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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Favorite Read of 2015
*Shakes head in bewilderment* I just… have no words. In my brain. For what I just read. What in the HECK just happened?????? I’ve never had this hard of a time rating a book.
Okay. Okay. Let me try and break down my feelings somehow.
The friend who recommended this book to me gave me a bazillion warnings about it ahead of time. I could tell she was nervous and now I completely understand why because this shit is DARK. It’s probably good that I got so many warnings because I went in expecting the absolutely worst and this was pretty on par with what I thought. But friends, I am not joking around. DARK. ROMANCE. Trigger warnings galore. It’s kind of bully romance-esque if that gives you a better idea of what you’re in for.
Normally bully romances aren’t my thing. I’m all for enemies-to-lovers, but personally I have a hard time watching someone fall for the cause of their emotional or physical distress. I have to hand it to Penelope Douglas though, she weaved this story PERFECTLY. I couldn’t put this down if I wanted to because my need to get answers outweighed everything else. The way she flipped between the past and present was genius and kept me reading, even during the dark times. And she managed to dance right to the edge of what I could tolerate without ever crossing the line.
And now I’m in this series for the long haul because I NEED to know what happens.
But the rational side of my brain is very aware of how screwed up this all is. Like… this story is CRAZY INSANITY and these people need extensive therapy. I also spent 90% of this book being completely pissed off on Rika’s behalf because she’s surrounded by idiot men who are incapable of communicating. Like, imagine torturing and ruining someone’s life over a minor misunderstanding you didn’t bother to double check.
That’s why I’m giving this 3 stars—because it’s insane and being that mad for 400 pages isn’t exactly fun. But also, I was completely captivated by this story and characters and couldn’t put this down.
~FINAL WORD~
I’m tentatively recommending this book, but please proceed with extreme caution. If you decide to go for it, you’re in for a wild ride.
If you love dark romance, you’ll love CORRUPT. This book had me on the edge of my seat; a wee bit scared and hotly flustered all at the same time. Rika and Michael are two of the most complex characters I’ve ever read in romance and I LOVED every minute of their story. I’ve re-read this one a few times already.
Wow. This was a heck of a book. It’s a bully book which can be hard to read but this was just so incredible I couldn’t help but turn page after page after page. And OMG there is one scene I’m never going to forget. Lots of heat to this book. I loved it.
This books gets the ‘Holy Moly Guacamole’ honour!!!!
I don’t even know what to say…I’d seen people say they loved it but holy hell, the writer is an evil genius!
Rika…
Michael….
Four Horseman….
Kai…
Will….
Damon….
Devils night….
Revenge.
I want to unread this book just so I can read again!
It starts with the four horseman, they made our small town glow, after they graduate from high school they would always come back on devils night to encourage the basketball team. They would invade the school and would choose the people they wanted for the big party. No one would stop them. This year I was included, well I snuck out of school and got into one of the horseman car. I was the 16 year old good girl that everyone believe did everything right. This was the best night of my life. We each chose one prank, we were untouchable. That was until the end of the night when I was rejected by my one and true love, the leader of the horseman Michael Crist. The next day the videos were released and three of the horseman’s were arrested. Michael went on to pro basketball. However, I was tied to the Crist’s, our families have promised me to this brother Trevor. Fane Diamonds was known and my father left Mr Crist as Executor over our estate, business and trust. All I wanted to do is break out on my own, so I moved away to college and thats when all hell broke. The horseman got out of jail and came after me with a vengeance. I did what I was taught, fought back and out think every one of them. who am I Erika Fane.
Corrupt is not the first book I’ve read from author Penelope Douglas. The first book I read was Bully, and I had a hard time putting down that book. I was hesitant reading this book, though, since it had many triggers/elements in it that I’m usually not very comfortable within a book. Dark Romance has not been my favorite genre, but for some reason, Penelope Douglas writing is addicting to read. I should despise Michael’s male character in this book and how he treated the female character. He’s a real JERK! (I would spell out A-hole, but trying not to curse too much due to posting my review to Amazon later on.) Although, for some reason, after getting his POV in the story, I couldn’t hate him.
