From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Douglas comes a new dark romance…ErikaI was told that dreams were our heart’s desires. My nightmares, however, became my obsession. His name is Michael Crist. My boyfriend’s older brother is like that scary movie that you peek through your hand to watch. He’s handsome, strong, and completely terrifying. The star of his college’s basketball team … completely terrifying. The star of his college’s basketball team and now gone pro, he’s more concerned with the dirt on his shoe than me.
But I noticed him.
I saw him. I heard him. The things that he did, and the deeds that he hid…For years, I bit my nails, unable to look away.
Now, I’ve graduated high school and moved on to college, but I haven’t stopped watching Michael. He’s bad, and the dirt I’ve seen isn’t content to stay in my head anymore.
Because he’s finally noticed me.
Michael
Her name is Erika Fane, but everyone calls her Rika.
My brother’s girlfriend grew up hanging around my house and is always at our dinner table. She looks down when I enter a room and stills when I am close. I can always feel the fear rolling off of her, and while I haven’t had her body, I know that I have her mind. That’s all I really want anyway.
Until my brother leaves for the military, and I find Rika alone at college.
In my city.
Unprotected.
The opportunity is too good to be true, as well as the timing. Because you see, three years ago she put a few of my high school friends in prison, and now they’re out.
We’ve waited. We’ve been patient. And now every last one of her nightmares will come true.
*Corrupt is a STANDALONE dark romance with no cliffhanger. It is suitable for ages 18+.
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Recommended and gifted by another author as a must read I honestly wasn’t sure what I was diving in since this isn’t a normal read for me. Wow! Just wow! This was one of those books where you don’t forget it for a while, Jesus if ever. Drawn in from the start to finish the suspense keeps you on pins and needles while f-ing with your brain. At times leaving you panting for breath as if you were there center stage in the story. It’s a dark, twisted game where some may win, some may lose but payback’s a bi**h. And it’s come calling. Written in mainly Rika’s point of view but at times you catch a glimpse of the evil versus good going on in Michael’s head. Which helped with the love/hate thing I got going on with him. I would recommend reading even for those it takes out of their comfort zone. First read for me by this author but won’t be the last. Awesome read!
How did I not know about this sooner? An absolutely fantastic read that will keep you up all night because you just HAVE TO KNOW!
This was one of my favorite romantic suspense stories ever!
The horsemen all come from privilege. They do what they want without consequence, until their deeds are caught on camera and there is no escape.
After paying the price, the consequences have left them angry and out for revenge.
Michael has been drawn to Rika her whole life. However, their families have her life planned out. She’s perfect for his brother Trevor. At least that’s what everyone thinks. But no one really knows Rika or Michael.
Michael will be forced to choose between the girl he has always wanted and the friends that are more like brothers. Things aren’t always what they seem and revenge can destroy you.
An absolutely amazing read that kept me guessing, delivered on some of the sexiest scenes EVER and left me with the perfect HEA. I already 1-Clicked Kai’s story!
It’s complicated ! I really want to give 5 It’s complicated ! I really want to give 5 star Really,I swear because this is my first book by PenDoug. The story is new to me. But the characters, esp the male ones- Michael, Will, Damon and Trevor appear childish and immature.
Only Kai Mori appears ominous, dark and deep. I’d have liked to read more about him.
They’re omnipotent, all powerful in a small town where Erika is the All princess like. Girl brought up with a golden spoon in her mouth, YET she’s got a hunger for chaos and misadventures. The boys move effortlessly from high school to college, to neighbourhoods, committing Arson, Stautory Rape, Vandalism on Devils night . They wear masks transforming themselves into Four Horsemen of Apocalypse.
I recognise them!
Erika recognises them!
The whole Town recognises them!
so why the masks?…..
Michael aways holds a mysterious allure for Erika . She looks at him like he’s God. Trevor, tho her boyfriend hates Michael, because Rika wants Michael.
This resentment and jealousy of childhood festers and grows like a venomous being, turning brother against brother .
Then the Fateful night happens. And everything changes. Why did they push and not execute? Had she been molested, I would’ve understood the anger, but they just played with her.
