Black Diamond

Stark Springs Academy, Book 1

By: Ali Dean

Narrated by: Leanne Woodward

Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

It’s not a place for the weak.

No one here tolerates wimps.

If you can’t handle it, leave.

Welcome to Stark Springs, Colorado, home to the most talented young athletes in the world. When Roxie Slade snaps into a pair of skis, there’s no one on Sugarville Mountain in Vermont who can keep up with her. Not even the boys. Still, Roxie was shocked when she received a scholarship to Stark Springs Academy, a boarding school that churns out Olympians in each graduating class.

Entering as a high school junior, Roxie can’t wait to learn from renowned coaches and train with the fastest ski racers from all over the globe. But upon arrival, Roxie discovers that Stark Springs lives under its own set of rules, and it appears one boy plays dictator. Ryker Black is not friendly and Roxie cannot fathom why everyone wants to be his friend. Sure, he’s gorgeous and rides a snowboard like it’s his fifth limb, but he’s cold, ruthless, and holds way too much power over the Stark Springs population. Roxie won’t put up with it. She’s here to train, and she doesn’t care about impressing anyone off the slopes.

The only problem? Ryker Black doesn’t permit defiance. Not without consequences.

©2015 Ali Dean Fiction LLC (P)2021 Ali Dean Fiction LLC

Great Read

Black Diamond (Stark Springs Academy #1) was a great read by Ali Dean. Stark Springs Academy is not a place for people who are weak. If you cant handle it there then you need to leave. Stark Springs, Colorado is home to some of the most talented young athletes in the world. Roxie Slade is a skier who most people cant keep up with, boy or girl. She received a scholarship to the academy She quickly learns that Stark Springs lives under its own set of rules where one boy plays dictator. Ryker Black isn’t friendly to anyone, especially Roxie. He doesn’t permit defiance without consequences. I enjoyed reading this book and cant wait to read more by the author.

Must Read

This story is one of my favorites from Ali Dean! You get a little romance, some winter sport action, drama, and an air of mystery! The only reason I marked it down to 4 stars, instead of 5, was the narrator’s voice. She did a good job telling the story and really putting you in it, but her voice just isn’t what I would have picked for the main character. I got used to it as the book went on though.
Definitely recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Sweet sports romance

This is the first book in the Stark Springs Academy series, and the story of Rafe, and Roxanne, who meet when Roxanne attends Rafe's family skiing Academy. This was a sweet story, with mystery, suspense, drama, and romance. 3.5 Stars.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Roxie Junior year

Ali dean does such a good job of capturing that high school/college feel! All the awkward moments, fast heart sweatly palm moments, and becoming smitten with your crush! Another must read!!

Plus the narrator Leanne sounds like a modern day Cher from clueless! with less "as ifs". Have I dated myself ... oops!

Roxie is a skier who doesn't have a whole lot of confidence in her self, but knows she loves skiing! Join her on her journey through bratty rich kids at a boarding school for winter sports, and the winter sport mafia? So many ups and downs, not to mention mean girl vengeance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Black Diamond

This is the first book in the Stark Springs Academy series. Roxie has been given the chance of a lifetime. She recieved a full skii scholarship her junior year to one of the most elite winter academies. She realizes real quick that Stark Academy and its students follow Riker Black's rules. I feel like book one was just a dip into the the inner workings of Stark Academy. I have a feeling book 2 is going to put me through the wringer. Leanne Woodward did a great job narrating .

Great beginning of trilogy

This is the first book I've listened to by Ali Dean. I love the storyline, especially since I've been watching the Winter Olympics figure skaters. I don't usually pay attention to the skiers so this has brought my attention to another sport. The characters are wonderful. I am invested in the lives of these kids. Especially the romance between Ryker and Roxie. I'm loving their push/pull. Slow burn romances are a favorite of mine.

Leanne Woodward is a new to me narrator. Her performance has been excellent! This book rolls like a movie in my head. She does both male and female voices exceptionally. I hope to hear more from this narrator.

#AudiobookObsessionReviewer