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Concede

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For years, I pretended to be something I’m not. Drowning the beast living inside of me in copious amounts of alcohol and women. Not that I complained.

And then Victoria Hughes walks back into my life, and took me by surprise.

The woman stunning me clear out of my mind the minute my mouth touched hers.

After tragedy strikes and knocks her off her feet, I expected her to come to me, yet she didn’t. She pretended we’re nothing. But I see her. I’ve watched her, and she’s fighting grief while battling an all-consuming need for vengeance.

If anyone understands that, it’s me.

Deep down, she knows the only way to ease the pain is to give in to me and let justice bleed from her enemy’s veins.

And she will. I’m the type of man to make sure of it.

But there’s a problem. We have no idea who the enemy is. All we know is they want to destroy The Diamond Empire.

Published March 1, 2021

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About the author

Kathy Coopmans

71 books2,704 followers
Kathy is a USA Today Best Selling Author. A wife, mother, grandmother, and book nerd. She loves chatting with her readers and making new book friends. You can visit with her and other book lovers in her reading group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Coopm...

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5 stars
120 (52%)
4 stars
59 (25%)
3 stars
40 (17%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
7 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,812 reviews117 followers
March 1, 2021
5 Stars!

Kathy Coopmans is back hotter, grittier, more intense than ever in her brand new, unforgettable series, a spin off from one of my very favorites from her, and oh my goodness y'all! All the suspense. All the feels. All of that chemistry they had and the heat that sizzled. That journey they told. Those complications they faced. The danger and rawness in so many moments. Ugh just everything.

Simply put, these TWO y'all. Seth and Victoria. Be still my heart. Just wait until all the introductions are made with them and into their world, The Diamond Empire. You are not going to be disappointed for a single moment- I'm talking breathless, edge of your seat, sweaty palms, and racing hearts kind of stuff here y'all.

This is going to be a world I never, ever want to leave.

You can never go wrong with a Kathy Coopmans book and gosh, she outdid herself with this one, giving me a top read of this year, I can just feel it. I adored, was super addicted to the Syndicate series.. world and this one is shaping up to be right up there with that. I can't wait for the next!

I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Profile Image for Franci Neill.
2,116 reviews91 followers
February 28, 2021
5 Agonizing Pain Stars!!!

This book literally consumed me from start to finish. This is the first book in the Diamond Empire which is the kids from The Syndicate Series and it’s dark and filled with so much pain and anger, for very good reason. Ms. Coopmans has outdone herself with Seth and Victoria’s story. Talk about oil and water… these two are so combustible they’re like sticks for dynamite!

Seth is a man that is heavily involved in “The Family” and is not someone Victoria wants in her life. She’s trying to find a reason to continue living after a crushing blow to her family and the last thing she wants is to be getting involved with Seth but he’s bound and determined to make her his in every way he hasn’t already!

There are all the elements I would expect in a book that is set in the Mafia world and Ms. Coopmans has done a phenomenal job of bringing us a story that is so emotionally turbulent it broke my heart at times. I mean I was bawling my eyes out at two in the morning because I couldn’t put the book down and I felt Victoria’s pain. For as much as she didn’t want Seth, he’s the one man that will tell her the truth and bring her some comfort at all the right times. But will also show her that sometimes it’s okay to give up control to find outstanding pleasure.

