From USA Today bestselling author Ava Harrison comes a gritty, twisted standalone romance.
They say Cyrus Reed is ruthless. That he rules the underworld with an iron fist.
A criminal. A murderer. A monster.
He controlled fortunes and amassed empires.
Our paths should never have crossed, but one poker game intertwined our fate.
I woke up stranded on his island.
Trapped.
Forced to play a … island.
Trapped.
Forced to play a dangerous game of hate and lust.
He said he took me to protect me.
That he was saving me.
But who will save me from him?
more
Oh my Cyrus and Ivy had me on the edge of my seat ! This is not going to be a cookie cutter love story. Buckle up and get ready for a wild dangerous ride!
Cyrus is a very dangerous man. A banker to the underworld with a bit of illegal activities to keep him in the game. He deals with the dirtiest men on the streets but he too may secrets which lead him to this world.
A high stakes poker game, a treacherous man, a desperate father and a son that has no means to stop the trade of his sister. This deal is about to unfold and include their only treasure.
Ivy is a sweet shop owner that has become a debt paid in this horrendous underworld. Cyrus is the ringleader of this deviant game but he may have reached his limit to what he will allow at his underground poker circus. The moment he is asked to help and set his sights on Ivy he cannot allow her to be taken but in a strange turn she now becomes his captive ….to protect her .
Held on a small island and being kept in the figurative dark is the only way to protect her but what happens when the captor becomes enthralled with the captive. When the secrets come out and the past comes to shore will they survive the war. It will be a fight like they have never seen and it will change all involved ! LOVED IT !!!!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Wow—-Ava Harrison has become one of my top 10 favorite authors! This is only my second book and I cannot believe I have not read her books before! I absolutely LOVEEEEEEEE
Cyrus takes Ivy to protect her. But he does not let her know that. Alone on an island, she is scared.. This makes us, as the reader, unsure if we should love or hate Cyrus. I found myself feeling all the feels through Ivy. I was not sure what to think, keeping the suspense of the story with me at all times. I could not put it down because I had to know what happened next. Ava Harrison knows just how to capture my heart and mind and grip it so tight I cannot let go!
Sebastian York and Ava Erickson are the perfect team for this narration. They both bring their characters to life. Ava narrated Ivy in such a way that she brought out all the feels. Sebastian is the perfect Cyrus. He brought out the roughness Cyrus had, and yet was able to narrate his softer die as well. Their narration enhanced the story and really captured my attention.
My first Ava’s book, and I have to admit that she really is an excellent writer. I loved this book so much, and I don’t think there’s enough words to describe how much I enjoyed this fantastic book.
It’s a story of an anti-hero named Cyrus and a feisty heroine named Ivy. This is a dark romantic suspense story full of secrets and betrayal. A story like this is worth the read, and to be honest, I really devoured it. I was so intrigued by it and it doesn’t disappoint at all. This book exceeded my expectation, and I’m looking forward to read the author’s other works as soon as I can.
The story is very intriguing from the very first page, it wasn’t complicated at all, and it has a lot of mystery in it. I was mainly nervous and on edge the whole time because I fear something might happen to Cyrus and Ivy. I never stop worrying about these two. The dangerous and deadly situations they’re in made me feel a lot anxious for their safety. I cared so much about these two, and I never felt anything like this before toward other characters from the other books I’ve read. Cyrus and Ivy are just special to me.
In the story, Cyrus happened to be Ivy’s captor and she is his captive. It’s not what you think. Ivy was sold to a ruthless man, but Cyrus helped her early on before the said ruthless man can get to her. As much as Cyrus is doing a good job in hiding Ivy, that doesn’t make him an overall a good man either. He’s good but still dangerous. He’s bad, but not a villain.
He is an anti-hero, but expect him to do a lot of bad things for good reasons. After learning about his past, I can see why he became the man he is in the present day. What happened to his sister was horrible, and from there he vowed to protect women who needed protection since he was just a little boy when he lost his sister to a monster bigger than him. He would go to an extreme length just to protect all the women who needed help and protection. No wonder he was eager to catch Ivy, he wanted to make sure she’s fine and the only thing that can keep her safe is if she stays with him at his hidden island.
Deep down, Cyrus is a good man with a big heart. He might be too powerful considering how high his status is hence the reason why he can be viewed as dangerous since he also deals with shady businessmen and doing shady businesses, but he is actually a good man who do things with good intentions. I never doubt him because as much as he is a dangerous man with a dark past, he is not a liar. He is a honest man, only it took him a long time to be able to open up about his past and showed his vulnerability to someone else.
