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Callous

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Most of the stories I’d heard about Scarlet Bay Penitentiary in New York, I never gave much thought. I mean, why would I when I had the power of the Diamond Empire behind me.

Otherwise known as an American Mafia.

On top of that, I never leave a trace of evidence behind. I burn it.

People and all.

Most importantly, I’m Aidan Hughes’s son, and for that reason alone, I’m damn good at being a criminal.

I was born to follow in my father’s footsteps—a natural-born killer.
But when I stepped inside that prison to serve years for a crime I didn’t commit, I knew that for however long I was going to be locked behind bars, I’d be living in the mouth of hell. Jaws just a snapping, ready to swallow a weak man whole.

It’s a good thing I’m not a weak man.

Except with her. Amber Solokov.

The woman I’ve loved most of my life.

The woman I let go.

The woman who is now engaged to someone else.

Now that I’m out, it’s time for war.

On the person who set me up and the man Amber is engaged to.
I would never have thought they’d be one and the same.

Unknown Binding

Published November 15, 2021

22 people are currently reading
247 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
80 (66%)
4 stars
20 (16%)
3 stars
15 (12%)
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4 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,918 reviews118 followers
November 18, 2021
4 Stars!

Kathy Coopmans is back with the next book in the Diamond Empire series and what a book this was. Emotional, intense, twisted, suspenseful, steamy af. Not what I expected AT ALL but in all the good ways.

Callous, the second in standalone in this series, was everything it needed to be wrapped in a complicated, loaded, all in your feels journey of secrets, betrayal, and a much needed redemption.. reconciliation.

Amber and Diesel grabbed a hold of my heart in so many moments throughout their story and y'all, unexpected and unforgettable doesn't even begin to describe this book.

Run don't walk to grab beauty up today and fall in love with this emotionally-charged second chance romance today.

I recommend this book.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,836 reviews12 followers
November 6, 2021
Holy what an emotional read this was, between Diesel being in jail and out, and the Havoc that was Amber's life while he was away. I absolutely loved every page of this book, it gutted me at times and also made my heart happy. What a ride this read will take you on, i have loved each book in this series, and they seem to get better and better.
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,390 reviews41 followers
November 16, 2021
5 WOW, JUST WOW STARS!! Nobody writes a better story....this author gives us readers EVERYTHING we want. Diesel and Amber will take you on one heck of a ride with so many feels, you will never want it to end. Kathy Coopmans is always a one click author for me and should be for you as well.
Profile Image for Kylee.
2,994 reviews61 followers
November 14, 2021
Callous has an intensity to it that holds you within their world sometimes lost in the dark but knowing the light is hovering and ready to illuminate the pages. Two people torn apart by the evil of their empire, come crashing back together with determination. As Diesel and Amber battle their way out of the guilt, anger, loss and broken hearts it will be their unwavering connection that will repair the damage. The chemistry and tether that hold these two together is so fierce it radiates off the pages and is expressed so thoroughly in the words. My heart ached, my soul cried out but the love that these two possessed mended everything. Tears fell, my breath at times stalled and there were moments my heart was so full from this poignant relationship that I thought it would explode. Their story might be dark, gritty and at times heartbreaking ultimately it is a story of a love so strong that not even the devil himself could sever it.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews447 followers
November 17, 2021
Callous is Book #2 (The Diamond Empire) series by Kathy Coopmans. This is Diesel and Amber's story. This had the feels, heartbreak, drama, emotional angst, deep turmoil, suspense, passion, dark romance, secrets, twists, turns, sizzling chemistry, 2nd chance romance, and that action that will have the readers on the edge of their seat. Diesel and Amber's story shows all they went through- just to be together. The journey for them to get together was paved with bitterness, loneliness, betrayal, secrets, twists, yearning, yet the ending was beautifully touching. Keep the tissues handy.