What it all comes down to is that Seth and Victoria are destined for each other and the love they share will hold them steady through all the dark and dangerous moments that the world they live in brings to their front door! I cannot wait to read the next book in this oh so dark series!!
Profile Image for Tammi.
1,962 reviews31 followers
March 4, 2021
Gah!! I love the dark side of Kathy Coopmans. Don't get me wrong all her books are fantastic she truly has a talent with words. But dark and emotional is when she shines!!
We met Seth in his brothers books and now we get his story.  Finally!! I was so curious about him what was he running from emotionally and hiding with alcohol. Well we got his story and DAMN it is good.
And Victoria we know her family from their books and now we see the second generation. Her story is heartbreaking. She is so lost, I just wanted to hug her.
Together they are amazing and after some bumps they balance each other perfectly.
This book sends you on an emotional rollercoaster. It breaks your heart and tears it to pieces before putting it back together in the most perfect way.
Profile Image for one_more_chapter .
407 reviews11 followers
February 27, 2021
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.
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
3,958 reviews40 followers
March 1, 2021
5 PHENOMENAL STARS!! Holy cow....I just read this book in 2 1/2 hours. I absolutely loved Victoria and Seth!! These two have a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat as well as shaking your head and wanting to kill people. This is what makes her a 1-Click author for me. Make sure to download this book...you need it on your e-reader or in your hand flipping pages.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews14 followers
Want to read
March 2, 2022
🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (3/2/2022)! 🎁
Profile Image for Nichole Brunt.
463 reviews9 followers
March 10, 2021
What a book!!! It has all the feels. Seth and Victoria's story is beautifully heartbreaking and amazing. Another must read of 2021. If I could I would give more then 5 stars.
Profile Image for Stefanie Kral.
718 reviews23 followers
March 2, 2021
✯✯5 Enforcer Filled Stars!!!✯✯

Kathy you’ve made me wait forever to get my hand’s on Seth Mitchell’s story and after finishing Concede I’m here telling you the wait was 100000% worth it!!!

Concede might be the first book in the The Diamond Empire but it’s not the first time you’re seeing a lot of the character’s. Victoria’s parent’s are Deirdre and Aiden Hughes from Kathy’s Syndicate Series . We meet Seth Mitchell from the very beginning of The Unbound Trilogy and again in Abrupt and those follow his brothers.

I knew from reading Seth’s brother’s stories that I needed more from Seth but OMG I was so unprepared for him. By the end of the prologue after reading him and his niece Lexi’s goodbye that I was in serious trouble Bc I was a blubbering mess!!

Seth Mitchell is moving to New York City for two reason’s. He took a new position at the Diamond Empire run by Roan Diamond. Seth has become the Enforcer for the Empire. He’s taken over for Aiden Hughes. His real main reason for for going to New York is Victoria Hughes.

Seth has known and loved Victoria his entire life. She think’s he’s the Devil and he’s here to show her how right they are for each other.

It took them 20yrs to kiss and then some and Seth wants to smack himself for waiting that long LOL. Seth wants her to let him in. He also has a job to do for the Empire and right now they’re connected.

There’s been an attack on the Empire and Victoria’s lost some of the closest people to her and they’ve got no leads on whose behind it.

Seth’s job is to protect Victoria. He also want’s her to trust him to let him in. Seth want’s her to see they’re perfect together and to trust him 100%, to let him in on everything she’s feeling, thinking, scared of and wants her to desperately to accept him for every part of him.

The more time Seth spend’s with Victoria the more he wants to give her. Seth want’s to take away Victoria’s pain. He love’s her laugh and will do anything to make her laugh. Seth’s also close to finding out who’s behind the attack’s on the Empire but it doesn’t come fast enough.

Victoria Hughes is the daughter of Aiden Hughes, enforcer of the Diamond Empire. While Victoria loves her parent’s, sister and two brother’s as well as her extended family. She’s not a fan of the mafia portion of it. Victoria wants no part of that side of the family business but she’s still very much a part of her family.

When half of Victoria’s family is taken out in one night she’s devastated. She can’t believe she’ll never see them again. When Seth Mitchell show’s up she wants to scream.

Victoria’s hated him her entire life. Or so she says to him but her insides keep telling her something else. She’s too busy dealing with her grief (so she thinks) then to deal with her real feeling’s for Seth.

He lets her know he’s taken the job as Enforcer and part of his job is keeping her safe and he wants her. Victoria doesn’t want him but her body is betraying her.

Victoria can’t stay away from Seth no matter how hard she tries. He knows how to use her body to make it come undone. Victoria’s tried to play hardball but she can’t.

Victoria’s seen how her aunt wanted nothing of the business then fell in love and became the Queen of the Empire when she gave into her feelings for Roan.

Victoria’s realizing tomorrow’s not promised. There’s never as much time left as you’d think and hope for. She’s wasted a lifetime staying away from Seth Mitchell and she doesn’t wanna stay away from him anymore.