Now, moving on to Ivy Aldridge. She is a force to be reckoned with. I’ve never met a heroine as stubborn as her. Does that irritates me? The answer is no. Usually, heroines who are stubborn always irritates me, but Ivy isn’t. Well, Ivy isn’t just stubborn, but she’s also strong and tough, sassy, bossy, and feisty. She takes no one’s shit, and is very daring. Most women would cower in fear if they were taken against their will by a man like Cyrus, but Ivy is different. When she first appeared, I expected her to get scared of Cyrus, but she shocked the hell out of me by being bold. I didn’t expect that from her. From the start until the end of the story, she stays consistently strong. The way I see it, Ivy is Cyrus’ equal. There is no such thing as one is stronger than the other, both are strong just the same. I’m so thankful that this story exist, thanks to Ava for creating a female character like Ivy.
Let’s move to talk about the romance between Cyrus and Ivy. Their romance is more to enemies-to-lovers type with a slow-burn process. There is only one word that can describe it, HOT!
Their relationship is not full of sunshine and flowers. There are some bad and good moments, but the good ones won. All the good moments are the only time I can see the soft side of Cyrus. It warms my heart seeing him smile, hearing him laugh, and watching him being so carefree. It was all thanks to Ivy for making him show that side of him more often later on in the story. These two bonded so well, and they grew closer day by day. I find their captor and captive dynamic to be so unique. Some can say it’s unhealthy, but to me, it’s healthy instead of toxic and unhealthy. Cyrus didn’t torture Ivy, he gave her access to almost everything, he gave her permission to use the greenhouse for her to plant her flowers and do all the gardening stuff, and he always made sure she stay healthy and safe. As much as he is dangerous, he’s not mean and not a villain either.
It took both of them a bit longer to realize that they have feelings for each other. They don’t have instant connection like most fictional couples do, but instead, it naturally grow each day. That’s what makes their relationship so realistic and their romance so epic, it was all because of how they hated each other at first but the more time they spend together, the more they learn and get to know about one another, and the more their feelings grow. Their chemistry is very intense but in a good way, and that makes the sexual tension between them so powerful and so hot.
There is no denying how good they look together. Ivy is Cyrus’ queen, just like how Cyrus is Ivy’s king. They are each other’s equal, and they are the only ones who can challenge one another. They are basically a match made in heaven. I loved how Ivy brings out the best in Cyrus, and become the only person who can help him be a good man. Also, I loved how Cyrus help boost Ivy’s confidence, and even willing to change to become a good man just so he can have a future with her. Their relationship made them both changed into a much better individuals, and that is how their character developments came in, and let’s just say that the developments are solid.
Corrupt Kingdom is that one memorable book that you can’t easily forget. It is the story that you remember by heart, that have a special place in your heart. This book has a lot a of charm, and it holds a magnificent story that I can read over and over again. I was left speechless after I was done reading this book. Cyrus and Ivy’s story will surely follows me for life, and I’m so grateful that I get to read their story. An anti-hero and his queen? All I can say is…this is the excellent one. It was truly a magical experience reading this book.
A criminal. A murderer. A monster. He controlled fortunes and amassed empires.
Our paths should never have crossed, but one poker game intertwined our fate. I woke up stranded on his island. Trapped. I really enjoyed this book even if the story line was predictable it was also very addictive, dramatic, intriguing and enthralling, the characters were both strong and very lovable with a beautiful chemistry together. This was a great read.
Cyrus and Ivy inhabit different lives. Ivy’s life is pretty simple, tending to flowers and helping take care of her mother. Cyrus is a very bad man who you don’t want to cross EVER. They exist perfectly in their separate worlds, until a common denominator brings them together. And once Cyrus sees Ivy, he decides then and there that he wants her.
Although Cyrus is obviously a dangerous man, Ivy sees good in him. Granted, the predicament she’s in would say otherwise, but Ivy feels this pull toward Cyrus–and him to her–and it scares her.
This was my first Ava Harrison book, and definitely won’t be my last. Lots of action, and a tapestry woven into a love story that starts nowhere near being one. Sebastian York and Ava Erickson did a phenomenal job narrating this complex enemies-to-lovers story.
Cyrus is king of a very dark kingdom full of liars, thieves and the corrupt. Ivy is a quiet, beautiful young woman isolated in a world full of duplicitous characters. Taking her on a bargain, Cyrus faces challenges he never imagined. Ivy as her name indicates, weaves her way into his heart and soul.
This story was absolutely perfect and was quite entertaining. Watching a semi-independent Ivy learn that freedom is not always what we believe, and keeping her strength despite obstacles was refreshing. The chemistry was great. Loved the story and the ending. Worth the read.
