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Contrite #1-2

The Contrite Duet Series

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CONTRITE BOOK ONE

What happens when the man you’re married to isn’t the man you married anymore? Clove Calloway knows within an hour of picking up her husband Turner from the airport that something is different. Yet she can't pin point what. Together since College, they know everything about each other. So why has she spent the last few days watching everything he does, hoping for a clue? What could have happened within that week he was gone?
One way or another she's going to find out.
When Clove invests in the help of her brother Zack, a police detective, she’s afraid her suspicions of infidelity will be confirmed. Terrified that such news will crush her heart, she sets about preparing for the worst.
Only to find it's much more than she could have imagined—there is no other woman.
Clove’s life is about to descend into a web of deceit, lies and betrayal.
Appearances can be deceiving… and only the Master Manipulator will be left standing.
“The eyes only see what the mind is prepared to comprehend.” – Henri Bergson

REPRISAL BOOK TWO

Clove Calloway thought she ended her nightmare life when she stabbed herself.

When the darkness took over, she thought she’d find peace. Seeing her husband die by the hands of his traitorous brother, Trent, destroyed her. Little did she know, her dreadful life without Turner is just the beginning. She awakens from one nightmare right into another, confined in a house with the Master Manipulator of them all.

Now, she's fighting for her life instead of trying to end it. As the truth unfolds, layer upon layer of deceit could suffocate her. How many times and in how many way can she be betrayed? But Clove refuses to lose. Just how she's going to win is a plan she's yet to determine...

Zack is determined to find his sister Clove, he knows she is out there somewhere. He can feel it. He wants her home. And he is going to find her! He’s ready to take down the evil that has her in his clutches. Only he’s just as shocked as Clove when the truth unfolds…
There’s more…. So much more. Are you ready?

394 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2015

53 people are currently reading
272 people want to read

About the author

Kathy Coopmans

77 books2,691 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
102 (49%)
4 stars
58 (27%)
3 stars
33 (15%)
2 stars
10 (4%)
1 star
5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Vickie.
212 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2015
Kathy Coopmans is one awesome author. She blew this book out of the water with both hot sex and gut-wrenching suspense.

Turner left going on a business trip. Normally Clove would go as well. It didn't work out so that could happen this time though. The minute Turner gets off the plane she suspects something isn't right. She keeps her thought to herself though.

Turner is short and snappy. Clove assumes that maybe it was a rough trip and tries to overlook his attitude. But when things are so different in the bedroom Clove starts to think that Turner may have found another woman and she's drawing him out in the sack.

What Clove discovers is something you definitely won't expect. Is what Clove does to try and reveal the truth something she is able to live with for the rest of her life? Is it such a dangerous game that she may not even come out of it alive? What about Trent? Where is he? What caused Clove's world to be turned upside down? Somebody will pay, but who is it going to be?

fter reading Contrite I just couldn't wait for Reprisal. I was not disappointed. You definitely need to read Contrite to get the full emotional journey Kathy takes you on.

I was left with the question of who was the father of Clove's baby. Now, I know. I was also curious if Clove developed feelings for Trent? I also know that answer. What I didn't expect was who else plays into this horrendous nightmare that Clove has lived over the past year. I'm pretty sure you won't either. After all, we have plenty of drama here as well.

After the deaths we experienced in Contrite you won't believe who lives or does in Reprisal. Don't assume you know. Is it enough for Clove to get her HEA? Does justice ever come to the man that has made her life a pure hell?

I thought Clove went through torture in Contrite but was she what she went through any better in Reprisal? You'll have to decide that on your own.
Profile Image for Darlene Avery.
997 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2015
The Contrite Duet by Kathy Coopmans

My mind is still reeling from the twist and turns that make up The Contrite Duet. To say that Kathy Coopmans lays out a masterful plot, is an understatement.

Contrite starts out with Clove Calloway waiting anxiously for her husband Turner to return from a business trip. However, upon his return, she knows immediately something isn't right

Clove will face unfathomable odds, in order to survive what the future holds in store for her. And just when you think you have it all figured out, Coopmans throws in even more twist and turns.

This is one of those reads, that once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down.

