COZEN
by Bethany-Kris
Publication Date: June 4, 2018
Genres: Adult, Romantic Suspense, Organized Crime,
Erotic, Heist Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this
book for review from HEA PR & More and the author. I was not
compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The
opinions I have expressed are my own. I am posting this in
accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part
255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and
Testimonials in Advertising".
SYNOPSIS:
coz-en (kuz-uhn)
verb
1. trick or deceive.
• obtain by deception.
verb
1. trick or deceive.
• obtain by deception.
She was named most appropriately.
Cozen Taylor has more than earned her place as one of North America’s most successful thieves. Her name is whispered amongst criminal elite as the go-to thief when someone needs a heist.
She has never failed.
A call from the Miami-based Astor family could change all that with a job that seems almost impossible to complete. The mark should be simple—a stolen family heirloom, the man who has kept it hidden for over twenty years, and six months to return the piece to its rightful owners.
Nothing is ever that easy.
Three-hundred million for a successful heist. No smart thief would turn the offer down. Cozen didn’t expect a complication like him to put a kink in her plans, though. Sargon Makri—tall, dark, gorgeous, and entirely dangerous. For her life, her heart, and for the success of the heist.
The last thing Cozen needs to be thinking about is Sargon, and how she can get him into her bed … especially when he just happens to be her mark’s bodyguard. The thrill of the job has never been more addicting to Cozen, and she will risk everything to make the heist a success.
But at what cost?
***
From author Bethany-Kris comes a whole new world. A North American network full of criminals battling to stay on top, and painting the streets red in war as they dabble in the game of betrayal. Malicious, cunning, forbidden, and violent—welcome to The Empires and Badlands.
AVAILABLE NOW!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2roGO2J
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2FPP40F
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2ruSFMT
Amazon AUS: https://amzn.to/2KsNXb3
iTunes: https://apple.co/2HYum
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2robsds
My Thoughts:
Cozen “Zen” Taylor doesn’t like to stick out. Loved how the author set up the plot first
before meeting the other main character.
It was a pleasant surprise and a great way to build anticipation. Sargon Makri seems to have a hard time staying
in one place for too long. There’s a
scene where you might find it ironic but he says something that could very well
pertain to this author – I stand in awe.
These two seem to have one thing in common. They seem to be very self-assured.
These two both have secrets and they both have jobs to do. It was interesting to see how these two
started after they first met and the things that happen as they banter back and
forth. They’re also blunt but tight-lipped
when they have to be. There are those
that are secondary characters but could easily fight to be more. It must have been tough for the author to not
let them take over the story. What I
love about this author is that she doesn’t reveal anything until her characters
are ready. It’s a great way to create
mystery and a great page-turner.
There’s no previous book you will have to read. There’s no series so it’s a book that can
stand on its own. But there are plenty
of surprises that start at the beginning and don’t stop until the end. That’s what will keep you reading to see what
else the author reveals about her characters.
And those characters let us know when they’re finished telling us their
story.
COZEN MUSIC PLAYLIST
Excerpt:
The old woman had not looked away from Cozen yet. Her gaze would probably be unsettling to some, but Cozen was accustomed to people trying to figure her out. Like she was some kind of prize to be unwrapped if they could manage to get through her many layers.
“Tell me, girl,” the woman said, her wrinkles being all the more prominent as her gaze narrowed on Cozen. “Do you genuinely believe you are the best thief on this continent?”
Cozen didn’t even think about it. “I think I am one of the best, ma’am.”
“But not the best.”
“I was taught by the best. It would be incredibly rude of me to be so arrogant as to say I am better than them because they taught me. Isn’t that how it should work?”
“Grandmamma, be nice,” Remington told the woman as he slipped the cat from her lap, and put it to the ground. But not before the ball of white hell hissed and tried to bite the man on his arm. “There is a reason Ace suggested he take this job to Cozen.”
“She’ll get it done for you, Pearl,” Ace agreed. “Cozen is golden. Never had a failed job, yet.”
Wait.
This old woman was the one who called her for the job?
Seriously?
Damn.
It really did take all kinds of people to make the fucking world go around.
Fourth’s gaze slipped in Cozen’s direction, and with the narrowing of his eyes, she felt his disbelief about her presence make itself known once more. Although this time, he chose to keep it silent and not open his mouth.
Nonetheless, Cozen felt it.
She knew it.
Pearl peered up at Cozen with a slow smile. It was as though she could read Cozen’s mind, or maybe it was just the woman’s age who gave her insight to the people around her. Who knew what it was?
It was still unsettling.
“How old do you think I am, girl?” Pearl asked.
Cozen pressed her lips together. It was not nice to guess a woman’s age, and certainly not a woman whose face looked like weathered, pale leather. “I would say you have lived long enough to know it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to answer that question, Mrs. Astor.”
Pearl smiled. “You would be right. I am ninety-five. I have outlived my husband, three of my children, and six dogs. I am on my fourth Persian cat at the moment—you saw her. I call her Sweetness.”
“She did not look very sweet.”
“Because she isn’t. I like to surprise people.”
“You’re older than the Queen of England.”
Pearl nodded. “And richer than the bitch, too, darling.”
Cozen smiled widely, unable to stop herself. Laughter lit up the estate from the men. None of them seemed particularly surprised by Pearl’s quick wit.
She learned something in that moment.
Age meant nothing.
“Shoo,” Pearl said to the gathered men. She flicked a jewel-covered hand. “Leave us alone for a while.”
“Grandmamma,” Remington started to say.
“Oh, go, Rem. I can do this myself.”
Fourth and Ace were already pushing out of their chairs without needed to be told. Pearl and Remington the Third passed another look between one another before the man followed behind his son, and the broker he called in for this deal.
Or rather, the broker Pearl called in.
“Sit,” the old woman said, gesturing at the seat across from hers.
Cozen sat. “I hear you need a thief.”
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
ABOUT BETHANY-KRIS:
Bethany-Kris is a Canadian author, lover of much, and mother to four young sons, one cat, and two dogs. A small town in Eastern Canada where she was born and raised is where she has always called home. With her boys under her feet, snuggling cat, barking dogs, and a hubby calling over his shoulder, she is nearly always writing something … when she can find the time.
To keep up-to-date with new releases from Bethany-Kris, sign up to her New Release Newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bf9lzD
Hosted By:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave your comments below.