3.75-4 stars.
This was a quick but enjoyable. At the halfway mark it dipped down to a 3.5 for me but then it really picked back up. The sexy tension was there. The sexy parts were there. It really was enjoyable though and I would’ve given it 5 stars if Cyrus was more villainy. The blurb says he’s ruthless and rules the underworld with an iron fist. I wasn’t really feeling all that from him. With that blurb I would be expecting a more hardcore alpha male…but meh. That’s just my preference for the bad hot guy in these books though. Don’t let that deter you. With it being a quick read it definitely bumps it up for me because nothing dragged out.
This book has some darkness to it, but it’s not quite a dark read. She is his captive, but only for her own protection. She may not be able to leave the grounds, but she isn’t restrained in any other way. She’s not forced to do anything against her will. While he may keep her in the dark about a lot of things, he opens up about others. Of course the things she really wants to know, he don’t answer. She has a innocence about her, but she isn’t naive. She’s strong willed, smart and has a big heart. He is a wealthy, powerful, dangerous man, but he wouldn’t do a thing to hurt her. He barely knows her but goes out of his way to protect her at all costs. The emotional state of the book in general, is pretty steady. Not a lot of up and downs. Even with the characters themselves. While she may think she hates him, deep down I don’t think she really ever did, other than the initial fear of the unknown when first captured. Other than the whole kidnapping thing, most all of the darker elements are happening in the background. (Things that take place without her knowledge and in other locations.) This story has a sadness to it, but don’t worry, it does have a happy ending. There is a beauty to it all. It is easy to read. The story moves smoothly. It alternates between POVs. There is barely any sexual content (though there is some mention of it, as well as sexual abuse.)
Cyrus is sinister, spellbinding and the passion he has for Ivy just burns through the pages of CORRUPT KINGDOM. This is the gothic romance many of us dark mafia lovers grew up reading. The castle. The isolation. The captor brought to his knees by the ethereal and mesmerizing captive.
This story has that kind of slow burn that grips you through the pages and carries you along as the characters show each other who they really are and fall in love anyway.
Ava Harrison never failed to write stories that keep me entertained from the first to the last page, and Corrupt Kingdom is no different. I was nervous when I heard it was going to be darker than her usual but in pure Ava fashion, she makes these characters strong and loveable and not too close to that edge. I’d consider it darker not dark. Cyrus Reed is the king of his domain, he works with the lowest of the low and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty to get the job done. His biggest secret? He’s a sweetheart, I’m not joking, this man could kidnap me and keep me on a deserted island with him. I loved the balance that Ava created between the “real” Cyrus and the Cyrus that others see. If you like your heroes with a edginess to them, Cyrus is definitely your guy. Ivy Aldridge is the type of heroine I adore. She’s strong and feisty and doesn’t take things lying down. She’s my type of girl. I definitely added her to my book girlfriend list. As always, the book touches on some difficult subjects and they’re written with respect and understanding. This is a must read.
This is my first book by Ava.
When I started reading this book I thought it was going to be a dark romance, and I was here for it. It wasn’t what I was expecting, not dark but I absolutely loved it. Cyrus is swoony AF, and I was here for it.
Loved the Hades retelling.
I can’t wait to read more from this author.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book. I have not read many of Ava Harrison’s books but this was my 3rd or 4th. I love them all! While this book’s hero is a controlling alpha male to the tenth degree, he is deep down an all around sensitive guy when it comes to those he loves. Unfortunately, Cyrus is a product of his past but that doesn’t mean the love of the right woman can’t show him who is he underneath it all. Ivy’s innocence and belief in all things good is exactly what Cyrus needs. Circumstances force them together but their love keeps them together.
My very first read by this author and I definitely enjoyed it. It’s a dark, suspenseful read. Cyrus has been forced into the role of protector. And he definitely isn’t the saintly type but there’s more to him than meets the eye. Ivy has become apart of something she knows nothing about. Trust is broken. Cyrus and Ivy are an unlikely pair but their attraction for each other can’t be denied. I was intrigued to know more as I made my way through this book. I just love a dark read and this one did not disappoint!
I don’t want to spoil this for anyone, so I won’t explain why, but this retelling of Hades/Persephone’s story reminded me of my favorite fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. I just wanted to put that out there for those who like the fairy tale too.
Sebastian York and Ava Erickson’s performance was flawless. Sebastian York made Cyrus sound like the iron-fisted ruler of the underworld with a big heart; and Ava Erickson portrayed Ivy as a strong, intelligent, sassy, and feisty heroine.