Here’s the gist of the story without giving too much away. Erika has known Michael for quite some time and has had a crush on him for a while. Unfortunately, he’s older and doesn’t want anything to do with her. His brother, Trevor, though, is all about hooking up with Erika. Erika ends up hanging out with Michael during Devil’s Night with his three other buddies. Things happened, and now three out of four of them went to jail. Years later, Erika is now off to college and getting away from her boyfriend, Trevor, and his family, who try to control her. Michael and his friends who are now out of jail want to get revenge for what happened years ago, and soon Erika doesn’t have anyone to protect her. Erika is about to find out that Michael is what she seemed to be back when she first met him.
This book involves a lot of dark elements in it. Check out the Tropes/Elements below on trigger warnings that will go over some of them. If you don’t feel comfortable with any of them, then maybe this book is not for you. I was hesitant at first with this book, but I read other Corrupt reviews and gave it a chance. I also read another book by Penelope and had already loved that book. Well, here is the reason why I enjoyed this book. The suspense in it is what kept me reading. I had a funny feeling all along who told on Michael’s friends and how they ended up in jail, but I couldn’t place who it was until it was revealed at the end. I was also not expecting the book the conclude the way it did. Holy Moly! This book had me on the edge of my seat for everything that Erika went through with not only Michael’s tactics but also his friends and what they put her through, especially at the end. Holy Crap! There was also steamy scenes between Michael and Erika. Yup, very steamy! The one in the steam/locker room was beyond steamy. Be prepared for some steamy moments.
One of the buddies, though, Damon, was ultra scary in this book. I don’t know if I want to read his book and find out who he ends up with because that girl will need a strong stomach and heart with him. Although, I can tell he has a back story that needs to be said to understand him. I want to find out more about the other guys, though, so I will continue reading these books by Penelope Douglas. If you are a fan of Dark Romance with some powerful trigger elements, I highly recommend it.
Story Rating: 5 stars
Steaminess Rating: 5 stars
Standalone or part of series: Part of Devil’s Night series and I recommend reading in order, but this can be read as a standalone.
Do I recommend this book? Yes, if you are a fan of Romantic Suspense and Dark Romance. Forewarning, there are trigger warnings in the book that I mention below.
Will I read other books from the author? Yes.
Tropes/Elements: Bad Boy Romance; Dark Romance; (Trigger Warnings: Rape; Attempted Rape; Violence; Drugs; Animal Cruelty; Kidnapping; Death; Child Abuse (Emotional/Physical)); M-F-M (menage)
Holy hell!! This book was bloody brilliant!! One of the best mindf*cks that I’ve read.
It alternated back and forth between present time and that fateful Devil’s Night that had such a huge impact on a lot of lives. The characters are just phenomenal. Erika is so strong. She amazed me with everything that was thrown at her and she didn’t crack under the pressure. And Michael, I LOVE him. He’s so devious and manipulative, but also has a strong protective and possessive streak in him. And Will and Kai, I can’t wait for their books. Even Damon, I just know Penelope will make me love him in the end. The way she crafts her characters, you can’t help but fall for them.
Let’s talk about that sauna scene. HOTTEST scene ever!!
And I understand that the themes of this book are not for everyone, but if you like to take a walk on the dark side, this is a MUST read!!
This is a true page turner. It will keep you wanting more. A very addictive story!!!
This book was a wild ride but I loved every minute of it. Penelope Douglas isn’t blowing smoke by calling this the Devil’s Night series, she really delivers on everything the title insinuates. I was expecting it to be kind of cheesy and fairly disappointing but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are compelling, the story held my interest and I generally dislike flashbacks or dual timelines of any kind but she made it work. About two-thirds of this story takes place now and the rest happened three years ago, so action switches between the time periods but it’s the transitions are seamless. It’s not confusing or clumsy and doesn’t create plot holes, which are the main reasons I’ve been disappointed by them in other books.