Next morning all hell breaks loose and herein lies the gap in the story.
WHAT happened in jail that bittered them so much ? Why did Damon and Will loose their will to love family and friends…why??
Michael is outside. For three years he plots and plans to destroy Rika, but all this elaborate planning and wasting of time, without even confronting her about the truth!!
Throughout the story I was a step ahead of the writer, figuring it out before it happene, right down to molestation. And all is forgiven after sex ,even though they burned down her house!!!!!
Out if nowhere, completely Out of context a menage was thrown in….huh?!
so what I’m saying is, it’s a good book but I’m not rushing to have its babies
the Redeeming factor- Epilogue which was beautifully written, very revealing and poignant. I loved it
please don’t hate me!
I’ve read this book twice now and I’ll be honest, while original the first time I read this book, it frustrated me. I didn’t feel like I read the same story as everyone else. I wanted to reread it a year later before starting the second book and HOLY MOLY! I couldn’t put it down!! I don’t think I’d ever had such differing reading experiences with the same book! The plot is so unique and unlike a lot of cookie cutter romances out there. It’s dark and twisted and you won’t know what is coming before it’s happening and you’ll love every second of it. I think my first reading experience had more to do with my own head space that I was in while reading it and I am so glad that I decided to read it again. Plus, if you’re like me and prefer romances to a lot of thrillers/mysteries but you want a dark book for October or the Fall then this book is it. It is a perfect October read for romance lovers.
ReRead 2018 and new star rating of all the stars.
Seriously, 5 stars.
I read this book about a year ago. And if you read lots of books then you know how they can blur together. Characters and sex scenes that you aren’t sure which goes with what story anymore. But I have memorable feelings from reading this book. Given, I didn’t remember every little detail and upon reading again realized what all I had totally forgotten. But I had a totally different reading experience the second time around. The first time, the constant song references annoyed me enough to completely skew my enjoyment of the story. I hardly even noticed them this time. But I remember not being able to read the story as quickly as I wanted the first time whereas this time, I could hardly stand to put my Kindle down. I wasn’t excited to jump into book two straight away last year and now, I am going straight into book two TONIGHT. Forget sleep. I think part of the differing journeys has to do with the fact that I probably hadn’t really read hardly any darker romances and not even that many with this level of angst. But on my current reading journey, I am like, GIVE ME ALL THE ANGST. Plus, this book is filthy hot. And I was so here for every single page of it. I really really hope that the author comes on with books 3 and 4 really soon. And the horror if there is an entire year between books 3 and 4! I had planned to reread this book all along but my reading experience the first time around kept me from it but you know when you pick up a book intending to read a page or two, not really sure what you’re in the mood for and then you’re so caught up in it and you don’t know how it happened. That was me, here. I loved the characters so much more. Sure, they frustrated the crap out of me. But they’re flawed and that’s what made me want and feel for them like I did. I feel like I put a check mark next to all the feeling you can have, while reading this story. I would recommend. Not necessarily to every one but everyone looking for a different story than the cookie cutter stuff.
A very strong 3.75 and an almost there 4 star. I had heard awesome things about this book and in most ways it delivered but in a couple of ways it fell a little short for me. First, this was a very unique story. I definitely didn’t feel like I had read this story before, much less the same story regurgitated in one way or another, as is the case with a lot of romance books. *Not that I am complaining.* It did take me about 90 pages to get into the story but I think that was more about me than it was the story. I felt like the plot moved along at a wonderful pace. Things never felt dragged out or rushed. The characters are very well developed and the author didn’t throw in a bunch of random things to take up space and that makes me so so happy. Everything written is relevant to what is going on. I am use to my steam happening a lot sooner and a lot more frequently than it does in this story but when you do get the steam.. well let’s just say I had to take my glasses off and wipe the steamed fog off of them (understand what I’m getting at there??) There was a time or two where I wanted to slap Rika and ask what the heck she was thinking though. And once I got invested in the story and characters, I could not put this book down. I needed to know how things were going to unfold. I am so glad that I didn’t give up on this book. However, the short comings… It seems a lot of authors are doing this things where they include play lists of music and music isn’t that big of a deal to me in real life so this practice is pretty much lost of me from the beginning. But it seemed like every other page the author felt the need to let the reader know what song is playing in any given situation. 1-5 times? Okay, fine. It seemed to be at least 30 times (I don’t think I am exaggerating?) I do feel like darker romances aren’t so much my thing as reading the happy, comical. and steamy romances. This is not to say that I won’t be continuing on with this series because I am very thrilled that there will be more to the world. I really like the settings and characters that we’ve been introduced to so far. I will also be trying some other darker and grittier romanced. I just think that I may need to space them out. I am looking forward to getting my hands on books 2 when it releases soon. If you’re looking for something different and satisfying then I definitely recommend picking this one up! I do not think you will be disappointed!
