspenseful stories about the underbelly of New York, wanted to date the bad boy in high school (and reform him just a little bit!), and don't like wading through violent scenes and countless profanity, this book will hit the spot. Bonus: it's free on Kindle.
Profile Image for Caylee Connelly.
214 reviews5 followers
October 18, 2025
I would like to start by saying I don’t think it’s the author or the book’s fault but this was totally a “not for me” 😢

I really wanted to like this because I absolutely adore the content this author puts out there. If I’m honest though (which I always try to be) I just don’t think the mafia romance trope is for me. I have another one I’d like to give a try so I’m going to give mafia one more go before I make the official judgement that it’s not a book I’ll enjoy. But guess what? That’s totally okay and my loss could absolutely be your gain. If you like the Mafia scenario but are looking for a cleaner read with more Christian themes, definitely try this!

I resonated most with the MMC. He’s flawed but he is humble and repentant and that ultimately leads him to the Lord and honestly his journey was beautiful.

The FMC was difficult for me to resonate with because I just felt like I have a very different Christian experience than what she’d had. She was raised in a Christian home that honestly kind of used their faith as a weapon of judgment and condemnation. Which is unfortunate but definitely happens. And her faith just didnt seem to have deep roots, she was very easily swayed by feelings & temptation. I will say her cousin was an awesome supporting character in regard to this and kept pointing her back to the Word of God and I loved that for her. I did like to see how sometimes the Christian faith can be messy but God is still good even when Christians fail.

💖 PG/closed-door romance
🫢 mild/infrequent use of explicit language
CW/TW: anxiety, PTSD, murder, betrayal, wrongful imprisonment
Profile Image for DragonRider Elf.
60 reviews
September 25, 2024
This was really good imo

Okay, let me start by saying I found Ms.Valicity Elaine a little while ago through her “I am man” series (which I haven’t read bc I’ve been busy spending money on Blades of Acktar and Ilyon chronicles— I am man is my next buy though). When I went to her YouTube I saw that she had a free book to kinda get a feel for her writing… this is my conclusion (this review is immediately after I finished the book).

Language: “Crap”, “freaking”, and “suck” are used but I personally don’t consider that language. Bobby says “p***” a couple times mentally and begins to type
“a—“ to Bri, but changed his mind out of respect for her faith. Realistically it would have been worse, but with it being a Christian novel she obviously had to dumb it down which I am happy about and I was able to get past it.
Sex: There are numerous references (not in detail just as like a “this happened”, not a “I remember when he…” thing) to the first time they “made love” as teenagers, but it is repented for and I wasn’t really bothered. There is a near-sex moment but again, out of respect for her faith, it’s stopped and repented for and they take precautions against ever letting it get that close again (like Bobby not even being allowed to sleep on her couch anymore). It’s really not bad and I would rate it PG-13 at most.
Gore: There’s not really any gore. Mentions of bear rape, stabbings, being shot, beatings, etc. but nothing too crazy for New York.

First of all, I love Bobby. He had so much respect for Bris faith when even she struggled respecting it and he wasn’t even a Christian. I saw one review saying it wasn’t as “Christian as they had hoped”… but idk if they even made it to the end. It is a story of growth and repentance and forgiveness, so as the story progresses, God becomes a more prominent topic.

Bri was hard at first. She was a bit like a puppy, happy and sweet one minute and then biting you the next. She did grow a lot though and I am glad for it.

Verna was probably my favorite character. She was so strong in her faith and constantly encouraging Bri, sending her scriptures, praying for her, etc. and I loved it!

Plot wise I thought it was good too. I was worried when kindle said it was only 200 pages, but it actually played out really well! I didn’t find the page too fast/slow at all either.
Another thing I loved was the bit of German 😆 as a German learner myself, I was really happy to see it added.

In conclusion, as a 16 year old, I would say it’s fine for 16+. I would not let my younger sisters read it yet, but it is a story of screwing up and finding God to help you through it.
I do think I will read more from this author 100%. I would have referred a bit less emphasis on sex that happened six years ago, but at the same time it was written from the perspective of mostly non-believers. Even Bri wasn’t strong in her faith. I’m not excusing their mistakes, but I am saying it is realistic.
16 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2023
Not so Christian

This book was listed as a Christian novel. I found very little 'Christian' in it. I was very disappointed in the loose morals of the "Christian" characters. The foul language, though few, was disappointing to read. The struggles may be real but I didn't need a graphic description of those struggles.
Profile Image for Gail.
77 reviews2 followers
May 6, 2025
characters: 4/10
writing:6/10
plot:3/10
8 reviews
July 30, 2025
one of the best Christian romance writers