The POV switches between Rika and Michael, although it seems heavier on Rika but it’s a good balance. This story has everything: disillusioned rich kids, power hungry jerks, arch-enemies, creepy masks and rituals of sorts, borderline rapey guys who like to torture women, there’s a lot going on. Plus, Rika’s known Trevor her entire life, they’ve grown up together and now he’d her boyfriend but she’s been in love with his older brother for as long as she can remember. Much like the Rydeville Elite series, the story is so over-the-top that it doesn’t take me out of my comfort zone, even though some of the scenes are seriously wild.
Rika is a privileged girl who may seem like she has it all but really she’s been suffering for years, since the car accident that injured her and killed her father. Her mother has numbed the pain of her loss with pills and barely gets out of bed. She’s certainly not a parent to Rika, who spends much of her time at the Crist household, hanging out with Trevor and being doted on by his mother. Trevor has always been a part of her life so taking their relationship to the next level seemed to make sense. Unfortunately for Rika, Trevor’s a possessive ass and not nearly as good of a boyfriend as he was a fried. Being crazy in love with his older brother, Michael, certainly doesn’t help.
Michael has always ignored Rika completely and made her feel invisible. She doesn’t want to love him but she can’t help herself either and it’s frustrating. During her senior year, Michael and his friends come home from college for their typical Devil’s Night celebration and the two have a few will they/won’t they moments but ultimately, Michael tells himself she’s only sixteen and at nineteen, he knows better so nothing happens. The age gap isn’t the real issue however, it’s Michael’s inability to handle his business.
He’s the black sheep of the family and constantly butting heads with his condescending jerk of a father. Trevor’s the golden child while Michael is treated like garbage by Mr. Crist and Michael isn’t ready to stand up to his family. Being with Rika would guarantee a massive blowout, as both his father and brother deem Rika to belong to Trevor. Rather than explain his problems to Rika, he cruelly rejects her and walks away, leaving her reeling. By the morning, footage of the Devil’s Night chaos have gone public and Michael’s three best friends have been arrested.
The boys go to prison for the next three years, except Michael, and the four horseman quickly determine Rika must’ve publicized the videos out of spite after Michael rejected her. After all, she’s close to the Crist family and Michael’s the only horseman who was spared, even though the phone had incriminating videos of all four men. The friends bide their time plotting to make her pay and that day has come. They’re all free men once again and Rika has moved away from the protective enclave they all call home to attend college in the big city. She’s there alone and unprotected and has no idea that she’s in danger.
She’s in a bad position and it’s hardly a fair fight at four against one but Rika’s up to the challenge. It doesn’t take her long to realize something is going on and she doesn’t back down from a challenge. These men saw her as weak, a spoiled rich girl who does exactly as she’s told and never makes waves but they couldn’t be more wrong. Not only is Rika more than capable of defending herself, she’s great at it and she loves to play the game. The girl they marked as easy prey is going to put up one hell of a fight and this isn’t going to be easy for anyone.
This story is a true thriller that keeps you guessing and it makes for an exciting read. It’s impossible to go into much detail without spoiling some of the best parts of the plot, but this book is worth every minute. The setting, the tension, the strange relationships, the unknown and so many other things come together perfectly to keep us braced for whatever is coming next and it never disappoints. Rika discovers that fear turns her on in a major way, which adds another level of interest to the story. This is a pretty steamy read so the sexual tension is also a major driving force for the suspense aspects. Things get a little kinky, especially the MFM threesome in the sauna. You won’t get bored.
My one criticism is that Michael had three whole years to accuse Rika of turning his friends in and a five-minute conversation would have brought out the truth years ago. However, they’re teenagers, which means they’re expected to act on impulse and make bad decisions. I prefer to think of it as art imitating life rather than a plot hole because I liked it.
