The Diamond Empire Series by Kathy Coopmans

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... moreFor 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. less

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... moreMost 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. less

My mother warned me Jolie West was forbidden. Of course, I didn’t listen. Because all it took was one look at the girl with flaming, fiery hair, and I was captivated.Enthralled by her beauty and the blaze I saw burning behind her blue eyes.From the first touch of her warm skin, I was burned.Singed.That is until one conversation with my father turned my world upside down. He let me know I had family duties that I couldn’t walk away from.I went from fire to ice and broke mine and Jolie’s hearts... moreMy mother warned me Jolie West was forbidden. Of course, I didn’t listen. Because all it took was one look at the girl with flaming, fiery hair, and I was captivated.Enthralled by her beauty and the blaze I saw burning behind her blue eyes.From the first touch of her warm skin, I was burned.Singed.That is until one conversation with my father turned my world upside down. He let me know I had family duties that I couldn’t walk away from.I went from fire to ice and broke mine and Jolie’s hearts.It’s what was best for her.Me? Not so much.My soul was lost the day I sent her away.Vowed right there she would forever own it. Even if, she’d never know.That was years ago when we were just teenagers. Not a day has gone by that I don’t crave her. Miss that spark that made a man like me come alive.I thought I was protecting her until I wasn’t. Someone hurt Jolie, and I won’t rest until I find out who.Now that she’s back in my life, I won’t let her go.Consequences be damned, I’m finally going to claim what’s mine. less

“I love you.”Three words have kept me from the love of my life for the last nine years. We made a promise to one another, one that she broke, leaving me no choice but to let her go.That choice led her to a life of ruin and me to live with a mountain of regret.It didn’t matter that I wanted her. What did was those three words, the ones that, no matter how bad I wanted to say them, terrified me.I wanted to own her.To worship her.Instead, I only pushed her away... more“I love you.”Three words have kept me from the love of my life for the last nine years. We made a promise to one another, one that she broke, leaving me no choice but to let her go.That choice led her to a life of ruin and me to live with a mountain of regret.It didn’t matter that I wanted her. What did was those three words, the ones that, no matter how bad I wanted to say them, terrified me.I wanted to own her.To worship her.Instead, I only pushed her away.I pride myself on not being afraid of anything. Those three words, and what they'd mean to her if I spoke them, are the only exception.I am the Diamond Empire’s Consigliere, and I have a secret to confess.I had no idea she did, too. less