My all time favorite book.
This book was angsty and entertaining til the end. I loved that Michael loved Ricka urged her live, and he was strong enough to know what he wanted.
I am not even sure where to start with this review this book was just everything. I had read this book when it came out and now I have just listened to it on Audiobook and Christ did I still get all the feels and the excitement and the suspense to the point I only listen to it in my car that my drive sometimes took longer as I didn’t want to stop, especially when it was that sauna scene one of the best scenes written.
There was one character that just made me feel like I wanted to strangle him and hit him and love him all at the same time, but really under that hard façade that he carried he was so scared to feel anything and he really didn’t want to get hurt like his father had hurt him
Erika was such the opposite for Michael she was so sad and just wanted to get on with her life and people just kept dictating what she did in her life and she wanted to live her life but that was never going to happen not when the Four Horseman were watching everything that she was doing.
This story was amazing, I can’t even explain in words really how this book made me feel, there was suspense, action, violence, sex, manipulation, games being played and when they all realise not is all as it seems then there are consequences and who knows what will happen to the group of boys that consist of Michael, Kai, Will and Damon, with Erika mixed in the middle.
I loved the whole mentality of the Devils Night and the pranks and how everyone is pretty much afraid of the Four Horseman, but one night is all it takes for it to all come undone. The masks the theme of this book was awesome.
I loved this book so much and it felt like every word that Pen Douglas Douglas wrote was so carefully worked that this novel was easily one of her best.
If you’re looking for hearts and flowers and beautiful romance story then this is not the book you are looking for, this is a love story in a way and it also shows you that when you know you have found the one you just know.
This book will always be up the top for me and just loved it and it deserves a million stars but I just can’t give it that many
Warning: Corrupt will Devour you
Corrupt is dark and twisted. I has been awhile since I’ve read a book like this. But Oh boy! There’s a lot of secrets and a lot of twists. I did pretty much guess where the story was going. But it held me captive till the very end.
Michael and Erika’s relationship has always been a bit strained for whatever reason. They seem to have a pull for each other since the very beginning. It plays out well through out the whole story. This story really did have me on edge, I never really doubt Douglas’s writing capability. It’s pretty amazing, how well she able to write such a dark twisted story. That could leave you going wow! what did I just read.
There are some scenes in this book, I was like what? but it didn’t leave me feeling uncomfortable. It made me curious. Curious to see whether this story would corrupt me or not. And It may have.. Hideaway will be next.
Overall I give this 5 Boundless stars
This. Book. Is. Delicious. This is one of those books that keeps you on the edge of your seat and completely engulfs you. Rika’s obsession with Michael began years ago and she has kept it a secret for as long as she can remember. She’s always had her own room in the Crist’s mansion and has grown up in front of Michael’s eyes. The only problem is that she “belongs” to Michael’s younger brother. Something happened years ago that caused Michael to treat Rika as if she was invisible. Something that Rika will have to answer for. Something that will bring the Four Horsemen back together again to make her pay.
Penelope Douglas is a fantastic story teller. She brings a certain magic to each of her books that I love! Not to mention, being a horror fan myself, I love her horror references within her books. Corrupt is a rollercoaster! You will be routing for Rika as she takes on the Four Horsemen. You’ll also be dying for Michael and Rika to end up together. You’ll question yourself (maybe) for wanting Rika to end up with the man that has been torturing her and manipulating certain elements of her life to bring about her undoing. Just keep in mind that you’re in good company! I wanted them together so badly. Michael is sexy, dark and calculating and you will love to hate him!