Loved the storyline and unique characters. Some minor editing issues throughout the book, but still an overall 4 star read !
Profile Image for Kelley Hazen.
Author 219 books52 followers
December 27, 2017
This is a sexy, suspenseful, adult story with twist and turns that keep you guessing throughout. I loved narrating this taut thriller. To put myself in Clove's shoes, to imagine going through the trials and tribulations that riddle this wild ride she endures was challenging. And The Duet is the perfect way to enjoy this tale - once you start Contrite Book #1 you won't be able to stop until you listen through to the finish. Having Reprisal (Contrite Book #2) readily available is by far the best way to enjoy it!
Profile Image for Liz Lawson.
729 reviews29 followers
September 22, 2015
I was besotted with Turner. Life was so cruel for Turner and Clove and despite Trent's cruelty I did feel sorry for him in the end. You are what you know and all he knew saw hatred. I was on the edge of my seat reading Cloves nightmare year.
Profile Image for Jamie  Leigh.
6,567 reviews29 followers
September 22, 2015
wow. although this is a really dark and twisted read, it was amazing! It was a totally different type of plot and you never knew what was coming next.
Profile Image for Sherry Haynes.
1,230 reviews16 followers
October 23, 2017
When I started this book I didn't understand what the title had to do with the synopsis of the book described. Personally I feel this book's title fits to part and the actual antonym for most of the book.

The darkness comes from the lies, betrayals, the pain but the overpowering love that Turner and Clove share will leave the reader hoping that all works out. Turner's twin Trent will be the villain you love to hate but the surprises don't stop with the revealing of Trent.

I am so glad I won the duet together because I would have thrown my tablet had I read them individually because part one definitely leaves the reader hanging.
I highly recommend this set to readers who like dark, twisted, ans suspenseful reads. They are many many adult situations that are cold shower moments but personally I really enjoyed all the suspense and surprises most.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
March 27, 2020
I struggled over the rating of this duet because as much as I loved the action, suspense, the intrigue, I really would have enjoyed it better without all of the sex and the ramblings over how beautiful and special her kooch was. There's something about reading about the glorious wonders of another womans snatch over and over that kinda kills it all for me. The story itself will blow your mind unfortunately even knowing that sex sells I really wish this author would have at least done less and I believe the story would have been much better. All in all I still couldn't put it down and was totally engrossed in the story and the twist. This author does know how to get you lost in the story I just don't think I can handle all the erotica to get to it.
1,164 reviews
July 20, 2020
Well written with lots of twists and turns

****Contrite Duet by Kathy Coopmans: well written with lots of twists and turns
This series is a journey, with countless twists and turns, pain, greed, forgiveness, love, hate, and conflict. Stalking, kidnapping, murder.... It’s a heart wrenching and heartwarming story of survival, where perseverance and love find a way before finally wrapping up with a nice HEA. A well written story, with most of the threads explained, but some minor flaws. Might have some triggers for some. Definitely entertaining— I didn’t want to put this book down (although I did skim some on the steamy interludes because I wanted to see what happened in the storyline).
Profile Image for Khrista Baxter.
704 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2022
Psychological Thriller!

The Contrite Duet is a wild ride!! It does deal with some dark subjects and is not for the faint of heart but wow!!! Its full of suspense and holy $hit moments.

Clove Callaway picks her husband up from the airport, he was away for a week on a work trip. It doesn't take long before she notices something is off with him. There is definitely something going on, her suspicions mount and she thinks the worst, did he cheat? Zach, Cloves brother is a police detective so she confides in him, what they find out is crazy!

Secrets never stay buried.
Profile Image for Dawn Higgins.
907 reviews16 followers
August 12, 2020
This book totally blew my mind.
I knew it was a dark disturbing read from the blurb but i sure was not ready for how this book pulled me apart with all the twists and turns around every corner that i didn't see coming at all, to say this book was addictive is a understatement, it was explosive.
Not read any books from this author before but if her books are anything like this duet i am in for a real treat as i love a dark read and this had that in spades.
Definitely a story to pick up if you like a dark disturbing hot sexy read, this is the duet for you.
Beware though as there are triggers.
Profile Image for Mirelus1982.
28 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2022
Predictable plot, a telenovela in writing. It goes on with the shock factor starting from bad and finishing worse, but except from that you don't get character building, introspection or emotion.
Everything is thrown in the mix - bad parents, twins, a cop brother, killers left and right. The h is depicted as an angel, but acts nothing like it and swears like a trucker.
493 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2017
There are no words to describe these books!

I truly cannot think of any words to describe these books! They were fabulous! I couldn't stop reading them and was hooked from page one! If you are looking for a twisted yet sexy dark read then I highly recommend this one!
Profile Image for Sarah Walters.
17 reviews
March 27, 2018
What a ride!