Some of the twists and turns were predictable while a few surprised me, but even when I was expecting them, I wasn’t disappointed. The ending felt a little rushed and I would have liked to see that stretched out a bit longer with additional action. However, I can also understand why it wasn’t drawn out. The ending covered what it needed to and anything more would have just been filler, even if it probably would’ve compelling filler that hooked me and left me wanting more. The supporting characters are fascinating and that’s critical since the other horsemen each get their own book. Of course, I’m a sucker for a series, so being able to continue with these characters thrills me.
Douglas is once again criticized by some for misogynistic characters who abuse women but there’s a lot of realism to the men she writes. Having them in the book isn’t necessarily glorifying them or their actions or in any way promoting bad behavior. The party scenes and some of the threats the guys lob at Rika aren’t uncommon for women. We run into creepy men all the time who make us feel unsafe and guys we know may even turn into them after one too many drinks at a party. I don’t understand the criticism.
The supporting characters were great and really added to the story in a lot of ways. There’s even a minor tie-in to the author’s Devil’s Night series, which was fun. There was a lot happening here but Douglas handled it beautifully. The pacing was good and the story was clear without any major plot holes. I loved the characters, the message, their journey and the ending. I loved this book and will definitely read it again in the future, as I do with all of my favorites.
Not sure what to write for a review because this book was truly different. I could not put it down! The story is twisted, intriguing and the main characters are different.
/5 /5
TW: Sexual assault, murder, explicit sexual content, foul language.
Is there ANYTHING THIS WOMAN CAN’T MAKE ME FEEL???? Penelope just became one of my favorite writers of all times.
I feel like I am a broken record at this point, I have read five of penelope’s books in these last two months and she surprises me every time. I always catch myself thinking: how did she come up with this? All of her stories are so incredibly original, engaging, sensual and intense. All of her characters are complex, well developed and unique.
Corrupt corrupted me. The thriller, the action, the breathtaking moments. I swear to God you could catch me SWEATING sometimes while reading this, I couldn’t get the story out of my head and every time I had to take reading breaks because of adult life, all I could think about was this plot and these characters. Scary, mysterious, original, never done before. Every time I read something Penelope writes I feel like there is nothing like her stories out there anywhere.
This gave me MAJOR Gossip Girl vibes, rich young adults wreaking havoc because of the power and money their families hold. This book was sinful and incredible. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, give it a try. It is worth it.
I love Penelope Douglas and read all her books. I already wrote how great she is in one of my previous reviews so I won’t repeat myself again If you never read Penelope Douglas, I strongly recommended you to give it a try. ‘Corrupt’ is my favorite Penelope Douglas book and because I read it when it first came out, I wanted to re-read it and write a review. It has been two weeks since I finished my re-read but I really had a hard time to write this review because I don’t know how to write a review without spoiling the book for the people who still didn’t read it and also write something that makes justice to this book. But here I go.
Erika Fane, a.k.a Rika, is beautiful, smart, forgiving, and trusting but do not let these deceive you, she is strong and she won’t let people walk all over her. Rika and Michael grew up together. All her life she was afraid of Michael but this didn’t stop her from falling for him. She always thought she was invisible for Michael up until three years ago on Devil’s Night.
Michael Crist is professional basketball player who is sexy, rich, manipulative, and ruthlessness. During high school he was the star player of the basketball team. Michael and his friends Kai, Will and Damon, who are also known as The Four Horsemen, ruled Thunder Bay. After they graduated from high school and went to different universities, The Four Horsemen came back to Thunder Bay for the Devil’s Night, which is the night before Halloween. Every year in Devil’s Night, The Four Horsemen pulls different pranks and do whatever they want to do. Everyone knows it is them behind the masks but no one will do anything to stop them. But three years ago on Devil’s Night something went wrong and Kai, Will and Damon got arrested and Michael blames Rika for what happened and now that they are out of prison, The Four Horsemen are looking for revenge.
Rika decides to move to Meridian City to continue her university degree and also to get away from Trevor, who is her ex and Michael’s brother. What she doesn’t realize is she ends up in the city Michael lives and The Four Horsemen is back and coming for her with a vengeance plan. For Michael, the only thing that will go against the plan is the attraction he feels towards Rika and how right it feels to be with her. When Rika decides to play and truths comes out, everything gets crazier.