5 out of 5 Stars!
Corrupt will have you sucked in to its web of twists and turns in no time! You’ll love the characters. You’ll LOVE Michael. I highly recommend Corrupt and anything else written by Penelope Douglas. Her writing is truly magical.
His name is Michael Crist and I want him to be all mine.
OMG THIS BOOK. Addictive. I couldn’t put it down.
Seriously. I needed this book. I needed this reminder of why I do this. Why I spend countless hours promoting, reading, blogging, writing reviews and doing ALL THE THINGS. It’s to find gems like this that I didn’t expect. I didn’t plan on. I didn’t do the tour for this one but I stumbled upon it while looking for books that went live this week to help bring variety to our group members looking for something new to read. The synopsis halted me in my tracks and had me hooked. I’m a dark reads girl. Yes, I’ll read anything but my book crack is a dark romance. I love them like I love Starbucks and that is like A LOT. Like a lot a lot.
“I’m hungry, Rika,” he said, pressing his hard body into my back, his lips hovering over mind. “I want everything they tell me I can’t have, and I see that hunger in you, too.”
The story Penelope created was so in depth and well developed. That goes for the characters as well. That is a sign of great writer. When you can develop a story so well and make sure your characters do not suffer in the process. Talent. Pure talent. I love non rushed, slow burn, well developed books. This was that and then some.
“We want what we want.”
Suspense, dark, romance, a pinch of humor. Some of the hottest scenes I’ve read in a while. This book had it all.
The layers of this story were so well played that even though I thought I knew what was coming, I was dead wrong. Well played Penelope, well played. I know you are thinking you have this book pegged as one kinda story. Think again. This book isn’t anything like you are expecting. It’s more. So much more. I can not recommend this book enough.
PS…I just want to add one more thing. I F***KING loved that MY music was mentioned in this book. Not country, not pop, not whatever else. MY MUSIC. I’d 5 star it for that alone. *fist bumps*
I HAVE BEEN CORRUPTED!
It’s been several weeks since I finished CORRUPT and I STILL can’t get it out of my head!! I honestly don’t know if I’ve EVER had a book hangover quite like this one. *sigh* I am comparing every book to it and nothing seems to come close. CORRUPT is in a league of its own! I don’t even know where to start with this book. It is indescribable, but yet I have so MANY thoughts and words that come to mind when thinking about it…even weeks later! FEAR. ADRENALINE PUMPING. ANGST. HEART POUNDING. JAW-DROPPING. UNPREDICTABLE. SUSPENSEFUL. HATE. LUSTFUL. HAWT. A COMPLETE MIND-TRIP. I have been completely CORRUPTED by this book and can NOT wait for the next installment!
The way that Penelope Douglas went about telling this story was like no other I’ve read. She switched back and forth between past and present. In doing so, she gave the reader a more complete picture of the plot and was able to build up the storyline to its greatest potential. This also kept the reader on edge the ENTIRE time! Right when you would start to think you were piecing together the “present”, Penelope would flip us to the “past” and put in another layer to the plot and would make you question the theories you were developing in your mind. Just when you feel like you’ve come up for air, you get submerged again in the head games and left gasping! And I, for one, LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!
I also loved that this was not your traditional “romance” novel…there was a HUGE plot outside of the romance. It was more about the connections the romance had to the plot and more so how the plot effected the relationship(s) among the characters. It was complete genius how Penelope spun this story! A true masterpiece and idk how she is going to top it!
If you are looking for a “keep-you-up-all-night, heart-stopping, AND sexy book” THIS IS IT! CORRUPT is about testing ones boundaries and going beyond your perceived limits. The group in this book most definitely tested those limits! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone that is looking for angst and an AMAZEBALLS storyline!
“The pushing and shoving, the head games and the mind-f*cks…everything twisted me up and tore me down so much that when I finally got tired of stumbling and falling and backing down, I found that it felt really good to play.” –Rika.
10 CORRUPT STARS!