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Destination Love #2
Peak of Love
All I want to do is make her laugh. Then kiss her so hot and hard she forgets what's so damn funny.
-Dane Verghese, falling in love with his best friend's girl
A woman who refuses to be defined by her life-altering tragedy.
A man whose undeniable sex appeal needs its own zip code.
Finding themselves alone in a ski chalet, Marcelina and Dane discover new and dangerous feelings that could herald a different future for them both. But at what cost to the past? Can the unexpected physical chemistry and erotic passion of their winter vacation turn into happily ever after?
Or is the peak of love too hard to climb?
Get ready for a passionate, heart-churning romantic comedy that explores what was once denied and builds anew from what was once broken.
-Dane Verghese, falling in love with his best friend's girl
A woman who refuses to be defined by her life-altering tragedy.
A man whose undeniable sex appeal needs its own zip code.
Finding themselves alone in a ski chalet, Marcelina and Dane discover new and dangerous feelings that could herald a different future for them both. But at what cost to the past? Can the unexpected physical chemistry and erotic passion of their winter vacation turn into happily ever after?
Or is the peak of love too hard to climb?
Get ready for a passionate, heart-churning romantic comedy that explores what was once denied and builds anew from what was once broken.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2022
74 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Laura Marquez Diamond
31 books112 followersLaura writes romances featuring women who slay their own dragons and the men who love them fiercely. In her books, the fall is hard, the steam is blinding, the groveling is glorious, and the passion all-consuming.
For updates on works in progress and to connect with Laura and other readers, join the Facebook group Romancing With Laura. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok @romancinglauramd. She loves hearing from readers!
For updates on works in progress and to connect with Laura and other readers, join the Facebook group Romancing With Laura. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok @romancinglauramd. She loves hearing from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 5, 2022
Sweet, simple, nice…
This was a relatively short, easy read. ‘Twas enjoyable and I will check out more books by this author. ❄️
While I enjoyed the storyline and the tropes I did not feel passion between the MCs much at all. Especially when he first appeared at his cabin/mansion while she was in his hot tub. We already knew he was attracted to her, potentially had feelings for her, but she was still grieving and seemed to never look at Dane that way. Not one thought about him like that, so it seemed a bit improbable how it played out. That’s probably why my thought on their lack of chemistry seemed to be carried out throughout the story.
I do like how brave, strong, and independent the FMC was. The MMC was constantly talking about consent and making sure the FMC was up for everything happening. Loved that.
The constant back-and-forth, will-they-won’t-they angst in regard to forming a romantic relationship though, that was a bit tiring 😮💨. Granted, it paid off in the end, and had a sweet HEA.
This was a relatively short, easy read. ‘Twas enjoyable and I will check out more books by this author. ❄️
While I enjoyed the storyline and the tropes I did not feel passion between the MCs much at all. Especially when he first appeared at his cabin/mansion while she was in his hot tub. We already knew he was attracted to her, potentially had feelings for her, but she was still grieving and seemed to never look at Dane that way. Not one thought about him like that, so it seemed a bit improbable how it played out. That’s probably why my thought on their lack of chemistry seemed to be carried out throughout the story.
I do like how brave, strong, and independent the FMC was. The MMC was constantly talking about consent and making sure the FMC was up for everything happening. Loved that.
The constant back-and-forth, will-they-won’t-they angst in regard to forming a romantic relationship though, that was a bit tiring 😮💨. Granted, it paid off in the end, and had a sweet HEA.
December 2, 2022
Another winner from Laura! Her characters are always flawed yet so loveable. You want them to overcome their challenges, and they do!
November 28, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Friends to Lovers
Hot tub 🌶
Emotional Scars
HEA
Dual POV
Peak of Love is the second book in the Destination Love Series. It follows best friends Marcelina and Dane who have had tragedy that affects their daily lives. When they begin to develop feelings for each other.
I though that Celina was a strong, loving . Dane was a caring, loyal man that truly displayed how much he will do for those that he loves!
I felt Celina and Dane’s pain through the story. From their own perspective on the tragedy! I cried right long side them! I loved that you could feel their chemistry.