“Well, it’s like you’re saving your energy for something. Holding back, but it doesn’t make any sense. Life is one-way, and there is no return trip. What are you waiting for?”
‘Corrupt’ is an intense story full of twists, vengeance, lust, and deceit. I love that ‘Corrupt’ is written from dual POV. It gives us more chance to see depth and inner struggles of the characters. You will definitely have a love and hate relationship with the characters throughout the book. Other than two of the characters that I really hated from the beginning till the end, I couldn’t decide if I should hate or love the rest of characters. I will let you guess who are these characters I am really glad this is not the only book about The Four Horsemen and I cannot wait to read Kai’s story in ‘Hideaway’.
Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Already did
Would I read future books by this author: Yes
“Those who are patient, plan. And beware the man with a plan.”
The following ratings are out of 5:
Audio/Narration:
Romance:
Heat/Steam:
Story/Plot:
World building:
Character development:
“I’ll be gentle,” he whispered against her cheek…
“I lied,” he said, baring his teeth next to her ear.
“I’m never gentle.”
The Hero: Michael Crist – brother to Trevor, who was the high school boyfriend of Rika. Michael is a Pro Basketball player. His three best friends just got out of Prison. It was Rika that put them their and all four want revenge on Rika.
The heroine: Erika Fane (a.k.a. Rika) – from a wealthy family, her father died a few years back in an accident in which she got a scar across her neck. Her mother has been an addict since then and Rika spent a lot of time at the Crist home.
The Love Story: Erika has always been attracted to Michael, but she was also a bit afraid of him. Michael and friends (The Four Horsemen) ruled the high school when he went to school there, they were a few years aheead of Rika and returned to the school one day to haze the current basketball team. Rika goes out with them for a wild night that ends in tragedy. The four horsemen saw what Rika did as a betrayal.
The Four Horsemen consist of Michael, Kai, Damon and William. Damon is the bad boy of the group, Rika has already been afraid of him, Kai is the good guy and moral compass of the four though prison changed him and William is just kind of there, but doesn’t play as big a part in this book as the others.
Damon was sent to prison for 33 months, while Kai and William were sentenced to 28 months each. Michael wasn’t arrested but felt guilt the entire time his friends were away, thinking it was his fault that Rika did what she did. They stayed strong while in prison by thinking of and planning their revenge.
The story was great and these four guys make great bullies. The romance between Rika and Michael is super steamy since they have been attracted to each other for years. Michael’s dilemma is terrible since he wants revenge against the one person he has always wanted.
As for the narration, I wasn’t too happy with the male narrator, I like a deep voice for the male narration. The guy who did narration for this one was good, but his voice seemed too gentle to be the pro basketball player that wants revenge. It wasn’t believable to me. Though the woman narration was just fine.
So glad I gave it another chance
The first time I read this book it just didn’t do it for me. I did keep it on my go back to one day list as I wasn’t fully ready to accept that with all the rave reviews I would be the only person that didn’t enjoy the series.
Woooo I am so glad I went back to it.
Michael is creepy and scares the poop out of me.
Rika so naive but strong at the same time.
Love all the twists and turns that we met with as the story went on. I’m really excited to continue the series.
Pen got a fan of her writting since the first book I’ve read from her but this series was without a doubt one of the motives that made her my favorite author of all times.
Corrupt is a masterpiece. The story is an amazing roller coaster of emotions, the characters are so well developed and it’s simple impossible to put this book down until you finish it.
Michael and Rika are a true match made in hell and I just love them and their story so much.
Wow! Fangirl moment here. Every Penelope Douglas book I have read thus far has been amazing and this was no exception. She is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. Corrupt is the first of four books in the Devil’s Night series. While each book can be read standalone, readers would benefit from consuming these delicious tales in order. If you want dark, enemies-to-lovers romance, this book will deliver. If you are looking for second chance romance, you will not be disappointed. Douglas has even thrown in a touch of the old college and sports romance tropes for added spice.