This series is a mind trip. The strength and courage Clove has is immense and her love has no limitations. Twists and turns and 'what just happened ?' Moments will blow your mind. Congratulations Kathy Coopmans another 5 star read.
84 reviews
July 19, 2020
Such a good series!!

This series wore me out in the best way! It had so many "what the heck" moments that you never saw coming! There were so many different characters and they were all unique to the story! Bravo Kathy, for the exciting ride!
Profile Image for Caroline Graydon.
21 reviews
July 16, 2022
The Contrite Duet Series

These books would have made an excellent compelling drama based on a good story line and suspense. I felt the sex scenes were too graphic and frequent and no fantasy talks like that. This is the reason for 3 stars as the plot is good.
Profile Image for Crystal Gray.
1,088 reviews33 followers
September 21, 2017
Wow!

This Duet was amazingly messed up! If you like dark and twisted, this book is for you! Kathy never disappoints.
191 reviews
May 25, 2018
If I could give it a 4.5 I would.
350 reviews
August 2, 2020
Interesting

This is the first book I have read by this author. It was an interesting series with lots of twists and turns. As always....Enjoy!!!!
Profile Image for Christine.
1,750 reviews
March 22, 2017
Turner is one amazing husband. Clove is on strong woman. She loves here family with her whole being. Loved all the twists in this story. Could not wait to see where the story would go. The strength you don't know you have until you need it. They lived through hell and made it out the other end stronger then ever. A must read.
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,589 reviews77 followers
September 26, 2016
Contrite (Contrite #1)

4.5 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, murder, suspense, secrets, betrayal, pain, abuse and heartbreak.

This is Cloves story. After her husband goes away on a business trip she feels he is different when he comes back. He is acting different. Can she trust her feelings that something is wrong? After talking to her brother she knows she is not crazy. Now how can they figure out what happened and how can they fix it? When you learn the unthinkable can you act normal? Would you be able to pull it off without anyone knowing? When all the secrets come out who will be left standing? Was everything a lie? Will you be able to fight for the one thing you want? Will you be allowed to have it or will it also be taken from you?

From the very first page until the very last page this book was a total mind fuck. The ending WTF??? That’s not to say it was not a great read as it was a really great read.

I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.


Reprisal (Contrite #2)
5 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, murder, suspense, secrets, betrayal, pain, abuse and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Contrite (Contrite, #1)

This is more of Cloves story. This book picks up a few months after the last book. She and now her baby are being held. She is in a prison that is now her home until they decide what to do with her. She is told she will die as soon as her baby is ready to be handed over. Her brother is frantic and still searching for her. Will he be able to find her before her daughter is taken and she is killed? What other secrets are lurking? Who is really behind everything? Will she ever get away and if she does what has this done to her family to have worried for her for over a year? Will she ever get back to her family?

I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.

Profile Image for Debi Price.
119 reviews6 followers
March 8, 2017
Bravo!

well done!! Although this story drove me insane, I highly recommend this roller coaster ride! I was warned i would not like it but I completely loved both books very much. Does that make me messed up? Probably. Oh well. muahahhaha. I cant wait to read more from this author! :-)
Profile Image for Renee Dyer.
Author 23 books279 followers
September 14, 2015
Part One:

Have you ever felt like a book dragged you through the ringer, raked you over a grater, and bashed you off the rocks, yet you kept going back for more because what you’re reading had you so blown away you’re afraid to even blink between words? Contrite is that book. It was so full of twists and turns and OMG-did that really happen moments, I found myself gripping my couch cushions and digging my nails into my legs just to keep myself grounded while I read on. Kathy Coopmans so masterfully wrote this book that I started questioning what and who I know in my own life. I began to look around and ask, “How well do I know my husband?” Everything I thought I knew about my everyday life came to a screeching halt after reading this mind f&*^ of a book.

The love, guilt, pain, torment, and torture were so well written that I felt like I was walking in Clove’s shoes, felt like I was feeling her emotions. Her anguish became mine. When she became determined to do something, I felt determined alongside her. I love that she is such a strong character.

Turner-I felt so bad for the raw deal he was getting. The whole book I found myself thinking, when will I get more info on Turner and when I did, I cried for him. His strength, love, and determination are what makes him the man every woman wants in their life.

There’s no way to read this book without wishing you have the love that Turner and Clove have for each other. You’ll read this story thinking…WHY…why is all of this happening? Of course, I’m not going to tell you what happens because this is a book you just have to experience for yourself.