The character development was good add in the spicy scenes and this book delivered!
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
Friends to Lovers
Hot tub 🌶
Emotional Scars
HEA
Dual POV
Peak of Love is the second book in the Destination Love Series. It follows best friends Marcelina and Dane who have had tragedy that affects their daily lives. When they begin to develop feelings for each other.
I though that Celina was a strong, loving . Dane was a caring, loyal man that truly displayed how much he will do for those that he loves!
I felt Celina and Dane’s pain through the story. From their own perspective on the tragedy! I cried right long side them! I loved that you could feel their chemistry.
The character development was good add in the spicy scenes and this book delivered!
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
Read
July 30, 2023DNF - I am so confused why all the high ratings. So the opening chapter or close to is so preposterous that I couldn't take that journey with the author.
Sex warning:
Basically a widower is using a joint [her and deceased spouse] friend's ski cabin to unwind from the responsibilities of parenting 3 years after her husband's death. She is alone and randy and so tries to masterbate. She's never been great at it, only with very specific circumstances, but the friend happens to walk in and see her and offer to finish the job because he just wants to take care of her because she can see she is struggling and because they have always been such good friends. She let's him. All this to say, ridiculous and not likely. One there are going to be way more complex feelings there then gee thanks for the favor, I do accept with your deceased spouse's best friend. Two if you have a hard time going it alone, I can't imagine you are so confident and secure as to let some guy you never thought of in that way just prance in and finish the job with mindblowing results.
From there I was out. Because now you've told me this book is about sex and not real characters. This type of book is not for me. And as for the reviewers who are like this author writes heroines who don't need saving, did you read this part???
Sex warning:
Basically a widower is using a joint [her and deceased spouse] friend's ski cabin to unwind from the responsibilities of parenting 3 years after her husband's death. She is alone and randy and so tries to masterbate. She's never been great at it, only with very specific circumstances, but the friend happens to walk in and see her and offer to finish the job because he just wants to take care of her because she can see she is struggling and because they have always been such good friends. She let's him. All this to say, ridiculous and not likely. One there are going to be way more complex feelings there then gee thanks for the favor, I do accept with your deceased spouse's best friend. Two if you have a hard time going it alone, I can't imagine you are so confident and secure as to let some guy you never thought of in that way just prance in and finish the job with mindblowing results.
From there I was out. Because now you've told me this book is about sex and not real characters. This type of book is not for me. And as for the reviewers who are like this author writes heroines who don't need saving, did you read this part???
December 2, 2022
This story is about Celina and Dane, both lost someone inmportant in their life. Her husband and his best friend...
There was humor, angst and steam. It definitely gave me all the feels.
Told in dual POV. I really liked seeing their relationship evolve. I think they both needed each other and brought out good in each other. My heart broke for Dane a few times. He loved her so much. Such a sweet ending.
Overall, I really enjoyed it!
There was humor, angst and steam. It definitely gave me all the feels.
Told in dual POV. I really liked seeing their relationship evolve. I think they both needed each other and brought out good in each other. My heart broke for Dane a few times. He loved her so much. Such a sweet ending.
Overall, I really enjoyed it!
December 5, 2022
This is the second book in the Destination Love Series! It's an emotional, friends-to-lovers, love that is told from a dual point of view! Best friends Marcelina and Dane both experienced tragedy that affected their lives and they both needed each other to get through it. Celina is strong and loving; while Dane is caring and loyal. As time went by I enjoyed seeing their relationship progress. I really loved this book!!
November 28, 2022
Celina and Dane's friends-to-lovers story sent me on an emotional rollercoaster in the best way. Celina's husband, also Dane's best friend, died a few years ago. This is the story of how they move on together while honoring the memory of their loved one who has passed. It's sweet, funny, occasionally heartbreaking, and (of course, it's Laura Marquez Diamond) super steamy.
August 7, 2023
Gets straight into the spice 🌶
But the story was also kinda cute
But the story was also kinda cute
December 1, 2022
“We’re adults. There’s nothing weird about adults giving each other pleasure.”
“This...this isn’t right.” She was trying to sound appropriately upset but instead sounded breathy. Needy.
“Maybe,” he mumbled and moved behind her so his breath tickled the hairs at the back of her neck. “But it isn’t wrong either.”
Well this book just hit me in all the feels — I laughed, I cried and I got emotionally attached to the journey these two went on together! Wow!
Celina has to learn to navigate a new life, one she never envisioned as she never thought she would be a widow, raising her twin boys alone. Dane wants to be there for his best friend’s wife, now that he is unable to, and he want to help raise his best friends son’s in his memory. So when he hears that Celina needs a break, he offers up his new mansion on the mountains.
The spice in this book is perfect, you get the right mix of need, lust and love all mixed in. And the characters are made to go through and acknowledge all their emotions, not just sweep them under the rug.
I can’t wait to see what happens in the final book of this series - I’m sure it’ll be a rollercoaster if this book is anything to go by!
“This...this isn’t right.” She was trying to sound appropriately upset but instead sounded breathy. Needy.
“Maybe,” he mumbled and moved behind her so his breath tickled the hairs at the back of her neck. “But it isn’t wrong either.”
Well this book just hit me in all the feels — I laughed, I cried and I got emotionally attached to the journey these two went on together! Wow!
Celina has to learn to navigate a new life, one she never envisioned as she never thought she would be a widow, raising her twin boys alone. Dane wants to be there for his best friend’s wife, now that he is unable to, and he want to help raise his best friends son’s in his memory. So when he hears that Celina needs a break, he offers up his new mansion on the mountains.
The spice in this book is perfect, you get the right mix of need, lust and love all mixed in. And the characters are made to go through and acknowledge all their emotions, not just sweep them under the rug.
I can’t wait to see what happens in the final book of this series - I’m sure it’ll be a rollercoaster if this book is anything to go by!
December 9, 2022
Super cute! As someone who is born and raised in Alberta Canada and loves visiting our neighbors in BC (where some of my family lives btw) I freaking loved reading this book. I'm new to romance but I really enjoyed the suspenseful writing 😅 I appreciated how short, fast and sweet this one was for someone who is a newbie in reading romance novels 🥰
October 3, 2023
This book was pretty good. Dealt with grief very well. Sexy and sweet. I would read more by this author
November 28, 2022
This was such a good book
December 7, 2022
absolutely loved this !
This book got me in my feels. Literally tears of happiness this book had me feeling good and mushy. A widow with a second chance to love her and her hubby best friend. The steam between them was so passionate. I enjoyed reading how these two overcame grief to fall in love with each other. I definitely recommend this book!
This book got me in my feels. Literally tears of happiness this book had me feeling good and mushy. A widow with a second chance to love her and her hubby best friend. The steam between them was so passionate. I enjoyed reading how these two overcame grief to fall in love with each other. I definitely recommend this book!
December 8, 2022
Loved all Laura Diamond’s Books so I may be biased! This book is short and sweet. About finding love again, second chances, a lot of angst, loss, tragedy… if you like this type of trope, then this is a novella for you!
Thank you for the ARC!
Thank you for the ARC!
December 5, 2022
After heartbreaking tragedy, Celina is adjusting to life. She’s a hard worker but rarely has time to think or even focus on her own needs.
That’s until she gets the opportunity to spend a weekend at her friend Dane’s house where she is able to relax and let loose. However, the events that unfold over that weekend bring feelings anew that could impact both their lives forever.
This book had all the feels - it had plenty of spice, (a lot of spice) it was fun, emotional, sassy and enjoyable to read. The characters were well developed and the story unfolded at a steady pace. I loved the chemistry between Celina and Dane, their journey and how Dane awoke something in Celina that had taken a bit of a backseat.
The story dealt with the tragedy respectively and with careful consideration. But it was also witty, clever and the banter was entertaining.
The author truly has a talent of conveying the raw emotion of the characters she brings alive, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a steamy romance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I got this book in exchange for an honest review - A massive thank you to Laura for giving me the opportunity to read this awesome book.
That’s until she gets the opportunity to spend a weekend at her friend Dane’s house where she is able to relax and let loose. However, the events that unfold over that weekend bring feelings anew that could impact both their lives forever.
This book had all the feels - it had plenty of spice, (a lot of spice) it was fun, emotional, sassy and enjoyable to read. The characters were well developed and the story unfolded at a steady pace. I loved the chemistry between Celina and Dane, their journey and how Dane awoke something in Celina that had taken a bit of a backseat.
The story dealt with the tragedy respectively and with careful consideration. But it was also witty, clever and the banter was entertaining.
The author truly has a talent of conveying the raw emotion of the characters she brings alive, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a steamy romance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I got this book in exchange for an honest review - A massive thank you to Laura for giving me the opportunity to read this awesome book.
December 28, 2022
This book had some good elements, but it just didn't work for me overall. The beginning of PEAK OF LOVE is about a young widow on a short weekend trip at her dead husband's best friend's bougie cabin.
Right off the bat we get a scene that seems really implausible. There has been literally zero flirting/conversation/interaction/chemistry between her and the best friend. Then, suddenly, she's getting a good finger-bang from him. There's no preamble. There's no inner monologue about romantic feelings on her end. This makes no sense.
If a man you have known for years and have literally never had a romantic thought about suddenly approaches you and says he wants to give you an orgasm...the answer is "ARE YOU INSANE? HELL NO." The author needed to at least establish a relationship shift, growing sexual tension, chemistry, ANYTHING, before this scene happens.
From there, these two characters do non-stop hot and cold with each other. It begins to feel very immature and it made me low-key dislike both MCs.
PEAK OF LOVE also a lot of repetitive writing. The same phrases are repeated over and over again. In just one chapter the male lead says, "What a woman" 4 times. Lots of kissing patterns and very similar scenes.
I hope this author continues to write and hone her craft because I feel like she can definitely write a great book. Sadly, PEAK OF LOVE just didn't resonate with me.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️💫
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: pasy death of spouse
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
👇🏻𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
Right off the bat we get a scene that seems really implausible. There has been literally zero flirting/conversation/interaction/chemistry between her and the best friend. Then, suddenly, she's getting a good finger-bang from him. There's no preamble. There's no inner monologue about romantic feelings on her end. This makes no sense.
If a man you have known for years and have literally never had a romantic thought about suddenly approaches you and says he wants to give you an orgasm...the answer is "ARE YOU INSANE? HELL NO." The author needed to at least establish a relationship shift, growing sexual tension, chemistry, ANYTHING, before this scene happens.
From there, these two characters do non-stop hot and cold with each other. It begins to feel very immature and it made me low-key dislike both MCs.
PEAK OF LOVE also a lot of repetitive writing. The same phrases are repeated over and over again. In just one chapter the male lead says, "What a woman" 4 times. Lots of kissing patterns and very similar scenes.
I hope this author continues to write and hone her craft because I feel like she can definitely write a great book. Sadly, PEAK OF LOVE just didn't resonate with me.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️💫
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: pasy death of spouse
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
👇🏻𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
March 25, 2023
Book series REVIEW!!! I am including all 3 books for the Desination Love series by @romancinglauramd
The END.
Eeek I just read the final the end of the Espinoza sisters book and now I'm all up in my feelings!
I swore I would love book 1 the most, then I ready book 2 and was positive it was the best, but tonight I finished book 3 and well you guessed it, it stole my heart too! There's no possible way to choose a best or favorite, they each were so perfect. The character development, the plots and the angst and banter in each book was perfectly done. This is a series I would highly recommend to anyone looking for romance, laughter, and some tough times that bring people together.
Book 1: Kat and her awful boss Max end up on a business trip together, Kat thinks that absolutely nothing good could come from it but her boss has other plans. 🔥🔥
Book 2: Celina lost the love of her life to an accident and she thinks finding another person to love will never be possible, but then a quick trip to her late husband's friend Dane's canadian cabin results in some very spicy and romantic times. 🔥🔥🔥
Book 3: Tori divorced and unsure of her future goes to Paris for a few weeks, takes a cooking class and just so happens the instructor is none other than Rafael who she had met 17 years ago on a trip to Paris with her friends. Thongs do NOT start off pleasant with the reunion but angst soon turns into flaming desire. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Highly recommend! Go read all 3 now!
The END.
Eeek I just read the final the end of the Espinoza sisters book and now I'm all up in my feelings!
I swore I would love book 1 the most, then I ready book 2 and was positive it was the best, but tonight I finished book 3 and well you guessed it, it stole my heart too! There's no possible way to choose a best or favorite, they each were so perfect. The character development, the plots and the angst and banter in each book was perfectly done. This is a series I would highly recommend to anyone looking for romance, laughter, and some tough times that bring people together.
Book 1: Kat and her awful boss Max end up on a business trip together, Kat thinks that absolutely nothing good could come from it but her boss has other plans. 🔥🔥
Book 2: Celina lost the love of her life to an accident and she thinks finding another person to love will never be possible, but then a quick trip to her late husband's friend Dane's canadian cabin results in some very spicy and romantic times. 🔥🔥🔥
Book 3: Tori divorced and unsure of her future goes to Paris for a few weeks, takes a cooking class and just so happens the instructor is none other than Rafael who she had met 17 years ago on a trip to Paris with her friends. Thongs do NOT start off pleasant with the reunion but angst soon turns into flaming desire. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Highly recommend! Go read all 3 now!
December 10, 2022
Love after Loss
Such a sweet book about falling in love after loosing your first love. The FMC is trying to hold it together and do it all on her own, she thinks she’s had her one great love and there’s no time for a second chance love if she wants to keep herself from drowning. The MMC has watched her do it all and with such grace, now he can’t fight it any longer. Guilty when he’s always known her as his best friends girl he can’t but wish she was the one she leaned on now that their lives have been forever altered.
Such a sweet book about falling in love after loosing your first love. The FMC is trying to hold it together and do it all on her own, she thinks she’s had her one great love and there’s no time for a second chance love if she wants to keep herself from drowning. The MMC has watched her do it all and with such grace, now he can’t fight it any longer. Guilty when he’s always known her as his best friends girl he can’t but wish she was the one she leaned on now that their lives have been forever altered.
April 9, 2024
This was a sweet book. Some of their relationship seemed a little rushed or as if they were just discovering their feelings for each other. This may be true, but they jumped to being in love pretty quickly. I wish there was a little more development in their relationship and not just letting time pass. Overall, I liked the book and was rooting for both of them to find happiness.
August 12, 2023
This was steamy from the start. A really great read that of course was messy, as is life with love, loss and kids. I really do not like how he calls her "baby". I also found it really creepy when he showed up and offered to finish her, but also creepy that she accepted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2023
This was good story, and I enjoyed listening. I like the fact they were best friends before they got together , but I wished the smut hadn't happened so early on. I would have enjoyed more swooning and romcom flirting.
It was written pretty well despite my personal preferences.
It was written pretty well despite my personal preferences.
December 5, 2022
This was a short cute book about finding love again after a tragic accident. It was a cute and short book.
December 8, 2022
Yet another brilliant book in this series. Loved it. Can't wait for the next!
July 31, 2023
Decent read.
Book needs to be properly formatted. Some funky spacing going on.
Book needs to be properly formatted. Some funky spacing going on.
October 19, 2023
This book was a fast easy read for me. I enjoyed the spice level the author brought. I will look for this author again.
December 25, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ rounded
May 11, 2024
Being nice and rounding up. Not sure what I was thinking with this one. Not a Romance novel fan and definitely not trashy romance. The storyline was bad too.
November 22, 2024
Good read - some spice
December 19, 2022
A lovely easy to read romance book with relatable characters, an easy to follow storyline and a happy ending. Icing on the cake some very nicely written 🌶 scenes mixed in.
January 2, 2023
I'm so grateful for the wonderful ARC readers who have taken the time to read and review this book despite the busy holiday season. I hope it was a reprieve from the bustle! This book tackles difficult topics of loss and trauma. If these are triggers, please proceed with caution. It's also smutty, so if that's a problem, you've been warned. Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews