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pattyfgd's review
5.0
Concede
The Diamond Empire, Book 1
By: Kathy Coopmans
Narrated by: Alexander Neal, Lynn Barrington
Dark and gritty, Kathy Coopmans comes out strong with a phenomenal start to her spinoff series, The Diamond Empire. Immediately, I was taken into the Empire, and needed all the answers! This is Victoria and Seth's story, and it's all I love in a good mafia romantic suspense. Victoria and Seth have hooked up once. Neither has forgotten the other, and Seth is determined to make Victoria see that he is the man for her. But she is dealing with a lot, and romance is the last thing on her mind. Now danger is lurking, and Seth is not only going to keep her safe, but help her through all the tragedy she has been through. But will it be enough? At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like Seth. He is overly alpha, demanding and in her face. It's clear that Victoria is messed up, and I just didn't know if he was going to be the one for her. But Coopmans knew and she won me over! I loved this action packed, twisted story and once started, I couldn't stop. I am looking forward to see what is going to happen next! There are a lot of loose ends and it's going to be good!
The narration of this story certainly amped up all the suspense in this one! Alexander Neal and Lynn Barrington are perfectly cast as Seth and Victoria. Neal knows how to delve into the darkness, yet keep a bit of warmth in his heart. Barrington proves just how strong Victoria really is with her bravado, yet gives her the vulnerability to make her real. This team enhanced the story and made it a fantastic listen.
The Diamond Empire, Book 1
By: Kathy Coopmans
Narrated by: Alexander Neal, Lynn Barrington
Dark and gritty, Kathy Coopmans comes out strong with a phenomenal start to her spinoff series, The Diamond Empire. Immediately, I was taken into the Empire, and needed all the answers! This is Victoria and Seth's story, and it's all I love in a good mafia romantic suspense. Victoria and Seth have hooked up once. Neither has forgotten the other, and Seth is determined to make Victoria see that he is the man for her. But she is dealing with a lot, and romance is the last thing on her mind. Now danger is lurking, and Seth is not only going to keep her safe, but help her through all the tragedy she has been through. But will it be enough? At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like Seth. He is overly alpha, demanding and in her face. It's clear that Victoria is messed up, and I just didn't know if he was going to be the one for her. But Coopmans knew and she won me over! I loved this action packed, twisted story and once started, I couldn't stop. I am looking forward to see what is going to happen next! There are a lot of loose ends and it's going to be good!
The narration of this story certainly amped up all the suspense in this one! Alexander Neal and Lynn Barrington are perfectly cast as Seth and Victoria. Neal knows how to delve into the darkness, yet keep a bit of warmth in his heart. Barrington proves just how strong Victoria really is with her bravado, yet gives her the vulnerability to make her real. This team enhanced the story and made it a fantastic listen.
_one_more_chapter's review
5.0
Raw, powerful, and gut wrenching, Seth and Victoria's explosive story burns up the pages! Kathy Coopmans is back and better then ever as she once again takes readers deep inside the Diamond Empire. Five stars for this must read.
hollyannebrady's review
4.0
Concede is the first book in The Diamond Empire series. This series is about Seth and Victoria.
Seth and Victoria were born in the same circle, but Victoria will do whatever not to be a part of this life. Seth has always had feelings for Victoria.
When something happens Victoria is back in his life but still wants nothing to do with him, however, Seth is going to win her over, while also protecting her.
I enjoyed this book and getting to know these characters! The banter between these two was great. The secrets and lies and both of these people learning and growing. I'm excited to read more in this series.
Seth and Victoria were born in the same circle, but Victoria will do whatever not to be a part of this life. Seth has always had feelings for Victoria.
When something happens Victoria is back in his life but still wants nothing to do with him, however, Seth is going to win her over, while also protecting her.
I enjoyed this book and getting to know these characters! The banter between these two was great. The secrets and lies and both of these people learning and growing. I'm excited to read more in this series.
pagesinkedinshadows's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was an amazing intense story of love, vengeance, grief, brutality and family. It was beautiful and brutal and I enjoyed every moment.
yeahorneighreviews's review against another edition
5.0
Brutally moving story! Concede holds nothing back and isn't afraid to punch you where it hurts. I required a lot of chocolate while reading this book, but it was worth every calorie and tear shed. Such a wonderful mafia tale with characters that will own you, all while still haunting you days after you finish reading their story.
Full review on blog - https://yeahorneighreviews.blogspot.com/2021/03/concede-by-kathy-coopmans.html
Full review on blog - https://yeahorneighreviews.blogspot.com/2021/03/concede-by-kathy-coopmans.html
thewitchybibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
I have been looking forward to delving into the Diamond family more and I was not disappointed. The fact that Coopmans tied in a character from another series, even more epic. I was fully engrossed from start to finish as we dug into Victoria and Seth’s relationship. It is raw, heartbreaking and emotional but also powerful and so much more. While Victoria wants nothing to do with what her family does, she doesn’t love them any less. Even if Seth is part of the family, their connection doesn’t lessen regardless of how much Victoria pushes.
As this is the start of a new series, there is a lot going on and your mind is swimming but in the best way. It leaves you wanting. Wanting more of the world, the characters and everything in between. If you have been following Coopmans books for a while now, you will know these characters but seeing them come to life is something completely different. If you want gritty and raw, this is the book for you!
As this is the start of a new series, there is a lot going on and your mind is swimming but in the best way. It leaves you wanting. Wanting more of the world, the characters and everything in between. If you have been following Coopmans books for a while now, you will know these characters but seeing them come to life is something completely different. If you want gritty and raw, this is the book for you!
elylibrarysec's review against another edition
4.0
Victoria believes in protecting family. Seth believes in the same thing except his is slightly different from hers. Expect his world to be very graphic. The author leaves very little to the imagination so be warned if you are squeamish about some things. Victoria’s way of protecting people is by keeping a lot of things internalized. Now for some, she may keep them in the dark but she allows the reader to see what she’s holding in.
Seth is a man with two faces. He has the personal face and the all-business face. The author shows us both sides and you’ll have no trouble seeing the difference. I’ve read mafia romances before but I learned quickly that you can’t compare what she writes with someone else’s since they are totally different. With her words she has all the emotions jumping off the page – you can almost hear her characters speaking.
Victoria voices questions that you may seem to ask yourself. But do either of us want to know the answer. How can this type of story give us the happy ending that we seek? How can you say happiness and think mafia? You just need to remember that they are two different things and this author will give you that – one’s a pleasure and one’s a business. Even though it seems like the ending had a conclusion, it did have me wondering about the next book coming out.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Seth is a man with two faces. He has the personal face and the all-business face. The author shows us both sides and you’ll have no trouble seeing the difference. I’ve read mafia romances before but I learned quickly that you can’t compare what she writes with someone else’s since they are totally different. With her words she has all the emotions jumping off the page – you can almost hear her characters speaking.
Victoria voices questions that you may seem to ask yourself. But do either of us want to know the answer. How can this type of story give us the happy ending that we seek? How can you say happiness and think mafia? You just need to remember that they are two different things and this author will give you that – one’s a pleasure and one’s a business. Even though it seems like the ending had a conclusion, it did have me wondering about the next book coming out.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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