I absolutely love every single book I’ve read of Valicity’s. She is proof that Christian stories can be “can’t put it down” page turners.
It’s been so long since I’ve been able to get through books in less than a day, but once you start one of her stories… you can’t wait days to figure out how they end. The writing is well done, and I truly enjoy the character development in all of her books. This book especially caught me by surprise. A lot of plot twists and things I never thought of- the ending was great, all though I am sad we didn’t get to hear more details of their wedding. I know it was something small and quick, but that’s my only “complaint”

I love that she always includes scripture and keeps it Christ centered. I know people have said that her books are inappropriate for Christians to read and that they’re too dark. I disagree entirely. I love that she includes the imperfect Christians stories and their growth in faith. The pious Christians and Pharisee Christians that are holier than thou ruin it for all of us.

Her stories are full of scripture, God’s love, God’s graces, and just how much we need Him

It doesn’t hurt that the romance is well- spicy- without being gross

God wanted us to enjoy our partners. And I guarantee these characters did.

Quit judging, and go out and read more of her books- in fact, I’m going to need her to write many, many more. I’m on a journey to read them all.

This one is probably my second favorite of hers next to the Withered Rose trilogy.
I’m fighting all the urge to re read it and instead keep reading her other works.
Profile Image for Azelea.
87 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2025

An author called Elizabeth Wheatley recommended this book, saying she's not into mafia Christian but this one works. Overall, the story fell flat for me, I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.


I liked that it acknowledged how judgmental Christians can be and how religion becomes a prison instead of a way to flourish, because of its followers. It was good to see it from a nonjudgmental point of view, that it's not about judgment, it's about recognizing mistakes, forgiving, accepting and try to become better. Hats off to the author for making sure this message gets delivered in the book.

Profile Image for Aubrey Carter.
96 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2026
I really enjoyed this story. It's a bit shorter than some of Elaine's other works, but still develops the characters and plot very well. I love that we get a small glimpse of the world post the Withered Rose trilogy, without necessarily needed to read that trilogy to understand what is happening.
I loved how Brianna was portrayed. Her mental struggle about needing anxiety medication was really interesting to see. I didn't know that that was something that is considered taboo in some Christian denominations/circles, and it was really interesting so see that explored in this book.
I also loved seeing Bobby and his struggle to be accepted for who he is, and not be judged for his previous mafia affiliation. I think that type of struggle, to be seen for our progress instead of judged for our past, is something a lot of readers can relate to.

Content:
Swearing: Minimal. Just a few instances of damn, ass, etc., but no f-bombs.

Spice: Closed door. There are references to a past instance of pre-marital sex, but it is seen and acknowledged as not being true Christian behavior and the characters have changed. There's also one instance where the MC's are making out and tempted, but they stopped before sex happens and then take precautions to prevent them from tempted in the future.

Violence: Moderate, but not graphicly described. This is a post-mafia setting, so it is less violent than Elaine's other mafia romances, but there's is still some attempted murder, physical assualt, and attempted sexual assualt that briefly happen on page.
I would only recommend this to readers that are 18+.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hannah Casarez.
13 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2026
Complex characters and Strong Faith

This is my 2nd Valicity Elaine book and it did not disappoint. I felt the plot was intriguing and the romance felt compelling but also as complex as the main characters themselves, what really impressed me was the spot on commentary of what growing up in a judgemental christian sphere often feels like. I empathized completely with the FMCs exhauation at the hypocritical treatment she recieved at rhe hands of her family and church members, but I was also inspired by her unwillingness to let people's mistakes blind her to the goodness of God and true Christian brotherly love. It was heartbreakingly and beautifully written. What I like most about Elaine's books are how deeply layered and unapologetically human each one of them feels. When it would be easier to have the main characters react to danger or heartache with nobility or bravery, often times they are so startlingly normal and just as afraid and easily roused to anger or offense as any of us. Such as good book.
Profile Image for Cindylulureads.
86 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2026
loved it

