Review: Diamonds and Dirty Roads by Erin Nicholas
Diamonds and Dirt Roads by Erin Nicholas is a small-town romance packed with charm, humor, and heart. As the first book in the Billionaires in Blue Jeans series, it sets the stage for a delightful journey with the Carmichael triplets as they navigate the quirky town of Bliss, Kansas—and the equally quirky terms of their father’s will.
The story follows Cori Carmichael, the fun-loving, free-spirited sister whose commitment issues are tested when she’s tasked with running a pie shop with her sisters for a year. Cori’s lively personality makes her a joy to read, even if her flitting tendencies occasionally frustrate. She brings light and joy wherever she goes, and her determination to keep those around her happy makes her utterly endearing.
Evan Stone, the town’s laid-back lawyer, is the perfect counterpart to Cori. Tasked with ensuring the sisters adhere to the will’s unconventional stipulations, Evan is more than just the easygoing, small-town lawyer he appears to be. His depth, quiet ambition, and growth throughout the story make him a standout hero. The chemistry between Evan and Cori is magnetic—a slow burn filled with delicious tension, stolen moments, and mutual understanding. They challenge and balance each other in ways that make their connection feel organic and deeply satisfying.
The small-town setting of Bliss is a character in its own right—fun, quirky, and full of life. Erin Nicholas brings the town to vivid life with its unique characters and tightly-knit community, making it a place you’ll want to revisit in every book of the series.
I read the audiobook on Hoopla, and it is narrated by Summer Roberts and Tyler Donne. They did a great job bringing the characters to life, perfectly capturing the charm of Cori and Evan and the heart of the small-town setting. Their narration added an extra layer of enjoyment to the story.
While the book delivers plenty of laughs and swoons, it’s not without its challenges. The stipulations in the will create conflict and add a layer of complexity to Cori and Evan’s budding romance. However, I couldn’t help but wish for an epilogue to give a glimpse of their future—something I hope will be explored in the next books.
Overall, Diamonds and Dirt Roads is a delightful start to the series, blending heartfelt romance, sisterly bonds, and small-town charm. I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing how the other sisters find their happily-ever-afters. If you love small-town romances with strong family dynamics and a healthy dose of humor, this one is a must-read!