Corrupt tells the story of Erika and Michael. Young love turned sour. She wanted him, but he resisted her until he could not. Then she betrayed him, or so he thought, and everything went to hell in a handbasket. Years later, Michael and his friends are out for revenge. So what happens when old flames rekindle? An extremely hot, suspenseful novel—that is what.
“The only way we find out what we’re capable of is by getting into a little trouble.”
This story really got to me .
This world is definitely something else .
You literally cannot love this story. It’s so captivating .
It’s a real page-turner kind of book . I was hooked since the beginning.
Michael is dark , strong , handsome and more , so much more.
He is angry , he wants revenge , he is obsessed with it until he fell for the prey , the one who should pay and suffer for all she did.
“The closer you got to anything beautiful, the less beautiful it became. Allure was in the mystery, not the appearance.”
One night is enough . Just one to change and mark forever people’s lives .
But what happens when the one who took away from you your only real family is also the one , the girl you can’t forgot , the girl who puts your soul on fire with just a touch?
Rika has always been wrapped in a bubble , the perfect girl ,with the perfect life .
“Well, it’s like you’re saving your energy for something. Holding back. But it doesn’t make any sense. Life is one-way, and there is no return trip. What are you waiting for?”
But all she always wanted was to feel alive , and just one person has always held the power to do that : her boyfriend’s brother . The black sheep of the family , the bad guy , the one who never noticed her .
Until he did: one night she was chosen . On Devil’s Night everything changed .
And then it all when downhill .
“Things done in the dark hours of night, behind closed doors, or in the heat of the moment looked a lot different in the morning, out in the open, and with a clear head.”
I don’t thing I can really describe with words what the Devil’s Night is , It will not make it justice . But trust me , it’s everything you’ll ever wished for and more.
The chemistry and all the sexual tension in this book is like a time bomb ready to destroy anything any seconds .
“She and I were the same, after all. We fought shame every day, struggling with who we could let see the real us, and we’d finally found each other.”
If this is only the first one , I can’t imagine what the others books will hold . I can’t wait
I gave it absolutely 5 stars
I hope you’ll enjoy it like I did.
ENJOY!
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Goodreads Choice Awards 2020
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6 months ago
Corrupt by Penelope Douglas
Corrupt (Devil’s Night, #1)
by Penelope Douglas (Goodreads Author)
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I was super excited to start this series!!! I was totally falling for Damon. Maybe its just the name. I was pretty bummed Damon didnt end happily. I wont lie. This book started out pretty slow for me and I wasnt following easily. But then maybe I cant multitask. I finally focused and just read and read and eventually I was feeling it. I love Rika! She seems like Americas sweetheart and she kind of is. Everything Michael is revolves back around to Rika. I love it. From birth and just always having magnetic pulls with them both. No matter how much someone tries to fight it because the other one just won’t give up! That’s marriage right there. Haha! I love Kai too!!! Omg that scene after fencing. Just wow. That was halfway hard to believe but the need to feel was so important for Kai that I understood. Sweet Kai! Freaking crazy Bros…. I’m glad there wasnt a play by play when Michael broke the RIP news to his parents. I wished Rika was a virgin ! Lol in the end I did really enjoy this book and I hope somehow that things turn around even for Damon. Slowly but surely. Sucks. But I have hope! Lol Will seems cool and happy go lucky until he isnt. I loved Rikas family and her sad mom, and poor Michael’s mom. All in all I love the dysfunctional family. Lol Super stoked to read the next book!
If dark, twisted, suspenseful romance is your thing, you’ll probably like this. I usually enjoy a little suspense, you know like ‘bad guy kidnaps girl and boy who loves her saves her’ type of thing. But, well…. this was just dark. Takes you a bit out of your comfort zone, primarily in regards to how far it looked like the Horsemen would take things and their bullying.