Victoria’s learning to live with loving Seth and him doing his job for the Empire. They’ve promised each other he’d do his best to come home to her every night. Then there’s another attack and they’re both fighting to come home at the end of the day.

Holy smokes!!!! Kathy Coopmans absolutely KILLED this story.

Victoria was so strong. She loved her family and Seth so much. Victoria learned how to be with Seth regardless of his job with the Empire. Victoria also learned to love the new person she was becoming. Victoria wanted vengeance. She wanted the people behind the attack taken care of. She also wanted whoever set up her brother Diesel taken care of and him outta jail.

Seth Seth Seth. He owned my heart!! His relationship with his niece Lexi was beautiful. Let’s face it Lexi OWNS all three of the Mitchell brother’s LOL but I dunno her and Seth brought me to tears MULTIPLE times. I also came to tears with Seth and Gabe, the man who took him and his brother’s in and became his father. The way Seth loved Victoria was beautiful!! You’d almost forget he was a killer with the way he was with her. With him going to rehab for his drinking but really quick I realized he didn’t need alcohol anymore Bc he had Victoria.

After finishing this I’m DYING for Diesel’s story!!! I’m gunna be losing sleep till I get my greedy hands on it.
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
1,813 reviews19 followers
February 28, 2021
Holy Balls if I could cuss I so would. Kathy, woman, you have blown my mind completely. I thought the other books in this story were good, but this one, this one was my favorite. I can't even tell you that I didn't put this book down at all it was that good. It kept you in suspense the whole time. We start off with Victoria who totally breaks your heart and you will cry with her that is guaranteed. She has had her life ripped apart in a way no one should ever. I love her dad and brothers always have, but she, she will melt you even more. Victoria has never wanted to be a part of the Empire no matter how much she loves her family. She's not in the dark she knows what they do, but she stands by them anyways. The one-man though who can destroy her is the boy that she banters with her whole life. He's the devil in disguise that makes her heart beat faster than normal and her thighs clench even harder. He's now the Enforcer of the Empire and boy is he a hottie. Seth has been through something nasty as well, but he is pulling himself up and out of it. When he's called back to help find who destroyed Hugh's wold well he's about to get the one women he has loved his whole life. He will fight her demons, his, and the families to get revenge. I loved Seth absolutely he is what women dream of as a man. Someone who will fight for you both physically and emotionally. Okay, I'm gonna stop before I spill more beans. Find out what happens with these two.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews166 followers
March 1, 2021
It truly feels like it's been decades since the last book that I read by this brilliant & highly addictive author, so when I started reading Concede, I felt like I was home again. I know this is the start of a new series, but honestly, I feel like it's best to read The Syndicate Series (it's even in a Box Set) first so you know more info on a great deal of the secondaries. This is Seth & Victoria's story, and it's a very emotional one at that but I mean it's crime families so life is not all wine & roses. I know that I had a hard time to stop the tears quite a few times as the situations that popped off really hit me hard. These two had some issues since she hates him, while he's gone off the rails despite always wanting her so the battle lines are drawn while the sparks are flying. There are twists around every corner per usual (Kathy Coopmans truly excels that messes with us like that) so I was in my f-bomb dropping element. Will these two finally meet in the middle to be together like they're fated to be?! You know what to do to find out, while I'm already dying inside for the next book about the next couple! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL! 
Profile Image for Kylee.
2,731 reviews50 followers
February 28, 2021
Concede stole the breath from my lungs within minutes of being immersed in the darkness. The story took me by surprise, shocked me to the core and shattered my heart. However I held on, I let the tears flow and finally as the binding love between Seth and Victoria surrounded me my heart started to mend. A story of grief, tragedy, family and loyalty has you captivated by the dance between the devil and his angel. As the chemistry between these two intertwined with the words of their journey, your pulse will race, your heart will beat uncontrollably and the tears will be plenty. Their story is emotional, passionate and has the light connecting with the dark. Concede brings us hard and fast into the second generation of the Diamond Empire where you will be kept on the edge of your seat where past memories will crash headfirst into the present. A story that made every tear I shed worth it for the love you got to witness. An intense, powerful and affecting love story that will leave a permanent mark on your soul.
Profile Image for Karrie Mellott Puskas.
658 reviews6 followers
February 2, 2021
Concede is a dark mafia read. Dark books really aren’t my cup of tea. But for Kathy, I will go out of my comfort zone and will try to read her words.