The supporting characters played the perfect roles in the story. They helped to strengthen the story and develop the plot. Everything about this book pulled me in and held me captive. As soon as I started reading I had to keep going until I got to the end. There was no way I could stop until I knew what happened.

This is easily one of my favorite reads of 2015 and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Five stars is not a high enough rating! If you want a book that will take you down a twisted path and make you question everything, Contrite is the book for you. It’s also Coopman’s best work to date. Don’t miss out on this highly emotional, well written book that readers will be talking about for years to come.

Part Two:

Contrite left me shaking, screaming, wondering WTF just happened? But now I have all the answers and all I can say is Kathy Coopmans knows how to tell a story. One minute I was ready to murder someone. Then I wanted to comfort the characters. My emotions were all over the place--one minute laughing, another crying. The dark undertones in this book reminiscent of Contrite and the person behind it all will leave you with a bad taste in your mouth. Not because of the writing, but because of the who. The twists and turns will keep you turning, page after page, this book daring you to put it down. Reprisal is a perfect ending to the series. If you like a book that keeps you guessing, sitting at the edge of your seat, clutching your kindle, book, whatever you read--this is the book for you. Beyond easy for me to rate this one a 5 star!
Profile Image for Le Ann Foster.
739 reviews5 followers
December 5, 2015
☆☆Reviewed for Hooked On Books☆☆

I gave this book 5 ☆'s

I wish there were more than 5 stars to give this book....It's Amazing!

I was excited to read this book. I can definitely say your on one heck of a ride with this book. All the twist, turns and panty melting sex scenes your kindle will be on fire!

Kathy blew my mind with this book...it's not like any of her other books. Your mind will be spinning from the first word to the last! The characters are so real that it makes you think someone could be living through this.

I find myself thinking about the characters and my mind is still spinning thinking about what is going on now that it's all out in the open. You will smile, cry and be moved by what one woman will do to be with her soul mate.

If there is one book that you need to read..then this is it you will not be disappointed.

Kathy you have once again wrote a beautiful, heartfelt, emotional story. I'm patiently waiting for the next book.


☆Reviewed for Hooked On Books ☆ ☆

I gave this book 5 stars! Wish I could give it more!

Oh my goodness Kathy has once again blew my mind with this series. You thought the first one was a mind twisler wait until you see who is behind the whole thing. Your in for surprises that you never see coming. You are immediately drawn right back into twisling, twisted mind of Trey, Clove and the new person. This book has it all...love, hate, murder, betrayal, twist, turns, heartache, grief, you name it it's in here.

You will feel every emotion out there. You will be ready to throw your kindle, but don't! Keep reading...I promise it is so worth it to finish.

This is book 2. You must read book 1 Contrite before reading this book. This book picks up 3 months after the baby is born. Will Clove be able to survive and get back to her family? Got to read to find out!

Kathy has once again written a beautiful story with a twist. Definitely some of her best work to date. I love all her books but This series is my favorite! This is my #1 pick for the month of June.

Can't wait to see what comes out of Kathy's mind next.
97 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2015
CONTRITE
5.0 out of 5 stars
Will blow Your Mind!!!!!!!!!!

Wow this book will blow you away,so many twists, and turns, it will keep you on the edge of your seat, once you start it, you wont be able to put it down. Clove's whole world is turned upside down, when her husband Turner goes out of town on a business trip, and when he comes home she feels like something is off. Trent is one sick twisted Fu****, he seems ok one minute, and turns crazy the next., I didn't believe anything he said. I really wanted to punch him more than once, Cocky Bas****. Very intense read it will blow you away and keep you guessing on what the hell is going on. And the ending will leave you speechless, and Desperately want the next book. Kathy Coopmans is Amazing, and never Disappoints. I definitely Recommend this book, it will take you on a wild ride.


REPRISAL
5.0 out of 5 stars
Phenomenal, Absolutely Loved This Book!!!!!!!!

The ending of Book 1( Contrite) left me speechless, I couldn't wait to get this book in my hands This book blew me away, so many twists and turns around every corner, you never knew what to expect. My heart broke for Clove and all the heart ache she had to go through, I wanted to jump thorough my kindle and beat the living Sh** out of Clove's Mom, what a fuc**** Bit** she was, who treats their child that way and tells them they were never wanted, she was one twisted bit**, with no heart! I loved her brother Zack, he would stop at nothing to find his sister, he was amazing. The ending brought me to tears. Kathy Coopmans never disappoints, her books draw you in so fast you become hooked, and all you want to more, Be sure to read Contrite First, it will blow your mind.
Profile Image for Erin Hockman.
472 reviews22 followers
September 14, 2015
Ok so this is book is crazy good and crazy all at the same time.
I mean I don't even know to review it with out giving anything away. there is so much and ahhh I don't even know how to react because it's a complete and total mind f*** for real give it a go!! but it takes you on a crazy roller coaster ride!! I need to read book 2 because it got real... oh yeah ends on a cliff hanger.
just do it read it!

This was one of the best books that I have ever read I had so many emotions going on I cant even deal. I really wish I could give this book 10 STARS it was insane.
I was scared for Clove happy sad angry when its called a mind F*** that is what it really is. She definitely took my heart out of my chest stomped on it kicked it and put it back in and puffed it up again. There is that much crazy going on. I thought that Concrite was an emotional roller coaster but it has nothing on this one! I of course had to read it and I will read all her other books because once in a while you find an author that knows how to do all this to you and you love her for it and beg for more. There are very few that I will say that about I read a lot but this author stole my heart and I don't think she will ever give it back the same way it was!!
I am so glad that I stumbled upon Kathy Coopmans I have found a new favorite author.
Don't ignore this book it was haunting I was so excited that it was released early I really read it in one sitting and that is rare for me I never have time to do that I made time for this I refused to go to bed until it was over.
If you don't read this you are making a mistake!!!
I would re read it just to make sure that I didn't miss anything. Insanely good isn't good enough for this book.
Profile Image for Helena Rizzuto.
106 reviews14 followers
September 14, 2015
So, when we think of Kathy Coopmans we think... Traditional love story with an erotic or lusty twist.

Think again! In what is likely the most mind freaking blowing and twisted book ever, It's like Kathy developed a whole new personality when she wrote this. Nothing is at all what it should be or seems. I think that my head is still spinning! And I've only read the BETA copy. I really do love this book. The characters are so profoundly written that you can't help but look at people in your own life and think hmm.... This could be my life. Yes, this book has me looking strangely at my husband and doing some heavy thinking. Such strong character development. I really am at a loss as to how I describe my feelings towards Clove.... Empathetic? Sympathetic? Or just woah! I won't be giving any spoilers because really, this book just needs to be read with an open mind that isn't tainted with ANY details. This is a book that has to have been written by an evil genious... And I'm thankful that I read it!




Holy h***! This was the perfect ending to the most twisted book I've read to date! It was not at all how I thought it would be but damn was it better than I hoped it would be! Although, I will admit to seeing the love story in the background.Clove and Turner have endured so much, and it doesn't stop with this book!
Profile Image for Melissa King.
343 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2015
When you read a new author for the first time your hoping to like them, well, I love Kathy Coopmans. This is by far one of the best series I've read of 2015. She had me hooked to this storyline after the first chapter. I tried going to sleep the night I started Contrite but I kept thinking about what was happening to Clove. Had she figured out why the love of her life,Turner, wasn't acting as himself.

Contrite

Clove Calloway is married to her college sweetheart, Turner. They know everything about each other,so why does Turner seem different since he came back from his week long business trip. Clove ask her brother for help but can she handle the truth and what will she do with this information. Can she live through this hell that she about to be put through. Will Clove ever see the bright light at the in of the tunnel or will she stay in the darkness.

Reprisal

You just thought you had twists and turns in the first book, Contrite, until you read Reprisal. Well,the story continues to build & grow throughout this book. We get to see how Clove's strength and love for Turner gets her through the dark times. We get to see how the power of love is the strongest gift they have. This book is filled with drama, suspense, steamy sex scenes, love,and characters that you will never forget.
Author 11 books77 followers
September 17, 2015
I grabbed this duet a few days ago when it was on sale. I'd never read anything by Kathy Coopmans, but I had heard by many that she was a great storyteller. There are two very important things you should know about this set: the story pulls you in immediately and begs not to be put down; and, it is quite a dark read, so the squeamish beware.

Clove Calloway finds herself in an odd predicament - the husband that has adored and worshiped her for years is acting highly abnormal after returning home from a recent business trip. She refuses to believe he is cheating on her, but she knows something out of the ordinary is going on. She's adamant on figuring it out and getting her perfect marriage back on track. She enlists the help of her detective brother, and what they find out is a twist of events you'll never see coming!

This story grabs your heart, your gut and even your spine and squeezes the life out of you. The mystery and suspense are pleasantly agonizing. Clove endures a test of will and strength that is far beyond what any person should ever experience. This story will break you. And, it may or may not put you back together. Either way, it is completely worth it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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