Since this was written by Ava Harrison, I expected there to be a twist and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed! It ties up the story in a neat bow and fits the story perfectly. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Harrison comes up with next!
Corrupt Kingdom is a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers contemporary billionaire romance written in dual first-person POV. It’s a standalone that ends with a HEA. No cliffhanger, no cheating.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Corrupt Kingdom
By: Ava Harrison
Narrated by: Sebastian York, Ava Erickson
One word. Amazing. Once again, Ava Harrison has taken me into her world and given my heart to a new hero. Cyrus. Cyrus takes Ivy in to protect her from being the payout for a poker game. Now stranded on his private island, she is scared and unhappy and will do what it takes to get home. But she does find there is a definite attraction to Cyrus, and it can’t be ignored. Harrison weaves a web of danger, family dysfunction, mistrust and passion. The characters evoke all the emotions, we love and hate Cyrus, we fear Boris and we want to help Ivy! Completely invested in the outcome, I could not stop listening. It’s a little darker than Harrison’s normal books, dealing compassionately with some relevant issues. It’s thrilling, gritty and romantic and one you do not want to miss.
Sebastian York and Ava Erickson bring their voices to this story. The talented team are amazing storytellers, giving us the inflections that make us smile, cringe and love. They are perfectly cast and truly enhance this fantastic book.
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Overall Rating – .5
I really enjoy Harrison’s books and I think I just found my new favourite. Cyrus Reed the anti-hero just swooped in and stole my heart.
This book is a little darker than previous books, not too dark though and a great romantic suspense read.
Cyrus is feared by many and his bank is the gateway to the underworld. He holds weekly poker nights where all the bad people play, betting all their millions away and whatever else is offered, his only rule, no offering up people. Unfortunately, someone doesn’t listen to this rule and he’s called to help hide the heroine away from one of the meanest men there is!
He doesn’t want to get involved, but when he sees Ivy for the first time, he’s taken aback by her beauty and wants her, therefore he offers to protect her, whisking her away to his own private island where she is held captive.
Ivy has no idea she has been taken until she wakes up not knowing where she is. She then faces Cyrus, who’s cold exterior makes her weary and scared for her life. As the weeks go on and the trust builds, the lust and want between them builds until they explode and boy do they bring the heat!
I loved both of these characters, there was such depth to them and what drove them. Ivy, she was so determined to not let Cyrus in, always sticking up for herself and never feared him, always pressing for answers.
Cyrus, although he held authority and he was definitely in control, I loved his approach to Ivy, never giving her enough, annoying her more and more and as the book went on. He was so calculated in all his moves and I loved finding out more about him the more time he spent with Ivy, becoming more comfortable around her and I really liked how much he respected her, making sure to lead by her feelings and not dominating them.
The story is a slow burn read and I really wanted Ivy and Cyrus to have more interactions earlier on in the book but it played well into the angst and suspense of the book.
I absolutely devoured this book the story pulling me, there were no lulls and it flowed perfectly. Although Cyrus and Ivy couldn’t be more opposite, they were perfect for each other. Another great read from Harrison and one I highly recommend.
ARC received for an honest review – thank you
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Overall Ratings;u2063
First Sex Scene – 64%
POV – Duel
Hero –
Heroine –
Story –
Steam –
Chemistry –
Cyrus was the bad boy alpha I was hoping for! All the books in the series leading up to his story painted just the picture we needed to make this story everything it was.
Intrigue, duplicity, kidnapping, corruption, one sweet heroine and one bad, bad man we just all love. He really knows how to be the mafia bad guy. This is one of the best stories in the series, hands down! Cyrus and Ivy were an unexpected couple but the one we needed to read about. Light to dark, this couple had the combo we needed.
In this dark romance, we visit the tainted world of Cyrus Reed. He can be bring powerful people down, but it’s Ivy that changes his world. This is a slow burn love story that is action packed. We see a villainous man have his layers peeled away and his soul bared for the one he loves. Well done.
Unbelievable what drunk and gambling addicted father will do to play just one more poker game!
Cyrus is not an outstanding citizen. He owns a bank that is better known for their “laundering” than their interest rates. As such, money and power are his goals in addition to the revenge he is seeking from the man who killed his sister.
As far as Ivy is concerned, waking up on Cyrus’ island is nothing else than kidnapping. Why? No explanation is forthcoming from Cyrus. All she knows is that he wants her but will not touch her unless she begs him to.
This is a captive to lover book that is different from the normal format you will find in books. Cyrus will not harm or injure Ivy. He is protective and careful with her. Nonetheless, the book is intriguing and alive with thrills.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.