I am so glad that I went out there and tried this book. I will admit, there were a few times I had to stop and walk away. I needed tissues quite a few times as well.

Seth has tugged on my heart from when we met him in his brothers book, Unravel. He was a character I wanted to get more out of. And man do we get more of Seth!

Victoria, we all know as Aiden’s daughter. She has grown up now and has eyes for Seth.

This book is dark, heart wrenching, tear you apart and put you back together again type of book. Seth really swept me off of my feet with his words to Victoria. I was a roller coaster of emotions with this book. I’m glad that I got thru this book with the help of tissues.

If Dark storyline is for you, you do not want to miss out on this book. If you’re like me and it isn’t your thing, try it! You will not be disappointed!!!
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews441 followers
March 1, 2021
Concede is book 1 in the new series, The Diamond Empire by Kathy Coopmans. This is Victoria and Seth's story. It's emotional, intense, dark, heartbreaking, angsty, hot, grief, secrets, attraction, romance and love. This is the 2nd generation of Syndicate Series. I was on the edge of my seat from page 1 and quite literally was blown away from everything that took place in book 1. This was a rollercoaster ride that brought forth loyalty, betrayal, family dynamics, emotions and grief along with Victoria and Seth's romance. There's waa this hate/love ..push/pull type. When really they were made for one another- The "Devil" and his "Angel". Many twists and turns, plus the ending- wow!! This takes the reader on quite a journey so keep Kleenex on hand! Great start to a new series 👏. I can't wait for book 2.

My Rating: 4.8 stars ***********
Profile Image for Lisa Stinson.
1,172 reviews16 followers
February 4, 2021
Kathy has a way of writing dark romance in a way that doesn’t feel extremely dark. Yes it’s dark but these men can bring you to your knees with the way they love their women. I have been looking forward to Seth’s book since the beginning. And let me tell you Seth and Victoria’s story didn’t disappoint.

There were many times where my breath hitched and my heart stopped but I knew Kathy would bring me back to life in the best way.

Victoria fought her feelings for Seth so hard but he would not be deterred in his battle to win over her heart. There were a few tears shed along their intense journey but the final destination was so worth it.

These Mitchell men really know how to love and take care of their women.
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,280 reviews75 followers
March 1, 2021
5 star

The story has secrets, pain, and heartbreak. I was pulled right into this story. The story flowed well, and I was kept interested.

This is Victoria and Seth’s story. This story contains passion, suspense, edge of your seat danger. This author pulled you in and keeps you turning the pages. She creates a world you want to step right in and move around. This couple takes you on a journey and introduces you to their own part of the world. They pull in into the world so deep you just don’t want to escape. Can’t wait to read more from this author and find out about all the others in this series.