Pacing consistent kept me reading, loved the suspense and the romance all the tension between the two characters this one was so fast wish there was more to the story for these two. I really enjoyed the the MMC he was a good guy who was wrongfully convicted and survived his time and came back to the girl he left 6 years ago and man the angst was so good. I loved the mystery/ suspense in here as the FMC Brianna was attacked and assaulted and then things start to happen again and they both are trying to solve the who and why, that was really good. Absolutely enjoy how this author includes faith in her stories and romances and that they aren't just happy and sunshine stories, there's grit and hardships and how do you still hold on to the Lord when you can't see a way out of the situation. I love her writing!
Profile Image for bookishemma.h.
37 reviews30 followers
April 7, 2025
Anything Valicity Elaine writes I will read. She’s my auto read author and I need a physical copy of her books as trophies on my shelf. Her writing style is emotional, engaging, and truly like you are in the head of the MC’s. Realistic, raw, unfiltered (to a certain extent) the thing I love most is she is a Christian and her FMC’s are always openly Christian’s protagonists in these dark worlds (cough cough the mafia) and truly they’re not only encouraging but ADDICTING and engaging.
Profile Image for Tia Beyond The Pages.
187 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2025
I read this after reading all of the other mafia books written by Valicity and to be honest it doesn’t even compare. I didnt enjoy this, mainly because there was too much recap of past events rather than story development. Whilst you empathised for the main characters none of them were really loveable as a couple that you’d want to get a happy ending. I wanted Bobby to be vindicated but aside from that it was just an ok story in my opinion.
Profile Image for Words And Lore.
263 reviews5 followers
February 26, 2026
Solid

I enjoy the lessons of faith in this one. It was nice to see some of the Withered Rose characters again. Overall it was a good story with pretty relatable characters.

I did enjoy the original trilogy more than this one, but that's probably because I enjoyed the analysis of marriage in it. This seems to be more about forgiveness and cruelty between family and found family.

I loved Bobby's faith arc. Well done.
Profile Image for Melanie Tillman.
Author 4 books18 followers
May 23, 2026
I have never read Christian fiction quite like this, and I mean that as a compliment! Mob bosses, stalkers, shady business deals and more haunt the main characters in oftentimes seedy New York City. Not many faith-based books can say that! It was a world I know nothing about, and I was invested because of that. And if God can't redeem people from the mob, then he's not a very powerful God, is He? Valicity Elaine shines His light in dark places, just as the Gospel always has.
Profile Image for Calista.
7 reviews
September 17, 2024
I was really excited to read this book but I was unable to connect with it. While I truly appreciate the Christianity aspect of the novel, I found the writing subpar. The frequent reminders of past events disrupted the flow of the novel. I think this author shows potential, but “fractured diamond” felt more like reading a first draft than a fully polished novel.
Profile Image for Taylor .
703 reviews5 followers
December 22, 2024
An influencer said she doesn't usually like Christian novels or mafia novels vlbut she liked this one. Christian mafia wasn't a genre I was aware of so I was intrigued. it was a quick read but it fell a little flat for me. I also didn't like the implication that medication and therapy made one less than because God should be enough.
108 reviews
December 27, 2024
Awesome book!

It was so exciting that I couldn't put it down. I read it for almost 2 hours straight, whereas normally, I just read while I eat breakfast... about 30 minutes before starting my workday. Great action, great Christian philosophy in how God can change a person from the inside out.
Profile Image for Dee Vega.
2 reviews
May 14, 2026
Different

I loved Bri story after all that she went through and lies that where told to her and she still had a fight for her" life" and her cousin Verna who was her support through everything and even Bobby how he was judged by the family he came from.
7 reviews
October 15, 2023
It was a different read! I didn't care for some language used. I don't feel that cussing needs to be in christian books.
Profile Image for S. R..
242 reviews
January 26, 2025
This book kept challenging itself to reach new levels of atrocity with each passing page, and every time, it won.
Profile Image for Furschee Roper.
18 reviews
September 27, 2025
Ok

“You can’t let the mistakes of Christians stop you from following Christ. Every time you let their behavior get to you, the devil wins.”

Decent book, not my favorite
Profile Image for Moriah.
189 reviews5 followers
December 18, 2025
I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the Withered Rose series or the other one, but still good!
Profile Image for Robin Hollis Patrick.
53 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2026
cute story

This was a different kind of book for me. It had Christian side and mafia elements also. It made a good story.
Profile Image for rebecca hensley.
10 reviews
May 4, 2026
Loved reading this Christian dark romance. Loved watching the characters turn to God
Profile Image for Kimberly Kay.
40 reviews
June 15, 2026
I couldn’t get int the story so I didn’t do dish but I had to see the ending. It’s not a bad read but not my cup of tea as far as the story goes. The author is a good author this just wasn’t for me.
Profile Image for Jorgina Everglass.
75 reviews
March 22, 2024
The plot was boring to me and I knew who was responsible for everything pretty early on. Also, the sexual tension was much and the description of their sexual past was unnecessary, and sadly this was my first Christian book. I would not recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews