Danny's Reviews > Black Diamond

"When he drives under a lamp, his smile widens, and I notice for the first time a dimple under his right cheekbone.
Oh no, this isn't good.
A guy like Ryker Black cannot have dimples.
It's wrong. And right. Too right."

Since I read "Kick" by Ali Dean and loved it, I've been wanting to read the rest of her books and I got the chance to get this series on booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

My first mistake was to read the reviews here on Goodreads before starting the book. I was already overanalyzing everything Ryker did or said because of it. I'm not saying he's gonna get on my book boyfriend list anytime soon but it's better to dive into the story without knowing what to expect or what other reads thought of it.

Still... I spent 90% of this book pissed at Ryker and the posse and everything they tried to rule in that school. I hated his attitude and his smug arrogance. I was really on board for Roxie to ignore him and make him step down from his throne. And, even though that worked, I'm sure he would not have changed if Roxie bent to his crazy rules.

"You never say what I expect you to say, Roxanne. You never do what I expect, either. Each time I ask you to hang out, I wonder if you'll go off on me, or ignore me."
"Ask me? You never ask, Ryker, you just take."
He smirks, still staring at the fire. "That's only because I'm afraid you'll say no."

I always enjoyed a good YA and this one was good to read. The writing is good, the storyline is also interesting.
I read it in one sitting.
For me, the best aspect of this book was that Roxie never gave up. She was put at the limit several times and she still returned the next day with her head high and ready to prove that she deserved to be there. Every time she raced, I got so nervous, like I was the one racing down a mountain but I just believed in this character and wanted her to shove her talent in the faces of all the people that doubted her.

I'm looking forward to reading the second book and see what will happen now that the "power" shifted in Stark.

"It's not practical, it's not logical, and it's totally unreasonable, but it's undeniable. You've got me tied up and wrapped around your finger, and you don't even know it."