My Rating: 4.5 stars **********
Profile Image for Christine.
1,750 reviews
November 10, 2021
Wow what a ride. Love Diesel and Amber. They have a love that you can only wish you find. They are each other’s rock. This was one amazing story. There wasn’t an emotion you didn’t feel while reading. Can’t wait to read more.
Profile Image for Lynne Garlick.
2,475 reviews27 followers
February 21, 2023
*just give me a damn minute!! Wipes eyes, takes a large drink of gin!! I am channelling my inner Diesel here but Motherfucker!!! Yeah! I dare you autocorrect!! I double dog dare you!!!
I make no secret that when I start a book by this author, I hand over all vital organs and the ability to breath, at the door. And I hand them over willingly!
Diesel and Amber have been betrayed in the worst possible way but what shines above all the dark, soul destroying, heart shattering moments, is their connection.
I started this book in tears and ended this book in tears and all that is inbetween! The apple certainly does not fall far from the tree with Diesel. Aiden has always been my man!
This author takes you to the absolute edge! And then gives you a not so gentle shove! But she hands everything back at the end of the ride, a little roughed up, but she gives it in spades!!!
Stick a fork in me cause this mofo is done!!!
Profile Image for Stefanie Kral.
761 reviews25 followers
November 17, 2021
✯✯Diesel & Amber Filled Stars!!!✯✯

I’m in love with the original men and women from the Diamond Empire. I fell for Seth and Victoria and I’ve wanted Diesel and Amber’s story since I finished Concede .

Diesel was sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Diesel’s too smart to leave evidence and get caught. He’s been set up and with the advice of his lawyer AKA his brother Dray he took a plea deal so he doesn’t chance getting sent to jail for decades.

Diesel broke up with his childhood fiancé Amber Solokov. He’s so in love with Amber he doesn’t wanna have her waiting that long for him Bc she will. What Diesel wasn’t expecting was for Amber to move on so quickly but to get engaged to not only to somebody they considered a friend. But, to the guy who set Diesel up to get arrested and to potentially spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Diesel has two plans. Take out the people who set him up and reclaim Amber as his and start their life together that they had planned out years ago. But, when he saw Amber, he wasn’t prepared for what he saw or learned.

Amber’s been in love with Diesel Hughes her entire life and was devastated when he broke up with her after he went to prison.

Amber confided in their friend Leon who at first was there for her and then quickly it changed. Next thing Amber realizes they’re engaged and he’s not the nice, sweet guy.

Leon’s actually a monster. He’s not afraid to put his hand’s on Amber and he’s got a sick infatuation with young girl’s and he’s been making Amber help him.

Amber want’s to run to Diesel when he gets released from prison but knows if she does Leon will kill Myah, the teenager she’s gotten close with.

When Diesel takes one look at Amber he knows something’s off and calls his brother and Aaron Diamond and everybody goes looking to find out what’s happening to Amber.

Neither Diesel or the men from the Diamond Empire were prepared for what was going on under their noses and they plan on stopping it.

OMG once I started this book I didn’t stop until it was done. Talk about a second chance romance for two people so in love that even though they’ve been separated for a few years they’re still so in sync with each other.

And, that epilogue was AH-MAY-ZING!!!! I’m SO ready for Aaron’s story I can’t wait to see what Kathy Coopman’s to hit publish.
Profile Image for Marnie.
1,280 reviews31 followers
November 16, 2021
Magic second book for the second generation of The Empire,

This second book in the second generation of The Diamond Empire was as magic as the first, and I resented every moment that real life took me away from this deadly, proud and loving family. A person’s word is their honour, and no one is more honourable that the men and women within the pages of Author Kathy Coopmans mafia books.

In here we have the wrongly incarcerated Diesel He’s served twenty months and is just getting out on early parole. He promised that the corrupt cop and the prison warden who abused his power would pay, and pay they did. In the best possible way.

It is a testament to the strength and power of Ms Coopmans writing that I hold so much admiration and joy for Diesel as he systematically deals his brand of deadly retribution to those who were involved in his prison stay, and I absolutely adored his father, Aiden Hughes, for delivering the bent cop to Diesel, and creating some damage of his own, “just because he was involved in putting one of my own behind bars.” A family that kills together to take out the trash, stays together, I guess!
And in times of crisis, the way that Diesel’s brother and family immobilised so quickly for retaliatory action only endeared these men and women further into my heart.

I just loved Amber. As broken as she saw herself, she was still all strength, love and loyalty. She was a strong and perfect partner for Diesel, and knew exactly what her man was capable of, someone who did bad things when they needed to be done, but who never crossed the line into evil, and I completely admired her for it. Her love for Diesel, hell they love for each other was strongly evident throughout the entire book.

What an intense, twisted and fast moving book Ms Coopmans has put together and this entire series is well worth a re-read. So very highly recommended and again, 5 stars 🖤❈

#mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #marnsreads #marnsj
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,624 reviews151 followers
November 12, 2021
Knowing I am about to read a book by an author who isn't afraid to kill her charcters off made me slightly nervous. This series has shown Kathy is fearless in her writing and is prepared to make the hard decisions to stay true to her characters and I love her for it.

This is a true rollercoaster ride emotionally it is one of those stories that can make you cry one page and smile on the next. It really starts when Diesel is released from jail, he is in pain confused and angry so very angry. I wanted to hate Amber for moving on I couldn't understand how she could possibly give on up on Diesel but then her life started to unravel and it all started to make sense.

I enjoyed the pace of the storyline and the way all the secrets and revelations unfolded. There are some darker elements in the book and I was totally on board for the revenge. My favourite parts were when Diesel and Amber were together. The love between them was so well written and showcased their connection and the passion they have. I loved how we saw that Diesel could be brutal when needed but his tender loving side was shown too he really is a softy.

I loved everything about this book it was an entertaining read with an absolutely perfect epilogue.
Profile Image for Vickie.
212 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2021
This book is supposed to be Diesel and Amber's story. To me it's Amber and Muya's story.

You know with the Diamond Empire around someone is going to die. Maybe even more than one person. What you never know is who does the killing and exactly why.

After years behind bars Diesel gets out of prison. He expected Amber to go on with life. After all he told her to. He goes straight to the source when he gets out and makes his intentions known. To get Amber back. The o oh problem is he doesn't know if Amber feels the same way. He has to find out if she still has feelings for him.

Amber, in the meantime, is living in her own hell. She's also holding herself responsible for what happened to other girls too. She's become a weak woman in her own head.

Muya has a story of her own. Hers and Amber's stories entertwine. Muah is stronger than Amber gives her credit for. Muya gets exactly what she deserves in the end.
Profile Image for Meghan901.
1,209 reviews28 followers
November 18, 2021
5 Stars

I have four words for you:

THIS BOOK WAS FIREEEEE! Days after finishing, I still cannot stop thinking about these characters. Ms. Coopmans gave us one helluva story and let me just say I was totally here for it.

Diesel and Amber were incredible characters that quickly stole my heart. Their connection was palpable-you could feel it coming through the pages. Thinking they were going to be together forever, they never could imagine the path their lives would be taking and all the up’s and downs and in-between’s. Even through the bad times, you could still feel the love and connection they had with each other.

What a wild ride!! I loved every single second of this story. It takes you on a journey full of twists and turns and oh my gosh moments that I never wanted to end. I am so excited to see where this series goes next!
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,324 reviews146 followers
November 11, 2021
Omg.
I have missed words from this author, and this book proves why and that they are definitely worth the wait.
This book exceeded my expectations and managed to get me out of my head and keep me transfixed from cover to cover, and for that I am forever grateful to the author.
The world is nuts right now, and so many of us feel overwhelmed, so do yourself a favour and one click immediately, like any book by this author, you won't regret it.
Both the characters and the plot will steal a piece of your soul and refuse to give it back, be prepared to dive into an emotional rollercoaster of a book that will stick with you for a long time.
Profile Image for Donna Purcell Zappone.
608 reviews7 followers
November 16, 2021
Kathy,Kathy,Kathy… what have you done to me ?? AGAIN!! You do know , you have the art of making my heart ache, break and then you start mending it back together before I even know it.

