If you’re looking for a beach read, then look no further. Author DL White is back with the latest installment of her Black Diamond Bay series. I recently spoke with her about The Pearl at Black Diamond.
Tell me about your latest book.
After spending years raising her siblings, Kari Savoy dives headfirst into a new career challenge: director of marketing and events for the luxurious Pearl Resort and Residences on picturesque Black Diamond. With determination and a desire to breathe life into a struggling business, she faces her biggest obstacle yet—her uptight boss, Davis Scott.
Property manager Davis Scott is a seasoned hotelier with a reputation for turning mid-range establishments into luxurious havens. As the pressure to maintain the resort’s success mounts, he finds himself torn between his growing attraction to Kari and his strict professional boundaries. He takes his job seriously and, with reason, is cautious about mixing business with pleasure.
Pack for undeniable sparks, swoons and plenty of snickers as love takes these characters on a wild and unpredictable ride. Whether you’re a fan of DL White’s #beachyBlackromance series or diving in for the first time, The Pearl at Black Diamond is guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face and a warm, sandy feeling in your heart.
Why did you decide to write it?
I wrote and released Beach Thing in 2016 with no intention of writing a series, but my heart lives at the beach, and I often long to return to this spot I made up in my mind. Every book is like going on a luxurious, steamy vacation, and I love the idea of having a summer book for people to enjoy.
What do you want readers to learn from the story?
My books are generally meant as an escape—I’m not all that deep. But if there is a lesson or two in this book, I’d say The Pearl at Black Diamond gives valuable lessons on looking beyond first impressions, embracing change, finding compromise, and taking chances on an unexpected connection.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
Oh, I was young. My mom used to read to me and then when I could read I devoured everything I could find. Shampoo bottles, cereal boxes, HAHA! The minute I discovered the library, it became my favorite place. I was reading several books a week and firmly in my happy place. I started writing around the third grade when we did spelling words. I’d create a whole story out of my weekly spelling words… just to entertain myself. My teacher was so entertained that she shared them with my mom, and I thought, Well, if y’all like that I’ve got more where that came from.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
I work full time as an executive assistant for a global, billion-dollar beverage brand. I absolutely love the work I do, the people I work with, the product that we present to the world. If I can perform a supportive function and help my executives do their jobs better, I am a happy camper. This is it for me—or writing!
Who would you love to coauthor a book with?
I don’t dream of co-authoring a book. I am entirely too neurotic and too controlling. I’d drive another writer up a wall.
What books have you read lately and loved?
A Little Kissing Between Friends by Chencia C. Higgins, Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen, Do What Godmother Says by LS Stratton, skin & bones by Renee Watson, Bitter and Sweet by Rhonda McKnight… so many wonderful reads lately!
What books are you most excited to read next?
The Secret Keeper of Main Street by Trisha R Thomas, What You Leave Behind by Wanda Morris, A Dream in the Dark by Robert Justice. Being honest I have about 20 books on my ARC list coming up, and I could not be more excited.
What’s next for you?
A little break and then writing book 15—hoping it’ll be out early 2025.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Thank you to all my seasoned readers—your thoughts and book chats have kept me going, keep me pushing on. If you’re new to me, I hope you enjoy my work and stick around.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of The Pearl at Black Diamond by DL White.
To learn more about DL White, author of warm romantic fiction that centers Black love, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: Booksbydlwhite.com
Twitter: x.com/author_dlwhite
Instagram: instagram.com/author_dlwhite