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Lisa   cheney.
205 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2021
when you pick up a book from Ms. Coppmans you always know she will blow you away. This book has all the emotional things that you will want. Victoria has never wanted to be part of the family business but after things happened with her family I don't think there was a way she wouldn't be. Seth has always wanted Victoria he had made no secrets about it. but will she be willing to let him in? this is a ride to remember and OMG what a edge of your seat, have to turn more pages to know what is going to happen kind of book. I can't wait to read more in the series if the other books are going to be like this one. AMAZING
Profile Image for Heather.
53 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2021
Concede is some of Kathy's best writing yet! It is no secret that the Syndicate Series is my favorite! The Diamond Empire is the second generation of our Syndicate Series. That being said this book shattered me! It took my heart and squeezed it until I thought it might burst and bleed through my chest. I had to stop reading three different times just to be able to clear my vision from the tears flowing. So many emotions constantly battling like waves crashing against a rocky shore. Concede is Seth and Victoria's story, but we get to see some of our favorite characters that make up our Empire! Seth is as dark and lethal as he is protective, loving, and loyal! Victoria is sassy, loyal, broken, and so complex. I loved watching her grow and come into who she is meant to be! Their love is raw, explosive, and 100% meant to be! Kathy tells their story and the stories around them with gripping and brilliant writing that will have you wondering what will come next for our Diamond Familia!! I know my review is pretty vague, but I don't want to give anything away. I absolutely loved Concede and can't wait for the next book! Thank you Kathy for continuing our Empire!!!
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
1,993 reviews137 followers
February 26, 2021
This was a solid start to a series from a much loved author.
I struggled on what to rate this book, as Victoria irked me at times, but the plot and also the male main character's redemption was too epic to keep it at a 4 star that I was leaning towards.
There isn't actually a lot that can be said about this book without ruining the experience for other readers, but buckle up as you'll be sent on a rollercoaster of emotions with no safety bar.
Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,540 reviews8 followers
February 28, 2021
Whoa! What a read this was! This is the second gen to the syndicate series, which was one of my absolute favs. The next gen, I am loving just as much. Seth and Victoria, are intense together, the sparks fly, the want to hate but the need to be together. There is no way you won't love these two, especially Seth, he is pure trouble in the best way possible. I can't wait to dive deeper into the diamond series.
Profile Image for Christie Marsh.
504 reviews5 followers
February 26, 2021
I’m a huge fan of the Diamond Empire! I didn’t know what to expect and I can say this author always surprises me and makes me feel all the emotions! Concede is emotional, sexy, has wow moments and loyalty! Seth and Victoria are a meant to be couple, their passion takes them awhile to see what’s right in front of them! Loved them both! Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Profile Image for Brandi.
1,351 reviews6 followers
March 1, 2021
She brought him back to life with a single kiss. Renewing his need to live. Life now had meaning instead of wallowing in an endless amount of alcohol and women he finally had a purpose. Vengeance. He would fight for her and help get past the tragedy that struck her. A definite must read and will have you anxious for more!
Profile Image for Sue Paulsen.
299 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2021
Oh man.. I loved Concede! Another amazing story by Kathy Coopmans! Concede absolutely grips you from the very beginning and doesn’t let go! I love a good mafia story and Concede does not disappoint! Concede is book one in The Diamond Empire series and I can tell you that I am already impatiently waiting for book two!
Profile Image for J.L. Leslie.
Author 56 books683 followers
July 27, 2022
This is my first book by Kathy Coopmans but it won't be my last! Victoria is such a strong heroine, having gone through a terrible tragedy. I love the way you see her grow in this book as she and Seth get closer and closer, accepting that they're destined to be together. He was the perfect guy for her, understanding her upbringing and the life she has to live, and knowing what type of man she needed. This book had it all too - danger and sexual chemistry along with exceptional secondary characters. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Majan.
241 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2023
Good story but...

This is my first time reading this author. The blurb sounded compelling and I am always up for discovering new authors. But the writing and grammar was atrocious - the use of tense, wrong use of words, overall sentence structure and fragments. It was very distracting, confusing at times, and it was disruptive to the flow. I had to reread lines repeatedly. Other than that, the story and world was really engrossing. They are good characters, and they kept me reading. I may even continue to Diesel's story.

2 for grammatical issues
4 for storyline

3 stars
Profile Image for Vickie.
212 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2021
There’s not much you can say about Seth and Victoria without giving the plot away. Seth is complicated and full of alphaness. Victoria is full of love and brokenness at the same time. Either way you know you��re going to get a phenomenal read out of Kathy Coopmans and the Diamond Empire
Profile Image for Emma Johnston.
919 reviews28 followers
February 27, 2021
Another fantastic book from Kathy Coopmans. This book was beyond amazing and I'm still sitting here thinking about it. I feel reread coming on already!!
Profile Image for Amanda Roden.
1,001 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2021
Seth and Victoria have a heartbreakingly beautiful story. Kathy does dark romance so well that you get sucked in and can’t stop reading. Welcome back to the dark side!
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