I ached for Amber when Diesel broke it off with her. He honestly thought he was doing right by her …. Little did he know she would run into the arms of another man, especially him!! In the end she is only trying to save a few girls.

I really loved this book . It had all the feels just like all of the previous books by this author. It takes a great author to suck you into each and every book and doesn’t let you go until the very last sentence of said book . And that great author is non other than Kathy Coopmans.
Profile Image for Julie.
2,003 reviews31 followers
November 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this thrilling read. Diesel and Amber loved each other but they had an intense journey in their life before they could be together. Diesel was a scary character, he had two sides and Amber was the strongest woman, she had to go through so much. The plot was amazing and the unexpected twists and turns were very exciting, and the emotions in this book had me teary back to happy, several times.
I really enjoyed this book, I loved the characters and the story was wonderfully written and very entertaining, I loved it.
Profile Image for Lisa   cheney.
207 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2021
what a great read.. Diesel was put in jail by someone who set him up. He thought he was doing the right thing letting Amber go. Little did he know that would be the one thing to come back and haunt him. He wanted to hate Amber for moving on, but other is one thing that is topping him from doing that..... The man that she moved on with. I tell you, you are in for one heck of a ride. better buckle up because the secrets are about to unfold. I for one was not ready to put this book down. but it will answer all of your questions and the ending will be worth it. another amazing read.
Profile Image for Christie Marsh.
551 reviews5 followers
November 17, 2021
I love all the words from this author, you never know what to expect. I love Diesel, he is a true alpha with both a scary and a soft side for only one woman and their love is strong and contemplative. This read gave me all the feels and at times I wanted to jump in and help Diesel take care of business while hugging Amber and letting her know it will be ok. This new series is the perfect spinoff from the Syndicate Series and watching all the Diamond Empires children take over and kick butt is awesome. Love it and cannot wait for more.
Profile Image for Khrista Baxter.
704 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2021
Another amazing book from Kathy!! This series is off the charts wicked! Twists and turns, sexy angst and emotional turmoil will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Reading Diesels book was surreal, if you’ve read the Syndicate series you probably remember when Diesel was born so to read about him as a grown alpha male is pretty great.

My heart went out to Amber, what she endured with Leon is amazing. She has an internal strength that is very admiral.
Profile Image for Sue Paulsen.
299 reviews3 followers
November 17, 2021
WOW…just WOW! Callous is another outstanding story by Kathy Coopmans. She really has a way of drawing you into her stories and not letting go. I love Diesel and Amber’s story and I couldn’t put this book down. Callous takes you on a heart wrenching ride of angst, love, suspense and a whole lot of wild twists and turns. The Diamond Empire series is one of my faves and each story just keeps getting better and better! I am already impatiently waiting for book 3.
Profile Image for Corrinne.
928 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2021
Wow 😮 what a read a bloody good one at that ! Love Diesel and Amber! Their story was so good and they got f$&ked over big time ! But … there is always revenge ! Loving the diamond empire series they are a must read if you love mafia books! I can not wait for the next book !
Profile Image for Stacy Hahn.
809 reviews12 followers
November 15, 2021
Callous by Kathy Coopmans is everything I expected and more. Talk about leaving you raw and emotional. Diesel and Amber have a once in a lifetime love that prison, separation, torture and abuse couldn’t dim. Let me tell you, hell hath no fury like that of a man whose woman has been been hurt when it comes to Diesel and Amber. Buckle up tight because you’re about to go on an emotional roller coaster of lows and highs, but in the end, the strength and beauty among the pain is so worth it.
Profile Image for Lucy Berson.
779 reviews6 followers
November 15, 2021
Another great book!!!! I was so excited to start reading Diesel's book!!!!! Diesel and Amber have been through hell, together and apart. You will definitely not be able to put this emotionally filled book down. There were times I wanted to scream while reading but then I found myself wanting to ball my eyes out at the same time!!! I can not wait to see who is next!!!!
Profile Image for Brandi.
1,503 reviews10 followers
November 16, 2021
Amazing story that will rock your foundation and as you desperately try to keep up with the storyline it all’s falls into place. This series is absolutely brilliant.
Profile Image for Maria (Ri).
5,143 reviews15 followers
December 4, 2021
I'm torn on this review.

Normally, I'm a huge fan of this author. For some reason, I didn't connect with the characters in this book like I normally do. I'm going to say that this was just a one-off. Even though I struggled with this book, I'm still a fan of this author and appreciate her hard work.

The cute epilogue took this from a 3.5- 4 stars.
Profile Image for Nichole Brunt.
467 reviews8 followers
November 15, 2021
Diesel & Amber's story is amazing it has all the feels. Callous is sexy, suspenseful, with a hea we come to love. Can't wait to see what's next for the Diamond Empire.
Profile Image for Amanda Roden.
1,049 reviews5 followers
November 15, 2021
Holy cow! I don't even know where to start! I adored the 1st generation, in particular Aidan's book. I can honestly say that Diesel may have just surpassed his dad! Amber was just as fantastic and I adored her. The twist and turns that happened in this book, are beyond words! I went from smiling to teary-eyed, back to smiling. I really enjoyed this book, but the best part in, in my opinion, was Myah.
Profile Image for Jill S (Love Affair With Fiction).
646 reviews71 followers
Want to read
October 18, 2021
Bloggers, Bookstagrammers & BookTokers sign up HERE to be a part of the release for this Romantic Suspense!

It’s a good thing I’m not a weak man.
Except with her. Amber Solokov.
The woman I’ve loved most of my life.
The woman I let go.
The woman who is now engaged to someone else.
Now that I’m out, it’s time for war.
Profile Image for Renee Dyer.
Author 23 books279 followers
March 3, 2022
Kathy Coopmans has outdone herself with Callous. It's the perfect blend of danger, angst, love, and healing we've been searching for. Keep the tissues close.
Profile Image for Ana Rita.
1,772 reviews41 followers
November 28, 2021
Oh hell yeah... Yes, yes, yes.
I was so happy to read this book that I couldn't stop smiling.
I was eager and super curious to see how this book would be.
One thing I knew for sure, written by this author it was going to be brilliant and brutal.
Kathy Coopmans is the author that I'm talking about and her writing is raw and wild, intense and super hot.
Callous is her latest release and the first book from The Diamond Empire series.
One thing, have you read the Syndicate Series?
I think you should read all books first, then read the first book from this series, Concede.
This new book explores the lives of Aidan and Amber.
Aidan spent a few years locked up for a crime that he didn't commit. It was brutal mainly because being in the mafia world you have several enemies that want to take you down.
He's the son of a big mafia boss and was born to be a killer just like him.
His only weakness... Amber, the woman that stole his heart, and he had to let go.
When he finds out that she's engaged to be married to someone else...
Amber saw her heart being crushed by the man she loved with all her heart.
She's not the bubbly person she's used to be. She has darkness all around her and she's almost succumbing to it.
When the love of her life returns...
OMG... I'm speechless right now...
What a book... What a journey... Dayum... I'm amazed.
Spectacular plot, very well written, super engaging, and intense.
Each chapter was even more addictive than the latest and I couldn't stop reading it.
The pain these characters endured, the hurt they shared was so brutal that my heart nearly broke.
It's undeniable the love they share. It's amazing to witness it.
It doesn't matter what life throws at you because love will conquer all.
Love, loyalty, family are very present in this book as well as betrayal, torture, crime, and punishment.
Dayum, some of the dark scenes were brutal, so well written, and super detailed that made me shake.
Oh my gosh, the hot stuff... Oh lord have mercy...
I really loved this book and I can't wait for the next book to come.
Another masterpiece Kathy. You have this awesome ability to keep us on our toes...
Loved it. Now go write the next one. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. 
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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